IMPERIUM

Infamous Wall of Imperium

It's the last day of this year's semester and the start of the holiday break. People have been busier since Christmas is just a blink away. The streets have become more noisy than usual and the traffic has also worsened.

Usually, students like me hang out after school, going to malls or having some drinks with friends. But fortunately, I don't have any friends. And I don't need to spend so much money just to be with other people.

No, I'm just kidding. I'm just a loner. I don't have my own group of friends who I can hang out with.

I sighed as I walked down the cold streets on Winter. I don't plan on going home this Christmas that is why I didn't bother buying any Christmas decors nor gifts.

Why was I at downtown, you would ask? Well, I bought myself some goodies to at least accompany me for the rest of the holiday season. You know, just some chocolates and drinks to keep the spirit of Christmas. I also bought a few things I need, such as a new phone, some meals, and the latest PS5 that was just released.

It wasn't that many but, hell, it is really heavy. My feet are stinging so much already from the 2-inch heels I'm wearing. I'm having a hard time looking for my car. I know I parked my car somewhere across these streets. It's just that I've been very forgetful lately, I even forgot where I parked my car.

As I saw the familiar built of my black Audi car, I immediately rushed to it and went inside. I put my shopping bags on the shotgun seat and drove myself home.

It's been an hour and I'm still stuck in this traffic at downtown. The traffic today is much worse than the usual. If only I can just teleport to my own home.

"What's taking so long. Ugh, I'm so tired." I muttered to myself.

I was anxiously tapping on my wheel when I turned my gaze and saw the Wall of Imperium. It's literally a wall along the road here at downtown and it's famous for being so detailed and eye-catching. It was a mural of a lady on fire reaching for the starry night with a kingdom at her back. But the weird thing is that the fire looks so real and the stars shine as lights reflect on them.

I remember from the news, people were going missing these past few days and they were last seen around this place.

I was still in awe at the mural when I heard loud beeping at the back. That's when I noticed that the traffic was moving already.

Time went by and I was already at home. I unpacked my things and decided to make carbonara for tonight. As I was finishing the few things left at my shopping bag, I felt a sting on my wrist. Oh no, I don't do those kind of stuff but it felt like my wrist was slightly burned.

I checked on it and my wrist was really red. I don't remember having anything hot near me, so why did it sting? I decided to put ice over it to at least subside the stinging pain.

I continued unpacking and that's when I realized that I forgot to get my credit card back after paying. But I don't remember not getting it back.. weird.

"Oh, shit." I cursed. I can't forget that, I need it first thing in the morning tomorrow!

I ran back to my car, immediately started the engine and abruptly drove back to downtown.

How I wish I could get there in time. I still have 30 minutes before the store closes down.

Surprisingly, there's barely any car visible on the streets right now, so I stepped on the gas and drove on speed limit. I need to get there in time. Who knows where the traffic could start.

But.. there was no traffic at all. What took me 2 hours to go home earlier was just a 25 minutes ride from now. The busy streets hours are go are creepily quiet right now. I've already parked my car in front of the store and I seriously did not pass by any cars on my way here.

I rushingly went outside the car and there I saw that the lights in the store are still on. Well, I still have 5 minutes before the store closes down.

I went in and looked for the aisle where I checked out a while ago. There I saw the cashier who checked my shoppings out.

I went to her and said, "Um, excuse me?"

"Oh, hi Ma'am. I'm sorry but we're already packing things up since it's almost closing time. We're not accepting costumers anymore." She greeted.

"Oh, no. I'm actually here because I forgot to get me credit card." I nervously laughed. "I was wondering if maybe you have it?"

"Oh, yes! I remember you!" She exclaimed, reaching for something under her desk. "I actually tried calling you but you seemed to be in a rush, so I kept it here in case you'd come back." She smiled handing me my credit card.

"Omg, thank you so much! I really needed this for tomorrow." I smiled.

"Oh, no worries Ma'am. You should be careful with your belongings next time." I felt how sincere she was with what she said.

"Yes, thank you. I'll keep that in mind." I answered. "Anyway, I got to go! Thank you again and have a great night!" I dismissed.

"Take care, Ma'am. Be careful on your way back." She genuinely smiled.. but I felt an eerie feeling with the seriousness of her voice.

I just shrugged it off and went on my way back to my car. I felt the cold breeze of winter as I stepped out of the shop. It was really quiet to the point that it's creeping me out.

I went in my car and went on my way back home. I'm really glad that I got my credit card back, I would go insane if I lost it. And since there were no cars seen anywhere, I blasted my music and went on the speed limit.

Should I buy on Starbucks' drive thru though? I'm kinda craving for Venti Mocha Swirl. And without a second thought, I decided to go to Starbucks and got my wallet at the compartment of my car

"Oops." I muttered as my wallet suddenly slipped out of my hand.

