Hello Everyone! Here is Chapter 4! Thank you guys for reading and reviewing my Fanfic, I really appreciate it! It boost my motivation! For some reason I kept imagining Elizabeth Maxwell dubbing Suika, Idk why it just keeps ringing out of my ears! Anyways! Enjoy!
Reality is never as bad
as a nightmare,
as the mental torture
we inflict ourselves
- Sammy Davis, Jr.
Chapter 4: Nightmares
Snowflakes slowly fell on the ground, everything seems to be normal as it seems. My eyes were brimming with tears as I remember my family, the months slowly stretched day by day and my sanity is slowly failing me.
A lot of children with the disease have been suffering more than ever, the people kept pleading me to help them and use my promised power. There was none, I tried everything I can and all I get were wretched curses from their mouths.
Demon!
You're the reason why our children are like this!
I hate you! Get away from us and burn in hell!
I would have been better if you were never born!
Why did I have to go through this? The village elder believes in my abilities, every day we would practice or train about my ki. There's nothing happening! Nothing! Anything!
I release my frustration through training at the foot of the forest, I punched or kick down trees in anger until my fists bleed. My eyed bore with hate towards the poor piece of wood, my blood slowly trickled down my fingers and drip down on the ground.
" Damn it..." I whispered under my breath, I examined how deep the wounds is and cursed another word. The wound is worse than I thought, I should head back to the Manor to get this treated.
I slung my back on my shoulder with my brows furrowed, my slowly walk out of the forest and into the village. I ignored the sharp glances thrown at me and the harsh whispers of curses.
Everyone kept looking at my eyes, they would cringe in fear or disgust as I set my gaze at them. I'm already close to my destination, the guards opened the gates for me with a respectful bow, I didn't bother to thank them since they thought I'm a nuisance. I hear them talk behind my back every now and then.
I feel like a pig for slaughter...
I wonder what my Goku is doing? I hope Gohan's taking good care of him and he promised to train him some more during my absence. There's nothing to worry about anyways!
( Author: Or is it? You know nothing Jon snow- I mean Suika Son! Ahem! Sorry for being random, I just can't help it XD)
I don't feel so good, my body felt a bit heavy and my head slowly banging like a drum. I shook it away and made sure to help the kids in the clinic, after all they need my help and support.
It's harsh to leave them like that, I feel like the worse mother ever. Don't you agree Suika? I shitty mother like me shouldn't have left her own child. Someday I will see him again, my heart hopes for him to forgive my actions.
~ Goku's P.O.V.~
My eyes opened widely, I really had a good dream about my grandpa and mommy last night. It felt so real for a minute, too bad it's not. I stretched my arms in the air lazily then yawned without a care i the world.
" Good morning Grandpa!" I yelled over Grandpa, the ball sat on a makeshift pedestal. I walk over to it with a smile hoping that it would glow again like before. To my disappointment, it didn't...
I slumped my shoulders with a pout, my eyes wandered in the room. The family picture stood there in Mommy's counter. I wonder when we will do it again, Mr. Roster and his family left long ago in the city for a better life.
Who will take our picture now I wonder...?
" I miss you mommy...Grandpa, I'm just going to train a little then eat some breakfast. Don't go anywhere alright?" I said with a smile, I took my power pole and went outside the garden. I started making lumber as a warm-up and practiced the Katas that Mommy thought me.
" Uh...Oh...I better get some breakfast." My stomach grumbled loudly, I smiled widely when I saw a peach tree near-by. I pluck a few of them then eat it until there's nothing left but the seeds.
" That's better! I wonder what's next?" I'm still not satisfied with my appetite, I searched the forest for some food and happily I got a few more bananas and oranges. I bolted inside the house with a goofy grin, but it slowly curled down as I realized...
I realized that I'm all alone...
I thought I could share my breakfast with anyone today like always, I sat on my Mommy's bed and set the fruits beside me. I really miss them so much, I miss my Mommy's hair and her cooking.
" It's been so long now mommy...When will you go home?" I asked my myself, I didn't cry though. It might upset Grandpa if a tear escapes my eye.
" I should train some more..." I ate the rest of my breakfast then clapped my hands in prayer, I ran outside with a big smile then started punching huge trees for extra lumber. I did nothing but train the whole day and kept hoping that mommy would come home anytime soon.
~ Suika's P.O.V.~
The child was coughing violently, my face weary grew weary everything she struggled to sit up. The children couldn't move around any longer, the disease just got worse through the number of months.
" It's going to be alright, just drink this." I put the cup onto her lips, she took a couple of sips then made a face as she tastes the herbal drink.
" Y-Yuck! W-What's that?" she asked while putting out her tongue in disgust.
" Now, now, don't be like that sweetie...It's just herbal medical to make you stronger! Tell you what, if you finish this all I'm going to give you guys some sweeties." I said with a hopeful smile. The young girl's face lit up a bright smile, she covered her nose and started gulping the whole cup down.
" There now, it wasn't that hard right?" I winked at the little girl. She blushes in embarrassment at my gesture, I took the cup away from her and proceeded giving the herbal medicine to the other kids. All of them are not so bad, at first, they grew scared of my eyes but they soon realize not to judge a book by its cover!
Thank you, so much maternal instincts!
The other handmaids assisted me with the job and monitored their conditions, nothing changed though. The disease just keeps spreading across the village, 35% of the children to be exact. If anything goes worse then it's game over.
