I was sitting on a chair, a dining table before me. On the table was a chocolate cake, with the number sixteen at the top, a candle burning. I was wearing a ridiculous hat and there was confetti all over me. There were balloons everywhere. On one of the walls was written;
"Happy Sixteenth Birthday, Morgan!"
Beside me to the right was a middle-aged women with a bright smile on her face. She was in an apron, her long raven hair tied up in a bun, clapping hee hands together. Beside me to the left was a middle-aged man, he had sharp features and a receding hairline, his brown eyes brimming with life as he stared at me.
My mother and father.
Sitting on my lap was a young girl in a pink frilly dress. She looked about 8 or 7, her youthful pale skin and long raven-black hair, her eyes were brown, brimming with glee and excitement. Her mouth had chocolate stains on it, having already secretly stolen a few slices before I could could cut the cake. How cheeky.
She was my little sister.
Directly sitting across me was a boy that looked similar to me, albeit a little younger. He had pale skin, a slender build and a modest structure. However, his hairstyle wasn't as extravagant as mine. A little short and simple. His most distinguishable feature being the crystal–clear glasses he wore, giving the young boy a "bookworm" air.
That was my little brother.
I looked around, realizing I was in the living room. There were several other people around me. Young boys and girls, Old men and women. They were relatives. Aunts, uncles, male cousins and female cousins. I knew them all pretty well. They all came to celebrate my sixteenth birthday.
I was happy and very grateful. I can see the presents stacked up in the corner. I couldn't wait to unpack them. But at the same time, I was filled with a hint of confusion....
'Why am I here? Why couldn't I remember what I was doing before?'
Everything seemed so out of place. Like I wasn't supposed to be here. Like this wasn't real. But I would like to believe it was. My family.....just now, I have realized how much I missed them. For some reason, my heart had been yearning for them for a long, long time. Something stronger than the resentment i felt bloomed.
Love.
After some time, my mother leaned forward. Then began singing....
"Happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to Morgan!~"
They all sang after her.
I couldn't help but feel embarrassed and happy at the same time. I almost felt tears falling down my eyes, but I controlled myself to not be too emotional. All I did was stupidly grin and take the knife, with the help of my sister sitting on my lap, I reached out to cut a piece of the cake for myself.
But then I noticed something strange. A dark, disgusted expression appearing on my dad's face as he checked his phone. Then, he stared at my mother in anger. Moments later, I heard him yell, his lips moving....
Yet I couldn't catch what was being said. Everything grew blurry and my head started spinning. Then, I heard a beautifully gentle voice and two hands caressing my face.
"Morgan, wake up.....Morgan, come on! Wake up!"
The voice grew more and more impatient. Slowly, I opended my heavy eyelids and looked up. I felt dizzy at first, but then I saw something breathtaking.
I was laying on something comfortable. There was....a layer of cloth above me? It seemed like a tent. Then, I turned my head and my breath hitched. Kneeling beside my laying body was a gorgeous beauty with flawless pale skin, gem-like ruby eyes and long blond hair.
Just a few steps away from her was another beauty. This girl had a more cute and innocent charm, it made me want to subconsciously protect her from the harshness of the world. Her figure didn't have much to offer because of her modest size, but I knew she will grow up to be a beauty on day.
Oh, and there was also this weirdo wearing a comedy mask by them. I didn't pay him much mind though. These two angels had me drooling...
"Eww! You are drooling again, weirdo!"
A slap.
That woke me up from my inappropriate thoughts, immediately sitting me up. That's when I really took in where I was. Indeed, without a doubt, I was inside a tent. It wasn't....that well-made, but these people worked with the resources they had and done a fairly good job.
However, what surprised me most was that I was wearing something new. A white tunic that wasn't torn. Isabella was also wearing something new, a dress fitting for a lady like her, however, the dress didn't restrict too much movement, reaching only her knees.
'Wait a second....'
That's not right. This wasn't what surprised me the most. What surprised me the most was that my body was completely fine. I clearly remember my fight with Dorian that almost costed me my life. But there isn't a single bandage on me. Honestly, I would of believed that my wounds have healed....
If it wasn't for the fact that I suddenly have two arms now! The arm I lost during the Ceaseless Circle is back!
Observing my shocked expression, Isabella giggled.
"Looking good as new, huh?"
Then, she turned around and pointed at the masked man.
"It was Zeke who healed you. Thank him."
My mouth was still wide open, but I eventually swallowed and nodded. Facing Zeke, I forced out, my tone awkward.
"Ah, thank you....Mr. Zeke."
Zeke laughed behind his mask, the laugh was obnoxious and loud. It made me want to cover my ears.
"Please, don't be so formal! We are all allies here."
The little girl nodded, smiling pleasantly.
"Yes, we are. I hope you're feeling okay, Morgan. Isabella told me everything you two have been through. It must have been a rough fight...."
She looked genuinely concerned for me. I couldn't help but be touched. Sure beats having a girl companion with a nasty attitude. I thought, giving Isabella a look.
She was confused.
"What?"
But then misinterpreted by actions as if wanting an introduction. Clearing her throat, Isabella went on to explain.
