Ben floated aimlessly as his consciousness wandered the dark abyss, faint echoes of his failure taunting him. A young woman's scream rang in the background, joined by the eerie cries of others. A thousand wails tore through the void, endlessly accusing him.

The voices stopped. Out of the darkness materialized a pair of blazing, judgmental eyes belonging to a large, obscure figure. A ring of orange light with seven others erupted from behind it. The voices resumed their cries and groans of horror that grew louder and louder. The overwhelming howling made him feel like his very being was about to be torn apart.

No, stop! Stop! I don’t want…

Something snapped. The sharp, sudden noise jolted Ben awake. A twig, the crunching of leaves. Footsteps.

The darkness faded as bright colors bled through the canopy and momentarily blinded him. Ben stared upward, his breath deep, meaningful, as if it were his very first. His vision blurred, yet he could see a shadow obscure the gentle sunlight. He blinked a few times, his vision refocusing as the shape took on form. Leaning over him was a golden-haired, fair-skinned young woman. Her curious azure eyes assessed Ben as he lay on the ground.

“Hey there, stranger! You okay?”

Ben sat up and took in his new surroundings. He was in a forest that teemed with life; the endless trees and their branches so vivid that it could have been straight out of a painting. The air felt warm, welcoming. Birds sang while other animals rustled the thickets and bushes, chasing each other throughout.

“Uh, mister? Can you…understand me?”

Ben turned back to the young woman, whose vibrancy mirrored the forest itself; Bright, warm, brimming with life and energy. In her hand was a worn, sun-kissed, beautiful violin. He tried to break through the fuzziness in his brain to answer her. Instead, all that came out was, “Ummm...what?”

The young woman tilted her head, her eyebrow arched.

“No, ah…I’m okay. At least, I think so.” Ben’s cheeks flushed. “Sorry.”

“Hey, no biggie.” She shrugged. “Besides, you look like you’ve had one heck of a nap!”

Ben looked down at himself. He wore a set of faded and torn jeans, a navy-blue T-shirt, and a hoodie, all covered in leaves as if he had been lying there for hours.

“Seems like it,” Ben said, blinking.

“What’s your name, stranger?”

“Uh…” He scratched his head, attempting to recall the obviously important information. “Ben. Benjamin Blake.”

As the words left his mouth, Ben felt his skin burn hot for a quick second. A small leaf that had landed on his arm evaporated into ash. His eyes briefly narrowed.

“Ben, huh?” the young woman inquired, her voice brimming with every syllable. She shifted herself a step closer, reaching out for a handshake. “I’m Ariana Winters, but you can call me ‘Ari.’ Nice to meet ya!”

Though he initially hesitated, Ben returned her handshake; her petite fingers gripped his palm. She used the opportunity to pull him to his feet with a surprising amount of strength. He briefly stumbled before regaining his footing and brushing some leaves off. “Nice to meet you too, I guess.”

Ariana beamed, then eyed him. “So, what brings you to Leanoir forest?”

Ben paused, attempting to rack his brain for the name. “Leanoir…forest?”

Ariana nodded.

“Not sure I’ve heard of it,” Ben said as he ran his fingers through his jet-black hair as he turned, taking in the view once again. “What is this place?”

“Well, in a nutshell, it’s where loudmouth girls like me make music! Although, I must admit, a bit of an odd choice for a nap,” she said, her voice implying a slight nervousness. “Normally, I’m all alone out here.”

“Huh.” Ben blinked. “What state is this forest in?”

Ariana raised her eyebrow. “I mean…it looks to be in pretty good shape, as far as I can see.”

“No, I mean…” a groan escaped Ben’s lips, “…like, what ‘State?’ As in physical location?”

“Behind Riverglade village…in New Eden,” Ariana said, her eyes narrowing.

“Wait, what?” Ben’s eyes narrowed. “What’s ‘New Eden?’”

“Where you are now…?” Ariana blinked. “You must not be from around here, then.”

