Dea

CHAPTER ONE

It was the sound of a horn blaring by that got my eyes snapping open and  body sitting up straight. I gasped and coughed, the first breath after dying readily fills my lungs again, coughing and breathing heavily I stand up and dust myself off. Looking around I'm not surprised to see that I don't recognize my surroundings, what does surprise me is what I'm wearing. My sandals have been replaced by shoes that cover my toes and heels and go halfway up my thighs, I wiggle my toes to make sure I feel them all. Despite being dead all night they were warm and cozy, whatever was on the inside of my tall  Sandals were fuzzy like a young rabbits fur. My normal cloth dress was replaced by the trousers, but tight and fit comfortably while my top was covers by a piece of cloth that hanged from  my shoulders with thin straps of fabric.  I must be in a new century, I thought.

 That's new!

 I check the ground to check that I wasn't forgetting anything and found a bag near where my head was, I opened it to survey the contents, inside was a slim metal cube with buttons on the side and a smooth polished front that light up when I touched it, on it was a picture of pastel colored sunset over a open field. I dropped it back in the bag, I'll examine it more later. There were random scraps of dried food and other clothing items but what caught my eye was a brown leather book with string keeping it closed. Opening it I see it's full of my hand writing, I start reading, ; "I woke up in a place called New York City today. It's so warm I didn't want to get up at first, laying in the grass listening to the stream nearby gurgle reminded me of home, or at least the feeling of home. I still can't remember anything. But it was the sounds that got me going I was curious what was making such weird and loud sounds. I never heard them when we were with father, I came upon a place called Brooklynn, their buildings are taller then the meanest Titans, they sit in shiny enclosed carriages they call "cars". There are actually a lot of words I don't understand as I wondered around, thinks like "cellphone repair shop" "electric razors" and "coca-cola". I stopped reading as a loud chariot with a covered front and a open back, being pulled by something mysterious as there were no horses, came by, slowing down when they saw me standing on the side of the road then backed up. I nervously watched it get closer. 

I haven't been awake long enough for my strength to reach its normal peak. The carriage stopped in front of me and I woman who looks a few years older then me with braided hair  got out coming around towards me. Shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand even as she continues to squint, "what are you doing out here all alone? Are you okay? You look awfully pale." She stopped a few feet in front of me, still squinting. 

I nod my head , "yeah," I reply, shrugging my shoulders as nonchalantly as I am without giving away my anxiety "I'm just lost. Would you mind telling me where I am?"

 "You're in Montana, honey. About fifteen miles from the Canadian boarders. Which way are you headed?" Unsure of what a Canadian boarders are or where even Montana is I takes minute to look her over to read her body language,  I made my judgment call- this lady comes off as easy going and nice no hostility energy emote from her, even if she was a threat to me she seems weak compared to me, even less then half strength, her face has withered wrinkles from spending too much time laughing and being in the sun. Though with a sent of ranch animals, like cows and sheep that make me think of a place I can't remember she feels harmless and... safe.  

  "I don't know. I have... memory issues sometimes and it appears now is one of those times. Could you direct me to a place where I can get some food and get some rest? An inn would be great." With my response she drops her hand and visibly relax she gestured towards her ride  "well, get on in then. I'm not going to let you wonder around when you got a messed up noggin. There's a bed and breakfast about twenty minutes from here. I was just heading into town to grab some supplies you can ride along until then."  I nod my head in thanks as I get inside her warm carriage.  "I'm Karen, by the way," the warm lady said while sticking her hand out I grasped her wrist and pumped it once in a friendly acknowledgment though she seems startled to my gesture.

"I don't remember my name yet but as soon as I do I'll let you know. I'm sure I'll find it in my written memories here," I replied lifting the journal and giving it a small wave with a quick movement of my wrist. 

As I read more of the journal while we ride in silence I can feel the woman glancing at me as I read the motion isn't unsettling, I can almost taste her eagerness to ask questions. 

"Dea." She says, breaking the silence. 

"I'm sorry, what?"

 "Your journal. It has D-E-A carved in the corner. Is that your name?" Confused, I looked to see she was right, barely even noticeable  unless in the light in the upper right hand corner was DEA in my hand writing. "I guess so. I don't know what else it could be." I respond. 

