Chapter 5: What Was

The rest of that day seemed to pass without event. After the doctor left no one wanted to be the one to break the silence. Ephram later excused himself to get a drink of water and to find the nearest militia official to see if he was needed elsewhere. When Mackenzie did speak it was directed toward the nurses who would stop by periodically to deliver food and water with the prescribed medicine.

She would ask questions pertaining to the fates of some familiar names from their town. Vern from the butcher shop was actually a few wards over being treated for his foot which had accidentally been run over. They heard nothing about Son Josef, Reed, Dillon, or even Mrs. McGlaughlin. The same applied to the names of some of Mackenzie’s friends such as Tina and her father. When the nurse would leave, there was silence once again.

Marik didn’t like it.

Even if he wasn’t a fan of large crowds and sounds, seeing the more sociable of the two of them being so brooding didn’t sit right with him. He wished she would say something, try to strike up a conversation about anything. He wouldn’t have a reply for whatever she would say, but he didn’t have to. Just hearing her voice would have been enough.

There was silence for the rest of the day.

The following morning Dr. Rechter stopped by again to perform a physical to gauge Marik’s motor functions and to maybe deliver another diagnosis. Complying with the man’s requests, Marik played along and did what was asked of him. The doctor performed a series of tests, focusing mainly on depth perception and reaction. Satisfied, Dr. Rechter wanted to see if he was able to walk properly and Marik wasted no time in hopping out of that bed.

A nurse and Mackenzie were ready to aid him, but to their astonishment, he was able to move without any assistance. Perhaps his drive to be free of constraints pushed aside any feeling of inhibition. Then again, he and Mackenzie had always been rather quick healers growing up. A scraped knee sprained ankle or even a sudden cramp; they had a talent for quick recovery. If it had to do with their other talent, Marik could only speculate but never complain.

After finishing up his tests, Dr. Rechter had him take another dose of medication and advised a half-hour of rest before giving permission to wander the wards so long as Mackenzie escorted. With shackled freedom, there was but one destination he sought.

“So, this is the one?”

“Yeah, she’s right through here.” Mackenzie stood by him, ready to open the door. “You ready?” Before he even had time to think if he was or not, he found himself nodding his head. “Alright then. I’ll go in first.”

Opening the door ever so slightly, Mackenzie poked her head inside to announce herself. Marik caught a brief glimpse of the room and wondered if she had maybe led him in a circle throughout the hospital. Then he heard the beckoning voice from within.

“I’ve missed you.”

Mackenzie pushed the door open further. “So have I, but I’m not alone this time.” Waiting no more, Marik followed in behind her to see that person lay before them.

She was in an upright position on the bed with additional pillows added to support her back. Her left arm was out from the blanket and her other three limbs were visible underneath but remained more fixed than a tree under moss. Her face was what really struck him. It was unmarred from any physical harm while her eyes were filled with remorseful joy. And then, upon seeing him, tears.

Her left arm raised in a half-empty embrace. “Come here.”

Both of his arms sought her out, careful to not disrupt the pillows she had in place behind her. Her own arm wrapped around his back with weakened strength before drifting up to pet the back of his snow-white head. He normally would have found that notion to be rather childish given his age and her condition; and yet, if he could, he would have frozen this moment in place.

Her warm exhale caressed the side of his face. “I’d ask your sister to come over here, too, but my arm isn’t that long.”

Perhaps she was trying to make light of the situation, a light that he could not see. When his eyes further examined her, he was able to ascertain just how unnaturally still the rest of her body actually was. There wasn’t even the slightest twitch or wiggle from the shape of her toes, no adjustment from her other arm. The strings have been ripped from the appendages. With what she could, she held onto him.

For now, until uncertainty, this would have to be enough.

There really wasn’t much talking. Even if he could somehow put all his thoughts into a coherent sentence, Marik doubted it would sound right coming out. So he sat there by her side.

Mackenzie joined his side after a moment or two. Her hand rubbed between his shoulders while seeking out their mother’s hand as well. They remained that way, stuck in a little infinity. And it wasn’t long enough.

