ROTU: Chapter Forty

Jalena woke to the sound of birds chirping and a cool breeze against her face. She was on a large, comfortable bed in a room she had never seen before. She moved and sank deeper into her covers but immediately opened her eyes in alarm as recent events surfaced in thought. Sitting up quickly, she winced as a sharp pain shot through her chest.

"Eager to return to battle, I see," Nyhra said as she came into the room carrying a tray of beverages and snacks. "Just like the warrior I know."

"Elder Master," Jalena whispered as Nyhra handed her a glass of water and then sat in a nearby chair. "Where are we? What happened to the others? Please tell me—"

"They are all alive," Nyhra reassured. "Shamira is in a Lumaña healing chamber as we speak due to the severity of her injuries. You are in Asteria—the largest city within Lumaña territory."

Jalena sighed. "And Kaelon?"

"He and Lyons have been taken here as well, but the humans are being watched closely. Aeilah is with Elindrel in Strenkarlia."

Jalena looked down at her chest. She moved the edge of the white tank top she wore and ran a finger over the large scar extending up from the top of her left breast.

"It will disappear when you allow it to," Nyhra said. "Right now, I believe you are keeping the scar as a reminder."

Jalena nodded. She knew Nyhra was right. All physical scars were connected to emotional triggers, just as Shamira's old burn wounds were. Otherwise, her body would have already healed the wound completely.

"I want to see Shamira," said Jalena.

"I feel as if she will wake tomorrow. Tonight, it is best you clean up, eat, and rest some more."

Semansa entered the room and gave Jalena a greeting by placing her hand briefly across her own collarbone.

"This is Semansa-ka," Nyhra introduced.

"Hello, Master Jalena-ka," Semansa stated in a heavy accent. She smiled politely. "I am happy to assist you."

"Thank you." Jalena turned as an enormous, Great Horned Owl landed on the window seal within the room.

"He comes to check on you," explained Semansa. "Many of the animals have visited you since your transformation."

"My transformation," Jalena mumbled, remembering Malik's words. "You mean my return to the body?"

"No, I mean the unveiling of part of the Earth's core energy that moves inside you freely now." She handed Jalena a small mirror. "It shows in your gaze."

Jalena's eyes widened as she took the mirror and noted the green halo around her left eye that had replaced her red.

"Our elders say you have unlocked the power of connection with all species within the realms of the Earth." Semansa smiled. "Reach for the energy of Janor—it is the owl's name—he will show you."

Jalena stared at the owl, who steadily returned her gaze. She invoked Relasu and watched the owl's energy move across the room and intertwine with her own. Green and gold swirled through her gaze as their energy connected.

She gasped lightly as Janor turned and took flight. Jalena stood slowly and went to the window. She was looking through the eyes of the owl as he soared through the trees, feeling the wind as the owl felt it and the power of his wings. She smiled and gently released the connection to return her focus to the room.

"They wish to connect with you, Jalena-ka," said Semansa. "So, when you take walks throughout your time of rest, you will be able to reach any of them within and beyond our realm. You may speak with them freely."

"Now that you have yielded your blood to the Earth, those associated with Earth Goddess energy will abide your commands," Tau added as he entered the room and greeted Jalena. "Even Elindrel." His large frame seemed to fill the entire space. "The shaman elders claim that as you acclimate to your power, you will shapeshift into a form that expresses the heart of who you are."

Semansa's eyes widened as Tau bowed to Jalena using the form reserved for high honor among the Lumaña. "I am Tau. The Lumaña have united with the light warriors wholeheartedly. We will also abide your command."

Jalena returned his bow. "My only wish is that the calling of your heart commands you, Tau-ka, but I am honored to be united with you and your people."

Tau smiled. "I will let you rest more, Jalena-ka. Anything you wish of those in this kingdom is yours." He gave her another small bow before departing.

