I open my eyes, facing the ceiling and feeling a bit tired.
I sigh. 'Damn! Mrs Lila really packs a punch!'
I laugh dryly. "Where am I?!" I ask as I manage and sit up.
"You're in the spirit realm." A voice says and I turn around to see a tall hooded figure. I look at the tall person wearing a black cloak that have a black hoodie, in confusion.
I stare in horror, trying my best not to jump up, shout and start running around, shouting: "Mrs. Lila, you killed me!"
I manage and gather courage. "Who are you?!" I ask, my voice and body shaking.
"Oh, me." He laughs a dark laugh. "I am the soul collector and I am here to collect your lovely little soul!" He laughs again, the laugh causing goosebumps to cover my skin.
"So, you're death?!" I ask, hoping he would say no. But he nods in agreement.
"I'm afraid so, boy!" He says as a long scythe appears in his hand. "This should be interesting." He laughs.
I am seeing the person as a tall hooded person, but it's like the person is changing gradually, into something different. Or someone different.
"Enough with your pranks!" A female voice says and I could hear chuckling in the background.
'Pranks?! What the hell is going on here?!'
"Yes, mum." Soul collector says and the chuckling erupts into a loud laughter.
"Pranks?! Mum?! What the hell is going on here?!" I shout in confusion.
Instantly the environment changes and where soul collector is standing with a scythe, is a smiling Lila, a blank face Aqua, a laughing Ben and a laughing man who is holding a mop.
"Ben?! Lila?! Aqua?!" I say in confusion.
The laughing stops and Ben's expression changes into confusion, while that of the other man changes to disappointment. I look at the other man who looks familiar and finally remember him as the doctor that checked Aqua last night. "Doctor?! What are you doing here?!"
"Hmm? That's strange. I'm sure I didn't undo my magic." Ben says and shrugs. "But, anyway... SURPRISE?!" He says and continues his laughing with the doctor.
Aqua walks to me and sit at my right side, while Mrs. Lila walks to me and sit at my left side.
"Just allow him to take your soul. Trust me, he'll take it to a wonderful place, where all your dreams can come true." Aqua and Lila say together in a creepy manner as they both place a hand on each of my shoulders.
"Ok...?" I stand up from the bed and attempt to run, but the ground starts to swallow me and I begin shouting for help.
Lila and Aqua both vanished, leaving me in total fear. One hand lands on each of my shoulders and I almost scream out my heart the moment I turn around to see Aqua and Lila standing behind me, their hands on my shoulders and a wide warm smile on their lips.
I turn to Ben and the doctor, stretching my hands to them for help, but they stand still, looking at me and laughing mischievously.
"Ok. That's enough. You're gonna kill the kid if you go on." The doctor says and instantly the whole environment changes completely and I find myself on a bed.
I quickly stand up. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! WHAT... WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!" I shout, ready to bolt through the door if anything happens again.
The two men finally stop laughing and look at me with apologetic faces.
Ben clears his throat and walks forward. "We're sorry." He says and chuckles.
The doctor clears his throat and Ben straightens himself. "We were just messing around." The doctor chuckles and Ben turns around to face him, clearing his throat. "Not helping." He says and chuckles a little, then stops.
"Right!" The doctor says and walks forward. "We're very sorry!" He smiles warmly. "We didn't mean to scare you this much. It was Ben's idea and it was his magic. So, technically..." He chuckles a little. "Sorry!"
Ben gasps in disbelief and looks betrayed. "Well, you backstabbing dog!" He shouts dramatically and they both chuckle.
I stare at them in disbelief. "So, it was all magic?! It was never real?!" I ask, feeling irritated.
"Yeah!" The doctor says quickly. "I'm Daniel by the way." He says with a smile, stretching his hand for a shake.
I fake a wide smile and shake his hands. "And I'm the guy you guys almost killed. It's nice to meet you." I laugh dryly. "Always keep that in mind, because I'll be coming for you two." I say and fake a wide dark grin.
The doctor's smiley face changes into a one of horror and he gulps, quickly releasing my hand, but I hold on to his, tight.
"Always remember that." I say in a fake dark tone and release his hand.
He walks back and smiles awkwardly.
Ben walks forward, laughing awkwardly. "Ok... That was awkward." He says and walks to me, sitting on the bed and facing me as I face him back.
"I have a question, Ben." I say in a serious tone.
"Well, that's strange, cos I have one to. But, ask first." He says calmly, gesturing for the doctor to come sit on the bed beside him and he did.
"Why didn't you tell me about the Dominant Light war?" I ask.
