The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 21 (Part 3)

     With a solemn air, Lyvie relinquishes the two totems she had taken from the Goblins' Den, extending them towards Denis with a gesture of contrition. As the totems pass from her hands to his, a weighty silence descends, punctuated only by the rustle of fabric and the subtle sound of their exchange. Retreating a step, a furrow of regret etches itself across Lyvie's features, her brows knit in a visible display of remorse. Lowering her head, she releases a deep, heartfelt sigh.

"...You earn it. You're free to return to your realm," Lyvie smiled timidly.

"Thanks, Lyvie. I mean it," Denis replied.

"Now you have all the totems!" Harris chuckled, wrapping an arm around Denis' shoulder.

"Yeah!" Denis grinned.

This time, Denis' laughter echoed his genuine joy.

"Finally!" everyone cheered, clapping loudly in triumph.

"While you guys stay here, Meredith and I will return to the house to fetch the other totems so we can give them to Oracle Miriam," Philip beamed.

"Sure!" Denis nodded in agreement.

As Philip and Meredith turned to walk, Harris addressed Denis, saying, "Man! I can't believe it! We're finally done in our quest!" He added with a sincere heart, "And... heh, because of you, I was able to learn the true me."

"...And because of you, I was able to learn my true self as well," Denis responded, his voice loaded with emotions. "And! Because of your wisdom... I was able to change someone," Denis continued.

     Denis steps aside, revealing Lyvie standing on his back. With a bashful smile, Lyvie waves at Harris, their eyes fixed on one another. Quickly, Harris places a hand on his chest and nods—a silent acknowledgement for her. Lyvie reciprocates the gesture with a humble grin.

     Soon, Oracle Miriam is able to create a portal by placing the nine lost totems in an earthen archway with a door. Seeping underneath the doorway, like a camera, the portal flashes with white light. Finally, the bridge between the two realms is done. Denis then steps forward and stands before Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix with tearful eyes.

"Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix... guys... heh... y'all... thank you," Denis sniffled, bidding his gratitude and appreciation to his friends.

"Mhm," Denis' friends nodded with quivering smiles.

"Because of you, guys, you amazing people, I finally have made myself whole and complete," Denis admitted, his eyes glistening with tears.

"Hm," the others listened, their grins trembling with emotions.

"Felix," Denis uttered, turning to Felix.

"Hm?" Felix responded, glancing at him as he craned his neck.

"...I know you'll become a good wizard one day. You will be a big champion in wizardry," Denis claimed.

"Thank you," Felix smiled.

"Presley," Denis called, his eyes fixating on Presley.

"Hmm?" Presley glanced at Denis, his hands on his back.

"Even if you may appear soft to others, you can be hard and strong when you need to. You can save lives and dare to step forward," Denis complimented.

"Hehe, thanks," Presley grinned.

"Meredith." Denis turned to Meredith.

"Yes?" Meredith replied, her attention hooked.

"I believe you are an excellent partner to your boyfriend. You are the most caring and nurturing. You look after others and will risk your life for them. What a great woman you are," Denis stated.

"Mhm," Meredith nodded, closing her eyes.

"Philip." Denis looked at Philip.

"Hm?" Philip responded.

"You are so great at leading others. You are a great leader. And you will continue to grow and lead others, guiding them," Denis smiled.

"Thanks," Philip beamed, giving Denis a light pat on the shoulder.

"Chloe," Denis said softly, peering into Chloe's eyes.

"Hmm??" Chloe grinned, eager to hear Denis' words for her.

"Just like your sister, you're caring and good at cooking. You have such talents. You're not just a kid. You're a good friend," Denis affirmed.

"Hehe, thank you!" Chloe replied, bobbing her head up and down.

"And Harris," Denis continued, his eyes getting heavier with tears.

"Hm," Harris smiled, his eyes also heavy.

"In life, you don't have to pretend you don't care... because, in truth, you always care, and that's what makes you a great person," Denis cried softly. "You're the best... the most fantastic guy I've ever met! And only if we could... I want the both of us to live together until the end," he confessed. "And even if we're realms apart, you will always be in my heart."

Harris broke into tears as he giggled, holding Denis' hands firmly. "...Heh! I love you, friend!"

"Same here!" Denis replied, grinning, his eyes leaking tears of joy and sadness, as he knew he would return to his universe, but this might be the last time they'd ever see each other. His forehead then met Harris' bangs as they leaned in, feeling each other's breath touching their faces.

     Letting go of Harris' hand, Denis sees Lyvie sitting alone, facing the great precipice. Concerned for her, Denis approaches her with light, careful steps. He then taps on her shoulder, almost startling her as she gasps.

"Hey, are you coming with me?" Denis asked kindly.

Lyvie sighed. "...I don't want to return to a universe where I feel like I'm not cared for..."

"I say, no matter which universe you are in, someone cares for you," Denis smiled politely.

"No one does..." Lyvie sniffled, her voice laced with sorrow.

"So, I don't exist, then?" Denis chuckled softly.

Lyvie looked up and gazed into Denis' eyes, perplexed momentarily. "...Huh...?"

Denis stretched out his hand, and Lyvie grabbed his warm palm. "...I care for you... deeply," he whispered as he pulled Lyvie up, helping her stand from the dusty ground.

Tears gleamed in Lyvie's eyes as she peered into Denis' dark orbs. "...I will give my life in my universe a chance," Lyvie boldly stated.