Chapter 16
Dreamer
Have you ever had a dream you wish you never wake from? I currently find myself in this situation. Although for some reason I can’t remember what my dream was.
I stare blankly at the familiar wooden ceiling while disappoint ate at me. This is why I hate dreams. I always wake up at the best part.
I laid motionlessly trying to figure out why my arms and legs felt like they were at the bottom of the ocean.
Unable to come up with an answer, I awkwardly shimmy my way to the edge of my bed to reach for a pouch on my nightstand. After a few failed attempts I was finally able to grab the string of the pouch. With a light shake, a crystal falls from the little bag.
A brilliant light emanates from within the transparent rock. I tighten my grip on crystal until it cracks in my hand. The radiant light trapped inside the crystal covers me. A comforting warmth spreads through my weak body.
I still don’t fully understand how these crystals work. All I know is dad brought them from some distant land. I wish he would tell me more about where these rocks come from, or about the adventures that he had. For some reason, he refuses to tell me anything about the outside world.
I guess I have no choice, but to go out and see the world for myself.
I jump out of my bed, the moment the radiant light surrounding me faded, along with it the pain and fatigue weighing me down.
“Those crystals really are amazing, it almost like I never jump off a cliff.” Wait, cliff? Why did I say that? I would never do something stupid like that, right?
For some reason I can’t recall what I did yesterday, all I remember are pieces of the dream I awoke from. In the dream, I think was running from something. I can still remember what I felt the excitement that rushed through my blood as I ran for my life, the wind and the leaves the brushing against my skin, and the warmth of a stranger next to me. It feels like I was actually there, but I know better to think that. There’s no way anything interesting can happen in this country.
Light flood my gloomy dark room, the moment I open my curtain. Before me, was a clear view of the shoreline.
New Eden, a country made entirely of islands. Most people would consider the place like this paradise, and in a way, it is. It’s an isolated country that wants nothing to do with the rest of the world. I’m pretty sure this country is nothing more than a dot on the world map due to how small and insignificant it is. The people who come here are usually trying to escape from the world’s drama or just want to live a quiet life. And for a while, I was content with living that kind of life. But as I grew older, the joy I got from watching the ocean faded and in its place was a strong urge to see what lie beyond it.
“Aaron?” I unintentionally flinch when I heard mom’s meek voice. I tried to turn around, but she throws herself at me, nearly knocking me down. “I was so worried.” She wraps her arm around me and holds me tightly like I would vanish if she let go.
She always did overact when I get injured, but this is the first time I saw her so distress. I must’ve done something incredibly stupid.
I threw my hands over her shivering shoulders and hugged her back. “I’m fine mom. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“But you’ve been unconscious for two days.”
“Two days?” I barely stop myself from shouting. “What happen?”
“I don’t know.” Her voice quivers. “A couple of fishermen found you unconscious on the shores of Forbidden Island.
Forbidden Island? I think that’s where I was at when I was dreaming. Could it be…
“Mom, was there anyone else with me on the shore?” I could feel my heart beating faster while I was waiting for her answer.
“You mean Anna?”
The moment she spoke her name, everything came back me. I started feeling dizzy trying to make sense of all the memories flooding in my head.
“Do you know where she is?”
“She was staying here overnight, but it seems she left this morning.”
“I see.” I gently push her away from me.
“Aaron?” Confuse she reaches for me like a child that lost a precious toy.
“I’ll be back in a bit” Before she could say anything I ran out of the room and out the house. My heart pounded with excitement as I ran barefooted on the hot sand.
The Demon King living in a crumbling stone castle, goblins that talked and act like humans, and a black hair girl that can create giant arms out of plants. Did all that really happen? Is it possible for such things to happen in this boring country so far away from the rest of the world? The only way I’ll find out if I ask her in person. But, where is she?
I abruptly stop after realizing I was running aimlessly. While catching my breath, I stare out at the ocean. Ships filled with people leisurely traveling from one island to another.
Eden made of twenty islands. Our main transportation is boats I doubt Anna has any money to get on one of them. So, she should still be on this island, and if so probably at “Little Paradise.”
Little paradise is the closest to town to my house. That’s probably the first place she went after she left.
