Sarah couldn't believe her eyes. The shelves were too many, she couldn't see where it ended. It was weird because she knew that the convenience shop was a small shop. Did the owner extend the shop? In such a short time?

Plus, each shelf was for a specific time and each item on it was numbered too. It was the neatest and most organised antique store she had ever been to.

In fact, it looked more like a library of antiques than a store. It was too well-organised.

Sarah's mouth suddenly became dry, her breathing sped up and her hands started to shake. She could feel her stomach tying itself into a knot.

What if this place is not an antique store after all? Why am I here? Calm down, Sarah.

Sarah took a few deep breaths and forced herself to stay calm. She would be going out as soon as her body felt cool enough. Going out right then would mean venturing out into the unbearable heat again. Nothing bad could happen in the span of just a few minutes. Anything would be better than the scorching heat outside.

Her breathing was back to normal and she was no longer jittery. When her mind was no longer racing at top speed, she decided to take a look at the shelves. Looking around would be much better than standing awkwardly under the scrutiny of the crazy old cashier.

Sarah quickly went to shelf number seven. Seven was her favourite number. It signifies a lot of major phenomenon. The rainbow has seven colours. The world has seven continents. Her parents died when she was seven.

Shelf number seven was not what she expected at all. She could see traditional weapons of different kinds arranged neatly, as if it was an exhibition. She didn't even know the names of most of them.

Her eyes fell on the most popular weapon for women, the hair pin or also known as 'cucuk sanggul'. That particular hair pin was made from gold and the flower motif was studded with rubies. The end of the hair pin was sharp enough to stab someone.

The hair pin was beautiful yet deadly, but Sarah did not feel a strong energy from the hair pin, but from the keris* beside it. It looked really old and regal. The casing of the keris was carved with intricate motifs of nature and inlaid with gemstones. The blade itself was sheathed, so she could only guess how many curves the keris has.

Sarah couldn't contain her curiosity. She knew that the number of curves had a significant meaning to it's bearer.

Her hands moved before she could stop it. She brushed the cover gently and gasped. She felt a wave of energy rushing into her body. She staggered for a few moments before she found her stability again.

Sarah then quietly unsheathed the keris. It has five curves. In the past, keris with five curves are owned by royalties and nobles. It would give it's bearer the confidence to speak and helps the bearer communicate smoothly.

Sarah ran her fingers along the hilt of the sword, which has rubies embedded in it. It felt solid and cold. Too cold, in fact. She shivered as she quickly grabbed the casing. It was time for her to go.

A sharp pain shot through her finger. Bewildered, Sarah looked down at her bleeding index finger. She frowned. Her blood had dropped on the keris.

She was sure that the keris would be expensive. Getting her blood on it would create trouble. What if she needed to pay back? She was only a broke college student.

Her sight began to blur. The pain from her finger had spread towards the whole body.

Blackness enveloped her.

Sarah woke up when a bright light suddenly shone on her. She opened her eyes slowly. The first thing she saw was her mother's smiling face.

"Mum?" Sarah managed to croak.

"Sarah, don't forget to say hi to me." Her father winked.

"Mum, dad. You're here with me."

"Of course, darling." Sarah's mother said and kissed her temple.

"Am I dead?" Sarah was sure being dead was the only reasonable explanation.

"Excuse me, young lady. You should not speak of such things when you are young and alive." Sarah's father frowned.

"Then why am I seeing both of you?"

Both of them smiled at each other and they disappeared.

"Mum! Dad!" Sarah shouted as loud as she can. This must be an illusion.

Suddenly she was surrounded in flames. The scenery looked eerily familiar. She was in her old house.

"No." She cried. Why is this illusion so real? How do I get out of this illusion?

She could see the familiar pictures hung on the wall, the sofa she used to sleep on and the bead curtain separating the living room and the kitchen. The kitchen!

Sarah ran towards the kitchen and she saw her parents trapped around the flames. Tears were streaming down her face. Everything happened just like when she was seven. 

"Mum! Dad! Are you okay?" She prayed her words could reach them.

Only the roar of the flames answered her. Suddenly, she heard a loud crack. The beam was going to fall down on her at any moment.

"No! This is not real! Someone, please wake me up! Anyone!"

"Good. But not good enough." A deep voice whispered in her ear before the blackness enveloped her again.

*****

*keris: An asymmetrical dagger with distinctive blade-patterning, associated with the the culture of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore and Philippines. As shown as in the picture.

This chapter is dedicated to my myth-loving friend, TheaMayy. If you like myths, check out her book, "Atlantis".

Picture credited to the owner of Bli Wahyu Blogsite.  http://helixwahyudipra.blogspot.my/2014/07/part-i-keris-powerful-sacred-weapon.html?m=1

If you like this chapter, don't forget to click on the star and comment!

Eireen x