Three days later, they finish gathering enough information and witness statements before eventually reaching their destination. This place still looked as intimidating as it did the last time she was here. No, the miasma in the air has gotten a lot worse.
Her thoughts break off when Lyn suddenly grabs hold of her hands and puts something on her arm. It was a simple silver bracelet.
"This?"
Lyn laughed. "Actually, my hands aren't covered in blisters just because of the scarf. I tried making something for you Pupilliam. Jewels are a lot harder!"
Pupilliam just stared at the girl in disbelief. It takes her a few extra minutes to process
"I have always wanted to do something for you Pupilliam. But, I'm very clumsy and I didn't know what to do. I thought so hard what to do until it felt like my head would explode."
Pupilliam hears chuckling in the background and Lyn steps on Rhys foot.
"Ouch." Rhys grumbled.
"So, I thought I'd make you something. I know you don't like wearing jewellery or anything extravagant. So I made something simple instead. Do you like it?"
The initial shock wore off and her gaze fell on Lyn's now bandaged fingers.
"I love it, thank you Que-" Pupilliam takes a deep breath. "Lyn."
It was the first time for her using the girl's name in so long and yet, it felt just right to say it.
At those words the girl suddenly hugged her tightly and sobbed. But Pupilliam knew they were happy tears.
Rhys looked over them with a frown. "You know, this feels like dejavu. Why are you two always like this? Your not secretly going out are you-"
Lyn turned to glare at Rhys. "Oh hush, you just get jealous too easily."
Their conversation is interrupted by a large roaring sound followed by screams, and the smell of fresh blood. Pupilliam turned to the silent King Allen who was already drawing his sword and she did the same. An orange coloured blade, the sword that matches the one Lyn is about to obtain.
Lyn let's her go and looks at her with a determined gaze before rushing towards the direction of the rock, with Rhys behind her.
____
The last few days while they gathered information, Lyn has noticed one particular pattern in the information. All those people who tried to get the sword before all experienced something traumatic before, something they have to overcome. There are many demons that haunt her, especially after what her sister did. The destruction and magnitude of damage from the war with her sister and then the jade war remains firm in her mind.
Lyn's gaze fell towards the rock in the center and at the pure white blade. At a glance it looks like a simple sword, but she can tell that there is powerful magic surrounding it.
Her biggest fear, and what she is afraid of the most is losing Rhys. But she has nightmares of seeing the Kingdom in flames again, seeing the famine and the dead bodies. She no longer wishes any blood to spill in this land.
If getting the sword means confronting her past memories, even the traumatic ones. Then she will do it. If she can't face her past, she will never properly be able to move onto the future.
Her thoughts break off when she felt Rhys grab hold of her hand.
"Are you ready?"
"Mm, I will be fine."
Rhys is going to be right beside her, and Pupilliam and Allen are nearby. The people she trust are so close to her. Even though there is one person missing, she can almost feel his presence beside her. Kazuya, must be praying for her so strongly. When they get back, perhaps she can spend more time with him alongside Rhys. Like in the past, the three of them.
According to the information they obtained, eliminating the demon should be safe even if she remains in a trance afterwards.
Lyn takes a deep breath before she stood directly in front of the rock. It was almost like it sensed her presence since they hear an eerie voice welcoming the new challenger. The already dark skies turned darker and the mist in the surroundings grew stronger. But she wasn't afraid.
It's okay now Lyn, it's fine. No matter what obstacles are in her way. There are people by her side who will never leave her. Not obtaining the sword and giving up will cause further bloodshed. She has to do this. She felt Rhys fingers tighten and her gaze softened.
He must be afraid but he won't stop her.
She turns to the sword. 'It's okay, you will come to me won't you? Because you understand better than anyone. That I will not harm you and that my fears have vanished now.' The moment she touched the sword, there was a bright light that surrounded the entire area and engulfed her inside.
Lyn closes her eyes. This must be the memory bubble, alright here it comes.
But, instead of a flash of a traumatic memories what she saw was something different.
The first memory was off two little girls meeting face to face for the first time.
It was the first day she met Pupilliam.
--
Lyn was peering behind Uncle Adrien and staring at the girl in front of her. She had short auburn coloured hair and the most beautiful hazel coloured eyes. She looks so pretty.
"This will be your aide, and head Knight. She is only two years older, so I hope you two get along." Adrien said.
Such a pretty and strong person. But, she looks a bit uncomfortable. Lyn takes a deep breath and grabs hold of Pupilliam's hands.
"What do you like to eat, Pupilliam? Do you like sweets? Let's have some tea together."
The girl who seemed nervous moments ago was looking at her in disbelief. She said a quick goodbye to Uncle Adrien before pulling Pupilliam towards the balcony area. There the servants had already prepared tea and snacks. Maybe it's because she has a new guard? It's unusual for her to do this for her.
*Unedited*