The next day, as Jalena waited for Shamira to wake, she took her time walking and exploring Asteria. She felt nostalgic for Elsaria as she observed the Lumaña people engage in daily tasks. Asteria mirrored Elsaria in many ways. She closed her mind to outside interferences as she pondered her conversation with Malik. Knowing that the Conduits and everyone else was momentarily safe from Drasúl allowed her to rest more freely. She still didn't know what she would say to Kaelon. She felt somewhat embarrassed that she had called him Gyan again and was unsure of how he would respond. The other reason for her lengthy walks in Asteria's forest was to avoid seeing him until she decided how to approach the dynamic between the two of them.

Using her newfound gifts, she gently engaged with the Elements of nature and the animals that eagerly approached her. She smiled as she thought of how she could now match Valora and Brogan's skills in reading the planet's energy. When she focused on Haku, she could see through the eyes of the wolf even though Haku was in the surface realm. She spent time sharing her energy as Haku ran through the trees and played with those in her pack.

Thinking also of Shakou, she ignited the dragon's energy within her.

I am well, Okami-chan,he reassured her as their minds connected, and she told him where she and the team were. I have gathered those I need for our role in the war.

You knew about the encounter with Drasúl at headquarters, Jalena stated.

I knew he would come but was unsure of the day. You sensed it the day we parted, for your anxiety was a reflection of mine. I left against my wishes, but I also knew that you were supposed to face him alone. One of the reasons I left when I did was because Oyaji informed me that my interference would disrupt your transformation. Had I been there, I certainly would have tried to stop Drasúl. I would not be able to stand by and allow any harm to come to you.

The two talked more about transpiring events before Jalena released their connection.

A longing to see Eclipse rose within Jalena as she saw a large black jaguar trot her way through nearby trees. Jalena sat beneath a large tree and reached for the energy of the cat, sharing its experience as it climbed and explored the area.

She is awake, Master Jalena, Nyhra said a couple of hours. She telepathically showed Jalena an image of the healing center where Shamira was resting.

Jalena stood and stretched. The cat rubbed up against her. She scratched it behind the ears and then teleported to the healing center.

Shamira smiled as Jalena entered the room in a rush.

"So…I hear that you can tell everyone here what to do," Shamira said as her caretakers exited, and Jalena sat on the edge of her bed. "Good—I need a friend with power I can use to gain privileges."

Jalena rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You know how I feel about all that." She scanned Shamira's skin and exhaled in relief as she noted that Shamira did not carry additional scarring from the burns that Drasúl inflicted.

"No emotional damage this time," Shamira said, reading Jalena's mind. "My old scars are enough of a load."

Jalena laughed. "I have emotional damage this time." She moved her shirt to show Shamira her scar.

"Wow." Shamira smiled and shook her head. "Tell me what happened after I faded."

Jalena recounted the events, including the information that the Conduits had provided to Nyhra and the conversation Jalena had with Malik.

Shamira's eyebrows raised in awe as Jalena finished. "You just keep expanding in power."

"We," Jalena corrected. "We just keep expanding."

"I love how Malik said we are still taking knowledge—

"—beyond where it has been before," the two finished together.

They both laughed.

"He never lets us out of the classroom, even in altered form," said Jalena.

She quietened as Shamira cleared her throat and looked at the door behind Jalena.

Jalena turned to find Kaelon standing there, his broken arm now in a sling.

A petite Lumaña woman hurried into the room and bowed. "I am sorry, Jalena-ka," she said as she took a deep breath. "He escaped!"

Jalena's heart jumped as Kaelon broke into a wide grin. "I can't be contained…especially when I want something."

Good one. Shamira said privately to Jalena. I like him.

Shush. "It's okay," Jalena told the caretaker.

"Hi, Shamira," Kaelon said with a small wave from his uninjured hand. "Lyons told me your name. Sorry to interrupt. I hope you are feeling better."

"Hello, Kaelon," she replied. "Thank you, and it's perfectlyokay."

