Chapter 16
Before The Storm
"Today's forecast is looking to be bright and full of sunshine!"
Opening my eyes, a familiar ceiling greeted me.
"-Make the best of it, as the sun will be hiding back behind clouds-"
I could feel the thin, weary fabric of the couch beneath my skin.
"-After a few days of clear sky, a storm will be approachin-"
"Annnd I don't have the motivation to hear about it." I tiredly mumbled, grabbing the TV remote underneath me and slamming the power button with one finger.
The image on the screen distorted before disappearing completely, replaced by a reflection of my morning face - disheveled hair included.
I should really stop going to sleep with the TV on. Their damn forecast channel was always a few decibels louder than everything else on there.
A yawn lazily passed through my lips. I threw off the blanket that I used on the ground, steadily getting off from the couch that served me as a bed. A terrible bed it was; hearing my spine pop and crack uncomfortably as I stretched. I took a quick peek at the clock hanging above the TV.
6:17 AM. Maybe I should've gone back to sleep-
My stomach rumbled loudly, making me wince. I forgot to eat dinner last night…
"...Breakfast it is." I sighed to no one, carefully making my way to the fridge. I didn't want to wake up the neighbors at this hour.
Most importantly, I absolutely didn't want to wake up Gura and Kiara at this hour. Especially Gura, who was still a little mad at Kiara and I for leaving her alone.
Only 4 days had passed since Kiara and I had returned from our trip to Alaska. My report had been written and sent, Cover Corp had the mansion and the Lamy case wrapped up, and we were back inside my comfortable, reliable apartment.
Unfortunately, Gura hadn't been in the…most agreeable of moods.
It wasn't direct confrontations, or hour long arguments; it was a snarky comment here and there, the sharp barbed replies, and the constant poking at our patience.
It didn't take Sherlock Holmes to make the deduction that Gura was still mad at us. Well, more at me.
In some way, I understood the lingering frustrations. We did make a deal about the next case, but it was still a shitty move on my part to leave her in here on her own. Back then, it made sense, but with the pointed glare she kept throwing at me these days, maybe logic shouldn't have been my main priority.
It was worth noting that with every day passing by, Gura's anger slowly faded. Despite the constant beating my patience took, it was the key to deal with the problem. That, and agreeing with every demand she had.
If she wanted to go to a restaurant, we'd go. Did she need something at the store? Coming right up with express delivery. Hell, Gura, her majesty, desired to overthrow a kingdom, I would guide her to victory as her trusted knight!
It was definitely putting the "Care" in "caretaker", but it was also a matter of admitting that I did screw up.
Gura was someone I considered a friend. My last decision had hurt her, and I wanted to show that I was sorry. Action did speak louder than words.
Besides, doing all this for her wasn't that bad. It was normal…and that, I could appreciate.
After getting myself a glass of orange juice and picking a book from one of the shelves - urban fantasy, something about an immortal and a dragon - I plopped back down on the couch and decided to pass the time for a while.
The beginning of a normal morning.
2 hours later, a drowsy Kiara waddled out of the bedroom, her beautiful mane resembling a dust bunny with how tangled it was. Hugging a bundle of clothes close to her chest, she stumbled her way through the bathroom.
15 minutes later, Gura stepped out of the bedroom.
"Morning." I nodded, flipping to the next page in my book.
"Morn'." She yawned, shark teeth on full display as she scratched her shoulder. She approached the back of the couch, peering over my shoulder at the book in my hand. "What'cha reading?"
"Proof that I need to find a better book." I grunted out as I tossed the book on the coffee table in front of me. What was the point of having an urban fantasy setting if the entire plot revolved around romance?! Gura snorted at my dismissal, vaulting over the couch to sit next to me.
"Maybe you're just a really bad reader?" She smirked as she snatched the book away. I simply shrugged at that remark.
"Maybe. Probably one of those stories where you have to read it to the end to finally understand why it's great." I theorized, propping my hands behind my head. "Either way, I most likely won't remember it."
