A Vampire and Dhampir

Almost R-rated. Don't think about something too corny or anything. It's how I see about Vampires. And something have to do with the neck is something usual for them...

--------------------0-------------------

"That night, I could feel the breezy wind through the window in front of me."

A girl with a mid-19 century dress was tied up on a chair. Her eyes are closed by the blindfolds around her head. Her arms are tightly sealed with ropes around her tights and her feet are tied with the feet of the chair. She stayed silent and could only hear the things moving around her. In front of her is a big window, opened whether it is day or night.
There she was, in a big room filled with antiseptic aromas and a big bed on her right. There is nothing special about that room except for the big window in front of her. There wasn't even any bathroom around there.

"Clause?"

A young man sat at the window in front of her and smiled. His big red crimson eyes were perfect with his dark brown short-length hair. His white but not too pale skin reflects the beautiful light from the night sky. His figure is just perfect, like a 18-year-old boy.
He kept himself on the window and stared at the girl in front of him.

"Is it you, Clause? Your stench of blood is unique. I know it's you. The dhampir that Lord Basile would be so afraid of..."

The young man approached the lady and bowed.

"Mylady, Clara... I am here to visit you like any other nights when the full moon arises."

"I see. Are you not afraid with the fact that I should be sucking your blood rather than you --"

"I thought that you do not have the right to disobey me, Mylady."

Clause put his finger on Clara's mouth. Just after that, Clara opened her mouth, showing her big fangs, and tried to bit Clause's finger.

"You shouldn't be sucking a dhampir's blood, Mylady... You know the rules... That is why you are kept as a hostage here in Lord Basile's castle, am I right?"

---------------------0-----------------------

There was one a big war between Humans and Vampires to see who could take over the beautiful land of Romania. Humans are nowhere near victory until dhampir, the biggest enemy of vampires, stand aside them and hunt them with their weaknesses. Since that war, a lot of dhampirs still search for the vampires to fully make them extinct.
Clara, is one of the pure blood mistress that led the vampire army when the war clashed. Even though Clara is still a young pure blood, she had everything that a leader needed. She was hated by a lot of mans but also loved. Her beauty is not comparable with the other pure bloods. Her long and blonde hair were braided by the servants and resembles her tomboy side while her oval face and big crimson eyes resembles her beauty.
Clara went to the most front of the battlefield and killed many humans and dhampirs but one, Clause. Clause was the most strongest dhampir in the pack and he would kill any vampires he encountered. Clara already knew about this since she already studied about the army they are going to come across with, but she couldn't took her eyes off Clause.

"Clara!" Lord Basile took over her position as soon as Clara collapsed in front of Clause.

"I see that even the mistress, the leader of the pure bloods, couldn't withstand me... Then, what are you trying to defend on, Basile?"

"Don't underestimate vampires, Clause"

Lord Basile took his sword and fought with Clause. He couldn't win over Clause and decided to retreat. Half of the vampires army had been defeated, turned into ashes by the humans and dhampirs, and the moon was almost down. After the war, the vampires decided to live far off the mountain and inside the bewildered forest, far away from the humans. They fed themselves with animal bloods and lost humans that didn't have any hope to life.

"Lord Basile, please let me hunt Clause..."

"You, Clara? Do you know what you have done in the war? You surrender to him"

"I do not, Lord Basile. Please, give me a chance..."

Lord Basile look deep inside Clara's eyes and gave a nod.
Clara hurriedly went outside the castle with her sword on her back. She knew where Clause would be. She went deep inside the forest and came across a little hut, where Clause lived. As soon as she opened the door, Clause were in front of her and kissed her.

"What are you doing?!" Clara said abruptly and swing her sword blindly. Clause defended himself, still with a smile.

"I know you have something about me, Clara. You couldn't lie"

"I don't!" Clara said half screaming, still swinging her sword. Clause grabbed her hand and threw away Clara's sword. "What are you?!"

"Stay still" Clause said softly and licked Clara's neck. "I'm a dhampir, but I can't resist to drink any blood. Since you are one of the pure bloods, I think that you have to obey me when I defeat you, am I right?"

"Why? How?" Clara said. She didn't have any energy left to defend herself. Clause sank in his tiny fangs in Clara's neck and licked every single drop of bloods that bursts out of her dead veins. And then, Clara collapsed.

"She's so beautiful when she is helpless. I can't resist my feelings for her."

"You! Clause!" said Lord Basile, suddenly appeared in front of Clause's hut. He was furious enough to swing his big sword across Clause. But Clause was faster than Basile's sword. He could avoid every single swing that Basile made with his sword.

"I didn't know that pure blood's blood is very delicious. Especially those that are as young as Clara."

"You are very cursed, Clause! How dare you, as a dhampir, sucks vampires blood?!"

"I have some exceptions, Basile. I'm not those ordinary dhampir you have fought with... Why do you think I'm still alive after 500 years while the others only have the same length of life as a human?"

Basile took Clara in his hands and stared at Clause's eyes in fury.

"You're a vampire?"

"No, I still have a human blood inside of me. I am not."

"What are you, then? Werewolf?"

"You don't have the right to know. Now, if you excuse me, I want Clara to be here with me."

"Never, Clause. I would never give my sacred daughter to you."

"As you wish, Basile." Clause smiled.

Lord Basile took his leave and returned to the castle. Since that day, he made Clara a prisoner in her own room. Closing her eyes and made her unable to move. Clara didn't say a word. She was much too feared about other consequences Lord Basile would have given to her.
Since that day, she kept herself silent. Lord Basile would feed her blood from the blood bank every three days but never talked to her.

-----------------------0---------------------

"Clara"

"Clause?"

One night, when the full moon arises, Clause went up to Clara's room. He opened the window and step inside. Clara took a step back in fear. She feared Clause, not only because of his power, but also because of her feelings.

"Clara, listen... I'm going to visit you every time the full moon arises. Is that alright with you?"

"Why? You were the reason i am kept imprisoned here."

"Ah, but Clara, Basile is too blunt to know how smart I am. He intended to protect you from me by keeping you imprisoned like this..."

