14 Chapter 14

I went somewhere I've never been to the Winter area. I saw a shadow coming closer, I felt too numb to run again and thank the heaven, it is Fox. He transformed into a human again.

"Thank you for your ugly name," he said

"I'm sorry, I didn't know" I apologized

"It's fine, as long as I can stay here" he answered with a sudden change of emotion

"Why are you crying?" he asked so suddenly and turned his head

"I am not" I replied and dried my cheeks

"Let's just pretend I didn't say that," he said and was about to walk away

"Hey... " I called

"What?"

"How's the feeling of losing someone?" I asked

I saw his shock and I was about to go back on my words when he spoke,

"It's like living as if I'm dead. It's just like you were snow, falling slowly only to fade away"

He let the snowflakes fall into his palm and turned to water. He did that as if to show me that snowflakes were beautiful only in the air, not when you touched and tried to own it.

"Was that your feeling when Rose became Forgotten?"

"He told you about Rose? Did he tell you how he tortured her? How my sister so loved him to the point, she died? And now, you are still with his side? Hahaha! Girls will always be the fool! You shouldn't trust men trying to have a good impression! They'll just hurt you" he said

"He told me about Rose and that he is the former Master of Fall before Autumn. But, I don't know the story" I replied

"Would you mind telling me?" I asked

Fox looked at me. He signaled me to follow him and I did. We came into a house like Papa bear's yet, it's a bit bigger than that.

"Your house seems comfortable," I said

"Speaking of the person who named me a fox" he smirked

"I didn't mean it. I've been out all days of my stay here and I am not well -guided" I explained

"Too innocent" he whispered, but I heard

"So what happened to your sister?" I asked

"What do you want to know?" he asked

"Everything" I responded

"Rose and I lived our lives wealthy. But, Rose has poor health. She can't play like everyone else. That time, she always tells me different stories and how he befriended Death. My parents got mad when they heard it. She was forcefully sworn not to talk about it. She's just 13 and I was 11, I made her tell me more about this world."

"Before this place wasn't this strict. She said, the master was lonely and they found him in the streets. Death told him if he could create a world that they can play with and the Master smiled naughtily."

"He said, if I were to play a game with you, you must choose a partner and what to call you. You can't speak your names and if I found out, you're dead."

"Then it is the Master who's to be blamed! Why are you blaming Winter?" I asked

"The master created the world, he didn't decide their names and how will it affect them, it is Winter who did it. Rose is named as she is. The latter, I don't remember their names. There are no rules, only wishes to grant. And so my sister became lovelier as she had never been."

"She smiles and always asked me if I can accompany her to the place she named Paradise Dreams. She said, I can make my dreams come true if I asked Master, but I do not know how to travel from that place. I snuck in her room the other night only to find her sleeping soundly. The next day, she said, they played last night too and one of their friends didn't come home."

"Did not?" I asked

"Yes, they all went home together, they played hide and seek and that friend of hers can't be found. The Master told them he won't come back, he was Forgotten"

"Then the Master was really behind it"

"That man I am talking about is in a fight with your Winter. The next day, news came that Rose's friend is dead."

"The next night, Rose cried saying it was Death who did that and not the Master. She became sleepless and had been afraid to fall asleep. Rose's health deteriorated. She became in a state of coma, but I wish she can tell me more about this Paradise. When she woke, she told me that the Master allowed me to enter and all I have to do is to sleep."

"I saw what game they've been playing that day. It was a shooting game. That time, I was scared of death. He was covered with blood. I woke up immediately and my sister started crying again. More children were found dead after that. I've visited my doctor now and then after what I've seen. Later, Rose bid her farewell. She said, she's the only one who can stop Death. But then, the next day, my sister died"

As he narrated, I saw his tears falling.

"My biggest mistake was to allow her to go alone. I should have been there with her. Why did I listen when she said, Death was just jealous because of me? Why didn't I saved her? Listen, your Winter is not who he is! He is a murderer! He killed my sister"

"With the age gap, you should have known this news! How come you were unaware?" he asked

"I never left the house and the news going to me was filtered. Mother said, I should not worry about the world when I am recuperating because of what happened to me" I said unconsciously

"Your Winter was the cause of every dead child that year! He killed them! It is just right if the Master tortures him like that. He deserved it" he said coldly

We were disrupted when we heard a loud noise outside the window.

