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"Wandering to Love"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 7: Wedding Gowns and Bullet Wounds

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Dear Journal, …It’s been over two months since I last wrote an entry…and those two months will not only remain gone from these pages, but also from my own memory.  It’s strange not being able to remember time gone by that everyone recollects with tears even as they smile.  It’s scary to think that I could have died that night, but it’s a good feeling knowing I can be with my loved ones again.  …Camillia and I are finally going to have our chance.  That makes me happy, and yet, I still have concern for my twin.  I hope he finds his happiness soon.  I keep asking for our father to look after him and guide him, and yet I can’t help but think that Ell will have his own dangerous road to conquer before he reaches the haven of rest and peace at the end of it.  …Please, father, look after my twin.  He’s gone through so much…please guide him to all the happiness and love he deserves.  Now that I’m able to live again, I’ll stop at nothing to find these joys for him.  We’ll do whatever we can, to bless Elianaron.

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   The days continued to roll by for Aranelion’s family and friends even though he couldn’t be with them.  His comatose slumber remained firm and unable for him to shake for weeks and weeks.  After two months had passed, Camillia, who nearly broke down a month earlier, was beginning to feel the painful weight on her heart once more.

   She did her best to immerse herself in her work, taking on more and more modeling jobs in preparation for her big photo shoot and fashion show where she would model all the new styles of wedding gowns for that season.  With the knowledge that Aranelion had every intention to ask her to be his wife before he was stricken silent, it was a difficult job for her to have to take, especially because she would be out late into the night, at a time where she was always by Aranelion’s bedside every night by ten.

   Elianaron could feel the weariness creeping up on his own shoulders as well.  He watched as Lucie got to walking again, and the pain in Auron’s back finally dissipated, and yet his brother remained silent.  While he had his mother and Camillia to help comfort him, as they comforted each other, his firm foundation was crumbling.  Being disconnected from his twin for so long was tearing him apart at the seams.

   And so he drowned his pain in root beer floats at a bar called Smithy’s after work every night.  He began to notice some of his peers eyeing him suspiciously, and he was reminded of when he was younger, and received a cruel eye from the hedgehog kids as he grew up in Valordian.  Not knowing who these characters were, he decided to carry around his daggers Tempest and Twilight, the two knives small enough to fit in each of the pockets on his cargo shorts.  It made him feel safer…knowing that unlike his youth, he could take these rogue warriors down.

   Still he, like Camillia, would get back to Aranelion’s hospital room around ten.  After making sure his mother was set for the night, Elianaron would drive to the hospital, picking up Camillia from work on the nights he needed to.  After parking and riding the elevator to the seventh floor, Elianaron and Camillia would be greeted by the night staff, given fresh blankets for the night, and access to the nurse’s lounge for a snack and drinks if they wanted it, before returning to Aranelion’s room to settle down for the night.

   It was becoming a monotonous day to day existence for them, and a painful one to have to witness and endure for Aerealei and their friends.  The doctors were optimistic that Aranelion would soon awaken, but had to admit that he could remain sleeping for months more than any of them wanted him to.

   There was nothing they could do for Aranelion…outside of just being there for him.  In addition to keeping his hair, face and fur clean, and massaging his shoulders and back, they started talking to Aranelion as if he could actually hear him.  Aerealei would sing to him, Elianaron would joke with him about the times he spent at work, and reminiscing about the good times of their past.  Camillia would tell him how much she loved him, and knowing he probably wouldn’t remember her words, she talked to him about the wedding she wanted, and what they would name their children.

   The thought of marriage weighed even heavier on her mind around the end of the second month since the accident, when the night of the big wedding fashion show rolled around.  It was a terribly stormy night, and Camillia hated to leave Aranelion, but knew she had no choice.  As she was saying goodbye to Aranelion, she expressed her fears to Elianaron, who would be staying with him as he did every night.

   “So, you swear to call me the minute he starts to rouse…if he does…,” Camillia asked, for the third time that night.

   With a weak laugh, Elianaron nodded and replied, “Of course I do.  I’ll get you and Mom down here the minute anything happens.  You go and do your best at the show tonight Camillia.”

   The pink cat nodded, smiling weakly as she kissed Aranelion gently on his brow.  She the gathered up her purse, boa, and car keys.  Before she could leave, Elianaron added, “He’s proud of you Camillia…Air I mean.  He’s proud of you for continuing on without him.  Everything will work out for you both…you’ll see.”

   Camillia watched as Elianaron approached her.  He took one of her hands and kissed it gently.  “Hang in there Camillia.  …I feel our connection returning.  He’s almost won this battle.  It’s the first fight he’s had to endure without me, but with all of us on the sidelines, I know he’s had all the support he needs.  It won’t be long.”

   Her smile strengthened; after hugging Elianaron and nodding in reply, Camillia left for the fashion show.  Elianaron watched as she walked down the hall, her pace quickened as her spirits were lifted.  The hybrid echidna shook his head, rubbing the back of it as he looked back to his twin.  Walking back to his seat, he said, “I wasn’t lying in an attempt to cheer her up either.”  Sitting down at Aranelion’s bedside, Elianaron took his twin’s left hand, the one that bore his half to their Brokenstar birthmark, and continued, “That connection Air…it’s coming back.  Your life force is strengthening.  I haven’t said anything to anyone…but I feel it strengthen every day…and I feel it’s almost as strong as it was before…like you’re ready to live again.  Maybe soon I won’t have to spend my nights drinking root beer at Smithy’s bar.  Good thing too; Smithy’s isn’t nearly as good as Kawai’s…but the last thing I want is to bring the sadness with me to work.  I know this is what you want Air.  You want us to forge on without you until you wake up again.  …You’d better wake up soon.  It’s getting harder and harder to keep the secret from Camillia that you’re finally finished saving up for an engagement ring.”

   Aranelion’s face remained unchanged.  Elianaron could feel tears returning to his eyes as he held his brother’s hand tightly.  Even though he knew Aranelion would return to him, being without him for so long had broken Elianaron, who, no matter how hard times got, had had his twin to help him through it.  They had always had each other, and they still did, but the idea of losing Aranelion forever scared Elianaron.  This made him anxious as the days went by; he wanted his twin back…he wanted to feel whole again.  He shared part of his spirit with Aranelion, and until he awoke, part of Elianaron soul, in his mind, was dead.

   And yet…as he held Aranelion’s hand in his own, some of his tears fell down on it, landing on the orange fur of the Brokenstar birthmark.  As Elianaron broke down under the weight of his tears, he was distracted by something.  Something was pushing against his nose…and it wasn’t his own hand.

   Though the tears stung his tired eyes, Elianaron opened them to try and identify the movement.  He realized he was holding Aranelion’s hand against his face, cupped around one side of his nose as he cried, so there was no way his own hand could be brushing up against it as he wept.  Still, there was definitely something pushing against his nose…then it would push against his cheekbone, rubbing the area below his eye gently and in a circular motion…the exact place where he held Aranelion’s hand.

   Using his free hand, Elianaron dried his tears; he could feel the shock of anticipation creeping up on him.  Was it Aranelion’s finger that was moving?  If it was…did that mean he was waking up?  Elianaron was desperate for his vision to clear so he could see the truth.  Rubbing his eyes furiously, he clenched them shut a moment longer to give them a rest, before opening them, slowly but surely, gazing down at his twin brother’s hand…

   Sure enough, with what seemed like the need for great effort, Aranelion was slowly flexing the index finger of his left hand, gently rubbing his twin’s face, the fur on his finger absorbing some of his tears.  Aranelion, though he had to struggle, was nearing the end of his fight against the almost lethal grip this coma had over him after two long and painful months for all involved.

   An ecstatic smile spread across Elianaron’s face.  Instead of running for a nurse, or reaching for his phone to call his mother and Camillia, he simply gazed at his brother’s face, looking for a sign of life, any sign of consciousness.  Because this was slow in coming, Elianaron tried to pick up on his brother’s life force again.  To his excitement, active thoughts were returning to Aranelion’s mind…among them, two main thoughts rang clear.

   “I’ve got to wake up now.”

   “I hope Camillia is alright.”

