The Fractures of Eternity

The day that changed everything for me started like any other day. I woke up, screaming at the top of my lungs like usual, from nightmares that constantly plagued me. This was nothing my protector, Nene, couldn’t solve with a few cuddles.

Luckily, most of the time, I couldn’t remember what the dream was, but it always left a mark on me. It was like my heart was torn out of my body each time my eyes fluttered open, leaving me seeking comfort. Once, in Nene’s arms, I couldn’t help but feel safe as her beautiful brown locks and brown eyes made me stay in awe of her every time she held me close to her bosom.

No, Nene isn’t my mommy. Sadly, she died before I ever got to have a memory of her, but this is good enough!

We were usually alone in this big wooden house Papa made for us a couple of years ago. He was a traveling warlock who came home rarely. Though he always tried to make it back to me, his beautiful little girl, at least once a month. Sometimes he would bring a pretty elven woman with her, who gave me the creeps, but she was also alright.

Am I lonely without my dad around? Yes, but I’m a big girl, and I’m old enough to understand that all I need in life is Nene.

She was twenty-four years old, too, which meant she started caring for me when she was only fifteen. Before she stepped up, Dad was the one who always cared for me, yet we were always on the move.

Unbelievable, right? I was only three years old when I met her!

She was so responsible for her age.

Even now, as a twelve-year-old, I can’t ever picture caring for a baby at that age. I don’t think I can become as dependable as her in three years!

Then again, Nene was my idol and what I strived to be when I got older. After she calmed me down, she patted my head.

“You’re papa is coming today to visit.” She informed me, leaving me jumping out of bed.

“Really?!” I squealed, running to get ready for the day.

“Mhm! Really.” She smiled as I quickly brushed aside the silly nightmare.

Even though the sun wasn’t out, Nene grabbed my clothes for me to wear. Unable to stay still, I gazed outside the window to see the same old village I had gotten used to. The deep blue sky outside allured me, since it was so vast and held the prettiest of celestial bodies that shone best at night.

I had an entire world to explore once I got older, which left me with a soft smile on my lips every time I thought of it.

Ah… I wonder how it feels to fly like a bird. To feel the breeze below my wings and fly above the fluffiest of clouds.

They were greeting the sunrise with their beautiful melody. Somehow, I was always up by this time, which seemed like my night terrors worked like clockwork. Unlike the pretty birds that roamed free in the beautiful deep blue sky, I could never leave the house unattended or even play with other kids. Not that there were any in this village, to begin with.

This place was full of old folks instead of young ones. Nene was the youngest one, other than me. The reason we were in this tiny off-the-map village was that there were some bad people after us. So, to protect me from danger, Dad stashed us away, hoping they would never find us.

Why are they after us? I don’t know. Papa always says it better, I don’t know. Nene says it’s so I can be a kid for a bit longer, but I’m grown up already! I wish they’d treat me more like a person than a kid.

Fortunately, even with those evildoers after us, I was happy. This was my little piece of nirvana, leaving me to wish they would never find me.

“Vivi, come. I need to get you dressed,” Nene tapped her hand on the chair near the dresser with all my clothes there, ready for me.

With brief hesitation, I jumped off where I was, running to her happily.

“Yes, Nene.” I hummed, smiling.

The tone in my voice caused her to hug me tightly as those brown eyes of hers showed pure affection for me. Love wasn’t something I ever missed because Dad and Nene showered me with it.

“You’re so adorable,” My protector simpered, leaving me humming a song I heard from one of the neighboring houses’ radio.

Usually, when Nene helped me dress, I felt like a doll, but today was a special occasion because Papa was coming back.

I have to look pretty for him!

Happiness always gushed out of me at this time of the month, wondering what gifts he would bring me this time around. When she finished with my clothes, I had on a white blouse with brown shorts.

“What do you think Papa will bring me this time?” I beamed, allowing her to brush my long, black, and wavy hair.

I inherited the curls from my father, but his were blond, nothing like the ones I had. Most importantly, he would often bring me sweets from around the world.

Sometimes accessories and toys, too! My favorite is a brooch I wear all the time!

It had a stone that was the color of his eyes—a golden dragon, holding a beautiful sky blue diamond in its claws. Ever since I was five, he gave it to me and told me always to wear it, which I always kept on, even while I slept.