"Hmmm... Well.... Well, it doesn't matter. Who cares about it? It happened some years ago. So, it's not relevant." He says and smiles. "No need to unbury what have been buried, right?" He asks and I nod in agreement.
'He's right.'
"And also, they are back!" I say, causing his eyes and Daniel's eyes to widen in horror and shock.
"I... It can't be!" Ben and Daniel say together, dread very visible in their tone and expression.
"How do you know?" Ben asks.
"Because, I and Aqua came across them! We had fights with them." I say with all seriousness. "Well, not me, but Aqua."
Their eyes widens more. "REALLY?!" They both shout.
"This is bad! We need to warn people and get prepared!" Ben says in a troubled tone.
"Yes! We have to tell them tomorrow morning!" Daniel says and sighs tiredly. "I just hope they would listen!" Daniel says in a troubled tone.
"Yes! I hope so too. That would be best!" I sigh in relief.
'Just wait Aqua! You won't do this alone!'
"Now that that is settled, what's yours?" I ask, feeling uncomfortable. But, ready for the question.
"What are you?" Ben asks with all seriousness.
I stare at him blankly. "Well, I suppose; I'm a gorrila or maybe a monkey." I gasp. "Or maybe, a baboon. You never know till you give me bananas." I say with a frown.
"As much as you resemble them all, especially the last one..."
"WHAT?!" I shout in disbelief.
"... I believe you're none of them." He says dryly and sighs tiredly. "Just be serious and tell me what you are." He says, a hint of concern in his tone.
'I guess I can tell him.'
I sigh. "I am a God blessed." I say dryly, causing the two men's eyes to widen in shock.
"I knew it!" The doctor shouts. "Well, not the God blessed part, but the he-isn't-an-ordinary non-magic part." His eyes suddenly changes into his divine eye. "You see, while I was looking at him yesterday, I could see his... I don't know... Energy or aura perhaps." He shrugs.
"That can't be." Ben says in disbelief. "They aren't real. They are just stories." He looks at me intensely. "Look, we're sorry for what we did, ok? If this is vengeance for not seeing me in the boutique or for messing around with you, just now. Just... Tell us what you truly are." He says in a serious tone.
Daniel sighs tiredly. "It might be possible." He says calmly.
"No! It isn't! He truly is a magic and not a God blessed!" Ben says, trying his best not to believe it. "I mean, have you ever come across one before?!" He asks Daniel, who shakes his head sideways.
"So, which magic do you think he is?" Daniel asks.
"Maybe, a regeneration magic" Ben says and I can't hold in the anger anymore.
"You two, are the first I am telling this secret! I haven't told anyone yet! So, please can you guys keep it a secret! I don't care if you believe me. JUST... I REPEAT, JUST... DON'T TELL ANYONE!"
Ben's eyes widens more. "So, are you saying, you truly are a God blessed?! Is that why you recovered so fast?! Is that the reason why you survived Lila's punches?!" He asks and I nod in agreement. "Maybe that's why...." He pauses.
"What?" I ask.
"Nothing." He replies quickly. "Nevermind."
Daniel quickly changes the topic and we begin talking about funny things and ourselves, we all, feeling tensed.
After some time or what seemed like hours they stand up to leave.
"Wait! Did you see any girl with long blue hair?" I ask.
"Yeah. I forgot." Daniel says as he slaps his hand to his face. "She says her regards and quick recovery." He says with a wide smile.
"Ooohhh! Is she it?" Ben asks and Daniel nods in agreement.
"Uh...? What is the it?" I ask, but they both chuckle.
"Nothing." They say together.
"Ok...? Greet Lila for me."
"We sure will." They both say together.
"She even said we should greet you. She and Aqua; your friend, waited for sometime, but you were sleeping like a hibernating creep." Ben says and laughs, but I don't find it funny. "And it was even Lila's idea to get you all these stuffs." He says and points to a big white bag. "Take care! We decided to be visiting you everyday. But, since you're okay, I guess there is no need." He says and I nod in agreement. "Well, I got you some new clothes, shoes and some other things. Just about everything you need is in the bag." He says and points to the big white bag.
A wide smile appears on my face as I jump up and hug him tight. "Thanks man. I don't know what I would be or do without you!" I say.
"Yeah! I can't either! It would definitely be a nightmare to watch! A big lump of nightmarish mess!" He says and chuckles, while I feeling insulted.
I feel like he's having a good time. But, he should enjoy it while it lasts. Muhahahaha. *Rubs hand together in a mischievous way in head*
I release him.
"Oh! Before I forget. I and Daniel helped with putting the whole one million magians into your wallet." Ben says and smiles.
I scoff. "I'm sure you didn't put them all. Or you didn't put at all." I joke and smile.