"Speaking of remembering, you did remember to bring me back a souvenir, right?" Gura narrowed her eyes at me as she put the book away. One of her eyebrows rose the moment she saw the nervous grin appear on my face.
"Sure did."
I swiftly got up from the couch, walking to my coat to rummage the insides of it. I could feel the curious stare from the shark girl behind me.
When we arrived at the harbor, we had no time to go shopping for souvenirs. Adding to that, I only saw the text Gura had sent me in the middle of my life crisis. Safe to say, I didn't buy a souvenir.
However, I wasn't going to leave empty-handed. Those texts had, in some way, saved my life. They had been the ultimate reminder that helped clear up all my panic and worry in that closet.
For that reason, a souvenir was needed.
"This isn't really the most decorative…or normal souvenir ever, but it's the most unique one I could find on short notice." I explained as I tossed her the gift. She quickly caught it in one hand with ease, bringing it closer to her face to see what exactly it was.
A pause.
"A cow…skull?" she slowly questioned, tilting her head as she looked at it.
Did she like it? With the way she was examining it, it didn't feel like she did…
A jolt of nervousness traveled my body. The grin on my face waned.
"It's uh, a real one. It was supposed to be evidence for Cover Corp but I kinda grabbed it, and, and I figured since we didn't have time to go shopping, I-I would get something a bit…more…original…" words rushed out of my mouth, a smidge of panic in the back of my throat.
Gura kept staring at the stupid skull in her hand, her expression unchanging.
Maybe this wasn't the great idea I thought it was.
I needed to save the situation before-
"This is so dumb, hehe." The Atlantian giggled, paralyzing me on the spot like a deer in headlights. The small, soft giggling continued to echo in the apartment, slowly evolving into a full on laughter with the additional wheeze here and there.
What?
"Wha…?"
"Only you would bring-" She gasped for air. "Oh my god, bring this back!" She managed to say through all the inhales and exhales of laughter. I blinked at the sight, unsure whether I should roll with it or be terrified.
Before I chose to commit to both ideas, Gura wheezed one last time before she beamed at me with happiness. "Thanks a lot, Hunter. It's the ugliest thing I've seen, but I'll treasure it."
She played with the skull in her hand, a chuckle coming out of her lips at times. She would shake her head, bemused or baffled by the item it seemed.
That twinkle of delight in her eyes did not lie.
I rapidly looked away. The corner of my mouth kept twitching uncontrollably. My face felt warm. A sense of satisfaction spread throughout my being. The only movement I trusted myself to do without messing it up was rubbing the back of my neck repeatedly.
I wasn't that happy about it, I was just glad my dumb idea didn't blow up in my face. That's how I was rationalizing it, no matter how many holes I would unintentionally find with my explanation. Contradictions weren't real, contradictions were but a concept!
"Awww, so cute... is what I would say if this wasn't the weirdest display of friendship I ever saw in my thousand's lives." Kiara's voice cut through the denial- the rationalization in my head. I looked toward the bathroom, where the Phoenix was standing with her arms crossed, done with the shower with a new set of clothes on instead of her pajamas.
"It's, It's a skull, a cow skull…I thought maybe…" I tried explaining - or finding - the thought process behind my unique choice of gift, but the deadpanned look Kiara kept aiming at me wasn't doing wonders for my determination. "...maybe…may-...ahh…"
"I agree." She ended my suffering. She pointed at the cow skull in Gura's hand. "Did you steal that from Cover?"
"He borrowed it." Gura quickly replied with a fake smile before I could launch any sort of defense. Kiara glanced at her, before returning her sight to me. I decided that my best defense would be to imitate Gura's current expression, motion toward her with one hand, before shrugging in surrender.
Kiara closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"You two got too many screws loose in your head." She groaned in resignation, before heading for the fridge next to me.
Defense successful!
"I'll put it in our room, it'll look great!" Gura cheered, skipping off to the bedroom.
"Oh, hell no! I am not sleeping in the same room as that creepy thing!" Kiara yelled out in protest; a useless attempt considering the Atlantian was humming a tune inside the bedroom with no care in the world. Kiara pointed a finger at me. "If I'm getting nightmares or sacrificed to an evil entity, I'm haunting your ass."
