The Pain Thief

Chapter 23

TIME IS RUNNING OUT: PREPARING FOR THE FINAL FIGHT

Zoe just stared at the now quiet table. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Mr. Z was suggesting that she was the one with the power to stop their plans, but she knew that couldn't be right. She wasn't strong enough and she wasn't a hero. 

"Mr. Z...," she said slowly, "it-it can't be me... I'm not a hero. I'm just a healer."

It was quiet. Zoe could see stress and worry on Mr. Z's face, something that she didn't often see. He was like family to her despite the fact that the both of them didn't often show their emotions. It hurt him to say those words because he knew she would be in the most danger and Zoe could see that written clear on his face. 

Mr. Z looked over to her and said, "Zoe... you're so special. Your power is unique, more unique than anyone else. You put yourself in pain instead of causing pain to others." He sighed. "You've gone through so much suffering and yet you still take on more pain. It seems only you can dispel this darkness."

Zoe looked down, frowning. She didn't want to be a hero. She wanted to protect everyone, but she wasn't cut out to save everyone. 

Looking at the stones though, there was no denying the proof. She had purified the dark stones, meaning that her power could steal the darkness that would overwhelm them. 

Jack reached out and grabbed her hand, giving it a slight squeeze. She held onto his tight, feeling comfort in his presence. She didn't want to fight, but it seemed to be the only option now. They would have to find more information about the whereabouts of their enemy to get the upper hand. Then maybe they could win. 

She took a deep breath and said to Sarah, "Sarah, let Mr. Z help you. Right now my... role is unimportant. We'll need you to find these people so we can fight. I doubt I'll really do anything special in this battle, but I'll do my best."

Sarah nodded and turned to Mr. Z. Zoe was about to go upstairs with Jack, releasing his hand and getting up, but decided to go over and stand by Mr. Z first. She didn't say anything, though he understood what she wanted. 

He got up slowly and he and Zoe embraced. He was a slight bit shorter than her as they hugged, conveying all their emotions in one simple gesture. They didn't hug like that much, but it was exactly what the both of them needed at a time like this. 

Sarah and Jack waited for them to finish, unmoving as they tried to give the two of them a little space. 

When Zoe pulled away, she smiled at Mr. Z and grabbed the two clear stones. "Jack, can I have a knife?"

Jack looked a little unsure, but didn't hesitate to give her one. She held it firm, reminded again of her poor knife skills. She took a breath and moved her energy through the knife, cutting the small silver stone into three diamond shaped pieces.

She handed one to Jack, Sarah, and Mr. Z, saying, "I want you guys to keep these. I know they're not much, but... this way no matter what happens, I'll be with you."

Sarah smiled slightly and put hers in her pocket. Jack stared at his for a moment and closed his fist around it. Mr. Z smiled at her and nodded, pocketing his as well. 

Zoe and Jack went upstairs then, leaving Sarah to learn from Mr. Z. Jack sat down on her bed, looking tired suddenly. "I-I don't want you to get hurt Zoe," he said in a little more than a whisper, but his voice cracked. 

Zoe looked to see him staring down at the diamond in his hand. She sat next to him on her bed and closed his fingers around the diamond, both of her hands wrapping around his. "Jack, I'll be fine. Getting hurt is well, my job I guess. I don't want to save everyone, I want to protect them. As long as you have this crystal, I'll be fine."