This Can't Happen
Casual Wednesday...
With the sun hitting her face, gripping her cuddly bear beside her, Hazel reaches out to turn down her alarm.
Startled by the sudden reminder of the special event on the day, she jumps out of her bed to the voice of her mother screaming her name on the top of her lungs.
Mom
Hazel, dear wake up, you're going to be late. Dad and i need to hurry. Come down stairs, will you?
Dad i guess
You know how she is honey. She'll get herself to college, let us leave. We need to attend the meeting. Making the shareholders wait wont do us any good.
Hazel inhales all her frustration and exhales a deep sigh.
Hazel Arden
"gEt HerSeLF tO coLLeGe" like it's been his self interested, narcissistic arse thats been getting me to college. Atleast pretend to make an effort. How did my mom even end up with him. ARGH!
Mom
We'll meet you at college later at the event, make sure to be your best self.
These words lightens up her face. Knowing her mom is going to be there at the big moment of her life. There was nothing else that could make her happier.
Hours pass by. Hazel nervously picks on her finger because her mother wasn't here yet. She was only minutes away from being awarded 'The Best Outgoing Student of the Year'.
'Hazel Arden' the MC calls out. Her stomach turns as she walks up to the stage realising her mother was not amongst the crowd, cheering for her.
Hazel Arden
Ofcourse something came up again, why would i even expect it to be different this time.
Marcus
Hey, Cheer up now. You know how things are. They must have been busy. I am sure it must be someone they couldn't avoid.
Hazel Arden
You know what, you must be right. You've known me since kindergarten. Enlighten me about the times they actually showed up.
Marcus
Hazy, come one. Don't be like that. You've won something you've worked so hard for. Lets celebrate.
Hazel Arden
Leave it be Mark, I am going out to get some air.
The event ended. People are starting to pack up. Hazel gives up hope and picks her bag to walk herself home.
Mom
Sweetie, what are you doing outside?
Hazel Arden
Right on time mom, why dont you go help the others pack the stuff up?
Mom
I am so sorry sweetheart, I promise this won't happen again.
Hazel Arden
Won't happen again? Again when mom? my college days are over. I've been hearing you say this all my life but not once have you ever stood by it.
Hazel's mom leaves out a deep sigh noticing the piercing eyes of passers - by
Mom
Sweetie now calm down. We are sorry. We kinda got carried away. It's been a while since we hung out, we didnt notice the time.
Hazel felt her voice quiver. She knew she had to stop talking or things were about to get out of hands. But what could a teen do watching her whole world collapse in the matter of few seconds
Hazel Arden
I spent my whole life trying to be something you've always wanted. So that YOU would finally accept me. I had to excel in all fields to receive this honour. I gave up on my dreams, my friends, my happiness, and invested it all in this. Just so YOU would be proud of me.
Hazel Arden
Throughout these college years i asked nothing but time from you. The least you could do is SHOW UP!
Hazel Arden
I did everything you ever asked of me. Even if it was something contrary to what i wanted. I only ever wanted to be loved. It was the biggest day of my life. I was finally being recognised for my hardwork and you decided not to show up because you were busy staring into each others eyes, forgetting about the daughter that existed, solely cause you never cared enough to acknowledge the result of your own mistake.
Hazel could feel her heart being torn into a million pieces. She wished the world ended that very moment.
Hazel Arden
You've always been blaming me for not having a successful marriage. Do you still see him in me? is that why? IS THAT WHY I CANT BE LOVED?
Dad i guess
Thats enough!! Hazel apologize. Now.
Hazel Arden
This is between me and my mom. I don't think a man who crawled in later gets a say in this.
Mom
Hazel! what's wrong with you. Is that how you talk to your dad?
Hazel couldn't feel her legs anymore. Her body felt numb. Her biggest fear was coming true. All her dreams shattered into nightmares. She couldn't stop her tears from rolling down. She wanted to scream her lungs out. She rolled her palm into fists. Gritted her teeth trying to hold back a cry.
Hazel Arden
He. Is. Not. My. Father.
She had finally said it. Something she held back for years. She could feel a weight lift of her chest but it only got heavier. Turning to face her back to her mom, throwing her bag, letting out the cry she held in, she runs not knowing where it was going to lead her. Hazel made her decision that day. She had been fighting for too long. She didn't have a reason anymore.
Hazel doesn't know what happened next. She can hear people screaming. She shakes herself to consciousness but time doesn't feel the same anymore.