   Letting out a gasp, Elianaron realized that Aranelion’s mind was still in that car accident.  In his mind, he was still hanging upside down in his SUV, unsure of what was going on, how long he had been sleeping, or whether or not Camillia was alright.  Wanting to comfort his twin, Elianaron gently rubbed Aranelion’s head, and said, “It’s alright Air.  Camillia’s just fine…we all are.  We…we want you to come back to us.”

   Thinking these things at the same time he spoke them, Elianaron hoped that perhaps in this early state of awakening that Aranelion could hear his thoughts.  He could feel his heart race when Aranelion’s active thoughts changed in reply.

   “Camillia’s alright?  Elianaron…where are we?  I…I want to see your face.”

   Elianaron closed his eyes.  He trembled with happiness that seemed to paralyze his entire being.  Before the accident, being able to read Aranelion’s thoughts seemed like nothing special.  Now, it was this link to Aranelion that brought him comfort for all those painful nights he had weathered since the bond was severed.  He felt ready to explode with happiness.

   “Is Camillia with you?  I can’t…I can’t hear any voices…not even yours Ell.”

   Coming back to awareness, Elianaron said, “Oh gosh…I have to call her and Mom Air!”  Reaching for his phone, he let go of Aranelion’s hand as he dialed the number.

   Having read Elianaron’s thoughts, Aranelion realized what this meant.  However, in this early state of awareness, he did not like it when Elianaron let go of his hand.  He cried out to him in a mental panic.

   “Elianaron!  Where did you go?  Don’t leave me yet!”

   As Elianaron was talking to his mother, Aranelion’s cries flicked at his mind painfully.  “Sorry Mom, I have to call Camillia now…or…actually, could you call her for me Mom?  That way…I can be here for Aranelion.  …Perfect.  See you soon!”

   Hanging up the phone, he took Aranelion’s hand again and replied, “I’m sorry Air.  I had to let go of your hand so I could call Mom.  She and Camillia will be here soon, I promise.”

   “…Here?  Where is ‘here’?  How…how long have I been sleeping Ell?”

   Elianaron’s throat tightened on him, making it hard to swallow.  He struggled for proper breaths as he said, “We’re in the hospital Air.  That night…your airbag didn’t deploy, and when your head slammed into the steering wheel you were knocked into a coma.  You broke your hands, two ribs, and your left leg…and that’s just to name the worst of it.  Your bones are pretty much healed up entirely…but…you haven’t been awake for the past two months.”

   Aranelion didn’t think anything in reply…almost as if stunned by Elianaron’s words.  Only after he struggled to grasp it did he reply.

   “I…I broke my hands?  Two months?  …and you say Camillia is alright?”

   “…I know it’s scary Air.  You haven’t missed much.  Everyone slowly went back to work…Mom stayed with me, even though Camillia and I have been living in this hospital room with you this entire time.  You’ve had visits from almost all the friends we’ve ever made.  Even Shadow and Rouge came by one day.  I can’t tell you how many cards, gift baskets, and flowers you’ve received since it happened…you haven’t missed much.  Camillia…she’s alright.  She was injured a bit, but got over them pretty quickly.  She went back to work too…although, like me we were always back here by ten every night to be here with you,” Elianaron explained.

   “And you knew that would be what I wanted.  …Keep speaking Ell.  I want to hear your voice as I wake up.”

   Smiling, Elianaron patted Aranelion’s hand gently and said, “I will.  I’m thinking and speaking at the same time…no easy task…but that’s for anyone who isn’t special, like we are.  …It’s been scary, not having that connection with you Air.  I felt like a twinless twin for so long, even when I knew you’d come back to us.  It’s a terrible feeling; I only pray I never suffer the same trauma so that you won’t have to endure it.  It was scarier than that night that I broke my back and you had gang green in your left leg.  You had to carry me to the next town and nearly lost your leg because of it…seeing as how the next town was a three day walk from where the accident happened.”

   Feelings of happiness swirled through Aranelion’s being.  He wanted to smile, but couldn’t as he continued to fight the coma.

   “Ha, I remember that.  We were scared your spinal cord would snap and that I would lose my left leg.  Turns out walking on it and enduring the pain kept my leg alive while the tourniquet kept the disease from spreading.  We were lucky that time.  …I can feel you holding my hand Ell.  I think…I think I’m coming out of it finally.”

   Happy tears now trickled down Elianaron’s face.  Smiling proudly, he gently caressed Aranelion’s brow and said, “Don’t push yourself too hard Air.  I know you’ll come out of it soon.”

   Before Aranelion could offer a thought in reply, Aerealei finally arrived.  Running into the room, she slowed her steps as she approached the bed, her legs shaking and her voice quivering as she whimpered, “Elianaron…is he…is he really waking up?”

   Elianaron looked to her and said, “Yes he is Mom.  We’re ‘talking’ to each other right now…with our thoughts.  I think every word I say…he can ‘hear’ me talking to you.  He told me he can feel me holding his hand.  It won’t be long now I’m sure.”

   “…Mother is here?  I wish I could hear her voice.  All I can hear are my own thoughts.  …Do you…could you ask her to hold my other hand Ell?  I want to know she’s here, please…”

   Looking back to his twin, Elianaron said, “Of course Air!”  Looking to his mother he said, “Mom, go hold Air’s other hand.  He wants you to so he can know you’re here.”

   “Oh…,” Aerealei whimpered as she cried.  She ran to the other side of the bed and gently took Aranelion’s right hand as they were both in the last stages of healing.  She rubbed it gently and asked, “Can he feel my hands holding his Elianaron?”

   Without needing to ask, Elianaron got his answer.

   “Oh…oh Mom…you’re really here.  …Are you crying?  I…I hear the sound of tears.  I hear the sound of rain and thunder.  I…I wonder if I can hear words Ell.  Please…keep speaking to me.”

   Looking to Aerealei, Elianaron smiled and said, “He can feel your hand Mom!  He thinks he can hear you crying…Air, can you hear my voice?”

   “Ell…is that your…wait…is it…Camillia?”

   “Huh?” Elianaron asked.  Before he could reply, he heard Camillia’s voice coming from outside.  He could hear her hurried footsteps as she ran down the hall, crying out Aranelion’s name desperately.  She came to a sudden stop in the doorway, wearing the wedding dress she was modeling when she got the call from Aerealei.

   “Camillia…it’s you…I…I can hear your voice.”

   Before he could address Aranelion, Elianaron looked at her and said, “Umm, Camillia…why are you wearing that wedding dress?”

   As she ran into the room, Camillia tried her best to stop crying as she scowled at him.  “Oh shut up Elianaron.  I left the fashion show the minute your mom called me.”

   Laughing in his head, simply overjoyed he could hear her voice, Aranelion ‘spoke’ again.

   “Be easy on her Elianaron.  …Tell her I love her.”

   The frown on Elianaron’s face melted into a smile as he replied, “Right Air.”  Handing Camillia Aranelion’s hand, he said, “Aranelion says that he loves you Camillia.”

   Gasping, Camillia couldn’t fight the tears anymore as she took Aranelion’s hand.  She looked to him and said, “Oh Air…I—I love you too.  I—I’m just so…so happy you’re waking up again.”

   “…Me too Camillia.  I—I can hear your voice.  I can feel your hand in my own.  I…I think I’m waking up now.”

   Elianaron’s eyes widened as he watched his twin’s face.  Slowly, but surely, the expression on Aranelion’s face changed.  His eyes clenched shut tighter as he slowly regained consciousness.  Aerealei, Camillia, and Elianaron looked on in wonder as Aranelion’s eyes finally fluttered open after remaining closed in comatose slumber for the past two months.  As his vision adjusted to the light, he saw them all looking at him with tears in their eyes.  His own eyes became blurry with them as he realized he was awake again.

   “Oh…oh wow.  I’m…I’m awake again,” Aranelion whispered, his voice weak after not being used for so long.

   “Alright Air!” Elianaron cheered, jumping to his feet.

   “Oh my Heavens…my baby boy,” Aerealei cried, gently kissing Aranelion’s forehead.

