Awaken Into a New World

Chapter 11: Inner Potential

Alecia sat on the one couch in the living room, quietly staring into space. Going back to that place felt like a waste of time and effort. Nothing could be found there but a deserted space of rubble and smell of ash, and she wouldn't want Diana nor Virgil to be in the same danger she had.

Breaking away from her thoughts, she strode towards the bathroom and faced the sink, where she looked at her own reflection in the mirror. The glint of the scissors on the sink's rim caught her attention. She took the band off her hair, which hung down her upper back and over her shoulders, and let it loose.

Alecia picked the scissors, took a chunk of her hair, and cut it.

She stopped cutting, moments later; the small bin was now full of white hair. She adjusted her short hair and smiled as she made the last finishing touch, fringe no longer irritating her. Muffled voices coming from the hallway interrupted her from admiring her hair. Alecia moved towards the doorway to hear, and soon, she recognized the voices as Wallace's and Virgil's-they were having a discussion sounding almost like an argument.

"We shouldn't worry about their delay," Wallace said.

Footsteps along with a silent muttering voice came near. Virgil walked past the bathroom, not even noticing her presence there. After a few moments, Alecia stepped out the bathroom, avoiding Wallace who stood at the left side of the hallway.

"Alecia," Wallace called out, his voice echoing; it stopped Alecia. Slowly, she spun around to face him.

"You look different." He narrowed his eyebrows as he limped towards her. "The shorter hair looks a lot better on you."

"I thought so, too." She smiled, tucking the strands of hair around her ear. "Excuse me."

"Hang on," he said. "I was thinking, today, if you could-not sure if you can-produce that energy. It's been decades since I've seen it."

"Why?"

"I'm a researcher. I can perhaps help you learn more about it if you're interested."

After a few moments of silence, Alecia nodded.

-

They proceeded on the grass field close to the building. Wallace sat on the bench and rested his hands on his cane.

"Why do we have to be outside?" Alecia stepped on the grass.

"Being in tuned with nature helps." He leaned the cane on the bench. "And I thought being inside would be too closed-in, and it'd, of course, draw too much attention."

Alecia wondered his intentions; if he knew what she was, why was he helping her? He didn't show hatred, unlike the people who caused her pain and even had the audacity to try to kill her. Thoughts flowed through her mind as the strands of her hair gently stroke her cheek, blown by the soft wind.

"How should I start?"

"Closing your eyes helps you focus, so let's start with that."

Alecia followed his instruction.

"Now, try and focus on the feelings that made you conjure the energy."

A frown deeply etched on her face as she concentrated.

"Nothing."

"Let's try something else. Condense your feelings into a single point, into the center of your being. You should feel as if you're holding a strong elastic that desired to pull itself back."

She sighed, closing her eyes once more, as her mind trailed off from the world.

Moments went by.

"Fascinating," muttered Wallace, intrigued as he leaned forward.

"What?" Her eyes fluttered open, turning to her hand which faintly emitted a blue flame.

"It worked!"

"I see that," he nodded, "now release the energy."

Her hands stayed on her side as she closed her eyes once more. Just then, blue transparent flames surged from her feet and spread across her body, sending a gust of wind that brought ripples across the grass she stood upon. Wallace sat back and stared in awe at what was happening in front of him.

Alecia's eyes opened and illuminated a blue glow from her pupils, as the strands of her hair moved from the flames. She looked at her open hands and gave a slight smile.

"Wow!" She chuckled. "This is amazing."

"How does it feel?"

"Strange, like a cool flow of air surrounding me."

"Interesting."

"What is it exactly?"

"It's energy they call Proden, Ki, Chi, or Chakra. In other words, a universal energy that every life form has. I'm no expert with this, though."

"Can anyone do it?" Her flames faded, and the glow in her pupils disappeared.

Wallace chuckled as he grabbed his cane and rested it on his lap.

"No, unfortunately, in the whole history of the planet, there hasn't been a person who could do this. However, some could demonstrate this energy, although they couldn't tap into it the way that you did." He smiled.

"And yet, you did it effortlessly."

"You helped me with it."

"It's a privilege." He stood. "That's interesting, Alecia, but I think it's time to go back inside."

Turning away from her, he walked along the side of the building towards the front. Alecia stared at her palm for a moment.

"Aren't you coming?"

She followed him.

"The energy you possess, I wonder about the extent of its potential."

"One can only wonder. Do you think anyone had seen anything?"

"You mean the spectacle you pulled off? I doubt it; we shouldn't worry."

-

Alecia had her hand under her chin as she looked out the window, watching into the distance. Diana played with Elica under a lone tree still clothed in its leaves. She could hear their laughter even from where she sat.

"Hey, there."

Virgil approached, standing in front of her, holding two metal cups.

