The darkness engulfed me, leaving me with a sense of weightlessness. It was a strange feeling, but I knew I was making progress in navigating the Infinite Intersection. My goal was to return to my loop and eventually make my way back to the real world. I made good time and found the intersection to be surprisingly simple to navigate.
As I travelled, my mind wandered to thoughts of my journey thus far. I had spent five hours in Eliora's loop, which equated to only about twelve minutes in the real world. I wondered if Reuben was already waiting for me. My thoughts then turned to Yael and the conversation we had shared, and I replayed the details of our discussion in my mind.
—
“Thank you”
Yael's voice trembled as she spoke those words, revealing a vulnerability that I hadn't seen before. Her typically stern expression had softened, and I could make out the glimmer of a tear in her eye. It was clear that the embrace we shared meant more to her than just a brief moment of physical contact.
As I stepped back, I couldn't help but wonder about the source of her emotional distress. Yael was, after all, the emotional manifestation of Eliora, a being who prided herself on her perfection. Perhaps Eliora's quest for perfection had caused her to suppress her own emotions, and I wondered if that was a requirement for someone to be deemed perfect.
“The Infinite Intersection as I mentioned before acts as a highway that connects all the loops together”
Yael explained in a measured and calm voice.
“Learning how to navigate it is actually easy, even for someone like you.”
She expressed confidence in my abilities, which surprised me considering how new I was to this strange place.
“Meaning?”
I asked, eager to understand what she meant.
“Travelling the Infinite Intersection is not a problem; the problem is if you can do so in the first place”
Yael explained, and I rubbed my brow in an effort to understand what she had said.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Not being a part of the loop is required, and in your case, you are now free from its effects”
Yael continued, gesturing to me.
“So how exactly do I get here, though?”
“Enter the reality rift and be consumed by the darkness. The next thing is to clear your mind, and you will see the mental map.”
“A mental map?”
I asked, intrigued.
“Yes, it's something the corridor generates to help navigate it. Something you should know is that even though you cannot see anything there, you are passing by different loops; be careful not to get lost as well.”
She explained, and I nodded as I made an effort to process everything.
“So how exactly do I enter a loop once I have found it?”
“Just move towards it. You are meant to see an exit through a tear.”
Yael said calmly.
“So that would allow me to enter Eliora’s loop again?”
“Exactly. And since I have linked your minds together, you would be able to see her thoughts like before.”
It all sounded simple enough, but as I took in the enormity of the task ahead of me, doubts began to creep in.
“What exactly am I searching for on the Chosen Day?”
“The core think of it as the reason why all of this exists”
Yael replied cryptically, and I was still confused. Was she referring to the loop or something more? What exactly was this “core?”
“You'll learn about it in the loop”
Yael continued, but her response only made me more perplexed, and then I had a different question.
“Wait, something has always bothered me. If you needed help to stop Eliora all along, then why didn’t you tell me from the beginning? Why all the cryptic shenanigans?”
Yael paused for a moment before answering.
“That is a valid question; simply put, I did not expect you to make it this far, just like the other one.”
“Other one?”
I whispered, my curiosity piqued by the poetic elegance of her words.
“Maybe she was referring to someone Yazmin had experimented on before. At least she was truthful about it”
I thought to myself.
“I thought Eliora would have discovered and dealt with you, which is why I was cautious. She could have discovered the plan by searching through your memory.”
“But wasn't revealing yourself to me reckless, though?”
“It probably was, but that was why I appeared in the form of those around you”
As I spoke with Yael, I couldn't shake the feeling that something important had been left unsaid. I decided to press on with the issue.
“You said that I would learn about the core on the Chosen Day, and I assume it's the key to stopping the loop, right?”
“Exactly”
She said.
“But what about actually beating Eliora? Will I learn anything that will help me do that?”
