Chapter 14: Migration of Time

I logged into Minecraft, finding my player at the spot where the group had decided to take a break. I look around, doing a quick count of the hybrids, many hiding in the shadow to avoid the sunlight. I noticed that we were two short and sighed. 'Always those two.'

"Eva, Ema!" I yelled, trying to find those two. Amber appeared from behind a few trees, dragging along two young girls with green hair. She avoided stepping in the light, knowing that in Minecraft it will burn her.

"Looking for these two?" She called, a small grumble in her voice. She dropped them right in front of me, the two looking up with guilty looks.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stay close to camp? I know you're both ten, so you're curious to the rest of the world, but it isn't safe for two slimegirls." I said, keeping a commanding tone. They looked down to the ground, sad but understanding. I just hope they remember it this time.

"The twins giving you trouble?" Andrea asked as she joined me I.R.L. at the PC screen, a hand landing on my shoulder. I sigh in exaspiration.

"I swear, those two will give me a heart-attack one day."

I turned back to the camp, noticing that it was already sunset. I told everyone to get ready, those who could handle the last rays of light starting to break up camp.

When it was finally night time, we kept moving, headed for our base. The others had been busy with building houses, setting up farms and preparing things for the new inhabitants. I was sure they would like their new home.

As we walked through the night, I noticed something in the sky. I strained my eyes and found that it was a Phantom. I shivered, remembering the update connected to it. And what it meant.

"I have to sleep soon. That thing is probably waiting for me." I said to myself. Andrea nodded as she noticed it too. Amber appeared next to me, causing us to jump for a second.

"When do you think will we get there?" She asked, her impatience showing. We had been traveling for quite a few days now, and everyone was growing impatient.

"Soon, maybe tonight."

The skeleton-hybrid nodded before looking for her brother, probably somewhere at the back. I was the leader of the bunch, assuring we would get there.

As we walked, I noticed something strange in the area. Tree stumps, random blocks and what seemed to be bits of land missing. I quickly put two and two together and halted everyone. They quickly asked what was going on, and I only had one answer.

"Endermen."

The hybrids froze, some murmuring among themselves. I took my sword and called the strongest of the bunch, among them Amber. We prepared ourselves as I motioned to move, but slow and cautious. We walked at a slower pace, keeping all eyes on the surroundings.

That's when I saw them. Hiding in the shadows of the trees. Some were showing themselves open, but remained close to corners and shadows. Endermen, their eyes focused on us. I gulped, telling everyone to avoid all eye-contact.

Suddenly, a shriek. I looked around and noticed a few Endermen hasting themselves to the back of the group. We dashed back, me telling everyone else to keep going. When we reached them, I noticed who had shrieked.

The twins, guarded by Owen. He had his sword out, swaying it to hold the mobs back. I swung my own sword, cutting through one of them. The rest quickly followed, and soon we had them all down. They vanished in dust, leaving a few enderpearls behind. I turned to the trio, glaring.

"S-sorry." The twins mumbled. I sighed, glad they were fine. We quickly caught up with the rest of the group. A few Endermen dared to attack, but we cut them down quickly and swift, and soon enough we had left the area and were running down the hill.

As we reached the river that had to be crossed, I found that there was a bridge ready. A path was starting from there, leading us to a small hill. From the top, you could see our base.

It looked even more impressive with the small village around it. Farms were scattered around a bit, smaller but still nice houses nearby. The hybrids were staring in awe at the work of my friends.

"Ask, and we deliver." I joked as I was the first to go down the path leading to the village. The group quickly followed, many giving their thanks. I told them to also thank my friends, who I noticed were waiting at the entrance of the village. A small wooden wall had been build around it, and it was clear that there was place for expansion and improvement.

Tyler, who had joined me I.R.L., had been keeping the result a secret from me, but I didn't mind. He had already noticed the size of the group from my screen, but I could tell that Sky and Rayleigh were surprised with the amount of hybrids tailing me.

As we reached them, the people quickly left to thank them as well, a few going as far as giving a hug. One slimeguy gave Sky a hug, ending up with her covered under some of his slime. He had done it in his semi-form, slime hybrids having three forms. Human, semi and Slime.

For the rest of that night, it was showing people around, telling who lived where and what tasks there were. We gave a small tour of our base, a few hybrids impressed with Tyler's redstone work. Day was on the horizon, and the ones that couldn't handle it left to their new homes. Amber and Owen were two of those, and they also lived the closest to our base.

I decided to leave the twins in Sky's care, who was happy to play with them. Rayleigh logged out, stating he had 'homework to do'. Tyler stayed to assure that everything went fine, and I just enjoyed the sight of a job well done.

"You did great, Archer." Andrea praised me, giving me a quick kiss before enjoying the sight herself.

