[Delforde, the capital of Edra, in the Lost Ones' apartment]
As dawn began to break, casting a luminous glow over Edra, the Lost Ones were adjusting to their new life in the city. The breathtaking vista of Delforde was a sharp reminder of the modern world they had almost forgotten, having spent months in the Kingdom of Rymis. Now they were rediscovering the joys of the internet and modern luxuries, all thanks to the phones that had been entrusted to them. Though the devices were not unlike those they knew from Earth, the apps were worlds apart.
Yanis and Alora, comfortably nestled on the couch, were engrossed in a TV show. An intriguing blend of action and drama, it showcased a world of magic and demons, though these on-screen demons behaved much more peacefully than those they knew. It was perhaps a reflection of the battle of good and evil that raged in Trillia.
"It feels so good to be home again," Yanis sighed deeply.
"It's like being back on Earth but with a sprinkle of fantasy," Alora replied, her face lighting up for the first time in a while as she briefly forgot her existential worries.
In the kitchen, Hermiel, native of the Kingdom of Rymis, was cooking up a storm. With a suite of modern appliances at his disposal, he fumbled with the controls, relying heavily on the instruction manuals.
"So... press this button, then pull the lever..." Hermiel muttered as he tried to use the stand mixer. Once he got it right, it whirred to life, blending eggs, flour, milk, and sugar. "Yes, haha! It's working!"
In her room, Gwendoline sat cross-legged on her bed, deep in meditation. The contemporary opulence of the room contrasted with its simple, calming setup. Dressed in a new, light nightgown, Gwendoline focused her energy.
Breathe calmly... Focus on your emotions and thoughts.
Gwendoline's task was straightforward yet profound. She needed to connect with and control her emotions, diving deep into her mind to communicate with the Demon Queen, Ergania. The Queen's overwhelming silence was the most significant challenge. Yet, Gwendoline was determined. She needed to master her emotions to harness her power and obtain the coveted Superior Magic spells from Ergania.
The two Superior Magic spells she had gleaned from her duel with Lidia had proven lackluster in their creativity. And while they held value in combat, their potential for devastation made them treacherous. She struggled with other branches of magic, especially the reputedly simpler elemental magic. It seemed she was destined for Superior Magic alone.
Suddenly, Gwendoline, still sat in deep meditation, a forceful voice shattered her concentration, causing her to stagger and fall to the ground.
"You are so incredibly stubborn!" the voice, belonging to Ergania, echoed inside Gwendoline's mind.
Jolted, Gwendoline responded, "Stop startling me like that!"
"And you," Ergania retorted, her tone dripping with exasperation, "stop trying to harness spells from my Superior Magic."
"How else am I supposed to grow? I'm inept in every way, especially magic! Your Superior Magic is my only path to power."
Ergania sighed, a hint of tenderness in her voice now. "Firstly, you should learn to control your emotions. True power is earned, not handed out like candy. No amount of pleading will make you formidable."
Gwendoline's shoulders drooped. "You're right."
"However," Ergania's voice softened further, "if you can master your emotions, I might consider gifting you some spells."
Gwendoline's eyes sparkled at the promise. "Really? Would you?"
"Yes, but on one condition. You need to stop wallowing in self-pity and start caring for yourself. I recall how you belittled yourself in front of your friends in your former residence."
Gwendoline's face turned somber. "That was the truth. It feels like my suicide was in vain, like I acted without thinking."
Ergania's voice took on a gentle but earnest tone. "You did suffer horrendous experiences on Earth, but your suicide was essential for Trillia, and that's why it might seem forced."
Gwendoline looked perplexed. "What do you mean?"
Ergania hesitated, then began, "I suppose it's time I told you a bit about my past. As you might have guessed, I hail from Trillia. I ended my life centuries ago and subsequently reincarnated on Earth. That's when our souls intertwined. So, in essence, you are me, and I am you. Through the years, I observed human life through your eyes, striving to understand it. And due to your act, we've returned to our homeland, Trillia."
Gwendoline swallowed hard, trying to process this revelation. "But why did you end your life?"
"That's a tale for another time. For now, master your emotions," Ergania replied cryptically.
As the conversation dwindled, a realization crashed over Gwendoline like a tidal wave. Am I... the reincarnation of this entity?
Their conversation was abruptly halted as a knock sounded at the door. It was Claire, the elf stewardess, with concern etched on her features.
"Is everything alright, Mrs. Bourcier? May I come in?"
"Yes, all is well. Please, come in."
The door opened, and Claire hurried over to Gwendoline, panic in her eyes upon seeing her on the ground. Gwendoline, however, was fine, merely caught off guard by an earlier noise that sent her tumbling down. Claire helped her to her feet, rubbing her back in a comforting gesture.
"Are you hurt?"
"No, worry not, I'm alright. It was just a noise that startled me."
"I'm relieved to hear that."
Claire sighed with relief, her lips curving into a calming smile.
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Uh... not really. I have everything I need here; a phone, a computer, a balcony with a breathtaking view. I feel quite content, actually!"
"I'm glad to hear that this residence suits you! But... it seems like there's something deeper bothering you, am I wrong?"
"Well..."
Gwendoline was surprised that Claire had noticed her distress. She lowered her gaze, demoralized, and settled on her bed.
"It's like I don't know what's happening with my life anymore... I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Sitting beside her, Claire took Gwendoline's hand, offering a reassuring touch.
"Tell me everything."