I had asked her about the core and how it related to stopping the loop, but I had yet to get a clear answer on how to actually defeat Eliora. It seemed like such an important detail, and I couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't mentioned it. Yael was silent for a moment, and I could tell that she was giving her words some thought.
“It might be difficult to figure out, but there are some things that you can take advantage of to help you”
She finally said
“Like what?”
I asked, eager for any information that might give me an edge.
“Eliora is superior physically; you are now very well aware of this. But what about her psychological and emotional state?”
She had a point. I had been inside Eliora's mind, and I had seen firsthand how complicated her emotions were. If we couldn't defeat her with physical strength, then a mental battle might be our best bet.
“I understand, but what specifically can I take advantage of?”
I asked slowly.
“That's something you'll have to figure out for yourself, but you've already gained valuable insight into Eliora's mind. Use that to your advantage”
It was a frustratingly vague answer, but I knew that Yael was right. If I wanted to stand a chance against Eliora, I would need to use every advantage I could get.
“It's going to be difficult, but considering you've come this far, I have hope that you will succeed.”
“I need more than hope; I need a plan and some serious luck.”
“Luck is always a factor, but I have a feeling that you'll surprise yourself.”
Yael said.
“When this is all over, what comes next for you?”
Yael's question caught me off guard, and yet, a profound understanding swept over me, illuminating the significance behind her inquiry. We had been working towards a goal for so long that it was only natural to be curious about what would occur when it was all over. I took a moment to gather my thoughts before answering her.
“Well, to be honest, I don't think I'll be able to live a completely normal life after all this. It's not every day you discover that you're part of a time loop and have to fight to break free from it”
Yael appeared to understand my viewpoint because she nodded.
“But if I could live a normal life, I would like to finish school, finally get good at the guitar, maybe get a nice job, and travel the world”
I saw a glimmer of interest in Yael's eyes as I spoke.
“Is that what you all consider normal?”
She asked, and I took a moment to reflect on her question.
“Well, yeah, I guess so. For humans, at least. We have these ideas of what we want to do with our lives, and we work towards achieving those goals. But there are always more things we want to do, more goals to strive for.”
“Is that because of your short lifespan?”
She was clearly intrigued.
“Partly. But also because there's always something more we can achieve, something new to learn or experience. It's what keeps us going, I think.”
Yael was silent for a moment as she appeared to consider what I had said.
“I see”
Yael's sudden shift in demeanour piqued my curiosity, and I found myself captivated by the uncharacteristic vulnerability she displayed. Until that moment, our conversations had mostly revolved around my experiences and thoughts, and she had rarely divulged details about herself.
“What about you, Yael? What do you want to do?”
For a moment, Yael looked hesitant.
“I... I don't really know”
She spoke, her voice uncertain, but I prodded further, trying to understand her better.
“What exactly do you share with Eliora? What do you two have in common? For example, I know that you are a representation of her emotions, but is that all you are?”
Yael seemed to ponder my question for a moment before responding.
“I do have her memories, plus I know her ambitions and feelings towards certain things so you could call me a replica born for her that has developed its own consciousness and way of thinking”
She explained.
“Food tasting”
She said it with a smile.
“That is what I would love to do. I would love to try out different types of food and species from across the universe.”
Yael's response caught me off guard, but it resonated deeply within me. Her goal, though seemingly simple, held a profound beauty that I couldn't help but find intriguing. The notion of exploring the vastness of the universe through the lens of food awakened a sense of wonder and curiosity within me.
“Yazmin and Bethany are most likely to blame for this, aren’t they?”
I asked her, knowing full well that those two had something to do with her and Eliora's love of cooking.
“You are not wrong”
She responded, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
“Those two made different foods with some that I had never known existed or were possible”
Yael said it in a soft, melodious voice.
“They usually combined different recipes and sometimes sourced ingredients from other planets.”
The more she spoke, the more I realised that Yazmin and Eliora were a match made in heaven. One was a culinary genius who experimented with different recipes, while the other was always eager to try new things and send her taste buds on a wild adventure.
