Returning

Getting dressed as fast as I can I bolt out the door not even checking on if Hazel or James were alright or even around for that matter.

My stomach talks as a run through town to the building Aba resides in. 

I make it to the tall building and push open one of the big heavy doors. It creaks a little while I shut it behind me. I walk through the big archway that opens up to a grand foyer.

"Aba!" I shout and my voice echos through the place.

"I'm here." His voice is quiet. I don't see him anywhere.

"Where?" I ask spinning around. I hear him chuckle.

"You don't have to come to me. I will come to you always." His voice is closer but I don't see him.

"Why are you sending me back?" I can feel the tears in my eyes. I'm scared to go back. There is so much more I can do here. All the people I can help. I have been cooking the foods I love. There are all the people I have met that I would like to call friends, Hazel especially.

"It has to be done. You will understand in time but that time is not now." He sounds so close but I still can't see him. I feel his presence but it's wrapped around me similar to a hug. I feel calmer.

"When will be the time?" I ask. A tear does make it's way down my cheek.

"If I tell you, the time will never come. You are going to have to trust me." Aba says his voice bouncing off all the walls as if he is everywhere at once.

"I do trust you." I reply. He has yet to lie, cheat or discern me. He is beyond wise too. Since he knows every thing that has and will happen with me in particular. 

"Good. You are very meek. That will help us go far." I could feel warmth around me.

"Doesn't that mean weak?" I ask.

"Many have described it that way or as complete submission. Some described meek as controlled power." I could feel him chuckle.

"So which one am I?" I close my eyes trying to find where Aba is.

"In time." I could feel him smiling since he loves to leave me with riddles.

"You always say that." I do tend to figure out his riddles when doing the tedious tasks of cleaning or laundry.

I'm sleepy.

Wait... Wake up! My thoughts fade to nothing.

.......

I wake in my old bed at my mother's house. My memories fading as always. No. No.

I lay back down and try to go back to sleep because that's where I want to be. I can't sleep though.

The roosters are crowing. I crawl out of bed and go care for the animals, eat breakfast and head off to school.

Friends ask me if I'm alright or sick since my gaze keeps drifting. I brush them off and they keep carrying on with their selves.

Every so often I feel a presence around me. More when I'm doing a tedious task like cleaning the barn out or sitting in class. It's strange. It's not scary. More of a calming presence, almost familiar.

The days turn into a year. Some days are better than others. I do have a boyfriend now. I spend most of my time looking presentable for him and trying to get good grades since he is one of the top 10 in his class. He is an upperclassmen and wants to get a high paying job one day.

..... 

It's late in the evening just shy of 10pm. I fall asleep while texting him.

.....

I wake in my room at Hazel's house.

Wait. I'm in Hazel's house.

"HAZEL!" I burst through the door of my room.

"Wasn't she running on the last day we saw her?" I hear James from the corner of the living room. He is sitting in an arm chair.

"That she was and she didn't even say goodbye." Hazel says laying on the couch.

I leap towards her and give her a hug.

"I have missed you!" I sob.

"We have missed you too." Hazel says patting my back.

"I'm so sorry! Aba sent me back and I forgot about you! And I knew I forgot something. I just couldn't remember your names but I would see someone like you and I'm so sorry!" I sob.

"Did you not read the contract you signed when becoming a hunter?" James questions me in disbelief.

"I skimmed it and it looked like what I did with Hazel the first day. Fight bad guys and get money. Along with learning mana control." I sniffle.

"The contract literally states that 'you only have you're memories of this place while here to protect all the other hunters in the universe/dimension'. I thought you would be smart enough to read something you were going to sign with your own blood." He looks at me dumbfounded.

I don't like being called out or being called not smart. So I started crying more. Those words hurt so bad.

"Well Aba wouldn't have brought you back unless he had a reason to." Hazel says.

A scroll pops onto my lap.

How does clearing out a den of man eating demons sound? Oh and now that you have a boyfriend you won't fall in love with the hostage they have.

Aba

"That's why you sent me back?! To get a boyfriend?!" I part near shout.

"Boyfriend?" Hazel has a twinkle in her eye wanting the gossip.

"No! You are too young for a boyfriend!" James points his finger at me.

"I'm sixteen! I'm old enough for a boyfriend!" My tears dry as I get my confidence back.

"I was a sixteen year old boy once and I'm telling you. You're. Too. Young." James stands his ground.

"No. I'm. Not!" I stand my ground.

"Alright." Hazel steps between us. She looks at me. "Gear up. You have a mission."

She looks to James. "I will talk to her."

I gear up. Then go top off things at Matilda's and Chelsea's shops. Head to the waypoint and head on out.

I find the cave the den of demons have been hiding in. Clearing them wasn't the easiest but not the hardest either. It was the extremely attractive guy they had wanted to help. But he kept getting in the way. 

He kept trying shield me when I really needed to attack. Then he kept trying to smooth talk me. Mentioning I have a boyfriend who I'm really happy with did not phase him one bit.

Aba can I knock him out?

No.

You sure I can't leave him?

Ehhhh. You need the money. Chelsea got her hands on a bow you have been looking for.

One that can hold three enchantments?

Yup.

You sure I can't knock him out. It will go a lot smoother.

He needs to stay consensus.

Fine....

I deliver the man back where he is apparently needed after cleansing the whole cave.

"Stay with us! With you our nation will flourish." The man's father said.

"I'm needed else where. If you need our services someone will be along to help. Have a nice day!" I do the formalities of bowing to the king. I turn to go just to be stopped by the guards.

"You seem to have thought my words were a suggestion." The king smiles.

I throw one of the guard's spear down and lighting exploded from it.

"And I told you if our services are needed someone will be along to help." I can see the guards trembling. Hoping their king doesn't command them to move. The king thinks on it.

"Fine. Your looks are of those of a peasant. My son can do better." The king states.

"Thanks." I say turning and leaving.

I'm on my long walk back to the waypoint.

Why?

The grandkid out of that one will be a fine leader. Thanks to your display of meekness the man you rescued has a new perspective of people.

Ah.... Wait. Meek. You mean I was the definition of controlled power?

Like I said. In time you will understand.

Yes! I can't help but to bust out laughing. The farmer in their field looked over in confusion.

I begin running feeling free. Feeling strong and confident. 

......

I get back and tell everyone goodbye before leaving to go back to my mother's place to be with the boy I found. James gives me a very brief "talking to" but my boyfriend is different so I barely listen. Hazel tells me she will miss me and will keep my bow safe so when I get back I can collect the minerals and gems needed to enchant it.

I understand in time I will understand Aba more with his riddles.