Chapter 38 - The Green Gemstone

'You're so beautiful,' A young gentleman named Frederick Klaus confessed to a young lady.

Katherine huffed lightly. They're not very far from her to not overhear their conversation. He can swoon all the girls he wanted to impress and she knew better not to get herself involve with him for nothing that comes out of that man's mouth is sincere. Yesterday, she saw him romancing the duke's daughter and now, he's targeting the neighboring country's princess.

When Frederick saw her glaring at him, he instantly smiled. He said something to his companion making the lady giggle before he made his way towards her.

Katherine raised her left brow when she saw him coming.

What does he want this time? I sighed inwardly.

'Good day, your grace,' Frederick greeted happily. ' I believe that it's a great day today. May I know why you are sporting a glare on my direction? Did I do something that upsets you?' He asks mockingly. He knew very well why Katherine is glaring at him. Every time they meet, she always glares at him. He always wonder why she always disapprove of his womanizing acts but never confronted the young woman. Ever since day one, they always bicker at any chances they get and today is not an exemption.

'Just showing your face in front of me is enough to ruin my day, so please do me a favor and turn to the opposite direction,' she said as she dismiss the young man, but instead of leaving, he stood right in front of her and leaned forward.

Katherine felt suddenly awkward by their proximity, but didn't move from where she is standing. The last thing she wanted to happen is for him to think that his actions has an effect on her.

'What do you want Klaus?' Katherine asked coldly.

'Ah....cold as ice,' Frederick commented with a smile still plastered on his face regardless of the treatment he is recieving from the icy woman in front of him.

'If you don't have anything good to say, just leave,' She said flatly keeping a straight face.

He leaned forward once more and whispered something on Katerine's right ear, 'Mark my words, there will be a day that you'll say otherwise,'

His words catch Katherine off guard. Seeing her flustered face, Klaus laughed.

'Didn't expect you to show me this kind of side,' he commented with amusement before he left Katherine watch his retreating figure.

***

Opening my eyes, I suddenly woke up from my long nap. I remembered just a while ago, after we rode a place back in France I was completely out of commision.

After studying my surroundings, I concluded that I'm inside Montblanc's Manor in Paris and the big question is, who brought me inside this room?

I decided to get off the bed when a wave of headache shot me and took me out of balance.

Thankfully, before I landed on the floor, I was able to hold the nightstand for support.

Close call...

I shut my eyes close and massage my temples, thinking that it will relieve the throbing pain.

'Tasha,' I heard somebody called and a knock on the door followed.

I composed myself and sat on the bed. 'Come in,' I said.

The door opened and revealed Mason.

'How are you feeling?'

'Not quite good, but I can manage,' I replied truthfully. 'Why are you here?'

He hesitated for a moment before saying, 'Axel wanted to discuss something with you,'

I frowned. What does he want now? 'Okay, I'll just freshen up before I go out,'

'He's in his office,' Mason said. 'If you're feeling hungry you can come with us in the dining room after your talk with him,' he offered.

'Sure, I'll do that, thank you,'

After Mason left, I make my way towards the bathroom and lean on the sink. I opened the water tap and washed my face. When I look at myself in front of the mirror, I noticed the rock that is hanging on my neck. It was the necklace that my grandfather gave me...the beginning of everything. What if my grandfather didn't bestowed me this necklace, will Axel still abduct me? Or will I still have value to him? Then, I remember the broken pieces of my memories.

I groaned. Frustrated at the toughts clouding my brain. I never thought there will a time that I'll ask myself this.

'Who are you?'

Then, everything stilled. The running water stops like it was frozen.

When I turn around, my surroundings completely changed from a bathroom to a spacious room with tiled floors covered with water.

'What do you want this time?' I asked knowing who brought me here.

'Wow, you changed quite a lot,' said the voice identical to mine. 'I'm impressed,' she complimented as she appeared out of nowhere wearing a plain white sleeveless dress.

'Why did you take me here?'

'I didn't. You're the one who wanted to be here,' she said smiling eerily.

'What do you mean?'

'I'm just a prisoner from your thoughts,'

'Who are you?' I asked.

'Didn't I told you before? I am you, you are me. We're one and the same,' she said before taking a step towards me.

Yes, I know the fact that we're the same by just looking at her, but the big question is, why does she exist? Why does a person with a completely different personality claimed that she's me? Where does she come from? Why is she always in my dreams?

Noticing my internal struggle, she suddenly asked,
'Do you know what's a yin and yang?'

'What of it?'

'Both are the complete opposite of the other, but cannot live without the other,' she stops when she's in front of me.

'Like a shadow that cannot exist without the light,' she said as she grinned.

'You mean to say that you're the yin and I'm the yang?' I asked confused but she just smiled just as eerily as before and never really answering my question.

'Typical...Always to assume the worst of me,' she said trying to sound disappointed but miserably fails.