Minutes after handling the sick children, my assistant Strawberrie accompanied me at the old library to research more about the disease. It has been months and no matter what I try it doesn't help at all.
" Lady Suika, according to the ancient legends. The disease only affects children from ages 15 and below, it's a bit odd don't you think?" My assistant said with a worried glare, I nodded at her sadly and kept on staring at the old Manuscript and scrolls.
" Yes, very odd...As if it's not a disease...Like a bad juju if you ask me..." I muttered under my breath in curiosity.
" It also makes sense Lady Suika, I mean...Remember the legends about deities or witches curse farmlands? But we're not sure it it's real though. Only myths to teach us what is right." she scanned over to the scrolls.
Strawberrie is one of the people who respects my dignity and knowledge. She doesn't seem bothered with my appearance, I love how she's focused on becoming a healer like me.
This Village is pretty strict when it comes to hygiene, Children rarely gets sick. A disease cannot just pop out of nowhere. An advance healer can produce ancient medicine to cure any sickness with the knowledge we have. But this thing just keeps pending.
I don't believe in curses or dark magic, but if that's the case then we'll have to prepare any risks. That's ridiculous Suika!
" You can drop the ' Lady' Lime, like I told you...I'm no Lady, drop the formalities already." She gulped deeply when I gave her an annoyed glare, I shrug my shoulders then placed all of the books aside. I stretched my arms in the air then bend backwards, another day closes again.
It has been 14 months since I left home, work really makes me tired all day long.
The night is a bit young, all of the villagers scurried inside their houses. I felt the cold linger in my nape as I walk across the garden, the huge peach tree stood alone in the middle.
The flowers and fruits were gone, the cold weather made the beautiful tree like this. It will return at spring in a few weeks' time, I laid my hand unto the rope with sadness graze upon my eyes. Everything around me feels horrible.
The way how people look at me, those mean words, the accusations, my grandfather and my family, the stress dwells in my chest and body. I feel like an epitome of pain, why do I have a say in this?
Those gullible bastards never cared or thanked for my help.
How come I'm so selfless? I should be home, sitting at the warm fires with Gohan and Goku eating whatever I cook.
A tear escapes my eyes, it fell onto the snowy ground. After that a couple of droplets followed, I knelt down on the ground and started sobbing quietly.
" Why is it so unfair? Why do I have to suffer everything and not someone else? What the hell do you want with me? It's not fair..." I whispered against the tree, I cringed at my wound as I bawled my fist in anger. I fingernails dug into the wood until the flesh of my fingers got splintered.
I roared in anger and confusion as I plop down on the ground, I lean my back against the hard wood. I slowly look up in the dark sky, the snow slowly falling down gracefully. The scene is very beautiful, it makes me want to sleep out here.
My red eyes glimmered calmly, the beautiful full moon is out tonight along with her precious star babies. At least she stays up there without any care in the world.
" Sucks to be me huh? I'm jealous of you...You just shine up there with your babies. Have no problems of your own." I talked to the moon, I smack my head. I feel silly all of the sudden. People might think of me as a loony when they see me do things like this.
" Please...Please Mai from above...help me...I just don't know what to do! Help me...Please! Please! I-I just want to help...I deny my selfishness but...If there's another way please...Just this time, be kind with me..." I pleaded in the cloudless sky, as if anyone could answer back, right? A tear escapes my eye again, knowing no one can help me.
I felt useless, my pride slowly diminishing and all sanity is below the bar. I couldn't take it anymore, no one can help me...Like always...
I let my eyes drop, I yawn loudly into the dark night and gave in a sigh of relief. It seems that I might sleep well tonight.
"Things have to be that way, Suika..." I jolt awake as I heard the mysterious voice again, I've kept on hearing it ever since I ate the peaches as a midnight snack a few months ago.
" H-Hello?!" I ask shakily, I cock my head side to side to see if anyone is there playing a prank at me. The silence was a bit deafening and to my relief no one answered back. I laughed nervously and wipe the sweat that was pooling on my neck.
" Phew! For a second, I thought I was crazy." I said to myself, I slowly stood up from the ground to walk over to the warm atrium.
" No you're not! You're not crazy!" I stop walking, I gulped deeply and decided to close my eyes. The fear is slowly creeping in my spine. Why should I be afraid?! I'm the Red-Eyed Demon! I'm not afraid of anything, they should be afraid of me!
I gritted my teeth in anger then clenched my fist, I turned around to face anyone. To my surprise I saw a beautiful woman in front of me. She had a fair complexion, long raven black hair that reaches her knees and she wore one of the eye-catching Edo period Kimono.
What surprised me was her red yes...
Eyes like mine
How could this be?!
Wait a minute...
Don't tell me...
" A-Are you...Who-Are you?!" I asked in complete shock, she gave me a blank stare. My whole body stood frozen, I didn't know what should be my first move. Should I make a run for it or should I stay here until she explains everything.
Those red eyes intimidate me the most, she glares at me as if I'm some kind of disease. I back away in discomfort when she raised her hand, I flinch away and expected a slap but instead she places her fingertips at my eye lids like it's her first time to see such eyes.
A tear escapes her eyes, her lips quivered with sadness and she sob violently. I wanted to say something but a part of me kept on telling me to shut up.
The beautiful woman's eyes glowed in the dark. I felt entranced with the familiar color, her pupils slowly dilated and my mind felt a bit hazy. I feel like I'm being hypnotized, my body felt very heavy and an urge of sleep tug on my head.
