A/N: Hey guys, Izeiya here. I just want to first apologize for the wait, and see?! I told you! Don't take my word for it that I would upload it at that one week. Haha, no really, I'm really sorry. If you guys check out my deviantart, I normally do updates on what I'm doing on that website. I think of it as my own twitter. I don't use twitter because I'm too lazy to make one. So yeah, look up PManaya. I do updates on this story and other things I work on aside from my fanfic. Second, I had a bit a trouble on this chapter especially because of a main event that involves Gaius. I think you guys know what I'm talking about. w I decided to do a little...twist. And this is only part one! Buahaha! I admit at first, I planned for every single thing that happened to go in this chapter, but then I realized if I do that, the next chapter will be shorter. I had no choice but to..well, you'll see. I hope you like the ending! I'm sorry if it seems I rushed..because I kinda sorta did...Gomen.
Hope ya enjoy the chapter! Leave a review and stuff! I don't bite. Really, I don't. I only throw cookies. -throws cookies everywhere-
Also, thank you Admeri for the feel better comment! I feel mucho better, so no worries! ^u^
Disclaimer: I unfortunately do not own Tales of Xillia. But my OC. My poor poor OC I seem to torment a lot.
:)
X
In Your Shadow, Resurrected, With That Name
We ran and ran after Elize as fast as we possibly can. Kanbalar is exactly what I thought it was when it comes to being in it in person. With every footstep is a hard stomp on the frozen gravel. Everywhere I look are patches of beautiful white snow glued on the side of building walls. The scenario is pretty and everything, but unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to stop and observe the sight. With Elize going to the place I remember she is going, I can't afford to lose my one chance.
The group and I arrived at our destination. I'm glad to know that nothing had changed in this part. It's a good thing. I don't want anything horrible to happen to anyone and myself as well. In front of us, I could see Jiao and the duo coming up. The little girl has her back facing us with the big guy at her side as if looking at her. I am honestly feeling relieved to see that she's safe. I know the giant didn't do anything like in the game, but I want to make sure. The moment they noticed our arrival, my wary eyes watched Jiao turning around to face us. I idled near Leia, seeing Jude and Milla both shift to an offensive stance.
"No reason to be alarmed. This is purely a chance encounter, nothing more." Jiao explained himself upon seeing the two switch gears.
I glanced at Jiao walking away for a moment before turning my attention to Elize, "Don't run off like that! You worried us."
The young girl didn't say a single word, and that alone made me shut my mouth. My sympathy rose slightly, exchanging eye contact with the brunette beside me. I didn't want the scene to continue. I don't know what else to say, yet I know Leia would want to apologize for earlier. I sighed heavily, bowing my head in defeat, and proceeded to take a step back. Leia's emerald eyes switched from me to Elize as she took a step forward.
"Elize, I'm sorry about before." She raised her head. Her voice is laced with great empathy, "I can't imagine how lonely you must be without the old Teepo."
Leia then put her hands together behind her, swinging her body side to side. "I know I have a bad habit of opening my big mouth without thinking. Please, forgive me."
My eyes narrowed at the child when she answered, "No."
I can't believe how cold and blunt she said it with. Leia stopped swinging around then, looking straight at her with an astonished look. She then smiled softly, "Come on, don't say that. I'll beg if I have to."
Elize finally twirled around, releasing Teepo in the process. Both of their eyes are glaring angrily at us as I was ready to embrace her dissatisfaction. Witnessing this in person is enough to make me somewhat guilty. I tried my best to be there for her whenever possible, and I was there when Teepo was taken from her. She really wants the old Teepo back, but we are stuck moving on for the sake of moving on. If that makes sense.
"I thought you, Milla, and Asaya were my friends! I hate you! I hate you!" Leia and I were taken back by her angry words. Even though those three words continue to trigger unwanted visions of my little brothers, I shook my head rapidly to brush them off of my mind. I can't allow them to overcome me. Not now.
I can't believe they are still haunting me.
