As soon as she landed, Elysha's senses were overwhelmed by the strange environment that surrounded her. The air felt heavy and damp, and unfamiliar smells wafted through the air.
“...!” She winced, still feeling a lingering pain from the landing, as her hand brushed against something soft.
“What is this?” She murmured to herself, opening her eyes and looking down to see her fingers running over the yellow foliage that cushioned her fall.
Her eyes then turned to take in her surroundings, and Elysha realized that she had landed atop a strange, daisy-like tree. Its long petals spread outwards, moving slowly in the subtle wind.
“Huh? Where am I?” She asked herself with growing confusion as to how she had ended up here. “This is…”
She looked up and saw rays of light streaming through the hole above where she had fallen.
“How do I get back up?” She asked herself, her voice echoing in the cavernous surroundings.
Unsure of where to go, Elysha carefully slid down the tree, using one of the giant petal-like leaves as a slide. When she landed on the forest floor, she felt a sense of relief to be back on solid ground.
With no other options available, the little girl ventured forward, following a single tunnel she spotted in the distance. The narrow passage was dimly lit, and her footsteps resounded against the rough walls as she made her way through.
When she reached the other side, Elysha stopped, looked around and surveyed her surroundings: tall buildings lined the edges of the circular space, while streets and trees intersected. In the center was a large reservoir of water that lay far below the land with shimmering, sparkling reflections of light on its surface. She saw what looked like half a dome covering the sky, or was this mysterious world a spherical place? She doesn't know, but the sight felt like something out of a storybook.
“What… What is this place?” Elysha wondered aloud. As she took in her surroundings, she noticed creatures flying through the air in swarms or circles, synchronizing their movements as if in a dance. Down on the ground, countless creatures went about their daily lives in the streets, while others floated through the air, at ease in a comfortable everyday lifestyle.
“What are you doing?”
Elysha flinched at the unexpected voice and turned to see a creature that was neither Micha nor Eleu, but another she had never met. This one appeared more like a little, long teddy bear than a little fluffy rabbit, but a light brown color with wings and two long tails.
“I’ve never seen you before, who could you be?” The creature tilted his head curiously.
“I-I am Elysha,” she replied in a wavering voice. “Um, I ended up here by accident while following someone, and… I don’t know how to get back to where I came from.”
“Oh, so you had to get up again, I know just what to do with you,” the creature replied reassuringly. “There’s a gate not too far away, I can take you there.”
“I would like that,” said Elysha, nodding her head.
“I'd be happy to help you—and oh! By the way, my name is Anaja,” the creature introduced himself. “I work as a guide for many people who lack important directional skills.”
With that, Anaja turned and signaled her to follow him. Together they walked down a slope on a path. Elysha's eyes fixed on the city-like place spread out before her, observing what appeared to be an underground life of creatures that resembled Micah and Eleu, along with many others that looked similar to herself and Elder Merakia.
Eventually, they approached an opening in the wall, and Anaja moved forward towards it, spun around and called out to her, “Come this way!”
She nodded, walking closer and peering through the opening to what appeared to be a downwards tunnel. Before her, several layers of platforms of earth and foliage stretched out, inviting her to venture further down towards the light visible from the open exit at the far end.
“It’s not as scary as you'd think” Anaja reassured her. “Since you are not a Zhivopian like me, touch my hand.”
Elysha reached out and touched Anaja’s tiny paw. Seconds later, she felt a surge of unfamiliar energy flowing within her.
“What’s this? What am I feeling?” She asked, bewildered by the sensation.
“We Zhivopians always help a fellow Elbijan,” he explained. “I am imbuing you with energy enough that you'll be as light as one of us and won't hurt yourself if you fall.” he smiled, then proceeded forward. “Now, follow me!”
Elysha watched as Anaja flew down towards a giant mushroom on the nearest platform, turned around, and stated, “Jump here!”
She held her breath hesitantly, assessing the distance between her and Anaja. “A-Are you sure?”
“I'm sure of it! I know Elbijans around your height who love to venture around places like here. And if anything should happen, I will make sure to keep you safe.”
Elysha pressed her hand against her chest, took a deep breath and readied herself. “Okay,” she nodded. “I will try.”
The little girl took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest. She focused on the mushroom platform where Anaja waited, his reassuring presence urging her onward.
Then Elysha made a leap forward and launched herself into the air, arms outstretched as she soared for the platform.
“...!”
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as she sailed through the air and the wind rushed past her ears. She felt as light as a wisp of light she had seen before, playfully swirling through the air.
Then, with a soft thud, Elysha landed on the giant mushroom next to Anaja. Her knees and hands clung to the texture of the mushroom, which was as soft as a bed pillow, and her legs trembled slightly from the exhilarating jump.
“You did it!” Anaja cheered, his eyes sparkling with plaudits. “See, I told you it wasn't that scary!”
