Chapter 3: Happenstance

"Just a little more power, you can do it, Esmeray," I told myself.   

I concentrated my strength on my right palm, trying to gather the energy they call mystic into a clump of an orb. A shade of gray streaks is appearing from my widely open palm, albeit my hand is stiff, the black shadows start to look like a deformed ball the size of a ping pong. My chest is tight and my teeth are clenched under my tightly pursed lips as I try to control the shadows that defy the laws of physics. The clump of the ball the size of a ping pong increased in diameter uncontrollably that I had to release my mystic to dissolve the dark orb. 

"Ugh, this is just so hard," I let out a heavy sigh and let myself lie on the grass. 

I am in an open space, trying to know the extremes and limits of my ability. I feel drained whenever I try to use my mystic. It has been a month since I arrived here in Mysticuria and since I knew about my ability, I explored what Nyx is capable of. Nyx protects me even if I did not do anything, it seems great but the truth is, I could not control the shadows so easily. I get easily exhausted by manipulating my mystic rather than letting it deflect every attack I did not expect. 

"It is getting dark, let's go home, Tori," I said and stood up. I approached the blond fluffy cat and carried it into my arms. 

Somehow, I got used to seeing Tori in his cat form these past few days. I could not believe it at first but I could not deny the facts. Tori's ability is that he can transform into a cat. He is in his human form when we are in the house but whenever we go outside, he travels as a cat. Our first trip to the marketplace weeks ago was an exception since the doctor ordered him to guide me as a human for me to unfold my situation.

"You can now form a ball, that was cool, Sis. I wish I could manipulate elements too." Right, Tori could speak even in his cat form though rarely.

"Your ability is great, Tori. You are special in your own way. I bet you are even cooler than me. I can't even tell when my situation becomes risky. You should teach me."

Tori has been alone and he has no one to play with not until Dame arrives. I now understood why he wanted to see the performance of the fireball man, he was not allowed to go out and enjoy being a child. As much as possible, I wanted him to feel free whenever he is with me so I am doing my best for him to know the bliss of being innocent, the happiness of a simple child. 

"Meow." Tori jumped out of my arm and ran ahead. We were on our way home and the part of town we were in was where most M-zeroes live. A person who does not possess a mystical ability is called an M-zero, and I am pretending to be one because of what I accidentally read the other day. 

I was cleaning the shelves and wiping off the dust in the doctor's library when a book appeared. It was a mythology about the existence of an ability of the dark that matches my ability which is Nyx. People here thought that Nyx was just a legend in a book, they were clueless that it really exists. I searched in other places like the market and neighborhood but it seemed that books about Nyx were rare and limited, and as I seek answers about what my ability is, I found out that it is considered a curse. It shocked me, Mysticuria has a way to shock me with information. The cursed ability Nyx dwells in me and somehow, I feared it but I have to accept Nyx as a part of me from now on.

"Now, where did Tori go?" I turned to a passage with houses on both sides when I saw a commotion on the road to the marketplace. 

"The Guardians are here!" People went out and passed by me. My shoulders bumped with the hurrying M-Zeroes and I felt more battered when the pang spread to the weary arm I used to generate black mystic earlier. 

"Tori, where are you?" I already turned to the narrow streets and searched the dark corners and to no avail, I could not find the ginger cat.

"Tori! Hello, Tori, where are you? Tori!" There was one more turn and if Tori was not there, I would resort to using my ability even if it meant exploiting my limit.

Another ability that Nyx gave me is the ability to see through the dark. What I mean is, even with my eyes closed, as long as I am conscious, the shadows will serve as my eyes. The shadows could explore the area around ten meters from me so I used it to examine the doctor's house without actually moving but the ability to see through the dark has cons, I felt extreme vertigo afterward so I never used it again. I am worried for Tori so I would willingly use my ability for his safety, vertigo is tolerable. 

"Ow! Ouch," I muttered when I bumped into something hard when I turned to the corridor. 

"What a drag." A man's voice stimulated me to raise my guard. I quickly distanced myself and endured another pain I got from the impact. 

