Elys - Chapter 3: In Another World with My Emotional Baggage

Lucas stopped tapping the desk. The bald one with the scar was staring at him again. He and a dozen others sat in a heavily guarded meeting room on the Albatross. The Augur’s lecture continued, with the occasional points at various spots on a map hung on the wall. A high school teacher giving an overlong description for a field trip. Some of his “classmates” were having a harder time. That giant of a man, balded and scarred across the face, jumped at every sound and looked like he was one good scare away from making a scene. A young woman with shaggy white hair took notes, then looked over them as if she couldn’t understand the strange language they were written in. And then there was the fellow in the back, still waving his arms trying to cast a spell. It took a good ten minutes for the guards to convince everyone that it was impossible to use magic inside the ship. The old man cleared his throat, a cold glare directed at the boy. “Yes, sir?” His throat was dry. “It seems as though you have a solid grasp on the mission. Please provide for us a summary.” “Okay, so… first we’re going to arrive in Elysia. You’ll give the address to all the, um, the people who can use magic. The Sublime, yeah. Then we’re all taking a caravan to… Flagratia?” “Favilla.” “Right. And that’s where the labs will instruct us on how to do the experiment.” The Augur furrowed his brow. “Correct. Though it was quite… concise.” “You’re right, he forgot the part where we’re your prisoners,” said someone near the front. “You are not prisoners. If you all succeed in this mission, you will be pardoned from the crimes you committed during previous fits of mana delirium.” “But you’ll kill us if we step out of line,” another Sublime said. “There is a difference between stepping out of line and endangering innocent lives.” “This experiment is putting our own lives in danger, isn’t it?” The timid bald one stood up. “What happens if the mission fails? What if… what if we can’t purify the dark mana?” “Lady Galvana has informed me that they have many trials to conduct. She is confident that at least one will bear results.” “B-but what if… what if nothing works?” The Augur could not meet the man’s gaze. “Your crimes must be paid for. If this is all for naught, Lady Galvana may be merciful enough to at least hold you in Favilla’s dungeons. Otherwise…” Lucas gulped. “Otherwise, we’ll be executed.” “I know it must seem unfair, that the hope we offer may become false. But please be confident, just as we are in you. Lord Angelo of Flagratia brought his family to the mainland, adamant that we pursue research of the dark mana. Something is happening in Elys. We must learn what it is and how we can respond.” One by one, the Sublime were escorted out into the halls. Everyone was silent. Lucas was led separately to a medical room. Unlike the dark and rugged décor of the rest of the ship, this room was white and bare. Even the air felt devoid of some spirit, a sensation he had only barely noticed when boarding the Albatross. A nurse looked up from her papers. “Are you feeling any uneasiness from the ventilation?” “No, I think I’m fine.” “Well then,” she said with a smile, “it seems you’re even better off than we thought.” “Does the ventilation make people sick?” “Only if there’s a problem. We ventilate airborne mana and send it to the generator. It’s mostly to prevent magic use, but it also helps keep the lights on. And this kind of room is where we examine Sublime for mana delirium, so the ventilation is in high gear. If you were like the less fortunate souls in the meeting, you would probably feel quite light-headed or nauseous. Symptoms of withdrawal are signs that mana delirium has started to have long-term effects.” “Y-you mean I’m gonna end up like that if I keep using magic?” “Well, no. I’d say you’re pretty lucky to be in the state that you are right now. Actually, my job is to figure out why you can use magic in the first place since you’re not an Elysian. I’ve been told you’re from a different world entirely?” “Yeah. I know that probably sounds crazy, but it’s the truth.” “Compared to a lot of things I’ve heard from other patients, I’m inclined to believe it. Could you take off your clothes, please? We’re not in any hurry but I do have quite a few more patients coming in soon. Something to do with the Augur bringing in every Sublime under the sun.” Lucas