Throughout history, humanity has discovered things that are beyond their comprehension. They have encountered countless phenomena that couldn't be explained by any available means. They called these things 'supernatural'. But just what are they?
They once used to call the moon a 'ghost'. That was until they found out that it's just a satellite. They once used to call the sun a 'god'. That was until they found out that it's just a star. And they once used to call each other 'brothers'. That was until they found out that there is no love between them.
In this world, there are people who can do things that seem impossible, things that are labeled 'supernatural'. They are called 'supernaturals'. Among those supernaturals are the people, who can use psychic abilities, known as 'psychics'.
I wonder if people like that will ever be understood in the coming future too. They probably will – just like the moon and the sun, they will be understood by others and will no longer be considered incomprehensible. Surely, they'll be understood.
And … and when that day comes, surely people will stop being terrified of me for being one of them. And when that happens, I would probably be able to finally live freely without needing to hide myself. That day – will surely come – I know that much. But, will I be alive to see it?
*******************************
"This is unusual."
As I search through my wallet, I found something that I don't recognize. It's a small, round object that looks to be reflecting light. I try to pull it out to see what it is, but it won't come out.
Shopkeeper: "Is there something wrong, Kais?"
Kais: "Huh … uh, no."
I had originally been checking my wallet to pay for the things I bought. I should check it to see what the thing is after I'm done paying up.
Thinking that, I pull out the money needed to pay the bill. Suddenly, something shiny fell off my wallet. A ringing sound echoes as it races through the ground. I hand out the money to the shopkeeper and started hurrying after it.
Shopkeeper: "Hey, be careful. The floor might be slippery."
"Oh, don't worry." I murmur as I chase after the object that had raced through to the other corner of the grocery store. It's really small. If I had not been paying attention to it, I might not have been able to find it.
???: "What's this?"
But as I chase after it, suddenly someone else picks it up. That someone's a man who looks to be my age. He has brown hair and an average built.
Kais: "Excuse me, that object …"
Man: "Oh, is this yours?"
Kais: "Uh … yeah, kinda."
I don't know if it's mine or not, but it did drop out of my wallet, and I am curious as to why it was there. I don't think I need to tell him all that much though.
Man: "I see."
He looks like he'll hand it over, but then a smile creeps up on his face. For some reason, that smile irritated me.
Kais: "Uh, you okay?"
Man: "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry about that. It's just that this object reminded me of something."
He tosses the object to me as he says 'Here' and turns to leave when,
???: "Are you done yet?"
A female voice comes from behind. As I turn around, I see a woman with a bag in her hand. She has a slightly tall, pale-skinned, slim figure with black hair that will attract much attention because of her beauty. It seems like she was calling for this man.
Man: "Yeah, I have got everything I came here for."
Even though it seems like he isn't carrying anything that he may have bought from this store, he still acts like he has done a lot of shopping. What's up with this guy?
Woman: "Well, is this a friend of yours?"
The woman asks him as she notices me. He looks at me after hearing that question and has a smile on his face, but unlike before, it's not irritating me.
Man: "Well, I just met him, so I can't say that. But that reminds me; I never got your name."
Kais: "My name's Kais."
Man: "Just Kais?"
I expected that question. It's something people always ask when I introduce myself. So I was ready for it. If I haven't been, I'm sure I would have made a face I never want to show anyone.
Kais: "Yeah, just Kais."
Man: "I see. I'm Ethan Kales; nice to meet you, Mr. Kais."
Ethan extends a hand as he says so, but just as I start shaking his hand, I feel a chill run down my spine. I decide to ignore it for now.
Kais: "Yeah, likewise."
Woman: "Well, my name's Sneha Stone."
After Ethan, the woman introduces herself and extends a hand. I shook her hand as well but this time, nothing happened.
After that, the two leave the store. Was that chill just a coincidence? I get the feeling there's something more to this Ethan Kales than meets the eye. But, oh well, it's none of my business.
I shift my gaze towards the object in my hand. It looks like a shiny crystal ball. It's really small but could probably sell for a lot if I try to sell it. But how did it get in my wallet? I don't remember seeing it anywhere before.
Well, I will hold on to it for a while. Since it looks really precious, I should probably turn this to police, but I have an instinctive feeling that I should keep it. And I tend to value my instinct quite a bit.
So with that decided, I walk out of the store. Well, I guess it's another normal day for me. Not that I am complaining. After all, living a normal life is what I chose.
I'm a 20-year old with completely normal black hair, brown eyes, pale-skin and slim build, who lives by himself in an apartment complex. I had good grades in high school, but I decided not to go to university. I took a job in a café near to my apartment. On rare holidays like today, I just take care of groceries and stroll around town. That's right; this is what I chose – a completely normal life.
This is how things should be. No one needs to know about me … about the fact that I am a psychic.
*******************************
Having left Kais, Ethan and Sneha keep walking along the sidewalk. They would give the impression of being a couple if they talk to each other. But the whole time, both of them have been silent.
