(Ch. 34 Akefia's POV.)
The next day seemed to drag on, which in some cases, it was better that way. That night my father was leaving for Cairo, and of course, the more time we had to spend with him, the better. Then again, that's just delaying the moment neither one of us wanted to come.
It was late at night; the sun had sunken into the sky, letting the stars shine like they do. The moon was rising to new heights, serving as a guide for my father and the other men. I hoped it served them well.
We said out good-byes, me and my mother, watching the bravest man I knew wonder off into the night.
That was three days ago.
As of now, it was mid-day, the sky appearing as clear as water over Elna's Garden. I was accompanied by Kisara and Seto, whose fathers were also traveling with mine.
This morning, our mothers went off to the Nile to fetch some water, leaving Seto to babysit us for a while, since he was older and more mature. Whatever that meant.
"Wow Akefia, your parents take good care of this place." Kisara chirped, admiring the tall grape vines that grew for yards on end. "Thanks," I said, skipping in the soil, "It's one of their favorite places in the whole world." Kisara giggled at me. "Why's that?" she asked. "I don't know." I curiously replied. "They never told me why."
I would have carried out the conversation, thought I was becoming more and more hypnotized while I stared upon my feet. The way they danced upon the dirt, the sound that they made, was so simple, it was outstandingly interesting.
Kisara laughed again. "Akefia, what are you doing?" she asked, thinking oddly of my actions. "I'm practicing." I answered. "For what?" she questioned with a giggle. I stopped my skipping feet, facing the girl while gaining balance. "For the celebration!" I exclaimed, shooting my arms up in the air.
"What's there to celebrate?" Seto's asked with an irked tone. I firmly placed my hands to my hips, and said, "When our fathers come home, of course."
For a moment, nothing was said, just wondering eyes between Kisara and Seto. "You know," I cheerfully started to explain. "When we win this time."
Seto's brows knitted with question. "What makes you think we're going to win? We haven't been exactly doing so." I rolled my eyes at his remark. "Why are you so negative? Have hope in them for once!" I ranted, making my way over to where the older boy stood. "Don't you wanna stay by their side?" I asked with all seriousness.
Again, the atmosphere became quiet and still for a minute. "Besides," I started, "When they do come back, victory or not, that's still a reason to celebrate!" Before I knew it, I had taken hold to one of Kisara's and Seto's hands.
"We'll dance and sing, all night long!" I giggled, as did Kisara, when I started to skip around in a circle.
"This is how we'll dance when, when they come home!" I may have even seen Seto sneak a smile or two in there.
"This is what will be, our victory!"
(Reg. POV.)
Safaia was could see the Village of Kul Elna, in where she was traveling back from the Nile. The two other women with her had headed back long before she. Of course Safaia did not mind this, for it was a nice time for simply slowing down and seeing all that there was to see. But she had to return to her child, knowing he could not be on his own for long.
The woman walked silently upon the dirt ridden ground with a water jug held at her side, when she absent mindedly looked off into the distance. She took a double glance, thinking her eyes were fooling her.
Though they weren't.
In the distance, mixed with the heat waves, there was something coming closer towards where she stood.
Familiar faces…
Safaia took off in a B line, seeing it was the men from their village. She didn't even ask herself why they arrived so soon, only being gone for three days. No, the hopeful woman simply kept on charging toward the crowd, not noticing it was smaller than when they left.
She jogged to a stop, the water sloshing around in its container. An older man, who seemed to be leading the group, slowly raised his head, revealing dreary, red eyes. Nothing was said as Safaia scanned the people, not able to spot her lover.
The woman's eyes widened at this. Her breath became shaky as well. "Is this… everybody?" Safaia asked, heart begging to pound. "We…where ambushed," The tired man sighed, and placed a red cloak into her hands that she had not taken notice till now. "I'm sorry… he fought bravely."
The water jug had dropped, shattering into shards of nothing.
Just like the widow's heart.
(Akefia POV.)
Seto and Kisara had long since left, having their mothers come take them home. They had said my own mother was running behind, and would be shortly returning. I was fine with that, though. My mother would leave me home alone at times, like if she'd suddenly decide to go to town or the garden. She would never be gone long, either, so it made little difference to me.
Being completely truthful, I rather wanted to be alone at the moment. The sun was setting slowly into the mango colored horizon, and what a beautiful sight I thought of it. I mean, it's like the scene was so powerful, it blocked out all other sounds. Or maybe it was just I being hypnotized. Either way, it's still breath taking.
