Post by Ridley on Jul 29, 2007 17:19:55 GMT -5
Chapter 63
[Jack's P.O.V.]
[Jack's P.O.V.]
My head…it hurt so much. I squinted my eyes together, trying to some how block out the pain, but it did nothing. I finally opened my eyes, blinking away the brightness as I saw a small cup with pills in it. On the outside, it simply read: For the pain. Well, at least this place could do something right. I quickly dry swallowed the medicine, before looking around and seeing a door that led outside.
Well, it’d be nice if I had some clothes on, other than this hospital gown, and I looked around before finding some jeans and a black t-shirt, it was just my size, too. I didn’t see any shoes lying around, so I just walked across the cold tile, and was relieved to find the concrete to be warm. It was beautiful here, wherever here was…and I thought quietly to myself.
But I realized something…it was hard to…think. What was my name? Why couldn’t I remember anything? I could feel my face contorting in confusion before I looked down at my wrist, seeing the little hospital tag reading ‘Jack Peter Barrie’ and all my other information. So, I was in France, and my name was Jack Barrie. Yeah! I remember now, and I remembered how my mom used to hum a song to me, and my dad would scoop me into his arms, as he rode by on a horse…yeah, I could remember things now. That was a relief.
And just as surprising to me as all these memories getting heaped back upon me was the fact there was a horse, tethered to a tree not too far off. I surveyed the area, and no one seemed to be around, so I hopped the little brick wall and strolled down the lawns. As I approached, a soft whinny echoed from the stallion, as he moved towards me, nuzzling my face. I smiled, petting him, and cooing softly until I jumped at the sound of someone’s voice.
“Jack?”
I turned to see a girl, and I thought my heart might melt; she was beautiful. Italian by the looks of it, but absolutely stunning; I couldn’t remember ever meeting someone so entrancing, but for a second I thought she might be referring to the horse, so I pointed behind me.
“Oh, uh sorry…I didn’t mean to—he was just—uh, so his name is Jack, too?” I grinned sheepishly and she just eyed me, before smiling half heartedly.
“No, your name is Jack…the horse? I think he’s yours.”
I turned from her, looking at the horse as he bobbed his head, seemingly confirming her statement. I turned around and looked back at the girl.
“And you are?”
“My name’s Kisa.”
“How’d you know my name?” I thought maybe I might’ve forgot that I met her somewhere, after all, everything in my mind was still a fuzzy blur. But she seemed to hesitate at the question, but she made up for it, by pointing to my wrist in a speedy fashion, as I looked down, seeing ‘Jack Peter Barrie’ in clear bolded letters. I couldn’t help but give an embarrassed smile.
“Oh…right.” I looked back at her, as she just stared at me, as if lost in a memory, and it made me slightly uncomfortable. I glanced down at my feet, re-realizing I didn’t have shoes on, before looking at her. Finally, I sighed and stepped away from the horse.
“So, Kisa, could I help you with something?”
“Not really…” She looked away, and another silence passed between us, before she glanced back at me, giving me a questioning look. “Actually, could I ask you something?”
“Well, my head is a little…off, so I can’t guarantee an answer.”
“It’s alright, it’s nothing personal. So, hypothetically speaking, if someone was going to erase your memory, what would you do? I mean, if you wanted to get it back, that is.” She stared intently at me, as I wondered what kind of question that was.
“Well, what do they do with your memory?”
“Uh, let just say they’re put it in a container and hide it or something.”
“Do you know where the containers are?” It could make things simple, I thought to myself.
“Yeah, you do.” She confirmed it.
“Well, then it’s simple, really. I’d write myself a note, or leave myself something that would spark my memory or interest or any emotion in me. And I’d put it someplace…secret, you know? Where only I’d find it, and I’d leave myself that note or whatever, telling me where my memory is hidden, and ta da. I get it back. Simple.” I smiled as she nodded. I turned back to the black horse, and started petting him again.