"Hey now! We are your friends!" I defended desperately, furrowing my brows with worry etched all over my face.
"Can't you see we're just worried sick about you?!" Leia followed afterwards with her own defending words.
"Liar! You don't care about me at all!" I fell silent upon noticing the young girl's eyes softening, "I don't want to be friends anymore."
She began to zip right past us as I immediately turned to Leia in time to see the pure disbelief in her eyes. I was in shock and somewhat hurt after hearing that from Elize, who actually was saying that towards me as well. It's like something inside me just torn into two, and I was left being silent. As seconds pass, a sudden surge of energy brew in me. Being the first to recover and able to move, everyone else turned to follow the young girl walking away. However, I refuse to let anything else happen as I swiftly ran to the young girl's path to block it. My arms bluntly folded, giving her the most serious look I've ever mustered for anyone. Not even my brothers have gotten this deadly glare from me, yet. She really has crossed the line for me.
"Apologize to Leia. Now." I demanded sternly, looking down at her.
"Huh?" Elize muttered in astonishment with her small eyes opening. She looked rather shocked probably due to my sudden change of attitude.
"You are being extremely unfair to her and to us all." A hint of anger flared inside my narrowing eyes. "Remember when I said that we will always be there for you no matter what you say or do? We are still here because we DO care and worry about you."
A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I begin to compose myself before anything emotionally drastic happens in terms of me speaking with the girl like this. After emphasizing "do", I noticed I was the one being too harsh. Momentarily, I smiled lightly at the quiet girl and eased up my hard gaze towards her. My arms unfolded as I slowly rested them at their respective side.
"Leia is trying so hard to cheer you up. And now you're saying that you don't want to be friends..and you assume we don't care…"
I lowered my head, feeling tears well up in the corners of my eyes. My voice started cracking in the middle of speaking.
"You say that you feel hurt, but have you considered your own actions?" Thank you, Rowen..
His voice came into play for I was internally relieved I didn't have to continue spouting out the words I've wanted to say. Using my arm to wipe the forming tears away, I decided that I was satisfied with this and allow myself to recover. This is what I've wanted to say so far at least because I felt the need to say it. After wiping my eyes, I looked back at Elize and finally realized that she was finally looking at me as if this is the one thing I needed to say and do to get her attention. Feeling touched by this, I couldn't stay mad and a bright wide smile replaced my frown. All of my words are to defend Leia, myself, and the others. Rather, I didn't care much for myself. I did what I wanted to do so therefore, I'm happy.
"Do you realize Teepo's words were just as hurtful to Miss Leia?"
Elize turned around then, facing away from me, "I hurt Leia?"
Jude and Leia stepped up to come closer to the small group forming, "Well, hurt is a strong word, but…"
The brunette started to fidget around once more with a smile on her face, "You took the wind out of my sails, that's for sure."
I started walking towards Elize, hearing her speak. Her voice wasn't as cold than before. I could hear the guilt in her voice, contrary to her previous angry words. Jude approached her to bend down with his hands on his knees.
"Why don't you try apologizing to her?" He asked kindly.
Elize perked her head to look up, "But, I said such horrible things."
I patted the child's head, watching her move to glance at me with curiosity, "I say it doesn't matter. Apologize nicely if you have to. Friends forgive friends, don't cha know?"
"Forgiveness is the sign of a true friend." Rowen said afterwards, making me nod my head twice in agreement with a goofy grin on my face.
Letting go of the petite's head, I watched her walk towards Leia to apologize. A smile remained on my face as I silently observed the scene. I feel like a sudden weight in my heart finally lifted, and I could breath in peace. I can finally breath! Things went well for the group's sake and my own. The two conversed, eventually hearing Teepo say his line that made Elize jump for him to cover his mouth. Despite the unnecessary words from him, this scene alone made it a bit entertaining to watch. To make things better, the reactions of Elize and Teepo after seeing the really scary smile on Leia's face just made it more entertaining. The scene is rather nostalgic to me. It somewhat reminds me of back home when I'd scold my brothers. Even though most of the time they just ignore me and everything, I know they will eventually listen to me if I smack some sense into them with their own Nerf guns. The thought alone made me sad and frown as I looked away rather sadly. I'm glad this is over, but now there is one more concern. Reality came back to me after hearing Milla laugh and the young child turned to face me. Confused at this unexpected act, I tilted my head as the girl approached me.
