Not The Answer I Was Looking For

Change is constant, they say. Its way of interfering with us both humans and nature are inevitable. In this lifetime, I couldn't think of anything that does not change.

Be it ones physical appearance, be it a personality, emotions, and even love. All changes with the tick of the clock's hands, either for the better or for the worse.

But have someone ever witnessed that it could be as fast as the struck of a lightning? Or as the ring of the bell when the hour hand of the Big Ben struck midnight?

Today, standing at our supposed lively backyard, I have perceived alteration's depth. It was as if in a blink of an eye, my surroundings changed.

I kept on turning around, seeing the vast green filed that stretches from miles away. The neighborhood that I am supposed to be in is gone, and the only residence I could see from where I am standing is this old wooden cabin and the hill standing near it.

I tightened my grip on the book I am holding, afraid that the only thing I have left will eventually fade like ashes like everything else and as I listen to the quiet place, I silently wish that the giggles from my relatives be heard but there was none.

Out of fear and nervousness, I didn't know what to do but wish that I open my eyes to end this nightmare.

I kept on blinking, hoping I would get back until a tear fell from my eye. I wiped it with my free hand but there was something I have noticed.

A grey-colored old-looking cloth with its wide hem wrapped around my wrist and looking at myself, the clothes I am wearing looked like the ones I knew from the past.

"No, no, no," I ranted as I tried to take the fabric off me, hoping that my usual favorite dress appear from beneath.

"Wang, why are you stripping?!" I squealed as a baritone from behind enveloped my ears. Within feeling his hand on my shoulder, I distanced myself as I covered my bandaged body with the cloth I just took off.

Yielding in front of me is a confused young man. Its chink eyes and messy long hair reminded me of my brother Zhen. Although despite of the man I know, this one has bulkier features and an air of jolliness within him.

I gulped, finding ways to cover myself again. "Wang, are you alright?" he asked.

No words managed to come out of my mouth, as if paralyzed by all that's happening and he seemed aware of my reaction.

Being cautious, he carefully advanced his steps to get near me but as he steps another step, I kept our far distance and when I had the courage to, I ran towards the little cabin quickly.

As soon as the door's closed, I fumbled with the gray fabric and wore it on top of the wrapped bandages that served as my underwear. While I was struggling, footsteps were heard from outside which I assume was from the guy I met earlier.

I panted and out of panic, I groped the knife sat on a table near me as the door creaked open. "Stay away from me," I said and pointed the knife at him.

Raising his hands, he looked at me with pure confusion and cautiousness. "Wang, what's the matter? Did something happen while I was away?" he asked.

"Stop calling me Wang! I don't even know who you are!" I exclaimed and absentmindedly threw the dagger at him and because I suck at darts, it landed straight onto the doorway.

Upon realizing what I did, I widened my eyes and my hands immediately shook violently, thinking if I have aimed perfectly, I might have killed him.

"Wang!" the man called as he tried to catch me as I fell on the floor before everything turned black.

I woke up in a dark place, only lit by a small fire from somewhere. The quiet and strange surroundings made me remember where I was.

I closed my eyes tightly, hoping that when I stood up from the bed I was laying, I will at least see Meimei, or Zhen, or my annoying little cousins but before I could even move a muscle, a familiar voice echoed through the small room.

"Have you read the book, dear one?" grandmother laughed. I couldn't tell where she was standing because of the poor lighting, though I felt her presence.

I didn't exactly know if I would feel relieved or be in more horror. Of course I should feel in peace, knowing that I have awoken from the nightmare but something's telling me that I haven't yet escaped.

"Grandmother?" I said with a hoarse voice. "W-where am I?"

"Hmmm… you're in your room, of course!" she answered. "Jun Li sent you here after you somehow lost consciousness,"

I gasped and my hands immediately flew to my cheek to check if I was still dreaming. Jun Li, huh? Was that the guy I met earlier?

"But why does it feel like I am in another place? I don't know who that Jun Li is too," I whispered, enough for the old woman to hear.

With a place like this and all that's happening, I couldn't be more frightened when she giggled. "There are things, little one, that is yet to unfold," she said.

I gasped and with a shaking voice, I asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Like I said, my dear, the answer's all in Above The Time," she said.

Then I remembered the book she gave me back in the library. "The book," I whispered as I rose from the bed. "Where is it?"

Feeling the cold wood touch my feet, I ran to where the door was. Thanks to the little light, it helped me to see its silhouette in the midst of this dark, cold, night.

The door creaked as I opened it and as soon as I did, cold, whispering wind immediately kissed my skin and from a distance, I saw the book, lying on the ground helplessly as its paged continued to rampage with the wind.

I ran to pick it up, eager to look for the answers I've been looking for but I saw nothing but blank pages. Unknowingly, I fell, yet again, on my knees, as I tried to look for an ink but no matter how hard I try, nothing's meeting my eyes.

It was as if fate is playing with me, as if karma is playing it bad too. Stressed about what's happening, tears began to moist my eyes.

I cried, not minding the cold breeze, dark night, isolated place, and turn of events. I just wanted to find answers, I just wanted to go back home, I just wanted to wake up.

I didn't know how long I was kneeling out of nowhere and if the voice of the old hag didn't enveloped my ears, I would have been a freak now.

"In the darkest hour, all you could ever think about is turn back the hands of the clock, my dear," she said. I clearly remember those words.

"That's the blazing fate's trial for the young Li Wang," she said. I looked up to her but she was just smiling as she stares at the bright moon above.

"L-Li Wang? Who is she?" I asked in confusion.

"Hmmm… She was a young girl who just look exactly like you!" she answered bubbly. Pissed at her useless answer, I stood up.

"That's not the answer I was looking for," I said coldly.

"Oh but it is, my dear,"

"How and what fate's trial are you talking about?" I crossed my arms as I watch her with dangerous eyes.

Upon hearing my queries, she sighed and took a seat on a near wooden bench.

"Three thousand years ago, I made a promise to a woman named Li Wang. Everyone doesn't know her unlike those empresses and noblemen written in your history textbooks," she said.

Taken aback, I settled down my crossed arms. The fact that she resolved my confusion about Li Wang didn't startled me but three thousand years ago?"

"Centuries ago? Are you telling me you're alive for three thousand years?!" I bursted out.

She didn't responded to my rant, instead, continued her ridiculous story. "I made a promise to her to change the fate of General Wang Kai. She was supposed to protect him being slain but failed, and all she could ever wish for is to turn back time,"

I didn't react and stayed quiet, processing whatever I'm hearing. A slayed General Wang Kai?

"Wait," I said as I sat down beside her. "Is this about the Empress who killed the nobleman because she didn't want to get married?"

"That was in the book I entrusted to you, my dear," she said.

Frustrated all about that's happening, I groaned. From looking at the situation, I think I wouldn't be able to understand and digest all of these in one sitting.