"Why? Why are you here? Why do you want me so much?"

"You know the reason. As an addition, your blood is much more addicting that I could ever imagine."

Clara frowned. Her pale skin went more pale as she heard Clause's reason.

"You won't take 'no' as an answer, do you?"

"I bet you don't even want to say 'no'..."

Clause smiled and kissed the back of Clara's hand. He took out a deep breath and kissed Clara on her lips passionately. Clara followed his lead, tempted by her feelings toward Clause, and gave in to him.

"I love you, since that war, Clause... I kept trying to forget you, thinking that you are a nuisance in my life. That you are my biggest enemy that I should---"

"Hush" said Clause softly. He kissed Clara once more and said, "Love at the first sight for the little miss. It took me years to actually found someone so beautiful and innocent as you, Clara. If I have a chance, I'll take you away from here."

"Don't, Lord Basile will--"

"He will find us, of course. That is why, I should wait. I won't be going anywhere and so do you."

Clause left Clara in tears. He bid farewell and took his leave. His stench of blood quickly disappeared by the smell of antiseptics around Clara's bedroom.

--------------------0------------------- 

"Just this night, Clara. I'll be the one who give my blood to you. Are you that hungry?"

"No. Please, take me away from here, Clause. I don't want your blood solely, but also you as a whole."

"Clara..."

Clause untied Clara's rope and let her stand on her feet. He hugged her and kissed her lips.

"I know you are hungry. Don't worry. I promise, one day, I'll kill Lord Basile."

"I'm sick of being a vampire, you know. Don't tempt me with your jokes."

"Just be quiet and drink my blood."

"One more thing, Clara" Clause said as Clara's sucking his blood.

"If you are trying to kill me now or when I'm not on my watch. Be sure that I know. Even now, with your blade under your dress."

Clara stopped and took a few steps backward.

"I won't, I promise. I'm--"

Suddenly, Clara collapsed in front of Clause.

"She loves me. I know she does. But, she still has some vengeance for me."

Clause took Clara on his back.

"Where are you going?!" said Lord Basile, suddenly appeared from Clara's bedroom door.

"I know you are the one who said to Clara that she should kill me when she had the time. I know that Clara told you about me going here every full moon. But, I also know, she loves me with her whole heart. I know it from her lips. I bid you farewell, Basile. We will see each other soon."

And with that, Clause took Clara with him. Far away from the mountains of Romania.

--------------------------0-----------------------

"I promise, I won't kill you"

"You do? I don't trust any vampire's word. Even you, Clara, the only person I love so dearly."

"Let go of me. I want freedom, not another dungeon."

"Not until I know you can be trusted, Clara."

Clause kissed Clara's lips passionately. "Please." Clara begged with tears. "No."

-XIII-

The Forest's Whisper

It’s Saturday morning, and as usual, I help my mom do the dishes and all. After all of that, I went outside to have some fresh-air. It has been 7 years since I live and enjoy the beautiful village, Verlaten. As it is said in the name, this is a forgotten and abandoned village. Only a couple of people lived here, isolated by the globalization going on around the world.

“Tunete Oscurita! How are you, friend?!” someone shouted from near the graveyard. As I approached the man, I figured quickly that it is actually Mr. Clover, the one who always took care of the graveyard.

“Oh, hi, Mr. Clover, you look well today, also,” I said kindly. He smiled, showing all of his wrinkles on his forehead and cheek.

“Thank you, Tunete. I see your friends coming here with their fullest expectation to play?” he said while he pointed at my back. I can see Cielo, Ginga, Nadi, and Valentia running with bright smiles.

“Tunete! Are you ready for today? We’re going to explore the lost forest, right?” Cielo said happily. She is a timid girl with a long and wavy brown hair. She also had a very beautiful bright brown eyes and a beautiful figure. She is basically a dream girl for everyone in the universe.

“He basically doesn’t know about what you’re talking about, Cielo. He hadn’t been with us since we talked about the lost forest,” Valentia continued. Yeah, on the other hand, Valentia is a very energetic girl. She is Cielo’s twin sister. She has the same feature as Cielo, but to difference their looks, Valentia cut her hair up to her shoulder and always wear pants and stuffs that boys wear.

“I haven’t left you guys for that long, did I? I also said that I have some business to take care of,” I said, making excuses, which is actually real! I’m not lying, because I’m not the type of person to lie.

“Oh forget about it, Valentia. Why don’t we just go to our secret hideout and discuss this matter there?” Ginga suggested. Ginga is my best friend since I was born into this world. He had straight black hair, like Japanese people usually had. His body is quite tall, maybe from his Japanese gene? I don’t know, he never wanted to be asked about his birth-place or anything. He had narrow-sharp black eyes that can stab a person if he hates him/her.

“That’s a good idea, how about it, leader?” Nadi replied quickly. Now, Nadi just came to this abandoned village a year ago. His family is an outcast from the Emperor of India, a beautiful place to live after the starvation from The World War ended. Indeed, he had a masculine tanned skin and a strong and wavy black hair. His eyes are pretty much like an eagle, and the color is also very unique, grey.

“I don’t mind. I really need to catch up with you guys. It have been a month since we actually talked about a mission anyway,” I said wisely and lead the way to our hideout. It’s been a while since I walk into our hideout. Our hideout is actually very simple. It’s a little tree house located at Ginga’s backyard. As we set ourselves, Nadi pulled out a simple map and Valentia showed me an old note.

“This is why we want to go to the Lost Forest. As you can see, I found this note while playing soccer with Nadi and Ginga a while ago. Can you read it, Tunete? I can only read the Lost Forest part,” Valentia said as she gave me the rusty note.

“Of course you can’t read it! It’s all blurry, and it’s written in German! Do you want me to just translate it?” I said as soon as I saw the blurry note. The others just nodded their head.

“The ancestors predict that there will be a catastrophe in the near future. There will be five innocent children that will witness the amazing magic of the Lost Forest. And they will be trapped, become one with the fairies, and bring the unbalanced life back to their original state,” I translated it in mere seconds and started to wonder. What does the note means?