“That is amazing”
I murmured as I stared in awe. Yael smiled in response, and I could tell that she was happy to share this part of Eliora's life with me. I imagined her embarking on culinary adventures, traversing planets to sample exotic spices, savouring traditional recipes passed down through generations, and engaging in the communal joy of sharing meals with people from different walks of life.
“Eliora always marvelled at the mystery of how they managed to obtain ingredients from distant planets at such remarkable speed,”
She said it, her eyes alight with amusement.
“Even with our advanced technology for light travel, it seemed incomprehensible how they could acquire the rarest ingredients so quickly. Eliora never figured out the secret behind their seemingly impossible feat.”
I was engrossed in the wonder and intrigue of it all as she spoke. How fascinating it was that even with all our technological advancements, there were still mysteries that eluded us.
“Due to the whole planetary expansion project, Eliora has had to adapt her eating habits. The harvesting process takes a staggering 12 years, during which she is forced to enter a state of suspended animation. However, once the planet has been harvested, she wakes up and has just a year, which is the average time it takes to reach her next target planet. The cycle repeats again. It's a challenging lifestyle, but one that Eliora has grown accustomed to over time”
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
It was sobering to think about how much of life Eliora was missing out on, spending most of her time in hibernation and only briefly waking to embark on her next mission. She then turned to the void and back to me.
“You have overstayed your welcome, Elisa; it is time to head back.”
She said it, her tone final. I nodded, feeling a twinge of regret that our time together was coming to an end so quickly.
“I could tell,”
I said it with a smile, trying to mask my disappointment. I walked up to her and gave her a parting hug, which she reciprocated. The embrace was brief, but it conveyed a warmth and depth of feeling that words could not capture. Suddenly, Yael pulled away, and a sense of finality washed over me. She took a deep breath, and with a steadying hand, she reached out to me.
“Good luck Elisa Nunez”
She firmly uttered it with her hand extended. I hesitated for a moment, but then extended my own hand to meet hers. Our hands locked in a firm grip, and I could feel the gravity of the moment. It was bittersweet but necessary.
“Thank you, Yael”
As we released our hands and stepped away from each other, I couldn't help but take one last long look at her. With a deep breath, I pushed the button on my device to return, feeling both a sense of accomplishment and a pang of sadness as I disappeared.
—
Eliora said that she had taken care of Yael, and it weighed heavily on my mind as I navigated the void. There was no way to reason with her, which meant the only way to stop her was to either capture or kill her. Capturing her would pose a serious problem, as I could not think of any trap powerful enough to hold her.
What if we could trap her in the loop? After all, she had successfully used that tactic against us. If we could somehow turn the tables and trap her in her own creation, we might have a chance. Yazmin was the key to this plan. She had a deep understanding of the loop's inner workings, and she could manipulate it to a certain extent. If anyone could help us pull this off, it was her. Undoubtedly, there were plenty of obstacles in our way. For starters, I wasn't certain I could convince Eliora to enter the loop willingly. Furthermore, even if I did, there was no guarantee that Yazmin could pull off the trap, or she would have mentioned it.
As I stepped through the rift, a bright light appeared up ahead, slowly engulfing me. I opened my eyes to find myself in the physics lab, and the rift I had entered was right next to me. Now, I had to wait for Reuben.
As I stepped out of the physics lab, the hallway was eerily quiet. I looked outside to see that most of the people who had gathered earlier had dispersed, but then something caught my eye. At the end of the hallway, a figure was seen sitting on the ground. Were they waiting for me? I couldn't make out who it was until I got closer. I picked up my pace and headed toward her. As I approached, she looked up, her face etched with relief. She stood up, brushing the dirt off her clothes.
“Holly? What are you doing here?”
“Well, after you left, Reuben told me to stay here and wait until you came back”
“Reuben?”