"Thank you, Asaya, for that drawing of Teepo. I really love it, and I want to see more of your drawings." The girl cheerfully said with a smile as her doll suddenly rammed into my face to nuzzle my cheek.
"H-Hey, stop it, you!" I didn't know whether to be surprised or flattered or even happy. Either way, I was flailing my arms around, not knowing what to do to fend myself from this sudden nuzzle attack.
Elize grabbed her rabid dog from me with a guilty look on her face before looking down in a very flustered state. Grateful that the attack was over, I rubbed the cheek and watched the child with a curious look.
"Th-thank you for everything…" She spoke softly, making me stop what I was doing and open my eyes in realization.
For the first time, something well up in me and tears once again quickly stream down my cheeks after blinking dumbfounded. Before I knew it, I took a step forward, bent down on my knees to match her height, and gave her and Teepo a tight hug. "O-Of course! I do my best! Ahaha…"
Those were the only words I manage to say during my unexpected time of feeling touched. I really didn't expect her to say that to me. Because of that, I was caught off guard. Sniffling to myself, I broke the hug and stood back up to wipe my tears away from my face again with my arm. I also didn't expect me to cry like that. Something in me just snapped. Was I touched by her words? I guess I was. Or maybe, I just didn't expect to be rewarded like that.
"There's a lesson here, child. Never take your friends for granted." Jiao suddenly spoke before walking away from us.
After the big guy is far from earshot, Jude looked at Rowen and spoke, "So what do we do now? Yurgen still hasn't gotten back yet."
"We could barge into the castle ourselves." Alvin suggested with his arms crossed.
Poor Jude sighed with exasperation, staring at the mercenary blankly, "For the hundredth time, let's not cause any trouble for Yurgen."
If anything, we're not causing trouble for him. We are going to cause trouble for all of us! I thought to myself, refraining so hard not to say it out loud due to obvious reasons.
"That's no good?" Milla started saying while folding her arms, "It sounded like a good idea to me."
Smiling and laughing at everyone's reaction nervously, I scratched my cheek with a finger. Leave it to Milla to say something like that. This is quite entertaining, though, to see in person. I'd normally would laugh my butt off, but the situation is different. When everyone recovered, we decided to go on our merry way to the castle.
Which means….
"Yay! The slidecar! Finaaaalllyyy!"
Like an ecstatic little child who has found the real meaning of life, I jumped up and down in anticipation as a cart slowly came to its destination. The place I was waiting for: The mountain slidecar platform. Aw, yes. I could feel the stares of judgement I was receiving, and I was trying my best to ignore them. The whole time, I couldn't stop myself from jittering from excitement on the way there and during the wait. It was like the more we got closer, the more of the excitement I was showing up until now. And now..we are finally walking inside one. Squee! I immediately ran to the window on the other side of the door.
"Hey, be careful now. Wouldn't want the slidecar to malfunction because someone's too hyper." Alvin's voice peaked my attention as I immediately gave him a deadly glare.
"Hush, you're still dead to me." Especially after the crap you are going to pull soon, I ended up thinking after.
I averted back to stare outside the moment the slidecar started to move. A sick feeling overwhelmed my stomach, but it was soon replaced by excitement and joy. The view is rather magnificent as if I was back to when I was falling down the sky. In this case, I wasn't falling from the sky and I wasn't scared for my life. Maybe I should be, I don't know. I'm going to be meeting Gaius after this. I don't know if I should be excited or scared, to be honest.
