Chapter Text
The smell of various apples around me heightened my eagerness to eat and my urge to run. The cart I was hiding in made me tense with its weak, trembling wheels that jerked over the stones on the path. There's no waiting; it's now or I'll be eating leftover peels at dawn.
Without hesitation, I reveal myself, causing apples to fly into the sky and fall into nearby lakes. The poor old man pushing the cart certainly didn't expect this; it was obvious from his astonished expression and gaping mouth that could almost touch the ground. I certainly didn't intend to give him a heart attack.
"Nishihi~, oops! Check your cart next time, sir!" I dart away as fast as my legs can carry me, with as many apples as I can hold in my arms. I preferred not to look back, his rotten teeth might break if he clenched them any harder, just like his ugly wrinkled face that shrank with anger, along with his fists clenched so tightly that his soft skin might tear. It was definitely not a pleasant sight for my sensitive mind. Worse than that, only that fat boy with red chipmunk cheeks squatting in the grass trying to have a good poo-
Anyway, I don't run there anymore.
I'm fleeing to where people know me as a celebrity or a headache in their stories! The villagers recognized me as soon as I rushed through, not that I tried to disguise myself, bumping into customers and merchants, knocking down their things or even them. I didn't look back this time but I could feel their familiar angry stares burning into my back and hear the muttered curses I didn't bother to understand; I've heard them all anyway. My only concern is not getting caught by the leader here; that guy gives me the creeps.
Because of these kinds of situations that regularly occur to me, I've learned to find places where that stingy man wouldn't dare touch the tip of his upturned nose. I stop running in a narrow alley as soon as my legs are about to give out, collapsing onto a dry straw mat, my knees scraping lightly combined with my ragged breathing and trembling fingers.
As the sky's colors change from a gentle blue to a purple-orange, my body begins to relax. If it could speak, it would be yelling at me to practice some exercise at least once a day.
I always respond that I'll leave it for next time, but something I won't let wait another minute are these succulent apples! The green as vibrant as the field grass, their plantations so alive and well-cared-for, just imagining it makes me melt.
"Why imagine when my desire is right in front of me? That biscuit-faced man should even thank me; his apples are washed now! Four apples won't be missed! Nishihihi~!" I bring the first apple to my lips with a speed I didn't remember having, my stomach truly neglected. I hope he doesn't report me.
It was like being in the clouds; I've never been there, but it must be like this. The juice of the fruit nourished my malnourished body, each bite bringing color back to my cheeks.
One, two, three. Actually, four, but I got so distracted enjoying the apples that I didn't realize when I reached for the last one I had already eaten.
I wish I had managed to get a larger quantity, but that would only have been successful if my cheek got punched and ended up matching the purple sky again.
I let out a big sigh as if I were an old man who had his cart of apples stolen after waiting years to finally harvest them. Luckily, I'm not! I seriously need to start making plans that don't involve much physical effort. My whole body is sticky and sweaty; you could say I'm a nobody from another continent.
But you couldn't say I'm ready to run five blocks and do four somersaults on top of a tree, because I'm not. Without the energy I need to function, darkness begins to fill my vision, my eyes giving in to the struggle to stay awake, surrendering to a much-needed sleep after an exhausting day of running and stealing. A place where my body disappears is all I need right now. Without knowledge of tomorrow, not knowing if I'll wake up with ants or the conversations of the inhabitants, just the assurance that my ears heard the faintest of distant thunder sounds and felt two raindrops running down my face as my consciousness left.
Ants.
The bites of the ants are what woke me up, those damn things. With a sore body and trembling arms, I make an effort greater than necessary to sit up, my body still cold from the dawn chill and wet from what I can't quite answer; it could be drool or sweat, but the large holes in the alley floor filled with water answer my question with large, bright letters: "RAIN!".
This made my eyes narrow, a clear sign of some kind of cold to follow as a consequence of a few drops of water. If that's going to happen, I better start preparing. I always make an imaginary list in my head of what to do next.
Right now, I urgently need to change this outfit.
You might call me disgusting, but I haven't changed these clothes in weeks; don't blame me, my great sense of fashion is limited. Like this outfit, I "borrowed" it from a woman's clothesline, and yes, it was borrowed! She just didn't know.
