Do you dream of me in the next life?

Chapter 17: Lost city of legend

"Looks like we're getting close." said Josie while she read the map.

"Oh, good! I thought we went in the wrong direction yesterday." said Alice.

They walked slowly through a dirt path in the woods. Nothing was around except for the occasional wildlife that either stared or scurried out of sight.

"Thinking about yesterday, did you...experience anything weird in the Illusha Kingdom?" asked Josie.

"Yeah. I saw swirls in the sky and other strange things. Do you think Cortez was doing that?"

"Hard to say. Whatever it is, the effect persisted until we left the city."

Alice stopped for a moment.

"Wait. Do you hear that?"

"Hm?"

Josie walked over and stood near Alice. The expression on her face changed to a surprised one as a quiet sound touched her ears.

"Singing?"

"It sounds like it's coming from this way." Pointed Alice.

They headed towards the source. The more they followed the sound, the louder and more defined it became. Josie took the lead out of an abundance of caution and entered the clearing. What they saw left them speechless. Many bubbles were hovering around a pond. In the pond's center was a woman seated on a smooth stone. Except she was no ordinary woman: she had a big fish tail on her lower body. It splish-splashed rhythmically along with her song.

The woman raised her palm up to the sky while she sang a high note. Then a bubble landed on her hand and popped when she noticed Josie and Alice. With a turn, she faced them, then her tail changed back to legs and feet. After that she quickly sprinted across without sinking and halted in front of them.

She brushed some hair behind an ear. "Hi, are you lost? Do you need help?"

"U-Uh, Yes! We need help. Who are you?" asked Alice.

The white haired woman gave a cheerful smile. "Marie. What about your names?"

"I'm Josie, nice to meet you!"

"My name is Alice."

"Oooh! Alice! I knew I've seen your face before. Happy to see you're really alive like the rumors say, your Highness!"

"Actually, I'm not who you think I am."

Marie looked at her with a puzzled expression. While Alice explained their situation, Josie curiously glanced over the clothing she wore. Marie had some kind of two piece outfit with sandals. Her bra displayed a floral design and her long skirt was open on one side, tied with a knot by the hip.

Josie nodded reassuringly to herself in no particular direction. When Alice was about done talking, Josie interrupted while smiling.

"You have a really beautiful singing voice."

Maria rubbed the back of her head. "Thank you! Singing has always been my passion. One day, I want to sing in front of people around the Dream World."

"What's stopping you from trying it right now?" asked Josie.

She looked sad for a moment and turned herself toward the pond. "Responsibilities. My parents pushed me to tuck away my ambitions for what they thought was better for me and everyone else. So this pond became my sanctuary until that day comes..."

Alice stood beside Marie. "Your voice is amazing. I hope one day, you'll be able to share this gift too."

Marie suddenly teared up. "Thank you. Both of you. No one ever said anything like that to me."