My heart pounded relentlessly, each thud reverberating through my chest, echoing in mind. The rhythm was familiar yet foreign, a symphony that seemed to resonate with an aching clarity.
This ache was unlike anything I had endured before. This was not the kind of pain that came from shattered bones or the agonising pain of flesh being torn and burned. This one was like a distant melody, I can hear it yet I can't understand, it's within the reach my own hands.
For a moment, I toyed with the thought of ripping my heart out of my chest so may this pain end, yet I didn't. The pain seemed to fill something within my heart, a void I didn't know it even existed. I couldn't grasp it, how come this feeling was both unsettling and oddly comforting.
I wanted more, and more of it, I lingered between the urge to delve deeper into this emotion but this desire soon disappeared as I remembered her smile, someone, someone was waiting for me. Resolute, I transformed into a cloud of butterflies, their wings a shimmering with silver hue as I fluttered to the surface. But before going back, I needed an advice and I knew who to seek.....I hope.
I flew toward the camp where the inquisitors had set up their temporary headquarters, towards a specific tend as I could feel the presence of both a man and a woman within. Concealing my presence as I reached it's edge, I shifted into a swarm of spiders sneaking in.
With careful precision, I infiltrated the tent, moving across the fabric with barely a sound. Suddenly, two piercing screams shattered the silence —Sarah's voice was laced with terror, but Alex's reaction was even more extreme, his face contorted with a mixture of shock and something else, perhaps anger or disbelief. that I hadn't anticipated. [ he really afraid of spiders huh ]
Ignoring the chaos, I began to reassemble my human form, wearing my old attire back. As I emerged fully, both Alex and Sarah stood frozen, their eyes wide open one with suprise and the other with disbelief. Sarah's eyes sharpened as she summoned sword, her stance ready for combat. But Alex, with a calming yet firm gesture, raised his hand to stop her. She tried to protest but as Alex grinned widely to her "Trust me on this one," She hesitated, then reluctantly stepped back, but still not sheathing her sword
Alex turned to me, his demeanor shifting to a more serious tone. "Take off your mask," his acting not hiding hint of mischief
I removed the mask complying to his demand and the moment I did, a fist connected sharply with my face, and Alex's grin was unmistakable—a blend of relief and unspoken satisfaction. "Phew, I've been wanting to do that for a long time," he said, his tone playful yet serious.
"What the hell was that for?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm despite the frustration bubbling beneath.
"That's for vanishing for a whole week without a word," Alex shot back, his eyes flickering with a mix of irritation and concern.
"I was gone for just one night. The moment I woke up, I came straight here," I replied. Alex's face shifted through a series of emotions—frustration, contemplation, and finally, resignation. He extended a hand, As I grasped it and stood, he pulled me into a tight hug.
"I was worried sick, bro," he said, his voice muffled against my shoulder. I patted his back awkwardly, not sure how to respond. "I'm fine, Ale-bro, I'm fine, bro" I reassured him calmly
Sarah, raising her eyebrow, broke the silence. "Since when did you two get so close?"
Alex chuckled, his voice tinged with both humor and fear. "Since the moment we got our bones and flesh mangled by that monster, Mirai." His gaze shifted back to me, seriousness returning to his face. "Bro, you look like you're in a rush. We'll catch up later, but is there something you need right now?"
I didn't know how to respond, but the moment I felt that weird feeling once again I managed to put into words . "Actually, there's a girl I'm about to meet. What should I do?"
Sarah and Alex exchanged glances, their brows furrowing in contemplation. Sarah was the first to speak, her tone serious. "Well, it depends on how close you are to this girl."
Hearing her words, my hand instinctively rose to my heart, as if trying to steady the sudden, unsteadying rhythm within. "She's someone whom I can feel my heart just by being near her. I want to know her more I want be closer to her."
Alex's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Don't worry, bro. It's your time to shine. But first, you need to make a good impression. Those clothes look like you're headed to a funeral. You need something more... vibrant."
Sarah nodded with a knowing smile. "And don't forget a thoughtful gift. Something simple, like flowers, would be perfect."
Alex's eyes sparkled "Yeah, red roses are a classic , but not too much."
Sarah's smile grew playful. "And maybe a hike in the mountains could be a lovely idea."
Alex's grin widened, catching her playful tone. "Or perhaps a visit to a library to explore some history and magic books?"
The atmosphere between Sarah and Alex was so weird that I wasn't able to comprehend and I didn't have the time to figure it out, locking eyes that overflowed with fondness to each others, I was in hurry that I decided to break the moment.
"So, I should dress well and bring her some flowers?" I asked
Both Alex and Sarah seemed momentarily surprised, their faces flushing with a sweet, shared embarrassment. They coughed and averted their gaze, their smiles lingering. Seeing no reason to doubt their advice, I took one last look at them before transforming into a swarm of butterflies.
"I'm out," I said, my voice fading as I disappeared into the breeze.