'To make things easier for you, I'll give you a piece of advice,' she leaned forward and whispered the three words that I never thought would cloud my brain, 'JUST GIVE IN,'

After that I was back to where I was before I got drawn inside my head. Just thinking about it made me sound crazy but I'm very sure that she's never a delusion or a product of imagination. Maybe I should talk to someone about this and lessen the weight inside. Then, reality hits me like a ton of bricks.

Bad idea!

If I discuss this with anyone, they would think I'm crazy.

I sighed feeling helpless.

Just give in...

To what exactly?

I splashed my face yet again with water to calm my nerves. I'll deal with her later after I deal with another devil that's causing havoc in my life.

After I freshen up, it's time to face the music. I made my way towards Axel's study room or office, whatever he calls it, and opened the door after giving it a knock a few times.

I furrow my eyebrows when I saw no one inside. The room was dim-lit and cold. It sends shivers down on my body and the thin fabric I'm wearing is not helping either.

I shoud talk to Axel about turning on his heater.

I was about to leave when my eyes landed on the sofa.

There, I saw Axel sleeping soundly wearing his usual dress shirt. His coat was leaning on the arm of the sofa. He look worn out but at the same time peaceful.

Axel mumbled something inaudibly in his sleep. Then, I witness something that is rare for me or anyone else to see, he smiled. I wonder what he is dreaming?

It would really be convenient to have a power to see inside people's mind.

I sighed inwardly. I picked up his coat and carefully wrap it on his upper body avoiding to wake him up. I don't have the heart to disturb him while he looks so tired. I'll just piss him off once he's well-rested.

I'll just talk to him later.

I was about to turn and leave when a hand grab my wrist and pulled me.

In a blink of an eye, I was held captive by Axel with my back on the soft sofa and my wrists caged by his firm grip. His body was pressed firmly on my body, restraining my movements. His eyes are looking at me wih fury but suddenly soften for a milisecond before confusion surfaced on his facial features when he saw my startled expression.

'What are you doing here?' He asked.

'I-ah-I thought you called me?' I said. Now I'm not even sure if I'm needed here.

The crease on Axel's forehead increases. It's an indication that he doesn't have the slightest idea why I am here.

'I-I probably should go,' I said as I try to move out of Axel's hold. It's like I'm wrap up in a chain but a very warm chain. Soft and hard at the same time. His warm breath grazing my skin.

Then, it finally dawned to me our compromising position. I blushed at the thought.

Oh my goodness! Luckily it was dark inside this room.

Once I found Mason, I'll definitely give him a good punch in the face.

I look at Axel once again. He's in deep thought before his eyes met mine. He loosen his hold on my wrist when he realized that I'm not a threat. I felt his body relax but didn't move away.

Even in the dark, his eyes looks like they're glowing. The pair looks very familiar, but at the same time they're not. Like I've seen it a dozen of times this close, but I cannot remember.

Why can't I?

Series of flasbacks keeps on bugging my brain for quite some time now and most of them are with him, but I cannot really tell whether or not they're all real.

I feel so frustrated unlocking all the missing piece of my memories. If the images inside my head that kept on taunting me even in my dreams are real, then how old am I supposed to be? It feels like I'm living in another person's body.

I froze at the thought.

No. It can't possibly be. I brushed off the thought as soon as it passed my mind. The absurdity of it alone gives me the chills.

'You're not wrong,' He suddenly said.

Confusion is written all over my face by his sudden statement.

'Wrong about what?'

'I've been Bakunawa's contractor for a long time now,' he revealed.

The way he said it makes it sound like it was a very very long time ago but I didn't voice it out and asked, 'You did admit that you're his contractor, but why are you telling me this all of the sudden?' Curiousity got the best of me. I know that if I kept on asking him questions, he'll just brush it off in an instant but I believe that today's conversation is different.

'I assume that you know why,' He said and he seemed sure about what he's telling me.

'I don't know what you're talking about,' I said avoiding his gaze.

'It's useless for you to lie in front of me. I can tell,' He said.

I bit my lower lip. Am I that Obvious? He reads me like an open book, but the most intriguing part is he confirmed my unanswered questions.

'Judging by the way you said it, then it's not a dream. It's real,' I stated and look at him straight in the eyes.

When Axel didn't deny it I asked, 'Just who the hell are you in my life?'

He was about to answer my question when we were rudely interrupted by Mason.

'Don't kill her!' Mason shouted as he barge inside the room and the lights inside the room are now turned on.

I pushed Axel off the couch out of surprise, making a loud 'thud' sound on the floor.

'Oh my goodness!' I shriek when I realized my mistake and aided Axel right away who's on the ground wincing, 'I'm so sorry! Are you okay?'

'You bloody woman!' Axel groaned.

'Sorry! I didn't mean to push you,' I continue to apologize unaware of the pair of eyes that are watching us full of amusement and curiosity.

'You didn't have to fucking push me,' He complained, but I knew it didn't hurt much considering the pain tolerance of this person.

'Ehem,' Somebody interrupted.