We got off the mountain slidecar, much to my disappointment. The line that was formed for an audience for the king was gigantic. It's super long. The thing that still confuses me is how we still pass by the guards with no problem. They are pre-occupied with residents, and other distractions, it seems. Passing the gate, we stopped at the platform before the long fleet of stairs. I constantly find myself looking back with a guilty look and looking at the others back and forth. I stopped walking to stand between Rowen and Alvin.
"Are...Are we even allowed to go through like that? People were waiting…" I said in a soft tone filled with uncertainty. My hands were clasped together behind me, feeling chills go through my entire body due to the cold and the thought of the next event.
"That's not the point of barging in, kiddo." Alvin responded in a matter of fact tone.
"Yeah, but…" I wanted to argue back for the sake of stalling once again. My body turned to the line to observe it the moment Jude spoke about it. These people won't be able to speak with the King, though.
Leia smiled, "The King really does listen to his people."
"The King of Auj Oule is well known for his charisma." I peeked at Rowen, listening intently, "It is said he unified this strife-torn country on the strength of his character alone."
I tilted my head with a light astonished look, "That's pretty impressive."
"A guy like that is sure to help us!" Leia happily exclaimed, turning her head towards Milla.
"Charisma only goes so far. If his government is secretly producing children like Elize, then he must answer for it." The blonde spirit replied with seriousness in her magenta eyes.
Then comes Elize's voice, "Thank you."
I couldn't help, but smile because of the smile on the girl's face as well as Teepo's. Good for her, she's back to the normal Elize. From my peripheral vision in my right side, I could see someone walking down the stairs. Turning my head to that direction, everyone else did the same to see the newcomer arriving to the scene.
"Sorry, we were getting antsy." Jude was the first to greet Yurgen.
Yeah Yurgen, almost two hours!
"No, this is actually perfect timing." The clan member answered then rather cheerfully.
"Are we good to go with the wyverns?" Asked Alvin, who had his arms folded.
"Yes, I got royal approval." Yurgen turned his head to look at Milla, "And something incredible happened when I requested an audience for Milla."
The said spirit tilted her head quizzically, "What is it?"
"When I told them your names, they said His Highness was looking forward to meeting you too."
Like a few people among the group, I grew skeptical. At least, pretended in my case. I tuned out the conversation with a somewhat saddened look as I lowered my head down. Allowing my thoughts to block it, I remained in my mind. I suppose it's too late now to stall and long the time before we meet Gaius. I wanted to for the sake of everyone, and myself because I don't think my heart can take another event that includes Alvin. I don't think I can take it for my own sanity. Yurgen left the group to head back to Xian Du, leaving everyone under the ray of confusion. Jude questioned if it was a trap, causing me to peek at him for a moment. Normally, I'd say a reference of some sort, but now's not really the time. Video game references can wait. I mean, their skepticism is making the air very intense. Of course, Leia continues to be positive at a time like this. At that point, my observing gray eyes caught sight of an Alvin sighing and looking away. They then narrowed in suspicion, glancing at Milla when she talked.
"Keeping secrets from us again?"
Alvin lifted his right arm, shook his head, and folded his arms once again, "Of course, I have to maintain my mystique for the ladies."
"That is such a turn off…" I deadpanned immediately, rolling my eyes before giving the mercenary a blank look.
"Ouch." He simply replied to me before rubbing the back of his head.
You have no idea how long I've been wanting to say that in person when I have the chance. I guess this is one of the great reasons of being here and not in the other side of the screen. I get to have fun in my own way, and that means messing around with Alvin. I did said that I was going to have the most interesting banters with him. Milla put on a very confused face, tilting her head to the side as I watched her with a very amused face. The duo's faces are too much right now to the point I actually started snickering to myself. She looked like she was trying to mull over what Alvin could possibly mean by that while Jude has the same blank look I did earlier. It was a complete look that read, "I'm done." Even though this scene was light and everything, I still couldn't help but think. My smile and laughter gradually faded, staring at the scene in front of me with a distinct look. Listening to Jude's explanation about what Alvin could mean didn't break my uneasiness. The bad thing is, I can't say or do anything about it. But...the urge…
"Alvin, we really need you to be straight with us."