“Never would’ve thought of that.”
“Eh, just what I’d do. Of course, there isn’t that kind of technology around, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much.” I thought she was a complete loon. What kind of person asks someone what to do if their memory was erased? Was I a mental patient? Jesus, she must be one of those crazies! The ones that kill their husbands! I became a bit nervous, but soon i realized she would've killed me by now, so she probably wasn't that kind of crazy.
I stopped petting the horse, and looked back at Kisa, seeing her look at me with a kind of love or adoration…the same way a teacher would look upon a pupil who had just won the Nobel prize. Just, a great amount of love, and knowing, and just thinking to yourself: I thought him that. She gave me that look…and then her smile faded as she extended a hand.
“Well, I should let you get back to whatever you doing. See ya, Jack.”
"Kisa, wait!"
"Yes?"
She looked like she was ready to cry, but then i saw her hold the tears back and resume normal composure. I wondered how anyone could just turn off their emotions like that, but i stopped thinking and started talking.
"Are...you okay?"
"Yeah i'm...no, actually, i'm not." She looked down at the ground. I stepped towards her, and hesitated a moment, then put my hand on her shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze. She continued to look away from me. "I lost a friend...funny, i knew him so long, but...i never really knew him, you know? He was...distant. But i still...he's just--"
She stopped short, tears welling up again. The loss of a friend...i couldn't begin to imagine what that was like. Now i understood why she'd be here if this was a mental hopsital. She was suicidal. I found myself hugging her, and i felt her hug me back, as i just held her, and she slowly worked herself back to a calm.
Finally, she looked up at me and sighed, "Thanks, Jack..." She let go, and turned away from me, looking back up towards the building. I raised my hand and gave a kind of wave, as she returned it half-heartedly as she walked off.
"Bye, Kisa."
"Good-bye, Jack."
Before I could say anything more, she walked out of ear shot. I saw a man in the distance, probably my age, waiting for something, presumablely her. As soon as Kisa reached him they started talking, and I could see her point in my direction before the two turned and headed off; it was probably her boy friend. No way anyone like that would be single. Or maybe, if i was in luck, that'd just be some other loon who was just talking to her.
Yeah, that had to be it.
I sighed and turned back to the horse, petting him as he continued bobbing his head or tossing the reigns. If Kisa was right, then I probably fell off this horse, and did a number on my head; would explain my memory trouble. I was probably tramutized or something...some other head case type thing. Or maybe i wasn't crazy, but this place doubled as a mental institution; it was big enough after all.
I couldn't be insane, right? Well, anyway, i had to get my head off this whole medical case. It hurt to think...
I decided to see how good a horseman I was, so I carefully hoisted myself on his back, untethering the reigns from the tree and making the horse walk around in circles. Staying on took concentration, but soon it was easy enough. I made him go a bit faster, and again, took a bit of work, and I fell off twice, but I quickly got the hang of it. So, with a deep breath, I gave a kick and it felt as if a great machine had sprung to life. With a leap the stallion was off, faster than I expected, and I quickly clung to his neck.
I wasn’t steering him with the reigns, he was guiding himself, and I noticed it was right towards the steps of the building I just came from. Before I could tell what was going on, he raced up the steps and halted so suddenly, I gripped him with all my strength to keep from falling off. Slowly, I slid off him, happy to be on the ground once more, as I turned, and realized there was a girl standing behind me. I really started to wonder where I was, because after seeing Kisa, another dazzling woman would’ve seemed unlikely; yet here she stood, looking at me like I was an idiot.
Wait…that’s not good.
I grinned at her, looking into bi-colored eyes. “So…what are you in for?”
She looked at me, confused, "Excuse me?"
"This place is a mental institution AND a hospital. Which are you in?" I spoke this in a matter-o-fact tone.
"I-I don't...know." She looked at me blankly, as if dazed by the sunlight. Then she looked at the horse, a bit of fear yet adoration flickered in her eyes. “Is that your horse?”