I lifted my head and my eyes met a tall and muscular guy who looked annoyed and was muttering something like, "Damn that acting leader for manipulating me. I'm not even part of his doggy group."

"Sorry, excuse me," I said after clearing my throat. Did he not notice that he bumped into me?

"Eh? A human?" The man asked. I could not see the man's face clearly because of the dark corridor and I could not pass through because he was blocking the way. 

I am a human. What does he expect? 

The man searched for something inside his pocket and when he found it, he pointed it at my face. I closed my eyes when the flashlight lit in front of my face. What the hell? That was rude of him. 

"A girl, huh? Why?" he asked. 

"Why?" I repeated. He scanned the flashlight to my whole body like checking for metals whenever I enter an establishment back in my previous world. 

"Oh, I mean, why are you here?"

"Am I not supposed to be here?" It was already dark and I needed to hurry to find Tori and head back to the house. 

"You are searching for something, right? Hmm, what could it be?" The man paused and lit the path where I came from. "A pet perhaps?" 

"Eh? How did you know?" I was shocked by his deduction. Does he have an ability too? That was possible, maybe retrocognition? 

"Oh, I think I've heard you earlier shouting something like 'where are you' repeatedly." The guy put his hand under his chin as if thinking and I suddenly felt ashamed.

"Ah. I was looking for my cat. It's already dark and we need to go home. Excuse me." I bowed my head.

"Do you need help?" The guy asked and I immediately lifted my head. 

"Huh?"

"I have a flashlight, you know?" 

"Ah, is that fine?" 

"Yeah. Don't worry, I'm a safe person. I don't bite, unless…" The guy paused. 

"Unless what?"

"Unless you ask me to bite you. I'm willing."

"What? You perv!" I felt my cheeks heating in shame.

"I was just kidding. Let's go," he turned around to lead the way and I was thinking if I should follow or not. When I decided to follow his trail, he suddenly stopped so I bumped onto his back.

"Aw!" I was about to voice out my complaint to the man when he turned around to see me. We were on the last passage that leads to the dwelling of the citizens. The torch coming from the nearby household lit his face and I had a glimpse of his body. His jet black hair is wavy and he is handsome! His face looks intimidating though, he has this mysterious aura around him. He looks like the quiet type when you look at him but based on our interaction, he is not! He talks about unnecessary stuff!

"Sorry. I just remembered the reason why I am here. You see, there is a group of magicians out there when you walk further and I am not on good terms with their leader who brought me here against my will. You can go and search on your own. Bye!" He touched my shoulders and put me to the side and walked to the narrow passage with his flashlight. 

What the hell just happened? He left me… I can't believe him! Wait, he said something about magicians… could they be mystic wielders? Perhaps I could find Tori there? 

I walked through the path lit by the torches from the houses of the villagers. Houses become more visible and I can now encounter few citizens strolling through the night. Shall I use my ability to see through the dark now? The sun had set completely and the moon is now visible in the sky, Dame must have been crying already.

"Meow." A blond cat was running as if it was being chased.

"Tori!" I beamed. The cat stopped and I immediately approached him. "Where have you been, I have been looking for you. I got worried." I carried him and caressed his fur. I went back to the narrow passage I passed through earlier to bring Tori home with me.

"Meow, meow," Tori said but I did not understand. There were people passing by so he could not speak. He really does not speak when he is in his cat form except when we are in that open field to train.

There were lots of turns in the empty corridor and I did not know the way out. I think we are lost. It is dark and I can't see the way properly. When I turned to the left, I found myself facing a dead end.

"Meow." 

"Sorry, Tori. I think we are lost." I turned around and took a step when I bump into something hard again. 

"Ouch!"

"Meow!"

"Ow!"

Tori jumped out of my arms in surprise and I almost lost my balance when I saw a man with a flashlight held below his chin to give an eerie light to his face.

"You, again? You scared me!" My voice was louder when I recognized the man who performed a prank on us. 

"That is the goal. I'm glad. Did you like my surprise?" The man I bumped with earlier flashed a mischievous smile. He was the one who flexed his flashlight and left me after he volunteered. He is so unbelievable! 

