The garden by the maze
The last thing Lule heard was Ryuji calling out her name as she fell into the mirror. She also heard other voices, somewhat familiar. Her eyes were tightly closed, expecting a harsh landing, but instead, it was rather soft, like falling onto a cloud.
When she opened her eyes, she was back in the maze from her dream. Just like in her dreams, it had beautiful flowers in full bloom and a huge fountain filled with falling flower petals. She cautiously headed through the maze, trying to reach the center. The only sounds she could hear were birds singing and the gentle flow of running water. As she ventured deeper into the maze, she started to hear the same voice from her dream calling her name.
"Lule." She searched her surroundings but saw nothing. Then she heard it again: "Lule." This time, there was a rustling sound, as if someone was in the maze with her, playing around like a child. Suddenly, Lule's gaze fell upon a glowing light ahead. She froze. Half-buried in the grass was a broken pendant, similar to the one around her neck.
Her fingers tingled as she reached for it, and the moment her skin touched the cool metal, a flood of warmth and safety rushed through her. She gasped, her hand trembling. There was a name on it: Sylis.
"Sylis," Lule said, the name rolling off her tongue. As she did, she grunted and held her head.
"Lumi, come on! We're going to be late."
"I'm going as fast as I can, Lis! Wait for me!"
"I asked a blacksmith to make these for us."
"Woah! They're so pretty! Which one's mine?"
"The pink one is yours because it has your favorite colors. Mine's the silver one."
"Aww... You didn't have to, Lis. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Lule's blurry vision returned to normal, and she felt tears running down her face. She recalled a girl with silver-blonde hair and bright, earthy eyes giving her the pendant. The place where she received it was a secluded garden with a huge, beautiful willow tree and a pond nearby. She almost remembered her full name—or at least the initials, Lule M.H.—and she recalled that it sounded foreign.
Lule's heartbeat raced as fragments of her past came back, but they were mostly of Sylis. The girl had been her best friend, a companion who understood her in ways others couldn't. The pendant felt warm against her chest, pulsing with energy that resonated with the laughter and promises they had shared. She saw herself running through the garden, the petals of blooming flowers brushing against her skin, their sweet fragrance filling the air. Sylis had always been the brave one, leading the way through the maze of blossoms, her laughter ringing like chimes in the soft breeze.
"Catch me if you can!" Sylis had taunted, her earthy eyes sparkling with mischief. Images of her childhood flashed before her eyes—happy moments filled with laughter, the taste of sweet fruits shared, the warmth of friendship blossoming in the sunlight. As the cheerful memories faded, they were replaced by flashes of dark shadows, whispers of danger, and the feeling of being hunted.
"LULE, RUN!" And she did—she ran as fast as she possibly could. That was, until she heard Sylis scream.
She turned back, frantically searching for her friend, her heart shattering when she saw Sylis with a sword through her.
She ran to her.
"You have to run... now," Sylis said softly.
"I won't leave you here."
"You will. Take my pendant and go to the Whispering Forest—you'll find help there."
"What about you?"
"I won't make it. You have to go alone. Now, GO! THEY'RE BACK."
Lule bolted into the nearby maze, not venturing too deep, afraid of getting lost. Her vision blurred, and her breath was heavy—she couldn't believe her dearest friend was gone.
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"Why isn't she out yet? It's been hours since everyone else's trial finished, but hers."
"Calm down, Ryuji. We know how much you care about her, but I'm sure she's fine."
"Yeah, but what if she isn't? What if something's gone wrong during her trial?"
"Nothing's going to happen to her, and if something does, we'll take her to a healer, okay? So just stay calm and be patient."
It seemed as if only Ryuji was worried about Lule. In reality, they were all worried, but they didn't show it—otherwise, Ryuji would panic more. The Nightshades knew how he could get when he was anxious.
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short chap!
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Eclipsed Echoes
General Fiction"Eclipse of Echoes" is the story of twelve heroes who join forces to stop a dark group from destroying their world. Along their journey, they build strong friendships, find love, and learn to trust each other. Together, they must uncover their true...
