38Author's note: Welcome to my second multi chapter story! Thank you to everyone who read Double Discovery. If you like that story, hopefully you will also enjoy this one. Again a thanks goes out to my sister for helping with proof reading and brainstorming new ideas.
The title of this story comes from the song "So Be It" by My Epic. I choose that title because the song and the album it is from is about the place between certainty and doubt. It is about questioning yourself and what you believe. In this story, Daniel spends a lot of time in that metaphorical place as he wakes up in a unfamiliar place in uncomfortable circumstances but slowing finds the familiar and comfortable as he searches for answers. He constantly struggles and questions who he is and where he comes from. The theme of hope is also really important as Daniel struggles with not remembering who he is and dealing with an abusive paternal figure, while fighting to believe that he will find what he's looking for and eventually escape Vlad's abuse
I really recommend checking out the song; it should make what I am talking about more clear and hopefully make the read more enjoyable.
Prologue
I've never really written a journal before, well that may not be true. I don't remember ever writing in a journal before but I feel like I'm not that kind of person. Anyway I thought that maybe writing this down would help me sort out…everything. I woke up here, wherever here is, with no memories. He told me my name is Daniel James Masters. He told me I am a human-ghost hybrid, like him. He told me he is my father. But I know that's a lie; there is no way Vlad Masters, my captor is my parent. I know I have a real home somewhere out there. I have a family and friends who love me. Too bad I can't remember anything about them.
Maybe I should start at the beginning.
Chapter 1
The first thing I remembered was flying. Well not really flying but dreaming of fly. I floated in the air, the world small below me. As far as I could see stood trees on the rolling hills and a river twisted through the hills and away from me. I had no idea where I was and that scared me. I quickly turned in a circle rapidly searching for anything I recognized but there was nothing! No roads, buildings, or man-made lights. Nothing at all! How was I going to get home?! Did anyone know I'm here?! I put my head in my hands and took a deep breath. I needed to figure out what I was going to do, not panic! Finally, I gazed up at the starry sky above me and my mouth feel open. There were so many stars! And the Milky Way! I could actually see it. It was like the sky was so deep, I could look into the edges of the universe. I felt small but strangely comforted.
Suddenly, a rhythmic beeping noise startled me, far away at first but quickly getting louder. What was that sound? And now the sky was brightening, but not like it did at sunrise. Instead it was getting whiter? Like I was in a dark room and the lights were slowly turning on.
I frowned. The beeps were really loud now. Why won't they stop? What was it? The world was getting fuzzy and soft white. I…I think I was dreaming. Was I dreaming this whole time? I slowly woke up, though my eyes remained closed. I was lying on my back on something soft and the beeps were coming from by my head. I suddenly realized it was a heart monitor. Wait! A heart monitor! Was I in the hospital? I couldn't be in hospital! I needed to get out of here.
At this, my eyes shoot open. I was…not in a hospital but in a normal room. My hands were balled in the soft, white sheets. They were really nice, actually everything in the room looked nice. Was I in some rich people private hospital? That didn't sound right. I looked to my arm which had an IV in it. I went to pull it out but was stopped cold by a voice.
"Son, you're awake. Good." The tall man who just came into the room had a white beard and long white hair that was tied into a low ponytail. He wore an expensive looking suit. He smiled, and even though it looked authentic, it was slimy. And his blue eyes were cold and dead, despite the wrinkles from his smile. A chill ran down my spine. I didn't know who this man was but the sight of him made my skin crawl.
At the silence, he frowned. "Can you speak, my boy?"
I swallowed. I didn't know how, but I knew that I couldn't let him know that he had shaken me. For some reason, I knew that that would end badly for me.
Giving him a smile that hopefully didn't look like a grimace, I stuttered. "What's…where…where am I?"
He continued frowning but then his eyes lit up like he realized something. "I thought you might not remember. This is one of my mansions."
He gave me what was probably his attempt at a comforting smile but it just made me panic more. Because I was realizing that I didn't remember anything. I had no idea how I got here or who this guy was. I didn't even know where here was. The rate on the heart monitor increased as my fear increased but I was in a panicked spiral. I didn't remember where I was from or who my parents were. I didn't know if I had any siblings or who my friends were. My heart dropped. I…I didn't…didn't even remember my own name. My name!