The closest guess would be a dress or something like that; I wish it were.
Instead, I grabbed her son's clothes; he must have been around fourteen, a pair of cloth shorts and a large white nightshirt. My luck is being practically a tiny twig; otherwise, those shorts could be mistaken for my underwear. The only noticeable difference is the nightshirt, which used to be as white as the clouds and is now as dirty as this filthy ground.
That rain really didn't help at all. I need to wash in the lake; I stink like a pig. If I'm lucky, I might even find a lost apple. I just need to sneak around and not get caught by anyone.
With the determination of a horse, I get up quickly.
"First step of the day! People, watch out, your morning is about to be ruined by your lovely as..."
I started with the left foot.
"Stupid water!" - With the fall I just had, I'm sure I broke all my ribs; that would be an exaggeration, but my butt disagrees.
I spent a good ten minutes waiting for the pain to subside. It didn't go away completely, but now I can take a few steps.
"Okay, right foot this time! The only puddle that can knock me down now is the lake's."
Looking towards the alley's entrance, I stretch my head like a giraffe, searching for any sign of movement. The area seems deserted, with no one setting up their stalls or little children running like wild animals. The strong sun on my back confirms I woke up earlier than ever in my life. Unlucky for others, lucky for me.
I skip joyfully, already marking in my head the places I'll come back to annoy. Maybe I'll lift a merchant's cloth or splash water on the head of the street talker; that man is irritating, easily mistaken for a parrot in a human costume.
The second option is more accessible. I can already see those shallow waters. They truly look beautiful with the sun's reflection. I need to be there. I quicken my steps, running awkwardly like a chicken, still sore from the fall.
Upon arrival, to my digestive system's dismay, there are no more apples in sight, but these waters can compensate. Forgetting the meaning of "calm," I throw myself face-first into the water, refreshing as grape juice, its warmth just right.
I roll from right to left like a hedgehog, spreading my arms as if I found the last bit of water in the desert's scorching heat. I admit my reactions are always purposefully exaggerated to this level or even higher, but I couldn't care less.
I would easily become a sought-after actor, however, the sea around this place prevents me, mocking me for not being a fish that swims. Only ships come and go. What I know is that I wouldn't understand a single greeting attempt where they sail to. The books here are entirely controlled and free from any "alienation"; even studies of other languages don't escape that. Under these circumstances, only an uncertain future awaits me.
The reflections of the small water ripples bring my mind back into focus, concentrating on a pale boy with a short, skinny build, his deep purple eyes with an abyss so vast that if you got closer, it might swallow you. His purple hair is messy and spiky in different directions like a pinwheel, the tips ending just above his shoulder.
With the help of natural light, you'd see small freckles clustered around his nose and rosy cheeks.
"Aww! Aren't I adorable? No wonder they always scream when they see me, their screeches could easily be mistaken for screams of horror and fury. Oh, but I know they're obviously out of admiration, they're just shy, nishihihi~!"
The sounds of commotion in another direction interrupted my moment of self-admiration. Turning my head, I saw a skinny little girl with yellowed teeth, very well-dressed, with round glasses matching her round face, staring intently at the moderately deep river, her thin lips pursed as if struggling between resisting or not.
I immediately felt a mischievous smile form on my face. Being the kind knight I am, I'll give her a little help.
Approaching carefully like a snail, as I neared the girl, her concentration on the waters ceased when she began to notice the sound of a suspicious rustling growing behind her. Even if she had noticed, it was already too late, as she realized when I grabbed her by the shoulders, startling her.
"AH! Who are you...?!" - The little girl stood rigid like a frightened cat, cautious of any harmful actions I might cause her.
"Call me Ko! I'm a fairy who was in eternal sleep, awakened by the strong wishes of a little girl, so I felt obligated to come and help with whatever you require." - Taking a few steps back, I forced a silly bow.
"I'm not stupid, so I won't refute such nonsense, but if you are serious about helping, I would like that."
"Oh, for goodness' sake, I'm just teasing. Depending on what you want, perhaps my services are available!"
