Year 76

  *The sound of croaking frogs wakes Emma. She sits up, irritated and tired. They’ve made it to the Everglades of Wallshburg. Willow trees as far as the eye can see, the Humid area is filled with fauna and flora alike.*

  Emma: *Huff* This is all because of her. Everyone told me, “You were best friends, inseparable at times.” *Scoffs* Yeah, maybe she’s the reason I’m out here to begin with.

  *Arthur responds while facing away.*

  Arthur: Sorry.

  Emma:*Turns to Arthur and sighs.* I don’t blame you. This is all me.

  Arthur: Yeah, but my dad.

  Emma: Do you honestly think I’d still be taking you with me if I blamed you?

  Arthur: *No hesitation.* Yes.

  *Emma stops herself from arguing.*

  Emma: I care, okay. It’s not your fault that he brainwashed me.

  Arthur: *Laughs* Technically, it is.

  Emma: Oh shit. You’re right.

  *The two laugh.*

  Emma: Okay, well, if I’m not getting any more sleep, I’m going to get breakfast ready.

  Arthur: No thanks. I don’t think I can eat right now. The smell of the ground isn’t exactly pleasant.

  Emma: Fair enough. Well, let's head south from here. It almost sounds like your dad had a place hidden out here for you to stay. And with everything that happened, I left the map in Elwin’s bag.* Sigh* This is what I get for asking him to translate some of it.

  *Reaching the edge of the Willow trees, the sound of waves crashing into the cliffside in the distance can be heard as they spot the small, cozy cottage. A letter rests on a table with a candle nearby. She opens the letter and skims it over.*

  Emma: This is addressed to your dad.

  *Emma looks at the candle.*

  Emma: Who lives here?

  Argon: I do.

  Arthur: DAD!

  *Arthur runs over to his dad and hugs him. Argon pats his head with his hand.*

  Argon: You two are early. *Looks at Emma and glares.* I thought we had a plan.

  Emma: And I thought you “Saved” me.

  *Argon realizes Emma’s no longer brainwashed.*

  Argon: If you’re going to. Wait until he’s asleep.

  *Argon smiles at Arthur as he sits down across from Emma.*

  Arthur: I thought you were dead?

  Argon: I’m sorry. I was working on building a safety net for you here. But I wasn’t expecting.

  Emma:*Angry* You. Should. Be dead.

  *Argon sighs and lifts his other arm to reveal his missing hand.*

  Argon: I severed the connection so you could protect Arthur… I just wanted to keep my promise of keeping him safe. *Smiles*

  Emma: Arthur, go inside.

  Arthur: But.

  Emma: NOT. A. Request.

  *Arthur heads inside.*

  Argon: I understand.

  *Arthur heads inside, and Argon closes his eyes as Emma stands over him. SMACK! Emma smacks Argon across the face.*

  Emma: I want nothing more than to skin you alive.

  Argon: And I deserve it. *Avoids eye contact.*

  *Emma sits back down angrily.*

  Emma: Well, I’m stuck here until I get more of my memories or the humans forget about me.

  Argon: *Panicked*What happened?

  Emma: Killed a noble for my cousin. Or two. I got caught up in the moment.

  Argon: That was you?! All of Valoria is looking for you.

  Emma: Yeah, even the elves banished me. Saw through Arthur’s disguise and everything. So as much as I hate it.

  Argon: You were planning on hiding “With” him.

  Emma: Yup. Lily is still asleep.

  Argon: Who?

  Emma: My spirit, you locked her inside me. Which may have helped me keep some of my memories. And I can’t be both the one to explain his father's death and the one to kill him.

  Argon: *soft exhale.* Thank you.

  Emma: Don’t. I care about the innocent. Arthur is kind and caring. I’ll help him as he has helped me. I do this for him. Not his vindictive, manipulative, conniving, Jackass of a Father.

  Argon: Well, as a father and nothing else. I thank you.

  Emma: Why?

  Argon: That should be obvious.

  Emma: No. Why are you here?

  Argon: I already said.

  Emma: Safety for Arthur, I know. But you wanted us to believe you were dead.

  Argon: I was approached by a man. He never gave me his name. He said, “Take care of him for me. Spike will be waiting for him.” I was confused because he was talking about my own son. So I agreed, of course, and he removed the illness at the cost of my hand.

  Emma: Spike?