An hour or so later, Dr. Rechter stopped by to check in and to give some additional pain medication to their mother. Even if she was unable to move or feel a majority of her body, the parts that she could were still incredibly sore. He warned that she might start to feel a little out of it and might start dozing off, but that wasn’t all.

“I can tell your visitors to come back at a later time if you please,” Dr. Rechter offered.

Visitors? Was he talking about them? They were already in the room so Marik wanted to suspect that wasn’t the case. So then who? Ephram, maybe? He was close enough to their family to maybe pop his head in. Their mother was an only child and had been raised by her grandfather who had long since passed so it certainly wasn’t a family visit.

“Visitors? For me?” Miriam asked, equally stumped. “Who is it?”

“He’s waiting outside. A certain Captain Killian.” Hearing the name, Marik’s suspicion was cast aside.

“Captain Killian is here?” he asked.

“Did he give a reason?” his mother asked with a slight drawl to her tone.

“He stated he knew your spouse well enough and when he saw your name on the evacuee list along with your condition, he wanted to stop in and check.”

The siblings exchanged looks of confused excitement at meeting a colleague of their father’s along with the top-ranked soldier in all of Tamaples. Miriam Kaiser was more pensive.

“Well, that is considerate of him. The last I saw of him was at my husband’s funeral. I… well, I suppose he could come in.” Nodding, Dr. Recher went to bring in their unexpected guest.

There were very few pictures or renderings of Captain Kilian Amon and when he entered, Marik could understand why; he didn’t even appear to be real. He was a tall man with a lithe build and wore a white hooded cloaked tunic uniform in place of the blue of most soldiers, and were flared by sashes of pink and red. A silver pin with the Tamaples falcon was in place on the left breast to display his status. But unlike Ephram’s, this one had the falcon gripping three arrows in one talon while the other was perched on an arm.

Looking at his face, Marik was surprised by how young the captain appeared to be, maybe two or three years older than his mother, perhaps no older than forty. And despite that, his mid-length hair was a stark white from both nature and stress. Then there were his eyes. They were the color of a freshly de-scaled salmon frozen behind ice so sharp it could shave hair from a face far better than the gilded sword that was strapped at his hip. The weapon had been used by the first Captain of the Defense and remained a tradition that every successor bore. Tradition aside, it was far from being just for show.

While technology had advanced greatly in recent years, as well as past decades, the concept of the sword had not been erased. Firearms, useful as they could be, did not come without disadvantages. They could get jammed, overheat, or simply run out of ammunition. And while a rifle proved lethal to a human, Wybriks were a different case. The noise made from shots was said to enrage them, depending on the breed. It didn’t help that Wybriks main point of vulnerability was their eyes.

And yet, it was the blade that seemed to offer the best defense against such creatures. Perhaps it was the motion made that found chinks in the metaphorical armor that a single shot could not. For that purpose, all enlisted servicemen were granted a blade. Regardless, Marik found his gaze transfixed by the sheathed legend.

“I do hope that you’ll pardon the intrusion. Better circumstances are always a rarity.” It was not Captain Killian that spoke. The projected statement came from the other individual. Even without the static from a tuner, that voice was unmistakable.

“Gov- er, Governor Cortz!” their mother blustered. “No. Oh my. I apologize for not being able to greet you properly. This is… I hadn’t… I did not think you would be here, either. Forgive me, but I’m unable to greet you properly.”

Governor Cortz raised his hands in a reassuring manner. “Oh no, Miriam, don’t go straining yourself for something so trivial. I’m not the King of Matania, I’ll take no slight. I do believe your children can offer greetings for you as well as themselves.”

“I…” words had failed her at that moment and she could only numbly nod her head in compliance. “Would the two of you please greet the Governor?”

