Team Kira stood in the corridor of the hospital anxiously waiting for news. After the battle had ended, Shin immediately teleported everyone from the Dragonlord's chamber to the hospital. The doctor was surprised to see them at the hospital again. Now, they were awaiting news regarding Aurora and Reis.
The doctor soon arrived. He looked worn out.
"How are they?" Mistress Kira asked.
The doctor sighed.
"Aurora's going to be fine. She wasn't hurt too badly. She just blacked out from shock" the doctor informed them.
Mistress Kira sighed.
"I'm glad she's alright. Apparently Shin's plan worked well" Mistress Kira said.
"What of Reis?" Kyla asked.
The doctor frowned.
"I don't know how to tell you this but…" he paused.
Fear shot through the hearts of the rangers.
"But what doctor?" Erasa asked.
"Reis is in a perilous state. His life energy has almost been totally diminished. We are still trying to save him but his chances of surviving…are slimmer than a thread" the doctor informed them.
The rangers were dumbfounded by the news. Erasa and Kyla broke down in tears. Shin and Darak could hardly speak. Even Mistress Kira didn't know how to handle the news. Almost immediately, a nurse ran towards them.
"Doctor! Aurora's beginning to regain consciousness!" the nurse informed them.
"Let's go and see her!" Erasa said happily.
"No, you kids should stay here. I'll talk to Aurora. I'm sure she's got a lot of questions and we've got to be as subtle as possible with the news" Mistress Kira said.
"We understand" the rangers said sadly.
Mistress Kira walked to the door that led to Aurora's ward and sighed deeply. Then she opened the door and walked in. Aurora sat on the bed looking confused.
"Wh-What happened? Where am I?" she asked.
"You're in the hospital. How do you feel? Do you remember anything?" Mistress Kira asked.
Aurora thought deeply. She recalled the darkness, the black sinister dragon, the infernal flames and soon all her memories came back.
"I remember! We were all trying to save Reis when Armageddon knocked me out with a ball of fire. If we're here…then it means Reis is okay! Right?" Aurora said hopefully.
Mistress Kira looked sad. She tried to hide it but her efforts weren't good enough.
"The plan worked didn't it?" Aurora asked.
Mistress Kira sighed.
"Yes Aurora, the plan worked. In fact, Reis transformed into a Drakengaӓrd and resealed Armageddon's spirit" Mistress Kira informed Aurora.
"A Drakengaӓrd huh? Wow, that Reis sure is full of surprises" Aurora said in surprise.
"So how are the others?" Aurora asked.
"They are fine" Mistress Kira answered.
"And…how is Reis?" Aurora asked.
Mistress Kira remained silent. A look of worry showed on Aurora's face.
"M-Mistress Kira? I asked you how Reis is" Aurora said in a trembling voice beginning to realize that something was horribly wrong.
Mistress Kira turned her back to Aurora and sighed.
"Aurora, we tried our best but you've got to know that sometimes it's just not enough and bad things happen. You've got to be strong Aurora!" Mistress Kira said as she turned to face Aurora.
"Mistress Kira…tell me how Reis is please!" Aurora demanded fearfully.
"Aurora…Reis is fighting for his life this very minute. His life energy was almost totally diminished" Mistress Kira said seriously.
Aurora put her hand on her mouth in shock as tears began to flow down her eyes.
"Aurora…there is something I've been meaning to ask you. What exactly does Reis Dragonhaӓrt mean to you?" Mistress Kira asked.
"Why do you ask that question? You know nothing can ever exist between Reis and I because of the promise I made to Sir Jinrai" Aurora said sadly.
"The promise you made to care for Jinrai's son. Never to abandon him and to fill the void left by losing his father. I know about that but didn't Jinrai ask you to follow your own heart?" Mistress Kira asked.
"It was the last thing he said to me" Aurora replied.
"So what do you really feel for Reis?" Mistress Kira questioned again.
Aurora looked sad.
"Reis is just a friend" Aurora said.
"You say that…but recent happenings have shown that you care for Reis more than you'd like to admit" Mistress Kira said.
"I want to see Reis" Aurora stood up in an attempt to evade the subject.
Mistress Kira sighed.
"I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable" Mistress Kira apologized.
"Don't read any meaning into the care I show for Reis. He's no more than a dear friend…that's all" Aurora said with a little difficulty.
"You should rest a bit Aurora. Though the doctors have managed to heal your wounds and Shin's psychic barrier protected you from a greater portion of the impact of Armageddon's attack, there is a limit to how much your body can endure" Mistress Kira advised.
