"The Book of Wonders" - New Chapter now available! - Chapter 9
@GlendorBoy: "I'm back into the Real World. But everything is not the same."
Chapter 9 - @GlendorBoy: "I'm back into the Real World. But everything is not the same."
I couldn't believe my eyes as I looked back and forth between the alert on my phone, telling me I had received a sword, and the actual blade lying on the dirty floor of the airport restroom. The sword, which was housed in a tan leather scabbard, had a grip that matched the color and texture of the scabbard.
What… the hell? I gasped. It was crazy to think that this was really happening.
Crawling toward it, I grabbed it by the hilt. Its grip was firm, but not too smooth and not slimy from the sweat of my palm. I noticed the Beast’s face engraved on its pommel, looking to the side. But I couldn’t help but think he was staring back at me from the corner of his eye.
I grabbed my phone, dismissed the notif, and put it back to my back pocket. I slowly stood up, carefully handling the sword on hand. I pulled the sword out of its sheath, the steel making a smooth sound as it slid out. The blade sparkled under the dim bathroom light.
I stared at the sword, not quite sure what to do with it. It was pretty big, around 35 inches. I couldn't exactly walk out of the restroom with a sword in hand in a public place. What the hell was I supposed to do with this thing?
I tried to think of some other solution, but nothing came to mind. I couldn't just leave the sword behind either. My younger self had entrusted it to me, and I had a feeling it was going to play a significant role in whatever was happening. I sighed and decided I would just have to find a way to make it work.
I heard the hinges of the restroom door outside groan, and I sat up abruptly. Someone was here! I unzipped my gym bag, grabbed the sword and tried to fit it into it. But it was damn too long. Sh*t!
I took out a few t-shirts and a beanie hat, but the sword still stuck out of the bag, exposing the Beast's face on the hilt. I had no idea how airport security worked, especially when you get off a flight, but I knew I couldn't risk getting detained again because of this sword. I had to find a way to make it fit.
I heard someone clearing their throat on the other side of the stall and I heard water running in one of the sinks. Great. Someone was here. Washing their hands.
Maybe I should wait until they leave.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed. Growling under my breath, I dug into my pocket and yanked it out.
6 messages from Dad— 3 missed calls, a voice message, and 2 texts.
Dad:
“I spoke with your mother. Where are you? Call me ASAP.”
Dad:
“I’m at the airport.”
My phone buzzed in my hand again. A new message from Dad.
Dad:
“WHERE ARE YOU?” 😟 (worried emoji)
“Argh, Dad…”
The person behind the stall turned off the water and started walking away as he whistled. Great! They’re leaving!
Then I heard a zipper. Then a pause. And liquid dripping in an urinal.
“Uggh!” I exhaled aloud, and before I knew it, the peeing stopped.
“Hello?” a gruff voice spoke, “Anyone here?”
It’s a public restroom! What did you think? I wanted to say. But I stayed quiet.
I stood up, reached with my foot and flushed the toilet. I got my earbuds out, plugged it to my phone and placed the buds in my ears. Gotta pretend I didn’t hear him, right?
I put everything away, zipped up the bag, the sword still sticking out but now wearing a beanie to conceal itself, and I casually got out of the stall and saw the guy. It was an older man, gruff-looking, and red in the face.
He froze up at my sight. Like an animal caught by headlights. I nodded, turned away and quickly made my way for the exit.
“What’s that?” he pointed at me. He didn’t have a French accent.
Confused, I pointed at myself.
“Yeah!” he replied, “What’s that sticking out your back?”
Damn it! He saw my sword!
“Oh!” I tried laughing it off, “That’s nothing. Excuse me.”
“No! No!” He zipped up and stepped in front of me, “No, no. That’s not nothing. That’s a sword isn’t it? You know carrying a weapon in public is illegal right?”
“It’s not a sword, it’s a toy.” I lied.
“Nah, son.” He reached out his back and pulled out handcuffs. “Turn around.”
I could feel my blood run cold. The man reached for my arm and I pulled away.
“Hey now, what are you doing?” I shouted, “I told you, it’s a toy!”
“And I’m telling you kid, that’s not a toy!”
“Who do you think you are anyway?”
“I’m a cop!” he slurred, his breath stinking of alcohol and cigarettes. I'm not sure I believed him, but it definitely put me on high alert.
“Turn around!” he barked.
“Prove it.” I said.
“What?”
“Show me your badge.”
He growled. He reached and grabbed my arm. I pulled away but then he overpowered me and pinned me to a wall, “Wuh—hey! Get off me!” I shouted.
