I sit back with my arms crossed and brows furrowed as I try to picture what Gwen asked me. Castles? Peasant life? Sorcery? What does she have to do with these things?
“Are you getting the hint?” she asked.
After struggling to piece a picture, I give up. But then something hit me: I remember seeing a poster for an upcoming movie of a dragon flying over a castle. Of course! Castles, peasants, sorcery... these are staples of medieval life!
“No way, Gwen, you’re from that period?”
“You finally get it, huh?”
I covered my mouth with shock. Incredible!
“You’re a spirit inside this stuffed cat, yeah?”
“Yep, I lived, married, and died old.”
Married?! Gwen got married too!
“Did you have kids?”
“Yes, lots of them: 20 in fact.”
“What kind of sex life did you had?”
“It’s rude to reject a husband’s pleas.”
What kind of married life was that?
“Enough about me for now and let’s move on to you.” Gwen wants me to talk about myself. Usually, I never do but now since Gwen lives with me, I might as well say some.
“My name is Glendolyn Villem. I’m 22 years old, and I’ve been living here in Moulin City since I was 20. I used to be a secretary for the local police, but things happened, and I lost my job. Other than that, I had many friends and well...”
“Don’t! I sympathize with your loss.”
I perk up. “So, you know about the incident?”
“I didn’t witness, but I was told,” she said.
“I see...” I nod. I won't bother asking more questions.
“So, what about your parents?" Gwen asked, "Where are they?”
“My parents divorced when I was eight. My mom left me with grandma, who raised me until she died when I was 18. I lived with my aunt, but I was miserable, so I saved enough money from my first part-time job just to move out. Then a few years later, I moved here, and the rest is history...”
“How sad... You live on your own, and you manage to cope. I didn’t have it easy either. I never knew my birth parents (though people said my mother was a prostitute.) As a kid, I was sold as a sex slave. One day, a kind fisherman saved me from a client and adopted me to his family. He renamed me ‘Gwendolyn’ after his stillborn daughter.
“My life has been comfortable ever since. I had a family who loved me. I learned magic. I traveled and met friends. Of course, it wasn’t easy, but my friends and I conquered many foes that came before us. Then I retired after years of travel to settle and raise my own family. Raising my kids was nowhere as exciting as beating enemies, but I was so happy. Eventually, I got old, became a grandma, and died.
“I already told you my husband, and I had lots of kids. Times were tough, but we made sure food was on the table to last long winters."
“So, who was your husband?” I asked.
“He was a swordsman. We met when he saved me from an attempted rape. We had so many adventures together that it was hard for an outsider to believe we settled.”
“Did you love him?”
“Of course! He’s always been my right hand in combat. He was loyal to the very end.”
I'm getting watery eyed. Such a moving love story... The love Gwen feels for her husband transcends time and space even after death.
“What about you, Glen? Do you have someone you love?"
Huh? Why is she asking me this?
“Nah! I prefer to be single because I can date tons of guys. I say marriage is for people who want to be tied down.”
“What are you saying?” Gwen asked in shock.
“I’m saying marriage is outdated. It’s all about hookups now. Nobody likes to settle. Besides, settling has caused many a divorce.”
“But this can’t be,” Gwen protested. “You can't bond with all those men, can you? That’s just wrong!”
“What for? I use them to score free food.”
“That’s awful! You shouldn’t use men!”
“Why not? Men use me for sex so I should use them too. If they don’t care, then why should I? I rather use than to be used.”
“It’s your life, but you shouldn’t continue doing that. You will get hurt.”
She looks at me with motherly concern. I get the feeling the two of us are making a good connection. That’s the way it should be.
Date: April 4
Time: Evening
It’s been weeks since I dated a guy and months since I had sex. I was getting a dry spell, and I felt the need for physical stimulation of any kind including smokes. So I sit on my sofa with my smartphone and look up some guys using Mingle. This app will allow me to swipe some guy’s pics and pick the one I’m interested in.
