The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 30: Vivid

Mikhail awoke in the Recovery Center wondering how he had gotten there. As he began to look around, he noticed Jasmine asleep in a chair at his bedside.

Before he could wake her, Lord Kashif, who sat in a chair on the other side of the bed asked, "You gave us quite the scare, you know that?"

Mikhail looked over to his left, "Sir, what happened, how did I get here?"

"Well Hun, we were hoping you could tell us the 'what happened part'. As for how you got here, I heard a scream coming from your quarters and ran over as fast as I could. When I finally got there, you were unconscious on your floor." she said in a sweet but feeble morning voice.

"That was when I arrived as well, I heard the same scream. After entering your quarters, I saw Jasmine trying to wake you." The king added.

"... I'm sorry..." Mikhail replied, still seeming confused.

"Hun, I'm just glad you're okay." she said while standing up to stretch.

Concerned, Lord Kashif placed a hand on Mikhail's shoulder. "As am I, you aren't still having those nightmares, are you?"

"Unfortunately, yes... it's the same one too.... But this one was far more real, I could literally feel the heat this time..." Mikhail paused briefly, "When I woke up I was sweating as if I had actually been there. I tried getting up so I could splash some cold water on my face, but when I got out of bed..."

"What... what happened?" Lord Kashif asked.

Jasmine stared at Mikhail giving him her undivided attention with a concerned look on her face.

"...well... I stood up, but when I looked down, my legs were gone... well they were there but they were just bone, blood and melted flesh."

Lord Kashif began to speak but was quickly interrupted by Sgt. Piper yelling down the hall.

The double doors to the Recovery Center had suddenly burst open as The Legion, Naitosai and Sgt. Piper rushed in with Guru's battered body on a stretcher.

Mikhail sat up abruptly while Lord Kashif and Jasmine jumped out of their chairs.

The king was completely taken back at the sight of Guru, "What in the hell?"

"Oh... my." Jasmine gasped while running to get her medical equipment.

Before anyone could explain the situation, Mikhail screamed at the top of his lungs and jumped out of bed. Nearly knocking Jasmine over as he ran to a corner with his back to the wall.

Hysterical, he slowly slid down as tears began rolling down his cheeks. Everyone in awe; stared at Mikhail asking him what was wrong. He remained in the corner shaking as they noticed him staring at Guru.

Jasmine placed her hands on Mikhail's shoulders and shook him firmly, "Hun, look at me, look at me! What is it, what's wrong?"

Shifting his eyes from Guru to Jasmine, he replied, "Gu... Gu...Gu...Guru...."

"C'mon Hun, you can do it, talk to me, what is it?" she asked desperately.

Not receiving a clear answer, she turned her attention to her nurses and gave a nod to go ahead and tend to Guru's wounds.

Lord Kashif walked over to Mikhail, "It's okay take your time, please talk to us when you're ready."

Mikhail's eyes widened with fear as he looked at the king, his heartbeat quickened then he fainted once more.

Lord Kashif picked him up and laid him back in bed, confused as to what just happened.

While Dai and Osyrus stepped outside the door with the king to inform him on the events that had unfolded outside the Kingdom walls, Jasmine and Sgt. Piper stayed to watch over Mikhail and Guru who were now resting next to one another.

Choosing not to leave his brother's side, Naitosai remained and stood with folded arms. Brother... What's going on inside that head of yours..., what can I do, how can I help?