The silence continues for a long time. Neither of them looks discomforted by it. It's natural for the two of them. But because of curiosity, Sneha turns to look at Ethan.
Sneha: "Tell me something. That man we met earlier, is he …?"
Sneha's expression stiffens and she looks hesitant to finish her question while Ethan stays silent. The same silence that had been present for so long without either of them caring, now starts to make her anxious. Ethan sees this and sighs … and smiles.
Ethan: "Yeah, he is."
The smile on his face at that moment is the one that irritated Kais. This smile is the mischievous smile of a hunter who had found a prey he had been searching for years.
Ethan: "If I'm right, then his life of peace ends today."
Seeing Ethan's expression and hearing his answer, Sneha turns to look back. She was looking in the direction that man, Kais, was; even if she couldn't see him. She thought, "I feel sorry for you, Kais. I really do. But this is the only way," as she continued to walk further away.
*******************************
The lift arrives at the 4th floor where my apartment is. But as soon as I step out of the lift, I see the door to my flat wide-open.
What!!! I'm sure I locked it when I left, so why is it open like that. I decide to slowly walk towards it but I feel something ominous when I close in some gap. The feeling only multiplies. Damn, what's going on?
I keep slowly walking towards my flat but suddenly I see a liquid flowing out of the flat. It's transparent and is flowing really fast. It looks like water. Is there a leakage somewhere? But, I checked it just this morning. There wasn't even any sign of a potential leakage happening.
As my steps come closer and closer to the flat, I get a slight view of the inside. It looks like things are just like they were when I left. Then what exactly is going on?
As soon as I reach near the entrance, I stick myself to a wall and try to take a peek inside when,
"There's nothing to be so on-guard about."
I hear a voice I have never heard before. This surely means someone I don't know is inside there. From the voice, it should be a man.
"Yeah, come right in. It's your home after all."
Another voice comes. That means there are at least two people inside. And it looks like they know I'm here. Trying to sneak in is pointless now.
I decide to straighten myself and walk in. As I enter, I see that everything is undisturbed, everything except water that's leaking from somewhere. My flat has a slightly narrow lobby at its entrance surrounded by a room on both sides. As I walk in the lobby to get to the living room at the end of the lobby where the two men seem to be, I spot the trail of water getting thicker. Just what's going on? If these two are thieves, I am confident enough in myself that I can take care of them. But it doesn't look like they are trying to steal anything. Then what's …
Just when I was about to form the question in my mind, I got the answer.
Kais: "I see. So that's what is going on here?"
I see the two men sitting idly on the sofa. They are both wearing lab coats. But I know for a fact that they aren't scientists. Their coats have a particular symbol on it, a symbol that I know all too well.
Ro: "Well, it makes things easy if you understand already, but I should introduce myself. My name's Ro Garland. And this here is Mohammed Unman."
Mohammed: "Well, it sure is a pleasure to meet you, Kais. And sorry about that water flowing out. I accidently spilled all of it."
Kais: "Tch!"
I clicked my tongue before even realizing it. But of course I would. Who do these two think they are talking so casually like this?
Ro: "No need to look so angry, Kais. We are just here to offer you a deal."
Kais: "Then why did you break into my flat?"
Ro: "Come on, you make us sound like some thieves."
Kais: "That's what you are acting like."
Ro sighs. His expression is only irritating me further. I know what 'deal' they are taking about and it's frustrating that they still think I'll accept it.
Kais: "I have already turned down this useless deal I don't know how many times by now. When will you people give up?"
Mohammed: "Don't take it out on us. We are only doing what we were ordered to."
That is why I am controlling myself from kicking your faces.
Ro: "Okay then, how about it, Kais? As a representative of Vermillion, I invite you to join us."
Vermillion – an organized group of psychics who have members throughout the world. Their very name makes my blood boil. I close my eyes to try to calm myself. I have already decided on my answer, but I'll let him at least say the full thing.
Ro: "With your prowess as a psychic, we can benefit in many upcoming endeavors. And in exchange, we will give you the right to be in the supreme council."
The supreme council is the political body that makes all the decisions in Vermillion. It's made of 10 really powerful psychics, often referred to as the 10 Hellfires.
Kais: "Upcoming endeavors, you say? All you people are gonna do is try to take advantage of my power to win the war you are waging."
Mohammed: "And is there anything wrong with that?"
The fact that these guys don't even understand something as simple as that is surprising and infuriating at the same time.
Kais: "Something wrong with that, huh. Yeah, there's something wrong with that. Everything's wrong with that."
Ro and Mohammed look at each other. They look surprised by my reaction. I do think I am getting a little too angry, but it can't be helped.
Ro: "I suppose your answer is no then."
Kais: "Exactly."
Ro: "That's too bad, really too bad."
Kais: "Right, now get out of here."
Mohammed: "I'm afraid we cannot do that."
Kais: "What?"
Now what's that about? Are they gonna keep insisting me to join until I throw them out or something?