Elysha turned her gaze towards the bear creature, and her eyes couldn’t help but grin, the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. “It was… It was fun.”
“Well done, um, what is your name?”
“Elysha.”
“Well done Elysha!” said Anaja warmly. “But our journey to our destination is still far from over, and there are more platforms ahead of us, and I will be here to guide you every step of the way.”
Together, Elysha and Anaja continued their descent into the depths of the tunnel, guided by the reassuring presence of the bear-like creature. As they descended, she tried to keep up with his pace, clinging to the foliage-covered walls and observing the area. Anaja's assistance helped her navigate to the next platforms. But as they pressed on, Elysha's heart quickened as she realized she was losing sight of Anaja ahead, her eyes scanning the misty passage for any sign of his familiar figure.
“Anaja?” She called out, her voice echoing faintly in the tunnel.
However there was no answer, only the sound of her own footsteps echoing off the walls. She looked around, the exit with the bright white light was close enough for her to see, but his figure disappeared in the mist.
“Huh? Where did he go?” She murmured, worry in her voice. Panic gnawed at her thoughts as she realized she was alone in the labyrinthine tunnel. “Anaja, where are you?”
Despite her fears, Elysha took a deep breath and clutched the keyhole necklace around her neck for courage. “I won't give up,” she whispered to herself and pressed forward until she reached the backside of a drizzling waterfall, feeling the cool mist on her skin.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Elysha shielded herself with her hands as she carefully maneuvered around the waterfall. When she reached the other side, she spotted a weathered wooden boat resting at the edge of the stream.
“This is…” she paused in mid-sentence and scanned her surroundings again, but there was still no sign of Anaja. A heavy feeling of disappointment came over her as she came to terms with the reality of being alone in this unknown place.
“I guess he's not with me anymore,” she whispered to herself, feeling dejected at the situation. “He said that he was going to take me back, but… he’s gone.”
Elysha stood brooding to herself as her eyes fell back on the boat and approached it. She thought for a moment before stepping inside. The aged planks creaked beneath her weight as she settled into the boat, feeling its sturdy yet worn texture beneath her fingertips.
“I shouldn’t be here,” Elysha muttered to herself, “but, it feels nice to be here.”
She took a deep breath and pushed the boat off the edge into the flowing stream below.
As the boat began to glide along the surface of the water, Elysha felt a sense of calm wash over her despite the uncertainty of her situation. She let the boat drift with the gentle current, taking in the sights and sounds of the underground domain of Zhivopia; the soft murmur of the river mingled with the distant calls of unseen creatures, creating an atmosphere of serene wonder.
Elysha caught glimpses of different kinds of creatures populating the landscape and living their lives peacefully in their homes. She looked under the water and saw luminous fish with colorful scales swimming alongside the boat, and tiny winged creatures flitted around her as the boat meandered through the twists and turns of the river.
‘Is there a meaning to all of this?’ She pondered, lost in thought as she reflected on the entire journey so far. ‘I don’t know, but, I want to know, I want to understand everything…’
As the gentle rocking of the boat lulled her into a state of relaxation, the little girl felt her eyelids grow heavy and yawned.
‘Perhaps, Micah will let me know…’
Elysha closed her eyes, and gradually surrendered to the embrace of sleep, allowing the soothing rhythm of the river to guide her into her dreams.
~ ❈❇❈ ~
Her consciousness drifted off, and when she opened her eyes again, Elysha found herself wandering through a familiar woods.
‘Where am I?’ She wondered, but the vague feeling that she was wandering did not allow her to act. As she ventured further, her movement finally came to a halt and her gaze was drawn to a figure standing at the other end of the clearing.
It was a presence she knew well, one that exuded warmth and wisdom. Without saying a word, Elysha's eyes recognized who stood before her field of vision.
In front of her stood Elder Merakia, her guardian and teacher, emitting a soft light that illuminated the surrounding area. Before she could say anything, her guardian turned around as if she had known her pupil was there.
‘Elysha,’ the voice of Elder Merakia rang out, ‘so you are here with me, I see.’
The little girl did not respond and wondered if she should take a step towards her as her guardian continued, ‘You, my dear child, have just begun your adventure on a journey of stories, a path that will slowly reveal the essence of your soul identity. From the very moment you first opened your eyes in this world, you have sought to seek and to create your cherished memories.’
Elysha listened, her eyes fixed at the sight of her guardian standing within her view and speaking enigmatic words. She wanted to ask questions, but no words came from her mouth.
‘Dear child, what lies within you is a reflection of limitless possibilities,’ Elder Merakia said. ‘True power lies not solely in mastering the theonum, but in finding harmony between your inner self and the world that surrounds you. Embrace the wonders that cross your path, learn from them, and allow them to shape the course of your journey. For this is a test of your perseverance and unwavering spirit.’