I questioned.
“Yes, he said I should make sure you stayed in this area”
It seemed Reuben wanted to ensure I didn't wander off while he checked if I was still around.
“When was the last time he was here?”
I questioned, and Holly put her hand to her lips as she lost herself in thought.
“It was about forty minutes ago”
She finally responded. I could tell Reuben had reduced the time intervals.
“If you're curious, he usually comes back around every hour, so you won't have to wait too long.”
An hour. That translated to roughly two and a half minutes in this time-altered reality. I estimated that I had about twenty minutes before Reuben returned.
“Well, I guess I have some free time then”
I remarked, and with that, I slid down to the ground, and Holly joined me in sitting there, waiting patiently.
“What about everyone else?”
Holly's face exhibited a moment of realisation as I mentioned the others.
“That's right; I was supposed to call them once you arrived.”
I observed as she pulled out her phone and dialled their numbers, initiating the calls. This brief moment gave me time to gather my thoughts. What would happen next when I exited the loop? I closed my eyes, using the darkness to help me visualise the plan taking shape in my mind. There were numerous variables to consider, but I remained optimistic that things would work out.
Fatigue began to weigh on me. Despite this being a mental construct, engaging in strenuous activities took its toll on the mind. In essence, it functioned in a similar manner to our physical bodies. Within this construct, I had already gone through three loops, not to mention the two that came before. I hadn't found a moment of respite during that entire period, and the intense confrontation with Eliora had only exacerbated the strain.
“Elisa”
Holly said, jolting me back to the present. My eyes fluttered open, finding her gaze fixed on me.
“Sorry, I just zoned out for a moment”
I apologised.
“It's fine. Anyways, your parents said they're on the way”
She informed me.
“That's great”
I replied, a sense of relief washing over me. We sat in comfortable silence for a brief while, the anticipation of my parents' arrival hanging in the air.
“I love the bracelet”
I abruptly said it, catching Holly off guard. She reached up and nervously rubbed the top of her head.
“I'm glad you like it... Would you like to hear the story behind it?”
She asked.
“You promised it was crazier than mine”
I teased.
“Well, I might have hyped it up a bit.”
She acknowledged it with a tinge of amusement. I giggled softly, my attention returning to the delicate charm on her wrist.
“This bracelet”
Holly began, her voice carrying a dose of nostalgia.
“It was crafted by one of my grandfather's trusted crewmates and shared amongst their group of friends. They became inseparable thanks to their shared sea adventures. It was said to be a talisman of protection, a symbol of solidarity among their seafaring fraternity.”
Holly continued, her voice infused with wonder.
“But in the face of this raging tempest, my grandfather's ship succumbed to the merciless fury of the waves. Miraculously, he emerged from the wreckage, battered and drenched but alive.”
I could almost visualise the scene that unfolded—the ship, tossed about like a mere plaything in the hands of an enraged sea, and the desperate struggle to survive amidst the roaring thunder and crashing waves. And amidst it all, Holly's grandfather defied the odds and the merciless forces of nature.
“He was cast ashore on an unknown land, an uncharted territory that held countless mysteries and untold wonders”
Holly was visibly excited as she related the story. Unbeknownst to her, I was struggling to keep my eyes open, the weariness finally catching up with me. It wasn't because her story was boring or uninteresting; quite the opposite. The sudden wave of sleepiness appeared to be the result of my body finally allowing itself to relax in this moment of relative calm.
“For three days, he wandered alone, surviving by hunting and drinking from a nearby stream until he stumbled upon civilization. It was then that he discovered his friends had been rescued as well, and they were the only survivors.”
“So, it's a charm that attracts shipwrecks, then?”
I quipped, adding a dash of sarcasm to my statement. Holly laughed in response to my remark, and her laughter reverberated down the hallway before she collected herself to respond.
“No, silly. It protected them. Haven't you noticed that only those with charm survived?”