The reflex to tell her that it wouldn't happen since Phoenixes technically couldn't be ghosts died an ugly death as soon as I looked at her face. I nervously coughed and walked toward the sink. Even as I was washing my empty glass, I could still sense her eyes behind my back.
Retreat, retreat!
"Anywho, what are we eating?" Gura asked, pulling up a chair.
"Classic breakfast maybe? Egg, bacon, toast, maybe a hash brown on the side?" I suggested, shrugging as I turned around to face the two Myths in the kitchen.
"How about going out somewhere to eat? Less effort, you've definitely got the money, and I can get an actual cup of coffee." Kiara suggested back, shutting the fridge's door. I raised an eyebrow.
"Why go out when we got everything here? I do have the money, but I'm also a decent cook, no?"
"A good cook? You are. A cup of coffee? You are not. I still don't understand how you have no hot beverage whatsoever." She sighed as she shook her head.
"Not even hot cocoa! That's no way to live!" Gura chimed in, sending me a look jam packed with pity, as if she was witnessing a broken, homeless animal limping down the street. I clicked my tongue as I resisted the urge to flip her off.
Hot drinks are a mess to deal with. They take too long to make, have so many ways to do them, and worst of all, have to be drunk as fast as possible - which is in itself a trap, because then you'll burn the inside of your mouth and taste absolutely nothing but searing pain.
Cold drinks can be stored in the fridge, ready to drink immediately, and you could add ice to make them last longer. The biggest risk is a brain freeze, which is easily avoidable if you aren't a caveman downing your drink like a savage.
Thermos is not a good idea either, because they have their own damnable proble-
"Hunter!" Kiara shouted out, jolting me back into the real world. "Are you sure you didn't just lose all the screws in your head?"
"Sorry, got occupied writing a thesis." I mumbled, ignoring the frowns and narrowed eyes from the two girls in the room.
"Not a vote of confidence for that last question, gramps."
"Funny, shrimp." I rolled my eyes, before settling my gaze back at Kiara. "How about I just go buy some coffee right now?"
Kiara and I stared down at each other for a bit, before a smile blossomed on her face. While keeping eye contact, she re-opened the door of the fridge, and grabbed the carton of eggs with both hands.
She let the carton slip out of her hands, the item splatting on the ground with a soggy noise.
"Oops~" She sang..
I looked at the eggs on the floor, the yolks slowly pooling on the ground. I lifted my head back up to see the Phoenix still smiling at me.
I opened my mouth to say something, raising a finger. Kiara raised an eyebrow. I closed my mouth, letting my hand drop to my side.
"Family dinner it is." I surrendered.
"Fantastic idea, Hunter!"
The end of a normal morning.
"Finally, a warm drink…"
I repressed the urge to growl, putting all my attention in eviscerating the plate of eggs and bacon in front of me instead.
The noise of people eating irked me. The constant scraping of plates irked me. The endless droning of chatter irked me.
Fast food chains and restaurants were one thing, but family diners were the most irksome of the bunch. People couldn't take their food to go, and their prices were affordable, which meant a wider variety of people could afford it, which meant more customers, which meant more noise to abuse my eardrum.
Being out in public wasn't an issue with me, but I preferred places with more…quietude.
This wasn't one of those places. It was one where the loud, obnoxious, and irritating were allowed in. And kids…couldn't forget about those demons.
A sick elderly man coughing without covering his mouth. A woman cackling too loudly at a joke her friend made. A gruff order from a dad who was tired as I am of hearing his daughter's little wail about how her eggs were runny and gross.
I felt my right eye twitch as I clenched my fork tighter.
"Jesus, I almost feel bad dragging you here."
"Are the eggs that bad? The bacon's a little burnt but that ain't no big deal."
"Yeah, cheer up, Hunter! Life is too short to be grumpy like this."
…A purgatory of my own making…
"I'll tolerate any remarks you two have, but-" I pointed at Kiara and Gura in front of me, the former savoring a cup of coffee while the latter was engulfing her third breakfast. "-I absolutely refuse to hear anything from you!"