“I think so, not sure, actually.” I glanced behind me, as he began bobbing his head again before pushing me forward, running me into the girl. I stepped back, quickly shooting a glare at the horse, and turning back around towards the girl.
“Uh, sorry…didn’t mean to run into you. I think the horse is in the mental part of this place.”
“It’s alright.” She smiled a bit. "So you're in the hospital part then, huh?"
"I think show...haven't quite determined if i'm crazy or not yet. I just woke up, and my brilliant reasoning skills have deducted this place is a loony bin...well, half, anyway."
"Well i just woke up too...I think i'm in the hospital part. Like I said, i'm not sure, really. My head," She put her hand to her forehead, "It hurts...alot."
"Did you take the pills?"
"Pills?"
"Yeah. Said 'for the pain' on the cup."
"No...i didn't have any." She squinted her eyes shut, before opening them minutes later.
"You alright?"
"Yeah, i'm better now. Who are you?" She looked at my, simply and seemingly out of the grips of pain now.
“My name’s Jack. I’m now convinced i'm resident head case, I think. Not sure, don’t remember much. But I’m witty, charming, and I’ve got a horse.” I pointed my thumb over my shoulder as I heard the reigns jingle from the stallion bobbing his head again. I wasn’t sure what prompted my lame attempt at a pick up line, but it must’ve worked to some effect, because she laughed.
“I’m Jas—“
“Ahem.”
We both turned to find a rather tall man, who looked kind and sort of all knowing. He gave a warm smile in our direction as spoke with a cordial tone.
“Nurse, please escort this young lady back to her room.”
A nurse, who’d been standing beside him, moved towards Jasmine, and soon they both disappeared inside the building. The man stepped forward, and extended a hand.
“My name is Jonathan. I am the person who runs this facility.” He gave a sweeping motion, displaying the grounds and large building behind him. “Your name is Jack, and you’ve been a patient at our center for a short while.”
“I know what my name is; says it on my wrist,” I held up my left hand, displaying the little bracelet of information. “But where is this place? And how’d I get here?”
“You’re in France, Paris to be exact, and you were flown here because of your injuries. You had a nasty spill during a show, and we’ve been treating you, helping you get better. You’re actually scheduled to leave tonight.” He gave another smile.
"So this place isn't a mental insititution?"
"What?"
"Uh...nothing. You said something about a show? Treating me?”
“Yes, you sustained dozens of injuries, among which the chest, broken leg, and concussion were most severe. Our facility is the most advanced in the world, so what would take months took us only a week. You’ve been out for most of it. I see you’ve found your horse,” He nodded behind me and I turned towards the black stallion who continued to bob his head, as if confirming the whole story. “Jack, you’re an actor at Medieval Times, a popular attraction all over the US and Canada. During the show, something went wrong. That’s how you sustained all your injuries.”
“But my scars? I mean, look at my hands.” I held out my left one, which wasn’t wrapped in gauze, and you could see dozens of scars. “How’d I get these?”
“You’re been working there since you were 14. Your parents died when you were 13. The family who adopted you, the father worked at Medieval Times, which is how you got your start. I believe you ran away at the age of 15, if I remember from your file correctly.” He gave another smile and reached his hand out to start petting the horse.
“What’s his name?” I asked in a quiet voice why I tried to remember everything he was telling me.
“Excuse me?”
“The horse’s name. I can’t…remember it.”
“Night. You named him Night.” He gave another smile, then put his arm around my shoulders as he started to lead me inside. “Now come on, lets get your bandages changed, get you some new clothes, and then you get some rest.”
I glanced over my shoulder as the horse perked up, knowing it couldn’t follow, and eventually strolled over to some bushes and started chewing at the leaves. I smiled, mouthing ‘Night’ to myself, before turning and heading back into the building. As soon as I turned down a hallway, I felt a sharp pain in my neck, before slipping into a black void…and the last thing I heard was John’s voice: Get me some more pills…he started to remember too much.
