The Maiden of Light

A/N- Chapter 2 is up! Enjoy and please review!

CHAPTER 2

"Mai? Are you alright?" a gentle voice spoke. Mai suddenly awoke and sat up. Her bruises and cuts completely faded. What the? My bruises, cuts... they're gone? Mai thought, amazed.

"Oh, it's you." Mai said as she instantly stood up from where she lied down. The background around her were vivid lifeforms, plants, insects and many other interesting creatures. The sky above her was sky blue, and birds seem to chirp here and there. It looked and felt like Heaven.

"If you think you're in heaven, well you are not." the twin spoke. Mai was baffled. Where am I then? Mai thought.

"You're in a place where illusions are created. The illusions are formed when a person encounters pain, and dreams of this place after they are left unconscious. This is created to ease pain and guilt rising in that person's body. Much like a near-death experience, but sadly it's not. It's just a dream."

Mai was bedazzled. It's just a dream. She wasn't dying, and she felt no pain, no guilt, no torment in this magical place.

"As for your companion," the twin suddenly said, surprising Mai, "he is the first person you will encounter, and is a knowledegeable, studious but quiet young black mage. He had a gruesome past, but I prefer not to tell you." the twin then smiled. Black mage, black mage... wait a second... that guy who saved me?

"Well, I have to go. I will see you soon Mai. Until we meet again." the twin then said as she bid her goodbye and disappeared along with the vivid background.

Then, Mai woke up.

Mai slowly opened her eyes. It was nearly morning. She found herself in a bed, twice the size of her height, and it was very comfortable to touch. Her bruises and cuts were covered with alcohol-soaked bandages and was now dressed in untorned, newly-washed clothes.

"Where am I?" Mai whispered, looking around the room. Its walls were covered with black tint, and books about magic and sorcery spells were stacked and organized in a shelf. A study table was placed a few inches away from the bookshelf, and a window overlooking the whole kingdom was just a feet away from the bed. Then, beside her bed, it was something far surprising...

The wooden bo-staff!

Does that mean I'm... inside the room of the person who rescued me?

Then, suddenly the roomdoor slowly opened. Mai was terrified. She pulled the bed covers and tried to cover herself, but was too late.

The door swung open. It revealed a young man. He had raven-colored hair, gentle, violet eyes, and pale, white skin. He wore a black mage clothing, and was an inch taller than Mai. Mai's face suddenly turned red.

He's so... well... Mai stammered through her thoughts. Then, the young man spoke,

"I see, you're finally awake. Come downstairs. I want to ask a few questions." After that, Mai nodded and followed the young man.

Downstairs, it was neat and everything was organized. The dinner table had everything set-spotless plates, forks and spoons, knives and glasses. Loaves of bread were set on the plates and hot chocolate was placed inside the glasses. It looked and smelled good to eat and drink.

The young man offered a chair to Mai and Mai sat down. The young man sat down too. Then they started to eat. To break the silence, Mai spoke, "If by any chance, did you rescue me last night?" The young man nodded. "I was walking by from a nearby magic shop when I heard a shriek. I then inspected and followed the cry when I found you with five men."

The young man sipped his chocolate drink, "My name is Naru. I'm a black mage." Mai was astonished. Black mage? Wait... does this mean his going to be a companion of mine in my future adventure?

Then suddenly, Mai went back to the young man. Naru cocked an eyebrow. "Is there anything wrong?" Naru asked.

"Nothing." Mai lied.

"What's your name by the way?" Naru asked Mai. "I'm Mai. Nice to meet you." Mai introduced as she smiled.

"The thief. Amusing." Naru said as he smiled at her. Mai's face was red. He's smile... it's so beautiful. Mai thought, dazzled.

"Hey Naru, can I ask you something?" Mai asked as she ate her loaf of bread, "You see, I have... a quest in hand. I was asking if you would accompany me?" Mai played with her fingers.

"What is this quest?" Naru interestingly asked.

"The quest for the Maiden of Light."

Naru was astonished. His eyes were wider than wide.

"Are you daft, Mai?" Naru blurted out, with a sudden outburst of anger. "If we are to search for the Maiden of Light, we could get ourselves killed!"

"I know, but she's the last hope of humanity! And what's worse is that if Judgement Day will arrive, will evil suppose to succeed?" Mai was taken aback by her words. Did I just say those? Naru was suprised as well.

Judgement Day was the day where the great war of good and evil is held. The chosen ones are with the Maiden of Light, while the evil ones are with the Paradox. Every twenty years, the Maiden of Light will appear and will decide who will be her trustworthy companions. Now, our main characters only have a few months left for the preparation of the maiden's arrival, and to find her.

Mai was tearing. Then, her small droplets suddenly broke into bigger tears.

"I'm sorry," Mai apologized. "It's just that... I've been having sensitivity issues. Sorry. Can you forgive me?"

Naru nodded. "Apology accepted." And made a small smile.

And sooner or later, they begin their adventure.

A/N- The Paradox will be explained in the later chapters. More companions will arrive soon! Watch out for Chapter 3!