  *Emma tries to sort through her broken memories, where she can kind of remember the encounter underground with the devil.*

  Emma: *worrisome.*What did he tell you to call him?

  Argon: Hmm? I didn’t ask. As I layed on the ground screaming, he healed my arm by sealing the wound. “Quiet so I can explain. I don’t have much time, and I need to make her an opening.”He told me to go to where I planned on them staying and build connections with the people nearby.

  Emma: Can you draw a picture of…

  *Argon raises his one hand.*

  Argon: I couldn’t draw with two hands. I could barely write up until recently. I know you have no reason to forgive me, and I’m not asking for it. But I truly am sorry for what I did to you. Being given this extra bit of time has given me a new appreciation for life.

  Emma: Extra bit? So you know how long you have?

  Argon: He said I’d pass the spring before you both arrive.

  Emma: Maybe he didn’t expect us to be on the run. Listen. I’m going to leave Arthur with you. I’ll be back by the spring to check on your health for his sake.

  *Emma holds her tongue, tears form with anger as she picks up her bag with Lily.*

  Argon: Thank you, Emma.

  *A cut appears on his cheek.*

  Emma: Don’t. I do it for him. If I knew ahead of time.

  *Emma turns a hint of purple is visible in the edges of her iris.*

  Emma: I would’ve killed you myself.

  *Argon smiles and scoffs, mumbling something as Emma leaves.*

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  *As the colder season hits the area, the air is less humid but still warm. Emma rests near a waterfall fall practicing her magic by using telekinesis to part the water. She manages to hold it for a moment before gasping for air and breathing.*

  Emma: This would be so much easier if I had at least had the basics to go off of.

  *Emma walks through the waterfall, and Lily rests on a makeshift bed. Emma sits down and rests her head on her arm, petting Lily with the other.*

  Emma: How goes Dreamland?

  *The sound of windchimes alerts Emma, she heads out and extinguishes a fire outside before taking her and Lily to the back of the cave. She waits there for an hour when the ground begins to shake. A roar echoes through the cave; only a small whisper makes it to the two. Emma sighs and heads back up. She lays down Lily and looks around the walls to see what has fallen over.*

  Emma: Everything seems fine, but I thought they only came through once a month. What the.

  *Emma turns to see the Devil standing in the cave’s mouth. She looks at her blade, then back to him as he stands now a few feet from her. Emma falls back, and she falls onto something firm. She turns to see a small wingless Red dragon. *

  Devil: You’re early.

  *Emma silently moves her knives from her bag using magic, making sure to stay still while also focusing on the Devil.*

  Devil: I should still have four more years. Hmmm.

  *He strokes his upper lip as he thinks.*

  Emma: *Squints*You’re in my memories, but I can’t remember much. Who are you and what do you want?

  *He looks around the cave as Emma talks, quickly looking back as she mentions her memory. He looks her directly in the eye. He looks for “Her.”*

  Devil: That’s why… *Sigh* I didn’t account for that.

  *She walks over to the Drake and scratches his chin.*

  Devil: No matter. I’ll just bring her back.

  *The Devil snaps his fingers, and Emma is stunned by a flood of her memories again. He walks over to Lily as Emma’s faced with every terror and traumatizing event from her past. Boarding insanity as she attempts to make sense of it all. The devil sneers as he looks down at her and pierces his finger with one of his claws. He drops a single droplet of his blood in her mouth.*

  Devil: If you were any other spirit. *Disgusted.* I can’t promise I can help next time.

  *The Devil turns to Emma as her expression goes blank; he clicks his tongue in irritation. He snaps his fingers again, and the flood of Memories stops. Emma holds her chest as she hyperventilates.*

  Devil: *Irritated* No matter…

  *He grits his teeth. Emma calms down, then shakily points her finger at the Devil.*

  Emma: Wh-What d-d-did you do to me?

  Devil: I attempted to restore your memories, but your connection to her has been weakened. Also. As a Devil, I can’t fully aid a spirit. I gave her some of my blood, which should allow her to reach out to you. And finally. I’m going to leave Spike with you.

  Emma: *head still throbbing.* Why? I thought you needed him.

  Devil: *Smiles* So you did gain some of your memories.

  *He looks deeply into Emma’s eyes once more, peering in at her vessel.*

  Devil: Your core is healing. I know I should’ve given a weaker dose. Oh well, somehow we’re both ahead and behind where we need to be. And to answer your question.

