It Occurred To Me In A Dream...Tournament Of The Elements

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

“Mmm…” As I gained consciousness, an acute pain shot up my arm. I had received an excruciating headache. I sat up slowly and observed my surroundings as fluently as I could. The moon had risen in the dark sky filled with tiny lights. The only light around me was the indicator light above me.  I unbuckled the strap holding me in place and struggled to escape the truck I had awoken in. I placed my hand on the handle and pushed, but to no avail. The side of the truck had been slightly damaged due to the crash. I looked down through the side window and saw the side railing along the road was in very close proximity to the side skirt of the truck. I attempted once again to leave, but the door was stopped by the rail. I tried again and again, slamming the door repeatedly on the rail in frustration.

A frustrated sigh escapes my lips as I lean against the passenger seat with no strength left in my arms. I lean my head on the seat while thinking of a way to get out my current mess. I search the dashboard compartment and find only papers, a GMC manual, and other useless belongings. My eyes fall on one piece of paper in particular while searching. I reach out and run my fingers across the smooth surface. My fingers wrap around the ink filled image. I bring the picture closer to my face to try and make out the two figures in the scene of the captured memory. I search the picture thoroughly to find out that I was one of those two figures. I stare at the boy with his arm around my shoulder right next to me. My hands bring the picture closer when I spot another humanly figure in the background. I stressed out my eyes to make out the mysterious face. I tilted my head to the side in wonder and confusion.

“Who…?” My voice is interrupted by a loud noise outside. My head whips to the location of the noise and see a man walking towards the truck, his flashlight piercing through the darkness surrounding him. His posture seemed somewhat familiar as he came closer, shining the light in the cab of the truck. I duck down to avoid the beam of light searching the vehicle.

 My eyes start searching for anything to protect myself with when I notice a gun on the floor. It was on the other side of the cab, leaning against the brake pedal on the ground. I start to make my way towards the weapon when my hand falls on a pair of denim pants. I bring my hand back in surprise when I notice the limp body beside me. He was resting on against the driver’s seat, his eyes shut. His face looked serene, with black strands of loose hair hanging over his face. His breathing was ragged as if he were suffering from a bad dream at the moment. Although his chest was in rhythm with his breathing, it was hardly noticeable. I continued observing his features, noticing a small cut on his right arm and another larger gash on his left leg. His face looked so familiar…I just don’t know why.

I hear someone rapping on the window beside me. Jumping in surprise, I reach for the pistol and wrap my hands around the grip. I turned around abruptly, pointing the gun at the pursuer. Seeing the gun pointed towards him, he jumped and brought his hands over his face for protection. The stranger peeked through the gap between his fingers, looking at me with emerald eyes. ‘Those eyes…why do they look so familiar.’ I slowly lower the gun with my head tilted in confusion once again. He also lowered his hands slowly and gestured for me to stay where I was. He looked as if he were searching for something…when he suddenly punched the window, shattering the glass. The broken glass flew towards me, causing my arms to rise up and cover my face. When I lowered my arms, the door had been ripped from its hinges.

“…” I stared at the area where the door used to be in shock. My gaze then fell upon the man standing outside the truck, his chest puffing in and out rapidly, his breathe coming out briskly. He looked at me with a grin as he held out his hand to me. I looked from his face to the hand held out to me dubiously. I hesitantly grab his hand and make my way out of the truck. I paused just as I jumped from the truck, looking back at the man in the driver’s seat. I turned to look at my savior, his green eyes shining in the light. He looked past me to observe the limp body behind me, only to grip my hand and pull me away. “Wait!” I tried to pull away and stop him. “We need to get him to a doctor!” I struggled in his grasp, prying his hand away when he quickly let go of my wrist. I glared up at him, “We can’t just leave him to die…” My eyes fell to the ground under his intense glare.

“…” He stood in front of me in silence. I could feel his cold eyes on me as I stared at the ground. “…who am I?”

At that, my eyes met his. He had my chin in his hand, forcing my eyes to his. I was expecting his grip to be one of force, but it seemed gentler. He looked at me with gentleness in his eyes I haven’t seen until now. I furrowed my eyebrows at his sudden question, unable to answer. “I…” I searched his every being for some kind of hint as to why he was so familiar. “…I don’t know…”

“Then do you know that man back there in the truck?” He lifted my chin higher, causing me to once again meet his jaded stare.

“No…I don’t know who he is…but…I feel like I’ve seen him before.” My heart stung at my words. I just don’t know why.

“…I can’t believe it…” He whispered to himself, returning his hand to his side. “Amnesia…do you know how old you are?” This time, he peered into my eyes and grabbed hold of my shoulders. I could see the concern in his expression as he repeated his words. “Shayla, do you know how old you are?”

My eyes grew wide, “How do you know who I am?” I eyed him suspiciously as to why he knew me, and he froze. He looked away from me and let his arms go limp. I backed away from him cautiously. His face showed no emotion as he looked down, his eyes solemn.

“Why? Why don’t you remember…?” His body was shaking while he stood in place.

“Who are you? Do I even know you? Why can’t I remember-?” Before I could finish, a pair of arms were wrapped around me, shaking slightly. I stood in shock with his sudden embrace. My arms hung loosely at my sides while he spoke again.

“You do know me…the reason you don’t remember anything…I don’t know.” He loosened his grip and looked into my eyes with his own emerald ones. His hand brushed against my forehead, brushing loose strands of hair from my face. When he withdrew, his hand was spotted with blood. He looked down at me, his other arm still wrapped around my waist. He moved his gaze to the wrecked truck. He spoke softly, “You must have hit your head in the impact of the crash. That must be why you have amnesia…”

“But…who are you?” I look up at him, pushing my hands against his chest to get away from him. My heart beat faster at the touch of his chest. ‘How much does this guy lift?’ I thought to myself when he spoke.

“Ace…my name’s Ace.”

And for some reason…the faint smell of granola wafted through the air around me…