TBATE: Shadows Of The Past

Chapter 7 - Confronting 'Him'

[1st POV - Cain Leywin]

Finding myself within the same dark and cold space that I had been in after dying, would no doubt shock anyone, however, I remained calm and composed.

What happened?

I remember sparring with Adam, my brother by my side offering support. The memories after being hit in the head by Adam were hazy.

Before I could continue with my thoughts about where I was, the space around me started to change, showing something that made chills run down my spine.

'T-This..'

I knew very well what this place was. It was none other than my 'home' in my previous life. A place that held so many emotions and memories, and the same place where my emotions and freedom were robbed away from me.

"My, my. It would seem our little demon has gotten weak," a cold and detached voice rang in my ears, a voice that I could easily recognize as my own.

A child with short, snowy white hair, striking but lifeless blue eyes, and porcelain skin that appeared almost translucent, stepped into my field of vision. The child appeared to be around five years old, his small stature and delicate features further emphasizing his youth.

Despite my attempts to move or run away, I found myself completely paralyzed, unable to even twitch a muscle.

"Why do you still hold back? Is it because of your new 'family'? Or perhaps because of that child body of yours?" the child said, slowly walking towards me, each step making me tremble.

He arrived in front of me, his hand slowly raising to touch my face. He lowered himself to be face-to-face with me.

"You should remember what you are. Imprint it in your mind that you will never know the concept of emotions. Stop acting like you have them. After all..." He paused for a moment to let his words sink in.

"This game of yours is no longer amusing. Remember that you couldn't save 'her,' and that you will never feel emotions."

~=~=~=~=~

*GASP*

I awoke with a loud gasp, small droplets of sweat making their way down my face. My expression and body were pale from the meeting with 'him'.

I could hear the distinct sound of wood burning and smell food roasting on the fire.

It seemed that my gasp and awakening had gathered the attention of the party members and my family, as they stopped their chatter and looked at me with concern. Hell, even Adam threw a few concerned glances towards me.

An uncomfortable silence filled the camp as the adults didn't know where to start their questioning. I noticed my brother sitting beside me, his eyes lifeless, and his expression pale. He had probably been questioned without rest.

I decided to break the silence after a few seconds of being stared at.

"So... what happened? I remember up until being hit by Adam in the head."

It seemed that my question had jolted everyone out of their thoughts, as they all looked at each other simultaneously.

My mother, who was sitting beside me, immediately reached out and gave me a crushing hug while crying a little.

"Are you okay, my baby boy?" my mother asked with tear-filled eyes. The party members, along with my father, stood up and walked over to me.

"Yeah, but my arm feels a little numb," I said, struggling to breathe due to my mother's tight embrace.