Chapter 1 - The Journey's End
Everything is dark-utterly dark. The absence of light and sensation are gone, yet somehow still present. At first, it felt the cold, hard ground. There was no sense of temperature or an understanding of the surface's length. There was just a barrier that seemed to expand infinitely.
After what felt like an eternity, the abstract concept of time started to take form. It began to conceptualize the idea of time-or at least became aware of its passing. However long it had been, it couldn't say. The strange part was that it knew it was an aware being. It could observe and feel, despite lacking senses.
"Senses... now, what was that again, I wonder?"
After what felt like millennia, it finally formed a thought-complete with vocabulary and meaning. But where did it come from? That remained unknown.
As time marched on, this being began to gain senses-minimal, but still senses. It was aware that it was breathing and lying down. But who was it? After what seemed like an endless period, it felt parts of its body. It knew it had limbs and other complex features. Yet nothing could describe the next sensation. It started to hear noises-faint, but still audible and locatable. It could hear water running, leaves rustling as the breeze passed by. Oddly enough, it felt calming.
"Huh, calming... It feels almost refreshing to hear again."
The word calming reminded it of sensations from physical touch.
"I feel like someone is gently touching me. It feels nice."
Now, that it mentioned it, the being wondered why it was here-devoid of senses and feelings. What was it? Where did it come from? Thoughts turned into questions with no answers. But it knew it would wake up. It knew it was going to open its eyes soon. For now, all it could do-no, all he could do-was wait, no matter how long it took.
And so, it happened. He gently opened his eyes. At first, he was assaulted by what seemed like light. But soon, his vision adjusted.
"Ugh, it's so bright outside," he muttered to himself. "Whe-where am I?" he asked, not even having the slightest idea of where he was.
He looked up at a small figure-a girl. She had apple green hair, medium-short with bangs covering her forehead. Her dark green eyes and pale complexion stood out. She wore a ragged old sweater, its colors long since faded, and greyish trousers. She was kneeling beside him, her palm resting on his shoulder, and strangely enough, she was emitting a soft green light from her palm that felt soothing.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
He tried to form a word, but it took an unexpectedly long time. It seemed as if he hadn't spoken for a very long time. He tried again and managed to say a word in a raspy tone.
"Hey."
The girl noticed his attempt and turned in surprise, looking both happy and relieved that he had woken up. At first, she had been so focused on what she was doing that she hadn't realized he was awake.
"Hello, mister," she muttered shyly, as if greeting a stranger for the first time.
He looked at her with confusion and curiosity, then turned his gaze toward the surroundings. It seemed like they were in some ruins, deep in a forest. As he sat up, he noticed dry blood around him. Could it be from him?
He looked at the girl again and asked, "Do you know where we are?"
The girl shook her head. "I don't have the slightest idea, mister. I remember waking up here and wandering around before seeing you. You seemed really hurt, and Alice wanted to help a stranger in need. So... so... I healed you."
Alice? he thought. Could that be her name?
"Nice to meet you, Alice," he said aloud. "Thanks for healing me. My name is... uh... eh..."
His name? He couldn't remember it, or anything for that matter. It seemed like he had amnesia.
What a classic moment of amnesia, he thought, always seen that in movies and mangas. He muttered, " huh... movies and mangas what are those again? Well, I hope I'll remember when the time comes." But he had to give her a name. It would be disrespectful not to, plus as an adult he had to set an example for her.
'Wait... how old was I again ....'
"My... my name is Lucid," he said without much thought, considering how quickly the name came to him. Could that be his real name? It felt unique, almost special.
"Well, whatever. It's not like I'm lying to the poor little girl," he thought.
"So Alice," he asked, "You seem rather young. How old are you? Isn't it dangerous to wander alone outside?" He paused, noticing her torn trousers and ragged clothes. "How long have you been here? Are you lost? Where are your parents?"
The little girl looked down, as if trying to recall something. She looked back up and said, "No, Alice... doesn't know why she's here. Alice woke up and spent a lot of time walking around."
Lucid paused and spoke to her in a somber tone, "So you don't remember anything at all?"
The girl nodded, a hint of sadness on her face, but quickly brightened. "Now, get up, mister-I mean, Lucid. Alice wants to show you around. There are lots of cool places here. I call this Alice's Forest."
"Alice's Forest?" he said in a humorous tone. "Well, I guess you woke up here first, so you might know it better."
As she grabbed his hand, they started walking. She led the way, humming cheerfully and hopping around. Lucid had no idea where they were going, but for now, the girl seemed to be the key to understanding his surroundings. Maybe, as long as he was with her, he'd figure things out.