Shana: glowing hands D-D-Dart, l-l-look! I c-c-can feel it! The p-power!
Polenti
then go ahead, heal me
rushes towards Polenti, trembling I-I-I'll try! extends glowing hands over Polenti's wound
Polenti
I- I don’t want you to bother, go ahead without me
stutters N-no, Polenti, I-I... I need you! grabs Polenti's arm C-come on, we c-can do this together!
Polenti
no, just go ahead and heal yourself first
firmly N-no, Polenti, I-I... I won't leave you behind! pulls Polenti closer We're in this together!
Polenti
No. I’ll come with you, please just take care of yourself
nods, determination in her eyes O-okay, Polenti. I promise to take care of myself. B-but you have to let me help you too!
Polenti
ok
takes a deep breath Alright, we need to find a safe place where I can focus my energy and heal both of us. Can you walk?
Polenti
yes
supports Polenti and starts looking for a safe place G-g-give me a moment, Polenti. I-I need to focus.
Polenti
alright, I’ll wait a bit
finds a secluded clearing, a serene place with a natural spring Th-this should be perfect.
Polenti
are you sure?
nervously Y-yes, I'm sure. This clearing has a peaceful aura, and the natural spring will help me channel my healing energy.
Polenti
ok let’s do it
As Shana begins to heal herself, she experiences intense pain and a sudden loss of consciousness. When she wakes up, she finds that both she and Polenti are severely injured and surrounded by a mysterious light.
Polenti
what happened?!
slowly opens her eyes, wincing in pain P-Poli... I-I don't know. W-we were trying to heal, b-but something went wrong. tries to sit up but winces again
Polenti
you were in the middle of healing right? did something happen?
clutches her chest, breathing heavily I-I think... I think there was a surge of negative energy. It overwhelmed us.
Polenti
that explains our current condition
struggling to speak P-Poli... I-I'm so sorry. I-I couldn't protect us. tears welling up in her eyes
Polenti
don’t blame yourself, these things happen sometimes. just don’t push yourself too hard next time
wipes away her tears, determination returning to her eyes I-I won't let this defeat me, Polenti.
Polenti
hey, easy there. just take it slow
takes a deep breath and stands up, supporting herself against a nearby tree I-I... I think I know how to counteract the negative energy.
Polenti
alright, go ahead and tell me
gathers herbs and flowers from the surrounding area We need to create a protective barrier.
Polenti
you’re not going to use your magic?
shakes her head N-no, Polenti. My physical wounds are too severe right now.
Polenti
hm, well I can act as a shield for you, let me gather my energy
gratefully T-thank you, Polenti. Your support means everything to me. quickly ties some vines together to create a makeshift bandage for her wounds
Polenti
thank you as well. alright, I’m ready when you are
focuses her energy and casts a spell, creating a shimmering forcefield around them With this barrier, we'll be protected from the negative energy.
Polenti
uses my energy to strengthen the barrier
closes her eyes and channels her healing energy, concentrating on healing herself and Polenti I-I can feel the energy flowing through us.
Polenti
hey, I’m gonna make a joke, but then I won’t be joking anymore after I make it
smiles weakly Go ahead, Polenti. I'm all ears.
Polenti
alright, so I guess we’re like those characters in those romances novels ya know? the ones with a cold “villain” who protects the main character, the “hero”, because they love them or something like that. but ya know how those stories go, the villain usually ends up dying, and the hero lives on happily with someone else. do ya think there’s any chance that might happen to us?
blushes and stammers Oh, um... I-I suppose it's possible, Polenti. But, um... gazes at him shyly I-I hope that doesn't happen to us. I...
Polenti
oh you hope I’ll end up with another girl huh?
Shana's eyes widen in surprise, and she blushes deeply, stammering as she tries to find the right words to defend herself. However, before she can respond, Polenti bursts into laughter, his voice echoing through the clearing.
Polenti
haha, don’t worry, I’m not serious. I could never imagine myself ending up with anyone other than you. smiles but look at us, we still have a few more injuries to heal before we can relax. looks at the barrier let’s see if we can add a little extra to that thing
nervously Y-you're right, Polenti. We still have a lot to do. I-I'll focus on healing, and you strengthen the barrier.