Chapter 109.

Chapter 109.
109\. Rachael.

FIVE MINUTES AGO.

As I rode the bike, a growing sense of unrest began to stir within me. It was as if a disturbance in the balance of my body had awakened, signalling that something was about to shift. The energy that had been pent up inside me for so long was stirring, demanding to be released. I could feel it coursing through my veins, a potent force that threatened to break free from the subconscious constraint I had placed upon it.

It was safe to say that my emotions—the deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt—had played a crucial role in this buildup. The weight of wondering if I was enough, if I was strong enough, if I was capable enough, had been simmering beneath the surface, waiting to erupt. And now, as I rode the bike, I could feel the dam beginning to crack.

Despite the turmoil brewing inside me, I felt a strange sense of confidence as I rode. The sessions with Lyanna, the insights I had gained from reading the diary, and the experience during the attack at our previous place had all contributed to a growing sense of self-assurance. I felt like I was tapping into a reservoir of inner strength, one that I hadn't known I possessed.

As the bike sped along the road, I felt a sense of freedom, a sense of release. The wind rushing past me, the roar of the engine, and the rush of adrenaline all combined to create a sense of exhilaration. And yet, beneath it all, the energy continued to build, a potent force threatening to blow everything away.

Even from here, I could sense Ethan, Nathan, Chekov and even Edgar's energy. But something was wrong; Edgar's energy was weaker than all of theirs. If I didn't pay attention, I might have lost it.

"Please, goddess, don't let anything happen to them," I whispered, the words barely audible over the roar of the bike's engine. My eyes were fixed on the road ahead, but my mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of those I cared about. I muttered a silent prayer, hoping against hope that they would be safe, that nothing terrible would befall them.

As I rode, the scenes of devastation around me only served to heighten my anxiety. I passed wrecked vehicles, their twisted metal and shattered glass a grim reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. Bodies lay strewn across the road, some still, some stirring feebly. The sight of them sent a jolt of fear through me, amplifying my worry for those I was trying to reach.

My heart was racing, my mind filled with worst-case scenarios. I could feel the weight of uncertainty bearing down on me, making every breath feel like a struggle. I pushed the bike harder, the speedometer climbing as I devoured the distance, my eyes scanning the road ahead for any sign of danger.

Gunshot echoes, bombs and vehicles could be heard from a distance. By my estimate, Nathan was five minutes ahead of me and fighting.

My head told me they would be fine, that nothing would happen to them since Ethan and Nathan were strong but that unease kept on eating at my conscience. I felt like something would happen if I didn't stop it.

Just then, I sensed him. Ethan's energy wasn't far from here, he was approaching. I could make our two headlights from afar, coming in my direction.

"Ethan!" I gasped and accelerated, trying to shorten the distance between us. My anxiety went to max when I saw the numerous vehicles chasing after them.

I only had one chance, and this was it. I slowed down and got off the bike, holding my hands in front of me. The air felt cold, but the energy around me made it vibrate as it, coursed outwards from my body.

My arms glowed, which instilled confidence that it was working, and I closed my eyes. I focused on it, feeling the wind around me swell and opened my eyes. The air was charged, my body felt really warm as I focused on the incoming vehicles. This was also the perfect opportunity to avenge Uncle Myers, who had been killed by this rogue.

I filled my lungs with air and screamed with all my might.

"EVERYBODY, STOP!"

I stood frozen, my feet seemingly rooted to the spot as I took in the devastation before me. The scene was haunting, like a wasteland devoid of any life or vitality. The paved road, once a smooth and well-defined path, was now nothing more than a memory. The entire ecosystem that had existed along the road – the trees, the grass, the wildlife – was erased from existence, leaving only a desolate wasteland in its place.

The landscape was scarred, with broken tree trunks strewn about like matchsticks. The air was heavy with the scent of destruction, a pungent mix of smoke and ash that hung over the area like a shroud. I scanned the horizon, my eyes desperately searching for any sign of Ethan's vehicle, but it was nowhere to be seen.

My anxiety, which had been simmering just below the surface, suddenly took hold of me. I felt a surge of fear course through my veins as I started jogging toward the area where I had last seen them. "Ethan? Where are you?" I called out, my voice hoarse with worry. My heart was pounding in my chest, the sound echoing in my ears like a drumbeat.

I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that had been growing inside me. I had thrown them off the road, and now I was faced with the possibility that something terrible might have happened to them. The thought sent a wave of panic washing over me, and I picked up my pace, my legs pumping furiously as I jogged through the desolate landscape.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no," I muttered to myself, the words becoming a mantra as I searched for any sign of Ethan or the others. I couldn't believe I had put them in harm's way like that. What if something had happened to them? What if they were hurt, or worse? The thought was unbearable, and I pushed myself to run faster, my eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of life.

A car suddenly pulled out from a corner, completely battered and barely running. Ethan jumped out and I was relieved to see him. I fell to my knees, from the exhaustion and gasped. "Thank goodness, you are fine!"

"Oh my days, how did you do that?" He approached me. He seemed hurt, but he was relieved to see me.

"I don't know, I just did—" I felt weak, my vision was blurry.

"Whoa—there." Ethan grabbed my arm. "Hurgh—my ribs are broken but I'm so happy to see you."

I smiled and looked at the horizon. The sun was already rising in the distance. "I'm also happy to see you too."