"So, basically, I carried you around for a few days and decided to check on the lake. When I came, these two were here. I approached them and Zeke offered to heal you, I couldn't refuse and joined them. After awhile, we talked a little and got to know each other, waiting for you to wake up. Anyways, this little girl here is Cassie and he is Zeke. From now on, we are allies."
I nodded. That didn't really explain much, but it did give me a general idea.
'So we are allies now....'
I scrutinized the two of them intently. Zeke seemed unfazed, by Cassie was flustered. Eventually though, I smiled.
"Good! Because you guys seem powerful...."
I turned my head towards Zeke.
"How the hell did you bring back a lost hand, anyway?"
Zeke chuckled, his response coming playfully.
"That's a secret."
I was a little disappointed, but after seeing the look Isabella was giving me, I realized a few things. They have built an alliance, but it was fragile and can be broken easily. The only thing we can actually do is rely on each other. Isabella hasn't shared much of her abilities with them, and they haven't shared much with her.
It made sense. We will be fighting each other at the end of the day, after all. But to be honest? No matter what happens, I'll be on Isabella's side. The same way she had been by my side during the fight against Dorian. I have to return the favor.
I was curious about their intentions, but I didn't ask. Instead, I looked at the three of them and inquired.
"So, uh. What now?"
Before any of them could open their mouths, Zeke spoke.
"We go fishing! Come with me for a swim, buddy!"
He grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the tent. The two girls didn't even bother helping me. My eyes widened in shock at the betrayal.
"Wh–what? Fishing?"
Before I knew it, we were standing right at the edge of the lake. Zeke had let go of my hand and nodded, casually taking off his tunic, leaving his mask on. I noticed how muscular his slender frame was, but the most surprising thing was the burn mark on his chest.
I didn't ask about it though. It must be a sensitive topic.
"Yes. Fishing! It's just much more convenient hunting for fish, then going out hunting for meat and less dangerous!"
Then, hemakeshift cotton bag at me, to store the fish I capture in. He took out one for himself, that was already lying in the ground. Was he waiting for me to wake up, just to take me fishing?
Nevertheless, i was interesed. So i following his movements, taking off my own shirt. Looking down, I had just realized how muscular I had grown. It wasn't that obvious compared to Zeke, but a start.
Turning to him, I asked.
"What about alligators? And sharks? And other dangerous marine animals? They should be part of The Mulligan too.....so isn't it dangerous?"
Zeke lingered and then laughed, his laughter as obnoxious as usual.
"So what?! We will just kick their asses too!"
Then, without another word, he had dived into the lake like a dolphin. I stood there, with an incredulous expression on my face. Eventually, I sighed and tensed my muscles, before jumping into the lake as well.
The water was cool, making my body shiver, bit I held it together. Holding my breath, I opended my eyes with great difficulty and looked around. Zeke was already diving in so much, I could barely see him in the darkness.
'What a reckless fellow....'
I only knew barely how to swim. I took some few classes when I was younger, but I eventually dropped out and quit due to some heavy bullying I had to endure. The memory made me frown, but I shook it off.
There is no point in caring about the past.
Using my hands, I began swimming through the lake, my eyes wide open. I can hold my breath for quite long. About 2 minutes before having to go up. But that didn't mean I can be reckless. I needed to be quick about this. Besides, I want to catch as many fish as I could. It's a competition!
With my determination set, I began stealing fish after fish, each one I capture was trapped inside my bag. I continued for the next two minutes. For some reason, this lake seemed to be filled with all kinds of fish. Cod, salmon and even pufferfish! How strange.
However, I didn't stop to ponder it. I just continued capturing fish after fish. Eventually, i ran out of breath and swam back to the surface, taking in a deep exhale, then panting, as I climbed back on to land. My body glistening and my hair sticking to my face comically. I had to move it out of the way.
Carefully placing my bag on the ground, I closed it using the knot, it moved slightly due to the struggling fish, but it was fruitless. They were gonna die, anyway.
Looking around, I finally saw Zeke come up. He was still wearing that mask, his body glistening and his hair wet. To be honest, I wondered how he didn't even expose his face once during the dive. The mask must be special, or so I thought.
He glanced at my full bag and smirked.
"Not bad."
Then, he threw his own to the ground. His was also full, but it was more obvious. It put my own to shame. I couldn't help but sigh.
"You win this time."
He seemed confused, or so I think, before he laughed out loud.
"I guess I did, huh? Let's go cook this! Can't keep the ladies waiting."
My eyebrows twitched at his tone. But I didn't say anything, grabbing the bag and walking towards the campsite. The sun was already setting, dipping across the horizon, the sky turning dark.
The campfire was all ready. On a makeshift hanger made of wood and sticks, both of our tunics was hung to dry. Isabella was there to greet us, an irritated look on her face— while Cassie was sitting by the campfire.
"Took you both long enough."
She huffed and turned away, but I could see her sending furitive glances towards us. Mostly towards me. I didn't mind her attitude, mostly because I was pretty used to it now.
"Right."
And so, we both walked towards the campfire and sat down. Pouring out the dead fish from the bags, ready to roast them.