  *He reaches out to Spike, and it looks as though he is absorbed into the Devil’s hand. He then turns to Emma and hands her an Egg, the shell is smooth but pointed like a droplet.*

  Devil: Do you remember how to transfer Mana?

  *Emma thinks about the time in the nest, the sound of clashing beasts in the distance, as she focuses herself on the egg before her.*

  Emma: Kind of.

  Devil: Okay, give that to *Doil.*

  *The Devil’s voice echoes upon saying the name.*

  Devil: Argon’s child.

  Emma: I know. I’m more confused as to why that name.

  Devil: *Sighs and smiles.* Now things are really starting to look up again. He’s one of the many I’ve been tasked with finding and returning home safely. That’s his true name. That’s why he wasn’t opposed to it.

  Emma: But he chose to go by Arthur.

  Devil: Shouldn’t be an issue. People go by many names. Just as you have many titles. But both of my names hold power. So I’ve only spoken to them of those destined for the grave.

  *Emma suddenly remembered the word locked deep in her memories. A name. The one here. Master. Had taught her exclusively. She speaks it softly.*

  Emma: Lavit.

  *The Devil’s presence overwhelms Emma as if breaking a seal. His gaze turns to one not of Anger, but frustration.*

  Devil: *through his teeth.* If you value your sanity. DON’T.

  *The words echo through the cave, ringing back, and Emma blinks as if coming out of a trance, the devil nowhere to be seen. She looks down at the melon-sized egg and notices a paper underneath.*

  “ Speak that name and you’ll doom us both. Give the egg to him when he is ready. You’ll know when.*

  Emma: Yeah, sure, I will.

  Lily:*Weakly* Sure you will, what Mama?

  Emma: *Shocked* LILY?!

  *Emma yells out while turning to look at her companion. Lily’s body lies as still as always. Emma looks down in sorrow.*

  Emma: Where are you, Lily?

  Lily: I don’t know. My body feels too heavy to move.

  *Emma picks up her body, and Lily purrs mentally.*

  Lily: *Pur, chirp.* Something feels comfy and warm now.

  *After placing her up and down a few times, Emma discovers Lily can’t move her body, but she can feel and speak through their connection.*

  Lily: So Arie really did set us up?

  Emma: Who? Oh her. I don’t know. She didn’t want to talk; she immediately banished me.

  Lily: Probably to avoid the humans targeting them.

  Emma: That makes so much sense. *Smiles* Lily… I missed you.*Hugs.*

  Lily:*Strained* I love you too, Mama, but I can’t breathe.

  *Emma continues to hold Lily, loosening her grip slightly.*

  Emma: I missed you, LeeLee.

  Lily: So Arie is possibly an enemy, I mean, she did sell you to the slavers.

  Emma: What?

  Lily: Yeah, she brought us to the room and soon after they snuck in. You told me they said they were. Told. Where were you?

  *Lily can feel the Anger boil in Emma. Emma takes a deep breath and turns to the egg.*

  Emma: I guess I should introduce you to Arthur.

  Lily: Who did you adopt now?!

  Emma: *Laughs* Wait! Lily. Do you remember where Kimmy is?

  Lily: Yeah, the oasis with her brother.

  Emma: Good. *Looks down.* Can you still help me?

  Lily: *Confused*With what?

  Emma: My memories. The connection only works if we can’t share sight.

  Lily: Hmmmm. I don’t know.

  *Emma blinks, her eyes change to Lily’s. But in return, she can only see darkness. Emma blinks her eyes back to normal.*

  Lily: Well, I WAS. Able to see.

  Emma: Sorry. When I looked through your eyes, it was just darkness.

  Lily: Makes sense, that’s all I see right now, unless I watch through your eyes.

  *As Emma lies down, Lily on her chest, she slowly falls to sleep, smiling. *

  *Emma opens her eyes to see the cracked vessel. As she continues to work on repairing the vessel, Lily calls out.*

  Lily: Mama!

  *Lily appears beside Emma, they hug for a moment, then both work together. As the last piece goes in the step back to look at the towering vase-like vessel, water still pours out.*

  Emma: I guess I still need to remember some things.