I scowled at the blonde girl sitting next to me. Her blue eyes widened in shock as she covered her mouth, going as far as to audibly gasp.
"What have I done to make you hate me?! I'm just a big time detective brunching with friends!"
"We are not friends! And this isn't a brunch…I think– Why are you here?!"
A wink from her was the reply I got.
Amelia Watson.
During my investigation of KFP and Kiara, Gura and I had encountered a girl calling herself a private detective. She dressed the part, acted the part, and had the skills to back it up, but she was eccentric with a capital E.
We only interacted with her thrice, and each time, I was sent packing with a million questions about her rotting in my head. I dared not ask a single one, terrified that it would only open up more mysteries.
Clearly, the approach of ignore-and-forget did not work considering how fast she found us.
"I'm surprised you haven't seen more of her." Kiara smiled with bemusement. "Every time Gura and I hung out in the city, she always found us."
"Thank you for the defense, my good Phoenix friend!" Watson bowed theatrically.
That was another thing that bothered me…
"Can you be quieter? Unless you'd like Cover Corp on your ass." I muttered quietly. The detective rolled her eyes - actually did the complete motion - as if I was ruining the mood.
"Come on, no one will notice. Annnd, Cover Corp doesn't know about me, and probably won't for the foreseeable future!"
The good detective knew about the existence of Myths.
She not only knew, but she had more knowledge than me about it. It was thanks to her that Gura and I had solved the question of what kind of Myth Kiara was. She apparently also knew how to avoid the all-seeing eye of Cover Corp…
…which was something I also needed to know. Would've been useful at the beginning.
Staring at the girl sitting next to me, wiggling her eyebrow with that damn smugness, she probably knew that I wanted to know.
Which meant I would never ask her. Ever.
"I gotta say, I've been having fun learning about Kiara and Gura, but haven't had a chance to see you since you got back from Alaska." She said as she bit into a piece of toast. I casted my sight to the ceiling with exasperation.
"Of course, you know about that." I moaned tiredly.
"So, where were you?" She questioned as she playfully narrowed her eyes. I narrowed mine back, with none of the playfulness.
"Staying inside the apartment like a shut-in." Kiara chipped in, interfering with whatever argument I had against the detective.
"I resent that. I've been reading and using my free time to relax." I argued my case. A snort bubbling up rang out from Gura.
"Buddy, you start a new book every day, and always stop at the second chapter." She smirked.
"I'm just…not finding the right book."
Reading was my favorite hobby. To get invested in fictional worlds that didn't need to respect reality or common rules was therapeutic. Even then, in those impossible worlds, relatable characters and problems would surface, and awaken emotions I wasn't even aware I possessed.
I could spend an entire weekend fixated on a book, even more if it was fantasy or sci-fi.
Lately though…it was harder to find that zone of comfort again.
I would buy books every week, and try to read through at least one of them. Despite being an avid reader, my attention wasn't grabbed by any of them. I used to read halfway through a novel before making my judgment on it, but nowadays…one chapter, or two if I forced myself, and I was ready to call it quits.
It worried me.
So, I decided to spend most of my time reading, trying to ease those worries by finding the right book.
"And? Did you find that book?" Kiara asked with a leading tone, raising the mug of coffee to hide her smirk.
I didn't answer that; not like I needed to anyway. I was content with a glare instead.
She tilted her head down, unimpressed. "Don't give me that look. I just think staying cooped up in the apartment doesn't do anyone any good."
"We spent an eternity in Alaska-" I whined, choosing to not pay attention to Gura correcting me on the actual time spent in the frozen hellscape. "-and I almost got stomped on by some glorified snowman. Can't fault me for not wanting to go out."
"Snowman? I thought it was a knight." Gura raised an eyebrow.
"It was cold, and it wanted to kill me. The difference, I see not."
"You never did tell me how you managed to beat that thing." The Phoenix locked in on the subject, propping one elbow on the table as she leaned in to listen closely.
