Fire's Child
Chapter 4- Onin
The rain poured through the roof of the Hut. Jay was making no attempt to shelter herself. She sat in the same position for a few hours. Unconsciously, she had de-braided her hair, which was just as wet as the rest of her.
This was not happening. Stuff like this only happened to special people. She wasn't special.
Although it couldn't be seen, she was crying. She had already lost so much and now she lost her only reason for living. She couldn't even think anymore.
Thunder rumbled in the distance. Jay jumped. For the first time since she knew she had a solid thought.
I should probably move.
She had no idea what time it was but she could tell it was way past midnight. She hadn't even noticed the rain.
She stood up slowly and glanced around. The place looked as if it was going to fall apart any moment. She walked around aimlessly for a while until she finally garbed her bag and walked out.
It was raining harder than her first thought. It didn't bother her, her mind was elsewhere. The rain pelted her, soaking her even more if possible. It was raining so hard and fast Jay couldn't see her hand in front of her face.
She slowly made her way to the entrance of the City. A familiar female voice was heard, repeating a pre-recorded message.
"Great to hear your voice again." Jay whispered silently and walked back into Haven.
I guess I should find somewhere out of the rain. She considered going back into the 'decontamination' room but she thought better of it.
In all honesty, the rain didn't bother her at all. She found it very relaxing. If it hadn't been raining when she found Jak she would probably be screaming. She kept her mind off the situation by listening for each individual rain drop. Obviously, it was impossible but it worked.
She didn't really want to go see this impostor who claimed to be Jak. Technically he was Jak, but to Jay he was the mastermind behind some cruel joke. She wanted to avoid him at all costs.
She looked at where she was, mainly because she wanted to know where she was. The first thing she noticed was that the streets were empty and slightly flooded. She was at the Bazaar. The stalls were closed and packed away. It looked like some of the ghost town she had seen.
By chance, Jay found herself at the front of a hut. It was Onin's hut.
Why the Hell not, she walked in to candle lit surroundings.
Onin, a frail looking old blind woman has in the centre; sitting cross- legged with a bowl on her head. A weird looking monkey-bird was in a hammock nearby, feasting on berries. He was startled by her.
"Aark! You! Who are you!? What do you want!? How did you get in!?" he fired the questions quickly.
"I'm Jay, I need shelter and the non-existent door was open." she shot back.
"Well, I am the great Pecker and I say..." he was cut off as Onin started waving her hands around.
It's wonderful to see you again, Jay. I hope you are well.
"Onin says..."
Jay sat and bowed her head. "It's good to finally meet you, Onin."
Pecker was clearly shocked. "You understood her!?"
Jay nodded silently.
You always were a good listener.
"I can hear you as well as my own thoughts."
But are they comprehensible?
Jay thought. She understood what she was saying but what she was saying didn't make sense. Logically, it would have been simple. Jak was her biological brother who had simply time-travelled and came back older. But when emotions were introduced it was a different matter.
Emotions always complicate things.
Tears re-emerged from Jay's eyes. What should I do? she asked silently.
What would you want you to do?
Pecker had gone back to eating his berries. He looked so care-free.
What would she want herself to do?
If she thought she was alone in the world, she would be thrilled to find someone who knew her, even if it were just a friend. If her whole childhood was a blank, she would love someone to tell her what was missing. It would be nice to know you were not the only one.
Onin smiled. When do you plan to tell him?
Why haven't you told him?
It's not my place.
Couldn't you tell him?
It's not my place. Onin repeated.
He deserves to know.
He did indeed. Onin told her Jak had no memory of his previous time in Haven City and Jay suspected no one had bothered to enlighten him. She didn't think they even knew she existed!
She didn't know how much she would tell him.
He is a grown man now. Commented Onin.
Jay had forgotten. She still thought of him as a small boy, but he was grown up. She would tell him everything she knew, if he asked.
There was something else bothering Jay. The fact that it brought back memories of prison was bothersome enough. Just before she left, the Baron was in his first stages of his new 'Dark Warrior' program. Jay managed to catch a quick glimpse of the test subject. She now had some idea of who the poor individual was.
Onin? Is Jak the Dark Warrior? She asked fearfully.
Onin slowly nodded. Yes he is.
Jay said no more. He deserved so much better. He had already been through too much.
Outside was still dark, but it was morning and it had stoped raining. Jay's clothes were dry and her hair bounced back to their natural curls. It was now or never.
Will you tell him about yours? Onin asked.
No.
Nobody needed to know. Onin lowered her head and said no more. Jay sneezed. Well that's what you get for frolicking in the rain.
She grabbed her bag, checked it was ok and slung it over her shoulder. She looked at her hands. Her right hand had a glove with one large hole for the four fingers and was low, close to the wrist and a hole for the thumb to go through. A bit of fabric came up and meet in between the middle finger and ring finger and the ring finger and pinkie.
Her left hand was completely covered. It went under her sleeve and reached up beyond her elbow. She clenched and un-clenched her left hand. She couldn't remember the last time she saw it un-gloved.
Until we next meet.
Jay looked up and smiled.
I hope it's soon.
Jay steeped out of the tent. She sighed, the smell of fresh rain lingered in the air. People were emerging to observe the damage. There was still plenty of rain to come.
She hesitated no longer. She turned and made her way to the Naughty Ottsle.
OH MY GOD! What the hell is going on!? What's happening!? What happened to my Nutella!? Where's that leprechaun!? Who are you people!? Why won't you leave me in peace!? (I'm sleepy. Don't take this personally)
Luck and Love,
Anita