Amanda's Pain

Back on earth.

The master of the heart, Trisha, felt her own chest tightening. It wasn't because she felt pain for herself, but it was because she felt Amanda's agony.

Trisha's hands clenched against her chest as she called out for the master of fire, "Amanda."

They were still connected somehow, but that day, she sensed that Amanda was in greater pain than she had ever felt before.

Trisha and Abasi, the master of time and space, were in the middle of the African safari, under the scorching heat of the sun, calming a group of Elephants who had stampeded a group of tourists.

Unfortunately, Trisha could not save two lives that were lost, but ten others survived, following Trisha's arrival. Earlier, she appeared before the wild animals and spoke to their hearts, asking them to be at ease.

When Trisha called for Brody and asked him to heal those who were injured, their lives were long gone. It was beyond the brown crystal's capacity. They could not save everybody, but at least she saved the rest of the group.

After letting the elephants take their leave, she and Abasi gathered all the tourists. She raised her hands to them and a yellow light emitted from her eyes. She said, "Fear not. We came to help you."

"I am sorry about your fallen friends. You were attacked by a group of elephants. They suddenly stopped and turned away. You saw no one else come to your aid."

Just before the tourist returned to their senses, Trisha ordered Abasi, "Bring us to Amanda, Abasi."

Back in Aeros's castle.

Amanda was inside her room, resting in her bed with Cassy watching over her. Christopher was securing medicines and potions from their local healer so he could have Amanda's injuries treated.

She was in agony, but she tried not to show it. Since her life as the master of fire, this was the most painful injury she had ever had.

Kiesha was undoubtedly strong, but if her powers were with her, she would not easily be hurt by mere punches and kicks. While the red crystal possesses the strength of fire, it also gave the host extra vitality against attacks.

"Amanda? Are you sure you are okay?" Cassy asked as she wiped the bloodstain on her face. She was leaning in front of Amanda from one side of her bed.

Amanda's eyes were dreamy. She merely raised a hand and said, "I'm fine. I - I just need to rest. My body - aches so much."

Right at that very moment, Amanda saw a swirling light, and the three masters of the earth appeared behind Cassy. Her eyes grew wide out of the blue. She quickly said, "Cassy, I - I really want to rest on my own - but your wounds!"

"Follow her request, being," ordered Trisha. With her eyes glowing, she spoke to Cassy. "Leave us and return after an hour."

Cassy turned to the direction of the three masters. The words of Trisha quickly swayed her and started to walk to the door.

"Being, you saw no one. You only decided to leave Amanda as per her wish," directed Trisha to Cassy. "Go on now. You may leave us."

After Cassy left, Amanda asked the three, "What - what are you doing - "

"Shhhh... speak not, Amanda. You are not in good condition," said Trisha.

"Did you come here just to get beaten? What the fuck is your so-called man doing, not protecting you!" judged Abasi, giving Amanda a glare. He had never seen Amanda in such a pained condition since their five years of camaraderie.

Meanwhile, Brody just gazed at Amanda, saddened by the sacrifice of her friend.

Trisha raised her hand at Abasi and said, "This is not the time to scold our friend Abasi."

"Why - why did you come here?" Amanda asked again. "You need to - leave."

"Because no matter how far you are, I felt your pain and I could just ignore it," said Trisha. She turned to Brody and asked, "Can you heal her, Brody. Please."

"No - No you can't. They will wonder," Amanda pleaded.

"But you are not well - just at least your worst injuries. We can keep the surface ones like the wounds on your face - "

"No!"

"I am not pleading, Amanda. This is an order!" Trisha revealed the power in her hand as a way to threaten Amanda. "You may be strong mentally, but if you don't let us heal you, I can order the people in this castle to my will - in whatever way to convince you and get treated."

Amanda was left with no choice but to receive the healing of the brown crystal.

Only then did Brody approached and revealed the power in his hand. He asked the spirit of the earth, "Please, Dunia, heal Amanda's internal injuries, should there be any. Lessen the bleeding of her wounds and the swelling of her hands."

To the surprise of the masters, the brown crystal heeded to Brody's request. It only showed how much the spirit favored of Amanda. Healing was a power, only the spirit of the earth could choose to give. Sometimes, Brody could heal, but most times, the brown crystal would refuse to do so, especially injuries resulting from a natural disaster.

When most of Amanda's serious injuries were healed, Brody's body weakened. He sat on the floor, resting on the side of Amanda's bed.

"Sorry, Brody," Amanda said. She sighed and added, "And thank you."

"Amanda, before we go. I - I just want to ask what happened?" Trisha said with concern on her face.

"I - I had to fight to win the respect of Christopher's father. I fought against a veteran soldier of their nation," she revealed.

"Your putting your life at stake for someone who is not meant to be for you," Abasi pointed out.

"Enough Abasi," said Trisha. She turned back to Amanda and asked, "Are - are you really sure this is the life you want?"

"Trisha, I am no longer the master of fire. I love Christopher and I am sure about it. Please understand," said Amanda. "Please leave before Christopher returns."

With a long face, Trisha held ordered Abasi, "Let's return."

"Amanda, please take care. Please..."