"What language is that? French? I've never heard that word before." I just shrugged my shoulders again and kept reading. According to myself I spent months in New York City. I made friends and had a job at a local gas station, I lived with a woman named Sarah. Apparently I trusted her enough to disclose my goal in defeating my curses. Sarah laughed at such a silly statement, "I'm atheist, Dea, I don't believe in gods and their heaven or hell, it's all nonsense made to control society." At that I laughed, "I'll prove it," I had said with selfish bravado, "tonight we'll go to the park and you tell me where your beliefs lie after. Trust me." 

We never made it to the park that night. As we were leaving we were attacked. A group of men tried to mug us of our belongings, Sarah did as she was told by handing over her purse and phone then getting on her stomach so she wouldn't look at their faces, I on the other hand was not pleased.  I made the ground beneath them shake and quake, little pebbles  came pelting  them from every direction. I have not mastered my earth skills before my epic death, the little pebbles I controlled were hitting my body, those little suckers hurt.

Good.

 "Give us back the personal belongings and I will stop this pelting, if not, I can make it worse." The theirs looked at me with doubt "its just some wind! You're not doing anything! It's probably a earthquake. How about you give us your s**t and we'll be gentle with your friend on the ground?" Anger courses through me thinking about them letting one mean finger on Sarah. 

To prove my point I had weeds grow from the cracks in the foundation and wrap around their ankles  "I said give us back our 's**t', got it?" 

The two men dropped Sarah's purse and phone, I stopped the pebbles but did not de root my wicked weeds. "Sarah, you can get up now. Grab your belongings, let's go!" We ran home after our encounter. I never lessened the weeds, I'm sure they had to be cut out of that mess.

     Suddenly a bell started to ring. Looking around I couldn't figure where the bell was, I glanced at the woman driving waiting for her to explain, "it's not me, kiddo. Might want to check that phone of yours could be someone you know who'll help jog your memory." I pulled out the slim metallic  box that now was making the alarming noise with anticipation and glanced at the number on the screen, I felt a twinge of sadness as I was expecting a name to appear instead of an unknown number. "Is this a number you recognize?" I asked hoping for any positive answer Karen took a quick glance and shook her head "that's not a local number, I don't know where it's from I don't recognize the area code, maybe they'll leave a voice mail for you." I grunted in disappointment.  Putting the phone and journal away deciding I'll figure out more once I get a nice sleep on a cot and have some warm food in my stomach. 

  We arrived to the bed and breakfast a few minutes after my mystery number called.   It was a small building made entirely of large logs with big glass windows in the front showing the whole lobby where a young girl who couldn't be much younger then me, I snorted at that assumption-  it has clearly been centuries since I was born I could have been this young lady's great grand to the tenth mother.  Her  frizzy blond hair bushes all around her head like a blond bubble stood behind a counter near the back playing on her purple phone.  A bell jingled when Karen opens the door causing the teenager to stand up straight basically throwing her phone under her desk.   "Hi! Welcome! How can I help you today?" She had a chirpy voice reminding me of the first spring time birds singing their arrival.

 "I'm in need for a place to sleep and eat. How much do your nights cost and where  is food served?" I asked quickly. I have been awake a short while but it can get exhausting dying, resurrecting and restoring myself to full health, By the Gods I was craving some serious meat. Karen reaches into her back pocket pulling out a bill fold, "I'll pay it, Dea probably doesn't have much money to her name, tell me, uh..."  Karen glanced at the frizzy blondes name tag

 "Cassidy, how much for two nights with the continental breakfast?"  Cassidy smiled and clapped her hands "okay! Two nights is it? With the continental deal...we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner during our off season!" Cassidy clacked way on her giant phone sitting on her desk I wondered to the big windows studying their parking space and near by  buildings. Everything is different then the little cottage made of mud and sticks from my faint childhood memories. I remember we were lucky to have a fire place in the corner of the kitchen from when we had stubbled across some clay in the wood surrounding our home. With plenty of stones we managed to make a fireplace big enough to use as a oven and stove top. Father was so excited he made rabbit and carrot soup with fresh bread that night in celebration, it was much easier to eat indoors versus outside where many animals would come to try and steal your plate of food.  

