Hey, I'm back. Sorry for the long wait, I was having a writer's block or what they call it. Also, I have these new ideas for new stories but I don't think I'll be uploading new ones –not until I uploaded Chapter 10 and Butterfly's Pledge's Chapter 5. Lol.
So in this chapter there will be a bit of shounen-ai or what so ever. Oh, and you might've realize already that I don't state whose POV is it but it's part of the game's what they call 'challenge'. It's a challenge for both of us so quit your yapping. Okay, well, again, sorry for the wait but I present to you:
Chapter Five:
It's been fifteen minutes already ever since I locked myself inside my assigned room and in just that little amount of time I was already exhausted after playing with everything I could get my hands on. I danced around the room, played with the cuddly gigantic stuffed toys, read some mangas which I found in the bookshelves sleeping beside the novels I decided to check later, ate some sweets that was scattered all over the floor like some savory accessories, watched some comedy shows on TV and made music with my dear guitar.
After jumping on my cream-yellow themed bed, I cuddled with the large teddy bear that sat beside me –it was almost as big as me, really. I scanned the whole of my room with a delighted face. I couldn't stop the rain of happiness pouring down on me. It was paradise here despite the 'lively-boring' look the building had. And just having the knowledge that Master himself was the one who designed –or even the one who constructed or decorated this made me have butterflies in my tummy.
Master knew me well alright. But I pouted a bit as I made a quick summary of my room. I couldn't help but feel a bit girly. Walls painted a light yellow, borders detailed with a fine gold I must say, sweets either scattered or hanging around the room, stuffed toys organized into a fine army of cuteness and a lemon-scented queen bed with cloth seeming like curtains tied at the bed's sides. But I was too delighted and amazed to get annoyed at that sad fact.
It was then that I wondered what the other's room would look like. I'm guessing Nee-chan's would be filled with orange-themed things, Kaito-nii's would have a freezer with ice cream, Meiko-nee's too but instead with booze inside and Miku-nee's with leak-themed items. I want to see their rooms so eagerly but they're probably all asleep, tired from the trip. That means the possibilities of me being the only awake Vocaloid isn't that low. I felt myself frown at the thought. I hated being alone, especially during times I know I am alone.
Just as my thoughts started to drift away, I let out a small yawn and rested my body on the soft mattress. I embraced the teddy bear which I decided to name Gale, tightly. I repeatedly rolled over until I found the perfect position and slowly closed my eyes.
Wait, what am I doing? No! I bolted upwards and shook the drowsiness on my weary eyes. I am not going to sleep! My mind was suddenly filled with my warnings as I recalled my past dreams. "I-I don't want to go back there!" I quietly screamed. I don't want to go back to that nightmare.
Lately, I've been having this same old dream every time I try to sleep. At first, it was about a mansion similar to our previous family household being built. It was quiet and peaceful scenery, just watching those workers enjoy what they were doing, talking to each other with satisfied smiles saying: "We're going to make this the best we ever built." But when I started sleeping in Master's bedroom, the nightmares just won't flooding in. (You might be wondering why the heck Len was sleeping with Master. I'm telling you this now; they're not doing anything naughty. 'Tis was because Len was being upgraded to his Act2 by the time forcing Len to stay up late so…) Even after I moved with Rin-nee.
It would always speak to me, that nightmare… It was so strange and frightening. Every time I enter my dreamscape, I would find myself inside the same old wrecked room where all the scary events would occur. I would find myself chained down to my knees beside a dark-haired girl, who was also chained, laugh and cry as the room burned into ashes. I could feel the heat from the flames and pain from the chains as I struggle to free us. But no matter what I do, I couldn't just seem to do it. How did I even get to this situation?
I felt both confused and guilty as to why the girl was having some kind of mood swing or lag. I tried talking to her but she would only smile at me while tears fall down her flushed cheeks and whisper 'I love you', much to my confusion. I don't think I remember who she was or even met her. But why did she say that? Why did I feel both enlightened and heavy when those words escaped her mouth? There were also these rare occasions where when the window from across the room, which would usually be closed, would be open. It revealed a beautiful sight of the sea outside. Such torture. Being bound with chains of steel as you watch yourselves be burned to the ground with only a glimpse of the paradise outside, mocking you.
