2 Chapter 1 :A long way from home.

One.

....

Two.

Everything is numb. My breathing is weak and unstable. I can barely supply my brain with the oxygen it needs to keep my body functioning.

My thoughts are still nonexistent.

Three.

I have finally awaken. however, I don't have the energy to move, or even open my eyes. Time is slipping though my fingers. I'm afraid I don't have much of it left.

Four.

.....

Five.

Its dreadfully cold. I can feel my bones quivering under my skin. My sense of touch is returning, but my arms and legs feels like foreign objects attached to my body.

Six.

...

Seven.

I don't know how many times I have awaken to excruciating pain just to slip back into a dreamless sleep. However, instead of wishing it away, I welcome the pain with open and loving arms. It's the only thing that tells me I'm still alive... even if it's short lived.

Eight.

...

Nine.

The pain has lessened, but I'm still unable to move. I think I felt the sensation of someone touching my head. Or, maybe it was just the wind bushing against it. I'm not sure I have the ability to distinguish such things anymore.

Ten.

My eyes opens.

My body was heavy and aching. All of my senses slowly awakened. My eyes were weighed with exhaustion. My throat was as dry as a desert. I desperately needed water. My thoughts were scattered and cloudy... while My breathing was irregular, as if it was being caught by tiny rocks at the back of my throat. Even my stomach was aching from hunger. however, I have absolutely no desire to eat. I felt more like throwing up even though there was nothing left inside me. The ringing was still present, but it was more faded now then it was before. My body was so unbearably cold. at least my trembling has ceased.

From the moment I opened my eyes I could sense my unavoidable fate...

I was going to die.

A small hand pressed a wet towel against my Temples. My eyes slowly moved to the small figure with a noh mask. One looked to be a small girl holding a candle that gave more light to the dark room. The other was a small boy who was wearing a noh mask similar to the girl. He held something I couldn't identify in his ghost White hands. I didn't have the energy to feel fear. I knew my end was near...

My body has been trying for who knows how long to keep me alive. But now... There was nothing more it could do. My body had offered up everything it had to keep me alive for this long... Now its last parting gift was to allow me to be conscious for my last moments on this earth.

Ayomi isn't here. I was expecting to be greeted by her sobbing face as she cling to my bed. Her eyes always become super puffy after crying. Her sharp eyes would turn a soft pink. And her whimpers would be barely noticeable. Ayomi in mourning is truly a contradiction to the essence of the person "who is loved by all."

Rose Candy. Ayomi's favorite perfume. It's smell was so unbearably sweet. I never told Ayomi, but I really do loathe sweet things. They are to good for this world, and should be sent to a place far away from here. Hidden from the eyes of all the sinners.

Hey Ayomi...

since this is the end can you tell me what happened to that person? He disappeared so long ago... Everyone started to pretend that he didn't exist. But you remember don't you Ayomi. You loved him just as much as I did... maybe even more.

"You are going to die." Said a dark figure from behind the noh children. His cold tone demanded my full attention ...or what's left of it."Is that what you want?"

Of course I don't want to die. But, my body was at the end of a long fought struggle. This is the end. There was nothing left for me to hang on to. The string was beginning to snap, and deaths door was opened and waiting for me.

"I could save you... if you like." My eyelids flinch to his words that offer an impossible fate. Did this man really have the power to cheat death?

"However our kind can not do such things without receiving something we see as equal in value. A life is very high in cost. There's only one thing you possess that can be traded for it."

Of course there was a catch. Was this man the devil trying to trick me or give me false hope before my death. My brain didn't care for my doubts. it desperately cling to the hope of life, as it screamed to take the deal... To live against the odds.

My lips quiver as the words, "What is the price?" barely managed to pass my lips.

"your soul is the only thing that you can trade for your life. There is nothing else you can offer. This is the only way I will rise a finger to save you. However, I am required to warn you. A contract between our kind is something that cannot be broken unless something of higher value is offered. If you agree to the terms of this deal I will activate the contract, and you will be forever bound by the terms of this deal. Do you accept the trade?"