I considered reaching out to some of my former co-workers, but I want to meet someone new. I notice Gwen sitting on the sofa next to me with a curious expression.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I’m looking for a guy,” I said.
“I see, is it for courtship?”
“No! It’s just for sex.”
“Don’t do this. You’re going to get hurt.”
“Don’t lecture me on morals, dumb cat! You didn’t marry a virgin!”
“True but this doesn’t mean it’s okay. You really need to stop right now.”
I ignore her and continue my swap. By the way, it’s not my first time using the app. I used the app many times. I like the idea of meeting a random guy for sex. No courtships or getting to know him. I show up at his place, and we hook up. That’s about it. It makes dates much more exciting.
I come across a guy my age who’s a good match. He liked my bikini selfie I took last summer. He’s not bad-looking as he’s half-shirtless. Look! He's texting me.
***
“U good looking...”
“Yes, u good looking too,” I replied.
“Wanna bang?”
“Yes, I wanna bang. U got smokes?”
“Yeah, I got smokes. Let’s meet. My place. 2am. Good?”
“Yeah, we meet at 2. That’s good.”
***
Yes, I finally have a Mingle date!
I stand up with such enthusiasm.
“You found someone, huh?” Gwen asked.
“Yep! We’re going to meet at two,” I said.
“You shouldn’t go.”
“What?!”
“Nothing good will happen if you go.”
What is she? A mystic?
“I don’t have to obey you. I AM going!”
“I see... Then you leave me no choice.”
Gwen used her energy to knock me off to the floor. My smartphone dropped as result of the knockdown. Damn it! I’m really getting pissed now!
I crawl to reach my phone, but Gwen comes in and bites my arm! Blood flows to the floor as a result of her biting. I shrieked out of horror and rush to the bathroom to grab a towel. I wet the towel to remove the blood off and placed pressure using my other hand to stop the bleeding. Then I hastily grab the bandage to wrap around my inflicted arm.
I hear notifications from the same guy demanding I answer.
***
“Hello? Hello?! What the hell?
U won’t answer!
Bitch, u waste my time!!”
***
I never heard the notification again. I lost the mood to go out. How could I with a bitten arm? I feel so much burning rage right now. I look at Gwen through the open door as she stands expressionless as usual.
“I won’t forgive this!!”
I get up, rush to my bedroom, and slam the door. I slide on the floor next to my bed, wincing at the pain inflicted by that stupid furball! I continue to place pressure to ease the pain. My breathing is shallow, and my sweat is heavy even for nighttime. I crawl up to bed, but it will take hours for the pain to heal.
Shit! I’m so pissed off at Gwen right now!
Date: April 5
Time: Late N
ight
An ex-lover (I wouldn’t say boyfriend, but we hooked up a couple of times) contacted me to offer his condolences. He said he wanted to meet me, so I agreed to show up at his place. I told Gwen beforehand, and though she disagreed, she allowed me to go since I’ve said we knew through friends. I can’t believe I must ask the stupid cat permission to go out.
Anyway, I arrived at his place, and we didn’t waste time hooking up upon hitting his bedroom.
Just don’t ask the positions, eh?
I’ll leave it to your imagination...
Then afterward, we sit on the bed smoking some packs. This all felt damn good as I need those so bad in my body.
I don’t care what Gwen says.
This is how I enjoy my life.
Date: April 6
Time: Late Night
We continue the sex and the smoking there.
The stuff between us is hotter and dense.
Gwen still shows concern, but I don’t mind.
By the way, the pain in my arm is healed.
Date: April 7
Time: Late Night
We continue the sex and the smoking.
We can’t stop. It’s too addicting.
I wanted more. He wants more.
The condom broke, but I got my Plan-Z.
We agree to continue this until we tire.
I don’t think I’ll ever tire.
I need my packs, and I need my sex.
