Stuck In The Past

Void, an ever expanse of space. It knows no end, nor beginning.

"Where can you find it?" A question scholars a many have posed.

Yet, the answer simple; everywhere and anywhere. While vague, this roundabout statement holds truth.

A witness to such truth is none other than Elias. In fact, at this moment, he was in the very midst of it.

###

An amalgamation of reality.

That was the only way I could describe what I was going through at the moment.

I was arrested in a swampous fabric of space and time, surrounded by threads of golden amethyst light. They reminded me of a neuronic connection, 'twas as if I was encased inside the most complex Archimedean solid.

Every time I tracked these divine threads, my pupils would turn into the clearest of Adam's ale, reflecting their edenic brilliance. And while Beautiful, it was overwhelmingly frightening.

Luckily, I had a companion to keep me company within my confines; me, but a different version.

The 'me' I was seeing, was a vestige of my memories.

How? I am not sure myself.

But it all started when sand-like particles of Aeter seeped from the threads, and formed this hyper realistic slideshow.

Like frameless computer screens, panels played out various scenes of my life. Everything felt fleeting, it felt as if I wouldn't remember any of it, a dream.

It showed me everything.

My birth.

My brief peaceful childhood.

My loss…

It showed me all the challenges I went through and how they shaped my personality. It showed me how I have transitioned from the isolationist savage, into a somewhat normal boy. I have… friends, people who play a vital role in my daily life. I have more than shrubs and greenery now.

Most importantly I have love.

It was the love my father gave me that got me through the loss of my mother and granny Sophia, and it was love that got me through the very recent loss of my father.

In the span of seconds, less even, I went through every event in my new life. Or was it a few seconds?

Everything in here was elusive, unreachable.

Time included…Time especially.

Eventually, I found my white, ghostly body back in the cave as wisps of smoke formed the bodies of Leo, Patrick, Lester and Eset. And… another me.

I saw them…us laughing and talking. I saw us strategically take down the wolves one after the other, a well-oiled machine.

"Alright, that's enough for today. There's something strange here, I think we should leave" I heard myself say, well my past self.

I nodded along with my words. It was the right call.

"You sure Eli? We're really doing well here. Aren't we guys?" Leo asked, just like I remembered he did.

Before they could argue anymore, Eset teleported them out, leaving 'me' alone.

'The calm before the storm'. I thought, watching the dark cave swallow my figure, only the lonely footsteps an evidence of my presence.

Suddenly, the solemn scene twisted, and the sound of footsteps distorted into a monstrous screech.

A hot and humid breath wafted in the cave, threatening to blow my smoky body away. Under the <Susurri Mens> nose, I stood aghast. Motionless, I watched on as it its maddeningly disheartening whispers drilled holed into my mind.

I Knew that I would win here, I knew that I did. But… why wasn't it happening?

Behind me was my kneeling figure, craze gripping his mind and weakness his heart.

'I' lied there, my knees bent in surrender caving their way into the earth, digging my grave before the ferryman can even ready his boat.

Prowling forward, the demon passed through me, scattering my body for brief moments before it reformed again, arms crossed and eyes closed, awaiting pain.

When nothing happened, I opened my eyes and looked back, watching it surround my surrendering figure, the original target… The only target.

It surrounded 'me' with its long body closing off any possible exits as the jaws of death parted, sharp fangs welcoming my arrival, welcoming another soul to the tally.

"SNAP OUT OF IT!" I screamed at the top of my lungs with madness.

"C'mon stand up! FIGHT!"

All for naught.

No matter how hard I screamed or struck myself with my intangible fists, nothing changed. I was still going to d-die!

'How did I do it?! How did I find the courage to defeat this thing?!'

It was only then that I had an epiphany.

Anger. That's the only way.

My eyes bulged and my chest inflated, a smoldering fury swirling within.

"𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄!"

That was all it took for the events to play out like it did in the past.

Just as I was about to witness my own ablution of blood, I was woken up.

###

In the real world, a beautiful bright sun melted the last of the snow, almost erasing all the evidence of winter. A soft breeze sailed, swaying the willow tree leaves gently to its tune and azure blue birds cuddled together on its branches as life returned to the once barren willow.

From outside a wooden cabin's window, one could hear a hushed commotion ensue. Looking further inside, you could see three young boys and an owl stand about a sleeping figure covered in dried black paint.

"We could throw a bucket of cold water. That's how my mother always does it."

Confident with his brilliant solution, Patrick looked at the others with a smile waiting for affirmation, but it soon turned awry seeing their dumbfounded looks.

"We're not gonna throw water at Elias, I mean it's not right… right?"

Leo's question went up in the air as Lester just shrugged while Eset smiled.

[Do you have a better idea?] Asked the owl impatiently.

Gathering his newfound courage, Lester spoke up in disagreement.

"No, bu-"

[No? WERE DOING IT!]

Interrupting him the worried owl teleported to the empty basin beside the bed, and flying back with it full.

Eset poised herself over Elias's head and aimed the water-filled basin carefully.

A few flutter of wings later, ice cold water poured over the sleeping boy's head, mixing with the black blood, turning it a shade lighter.

Like a bent ruler, his body snapped upright as he screamed in distress

"AAAARGGGHHHH"