How does something so wonderful, feel so wonderful at the same time?
A question best not to be answered. Oh well. Not like I would spend much time pondering when I had that to gaze at.
Maybe a minute or so passed before I faintly overheard the door to our house open and slam shut. I smiled while looking behind my shoulder and scamper onto my dirty feet. I should probably wash them later…
Anyway, before I can gain any sense of balance from typically running down the stairs, I shout, "Mama!" not even seeing if it was truly her, though I had a hunch I was.
Then again…
It did not appear as the joyful woman I knew.
"Mama…?" I asked, voice much quieter that it was the first time.
Nothing. Nothing but a chill going up my back.
That was until, what felt like hours, pass by that my mother turned her head to the side. Her lips where parted, as if wanting to say something. Something important. "H-Hello…Akefia…"
My heart had stopped.
That's not my mother.
That's not how she talks.
Not at all.
"Mama…are you ok?" I asked, unsure as if I where dreaming or not.
She inhaled sharply, exhaling in shudders. "Yes," my mother said softly, easily making her way deeper into the house. I watched with steady eyes.
Though as I did, I slowly began to see her blank face cringe. It seemed as if she where slowly being stabbed, and the pain grew more unbearable with each passing inch, until there was simply no reason to stand.
"…No."
My mother fell to the ground, collapsing like a puppet with no strings. "Mama!" I shrieked, so very lost and confused. I ran to her aid, not even knowing how I could help. By instinct, I simply clutched onto her shoulders, trying to give her the comfort she had always given me, when I would cry too.
Though she turned me away, muttering nonsense about nothing. I almost felt tears come to my eyes. Why won't my mother let me help her? I backed away, dreadfully studying the shivering body before me. She held something in her arms, I could tell by the way they were secured around her sides.
Secure.
Nothing felt secure at the moment. Even I, having no clue why, knew something was terribly wrong to cause my mother to act this way. It was scary, seeing somebody do something they never do.
So… maybe my mother needs to do something she always does.
Hope. I felt hope right then, having the best idea any one could have. I scampered away, only for a minute to find what I needed. In a few seconds, I returned to my mother, who didn't seem to notice my short absence. Once I was about three feet away from her, my steps became short and slow, knowing to take great caution.
I took a deep breath before I had the courage to kneel down next to my mother, whose sobs grow louder as I lean in closer. My own eyes begin to sting with fresh tears, though I somehow kept them from escaping. I knew my father was not present at the moment, so I guess I had to strengthen up, and become the man.
Though my hands are shaky and appear weak, I manage to pry my mother's away from whatever she held. With my free hand, I handle a hand-held harp into her slender fingers, making my mother's cries silence. She turns her head at the contact, eyes red and watery, looking confused. I take little notice, having my hands be busy at work. I strum a few strings, guiding my mother's fingers with my own, playing our lullaby.
"I remember tears streaming down your face… when I said I'd never let you go…"
I tried my very best to play and sing at the same time.
"When all those shadows… almost killed your light,"
But I found my own voice to be shaky.
"I-I remember, you said… don't leave me here, alone."
I didn't know why, and I didn't know how… but it's like I said.
"But all that's dead, and gone, and past…"
It's better off you don't ask the question you don't want to know the answer to.
"Tonight."
And there was the security, my mother's fragile voice, singing along with mine. Her once dead hands, danced gracefully upon the stings, strumming the melody I've known since very young.
"Just close your eyes…the sun is going down…"
How pretty the moon shines upon us, being the only source of light.
"You'll be alright…no one can hurt you now…"
Right Mama. That's why I'm singing this with you.
"Come morning light…"
Because not matter what happens to us.
"You and I'll be…"
I promise to be by your side.
"Safe…and…sound…"
My mother's eyes had returned to their sparkling blue color, and that beautiful smile was back too. I grinned, knowing I'd fixed whatever had been the problem. I would have asked, though the music… is so tiring… I grew very sleepy.
My mother cradled me in her arms, stroking my mattered hair till I fell into slumber. Thought before my eyes drifted shut, I saw the familiar manila stripes woven into the red fabric of what I thought belong to my father.
Total darkness. That's the only thing my sleepy eyes saw when I was awoken due to my mother's sudden movement. I groaned, very irritated that I was awake and not enjoying the comfort that her warm skin had to offer.