   Camillia was silent for a moment, almost as if she was unable to speak.  Aranelion gazed at her intently, a smile returning to his face as he saw the wedding dress she was wearing, and said, “Don’t tell me Elianaron spoiled the surprise and you’ve already gone dress shopping.”

   Sitting back down, Elianaron frowned and said, “Hey…”

   Laughing softly, Aranelion replied, “No, it’s okay Ell.  I was planning on asking her this weekend…well, I mean, the weekend after the movie.  Now’s as good a time as any I suspect…”  He looked back to Camillia and said, “I was going to take you to dinner and ask you to marry me Camillia.  All those generous tips and overtime at Kawai’s had finally paid off.  Elianaron even helped out a bit.  I’m just upset that the ring is at home on my dresser and not here where I need it.”

   “Well if I had known you were gonna propose the minute you woke up I would have brought it Air…I can’t read your thoughts if you don’t have any!” Ell exclaimed.

   With a tired laugh, Aranelion smiled and whispered, “It’s okay Ell.  You’ve done enough for me…really.”

   “Air…are you…are you really…?” Camillia asked, her voice quiet as she struggled to speak, her throat tight and her breath short as she cried.

   Looking back to Camillia, Aranelion smiled, reaching up to wipe the tears from her eyes.  He replied, “I want you to be my wife Camillia.  This isn’t exactly what I had in mind, but after what happened, I don’t want to take anymore chances by waiting another day for a perfect chance that may never come.”

   Letting go of Aranelion’s hand, Camillia clasped both of her hands over her mouth.  She was shaking, and could feel torrents of emotion tripping all over themselves inside of her, threatening to tear her heart into pieces.  Only able to offer a smile and a timid nod in return, Camillia burst into tears, whimpering, “Oh…oh Air…”

   She could feel Aranelion put his arm around her, slowly pulling her down until her head rested on his chest so he could hug her.  Kissing her head gently, he tried to soothe her.  “Shh, girl…it’s alright.  You don’t need to say it.  I…I think I knew all along that it was something you wanted as much as me.  I’m only sorry you had to suffer so much without me.  It’ll be alright now.  I won’t be leaving you again any time soon…I promise you that.”

   Camillia didn’t reply, save for hugging Aranelion in return as he held her.  Aranelion closed his eyes, relaxing at long last.  While the two months he lost from his life could never be replaced, somehow, it didn’t matter anymore.  He had a life time with Camillia ahead of him, and that was all he needed.

   The news of Aranelion’s recovery spread like wildfire.  All of his friends were overjoyed, and the visits started all over again.  Although he was awake and more than eager to get home, he had to remain in the hospital for a few more days, and it was during these last few days that he started writing in his journal again…writing down about his engagement to Camillia, as well as about all of his dreams about their happy future.

   It was also during this time that Elianaron made his last few regular visits to Smithy’s bar, for he had made friends that now frequented Kawai’s when he performed.  Toasting one last root beer to Aranelion’s recovery, Elianaron said goodbye to his friends, promising to say hello to them should he see them at Kawai’s or around town.

   On this night, nearly a week after Aranelion awoke and only one day away from when he would be coming home, Elianaron’s friends left early, leaving him with half of his root beer float left to go.  As he took another swallow from his drink, he could feel the last of his worries melt away.  For so long, his visits to Smithy’s had been a reminder of his pain and his attempt to get rid of it.  Now, this final visit to the bar was a sign that he could finally let go of it.  Still, something bothered him, and as his eyes were drawn to the back of the room, he could see that same group of his peers eyeing him.

   Elianaron had no idea who these guys were, and yet they were closer to him than he knew.  The ring leader of this group, a red hedgehog with a black leather jacket and matching leather pants, was none other than the last heart Camillia broke before she met Hidama and the twins.  His name, was Daniel.

   He had seen Elianaron and Aranelion around town more than once, and heard about her relationships with both twins.  Now finally he and his friends, more guys Camillia had rejected, had Elianaron alone and without help.  They rose from their chairs and approached Elianaron.

   Sensing the danger, Elianaron reached into his wallet and got a few dollars out to tip the bartender as he finished his drink, getting ready to leave.  However, he soon found himself backed up against the bar, with Daniel facing him and the rest surrounding them in a circle giving him nowhere to run.

   There was an intense staredown between the hybrid echidna and the hedgehog.  Finally, Daniel said, “So, you’re one of the twins that Camillia took such an interest in.  How does it feel to be rejected by her you dirt bag?”

   Elianaron growled softly, but replied, “Humph, she didn’t reject me, infact it was because she cares about me so much that she dumped me.  She told me she wanted me to let go of that party animal bug and find stability in life.  That’s why she fell for my brother; she loves him, but also loves how he’s ready to settle down and has a secure focus on the road ahead.   If she hadn’t dumped me, we’d both be on a rocky road to nowhere, the same train wreck you idiots are on now it would seem.  If you’ve come here looking for a fight, forget it.  I don’t spill blood unless my life is threatened, or those of my friends, and if you do threaten that I’ll put it in the hands of the local law enforcement.  How do you like that?”

   Daniel’s own friends began to laugh, whether they were laughing at Elianaron or at how Daniel was owned in those few words, was unclear, but Daniel didn’t like it.  Coughing gruffly to get their attention, their laughter ceased, and he returned his attention to Elianaron, smiling smugly.  “Aww come on now; who said anything about spilling blood?  I’m trying to empathize with you buddy.  Your twin took away the girl of your dreams, and after all that pain he couldn’t do you the kindness of dying so you could take her back after you found that stability she desires.”

   His eyes flashing, Elianaron growled even louder and shouted, “Hell with you!  Do you actually think I’d wish something so terrible on my brother?  His suffering was what brought me here!  I’d do anything for him and the idea of me wanting him to die so I could have Camillia for myself is just disgusting!  You’re all crazy!”  Calming down, he added, “I loved her yes, but now my love for Camillia is brother/sister love.  I want the best for her and my brother, and I’ll be the first to raise a glass to their union and pray the heavens above bless it forever and eternity.  Besides, I know my one true love will find me, and in the mean time I won’t hear such disgusting slander from you or anyone else about any of it!  Take your slap-happy crap and leave me alone!”

   What Elianaron didn’t realize was that while he was sober, not having the stomach for alcohol, was that Daniel and his friends were as drunk as could be, and looking for a fight.  Glaring at Elianaron, Daniel threw a right hook punch at him, causing the hybrid to fly back into the counter before falling to the floor, his ribcage slamming hard against the rim of the barstool he was sitting on, causing one of his ribs to break as he let out a bloodcurdling cry.

   Holding his chest and cringing as it pulsed with great pain, Elianaron looked up at his assailant, his nose bloody as the blood trickled down his face to the floor.  As they glared down at him, his anger was chased away by sheer terror.  He was suddenly afraid for his very life as he had a flashback to his youth.  He remembered the many times the hedgehog children of Valordian would pelt him with stones, punching and kicking him every chance they got, and then that final day when his life was threatened simply if he was seen by them again.  Those old fears were awoken; old wounds began to sting; that urge to run and hide until his mother saved him tugged at his heart only…this time his mother couldn’t save him.  This time, it wasn’t a group of children with their stones.

   This time, these thugs were threatening to kill him where he lay on the floor and not think a thing of the consequences.

   That urge to live was too great.  His anger returned to dispel the fear as the group laughed at him, ready to have their way with him.  They heard a low growl turn into a frightful scream as Elianaron reached into his pocket, pulling out Tempest as he rose to his feet.  With a violent cry, he slashed Daniel across his chest from his shoulder to his waist, causing blood to erupt from below his skin like lava from an erupting volcano.  Daniel let out a cry, falling to the ground as he wrapped his arms around himself in pain.

   While his friends knelt down beside him in shock, Elianaron slowly began to realize what he had done.  The bartender, who had heard Elianaron’s life story, understood the symbolism of what had just taken place.  They both glanced at Daniel, who was still alive as he writhed in pain on the floor, and at his friends, one of whom began to pull a gun out of his pocket, ready to strike back in revenge.

   The bartender cried, “Run Elianaron!  The police will take care of them!  Hurry!”