"A somewhat good plan-" I began as I lifted my sight to the ceiling, recalling the events. A distraction that led the thing to a tight space, and some trusty science to melt the sucker fast…
…resulting in an explosion that I hadn't thought of…
"-but mostly dumb luck." I finished with a shrug. Kiara rolled her eyes while Gura pouted. Even Watson looked miffed about my brief recap of the battle.
"For someone who reads a lot, you ain't very good at telling stories." The detective shook her head in disappointment.
"It just isn't that interesting to hear. Kiara did conjure up a fire tornado though." I flicked a thumb toward the Phoenix, who blinked innocently. Gura's jaw slacked as her head swiveled to gape at Kiara.
"Wow, a tornado!?"
"A fire tornado!" Even the detective was childishly squealing in awe. Kiara's eyes ran to the side, a tint of red flaring up near her cheeks.
"W-well, it wasn't much, that other Myth was making a tornado out of ice, so I thought I should do the same." She replied with a sheepish smile, twirling a lock of hair between her fingers.
"Oh man, next time, you gotta wait for me before you do it again!" The Atlantian demanded, Watson nodding alongside her. "I wonder if I can do a water tornado?"
Anyone would've chuckled at the idea and waved it off under the impossible category. But as a caretaker under Cover Corp, any idea was possible and doable. Water tornado included.
"Maybe in a future case?" I encouraged with a small raise of both shoulders, the shark Myth nodding her head up and down with excitement. At those words, Watson's pupil twinkled with interest.
"Another case? Any plans?"
"I wanna check out anything related to home." Gura answered first, pushing all of her plates away from her. An aura of resolve seemed to cloak her being for a split second. "I need to find out why I'm the only one of my kind on the surface."
My gaze eased away from the conversation, settling on the crowded streets through the window next to me. Waves of people walking right and left with purpose.
All humans at first glance.
Gura's origin was from the historic city of Atlantis, the same one that had sunk deep below the ocean due to the gods' wrath. A punishment for man's greed and pettiness. At least, that's what the legend said.
Legends and Myths could have similarities like they could have almost everything factually wrong to the last detail. An example would be the legend of the Phoenix: The part about it being a giant bird made of fire that was immortal was true…somewhat. The part about it being able to change form and travel across dimensions with each death? The writer forgot about that detail, I guess.
That, and the fire bending and sword made of flames part as well...
In the case of Atlantis, the fact that it existed and was under the ocean was the only truth found in all the lore about said city. The rest of that legend might as well have been a terribly written fanfiction with heavy liberty taken in creative direction.
The only witness to the real story was the only Atlantian on the surface. Well, the only citizen of Atlantis near me…
Gura didn't know where the others who had left for the surface were, and she had been the first I had ever seen in my life. Trusting the shrimp's words, if other Atlantians made it to the surface, either they were hiding…
...or something happened to them.
"I'll help you with that." I spoke out loud, earning a look of surprise from everyone.
"You mean the Atlantis thing?" Kiara asked.
"Yeah. As a caretaker, I should have access to info about all kinds of Myths."
"Thanks, I'd like that." Gura returned with a grin.
"Welp, good luck with that, for real." Watson called out as she stood up from her seat, taking a glimpse at a pocket watch in her hand. "It was great to catch up with you all, but unfortunately, duty calls."
"Something to investigate?" Kiara asked, earning a wink from the detective instead of an actual answer.
"Can't say. A great detective like me can't just go around blabbing on what I'm working on."
"Try to get hired before solving the whole thing again." I teased with a smirk. Gura snickered behind her hands.
"Try to not pull a muscle while being a lazy ass." She countered automatically with a smile, the corner of her mouth twitching. I couldn't help grumbling as I looked away.
Hearing Kiara and Gura burst into laughter at the comeback didn't help my mood.
"Chapter 2: The secrets of- not finishing that pile of crap."
I tossed another book to the coffee table in front of me; it landed atop the mountains of novels, only to tumble down off it and drop on the floor with a pathetic thud.
I groaned, letting my head fall on the headrest of the couch. There wasn't much else I could do.
The entire shelf of new novels and books, emptied in a whole day.
