A Dream

``John, John. ``

A woman's voice could be heard.

``John, can you hear me!?``

``Hello? Who is talking to me? `` John replied.

``We don't have much time so listen carefully. You have to get out of the kingdom. You have to escape. ``

``Escape from the kingdom? What do you mean? ``

``You have to get out of there. You don't have much time. ``

``Much time? What are you trying to say? ``

``You're in danger.``

``What are you trying to tell me? ``

After John asked his question, the woman's voice was getting quieter and quieter until there was silence. John looked around until he saw a door ahead of him. Curious, John approached it and noticed that the closer he got to it, the aura he felt was getting more and more powerful. Once he reached the door, he saw the door was locked up with chains. And not only that, but the door was also violently shaking like something was trying to get out. John didn't know what to make of this. First, he heard a woman's voice saying that he is in danger and now the powerful aura he is feeling from the door is violently shaking. No matter how much he thinks, he can't put the pieces together.

``Mister. ``

Another voice could be heard.

``Mister. Mister. ``

As soon as John heard the voice he immediately woke up and next to him was Ela.

``Mister, it's time to wake up. ``

``What time is it? ``

``It's 9:00 am. Seriously mister, you said that it was a busy day today and yet you're still the one in bed. ``

``Where are the others? ``

``They're downstairs waiting for you. They told me to come get you. ``

``Thanks for waking me up, Ela. ``

She smiled.

John got up and got ready. He went downstairs to meet up with everyone else and left the inn to begin their day.

The first thing John wanted to do was get them some clothes, so they went to a clothing shop. Once they arrived, they entered and were introduced by someone John knew.

``Hey John, how you been today. ``

``Doing pretty good. I'm just here to get these three some new clothes. And how about you Kevin? How`s business going? ``

``So far so good. Now, what kind of clothes are you looking for? ``

``Actually I kind of needed your help today. ``

``Oh. It's been a while since you asked for my help. ``

``Since I'm not good when it comes to fashion, I was wondering if you could help me find some good clothes for them. If it's not too much trouble that is? ``

``Nonsense. You helped me many times so this is something I could do for you at least. ``

John smile, ``Thanks. ``

Elina approached John, ``Are you sure this is, okay? We're fine for what we have. You don't need to go that far to help. ``

``It's alright Elina. You don't have to worry about it. I'm doing it because I want too. ``

``But still…``

``Madam, if I may`` Kevin said, intervening in their conversation, ``You shouldn't feel bad if he is offering. I know people only be kind to others expecting something in return. But John here, he's different. He's not liked the rest you see out there. He helped me so many times before. Even if I couldn't offer him any reward, he still helped me. So, you don't have to worry about paying him back. John is a good kid and I know he's doing it because he wants to, right John? ``

``Couldn't have said it better myself. ``

``So you see madam, you don't need to worry anymore. ``

Elina didn't know what to say. All of her suspension about John was fading away. She didn't know that John was someone like that. And to be praised by someone else. She was surprised by it all.

``Alright then. You guys win. I'll stop worrying. ``

``Good, but first things first, you guys need a shower. You can't look beautiful or handsome with all that dirt on your face. My employees will show you guys the way. ``

Kevin clapped and a man and woman appeared.

``Will you guys show them where the showers are and don't forget to bring them towels and a pair of clothes for them to wear. ``

``As you command sir`` both of them said.

The lady approached Elina and Ela.

``Come and follow me ladies. I will show you where you need to go. ``

The man approached Brandon.

``Come and follow me sir. I will show you where you need to go. ``

All three of them left and followed.

``So what are you going to do in the meantime John? ``

``I don't know, I might just wait here until their done. ``

``Since you're going to be here anyway, why don't you join me for a cup of tea and have a chat. ``

``I'll gladly accept your offer. ``

So, John and Kevin had a long meaningful chat.

Once Ela, Brandon, and Elina finished showering, they were led somewhere else to get their hair fixed. And once they were done with that, Kevin helped them pick out their clothes that would best match them.

Time has passed and Kevin wants John to see what he has accomplished.

``You ready to see my masterpiece, John? ``

``Ready as I ever be. ``

Kevin was excited.

``Alright folks, you can come out now. ``

They came out and John was surprised how they looked.

``So, how do we look? `` said Elina

``You guys look beautiful. ``

Elina and Ela were happy but embarrassed at the same time.

``And Brandon, you look handsome. Those clothes really suit you. ``

Brandon started to get embarrassed as well because he wasn't used to wearing these types of clothes.

``I'm happy with the outcome Kevin. You really out did yourself. ``

``Of course. I did give it my all after all. ``

John knew he was right. Ela looked good with the blue dress she had on. And John could see that they did her hair pretty good despite it being long and messy. And when it came to Brandon, he looked good with the casual look. It was just some simple pants and shirt, but it made a difference for him. But what is most shocking is Elina. Her hair was short even though it was long before and her outfit made her really beautiful that he couldn't help but admire.