Gwen scolded me. She demanded I stop.
Yeah right! Like that’s going to stop me.
This is what I want. This is what I need.
Date: April 8
Time: Late Night
I’m sitting on his bed smoking after sex. I put on my clothes shortly after because I was ready to go home. I wanted to take some packs home when he said no. Look, I know I can’t afford them, but at least I should bring one or two home. I’ve been sleeping at his place for three days so at least he should give me some. It’s fair, right?
“Just gimme two packs, please?” I plead.
“No is no! I can’t give them to you because I need them,” he said.
“But you have a job! You can afford them!”
“I don’t care. I’m not giving to you.”
I’m fuming with rage. I had the immense urge to smack, but I couldn’t do that. Then I do the unthinkable: I take the rest of the packs and throw them out the window. (The guy lives on the 10th floor of his condo.) I expected him to snap, but he stood there. I suppose it’s due to the shock. Anyway, I march out of the building and stroll as far my legs could carry me.
I walk far into an empty parking lot of a super mall. I know it’s late night and the buses aren’t running, but whatever. I’ll just Lubber a ride home.
Then I hear a familiar male voice from afar.
Am I followed?
He catches up to me and grabs my wrists. “What the hell is your problem, bitch?!” He demanded as I struggle to break free.
“Let me go!” I cried.
“You got a lot of nerve throwing my packs out the window!” He squeezes my wrist further.
“Fuck you! I don’t care!”
“Is that so? Since you showed your true colors, I’ll show mine’s too! I’ll teach you to respect me, bitch!” He raises his other hand, aiming it towards me. Shit! He’s going to hit me. I try pushing him with my other hand but failed. I flail around trying to drive him away. The streets are empty, so there’s no one to help me out. It’s a hopeless situation.
Suddenly, a ball of fire ejects from my palm! The shot passes the guy’s cheeks as it flies by hitting a car and activating an alarm somewhere. Both of us remain frozen as we witness the scene.
I take advantage of his loose grip to flee from him. He sees me run until I disappear from his sight. He tries to run after me when a mysterious voice told him, “I advise you not to pursue any further.”
“Who the heck—!” he said as he turns around before being knocked unconscious. Meanwhile, I run far into an open area under the light of a street lamp. I pause to catch my breath. I'm almost at home, but walking late at night without anyone around is dangerous for a woman.
Then I was teleported back to my apartment door. The voice said, “Here! I brought you back home.” I give my thanks when I turn to see a young man standing there. He looks young like in his 20s with a sense of modern fashion. He’s carrying an odd staff in one hand and a metal briefcase on another. His hair is raven-colored short held in a ponytail. He looks with a smile of satisfaction. “It’s good you’re safe back home,” he said.
“Who are you?” I asked on impulse.
“I must retreat for now, but we will meet again real soon.” He teleported away before I can ask him more questions. His voice is somehow familiar like I’ve heard it before. Anyway, I’m too tired. I just want to sleep.
I open the door to see Gwen gleefully watching late-night TV. She turns her attention to me as soon as I walk in.
“Welcome back! I learned to use the remote!”
I wasn’t up for anything as I wobbled straight to my room. I fell into my bed and immediately slept. Gwen peeked into my bedroom with a look of concern. She senses something, prompting her to meet with someone on the rooftop.
“I sensed it. Glen, she used it... again.”
“I see,” said the familiar voice, “but we can’t be certain she is the one.”
“You’re right. When she learns her true nature, I’ll show her the text. The one I wrote,” Gwen said.
The mysterious person nods.
Date: April 9
Time: Morning
Ever since the incident back in March, my life has never been the same. Once again, I got involved in another incident. Only this time no one got injured. The episode gave me a nightmare of an identical event three years ago.
I wake up in a daze as the event from yesterday still echoes in my mind. I try to engage in my usual routine, but I find it hard to concentrate. I also have a hangover.
