Ephemeral

His Return

Thomas - But if that's true then... King Percious! Forgive me for meeting you in such circumstances, but let me introduce myself properly.

King Percious - let him go.

Thomas *kneels*- Thank you, your Majesty. I am Thomas Ashton, just an average 20-year-old working at an animation company...until a few days ago. I know that it was quite rude of me to wander around the Kingdom without His Majesty's permission, however, please let us explain ourselves. Your daughter may have gone against your wishes but as her father, I believe that it is your duty to listen to her side of the story. 

After saying this, both the King and Eva were shocked and speechless and the guards started to whisper amongst themselves. Nonetheless, Thomas was actually, beating himself up in his head and wishing he could hide.

Thomas - Thomas you complete idiot, just because you have watched and read so many fantasy plots doesn't mean they work in real life. Oh, I am so dead, I am sorry Eva, it looks like I won't be seeing you ever aga-

King Percious - hmmm, you are right. I don't sense any malevolent aura from you, I should let the two of you explain yourselves. Guards!

Thomas - phew, huh? Why are they holding onto me again?

King Percious *glaring* - Just because I don't sense any evil from you now, doesn't mean you are trustworthy, not just yet.

Thomas - Of course, your Majesty. Oh boy, I think I'm gonna lose my conscience.

Eva and Thomas explain their encounter and adventures to the King, while the King goes through a rollercoaster of emotions. And, once they finished...

King Percious *in a daze* - So you are...saying...that...a human has been in my kingdom for a whole week almost and that he can ride a battle MizuDobutsu which used to belong to the former prince and that the prince's necklace glows and gives this boy his scars and memories....hmmmm. I don't know what to think, such a thing has never happened before.

Eva - that's why I needed to confirm it with the Anamnesis pool. Please, father.

King Percious - I can't just let anyone into our secret treasure

Eva and King Percious continue arguing

Thomas - oh god, looks like it's time for my plethora of anime knowledge to come in! Pssst psst, Eva...

Eva *whispers*- what is it, can't you see I am trying to convince my stubborn father?

Thomas *whispers* - I know I know, I thought of something that would help

Eva - huh?

Thomas whispers something in Eva's ear while the King is distracted by some news a guard was informing him of. 

Eva - here goes nothing. Dad! 

Everyone turned to the princess and stared in disbelief. Everyone had the same thing ring in their head "DAD!!!!"

King Percious *clearing his throat*- I must have imagined it. What is it Eva, I told you that there will be no fur-

Eva - But Dad, what if it's really Thomas? Won't this help mend the bond between Atlantia and Oceanna? And more importantly, I will get a second chance with someone precious to me, unlike the case with my mother...Please, Dad!

The King confirmed what he heard but also realized something.

King Percious - Evangeline, I am sorry, I did not think about your feelings at all. You would be the one who is going through the most here. I will let you use the Anamnesis pool. However, if something happens and somehow affects your safety, I will slay him. Guards!

Thomas - slay me, yep, imma pass out right now! 

King Percious - Thomas Ashton you may enter the Anamnesis pool. 

Thomas - yes, your majesty

Thomas walks towards the pool until he faces the reflection of himself in the pool. 

Thomas - I guess this is it, once I enter the pool, I will know what all this is. If it is true that these scars and this *ahhh* pain are all because of my past life. But what will happen to my feelings for Eva, I indeed like her, it was love at first sight, but were they truly my feelings or someone else's?

Thomas enters the pool and a bright blue light flashes above the pool, replaying Thomas' past life or...

Eva - this isn't... *teary-eyed*

King Percious - Just who are you...