``There were more outfits that went well with them, but we decided that these were the best so far. ``

``Alright then, I'll take every one that matched them. ``

``Of course. ``

Kevin ordered his employees to get the clothes.

``Alright, how much will all this cost? ``

``Since you're a good friend, it will cost you 5 gold coins. ``

``Here`s 10. ``

``10!? I can't possibly accept that from you. ``

``Nonsense, we're all friends here. Consider this a tip for you and your employees. ``

``Then in that case, I'll take it. ``

After John paid, they went back to the inn and dropped off their clothes. Once they were done, they went to the tavern to eat. Once they got seated and ordered their food, John wanted to talk to Terisa about something.

``Terisa, is it okay if I talk to you about something alone? ``

Curious on what John had to say, she agreed.

``You guys continue eating, it won't take long.``

They were curious as to what John had to say that he couldn't say it in front of them. As John left to talk with Terisa, they continued to eat while looking at them. They see Terisa getting her parents and explaining to them about something. After that, they saw her say something to John and John hugged her out of excitement. Once John was finished, he came back with Terisa.

``Ela, Elina, Brandon, Terisa has something that she wants to say. ``

They look at her curiously.

``How do you guys feel about working here? We are looking for people since it's only me and my parents. ``

They were kind of surprised about it. They thought she would say something else other than that.

``Is that really okay, I mean you barely know us and yet you're offering us a job? `` Elina said.

``That may be so, but John told me about your situation. And I feel bad so that's why I want to help you guys out. If you work for us, not only will you get paid more than working for the noble, you guys will also be able to live with us. ``

``What do you mean? ``

``You see, we have 4 rooms upstairs, but we don't let anyone rent it. I have a room and my parents have theirs so that leaves two empty ones. John told me that you guys should live here``

While Elina was thinking about it, Ela and Brandon looked at John.

``Mister, do you not want to live with us anymore? Are we really a burden that you want us to move`` Ela said sadly?

``Sir, I know we cause you lots of trouble but please don't leave us. We promise that we won't cause trouble for you anymore`` Brandon said also looking sad.

John couldn't help but chuckle.

``You guys have it all wrong, I'm doing this to help you. ``

Ela and Brandon looked at him confused.

``Look, you guys had a harsh life, and your mother is working hard to provide for you guys. But since she is getting paid low for her hard work, it wasn't fair for me to see something like that. So that's why I told Terisa if you guys could work here and help her run the tavern. As Terisa said, they are looking for workers and I told her about your guyses situation. So, she was happy to help and ask if you guys wanted to work here at the tavern. Her parents already agree to this decision but it's up to you guys whether or not you guys want to or not. ``

Ela decided to speak up first.

``But mister, why do you want us to move here? Isn't it fine at the inn that we are staying at? ``

``It is, but the reason is because I don't want to worry about you guys when I go on missions for the guild. I don't feel comfortable leaving you guys by yourself. I know you have your mom but what if something happens when I'm away. That's why I asked Terisa if it was alright, and she said yes. That way, I could be more at ease. ``

Ela and Brandon looked at each other and started to calm down.

``And besides, that's not the only reason why I'm doing this. ``

``And what is the other reason mister? ``

``The other reason is that you guys should know how to provide for yourselves. I can't provide for you forever. What if something happens to me when I go out to clear missions? Then who is going to help you or support you then? ``

Ela and Brandon knew what John was saying was right.

``So is this your way of saying goodbye to us mister`` Ela said.

Brandon started to get sad again at what Ela had said.

John approached them and patted their head to comfort them.

``Of course not, I'm not leaving you guys anytime soon. I will always be here with you guys so don't forget that. ``

Both Ela and Brandon started to feel better and both of them hugged John.

``Thank you mister. ``

``Thank you sir for always taking care of us. ``

John hugged them back.

``Your welcome. Now, what do you guys say, will you accept? ``

They both let go of John and nodded. Happy with their response, John looked at Elina.

``What about you? Do you accept it because your kids seem to agree with this idea?``

Elina looked at them and looked at John right after.

``I accept. When do we start working? ``

Terisa smiled, `` You can start tomorrow at 8am.``

``Alright then. Thank you. ``

``Don't thank me, you should be thanking John since he's the one that made it happen. ``

Elina looked at John, `` Thank you John, I will never forget what you have done for me and the kids. ``

``Your welcome. I'm glad that I could help. Now then, shall we get all your stuff and bring it here? ``

``You're not moving with us mister? `` Ela said.

``Well, I mean…``

John didn't know what to say so he looked at Terisa.

``It's fine with us. My parents wouldn't mind. ``

``Then there shouldn't be any problems, right? `` Ela said.

``Well…`` John looked at Ela and could tell she was giving him the puppy eyes.

``Alright you win. I guess I'll be moving here as well. ``

Brandon and Ela were happy.

``Terisa we`ll be back. ``

``Alright then. ``

They left to grab their stuff and before they knew it, it was starting to get late. Moving their stuff took longer than John expected. And not only that, but shopping for furniture also took long as well.

