A Dream or a Message?

I STEP OFF my bus, not looking back. Fran didn't snitch on me, but he did have to go to the infirmary.

In the fifth period,Vito's death was announced. To nobody's surprise, nobody batted an eye. Well, maybe nobody except me. Tears fought to be let out as I took my notes.

Walking the halls, a few minutes before the final bell rang, I heard some of my upperclassmen complaining.

Complaining about how the school would be holding yet another funeral.

The funeral!?

What about making sure that deaths don't happen in the first place!? Whatever. I digress.

Fran actually had the audacity to try and sit next to me on the bus home. I told him that I was saving the seat, using my bag to occupy the space. He looked genuinely upset (not that I care) and took a spot alone at the front. 

Good for him. 

Mom isn't home when I enter. "Typical." I say, walking to the living room.

 I wonder what club she's drinking at this time.

 I was planning on practicing my bow and arrow after I came home, but I'm too tired to even think straight. I begged Mrs. Bellford to give me Vito's parents' number, which she complied to. I think his parents already gave her a mouthful. As they should.

Vito's parents 'appreciate' what the school is trying to do, but they are still gonna hold their own funeral. A personal, more sentimental one. They invited me to attend, and obviously, I agreed. Vito deserves more than whatever this shitty school is planning to hold.

After managing to drag myself upstairs to my room, I barely make it to my bed before collapsing and crying my eyes out. 

This is the second time I've cried today, and I feel pathetic. But at this moment, I don't care. I just cry and sob, until my body finally succumbs to sleep. 

***

I'M STANDING, BUT I'm not..? There's a floor below me. I see it. But it feels like a void. It looks like a void. Everything is black, and I can barely see my own hands in front of me.

What is this place? Pregretory?

Am I dead?

Retrieving my balance slightly, I take one hesitant step forward, gaze glued to the black below me.

To my surprise, it ripples. Like a puddle. But a really shallow one at that. It sort of reminds me of ink, but way thinner, spilled on the ground. It unsettles me.

I need to leave. Now.

I lift my head up, whirling it around, trying to find an exit. 

My vision. It feels….distorted. Looking at my hands, they look like they're bending and turning and knotting.

Black spots obscure my vision, and it feels like my lungs aren't working. 

I'm going to be sick.

I remove my gaze from my hands. 

In the distance, I see an opening. It's white, and shaped like an open door. But something doesn't feel right. It's not bending and turning and knotting like everything else.

Then suddenly, my body stops listening to me. I take one step, then another, and suddenly it feels like I'm jogging. 

No, stop it! My steps feel heavier now that I'm trying my best to stop myself. 

I hate this place. I hate the dark. But I hate the unknown more. How am I supposed to know if that whiteness is dangerous?

I start to panic as the opening comes closer and closer into view. The ground—possibly a puddle?—feels heavier. Like I'm going further into a pool. 

Abruptly, my anatomy breaks into a heavy sprint. A desperate sprint. It momentarily shakes me out of my thoughts.

This feels like sleep paralysis in a way. But I can move. My body just won't do what it's supposed to be doing.

Is this some sort of condition? At most, I've only heard of alien hands. But that's only one body part.

So how come I can't stop running?

This time, however, my mind goes completely blank as I shut my eyes to avoid getting blinded by the light. 

THE FIRST THING I notice is my footing. This ground feels familiar, comfortable. 

The second thing I notice is the atmosphere. That void felt cold, oppressive, and disorienting. But this doesn't feel like that at all. A shock runs through my body at the sudden change.

I try to open my eyes, but they won't budge. But I feel in control of my body, so that's good. Maybe it's just an aftershock of being flashed.

It's not silent here. I hear talking, laughter, and faint music. It's the "Moonlight Sonata." The second movement to be exact. It's coming from somewhere on my right.

I've always seen this movement as a depiction of a fleeting, joyful memory or a peaceful interlude in the midst of deeper emotional turmoil. Its elegant, lilting quality can evoke images of a gentle dance or a stroll in a peaceful garden. The rhythm is steady and dance-like, with a waltz-like feel that adds to the movement's charming and carefree nature.

I don't like dramatic pieces a lot, so this for me was the best part of "Moonlight Sonata."

There's a faint echo. Even though the music isn't overpowering, it is still fairly noticeable. There is also the click-clacking of heels, so I'd guess I'm probably in a ballroom.

But why? Wasn't I in black nothingness two minutes ago?

Finally, my eyes begrudgingly open, and I take in my surroundings.

Oh. My. Lord.

This ballroom!