Ben looks up, closes his eyes, places his hand on his chest and smiles in satisfaction. "You know me too well, my boy." He says and bursts into laughter, Daniel joining him.
My smile dies immediately. "Are you serious?!" I ask, feeling tense.
They both stop laughing and Daniel shakes his head sideways.
"He is just messing with you." Daniel says. "Though it was painful and stressful. I, Ben, Lila and Aqua..."
'Oh, Aqua...'
"...Put every dime into the wallet"
"Ok. Thanks." I say with a wide smile.
"Welcome. Bye." They both say together and leave the room, closing the door behind them.
I sit on the bed, looking around the room. For some reason the room looks familiar, but I can't pinpoint where I've seen it.
Someone knocks on the door.
"Yes?! Come in." I say.
A familiar looking smiling woman enters.
"How may I help you?" I ask.
"Oh, I'm the receptionist from last night, remember? The one with Yuji?" She asks and my eyes widens in realization. "I'm may."
"AHA!" I shout, startling the woman. "I knew you looked familiar!" I look around the room. "So, I'm in the hotel? In my room?" I ask and she nods in agreement.
'This is obviously Aqua's doing. The others don't know about this hotel! So, it's definitely her that led them here.'
"So, what would you like for dinner?" She asks.
"DINNER?! What's the time?" I ask in shock.
"It's already seven thirty sir." She says calmly.
"SEVEN THIRTY?! So, I slept that long." I sigh tiredly. "Get me whatever goodies you have for tonight."
She nods and leaves the room.
After some minutes of waiting, another knock suddenly lands on the door.
"Come in."
The woman enters with a tray of good looking food and a chilled tropical juice. She walks over to the table in the room and sets it down.
"I'm sorry if you didn't enjoy our breakfast." She says in an apologetic tone.
'GOD! I was in such a state, that I even forgot about the nice BREAKFAST?! FOOD! FOOD! BREAKFAST FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! BRREEEAAAAKKKKFFFAAAASSSSTTTTTT! DAMMIT!'
I laugh awkwardly. "No! No! It was okay. It was truly a masterpiece!" I laugh and smile at her.
She beams a smile so bright that I feel the sun needs to put in more efforts during day time to match her.
"OK!" She shouts and leaves.
I sit in the room in silence, processing how great but troublesome my life is.
"What did I do to afford such people?" I laugh. "They don't even know me much, but they care. Is this what socialising feels like?" I sigh in satisfaction and chuckle.
I look at the covered food and the juice, but I don't feel hungry.
I sigh tiredly. "Guess I'll need a walk. But I need to change."
I look at my clothes and check my underwear but surprisingly they're changed.
'WHAT THE...! Well, it has been done.'
I sigh tiredly and leave the room, locking it and bolting through the hotel and out of it. I look around and it's already dark.
I begin walking around the town, looking around and being careful. You never know what's lurking in the night. I inhale deeply and exhale in satisfaction.
The air is really cool, with the night looking so nice. The stars and moon are at their full potential, making the environment look cool like a black and white movie.
I continue walking around, not knowing what to do, but making sure I memorise the direction I'm following, so I'll be able to go back.
Finally reaching an alley, I pause as I hear voices pleading. I hide behind a building and watch what is happening.
There are three people standing under a light that seems to be the flaming mane and tail of a black lion? But, it's tail and mane are both emitting pure bright white light. They are all wearing white hoodie cloak.
Kneeling in front of them are three people. They are the ones pleading. And from the looks; two are males and the last; a female. The female in the middle, while the male at each side of her.
"What's going on here?!" I mumble to myself.
"Hurry up, Vivian! We don't have enough time! We need to have enough people for me to control! And I would not enjoy the idea of being caught by a powerful person!" One of the people standing, says in a deep masculine tone.
"Chill, Williams! There is no need in rushing! Besides I'm here! My lion is here! And I still have other creatures in my summoning list!" Another says in a deep masculine tone.
"Do I look like I'm playing?! This is why I like Duke." The last person snaps in a light feminine voice. "Duke, your lion is cool! And you're cooler! Don't mind Jacob who is behaving like a BIG TIME FOOL!"
One of the standing males chuckles.
"It's okay, my love. Don't take it serious. We just got here, so you can take as much time you want." The one I'm assuming is Duke says.
'What are they doing?! Doesn't seem good! I need to intervene!'
I quickly enter the alley, stopping a few meters across from them. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" I shout, startling them.
"SEE?!" The one I'm assuming is Williams shouts. "I SAID IT, BUT YOU TWO LOVER BIRDS WON'T BE SERIOUS!" He shouts angrily.