Perspective: None

The autumn sun appeared from above the treetops, shining down on Rightford. People were already buzzing around, some leaving for their job, others to go shopping in the morning.

A truck drove down the road leading into the industrial area, signaling the start of another day of hard labor for the workers. Shop owners unlocked their stores, some still busy with preparing everything for the Monday rush.

Today would be a lazy day for children though. A recent remodeling had left the school closed for seven days, today the fifth one. A few were out, playing. Some were going down the shops, looking for the newest sales.

But one of them wasn't doing any of this. No, he was busy watching a Youtube-video on his computer. It was another video from a famous Youtuber in the USA, playing the game Minecraft.

The video concluded and the boy sighed as he closed the computer off. There wasn't much for him to do. He had watched what he wanted, and school would only start in two days. He grabbed his phone and checked, but there weren't any messages.

"Come on, Alan! Get off your ass and do something." His mother called from the kitchen. Alan sighed, but could only agree. He had to do something, or he would die of boredom. He got up from the chair and walked to the front door. His house was on the edge of town, close to a pond. Maybe he could do something there?

He knew that his mother wouldn't be able to do much. She was preparing herself for a trip to England, to visit some relatives. His dad, well, he had passed away a few years ago. The gray-haired still didn't know how or why, though.

He closed the door behind him and started a simple jog to the pond. It was small, and it also was secluded, but it was a nice place. Calm, serene and just, peaceful. He avoided the trees and any obstacles with ease, glad to be a natural at this. His parents had told him to start with running sports, but he never enjoyed them much. To many rules, he argued.

He stopped when he took a moment to enjoy the surroundings. The trees that weren't pines were coloring a nice autumn brown, red or orange. He even saw some yellow in between.

The red ones were his favourite, just like his favourite color. No one understood why, but he always enjoyed the color red. And not just normal red, but that crimson dark red or blood-red as some said.

And fire, that was also something he liked. He knew that a simple fire was possible with how dry things looked around him, but he wasn't a pyromaniac! He liked fire, but also knew it could be deadly.

He stopped when he noticed that he had reached the pond. Or, well, the entrance to the pond. It was covered by bushes and overgrown plants, but there was an old gate between two trees. It was old and rusty, but it still opened and kept the place hidden.

So, why was it open, then?

Perspective: Alan

I stopped when I noticed the first bad sign: The gate was open.

It wasn't really open wide, but it wasn't closed like I had left it. And no storm had passed that was strong enough to open that old rusty thing. I hesitantly walked through, not sure what to expect on the other side. The pond was my own, private spot. If others had found it, I could say goodbye to my only place of silence and peace.

What I found wasn't what I had expected. Nor something I immediately believed was even possible.

My pond was fine, but in the water I already saw her reflection. Yes, hers.

A girl was sitting on her knees at the other side, one hand reaching in the water. Her eyes seemed dull and lifeless, but they were also so gorgeous! A kind crimson red, surrounded by blackness. Her hair was white, almost as white as her pale skin. Small patches were a small tone darker, and some had an alluring light, light marine-blue. From her hair seemed to be extensions or feelers of some kind, a similar color pattern. Her clothes were a pure white, three individual strips across her shoulders holding her blouse up. Three white strips seemed to sprout from each arm, ending in a light-red. Her skirt was short on the front and had three strips hanging over her lap, a few floating in the water. The back of her skirt was way larger, like that of a wedding dress. It was divided in three smaller sections, the ones on the side having four strips and the one at the back two. All of these faded into a light-red. Her blouse was held together with what seemed to be dark crimson red thread, three on both of her sides. Her clothes seemed rigid and tattered, a few scrapes and shreds scattered around.

She hadn't noticed me even taking her in on every detail. She was too focused on the water. And that's when I noticed the one detail I had missed.

The small particles of fire around her. I couldn't believe it! It was like these flames were coming from nowhere, just hanging there, floating around a bit. She was barefoot, also something to note. And she had a few bruises and scratches. Ouch.

I felt like I was living in a fantasy. I pinched myself, but felt the pain. Not a dream, that's for sure. I had to suppress myself from making any noises as I slowly approached, being more cautious then I am with fire.

I stopped mere inches from the edge of the pond, my reflection must be showing by now. But she hasn't taken her eyes of the water? I stepped closer, now at the edge. I looked down, noticing her reflection well, now. Her eyes seemed to follow me, so she knows I'm here.

"Wh-... Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my nerves together. She seemed to hear me, her eyes going up for a second before going back to the water.

"Ardere. You?" She spoke, her voice sounding a bit strained, and also having a strange hollowness. It was like all life was gone from her body.

"Alan." I simply answered, and she seemed to have enough with that. She turned back to the water after giving me a simple look, her eyes becoming dull and lifeless again. I felt my heart aching a bit, something inside me telling me to say more.

"I always go here to have some peace and quiet." I explained, hoping to catch her attention with it. She remained the same. I cursed in my head.

