Journey - Beyond Bonds

The illusory truth effect : We all have a tendency to believe something is true after being exposed to it multiple times. The more times we've heard something, the truer it seems.

The effect can be so strong that repetition can persuade us to believe information that has been meant to be false since the beginning of time.

Chapter : 1 

" Ignorance is bliss " and " Curiosity killed the cat "

I believe I've heard these two idioms somewhere before. I was somewhere far, far away from home.

Only after my realisation did I come to know that we've been fed the same thing, just in a different way, since the time we were born.

" Ignore them. They are different from us "

" Don't look, or we might get caught up in the scene "

" Don't go there; it's dangerous " 

Is it.? Though often, even they don't know if it is really dangerous or not.

It's just a built-up assumption based on what they have heard for a long time, and when something is followed through generations after generations, it gets solidified in our blood and soul.

We fear the unknown, but at the same time, there's our basic instinct of curiosity, which sometimes pushes us subconsciously.

The core reason for the evolution of humans in general has always been curiosity. We seek out what we don't know. We want to be certain of the uncertainty. What can be more dangerous than not knowing something.? Or living inside your bubble of an echo chamber.?

Just like an ignored disease that slowly and silently augmented itself and is now ready to gobble up your existence, or like the unexplored territory where we might find resources worth generations to sustain. So we can say that, on the bigger spectrum of life, ignorance is not bliss. It is just postponing fate until it becomes something irreversible and curiosity doesn't necessarily kill the cat; it can also open new chapters in its life.

At least that's what I think and believe now. But I wish... I wish I had known this when I was little. I wish my elders knew. I wish my grandparents and great-grandparents knew it. I wish my ancestors understood and never chose to close the lid.

*sigh* if I keep this up. It'll be like I am ranting and giving a lecture no one asked for, and I'll keep going back to 1000 years ago, when this mysterious, dense, and impenetrable fog we called Murk came into existence and locked us all away from something we have no record or knowledge of.

" Elea sis, what's that.? "

In the vast green field, under the tree in the morning, I and Elyana were collecting tiny white wildflowers that grow on grass. Maybe it was a catnip or yarrow. I don't remember exactly, but I stopped and looked at Elyana and to the place where she was staring when she raised that question, holding tored flowers in her hand.

" It's a gate, Ely " I replied.

" It's Huge..." Off, she stares up above its end. " Who must've made something like this.? "

" Who knows.? " I replied

Anyone who sees it for the first time is always amazed to look at a metal bar that is 80 metres tall.

" What's behind it, in that forest.? " asks Elyana.

" I don't know. No one does. "

" Why is there always fog in it.? "

" I don't know, but the teacher said that fog in the forest is called Murk.

" Murk... " repeats Elyana.

Captivated and zoned out, Elyana starts walking towards the gate, as if being pulled by some unnatural force.

" Ely.! " I called her " Ely..wait. "

She didn't hear me and kept walking. I dropped my flowers and ran after her. I stumbled upon the bump on the plain and fell on my knees. I stood up and went after her.

Elyana stops on her legs in front of the gate. Looking at the bars in front of her leisurely, she holds them with both of her hands and stares inside the forest.

" Elyana.! " I hold her shoulders. " What are you doing.? Mom has said so many times not to go near the gate. "

" But Elea sis, the gate never opens, and nothing has ever been seen in the forest, not even animals, birds, or an insect. " she said.

" That's true. But still, Mom has said, Let's not go close to it. " I said.

" I wonder what lies there. " says Elyana.

Looking at her calmly gazing into the forest, I also let go of my hands from her shoulders, and before I could realise it, I was gazing into the forest too.

At first glance, it felt as if I were staring at an Abyss, creeped out by not seeing any live creatures in it, even though it's a forest, but at the same time, I felt kind of relaxed looking at it. I wonder why.? Now I am curious too. What lies beyond this gate, in the forest covered in Murk.?

The wind rises, the bells bang aloud, and the screams of countless humans screech across my head. Lightning shatters the glasses; there's a pool of blood everywhere; two large red eyes and a horrendous smile stare into my soul.

Urghhh...urging in pain, I try to shake myself off.

" nor..."

I witnessed a girl lying in my arms.

" Elea..."

Someone is calling me.

Just so, I was about to see her face.

The colour fades away into pitch black.