Though it felt colder than usual. "Mama?" I moaned, sitting up on her lap. "What's wrong…?" After I finished rubbing my eyes open, the moonlight gleaming upon my mother's face revealed her frozen stiff face.
I then learned it was possible to feel fear and curiosity at the same time.
"Mama–" I was then shushed with a finger held gently to my lips. The woman's eyes staggered from left to right, seeming to gaze out the open windows. "Stay here," my mother said quickly, swiftly setting me on the ground and getting to her feet. She tip toed over to the door, cracking it open with a short creak, peaking her head outside.
I watched, slowly standing up and walking towards my mother, who seems to be frozen. All except her hand, in which was firmly grasped to the doors frame, now steadily fell to her side, finger tips brushing against the wall like it was silk.
Now why was she acting like this? I've never seen her so stunned, not unless…
My father had returned!
That had to be it! Why else would my mother stand so dazed? Only a big surprise like so left her speechless, I knew that for a fact.
"Let me see!" I squeaked, rushing to the woman's side. She suddenly gasped, turning on the balls of her feet to kneel to my height, slamming the door shut in the process. "No! You mustn't look outside!"
Don't you dare look outside your window, darling…
Her hands held my shoulders tightly, and that caught me off my guard. "But I–" Again, my mother shushed me, making my ears perk up. "Akefia, I need you stay quiet for me, okay?" she whispered, tone cracky. I nodded yes. "Come," she said, taking a strong grasp on my hand and leading me over to the other end of the room.
Everything's on fire…
I tried to keep up with her quick feet, almost stumbling over my own. My mother swiftly knelt down in front of a chest that I'd always been told never to open. I watched her open this forbidden item like it was the last sunset, until a chant of some kind caught my attention. "What was that?" I questioned loudly, thought only received a hiss from my mother.
The war outside our door keeps raging on…
"Be quiet! They might hear us." She hissed, guiding me to rest up against the wall. I starred strangely at the woman, wanting to know who they are. But I guessed it was best to keep my mouth shut, considering my mother's behavior.
Instead, I studied the woman as she pulled out a bow and arrow; along wither an arrow quiver, in which she slung around her shoulder. My mother's movements where quick and panicky, as if she had no time left.
Finally, she crawled over to where I sit, silent and curious. Her lips where parted, as if wanting to speak, before she sighed deeply, maybe settling herself. "Akefia," she said, smiling a smile I didn't believe in. "Mama has to go somewhere, and she's going to leave you here by yourself."
Why was she talking like that? I'm not a baby anymore. "If somebody come here, and it's not me, I want you to run, as far as you can, okay?" her eyes where wide and worried, making mine seem confused. My mother sighed, beginning to pet my hair like she always does.
"I know you don't understand, but that's not what I'm asking of you. I only need you to be the brave little man I know you are. Can you do that for me?"
Hold on, to this, lullaby…
I saw read the question through her eyes. I've never seen such an emotion before. The only thing I could manage was a simple nod of my head. My mother smiled with relief, leaning in to kiss my forehead. "Don't leave this spot, alright?" I nodded again, still half asleep.
And with that, I watched my mother scamper across the room and out the door, leaving me in with the shadows of the night.
(Reg. POV.)
Safaia's eyes may have been open, but they certainly weren't seeing much more than inches in front of her. How could she when she was walking into the most horrid scene known to humanity?
The woman had seen the glow of a fire from her household, and as she walked further into the heart of Kul Elna, hearing the chants of men, soldiers who dare cross over their small territory to cause destruction!
Normally, the thought of battle sickened Safaia. It sickened her even more so to know that she had left her child behind because of it. But what was one to do? Safaia knew that if she stayed with Akefia, there was less chance for survival. If she left to fight with the other women, then maybe there was more of a chance.
It sounds funny doesn't it? Only one person added onto a group of people? It sounds like little difference, just one.
Though if there are few who are strong, then one may be the ultimate token to victory.
And mighty strong was this village. Even when several men are gone, the people who remained where more than capable of defending themselves…
Even when the music's, gone…
Akuma.
The good God knows Safaia didn't forget who had taken her beloved husband; those soldiers, who now attacked their village, demanding to take everything else that she holds dear to her broken heart.
She wouldn't allow it.
Mama bear had been angered, and she wanted revenge.
Safaia blindly readied her arrow, letting her boiling blood take over all thought of reason. She pulled back on the string, aiming before a target was even sighted.