I ran up the small hill that separated the beach from a paved road that led directly to the town. I grimace in pain as I stepped on sharp rocks that covered the road.
“I wish I put on some shoes.” I murmur to myself. Thankfully the town wasn’t that far, so I didn’t have to endure the torture for too long. But I have another problem. I have no idea where to start looking for her.
I don’t know how I fool myself into thinking that I can easily find her in a place filled with people and activities.
“What do I do.” I felt something tug on my pants while I was pondering. I look down to see a little girl staring at me with curious eyes.
She looked no older than ten. There were cuts and bruises all over her body. And her dress is covered in dirt.
“Mister, have you seen my big sister?”
“Sorry, I don’t think I have.” The girl’s shoulder droops at the same time I felt my heart shatter in pieces.
“I see. Sorry to bother you.”
“Wait, maybe I can help.
I’m probably going to lose my only chance at finding Anna if I help this girl. But I won’t be able to sleep at night if I leave her here alone.
“Really! you’ll help me!” A giant tail that was almost the size of the girl rises over her shoulder.
“Um, could it be you’re a beast-men?”
“Does that bother you, mister?” She said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
“No, it doesn’t bother me, I was just curious. So, what does your sister look like?”
“Her skin is white as snow.” She looked down at the paved ground while speaking to me. I wanted to tell her there’s nothing to be afraid of, but I doubt half-ass words will get rid of her fear.
“Her hair is black as night.”
“This girl is her name Anna?” I cut the little girl off before she could finish. I didn’t need any more details. Since there’s only one person in this small world, I inhabit that fits that depiction.
“Anna?” She tilts her head and gives me a quizzical look. “She never told me her name so, that might be it.”
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“Is Anna, really your sister?” I ask, unable to hold back my curiosity. They're definitely not related by blood, and they don’t seem to be close since she didn’t know Anna name.
“No, but I think she’s the big sister I always wanted to have.” The little girl eyes became distant. I’m sure right now she remembering when she met Anna. It seems she left quite the impression on the little girl. Her tail is happily waving back and forth as she reminisces.
I found myself memorize by her giant tail. It looks so fluffy, almost like its begging me to pet it.
“Mister?” She looks up at me surprised. Without realizing it, I was running my hand through her gray hair. I expected her to be more upset with me, yet her startled expression turns into a smile.
“You really are kind are kind aren’t you mister. I can tell by your smell."
“Smell?” I pull my shirt up to my nose. The only thing I could smell was the sourness of me running aimlessly for twenty minutes while the sun slowly baked me alive.
The little girl covers her mouth to hide her laughter. “I don’t think your nose is sharp enough to smell emotions, mister.”
“You can smell emotions?”
“Of course, I am a Lycan after all.”
Lycans? I heard they had an incredibly sharp nose, but to think they can smell emotions. I wonder what happiness smells like?
“That’s the main reason why I approach you. Her scent stuck to your body.”
Her smell probably stuck to me when I was carrying her out the forest. “Wait, if her smell led you to me, then does that mean, she’s not on this island?”
“No, I think she’s still here. My nose picked up two trails of her scent, I came to you because you were the closest.”
“So, she still on this island. Do you know where to look?”
“I think so.” She slowly walks around in her circle. Her nose twitches as she sniffs the air. “She’s this way!” Before I could say anything, she grabs my arm and drags me down a busy street. Despite her small and frail frame, she was easily able to pull me along with her.
Onlookers quickly move out of our path. Their face twisted into disgust and fear when we walk past. I’m confident their fearful gaze is directed at the little girl, yet she didn’t seem bothered by it. No, she’s probably just use to everyone fearing her. It must be tough being a beast-men.
It’s because of creatures like goblins that people mistakenly believe that all beast-men are just feral monsters that’ll attack or rape anyone they see.
“By the way mister, I don’t think I ever got your name.”
“It’s Aaron. I don’t I think I got yours either.”
“Ah, Mines is Katherine. Sorry about that, I was in such a rush to find big sis I forgot to introduce myself.”
“No need to apologize. I didn’t introduce myself either, plus I was in such a rush I forgot to put on my shoes.”
