Days have passed since my encounter with Big Ears and things have gotten weird. Like really weird. A minuscule number of townsfolk who would otherwise avoid me have been asking me odd questions: How have you been feeling lately? Do you remember where you live? How are you even alive? I can only infer that these questions are specific due to my interactions with Big Ears, and I suppose it's understandable that people want to ask questions considering the supposed danger surrounding her. But honestly it kind of peeves me, she was nice and about as normal as someone with ears on top of their head and a tail can be, having people ask you why she didn't kill you or eat you rubs me the wrong way.
Usually, my days are spent internally monologuing and mindlessly filleting fish, but these past few days have been really special. I now not only filet fish, but I also occasionally serve customers, which honestly is quite nerve-wracking. Some of the younger customers do ask questions and surprisingly acknowledge my existence, but the majority of them still clearly wish I wasn't around, that's okay though, as they say, baby steps. Still, despite my boom in popularity, yes it's a boom; I can't help but wonder about Big Ears, would I see her again? I have so many questions I want to ask.
Unfortunately, the odds of running into her again are slim as she did tell me to stay away from her, she seems somewhat avoidant in general so I suspect she may purposefully hide from me. That aside I really shouldn't unload my curiosity on someone, and I doubt she would indulge me in my questioning anyway. At least, I think. Maybe she's so starved of attention that any interaction is a positive one. Normally I would fall into the aforementioned 'starved of attention' category, but with this recent explosion of interest I feel like, with serious effort, I can move out of loner territory. I'll have to leverage my newfound popularity tactfully and carefully.
My day continues as the peak hours for trading settle, leaving me to finish up by working through and icing a few hundred smelly, slimy fish and serving the odd customer. I excitedly, even a little manically work through the fish, hoping to finish quickly, causing me to make more of a mess than usual. The sun sets as I finish up and leave work, making my way to the only location I can think of where young adults relax and socialise after a long day of work, the apex of extroverted socialisation; the pub. Many thoughts ran through my mind as the sound of laughter, soft jazzy tunes and even arguments coaxed me into the building; one crucial thought, however, did not. I just spent a whole day gutting fish and in my haste, I did not take a shower, nor did I change my clothes which were covered in fish guts. Oops.
Entering the pub itself was an experience for me, the interior feels spacious with a brown and burgundy colour scheme, the enticing smell of freshly made food and beverage was abundant, and candles adorned each table adding soft warmth to every conversation taking place. Everyone seemed to be having fun. I expected at least some reaction to my arrival, but no one, save for a few youngsters who immediately started to worry paid any attention to me, maybe that's for the best.
I walk over to the bar to order myself a drink, as I'm walking, I notice people's heads turning, some pinching their noses, I wonder why? Regardless, I lean over the counter, and then I run into a new problem, I need to get his attention, I need to say something cool, some slang that will help me blend in with my peers while making it obvious I'm trying to get the bartender's attention. I clear my throat and try to project my voice as I force out a greeting. "H-howdy barman, can I get a brewski?" I manage to squeak.
Instead of an anticipated greeting, laughter, or even getting booed out of the pub; the bartender simply ignores me and the few patrons who were watching me simply stared at me, giving me a look I know all too well, one that says: "Why are you here? Get lost." The looks soon fade and everyone resumes their evening, almost as if I had never entered the building.
As the venue continues bustling with life, a burly man who reeks of booze sits next to me with a smirk on his face, "Hey, funny guy, did you murder someone or something?"
I turn my attention to the man confused, asking, "No, why would anyone think that?"
"I don't know buddy, I think you're lying, you seem… kinda fishy! Get it?" The man jokes, laughing at his comment, he seems quite pleased with himself too.
Other patrons nearby chuckle at his comment, making me wonder, did I do something wrong?
"Get out of here kid, your stinking up the joint." The bartender sternly says.
It dawns upon me, the error I have made. Without hesitation, I turn and run. As I begin my mad dash, I know I can't let anyone else see me; there's no way I'm going to let my popular phase fizzle out without making at least one friend. I know how to get home without being seen, I have a secret path I use on occasion, the back alleys. I dip into the alleyway attached to the pub, knowing that this will provide me with cover, and thanks to my continuous usage of this maze-like structure, it will also be the shortest route to the place I call home; my cosy shack.