"I'm not stressing myself. I'll only walk around a bit, nothing more" Aurora promised.
Mistress Kira sighed.
"If you say so" she said.
Aurora walked to where the other rangers were.
"Hey Aurora! You're alright!" Shin exclaimed happily.
"Thanks to you" Aurora said gratefully.
The doctor soon approached them.
"There is nothing more we can do for Reis. It's all up to him now" the doctor said sadly.
"Can we see him?" Aurora asked.
"I don't see why not" the doctor said as he led them to Reis' ward.
When they entered the ward, they found Reis lying still on a bed. He was breathing very lightly and he had a peaceful look on his face.
"You know, this kid is a really great person" the doctor said.
"What makes you say that?" Mistress Kira asked.
"I remember it like just yesterday when this kid came to the hospital carrying an injured girl in his arms. He made me promise to keep it a secret because he didn't want to be treated like a hero. That girl…was you Erasa" the doctor said.
Erasa nodded.
"I know. I was meant to die that day but he healed my wounds and saved me" Erasa said with a sad smile.
"That must have been the day he came to school late and said he overslept" Darak reasoned.
Aurora remembered how mean she was to Reis that day.
"Idiot. You got punished for saving a person's life" Aurora turned away and began to weep.
"I honestly didn't think Reis could be hurt by anything" Erasa admitted.
Aurora couldn't stand being in the ward any longer.
"I'm going home" she said and before anyone could stop her she ran out of the ward and out of the hospital.
Darak was about to go after her when Mistress Kira stopped him.
"I think she needs to be alone for a while" Mistress Kira said.
Darak nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile Aurora kept running through the streets of the Rangers' Guild. She didn't have any destination in mind but she just kept running with the Twin Saggeesian Sabres in her hand. Soon she was in Dragon High. She was so distressed that she hadn't noticed her surroundings. She kept running through the field and soon she was in the forest. She heard the howls of several Kaiser-wolves but this was one of the moments she didn't really care what happened to her. Soon she reached the edge of a cliff and stopped in her tracks and looked around. The place looked familiar but she didn't know why. She stared into the lake below. She couldn't understand the strange feeling she felt in her heart. It was as though she had fallen into an endless abyss and she couldn't climb out.
She dived into the lake below and began to swim in no specified direction. It was still night so she couldn't see anything around her but darkness. As she swam in the lake, a sharp rock suddenly cut her arm and her blood flowed through the lake in droplets. However, droplets was just what the monster in the lake needed for Aurora had trespassed in the Lake Of Kagua Beasts also known as Kaiser Lake. The lake suddenly became turbulent and a huge serpent slithered through the waters. Aurora remained still to listen to the sounds when suddenly something grabbed her by the leg and pulled her beneath the surface of the water. She struggled to free herself but the tight tentacle like body held her tightly. She removed her Saggeesian Sabres which she had sheathed before diving into the lake and swung beneath her feet in an attempt to free herself but the water resistance dulled the impact of her strike. She was beginning to lose her breath. She struggled really hard but the creature kept pulling her deeper below the surface. She could only see the faint light of the moon at the surface of the water. It seemed very distant and she began to lose hope.
"Am I going to die? You were always the one saving me Reis…and now you're no longer here" she thought as her eyes began to feel warm.
She was aware of the fact that she was crying. Her lungs began to hurt and she felt very tired. She decided to stop struggling and resign herself to her fate but just as she was about to give up, she felt something soft brush past her arm. She caught it and brought it close to her eyes. It was a long red bandanna. She opened her eyes in surprise as she recalled the bandanna Reis used to hide his dragon scar. It gave her strength and she began to struggle once more.
At the very instant Aurora touched the bandanna, Reis regained consciousness, He sat up suddenly, much to the surprise of everyone. He clutched his heart.
"What is this painful feeling?" he said as he stood up.
He had a very serious look on his face.
"Reis! You're up!" the others exclaimed.
"Part of me is dying" Reis said eerily.
"What?" the others questioned him but there was a sudden gust of wind and Reis had disappeared.
He was already in Dragon High. Aurora was almost out of breath. She kept trying hard to swim to the surface but the weight of the creature kept pulling her down. By that time, Reis was racing through the forest at superspeeds.
Aurora had reached her limits. After trying a few more times, she gave a sudden sigh and lost consciousness. Reis had reached the cliff. He dived into the lake and swam into its depths. With the power of the Kaignis King, he could see even in the darkness as though it was as clear as day. He saw the Kagua-serpentia dragging Aurora into the depths. Reis sped through the lake and unsheathed his sword. He reached Aurora and cut the tongue of the creature with which it had caught Aurora, then holding her close to himself, he swam to the surface. The creature did not pursue them.
