Ava

13 - Peaceful Days

 Ava was floating in an inky black river. It was a wide one. The view was somehow covered by fogs but by the chirping of the birds, she knew it must be somewhere in the middle of the woods. She then moved, immediately treading the water, looking around.

Where am I?

“Ava! Ava! Can you hear me?” A loud voice called out. 

That voice. It’s familiar. She knew that voice. 

Mama. She thought. 

“Mother???” Ava called out, swimming to the sides.

“Ava! Can you hear me?” The voice asked once again. 

“I can hear you! Mother, where are you?” Ava yelled back as loud as she can, hoping that her voice would reach her. Her mother.

Ava then hurried but she began wondering why she didn’t even move her place despite swimming for minutes now.

What’s wrong?

What’s going on? 

“Mama, I’m here! I’m stuck!” Ava yelled as she continued treading her feet.

“Ava!!!!” The voice called out once more and echoed throughout the whole place.

Then suddenly a white light shot across the pitch black sky. Her body jerked after she felt like a lightning struck her. The white light started swallowing up the darkness and began to burn her eyes. She closed her eyes instantly and tried to shut it out but failed. Then a brush of cold wind made her shiver to the core. Ava screamed in pain and held her eyes, she started to drown. But before she was fully swallowed by the water, she heard a whisper on her ear. 

“Ava.” 

***

“Woman.” Ava heard a baritone voice beside her before she felt a gentle shake.

She then slowly opened her eyes squinting almost immediately at the bright sunlight. Blinking a few times more, Black’s face came into focus above her.

“You.” She blurted out and the man’s face creased in front of her.

“Yes. It's Me.” Black replied and his brows raised before pulling away.

Ava then sat up and steadied her breathing. She became aware that she was crying and sweaty all over again.

What was that dream about? She pondered.

“Your nightmares are becoming more often.” Black commented before handling a piece of cloth to Ava. “It’s clean.”

“Are you a hanky factory?” Ava asked before taking the cloth and began wiping her face.

“No. Just a mage.” Black replied.

“Thank you.” Ava said and turned to the man beside him. “I thought you went hunting?”

“The centaur and the human volunteered in my place. He said he didn’t want to depend on me for food.” He answered casually and then laid on his back, his arms on his head. “But if I know, He just wanted to prove that he can hunt better than me.”

“Why do you always think so negatively of him? He’s actually nice.” Ava said which made the man beside him pout even more.

“He only wants to impress you. It’s annoying, really.” He commented.

Ava just sighed because she knew she wouldn’t win in this conversation. It’s been a week since they entered the northern borders. Ever since then, her dreams about her mother have become more frequent. She felt that maybe because they’re already near the fountain of life. Maybe they’ll really find it here in the north. Right now, they were able to acquire a small cabin which is a bit far from the town which was near the northern borders. That was the time she learned that Alvis was once a conman and that he was able to acquire this property through his conning skill. She didn’t really agree about Alvis’ ways but they have no choice for now. They had to cease using their powers for the mean time in order to stay away from the Peace Keepers. Using power would make those magic hunting creatures find them easily. And so in the end, she didn’t have a choice and they all agreed to stay there for the mean time while they search for the fountain of life.

It looked so peaceful. She thought.

Her eyes went to the man beside her. Ever since she met him, her life had drastically changed. She never thought she’d be able to experience something like this. Though she enjoyed Eli, his father and their friends company before, their life wasn’t this peaceful. Their town is one of the poorest in their region. Though they had farms, seldom would their crops grow healthily and trading were restricted. And so most would be sleeping hungry at night for the times when their harvests are not enough. A lot of thugs also swarmed their town and crimes are inevitable. It wasn’t peaceful at all. Her mind then wondered if Eli and the resistance wasn’t betrayed that night, would she be spending these peaceful days with him instead?

Black remained silent but his eyes were definitely observing her. He’s amazed as to how many emotions were portrayed in her lovely face for just a matter of minutes. He can easily read other people and creatures. Their eyes and body language says it all. But she is different. He wondered what’s so different about her and why does he feel like he’s really seen her before.

“You said you don’t remember who you are.” Ava started after a few minutes have passed and Black just nodded. “Is it completely or do you also dream about your past?”

“I don’t dream because I don’t sleep.” Black answered honestly.

“Right. But what I meant was like flashes of memories and such.” Ava explained.

“I do.” Black replied, then he turned to her. “I just don’t wish to discuss it.”

“Fine.” Ava said and pouted before standing up. 