“I’m curious by the ‘five innocent children’ part. It’s weird if we say that this is a coincidence. You know, that there are five of us and Valentia founded the note while Nadi found out the location of the Lost Forest and how Ginga said that the Forest is dying and all,” Cielo said, giving all the details we needed.

“Yes. It’s far from a coincidence. Don’t you think that we are the ‘five innocent children’? But that means, if we go there, then we can never come back to our family. What do you think leader? What should we do?” Nadi asked.

I stopped reading the map that he gave me and stared at each of their eyes. We are far from old, we are all 7 years old, only old enough to know that we are going to the elementary school and we can’t just play all the time. Our family would be really sad if we leave them. As a leader, it’s hard to decide whether we go or not in this kind of situation.

“I think we should try it, Tunete. I’m not afraid,” Ginga said clearly. I smiled a little and look at the others. They smiled back at me.

“Alright. Nadi, Ginga, I need your help on the map. Valentia, Cielo, both of you can go and search for some information regarding the Lost Forest and its legend. I think Mr. Clover would know some information about it, so why don’t you go and see him?” I said, directing the move of our little group. As soon as I order them, they work according to the plan.


“As you can see, Tunete, the forest is located behind the graveyard. There’s a secret passage to enter the forest. And in order to do that, we need permission from Mr. Clover. But, if we want this to be a secret mission, we can’t just spill out what we want to do and what our true intention to go there to Mr. Clover, or he will tell the story to our parents, which will stop us from going inside the forest,” Ginga explained.

“But, Ginga, I don’t think Mr. Clover’s story will be listened and believe, by the villagers. He is far too old, and he is a little crazy. My mom won’t even believe anything that he said when I disappeared for 3 days. And I was hiding from the villagers in the graveyard, wandering around to see if ghosts really exist,” Nadi said innocently. Ginga and I just laughed when he said that. Ghost doesn’t exist, and so does fairies and magic, our families taught us that since we were so young. That’s why I’m interested in the Lost Forest. Because, it is ‘Lost’, and no one ever told us about it.

“That’s our advantage, then. Let’s just wait for the girls to arrive, and then we can launch our plan. How about that?” I said as I stopped laughing. Both Ginga and Nadi agreed.

An hour passed, when Valentia and Cielo finally came back. They seated themselves near us and drink some soda from the little fridge on the edge of our tree house.

“So, how’s your search? Both of you only went out for an hour, that’s quick, you know,” I said as soon as they drink the last drop of soda.

“It’s quick because, the only person who wants to tell us about the Lost Forest is Mr. Clover. The other villagers looked at us as a crazy person as soon as we say ‘Lost Forest’. I even try asking my mom, but she only said, ‘there’s no such thing as Lost Forest dear’ with a worried expression,” Valentia explained their results.

“Mr. Clover said that the ‘Lost Forest’ can only be seen by the ones in the prophecy, but it can be heard by everyone, and the existence can be felt by the villagers. To get to the Lost Forest, you have to enter the graveyard and find the passage yourself. Inside the Lost Forest, you can find lots of mythical creature and experience the magic that no one can imagine. Other than that, we have to find out about it ourselves. So, what do you say guys?” asked Cielo as soon as she finished her report.

“Tomorrow, at 7 a.m., let’s meet in front of the graveyard entrance. Don’t forget to bring snacks, compass, and mineral water. We don’t know our destination, so we have to bring this map. If your parents asked you where you are going, just say that we’re going to explore the graveyard and see if ghosts really exist or not. That would be enough,” I said to them. Nadi blushed as soon as I said that. The others agreed. And so, our planning is over, we can only wait for our journey tomorrow.

The sun rises on its own without having any permission from the villagers, and so I ran downstairs with my backpack. I wore my short trousers and comfy T-Shirt. I have my adventurer cap on with me too.

“Where are you going to this time?” mother asked me. I was eating my breakfast silently as my mom asks that question. I stopped eating and looked at her face with a fake smile.

“Our team is going to investigate whether there are ghosts or not in real life, especially in the graveyard!” I said with overwhelming excitement. My mom smiled and kissed my forehead.

“Don’t forget to come back safely, dear. You’re my only treasure since your father left us,” mom said with a little smile. I nodded and hugged her tightly, leaving her with no expectation on what will happen to me in the future.

“Oh, there you are leader! Are you ready?” asked Nadi as soon as I reached the graveyard entrance. The others looked kind of sad. Maybe because it is really sad, to actually leave the family we’ve been together with for seven years.

“Don’t be sad. If the prophecy is true, then we are actually saving the world, sacrificing ourselves,” I said with a dandy tone. The others smiled slightly. Cielo hugged Valentia tightly. I approached her and patted her head.

“It’s alright, Cielo. Don’t be scared,” I said calmly. Nadi and Ginga stared at each other and approached us. We hugged together as if destiny can no longer be broken by us, and we have to give in to the prophecy.

“Are you all ready?” I said as Cielo calmed down. The others nodded. And so, I approached Mr. Clover and asked if he could open the graveyard’s gate for us. He gladly gave us the permit and led us to an unknown path.

“This is the path to the Lost Forest. I know that people called me crazy, but the legend is true,” he said as he left us on our own.

“Thank you, Mr. Clover,” Nadi said kindly. Mr. Clover waved his hand, saying ‘be careful’ as he left us for good. As we take a deep breath, we went into the bushes. The path is very narrow and the soil is very dry. To be exact, the forest is dying, slowly but surely. As we went deeper, we come across to a little space with pine trees all over us. We sat down and rest for a little while. Nadi pulled out his compass and try to locate our place.

“Oh, look at this, guys! The needle won’t settle down,” Nadi said surprisingly. The four of us gathered around him, amazed by the fact that the needle on the compass won’t settle down.

“That means, we really are lost in this ‘Lost Forest’,” Cielo confirmed. The five of us bit our lips and stared at each other. I stood on my ground and packed my stuffs.

“Let’s get going again guys,” I said with confidence. The others followed my lead. And so we went deeper into the woods. It gets darker as you went deeper, and so we took out our flashlights to help us see the way. When suddenly, there’s a rustling sound coming from the bushes on my right. I stopped and held everyone on their place.