"I poured us something to drink."

"Thank you." She took the cup and observed the deep red liquid in it.

"What is it?"

"Why, it's grape juice."

He sat across from her as she took a sip, hesitating.

"It's good, isn't it?"

Alecia nodded, taking another sip.

"Freshly made this morning. So, what do you go by again?"

"Sorry?" She gave him a puzzled expression.

"I forgot your name."

She chuckled. "Alecia."

"Sorry, I easily forget names. I never really pay attention to them."

Alecia only smiled.

"You're not very good with talking to people, are you?" He leaned forward, with a narrowed gaze.

"Really? I'm sorry for giving that impression." She lowered her gaze at her half-empty cup.

He smiled.

"No worries. I wouldn't be talkative too if I were in a place I've never been in."

"That makes sense."

"So."

"Yes?"

"What were you doing in the woods by the way, if I may ask?"

"Well," she averted her eyes. "I was traveling, and there was a thick fog. I misstepped and fell down a hill. There isn't much to tell."

"When we found you, it took us quite a while traveling back here. I doubt you would've made it on your own."

"How long exactly?"

"A few hours. We only got back around late afternoon."

Alecia downed her drink, placing the cup on the table.

"The drink was nice, thank you."

"I'm glad you liked it."

The front door opened. Diana and Elica entered the house and traveled down a passage. Diana asked Elica if she had fun, and Elica agreed. She patted her on the back as the little girl stepped into her room, stuffed animal in her arms.

Diana turned to Virgil. "Has it come yet?"

"Unfortunately, no." He turned to face her. "I tried telling Grand, but he doesn't seem bothered."

Diana let out a sigh, averting her gaze, arms crossed.

"Should we take matters into our own hands?"

"What good would that do?" replied Virgil. "If we were to travel, we'd miss them by chance, and we won't notice it; the trip will be in vain, a waste of time and energy."

"We're wasting time and energy waiting here with no delivery." Diana took the cups off the table.

Alecia, in the middle of their conversation, kept to herself. Virgil rubbed his forehead, and Diana waited for a response.

"Fine, I'll have to talk to Grand about this again."

"He won't listen the second time. He's almost as stubborn as you are," said Diana, pinching her nose.

"It's our vote against his own, so I'd say it's definite." He faced Alecia when Diana made her way to the kitchen.

"Excuse our little argument there." He grinned.

"What was that about?"

"Bunch of settlers are supposed to have delivered supplies of food and such, with an offer of any scrap we don't use, but they're six hours late."

"Long enough to worry."

Alecia looked down on the table.

"What are you going to do?"

"I guess Diana and I have to go and check if they haven't changed their mind."

"Should I go with? It might be too dangerous for just the two of you."

"Well, that's very considerate. It'd be nice to have more company."

Alecia smiled.

"When Grand agrees, we'll leave first thing in the morning." He stood. "Excuse me."

Alecia's thoughts stirred. Did she really change her mind about going back? Being outside, Diana would take the opportunity to locate the facility, and maybe, Alecia could learn more about herself and what had transpired. Although Wallace had been the most helpful, being secluded in this place didn't aid the progression of her recovery.

-

The next morning, Alecia and Virgil proceeded to the lounge. Alecia stood near the front door. Virgil was almost done packing his backpack on the table.

"How do you know where this place is?" Alecia leaned off the wall and stepped towards him. He stuffed the remaining things in the bag.

"We rotate." He zipped the backpack and hung it over one shoulder. "In other words, we take turns for who has to deliver supplies."

He moved towards Wallace's office, Alecia following behind.

"Do you go often?"

"Only a few times." Virgil opened the door and entered. Wallace perched on his desk as Diana stood near the bookshelf.

"Did you talk to your mother about this?" asked Wallace, opening the desk's drawer.

Diana shook her head. "As far as she knows, I'm looking after Elica."

"Understandable." He took out a few syringes and placed it on his desk. "But would you rather have her worried, instead of thinking you're okay? What if she finds out you've lied to her, and something bad happens?"

"I'll be okay. You don't need to worry."

"Here you go." Wallace handed Virgil the syringes. "Just in case."

"Alecia."

"Yes?"

"For your own safety," said Wallace, "whatever Virgil tells you to do, you must do it, do you understand?"

Alecia nodded. "Of course."

"Good." He smiled. "I want you all to come back, safe and sound."

"Okay," said Virgil, adjusting his bag. "Let's go."

"Is Elica still asleep?" Diana looked at Wallace, waiting for a response.

"Last time I checked," replied Wallace as he opened his book and began reading.

"We'll be off then."

Virgil exited the office with Diana.

"Alecia," Wallace called out when Alecia was about to follow.

He lowered his book. "Be careful, okay?"

"Always."