had a sudden thought as he removed what remained of his tattered rags. “Here’s something you might find strange. When I came here – to Elys, I mean – I woke up inside this body that isn’t like the one I used to have. I think I’ve been… reincarnated or something?” “Well if you’re looking for theories on that kind of reincarnation, I’d ask some Outlanders.” The nurse checked his pulse. “They have a different view of it than we do. For us, reincarnation is like… like repeating history, I suppose. Like a son following in his father’s footsteps.” “I think I understand.” He tried to sit still as the nurse inspected his nose and ears with various instruments. “Great. I’m sorry, it really isn’t my strong suit. You ought to visit the library in Favilla if you want to get expert insight on our beliefs.” “Sounds like a good idea. But could you… I don’t know, run some tests on my blood or something to find out what this body is? Like, if this is just an Elysian body?” The nurse laughed. “Unfortunately, there’s no such way to do that. And your black hair, blue eyes, and pale skin is typical Southeast Outlander . Even if you were biologically Elysian, I don’t know if you’d fit the spiritual requirements to be a Sublime, you know? Maybe if you can find a spirit medium or a seer… Oh! The seer of Flagratia will probably a part of this operation. You could ask her whenever you meet her.” “Yeah, I’m sure she doesn’t have anything better to do.” “She’s got too much time on her hands if you ask me. Here, put this on.” She handed him a bundle of clothes. The brown tunic and trousers were surprisingly comfortable. But the more remarkable part of the wardrobe was an olive green vest. It was light as a feather and smooth to the touch, with a slight rubbery texture. It’s like those things we used to wear in gym class. What were they called? Pinnies? God, I really hope this doesn’t get any more like school. “You okay?” “Huh? I’m fine.” “I don’t know. You’ve had this look about you. Like something’s been weighing on your mind.” “It’s… it’s nothing.” “I’m going to have to contend that point.” “Well, it’s a long story.” The nurse looked over her notes. “They want you in arm’s reach of this room all day. Take all the time you need.” “I’ll try to make it quick.”   # # #   Allie stared into the big, blue hell her home had disappeared into. Not mad. Don’t deserve to be. If he hadn’t done it, I would’ve. One day. She sighed. Now she was in the mood for people. If Lucas came up, she’d either talk to him or hit him. Probably both. She spat into the sea and headed down below. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as familiar faces of old greeted her. But they only knew little Al. Half the size, double the trouble. “Long time no see,” came a deep voice. A smile spread across Allie’s face before she could even see him. “Jonny! How’s my partner in crime?” “About as well as you’d expect me to be in these uniforms.” “Nah, you wear it well. Got handsome while I was away,” she said with a wink. Jonny crossed his arms. “Got married, too.” “Say when you’re not.” “Al, I’m not getting locked up. Not even for you.” “Saying I’m not worth it?” “I’m saying you’re my cousin.” “How’s it go? ‘Sun with moon begat earth’, right? Still goes down on her every night.” He stifled a laugh. “You’re the only one who has the guts to talk like that around the Holy Order, you know that?” “Very aware. World needs more people like me.” “Speaking of which… I heard about your friend. Is he okay?” “Good question.” She looked around the room. “Love to stay and annoy- ah, catch up more. But still gotta check on him. How about five more minutes?” “I think you should go now.” “Five minutes, Jonny.” “Five minutes in real time? Or five minutes in Al time?” Allie rolled her eyes and heaved a sigh. “Fine. Try having fun without me.” “Good, it’ll be less dangerous,” he called out behind her. She crawled past the growing crowd and wandered down the halls. A decade away had made it difficult to navigate her second home. But she could feel the emptiness of the examination rooms. They probably had him locked up in one. All six of the examination rooms were taken. Allie felt an uneasiness in her stomach, something that had nothing to do with the ventilation. When she met Lucas, it made her feel a little more normal. But did she even want to feel normal? Magic was the one thing that set her apart, that made her feel unique. The only other