I gladly kept myself awake and fought over the drowsy state, I wanted to know her name. She felt so familiar, I bet she's a villager.
" W-What's your name?" I asked with a loud yawn.
" You will learn it when the time comes...For now...Rest...And be at peace...You've gone through hell, for so long... So, long..." Her voice was very angelic, it soothes my ears. It reminds me so much of my own Mother, her lips were quivering again, with sadness. I don't understand why she's crying, her face just gives me the chills.
" Things just have to be that way...It's better this way...It's their punishment. Not yours, Suika. It's not yours to bear, it never was..." She said sadly, my vision has gotten blurry. I felt my energy being ciphered off, my eyes were closed shut.
" You will learn why...Don't worry...They all deserve this like the rest outside the village..." I couldn't understand what she's saying, I tried to move backward but it was no use. It feels like someone is holding me back from turning away from her.
My body felt very heavy, I fell down on the snowy ground and started breathing heavily. The woman knelt down beside my fallen form, she cups her hand on my pale cheek. Her tears were fell on my face, for some reason I started crying too.
My tears flow down my face, my mind began to play my memories of my past. Her sobs grew louder, could she be reading my mind? It felt static yet the thought of it made me whimper, I long to see my Goku again.
I miss the two of them, I miss my mother and I miss my grandfather. The etched pain made my stomach churn, I want them beside me like always.
I feel like I've known this woman somewhere, I just don't know when or where...
" I'm sorry...You should just give up and leave...There's nothing you can do...It has to be this way...Rest well..."That was the last thing I've ever heard before I close my eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
" Please I just want to learn your name!" I jolted, fighting the sleep to take over me." She just smiled, the woman seems to be in deep thought. She sets her head on my lap carefully then strokes my hair lightly, the feeling makes me sleepier.
" Very well...I will show you..."
~ Goku's P.O.V.~
(Author: * Insert dragon ball opening song* Find the dragon balls! Look for them all! Ahem! Sorry!)
I clung onto my power pole, my eyes scanned the whole area to check if my mommy is on her way here. It has been five hours since I've been waiting for her, no sign of anyone around. I huffed in disappointment and kept on hoping that she'll be back today.
I woke up very early today, she might return now and I imagine her long hair and red eyes greeting me with so much love. The sun slowly ascended into the sky, it brightens up the whole mountain. A flock of birds fly above the clouds and I can already hear the dinosaurs roar to start their day.
I leaned my chin on my Grandpa's power pole, I felt a bit drowsy due to the lack of sleep. I tried to drift off but the cold wind hits my chubby cheeks. No luck at all...
How many months has it been? Mommy said she'll be home anytime soon, she promised me. I wanted to tear up yet I kept them on my yes. I refuse to cry, it will make her sad if she sees me like this.
" Power pole retract!" I descend on the ground with a frown, my tummy grumbled out loudly. I made a nervous laugh then started doing my morning exercises.
~ Later on~
I held my huge saw with a happy smile, my feet were carefully walking using the huge lumber like a wheel. The sun gave me so much energy today, the whole scenery is very beautiful. The clear sky, green trees and plants and the animals that kept me company brings me into a smile.
" Hi! Just hanging around today huh?" I smiled at the baby monkey, hanging with his mother. Once the road went downhill I started laughing at the top of my lungs and began to roll faster.
I did the best as I can to step in coordination, the speed went faster than ever. I journeyed to a ravine, hills and finally I'm home! I imagined what my mommy would think if she sees me roll again.
" GOKU! Get down from there! Th-That's not safe!"She would scold me; my mommy is always overprotective of my well-being. She's totally scary when she starts shouting at me angrily, her hair flows in the wind and her red eyes gazes at my coal black eyes.
A huge energy would pass by and chills run down my spine, she looks like the monster from Grandpa's stories but no one can compare my own mommy! She's still pretty even if she's gone berserk!
I concentrated my own strength as I threw the huge wood into the air, I close my eyes and remember the training I had with Grandpa, I need to control it properly as always. I kick it gracefully and it all fell down on the ground...
In perfect arrangement, I grin ear to ear at my hard work. My lips curled down when my stomach started grumbling again in hunger. I know I ate fruits this morning but I couldn't stop it no matter how hard I try.
" I'm hungry...I wonder what should I eat?" I glance from side to side to see if there's anything I can eat around here. It seems that I have to go somewhere top find more food, my tummy grumbled again and I pat my stomach to suppress the loud sound.
Walk inside the house, the shiny ball greeted me and I smiled knowing that Grandpa is watching me through the ball. I walk over to my tool box and returned the large saw that I used today then hurriedly grab my power pole.
" I won't be long Grandpa, stay there okay?" I was to leave but the ball started shining, I turn to it curiously and watch as it hummed a soothing sound.
" Huh? Golly, I never saw you shine so bright like that Grandpa, how strange! Can you do it again?" I asked Grandpa, nothing happened after that.
" Um...You can wait later, you can do it again when I get back. I'll see you again Grandpa!" I left the house with a huge smile, I feel that today will great after I eat some breakfast.
I hummed happily, I drag the giant fish behind me. What a great expedition! I was eating some apples as a snack then a mountain beast chased after me, too sad that it fell into the river. I managed to get this huge meal, I wonder how much 'll eat this?
" This going to last until dinner! Hahaha!" I giggled in delight, there's going to be a fish party tonight!
