SPIRIT II

"It's the usual request," he remarked, widening her eyes. What is the 'usual' is he talking about?

"I see..." she said like she understood what he was saying.

***************

Below the falls, there is a tiny cave. We use her vines to transport us there. I can now see the interior of the falls. The woman lightens the torch and suddenly, one by one the torch lights itself leading the way inside the cave.

When we arrived at the end, I noticed a comfortable spot, and it was incredibly warm there. When I glance at the woman, my eyes widen because she has changed into an exquisite outfit. Previously, her garments were exposing, but now they are neat. Her long green hair and dark green eyes are stunning.

"Are you a spirit?" I inadvertently inquire. She giggles and looks at me, as the two of us are surprised.

"No, I'm a guardian here, and I look after this spot. The spirit you're referring to was not seen 500 years ago," she explained as she sat on the couch. "That's why I make sure this home is well-kept, and I hope she returns," she explained.

Was not seen 500 years ago?

So, the tales about this woman are false, and she is not the spirit?

I'm sure I've read about this area, but I was so preoccupied with my duties as a captain that I forgot about the trivialities. Eli used to read that book to me, but I was just interested in the illustrations.

And why did this jerk bring me here in the first place? What is he referring to when he says "usual"?

I still haven't solved my own dilemma, I still haven't found the man I was looking for and he's simply added to what I'm thinking.

"So...you want me to watch those two again?" she said to Leo.

"Yes, They're at the Dragon Tail Mountain right now, and I just wanted to make sure everything was under control like the last time," he remarked as he sipped his tea.

I just noticed that there was tea here in front of us, I'm sure this table was empty earlier. I also take a sip.

Mm. My traditional tea at home is excellent. However, this tea is really delicious and flavorful.

"Fine, Since you're helping me hide this area from the public, I'll keep an eye on them," she added, taking a drink of tea.

Who is she spying on? Dragon Tail Mountain is a bit far away. And why would she need to keep an eye on them? Perhaps it's a crime—Wait!? Dragon Tail Mountain?

That's where we buried Mona. Perhaps the two they're talking about are Eli and Jack? But why would they need to keep an eye on them?... Is my body also buried at Dragon Tail Mountain?

"Thank you. I'll appreciate that. I told Annah I'd contact them from time to time, so I guess I don't need to worry," he added with a smile.

"My eyes are everywhere, as long as they're plants, trees, and grass," she explained. "It's not a great request anyway."

"Thank you," he murmured, looking at me. "Adelle...do you want to look around? There's no monster here, so you may look around if you like."

"Yes, if you'll excuse me," I responded as I rose to my feet. I was astonished when the vines suddenly appeared beneath my feet.

"I'll assist you in exiting here," she remarked as she brought me to the crest of the waterfall.

I found myself drawn closer to the crest of the magnificent waterfall. The thunderous sound of rushing water filled the air, creating a symphony of nature's power and beauty. With each step I took, the mist from the cascading water kissed my face, refreshing my senses and invigorating my spirit. The spray from the waterfall sparkled in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display of dancing droplets.

As I approached the edge, my heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The sheer force of the water crashing down below sent chills down my spine, reminding me of the raw power of nature. I couldn't help but be captivated by the sheer beauty of the scene. The water, crystal clear and pristine, seemed to flow effortlessly over the edge, creating a breathtaking cascade of white foam and mist.

I stood there, at the crest of the waterfall, taking in the panoramic view that stretched out before me and I noticed a gorgeous tail on a fish. I've never seen anything like this before. Is it only me? or is it glistening? I knelt and reached out to touch the fish in the water. It's swimming slowly to reach my hands.

But when my fingertips come into contact with the fish. My surroundings are becoming foggy, which I notice. It's like being in a fog. I'm not feeling anything, and my mind has gone blank.

I started walking, but I couldn't see anything. I simply had the impression that I was walking on dry land. Earlier, I was surrounded by green and vitality, but now I'm going through a lifeless zone and a dry field.

I'm simply going to keep walking till I'm out of this fog. What the heck am I doing? I thought it was safe to walk around.

"...delle"

Is someone calling me?

"...delle"

Ah, yeah. maybe it's Leo.

"...Adelle." but where is he? I couldn't find him.

I try to speak, but no sound comes out. I started running towards the voice, despite the fact that I couldn't see where I was going due to the fog.

"...Adelle."

Just where is he!?

I didn't stop running following the voice. I was constantly running with nowhere to go. I am trapped in this dead wasteland...

"...Yule," I came to a halt, startled. I turned around because someone had called my name. My eyes widened when I saw Leo and the woman where I was standing before, where I knelt and reached for the fish. I feel as though I've awoken from a dream.

"Adelle...come here." Leo said worriedly. but the woman stays Pokerfaced And then I realize that I'm in the middle of the waterfall. the level of the water is only below my knees. I looked down and saw the high pressure below. if I fall into the plunge pool below, there I won't be able to survive.

I started to walk towards Leo and the woman. I wonder why wouldn't they help me get out of this using that lady's vines but before I take a step again.

"Yule..." I heard the voice from earlier. I looked around and saw no one. it's like that voice is preventing me from reaching the land.

"Adelle, what are you doing? come here now." Leo said. but before I take a step again.

"Yule..." I heard it again. I look at the two.

"Did you hear that uncle?" I ask him. he looks confused.

"What? I don't hear anything. Just come here immediately." he said.

It's weird.

"Yule..." I was startled because the voice from earlier changed. I heard a genuine voice call my name. his strong and husky voice that sounds like

Eli!

I immediately turned around and saw nothing. what? now that I think about it. why would he be here?

When I started to walk again, my feet tripped on the stones causing me to lose my balance. my eyes widen when I try to reach for nothing.

"Adelle!!!" I noticed Leo's frightened expression as I slowly fell to the waterfalls.

Am I going to die again?