Chapter 10: The warning
The garden is beautiful. Flowers are blooming everywhere. The sky is crystal blue. There is a sense of peace and tranquility. As I lay down on the grassy ground, I can't help but wish that I can stay in this place forever.
"You are not suppose to be here," said someone.
I quickly sit up and look around me. Naru is sitting not very far from me. He is smiling gently to me. Wait! Smiling?
"Gene?" I said with uncertainty.
"It's nice to see you again, Mai," said Gene calmly.
He stands up and walks towards me. He offers his hand to help me stand up. I accept his offer and once I'm up, I couldn't help but hug him. Gene laughs and returns my hug before giving me a pat on my head. A very brother-like gesture.
"Gene! I'm happy to see you here. You were gone before I could even say thank you. You help me a lot back then. I'm upset that you disappear before I can even show you my gratitude," I said.
He laughs again. His laughter sounds like the tinkling sound of bells. I can't help but wonder how does it sound like for Naru if he is the one who laughs. I probably have zero chances of ever seeing him laugh.
"Come on, I show you the way out. You are ahead of your schedule. It is not your time yet," said Gene.
He leads the way. There are so many things that I want to ask Gene.
"Gene, is Aya Higuchi here too?" I asked.
"Probably. Why do you want to see her?"
"I want to know if we are related. My parents passed away when I was young. I don't really remember them. I grew up alone because I was told that I don't have any relatives. I guess it will be nice to know about my family even if they are no longer alive," replied Mai.
"I see. I'm sorry Mai. I can't help you find her here. The longer you are here. The more difficult it is for you to return. Besides, that idiot scientist is probably worried sick about you," answered Gene.
I am about to answer to Gene, saying that it is impossible for Naru to be worried about me when that beautiful voice that I heard in the astral plain appear again.
"Mai! He knows you exist now. He felt your power when you save that boy. He will try to find you. Please stay safe," said the voice.
"Who are you? Please show yourselves. I don't understand any of this," I said.
"It's not time yet honey. You will remember everything soon. Be safe," replied the voice.
Then the voice disappears. There is only silence. Gene looks at me. There is concern in his face.
"Don't worry Gene. I follow her advice. I'll be careful. I know I'm a trouble magnet but I try to stay away from trouble," I said trying to reassure Gene.
He nods his head and we continue with our journey. We arrive at the gate of light. That's the name I have come up with I since it seems to be made of light.
"Here you are," said Gene.
I walk towards the gate.
"Tell that idiot scientist to hurry up and realize his feeling already," shouted Gene.
I turn back wanting to know what he has meant by those words. However I wake up and find myself staring at the ceiling of the hospital.
I can't resist. I wanted Gene to appear in the story. So here he is. Will try and see if he can make another appearance :)