Chapter 2

     Mold… Dust… What’s that smell? The air was permeated with it. I tried to open my eyes, but my first attempt was not very successful.  But I did not give up. I tried again and after several unsuccessful attempts I succeeded. I felt like something hit me. or maybe this is how it feels to have a hangover? (Not that I was drunk). I do not know.

     I saw my brother and sister. They looked shocked and scared. I dared not ask them anything because I knew that I would not like the answer. I did not see our parents. I did not saw our parents. My heart was beating like crazy.  I got up with difficulty and James reached out to me. I crept up to him and snuggled with my sister. She was crying. Yes, I certainly had no desire to see what is happening around me. But after it directly affects US, it's better to know where we are, so we can deal with it.

      At one time, I thought we were moving. Slowly, but still moving. This is barely noticeable. Curiosity won out over fear. I stood up and approached the two steps leading to the door. I went in slowly and looked over my shoulder. James was right behind me. I reached out and grabbed the lock. It wasn’t locked. The door creaked and opened. The weather was bright and smelled of water. Sea? Ocean? No, more like a river. When we went out we were on the small ship. It was wooden and had  canvases. I blinked a few times. Yes, we sailed. All around US were in gorgeous colors. There were no sign of the world we knew. There were other people like us, confused and frightened. The crew were moving back and forth and doing there job. I noticed that they're from different races, however Asians were prevalent. Have we somehow stumbled in Asia? But this pure nature… What the hell happened?

     Someone gave orders. Must be the captain. My brother went to him, as did Lydia, but I was fascinated by the sight. I could not take my eyes off this view. But I was surprised at how fluent James was. Even stranger was that I clearly kneow what they said. I think it was… Japanese? Yes, it was. But I heard and other languages: English, German, French, Chinese, and even Italian. I shook my head quickly. It was not safe to relax.

     Suddenly my stomach told me that I was hungry. I blushed. i was startled when someone approached me. Wow… Well, he was nearly two meters. He looked like a fighter. I blinked at him and he laughed.

-Don’t be afraid, kid. I’m Hiro.

-I… I’m Bea.

-You must be hungry.

     I nodded. I really was. I still don't understand how it's possible to understand what this Japanese man tells me. Even so, I'd take the chance to see what's happening, so I followed him. He gave me fried fish and rice and doesn't lose sight of me. Although he was very kindly, he did not trust me. I get it. And I would do the same. But now I couldn't stop cramming food in.

-Take your time.

-I’m sorry. I just…

-The man and the girl with whom you are with...

-My brother and my sister. Excuse me, sir… Have you seen our parents?

-No. Only you three. Recently, strange people have appeared.

-Strange? Foreigners?

-Dressed like you… weird.

-Oh!

     I blinked and ate the food. Thanked. In the words of the sailor, we are not in Asia. Not the one we know. Parallel… Different. A world that looks like ours, but it's not. I tried to question him further, but he was called away to work. I stayed on the deck. I heard that they would leave us on the port. We have nothing. No money, no food, no clothes. Nothing. But my brother arranged for us to work on the ship. There were a few days until we arrived, so we could start working to earn some money. Cleaning, helping in the kitchen...Whatever we could. James and I worked silently. But Lydia never stopped complaining, murmuring about her broken nails. Silly, given the circumstances.

     Although we tried, at night we were so tired we couldn't stay awake. We couldn't see each other during the day and we really wanted to speak about something. No matter what. Only that did not work. I don't know about my brother and sister, but I had a strange dreams. I don't remember it exactly, but I know that I was frightened and upset.  It woke me up early. At least I found friends on this ship.Everybody is amazing, good people. I just couldn't stop thinking about our parents. Lydia cried and James was always serious even when he smiled. But I didn't react so emotionally. I was just meant to be. I operated on autopilot.I couldn't even smile using my strength.

      I really felt lonely when we reached the port. They gave us money and supplies, but it is not easy to say “goodbye “to friends. Hiro told me not to worry because I’m smart and I can do it. I almost cried. But I kept myself together and smiled. We walked quickly through the village. There wasn’t a city, or at least not like. It seemed to me that we’re in an old movie about ninjas. But people don't stare at us like we're aliens. Well, yes. Still wearing clothes like the locals. We saw other people like us on this place. Like we were caught in world where wasn't  separation of the states. I would say that I liked it more so. Everyone spoke their own language. It was just weird.

     At first glance everything seemed so normal, but the truth is that it was not. This world is foreign to us. My brother always said when we're together, we can handle anything. It seems that Lydia started to get used to this situation too. However, the boys couldn't stop to staring her. But I could not get rid of the strange feeling that had crashed into my soul. Something in this world wasn’t normal. The way we came here…

     Suddenly there was a loud noise. Before us flew a man. Or rather, he was discarded. James stood before me and Lydia. There were three men who looked like soldiers.

-How dare you say such a things about the Master, you b*****d? �" Shouted one of them. �" You will pay for this.

     They carried swords “katana”. I thought that would give way, but no. He took the sword. Is he intending to fight? Is he crazy? This is what I thought. Although when you looked at him, he seemed like a criminal.

-I do not subject to garbage like you. �" Said the man.

     Lydia was afraid and this makes our brother angry. He stood before.

-Hey, listen! I don’t care what your problem is, but you’re scaring my sisters.

-Shut up, sissy!

     And he attacked my brother. I thought my heart would stop. But James knew how to fight. The man swung with the sword, but my brother avoided the crash and took the arm of the attacker. The next moment he was on the ground and James hit him pretty hard. I blinked. That was impressive. I looked at Lydia.

-Calm down, little one. You’ll break my arm. Did you see? He knocked him down with ease.

-Do you doubt? �" James grinnedand then he looked at the surprised soldiers. -  I’m sorry, gentlemen. I just don't like when someone scares women. Come on, you two. We must find the shelter. Tomorrow we'll look for a job..

-Brother… - Lydia cried and hugged him hard.

-You will not hug me, Bea?

-Yeah, right. Can we go now?

     I’m not cold, just I’m confounded when it comes to tenderness. Because of this I was avoided to show my feelings on the public places. My brother knew it, and for that he annoyed me. We turned to walk along the road when soldiers suddenly stopped us.

-Hey, you! Stop.

      My brother stopped and turned.

-What?

-You have a good preparation. Looking for a job, right?

-Yes, sir.

-Come with us.

     The man who was talking to my brother was big and scary. There was a scar on his face. It was obvious he had no problem in causing pain. I did not trust him, but we had no choice. We followed the men into a small restaurant. Lydia and I sat at a different table since he said women shouldn't interfere in this.It was too much, but we hadn't time to argue. They just ordered for us tea and left us.