Despite not being in the military and unsure of what to do, Marik felt it was best to give the reigning ruler a proper salute that Ephram had often practiced before enlisting. Instead, Governor Cortz waived that aside and offered up his hand. His grip was firm and strong for someone his age. With his combed back grey hair and wrinkles around his eyes and mouth, Abel Cortz must have been in his sixties unless stress had aged him prematurely.

Standing next to Captain Killian, Marik saw the governor to be slightly taller than the top-ranked captain. His features, which still showed signs of sharpness, such as his slightly upturned nose and Marik imagined he must have been quite handsome in his prime. The white of his suit and robe kept in line with Captain Killian’s attire but conveyed a much more formal appearance. His eyes were a bit squinted but shined with the color of lilac gems. He smiled at the youth before him.

“Marik Kaiser, I presume,” Governor Cortz shook his hand.

“Yes, I am… sir.” Once more, he brushed it aside.

“Sir?” He chuckled into his hand. “He calls me sir. Killian, did you hear?” Captain Killian who had yet to speak merely nodded his head. “Oh! Oh, boy, you flatter me. You’ve raised him well, Miriam. Why not even your father called me sir during his tenure. I imagine he had a few choice names for me, but that certainly wasn’t one of them.”

“Erm,” Marik decided to play it simple, unsure of how to respond. “Well, it’s still an honor to meet you in person, Governor.”

“Oh, my boy, politics is a less than honorable profession.” He patted the top of their clasped hands. His eyes drifted to the side. “And I take it this lovely young lady is your sister. How do you do?” Adjusting her hair slightly, Mackenzie offered up her hand.

“Mackenzie Kaiser. The pleasure is mine.” The Governor bowed his head and planted a light kiss on the back of her hand.

“Nonsense, dear. Much like your brother, you flatter me. Dealing with foreign emissaries and other prominent families within, a little show of humility can go a great distance.” He smiled at her, too. “You’ve raised your children well, Miriam, their presence would certainly breathe fresh air into this city.” Still appearing flabbergasted, she nodded along.

“That is great praise, Governor Cortz,” she managed to get past her stupor. “Truly, it is. It must have taken a great deal of convincing for the council to come and visit our family. We do not wish to inconvenience you in any way.” Governor Cortz nodded haphazardly.

“An inconvenience? Nonsense! Since the evacuation, I’ve visited some other hospitals with survivors to offer some words of encouragement. Written letters and state-issued assurances can only offer so much in terms of condolences. And besides, a personal visit to the family of one of Tamaples leading researchers is the least I can do.”

Their father. That did help to explain things if only a little. His mother’s head was hung solemnly. Marik guessed this was the closest their mother would come to seeing a ghost, being in a room with people who all reminded her of a distant memory. Looking at her downcast features made him feel the part of a mirror. A hand found his shoulder and Marik found himself looking up at those pieces of frozen pink.

“The gift of life is one that is seldom enjoyed. Your father knew and understood this. You, your sister, and your mother still live. But even those who have lost that gift need not fade completely. Do not forget that.”

It was the first that Captain Killian had spoken since he arrived. Every word was underlined with a soft command that made it impossible not to listen. Marik instantly found himself giving a nod. “Um, right. Thank you, Captain, uh, sir.”

Seemingly unbothered by the response, Captain Killian gave a nod back and then went back to further observing the room with disinterested alertness. Governor Cortz pursed his lips a little.

“Is that all you’ve to say, dear Captain? You did insist on accompanying me here.” That pink gaze didn’t even sweep over in Cortz’s direction.

“Sir, I believe it would be rather pointless to ask Lady Miriam about her condition. I am no doctor and possess no ability to heal others' injuries. Moreso, it is not my intention to offer pity. But if presence offers any peace of mind, I will remain.”

Miriam grabbed the hem of the blanket with her good hand. “Thank you for your honesty, Captain Killian. A little peace of mind is something we could all use right about now.”

“Indeed, well said, Captain,” Cortz agreed. “Perhaps I can further ease your worries. If it’ll come as any good news, the Matanian forces seem to have retreated from your town of Crandon.”

