NIGHTMARE : Lie Lies In Eyes

8. Training

In phone...

"Yeah, I know, Tanya, that you're worried about me. But I'm alright." I reassured.

Tanya, one of my close friends, empathized, "I understand. The recent news must have made you worry."

I reiterated, "I'm fine."

She, attempting to lighten the mood, proposed, "You wanna hang out? Night out? Party under the starry night? Late-night gossip?"

I stood up and said, "Wait- wait. Why do your plans sound like grieving the whole night rather than enjoying? It's all midnight stuff."

She, undeterred, responded, "So?"

"Well, it's the period of sentiments. People tend to let loose, lose their temper, and cry their hearts out." I actually had no plans for hangouts.

She sighed, "It doesn't sound like fun. Ah, I'm worried sick. What should I do?"

I shared with a serene tone, "I'm really good. Taking time to understand myself better, relaxing. I've found joy in playing online games and even making money from it. Busy enough not to dwell on her new project. I'm eating well and sleeping well. So, I'm fine. Really."

"Sounds like you've completely moved on. I'm genuinely relieved for you." She responded and hung up.

Yeah. I was good, I could only pretend. My eyes wandered to my bookshelf, a collection acquired with the currency of my hard-earned savings. My mother, ever disapproving of my choices, never granted consent. However, these comics and novels stood as my life saviour. They held fewer words but brimmed with emotions and fictions. In their pages, the reader held the power to paint the canvas of context as they willed. I, for one, was a devoted lover of fantasies.
I reached for a book and settled into a seat. As I delved into the narrative, the king drew his sword, and suddenly, a startled "Ah" escaped my lips. The razor-sharp tip of the sword hovered mere inches from my neck. Startled, I glanced up to find Denevier. A swift survey of the room revealed that, once again, I was ensnared in the clutches of my own hallucination.

Denevier grinned, "The Dragon King. I found that one quite enjoyable."

I questioned, "It's 'The Dragon and The King.' By the way, where did you come across the sword?"

Denevier chuckled, "Are you kidding? It's been with me since I first joined here. Don't you have your spectre?"

I, puzzled, replied, "A spectre? Why would I have one?"

Morgan while stroking my cloak pointed out, "Is that some kind of dog-stick?"

I retrieved the object, and indeed, it was a spectre, much like the one Morgan was holding.

"So, what purpose does this serve?" I asked while glancing closely at it.

Denevier explained, "The training will start soon. We won't be able to see each other for a while. So I came to see you for a second last time."

"She'll be just a wall away. Not disappearing from the world." Morgan seemed a little irritated.

Denevier confessed, "I know, but I already miss her."

"What?" I acted as if I misheard it.

Denevier corrected with a smile, "I mean, I'll miss you guys."

Morgan playfully teased, "Cheeky," as she departed.

I nodded, "And I must follow her. Alright then, good luck."