J.ade, A.ir D.efying E.lementalist

XXX:Beginning

Chapter 30 - Beginning

Noise. 

The first word that registered through my brain as soon as I felt my senses coming back in. Strange beeps, loud music, and people shouting inaudible words danced right at my eardrums. It gave me a headache, and the impression that I am at a dizzying place.

This place smelled like sweat, too. A disgusting mix of urine, liquor and perspiration. If only I could cover my nose. And ears. The thought made me think a more important matter. Probably the most important thing I should've thought before anything else.

I can't feel anything. Is it possible I'm numbed? But why? And how? I can't feel. Although I can think. I can think, but I realize I can't remember. And damn. Why can't I see anything? It's pitch black. A complete contrast to the place where I came from. 

How did I thought of that? I don't even know where I came from. And yet I know it's full of light there. Somehow, I know.

A groan, followed by tensed murmurs. I long to hear it. To understand, to just have one damn clue as to what is happening. Or what had happened . Or even what will happen. I've got no frigging wish right and then but just to understand.

Suddenly, a gruff loud voice invades my thoughts,

"Wake up, kid. Your parents must be looking for you!"

And then as abrupt as the voice came, someone shakes my shoulders. At first it was just a harsh shake, and then it became violent. So violent that I feel my head bobbing back and forth.

Wait.

I can feel that? Which obviously means I can already feel. 

The man curses and then starts poking me with a sharp material. Out of instinct, I flinch. And as soon as I moved consciously, I sucked in a breath and sat down.

He must've been shocked at my reaction. Or if he wasn't, I was. It was almost an involuntary action. The act of sitting down. Almost like my body knew I've slept for so long that I need to get up fast.

Only I don't even know anything anymore. Then, slowly, after every painstaking second my eyelids flutters open. 

It's dark. No, dim. But after every two seconds a strobe of red, yellow, violet and blue light will interrupt the dark place. People. Lots of them. Walking, milling around. Others sit comfortably at the floor. Where most people dance. They sway and giggle and move around like a drunk person. Wait. They are drunk. At least most of them are, there are a few who just sit at wooden stools and talk with someone. The place was crowded, and the unsteady light and loud drums didn't help to the heavy feeling. Even if my eyes had fed from the sight, I still couldn't answer any of my questions. I still don't know where I am. I don't remember this place. In fact, I doubt if I even remember anything useful.

"Kid. Get out, you're a minor!" the same man is poking me again. I didn't realize but he must be doing that for some time now since my arms are already red from his fork. "-And this is not a costume party! Get out, or the guards will throw you themselves!" he warns. But it was overpowered by the group of people who entered the small room. They jeer, dance, flail, and whip their hair around.

I glance around me, it is an alcove shaped room, or space since it's size is not enough to be called room. Red and Violet dominated the place and is dimly lighted by an orange lightbulb. It hurt my eyes to even look at them.

Not knowing what to do, I stare at the man. He is chubby and small, with a worn cap over his big red head. He is a burly man, that was clother in a plain white shirt too short for him and blue slacks inches past his black battered shoes.