What a retarded way to die- falling to death while being hugged by something that looks like it just crawled out of its grave.
For whatever reason, I always end up in situations where I'm about to fall to death. Though I might survive this one, it might leave me in a state where dying might be a better option.
I closed my eyes as I and whatever was on my back was about to crash into the ground.
THUD! SPLASH!
CRACK!
I couldn't even shout after I hit the wet ground. I couldn't feel my body. I didn't even know whether the crack sound was the breaking of my back or the ghoul-like creature's.
I didn't have the luxury to whine, surviving the fall itself could have been a miracle. I was shocked by how luck was on my side this time. Well, I never believed in luck anyway. If something happened, then it happened. If something happened, it happened because of a hundred other things that led to that thing happening.
I know that I don't have the luxury to complain, but the damn rain drops are falling into my eye and I find it very irritating.
I could do nothing but stay put until I could regain control of my body. This mattress that I'm lying on– the ghoul's corpse –was so uneven and spiky in some places, and mushy in the other, not to mention the smell of rotting flesh invading my nose. My consciousness soon started slipping away. Finally, I was going to get to sleep after god-know-how-long.
Just then, my good for nothing mattress– the ghoul –moved.
Hahahahaha! Was this thing a zorell in its previous life? Just when I thought all the nonsense was over– at least wait to kill me after I go to sleep.
My sense of humor seemed to be broken. I developed this new habit of laughing at the most inappropriate time possible. The damned thing pushed my powerless body to the side and barely managed to stand up. It wasn't in good shape either.
It turned towards me and looked me straight in the eye, and then sat near my limp body in a weirdly formal manner with its legs tucked. I couldn't turn my head around to fully see it. Only my eyeballs moved to keep track of it.
What is this thing going to do now? Is it going to eat me or something? If so, then I hope I taste bad. Good thing I wasn't able to take a proper bath for days. Heh…
My sense of humor was truly broken.
"Why…? Youn- young- master… hic…" The ghoul-like creature sobbed.
But, it didn't do anything. It was… wailing? What a queer and unpredictable creature that was.
I fell asleep before I knew it.
***
I felt a gentle breeze brushing my hair when I woke up. That pleasant feeling was ruined by the fur that was invading my nose. I pulled my head back in irritation and was immediately struck by confusion.
Where am I? Why do I feel like I'm missing something important? Or rather… I think I'm forgetting something. Where am I? Wait… I still… can't feel my legs!?
Memories of what happened before I fell asleep rushed into my head in one fell swoop. I made a premature conclusion that I still haven't gained control of my body and that I was still lifelessly laying on the ground like a corpse. It didn't take long to discard that idea as judging from what I could feel, I clearly wasn't lying on the ground, but my movement still felt restricted.
The only way to confirm what was going on was to open my eyes. And so I did, reluctantly. Light ambushed my eyes, as I met the sun's gaze. I looked down immediately, my vision unclear and my head spinning. I couldn't believe that I made it through that night. I had nearly forgotten the warmth of day light and the color of lively green grass and trees that were pleasant to look at. I rubbed my groggy eyes and then blankly stared down as I simultaneously realized that I was being carried by someone. It felt familiar. It was a piggy back ride.
There was only one person who'd carry me like that.
Ghaf?
I physically shut my own mouth as I was about to say something. I felt happy, grateful, guilty and doomed at the same time. It was a roller coaster of emotions. Surviving that thing was undeniably a good thing, but now that Ghaf found me, doesn't that mean he knows of my escape?
What am I even supposed to say if he confronts me about it? Is he mad? Did he find out that I am not the Chosen One? Am I being taken back to the village? Am I going to be Executed? Or maybe Imprisoned?
I had so many questions.
"Chosen One, You're finally awake." He said.
Not knowing how to react, I kept quiet. I did not know what he was thinking. He was a kind person, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was murderously angry at me for what I've done.
"You… don't feel like answering, huh? I didn't know you hated me that much…" He said, as he was walking, carrying me on his back.
What…?
"I know that you have never liked the village or anyone from it since the beginning." He lowered his head, "I always had the feeling that you'd leave us one day. I knew it. But even then, I deluded myself into believing that you'll stay with us forever."
I frantically searched for a reply. But the words wouldn't come.
"I'm sorry, Chosen One. I was a fool to expect that you'd let me in on your plans, I overestimated myself. I really am not worthy to be the Chosen One's right hand."
"It's not like that, Gahf!" I replied, sharply. "I really wanted to let you know, I'm sorry for hiding this from you."
Ghaf lifted his head in shock.
"I was actually afraid…" I continued, "afraid that you wouldn't let me go if I told you, because leaving the jungle is a taboo. I don't hate you, Ghaf. You're like an elder brother to me."
Be it a gullible elder brother, but a kind and reliable one.
Like me, Ghaf was an orphan. His parents were elite guardians who died fighting primordials. Instead of sulking forever, Ghaf strived to become the Leading Guardian that surpassed every guardian to ever exist. A tragedy gave birth to a prodigy. That boy swore to protect his loved ones even if the whole world was against them. He had already solidified his position as the future Leading Guardian with his heroic acts. Even in the infamous large-scale smuggling attempt by humans four years ago, if it wasn't for Ghaf, those humans would have kidnapped a lot of young barbarians.
"Why…" He walked slower, "Just why would I ever go against you, Chosen One?"
I could answer his question. My heart was filled with guilt. I felt that deceiving him any longer is the same as wronging myself. I believed that it was okay to only let Ghaf know. He was the only person in this village who was unconditionally on my side for everything .
"Ghaf," I started, "will you believe me if I say something crazy?"
"Yes, Chosen One. If it's you, then I can believe in whatever you say."
I opened my mouth to speak, hesitantly.
"Would you believe me if I told you that I'm not really the Chosen One?"