Chapter 39: Empty nest
Arbus strode into his treehouse unhurriedly as Arora followed behind him with cautious steps, her eyes immediately widening in amazement.
The interior was just as impressive as the exterior of the house. Its sturdy dark wooden walls blocked out the external light of the twin suns, while enchanting, colorful balls of light lined every corner, casting a warm glow throughout the space. Arora wasn't exactly sure what those were, but figured they worked like bulbs back on Earth.
The treehouse had about five rooms total, each filled with hand-carved furniture, all pitch black. That only made sense, considering it was the only type of wood available in this vibrant forest. The living area was spacious, with only one couch and table present.
Arbus could tell she had questions bubbling up inside her, but her meek nature didn't let her voice them.
"What is it now?" he sighed, settling onto the couch.
Arora tensed at his sudden question, then slowly relaxed. "No, it's nothing, really! I was just wondering how a kid — someone just like me, could live in this place all alone."
Arbus scoffed in indignation. "Kid? Are you kidding me? I'm a teenager. More than that, I'm a self-sufficient teenager." His emerald eyes flashed with irritation. "There's nothing alike about me and you, Ms. Memory Loss."
Arora scoffed right back. "Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Self-Sufficient. I didn't know it was that hard for you to take a compliment. I just said that because I could never imagine doing it myself. As much as I've thought about it, it would just feel... empty to me."
Arbus's expression fell at those words. He thought back to how his mother would convince him to do his chores by playing his favorite game with him.
He rummaged through his pocket and withdrew a small orange coin, his fingers closing around it protectively. He remembered how she was capable of changing its color at will, as if by magic. It was the same ability she had used on the bracelets she had given him and his father. She'd hold the coin in her palm and ask Arbus to pick a certain color, promising not to change it. If he got it right, he'd get to ask them for whatever he wanted.
A sad smile appeared on his face.
"Yes, it does feel quite empty, doesn't it?"
""Ah, no! That's not what I meant!" Arora said in a panic, guilt washing over her as she realized the effect her words had on him.
Arbus simply shook his head.
"No, it's fine. You're right." He gazed toward one of the rooms, his expression becoming distant. "I used to live here with my parents a few years ago. Things happened, and now I'm all alone."
"That's... I'm sorry about that. That must be really hard for you," Arora muttered, realizing how similar Arbus's situation was to her own. The only difference was that she couldn't really remember what her parents looked like anymore. They'd abandoned her when she was just six years old.
"I already said it's fine. I've gotten used to it."
He stood from the couch, his gaze landing on the same room from earlier, his expression unreadable. "You can stay in there for now. It doesn't seem like you have any belongings, so I suppose you can just make yourself at home."
Arora raised her hands to protest, sensing how much significance that room held for him.
Arbus sighed tiredly. "Didn't I already say it was fine to make yourself at home? What's with your bi-polar attitude? Would you rather stay on this uncomfortable couch?"
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
" Or....don't tell me you want to... share a room with me? You're truly bold aren't you? I didn't peg you as one of those girls..." Arbus muttered, stepping back slightly.
"I'm not one of anything! Geez!" Arora shouted in annoyance, her cheeks flushing. She was starting to regret feeling bad for this guy. She didn't know why the first alien she'd ever met had to be so irritating.
Arbus chuckled at her flustered expression, his mood brightening. It had been awhile since he'd been able to talk so freely with someone.
"Alright then, let's see if i can help you with your memory loss. Let's start with the last thing you can remember?"
Arora tensed slightly, avoiding his gaze as she held her chin, pretending to ponder the question intently.
"Give it back! Stop it!"
Arora's eyes widened in shock as a sudden scene of her groveling on the ground flashed through her mind.
"Ah!" She screamed, clutching her temples as pain shot through her skull, almost like it was emanating from her very soul.
Arbus ran over to steady her, confusion etched on his face. He already knew exactly what her origins were, considering she was human. Her sudden pain from trying to remember came as a genuine surprise to him. He calmly lifted her and laid her on the couch.
After several moments, the pain eased, allowing Arora to think straight again. She quickly deduced that the scene was most likely a memory from her last day on Earth. She wasn't sure why it had suddenly surfaced, but she was beginning to understand why her mind had instinctively buried it upon her death.
"Feeling better now?" Arbus asked from beside her, where he sat cross-legged on the floor, genuine concern in his voice.
"Yeah, I am. Thanks," Arora muttered as she slowly sat up. "Sorry... I couldn't remember anything, it seems. I'm really sorry for being such a burden."
Arbus simply smiled, twirling the orange coin around his fingers. "It's fine. I wasn't expecting you to anyway. You can stay here for as long as you need. I'll even show you around. Hopefully your family or whoever else comes to pick you up soon."
""I'll also try my best to find the ship you arrived in. Maybe that will give us a clue," he said, standing and walking toward the kitchen, which was lined with what appeared to be carvings on the wooden frames.
"You should settle into your new room for now. I'll make us something to eat."
Arbus couldn't help but find some humor in how oblivious this weird girl was. She was incredibly lucky that he'd been the one to find her. Her human appearance was an obvious giveaway of her identity as a reincarnator, or at least a half-breed. If any other Tarokian had discovered her, she would have been killed on the spot.
He sighed, unconsciously caressing the bracelet on his arm as he wished his mother was still here to make more of them. Frankly, there was no point in him wearing it anymore, given that his identity had already been exposed. But thanks to the direct orders from the emperor, the other Tarokians couldn't really do much to him.
The bracelet had made their intense hatred more manageable whenever he ventured into town. Now he didn't want to part with it, mostly because of the hurtful expressions he'd see whenever anyone caught a glimpse of his human skin.
He sighed deeply as he focused on preparing dinner. He was determined to prove everyone wrong, no matter how long it took.