Ben paused for a moment. In his peripherals, he saw what looked like a rabbit, but with a long, twisted tail and blue ears that stretched along its entire body. If his already-lacking memory served, then he had not seen anything like it.

“Probably not.” Ben took one more glance around before settling his gaze back on Ariana. “Anyway, enough about me. What are you doing here?”

“I come here to practice my violin pretty much every day.” Ariana touched her chin as she explained. “At least, I was, and suddenly, you show up here, which is weird—”

Less than two sentences into Ariana’s rambling, and Ben already felt lost. As she continued on, he got a better look at her. She wore a green, V-neck shirt with brown pants, with her hair tied up in a curly ponytail with a fake bird…no, an actual bird perched in her hair. In her off-hand, she held the violin bow, casually waving it around as she talked. She looked like one of those obsessed tree huggers he had seen occasionally back home. Judging from her current non-stop rambling, he figured she was at least ten times as crazy.

Wait a minute…home? Where is ‘home?’

A flash of voices and memory struck Ben’s mind. The voices grew from a mere whisper to the terrifying sound of a gunshot. His surroundings disappeared as he lay in a puddle of blood on the cold ground. He could feel the pain from before, the life leaving his body. Images of a young, dark-haired girl being dragged away burned themselves into his psyche.

I was supposed to save her, Ben realized. But who exactly was she?

Ben closed his eyes, trying to dig further for the taunting truth. His mind became garbled, images passing through and quickly fading before he could recognize them. As he tried piecing them together, his mind punished him by throbbing even worse and forcing those precious answers further back into the dark.

No, no! I need them! Ben thought. I need to know who…

The vision faded as Ben felt a strange sense of relief flowing through him, like a gentle creek in the forest. The first thing that came back into view was Ariana, who had put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Air rushed back into Ben’s lungs, allowing him to control his hyperventilating with slow, deep breaths until the loud pulsing in his ears had quieted down.

Ben met her concerned, azure eyes. Another series of images floated through his mind, this time, of Ariana. Her smile, her laughter, her tears flashing through, shards of ash and ember flying across. The visions stopped once she had lifted her hand from his shoulder.

“Are you okay? You were screaming.” She stiffened. “Wait. I’m not that annoying, am I?”

“No, that wasn’t from you, that was from…uh, something else,” Ben replied, staring at her warily. He wondered if she saw something, too.

“Oh.” Ariana beamed at him. “Well, okay! Glad I could help!”

Ben returned the smile, rubbing his slightly throbbing forehead. He didn’t exactly know, but before his brain attacked him, he was trying to remember something. Someone.

That’s right, he realized. I was trying to save that girl, but I ended up here.

“Did you see where I came from?” Ben asked.

“Well, I was kind of wondering that myself, ya know?” Ariana blinked. “Hold on. You don’t remember anything?”

Ben shook his head. His brain didn’t seem like it was going to give in soon, yet something was tugging at his gut. The longer he stayed still, the more intense it got.

“No, only that. I need to find and save someone.” He exhaled sharply, brushing his hand through his dark hair. “I just don’t know who.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.” Ariana frowned. “That sounds frustrating.”

You have no idea, Ben thought as he eyed the sunlit canopy. He had to find some sort of lead to recover his missing memories. To do that, he needed to leave Leanoir forest. That much was certain. He glanced at Ariana. Maybe she knows how?

“It’s okay.” Ben took a deep breath. “Anyway, do you know how to get out of here?”

“There’s a clearing not too far from here,” she said. “Wait, are you leaving?”

Ben scratched his head. “Yeah. I mean, it was nice to meet you and all. I just need to find out what happened to me if I can. The sooner, the better.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Oh. I see.” Ariana frowned for a moment, looking to the side, as if to avoid his gaze. She returned her gaze to him and gave a half-hearted smile. “Well…good luck, Ben!”

He felt a powerful urge to take back his words, yet the same, urgent tugging sensation beckoned him not to, to move forward. Briefly returning her smile, he walked past her.