"Oh! The murderer heard it all" Fox smirked again

I pushed him away. It's not intentional, I can't utter another word and ran away. All that's on my mind is, I need to find him. I went to our house and searched for it, the room was locked. I knocked three times.

"Can you... Can you please sleep with Papa Bear tonight?" he asked

I laughed.

"Why would I? This is OUR house! How could you decide whom to sleep where? If you'll not open the door, I'll sleep on our couch"

He opened the door and pulled me in as he went out immediately. I tried to open the door again, but I can't.

"What now?" he asked trying to hide his sobs

"I want to use the comfort room! Will you lock me here?" I pretended

I opened the door and it did. He's so fast that I have to pull him even faster and hug him tightly.

"You're not a kid anymore, honey. You should know that I am always here and can be relied on" I whispered on his ears

"What are you talking about? I'm not crying" he said

"I didn't said that, you just spilled it" I smiled

"Men don't cry" he argued

"Yes, you're not" I laughed

"My image is destroyed" he whispered

"I don't know what you're talking about"

He hugged me tightly. He's shaking.

"Sshh.. I am here, I believe in you" I said

"Thank you"

When he calmed down I let him rest on my lap. I combed his hair with my fingers and analyzed his face. I can't believe he could kill at such young age. Maybe it is the Master who's behind it.

"It's funny that you still came back after you heard the story" he started

"Father said, you must know both side of the story before you judge the truth" I spoke

"You have a good father. But, don't you think hearing a murderer's story will just put you to danger?" he asked

"You said you're not Death, I believe you. Who I need now is Winter who is mistakenly called a murderer" I said

He sat beside me and destroyed my hair.

"Weren't you the one who spoke about acceptance and now, you are in denial?" he said and gave me a weak smile

"Winter and Death are both me." he added

"But, that's not the real you. You said, when we are named, we tend to affiliate our actions to our names" I said

"But, it was still my hands who killed them" he answered

"Then tell me, why did you end to such extent?" I asked

"Because I am afraid to lose them" he said

"Foolish, isn't it?" he added

"I am 14, yet I acted that way"

"Wait? I thought you came here when you were 9, and now you're telling me that you were Death at the age of 14 who if I'm not mistaken, the first generation?"

"I came here when I was 9. You're not wrong. I met the Master that day and I was happy because of his magic. l lost contact with him when I turned 12 and met him again with Rose when I was 14" he explained

"Then why did you kill them?" I asked

"Because if I didn't they will kill me" he said

"Kill you?"

"That foolish man we called Master is of not existence. I didn't get much attention when I was young, thus creating him as my imaginary friend. I told him I want to have attention. He gave it to me. He created my own world, this. The four seasonal place. I told him, it's sure a pity if I don't have a company. He said I am on my limit and he'll be back again, that's when I woke up and turned 12. It's also the day Life came to our house. When I turned 14, I rebelled on my family. My mother died and gave up her life because my father brought his mistress" he elaborated

"I was so mad. I wish they were dead. Then the Master came back and let Rose and the others enter. Days passed and we made a lot of memories, little did I know that there's a hidden quest inside my world. If they can't kill me, they will one by one be forgotten and will never wake up"

"Then..."

"Every night, we played different games and come home together, safely. But the Master was getting tired of watching and made eliminations. Every night, the least on the last game will never have the chance to enter ever again. We became fewer and fewer, but the Master let other kids enter. We didn't know we can use power depending on our names. As the representative of Death, all those kids who shaked hands with me, died in front of me. That time I didn't expect that Rose will bring her brother. They were frightened as well as the rest. That made my life here more restless."