* * *
My eyes burned from the bright lights, as I looked around at my surroundings. My chest hurt a bit, but I soon realized I was in a bed. I shook off my sleep, and looked around at the small loft. From outside I could see downtown of a city still unknown to me, but after looking around, I could tell from advertisements it was Canada. I was in Toronto, Canada.
I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror…my abdomen was wrapped in bandages, along with my left bicep and almost my entire right leg. There were various cuts and scrapes along my body, and a quick step showed walking was going to be difficult. A wooden cane was propped against the wall, so I got dressed and made use of that. As I limped around my apartment, I could tell it was mine by the bills on the table, I glanced in the direction of the kitchen as a phone started ringing. On the 2nd ring, I picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Jack?”
“Yes?”
“It’s Morgan…from work. Listen, I was calling to see if you could drop by this afternoon. We need to check how you’re doing and see if we can start working you back into the show.”
“Right, right. Hey, is my horse there?”
“Yeah, Night got here safely. The hospital told me to remind you to change your bandages. Did you do that?”
“Uh, no, I’ll get to it later. You want me to stop by now?”
“That’d be great.”
“Alright, I’ll be over in a bit.” I hung up the phone and raised my brow. So, I was employed, and I worked at medieval times, as an actor, apparently, seeing as how he wanted me ‘in the show.’ Now all I had to do was call a cab. I went into my closet, slipping on a pair of converse, before heading out the door in a plain blue shirt, and long black pants. My converse was a classic black and white style, so it was safe to say I matched.
The weather was mild outside, and turns out my house was only a 10 minute ride from my work, so I followed the signs saying ‘Do Not Enter. Staff Only.’, assuming I was staff, and hell, it’s always tempting to see why they don’t want someone to enter. I found myself in a large stadium, standing in the center, before a man in a golf cart came riding up to me.
“Good to see you, Jack.”
From his voice, I could tell it was Morgan. “Glad to see you, too.”
“So how’re you adjusting? Well, anyways, I got your transfer papers all squared off, as soon as you’re done healing, we can work you in. Black Knight is getting ready to retire, so that’s what we’re aiming for.”
“Wait, what transfer papers?”
“You were doing a show in Seattle, and you moved here a week ago. You transferred in; you’re supposed to be legendary…just how bad was that fall?”
“Well, pretty bad, judging by my loss of memory and bandages.” I responded absent mindedly.
“Well, anyway, just wanted you to come see the place. Night is in the back stables, but we’re getting ready for rehearsal, so you’re free to stay or you can go. Up to you.” He smiled. He looked nice, medium length, dirty blond hair, with a clean shaven face and sun-kissed skin. His eyes even had a warm twinkle, making the green irises even more appealing; he looked a bit older than me, but it was tough to say.
“I’m going to head off. Bandages, you know?”
“Yeah, yeah. Hey, come see the show tomorrow night, eh?”
“Alright, I will.” Nice to watch what I was supposedly legendary at doing.
“You can pick up the tickets at will call. See you around, Jack.” Then he started up the cart and headed off from where he came. I did the same, finding my way back out, and I decided to walk home. After 30 minutes of a slow stroll, I went back into my apartment, looking over the city again. It was beautiful here.
I took off my shirt and began to slowly unravel my bandages. A long slash down the center of my stomach had been stitched up, but it still looked nasty and it kind of hurt, too. I wrapped it again, and started unwrapping my leg. Small, circular holes with incisions placed strategically around my leg, as it seemed to be bruised and swollen along one particularly large cut. My wounds were odd. My bicep simply revealed a nice little gash, nothing horrifically shocking. I threw away the dirty bandages, and found a prescription bottle, taking two different kinds of pills. One was for the pain and the other…I didn’t know, a vitamin I guess? Not sure, but it said to take daily, and a note beside it said new prescriptions would be filled by mail.