" Eleanor, wake up. Hey, wake up. "

" Ummr- Huhh.?!! "

My eyes are wide awake. Glued to the bed, unable to think or react. I kept my pause, focusing on my room's fan attached to the ceiling, which was rotating and making a low, creaking noise. I am out of breath and sweating all over. After a long pause, I caught up with my breath. Still, I am not feeling like moving. I am too tired. Until Dad gave me a call again.

" You ok, girl.? You were trembling and making weird noises. "

I know what happened. I had a nightmare, which again I am not sure of. There are times when I know I saw something—or, should I say, many things—in my dream but can't seem to remember any of them.

" Yea..I am ok. I had a nightmare, I guess. "

He is sitting on the chair beside me with a worried look, wearing a white T-shirt and dark green trousers. There's a little bit of sweat visible on his underarms and chest. He seems a little tired, and his voice is also a little heavier than usual. He must've just come home from his morning training. Even though it's freakingly cold outside and he's home on vacation, he never misses his day.

" And again, you don't remember anything, do you.? "

" wish I did, Dad. "

" I see. "

I said while slowly lifting myself. My body felt way heavier, as if I were lifting three more of my size alone in this position. Ahh, my head hurts too. Did I hit my head on the edge of the bed or something.?

" Stay rested for a little longer if it's hurting you."

" No, it's okay. I am fine. I have to attend today's class too. Finally, it'll be the first lesson of Infusion."

" Ohh..Finally, you've reached that stage."

" Hehe Yes.! " I said it with a bright smile.

" I see. Alright, if you say so.."He said standing up " Breakfast is ready. Come down and eat with us."

" I'll be there in a minute. "

He brushed my hair with his big, rough hands. I am too tired and half asleep to resist that. My head is moving in sync with the flow of his moments.

" Dad, I am 20 now. I am not a child anymore. "

" still a child for me."

" Umm..Hmmphh. "

And he left the room. He always treats me like a kid.

My head still hurts, and my body feels tired. What was it that I saw this time? I am curious, but this curiosity can never be fulfilled because there's no way of looking into my dreams or recollecting them.

I gently got up and stood in front of the mirror. My top was hanging off from one shoulder, but I didn't bother to straighten it up because I wanted to confirm something.

Yes, it is true. I was crying.

" I must've lost someone really close. I guess.."

I closed the mirror and opened my balcony window, letting in the cold wind. Even the lock holders were frozen.

It was calmly snowing. The sound of the town bell could be heard. People going to their work place, stalls, and children going to school. In the not-so-distant, the new innovation that recently landed on our era. A steam locomotive is running on tracks, leaving behind a wiggling tail of smoke. Now we can travel to different towns. Even dragon chariots can be given a proper rest. But there's still time to develop it properly for trains to open daily. I love my town a lot. Its peaceful. I breathe in and out deeply enough, 2-3 times, to charge myself with positive energy so that I can let go of the heaviness in my chest I got from my dreams. 

                   *

With a big yawn, I entered the hall. Dad is sitting and reading the news paper, and mom looks like she is almost done with her cooking.

" Good morning, Dad; good morning, Mom " I said while taking out the water bottle from the refrigerator.

" Good morning, dear " said Dad.

" Good Morning! " That was quick and heavy. Mom seems kind of sad about something.

Did I do something wrong.? I got up on time today, and I completed all my chores before sleeping too. After sipping water down my throat, I looked around the room and realised one more person was missing from the table.

" Where's Elyana.? Is she not awake yet.? " I raised the question as naturally as possible.

" I don't know. Don't ask me. " said Mom.

But her reaction wasn't natural.

Ok, Dad must've called her too, but if she isn't here, it means she isn't in the house. Hmm, so she's out again for the entire night without informing.? I didn't see her yesterday before sleeping either, so I guess that must be the case.

" hope she never comes back. I am done with her. "

" Eria.! " Dad snaps.

" How many times do I have to tell you to not use words like that.? "

" What else am I supposed to say then.? She never tells us anything. Always on her own. She stays outside for the entire night, and we don't even know what she does outside. What if something happens to her.? There's thiefs, burglars, and Jaangirs after our people and town all the time. It's all in the newspaper. "

She holds her face with both of her palms and sobs. There was sadness in Mom's voice. She was worried and stressed over Elyana's behaviour.