"I killed them. I am a murderer" he said

"What happened to Rose?" I asked

"Rose tried her best to stop my power that was out of control. She said, she's a factor of life and so if she can make all my mistakes right, I will be controlled. But at my mother's burial that whore disrespected her telling everyone to attend her marriage. My emotions ate everything, overpowering Rose. I do not know what was the cause of her real world's death, but according to Master, she can't be killed that way."

"Autumn and Leaf accepted Master's invite after they heard about it. Even... Ivy"

"You're telling me that it was not this place who killed the children?" I said

"Yes... I killed them in their dreams, but it doesn't mean I killed them for real" he responded

"Then why did Fox believed it was you who killed Rose" I asked

"Because he didn't know what's happening"

"Rose never left their house not because she has poor health. They distanced her, not because she's sick. She's been struggling with her abusive adoptive parents. Rose told me that if I can bring her here, why can't I make her stay here forever?"

"Fox doesn't know anything because he's too young. Rose were being sold for their living. She's never been freed except when she's here and then the sudden changes came up... and Fox witnessed my sudden outburst"

"Then all this while, he's been wronged you" I stated

"But Death was really a murderer" he replied

I cupped his cheeks and smiled.

"Even if you were Death or Winter, it doesn't matter to me. You were just controlled by this place. If I were to meet you in real life, I guess I'll definitely fall in love with you for a million times"

His eyes widened and I am too shock of my words too. How come I've been telling words out of nowhere?

"I am sleepy. Let's fix your relationship with Fox and tell him the truth tomorrow" I said as I changed the topic

Winter smiled and accompany me to our bed. I hope that Winter didn't notice my last few words. Stupid Nana! Did you just confess unconsciously? I woke up and did my daily routine, I ordered Winter to deliver foods for Fox and he's a bit unhappy so I decided to spy.

As Fox happily opened the door, his smile faded when he saw it was Winter and not me. He automatically punched him that sent Winter on a pile of snow.

"FOX" I shouted as I pushed him away

"Serves him right" he said

Winter laughed.

"That's all you've got?" Winter asked

"Stop igniting the fire, Winter" I warned

"Was that how you punched your foster father? How about his clients? Did you punched them this way too?" Winter shouted and Fox stiffened

"You!!"

Fox was triggered and pushed me aside. He continuously punched Winter and he fought back. Why? I tried to interfere again only to be sent back.

"There are things that should be done by both men. You mustn't interfere" the Master said

"Does this view look fascinating to you?" I asked

"Your words are so sharp, it stings" he replied, yet smiled

Fox stopped attacking as well as Winter. Both of them, laid in the snow catching their breathe. The Master gave me a chair and shared his popcorn. Where did he get that? He even set a table for us and some sweets on the middle.

"How did you know about it?" Fox asked

"I reported them. I investigated and gained additional evidences aside from your sister's statement" Winter replied

"You're that man..." Fox realized and was interrupted by Winter who threw snowball on his face

"You must move on, revenge will just make your whole life miserable and sad. Believe me, I know how it feels" Winter said and stood up

"Wind, let's go!" Winter commanded and I followed as Master waved goodbye

"That's all?" I asked

"Why? Do you want to have more blood spill?" he laughed

"I don't really get how men fix those kind of misunderstandings" I said

"You don't have to understand every men. You just need to focus on me" he said as his face came closer

I moved backwards out of shock and almost fell on the ground. It's a good thing that Winter has this fast reflexes and I was caught in his hands. He laughed again.

"Are you toying me?" I asked

"No" he answered

"Hey, could you tell me what happen to Ivy then?" I asked

"Oh? Are you having an inspection of possible love rival?"

"NO!" I denied and fasten my walk

"Hey! Wait for me! Won't we spend my last days with each other" he asked

"Spend it with yourself!" I said and punched him on his arm

"Girls were so hard to read" he gave up, but still followed me

What if I do the same thing to him? I laughed on my thoughts and slowed down.

"You just need to focus on me, clear?" I said and came closer to him

I saw his ears turned red and I touched it.

"Your ears are red, cute" I said

"H -Hey! Our d-distance" he stuttered

"Why? What's with distance?" I asked and move closer

He grabbed my waist and pushed me in him.