The house came to my view, my stomach grumbled a little louder. To my excitement I thought about the aroma of the fish that I'm about to eat. My mouth started to drool but it was cut off when I heard something unusual.
I turned to see a strange creature going towards me, I gawk my eyes in confusion. That monster might be the one that attacks when it's full moon. I screamed in horror as it hits me hard that it sent me flying through a tree.
" W-What the?!" A squeaky voice came out of nowhere, I made an angry expression at the monster and gritted my teeth.
" So, you think you already beat me?! You're going to take my fish that easy, you big monster!" I said as I charge right at it, I lift the monster over my head and threw it. The monster screamed in fear as it collides on the ground. I took out my power pole and made a fighting stance, ready if anything happens!
" That will teach you not to take my fish! Sneaking up on me like that! Well, I'm ready for you this time!" A blue head pop out of the monster, it had a horrified look but I kept my face stern.
" Come on then! Fight me! Don't tell me you've ran out of energy!" I taunted at it, the blue haired monster took out something and fired at ne. It hits my skin, it fell like splinters at first but I regain my posture and snarled.
" You won't get away with this! My Grandpa and mommy told me not to be fooled with your black arts! This ends now monster!" I roared angrily, I charge at the monster to give my finishing death blow.
" M-Monster! Hey whoa Kid! I'm not a monster! I'm a human being just like you are!" I halted at what she said and stopped, I cock my head to the side curiously. She doesn't seem human to me with that huge monster shell of hers.
" Yes! Of course, I am!" She climbed off the monster shell and jumped down, I move away in her with my power pole in hand. I kept examining her to a moment, I circled around her while she kept babbling about her nonsense, I still can't believe her.
" Hold on! If you're a human the why are you thin and scrawny?" I asked with suspicion, she smiled nervously and kept her hands up in the air.
" That's because I'm a girl silly!" My eyes widen in shock, so this is what another girl looks like huh? My mommy is a girl but she looks different than her, my mama's arms and legs are a bit muscular, she has long black and red eyes.
She looks completely different top my mommy, I gave another look at her and realized what my Grandpa and mommy tells me.
" A girl? You're a girl?" I asked another question again/
" W-What the? Oh my gosh, are you saying that you've never seen a girl before?" I still kept my power pole in my hands, I can't completely trust her. She might be lying and attack me then steal my fish!
" I've seen one! My mommy's a girl but she looks different from you, besides my Grandpa, Mr. roster and my mommy you're the 4th person that I've seen! But my mommy and Grandpa told me if I ever bump into a girl then I should be polite as I possibly could and treat her with respect!" I said letting my guard down, the blue haired girl smiled and winked at me.
" Wow! You family seems to be pretty decent and wise huh?" She said happily, I inspected her even further.
" Yeah but my Grandpa died and my Mommy left to help people!" I said with curious eyes, she looks at me with suspicion and surprise.
" Oh, so your mother is a charity worker huh, so when will she come home and did she tell you what city is she in?" She asked me with care in her eyes, it felt like the girl is concerned about me being alone but I'm used to it anyhow.
" I don't know what that is but all I know she'll be back anytime soon! She's been gone for 1 year and 2 months already but she promised that she'll be back! " I said proudly, I wonder what this girl is wearing. She has big bold letter on her top named ' B-U-L-M-A' i wonder if that's her name.
I curiously lifted my power pole to lift us her hide. I saw a white cloth covering her bottoms and saw that she doesn't have a tail like my mommy.
" Hey Shame on you! Don't do that!" The girl shouted angrily at me, are all girls like mommy like shouting very much? I was just looking to see if she has a tail! What's wrong with that?
" But I was just looking for your tail!" The girl eyes were studying me, confused at my words. I innocently look up at her, I marvel in awe at her eyes. It's color blue like her hair is, it's been so long since I've talk to a human being. Maybe this girl isn't evil after all, but I still can't trust her completely.
~ Bulma's P.O.V.~
The kid is kind of strange, somehow I feel sorry for him. I mean why would his mother leave him out here in the wilderness? Don't tell me she's one of the single parents who abandoned their kids over a small accident!
What an irresponsible parent! How could she do that?! 1 year and 2 months without going home means only one thing! She abandoned him, I pretended to listen to his words but I followed behind the huge fish.
" Anyways! What's your name, my name is Goku. G-O-K-U!" I smiled at him then happily oblique
" My name? It's Bulma!" He laughed at it like a joke, this made me annoyed with the kid.
" Hey your name is the funny one! Bulma is actually elegant than yours that's for sure! Humph!" I cross my arms angrily and kept on following behind him, all I need to do is find the dragon ball then get the hell out of here.
~ Suika's P.O.V.~
A cold feeling is piercing my skins like little daggers, I couldn't feel my whole body and I tried to twitch myself with no avail. Feels like something is preventing me from doing so, I feel numb from head to toe. Sweat started forming in my nape as I did my best to feel my arms.
What's happening? This is a sleep paralysis? No, it's more than that. I don't feel anything behind my back, it's like I'm standing rather than lying down.
I groaned in desperation as I tried to move my fingers or toes, What's happening to me? All I could remember is falling asleep outside and a woman appeared out of nowhere, she was crying like she's desperate.
" P-Please...M-Move..." I gritted my teeth in annoyance, I can't move anything! Damn it!
