Chapter Text
Gold like the sun and the heart of love, a golden arrow disperses from the space, cutting through corruption and shadow. Elysia smiles, her arm pulled back, bright pink eyes light up. Varied colors light up around her, the signets of the Flamechasers emit like shining stars on a dark unlit night sky.
It was in that moment where momentum was gained; Elysia allowed herself to shift and become the weapon the Elysian Realm required. The Flamechasers united, their voices echoing into her spirit.
“Elysia, it’s time. Let us proceed.” Kevin.
“Big sister Elysia, I will help paint away the faded colors.” Griseo.
“May the seeds of the future prosper.” Su.
“Because of you, I have the strength to fight! Isn’t that right?” Pardofelis.
“How obnoxious, but not uncalled for. Just this once, Elysia.” Mobius.
“Our destiny ends here, but our hearts and spirits are one and eternal.” Aponia.
Elysia continued to shoot forward, the hopes, dreams, determination and love from each and every one of her companions in her heart and spirit grew stronger. One melodic voice reached out to her within that moment.
“Dear Ellie, may we shine bright together in this final dance as one. May our paradise become eternity. For you, my dearest are the one and only flawless human.” Eden.
Impact is made and a flower blossoms in the end; fire and brimstone flare and spark, like fireworks on a carnival night. Fire is set ablaze and memories begin to fade . Elysia found herself drifting in the void, a white light flickered from her fingertips. She began to feel her feet disappear like stardust. Yet, she smiled. The pink-haired elf found peace in the turmoil, though she reached forward, an image of crimson hair and golden eyes haunt her memory. Her body continued to fade; memories raced in the mind that she had left.
“Eden…” Elysia speaks out, drifting further downward into the void, “despite the fact you know me inside and out…there’s one thing you don’t know…”
A fading smile.
I’m in love with you.
Fields of flowers stretch across a bright, blue sky. Pink-hued eyes gaze upwards, noting the warmth from rays of sunshine. “How beautiful,” Elysia mused in the new environment she’s in. Perhaps it was the afterlife? Or perhaps it was a fairytale she had forced herself in–like how the Elysian Realm was one for thousands of years.
Yet, she was lonely in this field of flowers. White gloved fingers brush the petals gently, careful to not tear or disturb the nature around her. There were no regrets from the time of her life until now. Perhaps like a benevolent god watching the lives of humans from life to simulation, it entertained her but also gave her a sense of pride and joy. “My sacrifices have not been in vain huh…” she smiled, allowing herself to lay down in the flowers, allowing their scent and gentle presence to embrace her. “It would be so lovely if I could see that future myself one of these days. Would I look the same as I did before? Maybe my hair color would be different?”
Elysia pouted, but chuckled. “Of course I’d focus on my beauty. It’s not like I would be able to see for myself…knowing I can only watch from the sidelines.”
Closing her eyes, Elysia allowed herself respite. Resting for once after 50 000 years of turmoil and stagnation. Truly, it was the paradise she sought out for. She had hoped Mei would carry the seed of hope and the lessons she and the other Flamechasers had given her for a better future.
A future neither of them could reach.
“—llie.”
A voice called out to her.
“—Ellie!”
A familiar, sweet, angelic voice. Then a nudge and a shaking that was ever so real. And another. Groaning, Elysia opened her eyes and was met with familiar golden eyes and crimson hair. Her heart raced. “Eden…? Sweet, lovely angelic Eden?” she whispered, a hand reaching forward to caress the singer’s cheek–an attempt to ensure that what she’s seeing and feeling was indeed real.
And Eden within her fingertips was real.
“Ellie, you slept in.” Eden answered, her cheek nuzzling back at the gentle caress, a smile gracing her expression. “I was worried you fell into a silent coma of some sort.”
“A coma..? Eden, you know I wouldn’t.” Elysia smiled, “I want to wake up to your beautiful face all the time~”
“My, my,” Eden chuckled, kissing Elysia’s cheek, “affectionate aren’t we?”
“Mmm..to you, yes,” the pink-haired woman responded in return, “I can’t help but feel all mushy and delicate around you Eden~”
In truth, Elysia was more confused than ever. Last she ever remembered was laying down under a bright blue sky with rays of sunshine kissing her body with warmth. She remembered viscerally that she was in her Herrscher form, the white dress and long, pink-hued hair flowing with the wind; dancing with the flowers that prospered from the bright green grass and soil underneath her feet at the time. It was unreal, but she could feel her chest rise and lower with every breath she took, the dryness in her eyes causing her eyelids to blink. The warm touch of Eden’s skin haunted her palm and fingertips. Instinctively, Elysia runs her delicate, slender fingers through familiar crimson.
Such a touch drove the crimson-haired singer mad. Lips met with Elysia’s neck and the elf gasped at the sudden sensation of warmth and wetness upon her pale skin. She shuddered, feeling Eden trail down to her collarbone, kissing the bony prominence gently. “E-Eden…” Elysia whined, trembling from the physical affection, “you know how to treat a lady, don’t you?~”
Eden paused, looking up. Golden eyes met with delicate baby blue ones, her smile widening. “Only to you, Ellie.”
We must be dating, Elysia mused to herself. Eden was not so much the physical type of person. So for her to be this outwardly affectionate could only mean that they have established a relationship before she grew “conscious” and aware. There was a fear as it felt like she became an imposter to her own body and life. What do my memories and experiences from the past life mean? Does Eden remember as well? Or are we like an empty canvas?
Such thoughts beckon the curiosity and adventurous side of the pink-haired woman. “Edennnnn~ Are you going to keep me in bed all day or let me get up?” Elysia teased–she desired to see what world surrounded her as she was once again suddenly born into it.
