Chapter 4: Episode 3 - The Truth
Summer break was approaching, everyone was feeling the heat. Luna awakened almost everyday sweating; the temperature went up more than normal this summer. It was quite the achievement to arrive at school without dropping a single sweat. But someone has actually achieved that.
– Good morning, Luna! How was your day yesterday?
– How come… —pant— that you're not sweating —pant— or tired?
– I'm someone who exercises a lot, y'know.
They went to their class. The day passed by slowly, it was so hot that time seemed to go slower. Luna just wanted a good ice cream in that moment. After hours that seemed like years, it was finally lunch break. Coincidentally that day the cafeteria had ice creams; Luna was really happy. They went to their favorite spot, the big tree in the backyard.
– Luna… I have to tell you something.
– What's wrong?
– This summer break… I'm moving out.
– Huh? —Luna almost chokes on her ice cream—
– Why?
– Because… of family reasons.
Luna didn't believe him. Something must have happened. She decided to leave the conversation at that and ask him later. After finishing everything, Luna got up first and cleaned her skirt, from her back she heard Zorn's voice.
– Not everything is what it seems, Luna.
Luna looked back but he'd already gotten up and was walking in front of her on his way back to class. She sighed. She was convinced Zorn was plotting something, everything was so suspicious, more so the out-of-nowhere questions, and then he acted as if nothing happened. Luna was tired, she was going to find out what was wrong with Zorn. She was scared. She didn't want to lose him. He was the only friend she's had in a long time. She was determined.
Days went by, Zorn talked to everyone like nothing was wrong, he didn't even mention that he was moving out. Luna didn't know when was the right moment to bring up the topic. She was nervous the whole day. Every time she was going to ask him something Zorn would change the topic, avoiding anything Luna had to say. Summer break was coming closer and Luna still didn't know anything.
– Aaaaaah! Today's the last day before summer break! Aren't you happy, Luna?
– Yes… Zorn…
– And those ice cream they brought these days' been delicious, don't you think, Luna?
– Yes… Listen, Zorn…
– Oh! And it's a good moment to go to the beach!
– Zorn! —He stayed quiet—. Zorn… What is going on? Why won't you tell me anything?
– Come to the fireflies' field tonight, I'll be waiting for you.
Before Luna could say anything else, Zorn left. Luna was again in the shadows, but at least she made it so they could get together and talk. She went home and laid on her bed, waiting for the time to come.
When it was time, she got up and went out. She didn't really know exactly were the fireflies' field was, but one way or another she'll make it there. After more than an hour searching, she arrived. Zorn was laying down, looking at the stars.
– I-I'm sorry… —pant— I got lost…
– Don't worry, I didn't even give you directions.
Zorn sat and patted the grass by his side for Luna to sit at his side. She did, breathing deeply; she was tired after walking so much. No one said anything for 10 minutes; they were just looking at the stars. Luna was nervous, she didn't know how to initiate the conversation. The tension went up with each passing second.
– Luna.
– E-eh? —she answered nervously—.
– What would you do if you had the power to change the world?
He started again with the weird questions. Before Zorn could change the topic, Luna decided to confront him.
– Zorn, why do you ask me all these questions? —Luna looked at him, but he kept looking ahead—.
Zorn stayed silent.
– Zorn! Answer me!
– By any chance do you remember anything from your childhood, Luna?
For that question Zorn looked directly at Luna. Luna couldn't answer. She stuttered trying to say something, but no words came out. It's true that Luna didn't remember anything from her childhood. Her earliest memories are from a little before entering elementary school. Everything before that is blurry in her head. Her eyes were blank, she was petrified. She's never thought deeply about her missing memory. She couldn't move, felt goosebumps cursing through her back. She was terrified. "Who's this man in front of me?", she asked herself repeatedly, who was Zorn in reality?
– Luna. That book you have, Sector 4… is real.
– What are you saying?
– Is not fiction. That book describes perfectly what's happening in my universe. In Alvea.
– In your universe? Zorn, I don't get it…
– Luna, you're from that universe. That book was gifted by your real parents, to remember where you came from, who you are.
Luna couldn't say anything. She was in shock. Couldn't believe what she was hearing. But listening to what Zorn was saying, she felt as if the memories were coming back to her. Her head started to hurt, she squeezed it between her hands trying to relieve the pain but it only incremented.
– You need to come with me. Come with me to save Sector 4.
– Sector 4…?
– Yes. You need to come to fight in the tournament the book mentions, only then we can stop the war that's consuming Alvea. Your parents need you. Your region needs you. I need you.
– But why me…?
– Because you're the only one that can do it.
– I-I can't… I don't even know if what you're saying is real.
– You need to believe me, Luna. Right at this moment they should be getting ready for the great war in Sector 4.
Luna looked directly at Zorn's eyes, looking for the truth in them. By his expression, Zorn didn't seem to lie. But everything seemed so surreal. Suddenly someone from another universe came to take her to a war. And apparently, the book she so dearly liked, was real. Everything was real in another place. Luna felt like she has been living in a lie, she wasn't emotionally ready for such a truth bomb. Her parents were fake? Her sister was never her sister?
No. Even if they weren't her blood related family, she grew up with them. They were the ones Luna considered her family.
Zorn didn't force anything. He quietly waited for Luna to answer, without any pressure, knowing that all the information he said wasn't easy to process. She needed time to think and analyze it.
After 30 minutes of total silence, Luna could finally mutter a few words.
– So… you're telling me that I was born in this other universe and, they brought me here to protect me from the war?
– That's right.
– Then why should I go back? I'm safe here.
– Luna… I understand that you have no empathy for "Alvea" since you didn't grow up there. But I did. And even though you didn't grow up there, your blood belongs to "Alvea". You HAVE to protect them.
– But Zorn… I don't have anything special. I don't have any talent; I don't even know how to fight.
– Don't worry about that, there'd be lots of opportunities for us to train together, I'll help you.I don't know…You don't have to decide right now. Take your time. I'll wait.
With that, Zorn got up. Luna tried to say something, but didn't have anything else to say. She was in blank. She accepted the story completely, but didn't feel sure about going. Zorn was right. She didn't grow up there and so didn't feel the necessity to help them; besides, she was very happy where she was. Even though she spent the majority of the time alone, she still enjoyed having a quiet and simple life. Her only responsibilities were going to school and do her homework. Everything else was whatever she wanted.
She saw as Zorn walked away from her. She could notice how his silhouette was disappearing in what looked like fog. Luna got up, cleaned up her pants, and made her way home. Now she had quite the dilemma on her shoulders.
TO BE CONTINUED.
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