Chapter 2: Time and Time Again
Rain walked slowly away from the main street and headed down an alleyway. He took a couple of turns before finally coming to a door. He stood there thinking for a moment and finally opened the door and walked in. Inside, a deep odor of perfume and scented candles mixed in the air. He looked around and laid his eyes on a red curtain. Rain took a deep breath before walking through the curtain. Sitting on a small chair in front of a circular table was a lady, perhaps not of most amazing of beauty complexity, but she seemed to be friendly. She wore a long gown and matching headpiece. She was likely one of the last gypsies alive that foretold destiny amongst other things.
"Welcome back, my dear. Are you ready?" Asked the lady as she brought forth a crystal ball.
Throughout time, crystal balls have been used to talk to those gone and see the future. As time progressed, this type of magic became more expansive and offered much more benefits than ever before. More truths were exposed including those of high profile people, especially Calvaria. After discovering this, the now defunct company was involved in getting a lot of these people off the map. Most of them took refuge in Ayla's homeland. Of course, Calvaria found out sooner or later and even King Yakoh couldn't stop them. In the end, a handful of these talented persons survived the massacre. Madame Mirela was the only one in Arcadia/Sirens Bay area.
"She has been waiting, my child." The elder lady motioned for him to take a seat next to her. Taking his hand into hers, she closed her eyes and mumbled some incomprehensible phrases. She then placed her other hand on the crystal ball. Rain, clearly knowing the process, closed the channel by placing his free hand on the crystal too.
In mere seconds Rain felt as though he flew through time and space. Images of people long gone appeared left and right and then would fade away and then he seemed to fly through a star field. Finally, a lovely girl began coming into view. It took another minute or two before Rain saw himself standing in this world in front of the beautiful girl.
"Freya." He greeted her who in turn walked into his arms and hugged him close.
"I've missed you, Rain. It's lonely here without you. Thank you for coming." Said the girl.
"I've missed you, too. I don't know how much longer I can do this." Rain held her close not wanting to ever let go.
"I am afraid I won't see you again each time you leave. You must do something to help me. I don't want to be here all alone anymore, Rain."
The man felt tears fall like never before. He knew that what he held in front of him was real, but would fade away in moments.
"Rain there is a way for me to return. Help me, Rain. Help me be with you." Freya began floating away, fading into the background of light.
"Freya!" Rain's eyes opened. His heart beating more than normal and he found himself trying to catch his breath.
A clock on the wall displayed the time. It had been almost two hours since he touched the glass sphere yet he only shared seconds with Freya. He looked at the gypsy who smiled at him.
"There is a way, Rain. I can help you if that is really what your heart desires."
Rain knew that is what he wanted, but what about Machika. He could not deny his feelings towards her. Neither for Freya. He was lost in a sea of despair.
"Machika." Her name was most important, yet this opportunity was like nothing in the world.
"Rain, I've known you a long time now and I need to confess something to you. I do not have a lot of time left on this earth before I transcend to the next. If you are to make a choice, you must make it soon." The lady stood up and walked away past a curtain that led to another room. On the table in front of Rain was a small paper. On it was a date. It was soon.
Saddened he reached into his bag and drop coins on the table. Tradition stated the psychic could not take the money personally nor charge for the magic to work. He left with the paper out the same way. It was actually a back way to get in that only special guests knew about.
Amy was walking by with her pet cat. A descendant of Kiki, the cat inherited the looks but of course, nothing more. No more angel blood circulated in the feline mascot. She was headed towards Eury's house but something called her attention. Sitting on the curb was a man with short, blonde, hair. He seemed to be obsessed with a small piece of paper that he kept folding and unfolding. It wasn't until she was closer that she saw who it was.
"Hello! What are you doing here?" She asked in her friendliest voice.
It took a moment before Rain placed the paper in his bag and stood up. Amy was still not as tall as him, but she had grown taller over time. She smiled warmly at Rain who seemed rather sad.
"Hey Amy." He said as he exhaled. I'm just pondering on different things. Where are you headed?"
Amy told him he was heading to Eury's. Rain offered to accompany her since it was already getting late. They continue chatting about different things as they reached their destination.
Eury and Ayla were just arriving with store supplies when they saw the pair.
"Eury! Eury!" Amy screamed as she saw her brother who smiled as he saw his sister.
Ayla twitched her lips. Amy was very friendly, but when Ayla and Eury got together, the world changed for Amy who was very attached to her brother. She felt Ayla had taken something very special out of her life.
"I came to see you." Said Amy to her brother making sure Ayla heard. The two siblings walked inside while Rain helped Ayla bring more things in. Afterwards, he asked if they had seen Machika. Neither of the three gave him any good news.
"We saw her leave earlier right before you did but haven't since."
Rain sighed, thanked them and left.
"Poor guy." Said Amy.
"Poor Machika." Added Ayla.
"Poor me! Someone help me with these boxes!" Both girls turned and saw Eury struggling to keep balance while trying to carry all the supplies. The boxes eventually overwhelmed and buried him. Both girls froze for a moment before breaking into laughter.
Rain opened the door to their home and walked in. Machika was definitely not home yet. He closed the door and sat on the couch. Again he began playing with the piece of paper while waiting for his wife. Many different things came to his mind the lost track of time.
"I must make a decision soon." He said.
"What kind of decision?" Asked a voice. He had been so focused on his thoughts that he failed to notice Machika walk in.