Sumaya's face became deathly. He couldn't understand how he would just die like this.
"Miya?" Sho turned to Miya. She was a genius, surely…
But she shook her head. "I can't. That's too advanced for me. If Alpha can't do it. I can't do it yet. If I touch him, I'll get infected too. That's why I can understand what Alpha is saying. There's just no time to stop this."
Sho was confused. He felt like he could do it.
*Is my instinct lying to me?*
That didn't feel like it. He really felt he could stop this Impure Energy wreaking havoc on Sumaya.
He frowned for a while. He was thinking of pros and cons. Pro would be he could save Sumaya. Con would be he could get infected and die. He knew the con was heavier. But he felt weird not feeling threatened by it.
*Ah! Damn!*
"I'll try." He said, determined. He didn't care if it was him courting death once more. The look the group gave him was pure shock.
"Are you out of your mind?" Miya was the first who got over the shock.
Sho blinked, not expecting her reaction.
"If you want to die badly, there's a lot of ways to do it. You're choosing a death of suffering." She was irritated. She thought Sho was better than that. But he could be really stupid. But then again, looking back on their time together, he really did a lot of stupid things. He would try to do impossible things no one could understand and triumph. Maybe it was like that again. But she was worried. They were of the same age, and she considered Sho as her equal. He was not as genius as her, but he got his own talent that she respects.
It wasn't romantical feeling, but she felt she found a friend in him. A companion he could count on.
Alpha frowned too. He had a lot he wanted to teach Sho. Like his contractor, he believed Sho could be their hope. His talents far surpassed what he expected. And whenever he thought he got Sho's talent in his grasp, he would once again surpass himself. It was a rare kind of gem. And he didn't want him to die.
"This disease is infectious," Alpha explained. Ignoring the other from the group asking about what is Impure Energy. His focus was on Sho.
"I know."
"This is very dangerous to even come in contact."
"I can feel it."
"But you still want to try to heal him?"
"I just feel like I can. It's my gut feeling that's telling me this."
"Gut feeling? Are you out of your mind? You're trusting your gut feeling over an unknown disease?" Kali blurted out. He was listening to their conversation, and although he had no knowledge about the Impure Energy they were talking about, he realized how dangerous Sumaya's infection was. He got goosebumps thinking about how he almost reached out to the tree too. If Sumaya didn't get first, he might be the one suffering for his death.
"It's hard to explain. But trust me."
"Why not just let him do it?" Evan was frowning deeply. "If he wanted to die with Sumaya, let him be." He was irritated by the sudden drama. He just wanted to catch up with Elger as soon as possible.
Alpha frowned. He could understand Evan. If they waste more time, they might lose Elger. But in his biased opinion, he didn't want Sho to be left here and be infected by a dangerous disease.
"It's fine. You can go first, I'll follow after I heal him." Sho sounded confident. He didn't know where he was getting the confidence, but he knew he could really do it.
*Was it because some of my memories came to me? But those fragments didn't tell me how to be me or who I really am…*
Alpha looked deeply on Sho. He met his eyes showing his determination.
Alpha sighed. "Let's split up. Miya, Kali, Evan, Duke, come with me."
"W-what? I'll be left here?!" Rahmath couldn't help but protest. She would rather be with Alpha than the others. She recognizes Alpha as their leader and wants to be within his protection. Even when Ross would be left there, they would be burdened with an injury while Sho would shoulder the healing.
"I'll stay." Miya volunteered. She understood why there should be at least two people to be left with Sho. It was for a crucial time of healing, two people should be enough to fend off any random attacks. "I'm more suitable for this, too."
"Miya…" Sho was touched. He appreciated Miya's concern.
Miya snickered. "We'll catch up as soon as we're done with your healing. I don't want to miss this legendary item."
"Sure thing. Are you fine with this arrangement, Ross?" He looked over at the man who was assigned to be with them.
Ross just shrugged. His trust with Alpha was greater than anyone.
"We'll leave you tracks to follow. Ross would be able to track us. Just follow our clues. Ross, take care of them."
"Let's go!" Evan excitedly urged.
"Hey! Don't touch the tree yet! The trap wasn't deactivated yet. You'll get sick if you're too rash." Sho immediately stopped Evan.
Evan upon hearing Sho's warning immediately ashened. He instinctively thought that since the trap was triggered already, it was deactivated.
"I can deactivate this. But if I do, I'll also need healing. You better keep me alive, kid." Duke suddenly said. He was looking at Sho curiously.
Sho winced with the sudden interest in him. "I'll try my best. For now, I'll start with Sumaya while you are dismantling the trap."