But no.
She had already had a target.
Those people who take everything away from her.
Those people who show no mercy.
Those people who kill their own kind.
Enough was enough.
The deep orange light that lit up the city now shimmered against Safaia's enraged face, and as her fingers slipped freed the string, she let out a cry of pride, and pain.
She had now entered the battle field.
Gone…
(Akefia's POV.)
It was hard to sleep with all the noises outside. I hear shouting, things being knocked over maybe. It was beyond my intention to what was happening, but that didn't stop my curiosity. It extended to new heights, and I couldn't keep my eyes closed because of it. Whatever it was, I had to have a look.
Just close your eyes…
Especially from what I could see reflecting outside the window. It looked as if the sun was rising, announcing to the world that morning had arrived. I'd never seen it rise before, and now I had the opportunity to do so.
I bit my lip in denial.
I know my mother said to stay put, but this was something I needed to see.
Though then I thought of her eyes, how serious and worried they were. Maybe I should listen, but… I'm just so darn curious! Didn't she also say to be the brave little man that I was? Well then I see not why I can't move from where I sit so content.
Making my final decision in disobeying my mother's commands, I quickly make my way to the door, opening it about half way. As I poke my head outside, my breath is taken away. Just across the horizon of Kul Elna, radiates this stunning halo, shinning like the sun's rays. But even I knew that it really wasn't the sun rising. So what could this mysterious glow be? Well, this was a question I really wanted to know the answer to.
So me and my quick little feet traveled down to the village that I so loved to find the answer I desired. A few pebbles and such rolled down the hill due how fast I was going, thinking of all the different possibilities to what that glow could have been. My first guess was a bonfire, though then with all the excitement, I had gotten a little creative.
I imagined it of being a star, maybe. It certainly gleamed like one would. A star, falling from the heavens. What curiosity does to a person…
As I drew closer and closer, I came up to a smaller house, tip toeing around the wall. My head sneaked around the bend, seeing something that confused the life out of me. A few people, young and old, ran westward. I stared at them funny. Why where they all running away? They looked like something had scared them. Did it have something to do with that glow?
It was then, out of the corner of my eyes, that I could see a reddish light slowly shadow across the deserted road.
The sun is going down…
I tuned around, eyes stunned and arms cold. Though how quickly they armed up once I saw the lit torches held high.
Solders of Cairo.
They were attacking us.
It all made sense now, why my mother had out her bow and arrow, so she could defend the village. Why I was not allowed to look outside. She must have thought the intrusion would scare me. Ha! This is all but part of the game, though! I see reason to be scared. I am a brave man after all, and this was just the time to prove it!
Getting over ecstatic, I swiftly pulled out the wooden knife that stayed secure between the rope and my waist. I held it close to my face, slowly inching forward. I bet those silly soldiers came here fight with the men of this town, but here now here, now are they? I smiled at their stupidity, and charged with a fierce battle cry.
My bare feet pounded against the ground, and I was sure that that would get the attention of the soldiers. But I must have blended in too well, for I wasn't even looked at me until I slashed one right in his side with my knife. The large man hissed at the large scrape forming upon his skin, and spun to face where I was. He shouted an unfamiliar word at me, and attempted to throw a punch. I dodged it just in time to hear someone holler from the distance, "Get away from him!"
Both me and the man turned in the direction of the voice, only difference was that seconds later the man was hit in the face by a flying rock. He fell over, holding his face in agony. My head spun around to see the launcher of the rock.
It was Seto.
"Akefia!" he exclaimed, running up in front of me. "What are you doing out here? You need to get inside, now!" And before I knew it, the older boy had already led me into a short alley way. His eyes resembled that of my mothers, in how they looked to terrorized.
I didn't like that look. "Don't push me Seto!" I whined, shoving his hands off my shoulders. "I'm just trying to help fight against the soldiers!" The boy shook his head in disagreement. "No, Akefia, you're too young to fight. Not even I can help. This is something that our parents have to take care of–" "Seto, half of our parents aren't even here right now, so how do you expect us to win if we don't have all the help we need?" I screamed in question. I didn't like how everyone took this so seriously, and neither did I like how I was being kept from it all.
Games where supposed to be fun, not sad!
After Seto didn't reply, I simply turned by back to him and stormed out the other way. "Akefia, wait!" he commanded, catching up with me. I kept a forward face as he talked, trying to ignore him as best as I could. "You need to understand that this isn't some game! This place is becoming more dangerous by the second, and if we don't hide now, we won't ever be safe again!"