"Ugh! How unlucky!" I let out my frustration but he laughed instead.

"Your pet said that you did not know what you were doing and you suck at directions. So, it was a cat, huh?"

"Meow?"

"What did you say?" I raised my eyebrow.

The guy tried to pick up Tori but the cat made an angry sound.

"Yeah, you are right, kitty. What? You know that bastard too? Are you on his side? I am telling you, he brought me here against my will! He is bad." The guy squatted and talked to the cat who was making purrs to reply. What the hell? Are they talking to each other or does this guy have a few loose screws in the head? 

"Hey, the cat hates you, stay away." I was about to pick Tori up but the cat refused.

"Meow." 

"Eh?" Is he angry because we are lost? I heard the mischievous guy chuckling before standing straight. 

"Should I tell her that, kitty?" asked the guy to Tori and the latter groaned in disapproval. Are they talking about me? Does that guy really understand Tori?

"Tori?" I asked but the cat's paw pointed to the dark corridor.

"Are you sure that your pet is a cat? It seems that he is more human than you."

"Huh? What do you mean?" I faced the guy as my heart beats faster in nervousness. Did he figure out that Tori is a human with shapeshifting ability?

"Domicci," the guy muttered while looking at Tori. The cat walked to the dark corridor and I immediately followed in panic.

"Wait, Tori!" The guy was walking behind me and I looked at him with accusing eyes. "What did you do?"

"Me?" asked the guy who lit our path in the narrow passage.

"Why are you following us?" I whispered.

"Unfortunately I don't know the way out and I am lost like you. I'm tagging along for the benefits, you know," the moonlight lit his face and I saw his mischievous smile and those mysterious eyes which were looking at mine intently.

I looked ahead and never faced him again but I could feel his stare behind me! "Stop staring, you perv! I can feel you!"

"Hmm? You can feel me?" he teased.

"Ugh! You are so annoying! I hate your guts!"

"Thank you," he said and I felt more irritated. Is he crazy? I just badmouthed him, why is he thanking me?

We took a few turns and with Tori's lead, we found the way out. 

"Oh! You are so great Tori!" I beamed in happiness. We could finally go home.

"Beneficial indeed. Bye," the mischievous guy walked to the opposite side of the road and left us. 

"That guy is weird!"

"Meow. We must hurry to Rigorius. This is bad news." Tori ran and I followed without questioning him. 

We arrived at the doctor's house and I was catching my breath. Tori transformed into his human form and searched for Doctor Rigorius. I immediately attended Dame.

"The Guardians have arrived," the child said. 

"They just came a little earlier than expected, huh?" the doctor blew his pipe and looked at me.

"Is there a problem?" I asked. I noticed Tori's unnatural reaction earlier and he even hurried to go home. He must have used up all his energy now. It bothered me and the commotion in the plaza was strange too. We were exhausted and I felt that something not favorable happened. 

"You need to leave, Esmeray," the doctor said and made me frozen on the ground.

"I understand, I'll immediately leave tomorrow and find a place. Is someone coming, Doctor?" I assumed that someone of importance would occupy our space here. I understand why the Doctor asked us to leave. I am grateful enough when he took us in during the times when I was at my weakest and my baby needed help.

"They already arrived, Esmeray."

"Eh? Does that mean I have to leave now?"

"You don't have to leave now. What I mean is, the Guardians of Mysticuria have arrived, and do you know why you had to leave?"

"I don't know about the Guardians." So no one is taking the house space but I have to leave soon. Do all these series of circumstances have to do with me? 

"Guardians possess mystic and most members came from the ruling families. They are powerful and prominent even with the M-zeroes. They have a high profile since they serve as the protector of peace in Mysticuria. Now, the question is why are they here, in the town where most people do not possess special abilities? Any idea?"

"Does it have to do with me, Doctor?" I asked though I was afraid of his answer.

They came to find you, Esmeray." The doctor had a serious look on his face and I felt chills running down my spine. My hands suddenly felt cold and my heart quickened its pace in fear.

