Chapter 3: Memory
“Yo!! Here, have some cold drinks.” Makoto handed a fruit soda to Eldrina. The cafeteria was relatively empty since most students were still attending classes.
“I’m sorry that you had to follow me to that boring class,” he said apologetically.
“Nah, it’s okay. That was actually an interesting class, not as boring as you made it sound. At least now I know a bit about video editing.” She smiled warmly.
Makoto was momentarily mesmerized by her smile. What a beautiful smile she has. Why would anyone want to harm her? he thought.
“So, where should we go next?” Eldrina asked.
“Let’s meet my friend. Maybe he can help us with your problem,” Makoto suggested.
“Is it okay? You know we’re a bit different...” Eldrina hesitated.
“Well, he’s not that normal himself,” Makoto chuckled.
“You know, I’m glad that you are the one who saved me.” She smiled again, her eyes sparkling.
Once again, Makoto was stunned, his heart beating faster than usual. He felt an overwhelming happiness when Eldrina smiled like that. It was as if he was the happiest man alive.
“Aaaah, le-let’s go now,” he stammered slightly.
---
The Journey from College to the Forest
Makoto and Eldrina walked through the bustling streets, making their way from the college campus to the forest. As they strolled, they passed various street vendors selling snacks and trinkets.
“Hey, look at that!” Makoto pointed to a vendor selling colorful balloons. “Do you want one?”
Eldrina giggled. “Do you think I’m a child?”
“Maybe a little bit,” Makoto teased, earning a playful nudge from Eldrina.
They continued their journey, stopping occasionally to admire the street performances and vibrant street art. Makoto’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he watched a mime pretend to be trapped in an invisible box.
“You know, you’d make a great mime,” Makoto said, trying to keep a straight face.
“Really? And why is that?” Eldrina asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Because you’re so expressive without saying a word,” Makoto replied, mimicking the mime’s actions. They both burst into laughter.
As they reached the outskirts of the city, the scenery began to change. Tall buildings gave way to lush greenery, and the air became fresher.
“Wow, this place is beautiful,” Eldrina remarked, taking in the sights.
“Yeah, it’s a hidden gem. Not many people know about it,” Makoto said. “We’re almost there.”
As they continued, they encountered a narrow, uneven path that was difficult to walk on.
“Uh-oh, this might be a bit tricky,” Makoto said. “How about we fly instead?”
“Fly?” Eldrina asked, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her voice.
“Yeah, I can control the wind, remember? Trust me,” Makoto said, extending his hand.
Eldrina hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. Makoto focused, and a gentle breeze lifted them off the ground. They soared above the treetops, the wind carrying them smoothly toward their destination.
“This is incredible!” Eldrina exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.
“Hold on tight,” Makoto said, guiding them safely through the air.
---
Arrival at the Forest Outskirts
After a short flight, they landed at the outskirts of the forest. “From here, we’ll need to walk for about 30 minutes,” Makoto said.
They began their trek into the forest, enjoying the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze. The path was serene and calming, a stark contrast to the bustling city they had left behind.
---
Backstory: How Ismet and Makoto Met
Makoto first met Ismet a few months ago during one of his solo hiking trips in the forest. He had always enjoyed exploring nature, and this particular day was no different. However, as he ventured deeper into the forest, he stumbled upon an injured man. Ismet was sitting against a tree, clutching his leg, which was bleeding profusely.
Without hesitation, Makoto rushed to his side. “Are you okay? What happened?” he asked, concerned.
“I... I tripped and cut my leg on some sharp rocks,” Ismet replied, wincing in pain.
“Hang in there. Let me help you,” Makoto said. Using his wind powers, he gently lifted Ismet and carried him to a nearby stream. He cleaned the wound and wrapped it with a makeshift bandage.
“Thank you, young man. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help,” Ismet said, breathing heavily.
“No problem. What are you doing out here alone?” Makoto asked, curious.
“I live nearby. This forest is my sanctuary. But it seems I ventured too far today,” Ismet replied with a chuckle. “My name is Ismet, by the way.”
“I’m Makoto. Nice to meet you, Ismet. You should be more careful out here,” Makoto advised.