I decided to sit down on the opposite side of the pond. I tried a few more things, talking about my home, my parents and such. She remained the same, not doing anything special. Her hand had retreated from the water, but she kept on staring in it.

The sun was already higher, and I felt my stomach growling. I bid her goodbye, not receiving an answer, and left back home.

When I arrived home, I prayed that it wasn't a dream and that tomorrow I would see her again.

And I did. The next day, bored as ever, I found her at the pond. A few leaves had blown into the pond, but she wasn't doing anything. I picked a few from the water and let them fly away in the wind. One accidentally flew into a flame that was floating around Ardere, and it ignited before burning away into ash. She didn't even seem fazed!

I tried some more things, talking about my everyday life, not sure if she even understood what it meant. She kept on staring, and soon it was already time to go home and eat. I said goodbye. No response.

The next day was the same, aside from the fact I told her about school and how tomorrow it would start again. I'm not sure, but I think I saw a tear fall in the water, but I wasn't sure because it started raining a bit afterwards. I tried to get her to shelter, but she stayed like that.

Next day. School was over, and I rushed to the pond. She was still there, staring in the water. I talked to her about my friends, about school and stuff. I told her about this group I noticed a few years higher, and two girls having strange black hair with purple and magenta. I swear I saw her eyes widen when she heard that!

Friday: She was there, again. I think that her skin was paler this time. I wondered, did she even eat? I decided to hide some food to bring her tomorrow. My mom is going to leave the week after next week for England, the plane had been early and she missed it.

Saturday: I brought her food, but she didn't even bat an eye! I talked some more about the weekend and my friends. When I had to go and eat myself, she hadn't budged. I'm starting to wonder what's wrong with her.

Sunday: She left the plate untouched! I had to throw it away, insects swarming around it. She looks skinny and pale, almost hollow. Her clothes are in a bad state, more holes and shreds then last time. It's going to rain all night today. Hope she leaves to find shelter this time.

Next week, Monday: I couldn't go, my friends having me over. I noticed it rained the whole day. Deep inside my heart was breaking, slowly and surely shattering. My friends seemed to notice I wasn't paying attention. How could I lose from them at XCOM?!

Tuesday: she hadn't sheltered. I can tell. Her clothes are still soaked wet, her hair is dropping water. She's very skinny now. I checked a few books in the school library. She should be seeing a doctor. I hope she'll be alright.

Wednesday: This, was, odd... I met the group I talked with her about. They seem like nice people. Their names are Archer, Andrea, Tyler, Sky, Rayleigh and Erin. And apparently Archer has a brother called Darren. I asked them if they wanted to meet somewhere. Gave me some directions to a spot in the woods. I didn't bother talking with Ardere today.

Thursday: Met that group from yesterday. Turns out they have a private spot called 'The Hideout'! It's an old amphitheatre. They are part of a band called 'The Enders'. Wonder why they call it like that. Man, they are fucking good! Didn't go and see Ardere today either.

Friday: I-I... I went to see Ardere today. She was sitting the same, but her body was so thin and pale... I think she's dying. Oh, god I hope she isn't! I have to tell someone, someone!... Wait a sec...

Saturday: Met 'The Enders' today. I had to, I told them about Ardere. At first they were skeptical, but they seem to believe me. Those two girls were giving each other strange, knowing looks... Do they know her? I asked them, they didn't say anything. In the end I went to Ardere and took a picture to show them. Tyler seemed very worried about something...

Sunday: I-I... What?! This, this is crazy! That girl, and those wings... No, no, NO! This, this is impossible. She, and Minecraft, and that 'teleporting'... What the...? I-I need to sleep, I need a rest. I-I-I... I don't know anymore...

Next week, Monday: Mom's gone home to England, and good too. It took some time, and some examples, but I believe them now. So, Minecraft turns out to be a real dimension you can be in, and the game they have is somehow connected too it? And Andrea is an Endergirl and Erin a a Dragongirl. And there is an evil organization called -ironically enough- The Organization, after them. And that guy, Darren, has a wolfgirl for girlfriend? Geez, this is to much... Wait, what?

...

...

Ardere is a Ghast-hybrid?!

Tuesday:... Sick today, had to cope with things. So, Ardere is in bad shape. She's very skinny, like, I can see her bones? Tyler told me she seems to be in some sort of depression and is stuck in her mind. She isn't eating, and can die of starvation like this. I caught her drinking from the pond, but that water might get her sick. I know how it feels, that's for sure.

Wednesday: I tried to force-feed her. Got myself burned, literally! Those flames are like a defense-mechanism? Sure explains why animals haven't tried to attack her. I think that, somehow, she's not able to respond to her surroundings that well anymore... Gaah! I can't take this anymore!