To choose between my life or my soul was the terms Of this deal. If he takes my soul would I still be me? Would I still be able to function, or will I become a soulless doll. Forever trapped in a soulless cage. A vegetable that can't even materialize a thought in my mind. Is this trade really what it seems.

"You don't have much time left. Quickly make your decision or die." His cold glare was barely visible in the candle lit room. Yet, the intensity of his stare could be sensed by a pact of wolves a hundred miles away from here.

I could feel myself beginning to fade away. I have no time left. Death was banging on my front door ready to take me away. My voice was nonexistent, but I was still able to mouth the words, "I accept." The deal was made, and there was no turning back.

The small boy handed the man something as he passed the little ones. his large figure hanged over me. His hands was extraordinarily big and his nails was as sharp as a blade. He rested one of his hands on my chest, his fingers as cold as ice.

Regret and doubt started to immediately melt into my skull. My brain starts to ache with an unbearable headache that silenced every thought in my mind." I Constantine van erlking here by lay the terms of the trade and bound this human to the words of our deal. She will do the bidding of the land, and become forever bound to it. Until the end of her times or something of higher value is offered." Nothing could have prepared me for the excruciating pain that followed his touch as his nails dig into my flesh. I wanted to scream from the top of my lungs, however my energy was spent. my mind broke down from exhaustion. my vision began to faded.

Right before I slipped into unconsciousness I heard the words of the men who hands were covered in my blood. "Send word to the king. The ice court has found the next land bride for the unoccupied land."

The blood draining from my body almost felt like a heavenly warm bath. My thoughts faded into nothingness.

