Ghost of You - Part 1

Here's (finally) a new story! I'm trying something new, fanfiction! I've watched all the episodes of Once Upon A Time and I honestly loved the series. Mulan was one of my favourite characters and I really hoped she would get her happy ending, but so far, no luck. I'm also a huge fan of Frozen and I am pratically in love with Elsa from the movie. I was excited to see her appear in Season 4 of Once Upon A Time, but I must say I am a bit on the fence about how they integrated Frozen to the series.

Anyways, this isn't a review of the show, but a fanfiction about Mulan and Elsa meeting and falling in love. It's my first time using existing characters and I hope I won't go too much out of character! I welcome any advice, tips or ideas. For now, here's the first part. I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I did writing it :3

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or the universe!

WARNING: Possible spoilers as this story is set after Episode 11 of Season 4, Heroes and Villains!

Ghost of You

Aurora, Aurora, Aurora. The name kept ringing madly in my mind. It still does. I wanted to claw the thought of her out of my head, but only could try to remind myself that she was happy with Phillip and their child. Over a year went by since I left her to join Robin Hood’s band, but not a day passed without me thinking of her. No matter where I went, what I did, the ghost of her followed me, cruelly clinging to my heart. I left the Merry Men as soon as I realized there was no real escape with them – they were a living reminder of my rejection. The only way I could push away unwanted memories and unrequited feelings was through hunting. Immersing myself in tracking and slaying dangerous magical beasts became my reason to live. Nothing drew me in faster than the challenge of an unkillable monster, nothing took Aurora off my mind more easily. And every time, I almost wished it’d be the end of me.

The Dagger of Exion - Part 8

When I woke up, light was coming through my small window. I had a terrible headache and groaned as I tried to sit up. Silva looked up at me and I patted his head, smiling. I had no idea how long I had slept, but I still felt exhausted. Facing a sea monster took it’s toll, especially considering I wasn’t the most experienced mage. I had been foolish, thinking I could stand against a Grushaw on my own, but it did seem like a good idea at the moment.

A knock on the door.

- Aevik, you awake?

I tried to answer but my throat felt so dry. Silva yapped for me and Brendt came in. He was bringing food and water. Good man, good friend.

- I came to check on you. You’ve been sleeping for 3 days straight!

I was already drinking the water he had brought me when it hit me.

- 3 days?

- I guess that magic of yours took a lot from you!

- Where are we now?

- We are close to a small archipelago. We were going to explore it this afternoon. We might find some fresh water and some food. You could come, if you feel like you’re up for it.

I laughed and eagerly started eating the bread and soup, I would need all the energy I could get if I was to follow them on these islands. Brendt was watching me carefully and I could tell my friend wasn’t convinced I was fully recovered yet. After all, I had done something really stupid, out of ignorance. It was only because of luck that I had survived uninjured.

Nighttime Inspirations 9

Castle of Dreams

Castle of cards
Standing so tall
At the top of the world
You'll never fall
Gust of wind
Brings you back to earth

Castle of sand
Small but solid
A wave to erase
All of your hard work
Not a single trace
Nothing is left

Castle of glass
Shining so bright, eternal
The moonlight turns you
Into sparkling diamonds
A storm shatters it
Now nothing but shards

Castle of wood
Sturdy and strong
Protected from the night
A single spark
Leaves only ashes
Blown in the wind

Castle of stone
Impenetrable defences
Safer than ever
No need to run anymore
Fated earthquake
Made it my tomb

Nighttime Inspirations 8

I'm starting to love poetry. I hope you do too!!

A Star For You

Millions of stars
Shine in your night sky.
Millions of stars
Fight for your attention.

Millions of stars.
I was never the one
To shine so bright
I would catch your eye.

Millions of stars.
What would be enough
To make me stand out,
Different, special to you?

One in a million,
Not worth your time.
You're not worth mine,
My light will shine for an other.

Nighttime Inspirations 7

Meanings of love

Love takes many forms

Love for things

Love for family

Love for friends

Love for a lover

When you say I love you

Do you always know which one you mean?

It gets confusing sometimes

Because you want to love

You love to love

You love being loved

What is love?

Love isn't lust

Love isn't jealous

Love isn't controlled

Love isn't manipulative

So what is real, true love?