“Sorry Ellie,” Eden got off of Elysia. “I got carried away–”
“Eden don’t apologize,” Elysia quipped back immediately, “I don’t mind if it’s from you. It makes me feel shy, but it’s not unwelcomed.”
“Elysia, are the documents prepared?” Kevin’s voice and presence took Elysia by surprise. “They’re needed for the clinic Su and I are opening.”
Blue eyes blink and Elysia internally fumbled. “They’re over there.” she says, “I’ve been a little listless lately Kevin. I’ll get it done now if they aren’t done.”
So I’m the founder of the Flamechasers here too, huh? Elysia watched Kevin approach the file cabinet, his hands picking out specific documents before noting his nod. The pink-haired woman felt overwhelmed–though it wasn’t the first rodeo she had with leadership. Her eyes noted the framed certifications, the photos of her and the other Flamechasers.
She noted Vill-V’s opening and ownership of a carnival in town. She noted Aponia’s opening of a church and orphanage. Pardofelis and her business of goods. Kosma and Griseo’s artistic pursuits. Fu Hua with Eden’s singer group and Hua’s own martial arts dojo. So many achievements–it was nostalgic to the past before the Herrschers of their time ruined all sort of joy and serenity. In a sense, Elysia felt anxious. What if there are Herrschers here too?
“Aponia wants to see you later on for the progress and funding of the church and orphanage,” Kevin shatters the silence in the room, his icy gaze peering at the smaller pink-haired woman.
“Ah? Does she? Well, I’ll have to book an appointment slot with her then.” That sounded right to say knowing what she had observed from her environment thus far.
It was clear that even if she was the founder, they all shared leadership roles and held their own lives. Just like before. “Hmm…I wonder how Mei is doing…” She wondered if the Herrscher of Thunder found peace after the Elysian Realm and beyond. “Perhaps I’ll run into sweet, innocent Mei one of these days~”
Going home was something. Elysia found out she could drive. She found out she could cook some semblance of a meal. She found out she had a laptop and a desktop computer. A lot of paperwork, a work environment and a ton of photos of her and the Flamechasers together. All of which came from instinct. Whether it was her human brain functioning or something else, the pink-haired woman couldn’t figure it out. Fingertips brush a few of her pink-hued locks of hair behind an ear, and she noted that they were no longer elf-like. It was slightly pointed but not exaggerated like her previous body. Clearly remnants of her past life remained even in present time.
“Ellie, what are you making?” Eden’s melodic voice caught Elysia off guard.
Elysia tensed, but peered back before smiling at her. “Some stir fry noodles. I felt like making them. Want to taste test for me Eden?~”
Eden leaned over her shoulder, mouth open. Elysia felt the heat rush to her face and using her right hand with chopsticks, she took a noodle and allowed Eden to nibble on the morsel. Eden blinked. “It’s good Ellie, keep going.” she answered before stepping back.
It was as if Eden was purposely trying to induce cardiac arrest for her poor soul and heart. Heart pounding against her ribcage, Elysia focused on finishing up the meal prep. “Eden, how long have we been together?” Elysia felt that the ice needed to break. She needed answers.
Eden paused, “About a year. Why do you ask, Ellie? Something on your mind?” Concern oozed from her tongue.
“It’s…nothing. It feels like time doesn’t exist, is all.” There were certain things Elysia needed to find out before talking about. It felt wrong hiding a lie.
“Mmm. It feels like there's more to it, but I won’t push.”
I’m in love with you. Those same words she had spoken to herself during the days of her passing haunted her. Elysia wondered if somehow Eden heard the confession when the Elysian Realm burned itself to oblivion. It’s not possible. Is it?
When moonlit rays seeped through the window and thin curtains, Elysia found herself tensing as she held onto a maroon colored whale plushie while Eden behind her embraced her. So we share a bed. Elysia felt joy; her heart sang a melody to the heavens. Yet, not once throughout the day had the words I love you were spoken. It was as if there was a barrier–a wall that forced them from affection. These subtle gestures were all that were given; a cry for recognition. Elysia felt bad. What kind of girlfriend doesn’t tell her partner that she loves them?
“Eden.” Elysia spoke quietly, not moving a muscle.
“Hmm? Yes, Ellie?” Eden’s gentle voice came next.
“I…I love you.” she spoke. It felt forced.
However, Elysia did not expect a silence that suffocated her chest and throat. It felt… off. Yet, Eden’s gentle voice serenaded her; calming nerves and overall fears. Though, something about her was off. Elysia couldn’t point out what.
“Ellie, don’t force yourself.” Eden’s response came through, gentle as always, yet this time there was a hidden message.
“What do you–”
“Your human mind and heart acted one way…but I can tell you your soul had finally reached you. I’ve…waited for a long time Ellie. I’ve waited for the day you came back to us all.” Eden tightened her grip upon her small frame. Elysia couldn’t help but feel the heat rise to her cheeks.
My soul? Elysia blinked, her brows scrunching a bit. “I don’t understand Eden.” she answered with honesty. “I just…I just don’t.”
“You will in due time my beloved.” Eden caressed Elysia’s cheek with her hand, gold eyes meeting with blue ones affectionately, “you will understand that the human heart and mind need a human soul to fully become one.”
“Then do you remember…what we dealt with in the past?” Elysia tangles her fingers with Eden’s, gazes still meeting.
“I do. From the years of this life and beyond that. I remember it all Ellie. I remember our times with the Herrschers and…when our souls remained in the Elysian Realm.”
Fire ignited in her heart, Elysia leaned forward, lips brushing against Eden’s. She whispered gently against them, “my sweet Eden…help me remember my humanity and create a future with me.”
And their lips met.