The space is dominated by large, imposing columns and beautifully curved arches, all intricately detailed with classical motifs. These architectural elements create a sense of structure and magnificence.

The ceiling is high and adorned with ornate designs, featuring gold accents that add a touch of regal luxury. The intricate patterns and reliefs give it an almost baroque or rococo feel.

The marble floor is polished to a gleam, with subtle patterns that enhance the room's sophistication without detracting from the overall decor.

Multiple grand chandeliers hang from the ceiling, their crystal components reflecting light to create a shimmering effect throughout the room. Complementing the chandeliers, elegant wall sconces line the walls, providing additional lighting and adding to the room's opulent ambiance.

High-quality materials are evident throughout, from the marble floors and columns to the gold leaf details and crystal chandeliers.

The color palette is a blend of soft creams and whites, accented with gold. This combination not only adds to the room's luxurious feel, but also enhances the light, making the space appear even larger and more open.

The overall ambiance is one of refined luxury and historical grandeur. It feels like a space where important events and celebrations take place, steeped in tradition and elegance.

The people there are no short of graceful as well.

I spot one duo dancing immediately. They're not center stage, but they're so out of the room's element, it gives them an air of importance.

Clashing with the sea of beige of white, a dark-skinned woman is wearing an opulent, Victorian-inspired dress in rich, deep red hues. 

The bodice is intricately detailed with lace and embellishments, creating a striking contrast against her dark skin. The neckline is adorned with ornate floral patterns, and the fitted nature of the bodice emphasizes her figure elegantly. 

The dress features voluminous, layered skirts that cascade down in luxurious folds, with hints of intricate patterns peeking through the layers. The skirts are gathered and draped in a way that adds to the regal and dramatic effect of the ensemble. 

She completes the look with long, black gloves, adding an air of sophistication and mystery. The overall effect is one of decadence and timeless elegance, perfectly suited for a grand ball or a theatrical performance. The setting, with its rich textures and furnishings, complements her attire, creating a scene reminiscent of a bygone era of glamor and opulence.

The man dancing with her wears attire in color. He is dressed in an elaborate, aristocratic outfit that combines both regal and modern elements. His attire features a deep red and black color scheme with gold accents, exuding a sense of luxury and sophistication. 

The ensemble consists of a richly detailed long coat that flares out dramatically, adorned with intricate black patterns and gold trim. The coat is open to reveal a fitted vest with ornate gold buttons, layered over a crisp white shirt with ruffled cuffs and a high collar.

The vest is accentuated with a decorative brooch and chains, adding to the ensemble's opulent feel. His pants are sleek and black, fitting snugly to enhance the streamlined, elegant look. 

Gold-trimmed red shoes complete the outfit, tying in with the color scheme. 

Overall, the outfit is a striking blend of classic and contemporary, perfect for a character of high status or a leader in a fantastical setting.

His vest must be covering the belt, because a crimson scabbard pokes out, reaching his popliteal region. 

As the two continue dancing, his vest shifts and I get a better view of his sword—even if the blade is covered. 

This sword features an elegant and intricate design with a prominent theme of roses and thorns. The hilt of the sword is adorned with a large, red rose, from which thorny vines extend and wrap around the crossguard. 

The crossguard itself is stylized with sharp, angular points, giving it a menacing appearance.

The color consists of deep reds, complemented by golden-brown accents on the thorns and leaves, enhancing the sword's striking visual appeal.

The overall design combines beauty and danger, evoking a sense of romance intertwined with peril. 

Their dance practically begs me to pay attention to them and their movements, and I'm more than happy to comply.

No one has noticed me, which is a good thing. Although everyone here looks ridiculously stunning, I feel as if they aren't exactly the nicest people.

The music has changed to "Schattenspiel" by Elias Kiefer, I notice. It's calm and serene, a stark contrast to how I'm feeling at the moment.

I scan the ballroom for some kind of exit. That's when I realized the supposed 'guards' scattered around strategically. 

Shoot.

That's when I remember the entrance behind me. I turn around in succession, but to my dismay, all I see is a very pretty wall.

Fuck. There really isn't any way out, isn't there?

As if sensing my inner turmoil, a guard swiftly holds my gaze. I suddenly stand up straighter.

The guard was dressed in a flowing white outfit that exudes a classical and ethereal aura. The upper garment is a draped white cloth that elegantly covers his left shoulder, cascading down his body in a manner reminiscent of ancient Greek or Roman attire. This toga-like fabric enhances the regal and timeless quality of his appearance. His lower garment is a short white skirt, secured at the waist by a decorative belt. The belt is intricately designed with gold details and adorned with blue gemstones, adding a touch of opulence to his look. 