Thursday: This can't be happening, can it? I found Ardere staring at the SKY this time?! Her hands were limp next to her, and her flames were gone. So, what does it mean? I don't know. Hope to find her like this tomorrow as well. Maybe she'll let me feed her this time?

Saturday: I actually got her to eat something. She got half a plate down, but that seems to be it before her stomach is full, I think. I can kinda guess from her reactions, small as they are, when she's finished eating. Waiting for the evening to feed her again. This is actually working?

Sunday: So, my mom got stuck in England? Hope she's fine. She'll be fine... I hope. Either way, Ardere seems to be getting better. I'm able to feed her more now. She's gaining weight, a bit. And I think that she's getting better? I do hope so. I started to understand her, kinda. I talk with her, again, but she seems to try and respond through her small motions?

Next Week, Monday: She's eating better, a lot better. Archer came over and got a look at her. She doesn't seem to mind. I told her that I know she's a Ghast-hybrid. That seemed to catch her attention. Her arm moved a whole inch! That's a lot for her small motions of a few tenth of an inch.

Tuesday: She's actually looking better now. Her skin is getting more color, even her eyes are improving. She's eating properly now, although I still have to feed her. Her eyes aren't aimed at the sky anymore, but more to the edge of the pond, or maybe the gate? She seems to be more aware of things. The others payed a visit. She moved some when noticing the two girls... Yeah, she seems to know their hybrids.

I hope she'll talk once. I think I'm in love with her. I think...

Friday:

I was walking down the path, holding the bowl with soup. It's from Archer. He says that it will help her gain more strength and energy. I do believe him on that.

I open the gate, noticing the girl of my dreams standing there. Her eyes are still fixated on the gate. 'Oh, Ardere.'

I sit down next to her and put the bowl on the small table I left here yesterday. I grab the spoon and take some of the meal. I reach for her mouth and she opens it. Not much, but enough for me to stick the spoon in and allow her to drink the soup. She seems to like it . Her eyes widen a slight bit.

"Archer made it using a few hints from the girls about what Ghasts like to eat. It's very warm and spicy. I don't really like the spice that much, though." I spoke, knowing that she won't answer. I continue until she finishes the whole bowl. I put it away and simply enjoy being near her. I put my hand around hers, but she doesn't respond. I feel a twitch, so she wants to. She just can't.

I sigh before hearing my own stomach grumble. I allow her hand to slide from mine. I smile before heading for the gate. I blink a few tears away, feeling my emotions play up.

I stop at the gate and look back. I sigh and turn, ready to leave.

Just one last thing.

"Goodbye, Ardere."

...

"G-good...Bye,... Alan." I hear her strained voice calls back. My hand stops at the gate, my head spinning so fast I almost have a whip-splash. Her eyes are still fixed, but her mouth plays a soft smile and a single tear lingers on her cheek.

'Ardere!'

Sunday:

I finish feeding her, finding her mouth twitch to a smile. I feel my own turn to a smile too. She has started to react, albeit small. I put the plate away and take the time to stand next to her. I take her hand in mine, and it slowly closes onto mine. I smile, knowing she's trying.

I walk away, aware I have to go. I try to get my hand to let go, but find it stuck in a tight grasp. I look down, finding that her hand wasn't letting go. I sigh and walk back.

"I have to go, Ardere. I also have to eat, ya know." I try to convince her. Her hand lets go, but instead it slowly reached to my chest, grabbing my shirt. I stare in disbelieve as her head turns, her eyes blinking.

She's crying. Tears are falling like a waterfall. I reach for her arm and her other hand, grabbing both with a tight grip.

"Please... Don't go." Her voice strains, but I feel my own eyes filling with tears. I slowly reach forwards before grabbing her in a hug. I can feel her tears soaking my new green shirt, but don't care. We both fall down, landing on our knees.

"Ardere, I don't want to go. I want to be with you. I want to stay with you. Please."

"A-Alan..."

"Ardere, I love you. I love you! I have since I first met you! Please, I don't want to go!" I cry, not caring I just confessed. It can be as embarrassing as it might seem, but I didn't care. I told her how I feel. Her grip on me tightens, and her body seems to shock and convulse. I'm worried she got sick, but suddenly her movement becomes soft and more fluent.

"Alan... I-I love you too! Since the day I came here, no one ever wanted me. No one liked me. I was so sad, so sad! I didn't want to live anymore! But, then you came! I was so scared! Alan!" She cried into my chest, her body now moving like normal. The flames I once saw return, but this time they don't burn. No, they feel pleasant and warm. I strengthen the embrace and don't ever want to let go.

"I love you, Ardere."

"I love you too, Alan!"

Author's note: So, I got this chapter done in a few hours... Don't ask me how.

Anyways, I am starting to try and puzzle things together. I know it might not seem relevant, but you'll understand soon enough.

remember to review, fav and follow, and I'll see ya soon!