Slipping through the narrow alleyways proves more challenging than usual, these areas are not well kept and an increasing number of people appear to dump whatever rubbish they please. Keeping my wits about me and moving swiftly I hurry through the winding alleys, deftly dodging crumpled-up boxes, neglected trash cans and overflowing dumpster bins; it's honestly a shame, such a picturesque seaside town shouldn't have trash laying around, even its alleyways.
After a few minutes of traversing, I find myself at the end of the alleyway with a familiar dirt road nearby, one that I know will lead me towards my shack. I continue onwards, the sun beaming down on me as I begin to run out of steam, loudly huffing and puffing as if I've been running for hours, honestly, it's a bit overly dramatic. But I'm so close, the sooner I get inside, the sooner I can put this day behind me. As I leave the boundaries of the town the dirt road begins to fizzle out, leaving me with only the local flora and fauna as my guide home. Luckily, I've travelled through this area frequently and have memorised the general route I need to take, normal people wouldn't dare to enter the unkempt forest without a guide due to the number of dangerous plants and animals.
Soon I see a familiar clearing, shrubbery here and there, many out of place large rocks, a small stream and a dirty broken-down little shack. Home sweet home. I make my way up to the dangling door, still panting heavily trying to catch my breath. I reach for the handle when suddenly, the door shoots open and a foot makes its way to my stomach, knocking me back and onto the ground groaning in pain, "What the hell?"
My vision blurs as the pain and fatigue compound, I earnestly begin to wonder if I'm going to die. Die right after my failed attempt at socialisation? Why would someone even be in my shack? I don't have anything worth stealing; is one man's trash really another man's treasure?
My lamenting continues for what seems like an eternity as I slowly begin to hear something; I think someone is calling for me. They sound worried. Is someone actually worried about me? "Hey! Are you okay? What happened to you?"
Though I turn my head to the source of the sound, I still cannot discern who is calling for me, I manage a weak reply, "I got kicked in the stomach, that's what happened."
The figure stumbles closer and kneels next to my head. "I'm sorry about that, do you need help getting up? I don't think I put too much power into that kick, a young man like yourself should be fine."
My vision begins to stabilise as the figure speaks. I begin to make more sense of the character in front of me, red and white outfit, fluffy white tail and a pair of big ears on top of the characters head. I blink in confusion. "Wait, Big Ears? What are you doing here?" I ask, trying to make sense of this ridiculous situation.
"That's what I should be asking you." She replies.
"I live here, do I need any other reason?" I confusedly ask, panting for breaths.
"That would explain the clothes I found," She says, as she extends a hand to help me up, "but no, this isn't your home, it's mine."
I accept her gesture and shakily make my way back to my feet, replying with a hint of panic as I do "No no no, I watched this house for days to check if anyone lived here before settling in."
Ahri places a hand on her hip, with her other hand waving dismissively, "I just haven't been living here for a while, travelling and saving the world and all that fun stuff." she said with a playful smirk. Despite her initial worry and reluctance to appear boastful, it was clear she couldn't resist a little show of pride.
"Okay, that's a little too convenient," I say, my scepticism apparent in my tone. "But even if this is your home, right now it has my clothes, I'd love nothing more than to take a bath and change, I really can't stand feeling like this for much longer," I say, gesturing to the disgusting state of my clothes.
"Judging by how dramatic you're being, I don't think you can stand at all," she says with a hint of sarcasm. However, I notice that she looks rather shaken and worn out. I decide it's best to refrain from mentioning it as there are more important things at hand.
"Yeah, I've been a bit insane today, I need to clear my head, or else I'll explode," I reply, I try to exaggerate to keep the mood light, but it's clear that what I'm saying is close to the truth.
"I can see that, okay, freshen up, I have to do something anyway. When I get back, we can sort this out." She replies, leaving me to my own devices and heading quickly into the forest.
I head inside and immediately notice many of my possessions scattered across the floor, likely an attempt by Big Ears to rearrange things to her liking. I rummage through the chaos of my belongings, finding a set of clothes and a towel. I make my way to the stream, stripping down and submerging myself in the flowing water.
