Our Own Reality

by 0.Fiction.0

Hector, a young university student living on his own, tries going out of his comfort zone only to make a terrifying discovery. Life seems like it won't go back to normal, but maybe that's a good thing?

A/N: Would you believe me if I said this was based on a true story? Probably not because it happened in a dream rather than in real life. I hope you enjoy the retelling of my dream with a few changes here and there to make it so it is actually comprehensible. Don't forget to leave a review letting me know what you think!

The midday sun shone brightly through the blinds of the window above my kitchen sink. I had just finished washing the dishes I used to make lunch and decided to go out for a hike. After all, I'm surrounded by wilderness so I should make use of it and the nice weather. Normally it is pretty chilly and the forecast was occasionally raining and would come in short bursts so hikes weren't always an option. I decided that my sweatpants and t-shirt were good enough and slipped on some running shoes to go out. The air felt chilly but calm as I stepped out through the glass sliding back door. I walked onto the patio and gauged whether or not the weather would hold and if I should bring a jacket or not. I decided not to, I was only planning to follow the small trail behind my home and then head back so I shouldn't take long and home wouldn't be too far away. I made my way past the fire pit that hadn't been used in years and went through the gate of a wooden fence that needed a new coat of paint. It was still structurally secure and made the area inside feel like a backyard. However, the surrounding area on the outside was still a part of the property.

I began making my way through the forested area, the trees stood tall, offering occasional shade from the sun. This area I lived in was relatively safe, at least from my own experiences. In fact, the only other living things in a 5-mile radius were some relatively harmless small bird and bug pokemon. I was happy to get some sunlight; I had spent a lot of time inside the cabin I was living in. it did not belong to me but my late grandfather. I guess it doesn't belong to him anymore though, now it belongs to my dad and I'm living here because I'm studying at a nearby university. I was fortunate this school was only a 20-minute drive from the cabin. This way I was able to attend this school without spending a fortune on any housing. The only thing I had to do in return was to keep maintenance.

The smell of pine and sap filled the air and the breeze carried the smell for miles. It was refreshing after spending all of yesterday inside doing homework and playing video games. The sun already hid away behind the cloudy forecast. It made me a bit worried about not bringing anything in case it did rain, but I figured I could make it home if I turned back at the first sign of rain.

I followed a small path that I had used since I was a kid and would visit here in the summer. It was mostly clear of vegetation and fallen branches so it was easy to follow. Most of the time I don't go past a large tree that had a tire swing tied to one of the branches. It was put there a long time ago for me by my grandpa to use whenever we hiked out here. Occasionally we would camp out by the tree, or at least try to, but I would always chicken out or get bored and return to the cabin to sleep.

As I finally reached the small clearing where I found the old tire swing that I was too big for and a makeshift firepit that still held some ashes I stopped and looked around. I remembered the time I spent here with my family and reminisced on how easy childhood used to be before I had gained so many responsibilities and had to become an "adult." I looked ahead the path continued, but I usually made my back after reaching the landmark, but I was curious as to how far it would go. The weather was still favorable with only picking up slightly. Without much more thought I continued my trek through the woods.

It didn't take long for the trail to begin to disappear, for a moment I thought I saw it continue in another direction, but it was just my imagination. I looked back and noted that the path ended about 100 feet from the tire swing tree. With my curiosity sated I began to make my way back when I noticed a tree with strange coloration on it. I didn't pay it any mind until I got closer. It wasn't just a tree with a tan or some sort of moss but like a substance. As I examined it more I came to the realization that it resembles blood. It was dried, but for it to be this visible whatever left it here must've been bleeding heavily. Or it was something that just killed something. I looked around in search of what could've marked the tree. I couldn't find anyone or anything so I started to hurry home, I didn't want to encounter whatever left that blood in case it was something dangerous.

I made it to the opening again and as I made my way past the large tree I also missed it, more blood marked on the tree. This is when I began to panic. Originally I thought whatever the bloody creature was it wouldn't be a problem if I made it home. But now it wasn't the case, I was about a fifteen-minute walk from the cabin so whatever this thing was it could easily find my cabin. I looked around again. I was desperate to find out what it was, the best-case scenario was something injured and I could call an emergency center to help. But worst-case it was a killer leaving the blood of his victims on the trees for whatever reason. A bit unlikely but the thought didn't leave my mind. Dangerous wild pokemon were very uncommon around this area but not impossible to be here.