The day had come and gone by, as I felt familiarity of the place around me; my memory was coming back, that’s what the second pill had to be for: memory. Help me remember, most likely. Yes, I was home here, and as I settled into my bed, I drifted off into a kind of sleep…the nightmares of my past nothing more than a blur.
This was the life.
[/size]Well, it’d be nice if I had some clothes on, other than this hospital gown, and I looked around before finding some jeans and a black t-shirt, it was just my size, too. I didn’t see any shoes lying around, so I just walked across the cold tile, and was relieved to find the concrete to be warm. It was beautiful here, wherever here was…and I thought quietly to myself.
But I realized something…it was hard to…think. What was my name? Why couldn’t I remember anything? I could feel my face contorting in confusion before I looked down at my wrist, seeing the little hospital tag reading ‘Jack Peter Barrie’ and all my other information. So, I was in France, and my name was Jack Barrie. Yeah! I remember now, and I remembered how my mom used to hum a song to me, and my dad would scoop me into his arms, as he rode by on a horse…yeah, I could remember things now. That was a relief.
And just as surprising to me as all these memories getting heaped back upon me was the fact there was a horse, tethered to a tree not too far off. I surveyed the area, and no one seemed to be around, so I hopped the little brick wall and strolled down the lawns. As I approached, a soft whinny echoed from the stallion, as he moved towards me, nuzzling my face. I smiled, petting him, and cooing softly until I jumped at the sound of someone’s voice.
“Jack?”
I turned to see a girl, and I thought my heart might melt; she was beautiful. Italian by the looks of it, but absolutely stunning; I couldn’t remember ever meeting someone so entrancing, but for a second I thought she might be referring to the horse, so I pointed behind me.
“Oh, uh sorry…I didn’t mean to—he was just—uh, so his name is Jack, too?” I grinned sheepishly and she just eyed me, before smiling half heartedly.
“No, your name is Jack…the horse? I think he’s yours.”
I turned from her, looking at the horse as he bobbed his head, seemingly confirming her statement. I turned around and looked back at the girl.
“And you are?”
“My name’s Kisa.”
“How’d you know my name?” I thought maybe I might’ve forgot that I met her somewhere, after all, everything in my mind was still a fuzzy blur. But she seemed to hesitate at the question, but she made up for it, by pointing to my wrist in a speedy fashion, as I looked down, seeing ‘Jack Peter Barrie’ in clear bolded letters. I couldn’t help but give an embarrassed smile.
“Oh…right.” I looked back at her, as she just stared at me, as if lost in a memory, and it made me slightly uncomfortable. I glanced down at my feet, re-realizing I didn’t have shoes on, before looking at her. Finally, I sighed and stepped away from the horse.
“So, Kisa, could I help you with something?”
“Not really…” She looked away, and another silence passed between us, before she glanced back at me, giving me a questioning look. “Actually, could I ask you something?”
“Well, my head is a little…off, so I can’t guarantee an answer.”
“It’s alright, it’s nothing personal. So, hypothetically speaking, if someone was going to erase your memory, what would you do? I mean, if you wanted to get it back, that is.” She stared intently at me, as I wondered what kind of question that was.
“Well, what do they do with your memory?”
“Uh, let just say they’re put it in a container and hide it or something.”
“Do you know where the containers are?” It could make things simple, I thought to myself.
“Yeah, you do.” She confirmed it.
“Well, then it’s simple, really. I’d write myself a note, or leave myself something that would spark my memory or interest or any emotion in me. And I’d put it someplace…secret, you know? Where only I’d find it, and I’d leave myself that note or whatever, telling me where my memory is hidden, and ta da. I get it back. Simple.” I smiled as she nodded. I turned back to the black horse, and started petting him again.
“Never would’ve thought of that.”
“Eh, just what I’d do. Of course, there isn’t that kind of technology around, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much.” I thought she was a complete loon. What kind of person asks someone what to do if their memory was erased? Was I a mental patient? Jesus, she must be one of those crazies! The ones that kill their husbands! I became a bit nervous, but soon i realized she would've killed me by now, so she probably wasn't that kind of crazy.