“There’s something on your right, leader,” Ginga confirmed. I nodded and observed the place calmly. Suddenly, there’s a big Venus Fly Trap and a little rabbit that jumped out from the bushes.


“Wait little rabbit. These five kids, how do they get here?” asked the Venus Fly Trap, that has a leg. Okay, that plant has a leg. That’s beyond imagination.

“Ah, there are five of them. Are they the legendary kids? They will save us all, Venus Fly Trap! Let’s tell this to the Forest Fairies,” the rabbit said happily. And then, they went back into the bush and disappeared before our eyes.

“Okay, that’s weird,” Valentia commented on the occurrence just now. “I still can’t believe what I just see. A walking Venus Fly Trap and a talking rabbit? That’s just insane!”

“We should keep going, leader,” Ginga suggested. I agreed on him and continued on my walking. As we went deeper and can only see a glimpse of sunlight above our heads, I tried to memorize the note that Valentia gave me yesterday.

There will be five innocent children that will witness the amazing magic of the Lost Forest.

“That’s it!” I said suddenly and stopped. The others are startled by what I did.

“What’s it?” Ginga asked. I turned my body around and smiled brightly.

“The five innocent children will witness the amazing magic of the Lost Forest! That’s what! The unexplainable magnetic field, the talking rabbit, the walking Venus Fly Trap, and the darker it is when we go deeper, it’s because this Forest is filled with magic!” I said with such excitement. The others stared at each other.

“That means, we really are the ‘Five Innocent Children’. And that means, we won’t be able to go back to our family,” Nadi explained calmly. My shoulders went down as he said that. Cielo started to cry again and Valentia kept patting her head. The atmosphere becomes sad once more. When suddenly, again, a little light flew around me and landed itself on my shoulder. I was startled, again.

“Ah, you must be the five innocent children that are stated in the prophecy! The judge awaits you all. Could you all come with me?” the little light said. Cielo stopped crying as soon as she saw the light. As I looked at it closely, it is actually a fairy.

“Excuse me, mind if I ask you what you really are?” I asked with a sudden bravery that came out of nowhere. The light stopped flying around and landed on my nose.

“You can see me clearly, right? I’m a forest fairy. I protect the forest and keep the plants alive,” she said. She had light-blonde hair and a beautiful face, even if it’s too small to see. She wore a green dress that was made with leaves around the forest.

“Are all fairies that small?” Valentia asked out of nowhere. The fairy giggled a little and started to fly around us.

“Not all of us. I’m just a minor fairy in this big society. Now, come on, the judge awaits you all! And he’s not a patient creature,” she said happily. The five of us stared at each other and followed the fairy. The fairy asked us to turn off our flashlights and just rely on her light. She said that there’s a lot of creature that reacts to artificial lights, and they are not nice.

We walked for hours on top of the dry soil of this tropical forest. When at last, we reached our destination, which is an old ruin in the middle of the forest. I can see that most of the wall had been destroyed through time, and there are tree vines spreading on every corner of the ruin. And when we walked in, there is a big old man with a very long white beard standing on the middle of the ruin.

“Ah, welcome, the savior of our forest. We’ve been waiting for you. It has been a long time since the Forest is in a good condition,” he said abruptly. I took a step backward and protect my friends. But the old man just stood there and laughed. “Don’t be afraid, young lads. I don’t want to harm you.”

“Then, what’s the meaning of the note that you gave us?” Valentia asked calmly while Cielo hid behind her.

“Ah, that’s just a welcome message. But what is inside the note, it is something more important than the life of this forest. What is stated there are all true, and you can never run from your destiny,” he said wisely. I sighed.

“Could you tell us why we are chosen? And why is this forest dying? And also, why is it that only Mr. Clover knows about this forest existence?” I asked. The old man laughed again, which is really annoying, even for a 7 year-old boy like me.

“Since you are here, I might as well tell you the whole story,” he said while he laughed in such a joyful expression. “As you can see, Tunete, the five of you here doesn’t even exist. You are all the descendants of the Prime Fairies. At that time, the five powerful fairies who rule this land are scared. Humans began to cut down trees and make good soils for buildings instead of farming. And so, afraid that they will be completely destroyed, they put three-quarters of their life into living souls. And those living souls are you guys here. As soon as they put their life away, they become weaker and their remaining conscience made this forest. Which was then founded by humans and treated as a place that never been here. It is so that the ruin will be forever guarded. The first generation of the Verlaten village is none other than Mr. Clover. That’s why he is the only one who knows about this forest and only told the other villagers that the forest is a forbidden place. Now, as time pass by, the forest’s energy became weaker. So, to put it back alive and to keep the village safe, we need the five souls that have the life of the fairies. That is why, dear, the five of you gathered here. It is already in the plan of fate.”

“I don’t understand. So, the family that is with us the whole time. What are they?” Cielo asked as soon as the old man finished explaining.

“They are fairies. They blend into the human world and become one in order to put the five of you together at the right time. It’s surprising that they actually marry human beings and gave up on their status as a fairy,” said the little fairy that led us here.

“Now, do you all understand why you must live here for eternity?” asked the old man once more. The five of us nodded in both fear and dignity. As if we know what we have to do, we stand on each of the corner of the ruins and picked up a crystal that is attached on the wall. We kissed the crystal and become one with the wind, turning ourselves into dust and disappeared.

The Forest will be revived, the forest will be known. The five children became one. The forest is now alive. The magical fairy can now live in peace. With the harmony of the new live.

“This is, the Lost Forest,” I said as I finally landed on an abandoned village.

‘Verlaten’, that’s what the sign said when I arrived. This is a place that human kind had never touch. And I’m here to see whether there is any mankind left in here. As I searched high and low, I cannot see any person. All that I can see are only houses made out of stones. I guess the one made with wood are all chomped down by the termites.

I continued my journey to the graveyard, when I see a secret passage that is unexplainable. First of all, the graveyard has a dry soil, while this passage has a green and moist ground. I brace myself as I went into the passage. ‘The Lost Forest’ is what I can remember from my memory on when I was a child. I went deeper.

