The Burden of Destiny | Sequel to The Aura Within

36 | Into Your Arms

Weeks had passed since the Rota-Indigo Knights, along with the help of reinforcements, successfully seized the throne back from the Obsidian Knights. Word of their victory spread throughout the region like wildfire. No longer were they subjected to the cruel reign of Claudius's regent. The crown belonged to none other than their Queen Rin of Rota, who was safe and sound.

Both General Hayes and Elliot agreed to take care of the queen's duties while she took some time off to recover. It still remained a mystery as to why Claudius kept Queen Rin alive if his goal was to conquer Kanto. One thing they were certain of was that Claudius had an ulterior motive, but even that was a mystery in itself. For now, the queen's life was a victory worth celebrating.

As expected from the beginning, the Kanto troops suffered a great loss of casualties. Many helped to bury their fallen brothers in arms while others wrote letters to the families of the deceased. The remaining surviving troops believed that everyone must know how bravely their fallen brethren fought until the bitter end. It was the least they could do while this war was still ongoing.

Those who were injured were being treated by the castle's staff. Some made speedy recoveries while others suffered grave injuries that would take months or longer to heal. The Obsidian Knights were more ruthless than usual during the battle, which was most likely an order from Darnic himself. Everyone was fighting for their lives at the time, and those who survived had won. However, there were those who risked their own lives to save the ones they care about.

Haku had awoken to Soleil preparing a tray of medical supplies next to his cot. He began to shift around, but the terrible ache in his chest forced him to lay back down. Soleil turned upon seeing Haku groan. This was the first time he was wide awake. Haku typically was in and out of sleep due to the heavy medication she put him under.

"You're awake." She sighed with relief as she sat on the cot beside him. "How do you feel?"

"Like I got hit with a powerful spell from a witch," he answered sarcastically, but his face grimaced when the memory replayed in his mind. Soleil's crying face suddenly panged him with guilt. "Um, what happened after... you know..."

Soleil stiffened up slightly. "Reinforcements from Kalos arrived. They were able to keep the enemy at bay while I focused on keeping you alive."

Haku didn't miss the sharp tone in her voice. In a way, he couldn't blame her. What he had done out there was very reckless of him. He'd never imagined being someone who threw himself in front of a lethal attack to save someone else. At that moment, he truly wasn't thinking about anyone else. His only concern was protecting Soleil.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled.

Soleil looked up at him, her stern demeanor softening slightly. She could never be mad at him, but he had to know what his actions could've caused.

"You should count your lucky stars, Haku," she told him. "I was able to at least stop the bleeding at the time. Granted, I did drain myself dry of mana doing so, but it all paid off. Had I let you bleed a second longer..."

Soleil inhaled sharply. She cursed mentally when she felt her eyes getting watery, but she held them back. Instead, she grabbed Haku's hand and smiled at him.

"Nevermind that," she assured. "I am grateful to Arceus that you pulled through. To be honest, it is quite amazing that only a scar remained considering Raven's spell was deadly."

Soleil cleared her throat before giving his hand a squeeze. "Right, well, I should go tell your father that you are awake now. Sir Nicholas, Hope, and Levi are especially worried about you."

Just as she was about to get up, Haku reached out to grab her hand. The ginger woman looked over at him, confusion swirling in her russet eyes. Haku carefully sat himself up as she sat back down.