As the water washes away the filth covering my body, I give myself a few moments to allow my mind to go blank, calming myself as best as I can. Today, while bizarre already, has now taken a turn for the worst. If Big Ears is telling the truth I can see things going one of two unfortunate ways: On one hand, she may kill me for stealing her home, but to be honest, I doubt she would. On the other hand, I may have to find a cave to sleep in. Which, in all honestly feels fairly nostalgic, somehow I feel like I've slept in many a cave, I can't quite remember much of anything regarding my past, but I feel like I'm someone who spent copious amounts of time in caves.
I know I should run. It's the logical thing to do here, but I can't. On the small chance that this place was abandoned and nobody has any stake in it, I need to keep it. It's only been a while but a home is a home and it's the only place I have where I don't feel the weight of the world.
I finish cleaning myself along with my clothes, dressing in the only other clothes I have, a short and simple tunic and a pair of long pants. I lay my wet set of clothes out on one of the many convenient rocks scattered around the clearing as I enjoy the refreshing afterglow of my cold wash, appreciating the quiet and calm atmosphere; a stark contrast to the chaos that ensued only a few moments ago. I lean against the rock and watch as the sun slowly nestles itself into the mountainside, trying my best to keep calm for the encounter ahead. Soon enough, I notice Big Ears exiting the forest and making her way towards me, looking in many ways refreshed herself.
"Feeling better?" Ahri asks as she jumps up and sits on top of a large rock across from me.
"Yeah, a cold bath really does bring you right back to reality. I can't believe today happened." I replied looking down at my feet. The embarrassment of the day catching up to me made it difficult to make eye contact.
"Whatdidhappen exactly?" She inquires, her question laced with curiosity.
I begin explaining, in painstaking, cringe-inducing detail, the events of the day. From actually talking to people while working, not noticing that I was covered in fish guts because I was too excited, to making an ass of myself at the pub, and concluding with a kick to the stomach and my dramatisation about death. As I conclude my recap, Big Ears stares right at me in disbelief, likely contemplating whether I'm being serious or not, the embarrassed expression on my face however, was a dead giveaway that I was indeed serious.
After a few additional moments of silence, she bursts out laughing, even snorting at one point. Her laughter continues for what feels like an eternity, causing me to bury my face in my hands, wishing earnestly for the sweet release of death.
Ahri catches herself laughing like a maniac, clearing her throat and apologising while still giggling, "Sorry I didn't mean to laugh like that. But wow, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard before, that was just too ridiculous."
"Oh my god spare me, I think I'm actually going to cry." I plead, unable to help but chuckle at my own story.
"Okay okay. I'll stop. In all honesty, I've been pretty out of sorts today too," She replies as she stifles her remaining few giggles. "I really am sorry about that kick. The smell of hundreds of dead fish and loud grunting noises made me think a vengeful Fishman was coming to get me for besmirching the Fishmen's good name," she continues, trying to be serious with her explanation despite how silly her side of things are.
"I'd love to make fun of you for that," I say looking up at her. "But considering the ammo you have from hearing about my day, I'm going to tactfully refrain. So, I imagine thebesmirchingwas when you called the fishermen on the port Fishmen? You seem intelligent, how do you get Fishman and fishermen mixed up?" I chuckle, still puzzled and curious from the previous day's event.
"Well I'm glad Iseemintelligent" She ribs, knowing full well what I meant. "It's a long story, the short of it all is: I had to give up some very important memories," Ahri begins explaining, looking slightly depressed as she does. "I didn't realise at the time, things were rather intense and the particular ability at play was unfamiliar to me, similar to my own magic but more ancient; I needed more time to tinker with it to avoid losing my memories in hindsight," her tone seems to change, beaming ever so slightly as she explains the magic used. "Unfortunately, we didn't have the time for that, resulting in the loss of quite a few memories of mine, some of which seem responsible for day-to-day living. Hence the Fishman incident." She concludes, scratching her head out of embarrassment as she recalls her blunder.
"I suppose that makes sense, and I guess we have that in common, I don't remember anything up until I found myself in Tevasa a few months ago," I say, somewhat reassuringly.
She looks at me confused, "Wait, you actually believe me? Just like that? No questions?"