Reis carried Aurora to dry land and revived her with the kiss of life. He pumped the water trapped in her lungs out and Aurora began to spew it out. Aurora opened her eyes. Her vision was blurred. She could see someone hovering above her but she couldn't see his face.
"Are you alright?" a kind familiar voice asked her.
She still couldn't see his face.
"Reis, is that you?" Aurora asked as her vision became more focused.
Soon, she could see his face.
"It is you!" she exclaimed in joy as she threw her arms around his neck and embraced him tightly while crying.
Reis embraced her in return.
"Twice now I've almost lost you. Why do you needlessly put yourself in danger?" he asked worriedly.
"Because I know you'll always be there to save me" Aurora admitted. "Oh Reis, it really is you isn't it? Armageddon is no longer controlling you is he?" Aurora asked.
"No, I sealed Armageddon with a most powerful seal that is beyond this world. He can no longer control me freely" Reis explained.
"I'm so glad" Aurora said as she left Reis.
"You know, I thought you were gone for good this time" Aurora confessed.
Reis remained silent.
"I was so worried Reis. I'm glad you're okay" Aurora said with a smile.
Reis wiped her tears.
"You know. I think I preferred it when you hated me. Back then you didn't have to worry about me so much" Reis said.
"Then you have yourself to blame for being such a great person" Aurora joked.
Reis laughed.
"I'm sorry for putting you through so much Aurora. I'll think of a way to make it up to you, I promise" Reis said.
"There's no need for that. I'm happy enough to know that you're alright" Aurora said.
"But still…I insist. I'll think of a way and let you know about it tomorrow okay?" Reis promised.
Aurora nodded.
"Sheesh, it's getting late, let me take you back" Reis said.
"I don't want to go back to the hospital" Aurora said.
"I wasn't thinking of taking you there. I'm talking of walking you home. That is where you were initially headed wasn't it?" Reis asked.
"Yes, it was. But you don't even know where I live" Aurora said.
"That's not a problem. You can show me" Reis insisted.
So they walked towards Team Kira's residence. As they walked along the streets, Aurora felt unsure of a question she wanted to ask Reis. Reis noticed her uneasiness.
"Aurora, is something bugging you?" he asked.
"N-No, nothing" Aurora stammered uneasily.
"Don't worry, you can tell me" Reis assured.
"Actually…I've been wondering Reis. When you told me back then that…forget it" Aurora sighed.
"Spill it" Reis insisted.
"Situations make people say crazy things sometimes. Back in the Cave Of Shadows…for a moment, I thought I heard you say that you loved me. Crazy right?" Aurora laughed nervously.
Reis remained silent.
"I knew it. I must have imagined it" Aurora said looking a bit disappointed.
"No. I really meant it. It doesn't matter if you don't feel the same way but…I really…truly love you Aurora" Reis confessed.
Aurora stared at him in surprise.
"Reis?" she muttered in astonishment.
Deep in her heart, she felt glad but she was reluctant to express her true feelings.
"Don't say weird stuff like that you idiot" Aurora said playfully.
They had arrived at Team Kira's residence.
"But it really made me feel glad" Aurora confessed.
Reis smiled.
"We're here. Do you want to come in for a glass of water?" Aurora asked.
"No, it's late, besides, the others must be waiting for me. I'll see you in school tomorrow. Goodnight and have pleasant dreams!" Reis called as he began to walk away.
"I will, thanks!" Aurora waved as she went into the house.
Reis dashed back to the hospital to inform everyone that Aurora was not returning and he didn't intend to stay in the hospital either. After arguing with the doctor for a while, he was eventually discharged and left for the house with Shin and Kyla.
When they arrived home, Master Jin was waiting for them.
"Master Jin!" Reis called as he ran to greet his master.
"The Dragonlord and Kira informed me of everything that happened. You all did well and I'm very proud of you all" Master Jin said.
The three students bowed respectfully.
"Come on in, it's quite cold out here" Master Jin beckoned.
They followed him inside.
"I'm sure you're all hungry by now. Especially you Reis so I took the liberty to prepare dinner" Master Jin said as he served them all with Goat Light Soup and Fufu.
"Aah, my precious" Shin greedily said as he washed his hands.
Reis looked at the fufu.
It looked like a yellowish, oval shaped ball. He washed his hands and poked it with his finger.
"It…feels kinda weird. All soft and squishy" Reis commented.
"Well that's how it's supposed to be" Kyla informed him.
"That's right. You've never eaten fufu before. Well just follow Shin's lead" Master Jin directed.