I tried to reassure myself that it was something injured and I should find it to help it. Well with that much blood on the trees it was unlikely that whatever was bleeding is still alive but perhaps finding the corpse would give me some relief. Unless if it was a person then I would definitely freak out. I eventually found some disturbing foliage about 20 feet to the left of the where I saw the blood on the big tree. It was strange that there were no other signs of something walking through this area.

I walked cautiously and listened for any sort of noise as I followed the trail left behind. I was not by any means a tracker, but it was evident that the creature was dragging its feet. The ground began to slope downwards and the trail ended. I was confused as to how something that seems severely injured suddenly covered its tracks. I continued down the slope looking for any more clues as to where the creature could've gone. The ground became steeper until I finally reached a ledge, I peered over to see the ground about 10 feet below. I could probably jump from here but I would definitely risk hurting myself. I was about to give up on my search when I noticed there was an opening along the ledge. The ledge was steep but still climbable so it wasn't difficult to see where there wasn't a rocky slope. I hesitated going do there, if it was something like an ursaring that cleaned its claws off on the trees after a meal then I would definitely not outrun it. But maybe if it was it would be too full to chase me? If it was something injured then I could get help possibly save its life. I'm not sure what kind and generous spirit possessed me, but I decided it was a risk worth taking and I found myself carefully climbing down. Once I was about halfway down I pushed against the rocky wall and jumped to the ground. The soft crunch of the leaves was the only sound I could hear. I noticed how eerily quiet it was, not even the birds that would occasionally chirp or sing could be heard.

I approached the cave slowly and pulled out my phone to shine I light inside. As I was about to turn on the light a splitting headache caused me to drop my phone and grip my head. I thought I was going to pass out when just as quick as it came it stopped. I knelt to recuperate. I tried to figure out what just happened, did I almost had a stroke? An aneurysm? I'm not a med student or at least knowledgeable about life-threatening diseases, but that definitely wasn't normal. Maybe I just spent too much time looking at a screen the past few days and I was suddenly now facing the repercussions. Also unlikely, I've had eye strain headaches but nothing like that. I picked up my phone and turned on the light, but before I could do anything else I heard a deep voice, "don't come any closer."

I turned around but didn't see anyone. It was hard to discern where the voice came from. It felt as if it came from behind me but also above me. It was unnerving and I was beginning to think I might be going crazy. "I just need to check this cave and get the hell out of here," I thought to myself. I shined the light into the cave and I froze, the cave wasn't deep it was about 8 feet deep and just as wide. It was also about five feet tall. But inside was this creature was large, with pale skin and lanky limbs. Blood covered its hands and torso. Its dark purple eyes glared back into mine sending a shiver down my back. I stood in shock not being able to process what I was seeing. That's when I heard the voice again, "go away."

I recovered from my shock and began to think. Where is that voice coming from? There is no one else around so could it be the creature? I didn't see its mouth move so how did speak? Could it be a psychic pokemon? I've heard that some are trained and powerful enough to speak telepathically to humans. But this creature isn't like any other pokemon I've seen before. I started to calm myself now having a better idea of what was going on and ask, "are you okay?" Alright stupid question, I quickly added, "Do you need my help?" I got no response, the pokemon just stared back at me. It looked exhausted and stressed, I tried moving closer to get a better look as to what the injury was, but the pokemon's eyes lit up in a hazy blue and suddenly I was hit with another headache, but this time it was less painful and lasted even shorter than the first. Okay so it was definitely him that caused that last time but it seems like he's getting weaker. Which means he's running out of time. I got up and said "I'm going to get help okay? I'm going to call other people to help you out." A loud "NO" boomed in my head. It left me a bit jarred, "why won't you humans leave me alone…" Their statement left me worried, what exactly happened to them? Despite being asked not to I pulled out my phone to make an emergency call. Then I noticed that I had no reception, "crap" I thought to myself. What do I do now?