It would always, always, be like that. And every time I would wake up I would find Rin-nee shaking me violently as tears race down from my navy oculars. What was it trying to tell me? And… why me? I felt horrible for not knowing. As much as I want to help the girl, I also want to be able to rest in true peace.
I shouldn't think about it much. It's just a dream after all… right? Then why do I feel like I was wrong about everything? But I still shouldn't let it bug me. But I feel the desire to know, to acknowledge, to recognize… why?
Alright, that's enough trauma for me. I stood on my feet, slightly bouncing on the mattress before hopping off. I looked around the room before noticing that black stuffed bunny sitting on top of the small table located at the center. It's weird that I just noticed that now. I approached toy, examining its every inch. The item looked a bit faded. I came up with the hypothesis it was a bit old as I noticed one of the eyes was replaced with a mere tee shirt button and only a white ribbon to accessorize it. I still found it cute though it was probably the smallest stuffed toy in the room as it had this medium size. I took my time to admire the simple-outstanding item I had in my palms.
It was then when a scene flashed in my mind. I saw Master inside a dark burnt room, crying and sobbing badly. I figured he was looking for something or someone. He pushed away all the obstacles and dug his nails into the pile of ashes. It took a while before an arm was revealed together with the same toy I was holding in my hand right now. Another scenery transitioned in my mind. This time, Master was inside of what I guessed was my room but was still unorganized. He was sewing the bunny's eye but sighed as he couldn't make it as new looking as before.
I fell back on the ground as my mind went foggy. My head ached in pain and I growled. "Whoa… What was t-that?" I mumbled as I tried to keep my composure and hesitatingly stood on my knees. Confusion was written on my face, still unsure of what I had just seen. Did I just see the past? No way. How? But never mind that, at least now I know this was important to Master whatever the reason was so it's also important to me. I'll cherish it no matter what because Master entrusted it to me. "I promise I'll take care of you…" I paused for a minute before a name just suddenly popped in my mind. "Ai-chan."
I was now standing on my feet, a shopping bag containing delightful snacks dangling on my arm and Ai sitting on my shoulder. After closing the door behind me that automatically locked itself, I looked around the hall, hoping that maybe anyone was awake so I could share these treats with them. I walked around the hallway aimlessly, awing at every furniture I would encounter. Moments later, I noticed a familiar silver head walk by. "Dell-chan!" I called out as I ran towards the said man. He didn't stop walking though, neither did I. Didn't he hear me? I tugged at his shirt as soon as a I caught along. I gleefully asked him, "Where are you going?"
There was a wave of silence but I never did let go of his shirt. I looked down at the ground, silently watching our pace as we walked. Left, right, left, right, left, right –stop. And after the brief pause for a turn, it's back again to the accelerating rhythm. Right, left, right, left, right, left. "Shouldn't you be in your room by now?" he finally spoke. "If anyone finds you with me, I don't know what they'll do this time." Once those foolish words came out of his pale lips, I quickened my pace so that I was walking side by side with him and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Dell-chan! I won't let them hurt you." I chimed to cheer him up. I wasn't just bluffing; I'll do anything to keep my friends safe and happy. Much to my disappointment, I didn't get the reply I was expecting as he walked ahead, leaving me behind tugging at his shirt again. I heard his silent mutter, "And what can a kid like you do?" I huffed, slightly offended as he underestimated my strength. "I can fight you know." I said as I let go of his gray tee to lightly punch his back.
"But you're nothing against Kaito or Gakupo. Especially to your own sister." He added, "Kaito could've pummeled you earlier if it wasn't for me." I pouted. Do I really look that weak in everyone's eyes? I know I'm not as big as the other guys but I can take on fights. Well, at least I think I can… "Why does everybody underestimate me?" I started. "I'm telling you I can take some of them on. And it doesn't have to turn out that way; can't we try to reason first? I'm great at that."
I heard him chuckle a bit. He's finally opening to me… I think so? But that cheerful smile on my face slowly turned into a pout once again as he spoke. "Don't bother. You'll get bored of it anyway." I felt my brows furrow. "What? No! I'll prove it to you." The words bolted out my mouth as I interlocked his left hand with my right one. "From now on, I'll be your bodyguard. I'll follow you wherever you go." He quickly looked away as I said the last sentence. I gave him a confused look as his neck got red. He shrugged, "Alright." He turned to me, pale eyes shimmering with glee as he smiled at me for the first time.