Mohammed: "You see – this was the final time we would give you a deal. We were told if you refuse, we were to USE FORCE."
His last words pitch high as he waves his hands like he was pushing something. Suddenly, a huge wave hit me. It looks like something splashed across my chest. But I couldn't see anything.
Kais: "What … was that?"
Mohammed: "It's 'Invisible Water'. I can control and attack with it however much I want. Since you can neither see, nor hear it, there's no chance for you to dodge. It's a liquid so trying to block it will be useless too."
Ro: "In other words, don't even try to fight back."
What the hell? Do they really think I'm that weak?
Kais: "Do you actually think a half-psychic like you can defeat me?"
Ro: "Don't misunderstand, Kais. We are not underestimating your psychic abilities or anything. We just won't give you any chance to fight back or run."
Kais: "Run? Why would I wanna do that?"
I am an actual PSYCHIC, you idiots. I may not care much about honor but I'll be damned if I let half-asses like you defeat me.
As I think that, my body completely fades away in the air within a second. I see that the two of them are stunned to see it happen, especially as it happened out of nowhere.
Mohammed: "Is that … the teleportation ability?"
Ro: "Well, looks like it. But where would he have teleported?"
Mohammed: "He can't just leave his house and run away, he knows that won't do him any good. So he should be somewhere nearby, right?"
Ro nodded to Mohammed's logic. But just as they were about to head to search for me, Mohammed got hit by a hard object. That hard object was a punch in his gut.
Mohammed: "GHHH!!!"
The power exerted in the punch was not what humans normally would exert and not what one would expect from a slim figure like mine. But regardless, it was me who punched him. It's simple actually. I can manipulate light – ability called photokinesis – and make myself invisible through that. After that, I simply collected energy into my fist and punched him.
Ro: "Wait, does that mean … he's still here?"
Kais: "Damn right I am."
I focused energy on my leg and kicked Ro. A cracking sound came from his leg as he fell down on the ground.
Ro: "… Damn!"
Both of the times, I put just enough force in my attacks to shatter a few bones. I hope this is enough to wave them off.
Mohammed: "So you are invisible, huh. Don't think that means you have won."
Kais: "If you think you can win, you are a hopeless idiot. Just give up."
Mohammed repeats his earlier action and a wave of some liquid rushes past me as I jump out of its course. It seems he was trying to attack in the direction my voice was coming from. But that shot didn't seem to cover enough area. When he can't see me, he will have to try to cover a large distance to make sure he doesn't miss. And even after that, I can just teleport to a different spot far from my previous one. These three abilities – teleportation, the ability to transverse through space within short time-frames; photokinesis, the ability to manipulate light; and Aura Manipulation, the self-explanatory ability that can be used to concentrate aura and releasing it that can pack as much power as one tries to give it. That's all it would take to completely overpower these two.
But, there's no way for either of them to overpower me. As I was pondering about that, I see the both of them get up simultaneously. Seriously, are these two idiots really going through with this?
Kais: "Have I not displayed how outmatched you two are already?"
Ro: "You have, but that doesn't matter. We came here knowing we'd lose if we need to fight. But that doesn't mean we'll let you win."
Kais: "Stop rambling like a cliché side character. It doesn't even sound cool."
Mohammed attacks again with his Invisible Water. I follow up with the teleportation plan and get out of the way. It is kinda troublesome that I can't see his attacks and so I have to teleport as soon as he attacks. But if the end result is the same, it doesn't really matter.
Ro: "Did it hit him?"
Mohammed: "How am I supposed to know?"
I have to give them some credit though. Mohammed's 'Invisible Water' is actually pretty formidable against someone who isn't a psychic. But this fight's over.
I focus energy into both my fists and teleport behind them. From there, I punch right at their femur. Blood comes from both their mouths and they fall to the ground. That one should have paralyzed them for a short while, unless they have something that can instantly heal them.
I remain standing there for a while to see if they try any other tricks, but they aren't moving. They seem to be unable to say anything either. Their fingers are shaking and their legs are moving from them writhing in pain. So it's probably just as I wanted, damage was focused on their femurs. Well, that should do for now.
Kais: "But I'll need to call an ambulance and try to disguise it so no one can tell I did this. What a hassle!"
I turn around to see them again as I suddenly felt a pain in my stomach.
Kais: "W … What!"
The pain's growing. What's going on here? It looks like the spot that got hit by Invisible Water is burning or something.
Mohammed: "T … that's … the aftereffect of … Invisible Water. It … takes some time to … kick in."
Kais: "Damn! You have quite the ability, don't you?"
But if it's the aftereffect of being hit by that ability, then it would dissipate over time. After all, these abilities just use the conversion of kinetic energy to form different things. Yeah, it'll go away in a while.
But something about this is a bit bothering to me. Mohammed looked surprised for some reason as he mentioned his ability's aftereffect, as if he doesn't really know why I am feeling pain but is trying to bluff me out.