Retreated? They were pulling back already? From what he had learned in school, Matania usually pushed for the capital city of whatever country they were at war with. Ephram mentioned before that Captain Killian’s counter-attack was effective, but that was mainly for evacuation. Judging by the looks, he wasn’t the only one a bit baffled.

“Pardon me, but, what does that mean exactly?” Mackenzie asked. “Has the Makaro family said anything about this?”

“Why did this even happen to begin with?” Marik quietly followed her question up.

“Kids!” Miriam exclaimed to her twins. “My apologies, Governor Cortz. I’m afraid my children have overstepped their boundaries.” Cortz let out a soft exhale.

“All questions that we’ve been getting from all over. If anything I’m offended that they weren’t a little more original.” He gestured to a seat and Captain Killian pulled it over. “While the rest of the council has asked me to remain tight-lipped about this matter, certain liberties can be exploited from time to time. But when those directly involved in that tragedy ask in person, who am I to deny them the facts?

“We should have known this was coming the moment Matania began marshaling their troops. While I don’t claim to know the Makaro family personally, I thought for sure Lukas would be a little more open to negotiation. King Kal, whoever they may be, saw fit to strike fast and hard. And it was not just Crandon that felt the brunt of their attack; any town or village nearing the border was hit as well. By refusing to move on Walhia and issuing a temporary retreat, we can only surmise that the Matanians aim to cause as much collateral damage as possible.”

Marik tried thinking back to what he had learned in school, trying to make some better sense of the situation than just that. Matania had never really needed a reason to attack other countries before, but they never seemed sloppy or unorganized about doing so. What other country would be crazy enough to incorporate Wybriks into their attack?

Wait.

“They even had an Ogromm, too,” Marik quietly mentioned. The memory of that tri-tusked creature cleaved its way to his mind.

“And packs of Loygas that they apparently set loose in place of hounds. The survivors of those attacks are being called the miracle cases from what the doctors have said.” Governor Cortz bit the inside of his cheeks. “Nasty. Nasty business.”

“Excuse me, Governor Cortz,” Mackenzie piped up. “I hope you don’t take any offense, but why are you telling us this? I don’t think you’ve made a public statement just yet. Wouldn’t you get in trouble with the council for telling this to the three of us?”

“No offense taken from your questions, dear,” Cortez assured. “Yes, it is true that I’ve been rather hushed about the whole state of affairs and while a public announcement would perhaps put the populace at ease, I wouldn’t want to risk that in the event of Matanian scouts picking that up and using that to predict our next move. So, giving assurances in person is the best thing I can do.”

“And for that, we thank you,” Miriam insisted. “From the bottom of our hearts, truly.”

“And I assure you, it is greatly appreciated. Hadrian was lucky to have had you in his life.” Miriam said nothing. “But, if it will come as any sense of relief, with the Matanian’s withdrawal, a relief effort composed of soldiers and volunteers will be sent out tomorrow morning to your town of Crandon to hopefully establish an encampment to further defend the area.”

“That is very enlightening to hear,” Miriam lightly said. “If all goes well, perhaps we can move back to our home there soon.” Was their house even still around? Marik kept quiet about that thought, not wanting to bring down any hope. “Will you be overseeing the mission, Captain?”

Killian slowly blinked. “The council has felt the need to keep me in Walhia for a time in the event Matania launches a surprise attack. The command for this operation has fallen to Major Smidge.”

“You may rest assured, dear Miriam, Walhia is happy to cater to your needs while this conflict pans out. Although, there is little point in dancing around calling this for what it really is, regardless of official paperwork.”

“I… suppose it was only a matter of time,” Miriam confessed. “I didn’t want to believe it would happen in this lifetime, but it seems the DON did not hear them.” Sighing, Governor Cortz took her hand and gave her a pat.

“Chin up, dear. Our god works in ways beyond our feeble understanding. Should that god ever grace our world again, a voice as lovely as yours should never go unheard.” Miriam just nodded.

