The Sky is Pretty From Freedom (KREW au)

Chapter Three: What are Memories Made of?

          That's quite the proposal. Now, I don't know much about this Kate girl, but if she's willing to help, honestly, I don't really care all that much. Now that my mind's been made up, I look at the tall woman in front of me and a wave of paranoia and relief washes over me. She could easily overpower me, and she's obviously an adult, maybe 20-26. But she could easily power through digging or climbing. All I can think at this point is just to not get on her bad side.

          Okay. I swear I'm ready. "You're willing to help dig? You'll play your part and help get me-no, us- out of here?" I ask, starting to become more firm in my words. She only replies with the same amount of confidence, responding "Yes. I'll do what I have to do, even if it means ending someone else. I want out." She looks me dead in the eyes, and It's a little unnerving. But now that I'd know she'd kill to get out, which is a bit...unsettling, I know I can trust her. I guess. 

          The Center Creatures and patrol officers are starting to sweep everyone into their homes, which means it's best to say goodbye right now. We both share an approving nod, then go our separate ways. I close then lock my door silently, and just kinda....stand there.

          I....don't know what to do....

I make up my mind. I should sleep. I go to my bathroom to brush my teeth and all that jazz, but something feels off this time. Something is missing. I can't quite put my finger on it. I bring the toothbrush bristles up to my teeth, and while I'm scrubbing, I get lost in my thoughts. 

Who was I before? 

I suddenly remember things I used to not. Vague depictions of a family, of paintings on the wall, a staircase with a Persian rug, cookies, me crying. Where did all of this come from? Why didn't I remember this before? I finish brushing my teeth and put my toiletries away and make my way over to my bed. What is this feeling? I move my hand to my heart and I feel it beating. Why is it beating so fast?  My skin feels warm. What is...what's happening to me? Am I sick? Am I dead? No. I can't be, I'm alive, right here, right now. That would be impossible....right?

I lay on my side in bed, but I'm not able to sleep. All I can think about are those "memories."  Why won't they go away? My head hurts and I'm dizzy now. There's a ringing in my ears when I try to think about them, and I can't anymore. I guess I'll just have to ignore this...

(italics are 3rd person EXCEPT for after these two paragraphs!! :3)

She rests within her bed, seemingly the only thing that provides her comfort in this crowded, bustling world. The tattered sheets, her orange rug, her cream pillow, and her teddy bear all seem to hug her at once, and for a moment, everything is still. It all seems to come to a rest, at last. There is no noise, no construction, no talking, no footsteps - not a single cricket or cicada would interrupt her silence, for those who live the lie of Haruka-Jo are too busy dreaming about their own memories. Those who live the truth, however, haven't been remembered since the city's first establishment.

The moon hangs lazily, like a decoration in the sky. It floats among paper stars, and clouds made of cotton, perhaps the same used to stuff her teddy bear. The moon can't seem to get comfortable. It twists and turns all night, until the warm and soft gaze of the sun peeks through the blinds of Haruka-Jo. The sun's soft smile wakes everyone up slowly, and with comfort and warmth peeking through the gaps in its teeth. Slowly, the moon begins to fall asleep, letting the soft sun take over...

I wake up, yawning and stretching. There was a lot waiting for me this morning, or maybe this afternoon - maybe evening if I don't hurry to the Center Factory...hm. Y'know what? As I annotate, I'm not gonna bother with writing out "Center Factory." I'd rather just call it the Fac. Yeahhh, the "Fac."

I make my way down and notice Kate in the crowd and we make brief eye contact. Her eyes bolt back to the massive doors standing in front of both of us. Tension starts rising as everyone knows what awaits them. Hours of grueling and tiring work.

quick author's note - so sorry for no chapter art + veryy late update - i've been super busy with school and my stickers so i've had little time to make new chapter art! i'll try my best to write chapter 4 sooner but it's probably gonna be a bit shorter. thanks for all the support and thank you for reading!! -lauren