Without warning, Ariana spun around, reached out and grabbed his wrist. He froze, though it was more out of curiosity than bewilderment. His eyes met Ariana’s as she paused, releasing his arm. “Oh. S-sorry, I…”

“You what?”

“…I thought, maybe, I can help?”

Ben arched an eyebrow. “How so?”

“I…” Ariana blinked, and her nervousness vanished as she smiled, hands on her hips. “I can take you to my village!”

“Oh.” Ben pondered her offer, though his doubtfulness hadn’t yet faded. “Anything there that can help me?”

“My father is the village chief,” she replied. “He’s pretty smart, so he might help with your memory problem.”

Ben allowed himself to consider it for a moment. Assuming she was telling the truth, then it would be a decent place to start. If not, then he would be right back where he was now. He sighed.

Better than nothing, I guess.

“Alright.” Ben took a deep breath before glancing back at Ariana. “Lead the way.”

“Great! Follow me!” Ariana grabbed Ben’s hand, guiding him through until they reached a clearing. The sunlight, now free from the forest canopy, blinded Ben as he stepped out into the field. It was then he saw the true beauty of the world before him.

In front of them were miles of soft, wheat-like grass that whipped around in unison as the gentle wind blew past. The oncoming night sky was a mix of blues, purples, and greens with what appeared to be another, almost transparent planet high in the atmosphere of beauty. The flowers in the fields reflected the planetary light, which hung in the air and filled it with an indescribable warmth.

A realization dawned on Ben as he caught his breath. Wherever this ‘New Eden’ was, it wasn’t on Earth. And neither was he.

Ariana tugged Ben’s arm, pulling him out of his trance. They walked for a few minutes before arriving at a wooden bridge that crossed a small creek. Ben stared down into the shimmering, crystal-clear water below to see a few fish swimming around. He arched an eyebrow as he stared at Ariana suspiciously.

“Don’t tell me this is your ‘village’…?”

“No, doofus. I just wanted to introduce you to some friends of mine real quick.” Ariana chuckled as she set her violin case against the bridge. “That’s alright, isn’t it?”

“I’m not really in the mood for jokes,” Ben said, pursing his lips.

“Oh, come on! It’s just a detour, promise!” Ariana quickly jabbed him, then hopped on the railing, beckoning for Ben to do the same. He reluctantly complied, swinging his legs over and lightly kicking the boards with the back of his feet.

“So, if I recall correctly,” Ben started, “you said these fish are your…ah…friends?”

“Yep!” Ariana beamed and pointed to one of the smaller fish. “That one is Robert, or Bob for short. He always comes to say hi.”

Ben folded his hands in his lap, trying to look as interested as possible even though his patience wore thin. He drummed his fingers against his knuckles as Ariana pointed out another fish.

“See him, right there? That one is Zachariel. He’s named after my stubborn father because somehow he inherited his attitude,” she said with a huff. “Occasionally he’ll…”

The fish erupted from the water, splashing Ariana in the face. It quickly spun around in circles, as if celebrating. Ben couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Do that?”

Ariana pursed her lips and pushed him from the railing into the creek. Ben stumbled, trying to land on his feet, but fell into the water back-first. Recovering himself, Ben stood up, his only clothing now soaked. He glared at Ariana as she giggled mischievously, her fingers on her mouth.

“Oops,” she said.

Ben sighed, shaking his head. Then he had an evil idea and started chuckling.

Fine, he thought. She wants to waste my time?

“Something funny there, giggles?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.

With a grin, Ben responded by yanking her off the railing and into the creek below.

Ariana squealed, landing butt-first in the water. After the splash subsided, he looked at her again; she was sitting with her upper torso and the tops of her knees sticking out of the surface. She flipped her soaking wet hair out of her eyes.

With a satisfied smirk, Ben offered his hand to help her up, but was mercilessly pulled back down. They tumbled, splashing the other repeatedly as the creek became the battleground; its poor inhabitants darted away to avoid becoming collateral damage.

Ben finally threw his hands up, guarding his face. “Okay, okay! You win. Sheesh.” He crawled out of the creek, fighting the gentle pull of the waters. With a huff, he carefully laid back on the soft rocks as the water lapped at his feet. “I don’t know if anyone has told you, but you’re a little competitive.”