I shook my head violently as I started dozing off. My thoughts were so focused on Len and Len only. I couldn't bring myself to forget about him even for just a second. As my memories flooded in my mind, I was cruelly forced to be reminded of the unforgetful violence I did to the said blonde. I tried to harass the child and here I am still living in paradise. Why does he have to be so forgiveful? What if I get out of control and try to rape him again?! He's so naïve, so gullible and innocent. It makes me want him and protect him at the same time. But I can't do that, not like how I wanted it to be. He's just too young to understand.
"Ugh, I have to take my mind of these things." I grunted as I tried to get myself up from the soft mattress I never really intended to part with. I took the minute to fix my hair before leaving my heavenly room. While I was trying to find a place where I could freshen up a bit, I came across a certain blonde girl. "Oh, PhoalaChan." "Oh hey, Kai. You wouldn't happen to know where Len is, hmm?" said blonde greeted. Confusion was obvious in my features. "Isn't he in his room?" She shook her head a clear 'no'. "When I called him, no one answered." I chuckled quietly, "Probably asleep then." But I just really couldn't convince her as she brought out some high-tech thingy. "Doesn't say the same for my radar." She let a minute pass while she struggled with the so-called radar. "Meh, I think it's broken." She said, giving up on the portable machine. "Anyway, if you ever see Len tell him to go see Master." The blonde flicked her hair before started walking pass me in. She waved goodbye.
So, he's not in his room, huh? Well, maybe he's with his sister. You know those two, always tagging along with each other wherever the other would take them. That's why I'm so jealous of Rin, the one Len loved the most. But someday I'll outrank her in Len's list, I'll be his number one and I'll be his savior. Man, there seriously isn't a moment I don't think of him. My guts wriggled, sending uncomfortable waves down my body. Why do I feel the need to go and search for him? Oh please don't tell me he's in trouble. I sighed. "Well, there's only one way to find out."
It took a few more minutes of awkward silence 'til we finally arrived at the ground floor. Dell took the first step out of the elevator before I followed behind him. "So, where are we going exactly?" I brought up my previous question as it remained unanswered. "To the garden." He briefly replied. "Garden? So you're a gardener now?" I jokingly asked. I was curious to why he had business in there in the first place. "Apparently." he answered.
Before I knew it, we were already standing in front of a glass slide door. It was transparent, yeah, but I couldn't really see through it but I did see green –green, like leaves or something. "You'll love it here." The silver head spoke, making me glance at him for a moment then back to the outside scenery as the glass doors automatically opened. The doors' slow pace made this effect that looked like they were gigantic red curtains revealing a wonderful scenario. I didn't find myself standing in correction; the sight of the luscious and rich garden was magnificent.
From blur shades of green, the scene of a well cared garden ascended before my awestrucked figure. The whole of me wondered through the small area of the giant garden. My navy oculars widened in amazement, my view focused on the beauty, as I moved along side Dell. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Lilies, daisies, roses, tulips, belles, carnations and even rare flowers –such as the unpopular Jade Vine which would only be found in the Philippines, Parrot's Beak, Koki'o which was knw t be long extinct, and most of all the Middlemist Red which was known to be extinct in China. And the Franklin Trees, oh, how lovely. I can't wait to see the tree's flowers during fall when they turn a bright red. I don't even know how Master got a hold of just one stem of them as they are sold for millions and heck, here he has a whole garden full of them. I noticed a suspicious looking machine at the mere side but I eased once Dell explained it to be a technology to help the flowers grow in our climate. Why do I even know? I've been doing some research lately that's why.
But the whole of my attention was cruelly stolen once my widened oculars came in contact with the stone statue of a girl and a boy standing at the center of the garden. I couldn't exactly say woman and man, the figures looked young. The girl had her hair fall down, an inch pass her shoulders and had this hair ribbon similar to Rin-nee's. She was standing on her feet; one hand holding a bunch of actual live rare flowers know as the Chocolate Cosmos –a charming flower that blooms a dark red to maroon petals, and the other was pulled up beyond her level and she was smiling. On her side was the boy on his knees; one arm containing the said rare flower and the other hand was dipped into the water which was caused by a spilled jar –which also served as a 'watering can' to the plants as it directly goes to the roots.