"Stop talking to me!" I screamed in his face. "All I want is to play along with everyone else, okay! So just go hide in your own house–!"
Before the other even had time to react to my outburst, both of our attentions where drawn behind us.
Time seemed to stop for everything else, except those flames that consumed a two story building. My wide eyes began to water, from not only the intense heat that flushed over my face, but from pure shock and confusion. All my ears where filled with as the skull splitting screech echoed from Seto's open mouth. The boy's cheeks flooded with fresh tears, streaming down his terrorized face.
I didn't know what to think… I didn't know what to feel… what's going on…!
"My house!" Seto screamed, racing towards the burning building, getting as close as he could without being burned himself.
My feet stayed planted on their place. I hadn't moved a single muscle, I hadn't taken my eyes off the scene.
I felt as if I could do nothing. Like I was nothing. I had nothing to say. And there was nothing to feel.
Or maybe I just felt everything all at once, and didn't know how to react. Like every emotion known to man was all jumbled up in my head, but just I didn't know which mood to express.
I was so overwhelmed, that I never even took notice to a soldier who was attempting to throw his spear at me. Thankfully, his action was ceased by an arrow, in which struck him in his torso. The man collapsed on the spot.
"Akefia!" a female voice called. Again, I simply stared at the limp body before me, once thinking of how that could have been me. "Akefia!" A pair of rough hands grabbed onto my stiff shoulders, spinning me around to stare back at my mother. "What are you doing out here! I told you to stay inside!" She exclaimed, voice high and sobbish. Her eyes where worse than I remembered. They weren't terrorized, not at all.
They were Petrified.
I stuttered out an apology, letting the tears fall. I knew my mother was mad with me, but I didn't know that I would be so ashamed, let alone petrified myself. "Shhh, Akefia, it's okay." She cooed, embracing me into her arms, her hand shaking so badly as it stoked my untamed hair.
You'll be alright…
Then there was shouting. My mother pushed me off her, looking past and over my shoulder. "There's more…" the woman whispered, standing to her feet, and pulling up with her. "Stay behind me!" She commanded. I obeyed, holding onto her blue and white striped robe, burying my face into the fabric to hide my tears.
My ears ached with all the unpleasant sounds.
Those yells and screams, coming from both sided of the battle field.
That dreaded strum of a bow and the flight an arrow.
This roaring of the mighty flames.
"There's too many of them…"
I gazed up at my mother, who I thought had said what I thought I heard. Her bow was rested, and she starred off into the distance. Before long, the woman had scooped me up into her arms. She ran as fast as she could while carrying me. My fingers curled on her shoulders so slightly I thought I might of ripped the fabric.
But with the sight I saw, my body went numb anyways.
Families being torn apart by the hands of soldiers, men and women fighting against the armed enemy with anything they could find, such as pots, rope, or simply rocks. There were tears on every face, and every face was twisted with hatred. I saw homes go up in flame with the glow I thought to be something so wonderful.
This was nothing wonderful…
This was something that could never be summed up into words. Only one.
Insanity.
I buried my face into the crook of my mother's neck. My eyes couldn't take this… and neither could my mind. My head pounded against my skull in a way that only tears could make feel better. I cried and cried, practically screaming for the pain to go away.
My curiosity of things died long ago. I didn't care why this was happening anymore. I just wanted it to stop… make it all just stop!
No one can hurt you now…
I felt my mother's steps slow, and com to a stop. She turned in multiple directions before a gruff voice called, "Get that one, over there!" Afterwards, about a dozen "Yes sirs" answered back to the command. The woman holding me gasped so sharply, I thought she was hit or something, but she soon picked her pace back up, faster than last time.
My mother's breath was heavy, and I felt so much sorrow for her. Why was this happening to us… aren't we the good guys?
I told myself to shut up. That's a question best not be answered.
In a short time, my mother had stopped her running, and stood franticly about. "It's a dead end…" she panicked.
I heard many nasty chuckles ring about the air, making the woman holding me gasp once again. "Looks like you're all out of places to run." A cocky male voice said. I wanted to go up to him and punch him in the face just for saying that. "Leave us alone! We have nothing you want!" my mother commanded, voice string yet shaky.
The man laughed like he was the king of the world. "You'd think that, wouldn't you…"
Come morning light…
Before I knew it, I was lying on my back, the arms of my mother still latched onto me. I waited for her to get up, but that never happened.