The man took a seat in the chair beside me and put his hand on my shoulder. I tried not to flinch but instead felt a tingle spreading from my chest to my arm. As it spread, my shoulder and then my entire arm disappeared and the man's hand fell through! I shrieked! Oh My God! My arm, it's gone! It was completely gone! My heart was pounding out of my chest. I looked up at the white-haired man. Maybe he could tell me what the hell was going on! But he was… chuckling?
That ignited anger in my gut that mixed with the fear. I felt my eyes burn, not with tears but… something else? I couldn't identify the feeling but it was familiar. My voice shook. "That's not funny! What's happening to me?"
The man just laughed anyway. "It's good to see you have the proper fighting spirit, boy." He sobered slightly. "But you don't remember?"
I shook my head.
He continued. "Like myself, you are a ghost-human hybrid. You have extraordinary abilities, powers if you will. Invisibility, Intangibility, flight, Ectoplasmic energy attacks, even duplication and teleportation. We are extremely unique, rare, and powerful my boy."
I marveled at my apparently invisible hand in front of me as it slowly faded back into visibility. My head raced at this information. I was some kind of ghost hybrid? I had super powers? How was this even possible? How did I even get these powers?! But one question overtook all the others.
I quietly asked, my voice wavering. "I don't remember having powers or… anything. Why don't I remember anything?"
"I'm afraid you were in a terrible accident. You must have amnesia from the head trauma." The tone chilled me more than the words. He sounded like he didn't really care, like he was putting on an act. No, it was more like he thought it didn't matter. Like the fact that I didn't remember my life wasn't important. He continued. "Do not worry son. I'm sure it will return and I can inform you of anything you cannot recall."
Suppressing my anger and fear at his reaction, I asked. "What's my name? And who are you?"
The man frowned. "I had hoped you would recall that." He then gave a tentative smile. "Your name is Daniel, Daniel James Masters. My name is Vlad Masters. I am your father." For some reason, he beamed at that declaration, like he was incredibly proud to say that.
My breath caught. That…that couldn't be true; this man couldn't be my father.
He patted me on the shoulder. "Despite the memory loss, do you feel well overall son? Any pain or discomfort?"
He was really going to brush off my memory loss and his apparent parentage of me? I shook my head, deciding not to comment despite how much dread and uncertainty I felt. "I feel pretty good. My head doesn't even hurt." I wrinkled my nose at that; shouldn't my head hurt if I injured it?
Vlad's cold blue eyes studied me, sending another chill down my spine. My palms were sweating. I didn't like him looking at me like that, like I'm some kind of specimen or project. I needed him to leave so I could freak out about all of this in private. Rubbing the back of my neck with my hand, I faked what I hoped was a convincing yawn. "I'm actually still kinda tired though. Can you let me get some sleep?"
To my surprise, he fell for it. "Of course son. Get some rest." He put his hand on my shoulder. "I'm very glad you are here, Daniel. Call if you need me. I plan to have some food for you when you awake."
I gave him by best smile, trying to act grateful. "Thanks… dad? Father? Ummm what do I normally call you?"
Another creepy smile. "Father will do. Sleep well, little badger."
Little badger? He left me to my thoughts. I swallowed. I didn't know who that man was to me but he was NOT my father. When I thought of that word, father, though I couldn't picture a face or even the outline of a person, it did bring images to my mind of big arms wrapping around me and deep boisterous laughter. And the color orange? A father was someone who worries about me when I'm hurt and comforts me when I'm scared. But that image doesn't match Vlad at all. I couldn't even imagine Vlad hugging me or laughing authentically. If he's supposed to be my parent, shouldn't he have been worried that I was hurt and didn't remember anything? If I was in a 'terrible accident' shouldn't he have hugged me when he saw that I was at least physically okay? I put my head in my hands. But what did all that mean? Why was I with Vlad and not with my parents? Did something happen to them or did…did Vlad do something to my parents?