   Stuffing the now bloody Tempest back in his pocket, Elianaron’s eyes filled with terror as he ran for the streets.  The remaining patrons ran through the emergency exit, as did the bartender while he called the cops on his cell phone.  It was those going about their business on the streets that would see what happened next as Elianaron ran for his life.

   He dashed across the street, dodging vehicles as they honked at him for crossing their path.  Bystanders on the street watched him as they finally located what he was running from.  Daniel’s friend, the sharpshooter of the group, ran out to the sidewalk, and got Elianaron in his sites as he aimed his pistol for the hybrid echidna.

   Three shots, all that remained in the barrel of the gun, were fired fast and hard.  One hit a lamppost as Elianaron ran past it, but the last two connected with their target.  Elianaron, who after suffering everything from stab wounds to being bitten, from falling off cliffs to being crushed, had never suffered a bullet wound in his life, and on this night, two of the hot slugs of metal tore into his body.

   The first hit in the back, right at his waist, flying so fast and hitting so hard it flew out of him on the other side.  As he began to stumble, crying out miserably in terrible pain, the second slammed into his back, just below his left shoulder blade, coming within millimeters of tearing his aorta before it stopped, lodged in his chest as he fell to the ground where he didn’t move.

   The bartender, who had run around the back of his building to the front saw a crowd gather around Elianaron as he began to bleed and fell unconscious, and another crowd of men jump on the shooter so he couldn't get away.  Still on the phone with the 911 operator, he struggled to breathe properly as he said, “Send two ambulances.  Shots have been fired…our victim…has been shot in the back…and isn’t moving.”

   Back at the hospital, Aranelion was sleeping, while Camillia rested her eyes in the seat beside him.  While ambulances rushed to the scene, Aranelion could suddenly feel a terrible pain in his back and chest.  Waking up, he cried out softly in pain, not wanting to alert the nurses, for he knew, this pain was not his own.

   It was enough to wake up Camillia, who placed her hand on his shoulder and asked, “Aranelion?  What’s wrong?”

   Cringing, Aranelion opened his eyes halfway, his eyes stricken with sadness, as he said, “The pain…Elianaron…he’s hurt.”

   Camillia gasped, taking Aranelion’s hand she asked, “Are you sure?  I mean…I guess you have to be…oh my God.”

   She turned away to cry, while at the same time, Aerealei heard her son’s cries and ran back into the room.  “Aranelion?  What’s wrong sweetie?”

   As Aranelion continued to cringe from the pain, Camillia, who’s eyes were filled with tears, looked to her future mother-in-law and said, “Aranelion says Elianaron’s been hurt.  He feels Elianaron’s pain.”

   Gasping, Aerealei looked to Aranelion, this not being the first time she witnessed her boys feeling each other’s suffering.  Placing her hand on Aranelion’s forehead, she listened as the sirens of the ambulances faded as they rushed to the scene of the accident, knowing one of them was bound for her other twin son.  Trying to hold back tears, she asked, “Is he alright Aranelion?”

   Fighting the pain, Aranelion looked to his mother and said, “Pain…terrible pain.  Neither of us have suffered an injury like this before.  It’s like…balls of fire have torn through his body.”

   “Oh my God,” Camillia said suddenly.  “He must have been shot!  Who would do this to him?” she cried.

   Aerealei and Aranelion gazed at each other, knowing what that meant and dreading it at the same time.  Lowering his eyes, Aranelion murmured, “He’s coming to us.  Something tells me he’ll be okay.  Father is watching over him and the road he’s meant to walk.  Oh Mom, I just hope he’s alright.”

   Unable to speak anymore, Aerealei hugged her son, until Camillia’s cell phone rang.  It was the bartender, using Elianaron’s phone to call and tell her what happened.  Thus, their fears were confirmed, and as the sound of sirens returned, they knew Elianaron was returning to them.

   Looking to Aranelion, she said, “Your Mom and I will check on him.  Good thing you’re being discharged tomorrow, or we’d really be in a mess.”

   As she and Aerealei turned to leave, Aranelion tried to smile, and said, “Tell him I’ll be there for him as soon as I can.”

   Camillia nodded, blowing Aranelion a kiss as she and Aerealei made their way to the ER to find out more on Elianaron’s condition.

   One of the nurses attending to Elianaron that night was a brown squirrel with red hair and bangs named Hannah.  After Elianaron was stabilized, he went into surgery to have the bullet removed from his chest.  The hours rolled by, until finally he was moved to his own room.  His condition was stable…he would recover in time.

   Hannah was given the responsibility of breaking this news to his family, and so she made her way to the waiting room where Camillia and Aerealei sat together, now joined by Auron and Lairen.  “Excuse me, you’re Mrs. Brokenstar right?” she asked, looking to Aerealei.

   “That’s right…Elianaron is my son,” Aerealei answered.

   With a smile, Hannah nodded and said, “Right, and your second twin son is a few floors up, and Camillia here is that twin’s fiancée.  Hee hee, I’m actually surprised both twins aren’t taken.  They’re both so sweet.”  Pausing, she added, “Anyway, we removed the bullet from Elianaron’s chest.  He’s a lucky one; it nearly tore his aorta, and that could have killed him.  Looking at his past medical history, I can tell he’s a fighter when it comes to living his life.  Something tells me an injury like this should prove to be nothing for him.  If anything it might only be traumatic for him since he hasn’t suffered an injury like this before, but there won’t be any permanent damage.  He’ll be out of here within a couple weeks.”

   “Oh thank God,” Lairen said, hugging Auron.

   “That’s wonderful!” Auron exclaimed.

   Camillia nodded, asking, “When can we see him?”

   Hannah frowned and said, “Umm well, right now only his mother can since it’s after visiting hours.  If you were married to Aranelion we could make an exception, but since you’re just his fiancée…well…”

   “It’s okay,” Camillia said with a smile.  Looking to Aerealei, she added, “Remember, tell him that Aranelion will be there for him as soon as he can.”

   Aerealei nodded, hugging Camillia before turning to Hannah and saying, “Where’s my son’s room at then?”

   “Right this way ma’am!” Hannah said smiling.

   She led Aerealei down the halls.  As they walked, Aerealei asked, “You mentioned that you’re surprised my son Elianaron isn’t already taken.  Does this mean perhaps you are smitten with him in some way?”

   Hannah’s cheeks flushed read as she looked to Aerealei.  Smiling nervously, she replied, “Well ma’am, he is very sweet.  I’ve seen him around the hospital more than once, and he’s quite kind and gentlemanly that I just assumed a wonderful guy like him was already taken.  I—I guess…”

   Laughing softly, Aerealei said, “It’s alright; I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”  Once they got to Elianaron’s room, she added, “He’s had a tough road in life.  I’m sure he’ll find his special one soon.  I just hope this is the last of the dangerous injuries either of them will suffer.  I’m tired of their bodies taking damage that none should have to live to endure.  I thank you and the wonderful staff here for taking such good care of my boys.”

   Smiling, Hannah said, “You’re welcome ma’am, and I can assure you we’ll take great care of Elianaron.  I’ll see to it personally.  For now, you can visit with him; his friends can see him tomorrow after nine a.m., and Aranelion can come any time he is able, as well as you.”

   “Thank you,” Aerealei said.  With that, Hannah made her way to her next patient.  As she watched the squirrel walk away, she looked in at Elianaron, and murmured, “I know Armundae…I had a good feeling about her as well.  I think our son may have finally found his way in life.  Maybe those two bullet wounds will do him more good than harm after all.”

   Aerealei then walked into the room where Elianaron slept soundly.  Sitting down beside his bed, Aerealei took his hand and stroked his hair gently.  It was a good feeling in her heart when she looked at Hannah, a feeling she knew Armundae sent to her that night.  She knew better times were coming for her younger twin son, and they would have their start when he met Hannah again.

   “Sleep well my baby boy.  Your brother will be here for you soon, as will I…and your father is with you always.  At last, I believe, your time has come,” she whispered.

   A gentle rain fell outside, almost as if in answer to Aerealei’s proclamation of peace.  The hard times had had their way and fury in the lives of her sons, and now the calm after the storm came to soothe away the pain.  Bad times can’t last forever; someday at last, the scars must give way to light, as surely as the sun rises each morning.