That's when I realize the girl looked a bit familiar to me. That's right. She's the girl from my dream. But what does Master have to do with her or them? I stared at the figures blankly as question started filling my conscience. One of those would be how these twins and the woman standing straight at the front of the mansion relate to Master. I shrugged the thoughts off. Maybe he just bought these statues somewhere. It's either that or it's a mere coincidence. But how? This exact figure in front of me was the girl who haunted my dreams for a while now. It can't just be a coincidence.
My thoughts were suddenly ripped from my mind as I heard Dell stumble somewhere near the shed at the corner. I quickly ran to him as I tried to help him up. "Are you okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine." He said as he closed the shed's door behind him with a pack of seeds in his palms. "Look at this." He gestured me to follow him as he approached the figures that bothered my mind. He pulled the hidden lid before pressing one of the revealed buttons. A container appeared as the gadget recognized the button's commands where Dell poured the bird feed inside. Once he pushed another button, I was astonished as it suddenly showered the seeds all over the lot specified for plants only. A pile of the feed gathered at the palm of the girl, catching some of the birds flying by's attention. I was surprised when the flying creatures passed through the barrier that was casted upon the house. About five or six White Wagtails appeared at the girl's hand to immediately gobble all the seeds. Some other birds of different kinds visited the place as they relaxed and enjoyed at their playground. There were also some bird houses where expected and unexpected guests could stay.
As the flying creatures messed around, some had fondled with the flowers –causing some pollen or powders or whatever they're called were sprayed around the air, attracting butterflies, lady bugs, etc… We watched them in amusement, bewildered at the wonderful sight. "They visit here every week." Dell began, "Some of them actually decided to stay." He faced backwards where bird houses, bee farms and butterfly gardens were. I wasn't actually surprised. If I were them, I'll never leave this paradise too.
"Well, that's all the business I have here." The man beside me spoke again. "Oh! I have some snacks with me. You wouldn't mind helping me finish these, right?" I smiled at him and felt glee as he returned it. "Sure." He said, leading us to a nearby bench. I pulled the bag from its bottom to pour the sweets on the cold steel bench. Dell grabbed a chocolate bar or two before proceeding to satisfy his light hunger. I settled Ai down my lap as I grabbed a wafer. I peeled the plastic wrapper before gazing back to Dell who was so into the chocolate's goodness. I chuckled at the sight of him.
I never felt this close to him before. He always seemed so distant to us. We would only see him around when he comes to pick up Haku-nee. He wouldn't talk or even make eye contact to us. His aura would always reek of smoke and caffeine as he is a workaholic. I never knew he was such a soft loving guy. Haku-nee is so lucky to have him. And it just enlightens me to know he never did turn his back on us even if we practically treat him like an invisible wall.
"Len." A familiar low voice called out. The two of us turned our heads around to find an irritated Kaito-nii glaring at us. I could feel the cold glare on me but my guts told me those cruel stared weren't for me at all. He is totally sparking a fight with Dell through their eyes. "W-What is it?" I interruptingly asked, snapping them from their mental battle. Nii-chan gazed on me with a blank expression. "Master was looking for you." He said in a very low tone. I couldn't help but flinch at his behavior. He's been like this ever since… ever since that time when he… when he tried to sexually harass me. But I already told him I forgive him, I mean that! It's like we're total strangers to each other now and I'm not happy at all.
"Oh, there you are!" A familiar blond showed up. PhoalaChan, or whom I like to call LalaChii, stopped once she felt the aura surrounding us. She just nodded and grabbed my hand, "Well, we'll be going now. Master's waiting for us." She dragged me quite away from the two men as she waved farewell. "Oh, umm, Dell-chan. Yu can have the snacks if you want—whoa!" I looked back at the two as my wrist ached in pain under my friend's grasp. Something tells me that leaving those two alone was a big mistake. I clutched Ai securely in my LalaChii-free arm, hoping I was wrong.
Well, that would be it for this chapter.
Oh, and I'll make a sketch on what the statue's look like.
And more about PhoalaChan on Chapter Ten or what-so-ever. I'll be introducing two new characters by then.
But for now, please favorite, watch/follow, and comment/review!