I was having a hard time reaching for it since it's kinda far, so I really needed to stretch out my arms. Switching my gaze between the road and the wallet, I finally got the hold of it.

"Got it." I said as I sit straight back at my seat, but immediately screamed when I saw a man standing 3 meters away in front of my car. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

I wasn't thinking straight so I immediately stepped on the brake and turned my wheel to the right.

My eyes widened as I realized that I was gonna hit the wall. I felt the strong impact all over my body as my car crashed to the wall.

I was slowly starting to lose ky consciousness and the last thing I saw.. was the blurry image of the Wall of Imperium

I groaned as I was dazzled by the light. I slowly opened my eyes and instantly felt dizzy when I try to sit up straight.

"Where am I?" I asked.

I was in the middle of nowhere. I tried to see if there were any nearby houses or any signs of living things but all I can see are trees and the beautiful sky. That's when I realized that I'm laying down at these green grass.

That's weird, last time I remember, I was on a car crash because of some man who just stood in the middle of the road. And I certainly remember how my car crashed to that infamous wall.

So, then, why am I here? And when did I even get here?

I started to panic as nothing is sinking in to my mind. Am I dead? Is this heaven? A lot of things started rushing down to my brain. I'm starting to have a panic attack.

I calmed myself and get a hold of my s**t together. This is no time to be panicking, the best thing I could do is find someone who I can ask with. Maybe an angel or something? Oh my gosh, I think I'm starting to cry. I can't be dead.

No, no, I still don't know what's happening. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm strong and I know I can get through this. I can do this. Whoo.

I decided to roam around and look for possible clues. So, I stood up and started walking. Despite the fact that I don't know where I'm going but this forest feels so calm. It's like a safe place that I've never even felt before.

I just kept walking and walking and walking until I tired myself out. I feel my stomach grumbling. How many hours has it been since I last ate?

Oh, I really hope this is just a dream.

Wait.

What if this is a dream!?

I pinched myself on the cheek but I barely felt any pain. No, that wasn't enough. I slapped myself and I instantly felt the stinging pain.. but I'm still not waking up.

Harder, I slapped myself again. C'mon wake up, you stupid b***h.

I slapped my self again and again but all I gained was a very red cheeks and headache. I stopped myself, this isn't a dream. It's all real. And.. I don't even know where I am. Am I gonna die here?

I sat down below the tree near me and dropped my head to my knees. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't even know how to react with my situation.

I was full of thoughts to the point that I didn't even notice myself crying until I sobbed.

I.. I got no one here. Please, anybody. Just somebody, please, save me.

I cried and I cried until I eventually fell asleep. But I was immediately woken up when I heard rustling from the bushes. It was night time already, how many hours was I asleep?

I turned my gaze when I heard another rustling on my left. s**t, I hope it's not a tiger. Gosh, am I gonna die here now? Am I gonna be slaughtered by a wild beast?

I fixed my gaze to where I saw the rustling, silently praying in my head.

"Who's there?" I asked. I know it sounds stupid but what if it's a person! You can never know.

Then again, I heard a rustling at my back.

"Oh my gosh, I said who's there!?" I panicked, my anxiety went higher than the sky. I can hear my heart thumping harshly.

When I heard no response, I immediately thought of a plan to escape in case it's some wild beats. Well, I may be a scaredy-cat but I also know some martial arts since my grandfather thought me some moves, he was a martial art champion back in the days by the way.

Minutes after and I felt the calmness of the surroundings. Am I safe now? I sighed.

"Huph." I muffled as I felt a hand cover my mouth. I instantly elbowed the person straight to their reflex which made them let go.

I heard a groan, so I turned to my back and there I saw a man crouching from the pain. I out myself in stance, in case he does something reckless.

"Who are you!?" I asked. "Where am I!?"

He looked at me, confused.

"Oh, you don't know english?" He looked like an american though. "Who-who.. are.. you– you." I asked pointing at him, but he seemed to be more confused.

"Okay, I'm tired of this." I complained. "Do.. do you–" I pointed at him again. "Know.. know–" pointed at my head, "where.." pointed at the place around us. "We.. are..?" And then pointed to us both. This is harder than I expected.

I looked at him and he was still crouching, giving me a confused look. Oh my gosh. He was my only hope! But we couldn't even understand each other. I turned my back on him and thought of how we could communicate.

"Wait, excuse me, Miss." I suddenly heard a deep voice. I immediately turned back and I know for sure that he was the one who talked.

"Wait, you can speak!?" I exclaimed and raised my hand to my head with disappointment. Gosh, I looked stupid for awhile there.