“Am not!” Ariana huffed indignantly. “Not competitive. Just bored!”

“That’s even worse.” Ben rolled his eyes, standing to his feet as he stretched. The sun was setting; the fading light glistened off the creek's waters as he gazed skyward to the inevitable night, allowing himself to pause and take in the wonders of this ‘New Eden.’ He glanced at Ariana, who was now at his side. Her electric-blue eyes met his gaze, her expression softening from her haughty, playful demeanor. Her lips formed into a soft, warm smile.

“Everything okay?”

Ben drew in a sharp breath, his eyes widened. His surroundings lit up around her, as if his currently aimless world had a purpose again. The more he stared, the more captivated he felt.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He turned to avoid her gaze. “Just a bit wet.”

“If ya say so.” Ariana chuckled and lightly socked him in the arm, before pausing. “Say, do you mind if I show you one more thing?”

Another thing? Why not just take me to the village, like you promised?

“I don’t know, Ari.” Ben paused, staring back at the oncoming night sky. Ariana gently placed a finger on his lip.

“Just one?”

Ben hesitated. Much as he hated to admit it, he was enjoying this. He didn’t want to lose himself so much that it would detract him from the truth, and yet he felt tempted. Ariana had promised to help him and that was something he intended to hold her to.

Even if she’s bluffing, he thought, she may be the only lead I have.

Sighing, Ben turned to look at Ariana, whose eyes continued to plead with him.

One more thing won’t hurt, I guess.

----------------------------------------

The pair had arrived at the hill that overlooked the flowing meadow. Atop it was a large tree, with an overhang that held the fading sunlight at bay. Ariana set her satchel against the side and sat down beside it, curling up her knees to her chest and resting her chin on them. She patted the ground next to her, smiling.

Ben sat down with her, letting one leg stretch out and curling the other one in, resting his elbow on it. He looked at Ariana. “So, what exactly did you want to show me this time? Also…” he gave her a pleading stare, “…don’t tell me it’s more fish.”

“No, doofus. There’s not even any water around.” Ariana pointed to the horizon. “I brought you here because I wanted to show you the best part of my day.”

Ben looked across the meadows. The setting sun illuminated the grass as it gently blew in the soft, ethereal wind. He smiled, if only slightly. “It is kinda pretty.”

Ariana smiled back. “I come here just about every day to watch the sunset; it’s pretty much my routine. I like to just sit here and watch it, the way the rivers glisten and the wind moves the meadows like a chorus of angels, just kinda locks me in a trance, ya know? Takes me out of my thoughts.”

Ben nodded. If he wanted, he too could lose himself in the realm’s beauty. Everything around him seemed so vibrant, full of life. It seemed to him to be a paradise of sorts, where someone like Ariana could live innocent, happy, and carefree...and perhaps someone like him.

Makes me wonder.

“Hey, Ariana?” he asked. “What’s it like living here?”

“New Eden?”

Ben nodded.

Ariana paused for a moment, her brows furrowing together in deep thought. “Well, there’s really not that much to it. I mean, there’s my village, my dad, my friends…”

“You mean the fish?” he asked, allowing a hint of sarcasm to permeate his voice.

“Yeah.” Ariana smiled sadly. “I…don’t really have that many real friends.”

“Wait, what?” Ben’s eyes widened. “I’m surprised. You seem so nice.”

Her cheeks flushed red. “It’s more than just that. But it’s okay.” She glanced at her violin case, removing the instrument, and gazing at it. “That’s why I always just go practice in the forest, ya know? Me and my trusty violin.”

“I’m sorry.” The wind blew the hair out of Ben’s eyes as he exchanged looks with her, frowning. “I didn’t know living in a place like this could be so lonely.”

“Sometimes it is. But you know what?”

“What?”

“You’re the first person I’ve ever gotten to share this view with,” she said. “Nobody else has ever been out here with me, not even my dad.”