The deal was made and there was no running from it.

~~~

Everything was so dark. I felt as if I was sucked into a dark oblivion, where even a lost soul couldn't hope to catch a whisper of what was. There was no sight or sound. Not even the sweet smell of honey lemon tea... There was absolutely nothing.

Not even the cold fingers of the reaper coming to collect my soul.

Was I dead? Or was my body still in the process of leaving behind everything it knew.

The sound of a cart filled my ears right before an unbearably bright light struck my eyelids. My body instinctively curled up under the covers. I could feel the exhaustion still looming over my body and the pain that was eating though the pit of my stomach. I didn't want to move a inch from this spot. Footsteps ringed though the room darting from one place to the other. My mind was still a misty desert, every thought scattered amongst the sand. There was no way I could be at home in my bed right now. Ayomi never made such a parade of noises in the morning. Was I in a hospital? Every muscle in my body was aching and trembling on my bones. I felt unbearably nauseous while an excruciating hunger was tearing my insides apart. Even though I was in such pain, I desperately wanted to stay curled up under the warm sheets of the bed.

"If you don't start eating soon your body will wither up into something grotesque, and then we will have to dump your putrid body into the soil waves to reconcile with the land." The feminine voice was as sharp as needles with a wave of emotionless depth. I forced my heavy eyelids open and slowly uncurled my tried limbs from under the sheets.

My eyes were met with a tall figure with horns that curled over her ears. Her eyes were as gold as the burning sun, and her neck was an unnaturally long length, while her skin was the color of a withering tree. Her white silk dress almost seemed to be melted into her skin. As long Ice locks of hair hanged down to the floor. Her looks was otherworldly and scratched the boundaries of what was terrifying and beautiful. Her stern face looked down on me with an intensity that dig into my cells. Fear rage though my bones as I frantically flee to the opposite side of the bed. My hands slipped on the white silk sheets, making my body tremble to the hard white carpet. I didn't realize I was completely naked until a icy chill caresses my body. I quickly grab the sheet I was under seconds ago and desperately crawled backwards from the bed. My heart was throbbing in my rib cage. Every breath slowly turned into wheezes that tripped over itself before it even escaped my lips.

The horned humanoid creature was no longer the only thing that drove fear into my skin. There were many little children with Ice oni masks that surround me in the room. A shriek escapes my lips as I placed one of my hands over my mouth. What is going on here? Did I hit my head and slip into a coma. Nothing made sense and every thought seemed to be more delusional then the one before. I wanted to run some place far away from here. However, just by sitting here taking unstable breaths, I could tell my body wouldn't make it that far. if I had tried, I would only quicken my own demise.

"Why did Van bring such a puny mink here. Does he really think such a creature would survive a day as a land bride... " the creature eyes sends me a chilling glare, as she stares at my trembling body. " Stand girl. You will show the proper manners in my presence. If not I will cut off your head, and offer it to the belly of the land."

I hesitantly rose to my feet as fear continue to pound into my bones. My body was shaking uncontrollably, as I clinch the blanket tightly around my body.

"Your not being to hard on our guest are you? roberta." Two gloved pair of hands suddenly grip my shoulders as cold sweat slid down my back. Nothing could stop my eyes as they wonder onto the tall figure behind me. His limbs were a pale winter purple. His ears had a long point to them and his rose hair was as curly as a Frillback fur. His face had similar features of a cat. The wide focus irises that were marked by their distinct ocean blue mix with A fading Grass green. His Snout faded into a black mist. His cat characteristics almost completely betrayed the human shape of his body. his catlike face, also had human Features playing around the edges of it.

The touch of his gloved fingers, made me want to jump out of my skin. But, his firm grip prohibited any movement or struggle I could have put up. "Easy there. There's no need to be frighten." He said in a soft tone as he raised one of his hands from my shoulder to caress my head.

"Selim. Shouldn't you be with, Van? Your presence at the palace herbal meeting was required by the Crown. How did you manage to wiggle your way out of it this time?" Roberta asked as she took majestically slow steps from the bedside to a few feet away from selim and I, as the ice oni children scramble away to give way to her.

"Van, said he would take care of it. He didn't want you to be left with all the responsibility of preparing the bridal offering and handling the human."

"He doesn't trust me to handle a matter such as this?" Roberta asks while sending a chilling glare towards selim. He only smiled as he rubbed his head against mines like a cat that just discovered a new pillow to rest its head on.

"You never were to fond of humans."

Roberta rolled her golden orbs, and placed a hand on her hip. " I might not be fond of them. However, I would never insult the land by doing a half baked job of preparing the bride for the ceremony. Her mink stench will transition to the scent of a Citrus elf when I'm done with her."