Surprisingly, my eyes open to my relief but something startled me. Isn't it supposed to be winter? The whole scenery is just breath taking, Sakura and Ume trees were scattered everywhere. Their vibrant colors made my whole body relax, I can still feel the cold temperature in my skin as if there is snow.
"Big sister, hurry up!" I heard as voice calling out of nowhere, a beautiful little girl came in my view. She was wearing a familiar Japanese Red Yukata, the girl is downright adorable too! Why do I feel like I've known her somewhere?
I wanted to back away when the little girl is running towards me, my eyes widen in shock to see a woman. A very beautiful woman, she catch up behind the little girl and giggled as they tumbled unto the grass below us.
" Can't they see me?" I still couldn't move my whole body, I just watch as they converse to each other in a hushed tone. The two of them look happy together, this girl might be related. They're very alike.
The scene made me tear up, those two remind me of my past with Goku. Oh! how we would train and play in the spring and lovely summer, my little family didn't see me as a monster. As the tear trickled down my cheek, the Sakura petals were flying like snow.
I smiled, the memories rushing through my mind. I should have been with my baby, if only that stupid disease would have appeared...
" Big Sister...Do you think that big brother is going to be alright?" The little girl asked her mother, the woman sat up slowly with a frown forming in her face. Yet she forced a smile to her lips nodding at the girl, why do I feel...Anxious?
" He will be...The Village Elder is doing the best he can to cure him! I promise that tomorrow he will be alright! You don't have to worry Momo..." The raven-haired beauty caressed the girl's cheek. The two of them lay on the patch of flowers, relaxing in the warm sun.
I wish I can relax, even just for a while, my task really made me so haggard and there are no guarantees that I would finish anytime soon.
After some good whole minutes, the silence was cut off by a man, he is running towards them with a grave look. The two sisters emerged with worried expressions on their faces, once he got close to them, the man heaved violently to catch his breath.
" Quick! Y-Your Brother's asking for the both of you!" The man told to the girls, they glanced at each other with horrid faces and followed him.
The scene before me began to change, it faded to black and the transitioned freaked me out a bit. My eyes were searching through the void until the place was morphed into something.
There were a lot of people wearing black kimonos, their faces were filled with sorrow. The place was a bit huge like a meeting room, at the end of the room there was an old-fashioned photo. The man looks very handsome, my cheeks burned but it changed when the familiar faces moved forward.
They sat on the ground then cried, the two sisters were morning to the picture in front of them. Could it be their brother?
" Ringo...I-I'm sorry...I'm sorry that I couldn't-I couldn't save you..." The eldest sister was sobbing, while the little girl had a blank expression on her face. This made my heart break, what scares me is the look of the girl's eyes.
Like they were dead...
" Y-You promised...You promised that y-you wouldn't leave me and Big Sister...b-Brother...You stupid liar...I-I trusted you..." She said with no tears in her eyes, how sad. A girl with such a young age has to go through this, it's traumatizing for a child to bare such a heavy burden.
It's not easy to be left by someone you love, having a person whose close to your heart die is torture like a thousand-sword piercing your chest. The worst torture...I knew what it all felt like... Every single of one of it, you have to carry it as you grow older... Until your last breath.
The scene faded again like before, my body just stood there. Still refusing to move, my eyes flutters as a tear escape my eye. Those poor girls, they were so happy before and now they cry over a beloved person...Dead person...
Life isn't fair, like a bitch. More tears flooded my eyes as I remember my own mother. I visited her and grandfather's grave after I was well-rested. I wasn't able to attend their funeral and place a paper lantern to the lake for their safe travel through the other world.
My only guilt is my mother's death...
I just watch her as the blade slashed her chest, my whole body is petrified with fear. I felt like a coward, a very stupid fucking coward...
I would have beat them off their butts yet she forces me not to fight, instead she protected me with such amazing skills. Yet she ended up dead...
I should have prevented it...
I should have saved her...
But there is nothing that I can do...
She would have been alive today if we're not my stupidity...
Everything started to bright up, my eyes widen in horror when I saw Momo lying on a bed with a bunch of blankets covering her body. The poor girl is deathly pale, her eyes were bloodshot and there were bruises on her healthy cheeks...
She looked like...
Like the children who I had been taking care off...
Holy shit, she also has the disease too! The eldest sister was sitting beside her with tears in her eyes, she seemed very restless too. She puts a warm wet cloth of top of her forehead and caressed her Momo's bruised cheek.
" Big sister..." The poor girl muttered out loud, the poor woman wiped her tears away and forced a smile to her lips.
" Shhh...Just rest now baby...rest..." She hummed a tune to help her little sister relax, more tears were steaming from my eyes. This scene is just too heart-breaking! Why do I have to see this?! It's hurting me very much, I want to be out of here...
I can't see this scene...
Once the girl slept an elderly man entered the room with a very grave face, The eldest bolted from her seat with a hopeful smile. My head stared to become dizzy like I'm floating in the air, I tried to focus on keeping myself together.
I couldn't hear what they're both saying, something echoed in my eyes. It hurts very much, it feels like a huge gong is being banged beside me. I wanted to crouch down then cover my ears in pain. What's this feeling?!
" W-What's happening-FUCK!" I cried out in pain, the place started swaying like there's an earthquake. The two people in front of me seems to be arguing, I could make out a few words and finally I was now back to normal again.