“I guess big sis means a lot to both of us huh?” She looks back at me and gives me a bright smile that revealed her canines.
“That smile, I have to protect it.” I quietly told myself.
Ignoring the ugly glare. We made our way down the street which led directly to the town’s plaza. Curious shoppers and colorful merchandise fill the area. Seeing how crowded it was, I thought it would take a while to find Anna. But my eyes almost immediately fell on her.
The plaza fell silent. Nobody stopped talking. It’s just that all my senses were simply focused on the girl in front of me. She sat alone at a table her head in her hand staring somberly into the distances.
Everyone that walk past her table would stare at her, drawn in by the otherworldly atmosphere that surrounded her. Although she seem unbothered by it, she continues to stare off in the distance while twirling a strand of her hair around her finger.
A middle age man with blonde hair approaches Anna carrying a tray of food. He wore a fancy dark suit that gave him a professional appearance.
“Who is that?” Katherine asked in a hushed tone.
“No idea.” All I know is he's a noble approaching carelessly might get us in trouble. Katherine grabs my arm and drags me to a table adjacent to them. “Let’s see what they’re talking about she said before forcing me to sit down.” Thankfully the two were too busy eating to notice us. Especially Anna she frantically grabs the food off the tray and ate everything her small hands could hold. The noble stares at Anna in shock as she devours everything on the trade.
“So.” The man roughly clears his throat probably to get the gluttonous girl attention. “Have you made up your mind?”
“Not yet.” She said with a full mouth. “I. still don’t. understand. what you want from me.”
“It’s quite simple. I want your body…” He reaches into his pocket.
Is he reaching for a weapon? Don’t tell me this bastard is trying to threaten her to sell her body.
“…To be on the cover of my magazine!” He pulls out a magazine with a girl wearing a bikini on the front. I slowly sat back down in my seat confuse as to what’s happening.
“Cover of what?!” Anna shouted with her mouth still full of food.
“My magazine. You have the perfect body to showcase the latest summer fashion!” The man grew more excited as he spoke about women clothing while Anna seems to become more exhausted. “So, what do you think?”
“I think I’ll decline.”
“Of course, it’s a perfect deal. Wait, you decline? Why?
“I want to protect what little pride I have left.”
“Pride?” The man laughs. “If you work for me not only will you get to the wear the finest clothes you’ll also be New Eden hottest babe!
“That’s the problem.” Anna’s eyes darken.
From the looks of it, I don't she'll work for him even if offer her the entire world, although at the same time this guy looks persisted. I doubt he’ll give up on her regardless how many times she refused. Perhaps this is my chance to talk to her.
“Don’t.” Katherine grabs my hand just as I was about to stand. “You’ll get hurt.” I follow her gaze to a nearby table. Two men in business suits sat at the table. They stare intensely at the menu while occasionally glancing at Anna and the Noble.
Without a doubt, that’s the noble’s bodyguard. They have the same intense atmosphere as him, and they seem to be itching for a fight.
Are they going to interfere if Anna continues to refuse his offer? I wouldn’t put it past him. Most nobles are incredibly prideful and don’t like it when they don’t get what they want.
“You don’t need to worry about big sis. She can take care of herself.” Katherine said with pride in her voice. I look back over at the table and notice Anna was staring directly at me. She looked at me with a mischievous smile, like she just found a new toy.
She slams her hand onto the table, silencing the noble.
“Sorry, your offer sounds interesting, but I already have a contract with someone else.” Anna stands up and walks over to me.
I don’t know why, but the girl in front of me feels vastly different than the one I met in the forest. The girl in the forest looked incredibly weak and frail, and the Anna in front of me seems to radiate confidence and strength to the point it feels like her very presence would crush me if she got too close.
She stops right next to me. While still wearing her mischievous smile, she stroked my head like I was pet.
“This child is my current employer. And I can’t stop working for him until I pay off my debt.”
I could feel everyone eyes on me. I don’t need Katherine’s mind reading nose to figure out what they’re thinking. Why did she make it sound like she’s my slave?
“I see…” The nobles focus his cold gaze on me. Is he planning on attacking me to get her? “Damn, to think I lose to a kid.” He said while letting out a sigh.