``If only I had a space bag or ring. It would've made things much easier`` John thought to himself. Once they finished bringing their stuff, they started to organize. John got one room and they got the other. After they finished, they decided to eat dinner. John ordered everything once again to celebrate his achievement and theirs. Once they were finished, they went to their rooms and as usual, John got his guitar and sang for Ela and Brandon for them to go to sleep. John said goodnight to Elina and went to his room and slept.

``John, John, can you hear me? ``

A woman's voice could be heard.

``You have to escape from Arthora. You are in danger. You don't have much time. ``

``What do you mean? I don't understand. `` John said.

``You have to escape before he finds out. ``

``Who`s he? Who are you talking about? ``

John was confused. She kept saying the same thing as the previous dream. John thought about it trying to put the pieces together.

``Okay, I know I'm in a dream and I know this is the second time it's happened. Think John, what is she trying to say to you? What is she warning you about? Why is she telling me to leave? ``

Many questions but no answers. The woman's voice stopped, and John saw the door in front of him again. He approached it still feeling the powerful aura coming from it and still the door was shaking violently. He wanted to do something new, so he decided to go towards the door in an attempt to open it. But before he could do it, he was stopped by a woman.

``Hey! Don't try to open the door. ``

Surprise, John stopped and turned around.

``Can you hear me John, don't open the door. ``

``Who are you? ``

Shocked, she said,

``You could see me? ``

``Yea, who else would I be looking at? ``

``This is not good, if you could see me, that means some of his magic is starting to leak out. And if that's the case, he already knows about John. `` she said, mumbling to herself.

``Anyways. Who are you? I've never seen you before. ``

``We don't have time to chit chat John, so listen carefully before you wake up, you have to escape the kingdom. You don't have a choice so trust me on this. ``

``Woah Woah Woah. Why would I leave? It's not like I'm in danger. And I want to know, were you the one telling me all the stuff before too or was that someone else. ``

``It was me John, the one you where hearing was me the whole time. ``

``Alright, then answer me this, you kept said before that if I don't escape, he will find me, who is he and why am I in danger? ``

``To answer your question, you're in danger because of your father. ``

John was kind of shocked because he didn't expect her to say his father.

``What does my father have to do with all this? ``

Before she could answer, the door started to violently shake more aggressively. And before they knew it, something started to leak out.

``Oh no, the magic is leaking out. `` she said while looking a bit panicked.

``What's behind the door? `` John said while looking at her suspiciously.

``No no no, I thought I had more time so why is it leaking now. ``

``What is that that's leaking out the door? ``

``John, that's your magic. You possess both dark and light magic. ``

``Imposible! I was never born with magic so why are you saying it's my magic? And not only that, light, dark, stop joking around. Everybody knows that light and dark are rare to possess and yet you're telling me I have both?!``

``Whether you believe me or not, it's the truth. Now the good thing is that the magic isn't leaking out of control. ``

``And how is that good news? ``

``It's good news because if all your magic came out at once, it would kill you. ``

``Guess that is good news`` John said while laughing nervously.

``You have to leave before you father finds you. ``

``And why would I do that? ``

``You father wants to kill you, John. He wants to use you to power up his own magic that he possesses. And if he succeeds in capturing you, you will die`` She said looking at John seriously.

Before John could say anything, he woke up from his sleep. He looked outside of his window and realized that it was still dark outside.

``Man what a weird dream, can't believe all that stuff happened. Pff, in danger, now that's funny. ``

John got up and decided to look in the mirror. But as soon as he looked, John stepped back looking worried about himself.

``It can't be. Why are my eyes different colors? ``

John thought that he was hallucinating so he closed his eyes for 3 seconds and opened them up, but his eyes were still the same.

``That can't be. Then the dream that I had, was it all real? But that's impossible. All my life I thought I never had magic and know out of nowhere I have magic now? What the hell is going on? Why now of all time. ``

John started to tear up. He had a mix of emotions stirring inside him. The reason he knows is because in his childhood, his brother told him that if someone possesses light or dark magic, one of their eye color changes. John asked him if the same thing applies for other magic like fire or ice. But he said no. And to prove it, he explained to John that his left eye is purple because he possesses the power of dark. And he also explained that if someone possess light magic, then their eye color will turn yellow.

Meanwhile, Inside the King's room,

``Sir, John`s magic is starting to come out. What do you plan to do? ``

``Send some assassins to capture him. Make sure they don't kill or injure him. ``

``As you wish sir, I'll tell them at once. ``

Eric was behind the door listening to the conversation.

As soon as the door opened, Eric was nowhere to be seen.

``The time has come John. This is what I've been waiting for. After waiting for 18 years, I can finally get what I always wanted. If it wasn't for Isabella, I could`ve gone it sooner. But no matter, that's all in the past now. As soon as I get John and absorb his power, I can finally make my idea come to life. And I will kill anyone who gets in my way. ``

The King starts to laugh hysterically.