I stopped petting the horse, and looked back at Kisa, seeing her look at me with a kind of love or adoration…the same way a teacher would look upon a pupil who had just won the Nobel prize. Just, a great amount of love, and knowing, and just thinking to yourself: I thought him that. She gave me that look…and then her smile faded as she extended a hand.
“Well, I should let you get back to whatever you doing. See ya, Jack.”
"Kisa, wait!"
"Yes?"
She looked like she was ready to cry, but then i saw her hold the tears back and resume normal composure. I wondered how anyone could just turn off their emotions like that, but i stopped thinking and started talking.
"Are...you okay?"
"Yeah i'm...no, actually, i'm not." She looked down at the ground. I stepped towards her, and hesitated a moment, then put my hand on her shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze. She continued to look away from me. "I lost a friend...funny, i knew him so long, but...i never really knew him, you know? He was...distant. But i still...he's just--"
She stopped short, tears welling up again. The loss of a friend...i couldn't begin to imagine what that was like. Now i understood why she'd be here if this was a mental hopsital. She was suicidal. I found myself hugging her, and i felt her hug me back, as i just held her, and she slowly worked herself back to a calm.
Finally, she looked up at me and sighed, "Thanks, Jack..." She let go, and turned away from me, looking back up towards the building. I raised my hand and gave a kind of wave, as she returned it half-heartedly as she walked off.
"Bye, Kisa."
"Good-bye, Jack."
Before I could say anything more, she walked out of ear shot. I saw a man in the distance, probably my age, waiting for something, presumablely her. As soon as Kisa reached him they started talking, and I could see her point in my direction before the two turned and headed off; it was probably her boy friend. No way anyone like that would be single. Or maybe, if i was in luck, that'd just be some other loon who was just talking to her.
Yeah, that had to be it.
I sighed and turned back to the horse, petting him as he continued bobbing his head or tossing the reigns. If Kisa was right, then I probably fell off this horse, and did a number on my head; would explain my memory trouble. I was probably tramutized or something...some other head case type thing. Or maybe i wasn't crazy, but this place doubled as a mental institution; it was big enough after all.
I couldn't be insane, right? Well, anyway, i had to get my head off this whole medical case. It hurt to think...
I decided to see how good a horseman I was, so I carefully hoisted myself on his back, untethering the reigns from the tree and making the horse walk around in circles. Staying on took concentration, but soon it was easy enough. I made him go a bit faster, and again, took a bit of work, and I fell off twice, but I quickly got the hang of it. So, with a deep breath, I gave a kick and it felt as if a great machine had sprung to life. With a leap the stallion was off, faster than I expected, and I quickly clung to his neck.
I wasn’t steering him with the reigns, he was guiding himself, and I noticed it was right towards the steps of the building I just came from. Before I could tell what was going on, he raced up the steps and halted so suddenly, I gripped him with all my strength to keep from falling off. Slowly, I slid off him, happy to be on the ground once more, as I turned, and realized there was a girl standing behind me. I really started to wonder where I was, because after seeing Kisa, another dazzling woman would’ve seemed unlikely; yet here she stood, looking at me like I was an idiot.
Wait…that’s not good.
I grinned at her, looking into bi-colored eyes. “So…what are you in for?”
She looked at me, confused, "Excuse me?"
"This place is a mental institution AND a hospital. Which are you in?" I spoke this in a matter-o-fact tone.
"I-I don't...know." She looked at me blankly, as if dazed by the sunlight. Then she looked at the horse, a bit of fear yet adoration flickered in her eyes. “Is that your horse?”
“I think so, not sure, actually.” I glanced behind me, as he began bobbing his head again before pushing me forward, running me into the girl. I stepped back, quickly shooting a glare at the horse, and turning back around towards the girl.