His handcuffs danced on one hand, the other hand seized my wrists, hurting me in the process. I winced.
“You have the right to remain silent!” he barked.
I was in serious trouble now. Just when I thought I was off the hook the first time, there that cop was, out of nowhere, arresting me for carrying a weapon from another world. How could I explain this?
“Anything you say will be held against you in the court of Hell… I mean, hall—law!”
I frowned as I took in the scene. This cop didn't seem to know his Miranda Rights, and it was clear he wasn't really here to "protect and serve" based on his unprofessional appearance and the fact that he reeked of cheap booze and cigarettes.
“You sure you a cop?” I asked, looking helplessly at him through the bathroom mirror, my face smirched on the cold tile.
“Either you come with me quietly or I’ll make sure you’d be very, very sorry.”
I blinked. The second he said very, very, I saw a glimpse of the cop’s face through the mirror. It made my stomach turn. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this cop’s true form in the mirror. Like a nightmare come to life. His green skin, snake eyes, pointy ears, sharp fans, and bony arms were all things I couldn’t unsee. I had to take a second to process what I was seeing.
…but then just like that he was back to human form again.
I panicked and hit the cop with my elbow, causing him to let go of me and drop the handcuffs. I quickly dropped my bag, grabbed the sword and pulled it out of the scabbard, ready to fight.
The creepy cop clutched his nose, blood seeping out of it between his fingers. He looked at me, eyes bulged out in shock and horror. Then saw my sword pointed at him. Growling, he marched toward me.
“STAY BACK!” I shouted, my grip tightened around the blade’s hilt. The cop stopped. And all of the sudden, as if in response to my anger, the sword shimmered a golden-red hue so bright I’m pretty sure it could either heat up the room like a stove, or could use it as a flashlight.
“I know who you are. You’re not a cop. You’re a goblin!” I said aloud, expecting the cop to give me some kind of side-eye that I was completely mental to call him a goblin. But after everything I've seen, and seeing that damn monster up close and personal through that mirror, there's no way I was gonna let myself believe it wasn’t real. So… yeah, I called him a goblin.
A smirk passed over the cop’s lips. “So, you do know who I really am.”
My blood ran cold, “How did you get in here?” I asked, “How did you find me?”
“Does it matter?” He replied, creepily taking a few steps toward me, and I backed away, “What matters is you’re my lunch, and I’m veeeeeery hun-gary right now, so if you be a good little deer and stay still—”
“Look,” I interrupted, “I don’t wanna hurt you! But my blade looks real angry right now, so you better get the hell out of here before I—”
“Before you swing?” the goblin replied, inching toward me with that wicked seductive smile, “Yeah, I’d like to see you try.” He then let out a feral roar and finally it happened.
Arms stretched out, and veins protruding out of his pumping muscles, his head tilted up and his front teeth drew out fangs. His skin gave that darkish stench of a swamp and it turned puss-like green. His ears, like his teeth, stretched into pointy shapes and his back pulled out a mountain-like zit.
I was terrified. Seeing that goblin in front of me, with its skin shredded down, brought back memories of when I was attacked by one. I remembered being at the Northern Tower with my dad, the Beast, and getting ambushed. My hands were shaking so badly that I could barely hold onto my sword. It was like I was right back in that moment, and the fear was just as real as it was then.
A large centipede-like tongue slurped across his black-colored lips, “My my, just how long have I waited to feast on human skin?” Its snake-like eyes were fixed on me, seeming to see me as the last tasty jelly donut on the planet, “It’s-a been a loooong long time.”
I cringed at the sound it made, reminding me of the creepy feeling I get when I spend too much time on the computer late at night, looking at inappropriate images. I knew I had to get out of there fast.
The goblin stretched its back, but the huge bump on it made him like a hunchback. The creature took another step. My grip tightened on the blade. I moved so far back, my back felt the cold wall of the bathroom. “Damn it!” I steadied my blade, but my legs were like jelly.
“Just-a stay still so that I can-a have-a my MEAL!” the goblin barred its teeth then lunged at me.
I swung my blade. The sharp metal sliced through his shoulder and body like a fruit in a Fruit Ninja VR game.
Both halves of the goblin dropped by my feet and in an instant dissolved into sand. The sand disappeared in the blink of an eye, and the goblin was nowhere to be found. It was as if a gust of wind had just swept it away.
I dropped my arms and the blade stopped glowing. I leaned against the wall, catching my breath, resting a hand on my beating chest. What… … just happened?