True love fights until death

And beyond

True love never gives up

True love is true

No lies, no secrets, no doubts

But true love only exists in fairy tales

And we are only human

We are wrong and we fail

We make mistakes

We hurt and get hurt

True love might not be of this world

But love is

Everywhere

If you look around

Just open your heart

And trust

That's the hardest part

The Dagger of Exion - Part 7

The sea was sparkling under the sun, blinding me of with the millions of diamonds. The air was cool, a light salty breeze flowing in the large sails. There was not a single cloud in the sky, not a sign of a storm. It was a beautiful day and yet, I was green. Lying down on the deck, I felt like le world would never stop moving around me. I clearly wasn’t made for sea life but I had been the one to put this expedition together, thanks to Brendt. The sailors were making fun of me, but they assured me it would pass in a few days unless I was really unlucky. Silva was just as unlucky as me and spent most his days lying down somewhere.

The week following that night in the tavern where I met Brendt was quite hectic. Each night, we would go in a different place and he would sing the adventure I was promising. Some took it as a simple story, other thought I was crazy. A few were interested in joining and, as the word spread, I ended up with a nice crew and a ship.

Kaliana was a tall and beautiful woman. She had dark hair and dark eyes with a golden ring fitting her tanned skin. She seemed like she could see right through you and when she came to me, she said very simply that she would join for her own sake. She never explained and I didn’t ask questions. If she wanted to keep her reasons private, I would respect that. I felt I could trust her though she was a pirate, her eyes were honest.

Nighttime Inspirations 6

Dark Angel

They say she's an angel. They say she's beautiful, and smart. They say she's talented and so perfect. They say she's got everything, that she can do anything.

And yet, she is so lonely.

Tears don't come easily, but blood does. They don't see her scars or her pain behind that blinding smile, they don't dig deep enough.

If only, if only they knew how lonely she is.

She reaches out just to be burned. She feels safer in her darkness, though she longs for warmth and light. Cold, so cold here, but a safe place.

Don't leave me, don't abandon me so easily.

But it's too late, they are gone again. Did I push them away, too afraid to get burned? You hurt me over and over and you didn't see, you didn't listen. Why do I let you in anyways? Why do I let you hurt me again?

I am afraid of the dark. I can't fight alone. Stay by my side, be my knight in shining armour, my Prince Charming, my saviour.

They leave, they all do. It's my fault again, I wasn't enough. I couldn't make them stay, they didn't like the cold. Warm me up.

I see the light, it seems so close yet it is so far. If I could reach it, maybe I wouldn't be burned, not this time. If I am careful...

But it burns, always. Why don't you want me? Don't angels belong in the light? Not this one, no.

Cold, but safe. Scared, but safe. Don't burn me. I'll stay away.

The Dagger of Exion - Part 6

After a few weeks spent at Kirieth's, studying and training, it felt good to be on the roads again. The mage had found me a horse to facilitate my travelling, then Silva and I were gone towards the sea. I was determined to find Exion, so sure I was I would find the truth about myself. The Dagger hadn't ended in my possession for no reason, or so I liked to believe.

The journey to Tarvel went well. I expected more surprises from the Order of the Black Hawk, but nothing happened since that one night in Heilam. I was sure it was only a matter of time, they didn't seem like the kind of people that would simply give up. After all, I was defying them openly.They had their reasons, but I had mine. As long as I would look for the lost city of the gods, they would come after me. I wasn't afraid, as long as I had my sword and my furry companion by my side.

Tarvel was a large but scattered city, nothing like the tall and clean Crystal capital. Houses were displayed in what seemed like randomly around crooked streets. Shops were everywhere, but you could see an increased amount of them near the docks. That's where all the activity was, and that's where I would find a place to stay the night. Lights were bright in that area of the city, anyone could see it from afar. You could hear as you came closer the sounds of drunken people signing or fighting. Among them were crazy men I would convince to follow me on a crazy adventure.

Nighttime Inspirations 5

My Romeo and Juliet

Remember Romeo and Juliet? I knew a couple just like them. They didn't die, but they might as well have. They are locked up in darkness and I don't know if they'll ever see the light again. Love can be so destructive once you're in it. Love is blind and makes you oblivious of anything else. Love makes you obsessed and selfish and crazy. People make it sound all pretty and romantic, but really, is it?

I believe passion is a good thing. In love, you have to be careful. Movies show only the honey moon phase and fairy tales only show the happy ever after. But love and life is full of messy bits. The hardships and the mistakes, the fights and the tears, all of it makes every moment of happiness that much more precious, but it's certainly not worth dying for.

He loved her so much he would've done anything for her. She was beautiful and she shone her own light. She loved being loved and she thought noone could make her as happy as he did. Both of them jumped head first into a world that would devour them without a second thought. They were so wrapped into each other they couldn't see the damage they made everywhere they went.