I then heard something slap something else. It happened two more times, and the woman still didn't budge. "Mama…?"
She didn't answer.
I was about to speak again, but I felt something warm drip over my neck and chest.
"Mama…Mama, why are you crying?"
The sound came three more times, and still no reply.
"She's not giving in sir," a younger voice said firmly. A groan of exhaustion rang about the air. "Give me that!" the cocky voice from before commanded.
The sound came again, and my mother cried out this time.
Where those men… those men were hitting her!
Another slap, another cry.
My mother's arms grew weaker and weaker, her body slowly collapsing on top of mine. I tried to help pushing on her shoulders to keep her up, but I knew that she wouldn't last for much longer.
But then slaps had stopped. The only thing I heard was footsteps and the soft pants of my mother. All the weight on top of me was removed, and I could breathe again. "You're a tough one, aren't you?" the gruff voice said. I rubbed my teary eyes, sitting up to see what was happening.
All I saw was the shivering frame of my mother's body, her back bleeding. The wounds were so large, she looked like she'd been mauled by a bear. And with how these men have been acting, I wouldn't be surprised if they really were bears.
"Well let's see if you can take this!"
The man stomped on her neck, making the woman scream for mercy.
I screamed with her.
You and I'll be…
That was my mother who tried to protect me from such pain and agony…
So why can't I try and protect her…?
Safe…
My scream was cut short by a sudden cough. I coughed again, smelling this awful stench that now floated through the air. My eyes began to water up, feeling like there were on fire.
It was smoke.
And…
I chocked on the excess, having my hands support me. I could barely see the images in front of me… they were all disappearing before my very eyes.
All I saw was that glow of the fire,
Before my eyes, drifted shut.
Sound…
It's a real wonder how I'm awake. What I awoke to though, is more like a nightmare than reality.
Every object in sight was outlined in red, meaning every object was turned to ashes.
How did I know?
I smelled it.
I felt it.
All of it… it's all just black, cold, ashes now. Nothing left.
But yet I still found the strength to shift my aching body up to a sit, letting left over tears fall down my heated face. The wind was so cold though. For everything just being set aflame… how quickly it cools down.
Too cold to be alone though.
This type of chill was the one you rather get when you know you're not alone. You just don't know who you're with.
Then there it was.
The glow.
It gleamed around the corner of the wall I lay next to. I crawled over to the bend, and then used it to get onto my feet, almost falling over the first time; I'd never been so jelly-legged in my entire life.
As I made the bend, my dreary eyes looked down upon a very long stair case. My brows knitted together. I didn't ever think I've seen this place before… strange.
My curiosity got the best of me, and I began to travel down the stairs, staying extremely close to the wall. As I ventured further down, I noticed that the lighting would change every so often, being regularly lit, and then all of a sudden, there would be this blinding light that lasted for only a few moments.
It got worse as I roamed closer towards the bottom. The light became so unbearable, I once or twice had to shield my eyes with my hand to keep from seeing double.
After the third time, I could see the bottom of the stair case. My eyes perked up, and my feet almost skipped the rest of the way down.
Though when my feet touched the floor, I wanted to close my eyes, and cry.
Rows of cages the size of a small houses where filled with people from Kul Elna, every single one of them screaming something to the soldiers who guarded them in their cells.
My mind went in circles, seeing the gruesome actions and hearing this dirty language, seeing all us people. Men, women, and children…
I felt left out. Like I didn't belong outside a cell of my own. Like my family was gone…
"Where's my mother?" I cried out to no one in particular. Of course, a few villagers recognized me, being the only one of them free. "Hey, it's Akefia!" a man shouted. More heads turned in my direction, and before long, I had a million people telling me the same thing: Run.
I shook my head, tears flooding my face. I didn't want to run, though. I wanted my mother. I wanted my father… where's my family? I ran from cage to cage, searching with blurry eyes from that smile I love that that laugh I know.
But where was one to find such happy things in a place like this…?
I started to panic.
"Mama! Daddy!"
"It's Akefia!"
"Run, Akefia, run!"
"Where's my family!"
"Get away from here, Akefia!"
I was about ready to rip my hair out. Couldn't these people tell all I wanted was to play with them too?
"Akefia!"
I went frozen at the familiar voice.
My mother's voice.
"Mama! Mama where are you?"
