Gate Guardian - Tale of the Blazing Heart

Phase 8: Time Freeze

Phase 8: Time Freeze

[Blazing Heart Haven – Heightsburg City]

[5:13 PM]

When we arrived at her bungalow, she let me inside and prepared a glass of orange juice. Heushac and Mia are not here, and it's just the two of us. Very romantic. While having my refreshment, a bulletin board grabbed my curiosity.

It has a whole map of Heightsburg City, and it has some notes on certain places. Some have a picture of brutes, werewolves, mummies and other monsters. I can surely guess that those are Eidolons, and this map is their planning board.

But there is another thing on the board that made me more curious.

"Why is there a picture of this octopus monster on Heightsburg Campus?"

"We hunted it the other day in our school. It's an Illusion Type Eidolon, so it's more dangerous than the others. We already had it wounded the other day, but it got away. That thing is slippery."

Yeah, just by looking at it fills me with fear. It has a red glaring eye in an octopus body with more than ten tentacles. Just like your typical nightmare.

<>

"Try to use your ocular ability to dodge my attacks."

Yes, the real training is here, on Transfield. Now, I'm going to be attacked by the woman I secretly loved. Great. Very Romantic. I'm sure that my face is going to be pale blue like the moon over there.

"Here I go!"

Erylle immediately leaped towards my direction. As soon as I saw her kick to the ground, I used my ocular ability. Everything became black and white. Time froze. Pure silence. Everything stopped. Even Erylle. Even my body. I can't move as always. Only my eyes can move.

I don't get the sense of having an ability to freeze time if you can only move your eyes. It's pretty much a waste, really.

I dispelled my ability in an instant and noticed that Erylle is lunging at me. When she finally had me in a closer distance, she prepared her left leg to make a round kick. In the nick of time, I froze time again.

Now I can see what Erylle is talking about my ability. With these eyes, I can easily predict where she will hit me with her feet. I can easily dodge her attacks as long as I keep doing this. Wow, Erylle's analysis is spot on!

I dodged her first kick. Then the second, third and fourth attack. But after the fourth attack, I ran out of space to go, so I took the axe kick with my forehead, hoping that it will not hurt- PAK!!! It hurts more than anything...That's what you expect from a taekwondo student.

I held my head with both of my arms and cried for her to stop. She then chuckled upon begging her for mercy.

"Knowing where your enemy will attack doesn't mean that you can dodge them. You must have sufficient agility to dodge everything." Erylle held her waist. "Let's take a break."

She prepared a slice of cheesecake for me. It was handmade, by her. It was supposed for them to eat, but fortunately this one's left in the fridge. I took a first bite and it is delicious! The sweetness is just right for my tastebuds. I can't thank the heavens enough for this wonderful dessert.

She started telling stories about how Heushac and Mia fought for that cake. Then our topic changed into the summer festival. She told me that the Archery Club will have a booth for desserts like one of this cheesecake. I can't wait.

There's a question at the tip of my tongue, other than confessing my love to her. It bothered me for a while, but I finally had the courage to ask.

"Why won't you join the Summer Pageant?" I asked softly.

She irked, wordlessly. I ignored it at first because I thought it's nothing, so I continued.

"Most of your friends are asking for you to perform. You have an extraordinary voice, and you can beat that Zenaida easily, if you want to. Besides, she's just 'beautiful' with make-up. Your face is already perfect. You don't have any problem with your hourglass figure either- "

"STOP!!!"

Erylle was now engulfed in her own anger; glaring at me with hints of irritation. I think I asked the wrong question.

"I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean to make you mad..." I bowed down.

"Look, you can't just meddle into someone's life, okay?"

"O-Okay... I'm sorry..."

That was the first time she got angry at me. Okay, I will not ask private questions anymore. Lesson learned.

I don't feel like seeing her again. Not today. It might affect our relationship if I cross paths with her today. I have a feeling that I won't be able to look at her eyes again. I don't even know if I can talk to her anymore.

<>

It was the end of my class when I decided to go home. Asumi is still busy with her club so I'll be going home alone now. But then someone grabbed my shoulders.

"Yohan."

It was Mia. Her face looks troubled, and she was sweating rains. She was playing her red hair, twisting it over and over.

"Have you seen Sis Erylle?"

"No. Why?"

"She hasn't been home since yesterday evening!" Mia cried.