Romeo and Juliet played with fire and awoken dormant flames. Blood was shed and people paid the price for their love. Consequences. Were the lives of beloved friends and family sacrificed for nothing? They ended up dying anyways. Was it really worth?

So many things have to be considered and love is never enough to make a relationship work. It burns out like twigs. You need to establish trust and complicity. You need to get to know each other carefully and entwine your lives in a way that will benefit both. Fights and compromises will be made, but that's how you become closer. You need to listen and share your thoughts, give and receive. Love is a two-way street, always.

Romeo and Juliet were selfish spoiled brats. If they understood what consequences their love would bring, they would've thought twice before putting others lives on the line. They barely knew each other and already they were infatuated so much their judgment was clouded. If truly they loved each other, they should've found another way to make their relationship possible. Sometimes the right way takes more time. They were impatient and ended up both in a tomb. If their death brought their families together, imagine what they could've achieved alive with a little patience and lots of hard work!

I saw my friends slowly drown and I couldn't do anything. They sacrificed so much to be together when they should've taken it slow and steadily building something that would last. Instead, their unstable tower crumbled so fast it broke them inside. They thought they were done searching and feeling so insecure all the time. If only they had tried to find their own light rather than their reflection...

Stakes are high. Choose carefully which path you decide to walk. Sometimes, you never come back. It's up to you to decide whether it is worth losing yourself or not.

At least their names are immortal.

Nighttime Inspirations 4

Restless

This is one of these nights where he lied awake on his bed. He couldn't sleep. Thoughts were tormenting him, twisting memories and words. The longer it lasted, the deeper he fell, confused and angry. He disliked these feelings, this powerlessness taking hold of him. He couldn't do anything but fight the thoughts in the darkness of the night. He was alone against demons that knew his every weakness. How could he win?

Of them all, Jealousy was the worst and he hated her with passion. She was the one to ruin everything when it was good. She was the reason he wasn't able to trust anyone. He was also a slave to Greed, wanting everything for himself only. Because of Love. But in the dark, Jealousy was the one to whisper in his ear all the lies he didn't want to hear. She knew how to get to him and make him believe her poisonous words.

Once, there had been a girl. Stella. She was beautiful and smart, and she shone through his nights to reach his locked up heart. She was his treasure and didn't want to share her precious light. A girl like that, though, had many friends that weren't willing to let her go. She was meant to shine for them all and not just for him.

He would've been ok with it if it hasn't been for Jealousy. She came so fast he didn't notice her until it was too late. Already, she was telling him how his beloved was being swept away by others while he slept. She would turn images into proofs of her infidelity, words into traitorous promises. He would then confront Stella, accusing, and make her cry. Who was he to taint such a pure light?

She had a beautiful soul, though, and she tried to please him. She tried to make him feel more secure, but again and again would Jealousy come and ruin her efforts. She loved him and forgave, but he saw he was slowly destroying her. Already, the nights were darker as Stella's light was dimming.

And so, in an ultimate act of sacrifice, he set her free. He knew she deserved someone who would make her shine brighter and he wasn't the one to do so. He was choking the light out of her and he had to stop. He broke her heart and he knew she'd be happier in the long run. He was satisfied knowing that.

The battles never stopped afterwards. Jealousy loved to come torture him time to time, just to remind him of old wounds. She would make him doubt of the purity of Stella's love for him. Hadn't it all just been a game? Hadn't she just played him? He wanted to trust, but it's was so much harder alone in the dark, with the whispers to convince you otherwise.

So it was another sleepless night for him, spent fighting demons and fake memories. He was hanging on to the light, the only thing that reached him other than the whispers in the dark. He was hoping and trying so hard to be free himself so he could be happy too one day.

Nighttime Inspirations 3

A Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away, lived a farm girl. She was pretty with her big blue eyes and her dark silky hair. She was the only daughter and her father spoiled her so much in order to make her happy. And happy she was. She glowed with warmth and she was loved by everyone in the village.

One day, the prince rode into town with his royal guards. He was the heir to the throne and the king had sent him to visit the neighbouring kingdom with which an old alliance had been made. The king was planning to renew it and strengthen the bonds between the two kingdoms by marrying his only child to the princess of that kingdom. And so, the prince had ridden every year to their castle to befriend his fiancée.