"I have no doubt of your words. And, so does Van. I'm only here to bring the human up to speed of everything. He wanted me to handle The grunt work of highlighting the terms of her bond to the land, and all the nitty-gritty details in between. I'm sure you have better things to do other then wasting your time on such matters."

" Cooper Selim Jean. I know your one to give into temptation. But if you dear do anything to Soil the name of Constantine van erlking. I will personally see to you being hanged up on a pick, and left for the beast Of Goessling."

" no worries Roberta. I already had my fill of threats from Van. You might not think it but, I happen to value my life quite a bit."

Roberta waved a dismissive hand as she turned to the oni children. " quickly bath the mink to get rid of it's putrid smell. Then, give her as much food as she can stuff into that puny body. I will be back as soon as the lizard tail hits midnight." Roberta eyes flows towards selim. "Be done with your lecture before I return. There will be no time to waste." Then she was gone. She majestically left the room without a sound. If my eyes weren't focused on her, she would have completely slipped by without even the smallest hint to identify her presence.

"Now then, after your done attending to her needs, bring her to the catering wing." His eyes met mines as his grip loosens on me. " cooperate with the oni. They will not cause you any harm. I will explain everything to you very soon, until then." He nodded to me and then turned to leave.

My mind was a frozen ocean. Every thought made a crack in the surface. I didn't understand anything and I felt like my body was at the edge of what it could take. I need to get out of here. My thoughts were broken as the oni children hesitantly grab my hands and urged me out of the room and lead me down the opposite side of the hallway from where Selim and Roberta disappeared to. The walls of the hall was a transparent pale blue that showed a blurry sight of the staircase on the other side. The sound of my own foot steps on the icy cold floors was the loudest thing that could be heard. The oni children foot steps were almost completely nonexistent. There were about a dozen of them tailing me as we rounded a corner. All of their masks were similar, however upon closer inspection there was the faintest difference in each of them. One had little horns at the top of its mask. Another had a more feminine featured one. All of them had there own Little unique differences.

We reached a large Crystal white pair of doors with Silver handles and a Blue dragon-like creature wrapped around them. The doors open, and a slightly chilly wind brushed pasted my body. The walls of the place that I assumed to be the bath house were a clear crystal glass. That showed the howling winter winds of this unknown place. The floors looked like a lake that had been frozen over by the winter weather. In the corner of the room there was a large round hole with a endless waterfall pouring into it. I could not tell how high up the water was coming from. Sight of it blurred out of vision, and fused into the deep darkness that lied above. my body suddenly freeze with a sudden realization. The blanket that was the only thing that covered my nude body was yanked away from me by the oni children. My hands automatically cover my body as the cold air from the room hit me again. The children urgently started to guide me towards the icy water of the deep hole in the center of the room.

I put all my strength into trying to protest against them. "W-wait! Please stop-" I was pushed into the pit of water. I was expecting a bone freezing cold to fill my body, and drag me to the depths of wherever this unknown place was. What I did not expected was for my butt to sink a few feet before it hit the bottom, and for my body to be met with a pleasant sting that slowly started to warm every part of my freezing skin. The water temperature wasn't exactly hot. however, there was something about the warmth of the water that was the perfect temperature to warm my body. As if it instantly adjusted to my body temperature.

It felt utterly unnatural.

A bucket of water was poured over my frizzy locks of hazelnut brown hair as the oni children silently went to work on washing my body and hair. I wasn't the type of person who enjoyed such a situation where others would so freely touch my body. However, the pain of having my hair detangled was a good distraction from the embarrassment of being bathed by someone other then myself. My whole body was scrubbed from head to toe.

Afterwards, I was warped in a white fur blanket and guided back to the room I was in previously. My hair was pulled backed into a simple loose ponytail with a snowflake hair ornament. They then slipped me into a long silk white dress that covered my bare feet. When two of the oni children noticed that I was still shivering a bit from my dripping ponytail and the thin silk fabric that didn't do much when it came to keeping my body warm. They brought me a large fur coat to wrap around myself. I happily accepted and eagerly slipped the coat around my shoulders. My feet slid into a pair of fuzzy slippers and once again we were headed down another hallway.

After a few long minutes of walking, rounding a few corners and ascending a flight of stairs. We finally reached what I assume to be the catering wing. There were many long stretches of tables one after the next. All of them were filled with different types of foods that I couldn't identify, along with many different type of beverages that I assumed was also things that I have never tried. Is this food even edible for humans? I glanced behind myself seeking for a approving gesture. However, I discovered that all the oni children had disappeared.