She countered.
“Pure coincidence”
“I highly doubt that”
She said this because her resolve was unwavering. It seemed she wasn't going to let the matter go, and admitting defeat was the wiser choice for now.
“A few years later, he lost the bracelet, though. However, it was found by a woman who would later become my grandmother”
She continued.
“Now that has to be a coincidence.”
I remarked, scepticism lacing my words. Holly's smile widened, but she didn't let my comment deter her.
“I don't really believe in all that superstitious stuff, but then again, I didn't believe in aliens either, and yet here we are”
I mused aloud. She grinned alongside me, realising the irony of the circumstance. The events unfolding around us had shattered our preconceived notions, forcing us to reconsider the existence of the supernatural—ghosts, demons, spirits, and even magic. What was previously discounted as merely folklore now contained a grain of indisputable truth.
“You look tired.”
Holly observed, her perceptive eyes noticing my fatigue. My heart skipped a beat. She had caught me, swaying slightly as I struggled to keep my eyes open. I tried to conceal my weariness, but it seemed that my body had other ideas.
“I'm just tired from all that has happened.”
I replied, attempting to downplay my exhaustion.
“You've been through a lot”
She expressed sympathy in a voice laced with understanding.
“We all have.”
I responded, recognising the shared burden we all bore. She shifted her position to make herself more comfortable, and then her gaze settled on me. She patted her lap invitingly, a gesture that held more meaning than words alone could convey. Did she mean what I thought she meant?
“Come on, you can lay down here.”
She offered it, her voice gentle and reassuring. I was hesitant because I wasn't sure if it was appropriate or if she would feel tired from having my headrest on her lap for an extended period of time.
“I can handle it. Sport team body right here”
Holly jokingly remarked, pride evident in her tone as she gestured to herself. I took a moment to observe her more closely, appreciating the toned physique she possessed. It was clear that she engaged in some form of regular physical activity.
“Since you offered,”
I acquiesced, allowing myself to be vulnerable and accepting her invitation. With a gentle sigh, I rested my head on her lap, feeling the softness of her legs supporting me. My hand found its place on my chest, and the rhythmic beating of my heart was a comforting presence.
“Are you comfortable?”
She asked, concern lacing her words.
“Yes, your lap makes for a good resting pillow”
I replied, my voice muffled against her leg. She chuckled, her laughter like music to my ears, and then she leaned down, her gaze meeting mine. Strands of her hair cascaded down, framing her face and drawing my attention. My heart fluttered, a mix of excitement and nervousness filling the air between us. What was this feeling that stirred within me?
I averted my gaze, finding solace in the scenery around us as I gathered my thoughts. The question that had been lingering in my mind found its way to my lips.
“What type of sports do you do?”
I inquired, attempting to shift the focus away from the sudden rush of emotions.
“Believe it or not, I'm into cycling,”
Her voice was tinged with a hint of pride as she divulged this information.
“Cycling?”
I repeated, surprise colouring my tone. It seemed unexpected, considering the softness of her legs, against which I now rested. I had imagined cycling would result in firmer muscles, not this gentle cushion of comfort.
“Yep, it helps decrease stress, keeps me fit, and allows me to enjoy the scenery”
“That sounds nice”
I replied, my voice filled with genuine interest.
“How about you give it a try?”
She offered it with a sly glint in her eyes.
“Exercise? Not a chance. I'm way too lazy for that”
I admitted it, a wry smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Once more, the only sounds we could hear were the soft whispers of the wind and the faint hum of the world outside. My eyes closed naturally, embracing the tranquilly of the moment as the cool breeze caressed my face. As the weight of exhaustion settled upon my shoulders, I mustered the strength to open my eyes once more, meeting Holly's gaze with a grateful smile. Her presence beside me was a comforting balm for my weary soul, a beacon of support in the face of impending danger.