"You know that you can't tease me, honey. Nice try" he said as I blushed

"Get your hands off me" I ordered

"You're the one to talk" he said and laughed

"Oh, what's this sweet smell? It's kinda hot here in Winter Area, don't you think so, Rain?" Sunlight asked

We immediately distanced ourselves when we realized that the two were watching.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Dahlia shouted while waving her hands as she run on our place

"Dahlia, you know you're not a Winter plant or so, right? What if you wither here? Life will be mad" Sunlight explained and I can sense her annoyance to Dahlia

"No way! How come Rain can visit, if I can't?" Dahlia asked

"Because I am here. I can warm her up if she ever felt cold" Sunlight explained

"Then you can warm me too" Dahlia debated

"It's fine... Haha, why don't we stay to your house, then?" I suggested to kill the argument

"We just came here" Dahlia answered

Rain held my hand and shook her head. I gave her a tensed smile. I'm in no good relation with Dahlia too, though she tried to be how -Leaf -will -act -on -this -thing, it's kind of annoying if she's the one doing it.

"I think I should take my leave then?" Winter said shyly.

Maybe he's really not into visitors. I smiled and nodded to him. It's kind of regretting because I really want to stay with Winter more, I want to know him better.

"Why? It's your area, how come the Master will leave us behind?" Dahlia talked

"Is it rude?" Winter asked

"No, no... I knew you'll accompany Papa Bear, right? My task will be entertaining our visitors" I smiled and he gave me a nod

"Oh, that's quite rude, but if you're really busy..."

"Dahlia!" Sunlight warned

"Oops, sorry" she said

"Take care" I whispered on Winter's ears

"We're not done yet, honey. Prepare yourself" he whispered too and I think I blushed again

"What's with the whisper?" Sunlight asked

"Haha, I never expected Winter could be a teaser too" Dahlia said while hitting my arm

I gave a weird laugh because it really hurts. Then the three of us were in silence. When Dahlia noticed, she stopped.

"I'm sorry" she said

I first thought to introduce Fox, but then Dahlia's possible reaction came to my mind and so I preferred to send them to our home. Sunlight helped me to warm the house and I cooked some foods for them to eat.

"Your house is too small" Dahlia noticed

"Oh! Don't get me wrong, I mean... It's the cutest among the other houses" she added

"Thanks for the compliment" I replied

I heard Sunlight cursed and saw how Rain calm her down secretly as she smiled to Dahlia. I felt a bit awkward here. I wonder if Leaf will replace Dahlia, will it be like this? May be, no? I miss her that I can't remember what her face was like. All I remember was she's like a cross-dresser competing with Autumn. She's kind and won't really noticed being a girl. Then Life will ran into me, crying that he's been bullied by Leaf again. I laughed and the others looked at me, suspiciously.

"I'm sorry, I remembered something funny" I apologized

"What is it?" Dahlia asked

"Oh, it's about Leaf and Life and how Life cried so much because of their daily routines" I said and laughed again

"Oh? Did you experience that flying plates when Life messed up Leaf's closet?" Sunlight laughed

"Really? It didn't came to me, I just remember how Life cried to Autumn because of Leaf's beating" Rain added

"Then you don't know how afraid Life was when he broke one of their house vases?" I said and the three of us laughed

"Say, Leaf was too cruel to Life, right? Then who do you prefer, me or Leaf?" Dahlia asked

We remained silent to the question. We didn't saw that coming and we do not know how are we going to respond. Well in my opinion, we have the same person on our mind, but we don't speak it out. We try to understand Dahlia's feelings too. Besides, it's not her fault at all. She just came in, yet we all have the same feeling that she destroyed Life and Leaf's harmony. I spoke.

"We play different roles in this world. Whether it is Leaf or you that makes Life happy, we have no right to judge. Besides, in this world, we don't decide. Dahlia, no one's better between the two of you, it's just that..."

"We are tired of you pretending to be Leaf when two are different" Sunlight added

Her face turned pale. My hands automatically held Dahlia's hand. I am not in opposition to what Sunlight said, but was this the right time to speak it out? What will be Dahlia's reaction about that? Dahlia brushed my hands and ran off the snow.