Except one.

This oni child had long silk black hair that was only a few inches from hitting the floor. The mask was completely different from the oni children that have been attending to my needs until now. She was wearing a beige floral kimono. Her skin was a milky chocolate that was a shade darker then mines. The mask she wore had long white fangs with large unsettling eyes. The pale horns that sprouted from her head curled downwards. Her arms were locked at her sides as she stood there like a statue staring back at me.

Nervousness started to creep back into the pits of my stomach as I stood their frozen in place. After what seemed like silent seconds ticking by like hours. The girl slowly raised a finger towards me. I mirrored her action and pointed to myself to see if she was referring to me. She nods her head once, and then points to the arrangement of large plates on the opposite side of the room. Then slowly moves her finger towards the tables of food. Then back towards me again. Her message was pretty obvious. She was telling me to eat. So, I would assume that means that this food was safe to eat. I quickly nod my head towards the girl, and sent her the most polite smile I could muster. I made quick steps towards the plate arrangement table, and grabbed the smallest plate I could find. Which was more of the size of a wooden platter then a normal plate. I made slow steps down the rows of different types of dishes. The oni child from earlier was keeping her distance, but made sure not to let me get more then a few steps away from her as she followed me.

The food was hard to describe... it was like something from another planet. There was not a single thing on all these tables that I recognized. I know I should just quickly pick something to eat and get it over with. But, it's pretty hard to get yourself into the mood to eat something when you have no idea what it's made of. "Haven't found anything to your liking?" Selim arms once again curls around my shoulders, as his sudden appearance almost makes me drop my wooden plate. " I didn't mean to startle you. You were just so focus on the food that I just couldn't help myself when the thought came to my mind..." The thought of what? On second thought... Never mind... I think I would feel better not knowing.

"All of these are just so different from the food that I'm used to..."

"Really? I guess the other side would be quite different when it comes to cuisine." Other side? " I suppose you will need my expertise in this situation then. Allow me to pick out some personal favorites." Selim grabs my plate and then hands it to the oni girl as he quickly starts to fill it with different dishes of all kinds. "Do you approve?" Selim asked as he waves a hand towards the wooden platter full of different colorful dishes. I nob in response to Selim, and followed him as he lead us out of the catering hall, and into what seem to be a study. There was two long couches with a small round table in between. The little oni girl placed my platter of food on the table and then urged me to sit. After giving a polite nod of thanks to the girl I quickly take my seat. My eyes wondered the room, taking in all the sights that could fill my range of vision. There was a circular flight of stairs that lead up towards millions of bookshelves with white hard covered books. The stairs seemed to never end, and lead far out of the sight range of a normal human being.

"Aren't you hungry?" My eyes falls to Selim as his catlike irises stares back at me from across the table. I give an awkward smile before looking over to my meal that laid waiting in front of me. The thing on the platter that caught my attention was a bubbling black mist of soup? Maybe. Almost all of the dishes on the platter seemed to be some kind of soup with differing colors and textures. One even had a furry white ball in the middle of a peach color liquid. I could sense Selim eyes still watching me, and waiting patiently for me to eat.

I didn't want to get on his bad side by refusing to eat. besides, I doubt I could make it for much longer without eating something. After a moment of deliberating which dish seemed to be the safest to eat. I ended up settling for the bubbling black mist since it seemed like the most normal of the bunch. I slowly take a small spoonful of the soup. As soon as the liquid travels down my dry throat, that felt like it hasn't ingest anything in days, my whole body felt a warm and comforting sensation. It's taste had a grilled ting. The texture of it was something close to a bowl full of melted marshmallow. It was absolutely delicious in the most unexpected ways. I gladly continued to enjoy the bowl of mystery soup, and even tried some of the more weirder dishes that turned out to be just as good, if not better then the first. I honestly don't know if any of this stuff is actually as good as it currently seem, or if it's just taste this way because I haven't eaten anything in a while.

"I hate to disturb you. however, we should really move on to the topic at hand. Van, would be absolutely furious if I neglected my duties to inform you of the contract details..."

I quickly swallowed my mouth full of food."Contract..?" The word came out more as a cough, as I cleared my throat.

