The Great Altruist by Z. D. Robinson

and a powerful surge of energy shot out of Genesis along the rope.
     
                Jadzia’s mind reeled from the impact. After a few seconds of feeling shocked as if by electricity, Jadzia adapted to the sensation and relaxed her mind. Before she could do so, the surge suddenly stopped and without a warning, she was thrust from the stream and onto the grass in the clearing.
     
                Jadzia tumbled along the grass and grabbed her head as it ached. Without warning, she let out a terrible scream as though a knife were being twisted in her temple.
     
                Genesis emerged from the stream a moment later and rushed to Jadzia’s side, cradling her head in her lap, trying to calm her.
     
                “I’m so sorry!” Genesis cried. “I didn’t mean to hurt you!”
     
                Jadzia flailed along the ground and rolled into the creek as she stumbled to regain her balance. Every time she tried, a dizzy spell forced her to her knees again. Out of breath and unable to control her movements, Jadzia panicked, afraid she might die.
     
                Genesis watched helplessly as her attempts at consolation were rebuffed. Jadzia was simply unable to stop screaming or flailing about. As she struggled to stop hyperventilating, Genesis quickly formed a shield of energy around Jadzia as she lied on the ground, writhing in agony. Genesis gathered as much oxygen from the atmosphere as she could and forced it into the shield with Jadzia. Eventually, her breathing settled to normal.
     
                Genesis released the shield. Jadzia’s naked body lied on the grass by the banks of the brook, completely unconscious and unresponsive, although her pulse was slow and her breathing shallow. Comatose and paralyzed, Genesis lifted her into her arms and carried her into the shade of a tree.
     

     
                For weeks, Jadzia lied motionless. Her condition didn’t change, except that her pulse did eventually quicken to normal. So did her breathing. Genesis never left her side for long. Several times a day, she poured small amounts of water down Jadzia’s throat and once a day she gave her a nectar she made from honey and bitter fruit she was able to find in the forest.
     
                As summer approached, Genesis continued to stand by her friend while she recovered. There was a glimmer of hope: one late afternoon in July, Jadzia’s toes moved. Genesis’s attempts at making contact were futile but the prospect of Jadzia returning to full health helped her cope with the tremendous guilt that kept her depressed.
     
                The days grew hotter as August neared, and Genesis spent most of the day with Jadzia in the shade. When night arrived, Genesis would often swim and play in the creek to cool down but she always returned to Jadzia’s side.
     
                During all this time, she never entered the stream or left the vicinity of the forest. Then one morning in early September, Jadzia stirred. She grimaced at first, but then slowly opened her eyes. Genesis stood back a good distance as she was afraid that Jadzia would be angry with her. Jadzia sat up and looked around the clearing. The grass was still rich and green, the air humid and warm, and the creek a little shallower than she remembered. She was still naked, like she was when she fell asleep, and her hair was considerably longer. Oddly enough, her nails were neatly trimmed and her skin clean. She looked around for Genesis and found her halfway across the clearing sitting on a rock with her legs bent, her knees against her chest. Genesis was looking away from her, a look of shame and guilt governed her countenance.
     
                Jadzia stood and slowly regained her balance. After stopping at the creek for a drink, she walked purposefully toward Genesis, eager to talk.
     
                As she neared, Genesis