" There must be another way! Please! Village elder, you can't lose hope! Please! Kami Please!" She was already shouting, more tears were flow down her red cheeks, the old man just stared at her with such sadness.
" The disease is just getting worse, there's no hope anymore. We tried everything but nothing happens...I'm sorry, it's slowly eating her life away." The old man said to the poor desperate woman, she grabs his shoulders and started screaming.
" Please! Help her...Please! She's the only family that I had left! Sh-She can't die! She just can't! Momo can't die! Please Village elder! Do it for the other children! Think about what the parents would say! You can't stop now!" A bunch of guards entered the room, they slowly pulled the woman away from the village elder. They had solemn faces as swell, they felt sorry for her and little Momo.
The poor woman bends down on her knees then grabs the hem of the Village elder's kimono, she looks so pitiable. I feel her grief from the bottom of my heart, I don't know what would happen if I'm in this situation.
Goku is a special child, he never gets sick, but he gets the disease I might be doing the same thing as well.
" I-I'll do anything! Please! Giver her more hope, there has to be away! I'll to whatever you want! Please! Please!" She cried with her voice very hoarse, the guards were trying to hoist her up to her feet. The village elder eyed the little girl with a grave face, Momo is heaving to heavily and her face is scrunch up.
What will they do? Momo can't just die! That poor little girl!
" Satsuma-" Everything froze when I heard her name, that woman all along was her? The woman from the legend?! The one who founded the healing powers?!
No way... That's Satsuma?!
She's on her knees with a face filled with contort, the village elder shook his head and left the room along with the guards. She buried her face in the wooden floor and cried quietly, the salty tears were drenching my whole face.
She just lay on the ground...Pitiful...Crying over her poor little sister...
Suika!
Suika!
Lady Suika!
Suika!
My name is being called all over, the nauseous feeling went back again. The whole scene disappeared into a dark void once again, my body started to floats in the darkness and I close eyes as I felt my body shaking.
Everything is cold, I tried to twitch my fingers and toes. To my relief I'm in control of my body, a hand was patting my shoulder. My mind feels a bit hazy, I don't feel too well. Exhaustion screamed in every part of my muscles as I try to get back to the world of the living.
My eyes slowly open yet everything is a blur, I could make out three figures in front of me.A knot on my stomach made me feel nauseous, an unpleasant feeling is bubbling down there and I jerk my body from sleep and threw up.
I heard groans of disgust behind me as I threw up my snacks and dinner, I panted heavily as another wave of nausea hits me like a tidal wave. After emptying my stomach my vision slowly adjusted and returned back to normal.
Strawberrie and the two handmaidens were looking at me with so much concern in their eyes, I wiped my lips with a confuse look. I felt something round on my hand, it was a red peach.
The color reminds me of my eyes, I stare at it with confusion. How the hell did I get this fruit? It's impossible, there aren't supposed to be fruits growing on trees during winter!
" S-Suika...Is everything alright?" One of the handmaidens touched my neck, I feel a bit feverish after the whole event. What's happening to my body?
" What are you doing out here? It's still 3:00 am in the morning, goodness Suika! You'll get sick!' Strawberrie and the others pulled me on my feet, they wrap a warm blanket around my body and led me inside the manor.
They lay me on my futon and checked my temperature once again, my cheeks were red and I couldn't feel my legs. It seems that I feel very sick, what did I see during my sleep? Don't tell me the woman I saw in the garden was Lady Satsuma. Those memories made me devastated, feeling and experiencing her pain made my sanity drop down.
" Girls, alert the Village elder that Suika needs rest. And please bring a bowl filled with hot water and towels." She ordered the two who left my room immediately. My chest is heaving rather deeply, my body feels so cold.
I feel like I'm going crazy, those memories are going to haunt me. It's nightmarish, Satsuma's cries still ring in my ears and I imagined her bloodshot eyes and tear stained face. How she pleaded the previous Village elder for her sister's life.
That disease is somehow familiar to the one we're having right now...The past is connected...
Satsuma told me that they deserved it, I don't understand what she meant by that. My assistant was soothing me, my eyes grew heavier by the minute. Soon they were twitching until I feel my tensed muscles relax, sleep is taking over my body again.
I close my eyes, letting the memories haunt my dream world...
Every hour I would wake up with tears in my eyes, the horrible memory had been haunting me for hours. I couldn't sleep peacefully, the stress made me so restless. It was a good thing that the village elder allowed me to have a week off. I couldn't handle it any longer, it's as if the dream is telling me that there's no hope for the poor sick children.
No matter how much Satsuma begged the Village elder would turn away with pity in his eyes, what will happen to Furutsusarada? We've got to move faster if they want to survive, no matter how much effort we put the sickness just get worse and worse.
I scanned the room, my eyes were twitching from the lack of sleep. The red peach fruit is still on my hands, everything I stare at its flesh I feel that it's staring right back at me.
I sigh deeply and decided to sleep once more, thinking about the good memories that I have with Goku and my childhood. I just hope that there aren't any nightmares once I dwell into dream land.
I open my eyes when I felt the cold air hitting my skin again, I'm back at the clinic were Little momo was lying. The poor girl is staring at her poor sister on the floor, Satsuma is still cried. She didn't know that her sister's awake.
I suddenly take a step back when Momo turn her face towards me, she coughed violently with a smile. Sh-She can see me?!
Her coal black eyes were piercing mine, it sends me the chills. Her look still looks dead, tears were forming and slides down her pale cheeks.