" Still, that doesn't mean you'll wish she never returns. "

Dad is trying his best to calm mom down, but mom doesn't seem to be listening properly.

" Eleanor was never like this; then why is she.? "

" Every child is not the same. Calm down, Eri. I'll talk to her as soon as she reaches home today. "

Elyana is my younger sister. She is 17 years old.

I agree with Dad on the part where he said every child is not the same. Her attitude can be very irritating to any parent. She is different—the complete opposite of me. She uses anger and stubbornness to get what she wants, while I will just keep my head down and agree with the person while killing my own desires. I was always older, so I had this sense of responsibility to do it the right way or with double thought so that it wouldn't create a bad image in society, so I kept pushing myself, but it'll be wrong if we expect the same thing from Elyana.

Dad pats Mom's head gently.

" Calm down, Eria. "

Mom raises her eyebrows and pushes Dad's hand away.

" Go away. You don't understand me at all. "

" Come on. I don't want you to take on so much stress. That is all. She'll be okay; they are our daughters after all. "

Dad is doing his best to console Mom. I kept my focus on sipping my coffee because I know anything I'll say will make Mom more angry, so it's better if Dad does it.

Soon we began eating our breakfast, and the mood at the table seemed to have stabilised.

" You are going to learn infusion today, right.? "

Dad asked.

" Umm..Hmm "

While biting my sandwich, I mumbled.

" So you must've cleared all the fundamentals of most of the objects, weapons, and instruments. " Dad asked.                                                                       " Yep. "

" Have you decided which object you want to infuse with.? "

" I haven't decided yet. Most of my classmates are going for swords. "

" They go for the sword because that looks cool, but don't be mistaken. The world's strongest knights are not necessarily sword holders. Including our King. "

" It's easy to say when you are a specialist. "

I gave him a sarcastic look while chewing.

" Haha..That's not true. Come on."

A specialist is someone who can infuse their soul and energy into multiple objects. It's very rare; one in 10 million has this ability. It doesn't pass through genes or anything. It happens only if you are the chosen one. No wonder Dad was chosen as one of the commanders leading the knighthoods by the king.

" Mom, you didn't feel like becoming knights. or hunters that go on expeditions.? "

Mom was by herself during this conversation. So I thought I should involve her in it too.

" I've seen enough. I like to live my life in peace. "

She said, without looking up, that she was focused on her breakfast.

" I see. True, it's not like we are at war or anything. "

" We can't say that for sure."

Said Dad in a very sound manner. He even stopped chewing his food.

" What do you mean.? " I asked.

" Ahh- Nothing. Just my mind running."

What was that.? It felt as if he had neglected the topic. Well, let it be; he never talks about his work. While I was musing around, my eyes glanced at the clock to see the time: 8:50 am, and there's just 10 minutes remaining for the academy. I screamed.

" Aaaaaaa...!!! I am late. "

" No. Enjoy more discussions while eating. "

Mom said it in a sarcastic manner.

I ran up to my room. I wore my grey hoodie and muffler around the neck. I tightened up my knee socks and straightened my skirt properly.

In front of the door, I chained up my ankle boots. I picked my bag up on my shoulders as I was about to open the door.

" Elea, wait." Dad called from behind.

" Yes.? " I replied.

" You've decided for sure that you want to become a knight.? "

" Yes I have."

" This path isn't easy; you do understand that."

" Dad...I wouldn't have pursued it for 8 years of my life then. I know, and I am ready to face it because I want to. "

I put my hands inside my hoodie's pocket and looked at him with a tilted head and a smile so that he understood I was strong and courageous enough to take up this path.

" You've grown a lot, Eleanor." He said it with a contended smile. " Well then. Tonight, after dinner, I'll tell you something about us—about this world—and I'll also tell you my strongest infusion as a specialist. Something that I haven't even revealed to the king himself. "

There was a different colour in his eyes when he said those words. But as soon as I heard that, he'd reveal his infusion to me. I lost myself in an overflowing surprise. I was shocked, and before I realised it, I was hugging him.

"Thank you, Dad. I love you so much."

I was overjoyed and too happy by the fact that finally I'll be learning things directly from him. Most of the time, he is out of the house for weeks or even months.

" Take care of yourself. Have a good day. "

" You too, Dad. "

I opened the door and left for the academy.