Chloe Mallory - Chapter 1

Time had passed, for what felt like days. The warmth from before came about in waves, similar to the washing feeling of the water from before, or at least what I could remember from it. It’d been silent for some time, and I couldn’t hear anything. I couldn’t see anything. It was dark once again. Reincarnation definitely took more time than I’d expected. But before I knew it, mumbles were heard. I couldn’t make out the words being spoken, but before I knew it, a bright light had flashed suddenly. Revealing an orange sky shining above the horizon. I felt a force pull me quickly, lifting me out of the water with a powerful thrust.

The sudden change in scenery shocked me, as I couldn’t help but cough up what seemed to be the water that I’d been surrounded by during this time. The ringing in my ears didn’t settle much as my coughing continued, but the voices became clearer.

“She’s alright! Just got caught in the current. Thankfully, we noticed fast enough,” the voice said, it was light, yet the demeanor felt more serious than ever. As my eyes adjusted to being fished out of the water, I tried to take in exactly who pulled me out. It was a taller man with a broad physique, his deep blue eyes brimming with intensity and brown hair wet from the water. He seemed to be a young adult from his features alone. His musculature was one to be applauded, feeling his arms hold me up so effortlessly. I could feel myself nearly passing out once again from looking at such a figure. This was like a dream!

Suddenly, another voice sounded out from the distance; it was a younger woman's. “Chloe! I told you not to wander off on your own! What are you doing so far from the shore!?” She yelled. Her eyes were amber, donning a large ponytail and what seemed to be a dress of sorts. She’d pulled the dress up to her hips so that the water wouldn’t soak it as she yelled from a distance. I couldn’t help but notice that she addressed me so casually. Was this someone I knew? They seemed to be really worried about me. I pondered the questions as I held onto the man carrying me. I was too tired to really question much; I’d rather be held by this hunk of a man.

I closed my eyes as he petted my head. I didn’t care too much about how I got into this position. But aren’t I thankful? The waves of water moved subtly as he carried me from what seemed to be the ocean, as I realized how far the water went on in the distance. The two began to talk amongst one another as we reached land. They seemed quite familiar with me as they discussed matters concerning me.

“She’s way too unpredictable. How are we supposed to keep track of her without something happening?”

“Well, for one, you can do your job and watch her.”

“Me!? This only happened because you—”
“Nope, that’s not true, and you know it!”

The two bickered with one another. I squinted as I listened to the two ramble about the accusations of what the other did. They seem to be close, as the younger lady continuously poked her finger at the man. I couldn’t help but get curious about their notions. I slightly lifted my head from the man’s shoulder and looked at the other girl. She noticed my sudden shift and looked at me sternly, worry filled her face as she began to run her hand through my hair. Giving my head a delicate rub.

“I’m sorry we didn’t notice sooner, Chloe…please don’t mention this to mother, she’d be furious…”. Her eyes were filled with worry. I couldn’t help but feel as if some sort of power was bestowed upon me in this opportunity. I don’t really know what I could use said power for, considering I barely know where I am. But the notion of her being my older sibling made things all the more enticing. If I'm going to get ahead in this new chance, like the fish said, I’ll have to do my best to stay one step ahead.

“Sis…” my voice wavered, playing as if I’d grown tired of their banter. I noticed how light my voice had become; this wasn’t the same body I’d lived in my entire life. This truly was a new body. I glanced at her with my best attempt at puppy dog eyes I could muster, wanting to see the capabilities of this new look. I stared intently at her. “I won’t say a thing…if you do me a favor…”. Her eyes widened at the prospect and her eyes closed, letting off a small smile. “S-sure, what would that be…?” Her body language shifted, unknowing of what I could want made her seem to have her nerves unsettled. Was this power? Being able to sway a situation into a favorable one with a simple request? Man, being a little sister is so much better than being an only child.

The man began to laugh, seemingly amused by my request and seeing my sister's reaction. It was hearty, to say the least. “Man, this sort of play must run in the family. Must be a skill that’s passed down! Seems it skipped over you, Luisa!” he said. His laughs sounded loudly into the air as she punched his shoulder in recoil.

“Shut it, Gil! You ought to know that’s my father’s profession you’re laughing about. I won’t take mocking it lightly!” Her fists continued to punch the hardy man. His laughs continued as we began to walk into what seemed to be a gate. Farmland was seen all around, with the smaller animals roaming around within stable fences. The people tending to the farms waved happily to us, as Luisa and Gil waved back, returning their welcome with smiles. My mind began to wander, thinking of the type of world this would be. I remember the fish speaking about it being fantastical…does that mean there will be different creatures? Different environments, what about different magic!? There’s so much to explore and learn about, it’s as if I’d landed in a wonderland of…well, wonder!