"Oh," He giggled, "Yes, Ma'am. I can fluently speak english and I totally understand you." What an arrogant jerk. "It's just that I was confused with your eyes and the way you dress. Are you from here?"

Well, I can say that his accent sounds really good though. And his bright green eyes, it's very hypnotic. He also has strong features and his fit body says how hard he's worked for it.

"Excuse me?" He snapped at me. "Miss? Done fantasizing?" He laughed and that's when I realized that I was already staring at him.

"Excuse me!? I am not fantasizing you, Mister. As if!" I scoffed.

He just smirked in response, "As I was saying, are you from here? You seem quite different."

"Oh, ah, actually.." Should I tell him? What if he'd kidnap or take advantage of me? "Yes, I am from around here but I'm actually kinda lost in the woods, I forgot my way back." I lied.

"Oh? Which tribe?" He asked.

"Tribe?"

"Yes.. tribe. Don't you know what tribe you belong?" He's starting to be suspicious of me.

"A-ah.. yes, tribe." I nervously laughed. "uhm.. I'msorryIliedI'mactuallynotfromhere."

"What?" His brows furrowed. Oh, how dashing he looks.

"I said, I'msorryIliedI'mactuallynotfromhere." I repeated.

"Can you please speak slowly? I can't keep up with the words you're saying." He sounded a bit irritated.

I sighed, "I'm sorry I lied, I'm actually not from here." And looked down.

"Okay, then where are you really from?" He asked again.

"I'm for Los Angeles, California. Now, where is this place?"

"Wait, what? Los Ange– What? Cafilornia? Where is that?" He looks more confused than ever.

"Wait, huh? Los Angeles!! Duh? You know, Hollywood?" I snapped my fingers at him.

"I– I don't understand a word you're saying. I'm not joking here, just tell me the truth." He seems so stressed out.

"What? Oh, come on young man. You're the one who's joking here. Who doesn't know Los Angeles? Are you kidding me? Is this some part of a show?" I looked around. "Hey, you better not film me without my consent." I warned. I can't be shown on tv without knowing how I look the whole time.

"Just what the heck are you talking about, lady?" Now, he looks mad. "Ugh, nevermind. You're just wasting me time. Bye." He just waved his hands at me and immediately turned his back.

"Wait!" I reached for him. "Wait, please. Okay, okay, you don't know where HOLLYWOOD is, but could you please tell me where we are right now?" I plead.

He turned his gazed to me and looked at me intently, like I was stuck in his eyes for a moment. His jaws are very defined.

"We're at boundaries of Tarüzel." He answered. "Now, I got to go. I still have a lot of errands to do." He let go from my grip, leaving me confused as hell.

What the freak is a Tarüzel? Is this really some kind of a joke? Or maybe this place really do exist and I just didn't listen to my history professor?

But that's not the problem now. Again, I'm all by myself and I don't even know where the f**k is Tarüzel is. That man was my only hope and now he left me here, alone.

I sat back to the root of the tree and picked up a pebble. I just threw the pebble to the ground. All I know us that, I'm really lost and this is all f*****g me up. How can I get out of here?

I just went back to my baby position and dazed myself with thoughts.

"Get up."

"What the f**k!!" I reached for my chest. "You scared me!"

When did he came back? I hardly sensed anything. Is he a ninja or something?

He looked serious though so I composed myself, "Sorry."

He sighed, "I know you're lost. It's better to keep you around instead of wandering around the woods alone. You never know who might be stalking you right now." He said that with a straight face.

"Geez, stop scaring me dude." I shrugged him off. "Wait so does that mean you're keeping me company?" I clasped my hands in joy, I think my eyes are sparkling right now.

He just looked away and nodded, "For now."

"Omg, yes!! Thank you my life saver!" I exclaimed in enthusiasm. "So.. where do we go now?"

"We're going to Nünzulén for some errands, I need to get some cas."

"Oh, you mean cash?"

"What? No, cas."

"You're weird." I answered and I got no response.

I'm now wondering why he came back for me though. It's the best choice for now since I don't know where I am. Either way, I can protect myself with my moves.

We were busy walking when I suddenly heard some growling. We stopped our tracks and he aggresively looked around.

"Oh.. that was me." I stated. He looked at me and realized that it was my tummy. Why is he being a b***h right now? He was even laughing at me a while back. "Uhm.. do you have food?" I tittered.

He just scoffed at me and gave me something wrapped from his bag that I didn't even notice before.

"What's this?" I asked as I opened the wrapper. It looked really delicious, it was a fried chicken.

"Just eat it." He answered and stopped by near a tree. It's roots were big enough for us to sit.

We sat there for a while until I finished my food. After a while, we started walking again to who Novalu? Navalozen? I don't know, just somewhere outside this forest.