I watched as her delicate hand reached out and gently brushed against my forehead. The softness of her touch sent a ripple of calm through my tired body, soothing the creases of worry that had etched themselves onto my brow. Her fingers danced through my hair, an intimate gesture that spoke volumes of the connection we shared. Each stroke was filled with tenderness, as if she sought to unravel the knots of tension that had accumulated within me during our arduous journey. In that tender moment, time seemed to stand still, and the world around us faded into insignificance.
“Thanks, Holly. You being here means a lot.”
I muttered, barely raising my voice above my hushed breath. As the words left my lips, a soft smile illuminated Holly's face, mirroring the warmth that radiated from within her.
“Fighting against an alien queen is crazy. It's amazing that you can do that.”
“But you and everyone else who stands by my side, you give me the strength to carry on”
Holly's touch on my hand was gentle yet firm, her grasp conveying a profound connection between us. I could feel my senses gradually fading away as I lay there, giving in to the seductive embrace of sleep as the weariness seeped into every cell of my body. Her voice, soft and filled with sincerity, pierced through the haze that enveloped my consciousness.
“You are the one I should thank, Elisa”
She whispered, her words carrying a weight of admiration and appreciation.
“You are an incredible person.”
Those words, spoken with such earnestness, echoed within me, resonating deeply in my soul. In that fleeting moment, the chaos and weight of the world seemed to dissipate, leaving behind a profound sense of connection and understanding.
—
I stirred from my slumber, my senses slowly awakening to the light taps that roused me from my peaceful rest. Blinking my eyes open, I found myself still nestled on Holly's comforting lap.
“Elisa, wake up”
A voice called out, grabbing my attention. It was Reuben, and my family and friends were with him. I sat up, rubbing my eyes, and took in the presence of my loved ones surrounding me.
“We didn't want to disturb your sleep when we arrived,”
My mom explained with her hand extended towards me. I grasped it, allowing her to help me rise to my feet.
“Thanks for that”
I expressed my gratitude for their consideration of my need for rest. Then Reuben stepped forward.
“Yazmin has successfully disrupted the loop enough to keep Eliora occupied. Now it's time to make our move”
“Alright, I need you all to retrieve my physical body. When I wake up, we need to get me out of there as soon as possible.”
I instructed, and my mind focused on the plan ahead. Reuben arched an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his expression.
“Do you have a plan, though?”
He inquired.
“Yes, but first, I want you to ask Yazmin if it's possible to trap Eliora within the loop”
“Already done”
Reuben replied, sounding slightly worried.
“Yazmin mentioned that trapping Eliora within the loop isn't possible. She has full control over it, leaving us at a disadvantage. The best Yazmin can do is disrupt the instructions and elements set in motion, but Eliora still holds the upper hand”
Understanding washed over me as I absorbed Reuben's words. It appeared that my original plan would not change.
“Alright then, Reuben, please relay the message to Yazmin. Ask her to scan Eliora’s movement; there is meant to be a hidden energy tunnel somewhere that would lead to a core that stores a significant amount of energy. That should be the energy core responsible for sustaining the loop. Destroying it would deactivate the loop, but it could also have catastrophic consequences, potentially wiping out a significant portion of the planet. We need to find a way to neutralise it without causing that.”
“Understood”
Reuben responded, his expression intent as he took in the seriousness of the situation.
“In regards to Eliora, there are no physical weaknesses we can exploit at the moment unless we are able to break the connection she has to the source. It seemed psychological tactics would be our best approach.”
My plan was simple. From what I learned, it was possible for someone to draw power from the core, just like the deity did. During our first encounter with Eliora, she completely decimated both Reuben and Yazmin, which was something that came out of nowhere despite her achieving full potential. The only explanation that made sense was that she was utilising those same methods to boost her capabilities. So I was going to apply the same tactic she used on the deity to defeat her as well.
“Reuben, what is the extent of damage that Lumen can repair?”
I inquired, seeking his insights, and he thought for a moment.
