A Moonlit Sky and the Sounds of Gunshots

Facing mistakes

Chapter 2

Atlantis's point of view

When I saw the message I was so relieved. It was like I could breathe again. I wondered why though... Why would Koda just take up that offer? Could he really have healed from all that chaos? If he did then I would be happy for him, I wish I could say the same about myself. I closed my phone and laid down. The fan was on and it made me quite cold but I was too tired to even get up. Maybe walking and skating around America's most widespread city wasn't the best idea I've ever had. As I rolled over and closed my eyes, my tensed shoulders released and I started to fall asleep.

When I opened my eyes I was in a pitch black room.

"What did I ever do to you?" I heard a familiar voice ask.

A shiver went up my spine as I raised my fists, preparing for a fight.

"What did I do to deserve...anything you've done to me?" I saw a figure in the distance, with its arms going from crossed to wide open. I lowered my fists.

I spoke up, "I'm sorry-" I started to say, but the figure lunged at me in a dash. The room that was once pitch black transformed into a dark night in an alleyway.

I was thrown against the wall furthest to me. I felt the air being drained from my body as my back hit the wall, and there it was again. The anomaly that had currently been choking me still appeared to me as a pitch black silhouette. As my eyes got heavier, I went completely limp, giving in to what would be my death...

Or well, my dream death. I opened my eyes, jumping awake in a cold sweat. I bit back a scream of terror, taking a few deep breaths as I counted slowly on my fingers. My right hand rose up to my throat, resting there gently. As I looked over my shoulder, I saw what looked like a dark figure standing close to me. I gasped and grabbed my flashlight. The figure revealed itself to be a pile of folded clothes. I sighed in relief, wiping a trail of sweat from the side of my face.

I would then lie back down, staring up at the ceiling. I cradled my head in my hands, rolling my head to try and crack my neck. I reluctantly closed my eyes again to try and fall back asleep. How many more times would this happen? Would these nightmares ever ease off? I wondered what the source of them might be. It was a rare occurrence for me to have those types of nightmares, they only started becoming so extreme now that I was on earth.

This confused me, but I guess not all things are for me to know. I didn't end up falling asleep again that night. I rolled over and scrolled through my phone for the rest of the night. When the sun started to rise I decided to get up and get ready. I brushed my hair and got dressed before leaving the hotel. I would then skate down to the boardwalk, leaning against the gate just to watch the sun finish rising over the ocean. As the sun rose over the tides, I stretched out my arms and legs, ready to start my day right. I got back on my skateboard and decided to ride around until I found some place to eat. I eventually decided to just go see if The Tavern was open. I swear it wasn't because I missed Tavern... okay maybe it was, but it wasn't just that making me want to go back. That girl I talked to, Battyna, seemed pretty cool. I was honestly just hoping to make a friend. As well as get little tips and tricks to getting around Fordam.

Fordam kind of reminded me of a video game. You know, because of the heroes and villains, the otherworldly chaos, and the people you meet who will help you along the way. The difference to me was that people in Fordam sing. Like a lot. I'd have to ask about that later.

As I got to The Tavern I saw that it was already open. When I went inside I was the first one there, so the hostess told me I was free to sit anywhere I'd like. I just chose where I had sat the last time. I saw Battyna walk out from the staff room. She seemed to recognize me almost immediately.