Propping myself off the rock and standing up straight, speaking matter of factly I reply, "Well, yeah. I don't think you've lied to me yet, and your story is the least weird part about you, you have a tail and ears on top of your head."
"I suppose I can't argue with that, but for your own good you should be a little less trusting, not everyone is as nice as me." She says with a small smile, a hint of worry tugging at the corners of her lips as she enjoys the trust being shown to her.
I look up at her with slight sorrow and say, "Maybe, but I want to believe in people, even magical creatures with extra appendages."
The two of us notice the sun, it's almost completely set, and we both know it's time to have a serious discussion. The air around us shifts, it feels denser and yet still a little playful. Considering everything that's happened so far it does seem impossible for the two of us to immediately get serious.
"Truthfully, there are two ways this can go down," Ahri says as she hops down from the top of the rock.
"Oh god no,"I think to myself, hoping my previous prediction doesn't come true.
"I could show you how I came across this place, or I could tell you things only you or I would know about it."
I breathe a sigh of relief, "Oh thank god."
"What did you think I was going to suggest?" She asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing. Don't worry about it." I reply, shaking off her question; it's obviously better for negotiations if I don't tell her I was worried about her killing me. "Aren't your options essentially the same thing?"I ask.
"Not quite, my 'showing you' is probably more direct than whatever it is your anticipating." She says, making air quotes as she spoke.
"I don't follow, is it magic? Is it dangerous? What is it? Tell me Tell me Tell me." I practically bounce on the spot as I ask her for an explanation, my curiosity overwhelming me.
"Okay. Relax." She says, making a calming gesture before continuing her explanation.
"While I'm still not perfect with this particular ability, I'm almost positive I can show you my memories of finding the shack and fixing it up. But to do that I'll be entering your mind, which I can imagine is a deal breaker."
I look at her wide-eyed, completely fascinated by her strange abilities, "I've never heard of magic like that, sure shooting fire out of your fingers seems somewhat normal in Ionia but memory manipulation? Just exactly what are you?"
"You don't need to worry about the specifics,we don't have time for an explanation, besides; a lady needs to keep some secrets," She says playfully. "Don't worry, we won't do it that way. I haven't practised this ability as much as I would like, so there is some risk involved."
"But I really want to see it, I'm too curious, I don't mind if you probe my brain or whatever, I don't have anything interesting in there anyway to be honest." I press forward, my rational thinking has all but gone; my curiosity has overtaken me.
"This is a bad idea. This could go seriously wrong." She sternly warns, the playfulness from a few moments ago almost completely dissipating.
"I trust ya, you haven't given me a reason not to, and truthfully I won't be able to stop thinking about whatever it is you're going to do until you do it."
"I'm flattered by your trust but I don't know," She says, clearly being worn down by my incessant pestering. "I shouldn't have mentioned it, it would be seriously irresponsible of me. A small risk is still a risk, you might forget things, I might see things I'm not supposed to, or worse, I could absorb your essence - although the odds of that are slim I suppose - and it might make for some good practise... " She continues.
"She's started to rationalise using her powers, if I remain dignified, confident and respectful, with a little push then just maybe…" I think to myself.
"Awwww come on, I NEED to know, please please please please please please please" I plead, clasping my hands together and bowing my head, begging like a child asking for a new toy.
"OK. Fine. Just stop acting like a baby. Just stay still; it'll be over in a few moments." She groans in annoyance and embarrassment, watching a grown man act this way is too much for anyone to bear.
She closes the distance between us, just enough so she can reach out and place her hand on my head. "You know, for someone who told me to keep my distance, your awfully close." I quip, hoping to dispel some of her annoyance and embarrassment.
"Truthfully that was an old habit of mine. I'd always find myself saying that to people, while not ideal, things are different now. Now quiet, I need to concentrate." She says as she closes her eyes and focuses.
Slowly I feel myself get more and more drowsy as visions flow through my mind of Ahri finding the abandoned and broken down shack, doing her best to make repairs, failing multiple times but eventually fixing it up into a liveable place. I recognise many of the improvements made like the patchwork to fix a hole in the roof or the handmade but uneven bedside drawer. It seems that the shack wouldn't have been much of a home if she hadn't put the time and effort into fixing it.