We saw Mason standing near the door with an eyebrow raised.

'Did I miss something?' He asked. Then a smile forming on his lips.

'I think you misunderstand the situation,' I started.

'I didn't know you have this in you,' he said as he focus his attention to Axel.

Axel just shrugged. I glared at the person on my side.

'Why do you think he'll kill her?' I heard Marshall as he stroll inside the room leaving the door ajar. His gaze landed on us and his expression changed from frowing to confusion.

'What are they doing there?' I heard a female voice asked. It was Dianara. She's following Marshall when he strolled inside this room.

Axel stands from sitting on the floor and offered his hand to help me stand.

'Since eveyone's here, I guess it's time to discuss our next destination,'

Four pairs of eyes are now looking at him.

'You found the gemstones?' Marshall asked.

'No, I didn't but...' He paused and turn on my direction. ' but she will,'

What?

'Me?' I said pointing at myself. 'How am I supposed to do that?'

'Simple, since the twins are here, it'll make the job easier,' He said.

'What does it have to do with Mason and Dianara?'

'That's simple,' Dianara replied strolling inside the room with a scroll on her hand. She stop in front of the table and deposited the item on top of it.

She opened the scroll and revealed a worn out map of the world.

'You'll thank me later once you find out what I got,' she said boastfully.

'I tip you the location, its not like you'll find it if I didn't give you directions,' Mason said with irritation lacing in his voice.

'I'm still the one who found it regardless of your participation,' she replied. 'Hey you,' she suddenly pointing at me. 'Come here,' she commanded like a boss.

It irritate me. Who does she think she is? My master? I raised one brow at her but didn't move from where I am standing.

'Don't talk to Ana like that,' Marshall suddenly said in protest. 'She's not someone you can order around like a servant.'

'I am not her servant so don't expect me to bow at her,' Dianara said hotly. 'Besides,' Dianara continued glancing on my direction. 'She looks like a total pushover,'

Marshall was about to retort when Axel interrupted, 'Stop bickering or I'll send both of you out,' he threatened coldly.

Both of them immediately shut their mouths.

'You're not doing this right Dianara,' Mason said, frustrated at his sister. 'Tasha, I apologize on her behalf. She was raised like a crap so she's spouting crappy things,' he said earning him a jab on his stomach from Dianara.

I sighed. I walk towards the table and look at the map. Judging from its form, it looks like its an old map of the world. Suddenly, I felt the need to bring out the black stone. As soon as my hand touch the object, it suddenly glow.

I think I know now what to do.

I held my hand at the stone's chain and left it dangling freely above the map.

At first it didn't move but after a few seconds, it emitted a faint greenish glow and move towards the continent of Europe.

Numbers starts appearing inside my head. Unconsciously, I started to chant the numbers one by one. '4-3-7-6-9-6...1-1-2-5-5-8,' I myself didn't know what it means but I'm sure it has something to do with the country that the pendant is pointing to.

'Tasha,' Axel suddenly said breaking my focus. The pendant suddenly lose its glow and was now back to normal. I look up and saw the four of them looking at me, Axel with his passive facial expression while the rest of them are with confusion and surprise. I tried to do it again, but this time the pendant didn't work. Even the faint glow disappeared.

'I'm sorry,' I said looking at them. 'I can't do it again,'

'Do you remember the numbers Ana? We should write it down on a paper to try figuring it out,' Marshall suggested.

'I don't think—'

'Pack your things,' Axel suddenly announced.

We all look at him in surprise, wondering why we should pack out stuff.

'They're coordinates,' He said ' I assume you know which country we're heading,' he said talking to me.

'It's not very far from here,' I finally said. 'The pendant glowed and pointed at the continent of Europe,'

'What's with that map?' Marshall asked.

'It's a map of voyage. A high priestess made this a long time ago to help her navigate missing artifacts,' Dianara explained.

'You mean to say it can find anything? Wow, what a treasure!'

'Yes it can but with conditions. You can't find anything or anyone without a strong connection to the object,' Dianara explained.

'What do you mean?' I asked. 'How did I manage to find it when I don't even know what I'm looking for? I mean I only thought of a gemstone. I don't even know which gemstone,'

'That's because there are two strong factors at your side,' Axel suddenly said. 'There are only two gemstones left for us to find and those are the earth gemstone and the wind gemstone,' he explained.

'I saw a faint greenish glow earlier, does that mean we're after the earth stone?'

'Isn't that obvious already?' Dianara commented.

I ignored her comment and ask Axel, 'What are those strong factors you are talking about earlier?'

'We are,' Mason suddenly said. All humor in his eyes gone. He's looking straight at me with a very serious facial expression on his face.

'What does it have to do with you?'

Seeing my confusion, he step forward and stop in front of me.

'I'm the owner of the green gemstone before I decided that I'm not worthy enough to hold it,'

End of Chapter 38

-unknown 😂🤓
Have a great day!

Next Chapter: The Past and Present
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