I sat back, feeling anger grow in my stomach. Ugggg Why couldn't I remember anything? Maybe….maybe Vlad did something to me? I just wished I had some idea of what was happening. I let out a long exhale. Well whatever was happening, I would figure it out. The one thing I did know was that Vlad wanted me to think I was his son. So I would play the part; I'd act like the loving son he probably wanted me to be. I would get more information and figure out what's happened, what and who I've forgotten. And I would get out of this…somehow.
At some point after those musings, I must have fallen asleep since the next thing I knew, that man, Vlad, was sitting by my bed again. Seeing me awake, Vlad smiled at me. "Are you feeling better son?"
I suppressed the urge to groan. I did not really want to deal with him but needed to at least act kinda happy to see him so I smiled at him. "Yeah, I'm not tired anymore."
"Good. I brought you some food." He placed a covered tray on my lap. With a flourish he removed the fancy looking metal dome. Looking at Vlad, I raised my eyebrow on confusion, though I'm not sure if it was because of the combination of white rice and apple sauce or expensive china plate that the 'meal' was on.
Vlad chuckled at my reaction. "I decided it would be best to act gently on your stomach, seeing as you've been unconscious for a while."
I looked at the food; I did feel very hungry, like my stomach was completely empty. Huhhh? How had I not notice that before? Though I was a little distrustful, I was fairly certain Vlad wasn't going to poison me or anything. Taking the spoon, I slowly scooped the rice into my mouth. I felt the bite with my mouth for a while before swallowing. Ummmm. Okay this was actually pretty good. I noticed Vlad had taken a seat and was watching me with a grin, but I ignored him, focused on shoveling food into my mouth.
Vlad grabbed my wrist a little roughly. "Slow down, little badger."
I blushed. "Sorry."
I ate more slowly for a few minutes in silence. But in my head, I debated- Vlad made me uncomfortable and I was pretty sure he would lie to me. But he was the only person I could get some answers from. But could I do that without making him suspicious? After I finished eating, I decided to risk it and I looked at Vlad. "So..uhhh…"
Before I could utter a question, he put his hands together. "Now that you have eaten, I shall show you your room."
"But…"
Vlad's eyes fell to my chest. He tissked. "You must put on some proper clothes first." I frowned, finally noticing my hospital gown. Vlad handed me a polo, kakis, boxers, and a pair of shoes from the closet and then also frowned. "Do you feel well enough to stand?"
"I think so. But I have some ques…"
"Good. Chop chop." He motioned me to stand.
"But Vl..Father"
I was cut off…again - by Vlad rebuking me. "Now Daniel. Stop being difficult. There will be time for questions later."
Clearly he was not going to listen to me right now. Playing the obedient son, I answered. "Yes sir."
Vlad patted my shoulder. "Good boy."
He offered his hand to help me stand. Sitting up more fully, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and took the man's hand. Slowly I put my weight on my legs. Though my legs were wobbly like a baby deer, I managed to get to my feet. I clearly hadn't stood in a while. Once I felt stabile, I let go of Vlad's hand and looked at him. He grinned, incredibly proud for some reason and I titled my head questioningly. It wasn't like I did something really impressive.
"Very good son. Now get dressed. I'll be outside." Vlad then left the room and closed the door.
I took the clothes from the bed and put them on with little trouble. They fit perfectly and were surprisingly comfortable, though I felt like this wasn't something I would normally wear. But it was a little disconcerting that Vlad had clothing in my size. I shook my head; I could think about that later. Clearing my throat, I called. "I'm…uhh dressed."
Vlad opened the door and motioned to me. "Come son." I quickly followed after as he continued talking. First he pointed to the door we came through. "That is my personal medical room as you know." After turning right, we walked by several doors. "This is one of my smaller mansions. Most of the rooms on this floor are parlors and guest bedrooms, which you are free to explore later. There is also a rather extensive game room and arcade you may find enjoyable." He then stopped at a door at the end of the hall. "This room however is my personal office. If I am inside, you may nock and ask permission to enter. However you will not enter when I am not present. Is that understood?"
He looked very serious, with crossed arms. I swallowed. "Yes sir."