" Mommy...Why did you leave?" My eyes widened, the familiar voice made me heart thump faster. I wanted to step back but my whole body couldn't move. The tears were streaming down Momo's face and slowly her voice grew hoarse.
She kept coughing violently until she spat out blood, it stained the blankets and the pillow beneath her. I watch in horror as blood seep out of her nose. The color of her coal eyes was turning crimson, this is not normal. What's happening?!
Her coughs were becoming louder, I eyed her Satsuma. She's not even listening to her, like she doesn't hear Momo coughing out. What horrified me the most is the tears staring to run into blood. Her eyes were wide with so much pain, the hair on her head started to fall off and soon the girl is flailing her arms.
I whimper for the poor little Momo, what can I do?! Is this the fate of the children? Like this? The end results horrifies me very much.
" Mommy...When will you come home?" Goose bumps were forming in my skins, her face is starting morph into someone else. My eyes were wide in horror and my body started to shake.
Momo's face turned into Goku, he had blood all over his body. He had the same bruises that the girl had, his eyes were streaming with blood. Despite the pain he smiled widely at me, He slowly walk towards me then wraps his arms around my legs.
His red eyes staring right at mine, he started giggling and groaning in pain. I wanted to call his name, my lips couldn't move either. His grip on me became stronger, it hurts my knees. My little Goku's smile grew wide like a Cheshire grin. This made me scared, I heard something flop on my feet.
My eyes followed the trail of blood, I shriek when I realized the body laid beside on my feet was Gohan. He had a horrified look in his face, blood pooled below me. Goku's smile grew wider, I wanted to wretch away from him.
His teeth sharpened like splinters, he opened his mouth and bit my flesh. I screamed in pain, I watch as my little boy licks his lips.
" I ate Grandpa mommy. And now I'm going to eat you too!" Goku's slowly started struggling, eyes red eyes glowing bright. His body slowly started to morph, his head and body tearing the roof and walls apart. I glance at Satsuma, she's still crying on her knees.
As my son is fully formed into a monster, I tried to jerk my body to move but nothing responds my muscles. His large hand took a hold me tightly, he chuckled deeply in a monstrous way.
He opens his mouth wide, his sharp teeth shining through the darkness. I close my eyes to ready to be eaten and accept my fate. Everything stopped as Goku screamed in so much pain.
He lets go of me, I fell down my butt and watch as my son collapse on the ground. The blood started to pool down the whole floor, A figure ascends from the blood.
It was the same woman with red eyes, she had blood all over her. She stood before me with a blank stare, she places her hands on my cheeks the blood staining my cheeks. She looks scarier than me too, I tried to remain calm as she cried once again.
" Don't you see? There's no hope anymore...Leave...Just leave this place...Unless you want your family ended like that?" She pointed, I slowly turn my head where she directed me.
" No...No! NO! No! No! No! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, I saw my mother, Yuzu, Nina and my Grandfather's corpse. They lay there with blood all over them, what's worse is that I saw my son and father beside them.
They lay there with no life in their eyes, I whimpered at the scene. The woman just watches as I stared into my loved ones, I just wish this was just all a dream! The most terrible thing that I saw in my whole life. It traumatized me, making me insane.
" Don't you see? Leave Suika...The village is not worth it...After all, you don't want your little Goku and Father die...Right? Right?" She whispered in my ear, I felt my shoulders shake violently and my eyes were staining in pain. Her red eyes glowed into the darkness, the whole scene faded into darkness but those red globes remained there.
Haunting me, making my nightmare even worse. I fall down into the dark abyss, I flail my arms arounds and screamed until my throat got hoarse. How deep is this this?! I imagined my death, my body parts scattered at the end of this place, spine broken and brain splattered the floor.
I bolted up from my sleep, my body is filled with sweat and my eyes hurt like hell. The morning sun meets my face, the window is open and I watch as the snow slowly falls down from the sky.
" It was all just a dream...No... a nightmare." My eyes darted at the tray of food laid beside me, it consisted porridge and hot apple tea. My tummy grumbled very loudly from the lack of food since I threw up everything I ate last night.
I took the bowl and gulped everything down without any manners, after that I drank the tea. Sadly, my appetite has not been satisfied yet. I remembered the peach that I had on my head, I scrambled my hands through the covers and saw it.
I bit from the juicy fruit and moaned without any shame, the taste is very sweet and the texture is perfect than anything I've ate. I ate everything until the only left was the seed, I threw it aside and burped out loudly.
" Good morning! I take it you've slept peacefully!" Strawberrie enters the room with a large bowl in her hands, she knelt down carefully and replaced the cloth on top of my forehead.
" Good morning Strawberrie... How's the children?" I lay on the bed, I still don't feel good. The stress really made me sick, my assistant monitored them while I was resting. All of them were pretty good to my relief. The dream still horrifies me to my very core, I'm still rather shaken up with all of the blood and gore.
" Can you give me more food? I'm still hungry."
" Now, now, you have to slow down with your diet Suika." I puffed my cheeks, I felt really annoyed with her. The assistant giggled at me and took the tray of empty plates.
" Strawberrie, you know I need to eat! Without my energy I won't be able to go through my day!" I complained to her, she seemingly laughed out loud and left my room. I flop down the bed with a bored expression, I suck in my breath and imagined what my son is doing.
The dream really terrified, I can't bear to see him dead...The same thing with father, all I could think of now were positive thoughts. My hand went to my neck to check my temperature, I still feel a bit feverish. I need a lot of rest to get better.
