And that concludes the stories I wanted to share with you. Some happy, some sad. Hell, some funny ones even.. It was quite a long ride with twists and turns, wasn't it? Hah.. Although satisfying, it feels weird that my storytelling is over.

Nevertheless, even after going through all those alien yet vivid memories—those Linked Memories—it is but one thing that's been troubling me. Something almost feels ... missing? Like an important puzzle piece that's always been missing. I think I'm forgetting something or someone that I shouldn't be...

hush* hush*

* Huh?! What was that?

hush* hush*

For the first time in this dark empty place I decide to get up on my feet and search for the sound. I look around again and again, there's noone there. Just as I am about to give up however...

???- hush* hush* Sorry if I'm interrupting, but I could help with your memory loss.

My eyes widen the moment I hear that voice. I can't find proper words to speak.

* You're here... It's—It's such a relief. All these years, you've always been here...

???- Where could I have possibly gone? I can't leave your side. You are the body and I'm the weapon, remember?

An awkward moment arises due to my inability to remember...

* Sorry but I don't follow. Apparently, there's much more that I can't recall. (Feeling stranded like that.. It—It scares me...)

???- Don't worry, I'll help you remember... From what I can tell, it is but one missing memory which is causing all this cataclysm of amnesia. Do note that this is not a Linked Memory, but a memory of your own. I think a few simple words should make you remember it all.

???- &@?>_<£^%!*(0_0)*!&(@&%*^.^*@()!&?!... hush* hush*

A wave of darkness strucks my dumbfounded self. Memories I should have never forgotten flow back to me like a furious bloodthirsty river. It's all starting to make sense now... After putting all the pieces back together, I can finally recall my last memory.

A bittersweet feeling makes my mind go numb.

???- I'm glad to see you back.

———————————————————

I find myself in a beautiful open area filled with flowers of different kinds and colors.

I dont know how or why I got here, but I can clearly tell that this place is... unreal. The supernatural scenery I can't get my eyes off of has me awestruck...

Vast green plains filled with flowers but stripped of trees, slopes or any other sign of life, a majestic lively sun that adorns the ethereal clouds, a clear blue sky that seems never ending and a chilly calm wind that gently ruffles my hair. This place... Where on earth am I?

???- You. (kimi)

Scared by the sudden calling of a woman, I take a step back and look left and right. I strain my eyes to look more closely but I don't see anyone in the vicinity.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

???- (...)

Somebody suddenly pats my shoulder from behind. I turn around in an instant and while screaming, I proceed to fall down on the ground of flowers.

* Ugh...

After a spectacular landing, I slowly bring my eyes toward the woman...

She's pretty. Astoundingly pretty, I'll say. Her long, silver hair wavers around in the chilly wind and because of that, I can clearly see her charming, indigo colored eyes.

Suddenly, she holds out her hand to help me get back on my feet. Her pale skin is so smooth and gentle that I almost want this moment to never end. After a couple seconds though, I get up and I quietly thank her.

* thank—

As soon as I try to speak, however, she poses a question which drowns out my megre words.

???- Do you think the World's judgement is fair to everyone?

(...) I don't know how to respond to that question... Or so I'd like to think.

* I want to say that it now is, yeah.. But, it pains me so...

???- I suppose you're not a fan of altruistic lies then... Well, neither am I to be honest. The more we talk, the more similarities we uncover. My decision to come here and save you wasn't wrong after all.

Perplexed by her last statement, I remain confused for a bit.

* Hm? Save what?

???- Didn't you hear me? I'm here to save you.

(...)

*Well, I don't want to sound rude, but there's nothing I want you to save me from.

She bursts into laughter, even though I said that dead serious. What's going on?!

???- You are so silly, I can't believe it... Hahaha! Once more, you remind me of myself and my own silly story.

* I don't understand...

???- Do you want to see it then? That is to say, reality.

I simply stand there without answering. What is there to even say? She's probably messing with me.

???- Alright. *snap

She snaps her fingers and everything changes. The clouds up in the sky darken. They start to move around a lot as if to surround us and then rain starts pouring. As a result, the sun disappears and the once pretty flowers begin to wither. The wind, so cold and strong, makes me brace myself to avoid both freezing and falling back.

I turn my head toward the silver-haired woman and I can see her concealing the left side of her face with her left hand. The wind though is so rampant that she cannot do that for much longer.

She gives up and I take a glimpse at her left eye. It is not a pleasant sight—

???- Yes... reality isn't always pretty. You should know that as well.

I frown briefly and I look at my hands. What is going on? I am covered in wounds. Deep cuts and bloody scars are everywhere on my body. My cheeks, arms, legs. And even—

Cough* Cough*

I feel my head spinning and my throat burning. After looking down, I realize the reason for both of these symptoms. The already wilted flowers have now turned red. They are covered in.. my blood. I'm coughing blood...

After everything has sunk in, I understand what kind of danger she is talking about. I begin to realize what's at stake.

???- So you do need my aid after all, don't you?

I hesitantly agree with a slow nod.

???- I see.. Then, let my embrace save you from your ailments. From our curse.

She slowly approaches me with a somber smile on her face.

* Why are you doing this, though? Why save me?

After getting close enough, she brings her head next to my ear and she whispers.

"Blame my responsibility and absolute pity for you. I know what you've been through and how unfair your life has been. And as an advocate of Balance myself, I won't let this stand. I'll take matters into my own hands!"

She proceeds to gently hug me. Perplexed by her determination, I can't find words to speak. Nonetheless, I do know one thing that I need to say.

* Thank you..."

She starts crying. I can feel her tears falling on my bare shoulders.

???- It was nice meeting you. It's sad I have to say goodbye...

* Wait, what do you mean?

???- Only one of us can leave this place.

I widen my eyes and look at her with sorrow. I want to stop her but our fate has already been sealed.

???- Ra' mén Æquilibrium! May these kind words rekindle this tortured soul!

————————————————————

I suddenly open my eyes and I find myself back in the dark empty space where my storytelling began and ended. Now, I'm not surprised to hear that voice again.

???- Back from your final memory I see. Can you sense the fulfillment after redeeming yourself?

I take in a deep breath and I say

* Yes, I finally feel complete. It's all as clear as day. Who I am, what I did and what I have to do...

I can sense a faint grin from her. I'm glad to hear it after so long.

???- Mmmm! That's the spirit. Don't waste any more time here, then. You have two functional legs and arms. Your memory is complete and I can tell your soul is filled with determination.

So please... Wake up, Yonu!