I approached a bright light, I closed my eyes and went forward to the bright portal that will lead me to my future.
I felt a cool breeze across my body, yet moments later a warmth hit my pale skin. A few moments later I opened my eyes, revealing a sky filled with light fluffy clouds and a big bright orange sun that was about to set. As my fingertips felt the wind and the damp green grass that moved along with the wind, I stood there stunned at my surroundings. As I heard the birds chirping and rivers flowing, I stood there, silently. Cherishing every sound, blade of grass, and breeze that I felt. I was overwhelmed, but in a good way. It was like I was surrounded by sensations that each one of my senses felt.
Then a deep voice called out my name, from a distance not too far from me. They called my name looking for me and I went to go see him. And we continued on the road to the place I was going to stay.
We made little to no conversation, he was focused on guiding me, and I was fascinated by every little sight I could see. From the freshly bloomed flowers, to frogs hopping on lily pads, the leaves of tall pine trees falling and going with the wind, to the songs of happy birds going home to rest, every single thing that exists just lived together in harmony. Every step I took, it felt like I was on a journey.
The man then guided me to the place that I was staying at. It was a small cottage overgrown with vines and flowers, with a forest of trees surrounding it. He guided me to my quarters and bid me goodnight and I was left alone in my room, with the bright orange sunlight coming from the windows hitting the floor.
I just laid in my bed, filled with thoughts and daydreams, remembering all of the little things that I came across when I arrived. And soon enough, darkness came, yet I wasn't scared of it, at least not anymore. It reminded me of home, of them, my family.
Which leads me to look back to how this all happened and the moments before my departure as this familiar yet different darkness covered my room…
I look back on the two of us, me and Noux, in front of the hearth. Engaged in a long conversation.
"I'm giving you this experience because I think it is what you need the most right now." They looked at me as they explained.
"Life is filled with so many wonders and experiences. If I keep you here, you wouldn't be able to grow and learn more about yourself, you wouldn't be able to find your desired path and purpose in life. So I want you to experience the beauty of the world." They said with tones of longing, perhaps looking back on their past. When they lived in the world before.
"But I follow your requests and things you ask me to do and help around the house. Isn't that already my purpose?" I ask
"Thane my child, that isn't what I meant. Your purpose is something you do because you want to do it for as long as you live, no matter how large or small it is, something that makes you feel alive every time you do it. Not because you were asked or assigned to do it."
"I want you to explore and find what you truly want, to experience what it is to truly live. Like how the sun and moon keep dancing in the sky, never to meet each other again. For it is their life's meaning to do so, yet nevertheless they are happy since it was their desire. "
"My purpose is to guard the remnants of what used to be my homeword and is now my home, and protect those dear to me, including you. And I would have it no other way."
"Everyone including you has a chance to be the best version of themselves for fate will be your guide and so will I." They said, with a look of fondness.
"But what if my fate leads me to a place I don't want?" I asked
"Thane, you misunderstand something about fate. Fate is not just one path that leads to the future of your life. It is a guide, a series of multiple roads that lead to different outcomes. Though some choices are set in stone, you will always get to go to the path you want to."
"Though some roads are misleading, some may look like they lead to happiness but instead lead to despair. And some look like they lead to sorrow, yet when you think of it, it leads to your paradise. And that is for you to discover and your choice to make." They said.
"Ok.. I think I understand." I said half understanding, yet still somewhat confused.
"Now, now, we shall make haste to start preparations for your journey." They chuckled, as they stood from their chair and started heading to another room with me.
As we made our way to the other room, in the middle of preparations I had a sudden realisation.
"Wait, you said 'my journey', you're not going with me." I said, holding up neatly folded clothes.
"I unfortunately cannot, my child. My mere presence can send thousands of humans into unimaginable fear." They said, a bit reluctant.
"But you're so nice, I can't imagine a reason they would be so scared of you." I said sadly, looking like a child pouting.
"Don't worry Thane, It's not because of my behaviour and personality. It's because of my existence itself." They said assuringly.
"I am the being of nothingness, and humans, they see nothingness as death. Many fear it even when it is inevitable. Yet death is the only thing that can keep this world balanced. But even so, I don't want them to approach death when it isn't their time. And when it is, I can only hope that they accept the nothingness until they return back to the world to live another life." They said calmly.
"O-oh… I see…" I replied. Forcing a little smile to show that I understood.
I understood everything they said, and wanted to respect their wishes, but is it too selfish of me to not go on this trip.. alone..
They looked at me for a few moments and said "Fear not my Thane, for you won't be alone in this journey."
"While thinking about whether you would come on this journey. I asked for some assistance from my friends from the other realms. And I have already found some that would be willing to help guide you. All I need to do is inform them of your decision." They said.
It was as if they read my mind. Or maybe my thoughts were painted onto my face. But nonetheless, they knew exactly how to comfort me.