A surge of motivation rose up in Elysha, her hands clutching the clothes on her chest and rekindling the fire within her.
‘Remember, dear Elysha,’ Elder Merakia said in a soft voice as the words drifted on a gentle breeze that blew through the forest. The currents of the dream changed, and she saw her guardian swept away from the scene, her being transformed into a butterfly.
As the vivid colors rippled and blended, she found herself in a realm of white—a vast expanse over which the sky stretched endlessly: Hazy clouds drifted lazily, casting a soft, diffuse light on the dreamscape. Beneath her feet, white flowers swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze, their delicate petals rustling in a melodious symphony.
“...!” A sense of familiarity washed over Elysha, tugging at the edges of her consciousness. She continued to look around, turning her gaze in all directions to find the source of this inexplicable connection she had felt, but something specific remained just out of reach.
“... Hehe.”
The laughter of a child. A distant sound that echoed in the air, playful and full of purity and innocence.
Elysha's gaze locked onto the source of the laughter, her eyes widening in recognition. Before her stood the apparition of a false child, bearing an uncanny resemblance to herself.
“You…” Elysha breathed out, her voice barely above a whisper.
With a hazy, mischievous smile, the false child extend her finger, inviting the butterfly to descend upon it. The delicate creature's iridescent wings shimmering with beauty cast aglow.
“Hehe…” the false child giggled again, her demeanor seemingly untouched by the weight of the world.
Elysha watched from a distance, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of the situation.
‘Who is this fake me?’ She frowned. ‘How did this fake me know me so much, and why is she here? Could she be someone who knows about my memories?’
Clutching the necklace around her neck, Elysha steadied herself before speaking, her voice shaking slightly, “Who are you?”
The false child's laughter tinkled like wind chimes in the breeze. “I am you, and yet I am not,” she replied cryptically.
“What do you mean?” Elysha pressed, her brows furrowing in confusion.
The false child pointed to her chest. “Your keyhole,” she spoke, “is the catalyst that will unlock the answers you seek. The knowledge of your past and your soul identity.”
Elysha's grip on the necklace tightened, her mind spinning in a mixture of perplexity. “My... keyhole?” She murmured, the words barely audible.
As the butterfly fluttered back and forth, perching on the outstretched finger, the false child continued, “You wished to go on a journey of understanding, to discover the depths of your own soul. That is what you're looking for, is it not true?”
Frozen with astonishment, Elysha struggled to comprehend the conversation she was having with the false child, her mind racing with questions as she bites her lips, ‘How does she knows what I wanted? This fake me… could she—?’
“Could you be... me? A memory from my past?” Elysha asked with uncertainty.
The butterfly took flight from the false child's finger, and silence enveloped the clearing, broken only by the faint sounds of giggles and laughter.
Elysha's head throbbed with confusion, her hand instinctively rising to her temple. With one last searching glance at the false child, she sought answers amidst the enigmatic exchange.
“Please tell me…” She begged.
As the words lingered in the air, the world around her began to dissolve into a blur of abstraction. The scenery warped and shifted, morphing into an indiscernible haze.
“... Your story, your memories—they have only just begun,” the false child spoke, her words echoing in the little girl's mind. “In the final chapter of your journey, perhaps you shall find the key to understanding who you are, Elysha.”
And then, the next thing Elysha heard was the sound of the boat coming to a halt.
~ ❈❇❈ ~
As Elysha slowly awoke from her slumber, she found herself on the rocking wooden boat floating on the gently flowing stream. When she felt the subtle sensation of pain, she instinctively pressed her hand against her forehead.
‘What… happened?’ she pondered, a sense of disorientation lingering. ‘Did I… dreamed?’
Vague images and barely memorable words swirled around in her head, making her wonder what kind of dream she had experienced.
“... I dreamed of Elder Mera, and… the fake me,” Elysha murmured, reflecting on the perplexing encounters from her dream. She reached for the keyhole-stone necklace hanging around her neck, her fingers tracing the smooth surface of the keyhole stone.
“I wondered what you really are, because you've been with me since I first woke up on that day.” Elysha said to the necklace, her voice barely above a whisper. “If I could go out on a journey to see the world, would you be the one to guide me to understanding who I am?”
With a deep breath, she lay back down and felt the sensation of a drifting boat. Although the details escaped her, Elysha clung to the hope that her dreams had a special meaning for her.
Moments later, she pushed aside the remnants of her dream and anchored herself firmly in the present. Sitting herself back up, Elysha's eyes focused on the horizon before her, her gaze filled with motivated anticipation.
“I must go on,” she said, gripping the keyhole stone in her hand. It was her heart's desire to face the trial that awaited her in Zhivopia, and bring her closer to the goal and to her own identity.