Lady of Imperfection [ON-GOING]

Chapter 5 [Heather]

"Pay your gratitude, mortal." Elder spoke to me. Was this his doing? I'm... I'm literally floating! Like, flying! I'm like Tinker Bell, with the golden dust and shit.

"This is amazing! Thank you so much, Elder! You're so cool!" He flew away from me. Wait, was he blushing just now? What? No one ever complimented you before?

"Well, I know. I'm the Almighty Black Dragon, after all. I'm supposed to be cool." He responded and I smiled. I see. It seems like no one has ever acknowledged him. I can relate to that, Heather can, too. We are all living in such a cruel world, aren't we?

Elder let me down as soon as we saw a group of humans. "Oh! I can see a town nearby. We can rest there for today." We've been traveling nonstop ever since I achieved the black essence.

"Ugh!" Why? My chest suddenly felt stuffy. What's happening?! I feel like I'm going to vomit.

"Hah..." Is this blood? Did I just coughed up blood? I looked at Elder, he immediately flew towards me.

"This is why you should be honest at the trial." He asserted. Honest? I've been honest. I told him my heart's desire, what else does he want?

"Elder, don't get me wrong. You said yourself earlier that you accept my reasons. Isn't that because I was being honest?" Adam handed me another handkerchief that he got from my bag.

"Yes... Of course. Nevermind. Maybe, it's just because your body couldn't handle the essence. It's a nonhuman power, after all. You should rest for today, or maybe until tomorrow and the next. We won't be able to arrive at our destination with your condition like this." Elder explained to me. I tried to stand up only to fall into Adam's arms. I swear to God, I had lost count on how many times he had seen me like this for the month.

I agreed to Elder's advice. I really can't continue traveling like this. I must be in a perfect condition in order to win, or even just match up with Darius.

Ugh...! I feel like my head is gonna split into two. My heart aches so much, it's hard to breath. My arm and legs are almost at there limit as well. Why do I have to feel like this whenever I need to stand by myself. Heather's body is such a pain in the ass. I should start training after this.

"Milady! Lady Heather!" That could've been the first Adam called me by my name. But, I couldn't see anything. It's like I'm engulfed in darkness without any light to guide me.

"Hey, mortal! Hang in there!" What's happening? I don't know. I couldn't see anything at all. I could feel my consciousness drifting away. The noises slowly disappeared as a glimmer of light appeared.

"What? Where am I? This isn't the town we were in." I looked around. Earlier, it was pure darkness, now it's pure light. It's blinding, I'm covering almost half of my face, just enough for me to see but not to irritate my eyes.

"You." I heard a voice, I turned above me and saw a woman wearing a white robe with golden laces and belt. Woah! But, wait, I know who this person is.

"Heather..." I muttered, with my jaw agape. Why is she here? Am I dead? Is this the afterlife? But, is she even real to begin with?

"If I'm not real, then you shouldn't be, either. After all, you're the one who owns my body now." She said to me, smirking. Did she just read my mind? And, what's with that sarcastic statement. So annoying. No wonder that she was labeled as the villainess.

"If I'm a villainess, what are you, then? I was only villainous in some ways; like destroying one's reputation and such. However, you have the intent to kill." Heather finally landed down, we're on the same height. I mean, this was her body.

It was my turn to smirk. "I'm not like you. I don't try to hide who I am nor try to pretend to be someone else just to be accepted." I told her. She was unfazed, as if she didn't get the insult.

"Liar. That's why you're hurting, right now. You're too naive. I should visit you after you feel the wrath of my family. Get ready to feel the pain that I felt before." She stipulated. So annoying. I'm not a pushover. I can definitely do this better than you, I'll prove it until the day I die in this body. Still, it was weird to talk to a dead person.

Heather has gone, now I'm stuck all alone here. The scenery had changed, as well. The light had slowly dissipate.

I stood on the grass that covered my feet, up to my knees. The wind was quick but not harsh. The breeze kissed my face, I smile in the making. This felt so good. I walked around to find a huge willow tree. I laid beside it, enjoying the scenery and the joy they gave me.

Just in a little while, I could feel brushes through my skin, but no one and nothing was touching me. My consciousness must be returning. I've been in this place for a while, it's time to get up.

I felt the heat and fabric on my skin. I blinked my eyes, and saw Elder flying over me and Adam beside me, resting his head on the bed. The fire in the fireplace is blazing, this amount of hotness is just right.

I sat up. "How long was I out?"

"Three days." Elder answered, flying to the side.

"What?! Have you guys eaten?" I asked him, looking around for my belongings.

He shook his head. "Well, we roamed around the town, it was their festival and they were generous enough to offer us free food and lodging."

"I have food with me, though and a few pocket money." I sighed in defeat.

"Your loyal knight over here had punch me to the ground the moment you collapsed." What? That shouldn't be his reaction. Was he genuinely accompanying me throughout my journey? "Also, when I tried to tell him that we can use your belongings,  he freaked out, once again, and even tied me near the fireplace." Adam, what's wrong with you?! Good thing, this dragon had a lot of patience or you would've died. I don't hate you enough to watch you die and for sure, Bella and my family would blame this on me and I would be most likely be executed for murder. Essentially, my family would do their best to make me suffer.

"Oh, God. Forgive him this once, Elder. I shall discipline him when he wakes up." I bowed my head before him. This guy is so relentless.

"Nevermind that. It was amusing to me. Can you imagine a human challenging a dragon for his lady? Sounds insane, am I right?" I could see him smile even in the dragon form.

"Yes, insane indeed." Adam, you idiot. I can't really tell if Elder is happy about this or not. But, if he is, I'm glad, for now. "Then, uh, shall we eat? We must depart soon, ok almost away for a month. My family would grow suspicious of my disappearance. My maid would be blamed if I don't come back with in the given time." I told him, ruffling through my blankets. I stood up from my bed and reached for my bag. Should I wake Adam up?

Elder nodded. "Hmm... I would like to meet this demigod as soon as possible, as well." I turned to Elder and smiled. Why is he so intrigued with Darius?

I took out the food and placed it on the table. The lodging they gave us was large enough for all of us. I mean, this is much larger than those hotels I had stayed back on Earth.

"Adam?" I tapped on his shoulder. "Adam. Wake up, sleepyhead." He groaned and glared at me. Woah?! Should you really be glaring at your employer like that?

"Ah, milady!" His gaze had soften, and was replaced with a worried look. Here we go, again. Him displaying his emotions. "You're awake. You were out for three days."

"As I was informed." I responded, looking at Elder. His glares were back. Seriously. What's up with these two? It's like they're going on it every time they see each other. "Uh, so, let's eat, shall we? I'm starving for I have eaten nothing for three whole days." I can't stand this tension, I feel like I'm going to get burned alive.

"Yes, we shall. Of course, milady." Adam quickly arranged the table and chairs. Elder just laid on the bed, good thing he can turn into a smaller size. It's quite useful.

"Uh... Adam, I think that's enough." I told him, but he won't stop putting food on my plate. I've been starving for days but that doesn't mean I can eat all these.

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04.13.22 [publish]