Without turning around, the man stopped walking to answer, "Don't worry, I know you've put your trust in me."
I'm probably the only one who knows that he is just lying and is going to betray us soon. That's the sad part.
I narrowed my eyes, unsatisfied with his response that held nothing, but a lie. As far as I'm concerned, the group believes him and I'm the only one who doesn't. I know deep down, he's a good guy just like what I told him before we left to this city. It's just frustrating that there has to be that one lovable anti-hero in the group. I followed the group, walking up the stairs and inside the castle. I had to stop for a bit to catch my breath from walking and running too much, making everyone having to wait for me for a few minutes. Ugh, sorry guys, I really hate stairs. Like really. The castle is actually very cool, especially with the fountain in the middle. It's very majestic in its own way. This building somewhat reminds me of one of those ancient temples in other foreign countries. It has a nice feel...for now.
Soon, we came across two guards that is idling in front of an entrance of a very long...yes, you guessed it….a very long staircase. For the love of everything, what is with fancy areas in games having super long stairways? I absolutely am going to dread it. Actually, I ALREADY DO. The staircase in the Xian Du coliseum is the worst, though. It's pretty narrow and far-fetched as if it was made that way to make you feel very anxious. We started speaking with them as I slapped my right wrist gently with my other hand. I'm really worrying because of Alvin. I tried not to stare at him too long, so I ended up giving glances here and there. When the two guards moved to the side to allow us through, I followed Jude, Alvin, and Milla before noticing that Leia had stopped walking on her tracks. I also turned around and stopped to watch the all familiar scene. Tilting my head lightly at Rowen's reasoning, my eyes averted to the worried Leia.
"Are you sure?" She asked Elize, confirming the decision.
"It's okay." The young girl sounded very confident.
The guard behind Leia saluted, "I'll hold that for you."
I crossed my arms, watching Elize give the doll to the guard. A part of me wanted to comment and say something to Teepo. The other part of me is telling me no, since the reason is obvious. The guards doesn't know he talks and will attack after this whole fiasco. The only thing I can do is turn back around and unfold my arms before walking to the next obstacle. The stairs. Oh god, the stairs. Just like what I did in Xian Du, I clinged on to Alvin's sleeve on the way up to the throne room. He was, unfortunately, the closest person walking near me.
"Don't...question….Keep...walking." I said to him between heavy pants. i can sense him judging just by the shake of his head. I wonder how I'm so tired from these flight of stairs, but when I'm in a fight, I'm not until I realize it. I hate you, Alvin, but I need something to hold on to before I die from exhaustion.
Finally, we reached the top and I could see how spacious this place is. Walking along the red carpet and making me feel somewhat special, I could feel my hands starting to shiver immensely. I let go of Alvin in time for him to not notice I was going to. I stepped in between Leia and the mercenary, watching as Jiao appear before on our right side.
"What are you doing here?" Jude asked upon his appearance in curiosity.
The big guy slowly crossed, staring at us with his fox eyes. I still can't believe how tall and big he is in person. He's a freakin' tower!
"I am Jiao the Immovable, of the Chimeriad."
"The Chimeriad?" I thought the exact words the same time Milla repeated.
As Rowen informed the spirit who they are, I was left realizing that I had completely forgotten all about the King's little posse. My mouth opened with light astonishment. That is a name I suddenly was reminded of because I was just introduced to them in my world gaming. The whole ordeal with Exodus seems to be shadowing everything in terms of organizations. Breaking my thoughts are the sound of a giant door opening, and two people came out of it. I couldn't stop staring at the King, especially after he sat down cross-legged and peek into our souls with his magenta eyes. He is as intimidating as Milla! The next person was Wingul. Something about him just gives me the creeps, but it's probably because of his booster form in battle. i..don't think...I want to make him angry at all.