But the blonde prince wasn't in love. He didn't know that feeling existed until he laid his eyes on Azalea. The beautiful girl with dark hair and blue eyes was accompanying her father to the market to sell the farm products. She was wearing a simple but elegant white and blue dress, like the sky, that roughy the color of her eyes even more. The heart of the prince was singing the moment her saw her and he knew she was the one.

How ever, the prince was bound by duty. Once a year, he still went to visit his princess from another kingdom. But twice, on the way and back, he would stop at the village for a few days to spend time with the beautiful Azalea. She was growing into an amazing woman and he wished he could take her away on his white stallion.. Instead, he took her into the surrounding forest for secret meetings.

Nighttime Inspirations 2

On a Dragon's Back

When I was a girl, I travelled on a dragon's back. Not one of these European kind, no. It was a Chinese dragon, with red scales and a moustache, and serpent-like, noble. He took me away from my parents' bed on a stormy night. The ceiling was dark clouds shaped like a dragon and the eyes were green, shining. They called for me and the red dragon flew right through the clouds, taking me where I belonged.

The dragon took me to a whole different place. I met an old man wrapped in yellow and golden clothes. He looked like an emperor, wise and kind. He took me for a walk outside the palace. He felt familiar, like a grandfather. I remember looking at him with kindness and devotion, and behind him were the huge red pillars of the palace. Beyond was a courtyard filled with trees and flowers, wonderful garden. On our right, a long wall of rice paper, thin barrier between us and the palace. Nobody else was there, it was just me and him, and the dragon floating above our heads.

I knew the emperor was saying important things to me. I simply can't remember a word of it. I woke up in my parents' bed, the thunder still loud. I was scared for a moment, then I remembered. I was safe and I knew the dragon would be with me. He would keep an eye on me, though I couldn't see him. All that was left from my travel were vivid images and impressions.

Maybe it was just a dream, maybe it was simply my crazy imagination. I still feel like I was told precious advice and every night, when I fall asleep, I try to find my way back to that beautiful, serene palace. I don't know the meaning of it all, but my soul does. I try to listen every chance I get, but the world is so full of noise it's hard to single out the voice of my heart. I want to feel the peace I felt when the dragon took me away. I want to know I belong, and the key to my destiny lies in the wise words I was once told.

The Dagger of Exion - Part 5

Kirieth’s friends had been quite helpful every time I spoke to them. If they couldn’t tell me all about Exion, they told me more about this world. I was getting to know the customs and history of the Crystal Kingdom pretty well, though it felt more like my memory was being awoken. I knew everything they were telling me, or I should’ve known. Part of me was aware, but everything concerning my own life was staying in the shadows. Sometimes, names or scents or tastes would trigger an image or a sensation, but it was all. Nothing real, nothing I could really hang on to. I needed to find Exion, there lied all the answers.

I was so thirsty for knowledge, as if my mind wanted to fill the emptiness with new information. I spent so many days with only books and tea for company, Silva staying with his new friend, the mage. I was absorbing everything I would be reading, I wanted to learn all I could about the Dagger and the lost city of the gods. Lying across the oceans far to the west, the island was a paradise back in the days. With an endless summer, the gods and their guests lived in perfect harmony with nature. When the sun set, they would sing under the stars with the soothing glow of the Exion to light their night. They were masters in all arts and knew how to make the blue steel that can’t be found anywhere in the earth. They had ways with magic like no one else did and they taught to those who sought their help. People from all over the Continent would travel to spend a few weeks in their company. Only elves and a few humans loved it enough to give up their life to stay with them.

The gods would also visit the Continent at times. They didn’t like the violence and the wars, so they stayed in their far away paradise as long as they could. Every time they came to visit though, they would spread their work and knowledge with the hope that people would become more like them and less like beasts. In the end, it only created more wars. Mortals fought for the magical artifacts and too much blood was shed. In the Crystal Kingdom, elves have left the Crimson Forest and very few dwarves dare come across the Indigo Mountains to trade. Other races were extinct and the gods abandoned the Continent. Those who sought Exion never came back, either lost on the endless seas or abandoning their homes for a peaceful existence. No one really knows, but the hope that the island isn’t lost forever to mortals keeps the legend alive. 

The lies you’ve told me.

Dear Love.

When I think about us, I cry. I never thought you’d be the one to hurt me, but I had this feeling in my guts. I tried to push it away, I tried logic and jokes to convince myself I was just imagining things. Deep down, though, I always knew you would. Twice by leaving me empty, once again by cheating on me.

