The sword princess' tale

Volume 4 Chapter 18 - I Spectaced A Dramatic Political

"You did well. Thank you... Thank you for protecting my people. Thank you..."

This... voice. And... those words... could it be...

"I...ris...?"

I tried to force myself to reach for it. Reaching for the warmth which began to leave my side.

Then I felt as if my hand was held tightly. I could feel warm transmitted from it, and I wanted to open my eyes even if for a moment.

I forced myself. I have to see her. I have so much questions... about her. About me. About us...

Among the hazy scenery of white... I could see golden strands of hair fluttering. A white dress which seemed to resemble what I wear. And... a familiar face possessing emerald green eyes.

Albeit older than me... and although she has cat ears and tail... I know. I recognized her.

"...yes. It is time for us to return to who we were supposed to be. But... you wish not for such thing, no?"

...that's... I... I just want to be myself... but... I'm afraid. I'm afraid that I won't live like I want to. I'm afraid that everything will be stolen from me... I'm afraid that I might... become something else.

Because 'I' am incomplete... because we are only... fragments....... maybe we don't even have a complete personality too...

Even the thought 'what if my feelings are actually based on lies' sent me a chill.

"...I know that feeling. I too felt it because you are me, and I am you. All of 'us' harbor the same feeling the moment 'we' are aware of the truth."

Then...? I... what should I... do...?

Am I... am I truly going to end just like the others? Even though... even though my life barely started...?

Vladimir said I have short longevity... so... will I die... young? Is my lifespan truly is limited more so than the other? Then... I... how am I supposed to fulfill my desire...? How can I fulfill it wholeheartedly if I know my days are numbered?

But in the next moment, I felt warmth embracing me. Iris... she was holding me tightly and she smiled at me.

"I know. You are perhaps the only one who might survive the ordeal but beings thirsting for power will sought us. They will, without fail, desire what we are capable to do. Because it was also one human king who tried to rob me of my body and my soul for his shallow ambition."

...then...

"That is why, I will be with you too."

Eh...? What... what do you mean...?

I can feel the warmth fading away again. No... this is... she's dissipating and going inside of me.

"I have been watching those two for a while and it seems even if I were gone, I guess they are going to stay that way. Also, if I merged with you, I can extend your life for a few years more."

Merge... Didn't you say that before...?

"It's alright. If we merged completely back there, we would have ceased to exist in no time. Also, to be assimilated by a kind human such as you... it has truly been a while for a fortuitous chance to occur."

...even so...

"Oh my. You are interesting... Although we were once a Battle Maiden, to think you are reborn for two times... I'm so envious."

EH!!?

Whaaaaaattt!? Hey, wait! What are you seeing!? You're reading my memories!? Wait wait wait waaaaiiiitttt!!