What If

Chapter 9

“Would you want me to do that for you?” The man, who I just got acquainted with, spoke with such coldness I felt like shivering. Considering the coldness of the night, I really might freeze to death here. He looked at me as if I am nothing but an insignificant bug who somehow managed to find their way on his path. This bastard!

But I said nothing, but laughed as awkwardly as I can. One thing funny though, this feels like a dream. I do not know when did that start feeling like a dream, but this part do. As if I am incapable of feeling any nervousness, or pain. Or anxiety about what could possible nor certainly be my certain death. It feels… safe. Which is weird, because even if it is a dream, that is not how dreams works. However, I do know my heart is beating faster than usual. As if trying to trigger some hormonal release from my brain to make my fight and flight responses at work. Just to make it feel more real, however it is not.

I felt the sword’s blade slowly cut through my skin. I closed my eyes firmly. This time I could feel thy heart beating even faster. But there is none. No fear, nor anything, at all.

Then I heard the clashing of swords. Is this my last day? Am I about to die?

But it never arrived. Nothing even scratched me for a show. None. The only wound I have right now is the one from the knife of the other that held me hostage a while ago. It was weird, though, as I have not heard nothing else. No screams of pain, not any begging for mercy. It sounds like a fast and quite death. Or are they dead? Who killed who? Who fought for who?

The thing that I felt before I open my eyes, is how a body somehow is falling on me. Heavy, as it is. Loosing life of their own. I’m glad I closed my eyes, remained close as they are. Or else I would have been weeping of this moment on forward.

However, that is not my main concern as of the moment. It is the fact that the blade that had cut my skin somehow… is about to again! So out of impulse, I held it to my palm.

It stings… does it sting? I don’t feel it.

And there are more human figure here. So much that they held swords against each other.

"Run. And never show yourself in front of me again or else I will kill you myself." He said when he came near me. And for some reason, he’s holding my wrist this time, the hand that is holding the same sword that almost killed me. He’s not stupid, is he? I held the blade, and it cut through my skin. But at least its only my hand. I also noticed how his voice is so cold, though. Lifeless… You can't feel any emotions on it.

“Oh please.” I said. “How am I supposed to do that when they are all around us? If I run and leave you here behind, not only will I be fighting with my conscience for the rest of my life-- the task is impossible!” I half whispered half shouted at him.

We are surrounded by them and they held sword pointed to us. Stances ready to pounce in a minute or two, finding a right opening.

I opened my hand as it let go of the sword it was holding. It did not fell, so I took it to my left as I held the handle. My right hand is bleeding, I am sure of it as I felt how the blade cut through my flesh but for some reason, I didn’t feel the pain. Maybe adrenaline finally kicked in?

"Sir? Will you please let go of my hand?” I asked him with a tiny smile written in my face. He slowly let go of my wrist as I let it fell to my side. It’s weird because I cannot feel the pain and I can move it just fine which I tried as I clench and open my hand. Just how long can adrenaline works?

I looked up, confusion crossed my eyes as I look at his. And he has the same emotion in his eyes as mine, although I know we have the same question in mind.

Suddenly, the men around us charged for an attack. I saw him raise his sword and so did I even though I know too well I have no idea how to use one. He was fighting, he was covering for me! I did not even get to swing the sword I am holding!

He sustained the act for almost half an hour and I can see how sweats are dripping from his face. Why is he trying to protect me anyway? I mean, I want to live and explore this world but he said that he doesn’t know me, and so do I. What is he doing and why is he doing it? Why do it seems like he’s trying to protect me?

“Heavens,” I heard him say as he pant but he still blocks and attacks as these men doesn’t seem to end at all. There are bodies around us, but not too much. They all came back to life after a minute or two! As if they are already dead, and cannot die.

“You are tired…” I commented. I did not dare touch him because why would I? He turned to me as he sheath his sword and hang it on his back. He once again held me on both my shoulders. Not a second after, light met my eyes. I felt blind for a second as it adjusts to what it sees. We are inside my bedroom in the dormitory that Xyntilliet happened to lend me.

“Are you okay? Do you want to rest for a bit?” That was my approach when he lost his balance and almost fell to the floor, only that I caught his hands so he wouldn’t hit the ground as he tried to balance himself in with my help. His sword fell, however, and drips of blood followed its trail. It was sheathed still, though. So I do not know whether to be concerned about that or something else.

And I don’t know if I’m going to be afraid or amazed of the encounter we have earlier. I’m not even sure if that is real. Yet again, I am in Agewertia.

“That was cool.” I spoke following a chuckle in hopes of trying to humor him but I guess there are things meant to have a great timing. “Anyway, thank you. Really, for protecting me. You protected me even though we really do not know each other. The least I can do is to let you rest before driving you away--” I did not get to finish my words when he raised my hand enough to reach his mouth, and then kissed it in a very mild way that it left me shocked as he whispered something…

"Bonum Nocte…” (Good night)