“Oh look, Cielo, it’s a human being,” suddenly a voice came across me.

“We should greet her nicely, leader,” said another voice.

“Let’s guide her to our home. She will be surprise for sure!” said another voice, this time, it is a little lighter than the two voice before me. I stopped and looked everywhere, searching for the sound. But there is no one in this forest except me. As I take a deep breath, I continue my walking.

And then, I found an old ruin with five statues of children in every corner of the ruin. Each of them has a crystal with different colors above their head.

The Japanese looking boy had a blue crystal, the tomboy girl had a yellow crystal, the feminine girl had a pink crystal, the India boy had a green crystal, and on the middle of the ruin, there is a German boy that had a big red crystal above his head. Without hesitation, I approached the German boy. When suddenly, the statue started moving.

“It has been a long time since we have visitors,” he said. I was startled and surprised at the same time. I took some step backwards, but the boy just stands there and smiled at me.

“Don’t worry. We are the keeper of this forest,” said the tomboy looking girl.

“I come here in peace, please don’t hurt me,” I said. The five children laughed and approached me as if I’m an alien. Around them, there are five little light floating around without any trouble.

“Can you accompany us? We’re bored. It has been about fifty years since we have visitors. Oh no, we are the last visitors,” said the India boy, giggling on his own.

“We won’t hurt you if you play with us and promise us that you won’t reveal our location. This forest is home of many magical creatures, so we don’t want any human to come and destroy this place,” said the Japanese looking boy.

“But for you to find this place. That means, you have a clear and kind heart. Please, stay until you feel that you need to go back to where you belong,” said the feminine girl. I nodded and accompany them.

Ah, so this is the Lost Forest. A place where the five fairies of the past hid their selves in order to protect the magical creature in it. I will never forget it.

A Letter of Tears

I was once a little girl that does not understand about the sky and what lies beyond our eyes. Then, I grew up living at a house near the planetarium. I've once read a story, that tells me about a girl that fell in love with a classmate that worked on a planetarium. He knew a lot about stars and often took the girl to a secret place with no artificial light. That's my main motivation for moving in to a village, rather than living in a crowded and bright city.

I am already 20 years old, old enough to have a boyfriend and think if I shall get marry sooner or later. But that doesn't make my spirit down. I really love to study astronomy and other thing that related to it. So, I came to the planetarium now and then, randomly, while studying for my thesis.

There, like any other comic books or novels, I met a guy. He is always at the planetarium, watching the show that is annually hold by the planetarium on Sundays.

"You always came at the same day and at the same time. Aren't you bored?" he asked me while I was watching at the show.

"Never. I love learning things like these. It really eases up my mind, even just a little bit," I replied. He kept quiet after that short conversation. Not long after, I ran into him. He was using a wheelchair.

"Would you like to go and have some tea with me?" he asked me with a graceful smile. I kindly accept it and follow him. We have a great time together. And I didn't feel that any dangerous things will happen if I am close to him, not like any other stranger.

A week from that, he asked me to spare some of my time. I kindly accept it. At night, like the story I've read a thousand times, he takes me to a wonderful place.

The place is very wide, with the sky on top of us. We have a great time. We talk about a lot of things, including death. I know that he looks pale, but, I don't have the courage to ask him. And that day ends when Venus shows itself at dawn.

Weeks have past, and I can't find him on the planetarium. So I ask the owner and find that he have passed away. I am shock. Really shock.

The owner then gives me a letter. He says that it is written and addressed for me, so I take it and leave the planetarium.

I never go to the planetarium again since I know about his death, so I almost forget about the letter too. But when I am going for a ride with my bicycle, I come across the most beautiful place that he showed to me. I ride my bicycle at full speed and take the letter. I almost rip it apart, but, I think he would like it if I read it at our secret star-seeing place.

So, I go there at night and place my back upon the breezy grass, and then open it softly. And then, I read it out loud in my mind:

"The stars are like people's life. They are created by Nitrogen and such gases, forming a beautiful star that shines through the atmosphere, making millions of people gazed upon them and 'wow'-ed at them. People are like that too. We are created by our father and mother's sexual gen. And when we make a living, we can shine wherever we are, at our own pace and skills. Stars also die, by exploding, but it will only happen after million of years. We, humans, will also die, by unexpected things and causes.

Sarah, if you find yourself lonely, look at the sky while you are resting your body on the breezy grass. And then, search for the star called Polaris. It won't go anywhere, I promise you. It will be at the same spot in any season, any time. Maybe, it will make you remind about me and my pitiful life, so that you can go on and reach your dream.



I'm sorry that I never tell you about who I really am, and what I've been through. I have an illness that made my internal organs functions degraded year after year. I know that I'll leave you sooner or later, so I wrote this letter. It's because, well, maybe, I don't want to see your sad and lonely face.

Is it called love? I don't care. The most important thing is your happiness and your dream. Just reach it when you have the time, I know you can do it.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. There will be a meteor shower on the 20th of this month. When that time comes, let's go together, shall we?"

I gently close the letter and look at my clock. It's the 20th of the month that was mentioned by him. I close my eyes. I pray to God for his safety and, without me knowing it, I cry. I let my eyes open slowly and amaze at the sky. It is a meteor shower.



I write something on the back of his letter.

"Like the meteor shower that I see, my tears are racing down through my cheeks. But I know what I must do. To reach 'our' dream and make it a reality. I know that you will always support me, Chris. So, I won't give up."

I rip apart the letter and blow it to the sky. The pieces are being carry by the wind, while I smile and look upon the sky. It'll be a new day.

Bunga Indah dihamparan ladang kematian

Satu-satu aku sayang ibu...
Dua-dua aku sayang ayah...
Tiga-tiga sayang adek kakak...
satu dua tiga sayang semuanya...

Lagu kecil itulah yang pertama kali kudengar saat melewati panti asuhan kecil di desaku. Desa kami bisa dibilang sedikit lebih besar daripada desa sebelah. Ditambah, pertanian dan perternakan kami juga sangat sejahtera. Tapi, kami selalu mendapati anak-anak jalanan dan yatim piatu dari desa lain maupun dari jalan besar disamping.