That was around the time you started to travel more often, too. Ah… I miss you, Papa.

“I don’t know, sweety. Maybe with some luck, he’ll probably bring you some chocolates from Raman.” Nene chirped.

Our lives were always peaceful and full of joy, much like today.

I mean, sometimes you scold me for doing something bad or if I hurt myself, but other than that, everything was peachy!

“Isn’t that the Sun elven nation? I haven’t had those in a while!” I gushed, remembering the tasty, salty texture they came with.

Most were filled with fruity jellies, too. I didn’t know why, but I couldn’t help feeling amazing every time I woke, even if I had nightmares. Every morning, I would bounce back to myself in a matter of a few cuddles from Nene.

“Yum! I can’t wait!” I giggled.

She smiled in response to my shine as I gazed at myself in the mirror to see my beautiful emerald green eyes staring back at me.

Nene’s right, I’m cute! Papa will love me more today!

She always said I got my features from Mom, whom I sadly never got to meet, but I was a daddy’s girl deep down, anyway.

I’m proud of my waves because of it! Ah! I can’t wait to hug Papa and have him kiss my forehead!

The last time I saw my father was a month ago, as he was always busy with work and couldn’t make time to see me.

What does Papa work as? I don’t know!

He never told me what his job was like, except that he had to travel frequently. He sometimes brought that elf who treated me nicely, but I would always end up hiding behind Papa, who didn’t mind me avoiding his partner.

The elf had grey eyes and lavender hair, along with tanned skin. Her name was Lilith, and even though she appeared friendly, she had a chilly air around her.

But I love the perfumes she brings me! She has such good taste!

Even though Papa always had his caution while she was around me, I couldn’t help but feel like she was sad or lonely. Those eyes of hers weren’t as lively as they should have been. Sadly, I never had the guts to approach her on my own.

“Nene, do you think Papa is going to bring Lilith around this time?” I asked, turning to her as she froze for a moment.

It was no secret that she didn’t like the elf at all, as she would usually glare at her from a distance.

“Argh… Probably? I really hope not. The air around here always turns darker whenever she’s around.” She mumbled, biting her lip.

“They are always together. Do you think Papa is going to make her my new mama?” I innocently queried, prompting her to break out laughing.

“Wait, wait, that elf with Master Cain?” She cackled, barely able to hold herself together.

I cocked my head, unsure of what was so funny. Noticing my response, she quickly caught herself.

“No dear, I think that’s impossible considering her personality, but I think your Papa is a very handsome guy. I’d marry him if I could.” She assured me.

“Really? Then you should marry him, to that would make you my new mama!” I grinned, prompting her cheeks to burn.

“Oh, that’d be lovely, little star.” She smiled, patting my head.

Nene was right when she called Papa handsome. Even though the years passed, he didn’t look past the age of twenty.

He doesn’t even have a grey hair on his head!

After getting dressed, Nene headed into the living room, where a breakfast feast awaited me. She had already been up before I screamed, making my food. To combat my nightmares, she would always make my favorite meals to start the day with a bang.

Munching on my food, I enjoyed the pancakes with fresh strawberries on top.

“Nene! Will we go out to a neighboring village today?” I asked, chewing on my food, which caused her to giggle, watching me with those tender eyes I had become accustomed to.

She always said that I made her cooking seem like it came from a famous restaurant, which to me it was. Nothing would ever beat her home-cooked food.

Not even the exquisite treats Papa brings are contenders! They aren’t made with the same love you pour into them!

“Later, when your Papa comes, Vivi.” Nene smiled.

Before I could take another bite, knocks came from the door, triggering her quickly to glance towards it. We weren’t expecting anyone this early, especially since Father said he would arrive in the afternoon.

“Odd…” She mumbled to herself, hesitantly, getting up when they continued.

My eyes followed her as I had never seen her act this cautious before. She grabbed a black pouch from the shelves next to the door before answering. Behind the door was a tall lady with black hair and bright red eyes, with a visible scar on her face. Even with it, her beauty was so apparent that I couldn’t help but feel attracted to it.

I didn’t know what this lady had in store for me, but she would shake my world in ways I never knew possible.