"Before my confrontation with Abaguo, I thought I had finally found real purpose. I believed Trillia would be the perfect place to forge a new identity, but I guess I was wrong..."
"I understand you're going through a tough time, Mrs. Bourcier. It's natural to feel doubt and uncertainty after such upheaval. But let me remind you that you're strong and resilient. You've overcome so much to get to this very moment, and I'm sure you will find your way here in Edra. Remember, you're not alone anymore. You have friends here, ready to support you through this new life. It's important to share your concerns with them, to open up. Sometimes, just reflecting on our feelings can lighten the burden we carry."
"That's what I did... I told them how guilty I feel for committing suicide. I blame myself so much; I'm disgusted with myself... I feel like I can never forgive myself for breaking my loved ones' trust."
Claire sighed in understanding, acknowledging the gravity of Gwendoline's confession while maintaining a glimmer of hope, as if the path to change lay open before them, a radiant valley.
"Your situation is complex because nobody gets to live twice. When someone commits suicide, regret ceases for them, except perhaps in Hell. Yet, you've had this unlikely chance to awaken among the Lost Ones; you've had the privilege to join them. And as if that wasn't enough, thanks to the entity within you, you are the most powerful among them, and you are immortal. Do you realize how fortunate you are, Mrs. Bourcier?"
"Yes, you're right."
"As for your loved ones on your planet, the only way you have to earn their forgiveness is to defeat Damahan within the next two years."
Hearing the name of this purportedly malevolent being, Gwendoline raised an eyebrow, not understanding Claire's insinuation.
"How so?"
"Imagine for a moment that you manage to defeat Damahan; you would save millions of parallel worlds, including your own. Think about how your loved ones will react when they learn that it's thanks to you they are safe... Consider that you might hold them in your arms again. Isn't that motivation to fight until the end?"
A glimmer of hope seemed to pierce the abyss of sorrow and remorse consuming Gwendoline. Since her journey began on Trillia, she had never dared to consider this possibility, which now appeared as the most optimistic scenario.
Who is she? How did she manage to make me feel such a profound emotion with just a few words? Gwendoline pondered, a newfound resolve stirring within her.
Claire Lysd'Or had succeeded where all before her had failed. In Gwendoline's eyes, Claire didn't seem that significant – she was just a stewardess, after all. Yet, she had found the right words to guide Gwendoline's heart, a feat even the Lost Ones couldn't achieve. A barrage of questions about this woman flooded Gwendoline's mind. Who was she to have made such an impact?
"If it would help, I'd like to share my story with you. Is that okay?"
"Of course, please continue."
"Let's sit down."
Soon after, Gwendoline and Claire lay down on the soft bed, releasing a light sigh of relaxation. With the window ajar, they could hear the distant sounds of the capital's traffic. Planes flew above them, under the orange and violet hues of dawn, casting a deeply nostalgic ambiance. With her hands behind her head, Claire stared at the ceiling and began to narrate:
"You must understand that Edra hasn't always been a stable, peaceful country. I grew up in an Edra tainted by power and greed, where reading people became crucial for survival."
"That's why you could guess my troubles?"
"Yes, I've developed an ability to understand someone's nature after a few exchanges. After high school, I delved into the study of psychology, mana, and magic. When I completed my studies, I went through a period of despair, seeing manipulators and deceitful people everywhere."
"Our worlds aren't so different, it seems."
"Especially the president before Marc. He was the worst leader Edra ever had. He didn't just neglect his country's problems and its citizens; he viewed elves as mere sexual slaves to serve him."
"That's horrendous! How did he even become president?"
"Money and power. It's as simple as that."
"When put that way, it makes sense."
"But his true nature was exposed when he encountered Marc. Elarandil was caught red-handed, assaulting Sepharina."
Gwendoline shot upright, her eyes wide in disbelief, "WHAT?! ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE CUTE ASSISTANT OF THE PRESIDENT?!"
"Yes, that's her. Elarandil manipulated Sepharina for his own pleasure."
"Oh my god…"
"Subsequently, Elarandil received a 50-year prison sentence, while Marc was appointed president. He transformed Edra positively, restoring equality among races. Since then, he treasures Sepharina as if she's the love of his life, ensuring her well-being and safety. This is why he's revered by all and why I serve the government. Marc changed my life when I was at my lowest, and I wish to express my gratitude this way."
"What an admirable man…"
"In short, life isn't always as bleak as it seems, and good things come eventually. Sometimes, all it takes is patience and seizing life's opportunities. I genuinely believe your chance, Mrs. Bourcier, is here in Edra. I'm sure you'll find your purpose and become the person you wish to be."
"Thank you, Claire. I needed to hear that. Your words give me hope, and I'll grab this opportunity you speak of!"
"You're welcome," Claire joked, "I'm just doing my job!"
Gwendoline chuckled in response, turning to gaze at the cityscape through her window. Recalling her experiences, not everything about her adventure on Trillia had been negative. She'd forged bonds, met Marshal Anabito, and acquired powers unimaginable on Earth. Above all, she had the chance to grow, even amidst the dangers. Her mission on Trillia was still unclear, and the looming threat of Damahan weighed on her. But she was resolute. As a Lost One, she needed to grow stronger to defeat Damahan in less than two years. Pushing that thought aside, she smiled, thinking of her journey on Trillia.
They're right… I can't just give up, not after all I've been through. I will become the person I aim to be and contribute to this new world!
Apprehension gripped her as images of Rogue and Jacob flitted through her mind.
Jacob, Rogue, are you both alright?