“Uh, sorry…didn’t mean to run into you. I think the horse is in the mental part of this place.”
“It’s alright.” She smiled a bit. "So you're in the hospital part then, huh?"
"I think show...haven't quite determined if i'm crazy or not yet. I just woke up, and my brilliant reasoning skills have deducted this place is a loony bin...well, half, anyway."
"Well i just woke up too...I think i'm in the hospital part. Like I said, i'm not sure, really. My head," She put her hand to her forehead, "It hurts...alot."
"Did you take the pills?"
"Pills?"
"Yeah. Said 'for the pain' on the cup."
"No...i didn't have any." She squinted her eyes shut, before opening them minutes later.
"You alright?"
"Yeah, i'm better now. Who are you?" She looked at my, simply and seemingly out of the grips of pain now.
“My name’s Jack. I’m now convinced i'm resident head case, I think. Not sure, don’t remember much. But I’m witty, charming, and I’ve got a horse.” I pointed my thumb over my shoulder as I heard the reigns jingle from the stallion bobbing his head again. I wasn’t sure what prompted my lame attempt at a pick up line, but it must’ve worked to some effect, because she laughed.
“I’m Jas—“
“Ahem.”
We both turned to find a rather tall man, who looked kind and sort of all knowing. He gave a warm smile in our direction as spoke with a cordial tone.
“Nurse, please escort this young lady back to her room.”
A nurse, who’d been standing beside him, moved towards Jasmine, and soon they both disappeared inside the building. The man stepped forward, and extended a hand.
“My name is Jonathan. I am the person who runs this facility.” He gave a sweeping motion, displaying the grounds and large building behind him. “Your name is Jack, and you’ve been a patient at our center for a short while.”
“I know what my name is; says it on my wrist,” I held up my left hand, displaying the little bracelet of information. “But where is this place? And how’d I get here?”
“You’re in France, Paris to be exact, and you were flown here because of your injuries. You had a nasty spill during a show, and we’ve been treating you, helping you get better. You’re actually scheduled to leave tonight.” He gave another smile.
"So this place isn't a mental insititution?"
"What?"
"Uh...nothing. You said something about a show? Treating me?”
“Yes, you sustained dozens of injuries, among which the chest, broken leg, and concussion were most severe. Our facility is the most advanced in the world, so what would take months took us only a week. You’ve been out for most of it. I see you’ve found your horse,” He nodded behind me and I turned towards the black stallion who continued to bob his head, as if confirming the whole story. “Jack, you’re an actor at Medieval Times, a popular attraction all over the US and Canada. During the show, something went wrong. That’s how you sustained all your injuries.”
“But my scars? I mean, look at my hands.” I held out my left one, which wasn’t wrapped in gauze, and you could see dozens of scars. “How’d I get these?”
“You’re been working there since you were 14. Your parents died when you were 13. The family who adopted you, the father worked at Medieval Times, which is how you got your start. I believe you ran away at the age of 15, if I remember from your file correctly.” He gave another smile and reached his hand out to start petting the horse.
“What’s his name?” I asked in a quiet voice why I tried to remember everything he was telling me.
“Excuse me?”
“The horse’s name. I can’t…remember it.”
“Night. You named him Night.” He gave another smile, then put his arm around my shoulders as he started to lead me inside. “Now come on, lets get your bandages changed, get you some new clothes, and then you get some rest.”
I glanced over my shoulder as the horse perked up, knowing it couldn’t follow, and eventually strolled over to some bushes and started chewing at the leaves. I smiled, mouthing ‘Night’ to myself, before turning and heading back into the building. As soon as I turned down a hallway, I felt a sharp pain in my neck, before slipping into a black void…and the last thing I heard was John’s voice: Get me some more pills…he started to remember too much.
* * *
My eyes burned from the bright lights, as I looked around at my surroundings. My chest hurt a bit, but I soon realized I was in a bed. I shook off my sleep, and looked around at the small loft. From outside I could see downtown of a city still unknown to me, but after looking around, I could tell from advertisements it was Canada. I was in Toronto, Canada.
