Series: The Mountain: Book 1: The Awakening

Missing Pieces

Liam cursed as blades of grass tore at his unprotected legs as he ran through an open field. Ahead of him, was a girl a couple inches shorter, calling his name playfully. 

"Wait up!" he shouted, nearly out out of breath as the girl disappeared into the taller strands of grass.

Losing sight of her, Liam bent over, hands on his knees, as he fought to steady his breathing. Although he'd become well acquainted with the realism of his recent dreams, Liam felt it unnecessary for fatigue to be included. On entering his current situation, he'd attempted to enable his power in order to catch up to the unknown girl, however, to his dismay, Liam's aura had not travelled with him into the dream state. Annoyed by his inability to keep pace with someone seemingly much younger than him, Liam kicked at the soft earth beneath his feet, momentarily sending clods of loose soil into the air.

"Where'd she run off too?" Liam questioned in frustration, squinting his eyes as he scanned the surrounding fields of grass.

As if in response to his question, a faint giggle followed by a pitter patter of feet erupted from behind him. Whirling around, Liam came face to face with a young girl dressed in tattered clothing. Staring at the unfamiliar girl, he grasped his chest tightly, as a sharp pain tugged at his heart. 

'Where have I seen you before?' he wondered as involuntary tears gathered in his eyes. 

Unable to place her appearance, Liam stepped back in surprise as the girl's eyes blackened instantly. Before he could decide what to do next, she grabbed his arms, almost shattering them as her hands clamped down on him. Tugging and pulling wildly, Liam struggled to break free of her hold, however, it was to no avail. Realizing his escape attempts were futile, he ceased all actions as he awaited the unknown girl's next move. 

As if noticing his resignation, a thin smile spread across her lips as she spoke slowly in a voice that didn't match her appearance, "Come Play With Me!"

Liam awoke, once again clutching his chest, startled by the unsettling scene. In front of him, lay Helen sprawled onto her back, staring at him uncertainly as his aura gathered thickly around his body. Off to one side, Liam spotted Sylvie now sitting in an upright position, clutching the hilt of her sheathed sword tightly. 

"Liam!" Helen called once more, maintaining her distance, "It's me."

Immediately realizing the situation, Liam retracted his aura, causing both Helen and Sylvie to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Are you ok?" Helen asked, crawling over. 

"I-I think so," Liam replied, still shaken by the sudden turn his dream had taken, "What happened?"

"You were tossing and turning in your sleep," Sylvie said voluntarily answering him as she relaxed her grip on the weapon, "My lady took notice and rushed over to check on you. That's when your aura suddenly surged throwing Lady Helen onto her back in the process."

"Sorry," Liam apologized, rubbing his head as he turned towards Helen, "I'm still not used to being around others."

"Is it your memories again?" Helen asked, noticing his movements. 

"Something like that," he admitted, thinking of the young girl from his earlier dream. 

"What exactly do you recall?" Helen questioned. 

Liam paused as he thought on how exactly he should answer, "I remember waking up in a forest, alone and afraid. I remember fighting those Dire wolves within the ruins to survive."

"You fought the Dire Wolves single handedly?" Sylvie asked in shock, cutting in. 

"From what I've seen, our friend here should have no problem dealing with those beasts," Helen said with a smile.