You promised you’d love me, protect me, take care of me. You promised, though not in front of the gods, but you promised. You lied. From that one lie, anything you said beyond is worth the same; nothing. The words I thought were only mine, you told her too. The thoughts I thoughts were mine, I shared with her. The heart I thought was mine never really was. Lies.

Nighttime inspirations 1

Stop trying to put me in a box!!

Henry was 12. Everyone around him thought he was a little odd. He didn't have many friends, but everyone thought he was a nice kid. He was good in school, always had been. He loved learning new things, he was so young and inexperienced! There were so many things in this world he was unaware of and school was a window to all this knowledge.

He loved playing outside. He felt at home under the sun, as if he belonged with the trees and the flowers. He would play ball with the boys of the neighbourhood, he would swim in the pool, he would run in the park. He was good at sports, and most importantly he was a team player.

He was a little shy with the girls. He was at that age where you make a difference between friend with braids and friend without. He didn't know how to approach them as they would giggle when e tried. It was humiliating, but if he understood that they were also nervous, maybe things would've been different.

He loved to read. Art and literature touched his soul in a way nothing else did. He could stare at a painting for hours, sit and read until the book was done or draw in his room all evening. As active he could be, he could also focus all that energy into creativity. Nothing amused him more than using his imagination to create fantastic worlds and epic characters.

He discovered games as well. In this technological era, game were very stimulating for a young boy. Role playing games, first person shooters, strategy games, puzzles, everything appealed to him. He was ready to try anything and would enjoy beating the game or be challenged by it. He would play alone or with online friends, but he would always remember the outside world.

The Dagger of Exion - Part 4

The soft light coming through the windows woke me early. I could smell in the air the scent of fresh bread and it made my stomach growl. I took my time, though, as I was lying in a comfortable bed for once, warm. I stayed under the covers, eyes closed, remembering the past few weeks. My memory went as far back as the Crimson Forest. I couldn’t remember anything before that day. It bothered me, though not as much as before. During my travelling, I came to live one day at the time, not thinking about tomorrow. Or yesterday. I still looked to find who I was by coming to Heilam, the Crystal City, though it wouldn’t be easy.

I made friends on my way, like Meriel, the innkeeper of The Silver Fish, and Marn from Joster. And Silva, my little wolf growing bigger every day. I had a few encounters with bandits and wild animals, but nothing I couldn't handle with my new companion. I had been lucky.

We finally had reached Heilam only last afternoon. I delivered the package in my care first, and then the letter. My only mission left was to gather information about myself, though I did not know where to start. If only I knew my name, my true name. The city was bound to have archives of some sort listing births and deaths. Maybe I could’ve traced my family that way.

The Dagger of Exion - Part 3

It took me so many days to get to Heilam, I lost count. I was by foot and the road was long. Every morning, I would wake up with the sun, and every night, I would sleep under the stars. Once in a while, I would stop at a village to replenish my supplies. I never ran out of gold, as I could work different jobs to earn it back when in need. I took it slowly, one day at the time. I wasn’t in a hurry. All I needed was to get to the royal city and I was going to get there eventually.

To be honest, I was really grateful for Silva. I met some people every now and then, but most of the time, it was only the wolf and me. It could be a little lonely, but the cub was full of energy and life. He was growing too, and fast. Soon, he wasn’t so defenseless and he bit me by accident. I grounded him so hard he never dared doing it again, but he knew how to use his natural weapons for hunt. We ate well, and enough, though it wasn’t high gastronomy. I talked to him, though I hadn’t have much to say about myself. I think he understood me, most of the times. He had this way to look at me, with his shiny eyes. He was smart.

The Dagger of Exion - Part 2

I almost thought I was out on a stroll in this beautiful weather. The sun was shining, the birds were signing and I was simply following the road to the southeast edge of the forest. Since the journey was long to Heilam, I didn’t need to hurry. The letter I held wasn’t urgent either. I intended to take advantage of my travelling to get to know this world better. Maybe fragments of my memory would return to me as I did so. However, this path wasn’t the most used, especially at this time of the year, and I didn’t meet anyone on my way.

I wasn’t lonely though. The second night I spent under the stars, I heard a noise. It sounded like a wounded animal and I rose from the bed of leaves I had made. Taking a torch, I made my way in the dark towards the whining. To my surprise, I found a wolf cub in a rabbit trap, unable to free himself. Hanging by a foot, he was trying desperately to bite the rope off, unsuccessfully. I had a smile watching the little white ball of fur fighting for his life. I approached and he growled when I tried to help. I calmed him down with my voice, talking very low. Taking my dagger out of it’s sheath, I freed him of the trap carefully and watched him get back on his feet. He stumbled though and I realized that the paw that was caught might be hurt. So I kneeled and offered a hand. Still whining from the pain, the wolf cub came closer and this time didn’t try to bite me. I took him and carried him back to my camp. Holding him close to me, I could feel his small heart beat fast. He was terrified, hurt and alone. Back to the fire, I fed him some of the meat Meriel gave me before I left. He seemed to like it and once he was full, he fell asleep. I then went to bed myself, smiling.

