Celest wakes up in the makeshift bed she arranged for herself, the remnants of Maria's baggy clothes draped around her. Maria was the maid for those monsters. As she gazes at the patches of sunlight filtering through the cracks in the ruined ceiling, Celest feels a mix of emotions—relief for escaping the horrors, sorrow for the lost children, and determination to navigate this unfamiliar world.
Her eyes land on a cracked mirror propped against the wall. She studies her reflection, noting the changes over time spent in captivity. "The scars tell stories," she whispers to herself, "They make me strong, don't they? They have to."
Celest rises, feeling the coolness of the dirt floor beneath her bare feet. She gathers the courage to explore the ruins, where remnants of a life she wants to forget linger. The echo of her cries from the previous night resonates in her mind, a haunting reminder.
As she ventures into the wreckage, she searches for anything salvageable. Among the debris, she discovers golden pouches. "Rewards for the experiments," she mutters, clutching them tightly. Memories of Rashid's mansion and the gruesome experiments flood her mind.
Celest's POV
The sun makes long shadows over the broken buildings, and I try to figure out the powers that suddenly showed up in me. "I'm so lost," I whisper to myself, feeling unsure. My hands shake because I don't really get how sound and space work. It's like being in a maze with no map. I want to get stronger so something like that never happens again.
I reach out my hand, hoping something will click. I try to understand space, but there's nothing. No magic feeling, no signs that I'm in control. It's frustrating.
Switching to sound, I close my eyes and make a small noise, hoping for a connection. But there's just silence. It's like the powers are playing hide and seek, and I don't know the rules. "Ugh," I grunt, feeling a bit annoyed.
Sitting there, looking at the golden pouches, I wonder, "How am I supposed to get this?"
As the sun goes down, making shadows that feel like they're laughing at me, I feel lost. The golden pouches hold secrets that I can't figure out. "There's something I'm not getting," I say, feeling kinda frustrated.
Celest rummages through the small stash of food she had set aside from the previous day. A few leftovers provide a modest but satisfying meal. As she eats, she continues to ponder, her thoughts a whirl of confusion and determination.
Feeling a sense of restlessness, Celest decides to venture beyond the confines of the ruins. The wilderness beckons, and she walks with a curious yet cautious spirit, wondering where the town might be. The overgrown paths and towering trees create an eerie yet captivating atmosphere as she navigates the unfamiliar terrain.
The echoes of the experiments and the haunting memories of Rashid's mansion start to fade into the background as Celest immerses herself in the natural surroundings. The rustling leaves, the chirping of birds, and the distant sound of flowing water become a symphony of the unknown.
As she walks deeper into the wilderness, Celest can't shake the feeling of being both liberated and vulnerable. The dense foliage obscures her view, adding an air of mystery to the journey. She continues to walk, driven by a desire to discover the extent of the world beyond the ruins.
Eventually, the tree cover begins to thin, and Celest catches glimpses of a clearing ahead. The distant sound of running water grows louder, hinting at the presence of a stream or river. The wilderness unfolds before her, inviting her to explore its secrets.
The clearing by the stream is a picturesque haven nestled within the heart of the wilderness. Towering trees surround the area, their branches forming a natural canopy that dapples the ground with shifting patterns of sunlight. The lush foliage creates a vibrant tapestry of greens, casting a serene atmosphere over the landscape.
The crystal-clear stream flows gently through the clearing, its babbling waters weaving a melodic harmony with the rustling leaves. Smooth stones line the streambed, creating a natural mosaic beneath the water's surface. The air is filled with the earthy scent of damp soil and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers that dot the edges of the clearing.
Feeling a sense of excitement and liberation, Celest decides to follow the sound of water. As she approaches the clearing, the source of the gentle babbling becomes clear—a crystal-clear stream meanders through the landscape.
Without hesitation, Celest strips down and, with a carefree grin, jumps into the refreshing water. The coolness envelops her, washing away the grime and fatigue accumulated during her time in captivity. The sensation of freedom, the rustling leaves, and the glistening water create a moment of pure joy.
"Who knew swimming would feel so good! Hahahaha," Celest exclaims, her voice echoing in the wilderness with a childish laugh. She swims and splashes around, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. The worries and uncertainties momentarily fade as she embraces the newfound freedom that the wilderness offers.
After a playful swim, Celest emerges from the water, feeling refreshed and invigorated. She gazes at the surrounding landscape, her wet hair clinging to her face, and a genuine smile on her lips.
Celest takes a moment to lie down on the grass, basking in the warmth of the sunlight that filters through the trees. The feeling of the soft earth beneath her and the symphony of nature around her make this spot feel like a sanctuary—a haven away from the shadows of her past.
"This is my spot now," Celest declares with a contented smile. She stretches out, feeling the cool breeze on her skin, and watches the leaves above sway in harmony. The worries and uncertainties that plagued her seem to dissipate in the embrace of this tranquil haven.
And for a week, this was her day-to-day routine.
Each morning, she embraced the warmth of the sunlight filtering through the leaves, a gentle reminder that she was free. The stream, with its melodic babbling, served as a backdrop to her daily rituals—a place of solace, a sanctuary for a soul seeking healing.
Celest's training sessions became a ritual, an exploration of the newfound concepts within her. With an air of determination, she delved into the intricacies of sound and space, experimenting with the boundaries of her abilities. The forest became her training ground, and every rustle of leaves and chirp of birds witnessed the gradual mastery of her powers with almost no change.
After the intense sessions, Celest retreated to her favorite spot—a clearing bathed in dappled sunlight. The cool grass cradled her as she lay down, reflecting on the journey that brought her to this point. The stream's gentle melody and the rustling leaves became her companions in moments of repose.
Venturing into the wilderness, Celest explored the bounty it offered. Edible plants revealed themselves, providing sustenance for her journey. The stream not only quenched her thirst but also offered a playful escape during the warmer hours of the day.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Celest found solace in the serenity of the evening. The night sky, adorned with countless stars, became a canvas for her contemplation. In the isolation of the wild, Celest discovered a liberation that transcended the physical bounds of the forest.
The routine she established became a lifeline, anchoring her in the present and guiding her toward an uncertain future. The scars of her past, though not forgotten, began to fade, replaced by the quiet strength that had surfaced from within.
In this dance with nature, Celest found not only a means of survival but a path of self-discovery. What lay ahead in the uncharted territories of the wilderness, and how would Celest navigate the complexities of her newfound powers? The forest held its secrets close, and Celest was determined to unravel them, one day at a time.
As Celest's days unfolded in the rhythm of the wilderness, little did she know that an unexpected twist was poised to disrupt the tranquility she had found. The routines, the solace, and the dance with nature—all were about to face a formidable interruption. For deep within the heart of the forest, obscured by shadows, something lurked.