"Kakak.... Panti Asuhan Aero mana ya? Kata mama, aku disuruh kesana... Soalnya di rumah enggak ada orang lagi..." kata seorang anak laki-laki di saat aku menyusuri sawah menuju rumah. Ia hanya membawa secarik kertas yang bahkan sudah kusam dan lecek. Pakaiannya robek dan membuat lubang-lubang yang besar. Alas kakinya pun hanya sebatas sandal yang bahkan sudah kekecilan. Rambutnya hitam dan pendek, sangat berantakan dan tak terawat. Kulitnya yang sawo matang terlihat kotor dan banyak luka. Tetapi, matanya menunjukkan sinar yang luar biasa.

"Kakak anterin ya?" Aku menjulurkan tangan dan menggandengnya. Tangannya yang kecil hangat sekali.

"Nama kakak siapa? Aku Robert..." katanya memulai pembicaraan di perjalanan kami.

"Nama kakak Sinta... Kamu umurnya berapa? Kok kamu bisa sampai ke desa ini?" tanyaku sambil akhirnya menggendong tubuhnya yang kecil di punggungku.

"Aku umurnya lima tahun, kak. Aku disuruh mama kesini lewat surat kecil yang kupegang... Kata mama, aku harus cari panti asuhan... Karena aku udah enggak boleh tinggal di rumah lagi..." katanya sambil membuka surat yang ia pegang. Kasihan sekali, pikirku. Anak yang baru berumur lima tahun ini sudah kehilangan ibunya dan juga rumahnya.

"Oh, tuh kamu lihat? Rumah kecil itu adalah rumah bagi 20 anak yang tidak punya orang tua... Mereka diasuh dan diajari berbagai macam hal disana layaknya anak-anak Ibu panti sendiri..." kataku sambil menurunkan Robert. Aku mengetuk pintu panti asuhan itu perlahan-lahan dan dengan sopan. Ibu Aisyah yang merupakan ibu panti membukanya dengan senyum.

"Sinta? Siapa anak kecil yang disampingmu itu? Anak yang kamu temukan lagi?" tanyanya sambil mengusap kepala Robert.

"Iya bu... Dia mencari panti asuhan ini melalui surat yang diberikan oleh ibunya..." kataku dengan senyum.

"Ibu... ini surat dari mamaku... katanya harus diberikan kepada ibu panti asuhan aero ini..." katanya dengan polos.

"Oh iya, terima kasih Sinta... Aku akan mengabarimu jika ada sesuatu lagi... Saya punya perasaan kalau kamu akan dibutuhkan kembali..." kata Ibu Aisyah.

"Iya bu... Robert, aku permisi dulu ya? Kak Sinta mau pulang... Besok kakak akan kembali kesini..." kataku sambil meninggalkan Robert dan Ibu Aisyah. Ternyata, memang ada suatu rahasia di balik panti asuhan yang ramah itu. Iya, rahasia yang tidak pernah diketahui olehku. Rahasia itu dikunci baik-baik oleh mereka. Dan rahasia itu dibongkar oleh kedatangan Robert yang kutemukan...

~bersambung~

Hanya itu yang bisa kulakukan....

Aku anak umur Tujuh tahun yang masih tudak mengerti apa itu persahabatan. Di saat aku naik kelas dua, ada anak bernama Lina yang mengajakku bermain.
"Namamu Kiko kan? Anak perempuan yang selalu duduk sendiri di kelas satu. Kenalkan, namaku Lina. Bolehkah aku jadi temanmu?" tanyanya.
"Umm... boleh deh." kataku ragu-ragu.
"Terima kasih, duduk bareng aku yuk..." katanya lagi tersenyum lebar. Akhirnya secara resmi kami menjadi teman. Kami sekelas terus sampai kelas 5. Di kelas 5 ini, daya tahan tubuhku mulai melemah. Memang, dari kecil dokter pun sudah memvonis aku menderita kanker paru-paru. Ini dikarenakan bapakku yang selalu merokok. Tapi aku tidak ingin membuat Lina khawatir dan terus ke sekolah. Tetapi, Allah S.W.T. telah menetapkan takdirku. Minggu depan aku mulai harus dirawat di Rumah Sakit secara intensif.

"Kiko! Kita main ke Dufan yuk! Terus habis itu kita main di taman dekat rumahmu..." katanya dengan riang. Aku pun tersenyum dan mengangguk menandakan 'IYA'. Dan hari itu pun tiba, kami berangkat ke Dufan bersama-sama orang tuaku. Aku sudah berkata kepada mereka untuk tidak mengatakan sepatah kata pun kepada Lina supaya ia tidak khawatir terhadap kondisiku.
"Lihat Lina! Kita sudah sampai di Dufan!" kataku kepadanya sambil berlari menuju gerbang tiket. Iibu telah memberiku uang untuk masuk dan bekal untuk dimakan. Sekarang jam 10.00 dan ibu akan menjemput kami jam 14.00 supaya kami masih sempat bermain di taman dekat rumahku. Rencananya juga Lina akan menginap malam itu. Karena tinggal besok saja aku bisa bertemu dengannya. Kami menaiki banyak wahana Dufan. Kami sangat senang hari itu. Di taman kami bermain ayunan seperti biasa. Tiba-tiba ada anak cowok yang lebih besar dan tua dariku menghampiri Lina. Mereka mulai memalak dan mendorong Lina dari ayunan.
"Hei kecil, kita mau main disini. Cepat pergi!" katanya sambil mendorong Lina. Tanpa sadar aku mendorong anak itu dari Lina.
"Kalau mau main gantian dong! Gak sopan tau kalau kayak gitu! Apalagi sama anak perempuan yang ukuran tubuhnya lebih kecil dari kamu!" kataku dengan keberanian yang entah datang dari mana.
"Kurang ajar! Liat saja nanti kalau kita ketemu lagi!" katanya lari pulang.
"Kiko? Makasih banyak ya!" kata Lina tersenyum.
"Iya sama-sama. Kamu terluka ya? Sepertinya tanganmu tulangnya patah..." kataku khawatir dan memegang tangannya.
"Ah iya, tapi gak terlalu parah kok Kiko. Kamu gak usah khawatir..." katanya mencoba untuk tegar.
"Ayo kita pulang, nanti aku bisa memperbaninya...." kataku sambil membantunya berdiri.
"Makasih banyak ya Kiko. Hari ini sangat menyenangkan lho! Coba setiap harinya bisa main terus sama Kiko! Ahaha, kenapa aku ngomong kayak gini ya? Padahal aku tahu kamu akan terus berada di sisiku sebagai sahabatku!" katanya menahan tangisan yang hampir keluar.
"Ah iya, aku akan selalu menjadi sahabatmu..." kata-kata itu keluar tanpa aku menyadarinya. Aku terharu dengan kata-katanya, padahal aku tahu aku tidak akan hidup lama. Aku tahu bahwa orang yang menderita kanker tidak akan hidup lama. Tidak seperti Lina yang bisa terus hidup sampai tua.
"Kiko, aku laper nih... Pulang ke rumahmu yuk." katanya sambil meraba-raba perutnya.
"Oh iya, kita makan yuk!" Aku membantunya berdiri dan menuntunnya ke rumahku. Di sana kami makan sate ayam dan sayur asem bikinan ibuku yang sangat enak. Dan di malam harinya aku melilitkan perban dan kayu sebagai penyangga tangannya. Dan Lina pun tersenyum dan tidur. Aku masih terbangun, aku membayangkan akan apa yang akan terjadi nanti di rumah sakit. Dan apa yang akan dirasakan Lina kutinggalkan begitu saja tanpa memberitahunya. Aku pun memutuskan untuk menulis surat kepadanya malam itu.