"It is a great honor to meet you, former Chief of Staff Ilbert." The advisor was the first to talk, but mostly towards to Rowen. His hand grasped his hip firmly.
"Ah, and you are the Ebon Wing of Auj Oule, Wingul the Nova." The conductor replied in the same form of greeting to Wingul.
"You must be the King of Auj Oule." Milla started speaking afterwards as I begin to shift my head back and forth to the people speaking.
"My name is Gaius, King of Auj Oule. Welcome, Maxwell."
His voice sent chills down my spine and not in a good way, too.
"You have requested an audience with the king, have you not? Now, please state your business."
"Boosters made in your country have already fallen into Rashugal hands." I twisted my head slowly to peek at Jude with a concerned look. Jude sounded...somewhat afraid. I mean, I don't blame the guy. He's talking to authority. He's talking to someone who has that really large amounts of intimidation. To that, I give him kudos. "If a war were to break out between your nations, then the results would be catastrophic for everyone."
I lowered my head, readying myself for the words of no shits are given from the King. Honestly, it kind of disappoints me that he doesn't seem to care. I guess that is one of the things that ignite the rage that is slowly brewing in me.
"Oh, and you came all the way here just to tell me that in person?"
And there it is.
"Uh, yes, your Highness…" Poor Jude. I just want to walk over to him and comfort him. I mean, I would if I'm arm length of him, but I'm not. Besides, it would be awkward even for me.
Leia took a step forward for she is the next person to speak up, "We're planning to destroy one of Rashugal's weapons. A really big one at that."
The brunette bowed her head slowly, "Once that thing's gone, we know Rashugal's king wouldn't dare declare war on you."
I closed my eyes and crossed my arms, mulling over the things that's going on. It's been months since I last played, so I'm still hazy about a couple things. Besides, I'm supposed to be very lost and I admittedly am vague on remembering certain terms. So, if I remember correctly, the Rashugal's king is that one old man. I have never seen him in person before, but I have passed the part where he was introduced. His name escapes me. It was Nigel...Nagi...Wait, no, Nick? No. I'm probably way off. Oh! Nachtigal! That's his name! Okay, so then there's Auj Oule's King, Gaius. The very intimidating man with pretty pink eyes we are talking to now. The others are still talking, and I should be listening. However, I just can't. I'm tuning out the conversation time to time. It doesn't help that a certain mercenary beside me will do something aggravating. Though, I still don't understand the different nations in this words when it comes to towns and geography. I didn't go to school here, guys. Please explain this little earthling who was kidnapped by a Great Spirit who...I believe...may or may not be Milla. My mental conversation shattered the one I was just thinking of speak. She was asking about the laboratory in Labari Hollow, the place where I first committed my first unsightly murder. My eyes suddenly widened in fear, covering my mouth to stop myself from making any noise. I turned away, holding my breath, and listened to the King respond to the blonde spirit.
"Well, I didn't see that coming." I swear I could see the King smiling for some reason. Or maybe he was smirking. "What does any of this have to do with you, spirit?"
Hey, I find that offensive. Even though I am technically not a spirit myself, I am feeling offended by his words. Finding myself able to breath from this blasphemy, I exhaled on my hand and lifted it away from my mouth. I soon glared at the king, marking that as the next step of my increasing rage. Milla put her hand on her hip and proudly announced her duty and her identity. Honestly, she never cease to amaze me.
"Really? Spirit, protecting humans? Now that is quite an interesting tale."