Perhaps this pokemon like other wild pokemon hide somewhere comfortable to pass away. They definitely didn't look comfortable and appeared tired and angry. Almost scared when they last spoke. It felt too cruel to just leave them like that, "I'll be back," I said getting up and running to the ledge. I tried to scale it a bit too quickly and my right foot slipped causing me to hit a rock that jutted out against my shin. I clenched my teeth, swearing through the pain. After finally getting to the top of the ledge I headed back home. I tried to move quickly, but the rock had cut through my sweatpants and pierced my skin. It hurt but it was manageable.

The wind started to pick causing me to shiver, the clouds had darkened and signs of rain were beginning to show. I arrived home out of breath, I made empty promises about working out more often as I went to the bathroom in search of a medkit. I searched under the sink and found it immediately. My mom made me buy one when I moved out here, "just in case" she said. I opened up the plastic white case and looked through all the supplies inside. I wasn't sure what I was looking at, bandages, pain medication, is this gauze? I shook my head, hopefully, all my medical knowledge from TV comes back to me later. I went to my room and grabbed my backpack. I emptied the contents to make space for the medkit. I also went to the kitchen and searched through the pantry. I collect an open box of chocolate granola bars and two water bottles.

With these supplies, I headed outside to find that it started to rain. "Great now I gotta run through the rain," I muttered. I ran back inside and grabbed a jacket I left on a chair in the kitchen. I returned outside slipped on the jacket and ran as best I could back to the cave. I questioned why I was trying so hard to help this pokemon, especially one who very adamant about not wanting help and even attacked me. But I couldn't find an answer, maybe I knew I'd feel guilty if they died without me trying to do anything. The rain began to pour so I tried to pick up the pace but my injury and lack of stamina prevented me from going faster than a jog. Thankfully, I was almost there, I reached the large tree and turned towards the cave. I arrived at the ledge and turned to see the cave, alright I just hope I don't get attacked again. I got down on my knees and carefully climbed down to avoid slipping on wet earth. Once I reached the bottom my clothes were basically soaked.

I hurried to the entrance and pulled out my phone. No headaches this time, that's good, wait, is that bad? Are they still alive? I nervously turned on my phone's flashlight and lit up the cave. The pokemon was curled up and as I shone the light on its face they twitched and looked at me with half-open eyes. Oh good, he's still alive, "Hey, please don't attack I'm here to help I promise." I waited crouched at the entrance of the cave but they gave no response. Not sure if that's him letting me help or if he's too weak to do anything. I slowly moved closer to him trying my best to not make any sudden movements. As I came into proximity to them I reached out to touch them but their telepathic voice said, "Don't. Just leave…" I stopped, their voice was much fainter this time, I wasn't sure what to do. I wasn't going to sit here doing nothing but if they resist the whole time I might hurt him more. I sat to his left as they leaned against the back wall of the cave. I set my phone down to have the flashlight light the cave ceiling and providing more vision.

I watched the mysterious pokemon and noticed them clutching their left shoulder. It was a bit difficult to tell but I think that's where their wound was. But maybe I should worry about myself instead, I was shivering from my wet clothes and my adrenaline was coming down so the cut on my leg was hurting more. I zipped open my backpack and pulled out the medkit. I looked back at the pokemon to see them watching me. Their eyes were barely open, I decided maybe I can show them I didn't mean any harm by fixing myself up first. I opened up the box and looked inside. I took out disinfecting wipes, gauze, bandages, and what I believe to be antibacterial cream. It was hard to read with the dim lighting my phone provided. I pulled up my pants' sleeve and got a better look at my injury. The cut wasn't deep but I figured I could use myself to practice cleaning a wound. Alright just got sanitize with these wipes, then I think I just put this cream straight onto the cut? Ouch okay, now I guess I just cover it right? I managed to cover up with some gauze and bandage and would consider the procedure a success. Although I did have to use my teeth to cut the bandage and the knot I made to tie it up was subpar. I look back at the pokemon, they had their eyes closed. I really hope they watched me do that so they don't freak out or anything when I try to help.