"Thanks for helping back on the surface…you know, with protecting me from the Dark Lord or whoever."

"Sorry I had to hurt you, but it was the only way."

"That's…" he paused as he gave Shamira a strange look. He shook his head and closed his eyes.

"Kaelon?" asked Jalena. "You okay?"

"Sorry," he said. "Weird. I just had major Déjà vu. It's like you've said that before." He shook his head again.

Shamira's eyes narrowed in thought. "Interesting."

"I get why you had to, Shamira," Kaelon finished. He turned his full attention to Jalena. "I'm dying here," he said in a low voice. "I have a million and one questions, and they wouldn't let me see you, or I would have snuck into your room. The gold-eyed people—Lumaña—they won't answer anything! Can we please…?"

Jalena blushed lightly as a conflicting desire to teleport away or stay and hold onto him surfaced within her.

You better go, said Shamira as she studied Jalena closely. I will be ready to train soon, so let him get it all out now.

Jalena stood and bent to hug Shamira, lightly shoving her away as she felt Shamira shake from silent laughter.

"Come on, Kaelon," Jalena said with a sigh. "Follow me."

"Any day."

The delighted look on Kaelon's face caused Shamira's laughter to bubble out as the two exited the room.

"This place is amazing!" Kaelon said as he ran his hands over the crystals embedded in the large trees surrounding them moments later. "I have never seen gemstones or colors like this. Will you tell me where we are?"

"Asteria. A city in one of the Earth's alternate realms."

Kaelon smiled. "The theory about the Earth having inner realms is true?"

"Yes, at least in part."

"I know your name is not Jessica."

"I am Master Jalena Aline, a light warrior from the planet Elsaria. I am here with Master Shamira and Elder Master Nyhra to ensure that Drasúl, whom you met, does not win in his attempts to rule the planet."

"Master…" Kaelon whispered. Several moments of silence passed before he spoke again. "And the others?"

She continued to share more details of why the light warriors came to Earth and what had transpired since their arrival.

"Lyons is working for us, but the other humans you met are Earth Conduits. They are here to help open the shield within the Earth if needed to protect the planet."

"Can we sit by the river for a minute? I just want to process some things."

"Sure."

The two walked in silence as they moved deeper into surrounding trees and dropped next to a wide stream. Gold and green sparkling mist danced in spirals over the river water.

Jalena moved to face Kaelon, sitting cross-legged before him.

"Your true form surfaced that night at your place, didn't it?" He asked as he studied her face.

She nodded.

"But your ring color that glows in your eyes—one is different since then, too."

She nodded. "A result of our recent adventure."

He leaned in and raised an eyebrow. "I need a closer look to make sure it isn't a trick of the light." He squinted in amused, mock suspicion. "Big liar," he added quietly.

She cringed. "I apologize for the deception, but I am relieved that you know the truth now and that you haven't…" she paused and dropped her gaze.

"Bailed?" he guessed.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Not a chance. I'm relieved you haven't ditched me just because I am human."

She gave him a small smile. "I thought my attraction to you was strange at first because you are human, but I would not have disregarded my feelings because of that. I hesitated to interact much because I did not want to hide my truth from someone I desired a connection with. It was why I was irritable at the beginning of our first date. As you hinted upon that same night, our kind do not dismiss strong connections so easily, especially given their formation is rare."

"Well, all of it—your true self especially—just makes me more attracted to you, so feel free to keep sharing your truth. I'm all ears," he smiled as his gaze swept over her, "eyes," his expression softened, "and touch." He reached forward and softly hooked Jalena's fingers through his.

Jalena's heart rate spiked as heat spread through her. It took everything in her to suppress the desire to kiss him. She took a deep breath as she ran her finger softly over his and slowly released his hand. "I'm struggling at this moment to avoid taking advantage of a healing human in a weakened state."

"I don't mind."

Jalena smiled as Kaelon chuckled.

