ME, INSIDE OUT

CHAPTER 2

She took off her headset. "That was an experience. That felt so real It really felt like I was living her life," she said. She looked at a picture of Amara. He really did remind me of Amara, she sighed. "I almost forgot what it was like to have a best friend," she smiled. She felt reminiscent.

She went to the program. "Alright, let's see what should I try next. Let's do historical," she said. She typed in historical. "Ok, let's go back in," she put on her headset. She opened her eyes and she was back in.

She saw the game screen. "Her name is Isla. This one's a bit different. She has a background," she said. Isla is a forgotten princess. She is just an illegitimate child, so nobody liked her. Even the maids looked down on her, it read. "Oh poor girl. She doesn't deserve that. Let's make her life better," she smiled. She pressed the start button.

She opened her eyes, and she was inside the palace. She looked in the mirror. I'm a kid. How old am I? she asked. Then, a maid came into her room. "Jane, how old am I?" she asked. Isla was surprised that she knew her name. Isla's memories are like my memories, she thought. Jane was shocked by the question. "You're nine years old, princess," Jane answered. "I see. I just wanted to test you, Jane. You can put the tea and cookies on the table," she ordered. "Yes, princess," Jane said. Jane put them on the table and left.

At night, Isla felt bored. "There's nothing to do here. I'm so bored," she said. Then, she looked outside the window. She had an idea. "I'm going to sneak out of the castle," she said. She grabbed her cloak and put it on. She climbed out the window and snuck past the guards. I'm finally outside. Time to explore, she thought.

She decided to wander around the village. She felt so free being outside. She was enjoying the breeze when she suddenly bumped into a group of mercenaries. "I'm sorry," she apologized. Then, a man grabbed her. "Look at what we've got here," he said. "Put me down, you idiot!" she shouted. "You're a feisty one," he pinched her cheeks.

"Cain, put her down," somebody said. A guy appeared from the shadows. He looks like the boss, she thought. "Boss, I think we should keep her," Cain said. Cain put her down. He went closer to her. "Don't get any closer! Who are you?" she backed away. He observed her more closely. "That cloak has a royal insignia. Are you a princess?" he asked. "Maybe I am," she said. "I don't think I've seen your face before though. What's your name?" he asked.

She looked at him suspiciously. "Why should I tell you, mister?" she asked. I don't trust him yet, she thought. "Fine, I'll introduce myself first then. I'm Daniel, the leader of the Nine Wings," he introduced himself. "What's the Nine Wings?" she asked. "It's an organization filled with mercenaries and assassins. We are also one of the top guilds around here," he explained.

Her eyes were wide with admiration. Daniel noticed it and smiled. "Would you like to join us, little one?" he asked. "Can I?" she asked excitedly. He lifted her up. "Of course, I sense great potential in you," he said. "I'm Isla, by the way," she smiled. "Well, nice to meet you, Isla," he said. He turned to the others. "Let's welcome our newest member, Isla!" he shouted. Everyone cheered. She felt warm inside. Feels like I'm a part of a big family, she smiled.

Every day she would go there to train. Nobody knew about it. A few years had passed, she turned 18. One day, she went to the guild as usual. She just walked into Daniel's office while he was getting dressed. "Hey, Dan," she said sitting down on the couch. "You should knock first," he said. "Who cares, I've seen it all already," she said. He hit her on the head. "You're still the same even after all these years," he said. "I think I got more mature though," she said. He just sighed.

"Aren't you supposed to be getting ready for your debutante ball?" Daniel asked. "Actually, it's my sister's debutante ball. I'm only there for decoration purposes only," she said. "You still have to go. Issy, go and prepare for the ball," Daniel said. "Why?" she asked. "If you're not there, they'll come searching for you. Then, they will find out that our guild has something to do with the youngest princess of the Evergreen family. How do you think your father will react?" he asked. "Fine, I get it. I'll go," she gave up. "See ya, Issy," he said. "Bye, Dan," she waved and left.