I slowly walk away from the two keeping my hands on my stomach. I hear my shoes making a splash sound when they hit the ground. Wait! There's water all over the place. Ah, I see. It looks like Invisible Water becomes visible after a while. Well, that kind of explains why water was flowing out from the apartment.
I sit on a chair as I keep thinking to keep myself distracted from the pain. But wait, something's not right here. If that water came from him using Invisible Water, then why did he use it? Was he fighting someone before too? If so, it can't be Ro; he was perfectly fine when I came in. Then, that means … no, I'm over-thinking this. He could have used that ability for something other than fighting.
I look around to see what he may have used it for. But I can't figure out a single thing. Of course, there are things he could have used it on, but the traces of water are only present on the floors. Every other place the water's present has gotten wet during our fight. If that's –
???: "You sure like to keep your mind occupied."
A voice interrupts my thoughts. It's a female voice. It sounds bored. But who is the owner of that voice? I turn my head to look in the direction from where the voice came from. If I ended up fighting another person, it might not end very well.
???: "Right, it will be really bad for you."
Kais: "Uh … wait …"
It's like she can read my mind or something. Or am I saying my thoughts out loud without even realizing it. No, I don't think the latter's correct. But then,
???: "Why? Is it really that hard to believe someone can read your thoughts?"
Kais: "So, I was right. You are a telepath."
???: "Oh, believe me, I'm not a telepath. People are just easy to read when they are in pain."
I keep trying to find her with my eyes as I try to hold this conversation. Man, if she's a psychic, I'll have no choice but to teleport out of here. But if what she says is true and my thoughts are easy to get from my face then,
???: "No way am I letting you do that."
She would know that's what I am thinking right now.
Kais: "Oh yeah? Then why don't you show yourself to try to stop me."
The voice grows silent. This is eerie. I can't sense or see her, but I get the feeling I'm in danger right now. I try to step back and then,
???: "As you wish then."
Within a split second, there seems to be someone behind me. I try to turn but I feel a heavy pain at my neck. It's like she chopped on my neck. No way. Is this … is this supposed to be some kind of joke? When the hell did she do that?
I feel hard ground hitting my mouth, or was it my mouth that hit the ground. Either way, I am losing my consciousness. My ability to think is diminishing. Is there anything I can do before falling unconscious? Come on, think. There should … be something. I … no … this …
Everything became a blank.
*******************************
The town Kais lives in is somewhat in the middle of its transition from rural to urban area. The people here are mostly those with rural mindsets. During late night hours, very few can be found on streets that don't have any shops alongside them. In other words, if a person wants to remain in a quiet place while also not feeling isolated or alone, streets at night are a great place to be.
And so, a man with this goal, Ethan Kales, walks the sidewalks. As he does so, he keeps thinking about a particular incident that happened 12 years ago – an incident that left humanity with a big scar and many unsolved mysteries. It happened in an instant. Nobody knew what exactly took place back then. At least, that's what people believe. But there was one witness – someone who saw everything happen right before his eyes as he stood there unable to move. He wasn't actually petrified, but terror had sapped away his ability to think or move. That boy was the 8 year old Ethan. Now that he has grown into a 20-year-old man, of the same age as the man responsible for the incident was back then, and has become someone who doesn't have any restrictions that a child would, he has vowed to get to truth of that incident. But, he realizes.
Ethan: "But still, I never expected things would go so smoothly."
Ethan Kales is no one special, just an ordinary human being. He himself realizes this more than anyone else.
Ethan: "That's right. I'm just a human."
This was a phrase he had ingrained into his mind. It's to remind him that he was powerless, to make sure he understood he has no chance of rivaling those called supernatural.
He is not someone who could use psychic abilities like Kais, a psychic, can. He is not someone who can control auras like his comrade Sneha, an Aural, can. He can't form contracts with spirits and make them do his bidding like a Spirit-User. There are rumors of there being blood-sucking creatures of night as well as ghosts, but whether the rumors are true or not, he is not one of them either. He is just a human.
Therefore, he could never afford miscalculations. He could never afford to become lenient with his plans. If he were to truly get to the bottom of a mystery surrounded by supernatural forces, he would have to be smarter than everyone else. That was the only thing he could do.
Ethan: "Ha!"
A laugh escapes his lips, the reason for which is to relax his tense shoulders.
Ethan: "Well, I wonder if Kais would have accepted the deal or not, probably not. Either way, Barry will make his move today."
He looks up as he wonders about the person he was thinking of. A smile comes on his lips.
Ethan: "It's time for you to face the truth, Kais. It's time for you to understand your fate, understand how cruel this world can truly be."
As he stands there watching the sky, Ethan mutters those words that wouldn't reach the person they are meant for, but will still hold meaning nonetheless.
*******************************
I don't remember how my parents looked like. Back when I was a 5-year old, they left me in my brother's care and left. After which, they never came back. There was not a picture of them in the house; neither did my brother ever talk about them. They left us because they were terrified of me and my brother – Barry. The only family I had in the whole world was my brother. He was the only one who could understand me, because just like me, he was a psychic.
