"What the hell? What is this place? Where am I?" I muttered to myself.
The last thing I recall was me training on my back. I guess I fell asleep due to exhaustion. But even so, this place feels so familiar.
When I opened my eyes, I was in this vast unknown place. I can't say much because I haven't researched about it. But as far as I could imagine, this must be my inner world.
But this body, it's not my baby body. Or rather, it's an adult version that closely resembles it.
"So, you have awakened? That's good, I was starting to get impatient with you." A voice rang in this vast empty place.
"Who are you? Show yourself this instant. You dare to invade the core of a noble? How very bold of you. Show yourself this instant, I say!" I shouted out.
My voice echoed in a vast empty space. This was an unknown space.
"I am not a foe to you. I think you'd underwhelming because..." The voice paused as it rang behind me.
"No way! This is impossible. Who or what exactly are you?" I asked the man before me. Appearance and form were perfectly what I just saw. A being that was..
"Yes, I am you. Nice to meet you Atticus. It's been a while?" The man who looked exactly like em spoke calmly.
As he spread his arms, I could feel a sense kinship. No, it was more like I was looking myself in the mirror. But my reflection was alive.
Black hair with shades of green. Green lively eyes that were filled with hidden knowledge. He wore a long black leader coat that fit him perfectly. The emerald crystals on his knees amd shoulder and buttons of his leather made him that much more alluring.
"Oh, so you won't give me a hug. I guess it would be weird. A man giving a hug to himself and all." The man spoke casually.
His words sounded as though he already knew everything that might happen or has happened to me. Or maybe he had been watching me for some time.
"Who are you?" I repeated myself. This time I tried to be more serious than surprised?
"As I said, I am you. At least, I am the imprint of what you left in your core. I am the one who controls your power. I brought you here to greet you. It seems you are not ready yet to regain your former power. What a shame." The man said to me.
"What do you mean my former power? Is there something I should know of? And those nightmares? Are those part of my memories as well?" I asked him and approached him.
"Nightmares you say? Did I make a crack in my sealing when the core awoke. I should deal with that." The man said looking thoughtful.
"Yes, those nightmares were your reality once. The voices that call to you. The painful life of betrayal. Having to stay silent through suffering. And having to live multiple lifetimes on a repetitive loop. That was your reality." The man stated in serious tone.
But surprisingly, his serious expression faded to nothing he took a deep breath.
"I am sorry you had to meet me so early. Please, go back home. Be sure to look after everyone and yourself well. I will be sure to keep your power under wraps until the need for it rises. You made a big promise to someone. I'm sure you're going to keep it." The man waved his hand and the world began falling apart.
I felt myself float into an abyss. I lost sight of him as he disappeared like mist.
But before I disappeared, his voice rang out again.
"Whatever you do, don't pray or wish to anyone. No higher power will respond. If they do, you will be dead. I promise you, you don't want to die yet." The voice disappeared.
Everything was gone in a few moments.
When I woke up, my mother and Emma were standing on the sides of my bed worried. I seemed to be doing just fine. But the sun had risen and it was way past breakfast.
I guess I must have overslept a little.
"Darling... are you okay? You didn't wake up on time so we were a little worried. Please don't move. The doctor said you seem to have a bit of a fever." My mother said as she pushed me down by the shoulder.
As I focused my senses, I realised something was a bit off.
I guess I wasn't fully fine then. A fever? Damn it, this weak husk of a body can't even handle a day's worth of its own power. This is a little frustrating.
"Mrs Radars, why don't you go and get the medicine? I think he should take some, while he just woke up so he could go and eat." Emma coaxed my mother and gestured for her.
"Really, don't you think he should eat first?" My mother asked first.
"Medicine or food first, it doesn't matter. And we don't want to disturb his eating schedule you know." Emma made a ridiculous excuse on the top of her head.
My mother didn't ask further but stood up and went to get the medicine, whatever it was.
"You jerk. What did I tell you about using your power? You really think I was lying didn't you? I didn't realise you were such a moron. I remember telling you I value my head above all." Emma spoke her mind off.
"Whay are you so worried. You know well that it wasn't your fault. And my mother would protect you even if anything happens to me. Stop being such a worrywart." I said shrugging her off.
Emma pinched my cheek again and puffed her chest in anger.
"Don't tell me you were that worried. At this rate, I would think you've fallen for me." I teased her and snuggled even more in bed.
I could see her shrink a little.