"If I call them now, they will arrive in a few days so you have time to prepare what you desire to bring." They said as they continued packing my belongings.
I was happy that at least I won't be alone on my journey. But what about Noux…
"But what about you Noux? Won't you be lonely?" I asked.
They looked at me, surprised at first, but that surprise quickly turned into fondness.
"Worry not my child, for I have the souls of my family and friends inside of me. When I ever feel lonely, I always remember that they will always be by my side both literally and metaphorically."
"The same goes for you Thane. Even though I may not be with you physically, I will always watch over you and be by your side." They said.
"I know that.. you're my father, I always know you will." I replied.
They just looked at me proudly with a smile, as I said those words, understanding the trust I put in them.
"Thank you for understanding my situation Thane. Besides, it seems I have some work I have to do during your time away, so don't worry about me. I'll keep myself busy while you are away." They said, with a bittersweet smile.
We continued packing my belongings, and put them into a tiny bag that I could easily carry. Turns out magic can create a bag with almost unlimited storage, talk about practicality.
Those moments were filled with small talks, goofing around, and overall just a warm and fuzzy atmosphere. We played with the toys I had, and played dress up with the dozens of clothes I had. I was a dragon, and Noux was the princess and we played make believe. We danced along with the music that was playing from the gramophone. And just had fun, making memories before I leave.
Then the day came. The day I was about to leave. We were having guests over who were going to be my guides on my journey. It was an understatement to say I was nervous. But Noux was there with me at every moment to help me calm down.
We had prepared a small party to welcome them and to bid me farewell and luck in my journey. It wasn't grand, but I think it's perfect.
A bright light flashed from afar, like when I first saw Noux. We knew that they had arrived.
My heartbeat began to quicken and my hands began to shake. I was about to meet new people. Do I look ok? Are my clothes nice enough? Is the food ok? Will they like the things we prepared for them? Will they like me? Thoughts like those quickly came into my mind, my breathing began to shake and my eyes began to dim. Then I felt a hand patting my back. It was Noux.
"Are you ok? Do you want to hold my hand?" They asked.
I nodded
"You know, I've already told stories about you to one of the people that's gonna come. He's really excited to meet you, you know." They said with a tone of fondness in their voice.
I just stood there anxious, but more calm than before thanks to Noux. Holding their hand, patiently waiting for those doors to open and for them to arrive.
And at last. The doors opened, my heart beating louder and faster with each passing second. A white light began to enter from the holes from the door, slowly outshining the darkness as the door opened.
There I saw two people. One looked just like Noux, but instead of darkness, he was covered in light, he had barely distinguishable facial features like Noux, and wore clothes that looked proper yet fun.
And the other person. The first thing I noticed was their eyes, their striking golden yellow eyes, like that of a tiger. He looked human, or at least semi human, he looked ethereal. Wearing light coloured androgynous clothes filled with lace and golden accents covering his milky white skin, smooth without a single blemish or sign of working. And his long platinum silk-like hair tied up in a ponytail, but still reached his ankles made him look like an archer back from hunting. As I watched them, with me covered by Noux's back, as they entered our home. It was like I was looking at a painting that came to life. My anxiety began to go away, and was slowly replaced by awe of their beauty.
They stopped right in front of both of us and began to introduce themselves.
"Hello dear friend. It's nice to see you finally have a home to stay in. Guess you're not houseless anymore" the one who looked like Noux said teasingly, his voice like a chorus of song birds chirping in the sky. Light and airy.
"Well I wouldn't have made this place if it wasn't for my daughter." Noux replied rolling their eyes a bit
"Speaking of which, where's your little ball of darkness hm?" He said as he looked around the room
"Oh she's here." They said as I slowly showed myself from Noux's back, preparing myself for an introduction.
"H-hi, I am T-thane. N-nice to meet you." I said, with my face all red from embarrassment from stuttering.
He giggled a bit, but I didn't feel any ill intent from his little laughs, if anything it was if they were watching a small pet doing something adorable.
"Nice to meet you little shadow, I'm Heme, your father's friend." He said with a soft look in his face.
"I hope they already told you about me, because I am going to tell you all about them." He said with a playful tone, clearly with the intent to annoy someone
"Hey! Don't tell her about those times!" Noux replied with a flustered face.
"Doesn't your daughter deserve to know all about the times you were so 'Dramatique' in your childhood" he said playfully with a bit of laughter
That was the first time I ever saw that side of Noux. I was clearly looking at two people who care for eachother. I just watched in awe as they joked around and made friendly banter with each other with Noux becoming more and more flustered.
"Ahem, before your father becomes redder than a tomato. I would like to introduce you to your guide." He said as the other man began to walk towards me.
"Greetings daughter of darkness, Kinsley. Kinsley Adila, I will be your guide. Pleasure to meet you."
He said with a deep voice, keeping that fierce look in his eyes. That tiger-like man will be my guide. Which only made me wonder, how will this journey go…