I stared into space. Being told you’re a character from inside a video game is one thing. Experiencing it was a whole other ball game. This whole thing was crazy—my childhood memories, meeting my younger self, seeing my dad in the game, this blade on my hand, which decided to start glowing—and now that creepy old man turning into a goblin trying to kill me…
I closed my eyes and tried to swallow. Couldn’t help but think, that this was my new reality now. I no longer felt like that 16-year-old YouTuber who was into video games and parties. I was a completely different 16-year-old. And not the kind that was into sports, punk bands, or girls. The one that had to fight for his survival and for the common good. Like an actual video game hero.
I opened my eyes. A flare of excitement lit up inside of me. A huge smile creased my face and I let out a loud laugh. I was in too deep now. And I haven’t gotten half of my answers yet.
“Whoa!” I said, briefly turning to my sword to examine it. I touched the face of the blade, expecting it to be warm. It was cold. I studied it, mesmerized by the steely glow, the gold pommel, and the carving of the Beast’s face—my real father’s face—on that pommel.
I studied the sharp blade again and noticed something. There was no blood stain on it. And then realization dawned on me that I had just killed a man.
Technically he wasn’t a man. It was a monster. And killing a monster who was trying to kill you was just self-defense. Plus the monster’s remains had to disappear without a trace, so no police were gonna hold it against me, right?
Time seemed to have stopped around me when it was me and that sword. But then I heard the door creak open and my face fell. This time, a kid came.
He looked at me. I looked back. He looked at my sword. I looked back at my sword. Both our eyes bulged.
“Hey, hey, hey!” I started yelling, “It’s not what you—”
The kid hurried for the exit and the door closed.
“…think,” I whispered under my breath. Thank God that goblin’s dead body vanished before he could see it. I took a look at the sword in my hand and let out a sigh. "How the hell am I supposed to hide you?"
* * *
I walked out of the restroom and emerged into the airport. I had tucked the blade back in the gym bag, just enough for the tip of the blade to stick out. I placed a beanie hat over the blade pommel to cover, and had the zippers squeeze over.
“Okay Casey.” I thought to myself, “You’re just an average American boy, visiting Paris, to meet your normal dad.” I glanced around, making sure no one was following me, “And if anyone asks about the sword in your backpack, just tell them it’s fake and for a cosplay party. Stick to that story and you’ll be fine.”
I paused and thought about my other dad, Victor. “Speaking of Dad…” I reached for my phone and saw that he had tried to reach out to me earlier. I turned it on and saw that it was already afternoon in Paris. I had missed a lot of calls and messages from him.
“Casey, it's your dad. Listen, your mother called me and I'm worried. I can't find you at the airport and your plane landed hours ago. Please call me or come back to the lobby if you've left,” his voice said in a voice message.
An awkward pause, then, “…we need to talk.”
I hung up the phone and started texting him. Sorry I missed your call… Dad… yes, I have a lot to say.We do need to—-
Something heavy smacked me right in the shoulder and sent my phone flying out of my hand.
I looked up to see a woman running across the lobby, a big purse slung over her shoulder. She shouted “Sorry!” as she passed by, but I couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed.
I snatched up my phone, “HEY! Watch where you’re—”
My jaw dropped open like a damn trapdoor.
She'd stopped to go back and grab one of her sandals she'd dropped, and that's when I saw it. The resemblance was uncanny. She looked just like the woman in that picture Galenflyn was always carrying around in the game, the one from before they got escorted outta there with the Beast.
My mind was racing. Could it be? Could she actually be my real mom, Cinderella?
“What the hell…?” I exclaimed, shocked as I laid eyes on her.
She froze and her jaw dropped, like she was just as surprised to see me.
I couldn't help but study her, she had the same face shape, flawless skin, only her hair was different, now a light auburn shade with honey highlights, tied in a ponytail instead of a regal bun.
She quickly looked down at her blue summer heel, then back at me before taking off without a second thought.
“Wait!” I shouted, running after her. She disappeared into the busy crowded airport lobby.
I froze up. Like, everything just stopped. My whole body felt like it was made of lead and I couldn't move a muscle. And I was just standin' there, starin' at... whatever the hell I just saw.
My mother, Cinderella, had just bumped into me.
What felt like an ordinary day at the crowded airport was a day of wonder and shock for me. With passengers making small talks in lines, lounging in chairs, security checking people’s belongings, and before the large monitor displaying departures and arrivals, a large clock ahead reading 12:04 PM—watching everyone going about their business; I just stood there, contemplating what had just happened to me over the last possibly 12 hours.
If you count my birthday party—past couple of weeks.
If I just saw who I saw, and she saw me, why did she ran off? Was she running away from me?
Her blue sandal was just a couple of feet away. A renewed sense of urgency flew through me. I had to catch her.