He blinked. “Really?”

“Yep.” Ariana nodded. “Now that you’re here, I don’t feel so alone.”

Ben looked at her as the sun continued to set, the powerful light illuminated her face. She returned the gaze, their eyes locking as the connection from before returned, stronger than ever. As he stared, he felt something: a sense of comfort, familiarity. Beneath that was something else: a strange longing that, for reasons he couldn’t explain, felt wrapped in tragedy.

As if reading his mind, she asked, “Not to be weird or anything, but back in the forest, when I grabbed your hand, I felt…something.”

Felt something? Ben wondered. He pretended not to know about it, instead opting to hear what she thought. “Like what?”

Ariana shrugged. “I dunno, like maybe we know each other. I know it sounds weird, but that’s what it feels like to me. What about you?”

“I honestly don’t know. If I did, then why would I forget? Why would you?”

She smiled, a hint of sadness touching her lip. “Maybe you’re right. Something about you just seems so…”

“…familiar?” Ben finished for her.

Ariana nodded. Deep inside, Ben found he agreed with her. What if the memories that his mind denied him were supposed to be forgotten?

Is that what I’m here for? Ben wondered. Am I just a blank slate here?

Leaning back against the tree, Ben’s eyes drifted to the stars that were now shining across the black. Ariana held the violin in her hand, lightly plucking the strings. He had just noticed, but there were also what looked like drawings, such as flowers, fairies, and angels.

“Hey, can I see that?”

Ariana nodded, handing him the violin. “Be careful with her. Ole Betsy isn’t used to being held by untrained hands.”

Ben chuckled. “You named this thing?”

She pursed her lips. “Why not?”

“Fair enough.” He turned the instrument over in his hands, feeling the neck, the scroll, even daring to touch the strings themselves. Years of use manifested as worn edges which stood in stark contrast to the rest of the curved, faded wood. “I’m no musician, but I’d wager you’re pretty good.”

Ariana blushed sheepishly. “Just a little.”

“Will I get to see you play soon?” Ben asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

“You know?” Ariana leaned over to him and gazed into his eyes. She winked. “You just might.”

Ben smiled, losing himself in Ariana’s azure eyes. Then he frowned.

No, I can’t.

He quickly broke the stare, handing her violin back to her and mustering the will to stand. He couldn’t…no, he wouldn’t allow himself to get sucked in. Not while he still needed answers.

Ariana’s eyes widened in alarm. “Where are you going?”

“I’m sorry, Ariana, but I need to go.” Ben turned around sharply. “I can’t be wasting time here.”

She immediately stood, gently grabbing Ben’s hand. He froze, paralyzed by her gaze. Her expression saddened; her lip curled into a frown as her eyes pleaded with him.

“Aren’t we going to the village?”

“I don’t know.” Ben’s eyes narrowed. “Are we?”

“I wasn’t trying to—”

“—then why the detour?”

“I’m sorry.” Ariana hesitated. “I just wanted someone to enjoy all this with for once. Given that connection we felt earlier…well, I was hoping you would be that person.”

Ben’s glare slowly melted into a slight frown. Everything Ariana did now made sense, from grabbing his hand, showing him the fish, and seeing the sunset. Things she had all done herself, but never with anyone else.

Her gaze falling, Ariana returned Ole Besty to her case and began to walk away. “I know you’ve gotta go, so I understand if you don’t want—”

“—I’ll go with you,” Ben said.

Ariana blinked. “You will?”

“Of course. And for the record…” a small, warm smile formed on his lips, “…I enjoyed the view, even if you are a bit weird.”

Her eyes widened for a moment as she looked down to hide her blush. After a moment or two, Ariana returned her gaze to Ben, hand on her hip with a confident smirk. “Well, a promise is a promise. Ready?”

“Ready when you are.” Ben nodded, the slightest hint of a smile stretching across his face.

She slung her violin case over her shoulder. “Well then, what are ya waiting for?”

Ben nodded as he made his way down the flowing meadow with Ariana, further into the strange, beautiful world that awaited him.