Rising from the Ash

AMEN v

We dashed out of the house and I saw Zen take a final look at it. The expression was written all over his face. He was pained to leave and I couldn't help but wonder if I was the cause of that pain. He had managed to survive alone all these time with that woman who was like a mother to him. But when he met me, my cause, he had abandoned all that he held dear just to help me fulfil my destiny. I was grateful for having Zelda and him. For the first time in my life, I didn't feel so alone.

Zen glided us through corners and streets. I was surprised that at this time of the night, people were still busy in Haires. I guess the city never sleeps. Pity, because I wouldn't have the chance to explore it all. After walking for a few more minutes, we saw the deck.

Zen looked at me and I gave him a nod. We began walking towards the ship he had pointed to. As we walked, I noticed that the ship seemed like it was about to move, no, -it was moving. My heart skipped a beat. We weren't halfway close to it yet.

"The ship. It's moving!"

I blurted out as we began racing towards it. I ran with all my might, praying to Óra that we arrived on time to make the jump. I suddenly felt a motion, an arrow coming at us from behind. I turned sharply and stopped the arrow with my powers before it hit Zen. The three of us stopped and turned.

Standing with the bow in his hand was the Prince and around him were his entourage. I really didn't have time for this but unfortunately, I realized that we'll have to fight. Even if we run, we couldn't make the ship before they shoot us down. Powers or not, these were deadly soldiers and it would be a mistake to underestimate them. Then the perfect idea struck me.

"Run". I said to my aides and we dashed out toward the ship with all we had. I felt arrows flying at us at all angles and the soldiers pursued us relentlessly. I drew my sword, jumped and twisted in midair as I deflected three arrows and redirected another two fired at us. The soldiers literally flew towards us and as we ran, we fought them off.

The ship was gaining more distance but we were getting closer to the end of the deck. The prince dashed forward, drawing his sword and with an agility like I had never seen before, knocked Zelda down in one attempt. Zen blocked the sword of the soldier who attempted to finish her off and slashed his throat. I realized that the prince came for me. I deflected his attacks and tried to keep up with his speed. At the rate he fought, I couldn't even use my powers. The outcome depended solely on my skill and I didn't think I had enough to beat him.

He struck again and I blocked it but he began pulling me down. I resisted with all my might and in that moment, I pulled up with all I had that it momentarily disorganized him. I slashed my sword at his throat but he dodged it. However, he could not dodge the kick I sent at his stomach. He staggered back and winced from the pain and I used my powers to knock a soldier into him. He fell down flat.

The ship's distance wasn't doing us any good. I would have to use my powers to elevate us to jump further. But could I carry our weights? Even If I could, for how long will it last? We were now at the end of the deck and the soldiers kept coming at us. Then, Zen stretched his hand towards me.

"The stone, now!"

He gave me a look and I understood what he wanted to do. But how can I allow him to sacrifice himself? And what of the moonstone, what will happen to it if they manage to kill Zen and take it? In that moment, I had lots of questions running through my head but my heart betrayed me and gave Zen the stone. I held on to Zelda and we both jumped and in mid air, I began levitating us towards the ship. I felt my muscles and my mind tear from the effort and we had barely gotten to the ship before I lost control and we fell heavily into the ship's cargo.

I winced in pain and looked towards the deck and it loooked like an earth quake had occurred. I saw lava shooting out of the ground and several areas around the deck crumbled and was buried. I heard screams from the soldiers. It was a terrifying sight to behold. I wondered if that was how I looked when I escaped from the palace. Before the whole deck could crumble, Zen jumped out of it and in one effortless jump, landed on the ship. His seemely increased weight shook the ship as he landed. His muscles were tensed, his skin seemed darker than before and his eyes had no light in them. It was like he was a huge Rock. And then, the effects of the moonstone wore off. He took a deep breath before handing the stone over to me. I looked at the shore one last time and hugged Zelda tightly. Then, I walked towards Zen who was already smiling.

"You're crazy, you know that right?"

I said and laughed.

"Admit it, it was extraordinary." he said with a grin.

" we wouldn't have made it out if it wasn't for you. I owe you. I barely know you and you've been helping me."

"I'm helping the others like us who are confined to slavery. And I admire your spirit Amen. I have never met a woman like you before."

"I suppose you have a reputation for picking up women."

"Lots of them. And I'm also flexible in some ways. But I have never met anyone like you before. You amaze me."

He said and softly brushed his hand on my cheek. I suddenly felt the heat rise up there. I couldn't help but sigh at the feeling. I knew he noticed this as he smiled and put his hand away. As he walked over to the side of the ship, I suddenly began noticing things I hadn't noticed about him before- the height, the muscles, the shoulders. I slapped myself and walked over to Zelda. I held her hand, still terrified of how Zen was making me feel. This feeling was alien to me, it was confusing...and addicting.