Description
"Wandering to Love"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 7: Wedding Gowns and Bullet Wounds

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Dear Journal, …It’s been over two months since I last wrote an entry…and those two months will not only remain gone from these pages, but also from my own memory.  It’s strange not being able to remember time gone by that everyone recollects with tears even as they smile.  It’s scary to think that I could have died that night, but it’s a good feeling knowing I can be with my loved ones again.  …Camillia and I are finally going to have our chance.  That makes me happy, and yet, I still have concern for my twin.  I hope he finds his happiness soon.  I keep asking for our father to look after him and guide him, and yet I can’t help but think that Ell will have his own dangerous road to conquer before he reaches the haven of rest and peace at the end of it.  …Please, father, look after my twin.  He’s gone through so much…please guide him to all the happiness and love he deserves.  Now that I’m able to live again, I’ll stop at nothing to find these joys for him.  We’ll do whatever we can, to bless Elianaron.

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   The days continued to roll by for Aranelion’s family and friends even though he couldn’t be with them.  His comatose slumber remained firm and unable for him to shake for weeks and weeks.  After two months had passed, Camillia, who nearly broke down a month earlier, was beginning to feel the painful weight on her heart once more.

   She did her best to immerse herself in her work, taking on more and more modeling jobs in preparation for her big photo shoot and fashion show where she would model all the new styles of wedding gowns for that season.  With the knowledge that Aranelion had every intention to ask her to be his wife before he was stricken silent, it was a difficult job for her to have to take, especially because she would be out late into the night, at a time where she was always by Aranelion’s bedside every night by ten.

   Elianaron could feel the weariness creeping up on his own shoulders as well.  He watched as Lucie got to walking again, and the pain in Auron’s back finally dissipated, and yet his brother remained silent.  While he had his mother and Camillia to help comfort him, as they comforted each other, his firm foundation was crumbling.  Being disconnected from his twin for so long was tearing him apart at the seams.

   And so he drowned his pain in root beer floats at a bar called Smithy’s after work every night.  He began to notice some of his peers eyeing him suspiciously, and he was reminded of when he was younger, and received a cruel eye from the hedgehog kids as he grew up in Valordian.  Not knowing who these characters were, he decided to carry around his daggers Tempest and Twilight, the two knives small enough to fit in each of the pockets on his cargo shorts.  It made him feel safer…knowing that unlike his youth, he could take these rogue warriors down.

   Still he, like Camillia, would get back to Aranelion’s hospital room around ten.  After making sure his mother was set for the night, Elianaron would drive to the hospital, picking up Camillia from work on the nights he needed to.  After parking and riding the elevator to the seventh floor, Elianaron and Camillia would be greeted by the night staff, given fresh blankets for the night, and access to the nurse’s lounge for a snack and drinks if they wanted it, before returning to Aranelion’s room to settle down for the night.

   It was becoming a monotonous day to day existence for them, and a painful one to have to witness and endure for Aerealei and their friends.  The doctors were optimistic that Aranelion would soon awaken, but had to admit that he could remain sleeping for months more than any of them wanted him to.

   There was nothing they could do for Aranelion…outside of just being there for him.  In addition to keeping his hair, face and fur clean, and massaging his shoulders and back, they started talking to Aranelion as if he could actually hear him.  Aerealei would sing to him, Elianaron would joke with him about the times he spent at work, and reminiscing about the good times of their past.  Camillia would tell him how much she loved him, and knowing he probably wouldn’t remember her words, she talked to him about the wedding she wanted, and what they would name their children.

   The thought of marriage weighed even heavier on her mind around the end of the second month since the accident, when the night of the big wedding fashion show rolled around.  It was a terribly stormy night, and Camillia hated to leave Aranelion, but knew she had no choice.  As she was saying goodbye to Aranelion, she expressed her fears to Elianaron, who would be staying with him as he did every night.

   “So, you swear to call me the minute he starts to rouse…if he does…,” Camillia asked, for the third time that night.

   With a weak laugh, Elianaron nodded and replied, “Of course I do.  I’ll get you and Mom down here the minute anything happens.  You go and do your best at the show tonight Camillia.”

   The pink cat nodded, smiling weakly as she kissed Aranelion gently on his brow.  She the gathered up her purse, boa, and car keys.  Before she could leave, Elianaron added, “He’s proud of you Camillia…Air I mean.  He’s proud of you for continuing on without him.  Everything will work out for you both…you’ll see.”

   Camillia watched as Elianaron approached her.  He took one of her hands and kissed it gently.  “Hang in there Camillia.  …I feel our connection returning.  He’s almost won this battle.  It’s the first fight he’s had to endure without me, but with all of us on the sidelines, I know he’s had all the support he needs.  It won’t be long.”

   Her smile strengthened; after hugging Elianaron and nodding in reply, Camillia left for the fashion show.  Elianaron watched as she walked down the hall, her pace quickened as her spirits were lifted.  The hybrid echidna shook his head, rubbing the back of it as he looked back to his twin.  Walking back to his seat, he said, “I wasn’t lying in an attempt to cheer her up either.”  Sitting down at Aranelion’s bedside, Elianaron took his twin’s left hand, the one that bore his half to their Brokenstar birthmark, and continued, “That connection Air…it’s coming back.  Your life force is strengthening.  I haven’t said anything to anyone…but I feel it strengthen every day…and I feel it’s almost as strong as it was before…like you’re ready to live again.  Maybe soon I won’t have to spend my nights drinking root beer at Smithy’s bar.  Good thing too; Smithy’s isn’t nearly as good as Kawai’s…but the last thing I want is to bring the sadness with me to work.  I know this is what you want Air.  You want us to forge on without you until you wake up again.  …You’d better wake up soon.  It’s getting harder and harder to keep the secret from Camillia that you’re finally finished saving up for an engagement ring.”

   Aranelion’s face remained unchanged.  Elianaron could feel tears returning to his eyes as he held his brother’s hand tightly.  Even though he knew Aranelion would return to him, being without him for so long had broken Elianaron, who, no matter how hard times got, had had his twin to help him through it.  They had always had each other, and they still did, but the idea of losing Aranelion forever scared Elianaron.  This made him anxious as the days went by; he wanted his twin back…he wanted to feel whole again.  He shared part of his spirit with Aranelion, and until he awoke, part of Elianaron soul, in his mind, was dead.

   And yet…as he held Aranelion’s hand in his own, some of his tears fell down on it, landing on the orange fur of the Brokenstar birthmark.  As Elianaron broke down under the weight of his tears, he was distracted by something.  Something was pushing against his nose…and it wasn’t his own hand.

   Though the tears stung his tired eyes, Elianaron opened them to try and identify the movement.  He realized he was holding Aranelion’s hand against his face, cupped around one side of his nose as he cried, so there was no way his own hand could be brushing up against it as he wept.  Still, there was definitely something pushing against his nose…then it would push against his cheekbone, rubbing the area below his eye gently and in a circular motion…the exact place where he held Aranelion’s hand.

   Using his free hand, Elianaron dried his tears; he could feel the shock of anticipation creeping up on him.  Was it Aranelion’s finger that was moving?  If it was…did that mean he was waking up?  Elianaron was desperate for his vision to clear so he could see the truth.  Rubbing his eyes furiously, he clenched them shut a moment longer to give them a rest, before opening them, slowly but surely, gazing down at his twin brother’s hand…

   Sure enough, with what seemed like the need for great effort, Aranelion was slowly flexing the index finger of his left hand, gently rubbing his twin’s face, the fur on his finger absorbing some of his tears.  Aranelion, though he had to struggle, was nearing the end of his fight against the almost lethal grip this coma had over him after two long and painful months for all involved.

   An ecstatic smile spread across Elianaron’s face.  Instead of running for a nurse, or reaching for his phone to call his mother and Camillia, he simply gazed at his brother’s face, looking for a sign of life, any sign of consciousness.  Because this was slow in coming, Elianaron tried to pick up on his brother’s life force again.  To his excitement, active thoughts were returning to Aranelion’s mind…among them, two main thoughts rang clear.

   “I’ve got to wake up now.”

   “I hope Camillia is alright.”