I can't help but notice how sad it all is, judging by the neighbouring flora growing in these visions, many years have passed and not a single soul other than herself has appeared. Soon, a spark causes the visions to shift, and I'm met with a blur of new memories from a life that cannot be my own. I feel all of it: hurting those I cared about against my will, my doubts about whether I can ever control myself, sleeping in cold, dark caves all over the world. It's so lonely, it's almost unbearable.
Another spark snaps the vision again and I find myself face to face with the hollow shell of a man, I'm weeping over his corpse and apologising profusely. This is someone I care deeply for, did I do this? Am I a monster? I'm unable to get the answers to my questions as the visions shift again to a chaotic battlefield. I can't discern exactly what's happening, but I can tell I'm accompanied by many competent and dangerous-looking people. As I acknowledge their presence I feel a strange warmth, am I happy?
Again, like the previous set of visions, this one dissipates before I can get any answers. I now find myself clinging to the leg of a man accompanied by a woman and another boy surrounded by a furious horde of armed villagers. They're all shouting, but amidst the chaos, it's impossible to understand. They approach my group, forcing us back as they do until we are met with the wall of a building, one that feels oddly familiar. The figures accompanying me seem to be pleading, but their pleas are drowned out by the horde. "What is this? What's going on?" I think to myself as the horde moves closer, readying their weapons.
I don't know what's going on. Get me out. It hurts. Why does it hurt? They're just visions, did I do something wrong? I can't handle this.The apparent leader of the horde steps forward ready to speak. The moment he does, sparks flood the vision again, snapping me back into reality and knocking both Ahri and me to the ground, both of us confused, myself more so.
"Are you okay?" She asks, rushing over and helping me up for the second time today.
My head is a pounding mess, I can't even bring myself to even acknowledge her question, "What was that? Were they my memories? Were they your memories?"
"Up until the getting cornered by villagers, yes, they were mine. Something was pulling deeper memories forward." She explains in a melancholy tone.
Her tone shifts, infusing intrigue with melancholy, as she helps me lean against a large rock and continues to explain, still expressing her concern, "Regardless, I'm sorry you had to see that. But afterwards, I don't know, It was all too blurry, too fast, and that energy that forced us out, it was almost like I had sprung a trap to keep me out. I've never had that happen, but more importantly, are you okay?"
I try to shake off the shock from the intense experience, but I'm still breathing erratically and my legs are wobbling, resulting in a shaky reply, "Y-yeah, I think so. I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have seen some of those memories. I felt all of it. You've had a rough go of it haven't you?"
She lets out a weak, but compassionate smile, "I appreciate the concern. Thank you. But don't worry about me, you seem far more worse for wear right now, you can hardly stand."
I force myself to stand up straight, hoping to appear put together, "Those first images were clear, this place is obviously yours, you've put the work in. I'll go, I'm sure I can find a place to stay."
As I turn to leave, my knees buckle, causing me to stumble and fall to the floor. I scan my body, noticing the weakness in my arms and legs, I curse loudly as my face makes contact with the grass and my vision blurs and slowly fades to black, hearing one last thing before losing consciousness: "Can't say I didn't see that coming. You've had a big day, I'm sure a bed's more comfortable than the ground."
Meanwhile, in the Shadow Isles, deep within the Vault of Vesani, a grotesque green skeletal creature donning a tattered cloak is holding a large glowing lantern up to his face, tapping against it with the blade of a scythe connected to a long chain. "You Vesani are so pathetic, using your powers to help people, what a waste. No matter how many of you I catch, I still find myself so disgusted by-"
The creature's monologue is cut short by a mechanical groaning sound. Turning his head he meets with an odd piece of machinery. The machinery has seen better days, It appears to be structured like a giant human, at least it was supposed to be. Currently, it's missing an arm and both of its legs as it struggles towards the ghastly creature.
"I told you I'd come back for you once I'm finished playing your masters… But why wait?" The creature cackles as he throws his scythe at the machine, piercing its head and causing it to go lifeless.
"These newer vaults don't seem to have the answers I need. But according to you disgusting animals, there are far more ancient vaults than this one, aren't there?" The creature monologues as he raises his lantern again, "Seems I'm heading to Ionia. How fun."