Suddenly dejected, the little girl let out a big exasperated sigh and began to complain.
"I'd like to go swimming, but my mother never lets me, saying it's not ladylike to throw oneself into a river, only bathtubs with foam are allowed. However, these fish increase my temptation to go; I'd like to be there with them."
"Is that all? Oh, such drama! So easy to resolve, thank me!"
"Ah? No, no, I just wanted to rant to someone, don't..."
I knew exactly what she was going to say. Come on, I bet you've wanted to push someone into the water too. I'm doing this as a favor for everyone; there's no danger in this stream, so thank me too!
"Enjoy!~" - I swore her eyes widened so much they could have touched the lenses of her glasses if I hadn't taken them off beforehand, ensuring her vision wouldn't be impaired if she lost them in the water. But as for her, I can't say the same. I started running as soon as she resurfaced from the water with her eyes still tightly shut, her rage fully reflected in her excessively red face, which could be mistaken for a lost tomato from the fields.
I would spend the whole day here if I could, but the cold air that seemed to touch my joints increased my goal of getting new clothes. As my luck always competes with my misfortune, I spotted in the distance what I wanted: a humble old wooden house, separated from the village near the tomato fields. On the porch, white tablecloths hung, probably drying in the gentle breeze and sunlight.
I approached the residence shivering from the cold. It would be quite risky to invade the house searching for clothes, but these sheets will suffice for now. With trembling hands, I grabbed two pairs. The first was used to dry my drenched body, then I worked with the other to create what would be a poor-quality dress, making three holes for the head and arms with my teeth.
I'm dying in anticipation to give that ugly skunk a bath; now I have my right to speak! Washed and clean, who would have thought a homeless person could be more hygienic than an orator? I know just a few hours ago I was much worse, but that's not my situation now, so I have privileges!
I need to search for a bucket around here. There's a high chance there's one in the backyard. And as I thought, BINGO! Two buckets begging to be used next to a worn-out table covered in splinters and tools. Beside it, there's a door that looks like it could be broken open with a puff, decorated with a four-paned window where I could see myself in a dirty reflection, easily mistaken for a ghost dressed like this. Perfect.
The strong smell of corn was nauseating, but I could easily get used to it. The backyard didn't seem to have been used recently.
It's done! My new secret hideout.
Holding my breath, I cradled the rusty bucket in my arms, exerting some effort until I returned to the pond. The natural mirror of the water showed me that I truly looked like a walking corpse. I could give the girl another scare like this, but I didn't see her anywhere; she must have run to an adult.
Anyway, the bucket was filled to the brim. If I had brought both, my arm would have broken. It feels like I'm carrying a house. I'll distribute half the water into the other container; otherwise, I'll trip over myself, like the fall this morning. This mischief will get my new dress dirty, but it's a price to pay. At least I'll have enough water to wash my feet and hands.
Walking back to the house, I executed my plan. With the bucket half-filled in my hands, my pranks would strike again.
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...
...
The delicate melody of birds was a stark contrast to the disorganized and noisy mess of the streets at dusk. They were crowded and stifling.
Tall and short, small and large, adults and children, easily mistaken for a safari of different species.
Like a hunter, I was in search of my prey, an irritatingly shrill voice that stood out in the tumult. There he was, a faithful member of the local religion, preaching in the streets every afternoon until nightfall, blindly praising his God. You'd think few people would stop to listen to him? Wrong, completely wrong.
This place is entirely isolated and restricted. We can have only one permitted belief; any mention of other religions and you'd be lucky just to be imprisoned. It's all nonsense. Crimes like abuse, rape, and the downfall of innocents are covered up, hiding the truth from the populace with flimsy excuses in the name of their God. Those who dare to feel doubt are punished as sinners.
To my dismay, I had the misfortune of seeing the consequences faced by those who oppose them. You couldn't imagine the horrors that occur.
If I can express my indignation by making their lives hell, then I will.
Carefully, I passed through the citizens unnoticed, too preoccupied with their own lives to even notice me, sneaking along the walls.
On one of the left walls, there was a long external staircase connected to a house, and right beneath it, to my satisfaction, was my target, with a considerable audience watching him. He wouldn't be the only one getting wet.