   Letting out a gasp, Elianaron realized that Aranelion’s mind was still in that car accident.  In his mind, he was still hanging upside down in his SUV, unsure of what was going on, how long he had been sleeping, or whether or not Camillia was alright.  Wanting to comfort his twin, Elianaron gently rubbed Aranelion’s head, and said, “It’s alright Air.  Camillia’s just fine…we all are.  We…we want you to come back to us.”

   Thinking these things at the same time he spoke them, Elianaron hoped that perhaps in this early state of awakening that Aranelion could hear his thoughts.  He could feel his heart race when Aranelion’s active thoughts changed in reply.

   “Camillia’s alright?  Elianaron…where are we?  I…I want to see your face.”

   Elianaron closed his eyes.  He trembled with happiness that seemed to paralyze his entire being.  Before the accident, being able to read Aranelion’s thoughts seemed like nothing special.  Now, it was this link to Aranelion that brought him comfort for all those painful nights he had weathered since the bond was severed.  He felt ready to explode with happiness.

   “Is Camillia with you?  I can’t…I can’t hear any voices…not even yours Ell.”

   Coming back to awareness, Elianaron said, “Oh gosh…I have to call her and Mom Air!”  Reaching for his phone, he let go of Aranelion’s hand as he dialed the number.

   Having read Elianaron’s thoughts, Aranelion realized what this meant.  However, in this early state of awareness, he did not like it when Elianaron let go of his hand.  He cried out to him in a mental panic.

   “Elianaron!  Where did you go?  Don’t leave me yet!”

   As Elianaron was talking to his mother, Aranelion’s cries flicked at his mind painfully.  “Sorry Mom, I have to call Camillia now…or…actually, could you call her for me Mom?  That way…I can be here for Aranelion.  …Perfect.  See you soon!”

   Hanging up the phone, he took Aranelion’s hand again and replied, “I’m sorry Air.  I had to let go of your hand so I could call Mom.  She and Camillia will be here soon, I promise.”

   “…Here?  Where is ‘here’?  How…how long have I been sleeping Ell?”

   Elianaron’s throat tightened on him, making it hard to swallow.  He struggled for proper breaths as he said, “We’re in the hospital Air.  That night…your airbag didn’t deploy, and when your head slammed into the steering wheel you were knocked into a coma.  You broke your hands, two ribs, and your left leg…and that’s just to name the worst of it.  Your bones are pretty much healed up entirely…but…you haven’t been awake for the past two months.”

   Aranelion didn’t think anything in reply…almost as if stunned by Elianaron’s words.  Only after he struggled to grasp it did he reply.

   “I…I broke my hands?  Two months?  …and you say Camillia is alright?”

   “…I know it’s scary Air.  You haven’t missed much.  Everyone slowly went back to work…Mom stayed with me, even though Camillia and I have been living in this hospital room with you this entire time.  You’ve had visits from almost all the friends we’ve ever made.  Even Shadow and Rouge came by one day.  I can’t tell you how many cards, gift baskets, and flowers you’ve received since it happened…you haven’t missed much.  Camillia…she’s alright.  She was injured a bit, but got over them pretty quickly.  She went back to work too…although, like me we were always back here by ten every night to be here with you,” Elianaron explained.

   “And you knew that would be what I wanted.  …Keep speaking Ell.  I want to hear your voice as I wake up.”

   Smiling, Elianaron patted Aranelion’s hand gently and said, “I will.  I’m thinking and speaking at the same time…no easy task…but that’s for anyone who isn’t special, like we are.  …It’s been scary, not having that connection with you Air.  I felt like a twinless twin for so long, even when I knew you’d come back to us.  It’s a terrible feeling; I only pray I never suffer the same trauma so that you won’t have to endure it.  It was scarier than that night that I broke my back and you had gang green in your left leg.  You had to carry me to the next town and nearly lost your leg because of it…seeing as how the next town was a three day walk from where the accident happened.”

   Feelings of happiness swirled through Aranelion’s being.  He wanted to smile, but couldn’t as he continued to fight the coma.

   “Ha, I remember that.  We were scared your spinal cord would snap and that I would lose my left leg.  Turns out walking on it and enduring the pain kept my leg alive while the tourniquet kept the disease from spreading.  We were lucky that time.  …I can feel you holding my hand Ell.  I think…I think I’m coming out of it finally.”

   Happy tears now trickled down Elianaron’s face.  Smiling proudly, he gently caressed Aranelion’s brow and said, “Don’t push yourself too hard Air.  I know you’ll come out of it soon.”

   Before Aranelion could offer a thought in reply, Aerealei finally arrived.  Running into the room, she slowed her steps as she approached the bed, her legs shaking and her voice quivering as she whimpered, “Elianaron…is he…is he really waking up?”

   Elianaron looked to her and said, “Yes he is Mom.  We’re ‘talking’ to each other right now…with our thoughts.  I think every word I say…he can ‘hear’ me talking to you.  He told me he can feel me holding his hand.  It won’t be long now I’m sure.”

   “…Mother is here?  I wish I could hear her voice.  All I can hear are my own thoughts.  …Do you…could you ask her to hold my other hand Ell?  I want to know she’s here, please…”

   Looking back to his twin, Elianaron said, “Of course Air!”  Looking to his mother he said, “Mom, go hold Air’s other hand.  He wants you to so he can know you’re here.”

   “Oh…,” Aerealei whimpered as she cried.  She ran to the other side of the bed and gently took Aranelion’s right hand as they were both in the last stages of healing.  She rubbed it gently and asked, “Can he feel my hands holding his Elianaron?”

   Without needing to ask, Elianaron got his answer.

   “Oh…oh Mom…you’re really here.  …Are you crying?  I…I hear the sound of tears.  I hear the sound of rain and thunder.  I…I wonder if I can hear words Ell.  Please…keep speaking to me.”

   Looking to Aerealei, Elianaron smiled and said, “He can feel your hand Mom!  He thinks he can hear you crying…Air, can you hear my voice?”

   “Ell…is that your…wait…is it…Camillia?”

   “Huh?” Elianaron asked.  Before he could reply, he heard Camillia’s voice coming from outside.  He could hear her hurried footsteps as she ran down the hall, crying out Aranelion’s name desperately.  She came to a sudden stop in the doorway, wearing the wedding dress she was modeling when she got the call from Aerealei.

   “Camillia…it’s you…I…I can hear your voice.”

   Before he could address Aranelion, Elianaron looked at her and said, “Umm, Camillia…why are you wearing that wedding dress?”

   As she ran into the room, Camillia tried her best to stop crying as she scowled at him.  “Oh shut up Elianaron.  I left the fashion show the minute your mom called me.”

   Laughing in his head, simply overjoyed he could hear her voice, Aranelion ‘spoke’ again.

   “Be easy on her Elianaron.  …Tell her I love her.”

   The frown on Elianaron’s face melted into a smile as he replied, “Right Air.”  Handing Camillia Aranelion’s hand, he said, “Aranelion says that he loves you Camillia.”

   Gasping, Camillia couldn’t fight the tears anymore as she took Aranelion’s hand.  She looked to him and said, “Oh Air…I—I love you too.  I—I’m just so…so happy you’re waking up again.”

   “…Me too Camillia.  I—I can hear your voice.  I can feel your hand in my own.  I…I think I’m waking up now.”

   Elianaron’s eyes widened as he watched his twin’s face.  Slowly, but surely, the expression on Aranelion’s face changed.  His eyes clenched shut tighter as he slowly regained consciousness.  Aerealei, Camillia, and Elianaron looked on in wonder as Aranelion’s eyes finally fluttered open after remaining closed in comatose slumber for the past two months.  As his vision adjusted to the light, he saw them all looking at him with tears in their eyes.  His own eyes became blurry with them as he realized he was awake again.

   “Oh…oh wow.  I’m…I’m awake again,” Aranelion whispered, his voice weak after not being used for so long.

   “Alright Air!” Elianaron cheered, jumping to his feet.

   “Oh my Heavens…my baby boy,” Aerealei cried, gently kissing Aranelion’s forehead.