  *Emma sits before the vessel and meditates. Lily rests in her lap and slowly fuses into Emma’s body. Emma begins to watch her childhood one day at a time.*

  *As spring reaches the area, the willows are covered in white flowers, which form the head of snakes. The waters of the waterfall begin to shake as a Giant Genbu. Its tail follows the river, mouth agape, while anything living in the water is filtered through. The turtle's body continues to drag its “tail.” Emma wakes up and scratches Lily on the head.*

  Emma: Morning, Leelee.

  Lily: Morning?! What’s that noise?!

  Emma: *Laughs* It’s a turtle/snake-looking thing. I made the mistake of camping outside the first week I was here. They come through every other week.

  *Emma gets up and stretches.*

  Lily: *Sarcastic.* Lovely. *Pause.* So how far away is he?

  *Emma brushes her hair before lifting Lily.*

  Emma: Not far. *Looks around.* Hey.

  Lily: Hmm?

  Emma: Can you still change?

  Lily: No. I can’t describe it, but whatever “He” did. It made it so I’m disconnected from my body. I can slowly feel the connection rebuilding. I don’t know if his waking me up sped it up or not.

  Emma: Okay, how long until you’re all connected?

  *Emma carefully places Lily and the egg in her pack before sensing for the Genbu.*

  Lily: I don’t know. I can’t explain it. Imagine filling a bucket, but you’re blind and deaf. I don’t know how full or how much is left to fill.

  Emma: *Uncertain* I think I understand.

  *Emma walks up to the waterfall, as the earthshaking steps of the Denbu pass, Emma opens her eyes. Emma’s left eye has a purple hue as she reaches out. The water parts, as an Ice archway is formed. As Emma reaches the shore, the archway collapses, and Emma looks back.*

  Lily: You did say you haven’t sensed “Her” at all.

  Emma: She’s never been easy to reach. But he did say she was still there.

  *Reaching the house, Emma notices a Grey scaled Demon leaving. Argon waves to him as he walks away.*

  Argon: Like I said! Don’t worry about her! I’ll explain it!

  *The Grey Demon gives a thumbs up, and as he reaches the edge of the property, Argon turns around. Emma stands in front of him, and Argon screams.*

  Emma: *Glare* Who was he?

  Argon: You could’ve said something. He’s going to be your connection.

  Emma: Change of plans. I’m leaving for four years.

  Argon: What?

  *Argon stops himself from yelling, and he looks around before whispering.*

  Argon: I thought you said you’d come check back every spring.

  Emma: I’ve been informed you still have three more springs…*Shrugs* Not counting this one.

  Argon: *Quietly* Wait?! You saw him? *Sweats*

  Emma: We’ve met many times before. I’m here to see Arthur before I go.

  Argon: I-I *Stunned* I don’t know if I should thank you or be afraid… Now that I know roughly how long I’ve got left.

  *Emma opens the door while Argon struggles to stay standing as he processes what he’s just heard. Arthur turns from the table as he practices writing. Although he still acts like a child, he now looks like a young adult.*

  Arthur: Emma!

  *Arthur runs over to Emma excitedly. They sit down, and Argon sits down, still processing. *

  *After talking for a bit.*

  Emma: So. I need to go away for a while.

  Arthur: For your daughter?

  Emma: *Smiles* Yeah. I’m going to spend some time with her. Also. *Turns to Argon.* I think you two could use more bonding time.

  Arthur: *Sad* Okay…

  Argon: So where? Does. Your daughter lives. If you don’t mind me asking.

  Emma: *Glare* Only Lily and I will be allowed that information.

  *Emma says her goodbyes before she leaves with Lily and the Egg. Only resting to eat and sleep. Emma makes her way through the lands of Valoria, hunting and scavenging to survive. When she does sleep, she finds a place to hibernate for a week, and she reconnects to Lily. By the time she reaches the Tea Lakes again, Summer has hit. Emma’s memories have reached as far as her time in the Ice bowl. As she camps one evening, she sits next to her fire as a scream comes out. Using her sense, she finds the direction of the source. As she listens, she attempts to make out the words. As the voice cries out again, Emma focuses on a small human child. She watches in private and watches as a group of Fire Badgers slowly closes in on a family of four, two young children, and two presumably parents.*

  Lily: Are you going to help?

  Emma(TL): *Sad* No… I’ve learned better than to trust certain humans.

  *NEVER TRUST!*

  *Emma grabs her head in pain as she feels a wave of pressure come over her. *

  Lily: Emma? Was it her?!

  *Emma’s eyes flutter before losing consciousness.*