Path Of Eternity

Chapter 3

I was in a dark space. I could only make out some shapes here and there, but outside that I couldn't see. Nearly everything was pitch black.

The scent of Iron was prevalent as it overridden my sense of smell. Before I could even think about what to do, I ended up moving deeper into the darkness. My body is seemingly on autopilot.

I couldn't sense Caster near me, I was alone.

I don't know when it happened or how, but I came to a stop. There was a door in front of me, it had an outline which allowed it to stand out in the pitch black. Reaching out, I grabbed the ice cold handle.

There was a deep feeling in my chest as my hand gripped the handle of the door. Breathing became difficult as the sense of dread only increased in intensity.

I knew, I knew what was behind this door.

I knew, and yet...I wanted to open it.

My entire arm was tense. I couldn't even let go of the handle.

There was a whisper from behind me.

"You did this."

0-0-0-0-0

I shot up in bed, taking deep and mechanical breaths. My hand rested over my racing heart, which felt like it was trying to beat out of my chest.

Dammit....It happened again.

Dreams like these have kept recurring since a couple days ago. Sometimes it was bright, sometimes I was in a crowd, but I always ended up in front of that door.

Tamamo was still asleep next to me, so it might still be early. She wasn't woken up by my movements, so that was good.

I still felt tired, so I don't think I got much sleep. I looked at the clock and my thoughts were confirmed. It was 4 in the morning.

I took more deep breaths as my heart calmed down. Yet there was still that lingering feeling in my chest. Breathing was still difficult.

I looked to Cas- Tamamo, who was still sleeping peacefully next to me. She was still letting out light breaths while sleeping with a peaceful expression.

I was glad she was still asleep, seeing her look that peaceful put me at peace.

She really has done a lot for me.

I...really didn't want to lose her. The thought alone really hurt. It wasn't physical pain, but a familiar dread was piling up in my chest.

I needed to clear my head.

I got out of bed as gently as I could so that I wouldn't wake her up. She reacted to my leave as she made a complicated expression, whispering 'Stupid Goshujin' and tossed impatiently in bed.

"...Sorry." I whispered quietly. Seeing her sad expression hurt, but I just needed to clear my head.

I put on some sweats and a hoodie and walked out.

0-0-0-0-0

The city was quiet, which wasn't surprising since it was still so early in the morning. It was calming, and helped Yuto with his thoughts as he walked. Any unpleasant thought that crossed his mind disappeared as quickly as they appeared.

At least, most of them. Since waking up, the same thought kept reappearing no matter how much he pushed them away.

Am I really strong enough to protect her? Have I even changed since I got here?