Hazel Arden
*i could feel the breeze brush my hair. Every atom. Every second felt like an hour. The sun was still in my eye but it felt different. Like the rays were taking their own time to reach me. I could smell the newly bloomed spring blossoms although it wasnt spring yet. i was startled by the loud horn, just to find myself amidst a concrete pathway with a truck aiming at me.
Hazel Arden
*i felt the harsh reality of my skull bashing into it. A piece of glass cuts right through my cheekbone, just below my left eye. i close my eyes trying to take it all in. I wasn't fighting anymore.
it didn't matter, it didn't matter anymore.
...or So it Seemed
Hazel Arden
*I open my eyes. I am in my room, on my bed trying to comprehend what just happened
Mom
Hazel, dear wake up, you're going to be late. Dad and i need to hurry. Come down stairs, will you?
Surprised to hear her mom's voice, Hazel stares into plain air confused of everything around her.
Hazel Arden
Nothing happened? Was it all a dream? But it felt so real
Hazel gets out of her bed to figure things out.
There's a knock at her window.
Hazel Arden
This window has been making this noise for a while now. Must be the wind.
Hazel walks upto her window to check out the noise thats been irritating her for weeks. She catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror.
Terrified of what she saw, Hazel can feel her heart beating in her throat.
Hazel Arden
There it is, it's the mark. The last thing i felt before everything happened.
The wound below her left eye was still there. Hazel looks down at her hands. Her hands covered in blood.
Hazel Arden
This can't be happening!!
With her trembling hands, she looks back at the mirror. She finds her reflection staring back at her. Blood oozing from everywhere. Unable to even recognise her self. She gets glimpses of the accident. The ground below her begins to quake. Debris of concrete falling down.
Hazel Arden
It was real. It was all real!! What is happening?? Mom!!!!
The knock on her window turns to loud bangs.
Hazel Arden
What is going on? I can't stay here, i need to find mom.
'Wrong way Hazel' a voice calls out. Startled by the voice, she turns to face the window.
'Here, come along'
Hazel hears a voice calling out to her through the window. She carefully opens the window. A bright beam makes it difficult for her to see. When her eyes finally adjusts to the light, she sees someone standing in front of her, outside the window.
Hazel Arden
Is this a dream? Am i dead?
'No,silly. Well, not yet.' the voice calls out. She sees a beautiful young woman standing before her, stretching her arm out.
Eve Gonzales
I am Eve, You might wanna come with me if you don't wanna die here.
Hazel Arden
Mom!!!! There is a weird woman outside the window.
Eve Gonzales
Ouch. Weird is a strong word, don't you think? Also you're mom can't hear you. The building is going to collapse any time now so you can either cry for mom, or stop crying and woman up. Now quick, i don't have all day.
Hazel couldn't believe her eyes. Eve didnt look like any random girl she met before. She had coal black locks falling on her face that she didnt bother enough to stick it behind her ear. She had a pierced eyebrow that reflected the sun rays that hit her face. Dark black eyes that matched her hair. She had a spear sticking out behind her. Her skin seemed soft without even touching it.
Hazel Arden
[ Although trusting a woman i just met isn't the smartest thing to do, i wanna know how it feels to have my hand on her feather skin]
Hazel grabs onto Eve's hand gazing her Hazel eyes into Eve's sunken dead looking eyes.
Hazel is pulled into the light along with Eve, leaving no trace of Hazel's existence behind.
Where am I
Stumbling out of balance, Hazel almost freaks out knowing she was standing on thin air.
Hazel Arden
Ah! Dont let go of me. Where am i? How are we floating?
Hazel looks around her. Mushrooms bigger than an average human. Red fumes coming out of flowers.
Hazel Arden
Wow, it's beautiful.
Realising the sudden reality of the distance between her and the land. The portal through which she came from, closes. Hazel tries to grab the portal, but slips out of Eve's grasp almost falling down.
Eve Gonzales
Stay still! i almost dropped you.
Agitated by the portal closing, Hazel looks back in fury, only to melt it away as their eyes meet.
Hazel Arden
You have beautiful eyes.
Eve Gonzales
*surprised
Uh Thanks.
Hazel Arden
Not that i am complaining but your hand is still grasping my behind.
Eve Gonzales
*flustered
Oh Sorry, i -i dint notice
'Thats enough, get down here!' a voice calls out
Hazel safely steps out on land, Looking at the gentleman in front of her. He seemed the same age but something was different. He was dressed in an emerald green vest with a monocle covering his gray eyes. He has the palm of his right hand on his chest, and the left hand behind his back
Edgar Gonzales
Greetings Soulster. I am Edgar, You can call me Ed. Welcome to Regalia. Ms. Eve is an acquaintance of mine.
