Metal Poison: Restless Absolution

Chapter 7

[Just as quickly as I closed my eyes, I opened them on the other side in the World of Wonder. I was momentarily blinded by a light directly above me, but as my eyes adjusted, I realized that I was staring up at a ceiling with a light fixture hanging from it. The ceiling consisted of wood beams and I could feel the comfort of a bed beneath me. Soft sounds of porcelain clanking against utensils could be heard in the distance and upon lifting my head, I remembered where I was. Akari could be seen making food for herself. Through the windows, the brilliant orange light of dawn crested and cast rays against the walls. Akari noticed as I sat up in my bed.]

Akari: Hey, you're finally awake.

Leonidas: Doesn't feel that way. I'm still exhausted.

Akari: Well, maybe it would help to work on your sleep management. You passed out mid conversation.

[I blushed slightly and looked ashamed.]

Leonidas: I couldn't help it, it was like I was being forced to wake from a dream.

Akari: All is well. It does take you folks a little bit to adjust to these things. I'm just saying you don't want to be caught passing out in the middle of a dangerous situation.

Leonidas: Is there a way to control it?

[Akari set down whatever she was doing and stopped for a moment.]

Akari: From what I can tell, it seems time runs parallel between our world and your other world. Whenever you're awake here, you're asleep there. What happened before with you passing out, perhaps your other body detected danger nearby. Maybe find somewhere safer to sleep and your next waking will be a little more voluntary.

Leonidas: I guess that makes sense. I feel like I might be a little safer this time, at least for a little while.

Akari: I'm not sure if it works the other way around. There isn't a lot of danger in this sanctuary.

Leonidas: I see.

[Standing up, I tidy myself and begin to leave the shrine.]

Leonidas: Well, thanks for taking care of me. I really do appreciate it, but I will be on my way now.

Akari: Oh, going somewhere?

Leonidas: Oh, no... I thought I might just wander.

[Akari stared me down]

Akari: It's not polite to lie to a lady.

[I stammered and tried to look innocent.]

Leonidas: What? No, I'm not lying about anything.

Akari: I understand if you need to cross the forest threshold. But, maybe you should visit Cherry before you go. He checked up on you while you were asleep.

Leonidas: I was afraid you might say that.

[I didn't want to have to face Cryo with this news. It was already difficult enough that I was abandoning my only ally. But what choice did I have if he was not willing to go with me? It's not like I could just stay here and wait for Morpheus to do whatever he's planning to do. I rested my hand on a pillar near the entrance and lowered my head.]

Leonidas: We'll see I guess.

[As I walked down those invisible stairs, I found myself bathed in warm sunlight as the sun rose higher and higher. The soft sound of waves crashing against the cliffside made the waves in my heart restless. I gazed upon the village, knowing that this would be the last time I saw it. I suppose it was good that I stayed detached from anyone new here... except for Akari. I almost wanted to ask her to come with me, but she's the keeper of this sanctuary, it would have been a pointless and foolish request. I took my time walking through the village, witnessing the life of the part of the day I had not yet experienced here. It was lively, and people chatted in good humour. As I walked the streets, I kept my eye out for Cryo. I decided if I saw him, I would tell him, but I was hoping that he would elude me and I would just be able to leave all of this without saying a word. It was going to be tough either way, but I didn't want to cause more pain. He's dealt with enough at this point. Though would it be something I regret? The best choice isn't always the easiest. I walked quite aways without seeing a trace of Cryo. I didn't know how to feel, but I was soon approaching the forest threshold and the decision will be finalized. As I approached, all ambient sounds faded to silence, and only the whistling of winds could be heard as it gently brushed the leaves and grass. I looked back at the village one last time.]