“Based on what I know and what Yazmin has shared, Lumen can mend wounds, scratches, and even internal damage to organs. Your survival from Eliora's attack is a testament to that”
I instinctively touched my abdomen, where Eliora had struck me, as the memory of our agonising encounter with her returned.
“It seems to be a precarious situation”
I remarked, a touch of bitterness lacing my laughter.
“What happened?”
Reuben asked, his face showing signs of worry.
“Eliora slashed my right eye”
I revealed, the weight of the revelation hanging in the air.
“I had hoped that Lumen might be able to restore it, but it appears that won't be the case.”
A collective gasp erupted from those gathered around me, their voices blending into a chorus of worry and disbelief.
“Your eye?”
My parents exclaimed, their voices filled with anguish. Their reaction was understandable. As parents, they couldn't help but fear for their child, witnessing firsthand the sacrifices I was making in this battle. I met their gaze; their concern was reflected in their eyes. They feared not only the loss of my physical well-being but also what other losses I might endure in this daunting endeavour.
“"I understand what you're both thinking, and I know the risks involved in what I'm about to do, but if I don't take action, who will?”
I declared, meeting the gaze of everyone present. My words hung in the air, and silence descended upon the hallway. I could sense their concern for my safety. But this was a battle that only I could fight. I had the ability to leave the loop and confront Eliora, and I couldn't turn away from that responsibility.
“I am the only one capable of breaking free from the loop. It's my duty to do everything in my power to bring down Eliora,”
I said it firmly, my voice unwavering.
“I appreciate your concerns, but please understand that nothing you say can stop me from doing this.”
I braced myself for the opposition, expecting arguments or pleas to reconsider. But something unexpected happened as I stared into my mother's tear-filled eyes. She embraced me tightly instead of attempting to convince me to change my mind. Surprised, I stood frozen, unable to find words to match the emotions welling up inside me. Then my dad joined, followed by my brother. My mom's voice trembled as she spoke, tears streaming down her face.
“Elisa, I know I can't stop you. It would be selfish of me to even try. But as your mother, my heart aches at the thought of the dangers you face. Please promise me that you'll prioritise your safety and come back to us.”
Her words pierced through my resolve, reminding me of the unconditional love and concern that surrounded me. I was so overcome with emotion that I was unable to control my tears.
“I promise”
I choked out, my voice quivering.
“I will come back.”
The weight of the mission remained, but now I carried with me a renewed determination. It had to be successful, and I was going to get back to them as promised, so any self sacrifice bullshit was out of the window.
“Just wait for me”
I declared, pulling away from my family and wiping away my tears. As I gathered myself, I noticed my mom walking over to Reuben. Her voice was filled with a mix of desperation and hope as she spoke to him.
“Please protect my daughter, bring her back to us”
She pleaded, her eyes seeking assurance. Reuben looked at her with a determined expression.
“I will, I promise.”
He vowed, his voice carrying a sense of conviction that provided some solace to my worried mother. Hearing his words touched me deeply, stirring a wellspring of gratitude within me. But I knew it was time to focus on the task at hand. I turned to face Reuben, ready to take the next step.
“Reuben, let's begin,”
I said, my voice steady despite the underlying nerves and anticipation. He nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation.
“I'll go and find Yazmin. We'll meet you at the designated location. But please hurry and leave here before then. Stall Eliora until we arrive”
He instructed, his fingers tapping on the device strapped to his wrist. With a click, Reuben activated the device, and I watched as he slowly faded from view. As the weight of our impending separation settled upon us, I turned my attention to Briana and Louis.
“Guys”
I called out, my voice filled with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. Briana rushed over to me and embraced me tightly and deeply before I could even finish my sentence. The warmth of her presence offered comfort and reassurance in the face of the unknown.