Adorning his figure are various gold accessories that further enhance his sophisticated appearance. He wears a gold choker necklace and matching gold arm cuffs on his biceps, as well as gold wristbands. The belt around his waist, which features the same gold detailing and blue gemstones, ties the entire outfit together. His footwear consists of strappy sandals that lace up his calves, maintaining the ancient Greek or Roman theme. 

His white hair is styled in a slightly messy yet elegant manner, contributing to his otherworldly charm. His eyes are highlighted with a hint of pink, adding to his ethereal and almost celestial presence.

Before I could react though, he's behind me, holding a sword to my neck. The blade feels cold and demeaning. 

"Eep!" I squeal, a strangled gasp escaping my throat.

Apparently I was louder than the music, because everything came to a halt. The dancing, the chatting, the laughter, even the music itself. 

All eyes were on me with a blade against my neck.

"Для чего ты явился в присутствие богов, глупый смертный? Как вы получили доступ к этому царству?" He commands. 

His voice carries a soothing, almost hypnotic quality, resonating with a gentle timbre that is both calming and captivating. But I can easily tell that he's angry.

I don't know what he's saying, but he's asking me a question, I'm sure of it.

So what am I supposed to say? What language is he even speaking?

"I," I begin pathetically. "I don't speak….Russian."

I internally pray to all Gods that he was speaking that. If not, I'm done for.

The blade against my throat droops slightly then confidently goes back to its original stance.

"For what purpose have you come into the presence of the Gods, foolish mortal? How did you gain access to this realm?" He repeats, this time in English.

I'm about to reply, when a sharp but soft voice cuts through the room.

"Now now, Elarion. Let the poor girl go."

I can feel the guard's, who I now know as Elarion's, breath hitch as he begrudgingly removes his blade from the front of my neck. 

The haze of dancers seemingly separates like the Red Sea as she walks through. I finally recognize her as the dancer in the red dress.

"I invited her." She announces boldly once she comes to halt about 3 feet away from me. There is an audible gasp. 

I am acutely aware of Elarion's presence behind me, his sword still unsheathed. 

"Tetress!" A husky, loud voice booms. "You invited a mortal into this realm? From Earth at that! Are you out of your mind?"

The speaker steps up. He exudes a striking and dark aura, embodying a sense of mystery and power. He has long, white hair styled in a deliberately intricate fashion, with braids and loose strands adding to his enigmatic look. 

His sharp, intense eyes suggest a keen and possibly supernatural vision, and his stern expression reinforces his formidable presence. 

His hair is white with streaks of black, messily reaching his ankles with a loose low ponytail. Black horns protrude from the sides of his head, contributing to his otherworldly appearance, while red markings on his forehead hint at a special lineage, power, or curse.

His outfit is a blend of gothic, fantasy, and warrior elements, creating a visually captivating and intimidating figure. He wears a black top adorned with complex patterns and red accents, with long sleeves and a form-fitting yet elaborate design. Integrated armor pieces, especially around the shoulders, suggest his readiness for combat. A red scarf draped around his neck adds a pop of color to his dark attire, enhancing his mysterious look. His black gloves and boots further accentuate his combat-ready appearance.

The bottom part of his outfit features a long, flowing skirt-like garment, split in various places to allow for mobility. The fabric is a mix of black and translucent gray, creating a layered effect that adds to the outfit's complexity. Red and white ribbons tied in various parts of the ensemble provide a striking contrast, emphasizing the character's powerful and possibly sinister nature.

"Be calm, Arcanus. I've decided to make her my incarnation."

The man who I now know as Arcanus looks ticked off. "From Earth? What will this little girl do? You are making a horrible mistake."

"I have my reasons," she replies, very calm despite the backlash she's getting.

She bends over, reaching my height. "You'll know me as Tetress, the Goddess of Life. Familiar?"

Goddess of Life, Goddess of Life…

Wait, Tetress? I was told stories about her!

"T-Tetress?" I manage to stammer.

She nods and gives me a smile. "I've chosen to incarnate you, Yeon Jeong-min."

Incarnate what?

She must notice the confused expression on my face, because she chuckles. "You'll understand one day, my dear. Just remember, the light in your world will be diminished, and when it does, the rain will reign.

It's up to you to stop it."

Before I form another coherent, my vision fades as I lose my consciousness.

***

I WAKE UP with a start.

What was that? A dream?

My hands are all clammy and sweaty, and my breath is irregular and erratic.

I drag a hand over my face.

I really need some sleep.