Stealthily, I climbed the stairs, carefully handling the bucket in my arms, step by step, my excitement growing. Some people noticed, anticipating what I might be doing, but their protests and warnings were futile. The bucket was already in position, ready to be poured. Amidst the commotion, the speaker looked up, meeting the icy splash in his face.
"Nishihihi~"
I couldn't hold back. His clothes clung to his body, making him look even more pathetic! I wished I had something to capture this humiliation, having this image etched in my mind would always brighten my day! I could try to get it from a citizen, but it seems they wanted to end my fun quickly.
Men in more sophisticated green clothing stood out in the crowd of beige and brown hues. The leader's henchmen, they've already caused me serious trouble, just recalling it makes my mouth twitch.
"There he is!"
All eyes were on me at that moment. It had been a while since I was chased. As the men quickly approached, I moved to the edge of the stairs, ready to jump. Some busybodies tried to catch me, stumbling over their own feet, but I had already jumped.
I'll always wonder how my ankle didn't twist at that moment. I had no time to stop; the moment I touched the ground, I pushed off with all my strength. I could feel the hateful glares directed at me, doubling with the henchmen chasing me.
I needed a distraction, anything. My body couldn't keep running much longer. Each heavy step I took on the ground made my legs stop and my breath leave. They were getting closer; I couldn't stop for anything.
As if on cue, a fat man was crossing the street, seemingly unaware of his surroundings. I forced myself to go faster, pushing the man to the ground, rolling like a ball, knocking down and distracting some of my pursuers.
I hid in a narrow, dark gap between the walls. I could hear the sounds of frustration and confusion as they moved on. I shrank even further into the crevice, my heart skipping a beat when one of them stopped, cautiously looking around.
"You!"
I jumped stupidly like a frightened cat, planning any possible escape route. My hands felt like they were melting with sweat, my confusion filling my head when I realized the guard hadn't even taken a step in my direction, much less looked at me.
"Go to the east zone, I'll be in the west zone, understood?"
I realized my lungs could have exploded as I let out a huge sigh of relief. I watched the other man nod as he did as commanded, finally all involved seeming to disappear from my sight.
I could see the night approaching, proof of my fun as I hadn't even noticed time passing.
Sneaking quietly through the deserted streets, I walked back to the cabin, enjoying the gentle breeze surrounding my body. Cautiously, I approached to sit by the worn-out table, noticing the faint light reflected through the glass door.
I still wanted to spend another night here before looking for another place, but it was to be expected that this house had an owner, if those sheets weren't proof enough.
The cold water in the bucket made the previously relaxing breeze now give me chills upon contact. A necessary sacrifice, I couldn't let my luxury bath today go to waste.
At some point, I gave up and simply poured the entire bucket over myself. I didn't get a chance to be frustrated when loud footsteps intentionally pounded on the floor inside the house.
"Hope they find him soon... he destroyed my linens!" - a shrill voice, apparently an old woman's, said.
"I haven't seen him since yesterday morning... that pest hid in my cart and stole my apples."
"Don't worry, with our efforts we should capture him tomorrow." - I must have heard this man before, probably one of those who chased me.
"Capture? Oh! The day is coming, isn't it!? Ohohoho... I'll prepare a delicious feast!" - What a creepy laugh... but what the hell are they talking about?
"Yes, indeed. Don't worry about the food; we'll be blessed by his departure."
Nervousness started to creep in. I took a few cautious steps towards the door, just enough not to be seen.
"Ohohohoho! I didn't know you were a comedian, besides being handsome and funny."
That laugh was really creepy, enough to distract me, making me slip in the puddle of water I had spilled.
"Damn puddles of water...!" - I squeaked quietly, holding my ankle. By chance, I fell right as she started laughing. Thank you, creepy laugh, you saved me.
I stood up, leaning against the wall with some difficulty. This is going to be bad...
"But he's right, I won't have to worry about that thieving demon!"
I know you all love me, but I'm not the cause of every misfortune in your lives, maybe just half of them.
"By the way, what day will it be exactly? I need to prepare in advance!"
"We will sacrifice him on his birthday."
What?