Another Life in The Grand Library

Chapter 21. The Dead Comes Alive?

"So you mean..." Dryad trailed off before asking again "...you went home first while your friends at the base prepared his body for burial? later, they sent the coffin to Sir Alvard's residence? Is that what happened?"

"Yes," Haze nodded.

"Was the coffin secured? I mean... you couldn't even open it the moment it arrive?" Dryad asked again.

Haze frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment before answering such a weird question, "Hm... Yes. We couldn't open it. The coffin was secured."

They were silent for a couple of seconds.

"What if Brilliant is actually the ghost of Alexey?"

Dryad was not so surprised by Haze's sudden question because she had something else in mind.

"I'm not sure about that... Sir Alvard said if one's already dead, they could no longer be connected to us in any way possible because they'll be sent directly to the Afterlife," Dryad said. "There's a barrier between our world and the Afterlife that could never be crossed."

Hazard shook his head a bit, "Sorry, Dry, I don't catch your words. That is... a confusing concept."

"What I have in mind is... If Brilliant is not my imaginary friend, like I was always thought all this time.. then maybe, he's a wandering soul, then..."

"Wandering soul?" Haze frowned.

"Yes. Now we need to make sure of the theory. I want to clarify something"

"So..." His voice was quiet and strained, "what do you want to confirm?"

A thought crossed Dryads mind.Then, she finally asked what she really wanted to know,
"where is Alexey's grave? Can you take me there?"

Haze frowned, "take you there? Tomorrow?"

"No.Tonight. Right now," Dryad said.

Haze was surprised at her request. He took a moment to think about it. "Alexey's graveyard... Why do you want to go there?"

"Haze, we strongly agree now that Brilliant and Alexey are actually the same person, even though Brilliant doesn't recall any of his memories. He looks like someone who had his memories erased completely, don't you think? But why? I don't know how this happened, but... let's put that question aside for now. There's one thing that is more important. Remember when Dervin said Brilliant's soul came back to his own body just the same way as we both did? Then... I think we need to prove something."

Haze's eyes widened in surprise as he realized what she meant.
"Don't tell me... you want to see for yourself if it is true or not?"

Dryad nodded firmly. She looked like a girl without fear, having a plan to go to the graveyard at midnight after storms.

Haze chuckled bitterly, "what do you want us to do there? You want me to dig up his grave or something?"

"Yes," Dryad said firmly, staring at him. Her expression looked more serious than before.

"Seriously, Dryad. This is crazy! Are you thinking clearly right now?" he questioned.

Dryad's gaze still locked on him. She nodded. "Yes! I am thinking clearly. But it's the only way to confirm my theories, isn't it? Haze, please... help me. Think about it, what if Alexey really comes back? What if he wakes up and finds himself in a coffin as we talk here? We need to hurry!"

Haze was taken aback.
"That's awful!" He blinked a few times and looked away. He seemed conflicted. He sighed while rubbing his forehead, "I know it is a crazy idea. Fine. I'm in. But wait at least until the rain subsides a bit. Besides, we don't want to draw suspicion. Right? Let's wait until Eurys sleep"