"M-me?" I gulped and inhaled to calm my nerves. 

"You know about the curse, don't you?" 

I felt my body stiffened as the doctor scrutinized my expression. "It was an accident."

"Do you really think you accidentally stumbled on those books?" The doctor raised his eyebrows and his face looked as if testing me.

The doctor is mysterious and his actions these past few weeks were unpredictable and odd but everything that he did lead to a crucial turn of events. I think he put the books there on purpose… no, I am sure about it. The doctor is just the kind of person that acts behind the scenes to let the players unfold the story. 

"You put the books there on purpose and asked me to clean your library so that I would be able to find out about my ability."

"Your ability is considered cursed because of its enormous power. The tales told that the ability paints its possessor black because the past wielders were tainted and devoured by the power of Nyx. Are you scared now?" asked Doctor Rigorius.

"I'm not the kind of person that would get blinded by power and be its slave. I am not afraid because I believe in myself and if ever the tales are true, I'll prove them wrong by using my ability for good. I know, it sounds ideal but I will do what I know is just."

"Just, huh? I wonder if you'll uphold that until the end? But what does it mean to be just? Is the law always right?"

"The law is decided by the people to protect the people. The law is just," I said with conviction.

"The law is supposed to be just but it is not, Esmeray. What if the law ignored an innocent person to protect most people, is the law still right?" The doctor looked like provoking me. 

"The law should not discriminate." I don't know where this is going and the atmosphere is now heavy. 

"The Guardians came all the way here to kill whoever the wielder of Nyx is. That is you, Esmeray," Doctor Rigorius finally revealed. 

I could not utter a word. My life is in danger and so is Dame's. "W-why?"

"The Nyx wielders are killed immediately. There was an incident that happened years ago that led to the extermination of a whole clan so the rulers feared that the same bloody incident would happen again. The Guardians of Mysticuria do not know who you are yet so tomorrow morning, I will send you to an accomplice of mine. You will be safe there and you'll have time to figure out how to control your ability. You know what to do, this is all I can do." The doctor turned his back and stared outside the open window. 

"Why are you helping me?" There is no doubt that the doctor is on my side but if I am an enemy of the state, there is no reason for him to protect me. The man looked at me and then for the first time since I came here, he smiled and his eyes showed the wrinkles on its side. 

"Because protecting you is my redemption, Esmeray."

The sun showered my skin with warmth but I did not feel its comfort. Maybe because I witnessed how mystic wielders searched every corner of this town as I passed by them. Holding a small piece of paper that the Doctor gave me, I checked the scribbles written on it once again. 

Fisichella City. 

There was an address written and it was located in a city of mystic wielders. The doctor said that Fisichella City is ruled by one of the ruling factions which is the Fisichella family. I wonder why the doctor would send me to a more dangerous place where a pretending M-zero like me would surely attract so much attention. 

I don't have much baggage since I had no belongings when I first came here. I only have with me Dame's essentials, few clothes, food, and a cat. Tori was walking beside me as a cat because he insisted that he wanted to be my guard. My heart warmed when he said that so I swore to myself to take care of Tori with everything I got. 

I waited for the train and got in when it stopped at the station where I was staying. I am blending in with the travelers very well so I was able to secure a seat. I put down my baggage and Tori curled on the seat beside me. I was holding Dame in my arms and gently cradling him when I heard someone ask for the seat in front of me. 

"Yeah sure," I muttered with my focus still on my cute baby. I felt the person take the seat so I lifted my head to greet the passenger but my smile immediately faded when I recognized the person across from me.

"You?" I exclaimed.

"Oh." He pointed his finger toward me and he looked as shocked as I do but he immediately cleared his throat and recovered. 

"What are you doing here?" My voice is now calm as I asked the guy I stumbled upon yesterday. He was wearing a black hoodie and he had no bag with him. 

"Uh, isn't it obvious that I plan to leave this place?" He raised his eyebrow. With the light passing through the window, I could clearly see his face. His eyes are light brown which really looks good especially with the sun, his eyelashes are long and curled, his eyebrows are thick, his nose is narrow and his lips look finely shaped, and he has an angular jaw! He looks good but I hate how mischievous he is!