"Hey uh, I brought you something to eat it. Do you want some?" I said as I pulled out the open box of granola bars. They didn't react, in fact, they seemed unnerving still. Oh shit, I got up and crawled my way towards him and shined the light on them. I finally got a good look and noticed that there was a hole about the size of a quarter next to his shoulder. Is that a bullet wound? What in the world happened to this pokemon? I got closer and placed my hand in front of their face. I wasn't sure if it was my nerves but I couldn't feel their breath. What do I do now? It seemed futile but I decide to try to at least treat their wound. I tried to get a good look at their bullet wound but them being slumped over made it difficult. I grabbed his right arm and pulled him away from the wall to check his back. I struggled to hold my phone and not hurt the pokemon but I managed to find that there was no exit wound. That's good I think, but wait, does that mean the bullet itself is still inside? I definitely wouldn't be able to take it out if it was. There's no point in panicking about it now, I just need to do what I can.

I sat down and rested the pokemon's head and shoulders on my lap. I already tore these sweatpants so what's a little more blood? I hurriedly cleaned around their wound. The pokemon grunted after putting pressure against their shoulder. I felt relieved they were still alive but I wasn't sure if they'd make it. More carefully this time I applied the bacterial cream onto the wound. Applying the bandages and gauze was more difficult than with my leg because of how they were positioned but after a while, I managed to "successfully" bandage him up. As I finished I let out a sigh, not from relief but exhaustion. This is the most excitement I've had in a while. My legs were a bit sore from running earlier and the anxiety of whether this pokemon would live or not is still plaguing me.

As if some mysterious force was listening suddenly my phone's light had powered off. I swear under my breath and tried to turn it back on but to no avail. Just my luck, the flashlight had drained the battery and the only light was coming from outside. It wasn't much either due to the rain. So I sat there listening to the rain pouring outside, I had lost track of time around this point. Since there was still some light I figured it wasn't more than a few hours afternoon. Should I just leave? I've done all I really could and my phone is dead. I could charge my phone when I get home and call for help. Now that I think about it I really should've called for help when I went to get this stuff. I shivered, my sweat pants had mostly dried from my body heat, but my jacket was still damp. I pulled it off and set it next to me. It was still cold inside the cave but not as bad as with my jacket on.

I reached into my bag and pulled out one of the water bottles. My mouth had been feeling dry from the running and stress I just put myself through. I downed about half the bottle before taking a breath. I looked down at the pokemon resting on my lap and realized that they probably hadn't eaten or drank anything in a long time. I don't think I could feed them in this condition but I could try giving them water. I grabbed another bottle from my bag and opened it up. Just before I attempted to give them a drink I remembered a bottle of painkillers in the medkit. Maybe I could have them wash those pills down with the water. I rummaged through the open medkit and eventually found the bottle. It was hard to read in the dim light but I figured it was the correct bottle. I didn't bother trying to read the directions because one: it was too dark to read, and two: I don't think it had recommendations for large, dying, mysterious pokemon.

I poured out about seven pills from the bottle, I hope if that if the blood loss doesn't kill them these pills don't do them in instead. With my left leg, I tilted their head up and slid three tablets into their mouth. I popped off the lid and carefully poured it into their mouth. The pokemon swallowed the medication and water with ease. I was surprised, I figured they were completely unconscious but it seems like they became extremely exhausted. "You're really tough huh?" I said to the pokemon. They didn't respond but I felt this weird feeling that they wanted more water. I went ahead and put the last four pills into his mouth. I brought the bottle to their mouth and they drank some more. I began to pull the bottle away but suddenly they grabbed the bottle from me and started chugging the rest.

Once they finished they arm dropped and the pokemon went back into their previous state. "Hey are feeling better?" I asked. No response. I let out a sigh, it was a bit worrisome but maybe they'll live. I'm not sure how with all the blood they seemed to have lost. What was this pokemon? I don't believe it's one of those legendary pokemon that I've heard stories about as a kid. At least they didn't fit the description of any of the ones I heard of. Maybe it was just a rare species I haven't heard of. My thoughts were interrupted by a voice it said, "you…" I looked down and saw the pokemon had their eyes open. I was going to say something but their eyes began to glow blue. Suddenly my eyes felt heavy and the world felt like it was spinning. I tried grabbing onto something to steady myself but my hands didn't respond. Everything went black.

I felt cold, I opened my eyes and found myself lying down. I was still in that cave but now I was alone. I sat up shivering trying to collect my bearings. How long was I out? What happened? There was still light out so maybe not that long. I searched around for my jacket and found it where I left it. I picked it up only to find that it was colder than me and still a bit wet. I put it on anyways in hopes that it would warm me up eventually. I noticed that my bag wasn't next to me. I also saw that there were granola bar wrappers and empty bottles scattered on the ground. I also saw that my bag was left near the entrance of the cave, I picked up the medkit and the trash and made crawled my way out.