I protect humans, too! Um, I mean tell me about it. This plot is definitely an interesting tale, indeed. My hand continued to tremble, but more so than earlier. I don't quite understand why it is acting up like this, but I can think of several reasons why. For example, my different emotions that I'm experiencing. I'm angry because of Gaius not acting like he cares about his people and use them like tools. The line outside says otherwise. I know he does listen to them and helps, which is making me conflicted how I should truly feel about him. This whole thing just sucks! I'm scared because I am in the presence of the Gaius. I'm not a fangirl or anything, but just something about him downright frightens me. Everything about him screams "I'm a total Badass king." Not to mention that I feel like my life is beginning to drain from me again. I don't mean it metaphorically. I mean it, literally. I suddenly feel so...weak. After hearing Wingul's explanation that the laboratory is his responsibility, something in me just broke. Due to my running emotions bottling up within me, I find myself stepping up to raise my fists in front of me. I tried to ignore the continuous fatigue increase.
"Even when you consider the experiments 'humane', that doesn't change the fact Elize has gone through so much!" I shouted, defending the girl that I consider my own younger sister.
The eyes of everyone...I could sense them staring at me from different angles. The fact that I had finally let out a burst of anger, I could feel somewhat at ease. Though, it really doesn't help at all when it comes to this sudden drainage.
"But I…I was…" The young mage started talking, but stopped herself.
My eyes narrowed at Wingul angrily, who looked at Jiao to confirm that she was the one that they were talking about beforehand.
"She's not a test subject, either! Elize was stuck in a room by force and bullied!" At that moment, I did a second take and released a light startled gasp. As far as everyone in the group is concerned, they didn't tell me the full details about Elize. They just told me that they met in Hamil, and everything continued there. For the first time, I can admittedly say that I screwed myself over big time.
"Asaya..is right. Don't you consider that-" Jude followed with his words as I took a few silent steps back, wanting to run off to hide. The look on his face before he spoke says it all. He was surprised that I had known, yet he continued on like it was nothing. Dammit, Mia. One job! One! Job!
"Cruel?" The King finished the sentence, stinging us with those piercing magenta eyes. I gulped nervously while Jude lowered his head in agreement.
"Tell me something, you two. Have you ever considered what it takes to achieve happiness?"
My eyes opened in shock, suddenly remembering the one speech he will soon state that rendered me completely speechless. I shut my mouth, and fell silent. "To try and live a satisfying life…?" Everytime I hear that, I always think of my goal and dream to one day be a part of a collaboration between artists and writers. However, I would try to fight my parents about it because it is the one thing I want to do. That is the one thing I know will make me very happy. Happiness: I believe it is that one thing everyone wants to reach for. But, to achieve it. I don't know exactly how to do that, and that's why that question alone caught me off guard. Jude must be feeling the same way, which is why he can't really answer his question as well.
"It takes freedom to make your own decisions and to form your beliefs."
Freedom to make my own decisions...Milla is right. I looked over to the blonde spirit, and nodded my head in agreement. All this time, maybe that's what I've been trying to do? I soon looked away and closed my eyes, accepting this revelation to be the true answer. I've never had freedom, or rather, I don't even know what freedom really is yet. I'm no longer in my world anymore, and nowhere near my home. Am I finally free or..? I miss home, but whenever I think about it now, I think about all the stupid things I have to take care of because it's my obligations. It's my duty as the older sibling in the house. I think of the adorable twins, but ever since Chris has been showing up to me as if his sole goal is to torment me, I've become scarred by the thought of that demon. Then, there are his words of death and everything these past few days. My perspective of them is slowly becoming tainted by negativity. I can't believe I'm now reverting back to my own scaredy-cat self.
"Mia."
Great, I'm hearing my own mother's voice now. I think the exhaustion is getting to me. Then from out of nowhere, I felt very light headed and all I see now is light. A second later, I heard a booming sound from the midst of this strange event.
"Mia Arashe!"
I jumped at the sudden roaring of my mother's voice, who sounded extremely close. My eyes jolted open, my head perked up, and in front of me, I find myself standing in the middle of a store holding plastic bags of food items.
"Are you not listening? We're going home, I said." My scolding mother turned around to walk away. Everything I had felt was immediately replaced by utter confusion and dissatisfaction. Everywhere I look, every smell my nose picks up, and the touch of the floor I was standing on are all real. This..isn't a dream. What the hell is going on now!?