Over the next few weeks, Makoto and Ismet formed a friendship. They would often meet in the forest, where Makoto learned about Ismet’s past and his special powers. Ismet, in turn, became a mentor to Makoto, helping him understand and control his wind abilities better.
---
Present day, Ismet's house
“Welcome, buddy!!” greeted Ismet, who had a muscular build and a bearded face, with eyes that hinted at a lifetime of experiences.
“Yo, Ismet!! I guess you’re expecting us,” Makoto replied.
“So, this is the girl? Well, she’s a beauty, dude!!! Your girlfriend??” Ismet teased.
Both of them blushed and looked a little shy for a moment.
“What are you talking about, dude!! Look, you just made her feel shy,” Makoto said, pointing at Eldrina.
“N-no, it’s not like that. We just met,” Eldrina blushed as she finished her words.
Ismet laughed after seeing their reactions. He found it amusing. After that, both Makoto and Eldrina were invited to enter Ismet’s house. Makoto told Ismet everything that had happened so far, not missing any details.
“Hmm hmm, so it’s like that. By the way, have you even told her about me?” Ismet asked.
“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean? ........AAAAHHHH!! Not yet!! Listen here, Eldrina!!” Makoto said, suddenly realizing.
“TOO LATE!! I’LL ENTER HER NOW!!” Ismet declared.
“Huh, wha..” Eldrina fainted.
“Damn it!! This guy did it again. Now I have to wait for 20 minutes before I get anything out of him. Geez.” Makoto sighed, adjusting Eldrina’s position so she wouldn’t feel sore when she woke up.
Makoto cared deeply about Eldrina. He didn’t leave her side since she fainted. Deep inside his heart, he always wondered why he felt this way. Sometimes, he felt like he had known Eldrina for a long time.
---
Inside Eldrina's Memory
Eldrina found herself in a vast, ethereal landscape, surrounded by shimmering lights and swirling mists. It was a place that felt both familiar and strange, as if it existed in the depths of her subconscious.
“Where am I? Makoto, is that you? Hey, what are you doing here.....” Suddenly, Eldrina stopped talking. Her eyes focused on some point, as if she were watching a movie in which she was the main character. The lights and mists began to coalesce into vivid scenes from her past.
She saw herself as a young girl, playing in a lush garden with a kind-faced man. They laughed and chased each other, their joy echoing through the memory. The man’s face was gentle and loving—a fatherly figure.
“Father...” Eldrina whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.
The scene shifted, and Eldrina found herself in a grand hall, surrounded by people dressed in elegant attire. She was holding a glowing orb, her eyes filled with determination. She remembered the weight of responsibility that came with the power she held—the power to manipulate time.
In another memory, she saw herself training rigorously, honing her abilities under the guidance of a wise elder. She felt the strain and the triumph of mastering her powers, the sense of purpose driving her forward.
The scenes continued to change, each one revealing fragments of her life. She saw moments of triumph and joy, but also of loss and sorrow. The memories flowed like a river, each one adding to the tapestry of her identity.
“Aaah, so it is true. How wonderful it is,” Ismet murmured, his presence now felt beside her in the memory landscape.
“Uncle Ismet..... are we now??” Eldrina asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
“Yeah, now we’re inside your mind. Do you remember me now, Eldrina?” Ismet smiled gently.
“Uhmm..... Thank you, Uncle Ismet, but can we go out now?” Eldrina requested, her heart heavy with the weight of her memories.
“Sure, it’s no use for us to be here anymore,” Ismet agreed, still smiling.
---
Returning to Consciousness
Eldrina...Eldrina... a faint familiar voice echoed... Both of them then awoke from their sleep.
“Eldrina....Eldrina, are you okay? I saw you crying while you were asleep. I feel so worried. Are you o-...” Makoto’s words were cut off as Eldrina hugged him.
“I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine. Don’t worry. Sorry. I will never make you worry again,” she said, still crying.
“Youth sure are great,” Ismet smiled.
Makoto, who had been shocked, now felt relieved knowing that everything was fine. He hugged Eldrina tightly. “Thank god.” he kept repeating those words.
---
- To be continued -
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