The Dagger of Exion - Part 1

I woke up and couldn’t remember anything. Where was I? I didn’t recognize the velvet trees surrounding me, or the golden river running a few feet away. I could see silver fishes jump out of the water, glittering. I could see far north the high mountains, purple in the blue sky. It should’ve seemed eerie, the scenery, and I couldn’t say why, but it felt perfectly normal to me. The bright colors fit perfectly with this place, whatever it was.

The sun was still shining triumphantly over my head. Mid-day. I had plenty of time to do what I was supposed to do. Whatever that was.

And suddenly I panicked. My heart started beating faster as I tried to remember at least my name. This wasn’t home, I could feel it, so how was I supposed to get back there if I didn’t know where it was? How far could it possibly be? And how did I get here? Why?

I was half expecting a faerie or a rabbit to appear, briefing me on the situation, but it seemed I was all alone. Breathing deeply, I recovered my calm and started making my way through the forest. Following the gold waters downstream, I was bound to find a village or someone to help me. Right?

Vanilla

Vanilla was a beautiful white dog. She had blue eyes and such a soft fur. She loved snuggling up to me at night, keeping me warm and safe. I got her when she was still a pup and I raised her with love. Thanks to her, I started jogging just for fun. Every morning at 5:30, she would wake me up gently with her cold, wet nose. Then, we’d go outside for up to an hour, running while enjoying the quiet streets of the neighborhood. She liked chicken above all so I would share mine with her every time. We had a peaceful and happy life until that weird thing start happening.

One morning, I heard a voice in my ear. “Wake up, Jake, wake up!” it said. I thought I was still half sleeping considering I had been single for a while and girls never spent the night at my place. I felt Vanilla’s breath on my neck, knowing I’d feel her nose on my skin a second after. “Wake up, Jake! Let’s go for a run!” the voice sounded again. I opened my eyes and got up, as usual, and slowly got dressed. I had such a headache! As I was walking towards the kitchen, I stopped dead in my steps. Wait, did I actually hear voices? Was it just my imagination? There was no one in the room… what…? And as I was questioning myself, Vanilla was following me, tail wiggling. “Hurry, Jake! Time to go!!”

That’s when I realized the female voice was Vanilla’s. I jumped back and looked at her, my eyes filled with a mix of surprise and fear. How in the hell could she do that? Maybe I was really going crazy. I shook my head, trying to convince myself I just had a bad night and my imagination was playing tricks on me. I mean, how could that ever be possible? So I kept on going with my morning routine and went out with my dog for our every day run, hoping it would clear my mind. Funny thing, though, I could hear her greet the few dogs and their owners we met on our jog, but these dogs only barked back just like they should.

Back home, I showered, ate my breakfast and rushed to work. Not once did Vanilla say anything to me, but as I left the house, I swore I heard her wish me a good day. How weird is all this? At the office, things were perfectly normal and the day went on like any other day. I even forgot about my temporary insanity. That was until I got the parking lot late afternoon. As I was getting my stuff in the car, I overheard a conversation between some guys working close to me.

“Yeah, maybe I’m crazy, but I swear I heard Sparky talk to me this morning.”
“Didn’t have your coffee yet, heh Mark!! Haha!”
“Haha, you’re laughing, Jeff, but Krista says all the time that Fluffy talks to her.”
“Your kid is 7, Alex. She thinks everything can talk.”

I frowned and got in my car, going directly home. What the hell was going on? It seemed that I wasn’t only one hearing my pet speak. Or I wasn’t the only one going crazy. In any case, that wouldn’t stop me from going back to my place. I was already looking forward to a cold beer and a mindless TV watching session. Sports, maybe, or a movie if anything good was playing. I browsed the channels quickly while my mind drifted. Vanilla came and lied down at my feet, her head on her paws. I smiled and mechanically petted her head as I settled for a sports channel with a football game on. I didn’t really know the teams that were competing, but I didn’t really care. I just needed a distraction. Slowly slipping into drowsiness, that’s when the voices started again.