TBATE: Brothers Forever (Beta Version)

Chapter 3: Awakening

Arthur Leywin

Mom... Dad... and Jayden.

I opened my eyes, only to see towering trees and dangling vines as I lay on my back.

Where was I?

How was I alive?

I tried to get up, but my body didn't listen. The only thing I was able to manage was turn my head, and even that involved a series of throbbing pains in my neck.

Looking to my right, I spotted my knapsack. I slowly turned my head to my left, gritting my teeth through the pain.

How was I still alive?

I couldn't help wondering what had happened while I was unconscious.

I pondered over the possible answers until I was interrupted by a strong grumble from my stomach.

Again, I tried getting up, fighting through my body's protests; the only parts of my body that seemed to be listening to me as of now was my right arm and my neck up. I willed mana into my right arm and used my fingers to claw my way, dragging my body, to reach my knapsack. It couldn't have been more than a meter away, but it took over what felt like an hour until I finally managed to reach it. Pulling it closer to me, I rummaged through it with my only able hand until I found what I was looking for: the dried berries and nuts my mother had packed!

Looking around, the position of the first rays of light peeking through the mountains meant it was dawn.

This time, I was able to get up, but only with the help of mana.

'Oh, you're awake.'

I instantly got into a fighting stance, gritting through the pain from the sudden movement.

A melodic chuckle made me look around for the source of the voice.

The voice that seemed to come out of nowhere had a dignified, yet soft quality emanating a sense of royalty. It was powerful and resonant, yet a silky and soothing sound that made you want to trust it.

Still on guard, I managed to mutter a less than elegant response.

"Who are you? Are you the one that saved me?"

"Yes, to your second question. As for the first, you will soon find out when you arrive at my dwelling."

This voice seemed awfully sure that I would try and find it.

As if reading my thoughts, she continued, "I am the only one that will be able to get you home from this place, so I advise you to make haste."

That jerked some sense into me. That's right! I had to get back home! Mom! Dad! The Twin Horns! Jayden! Are they alright? Did they reach Xyrus safely?

If the voice could really take me back home, I had no choice but to find it.

"Ahem, dear uhh... Mr. Voice. May I ask for directions to your location so that you may bless me with your presence?"

The voice let out another soft chuckle before replying with, "Don't you think it's a little rude to call a lady 'Mister'? And yes, I'll show you the way."

Ahh... so it was a lady.

'I recommend departing immediately. It will be a lot safer traveling during the day than when it gets dark.' Gently chided the voice.

"Yes Ma'am!" I quickly picked up my knapsack before trotting towards my destination.

Hearing a faint gurgling sound, I headed towards the direction, spotting a narrow stream.