He was the one who told me how to control this power. He was the one who told me how I could use different psychic abilities. He told me about the dark yet calming abyss psychics experience during their sleep – the place I am at right now.
It is a cold place devoid of any pain and suffering. A person can be happy just by being here. As I float in this never-ending abyss, memories I had buried within me keep flowing into my conscious. All of those are memories of Barry. I remember how much I used to admire him. I wanted to be like him, but I wasn't even close. He was just so much better at everything.
You'll surpass me in a few years.
These words ring out in my ear. I remember these words. Barry used to say these words like it was nothing. And I … used to believe him. Who knows, maybe I would have surpassed him. But I would never know; no one will; because on that one day 12 years ago, everything changed. He understood me better than anyone. And I was foolish enough to think I could return the favor. I was an idiot.
The kind yet strong brother I had known till that day destroyed the lives of thousands of people. It was a massacre – the culprit of whom was Barry.
I don't know. I still don't know. Was the Barry I had seen for the 8 years of my life the real one? Or was it the one I saw on that day? No matter how much I want to deny it, something keeps telling me it was the later.
Sometimes, I remember that Barry used to tell me stories. They were stories related to psychics and other such supernatural forces. I loved those stories. I loved them so much I had memorized all of them. But everything changed on that day. I forgot about them. I forced myself to forget about them. But now, those stories are coming back to me. Of course, they were always there somewhere in my memories. It's just that now they are coming back to the surface.
I remember. Yes, I remember them now. I remember all of them now.
I remember the story of an island where only psychics lived.
I remember the story of a man who had eyes that could not be deceived.
I remember the story of a dragon who befriended a god.
And … and I remember the story of a man who massacred thousands.
That last story. It came true that day 12 years ago. That day, Barry became the protagonist of that story. Was he trying to tell me he would do something like that? Was that a made-up story … to give me some kind of clue to something? I forced myself to forget about Barry. And so I forced myself to not think about these questions. But in the deepest recesses of my mind, these questions surely had taken place. And now, now that they have all come back, ignoring them is no longer possible.
Ignoring them, huh? Yeah, I guess that's what I was doing. To be blunt, I was trying to run away from reality. I tried to run away from it, from all of it. When people who knew about my psychic abilities came to me asking for help, I refused them. When people came to me offering me help, I refused them. Whenever anyone who knew about my psychic abilities offered or asked for anything, I refused them.
I thought keeping away from supernaturals will change things. I thought if I acted like a normal person, I could get away from it all. But deep down, I knew that would never happen. Because … well, because I had seen a monster even more terrifying than all the psychics in the world. I had seen a demon that could tear the very fabric of time and space apart.
That day I stood there watching my brother as he laughed like a madman, I saw a demon. I saw a demon take form right in front of my eyes and kill Barry. That was it. A split second was all it took to kill the brother I had adored for so long. It was an anomaly far beyond my imagination. For a moment, that demon stood there looking down on me with smile on its face – a smile like a grin of a sadist after having fulfilled his fantasies. As I saw the hands that took Barry's life, my face twisted in terror, in agony, in grief, and … and then in pleasure.
That was the thing I wanted to forget the most. I wanted to forget the sickening happiness I felt at that moment. I think I now understand what that demon was. I understand who it was. It was me, wasn't it?
At the moment I realized that, I knew the world would end soon. Without any exaggeration, it would literally be the end. And I also knew the moment I try to do anything to deny the existence of that demon, to deny myself, it will be the beginning of the end.
And yet … and yet, I desired more than anyone to deny him. And I did. I denied my own corrupted soul and set the world on the path of certain doom.
I can't feel it but it looks like I'm laughing right now. I can't hear it. I can't hear or see anything in this place. But I can feel it; I can feel all of it.
When I could have helped people with this power, I turned my back on them. When I should have accepted the truth, I denied it. And just like that, I became a monster far worse than what Barry ever was. Is … is this supposed to be how I surpass him? What the hell? What kind of sick joke is that?
Even right now, unaware of where I am, waiting for someone to wake me so my body pulls my consciousness back to it, I am wishing that I could stay in this darkness forever. I am wishing I could keep running away forever.
Truly, I am a monster. I am a monster … and I despise myself. But even more so, I despise this world.
I despise the world that took everything from me. I despise the world that never stops taking even more from me. I despise the world that has tortured me for so long, and that refuses to go all the way through to kill me.
Suddenly, everything shakes. It looks like an earthquake, but that's not what it is. This is what it feels like when my time here ends. My body is waking up. My consciousness is being pulled back to it. I see. So that's it. That's all the time I had. I have to go back … back to the world I despise.
*******************************
As I open my eyes, I see a sky half filled with pure white clouds. It is a scene everyone expects to see when they look up. But natural beauty does not appear every time when I look up. It only appears in places enriched by nature. So, where exactly am I to be able to see it right now?