“Where are you going?” Black asked nonchalantly. “None will actually appreciate your presence at the moment.”

Ava looked back and glared at him. She remembered how she told him that back when they were hiding in the cave. 

“Don’t look at me like that. The very reason why I woke you up is actually because of your training.” Black started and sat down. Suddenly, Ava’s mood changed in an instant. 

 She ran beside him and grinned. “I’m ready.”

“Good. Then go there and sit with your legs crossed.” Black started.

Ava excitedly did what was instructed.

“Sit straight and close your eyes. Clear your mind.” Black continued and Ava followed.

Then she suddenly felt a heavy rock placed on top of her head. Her eyes automatically opened and she looked up, making the rock fall to the ground.

“Failed.” Black said right away before turning his back. With a snap of his fingers, two wooden pails immediately appeared in front of Ava. “Use that. Go and fetch some clean water from the spring.”

“what? But?” Ava started to complain. It’s not the first time he asked her to fetch some water from the spring. It’s absolutely a tiring thing to do. 

“Go now.” Black replied seriously and Ava sighed before taking it, stomping her feet as she walked away.

He immediately placed his hand inside his pocket where the dagger is and looked around.

“Come out now.” He declared, tightening his grip on it.

“Such a kill joy.” A feminine voice said before a gorgeous lady came out from a nearby tree.

Black’s eyes darkened as soon as he saw her.

“You’re not gonna kill me, are you?” The lady said and smiled sweetly.

“What makes you so sure? You found me, I won’t take that risk.” Black replied.

“Really? Then who will help you get away from the Master?” She replied confidently as she walked towards him, brushing her finger on his cheek. “Aside from me, who will help you?”

“I don’t need your help.“ Black replied seriously.

“Tsk” The woman scoffed before showing a glass of potion to Black. “Then you don’t need this?”

Black tried to take it but she disappeared and appeared in a nearby tree.

“You may be stronger, but I’d like to think that I’m smarter.” She said and smiled widely at him.

“Don’t play with me. You owe me that potion.” He said grimly, tightening his grip on the dagger in his pocket.

“Right. And I’m a woman of my word. So, of course this is yours.” She said and smirked. Then walked slowly towards him and handed him the potion. “After drinking this 2nd dose, you will completely be out of his radar. He won’t be able to track you, unless you leave spots behind your trail or you use your powers.”

“Good.” Black said taking the potion immediately. He had met her in one of the dwarves’ hideouts earlier where she gave him his 1st dose. So far, it worked out since they have stayed here for a week now and nothing happened. “Then we’re even.”

“Really?” She asked and slowly walked around him.

“Yes. So don’t ever show yourself to me again.” He replied.

“Ouch.” She said and feigned to look hurt. “You’re always so cold. That’s why I like you better.”

“Careful with your words. If the master knew you’re betraying him, I’m not sure what he’s gonna do to you.” Black said seriously and turned his back to walk away.

“Who is she?” The lady asked out of the blue which made Black swiftly turn to her with a deadly glare.

She chuckled evilly.

“I knew it.” She said as soon as her laughter died. “That look.”

He then moved and pinned her on a nearby tree before threatening her with the dagger on her throat. “Don’t you dare, witch.”

“So guilty.” She said, meeting her gaze. She was confident that the man will not harm her in any way.

After some time, Black calmed down and stepped back, freeing her.

“Leave now or I -” He started when the lady suddenly gasped.

“Where did you get that?” The witch asked, looking at the dagger he was holding.

Black’s face creased as he looked at the dagger. It was the woman’s dagger that he used before. He told her that he would keep it for the mean time and would only return it to her after she’s properly trained. She reluctantly agreed but in the end, she just nodded in agreement. But in reality, he was actually curious about it.

“Where the hell did you get that dagger, Black?” The witch demanded almost aggressively.

“None of your concern.” Black answered. Then he glared at her. “Now, go. I don’t need you.”

“Black, that dagger-“ She started once more.

“It will thrust into your throat if you’re still here in a minute!” Black declared and the lady retreated, stepping backward. “I let you live today. Your debt is paid. We no longer have business together.”

“How about your contract with the master?” She asked wickedly.

“20 years had passed. It’s no longer valid.” He answered boldly.

“I don’t think he thinks the same way.” She replied and shook her head. “Especially that you escaped even before the bond is broken, just before he woke up.”

“My problem, my own.” Black replied straightforwardly. “Like I said, I don’t need your help.”

“You will soon look for me and my help, Black.” She said seriously and smiled wickedly before she disappeared. 

***