"I see your memory are still a bit hazy. I don't really blame you, it must have been a very devastating event for you. Going through the signing process is even hard for the Arians. But, worry not. I'm currently here exactly for that reason. I will go over the terms of your contract." Selim stands and make his way over to the bookshelves. "Regrettably we don't have much time so let's try to keep the questions to the minimum for now." He grabs a book from the second row shelf and then makes his way back towards the table, and pulls out a pair of spectacles from his front coat pocket. He starts to flip though the pages of the book before stopping on one. "This is a copy of the report made by Van, regarding your bond to the lost land. Since you are not one with the land yet, the seal that van placed on your soul is the only thing keeping you from crossing over to the celestial realm. You can consider it as a place holder contract until the real one is made."

My heart started to drum in my chest."S-seal...? Crossing over?? I'm sorry but I really don't understand what your talking about."I couldn't make sense of anything. I'm literally talking to a feline creature wearing spectacles.... My appetite was lost, and the only thing that could settle my stomach was to learn what in the world was going on here.

"I know you must be confused but please keep silent and listen until I'm finish. You see Usually the seal of a land bride is placed in the land she is bond to by a representative of the land. However, because of the situation having that done at the time was completely out of the question. There was no way we could have moved your body after you took a turn for the worst. Luckily Van was able to link you to your assigned land with his powers alone. In turn, that link is the only thing keeping you alive." Selim eyes soften at me before taking a sip of something that appeared to be similar to tea that the oni girl offered him.

"Couldn't you have just sent me back to my world? Why did you bring me here?"

"If Van's abilities were lacking even by the smallest bit, your soul could have been completely lost. And, besides if we have sent you back then the contract between you and Van wouldn't be, and I think you know what that entails." Selim eyes narrows as he stares into his small empty tea cup before asking the oni girl for a refill as his tail continuously swing side to side.

"But how did I even end up that way? I didn't have any internal illnesses, and I was fine before I came here."

"I was just getting to that part. You see, here there are four known realities, the world you come from is know as the other side, otherwise known as earth. which is believed to be directly connected to our world which is known as Tellus. Earth and Tellus is even theorized to be one in the same, just different parts of the same place split from the same reality. The celestial realms is the world of Beyond. It's the after of everything. And then there's the between borders which connects everything. That's where we found you. Somehow you manage to slip between the cracks of reality and ended up in the between border. The pressure there is more heavier then that of the other side and Tellus. We believe your sudden exposure to that pressure is what almost killed you."

So that wasn't just some awful dream... I was really on the brink of death. A headache emerged from my thoughts as I sought the comfort of my cool hands against my forehand.

" This must be a lot for you to take in... Once you officially complete your contact, a land servant will provide you with all the information you need concerning this world. For now, let's just focus on the details of your contract."

The deal was to trade your soul for life. Memories of that day started to return in bits and pieces. There's no turning back.

" Tell me the terms of the contract..."My voice started to crack from the intense emotion that were slowly returning to me from that day.

Selim eyes flicker to the book of documents, as his gloved fingers trail the paper before stopping at a certain part. "The terms of your contact Is as followed :

1. You must always uphold the duties of the land bride.

2. You must never leave your region unless you hold the approval of the land and become one.

And 3. You must never betray the trust of the land.

These terms will not be completely official until the land vessel approves of you as the next land bride." Selim continue on while carefully watching my expression."When these type of deals are made it is of absolute importance that both parties are in complete understanding of the terms. However, because of your condition at the time it would have been Impossible to discuss such matters. Because of that the seal that Van engraved in you is incomplete and if it stays that way it will sooner or later lose it's affect and the deal will be nullified... But, worry not. we are currently preparing the bridal ceremony which will help you make the journey. When the bridal ceremony commence you will be escorted to where The land vessel sleeps. During this journey it is absolutely important that there is no stops made, and that your face is not seen by anyone other then the vessel. when you arrive he might be unwilling to accept you, but no matter what you must demand for him to show himself before you."

"And how am I supposed to do that? If I can't meet with him, how am I supposed to make him show himself." Frustration emerged from my throbbing headache. Why did things become like this...

"The land knows all."

"What is that supposed to mean?" My eyes became completely focused on Selim. As my headache raged on.

"I'm afraid that I can't say anymore. However... If you are rejected by the land," his eyes trailed off from me. As his tail cease to move. "You will die."

~ To be continued... ~