Lazarus Peirsaly

2. In the Beginning Comes Discovery

I look around. Torches dimly light up the cave. It's probably a safe place if people have the time to keep them lit, so I can explore with less caution. Walking around, I come across a small body of water. Come to think of it, I don't even know what I look like... I lean over and gaze into it.

With the poor lighting, the view isn't that good, but it's better than nothing. Reflected through the water is a blonde woman with green eyes. My hair is long and curly, slightly hiding an odd black shape on my neck... Probably the little gift that demon left me. I remember just wearing some shorts and a bra during the time of my death, but now a white frilly dress drapes around my body. Small patches of dirt cling to it from traversing the cave... another hilarious joke from Lurinyo, putting me into something that stains easily inside of a place full of things to make stains. Overall, an above-average appearance if I were to say. Of course, I wouldn't have any idea what average is with the memory situation, but at least I'd like to think so.

Wow, I never realized I looked this pretty. I start making faces in the water, admiring my face. Is it wrong to fall in love with yourself? Perhaps that's a bit too egotistical, I can't even kiss myself. But this is a new world, maybe there's cloning magic or something?

As I'm lost in pointless thoughts, I let out an ugly grunt as a hand suddenly taps my shoulder, causing me to fall into the water from surprise. At least it's shallow, but damn is it cold. Wait, I have better things to worry about. I roll onto my back and raise my hands defensively, eyeing whatever snuck up on me.

"Who are you? That's sexual harassment. I'll sue you if there is a justice system in this world!" I try to sound intimidating, but even my ears know it doesn't work. My voice is a bit too monotone for that, sounding more like a sarcastic comedy routine than the woes of someone potentially facing impending doom.

"Who am I? I could ask you the same question, trespassing scum!" A stern and deep female voice replies before a sword is thrust forward as the figure steps forth, illuminating more of herself as the tip points at my throat. "Stand up and turn around. Try anything, and I will be forced to sever your head."

"Yes ma'am. I just got back to living, I wouldn't want my head cut off for the second time..." I get up slowly with my hands up and turn around, slightly shivering from the water soaking my dress.

"Good. Now answer. How did you get into this area?" She looks at me like I'm crazy after hearing my remark about dying. Well, that's to be expected by any sane person.

"I don't know. I woke up here." I died and some demon named Lurinyo resurrected me for her enjoyment. Long story, but- Wait, why can't I hear my voice? And my neck... Oh, I see. I'm not allowed to disclose anything about my special circumstances, and that horrid demon is cutting out my ability to speak. That's unfair, having the power to control my body. "Sorry, I have a very unfortunate condition. My neck hurts. Please excuse me, if you don't mind?" I fiercely grip my neck and clench my teeth, the burning sensation once more tormenting me. At least the heat overpowers the coldness of the water.

"Hey, I told you not to move! But it doesn't sound like you're faking it..." She reaches her hand out and moves me out of the water, taking me to a different spot in the cave. I don't have the luxury of paying attention, too busy worrying about intense pain assaulting my poor neck. When it finally subsides, I find myself sitting back on a rock in an area with more lighting. Blue banners adorned with golden crests of a woman holding stars in her palm decorate the wall. Another bad string of luck, getting tangled up with an organization already. Of course, the mysterious lady continues to point her sword at my neck, though I can at least see her better now.

She has short purple hair with fierce purple eyes, glaring at me intensely. Her body is covered in lightweight silver armor bearing emblems of the same banner upon the bits of cloth that hang off the armor. She's easily a head taller than me and has about a C-cup... Not bad, lady, not bad... Either she's insanely strong to not get a single scratch on her armor, or she just doesn't fight enough to do so.