Kingdoms of the Galaxy: Whispers of the Elements

Another Day, Another Rescue: Part 2

"Valerie? Valerie! Wake up! Please, wake up!" someone screams at me.

I open my eyes slowly, my vision blurry from my eyes being closed for too long. I feel the pain in my back like a fresh wound.

"Stop yelling, I'm fine," I mumble.

"You're okay," the person says, pulling me into a bear hug.

"Ahh!" I scream. This person managed to hit the part of my back that is in major pain.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" he apologizes.

My vision starts to clear and I can finally make out who the person is: Rex.

"Rex! You're okay! When I went to get the others, I didn't see you...," I ramble.

"It's fine, all that matters is that you're okay," he assures.

Then I remember. I went to Eli's cell to open the door and I got stabbed in the back...by Rex!

I back away quickly. "Don't even say that, Rex! I know what you did! What I don't know is why. Why would you stab me in the back? The one person you wouldn't leave alone because of a stupid crush! I thought we were friends...," I whisper the last part, tears welling up in my eyes.

"We are! I swear I never meant to hurt you, Val—" I interrupt him.

"Don't call me that!" I scream, on the verge of crying.

"Valerie, I swear! I didn't want to do it. They made me. She said that if I didn't, she would—" I stop him again.

"Would what, Rex? What was she going to do?!" I demand.

"She said that she would kill you, Valerie. That wasn't a chance I was willing to take," he answers.

That's when I crack. One tear falls and then the next. Sliding down my cheeks uncontrollably. I scoot farther into the corner of the room and put my head between my knees.

"Valerie, I'm sorry," he tries to apologize, reaching for my shoulder.

"I don't want your apology, Rex. Just...leave me alone," I say.

Rex's POV

I broke her. I can't believe I broke the most strong-minded and strong-willed person I know. I've never seen her like this. She's never cried before, and it's all my fault. I'm the reason she's like this. I need to make this right, but how?

How do you forgive someone that stabbed you in he back, figuratively and literally? Who am I kidding? I wouldn't even forgive myself. But I have to try.

'Maybe if I can find a way to walk to her back,' I think, 'my powers can heal her.'

I move as quietly as possible towards her and place a hand on the bandage around her back. When I touch it, she inhales sharply. I start to use my powers to heal her back and she releases the tension. Soon enough, she relaxes completely, but she doesn't stop crying.

"When did you learn how t-to do that?" Valerie sniffles.

"I've always known how to do that, I've just never shown anyone, until now. I have no idea what you're feeling, but I know that we're not on the best terms right now and you don't want to hear this, but I am sincerely sorry, Valerie. I did not want to hurt you, at all. You asked a good question earlier, though," I say.