I scoffed to myself. Did I even like reading at all?
I grabbed the TV remote next to me, only to pause before tapping a finger on the power button. What was the point of turning it on? So that I could stare at it for 10 minutes, get bored and shut it off again?
Like the last 17th time?
I let the remote slip between my fingers, the item joining the last book I read on the ground. I scanned the room for anything to do, trying to find a single molecule of entertainment in this apartment.
Instead, my head fell back on the headrest again, staring uselessly at the ceiling. I tried counting the specks of dust before getting bored after reaching the number seven.
I hopped off the couch. I paced around it. I crashed back down on it. Shook my head and prepared to get back up, only to give up and sprawl myself over it.
I decided to deal with the problem with sleep; give the impossible task to tomorrow Me.
Sleep did not bargain with me.
I growled. I covered my face with both hands as I took a deep breath.
"Fuck…" I exhaled out, letting my arms fall on each side of my body. "...what is wrong with me?"
I could pick up the sound of Gura and Kiara laughing in the bedroom, alongside their TV and some chatter here and there.
Maybe I should've accepted the offer to watch a movie tonight…
Not like it would've fixed anything. Not this particular problem.
Boredom. I was suffering from intense, crippling and very terrifying boredom. I had dealt with the sentiment many times in the past, always dealing with it thanks to some creative solutions or a bit of imagination.
Never on this level, however. This was devastating, capable of draining my motivation faster than I could generate it. No matter the hobby, impatience and apathy would take control of my mind and body.
Even sleep couldn't dispel the boredom. Hell, it felt like it did the complete opposite at times.
The girls had been right at the diner. I had been living like a shut-in lately, half-assing any reading material I had in my hands.
The only time I was willing to get up to do anything was when my job was involved. Any chores, or a simple favor from the two Myths in the apartment and suddenly, I was on my feet, ready to be a caretaker.
If it wasn't for that and the fact that I was still willing to eat, drink and shower, I would've considered depression or some sort of mental illness. No, it wasn't any of these.
I didn't feel sad, or empty. I felt angry. Frustrated, impatient, annoyed and…excited?
I sprung up from my laid position, sitting straight up with furrowed brows etched on my face.
Excitement? Excitement?! For what?!
Was I having a stroke, or a heart attack? At my age? I raised a hand in front of my face, squinting both eyes to catch any suspicious details.
No shaking, no quickened pulse, no sweat. Absolutely nothing.
I was perfectly healthy…physically. Mentally, I was ready to call it a lost cause.
I could understand the negative emotions perfectly well, boredom was a bitch to deal with, but the excitement? It baffled me, even scared me. I could not rationalize it, nor see a link with boredom. It was alien to me.
"Don't change too much, Hunter."
Numbness spread throughout my body.
I was on my feet before I could even process it, automatically going through the motion of grabbing my hoodie and keys. I tried focusing on my breathing, my body busy with putting on shoes.
I opened the door to the apartment, already a step outside before it even closed behind me. I tried thinking of a destination, my legs marching on to god knows where.
The sun had gone down, but the streets were full. I kept my head down, hands in pockets, and headed forward.
An urge to let my eyes roam on each person searching for oddities and inconsistency was prickling the back of mind.
The same numbness I had felt at home was still present.
I ignored everything and simply kept walking.
I felt my legs aching - probably not used to the amount of work I was asking of them after living like a shut-in for a week straight.
I stopped and raised my head.
A park.
I stood near one of the empty benches. I scanned the surroundings, trying to get my bearings or find out where I was.
It was a familiar park. My brain kept sending me images of this place. I shook my head and sat down on the bench next to me.
I made to inhale some air slowly, hoping to calm down all this disorganization in my thought process.
The park where I learned of the existence of Myths. Where Gura and I talked about Atlantis and her origins. That's where I was. That's where I ended up.
This was the same location, the same bench, the same trees and grass.
I sighed. I brushed my hair back with both of my hands.
I had so many questions bouncing in my head, fighting for priority. Most of them would go nowhere if poked, only accentuating the confusion riddling my brain. Throughout all the noise, one still took place at the front of my mind.