Here in this small city  their buildings were made of glass and metal and red bricks, where our roads were made of cobble stone theirs were just one black consistent lane going every way that anyone could want to go, their cars moved swiftly and smoothly over the top. Lost in thought about the vast difference of this modern world I hadn't noticed Karen has finished talking to Cassidy and came to stand beside me, 

" Stay safe, Dea. It was a pleasure meeting you today. Here," she said putting a folded parchment into the palm of my hand, "this is my number when you get yourself sorted and figured out, shoot me a text or call to update me. Take care." Giving both of my hands a quick squeeze she left out the door and  got into her car, backing up she gave me one last glance before hitting the road. Turning around I found Cassidy standing only feet away with her hands collapsed behind her back "that was really nice of that women to pay for your stay," chirps Cassidy whole rocking on her feet, "here's your key. Room eight. It's past lunch already but there is a vending machine with some lunch meat sandwiches left over from lunch, I put them in there myself. Is there anything else I can help you with?" I shook my head and took the key. I don't know what a vending machine is but I'm too tired to care I just really want to get some sleep. Walking to my room I passed what Cassidy was talking about. The machine was very bulky and full of wrapped and colorful candy, some thin crispy foods called 'potato chips' and the sandwiches she mentioned. Thought looking at then made my stomach  growl I didn't know how to use it and didn't feel like asking, instead I just kept walking until I found my room. Using the key to get in I was surprised by the room, it's walls were made of thick, smooth logs with a decent sized window above the bed and on either side of the door. Next to the door was a empty desk with a wooden chair, on the left wall was a small kitchenette and in the right wall was a giant wide box they looked like the cell phone mounted on the wall with a small glass table under the mounted screen with magazines and coasters and a small love seat of a couch facing the wall. There was a door farther down the left wall that was cracked open give me a peek into the white bathroom. Directly across from the door was the cot. This cot looked nothing like the one I thought they'd have, it was wide and long and it looked softer then a cloud. The headboard was made of wood but it had twists and turns to look like a beautifully crafted wild roots. The relief I felt was intense. I dropped my bag on the desk and took off my shoes at the door. Realizing what was keeping my toes warm  was ankle high bright pink fuzz. I giggled and wiggles my toes at the obscurity that I'd be wearing so brightly colored compared to my dark colored clothing. before walking to the bed I plopped down, marveling in how soft this bed was. Sighing with satisfaction I stood up and stretched not feeling the greatest about how much my bones popped. 

Must be getting old.

Deciding it was probably long overdue for a bath I walked into the bathroom gasping when my feet touch the cold tile. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to work the tub but once it got started it didn't take long before the mirror got fogged over. Letting the water wash over me I closed my eyes and relaxed. Once the water became cold I got out and wrapped myself in one of the fluffy white towels and went back into the room. Looking around in my bag I decided it would be best to save the few clothes I do have for later and climbed into the bed naked. Sleep came as quickly as the bed warmed. 

I don't know how many hours had passed before  I was awakened by Cassidy knocking on my door. "Give me a minute!" I yelled while rushing to get dressed. I opened the door I see she had her back to me with her hands clasped below her lower back. I cleared my throat while checking my surroundings. Everything looked different in the dark, the buildings had lights coming from open windows, their cars sitting quietly in front of the buildings. I took a deep breath enjoying the feeling of cool evening air filling my lungs. "Hi miss! I was just wondering if you were coming to dinner? It started thirty minutes ago and got worried you didn't show. I'll walk you to the cafeteria?" 

Smiling at the thought of food,  we start off towards the main entrance after I grab my bag with the journal, 

"thank you," I whisper, the air was still and quiet it seemed right to whisper, "for coming and getting me. I didn't know when dinner started and I was very tired. I appreciate the hospitality you have shown me since I arrived." Cassidy smile was like looking into a mouth of pearls "no problem! Like I said I got worried. There isn't much to eat today, Mandy didn't know what to make since there's only five rooms being used tonight.  I hope you like –" she was cut off by my phone ringing again. Checking the screen it was the same number again!

 I ignored it. If they were important I would have put a name knowing I'd eventually lose my memory, a number is not safe one bit.

When it was done ringing I saw that I had missed several calls from this unknown number while sleeping. There was one voicemail though when I tried to open the recording I realized I didn't know the four digit code. I sighed and put the device away as we reached the door to the cafeteria. It was a medium sized room with pale yellow tile and a few gray tables in the center of the room with an old couple closest to the door and three other single men sitting at different tables which left one round table open. 

A long table with different sized pots and pans sitting on top with visible steam still rising where a plump red headed women stood behind with a frown.  Smelling the food my stomach growled so loudly I'm sure Cassidy heard me.

 " That's Mandy, don't mind her mouth. She's a bit stingy since she was  put on kitchen duty."

  "Ah," I said quietly focusing on the food I'm piling on my plate. Corn, green beans, mashed potatoes and pork chops. "Have you eaten yet?" I asked Mandy, who looked startled I asked

 "No, I'm not to eat until everyone has eaten." 