I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror…my abdomen was wrapped in bandages, along with my left bicep and almost my entire right leg. There were various cuts and scrapes along my body, and a quick step showed walking was going to be difficult. A wooden cane was propped against the wall, so I got dressed and made use of that. As I limped around my apartment, I could tell it was mine by the bills on the table, I glanced in the direction of the kitchen as a phone started ringing. On the 2nd ring, I picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Jack?”
“Yes?”
“It’s Morgan…from work. Listen, I was calling to see if you could drop by this afternoon. We need to check how you’re doing and see if we can start working you back into the show.”
“Right, right. Hey, is my horse there?”
“Yeah, Night got here safely. The hospital told me to remind you to change your bandages. Did you do that?”
“Uh, no, I’ll get to it later. You want me to stop by now?”
“That’d be great.”
“Alright, I’ll be over in a bit.” I hung up the phone and raised my brow. So, I was employed, and I worked at medieval times, as an actor, apparently, seeing as how he wanted me ‘in the show.’ Now all I had to do was call a cab. I went into my closet, slipping on a pair of converse, before heading out the door in a plain blue shirt, and long black pants. My converse was a classic black and white style, so it was safe to say I matched.
The weather was mild outside, and turns out my house was only a 10 minute ride from my work, so I followed the signs saying ‘Do Not Enter. Staff Only.’, assuming I was staff, and hell, it’s always tempting to see why they don’t want someone to enter. I found myself in a large stadium, standing in the center, before a man in a golf cart came riding up to me.
“Good to see you, Jack.”
From his voice, I could tell it was Morgan. “Glad to see you, too.”
“So how’re you adjusting? Well, anyways, I got your transfer papers all squared off, as soon as you’re done healing, we can work you in. Black Knight is getting ready to retire, so that’s what we’re aiming for.”
“Wait, what transfer papers?”
“You were doing a show in Seattle, and you moved here a week ago. You transferred in; you’re supposed to be legendary…just how bad was that fall?”
“Well, pretty bad, judging by my loss of memory and bandages.” I responded absent mindedly.
“Well, anyway, just wanted you to come see the place. Night is in the back stables, but we’re getting ready for rehearsal, so you’re free to stay or you can go. Up to you.” He smiled. He looked nice, medium length, dirty blond hair, with a clean shaven face and sun-kissed skin. His eyes even had a warm twinkle, making the green irises even more appealing; he looked a bit older than me, but it was tough to say.
“I’m going to head off. Bandages, you know?”
“Yeah, yeah. Hey, come see the show tomorrow night, eh?”
“Alright, I will.” Nice to watch what I was supposedly legendary at doing.
“You can pick up the tickets at will call. See you around, Jack.” Then he started up the cart and headed off from where he came. I did the same, finding my way back out, and I decided to walk home. After 30 minutes of a slow stroll, I went back into my apartment, looking over the city again. It was beautiful here.
I took off my shirt and began to slowly unravel my bandages. A long slash down the center of my stomach had been stitched up, but it still looked nasty and it kind of hurt, too. I wrapped it again, and started unwrapping my leg. Small, circular holes with incisions placed strategically around my leg, as it seemed to be bruised and swollen along one particularly large cut. My wounds were odd. My bicep simply revealed a nice little gash, nothing horrifically shocking. I threw away the dirty bandages, and found a prescription bottle, taking two different kinds of pills. One was for the pain and the other…I didn’t know, a vitamin I guess? Not sure, but it said to take daily, and a note beside it said new prescriptions would be filled by mail.
The day had come and gone by, as I felt familiarity of the place around me; my memory was coming back, that’s what the second pill had to be for: memory. Help me remember, most likely. Yes, I was home here, and as I settled into my bed, I drifted off into a kind of sleep…the nightmares of my past nothing more than a blur.
This was the life.