Reis stared at Shin. Shin cut a very big ball of fufu, dipped it into the soup and swallowed it.
"EEECCCKKK!!! KYLA! WATER!" Shin choked.
"You idiot! Are you trying to kill yourself?!" Kyla roared as she hurriedly poured a glass of water for Shin.
Shin drank it hurriedly and sighed.
"Reis, just cut what you can swallow" Kyla advised.
Reis cut a bit of fufu, dipped it into the soup and put it into his mouth. It tasted great! The sweetness of the fufu harmonized with the salt and spicy taste of the light soup. Reis swallowed it. It went down easily.
"It's great!" Reis exclaimed as he began to eat more hurriedly.
"I'm glad" Master Jin laughed.
"Don't try to finish before me!" Shin warned with an evil sparkle in his eye.
"Is that a challenge?" Reis asked slyly.
"Yes…that is…if you're prepared to lose" Shin replied and they began to race each other.
"Stop eating so quickly or you might throw up!" Kyla warned but they ignored her.
Reis was in the lead and Shin had a large morsel left so he just grabbed it, shoved it into his mouth and swallowed it.
"SHIN YOU IDIOT!!!" Kyla yelled angrily.
"You lose Reis" Shin laughed.
"Nope, the soup's still there!" Reis declared as he took the whole bowl and gulped the soup down.
"Aaahhh! You lose Shin!" Reis said as he turned to face Shin but Shin was already on his second round.
"No fair!" Reis complained as he served himself and began to eat.
Shin finished first.
"You lose Reis. No one can defeat me in a fufu eating contest!" Shin bragged.
"Oh man! Heh heh! Aren't you forgetting something, Shin?" Reis laughed as he pointed to Shin's bowl.
Shin hadn't eaten his meat yet but Reis had.
"AAH! YOU STUPID PIECE OF MEAT! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BE IN MY BOWL?!" Shin yelled angrily.
"I win!" Reis leapt out of his chair in joy but he suddenly felt uneasy and ran outside to puke.
Shin laughed.
"I guess I've had my share of fun" Shin mocked.
"I so-o-o hate you" Reis muttered.
Kyla and Master Jin couldn't help laughing.
"It seems everything's back to normal" Master Jin said.
"Reis, it's great to have you back. Though you're not a member of Team Ayenhayze, always know that from the moment you rescued us, you became a member of the Ayenhayze family" Kyla said happily.
"Get that?! It means Kyla's your sis and I'm your bro!" Shin said putting a fist forward.
Reis was taken aback by their kindness for a while but he finally knocked his fist against Shin's.
"Yep, Kyla's my sis, you're my bro and I'm your bro!" Reis said happily.
"So Reis, do you think you can attend classes tomorrow?" Master Jin asked.
"Yep!" Reis said happily.
"Then you'd better retire early" Master Jin advised.
"Goodnight guys" Reis said as he and Shin ascended the stairs.
"Goodnight…Reis" Master Jin and Kyla waved.
When Shin and Reis were on their beds, they began to converse.
"Hey Shin…thanks" Reis suddenly said.
"For what?" Shin asked unsure of why Reis was suddenly thanking him.
"You were the one that protected Aurora from Armageddon's flames right?" Reis asked.
Shin remained silent.
"You know, it was my fault she got hit in the first place" Shin explained.
"No matter. I'll always be grateful to you for that" Reis promised.
"Don't be an idiot. We're family and families look out for each other" Shin said.
"Still…if there's anything you want me to help you with, just ask" Reis insisted.
"You can't help me out with the problem I'm having now" Shin said sadly.
"Let me at least listen to your problem" Reis said.
"Well…there's this girl…I like a lot but she's interested in…my best friend" Shin said sadly.
"Whoa, that's a big problem" Reis said in surprise.
"Who is this girl?" Reis asked.
"She's…well…she's Erasa" Shin confessed.
Reis opened his eyes in surprise and his smile faded.
"And the guy she's interested in…it's not me is it?" Reis asked worriedly.
"It is you" Shin said.
"I-I'm sorry Shin. I never meant to be a hindrance" Reis apologized.
"Don't be. After all, you can't help how Erasa feels and she chooses to love you. I just don't want to see her get hurt and it pains me to see her wish she was in Aurora's place" Shin confessed.
"But Shin, you know the one I love is Aurora right?" Reis said worriedly.
"I know. Just forget what I said just now" Shin said as he pulled the sheets over his head.
"Goodnight Reis" Shin said as he shut his eyes.
"Goodnight Shin" Reis replied still feeling uneasy about Shin's confession.