LOCATION: Landscape TIME: Dusk
We are here on the land surface again where the castle collapsed. It's half-light. Our clothes changed. From wearing diving suits, we went back into wearing our respective school uniforms.
"Hey, isn't that a tent?" I went back to the fact that we are now back here where the castle was but now it is vast land with grass, rocks, and trees. Aeith mentioned a tent that she saw.
I looked around and searched for the alleged tent. Everyone is excited, then we ran over there. There are two large black tents. We went inside and saw extra school uniforms, sheets for sleeping, and food.
The boys and girls separated into two tents. We devoured vegetables and fruits. Even though there was no water provided in the tent, we saw a small stream nearby and the water is clean enough to drink. After what was done, some of us slept early, rested for a while, and talked to each other about the rigorous adventures that we had.
I was thinking about what kind of next test is waiting for us. I pondered back what happened in that game. There is happiness, frustrations, winning, accepting defeat, and a change of attitude as our memories come back like mine. There are only twelve of us left and halfway through the tri-games. There is no certainty if I will win or when I will die. So, I should treasure the moments I have with my friends.
I lifted the sleeve of my uniform and saw my tattoo on my right arm below my shoulder. Its gold color is more dominant to black compared before. My life span is increasing yet I should not be too careful. Anytime, anywhere, I can die. I will continue to fight as much as I can to protect my friends until I get to know who I really am.
***
Days have passed. I estimate we have been living here in a tent for five days. Honestly, we are not very used to this lifestyle. We lived for over ten days in the castle whose life was a deluxe experience. In the castle, all our basic and even hobbies are provided. Here, we have to go to the forest to pick fruits and vegetables then cook them with manual labor effort. Despite this, I'd rather choose this lifestyle in exchange for us being complete.
"Good morning!" Fourth greeted everyone with a sweet smile.
We are currently making a fire out of stone and wood to cook our breakfast. The boys were tasked to gather fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and anything edible from the forest. I noticed our wounds from the previous game healed quickly so everyone is getting better as the days have passed. Third's throat has been burning for three days so he couldn't eat well. But in the last two days, he only feels slight numbness. We filled our stomachs while waiting when our next game would be. I went back to our tent because I had nothing else to do.
"Second, let's talk," Aeith invited me. Fourth came by and the two of them sat down next to me.
"About what?"
"Are there any new memories that came back to you?" Fourth asked.
I've told the two of them who I am— what my background is, but that's not enough. There are still puzzle pieces left unfounded. I got to know the two of them even better because they also told me theirs. We keep each other updated as long as we're open to sharing it.
Within five days, I also learned the life story of others. Our rapport is getting better and stronger because we get to know more of the real version of ourselves. Most of the pairs get along well because they are their classmates or schoolmates on earth. They spent time with each other to tell their stories that would reconnect their memories. But there's someone I don't know yet what and who he really is. He didn't share it with others, not even with me.
Because of my deep thoughts, I did not realize that I had walked away from our tent. I left inside the tent first because the two of them took a nap while I was telling my life story. Really, it's good to sleep after filling your stomach. Suddenly I heard a crack.
"Who's that?" I asked who or what was the cause of that crackle while walking in the grassy forest. Who knows what caused that noise in this surprising world of nth planet?
I saw the head of a tall boy. He came out from the edge of a big tree and approached me smiling.
"I'm not a stalker," he said coolly.
"Oh, it's just you, First," I sighed. I thought it might be another forest creature like Neinuko. Good thing, it wasn't
"What are you doing here?" It appears that he has been here ahead of me.
"Meditating, you?"
"Same. What a coincidence." I came here to unwind my thoughts while appreciating the beautiful scenery. "What are you doing there?" I pointed out the tree where he came out from.
"Listening to nature's whisper." He looked at the tree that I was pointing to.
"Is that so? Looks like I disturbed you." Now, that was bad timing for me. "I'll go first," I said goodbye to him.
"No, it's okay," he said. He scratched his nape. "Will you accompany me?" he asked shyly. Geez, why is he shy in front of me asking that.
I shrugged. Now I can have a decent conversation with First for a long time. There was a time when he would talk to me, but it was just a simple greeting after the previous game. He's been a bit serious these past few days.
We both leaned against the big tree as the dry leaves fell. Once there was an 'awkward silence'. I don't know how to start.
"Are you curious?" He finally started.
"About what?"
"You're curious about me, aren't you?" Bullseye! What a mind reader. I don't even have to speak at all because he reads my thoughts.
"W-Why did you say that?" I responded shyly.
"I'll tell you," I waited for him to tell his story until he continued. "I am the class president of our section—Vosejo High School. 16 years old. My birthday is in May. My favorite subject is math. My favorite color is red. I have a little brother. Most of the time, I read and play the piano. I have several friends."
I found out something about him. It was a brief description of himself. But I agree that at first glance, he seems intimidating but when you get to know him more, he is a nice person.
Because of what he told me, I'm happy to know his identity. He mentioned that he's our class president at school but why can't I remember that? Hmm, maybe the fragments of my memories about school are not yet fully developed. That must be it. No rush, but I hope to regain all of it.
But there is something very important that I want to know about him. "What about your name?"
He paused for a moment and looked at me. "I can't remember."
I sighed. We are all in the same boat. We still don't even know our names, but we remembered some less significant parts of our identities. I am getting more eager to unravel my past.
"But when I remember it, you will be the first one to know."
I smiled at what he said. I don't know why he wanted to tell me first, but I'm flattered now that I know his background. I am glad that he's this open to me aside from being his pair in this game. I hope to claim all the remaining truths. I looked at him. He is no longer a stranger friend to me.