Master Shiho placed his hands on Lila's body softly chanting some words, his hands glowing faintly,ahhh yes it's working he thought to himself as Lila's veins were getting back to normal.
Then suddenly, a wave of energy burst from her body, throwing him backward. His body slammed into the stone wall with a sharp crack. Blood running down his mouth as he lay on the floor. "Urgh" he groaned. Wiping the blood from his mouth .
"Master Shiho!" Davien shouted in panic. "What happened? How did you—?"
Before he could finish, Master Shiho interrupted weakly, "Look… her body—she's in a critical state. Her breathing is becoming slower and slower. We have to take her to the Spring of Life."
"But no one is allowed to enter there except the Queen," Davien said.
"Come," Shiho replied firmly. "It's time I paid the Queen a visit.
~~~~~~~~~~
At the Palace
Reaching the palace gates, Master Shiho showed the guards his gate pass crest. They bowed and allowed him to pass.
"The security here is poor," Davien muttered, glancing around.
"No, it's not," Shiho said calmly. "It's because you're with me."
They made their way to the Queen's quarters. When they reached the grand hall, Master Shiho stopped and knocked lightly on the tall doors.
"Yes, come in," a voice called from within.
"Stay here," Shiho told Davien before entering the hall.
Inside, one of the Queen's attendants greeted him politely. "What brings you here, Mister?"
"I demand the presence of your Queen," Shiho said firmly.
"I'm sorry, sir, but the Queen cannot be seen at the moment," the attendant replied.
"I insist!" Shiho snapped. "Please—it's a matter of life and death."
Before the attendant could respond, a familiar voice came from across the room. "Ah, Master Shiho! What brings you here?"
Turning toward the voice, Shiho's face softened slightly. "Oh, my—Telan. How are you?"
"I'm fine," Telan replied with a smirk. "But it's strange to see you here. You never come, even when the Queen herself invites you."
Shiho's expression turned serious. "It's an emergency. I need to see her—now."
Telan fell silent for a moment, studying Shiho's face, then nodded. "Follow me," he said, leading him through a doorway behind the throne
~~~~~~~
There she was,A woman siting gracefully on an ornate chair, her slender back turned toward them.
"My Queen," Telan announced, "Master Shiho has requested your presence."
"Huh? You mean old man Shiho?" the Queen said, turning to face them with a teasing smile. "Have you finally decided to come see me?"
"Tch. How many times must I tell you to stop calling me that, you brat?" Shiho muttered.
"Hahaha, sorry, old man Shiho. I'm too used to it," she laughed.
Shiho sighed. "I've come to request your help. Please—I have a patient on the verge of death. My healing powers were useless on her." he said bowing his head.
"Oh?" the Queen said, her tone softening. "And where is this patient?"
"Come in!" Shiho called loudly.
Davien entered, carrying Lila in his arms.
"Oh, so it's the one with the crest of the Fallen Land," the Queen remarked, her gaze sharp.
"Greetings, my Queen," Davien said, bowing his head as he held Lila gently.
"This is the patient," Shiho said, gesturing toward them.
The Queen's expression turned serious. "What happened to her?"
"She was attacked by a corrupted beast," Davien replied.
"Then how come she's not dead?" the Queen asked immediately.
"That's why we're here to ask you to Grant us access to the Spring of Life," Shiho said earnestly.
"I'm afraid I cannot," the Queen replied slowly.
"Why not?" Shiho asked. "I'm ready to pay any price."
"It's not about that," she said, sighing. "The spring hasn't worked for hundreds of years. It chooses who to heal—its power no longer responds to everyone."
"We can at least try," Shiho insisted. "This child is no ordinary one. This may be her only hope."
After much consideration of the situation the queen finally nodded, "Fine. But on one condition—you'll tell me the full truth of what happened to her."
"Yes, I will," Davien answered immediately.
"Then shall we head to the spring," the Queen said, rising gracefully from her seat, gesturing for them to follow her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The journey was long and exhausting.