"Chill, man! I'll handle this!" Duke laughs. "He might just be another person to add to your list." He says and begins walking towards me.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!" I shout. "A STEP CLOSER AND I'LL FIGHT YOU!"
The male bursts into a loud laughter. "Oh?! Is that so?! Then this should be interesting! It's been long since I had a nice fight!" He laughs. "Well, excuse my manners." He says in an apologetic tone and bows. "I am Duke. And those people are my friends; Vivian and Williams. And we are from the Dominant Light." He says, straightens himself and laughs.
I move a step back as fear envelopes me. 'Dominant Light?! In this town?! It... It can't be! So Aqua was right about them planning to attack again!'
"Do you know why I'm telling you this?" He asks innocently. "Because you won't survive to report us!" He shouts and laughs.
'OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! THIS IS BAD! THIS IS VERY BAD! I don't know the other two's abilities. But this guy....! He's a summoner! I don't know the kind of creatures he have!'
I move a step back, not knowing what to do.
'If only Aqua is here! Rrgh!'
"Web magic: Web of steel projectile!" The female says.
I hear the two kneeling men shouting and groaning in pain, while the female shouts for mercy.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO THEM?!" I shout in anger.
Duke laughs aloud. "Well, we're gathering people." He says calmly and chuckles. "Do it now, Williams!" He shouts.
"Yes!" Williams shouts. "Necromancy magic: Bugs of manipulation!" He shouts.
The men's shouting and crying intensifies, but stops instantly. The only sound remaining, the shouting of the female.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?!" I shout and rush forward to punch Duke, but he dodges it.
"Duke! We're done! Let's go! There Is something about this boy! And I don't like it!" Williams shouts.
"Yes, Duke! We'll deal with him next time! Remember, we're on a mission!" Vivian shouts.
I attempt to punch Duke again, but he dodges it easily.
"Wish I could play." He sighs. "But, bye."
"YOU AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE!" I shout and attempt to punch Duke again, but he dodges it.
I begin raining punches, but he keeps dodging it.
"Get away from my man!" Vivian shouts. "Web magic: Web of steel projectiles barrage!"
I try to punch Duke, but feel a lot of sharp and painful pierces around my body. I scream in pain, moving back and groaning in pain.
"Good bye, child." Duke says and turns to leave.
"I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET!" I shout and rush forward, trying to hold his hand.
"Web magic: Heat trap!" Vivian says.
I shout in pain as I feel the sharp pain I felt before begin to get extremely hot. So hot that I can feel steam rising out from them.
In an instant, something hot rounds my body, from my shoulders to my legs and tightens, bounding me together.
I land on the ground, shouting in pain. I look at my body, only to see, red hot thick strings like ropes.
I begin crying as the hot strings begins cutting me and eating into my skin, slowly.
"Hope you enjoy your nice heat up!" Vivian shouts and they all burst into laughter. "Thanks to you, our plan will work perfectly!"
"Huh?! What do you mean?!" I shout in pain.
"Oh, you'll see! Just watch your back, friend!" Duke shouts and laughs.
They all turn around and begin walking away, the two men that were kneeling down, following them behind. In a matter of seconds they're gone, leaving only the girl who was kneeling and screaming, but is now lying down unconscious and motionless.
"COWARDS!" I shout in disgust and groan in pain.
'I wonder if she's alive!'
I try to cut the strings by expanding my body, but end up regretting it as the strings dig deeper into my flesh, releasing more steam.
I lie down in pain, shouting and groaning. Wishing someone would come and help me, but nothing happens.
The smell of roasting flesh intensifies and I'm starting to feel sick from it.
I begin breathing my boosting breathing. "Need to breathe! Need to breathe! NEED TO BREATHE!" I shout in pain.
My breathing intensifies.
After some seconds of breathing, the pain reduces and the sinking of the strings reduces, the strings, now moving in a very slow manner.
"I can do this! I'll just need to expand my body with full force and cut it instantly!" I sigh. "I just hope I don't end up as a butchered piece of meat!"
I concentrate on my breathing and it intensifies more.
"One... Two... Three... GO!" I shout and quickly expand my body with full force. I shout in pain as the string sinks deeper, but sigh in relief as it snaps. I lie motionless, gasping for air and groaning in pain.
The smell of roasting flesh now too unbearable to bear, causes me to quickly get up.
"Thank goodness! It worked!" I say, laughing a pained laugh and sighing in relief.
I begin pulling out all the strings. In a matter of some painful seconds, I am done. My wounds begins closing as I begin walking to the girl who is lying on the floor.
Though each step feels like a nightmare, I manage and reach her, stopping in front of her and looking down at her.
My eyes widens in shock. "AERENE?!"