Though I fear when I sleep I'll dream about Satsuma and Momo, I tried to put everything in the back of my mind and glance at the window. The beautiful graceful snow falling from the sky, my lips curled into a smile as I watch it.
" Winter is my favorite season..." I muttered under my breath, I slowly closed my eyes and relax my muscles. Come of think of it, Goku might enjoy the snow once he sees it and he'll enjoy playing snow ball fight with Father and I or even make a snowman...A replica of Gohan, I giggled as I figured what it would look like.
Screw this fever or this room, I slowly stood up. I still dizzy but I fought through it then headed out of my room, I snake over the hallway being cautious around the handmaidens and guards. This is a game of stealth, it's not my very best skill though.
But alas! I got through pass them! I made my way to the garden, lonely leafless peach tree stood there. Good thing I have my gloves this time and a winter kimono jacket. I went over to the tree then started to gather some snow.
I picture my family and created huge snowballs, I'm not a perfect snowman maker but I just need to do this. I first made Gohan, his hat was a bit difficult and then I proceeded with Goku. His spiky hair is not easy to make, like how I would bush his hair and push it back.
" There you have it everyone, a Snow-Gohan and Snow-Goku..." I smiled at my good work, they're not that perfect but the mere figures make me feel like they're both here. I sat between them and leaned on the tree behind us.
" I miss you two..." A tear escapes my face, I imagined holding Goku's hand and felt Gohan's palm on top of my head. The loneliness is ruining me, I should have stayed there with them but my home needs me. So much for being self-less huh?
My cold made me a bit drowsy, I slowly let sleep take me and curled a smile knowing that they're here beside me.
" You should leave...Your family needs you...Your son needs you the most..." The voice whispered in the air, I jerk my eyes awake and saw the woman's red eyes pierce mine. She had tears slowly streaming to her cheeks like before.
I felt lost in those red orb globes, I couldn't look away from her. It feels like it's pulling me slowly like an abyss, my vision started to blur. Her tears turned into blood, I started to back away in fear but my body can't respond like before.
" If you don't leave now...Your little boy will die...Like this..." She pointed at the snow figure of Goku, I followed her gaze and gasp in horror as the snowman turned into my actual son. He had a sad expression, his tail slowly wrapping around my wrist and tears poured out his eyes.
" Mommy! Where are you? I need you! Come home Mommy!" He said to me as I cried, my son is here beside me once again. But everything stopped when his body started to melt away.
" M-Mommy! H-Help me! D-Don't leave me! Mommy! Mommy! MOMMY!" My eyes widened in horror as his body turned into blood, his tail loosened and the red liquid has now stain my hand.
" Goku! Goku!" He's already gone, I look beside me to see Gohan with soft eyes. He was smiling at me lovingly, my eyes stung through the tears. I wanted to hug and save him but he slowly melted away like Goku.
" F-Father! D-Don't go! Don't leave me! G-Gohan! Father!" The only thing remained is the woman infront of me, she wipes her tears away and made a sad smile.
" Finally...Just leave because if you don't...You'll experience the pain that I felt...The pain I still harbor...They deserve everything Suika...They deserve this as a punishment." The woman leaned towards me, her eyes slowly turned coal black like mine.
No way...So all this time the red-eyed woman is also Satsuma? Her smile didn't falter, she look truly beautiful yet horrifying. Her blank eyes were giving me goose bumps and her hair started to flow behind her, slowly her body morphed into wood.
I watched as the beautiful woman turned into a huge peach tree, a red peach fell on my hands and gasped as words inscribe on it.
" Go home..." I read it out loud-
" Suika! Wake up! What are you doing out here?! You're supposed to be resting inside!" My vision blurred, I slowly adjusted my eye sight and saw the village elder with a couple of handmaidens beside him with worried expression.
To my relief the snow figures are beside me, tears were slowly gushing out. The dream still terrified me. I'm having nightmares, they're haunting me and kept on warning me to go home. I felt my body being lifted by the village elder, the handmaidens follow behind him.
He brought me back to my room, he sets me down on my bed. He ordered something to the handmaidens, I couldn't make out the words, my whole body really feels weak. I could taste my salty tears in my tongue with a touch of snot, he adjusted my covers and checked the temperature of my body.
I feel very cold...
Going out the garden like that...
" I-I want to go home..." I muttered to him, his eyes grew very soft and his lips curled down. The handmaidens assisted him when he puts a hot cloth on top of my head.
" Rest Suika rest...Please, stop straining yourself..." He was soothing me like a child, I slowly sit up and this made everyone grow worried at me. The Village elder and a handmaiden push me softly on my back but I weakly struggled from her grasps.
I need to see Goku and Gohan, the two of them need me. The warning made me that they're both possibly dead. I can't imagine to see them gone from my life, I don't want to lose anyone anymore. It makes me sick to see anyone I love die.
" I-I need to see my-my son! My son! G-Goku!" My vision grew heavier, a figure of Goku was there in front of me. He is smiling there at the door way, I then finally sat up and held out my hand for him. My fever felt a bit worse, my whole my feels heavy and I feel very light headed.
" Suika please rest!" The Village elder encouraged me, I gave a deep breath and let my dreams take away to my own fantasy land. The last thing I heard were Goku's laughs and calling my name, this time my lips curled into a smile.
" G-Goku.."