The dark blurry room gave way to a crowded town square filled with life, it was like something you would see in a medieval city. It was most likely to be a religion-dominant city with tall statues of gods on every corner however it wasn't something I was used to seeing.
-I can't believe all of this is going to disappear soon, how pitiful. I said as I looked around.
- Well we are here to prevent that from happening right? So there shouldn't be a problem. Erica's smile was strangely cold as she grabbed my arm, it felt indescribably unfamiliar…something is wrong.
Suddenly I felt a sharp pain over my head and felt like something had just fallen on me. When I came back to my senses there was a bag next to me it was just a small bag but felt like a dumbbell. The was a note sticking to it on it write —---- and I read that part out loud Everything around me stopped moving completely. That was only the first line of the note but I continued reading due to curiosity, it said.
- Only you can read the words in this note, read carefully no matter your suspicions you must follow Arianne, the is a temple on the east side of the town go there and find the room with an hourglass on the door when you find out enough information. If you get caught then use the knife in the bag and hide, you have to stay until you have all the info you need. Say —-- to make time move again you are right about Erica but you must do what she told you to do. Good luck.Your self from future.
- My self? I thought so My handwriting is horrible, and it is written in modern English so no-brainer. I thought signing. I wish I could be more clear on what I meant but clear enough I guess…
I picked myself up and looked in the bag there was a pocket knife and some time stones, so there must be something that needed this much preparation for. I see now Erica could be a foe after all. Suspicious yes but it seems like I can't do anything about it, I guess it's high time to make some use of those acting skills I used to fool my boss. To think I wouldn't notice, I did and won't let you get your way with me. You shouldn't have dropped your act so quickly thinking you'd trapped me. Erica, you are very arrogant.
- For once it seems that my trust issues have proven to be useful. I thought saying the time continuing word out loud.
After I said it the note turned into dust and people started moving again.
- Isabel you really need to be more careful. Erica's voice was a bit annoyed though she kept her smile.
- I'm sorry, I'll be more careful. I reply smiling back.
I kept my guard up as we walked along the roads to Arianne's house, It was a long walk and it seemed that Erica didn't notice my bag that was originally not there. Odd, Like she doesn't see it at all.
We finally reached Arianne's house. It was old but charming, with ivy climbing up the stone walls and flowers blooming in the garden, giving it an aura of timeless elegance. The front door was a deep mahogany, polished to a shine, and the windows were adorned with intricately patterned curtains.
As we knocked, I felt a surge of anticipation and anxiety. The door creaked open, and Arianne appeared. She had dark purple hair cascading down her shoulders and almost completely dark eyes, which made me feel a wave of suspicion. Her presence was both captivating and unsettling.
- Hello, she greeted us with a warm but curious smile. - How can I help you?
I glanced at Erica, who gave me a reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward.
- We need to talk to you about something very important. Can we come in?
Arianne's eyes narrowed slightly, but she stepped aside, allowing us entry. The inside of her house was just as enchanting as the outside, with antique furniture, shelves filled with old books, and a faint smell of lavender lingering in the air. We followed her to a cozy sitting room where a fire crackled in the hearth.
- Please, have a seat, Arianne offered, motioning to the plush armchairs.
As we sat down, I noticed Erica was unusually quiet, her eyes fixed on Arianne. I decided to take the lead.
- Arianne, we're from the future, I began, watching her reaction closely. Her eyes widened, but she didn't interrupt.
- We're here to warn you about something terrible that will happen. In the future, you die at the hands of a demon.
Arianne's face paled, but she remained composed.
- A demon? she echoed. - How can you be sure?
Erica finally spoke up, her voice steady and calm.
- We have seen it. We came back to prevent it from happening. You need to be extremely careful.
Arianne's dark eyes flickered with a mixture of fear and determination.
- What exactly do I need to do ?
Erica leaned forward, her eyes intense.
-It's not just about staying safe, Arianne. You need to find out why the demon is after you. There must be something important that you're involved with or possess.
Arianne nodded, her expression thoughtful.
- Good, Erica said, her voice firm. - But remember, trust no one. Demons have a way of manipulating people.
Arianne's eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of fear.
- And what about you two? Can I trust you?
- Yes, you can trust us. We're here to help you. I felt a pang of guilt but forced myself to smile.
After a moment of silence, Erica stood up.
- Isabel, wait for me at the town square. I need to discuss something privately with Arianne.
- But shouldn't I have A say in this?! I said I knew something wasn't right!
I hesitated, feeling a knot of unease in my stomach. But Erica's gaze was unwavering, so I nodded and stood up.
- Alright, I'll wait for you there.
As I left Arianne's house, I felt that something was off. The bustling streets of the town seemed almost surreal after the tense atmosphere in Arianne's house. I made my way back to the town square, trying to process everything that had happened.
Each step felt deliberate, my mind racing with questions. How could Erica be a foe? What did Arianne possess that made her a target? The trust I had placed in Erica now felt like a dangerous gamble, and it made my heart pound with anxiety.
I found a spot in the square and sat down, the busy market scene around me a stark contrast to the turmoil within. The faces of the townspeople, oblivious to the looming danger, only added to my sense of isolation. I was here to protect them, but I was filled with doubt and fear.
Sitting there, waiting, the minutes felt like hours. My thoughts kept circling back to Erica. Had she sensed my distrust? Would she confront me or continue to play her part? The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I couldn't help but glance nervously back towards Arianne's house, half-expecting something to go wrong.
I tried to steady my breathing, reminding myself that I had to stay focused. The bag at my side, with its knife and time stones, felt like both a lifeline and a burden. I'm not ready for anything and I Could trust no one...especially not Erica, despite the facade we both maintained.
As I waited, I resolved to keep my eyes open and my guard up. This mission was more perilous than I had imagined, and I had to rely on my instincts and the strange guidance from my future self. I just hoped it would be enough to see us through.
The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The square was still lively, with vendors calling out their wares and children playing games. Yet, I felt disconnected from it all, as if I were watching through a pane of glass. The tension within me was mounting, and every minute Erica was away heightened my sense of unease.
I thought back to the note again, trying to piece together what it meant. Why had my future self been so cryptic? What had happened to make me distrust Erica so deeply? And why was it so crucial for me to follow Arianne? The more I pondered, the more questions arose, each one adding to the gnawing sense of dread.
As the sky darkened, the square began to empty. People returned to their homes, and the vendors packed up their stalls. I felt increasingly isolated, the loneliness of the mission pressing down on me. The quiet made the town feel eerie as if the shadows held secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Finally, I saw Erica approaching. Her face was calm, betraying none of the tension I felt. She walked with purpose, her eyes scanning the square until they found me. I stood up, my heart pounding.
- Let's go, she said simply, and I followed her without a word.
We walked in silence, the streets now almost deserted. I tried to gauge Erica's mood, but her expression was unreadable. I can't stay with her.