"When are we going to get there?" Shiho asked, breathing heavily.
"There," the Queen said, pointing over a cave lit with dim lanterns faintly glowing.
"How come there are no guards here?" Davien asked
"Well," the Queen replied with a wry smile, " I am the only one who is supposed to know the location of this place. I'm already breaking the rules by bringing you here."
Inside the cave, the air was warm and damp. The faint light of the moon shinning through cracks in the ceiling. Water flowing softly from the walls into a spring.
"Let me show you what I mean," the Queen said. "Telan she called step into the water."
"Yes, my Queen." He removed his cloak and stepped in.
"How does it feel?" she asked.
"Nothing, Your Grace," Telan replied. "It's just… flowing."
"You see?" the Queen said sadly. "It no longer responds to anyone."
"Wait," Davien said. "It's too soon to give up. We haven't tried her yet."
"No, child, it's pointless," Shiho murmured.
"I just want to make sure," Davien said firmly. "I need to know it wouldn't work for Lila."
The Queen sighed. "alright. Place her in the water. If nothing happens within three minutes, then… there's nothing more we can do."
"Thank you," Davien whispered. He walked toward the water, holding Lila close. "Lila… I pray this works," he murmured as he lowered her gently into the spring.
The calm, cold water touched her skin, slowly pulling her deeper and deeper until she disappeared from the surface.
One minute passed. Nothing happened.
Two minutes… still nothing.
At the third minute, the Queen opened her mouth about to speak.
Then Suddenly, the water began to glow faintly. The light of the moon above shone brighter on the pool in a soft and glowing.
"No way…" the Queen whispered in disbelief. "It's responding." this is impossible.
"It's been a hundred years since the water reacted like this. I can't believe it," Telan said.
Ten minutes passed… fifty minutes… one hour.
"Why isn't she out yet?" Davien questioned, heading toward the pool.
"Stop! Don't go near it — it might stop healing her. The only option we have is to wait," the Queen said. "For now, let's go back to the palace before people start suspecting."
"What? You're just going to leave her here like that? What if someone comes? There are no guards to watch over her!" Davien shouted.
"Look, we don't know when she's going to come out. The only option is to wait. And besides, no one knows of this place — it's safe," the Queen replied.
"Davien, let's leave for now and come back later. I understand you're worried, but the Queen means no harm," Shiho said as he followed the Queen and her escort out of the cave.
Davien hesitated, then followed reluctantly.
~~~~~~~~
Days passed.
Lila still hadn't come out.
"It's been three days now, Master Shiho. I hope she's fine," the Queen said.
"Yes, she is," Shiho replied. "I know she will be."
Inside the water: IN THE UNCONSCIOUS REALM.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A faint light began to gather around Lila. Her body floated in the water unconsciously.
Her eyes opened.
Before her stood a being wrapped in white silk, glowing with light — skin shimmering as if made of water. It was beyond human.
"Wh… who are you?" she asked.
"I am the Healer of this World," the being replied. "I was asleep until now. Who gave you permission to wake me?"
"I… I don't understand," Lila said. I did no such thing.
"Ohhh, look what we have here.it said Ignoring her reply. Nemeris has finally done it," the being murmured. "Child, do you know whose heir you are? Do you know who's power you possess? No wonder I woke up."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I think you're mistaken," Lila replied.
"No, child. I know that power anywhere — it belongs to a very good friend of mine. But I assume you still haven't learned to about it.If not for me, you would be dead."i don't know what kind of situation you faced but be careful next time.
"Well, I don't have much time. For now, I will grant you any wish you desire."
"I… I don't have one. I don't know what to wish for," Lila said.
What an interesting thing you are. "Alright, I'll let it be. You can ask another time. For now, I give you my blessing, child," the being said, fading gradually. "I shall see you again," he whispered I have to go now.
See, Nemeris — I owe you nothing, the being thought as he vanished(smiling).
Back In the water....
She woke, confused, swimming toward the shore.Crawling out of the pool, she gasped for air — then she fainted....◉‿◉