I shift my gaze to left. It looks like I'm lying on the sand. The whole ground is covered with sand. Just what is this place? If this side is sand, then what's on the other side? I shift my gaze to right to find the answer to my question. And it's … the sea.
This looks like … like I am … no way! This just shouldn't be possible. I need to make sure.
I try to get up as I think that. There's no way it can be true. As my legs regain their strength, I try to pull my body upwards. My hands slowly regain their strength too. My whole body looks like a set of machines that are being powered up one by one. But that is of secondary concern right now. I need to make sure my suspicions are wrong.
I stand up and look around. It shouldn't be. It's just not possible.
The sight that awaited me was that of an island. I remember getting knocked out by that woman whose face I couldn't even see. In fact, thinking back on how quickly I lost consciousness, it was pathetic. But that's a different issue. Even if they kidnapped me or something, there's no way they could have brought me to that island.
Of course, this just has to be some other island. It's just some island. Yes, I need to believe. After all, bringing me to that island just makes no sense.
Yeah, it's just … just not … possible.
My vision starts to blur. My hearing stops working. My limbs that just regained their strength start to go numb again.
This is … really happening? It … has to be … a coincidence. Right, right … it has to be a coincidence. I am … just feeling dizzy … 'cause I … I …
A sharp pain arises in my head. It's a pain I have no way of ignoring. Just what is going on? This shouldn't be … possible.
I see … droplets … on the ground. They are still … falling. But where … could they … be coming from? I am pretty sure … clouds weren't rainy … when I saw … them. I try to distract myself with these thoughts. I touch my head as it kept bursting, and … I realize … I am … crying.
I see. That's it then. No matter how much I try to deny it, some part of me has realized that I really am on the island in one of Barry's stories, the island where only psychics used to live.
*******************************
In the vastness of a particular forest, there's a tomb. It's a structure that's said to be one of the oldest things in the world yet it looks like it was made only a year ago. It's a tomb many want to find for reasons of their own. But no one has found it. None could even come close. That is what is believed by supernaturals throughout the world. In truth, many had been able to find it; they just haven't been able to return to tell the tale.
And so, for many years, the guardian of this island and this tomb has been the only one who had known the secrets of it.
But even that has to change. The guardian knows that very well. There might finally be someone who has come to the island who might be worthy of knowing those secrets. And so, outside the entrance of that tomb, a man stands in an old-fashioned white robe covering his whole body. For a long time, this man has been the only one who truly knew about what is inside the tomb. As his instincts tell him that this fact would soon change, he smiles.
Man: "So it's finally time for it, huh."
*******************************
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Stay healthy!
I open my eyes, but see the scenery I didn't want to see. I had fallen unconscious because of the intense headache. That headache made me go back to the same dark abyss. Barry used to call it 'The Cage'. I don't know what that means or how that name fits it. To be honest, I don't think it does. But regardless of the name, going back there helped me calm down again and collect my thoughts.
This island – I want to deny it, but I can't – This Island had been in one of the many stories Barry had once told me.
An island where only psychics lived.
After the dizziness I felt completely matching up to what any psychic feels when they step on the island in the stories, I have to believe I really am on that island, not to mention my intuition tells me the same thing and the intuition of a psychic is something to be proud of. To be completely honest, I did think that those stories were not all fiction. I did consider the possibility this island exists. But to be thrust upon by the realization that it does and I am on it was still a little shocking. I still don't want to accept it. But, that won't solve anything.
From what I heard in the story, I know that there's a forest on this island, which is another thing that matches up with the story since I can see it from here. There's a tomb in the middle of the island. There's a pond near it where no creature can survive. There're some creatures that can only be found here. But that's about it. Everything else about the island that was present in the story was the history of the island. All that was back then is gone now.
That said though, the tomb should still be here. If I try to go into the forest and walk towards the middle, I should find the tomb in a few hours. That's the only way I can find any clues as to what is going on.
But still, it's kind of awkward to think I got kidnapped by some people and was thrown off at an island. It's pretty obvious I need to be careful. Especially, because of that woman who knocked me out and people as strong as her. I still don't know how she did it, but it's clear she is strong enough to overpower me. Whatever I do, I need to keep my mind protected. As long as my brain works, I can use teleportation and escape to safety.
Well, that being said though, just standing here won't solve anything. I need to get a move on. It's already evening. At this rate, I will have to travel through forest at night. Visibility shouldn't be a problem for me, but who knows what kind of creatures live in the forest and whether I'll be able to handle them at night or not.
And so, I start walking towards the forest that I can spot in a distance. There's a large area of sand before the forest. But that's to be expected from an island that was the home of a whole civilization. That reminds me, I haven't used my psychic ever since I got here. Though I may just be a little paranoid, but what if my abilities aren't working? I should check just in case.
