CHAPTER 6

Aya lowered her eyes to hide the sadness and disappointment in them. She forced herself to be positive and not cry. She can't be weak anymore, because she is needed. There is something she must do... but...

Aya bit her lips in frustration. The strength in her teeth was enough to draw blood.

"No matter how hard I try, it was never enough... I am never enough." Aya kneeled on the floor and grabbed her hair. Her head was filled with dark and vile thoughts. It seemed as if her own brain is attacking her and wanted to destroy her.

Aya could not take it anymore. She sobbed and suddenly screamed, "Help me!!!"

The floor then collapsed and she fell into water. Aya struggled but her body kept sinking. She was almost out of air... fortunately, someone pulled her out. Aya looked grateful for a moment, but then, she suddenly looked horrified. "Teacher!"

Aya abruptly opened her eyes and woke up. She was drenched in sweat and gasping for air. She then looked around and assured herself. "It was only a dream. You're fine. You're not in that world anymore."

After trying to produce magic and failing so many times, Aya fell asleep in exhaustion. Her frustration and exhaustion may have contributed to her having a dream about the past.

Aya stood up and took a candle. She can't go back to sleep, so she wanted to take a walk.

When Aya arrived at the garden, she stopped and looked at the white roses with longing. She then sighed. "I wonder... how is he in that world..."

"Can't sleep?" A sudden low voice came from behind her.

Aya turned around in surprise. "Mr. Rune!"

Rune looked at her. "I saw you from my study's window."

Aya lowered her head and scratched her cheek in hesitation. "I... uh... had a nightmare... I can't go back to sleep, so I came here instead."

"I see." Rune responded simply, seemingly uninterested. He, however, sat on the ground. "Sit here."

Aya was again surprised. She thought that Mr. Rune would be a bit of a germaphobe, considering his personality. He sat there with his white robes nonchalantly.

Aya felt warm. She thought that maybe this is Mr. Rune's way of comforting her, so she sat beside him.

Aya then noticed a lamp in Rune's hand. "Oh... so there are lamps in this world too, Mr. Rune."

Rune handed Aya the lamp. "I made it with magic stones and light magic, similar to the one I gave you."

"Hmm... but I still haven't succeeded with it, Mr. Rune..." Aya looked dispirited as she held the lamp.

Rune's gaze never left Aya as she filled his thoughts. This person was the Priestess he summoned. This person's light was called upon and was attracted by his light.

Rune looked at Aya and remember the first time he saw her. This beautiful girl laid motionless on the brick floor. Her black hair was spread out on the ground, greatly contrasting against her fair skin. The small light from the torches surrounds her like a spotlight. Rune had to say, it was truly a beautiful sight.

Rune smiled from his reminiscing and touched the lamp with Aya. "Why don't we do it together?... calling the light..."

Aya was mesmerized by Rune's smile. The light twinkling in his eyes like stars in the night sky. An unknown feeling started to creep out from her chest.

Time seemed to stop between the two people as they gazed into each other's eyes. They were only awoken when the light from the lamp became even brighter. They were then surrounded by warm fragments of light.

Aya felt as if she entered a dream-like fantasy as golden dusts sprinkled into the air.

Aya's eyes widened and exclaimed happily. "Mr. Rune!!! I felt it. I felt the magic. I finally did it." She unconsciously cling unto Rune.

Rune did not seem to mind as he patted Aya's head. "Yeah... You did it... Aya."

Aya's cheeks burned in embarrassment. She was grateful to be praised by Rune and to see a new side to him that she had never seen before. She felt a bit special.

A moment later, Aya realized that she was still clinging on to Rune with her arms wrapped around his. She quickly pulled back and lowered her head in apology. "Sor...sorry... Mr... no ... Rune."

Rune only nodded and stood up. "It is late. I assume that you can go back to sleep now."

"Ye...yes..." Aya stuttered when she saw Rune return to his usual stoic self. If it weren't for the warmth that remained in her arms, Aya would have thought that their previous interaction was only a part of her dream.

Rune turned around and left without taking back the lamp. Aya believed that he had given it to her. She held the lamp tightly and closed her eyes, replicating the feelings she had earlier.

That warm and tickling feeling scratching on her heart. It makes her a bit excited and giddy. A moment later, as she had predicted... the lamp lighted even brighter.

Pride and happiness painted across Aya's face. "Finally..." She said with relief in her breath.

Aya also did not take her success for granted. She is only able to produce mana for now, but still can't cast magic. This, however, marks the beginning of her magical journey in this unknown magical world. Despite her slight uneasiness, Aya can't help but look forward to it a little bit.

Aya only hoped that... in this story... she wont be alone anymore... and that she'll be able to have her own happy ending.

Aya finally stood up and dusted off her dress. She then gave one final look at the white roses and turned around. Her lips curved upwards in delight, "I hope that you're not waiting for me... because... I wont ever return back there."

Her steps light and happy as she made her way back to her room. Aya slept peacefully that evening, with nothing haunting her dreams.