“Sir, I believe the good doctor will be returning soon,” Killian spoke with alert disinterest. “Perhaps we should leave Madam Kaiser be. Her children will keep her company.” Sure enough, the door opened for Dr. Rechter to come in with another dosage of medication.

“Ears of a fox!” Cortz wiggled a finger at Killian. “But on that note, we take our leave.” He shook each of their hands one last time while Killian merely gazed into their eyes and gave a small nod of his head before departing alongside their reigning elected.

Dr. Rechter didn’t stay long, just enough to ensure Miriam got the proper dosage before leaving them in relative peace. The medication must have been fast-acting as her head began to lull and her eyes started to drop. Mackenzie was by her side, helping her lie back down and adjust her pillows. Marik believed her to be asleep before he heard her start to mutter.

“I’m sorry.”

The twins leaned over to her. “Mom? Mom, what are you talking about?”

“I’m sorry,” she said again. “This shouldn’t have happened. Where did Governor Cortz and the captain go?”

“Probably to go visit other patients,” Mackenzie informed their drowsy mother. “Do you want Marik or me to go find them?” Miriam shook her head.

“You shouldn’t. You shouldn’t do that. I just… I just want you here for now.”

“Yeah, we’re here,” Mackenzie assured. Marik went to take his mother’s hand, but she was gesturing over to the drawer where her belongings were kept. “You want your clothes?”

“No. No, it should be in there underneath. I at least managed to hold onto that before the accident.” Shuffling through, Marik expected to find the lockbox she had risked her life for only to find a small, rusted key. He placed it in her hand.

“The key to that box?” Mackenzie guessed correctly.

“This was all I had.” Her fingers traced along the grooves. “All I could save. I tried. I tried, Hadrian.” Marik felt a ball of nothing fall to his stomach. This medicine was making her all looney.

“Mom, hey, Mom,” he tried getting her attention. “Dad isn’t... here. You know that?”

“I know. There is no way he can be here.” Her hand gripped the key tighter. “But all that was in there, he meant for the both of you. But now it’s lost.”

“Mom, it’s alright,” Mackenzie put on a reassuring smile. “We still have you. A few missed birthday gifts isn’t something that we’re upset over.” Their mother wasn’t having it.

“More than that,” her voice raised a little. “There was so much more than that. Things that I didn’t - that I couldn’t tell you. I’m sorry. I never thought things would end up this way. Please, understand that much.” Whether it was the medicine or actual regret, she sounded on the brink of tears.

“Don’t worry about it,” Marik soothed. “What Mackenzie and I can do, I understand that you never wanted to talk about it if it was too painful. That’s all fine. We can go on with our lives as we are.”

“Marik,” she was shaking her head.

“Whatever curiosity I might’ve had doesn’t matter anymore. You don’t need to stress yourself about what isn’t important.” He scratched the back of his head.

“Damnit, Marik! For once in your life will you just listen to what I have to say without talking back?!” Her outburst silenced the both of them. She would raise her voice or talk in agitated inflations, but it was rare for her to actually yell.

“Whatever it is you can imagine isn’t what you can comprehend. You’ve no idea what actually goes on in the world. If you understood anything then you’d know that some things just can’t be left in the past. Your father understood that and I tried my very best to do the same.” Her voice was becoming hoarse and strained with every syllable.

“All this,” her good hand absentmindedly gestured around at nothing. “All this could just be some cruel idea thrown about and brought to fruition on a whim. There are people out there who’d like nothing more than to serve only themselves. They believe themselves special.”

“Special like us?” Marik was compelled to ask against his judgment. “Special like dad?” She moved her arm to cover her face.

“I wish I knew. Hadrian, why can’t you be here?” Her throat stifled a choke. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything!”

Neither sibling was unsure of how to approach her, opting to let her calm down before they said anything further. They watched as she kept muttering those same words over again, “I’m sorry.” It became her mantra, a prayer that aided either her heart or mind. She kept on until her voice faded to a dull moan and the tension relaxed from her being, her consciousness since faded.

