BDS: Chapter Three

Jalena remained at Gyan's side for the remainder of the night, dozing periodically.

After using her charisma to scan Gyan internally, Master Asia informed the group that Gyan was healthy, but that there was a protective barrier around his mind that was keeping him in a deep meditative state.

"This is common when an individual is fighting rapid transformation of some sort. If the body in its former structure serves as a resistance to the transformation, meaning that the change is occurring too rapidly for the body to adequately function, then the body shuts down so there is no resistance to the change."

"What type of transformation is it?" Eamonn asked. "Is it good for him?"

"I cannot assess that from the state he is currently in, Eamonn," Asia said softly. "All I know is that there is no visible harm occurring internally."

The next morning, Sahdika approached Jalena with a cup of tea in hand. "Go get some rest, Master Jalena. I will keep an eye on him until you return."

Gyan woke two days later in the same spot that Eamonn and Haji had left him. Jalena was sitting in a chair reading when Gyan pried his eyes open. He smiled. "How many times is it now that I find you in my focus when I wake?" he stated in a hoarse voice.

Jalena quickly put her book down and moved to his side. "Gyan, are you okay? Tell me what is going on with you."

He winced as he attempted to swallow. "Can I get some water first?"

"Sure," she said, her expression concerned.

Gyan pushed himself up as he watched Jalena exit the room, surprised that he felt calm in her presence. Maybe whatever it was that happened to me when she was around has stopped.

"Don't rush it," Jalena said as she reentered the room holding a large glass of water.

"I feel pretty good," he replied. He gulped down the water eagerly. "How long have I been asleep?"

"Two days."

Gyan scratched his head.

"How are you feeling emotionally?" Jalena asked cautiously. "I mean, your energy and words were pretty…um, passionate, just before you fell unconscious?"

Gyan's eyes widened. "I spoke to you last night?"

"Yes."

His face fell. He jumped from the sofa and nervously backed away. "Oh no. What did I say, Jalena? I just remember standing at the bottom of the porch stairs and then a bright flash of violet light."

"You don't remember anything else?"

"No."

Jalena dropped her gaze. "Well…"

Gyan began to pace the floor. "I can tell from your face that I did not hold back the thoughts and emotions I have buried the last several weeks."

"Is—is that the way you really feel?"

"In a way, yes. The extreme passion—yes, but I fear there is more beneath my love for you. It—it scares me. It's why I am afraid to be near you. I can't figure out what's going on. The way I become when you are near me is like some other force is taking over me besides just care or natural desire."

He stopped pacing as Jalena moved nearer.

"And do you still feel it now?"

He cleared his throat. "Yes, because it is always surging through my veins, but I do not feel it is out of my control…at least, not at this moment," he finished with a look of relief.

"So, this means you will communicate with me now?"

"Of course. It was torture not allowing myself to. I was just worried that I was turning into some kind of—well, I don't know what really..."

She nodded. "I told my father about the flash of violet light and he seemed confused."

"I'll have to bring it up with Sir Malik then." He sighed. "Will you just tell anyone who knows about this that I am acting normal again until I speak with Sir Malik?"

She smiled. "Yes…I only told them what was necessary as it is."

"Thank you." He smiled in relief, happy that he could look into her eyes again without his heart pounding in his ears.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Sahdika exclaimed as she came through the front door carrying several grocery bags. She placed the bags on the ground and hurried to embrace Gyan. After a moment, she leaned back and scrutinized him intently. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, nán," he said reassuringly as Jalena took the bags into the kitchen. "I think I just over-extended myself."

"I'll send word to your father while both of you get ready to eat. You must be starving."

He nodded.

"Go and wash. Master Jalena and I will start."

Gyan looked at the kitchen doorway. "She's been here the whole time then?" he asked in a low voice.

Sahdika smiled. "She only left when I made her go rest."

Gyan grinned. "Don't let her leave until after dinner. I want to make up for last time," he said as he turned to the stairs.

"I won't."

***