Been a while since I was able to write another chapter. Had tests come up and work was hectic, plus I bought Guitar Hero 3, so that kinda drew me away from writing. Was fun, but I wanna get my story told too! ^^

Chapter IV
Return to Conciousness

Aerio’s eyes slowly opened, his vision began to sharpen. He stared at a ceiling within his home, wondering what happened. Expecting to endure pain, he sat up, and his expectations failed to appear. A little surprised, but he began to remember Jonas and his purifying procedure. His body was covered in sweat, being under thick blankets through hot days wasn’t too comforting. He looked around and saw his mother, her back turned, she was sweeping the kitchen floor while a pot of boiling water sat atop of the hot stove. Aerio smiled slightly as he felt a warmness run through him. He knew he would never be alone when he needed someone.

Serui turned and noticed Aerio awake. “Oh, thank goodness! You’re finally awake!” She ran toward him and wrapped her welcoming arms around him. She held her son tight, knowing that she almost lost him. “I was wondering when you’d ever wake up…”

Questions arose from that last comment. “How long was I asleep?” Aerio asked his relieved mother.

“You were asleep for three days,” she responded. “I was worried that your body would need some food for nourishment while you were asleep, but I had no idea how to feed it to you!”

“Wha?! Really?! Asleep for three days… and to think the fight with those mushies felt like it happened hours ago,” Aerio was shocked, and actually didn’t believe what he heard for a few minutes. “Speaking of food… no eating for three days can work up an appetite! What do you have cooking over there?” He turned his attention to the boiling pot.

“Oh! I’m boiling some fish that your father caught in the morning. Should be ready soon. Just stay in bed and when you’re ready, wash up and come eat. I don’t want you to be in any kind of hurry,” Serui said as she went back to tend to the boiling pot.

“I think I’ve been in bed long enough,” Aerio spoke as he stretched. He felt his muscles slowly loosen up and relax, “Ah this feels good!” He uncovered himself from the blanket and went to a small room that was near the master bedroom. In the small room laid a sink and a toilet. Aerio turned the nozzle on the sink and left the water pouring down. He slowly took a handful of water, lowered his head, and lifted the water toward his face. The warm water came into contact with his skin. It sunk into his flesh while some mixed with his sweat and ran down his neck as he lifted his head. The refreshing cool sensation upon his face made him feel more optimistic toward the day of his awakening. He let out a sigh of relief and pick up his tooth brush next to him. He brushed until he was satisfied with the confidence that his smile brought him, turned the sink nozzle, stopping the water, and took his leave from the washroom, ready to eat!

As he entered the kitchen, he noticed his mother wasn’t there anymore, but she left a plate of fish and a cup of green tea on the table near his bedside. He sat on his bed and began to feast upon the long awaited meal. The meaty taste of the fish tingled his taste buds, and the green tea he induced watered down the dryness within his throat. Relaxation brought by the tea made the meal more enjoyable as he took his time, cherishing every bite of it. Nearing the end of his meal, his mother returned home carrying a net holding some fish. She placed them on the table, still flapping about. Serui turned to Aerio, “Your father is getting ready for the winter. He’s been outside all day gathering firewood from trees and axe stumps. He wants you to help him whenever you’re ready,” then as she was about to head out again, she remembered Jonas’ request. “I almost forgot. Jonas, the town priest, wanted to see you when you were fully recovered from the injuries. When you’re done eating, head to town and check up with him. When you return, you’ll have a feast waiting for you upon our table!” Serui went outside to help Hiruko with the fish and firewood.

Aerio swallowed the last pieces of his fish, and washed it down with some green tea. He stood and stretched one last time, enjoying his time away from work. He walked out of his house and saw his parents chopping trees into smaller pieces used to create fire.

“Hey! Aren’t you going to help your parents?!” Hiruko shouted as he saw Aerio walk out of the house.

Aerio smiled, “Sorry, Dad! No can do! I gotta see Jonas!” He took off running toward Amherst through the Senki Forest as fast as he could to stray away from work.

“Well when yo-” Hiruko continued, but stopped himself when he saw Aerio disappear into the Senki Forest. “Nevermind. You’ll come back home, and I will still be here,” he chuckled.