Coming forward, Mackenzie eased their mother down a bit further and adjusted the pillows behind her for some added comfort. “Can you fix her blanket, Marik?” He didn’t answer. “Marik?” He was already moving out of the room with his attention focused on anything but the bed.

He was already in the hall by the time Mackenzie caught up to him. Her hand fell on his shoulder. “What’s going on with you?”

“With me?” Marik bitterly choked. “Did you even see what I did just now? Did you hear the things that she was saying?”

“She’s on heavy medication. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

“No. For the first time in our lives, I think she was saying what she actually meant. You heard her.”

“Yes, I did.” She moved to stand next to him. “And do you know what I think? I think that what she needs more than anything now is for us to be here for her. I could always read you so well, you know that? The fact that I can’t right now is something that I don’t like.”

“You don’t like it?” Marik asked. “Do you know what I don’t like? I don’t like seeing her like… like…” his head throbbed with conflict. He wanted to shut his eyes and be done with this day. He tried.

He tried doing exactly that since it would stop any salt from leaking. To just be alone. That is what he tried to do. A voice reached out through that darkness.

Do you want to be alone?

The hand on his shoulder grew heavier. “Like what, Marik?”

He opened his eyes and the faceless smile was lost.

“Exactly how she is,” he finished. “For as long as we’ve known her, she never once acted the way she did just now. That isn’t how she should be and she knows it, too. Whatever heirlooms she had stashed away meant enough to her that she was willing to risk her life. Important enough to actually tell us the truth.” He opened his hand to her.

“You snatched the key?” He nodded. “So that’s how it is? What about all you said about not being curious anymore? Or were those just words to put her more at ease?”

“It isn’t important to me,” Marik defended. “But it is to her.” Mackenzie was quiet. “Please, listen. I’ve made peace with dad passing, but she clearly hasn’t. That’s why she needs to have it. That’s why I want to give it to her.” He rubbed the back of his head.

Mackenzie quietly observed him. “You just plan on casually strolling back to town and leaving with it? What if the Matanians decide to launch another assault? Or have you forgotten the capital is on lockdown?”

“Not for the supply route,” he corrected. “You heard Governor Cortz, a relief effort is being launched tomorrow morning. It's even open to volunteers.” She was shaking her head.

“God, you’re actually serious about this.”

“It’s not the best plan, but it’s better than nothing.” He knew it sounded stupid, but he meant it to be reassuring for her. He noticed her fidget.

“And how exactly do you plan on two people breaking away from military supervision to go look for something as obscene as a box?”

“Two people? You… you want to come with me?”

“Obviously.”

“Mackenzie, you… you don’t have to do that.”

“Oh, believe me, I know. But someone has to make sure that you don’t get yourself killed out there. Besides,” she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, “I’m afraid that if I tried stopping you, I’d put you back in a coma again.”

He wanted to refuse her. He wanted to stop her from having to stop him. She had always been the more adaptable of the two of them, able to fit in with whatever group of friends she came across; it would be a loss to the world if she were to perish because of his decision. If that happened, their mother would be without closure and her children.

“Why?” he asked. Mackenzie only stared at him.

“Do I need a reason to make sure you stay alive, stupid?” In spite of everything, Marik smiled. “The real question you should be asking is how you even plan on explaining this to mom afterward.”

“Yeah, how are you planning on doing that?”

The both of them stiffened when the owner of that voice made himself known from around the corner. His arms were crossed across the blue of his uniform and the pointed pout on his face gave nothing away to what he was feeling.

“Ephram!” Mackenzie quickly put on a bright smile. “Eavesdropping, were you? Ha! We knew you were there, figured we’d have a little fun and see how you’d react. Did we fool you?”

“After that little heart-to-heart, not in the slightest.” His words caused Mackenzie’s face to fall and Marik palmed his forehead. “Typically, on relief efforts, civilian volunteers aren’t permitted to be left unsupervised.” He shook his head in disappointment. “Guess it’s up to me to be your hero, huh?”