I skip eating breakfast to drink a cup of latte. I didn’t feel like eating today. Gwen shows up to greet me.
“Good morning! How are you doing, Glen?”
“What does it look like? I have a hangover.”
“You should lie in bed for the rest of the day. Drinking water helps too.”
“You’re right. I should...”
“When you’re better, we’ll travel the woods starting tomorrow.”
“Say what? The woods? Why tomorrow?”
“We have to start your training.”
I can’t believe what I heard: I’m going to be trained... in the woods. I recall there is a forest outside the city but the rail ride to go there takes forever. Like going to Simona College before, I can’t say no to this one.
I don’t know what Gwen is trying to do with me. But I do know one thing: something is up and as cliché this sounds, I’m going to find out what it is.
Date: April 10
Time: Morning
Day one of my training has begun.
Gwen and I are on a train ride to Botaine Forest. It’s a famous forest with a lot of history. Anyway, I still don’t get why she demands I go there to train. Can’t we just train in a gym or something? I don’t know what I’m going to be taught on.
“Explain to me why I had to wake up early again?” I asked as I yawned.
“You forgot again?!” Gwen whined. “I already told you it’s to make the best use of your special skills in case of an emergency. Besides, mornings are the best for training.”
“Alright, I get you. Stay in the bag.” I’m carrying Gwen in a tote. I’m trying to keep conversation with her a little to avoid raising suspicion. I was able to buy tickets thanks to grandma’s life insurance she saved for me.
The ride was long, but we finally arrived. Gwen suggests walking through the forest. Is she crazy? That’s a very long walk! She claims she’ll guide me there and I’m like “sure whatever.” Walking isn’t a bad idea. I get to save on cab fare.<
br />
We walk far as possible to avoid human detection, so we make it to a closed area surrounded by trees. I put down the tote to stretch my arms as Gwen gets out.
Gwen looks around the forest as if she knows the place for some reason.
“This forest has seen better days...” I hear her mutter before turning to me.
“We’ll take it easy today since this is your first day. I’ll start by going over the basics. You better pay attention because I’m not repeating myself.”
Oh wow, a lecture.
“Historically, there have been three types of magic: light, dark, and elemental. Light Arts are generally recovery and support skills but can also be used for exorcism. Dark Arts are typically cursing skills, but few can be destructive. The Elemental Arts, as the name implies, are made up of skills by nature elements (fire, earth, wind, water.) The latter is split into two branches: East and West. It doesn’t matter which branch you use because both carry the same effect.”
I sit on the ground with my back to a tree dumbfounded as I hear this ridiculous lecture. I have the sudden urge to walk up and leave.
“How is this going to help me find a job?”
“Well, not in a literal sense, but it will help.”
“Dammit, Gwen, this is bullshit! I’m going home! You can stay in this forest for all I care.” I stand up as I grab my tote to walk away. Gwen stops me on the spot.
“Then summon a Fireball.”
“What?”
“Summon a Fireball.”
An empty soda can was placed on top of some trunks that were mysteriously prepared.
“Can I just knock the can over?”
“No, you have to summon a Fireball.”
“What you’re asking is beyond insane.”
“Just do it!!”
Gwen is demanding too much. It’s impossible to flee. I have no choice but to summon the thing...except I don’t know how.
“Okay, how do I summon this fireball?”
“Just say ‘Fireball.' Say the word.”
“This is stupid... fine, fireball.”
But nothing came out.
“No! You must position the right pose and say the word with more power. Now, extend your arm like so, spread your hand wide, and then say the word.”
This is stupid, stupid, stupid!
“Fireball!” I yelled. A ball of fire blasts out of my hand, knocking the can off the trunk. What the...? I see smoke in my hand. Is it on fire?! The vapor then subsidized. I dash to the logs to look at the knocked can turn to rust. Did I really do this? I turn to Gwen demanding an explanation. I don’t get this at all!
Legacy of Dolyn Page 3