"Right. I should have not asked. I don't care about you anyway." 

"You have a child?" he asked while looking at my son.

"Yeah, this is my son, Dame."

"Oh. Are you with the cat?"

"Meow!" Tori appeared suddenly and he glared at the guy. 

"Oh, you are here! Hi, kitty! Long time no see," the guy offered his hand to the cat and I just twisted my lips with how weird he's acting. Tori purred and scratched the guy's hand instead. Why would that guy shake hands with a cat? I don't think he is sane.

"Call him Tori. He has a name, you know?" 

"No, I am enjoying teasing your kitty."

"What? " I immediately looked at nearby seats to check if someone heard him. "That just sounds so wrong! Will you shut up?" I put my hand on my temple and massaged it. What would I do with this guy?

"Eh? What is wrong with what I said?" he asked but his lips are curled into a mischievous smile. 

"There is no point in talking to you." 

"I just wonder what is on your mind. I want to know what you are thinking."

"What?"

"It's just that you are different, you know. There is something peculiar about you that made me want to know what is going on inside your head."

"The hell are you saying? Do you plan to be a fortune-teller?"

"What? Fortune-teller?" He flashed an amused smile.

Dame woke up and cried so I immediately checked what he needed. I cradled him until he stopped crying, maybe he felt the moving vehicle.

"Hi, baby!" The guy across from me leaned forward to take a peek at my son. My son smiled and looked at the guy.

"You like him, Dame? He is not a good influence, Baby," I said with a tiny voice.

"Ouch! Your mom just hates the fact that I am so handsome. I even caught her gawking at me—"

"Hey! Me? Gawking? No way!" 

He chuckled and tilted his head to the side. "Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret. Your child looks special anyway. I think we're gonna be buddies."

"Yeah, I think he likes you. He likes Tori too. He seems to like everyone." I said with a smile on my face.

"Meow," Tori purred. 

"Where are you headed to by the way?" The guy looked outside to witness the scenery.

"We're going to Fisichella City. How about you?" I don't think I have to conceal where I am going, I would be more conspicuous if I do that. It would be hard for me to lie too since I am a complete stranger to this state. 

"I don't know. I'm going to wander anywhere just to get away from my cousin and his gang. They're giving me so much trouble. You are going to Fisichella, huh? I hope you won't get lost."

"I won't! You should worry about yourself, you seem to have no direction in life."

"You're so quick to judge. I'm more impressive and capable than you think."

"Tss. Suit yourself. Hey, we've been talking for a long time now but I don't know what your name is." Talking with him is so casual even though we are totally strangers to each other. I feel comfortable when I am around him though he likes to tease me.

"You want to know my name now, huh? Got interested?" He flashed a grin and I was suddenly pissed off.

"Ugh, I should have not asked you. You are one conceited man, hopeless," I sighed. 

He chuckled and then he sat properly before offering his hand. "I'm Gavin."

"Esmeray. It is not so nice to meet you," I said but I took his hand. I really enjoyed his company even if he blurts out words that are not so nice.

"The pleasure is mine," he flashed his mischievous smile. He is at it again! He takes my insult as a compliment.

"You are one weird guy," I whispered. The train stopped at a station and some people got off the train. 

"Aren't you leaving?" Gavin asked.

"Huh?"

"You're going to Fisichella City, right? We have arrived."

"Eh? Really?" I exclaimed and immediately stood up and picked the baggage to leave.

"Ha! Who's getting lost again? You are not fit to be a traveler," he crossed his arms.

"You are the one to say huh? Goodbye, have a safe trip," I waved and started to walk away. Tori jumped in my bag.

"See you soon! Bye, kitty!" I heard Gavin's voice and I heard Tori purred. I get off the train with a smile on my face. 

"That was one happenstance," I whispered as I watched the train go. The sky was hued with orange and the sun was beginning to set when I stepped forward to start my unpredictable journey.