Esoknya, Lina pulang dan aku bersiap-siap untuk pergi ke Rumah Sakit. Tak lama setelah aku membereskan bajuku, dadaku sesak dan aku tidak bisa bernafas dengan benar lagi. Aku pun memanggil ibu, dan tidur dengan lelap. Setelah aku sadar, yang kulihat adalah wajah ibuku yang khawatir dan infus yang menancap di tanganku. Aku sudah berada di Rumah Sakit.
"Kiko, kamu sudah bangun nak?" kata Ibuku mengusap kepalaku. Aku berusaha untuk menjawabnya tetapi tidak bisa, aku hanya mengangguk dan tersenyum.
"Baiklah, kalau begitu kamu tidur lagi saja ya? Ibu mau memanggil Dokter dulu..." katanya beranjak dari tempat tidurku dan menutup pintu dengan pelan. Aku mulai menulis surat kepada Ibu, seandainya nanti aku akan pergi. Dokter pun masuk bersama Ibuku disampingnya.
"Selamat sore Kiko, bagaimana keadaanmu? Kita cek dulu ya?" katanya dengan sopan dan tersenyum. Ia melakukan berbagai macam pemeriksaan dan meninggalkanku sendirian lagi di kamar. Ibu mengikutinya keluar dari kamar. Entah kenapa aku merasa lebih ringan sekarang, aku juga merasa sudah waktunya aku pergi. Ibu mendatangiku dan teriak-teriak. Ah Ibu, aku tidak bisa mendengar kata-katamu lagi. Aku menunjuk kepada lemari dan tertidur pulas.

Hari pemakaman Kiko pun tiba, aku turut bersedih karenanya. Ia hanya hidup sesingkat itu dan tidak lagi tersenyum kepadaku. Dia terus melakukan apapun sampai aku bisa tersenyum. Aku juga masih ingat hari dimana kami bermain di taman. Ia dengan berani melawan orang-orang itu. Ibunya pun mendatangiku dan memberiku surat. Aku membuka surat itu dan membacanya.

Temanku tersayang dan Sahabatku pertama,

Aku minta maaf, aku tidak sempat memberitahumu tentang penyakitku. Aku tidak ingin kamu khawatir tentang keadaanku. Aku juga minta maaf karena aku tidak bisa banyak melakukan hal-hal yang berguna ataupun hal-hal yang bisa terkenang. Hanya inilah yang bisa kulakukan. Begitu juga saat-saat kita bersama adalah hal yang bisa kulakukan. Aku minta maaf, karena hanya itulah yang bisa kulakukan. Aku harap kamu bisa hidup bahagia walaupun aku tidak ada.

Salam terbaik dariku,
Kiko

Aku mulai meneteskan air mata. Aku tidak tahu harus berbuat apalagi, karena sekarang Kiko sudah tidak ada lagi. Didalam surat itu juga ada beberapa lembar kertas yang merupakan diarinya bersamaku. Aku membacanya dan tanpa sadar aku mulai menangis.
"Kiko! Kenapa kamu harus pergi sekarang?! Bukankah kamu janji akan selalu berada disampingku dan menjadi sahabatmu?! Kiko, maafkan aku karena aku tidak bisa membantumu lebih dari ini! Maafkan aku sahabat terbaik.... Maafkan aku!" Isak tangis mulai terdengar dari belakangku. Semuanya menangis, karena mereka juga tahu bahwa Kiko adalah anak yang baik.
Selamat jalan sahabatku, Lina akan selalu menyimpan kenangan kita di hati.

Satu, Dua, dan Tiga - Bagian 1

Aku sebenarnya hanyalah seorang anak biasa yang ingin berkeliling dunia sebagai Backpacker. Sayangnya, Ibu dan Bapakku tidak pernah mengizinkanku untuk pergi. Alasannya ada banyak sekali! Antara lain karena aku adalah seorang cewek berumur 17 tahun yang masih perlu sekolah. Dua, tidak ada cowok yang mau menemaniku pergi. Tiga, karena sangat berbahaya. Empat, mereka terlalu kaya dan hanya ingin aku menikmati hidup dengan cara mudah.

