Aurada's Last

Nova wasn't your atypical college girl. Born in a suburban neighborhood, had normal friends, occasionally went to the beach. That was Nova's life. She was fine with it. If there was anything she didn't like, it was definitely her college debt. After finishing her 3rd year of undergrad, she decided to take a short break from internships to chill and regain her mental. At least that's what she told her parents. In reality she was catching up on her shows, books, and sleep. She even watched sports anime and read cultivation stories. When she was sure that nobody was home, she would occasionally yell phrases aloud like "FROG IN A WELL" or "COURTING DEATH" and would get embarrassed afterwards.

She was burnt out from her routines and yet she was only 22 years old.

She was enjoying her reprieve from responsibility when suddenly she heard a ding coming from her phone. Her mom had texted her something that saddened her.

'Aurada your grandma might pass away today. We're planning on going to the hospital to see her. You can drive yourself so just let us know when you get there.'

Nova's grandma Aurada or 'Grammy Aura' as they called her, had been hospitalized for at least 15 months. The doctors didn't know what was wrong with her but she was in a semi-comatose state. Because of that, she was fed intravenously and grew to look weaker and weaker. Nova and her family had visited her a few times but the times they had visited, she wasn't conscious.

Nova sighed. She remembered when she was in her teens and Grammy Aura was her favorite. Aura had a way of being so authentic and sincere. It wasn't even only with her family. Nova remembered one time when they went to the grocery store and Aura had helped a young lost boy in the grocery store stop crying. By the time the lost boy's mother came to pick up her son, he almost didn't want to leave. The young boy was holding onto Aura's leg saying he wanted to stay with her longer.

Nova was caught reminiscing when she opened the front door and headed to the car she drove. She felt slightly numb as she drove to the hospital. When she got there, she parked the car. She already knew where he grandma's room was, so she didn't bother to text her mom.

She went to the reception area of the building her grandma was placed and after getting the go-ahead, she went to the room.

Her mother was sitting on a short stool and weeping at the bed while holding her mother's hand. Her father was also crying while standing behind his wife with an hand on her back. Her other two siblings were also there. Her sister who was older by two years was crying on the other side of the bed. Her brother who was four years younger was standing next to her holding his eyes as he cried.

Nova walked in as everyone looked at her. She noticed that Grammy Aura was awake. Now that she was conscious, Nova could tell how much older she looked that when Nova had last seen her. Before she felt so full of life despite being a mother to a mother. Nova could feel that her grandma was nearing the end of her life. Nova went to her mother's side and held Aura's hand. Nova started to tear up.

The air was tense and depressive and remained that way for a few minutes until Aurada spoke.

"I would like to speak with everyone separately for a little." Her voice was light and airy.

She looked at Nova's mother and said "You first Fleur".

Everyone except Nova's mom got up and left the room.

Nova stood holding her father's hand as everyone stayed silent outside the closed door.

After a few minutes passed, her mother came out and said to her father, "She called for you honey".

Her older sister hugged her mother as they both cried. Her father entered and after a few minutes, with red eyes, came out calling for the older sister.

She entered and after a few minutes, she came out. Nova was heading to the door when her sister said that she was supposed to call in the youngest brother. Nova, despite being a little confused to the order, stood and waited with puffy eyes. Her brother went in and after a few minutes came out and said it was time for Nova.

Nova took a few deep breaths and then entered the room. Her grandma beckoned her over to the bed. When Nova arrived, she hugged her grandma over the bed. Aurada brought her arms out and hugged her back. They stood like that for a few short moments. When her grandma started to pull back, Nova did as well. Nova sat on the stool. Her grandma was looking with a soft smile directly into her eyes. Nova smiled and looked back into her grandma.

"I've lived a long life. I used to do things the way I had been taught. It wasn't the right way. When I finally stopped to see what I had done and become, I felt like wretched. I wanted to die as a way to right the wrongs I had done. I decided instead to live on and change. Nova - meeting your mother and your family and you as shown me that I chose the right thing. I love you and your family."

Nova was struck as she didn't understand some of what her angelic grandma was saying, but nodded and smiled.

"I have learned that power is a necessity to do which they think is right. Nova - will you bear my power?"

Nova didn't understand anymore what she was saying. What power? Is her grandma secretly super rich?

"I'm not sure what you mean... Are the others getting your power as well?" Nova replied without even knowing what such a power was.

"Nova. I will give you all the power I have left." Aurada pulled a ring off her finger and put it on Nova's pinky. She then leaned to Nova and put her hand on her chest over her heart.

*whooshh* A quiet reverberating noise was made while Aurada

Suddenly Nova felt something going into her heart. Initially it felt good. It was like adding ice cubes to a nice beverage on a hot day. She felt a cooling and relaxing force enter her heart. Then quickly the force increased. It continued increasing but oddly, it didn't feel wrong or painful. Power kept on going into her heart for minutes until it reached an apex velocity. She felt amazing. She closed her eyes to bask in the comfort but suddenly the power stopped. She opened her eyes and looked at her beloved grandma who still had a calm and quiet smile. She looked extremely tired and worn.

"I love you." Those were the last three words anyone heard from Aurada.