She ran her hand lightly over the black tribal tattoo down the left side of his arm. "I know I haven't seen them all, but I like this tattoo."

"It's weird how similar it is to the markings on your arm," he said quietly as he noted the black curves across her left arm. "Do your human tattoos fade when your true form surfaces?"

"They did before, but since my recent transformation, two remain. The stars behind my ear and the phoenix across my upper shoulder and back."

"Interesting."

"It likely represents the unification between our two worlds." She pointed to her arm. "The mark across our left arm we receive once we have graduated to the level of a san warrior," Jalena explained. "The Lumsigne," she moved her hair back to show him the vortex marking on her neck, "appears when we have reached master status."

Kaelon reached and traced the line of her Lumsigne with his fingers.

Jalena smiled and scooted back to create more distance between them. "You stay over there." She hugged her knees to her chest to help refrain from touching him.

Kaelon took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, okay… for now…" His gaze slowly swept the area around them. "Feels like I'm in a fantasy movie."

"You are, but fantasy is only an altered form of the reality that you know. It exists, nonetheless."

He nodded.

"What are your thoughts?"

"I just…" He shook his head and swallowed hard as he looked away. "Everything I believed—all things about energy and dimensions—the ideas I've clung to because I couldn't accept all that others told me—it's all true. Except, I'm actually experiencing it now, and it's a bit overwhelming."

"Yes, it is true." She smiled. "All your philosophical nerd tendencies paid off. I mean, you could say that I found you through the strength of will and curiosity you projected…" she broke off as she saw Kaelon's expression shift. "What?"

"Philosophical nerd…" he repeated with a faraway look in his eye. He shook his head. "Never mind. Going into another realm has messed with my brain, I think. Sean would really think I was crazy if I told him what I know now."

Jalena laughed and nodded. "Yes. He would drag you away to have you evaluated by psych professionals."

Kaelon stood and offered his hand to her. "Don't worry," he said as he saw her glance at his injured arm. "It's almost healed. I think I've been healing faster here than I would have on the surface."

She took his hand and stood quickly as she felt the same electric current, much softer than before, shoot through her.

He dropped her hand and shook his back and forth. "Did you feel that too?"

She nodded. "It happened the first time you touched my hand at the restaurant."

Kaelon's brow furrowed. "So, this guy…Gyan…"

Jalena took a breath. "Kaelon, I apologize once again. I know why I saw Gyan in you now. Some of my own questions about why I called you him were answered by a teacher I have after the last battle when I..."

"Died?"

Jalena looked thoughtful. "I suppose. I'm not sure what you would call it."

"What did your teacher say?"

She dropped her gaze. "That we see what we desire to see in a state of transition."

Kaelon nodded. "You were in love with him?"

"Yes… He died while protecting our kingdom from Drasúl during the last battle we had."

"I'm sorry, Jalena."

She nodded and exhaled.

"Look, I don't want to take anyone's place in your heart…I'm just acting on my feelings. I can't help it—I've never felt…"

"You don't have to explain, Kaelon. I know what you mean, and your feelings are not one-sided. I won't invalidate my past, but I just really want to move forward in the life I have now. I don't know where my path will end, but carrying resistance from the past is not how I want to live and is not fair to you, considering the love I somehow feel you deserve."

"I know now why I have never met anyone like you. How you speak… You really are from a different world."

She chuckled as he stepped forward. "You've manifested a perfect opportunity to notate your quantum experience."

"I love it when you say things like that." He moved to kiss her softly on the mouth, cradling her face with both his hands. "It makes me crazy."

Jalena gasped and stepped back, her eyes widened as a memory of her and Gyan in his chambers at the Elsarian headquarters surfaced, where he had spoken similar words.

"What’s wrong?" Kaelon asked in confusion. He gasped and then stumbled backward as his eyes suddenly closed.

Jalena instinctively reached out to catch him as Kaelon lost consciousness and dropped to the ground.