"Kino! Kamu pingin keliling Indonesia gak?" tanya temanku Aerith. Ia memiliki rambut berwarna cokelat yang panjang dan lurus. Matanya pun berwarna biru tua dan selalu memiliki aura yang bahagia.
"Mau dong! Tapi kalau gak ada cowok untuk ngelindungin kita, Ibu dan Bapakku pasti tidak mengizinkan..." kataku membalasnya.
"Yah Kino! Kamu kan paling hebat saat survival test kemarin, bukan? pasti sangat beruntung jika kami mempunyaimu di saat keliling Indonesia!" katanya dengan raut wajah kecewa.
"Halo Kino, Aerith. Kalian sedang apa?" tanya salah satu teman sekelasku yang bernama Zian. Ia tinggi, rambutnya hitam kecoklatan dan sedikit berantakan. Dia anak yang paling populer di angkatan, tetapi entah kenapa ia selalu berusaha untuk mendekatiku.
"Bukan urusan kamu Zian!" kataku dengan tegas.
"Kita mau backpacking keliling Indonesia Zi, mau ikut?" tanya Aerith.
"Tentunya! Kamu gak keberatan kan Kino?" tanyanya kepadaku.
"Sebenarnya tidak, tetapi...." kata-kataku terhenti karena bel masuk sekolah berbunyi.
"Ayo masuk kelas, Kino! Nanti Pak Arief marah lagi!" katanya kepadaku.
"Dadah Kino, dadah Zian! Nanti kita bicarakan lagi tentang masalah backpacking lagi ya!" teriak Aerith kepada kami. Kami pun bergegas ke dalam kelas supaya tidak terkena ceramah panjang Pak Arief.

"Anak-anak sekarang kumpulkan tugas Laporan Observasi Pulau Seribu kalian di sini! Yang telat tidak akan mendapatkan kompensansi waktu dan terakhir adalah hari ini di jam terakhir!" Teriak Pak Arief di depan kelasku. Sekolahku merupakan sekolah swasta yang mengikuti kurikulum Negeri. Di sini, kelas dibagi menjadi 5 berdasarkan Rangking dan subjek yang kita ikuti. IPA memiliki 2 kelas dan IPS 2 kelas. Dan satu kelas lagi adalah Akselerasi. Tetapi sebenarnya ada satu kelas akselerasi lagi yang sudah sekolah di Akademi ini dari SD sampai SMA dan menduduki rangking 1-10. Gedung kami terpisah dan terdiri dari Zian, Kino (aku), Kiari, Lilan, Pertha, Zerno, Rendo, Certo, Akatsuki, dan Kinako (ini sudah berdasarkan rangking). Sekolah ini juga merupakan sekolah Internasional, karena rata-rata siswanya berasal dari luar negeri. Walaupun kami selalu menjadi 10 besar disini, kami tetap harus belajar di kelas. Sebenarnya kami sering sekali berpergian ke luar negeri dan ke berbagai tempat. Tetapi kami tidak pernah backpacking sekali pun. Ini mungkin karena orang tua kami adalah orang-orang ternama dan kaya.
"Kino! Bagaimana tugasmu? sudah selesai?" tanya Zian yang duduk disebelahku.
"Sudah, tadi sudah dikumpulkan" kataku dengan muka jutek.
"Kamu kenapa sih? Kamu membenciku?" tanyanya dengan muka prihatin.
"Tidak, aku hanya merasa aneh saja jika berada didekatmu..." jawabku dengan senyum yang kupaksakan.
"Hei, jangan paksakan senyum kamu. Aku tahu kamu bukan orang yang bisa berbohong dengan mudah..." katanya lagi kepadaku.
"Baiklah anak-anak, saya akan meninggalkan kalian sekarang. Jangan lupa 3 hari lagi libur panjang akan dimulai!" kata Pak Arief. Ia pun keluar dari ruang kelas kami dan menutup pintu dengan lembut.
"Kino, Zian! Kita makan sushi yang dibuat oleh Akatsuki yuk!" ajak Kiari. Mereka semua sudah berkumpul di meja Akatsuki dan Kinako untuk memakan sushi keluarga Akatsuki yang sangat lezat. Aku pun berdiri dan menggandeng tangan Zian.
"Ayo, mereka menunggu kita bukan?" ajakku.
"Iya, mereka menunggu kita...." kata Zian dengan senyumnya yang manis. Kami pun memakan sushi Akatsuki dan melewati jam istirahat dengan tenang.

Bel pulang pun berdering dengan kencang. Aku dan Zian berjalan melalui gedung kelas Aerith. Kami bermaksud untuk mengajaknya makan di cafe yang kami sering kunjungi.
"Aerith! Kita makan ke cafe depan stasiun yuk!" seruku kepadanya.
"Kino, jaga sikapmu di sini. Kita kan merupakan kelas elit di sini dan diperlakukan sebagai orang terhormat..." kata Zian.
"Oh iya, aku hampir lupa...." kataku dengan sikap yang malu-malu. Aerith pun bergegas mengemasi tasnya dan berlari menuju kami.
"Kalian berdua digosipkan lagi oleh kelasku. Katanya kalian pacaran ya?" tanya Aerith.
"Tidak, kami tidak berpacaran Aerith..." kataku dan Zian secara bersamaan. Muka Zian terlihat sedikit merah dari biasanya.
"Hahaha, kita lihat saja...." kata Aerith. Akhirnya kami pun makan cake yang terkenal di cafe depan stasiun itu.
"Kan liburan nanti sebulan tuh.... Jadi nanti kita pergi keliling Indonesia saja... Itu lebih seru kan?" tanya Aerith kepadaku dan Zian.
"Iya sih, nanti aku akan tanya Ibu dan Bapakku. Tapi, syaratnya adalah Zian harus ikut!" kataku dengan tegas.
"Tenang saja Kino, aku pasti akan ikut. Percayalah kepadaku akan hal itu." kata Zian mengusap kepalaku dan senyum.
"Nanti akan ku konfirmasikan lagi. Kalau bisa tolong ajak teman sekelas kalian lainnya ya? Aku yakin mereka akan ikut dalam acara ini. Kujamin seru deh!" kata Aerith dengan semangat. Kita pun berpamitan dan aku mulai berjalan pulang ke rumah. Di sinilah hal paling sulit akan kualami. Karena belum tentu Orang tuaku akan mengizinkanku untuk pergi.