"What's going on?"
I blinked at the words.
After a few seconds, my brain finally registered that the words hadn't been mine. There was also someone sitting next to me, patiently waiting for an answer. I turned my head to the person sitting next to me.
Kiara was sitting next to me.
"You uh...You left the apartment in a rush. I thought something happened– I mean, it's like you were possessed." She explained, one corner of her mouth shifting upward. Her eyes kept taking glances at me, before looking away. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
I didn't reply. I turned my head back to face forward.
I closed my eyes. I breathed in through my nose, letting my chest expand, before letting the air out through my lips.
I opened my eyes.
The night sky was darker than usual, dense clouds covering the moon. Thankfully, the many lamp posts stationed all around the park was enough to illuminate the place.
People walked by; some jogging while others talked with friends or loved ones. All of them were enjoying the evening.
I could hear the sound of New York's nightlife around me, thin and flat. The wind brushed past me, goosebumps traveling my skin.
"A-are you okay?" Kiara quietly asked. I snapped my head towards her, uncertain of how to answer the simple question.
"I…" I began, scanning my surroundings once more. "...am not sure." I chuckled as I let my body relax, my back hitting the bench as my shoulders sagged. The muscles in my legs were killing me, rhythmically throbbing in pain. I needed more exercise. "Sorry I, ah...I think I'm doing okay."
My attention went back to the Myth next to me. Her pink eyes were crammed with doubt, her brows knitting together. I swallowed, wincing as I felt my throat crack.
"Okay, what happened?" She asked, shaking her head. I could only shrug with a timid chuckle.
"Honesty? I think I spooked myself...a bit?"
"A bit? Hunter, you didn't even leave a note or anything. You even left your phone on the table."
I patted the pocket of my hoodies and pants in response. My keys tinkled inside of them. I glanced back at Kiara, trying to smile.
Judging by the scowl on her face, the smile did not work.
"I'm sorry, I was trying to read, and it didn't work, so, so I started thinking and-" I attempted to disarm the situation before it could get worse.
"Wait, hold on, this is about your reading problem?" Kiara's eyes widened, her head tilted to the side. I dropped my vision to the ground, choosing silence.
A giggle came out from her.
"And, you're laughing at me." I grumbled, crossing my arms as I looked away.
"Not at you." The Phoenix sighed, before lightly brushing her knuckle on my shoulder. "I get that you like reading, but it's a bit silly to suddenly go crazy over not finding a good book."
"It's not just that, dammit. This never happened before, I could always finish my books, even when they were garbage."
"I can understand that, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the world."
"Yeah, but-" I stopped. Kiara, who was still smiling, raised an eyebrow, encouraging me to continue. I wanted to.
It wasn't normal. It was different. I never experienced this.
That's what I wanted to say.
I knew that all of these things sounded childish, outright stupid even. I already knew what counter she would use against my arguments - if they could even be called that.
"Don't worry about it too much, you big thinker." A small, sharp sting stabbed my forehead, making me bark in pain. I rubbed the sore spot, narrowing my eyes at the culprit. Kiara, who had just flicked my forehead with no good reason, just rolled her eyes at my glare. "Maybe it's a sign to pick up a new hobby?"
"Maybe…" I mumbled, unconvinced.
"Let's get back home, okay? Gura fell asleep watching the movie, and I'd feel bad if she woke up alone."
We both stood up, Kiara walking on ahead as I trudged my feet on the ground.
A part of me agreed with Kiara. Maybe I was being a drama queen about it. Maybe I was overthinking things.
Maybe this meant nothing.
We all had emotions, and emotions were volatile and unpredictable. Sometimes, motivation could come and go. It could even leave for a while, before coming back, stronger than ever.
With a lifestyle like mine; always dealing with the supernatural and beings like Myths, it made sense that my emotions would be understandably shaken once in a while.
Maybe this meant nothing.
Maybe this meant nothing…
Somehow, no matter how many times I repeated these words in my head, the ugly sensation in the pit of my stomach refused to go away.