I brought my hand up and tried to force the process of forming fire in my hand. It's the ability called Pyrokinesis. With my level, I should be able to generate fire in 15 seconds. And just like I assumed, a small fire lit up in my hands in about 15 seconds. 15 seconds for Pyrokinesis – whether that's good or bad, I would say it's slightly better than average. Though my own knowledge of what's good, bad or average comes only from what Barry told me. But it's pretty obvious that Pyrokinesis isn't my strong suit. I do like it in terms of sheer attack power. But I'm not a big fan of playing with fire, so I am not worried about it not being that good.
I turn my attention back on the road. The trees are only about 5 steps away. I didn't even realize I had reached this close as I kept walking while trying to activate pyrokinesis. Well, no reason to stop now. Thinking that, I enter the forest – or so I would have liked to do but something blocked the path. It was a couple a dog-like creatures. They have golden fur even though they look like bulldogs. It's awkward to see such creatures. I wouldn't call them pretty, but they are definitely not ugly either.
Both of them stare at me intently as if warning me to not come any closer. I remember there being a mention of these creatures in the story, but I don't remember anything about them stopping people from entering the forest. Then again, the story was set during the past, who knows how many things would have changed by now?
Bulldogs: "—GO—AWAY—"
Kais: "Uh …"
Wait! Did they just talk? They did, didn't they? And both of them said it together as well. They are acting like trained dogs and can manage to form words. That doesn't make sense. Who could have trained them? And if they were trained to say 'go away' to whoever tried to enter then,
Kais: "So someone wants me to stay out of the forest?"
Bulldogs: "—GO—AWAY—"
Same line again? Are those two words the only thing they are capable of speaking?
Kais: "Well, sure, I'll go away. That is, if there's a way out of this island, please tell me."
They remain silent. They are still looking at me intently. It looks like they are ready to attack if I try to come any closer to the forest, but they won't attack if I stay here or get back. Observing this, I can't help but sigh.
Kais: "I see you are really good guards and all, but I have to wonder why your master doesn't want me to go in the forest."
There can be one possibility I can think on. Of course it's based on the story Barry told me, but it sounds really plausible.
Kais: "Is whoever trained you two trying to protect the tomb?"
They give no reaction and keep staring at me. It sure is hard to tell what this silence means exactly, but
Kais: "I think I should take that as a yes."
According to how the story played out, the tomb was given to someone to guard it. That someone was a dragon. He was the protagonist of a different story, 'the dragon who befriended the god'. The tomb is for the said 'god', and the dragon protects it. That's how the story ended. This 'god' was not really god but someone who was so powerful that people called him a god. But regardless of that, it's his tomb. And its guardian seems to not want me near it.
Bulldogs: "—GO—AWAY—"
Kais: "Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time. But neither of us is helping the other's situation right now."
Even if about 1000 years have passed from the time the story is set in, the dragon would still be alive and probably be doing his duty as the guardian. So, I have to assume that the dragon is controlling these dogs. If that's the case, they are like machines that can't do anything except stand there and block the path and attack when necessary. On the other hand, if they were trained by the dragon to do this instead of being controlled right now, I doubt they will be left without any training further than those two commands. I think so because the dragon is said to have human-level intelligence, if not more.
So taking all that into consideration, there is one trigger I can pull right now.
Kais: "So well, tell me; is Ozyllus' soul still in the tomb?"
Their expressions finally change. They have started growling now. They are gritting their teeth and anger's clear on their faces. I thought this would work, didn't know it would work so well. Ozyllus is the one this tomb is for. He was a psychic, but not an ordinary one. He was so powerful that many preached him as god. Even saying his name brings unrest to the creatures around the tomb. Again, I knew about that because of the story of this island.
Kais: "Now that you look all fired up, I don't think getting in without a struggle is possible."
They are still looking at me intently and barking from time-to-time while doing so. I could try to teleport into the forest as far as I can see, but that's risky. Who knows how many and what kind of creatures will come out to stop me there. I am confident I can handle these two if it comes to fighting, but I am not overconfident enough to say I can take care of anything this forest throws at me.
Bulldogs: "—-KILL—HIM—"
Wait! What! Did I just hear that right? Are they actually saying that? They were kinda creepy when they were saying 'go away' in sync, but this was beyond creepy. For a second, it looked like a thirst for blood came in their mouths.
I take a step backward. I don't know how and when they might attack me, so I need a safe distance between us. Or wait, is it them who's going to attack? Or are they going to call someone else? Now that I think about it, they did say it in a way that indicates they are saying it to someone else. I know they weren't saying it to me. Then, who …
???: "Well now, isn't that a pleasant surprise?"
An unknown voice comes from behind. It doesn't seem hostile but I can't help but suspect it. And so I turn back readying myself for teleportation. But the sight that greets my eyes is,
???: (chuckling) "Your face is so funny. It looks like you have seen something unbelievable."
It's a little girl. She is about half my height and looks like a normal girl. Except, I find it hard to believe a normal person can be found on this island. She can't possibly be 'just' a little girl. There's definitely more to her than meets the eye.
Girl: "Don't glare at me like that, mister. You should be at ease seeing how I am just a girl."
You saying that made it impossible for me to even think about it now.