I returned everything to my bag and left the cave. I stood and stretched my neck and back a bit. I felt sore from laying a the cave floor for who knows how long. The rain had stopped and the clouds had cleared for the most part. I looked up searching for the sun to get some indication of what time it could be. To my surprise, the sun wasn't setting, it looked like it had moved in the other direction. Or a better explanation would be that it was rising on a new day. Oh crap, did I really spend a whole night in there? My stomach began to growl, okay this was enough adventure for me for a lifetime, time to go home. I glanced back at the cave. The mysterious pokemon was gone and I never found out what it was. I was disappointed that I didn't even get a picture of it as proof of what happened. Maybe it didn't even happen and I went crazy for a day. I chuckled at the idea and began to climb up the rocky ledge.

The rocks were still wet from yesterday so I climbed slowly to avoid slipping. After some careful maneuvering, I made it to the top. I began to stand but luck wasn't on my side. There was earth at the top of the ledge that had become loose from the rain and as I put my weight on it, it gave way. I fell back unable to catch myself. All I could think was that this was going to hurt. But that pain never came, I didn't even feel myself falling. I found myself staring up at the sky and towering trees. Did I die? I didn't think the fall would kill me but here I am. Then my body began to shift forward. I freaked out a bit trying to figure out what was going on, but my arms and legs wouldn't budge. I was brought to my feet and came face to face with the mysterious pokemon. With my feet back on the ground, I was able to get a good look at them. They towered over me by about a foot taller than me. Their skin didn't seem so pale now and even had a pink hue to it. Then their eyes, their deep purple eyes felt as if they looked right through me but at the same time was mesmerizing. Did they catch me? Wait how are they better? The bandages on his shoulder were removed and the bullet wound was a small scar now.

"Answer me, who are you?" their voice sounded in my head. It was clear and loud unlike before when they were hurt. "Uh, I'm Hector," I said. His eyes narrowed as if they didn't like my answer. I quickly added, "I live in a cabin not too far from here, um...I mean you no harm?" His voice came again, "you can not hear my thoughts, can you?" I was confused by his question and replied, "uh no? I'm just a human I can't do that."

"Then that confirms my theory. I originally thought you may be a being as powerful as me or a very simple one. Since you can not read others' thoughts you must be the latter." I was taken aback by the sudden insult. "W-wait what? What do you mean?" I asked. Without missing a beat they answered, "Your mind. I can hear your thoughts without any effort. It was difficult to tell whether you were using telepathy or if you did not have a mental barrier." I was still confused as to what they meant by all of that. Before I could come up with something to say they continued, "Do not bother with trying to understand. Just tell me, why did you help me?" Before I could begin to answer they interrupted me, "so you truly had no ill intent. You maybe be simple but I still do not understand you."

I was going to say I just wanted to help someone in need but how did they know that? Are they really just reading my mind? Let's test it, "What is your name?" I asked in my head. They didn't answer, maybe they actually ca- "I heard you. I was...remembering," The Pokemon's stern expression faltered for a moment as those words entered my mind. They continued, "Since you helped me I will answer. I am Mewtwo." Mewtwo? Was that their actual name or maybe the species name? "You need not know more about me. You have saved my life and now I have done the same. Farewell." In the blink of an eye, they were gone. Questions filled my mind, who were they? Where did they come from? Where did they go? How are they fine now? I searched around on my way back to the trail for any sign of them but to no avail. I even checked the tree with the bloodstains only to find that the rain had washed most of it away leaving only a slight discoloration.

The walk back home felt short, my mind trying to process what happened. It felt like a fever dream, almost like a fictional story. There was no rhyme or reason for what just happened. "This is why I don't go out," I mumbled to myself. I walked inside and kicked off my shoes at the door. I slipped off my bag and jacket and tossed them on the wooden kitchen table. I checked the electric oven's clock which read 7:08. Oh, man did I really just sleep for more than 12 hours? I looked down at my dirty clothes and torn pants and shook my head, "I need a shower."