Chapter 5: Avery

Avery

I lay on the bed, my body throbbing with exhaustion after the battle. Propped up on my elbows, I gazed up at the ceiling, my mind adrift in a sea of fatigue. Memories flitted through my consciousness like elusive shadows, fragments of a past I struggled to grasp.

Closing my eyes, I surrendered to the haze of recollection, seeking solace in the recesses of my mind. There was a blinding light, a loud roar, and then darkness—a jumble of disjointed images that refused to merge into a coherent narrative.

Amidst the chaos, a figure emerged—a boy, his features obscured by the fog of memory. I strained to summon his face, but it remained stubbornly elusive, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand.

Frustration gnawed at me as I grappled with the enigma of my past. I knew that unlocking the secrets buried within my memories was the key to unlocking my identity, to understanding who I truly was. With a determined resolve, I plunged deeper into the recesses of my mind, determined to unravel the mysteries that lay hidden within.

 I find myself in a dimly lit alley, the sound of distant traffic echoing in the air. I catch a glimpse of a figure ahead, a boy with tousled hair and a mischievous grin. Despite the darkness, his features remain elusive, shrouded in shadow.

As I approach, he turns to me, his eyes sparkling with an inexplicable joy. "Don't forget," he says, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.

Confusion clouds my mind as I ask, "Forget what?"

But he only smiles enigmatically before darting away into the darkness. With a surge of determination, I chase after him, his laughter echoing in the empty alley.

But my dream takes a sinister turn as I sense a presence looming behind me. A chill runs down my spine as I turn to see a monstrous creature, its eyes gleaming with malice. With a gasp, I break into a sprint, the sound of my own footsteps echoing in the empty space.

As I run, the boy's words echo in my mind, urging me to remember. But amidst the chaos and fear, his message remains elusive, lost in the darkness of my subconscious.

.........................................................................

When Max entered his room, he noticed Avery's troubled expression as she slept, her brow furrowed with worry. He reached out to touch her forehead gently, intending to comfort her, but before his hand could make contact, Avery awoke with a start, her body drenched in a cold sweat.

Max approached Avery with concern evident in his eyes, "Are you alright?" he asked softly.

Avery forced a weak smile, trying to mask her unease, "I'm fine, just had a bad dream."

Max nodded, though he could sense her fear lingering, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Avery hesitated, her voice betraying a hint of fear, "It was... it was just a nightmare."

Max could see through her facade, but he chose not to press further. Instead, he gently patted her shoulder before heading to the kitchen. He returned shortly with a steaming bowl of broth, placing it in front of Avery.

"Here," he said, his tone gentle, "This should help."

Avery murmured her thanks, taking a sip of the warm broth. As she did, she felt a sense of comfort wash over her, grateful for Max's presence.

As Avery drifted off into a peaceful slumber, Max observed her with a mixture of concern and curiosity. The warmth of the broth seemed to soothe her, lulling her into a deeper sleep. Seizing the moment, Max gently touched her forehead once more.

In an instant, Max found himself immersed in Avery's mind, navigating through the corridors of her memories. Each door held a different emotion, a different experience. He delved deeper, searching for answers amidst the labyrinth of her subconscious.

Eventually, he stumbled upon a locked door, radiating an ominous aura. Max's lips curled into a malevolent smile as he realized the significance of this discovery. With a determined resolve, he focused his energy, preparing to unlock the secrets hidden behind that door.

As Max began to enter the forbidden doors Asmodeus emerged out of him and stopped Max.

Asmodeus: Max, you must reconsider. Delving into forbidden memories is a dangerous path. Avery's mental stability could be at risk.

Max: But we need answers, Asmodeus. If there's a chance this could help Avery, I have to take it.

Asmodeus: The risks outweigh the potential benefits, Max. Please, think this through.

Max: Asmodeus, you're being overly cautious. We need to know what's behind that door. It could hold the key to understanding Avery's nightmares.

Asmodeus: But Max, the risks are too great. Delving into forbidden memories can have dire consequences. We must proceed with caution.

Max: I understand your concern, but we can't ignore this opportunity. Avery needs our help, and I won't rest until I've uncovered the truth.

Asmodeus: Very well, Max. If you insist, but remember the consequences could be severe.

With a determined nod, Max watched as Asmodeus retreated back into him. Alone once more, Max's resolve only strengthened. Ignoring the lingering doubts, he approached the forbidden door with a mixture of anticipation and fear. With a deep breath, he pushed it open, ready to confront whatever secrets lay beyond.

Inside the forbidden chamber, Max's surroundings twisted and contorted, morphing into a surreal landscape that mirrored Avery's inner turmoil. Amidst the chaos, he stumbled upon a seal pulsating with dark energy, locking away Avery's true memories.

Max approached the seal cautiously, recognizing the danger it posed. Though tempted to break it open, he hesitated, knowing the risks involved. Instead, he delved deeper into the chamber, searching for clues that might unravel the mystery without unleashing the potential devastation locked within Avery's mind.

In the memory, Max witnessed a heart-wrenching scene: a small, lone figure, hidden behind a tree, weeping silently. Moving cautiously through the shadows, Max approached to offer comfort. However, upon sensing his presence, the girl recoiled in fear, nearly letting out a scream. Swiftly, Max revealed only half of his face, exposing his mouth and nose, and assured her in a soothing voice that he was just an ordinary man.

To his relief, the girl's initial terror subsided, replaced by a flood of tears as she threw herself into his arms. Max held her close, offering solace in his embrace, and gently inquired about her name. Her reply caught him off guard: she whispered a short, sweet name.

"Arin," she whispered softly, her voice fragile yet filled with longing.

Max swiftly withdrew his spiritual presence from Avery's mind and vanished, teleporting himself to the nearby forest before she stirred. As Avery awoke, she scanned her surroundings, a lingering sense of someone's presence tugging at her senses. Yet finding nothing out of the ordinary, she shrugged off the feeling and settled back into a peaceful slumber.

In the forest, Max's chuckle broke the serene silence, echoing among the trees. Gradually, his laughter swelled, building into hearty peals of amusement that filled the night air, a testament to the mischief brewing in his mind.