Chapter 3: Five Become One Part 2
In this episode: Sentar, Micha, and B’ani find the thugs that beat Maru and teach them a lesson. Sentar helps Micha understand a different lesson. By the time they return, Maru has gotten worse. Galen can’t help her. Micha goes to get Master Tai. He brings the secret and dangerous Jewel of Thera. To use it, they must all join together. They succeed and heal Maru’s injuries. The five friends begin learning about their special connection as the Five Elements.
We Need You to Come Now
Sentar and Galen’s Room
B’ani arrived at Galen and Sentar’s room and pounded on the door.
“Sentar! Galen!” B’ani called out.
Galen was up first. He pulled his pants on and opened the door. “B’ani? What is it? What’s wrong? What happened?” he asked.
“It’s Maru. She’s been beaten. Come help!” B’ani put her face in her hands and started sobbing.
Sentar stepped up beside Galen. His jaw tighened and his eyes narrowed. “When?” He turned to pick up a shirt, put it on, and grabbed his boots.
B’ani looked up. “We just got back. Maru’s hurt. Micha’s angry.”
Galen frowned. “You told her not to go, didn’t you?” he asked as he pulled on his boots.
B’ani nodded. “Yes. Several times. Maru heard us arguing. She asked for Sentar.”
Galen nodded.
“Let’s go,” Sentar said.
In the Quiet before Thunder
Maru, Micha and B’ani’s Room
Micha was next to the stove making tea when Galen ran through the open door. Sentar and B’ani were just behind him.
Galen knelt down next to Maru’s bed. He dropped his ear to listen to her breath. He shook his head. “Maru, I’m here. I’m here,” he said quietly. He brushed her hair gently.
Maru tried to move closer to him. “I can’t cry, Galen. It hurts to breathe. I’m hurt,” she whispered.
Galen shifted his weight and leaned over her. “Come to me,” he said wrapping her in his arms without touching her. “Shuush. I am here. I’ve got you. Shussh. You are safe. Quiet now. Shussh. Let me see. Show me what happened. Show me.” He slowed his breath. He closed his eyes. His shoulders tensed and his fists tightened. He could see what had been done to Maru. A tear welled up then another. His shoulders shook and he sobbed. “Oh my dear, precious one. You are our heart. I will not let you go. I am here. I will keep you,” he cried.
Maru smiled at him and passed out again.
Galen sat back, tears still streaming down his cheeks. “I will make something. Try to rest. You are safe now. We are here,” he whispered, his voice at once gentle, determined and so very, very angry. He slid his hand out from under hers. He stood up still shaking.
B’ani went to get another shirt.
Sentar went to talk to Micha. “I’m glad you are here.”
“I’m glad you’re here, too. You want some tea?” Micha asked coldly.
Sentar frowned. “Don’t. What happened?”
Micha shook her head. “I don’t know. We found her on the way back from the market.”
“Where?” Sentar asked.
“On the south road. Just outside the village,” Micha replied.
Sentar frowned. “How long ago?”
“I don’t know. We just got back,” Micha answered.
B’ani joined them shaking her head. Her whole body was tight. “Maru wasn’t on the road, Sentar. She was dumped in a ditch. They beat her and they dumped her in a damn ditch.”
“We will find them.” Sentar clenched his jaw. He lowered his head then looked up without raising his head. His eyes were hard and cold. All the warmth he usually had was gone.
Micha and B’ani looked at each other.
“No, I haven’t seen him like this,” Micha said.
“Me either,” B’ani replied.
Galen walked over to join them. “I need to make some medicines. She’s hurt badly.” He shook his head. A tear fell then another. He didn’t try to wipe them.
Micha opened a small cabinet. “Here is what we have.”
“Yes,” Galen said looking at the jars of dried herbs and flowers. “This will do, and this…” He started pulling jars and bags off the shelf.
B’ani put another pot of water on the stove.
“Did she tell you what happened?” Sentar asked.
Galen stood perfectly still then he nodded. “Yes. There were eight of them,” he said, the anger clear in his voice. He was crying and ready to fight. He clenched his fists and pulled into his sholders as if he were getting ready to punch something.
“Eight?” Sentar asked.
Galen nodded. “Three females. Five males.”
“What about her face?” B’ani asked.
Galen smiled a little. “I can treat that. Maru won’t ever know. It will be gone in a day.”
“Thank you,” Micha and B’ani said together.
Galen looked down and started crying again. “No, you don’t understand. She has serious injuries. Her spleen is bruised and swollen. It could rupture. Both her kidneys are damaged. She’s got four broken ribs.” He looked down, smiled sadly, squared his shoulders, and looked at Sentar. “She fought well. That’s why she can’t move her arms.”
Sentar nodded. “Maru is one of the best taiji fighters on Ras 2.”
Galen narrowed his gaze and looked at Sentar. “I am going to stay here with Maru. You have a class to teach. And make sure your new students understand they should not have done what they did. Make it crystal clear.”
Sentar smiled and raised his eyebrows. “Yes, we can do that.” He smiled.
Micha grabbed her jacket. “We most certainly can.”
B’ani pulled on her jacket, nodded to Galen, and stepped up beside Sentar. “Crystal clear.
Sentar looked at Micha then at B’ani. “Alright. Let’s go. Not too fast. Keep pace. Stay with me. Both of you.” He frowned at Micha.
Micha grinnned, shrugged, and nodded.
Master Tai had taught them that they could move faster if they stayed together than if they ran separately. And, that rythmn would set up an internal coordination they could use to support each other for whatever else they might need to do.
They ran out into the night.