Maybe (COMPLETED)

Chapter Twenty Two

Sorry this is so late! I hope you like this chapter, because I actually really like it, it's one of my favourites so far (not sure why...)

I spent hours not sleeping. As my bed was facing the window, the whole night I just stared at the sky, watching the clouds gather and disappear. Watching the stars flicker in and out of sight. Time ticked at a slowed pace, and my mind stayed empty of thought. It was the weirdest sensation. I felt so empty, so blank, like a piece of paper. Flat and plain. Boring and still. I didn't feel tired, but I didn't want to do anything either.

It wasn't until the stars began to fade and the sky began to brighten that I think I fell asleep. And in that small amount of time before I was rudely awoken, I had the strangest dream.

Isaak, a voice called distantly. I was on the street, in Ganyan, outside the Bad Omen. I could see the sun on the edge of the horizon, just barely rising. It cast a shadow of light over the empty, quiet town. In the light, I could see that the houses lining the street were colourful, though still dull. Each house had it's own identity, it's own shape, size and colour. I wondered what was inside – a sleeping family? A little shop or store? A café perhaps?

Focus.

The man's voice was a little closer this time, and he sounded impatient. I glanced around, trying to find the person who was talking. I could feel this wasn't real. I knew it was a dream. I had full control of my body. I began to walk in the direction I thought the voice had called from, further into town, away from the gate.

I entered an open area, like a public square. It looked like a market, there were many small stalls and colourful tents. Food, fabric, bright colours were everywhere I looked, but there were no people. I imagined it should be busy, loud and bustling, instead it was silent and empty.

This way.

I followed the voice, passing tents and stalls full of varying objects, from children's toys to weapons, clothes to décor, food to cooking utensils. Some tents were open to small tables and beds, some were closed so the interior was not visible. The tents were as colourful as the fabrics on display – green, blue, yellow, silver – and some were square, circular, or even like a pyramid. Some were small like a telephone box, others as large as a small bus or car.

Here.

I came to a stop near a tent, more loose and flowing then the rest, but I could not see inside. It seemed to be made of layers of fabric, all so beautiful and silky, royal purple and gold, silver and cyan, emerald and rusty orange and reds. A light breeze moved the fabric, and the whole tent rustled like the ocean. A length of pure gold fabric lifted to reveal a small opening hidden by the layers of fabric. Cautiously, I stepped closer.

"Isaak?" A soft weight rested on my shoulder. My eyes flickered open, and I rolled over, my bones heavy and sore. I rubbed my eyes, trying to recall my dream but it was slipping away like water. I sighed, irritated, and focused on Ash's concerned, blue eyes. "Sorry. Do you know where Mekhi went? He's not here. Did he come back last night?"

Last night... oh shit. I sat up quickly and looked over, sure enough both beds were empty. Outside, the sky was bright, but I could see a grey shadow in the distance. "Uh, yeah, he did. Do you..." I cleared my throat and glanced back at him, the memory of last night scorched in my mind, "remember much?"

He furrowed his brow, glancing back at me nervously. "Bits, I think. But I'm not sure-" He hesitated, and his gaze flickered away from mine. "What happened?"

Does he remember? Or doesn't he? What does he mean by 'bits'? Which bits?!

"Umm... not much really. You just acted pretty weird." I shrugged, and an awkward laugh followed. I cringed inwardly. "You threw up."