Karin: The Demon Sleeping Within

Chapter 5: Mysterious Human

"You're an idiot..."

I bit my lip as I lied on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Closing my eyes, I saw her face and remembered our encounter yesterday.

She looked so tormented and disturbed yet so beautiful and angelic. I couldn't help but to imagine her in front of me, imagining every detail of her unique face, every curvature and every element. She was like a masterpiece who had been forgotten or lost.

I began to wonder if I would see Satania again.

Satania, what a hauntingly beautiful name.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't worship the devil, like everyone seemed to think. But, I guess one could say that I was bewitched by her the moment our eyes met... or perhaps even before. Maybe it was just due to the sight of her, or maybe it was her aura. Whatever it was about her that got me so intrigued, I wasn't sure, but what I did know for sure was that I was fascinated by her.

She was fascinating.

And, she was inexplicably taking over me and my thoughts.

I didn't tell anyone about what happened by the lake yesterday. I didn't want to worry anyone, for her presence would scare anyone. But, it wasn't like it was such a believable story anyway if I were to tell anyone. No one would have believed me anyway.

Would you have believed I met Satania... and survived to tell the story?

***

Nightfall, I thought it would be a good time to go back to the meadows, where all my fury friends would be. My mom didn't like me going out too much. She was always sheltering me from everyone on the outside though it somehow felt like the other way around, with her trying to protect everyone on the outside from me.

"You're safer in the house, where no one can see you or talk to you." That was something she was convinced of, and she was convincing. I learned to just trust her instinct, even when the rebellious side of me wanted to go against a lot of the rules she would enact.

This time, in particular, was different. I knew in my heart that it might happen. It was a possibility, though perhaps a slim chance.

I just wanted to see her again...

Flipping the hoodie of my favorite sweater over my head, I gripped the window pane's handles and lifted it as quietly as I could.

"Karin..?"

Not quiet enough...

I let out a low sigh before turning my head around and giving my little sister a minuscule smile.

"Go back to sleep."

She fidgeted with her blanket in which was wrapped around her petite body.

"Are you going back to the meadows?" How is she this intuitive all the time?

"Yea..." I answered honestly. I wasn't going to lie to her though, looking into her furrowed eyes, I could sense her concern. I drew my left leg back in and stood there in front of her. "Look at me," I voiced, barely above a whisper.

"I am..." She asserted, though she continued to play with the blanket wearing the same look.

"Who am I?"

"You're Karin, my big sister."

"And, what does that mean?"

"You are special... and... fully capable of protecting yourself... and I shouldn't worry, but I can't help but still do!" Her lips twitched ever so slightly, and my eyes widened as she suddenly launched herself at me, the blanket dropping to the floor. My arms hovered in the air for a moment before I wrapped them around her. "Just... be careful... and don't be too curious... or too kind..."

"Aha," I let out a chuckle. "I will keep your advice in my mind. Now, hurry to bed. I don't want you grumpy in the morning."

Her cheeks flushed a tint of pink as she reluctantly pulled away from me. Extending her hand to retrieve her blanket, she then walked to the door. Shifting her body to take one last glance at me, she smiled in my direction.

I smiled back, the door soon closing behind her.

Without second thought, I jumped out of the window of my one story house and quietly walked my way out of the town, cautious of the ones who were asleep.

It was almost two a.m., and most of the lights were off. There were only a few streetlights that were lit, though dying. They were old, and the mayor never cared to renew anything here. Not unless it was absolutely ancient and broken. It could have been bent sideways, with the light flickering on and off and that still wouldn't have been a sign for him that it needed renewing. It had to be completely deteriorated, with the light-bulb cracked open. Oh, how lovely this town always looked. Such consistency.

Finally, reaching the tall grass of the familiar place I called my second home, I rested my hands on my knees and inhaled the air. The sweet scent of the flowers had my heart settling comfortably in my chest. I smiled as the breeze blew through my hair, greeting me, almost like it was saying, "Welcome back... Karin."

I lifted my arms in an open hugging position, in response.

I abruptly felt a tickling sensation on my right calve, and I giggled, lowering my arms.

Narrowing my eyes at the furry animal below me, I then recognized him.

"Hi there. You didn't run off again without your family, did you?"

The rabbit looked away for a moment, with a strange look on his face. I then realized that to be his expression of guilt.

They are asleep, Karin. He then stared at me, tilting his head to the side, with a small grin. He was grinning at me! And, I could smell your scent from a mile away. I had to come and greet you!

"Ah, well that makes sense," I chuckled. What a cute rabbit.

The rabbit nodded. So, any reason why you are roaming in the dark so late?

My thoughts immediately trailed off to Satania, the fallen angel who I couldn't seem to shake off from my mind. Before I knew it, she had occupied my thoughts, and she remained in my dreams as if my mind was her home.

"Well, I was hoping to meet someone..."

The rabbit looked excited all of a sudden, wagging his small bunny-like tail.

Who? Who? Can I help you find this person?! It is a person, right?

I smiled at his frenzy. Petting his soft furry head, I nodded.

"Sure, though I'm not sure where to look."

Does he not know you're looking for him? His expression revealed his confusion.

"I'm pretty sure she doesn't."

Oh. Well, I am with you, Karin. Let's find this mysterious human who has stolen your sympathy.

I arched a brow, hearing his choice of words. What a mature thing to say for a young rabbit.

And with that, I continued further in the meadows and towards the forest, with my new companion.