Narihu

The first Nightmare

It was evening an unusually calm one. Everyone was asleep, and the only sound outside was the wind rushing fiercely through the trees. A perfect time to attempt reaching the blue level.

Where should I start? I muttered aloud, sitting down on my bed before closing my eyes to meditate. Suddenly, I found myself standing before a gate. I pushed it open and stepped through. The door shut behind me on its own. Everything went dark until, little by little, the darkness began to fade and light surrounded me.

I was inside a house. In front of me sat a boy in his teens, speaking to me while eating a warm meal.

-Quick, Narihu, eat up! Let's keep exploring.

I had no idea what he was talking about. Then a woman I didn't recognize appeared, smiling as she sat down at the table with a plate of food she'd brought for herself.

-Narihu's not going anywhere tonight. You can continue your exploring tomorrow.

-But we were so close! Time always passes so fast, (the boy complained).

-So, how's the food?

-It's really good! I wish my mom could cook like this. I'm jealous of Narihu he gets to eat this all the time! (he said, grinning wide before returning to his meal).

-Hahaha, I'm glad to hear that. It's always nice when others enjoy it too. This is Narihu's favorite food.

What? How could she know that? Who is this woman? How does she know my favorite food?

No, it can't be… she couldn't be—

-Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost, (the boy asked).

-I'm fine, (I managed to reply).

-Son, you can go upstairs, (the woman said softly). I'll walk Rei home.

What? Rei? Son?

This… this can't be real. None of this can be real.

My vision blurred. I lost consciousness and fell from the chair. The next thing I knew, it was morning and I was back in my bed.

What was that trial? I thought, pressing my hand to my forehead. Was it real? It couldn't be. There's no way I could've known Rei before. And that white-haired woman was she really my mother?

Come to think of it, I do resemble her more than I resemble my current parents—both in this life and the last.

I decided not to dwell on it for now. I got out of bed and went to wash up.

I guess this means I failed the trial.

I'm scared. I don't want to go back there again.

But what am I afraid of?

The truth? That she might really be my mother? Or that I might have known Rei long ago and that we were close friends?

Maybe it's easier to live like this… shutting myself off from the truth.

When I went downstairs for breakfast and saw my mother, I ran to her and hugged her tightly.

-What is it, my son? Did something happen? Did you have a bad dream? (she asked, surprised).

Yes… this is better.

Why should I know the truth? What's the point, if the truth would only destroy everything?

-I didn't manage to make it to the blue level,( I said through tears).

My mother knelt down, gently wiping my cheeks.

-It's all right, my son. You'll succeed next time. Even I didn't make it on my first try or even the second. Do you want to tell me what you saw?

-N-no, (I stammered, barely able to speak through my sobs.)

She pulled me into her arms.

-It's okay, Narihu. Mommy's here. You don't need to cry. No matter how frightening it was, you're safe now. As long as you can see me, you can be at peace.

Yes… this warmth this feeling I never want to lose it.

Maybe in my previous life, I never truly had it… or only rarely.

After a while, I calmed down. Mother stayed by my side, holding me close. Later, we had lunch together.

-Where's Father? (I asked).

-He went to the village. The village chief asked him to teach his son how to use a sword.

-I didn't think Father would agree to teach others, (I said, surprised).

-At first, he refused, (she explained). But the Grandmaster told him the chief's son is a rare talent the village hasn't seen in years. Your father wanted to see for himself so he agreed.

-No one can be more talented than me. (I said playfully).

-(She laughed). No one, indeed. I've never seen anyone your age as gifted as you. But I'm just happy you're all right. I've never seen you cry before I was so worried. You've always been mature for your age, never quite like other children. While others played, you were drawn to martial arts. You never made close friends, but we didn't want to force you. You never seemed to care.

-I'm sorry for making you worry, Mother. But don't everything's fine. As for friends… (I rubbed the back of my head and smiled). I'm sure I'll make some eventually.

-As your mother, I'd love nothing more than to see you surrounded by friends, she said warmly. But all right, I won't push. You've always known what you're doing I can see it in your eyes. So, what will you do today?

-Can I go after Father?

That's what I wanted to hear! It would save me a trip too. Here take this to him. I doubt he's eaten yet.

Mother packed some lunch, wrapped it carefully, and placed it in my hands. I could still feel its warmth. After giving me directions, I set out on my way