Wonderful, just leave Michiko alone in a different world. Why did that kid even think that this was a good idea. What about Tsukiko and the tribe? What will they think when Michiko doesn’t return? They may leave her and believe she left them. No no no, this isn’t good! Michiko needs to get back soon!
I stared at the ground as I sat on the couch that Orca first put me on. This was all so much to take in. First off, there are other worlds than Obcasus?? The old man did talk the possibility of them and often told me stories of some off set place that was so different from our desert home. I thought he was joking and just made it up to entertain Tsukiko and I for fire side stories, but....maybe he was telling the truth.
I had long ago taken off my cloak and headscarf leaving me in my normal attire. My shirt was a dark gray and was sleeveless for mobility and to keep me cool which was the same reason it ended äround my stomach. My pants were the same tan color as the cloak and headscarf was loose around legs but hugged tightly to my waist and ankles while my shoes were just simple flats. But the most important piece of clothing was around my neck hiding the fact that the collar was high up on my neck, it was a dark red, worn scarf that I’ve have had ever since I was small. It’s age showed as it was torn at the end and it was far longer than my body so I had to wrap it several times around my neck. It used to be the old man’s but when he adopted Tsukiko and I he gave this scarf to me and by then it was already a little worn.
Thinking about the old man made me think of home and that helped calm me a little. So… I’m in another world, when I believed there weren’t any other worlds. That’s at least what the old man and Riera wanted me to believe. I wonder how many there are in reality, since I now have evidence that the old man lied about Obcasus being the only world. That means I won’t be able to tell him about this yet nor ask him about other worlds, since he’ll lie about it. That means Orca, a so called dragon from the myths, is the key to getting any answers.
I looked up at the stack of books that were everywhere, Orca did say I could look at all these books. Though I wouldn’t call this a library, since books were everywhere and anywhere you could see. They were all thick too, he must be a big reader...I wonder if he’s been alone, reading these books this whole time. There isn’t any indication of anyone else living here, only one bedroom and the space is a bit too small for any grown adult. And there is the fact that this whole house has been carved out of tree, making it look like a normal tree on the outside.
I stood up and looked at the closest stack of books to see if there was anything about worlds. From above I heard a door clicking open and closed softly as soft footsteps followed. I didn’t look behind me as I knew he stood there, waiting for me to look at him. There was only one book I found about worlds, so I hope that this will give me what I need. Taking it out of the stack carefully, making sure to not make it fall over, I opened the book as I heard Orca walk a bit closer.
“Is there something you need?” I didn’t turn around to even look at him as I am still a little angry at him. Opening the book I saw it was separated in four sections: Noctem, Ortus, Dies, and then Obcasus. There was a little bit before the Noctem section which I began reading as Orca stuttered a little.
“Well...well I was wondering if you’d- if you’d like to maybe read this story book? With me I mean.” I finally turned around and glanced away from the large book in my hand to see Orça holding up a smaller, picture book. It was worn more than most of the books in here, meaning that he read it quite a lot. I guess it means a lot to him...and I can’t stay pissed off forever.
“Sure.” I closed the book not caring if I have to search for my spot anymore. Sitting down on the couch I placed the book beside me and patted the spot beside me for him to sit. A big smile spread across his face as he sat down and scooted close so that our legs touched. He opened the book and it showed the title along with a small, white bunny. “The Lonely Bunny” as the story book was called was about a bunny all alone in the world, with no family, no friends, and no one to take care of him. He wandered forever, believing he was all alone in the vast world as no one would talk to him. But one day he met another small bunny but unlike him this one was black. The black bunny spoke to white and for the first time, the white bunny didn't feel alone. The two stuck close as they only had each other and at the end both lonely bunnies, were no longer lonely as they both had a friend.
I looked up from the last picture of the two bunnies together at Orca who had tears forming in his eyes. Orca closed the book as wiped the tears away quickly.
“Sorry, it’s just that I relate to the bunnies. With being alone for such a long time and all.” I kept staring at him as he held the book tight against his chest. I’m not all that good at comforting but….I reached toward the top of his head but hesitated for a few seconds until I patted the top of his head.
“What?” He looked at me confused as I looked away from him and stopped, folding my arms over my chest.
“Riera often did that to comfort me when I was a kitten. Though I guess it helps to have larger hands to make it comforting so I can’t really help you.” I felt my face heat up a bit from embarrassment, how can I even comfort someone? It’s not even in my blood.
“Nu-uh. Mochi, you comfort me in your own way. And size doesn’t necessarily matter in head pats. I prefer yours to large overpowering ones.” Orca hugged me from the side as I sighed at him and didn’t hug him back.
“If you say so. Anyway, we should both head to bed so we can head out early tomorrow. It’ll be fun to come up with the excuse why I didn’t show up back home.” I touched the book that had been sitting beside me, I’ll read a bit before sleeping.
“Oh wait! You need to drink your tea first. And you’ll need a blanket!” Orca ran around as he poured hot water into the cup again and handed it to me as he ran off. Probably to go look for a blanket? I guess it was kinda chilly, but not as much as the dark part of the desert. I drank that tea and finished it while Orca came back into the room and placed a few blankets on the couch beside me.
“You’re welcome to anything and if you need anything from me like a question you can just come and wake me up. Goodnight Mochi!” He took the empty cup from my hands gently and put it down.
“Kay, will do. Night Orca.” I watched him as he jogged up the stairs and then out of sight. I took the covers and wrapped them around me and laid down on the couch. Picking up the book I started to read about all the worlds including my own.
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