"You shouldn't have said that" I said

"Maybe this will be the right time for her to know" Rain spoke

"Will it be better?" I asked

Just before Sunlight spoke out her opinion, Life barged in our house.

"Why did you make Dahlia cry?" he asked calmly

"We told her to stop pretending being Leaf" Sunlight replied

I sometimes thank Winter for naming me Wind instead of Sunlight. I guess it will always be her nature to be overbearing and determined. Sunlight, even though has no power to speak her feelings to Heat can spoke what's on her mind especially if she's really against it.

"Apologize to her" Life ordered

"No, she should know when to stop" Sunlight debated

"You..."

"Stop it. Life, we all know the rules. If Dahlia continue pretending to be Leaf, will it be more better? No. The more she acts like that, our hatred for her copying leaf increases. I guess she deserves to know this. Besides, Leaf is already a Forgotten" Rain interrupt

We're all too shocked about Rain's confession. I saw how Life's face turned in to horror. How did Rain know that Leaf was already a Forgotten?

"Lies! How can you say that? Leaf is still recuperating at home" Leaf denied

"Don't you think it's betrayal for you to keep it yourself, Life? Autumn told me everything, one single touch and it will be the end. He told me not even you can help her. Don't you find it weird that Leaf's face had been blurry since then? At most, Leaf will never be a Forgotten to Autumn. She just returned to where she belonged"

It's so hard to believe that I felt a knife piercing my chest repeatedly. Leaf was already dead? How can this be? Did she fade away? Won't I meet her ever again even in reality? I stumbled as I move backwards and find my way to my seat. I wish this was all a dream, but how can it be? We were alarmed by the sudden scream of Dahlia somewhere in the wood. Heat grabbed me and Sunlight and I felt shrinking, the next thing I saw was the shivering Dahlia who lie in the snow looking at the big bush in front of us. Why didn't I notice it before? I saw Papa Bear and Winter on site and he was as pale as a corpse when he saw us there too.

"You monsters! What have you done to her?" Dahlia shouted and left out another scream

Everyone is silent as Life approaches Dahlia. I thought he would be concerned about her, instead he slapped her as the sound was engulfed with the snow.

"Life, why? Why did you hurt me?" Dahlia cried out

"That's for being irresponsible. I already told you to know your place but you still go beyond the boundary. Dahlia, Dahlia, can't you understand? This place is nothing but a non-existent. If you are afraid, I can just send you out to die in that cold pavement again. I am now the representative after all" Life said coldly

He admitted it. Leaf is the representative of Spring as Autumn said, if Life already holds the position, it only means that she's dead. Why? Why it feels like Life was disgusted with Dahlia? Just a few moments ago, he was protecting her. Now, he even slapped and humiliated her. He even threaten her life. Why did you say those harsh words, Life? As far as I know, you weren't like this before. I was about to get near to Life, however he vanished.

"So this is the place, eh?"

I jumped on my location as I heard Autumn's voice. How did he popped out on thin air? I pinched myself. Nothing is impossible in Master's world. We even have powers to control things and such.

"Ivy must still be missing you, Winter" he added and looked at Winter

"Ivy?" I said and Autumn smiled

The green leaves of the bush withered as a saw fragments little by little until a girl statue showed inside the bush. Winter automatically punched Autumn and they fought in the snow. Heat pulled me to his side while Sunlight comforted me.

"You knew this all along" Winter shouted

"YOU PLANNED THIS ALL, AREN'T YOU?" he shouted

Autumn gave his bitter laugh. Winter stopped punching and started catching his breath.

"Winter, she's just an innocent girl, wasn't she?"

"Shut up! You don't know what she's up to that time! I lost control and she... she..."

Winter started hyperventilating. I felt all my blood ran out as I saw how Ivy's eyes suddenly move. This is ridiculous. Cracks started to form on Ivy's body. A light beamed out into her eyes and the next thing I knew there's this naked girl hanging on my husband's neck and I have no idea how take back my own conscious.