I turned to Cassidy, "have you?" Cassidy just shook her head  while stealing glances at the food, "Mandy and I normally eat together since we're employees we're not to until until the guests have been servers." 

I nod, that makes sense. "So am I the last to eat?" Mandy grunts, clearly ready for me to go so they can eat, "would you two like to eat with me? I plan on reading, but having company would nonetheless be nice. It's been a while since I sat with others for a meal." Mandys face softened. With a head jerk she pointed to the empty table with her chin, "go sit down hun, I'll come after I cleaned up a little. Don't wait up." Cassidy was already pilling small portions on her plate, obviously leaving enough for Mandy to get full.  I smiled at Mandy before slowly walking to the round table. Cassidy beat me to the table as she wasn't taking her time. I plopped down next to her and smiled "thank you, I don't like being alone right after... " I broke off, what was I saying? No one needs to know about my memory issues. How can I tell if I can trust her? I challenged Zeus to his face! There's no way he doesn't have his little pawns running around to mess with me. He's done worse to people who haven't done a thing to him, let alone to his face! 

Cassidy however noticed I had trailed off, "right after what? Are you okay?" She put a hand on my elbow as a kind and opening gesture. "Yeah," I nod " I have memory problems, something happened when... I was younger. I wake up forgetting everything, even my own name. That's why I was going to read this journal. It's from me before my memory reset. I'm trying to catch up on what I've done."  As I was talking Mandy had made it to us and sat down with her eyes I me listening to the last part of my story. "Is that why you asked us to sit with you? Because your afraid to be alone?" 

"Yeah, basically. It's scary not remembering anything. Having someone around who feel genuinely nice helps relax me. I think. I feel calmer around you two. I know it's weird and you don't have too, I... don't want to be alone." Mandy just nods her head while Cassidy pats my hand, "if you need anything I'll be here for you." I smile at the both of them before pulling out my journal and begin reading while eating. 

    An hour later I was saying goodnight to Mandy as she had to clean the kitchen before her shift was over  and Cassidy had to clean the cafeteria before she left. Their shift replacements have already came just waiting for us to finish. I cleaned the tables while Cassidy swept. She told me about her life how she was born and raised in Montana. Her aunt actually owned the inn and let Cassidy manage it when she was gone doing her day job, she even let her use the owners loft which was a  apartment above half the building. What her school life was like. I listened in silence only laughing or smiling or asking questions when it seemed the right time. When we finished Cassidy offered to walk me back to my room. It had gotten even darker in the past few hours though the air was still and cool, it felt nice. I wrapped my arms around my chest and thought about what I've read in my journal. I'd spent months with Sarah in New York. After our run in with those thieves she took me seriously with training to sharpen my powers by randomly attacking me while we were gone by throwing glasses of water for my water control, hot pans for pain tolerance,  even knifes to test my healing and instincts. She had bought me a small pallet of dirt and random seeds to test my ability to nurture, care and name natures plants. 

Six months in I decided it was time to find Olympia and find my family. I don't know what could have happened to make me lost and so far away from my home, but I'll be dammed if I don't find it. 

Reaching my door Cassidy patted my shoulder, "Thank  you for helping me tonight. It wasn't necessary but it was really nice of you. I hope you figure out what happened to you. I'll see you for breakfast?" I grin, it felt nice to hear someone genuinely be happy from a simple gesture. 

"Sure thing! I look forward to it. Have a good night Cassidy." She waved and walked away, her wild hair bouncing with her steps, right as I got my key in the lock I hear her yell, "hey! Would you know what kind of accent you have? I've been trying to figure it out all night but I can't." 

"This I do know! I'm Greek." I yell back right before closing my door with a click. 

   I decided to take a shower before sleeping for the night, I was exhausted and now with a full stomach, but having a shower with a strong water pressure and comfortable heat sounded too good to pass up. 

Coming out of the shower followed by steam I sit on my bed going through the dirty bag to find something comfortable to sleep in.  Finding a pair of cloth shorts and another thin strapped shirt Cassidy called a 'tank top' I figure this would be good enough.  the quilt on the bed was warm and comfortable. Looking at my phone again I notice the bar in the corner was now red, instead of green.

 wondering what that could mean my screen light up with a text filling a squared white box. It was from the mystery number, reading it I was surprised to find not only was it in Greek, but I remembered how to read it.

Min xechásete tin ypóschesi sas. Kálesè me.

Don't forget your promise. Call me.

What promise?