𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 | 𝑺.𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒛𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒘𝒂

𝟒𝟗 | 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞

~*~

It all felt like a dream.........

I couldn't understand how I ended up in the small old ruined hut, with a matted straw roof and no blood stains from that night. Winding myself in a place that felt like years, felt like minutes all at once. It was a dream. It's gotta be a damn dream. My memory is so hazy I couldn't understand, let alone comprehend my own thoughts. Drawing my blade out to attack the footsteps that approach me, it disappears realising I wasn't in my uniform anymore but familiar old clothes.

"Big brother!!!!"

...and there it was, there was the proof I couldn't tell if I was dreaming or this was real. The difference between dreaming and reality was so compelling, that my memory began to fade back to where I stood. My sister rushes up to me, a smile that felt so warm yet it tore my heart realising she was meant to be dead. 

She wasn't supposed to be alive, right?

"What are you doing out here, big brother?" Kaiya asks me, her soft pale green eyes meet mine as if I'm looking at them for the first time in forever. 

How long was it that I thought I lost her? I thought I've forgotten what she looked like, but she's standing right there in front of me. Her pale complexion, her short raven locks neatly combed to her shoulders with her petite frame. She was only eight years old, it's like she has never aged once. This constant scenario kept playing before me for god knows how long, that even discovering my father looked unbothered when arrived.

"Son.......you look so pale, come in.....have some warm tea," He offers warmly, taking off his thick fur coat off from his hunting trip with a gentle grunt. 

The way his stumble was visible, but his hair was tied back neatly so it wouldn't bother his coordination. His scars were still visible, every imperfection was detailed with some precision that was beginning to become far too real. His forest green eyes were so bright, it was like he never struggled with our current situation. Last I checked where I was, I was on the train with........with........who was I with just now? A train? What's........a train?

~*~

"So.........catch any game?"

Father would sigh deeply, "No, not today.........winter is scarce......animals in hibernation," he replies, lifting up his cup and sips his tea slowly. "You seem to get your chores done so diligently, and you take care of your sister well......I'm proud of you my boy."

Those four words were enough to boost my confidence, despite the loss of mother.

"Hey big brother, I wanna try origami........" Kaiya smiles widely, as she jumps into my lap with a giggle. ".......wanna watch me big brother, seen your finished with chores?!"

Surprised by this I instinctively hold her so she wouldn't hurt herself, before I ruffle her short hair with a chuckle.

"Sure.....sounds fun," my smile softens, while she lays her head on my lap staring up into my eyes.

~ "The Dragon estate is now your home, I'm your home.........you don't have to put up walls for me. It will take time, but........I will help you in any way I can." ~

My breath hitches in my throat when that familiar voice rings through, the voice of a woman's tender tone like silk and honey melting together. Those words........why do they feel so familiar? A flash of silver eyes meets in the back of my head, like two half moons staring into my own. 

"Something wrong, big brother?" Kaiya asks him, with concern.

Father grunts in agreement placing a mouthful of leftover rice into mouth, "Hmm, you've acted weird earlier........something you need to get off your chest son?"