“I see... I... I...” Was all that Naisha managed to reply to Alex's statement about how she felt. The black haired girl knew she was the reason for Alex's being lonely, but to this moment until she already felt like she was going to burn out like the last moments of a candle, she couldn't bring herself to see her friend.” Hehehe...” She laughed quietly through a little bit of pain.” That's shouldn't be too much of a problem... Mother herself only learned to cook after she met my father or at least that's how she teases her all the time.” Nai admitted with a smile, indeed it sounded like everything was going to be fine...
“Careful there...” Nai said with a little bit of brighter voice at Alex's statement.” That almost sounds like a marriage oath *cough, cough, cough * “ She said with a smile before she began coughing hard.” If I didn't know better, I would say you were proposing to me... hehehe.” Nai giggled at the end.
“But it's good you get along with my family like that...” Naisha finally said, she felt so tired and as if darkness was consuming her again. She was glad she was able to see Alex again. She was just about to say her goodbyes with her friend before heading off to the great unknown, when the door of the room flung open. Due the light coming from the other room, Naisha couldn't see who was that stood in the door frame, but she judging by the silhouette, it certainly was not her mother. It looked more like Lady Lulu?
“Judging by your state and the feeling I'm getting from you, I suppose you are preparing to say your final goodbyes with everyone you care about?” The black mage directly asked with calm voice.” Is this going to be your end? Will you pass to the farplane from here, in this dark room, sad and broken?” The older woman continued as Nai listened.” What else can I do!?” Naisha cried out.” My body is really broken, everything I knew and had was to run around, play and fight! Now I cannot even get up anymore... I'm just a hindrance for everyone around me!” Nai stated as tears began flowing down her cheeks again.
“Listen Naisha, look at your friend here. What will Alex do if you go away?” Lulu asked the sick girl.” I know it must hurt to have your body in that state, but the world isn't over just with swords and blitzballs. Don't throw your own life away like you are doing right now.” The mage stated with calm voice.” You friend will cry if you do and what about your parents?” Nai couldn't reply to that, she knew it even before the mage asked, but was forcing herself to not think about that, for it hurt too much to think.
“You can still live, you can still venture off in the world to explore an find your own adventures with those important to you. I cannot help you recover your body, but I can help you find another path to follow.” The black mage said as she reached a hand towards Naisha.” If you still have even the tiniest desire to live along those you cherish, let me lead you towards the path of a mage...” Lulu stated, awaiting Naisha's hand. She probably knew that Nai could barely move anymore, but she still did it like this.
Naisha didn't know what to do now... just moments ago she was ready to embrace the darkness that was consuming her mind, but now she couldn't... she didn't know if she ever become a mage equal to Lulu or even trully learn magic in the first place. All that Naisha thought about now was that among the endless tides of darkness around her it was as if a path towards salvation appeared. Her body was a lost cause she knew that, but if she learned magic she could still live a good life... to struggle along with her most cherished people so one day when she looks back at her life and look at the past proudly.
Desperately grasping at the ray of light that appeared in her mind, she tightened her grip of Alex's hand and tried to reach her other hand to take Lulu's. It was painful... impossible, but she didn't really want to end like this. Pushing herself, drawing everything she can from the desire to not leave her friends or her family behind, she managed to find the strength to move her arm and take the older woman's. Nai's grip of Alex had also tightened. Compared to before where she was consumed by the weight of death, now the spark was in her eyes. Alex's hand to her was like the thread she grasped desperately at. She didn't want to leave the redhead, she wasn't going to leave her! She was a fool to think about it earlier.
Lulu was pleased with Naisha's decision. She smiled and gently let go of the girls hand.” Alex, make sure she eats this time. I will come over later to start her training, but she needs to start eating again and to start doing exercises so her body can recover even a little bit.” Lulu said to the taller child. Naisha was in a very bad condition right now. Her body was too weak to cope with any stress that might happen in her magic training. She was going to have to recover a little before they can really start the magic training. The important thing was that Nai wanted to live again.
With a nod, Lulu quickly left the room and just outside the room, she found Rika, leaning on the wall. She had listened to the entire conversation. She looked a little bit horrified and relieved. She knew Nai was in bad shape, but she never thought she was that close to the end. Now that her child wanted to live again, the mother could finally sigh in relieve.” Thank you, Lady Lulu.” Rika said with sincere voice.” Don't thank me yet. I gave her a reason to try to live. Whether she recovers or not is yet to be seen. Her body is so weak that it's probably sheer willpower that's only keeping her alive at this point. She shouldn't refuse to eat anymore at least. Time will tell what her destiny is.” Lulu said, and headed towards the exit. Rika didn't say anythings else, but tears of gratitude and happiness rolled down her cheeks.
