A New Journey Rewrite

Chapter 12: It Is Hard

I woke up and looked out the window, watching people walking around. A knock on the door caught my attention.
"Soreen, get up. We're having breakfast, and then we're leaving," Ignis called out.
"Got it, give me five minutes," I replied. As I was getting ready, my keyblade suddenly appeared out of nowhere and started glowing. Shocked, I reached out to touch it, but it disappeared. What?! What's going on?
"Soreen, we're all heading to the lobby to eat. Join us when you're ready," Prompto's voice echoed from behind the door.
"Su-sure," I stammered, still confused by what had just happened.
I made my way toward the lobby when I noticed a person dressed entirely in black, their face hidden, sitting right in front of me. I froze, remembering that same figure from my dream. Without hesitation, I summoned my Keyblade and prepared to attack.
"Do you want to take back what you've lost?" the figure asked calmly.
I stopped, staring at him with suspicion. "What do you mean?"
The figure extended his hand. "Take my hand, and you will know."
I hesitated but quickly shook my head. "No! I'll never take it!" With a determined rush, I charged at him with my Keyblade. As I swung, I passed through him, cutting through thin air. I turned around, but nothing was there.
"So this is the path you've chosen. Have fun while it lasts," the person said, disappearing with a sinister laugh.
I stood there, stunned. What did he mean? What did I lose? My head throbbed with confusion. I touch my stomach, hoping food would clear my mind. I looked up and realized I was standing in front of the cafeteria.
Prompto waved at me from across the room. "Soreen, over here!"
I joined the group at the table, still lost in thought.
"Soreen!" Gladiolus's voice broke through my daze. "Hey! You alright?" he asked, concerned. "You're kinda out of it today."
I blinked, quickly putting on a smile. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Never been better!" I felt excitement, but my mind was still spinning. "You know what, I think I'm just hungry. I'll grab some food. Be right back."
As I walked away to fill my plate, I couldn't shake the stranger's words. Take back what I've lost? What does that even mean? The questions echoed in my mind as I stood in line to pay.
A hand rested on my shoulder. I turned to see Gladiolus beside me. "I'll cover it."
"Thanks. It's not like I have any money anyway," I smiled softly.
We walked back to the table in silence for a moment before Gladiolus spoke up. "So, eggs and bread with jam, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess," I muttered absentmindedly.
"You know, I'll cut to the chase," Gladiolus said. "You're like a little sister to me. You can tell me if something's bothering you."
I sighed. "I hate saying goodbyes, but I know I have to."
Gladiolus chuckled. "That's it? I thought it was something serious. Don't worry—there's something good about goodbyes too, you know."
We reached the table and sat down with the others. I took a deep breath, looking at my friends. "Everyone, I'm sorry I've been acting weird. The truth is... goodbyes are hard for me."
Ignis nodded, giving me a gentle smile. "Then good luck wherever you're headed."
"Just stay safe out there," Noctis added, not looking up from his plate.
"Don't forget to take your skateboard with you!" Prompto grinned, giving me a wink.
I looked at them, confused. "Wait... you're not sad that I'm leaving?"
"It's okay. We knew this day would come eventually," Noctis said, still smiling.
"You guys realize I might never see you again, right?"
"We know. We just want you to get home safely," Ignis reassured me.
Tears welled up in my eyes. "You guys..."
"Aww, don't cry!" Prompto said quickly.
"I'm not crying!" I sniffed, shoveling food into my mouth to cover up the tears. "This food is just too delicious."
After breakfast, I went back to my room to pack my things. As I reached the door, I froze.
"I think you've had enough fun. How about you come with me instead?" The voice of the man in black made me spin around. He stood in the middle of my room, his presence unnerving.
I summoned my Keyblade again. "What do you want?"
He raised his hands in surrender. "Easy, girl. I'm just here to check if you've reconsidered my offer."
"I haven't," I spat, gripping the Keyblade tightly.
"Feisty," he smirked beneath his hood. "But tell me this—how are you going to explain to them that this isn't your home? That you don't belong here. How will you get back to your world? Does your Keyblade open portals?"
I gritted my teeth. "I'll figure it out. I don't need your help."
"Hmm. Well, I thought I'd offer," he said, shrugging nonchalantly. "But I suppose you'd rather struggle on your own."
He started to walk toward the portal he had opened. His words struck a chord in my mind, and before I could stop myself, I called out, "Wait! I might consider your offer... but if I disappear, they'll freak out. What's your plan for that?"
He paused, looking over his shoulder. "Simple. I'll erase their memories."
"What? You can't do that!" I gasped, stepping back in horror.
"Why not? You've been erasing memories since the start of your journey, haven't you?" he asked, a sly smile in his voice.
I narrowed my eyes. "Wait... have you been spying on me this whole time?"
"Do you want answers or not?" His voice grew cold. "Because this conversation is going nowhere."
I clenched my fists, feeling cornered. "Fine. Do what you have to."
He muttered an incantation, and suddenly, the room felt heavier. A portal opened in front of us, swirling with darkness.
With sadness in my heart, I followed him through the portal, leaving everything behind.