   Camillia was silent for a moment, almost as if she was unable to speak.  Aranelion gazed at her intently, a smile returning to his face as he saw the wedding dress she was wearing, and said, “Don’t tell me Elianaron spoiled the surprise and you’ve already gone dress shopping.”

   Sitting back down, Elianaron frowned and said, “Hey…”

   Laughing softly, Aranelion replied, “No, it’s okay Ell.  I was planning on asking her this weekend…well, I mean, the weekend after the movie.  Now’s as good a time as any I suspect…”  He looked back to Camillia and said, “I was going to take you to dinner and ask you to marry me Camillia.  All those generous tips and overtime at Kawai’s had finally paid off.  Elianaron even helped out a bit.  I’m just upset that the ring is at home on my dresser and not here where I need it.”

   “Well if I had known you were gonna propose the minute you woke up I would have brought it Air…I can’t read your thoughts if you don’t have any!” Ell exclaimed.

   With a tired laugh, Aranelion smiled and whispered, “It’s okay Ell.  You’ve done enough for me…really.”

   “Air…are you…are you really…?” Camillia asked, her voice quiet as she struggled to speak, her throat tight and her breath short as she cried.

   Looking back to Camillia, Aranelion smiled, reaching up to wipe the tears from her eyes.  He replied, “I want you to be my wife Camillia.  This isn’t exactly what I had in mind, but after what happened, I don’t want to take anymore chances by waiting another day for a perfect chance that may never come.”

   Letting go of Aranelion’s hand, Camillia clasped both of her hands over her mouth.  She was shaking, and could feel torrents of emotion tripping all over themselves inside of her, threatening to tear her heart into pieces.  Only able to offer a smile and a timid nod in return, Camillia burst into tears, whimpering, “Oh…oh Air…”

   She could feel Aranelion put his arm around her, slowly pulling her down until her head rested on his chest so he could hug her.  Kissing her head gently, he tried to soothe her.  “Shh, girl…it’s alright.  You don’t need to say it.  I…I think I knew all along that it was something you wanted as much as me.  I’m only sorry you had to suffer so much without me.  It’ll be alright now.  I won’t be leaving you again any time soon…I promise you that.”

   Camillia didn’t reply, save for hugging Aranelion in return as he held her.  Aranelion closed his eyes, relaxing at long last.  While the two months he lost from his life could never be replaced, somehow, it didn’t matter anymore.  He had a life time with Camillia ahead of him, and that was all he needed.

   The news of Aranelion’s recovery spread like wildfire.  All of his friends were overjoyed, and the visits started all over again.  Although he was awake and more than eager to get home, he had to remain in the hospital for a few more days, and it was during these last few days that he started writing in his journal again…writing down about his engagement to Camillia, as well as about all of his dreams about their happy future.

   It was also during this time that Elianaron made his last few regular visits to Smithy’s bar, for he had made friends that now frequented Kawai’s when he performed.  Toasting one last root beer to Aranelion’s recovery, Elianaron said goodbye to his friends, promising to say hello to them should he see them at Kawai’s or around town.

   On this night, nearly a week after Aranelion awoke and only one day away from when he would be coming home, Elianaron’s friends left early, leaving him with half of his root beer float left to go.  As he took another swallow from his drink, he could feel the last of his worries melt away.  For so long, his visits to Smithy’s had been a reminder of his pain and his attempt to get rid of it.  Now, this final visit to the bar was a sign that he could finally let go of it.  Still, something bothered him, and as his eyes were drawn to the back of the room, he could see that same group of his peers eyeing him.

   Elianaron had no idea who these guys were, and yet they were closer to him than he knew.  The ring leader of this group, a red hedgehog with a black leather jacket and matching leather pants, was none other than the last heart Camillia broke before she met Hidama and the twins.  His name, was Daniel.

   He had seen Elianaron and Aranelion around town more than once, and heard about her relationships with both twins.  Now finally he and his friends, more guys Camillia had rejected, had Elianaron alone and without help.  They rose from their chairs and approached Elianaron.

   Sensing the danger, Elianaron reached into his wallet and got a few dollars out to tip the bartender as he finished his drink, getting ready to leave.  However, he soon found himself backed up against the bar, with Daniel facing him and the rest surrounding them in a circle giving him nowhere to run.

   There was an intense staredown between the hybrid echidna and the hedgehog.  Finally, Daniel said, “So, you’re one of the twins that Camillia took such an interest in.  How does it feel to be rejected by her you dirt bag?”

   Elianaron growled softly, but replied, “Humph, she didn’t reject me, infact it was because she cares about me so much that she dumped me.  She told me she wanted me to let go of that party animal bug and find stability in life.  That’s why she fell for my brother; she loves him, but also loves how he’s ready to settle down and has a secure focus on the road ahead.   If she hadn’t dumped me, we’d both be on a rocky road to nowhere, the same train wreck you idiots are on now it would seem.  If you’ve come here looking for a fight, forget it.  I don’t spill blood unless my life is threatened, or those of my friends, and if you do threaten that I’ll put it in the hands of the local law enforcement.  How do you like that?”

   Daniel’s own friends began to laugh, whether they were laughing at Elianaron or at how Daniel was owned in those few words, was unclear, but Daniel didn’t like it.  Coughing gruffly to get their attention, their laughter ceased, and he returned his attention to Elianaron, smiling smugly.  “Aww come on now; who said anything about spilling blood?  I’m trying to empathize with you buddy.  Your twin took away the girl of your dreams, and after all that pain he couldn’t do you the kindness of dying so you could take her back after you found that stability she desires.”

   His eyes flashing, Elianaron growled even louder and shouted, “Hell with you!  Do you actually think I’d wish something so terrible on my brother?  His suffering was what brought me here!  I’d do anything for him and the idea of me wanting him to die so I could have Camillia for myself is just disgusting!  You’re all crazy!”  Calming down, he added, “I loved her yes, but now my love for Camillia is brother/sister love.  I want the best for her and my brother, and I’ll be the first to raise a glass to their union and pray the heavens above bless it forever and eternity.  Besides, I know my one true love will find me, and in the mean time I won’t hear such disgusting slander from you or anyone else about any of it!  Take your slap-happy crap and leave me alone!”

   What Elianaron didn’t realize was that while he was sober, not having the stomach for alcohol, was that Daniel and his friends were as drunk as could be, and looking for a fight.  Glaring at Elianaron, Daniel threw a right hook punch at him, causing the hybrid to fly back into the counter before falling to the floor, his ribcage slamming hard against the rim of the barstool he was sitting on, causing one of his ribs to break as he let out a bloodcurdling cry.

   Holding his chest and cringing as it pulsed with great pain, Elianaron looked up at his assailant, his nose bloody as the blood trickled down his face to the floor.  As they glared down at him, his anger was chased away by sheer terror.  He was suddenly afraid for his very life as he had a flashback to his youth.  He remembered the many times the hedgehog children of Valordian would pelt him with stones, punching and kicking him every chance they got, and then that final day when his life was threatened simply if he was seen by them again.  Those old fears were awoken; old wounds began to sting; that urge to run and hide until his mother saved him tugged at his heart only…this time his mother couldn’t save him.  This time, it wasn’t a group of children with their stones.

   This time, these thugs were threatening to kill him where he lay on the floor and not think a thing of the consequences.

   That urge to live was too great.  His anger returned to dispel the fear as the group laughed at him, ready to have their way with him.  They heard a low growl turn into a frightful scream as Elianaron reached into his pocket, pulling out Tempest as he rose to his feet.  With a violent cry, he slashed Daniel across his chest from his shoulder to his waist, causing blood to erupt from below his skin like lava from an erupting volcano.  Daniel let out a cry, falling to the ground as he wrapped his arms around himself in pain.

   While his friends knelt down beside him in shock, Elianaron slowly began to realize what he had done.  The bartender, who had heard Elianaron’s life story, understood the symbolism of what had just taken place.  They both glanced at Daniel, who was still alive as he writhed in pain on the floor, and at his friends, one of whom began to pull a gun out of his pocket, ready to strike back in revenge.

   The bartender cried, “Run Elianaron!  The police will take care of them!  Hurry!”