“Does this mean you’re done annoying me?” Anna said flatly.
“Not quite. You still have to pay for your meal.” The noble pointed towards the empty tray. The guys in black that were watching us step in front of us blocking our path. “I was originally going to pay for the meal, but since you already have a contract with this kid, I’ll let him pay.
Going by his cocky smirk, I doubt he'll let us go even if I did bring money to pay for the meal.
“Honestly, you nobles always overdramatize everything.” Anna tosses a small pouch onto the noble’s lap. “That should be more than enough to pay for my meal. Now stop looking for excuses to cause trouble.”
“Fine, I’ll let you go. For now.”
“’For now.’ You nobles are a pain in my….” Anna’s voice faded away as she walks past the two guards. Katherine jumps out of her seat and quietly ran after her. And like an ant in a hive, I mindlessly follow the two.
“Big sis, why didn’t you beat them up like the other bad guys?” Anna looks down at the little girl walking beside her and pet her hair.
“Because I feel like he’s the kind of guy that will run towards the sunset while shaking his hand screaming ‘I’ll be back!’ if you beat him. The only way to deal with a pain in the ass like that is to either ignore them or kill them.”
“So, if someone is a pain in my butt, I should just ignore them?”
“Only if their witnesses nearby. If no one’s watching, then your free to do whatever you want to them.”
What exactly are you teaching her?
“Ah, this sucks. I was going to use that money to buy some clothes that fit me.” Anna lets out a sigh while pushing up her shirt up over her shoulder which immediately slides back down.
That’s one of mom’s old shirt. If she’s too small for that than does that mean she’s not wearing anything underneath? My eyes wandered towards her shoulder. Strands of her unnaturally dark hair rested on it.
“Oh.” Anna abruptly stops causing me to almost crash into her. “Your name Aaron, right?” She looks at me with an unreadable expression.
“Yes, that’s my name.” My words came out stiff and awkward.
“If it weren’t for you those goblins would’ve killed me. Thank you.” She placed a hand on her chest and gave me a smile that seems strangely hollow.
“It fine. By the way, speaking of the goblins, how exactly did we escape?”
“Hm?” Anna quizzical tilts her head at me.
“My mind still hazy so I can’t remember what happen.”
“You did hit your head pretty hard,” Anna mumbles something under her breath. “We were both injured and exhausted from being a ruthless chase. So, left with no other option, you threw both of us off a cliff and hoped for the best.
I remember that part, but just before I black out, I saw a giant hand reaching for me. Did I imagine it? Or did she purposeful skip over that detail?
“That cliff was pretty high up. It’s a miracle we survive such a fall.”
“Indeed, but I most certainly would’ve died if you didn’t shield me with your body. That’s probably why you can’t remember anything.”
Did I shield her? It would explain why it took longer for me to recover than her.
“You save big sis?!” Katherine shouted while happily hopping around. “Does this mean you’re a superhero too?” Anna grabs Katherine’s head to stop her from jumping about.
“Did you forget our promise already?” Anna looks sternly at Katherine froze in place.
“Of course not! I just got a bit excited, sorry!”
“Just make sure you don’t forget.”
“Yes, ma’am!” Katherine stood up perfectly straight, like a statue. Anna let’s out a sigh before walking away, leaving us behind.
“Katherine, can you tell when people are lying?”
“Yes, sir!” She shouted while maintaining her pose.
“Then, did Anna lie to me?” Upon asking her that question, I was struck by guilt. Asking a little girl to spy on someone else emotions especially someone she looks up feels like a cruel thing to do.
“Never mind, forget I ask.”
“I don’t know…” Katherine said quietly to the point it was inaudible. Her cheerful attitude vanished and became something gloomy “I don’t know if she lied to you or not, whenever I tried to read big sis emotions, the only thing I can feel is overwhelming loneliness.” Katherine was on the verge of crying. Unsure what to do I patted her head.
When I left home, all I wanted was some evidence that the dream I had was real, yet now I find myself more and more interested in the strange girl I met on that island. Maybe it’s because of the surreal atmosphere surrounding from her. But it feels like if I follow her, it'll lead me to an even more amazing dream.