“Say what you want to when you get back”
Briana whispered, her voice filled with understanding. It was as if she could sense the words left unspoken, the sentiments that lingered between us, waiting for the right moment to be shared. I shifted my gaze to Louis.
“Elisa”
He began, his voice soft yet laced with emotion.
“I know that things are a bit awkward between us, but there are some things I want to tell you in regard to my feelings.”
Memories of the loop flooded my mind, reminding me of the heartfelt confession he had shared.
“Louis, how about we talk about this when I get back”
I said it gently but firmly. Though I longed to hear his words and understand the depths of his heart, now was not the time to delve into such intricacies. There was a mission to complete, a world to save, and the promise of a future to be realised. Louis's disappointment briefly eclipsed his hopes as it flashed across his face.
“Alright then.”
Louis acquiesced, his voice tinged with a tinge of longing. He, too, stepped forward, wrapping me in a farewell embrace. As we released our hold on each other, a surge of emotion swept over me as my younger brother latched onto me with a grip filled with desperation.
“I don't want you to go,”
Omar stifled out, his voice tinged with an unyielding mixture of fear and sadness. I lowered myself to his level and smiled tenderly as my hand gently rested on his head, offering some comfort in the midst of our separation.
“But you know I have to”
I retorted, my voice full of comfort and understanding. Omar nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, silently acknowledging the weight of our responsibilities. A sudden twinkle of mischief danced in my eyes, and I decided to lighten the heaviness of the moment with a promise of joy.
“How about this? When I get back, why don't we go get some ice cream?”
I suggested, the prospect of sweet indulgence hanging in the air. His eyes widened, and the earlier sadness was briefly replaced by excitement. Hope bubbled within him, cautiously mingling with the fear of my departure.
“Are you sure?”
Omar hesitated, doubt and anticipation present in his voice. A warm chuckle escaped my lips as I affirmed my commitment, embracing the joy of the moment amidst the impending danger.
“Of course I am. Or don't you want some delicious ice cream?”
I teased, playfully raising an eyebrow. His stiff upper lip gave way to a wide grin and a fervent nod.
“I do”
He exclaimed, his voice brimming with unadulterated enthusiasm.
“Then we will do just that”
I said, a sense of unwavering confidence resonating within me. Once again, I drew Omar into a tender embrace. As we parted, I reached for the device strapped to my wrist and I began to tinker with its settings, readying myself to exit the loop. I turned to face her, the last person I had not yet said goodbye to. I could see the worry etched across her face, and my heart sank.
“Your eye. I can't believe that”
Holly spoke, her voice trembling.
“Yeah, but now I could have a cool scar and wear a badass eye patch.”
I gave her a small smile, trying to make light of the situation, but Holly wasn't amused.
“I can see that you're worried”
I softly remarked, intending to reassure her.
“I am, but what can I do? I can't try to stop you, can I?”
She asked, her eyes pleading with me, but I shook my head.
“You can't.”
“Then the best I can do is hope you come back safe.”
She said it, barely raising her voice above a whisper.
“I will, and I won't lose any more body parts”
I joked weakly. She took my hands in hers, and I could feel her trembling with fear.
“Yeah, calm down if you get worried, I will too”
“I'm sorry”
She said, her voice breaking. I gently lifted her chin so that I could look into her eyes.
“I understand that you're worried but remember, I have this”
I said, holding up the charm bracelet she had given me.
“It will be difficult, but I need you to stay strong for me”
I continued, trying to encourage her.
“Okay then, make sure to come back to me please there's so much I want to talk to you about”
“And I want to hear all about it...but you'll have to wait for me”
I said, trying to lighten the mood. As she sighed, she plastered a fake smile on her face.
“Alright then, I will wait”
She said this, trying to be brave.
“Thanks for everything.”
I said, giving her one last hug. With one last look at everyone, I clicked on the device, and a surge of energy coursed through my body, propelling me into a void of darkness. Despite everything, I knew that this was what I had to do. Then everything went black.