My eyes dashed in every direction, searching for her in the crowd of people.
"Here, I'm over here!"
And there it was I saw her midnight hair shifting though the other villagers to get to where I was awaiting her. Her shaky hands meant mine, and we engulfed each other in the biggest hug I ever experienced. And as soon as that connection was made, I started to bawl my little eyes out like the night would never end.
"Shhh, Shhh, Akefia, you're alright now, you don't need to cry…"
I didn't listen to her at all. I simply kept sobbing into her shoulder while she stroked my hair, rubbed my back, doing all she could think of to calm me down.
The blinding light didn't help much either.
It came again, thought his time much more powerful and I could have sworn I head everybody scream like they were going to die.
It was then that I heard my mother's lullaby.
"Just close your eyes… you'll be alright…"
Why are you crying, too?
"Mama, you're forgetting the words…" I sniffed, rubbing my watery eyes with my dirty hands. The woman grinned at my comment. Her face looked to beaten. Ashes where smudged all over face, cuts and scratches bleeding into the mix. And yet she still knew how to smile.
"Akefia," my mother shuttered. "I need you to promise me something, okay?"
I nodded unsurely, a bit lost by what she meant exactly.
"Can you promise me that… you won't become of those men, who kill their own kind?"
I stared at her, not having much of a clue to what she just asked. But it seemed important to her, so I nodded in agreement.
She sighed in relief, grinning as if the weight of the world had been taken off her shoulders. "That's good to hear," my mother said, brushing her fingers upon my cheek. She looked so relaxed all of a sudden. It worried me.
There was a loud creak, a sound like rusted metal being moved. The woman looked behind her shoulder, and turned back to face me.
"Akefia… Mama, has to go now, okay?"
…Go?
Everyone in the cell started to scream and shout.
"But… where are you going?" I asked, feeling as if my heart just sunk.
My mother simply smiled, her fingers falling by ever so little.
"Mama….Mama!" I screamed, accidently getting the attention of one of the guards.
My breaths became quick and uneven, knowing nothing but bad things were going to happen.
"Goodbye, Akefia." My mother said with a single tear rolling down her dirtied yet beautiful face. "I love you."
Before I had even a change to react, I was roughly pushed against the wall behind me. I yelped at the force, having immediate pain spread throughout my back. Later on, the man had gotten me into a head lock, but this time I refused to be held back.
I kicked and screamed, wriggling my arms around like a worm. "Stop it, you little twit!" he commanded, but all the response he gained from me was a chomp on the thumb. He released me immediately.
I saw that the cell my mother had been in was already emptied, but that made little difference to me. I sprinted around the cage, running out into the open. I saw an opening to the right of me, and ran faster than I could have possibly imagined.
As I made the bend, time stopped. My feet froze. And so did my heart.
Seeing my mother's smiling and crying face, go up in flames.
How does… something I know to be so wonderful… turn into something… so dreadful?
A question best not be answered.
OD: Hehe... al lmy reveiws are gonna kill me now ^^
Yami: but... no... no... that... WHAT JUST HAPPENED? WHY DID DID THAT HAPPEN? *Cries into my shoulder*
OD: *pats head* it's a question best not be answered, dear yami. So anyway... this chapter was over 6,000 words long guys... you're welcome ^^ haha, but no seriously, thank you all for your support! This took me four days to finnish and all i had to do to was just read your guys past reveiws to keep me going, so i owe all my thanks to you people! On a different note, HOLY SHIZ CAKES! What kinda devil am i? xD i didn't shed once single tear while writing this, i just had this big fat smile on my face like i knew everything in the world! Yea, but im crying now cuz i just realized what i did to a five year old life... but you all knew it was gonna have to happen sooner or later...Oh! btw, I TOLD YOU I WAS GONNA PUT THAT SONG TO GOOD USE! xD don't you think it fit's so well? Haha, well if you people are wondering the song is called "safe & sound" by Taylor Swift. Well anyways, i HOPE this chapter at least got you sniffling and tearing up... if not, you better re-read it, just to make sure x3 please R&R! Free cookies to those who do!
IMPORTIANT NOTE: Yea, remember back in chapter 14 where bakura was saying how he promised somthing to someone? Hehe... yea, that was his mom. Don't beleive me? Go back 20 chapters and read 14 :P
Yu-Gi-Oh! is owned by Kazuki Takahashi.
Safe & Sound is sung/owned by Taylor Swift.