Twisted Memories

After a nice dinner, I was more than ready to sleep especially after today's training session. My whole body felt limp, but I was keen to clear my doubts about the missing people with Katy. As I was helping Katy in setting up our beds, I asked her about the subject that had been on my mind for a while. I also realized that I remembered things as and when I fed clues into my mind. Katy, upon hearing that fact decided to tell me right away about them. She mentioned two names - Evin and Isla.

"Mez, are you ok, you're crying...."

"Oh..I didn't realize..ah it's ok please do continue telling me about them." I wiped off my tears, realizing that my heart missed them terribly. I wished to know more.

"Ok then I'll start with Isla, she used to come here pretty often and despite being from a different institute you two were very good friends. Isla was a person who was crazy in her special way and the most fun to spar against in your opinion. She was talented

but she always compared herself with others, which you complained about. You were annoyed by the fact that she would undermine herself, as from your perspective she was a gifted person, loved by everyone, even though people said that she was annoying, they never actually meant it, you loved teasing her the most.."

As Katy explained I slowly got bits and pieces of warm memories, I felt like I was collecting the missing puzzle pieces of a half-completed puzzle.

"And secondly - Evin, he's super random and the weirdest guy I've met, you two initially didn't talk much because of your shared awkwardness, but eventually you guys started talking and realized that you happened to have a lot in common. He's extremely reckless and impulsive otherwise which he's very friendly and always had your back. I always caught you two arguing about the most senseless things on the planet, but you guys on the other hand really enjoyed it. Despite pretending to not care for each other, it was obvious you two treasured each other greatly. However, lately, none of us have been able to reach out to him, he completely erased his presence everywhere after well... you disappeared Mez..., there were no traces of your existence left, we all searched relentlessly for you, but to no avail even after three years. Evin blamed himself the most however... "

"I still don't understand, how can I just disappear like that Katy? Something must've happened right? No traces either? so you mean to say everyone assumed that I died right? Ah, that makes a lot of sense..."

"No Mez, it's not like that, even though the whole world had given up, we always believed that you would come back someday, especially Evin. Mez, you aren't that easy to beat either, you just don't remember how powerful you actually are. To be honest, neither I nor Victor know what happened that day, that nightmare of a day... where millions were killed in a pointlessly, brutal war, for now, I suggest you get some rest, you look terribly tired."

Katy was right, my recovering memories were draining my energy, I guessed everything had a price. I got glimpses of memories here and there, like lost fragments. I remembered myself teasing Isla and playing pranks on her with Evin, and then the senseless arguments I had with him, that had us rolling on the floor because of laughter, and many more..... I felt extremely guilty however, how could I forget those that were closest to me... But for some reason, I could remember nothing of my disappearance, nor this brutal war that happened once. The fact that I had gone missing for three years without a trace was even more baffling.

And me, powerful? I just couldn't picture that for some reason. My being I felt, was always haunted by a perpetual sense of worthlessness and loneliness. I was trying to think of where I could've possibly been during those past three years, it is only understandable people thought I had died. Something incredibly powerful and dangerous was behind this alright. But as I tried to think of my disappearance my head throbbed terribly, maybe it was best I didn't force myself too much for the time being.

I had one more question, "Hey why is it always dimly lit here, I don't see glass windows anywhere? are we underground?"

She told me the institute was indeed, situated underground, the main hall was an exception however. Katy described it as, looking very much like an ancient greenhouse, with magnificent architecture and a beautifully carved glass ceiling. It harbored ethereal beauty and was a point of tourist attraction to the institute members. My sleep got the better of me and I dozed off in between our conversation.

I wasn't in for a peaceful night though.....

The sky was grim and black, smoke blocked my vision, I sensed a deadly presence coming in my direction. The place looked like a forest, but everything was being engulfed by flames. My legs were going to give up soon, and my lungs choked for air. I was running for my life from something. I searched everywhere for someone or something to help me out. I was all alone again...

"You're too slow Mez, caught you."

I felt a sharp blade slice into my back, pain coursed through the length of my body, I tasted blood, smoke covered my senses, I felt the blanket of terror and death dawn upon me.

"I CAN'T GIVE UP NOW!" my conscience yelled.

With every last ounce of energy, I pierced my poisoned blade through the hooded figure's back, but he disappeared! vanished into thin air?! I looked behind to see ravenous red eyes heading my direction. But I was frozen, my body couldn't go further. As my eyes fell, I felt someone lift me, his blue eyes shimmering through the darkness was the last thing I saw.

"I've got your back Mez, I promised you I'll never leave you alone...."