I grabbed it and ran into the crowd after her. I reached the escalator going down and spotted her ahead, squeezing into more crowd.
“Hey! Miss! Wait up!” I shouted. She flinched when I called her but didn’t bother turning around. She pressed on. I ran down the escalator, pushing past people and almost tripped.
“Be careful!” Someone shouted, following a few gasps.
“Someone stop this woman, please!” I shouted. People watched but no one said a word or made a move. The woman entered the airport entryway into more crowds. I followed.
I reached the busy airport entryway not far from baggage claims, noticing more and more people filling in with half of them waiting to claim their luggage. Nearby, an employee was pushing a trolley filled with luggage; children ran past old folks; and a couple were staring at a map then pointing outside.
I looked outside to lines of cars parked at the front curb, releasing and receiving people in and out; families and friends either greeting each other or saying goodbyes. But everywhere I looked, no sign of Cinderella.
I stared ahead, helpless. My breathing was shallow, sweat pouring down my forehead, and I could feel my toes aching from almost tripping. Damn it, I wasn’t able to catch her in time.
I examined the shoe in my hand. It didn't look like a glass sandal, that's for sure, but the summer sandal was light-blue and the heel was plastic, and a bit torn.
"You never stop surprising me, Casey," a brisk, sharp voice caught me off guard.
I turned to see the large, muscular man with the square face and the bristly beard. Dad. The father I've always known and thought of as, a.k.a. Perceval, a.k.a. Victor Tresor.
"Dad," I gasped.
He approached me, "Damn it, Casey. I called you, left you tons of texts..."
"I texted you back!" I retorted.
He waved his phone out, "You never did."
"What? But I--" I stopped. I almost said I did, but then I soon realized I didn't. I checked my phone to see I never finished my text.
"Oh. Right. I didn't," I muttered, "But I was about to."
"Right!" He gave me a big smile, "I can see that. I mean, there you are in Paris, the city of love, chasing after some girl."
"Wh--" I scowled in disgust, "Hey! It's not like that!"
"Right." He drew out a laugh, "Same old Casey Tresor. You are so your father's son."
His remark sent a horrifying chill down my spine. "I'm serious, Dad," I gingerly tugged on the shoe's weak heel, "This lady just dropped her shoe and I was going to return it to her, y'know." I looked outside again in defeat, "But I don't think she heard me."
He crossed his arms, "Well, obviously she couldn't." He said. "And even if she could, you were running after her, and she freaked out."
"Ha ha. Real funny." I said.
A small moment of silence settled between us. His serious face relaxed into a joyous smile. "Well," he spoke, "aren't you going to give me a hug?"
I smirked, "That depends. Are you gonna squeeze me like an orange pulp or something?"
Dad scoffed, "Now why would I punish my favorite son for coming all the way to Paris from America after being expelled from all schools in the nation?"
I let out a breath of relief. "I'm your only son, Dad." I replied, “And it’s not all schools in the nation. Just half of the schools in the state and all within the Ohio metropolitan area. No big deal.”
“Right. Well they’re a big deal to your mother. Anyway, bring it in.” he pulled me in, and we embraced.
“Easy like I said, Pops.” I joked and he laughed in response.
We pulled away and he looked at me, “Good to see you son. Honestly.” He turned for the front entrance of the airport then spun back to me, “Here. Let me take your bag.”
I quickly yanked it away, remembering the sword sticking out of it. "Hey now, man! Don't touch! Got some valuable stuff in there."
He looked at me confused, “Like what? Your beanie?” he pointed at the hat sticking out, hiding the sword.
I played it cool, “It’s… my special controller. It lights up and my beanie stinks, it’s wet.”
Dad stepped back. “Right. A good way to ward off thieves.” He said, narrowing his eyes at me.
He then reached for the shoe in my hand, "At least let me take this lady shoe over to Lost and Found. Unless you want to keep it and stalk her with it."
I hesitated for a moment, "Nah, be my guest." I said, and he took the shoe from my hand.
"If you were really interested in that girl, you could've gotten her phone number." he said with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes, "Sheesh, Dad! Have some respect! She's a woman. There's no interest in her!"
Dad dismissively waved as he disappeared into the crowd on his quest to find Lost and Found to return the shoe. Little did he know, I broke the heel off the shoe on purpose and kept it in my coat pocket.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of finding my mom, Cinderella, with a piece of her summer sandal. After all, Prince Charming found her with her glass slipper. How different could it be for her own son to find her with a piece of her summer sandal?
Not that different, I hope.
I shook my head, "Mom, once we get together again, you gotta stop losing your shoes behind."