   Stuffing the now bloody Tempest back in his pocket, Elianaron’s eyes filled with terror as he ran for the streets.  The remaining patrons ran through the emergency exit, as did the bartender while he called the cops on his cell phone.  It was those going about their business on the streets that would see what happened next as Elianaron ran for his life.

   He dashed across the street, dodging vehicles as they honked at him for crossing their path.  Bystanders on the street watched him as they finally located what he was running from.  Daniel’s friend, the sharpshooter of the group, ran out to the sidewalk, and got Elianaron in his sites as he aimed his pistol for the hybrid echidna.

   Three shots, all that remained in the barrel of the gun, were fired fast and hard.  One hit a lamppost as Elianaron ran past it, but the last two connected with their target.  Elianaron, who after suffering everything from stab wounds to being bitten, from falling off cliffs to being crushed, had never suffered a bullet wound in his life, and on this night, two of the hot slugs of metal tore into his body.

   The first hit in the back, right at his waist, flying so fast and hitting so hard it flew out of him on the other side.  As he began to stumble, crying out miserably in terrible pain, the second slammed into his back, just below his left shoulder blade, coming within millimeters of tearing his aorta before it stopped, lodged in his chest as he fell to the ground where he didn’t move.

   The bartender, who had run around the back of his building to the front saw a crowd gather around Elianaron as he began to bleed and fell unconscious, and another crowd of men jump on the shooter so he couldn't get away.  Still on the phone with the 911 operator, he struggled to breathe properly as he said, “Send two ambulances.  Shots have been fired…our victim…has been shot in the back…and isn’t moving.”

   Back at the hospital, Aranelion was sleeping, while Camillia rested her eyes in the seat beside him.  While ambulances rushed to the scene, Aranelion could suddenly feel a terrible pain in his back and chest.  Waking up, he cried out softly in pain, not wanting to alert the nurses, for he knew, this pain was not his own.

   It was enough to wake up Camillia, who placed her hand on his shoulder and asked, “Aranelion?  What’s wrong?”

   Cringing, Aranelion opened his eyes halfway, his eyes stricken with sadness, as he said, “The pain…Elianaron…he’s hurt.”

   Camillia gasped, taking Aranelion’s hand she asked, “Are you sure?  I mean…I guess you have to be…oh my God.”

   She turned away to cry, while at the same time, Aerealei heard her son’s cries and ran back into the room.  “Aranelion?  What’s wrong sweetie?”

   As Aranelion continued to cringe from the pain, Camillia, who’s eyes were filled with tears, looked to her future mother-in-law and said, “Aranelion says Elianaron’s been hurt.  He feels Elianaron’s pain.”

   Gasping, Aerealei looked to Aranelion, this not being the first time she witnessed her boys feeling each other’s suffering.  Placing her hand on Aranelion’s forehead, she listened as the sirens of the ambulances faded as they rushed to the scene of the accident, knowing one of them was bound for her other twin son.  Trying to hold back tears, she asked, “Is he alright Aranelion?”

   Fighting the pain, Aranelion looked to his mother and said, “Pain…terrible pain.  Neither of us have suffered an injury like this before.  It’s like…balls of fire have torn through his body.”

   “Oh my God,” Camillia said suddenly.  “He must have been shot!  Who would do this to him?” she cried.

   Aerealei and Aranelion gazed at each other, knowing what that meant and dreading it at the same time.  Lowering his eyes, Aranelion murmured, “He’s coming to us.  Something tells me he’ll be okay.  Father is watching over him and the road he’s meant to walk.  Oh Mom, I just hope he’s alright.”

   Unable to speak anymore, Aerealei hugged her son, until Camillia’s cell phone rang.  It was the bartender, using Elianaron’s phone to call and tell her what happened.  Thus, their fears were confirmed, and as the sound of sirens returned, they knew Elianaron was returning to them.

   Looking to Aranelion, she said, “Your Mom and I will check on him.  Good thing you’re being discharged tomorrow, or we’d really be in a mess.”

   As she and Aerealei turned to leave, Aranelion tried to smile, and said, “Tell him I’ll be there for him as soon as I can.”

   Camillia nodded, blowing Aranelion a kiss as she and Aerealei made their way to the ER to find out more on Elianaron’s condition.

   One of the nurses attending to Elianaron that night was a brown squirrel with red hair and bangs named Hannah.  After Elianaron was stabilized, he went into surgery to have the bullet removed from his chest.  The hours rolled by, until finally he was moved to his own room.  His condition was stable…he would recover in time.

   Hannah was given the responsibility of breaking this news to his family, and so she made her way to the waiting room where Camillia and Aerealei sat together, now joined by Auron and Lairen.  “Excuse me, you’re Mrs. Brokenstar right?” she asked, looking to Aerealei.

   “That’s right…Elianaron is my son,” Aerealei answered.

   With a smile, Hannah nodded and said, “Right, and your second twin son is a few floors up, and Camillia here is that twin’s fiancée.  Hee hee, I’m actually surprised both twins aren’t taken.  They’re both so sweet.”  Pausing, she added, “Anyway, we removed the bullet from Elianaron’s chest.  He’s a lucky one; it nearly tore his aorta, and that could have killed him.  Looking at his past medical history, I can tell he’s a fighter when it comes to living his life.  Something tells me an injury like this should prove to be nothing for him.  If anything it might only be traumatic for him since he hasn’t suffered an injury like this before, but there won’t be any permanent damage.  He’ll be out of here within a couple weeks.”

   “Oh thank God,” Lairen said, hugging Auron.

   “That’s wonderful!” Auron exclaimed.

   Camillia nodded, asking, “When can we see him?”

   Hannah frowned and said, “Umm well, right now only his mother can since it’s after visiting hours.  If you were married to Aranelion we could make an exception, but since you’re just his fiancée…well…”

   “It’s okay,” Camillia said with a smile.  Looking to Aerealei, she added, “Remember, tell him that Aranelion will be there for him as soon as he can.”

   Aerealei nodded, hugging Camillia before turning to Hannah and saying, “Where’s my son’s room at then?”

   “Right this way ma’am!” Hannah said smiling.

   She led Aerealei down the halls.  As they walked, Aerealei asked, “You mentioned that you’re surprised my son Elianaron isn’t already taken.  Does this mean perhaps you are smitten with him in some way?”

   Hannah’s cheeks flushed read as she looked to Aerealei.  Smiling nervously, she replied, “Well ma’am, he is very sweet.  I’ve seen him around the hospital more than once, and he’s quite kind and gentlemanly that I just assumed a wonderful guy like him was already taken.  I—I guess…”

   Laughing softly, Aerealei said, “It’s alright; I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”  Once they got to Elianaron’s room, she added, “He’s had a tough road in life.  I’m sure he’ll find his special one soon.  I just hope this is the last of the dangerous injuries either of them will suffer.  I’m tired of their bodies taking damage that none should have to live to endure.  I thank you and the wonderful staff here for taking such good care of my boys.”

   Smiling, Hannah said, “You’re welcome ma’am, and I can assure you we’ll take great care of Elianaron.  I’ll see to it personally.  For now, you can visit with him; his friends can see him tomorrow after nine a.m., and Aranelion can come any time he is able, as well as you.”

   “Thank you,” Aerealei said.  With that, Hannah made her way to her next patient.  As she watched the squirrel walk away, she looked in at Elianaron, and murmured, “I know Armundae…I had a good feeling about her as well.  I think our son may have finally found his way in life.  Maybe those two bullet wounds will do him more good than harm after all.”

   Aerealei then walked into the room where Elianaron slept soundly.  Sitting down beside his bed, Aerealei took his hand and stroked his hair gently.  It was a good feeling in her heart when she looked at Hannah, a feeling she knew Armundae sent to her that night.  She knew better times were coming for her younger twin son, and they would have their start when he met Hannah again.

   “Sleep well my baby boy.  Your brother will be here for you soon, as will I…and your father is with you always.  At last, I believe, your time has come,” she whispered.

   A gentle rain fell outside, almost as if in answer to Aerealei’s proclamation of peace.  The hard times had had their way and fury in the lives of her sons, and now the calm after the storm came to soothe away the pain.  Bad times can’t last forever; someday at last, the scars must give way to light, as surely as the sun rises each morning.