Kais: "Like hell I am dropping my guard against anybody on this island."
The girl chuckles hearing my answer and holds up a finger to order the two bulldogs to get back. I wasn't oblivious to them approaching, but I just couldn't focus on that. I get a feeling this girl will be more dangerous than those two combined.
Girl: "You really don't drop your guard, mister. Well, that's fine. I was bored of everyone always giving me the same reaction. It's good to see someone who would be suspicious of even a little girl."
Kais: "I just happen to not judge people based on appearances."
Girl: "Oh?"
She tilts her head as if she wants to ask something, and then closes her eyes and smiles.
Girl: "Did you learn that from personal experience, mister?"
Kais: "Tch!"
I click my tongue. She is right. Of course she is. It's not like someone is born thinking like that.
Girl: "Looks like I was right. Yay!"
She raises both her arms and smiles. She looks and acts just like a normal girl, I almost feel guilty about doubting her … almost.
Kais: "And why the hell are you so happy?"
Girl: "Hmm?"
She stops celebrating as soon as I start speaking but the smile never disappears from her face. Why do I get the feeling I'm being made a fool out of?
Girl: "Let's see … I don't know."
Kais: "What?"
Girl: "You asked why I was so happy. I don't know. I'm just happy."
Kais: "That … uh …"
Damn it! This conversation isn't going anywhere. I need to get to the topic. That's right; I need to ask her about the tomb. Who knows? Maybe the dragon is not alive anymore and she is the current guardian.
Kais: "So anyway, who are you?"
Girl: "Who am I?"
She puts a finger on her chin and tilts her head trying to think.
Girl: "Well, for starters, I am human and then … I am a girl and then …"
Kais: "I already know all that. I meant to ask why you're here."
She tilts her head as if wondering why I'd ask that. She is acting like the answer should be obvious to me.
Girl: "Why I'm here? It's because I live here."
She … she does? She actually lives here? I never expected that now, did I?
Girl: "That's different too. Everybody is always shocked still after hearing that, but you are not, mister."
Kais: "What? I don't look surprised enough to you."
Girl: "You did look surprised at first, but for only a second."
She isn't wrong actually. For some reason, I am able to accept it really easily. To be honest, I'm surprised at why I'm not surprised.
Girl: "So then, is there anything else you want to know?"
Kais: "Well, do you have a name?"
Girl: "My name … let's see, what was it?"
She says as she puts a finger on her lips and looks up as if trying to remember it.
Kais: "You didn't actually forget your name, did you?"
Girl: "I did."
She says as she smiles again. It doesn't make sense. If she really lives here, she should be a psychic. In that case, there can be other psychics who live here too. They could be the descendants of the past civilization. In which case, they should have names to call each other by.
Girl: "Everyone asks my name. And then when I say I don't remember what it was, they give me a new name. By the time the next person comes, I always forget the previous name. But it's not my fault. Those names are so hard to remember."
Kais: "Comes?"
Till now, I had thought she was talking about others who live here whenever she said 'everyone', but looks like I was wrong.
Kais: "Are you meaning to tell me … that people like me have come here before?"
Girl: "Huh! Of course they have. Did you think you were the first?"
Kais: "How do they come here?"
I always thought coming here was next to impossible and nobody would want anything to do with it but from what this girl is saying, it …
Girl: "I don't know."
Kais: "Huh?"
Girl: "They all come here and try to enter the forest. Then Jack and Jill stop them and I learn someone's come. And then I come to greet them."
I don't remember ever being greeted by you and what's up with Jack and Jill, is someone a big fan of that rhyme? No, that all comes later.
Kais: "So you don't know how they end up here?"
Girl: "Yes."
She is proudly smiling. Why the heck would someone be so proud of being ignorant? I am getting kinda crept out by how innocent she is acting.
Kais: "Is that really true?"
Girl: "Of course it is. Why would you doubt me?"
Kais: "I do want to believe you."
Girl: "Oh really?"
Her eyes lit up for some reason. Is she faking these expressions?
Kais: "Well, that's more or less because you look innocent. But as I said before, I'm not going to believe you just because of your appearance."
Girl: "I see."
Seeing how happy she was after hearing I 'want' to believe her, I thought she would get down after hearing I 'won't', but she is still smiling. I don't get her. She's like someone who only knows how to smile and how to make an inquisitive look. But it doesn't look like she is making fake expressions, even though she has shown very few expressions, they look natural.
I have the ability of clairaudience. It allows me to hear things I can't normally hear. If I focus, I can listen to her heartbeat while she talks and tell when she's lying. But I need to be ready for any attack that might come my way. So I can't divert my attention to some other ability. I don't know why, but I just can't trust her. I have to be ready for teleportation at any point.
Kais: "So then, what did these people do after you met them and all this talk we just had was over?"
Girl: "Let's see …"
Again, she puts her finger on her lips and looks up.
Girl: "They ask me to take them to the tomb."
*******************************
Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay healthy!
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