Eve Gonzales
Cut the crap Ed, He is my brother. We have serious job for you. Now come along, We need to let Opaha know about your arrival.
Edgar Gonzales
Calm down Eve, Your scaring the girl. It was you who delayed the arrival by lingering in air for no reason. Now that i think about it, what were you two searching in each other's eyes?
Eve's face flushes red unable to hide the embarassment.
Eve Gonzales
*in anger
It was her who tried to walk on air like an idiot.
Hazel Arden
In my defence, people from where i come from walk on land! We don't float mid air
Edgar Gonzales
Now calm down girls, if you behave Eddy promises to give you chocolates
Eve Gonzales
Argh, this is frustrating. I had to bring her, I did my job. Whatever happens from now on, she is your responsibility.
Edgar Gonzales
Now why would you leave your friend with a man she just met?
Eve Gonzales
SHE is not my friend, she was my mission. I've accomplished it. Now she is your mission. Take care, Miss princess is new to thorns and bushes.
Edgar Gonzales
Why don't you take care of her yourself if you are that worried about her?
Eve Gonzales
I couldn't care less
Edgar Gonzales
Is that why your face grew red just a second ago? because you couldn't care less?
Hazel Arden
I wanna go home, it's so cold out here. Its getting dark.
Eve Gonzales
Don't cry now, its not that far.
Edgar Gonzales
Dont be rude to her Eve. Here wear this-
Ed removes his leather blazer and lends it to Hazel
Hazel Arden
Tell me more about this place
The trio starts their journey to reach home before nightfall.
Edgar Gonzales
This is Regalia. It's kind of a magical land. The residents are all witches, the good kind. We can cast spells with practice. Although this magic isnt ours. We borrow it from the heart of Regalia. It returns to her when we bite the dust.
Eve Gonzales
Ed is basically an addict for knowledge. He is who comes up with solution everytime there is a problem. He is also the first one to master the Sixir with very less practice.
Edgar Gonzales
Sixir is what we call the borrowed magic. Opaha is like the head of the village. Eve hear has struggles with controlling her Sixir. So she has compensated it with her combat expertise.
Hazel Arden
What is a soulster?
Edgar Gonzales
A soulster is someone who doesnt need the Sixir. They use the magic of their own soul. These type of Resus are rare. You are a Soulster. We need you.
Eve Gonzales
The girl is more dumb than she looks. Resus are magic users, basically all of us.
Edgar Gonzales
The Soulster seed blooms once in 50 years, sometimes they don't even ripen. But when they do, They are planted into your world. The seed finds the pod on its own. It blooms and merges with the soul making the Resu use the soul magic.
Hazel Arden
There is a seed in me?! How do i get it out? What if-
Eve Gonzales
There is no hope for this girl. The seed has merged with your soul. You are a Resu like us. You just need to find the focus of your soul energy
Edgar Gonzales
There is no need to freak out. We will teach you how to use the Makuto. You need a little training. You seem skilled than my sister, lets hope it's true.
Hazel Arden
What about my mom, won't they panic to see me missing.
Eve Gonzales
The time here is different, after the task is done, i will drop you back to the exact time i picked you up. They won't even notice you are gone.
Hazel Arden
Can i fly with this Makoto?
Edgar Gonzales
Its Makuto, and yes flying is a minimal skill every resu has.
Hazel Arden
Dont get me wrong, you both look the same age, are you two really siblings?
Edgar Gonzales
Yes, Twins.
Hazel Arden
Wow that sounds interesting
Eve Gonzales
We've been talking about magic for hours and this is what you find interesting?
Eve Gonzales
Are you sure this is the soulster we are looking for? She is going to rebuild the Gate?
Edgar Gonzales
We have a gate that needs to be rebuilt before it collapses. Only a soulster can do that. Sixir is strong enough to hold the gate but not enough to build it.
Hazel Arden
This all seems too much information to take in so fast.
Eve Gonzales
It takes time. Rome wasnt built in a day. Rest today and we can begin the training tomorrow.
Edgar looks at his sister in surprise.
Edgar Gonzales
Thats some emotions coming out of you sis. You never said anything like that to me.
Eve Gonzales
I was just trying to shut her up, she has been talking for a while. It's not pleasant to here her jabber nonsense like an idiot.
Hazel Arden
Sorry, i talk alot when i am nervous.
Even looks at Hazel with regret on having said that. Opens her mouth to say something but decides against it.
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