Sublime she’d even heard of were heroes and leaders, once-in-a-lifetime figures she could imagine herself among. Faced with the reality that there were many more like her out there, she was afraid to ask herself if she really was anything special. “Hey, nice jacket,” Lucas said from just out of sight. Allie jumped back, crashing right into him. “Ow. Don’t do that again, rukshit.” Lucas laughed. “Sorry. I saw you spacing out and couldn’t resist.” “Was thinking of how much I want to hit you. Wait, that spiderweed?” She pointed at his vest. “Spiderweed?” He kept a cautious watch on it, trying not to imagine spiders crawling around inside. “Yeah, it’s a plant. Makes these threads that are real strong and light. Like a spider’s web. Spiders in your world?” “Unfortunately, yes. But ours are usually pretty small. I’m guessing yours are as big as a man.” “What? No! Horrifying, that.” “Yeah, about as horrifying as telling me that my clothes have something to do with spiders.” “Relax. Just the name.” “So what’s with the jacket? Are you actually part of the navy?” “Nah, just Pa’s from way back,” she said, showing him the back of the open jacket where Sero’s name was stitched. “I like it. You look badass with it over the black sleeveless top.” “Damn right I do. Cut my hair for it, too. Did you see my spear?” “I knew it, you were excited for this trip the whole time!” “Okay. Yeah. I was. Not afraid to admit it.” “To think all it took was starting a few fires,” he said, laughing. Allie stopped, her mouth hung open. “Oh… I’m sorry. I guess I shouldn’t joke about that.” “No, it’s fine. Just figured you weren’t the type to get over things so easily.” Lucas’s face fell. “I’m really not. But… I want to try and change. I think I’ve been going about this all wrong. I’ve been too afraid to let go of the past. But what’s done is done. I don’t think I’m ever going back to that world, so… this is my new life. I’m starting over.” “Swear you’re a completely different person already.” Allie glanced at the nurse walking down the hall. “What did she do to you?” “We had a good talk.” Allie raised an eyebrow. “I-I wasn’t trying to imply-” “Talk is talk. What are you gonna do to back those words up?” “What? Oh. Well… I’m gonna accept my destiny.” “Destiny? For real, what happened in there?” “Just listen, okay? Before I came here, I was always reading stories about ordinary guys like me who were chosen by a higher power to start a new life as a hero. They get incredible powers to be idolized by everyone when they win!” “Sounds like a load of shit. You idolize heroes who don’t deserve the power they’re given?” “Well they usually earn it by doing something good in their last moments of their previous life. I can’t remember the details, but I’m pretty sure I saved a girl from getting shot.” “One time doesn’t mean you’re good.” “I-I know. What I’m saying is, until now, I doubted whether or not I deserved to be chosen. I kept thinking that there was no way I was ordinary or extraordinary to become a hero. But it’s happening, Allie. It’s happening whether I deserve it or not, and I’ve decided to stop worrying about it. All the stuff from my past? It’s gone. Forget it. All it’s done is cause more pain. I’m living my dream, so I need to stop turning it into a nightmare.” “Saying you believe you can do something great even if you’re really not all that special?” “Exactly. So many things are out of my control, so I’m just gonna stop worrying about them.” Allie smiled. “Know what? Think I misjudged you. Think I like you, actually.” “Th-thanks?” “Listen. You’re sorry for what happened last night?” “Yes. Of course I’m sorry.” “Then you’re allowed to forget about that, too. One time doesn’t mean you’re bad. Maybe. You’re Sublime for better or worse. When we’re in Elysia, I’ll start teaching you magic. Start small, learn control. See if you’re a ‘hero’ from there, right. Sound good?” She held out her hand. “Yeah,” he said, taking her hand. He hadn’t come to Elys with a mystical weapon or convenient technology. He was a stranger in a foreign land, taking nothing from home except his thoughts and memories. This is my escape. He wanted so badly to believe it. He wanted to believe he could completely rid himself of the past. But always, in the back of his mind. Those haunting eyes. That face, half-formed, illuminated in the fire’s glow. A message from hell to this heaven that in the end, Lucas would only save himself.