Vlad nodded. "On the floor above us is an extensive library which you may peruse when you desire. On the floor below is your room." He then turned towards the stairs beside his office. He hurried down the stairs with me quickly following after. When we came to the bottom, I noticed the hallway was L shaped. Vlad walked forward and opened a door a few feet down the hall. "And this is the kitchen. You will see it is fully stocked. If you desire anything, assemble a list and I will order it." He then pointed down the hall. "The entrance to the dining room is the next door on the right. You will attend breakfast with me at 7:30 am and dinner at 7 pm. Though of course the times will be adjusted to accommodate alterations in my work schedule."
My head was swimming at the onslaught of information. Vlad noticed my confusion and paused. "We can continue with the schedule and rules later. You did just wake up." He turned around and motioned me to walk towards the stairs. "We will continue to your room then."
I nodded and started walking but Vlad quickly stepped in front of me. He turned right at the stairs. We then pass a set of glass doors which present a view of the gardens outside with a row of tall trees behind it. And was that a pool? Vlad didn't stop though but continued until we come to a door that actually has my name on it. "This is your room. The door to the left is my room. As with my office, you will not enter without permission."
I nodded. "Okay."
Vlad frowned. "Speak properly Daniel."
I straightened to the rebuke. "Yes sir"
Vlad then opened the door and entered the room. "There is a washroom attached with all the toiletries you should need and the closet contains a pletera of clothes in your size." He checked his watch. "It is 4 pm now. Dinner is at 7. Feel free to explore your quarters and rest until then. However do not go outside. I do not want you exhausting yourself." His voice then lowered and he glared at me seriously. "Do not use your powers. I need to assess your health and stability first to assure you will not accidently injury or unduly tax yourself. Do you understand?"
I swallowed. "Yes sir."
Vlad then smiled his normal creepy smile, and clasped his hand on my shoulder. "If you need anything, I will be in my office. In fact, meet me there at 6:45 so I may escort you to dinner." He left the room still smiling. Man Vlad really creeped me out.
After Vlad left, I let out a sigh, relaxing. I looked around the room. It was fancy like the medical room from earlier but space themed. The walls were covered with murals of swirling blue cosmic clouds and brightly colored celestial bodies. The ceiling was a diagram of the solar system-a light blue background with different sized planets hanging. All of the furniture- the bed, desk, book shelf, drawer, and side table- were futuristic and sleek, all silver metal and white plastic with blue accents. A bed with purple and dark blue galaxy prints sheets sat in the center of the room, across from a TV with a video game system. As a whole the room reminded me of a space ship from some sci fi movie or TV show. It was really nice but spotless, tidy, and impersonal, like it had never been lived in. There were not pictures, no posters, not papers, no personal items anywhere. The bookshelf was full of various space themed books but nothing else- no nick nacks, well-read novels or childhood picture books. I knelt to look under the bed; there was nothing there either, not even dust bunnies!
I checked the bathroom which was huge with a long marble counter, free standing porcelain bathtub, and shower with a rain shower head in the corner with two clear walls. It was also somewhat space themed and futuristic with a spacious dark blue nebula rug and towels. The white and blue walls with a hexagonal pattern, angular fixtures, and soft blue mood lighting made the room look very futuristic and sci-fi. And again it was very clean and un-used looking though that's probably good for a bathroom.
Exiting, I walked to the closet. Maybe there was something personal in there. But no, just neatly hung and organized suits, polos, dress pants, and a few sweaters with dress shoes and pairs of clearly expensive and unworn tennis shoes and sandals. It looked like none of these clothes have been worn.
I looked in the drawers- some silk and fleece pajamas, some boxers and socks. I even found a few pairs of expensive jeans and a few t shirts. But again nothing looked worn. There also weren't any personal papers or nick nacks in the side table or in the desk- although the desk had unopened packs of pencil, pens, eraser, color pencils, and markers. There was a new pencil sharpener and some unused spiral notebooks. I found one interesting thing though. There was a bound journal at the bottom with a leather cover. The pages were white and blank. I opened the journal, smiling as an idea hit me; I needed some way to collect my thoughts. I sat down at the chair and began writing.
