I stood at the main gate for awhile. It was so hard just trying to figure out where to begin...I already dreaded the results of my excursion. Finally making up my mind...I opened a portal to Radiant Garden. I stood in the lively marketplace...not too far from which I had once sat and decided to fade from the worlds completely. The place that Vincent had found me...
Anytime I needed answers...somehow this world gave them to me. Though to be honest I felt foolish expecting them now. I mean, I didn't even know what I was looking for...how would I even recognize it when it appeared before me? I wandered to that memorable place...I could almost see it play out once more before my eyes. That rainy day...
"A scattered dream that's like a far-off memory..." A familiar voice suddenly spoke from somewhere nearby. It snapped me from my daze instantly...I looked around, but saw no one.
"A far-off memory that's like a scattered dream..." The Voice continued. I recognized the voice...it was MINE. I was running towards it...I knew I was close.
"I want to line the pieces up---" SO CLOSE. I rounded the corner.
"Yours and Mine."
I stood before the source of the voice as she concluded the sentence. The timing of it all was almost eerie. Her eyes were a piercing and intense blue as her head lifted to meet mine from underneath the hood of her traveling cloak. She smiled at me...it was like looking in a mirror.
"Ari." I snarled. A dagger already in my hand I stomped forward...ready to fulfill my promise. Yet she seized my wrist...just before it plummeted into her chest.
"It's been so long RaXi...I've missed you." She smiled. "Well how about it...ready to become one yet?"
I put my dagger away and looked at her crossly. "That's not possible Ari...so why do you jest?"
She laughed. "I know...pretty cruel of me right? Guess it's just my way of hitting you where it hurts. Sorry..."
"What do you want? You've obviously come seeking me...or have you forgotten my promise to you? Do you seek death? Come willingly to embrace it?"
"I'll admit it freely RaXi. You're superior to me in almost every way. You have the combat skills, strategic skills, and even a certain strength of character that isn't easily broken..." Ari confessed. "But I've grown since we met last...while my fighting ability is minimal, I've gained wisdom in certain areas."
I looked away. I didn't know what she was trying to prove to me.
"We are unique...I owe you everything RaXi. If not for you being created...I'd have died there...miserable and alone. But you gave me my life..." She continued. "And so I always wanted to repay that debt to you. That's why...all those years ago I was willing to give it all up...to become one with you...and allow you full control."
"Yet it was impossible." I clarified. "Since we had grown up so differently...we had become two separate beings...with different ideas and agendas, unable to fuse into one. The only similarities we share now...are our looks. Nothing more."
"Yes. So we made a promise that day...that next we met...you would rightfully claim my heart as your own." Ari smirked. "But that is not the reason I came to you. You know that annoying little link we share? It has been appearing to me recently...you must REALLY care about them RaXi. I'm jealous...I'm the one with the heart...yet you feel more than I ever did."
My dagger appeared again and was at her throat. I drew blood. "Stay out of my business." I warned.
She merely smiled again. It was truly annoying how little she thought of my threats. "Why don't you finish it RaXi? Getting rid of one's weaknesses is a common practice...is it not? But...you always seem to take pity on me..."
I pulled the dagger away once more, regaining my composure. "We all have weaknesses Ari...one only needs discover how to expose the weaknesses of others to gain the advantage."
"I could be used against you one of these days. Yet...you let me live." Ari stated fixing her cloak. "Of course...you planned for that scenario as well. Should that happen, you promised me that you would kill me with your own hands. In all things...I am prepared for that death...whenever you seek to fulfill your promise."
"Ari, get to the point already. What do you want? I doubt you sought me out to simply reconfirm the standing of our past promises." I was tiring of this...
"I came to repay the debt I owe you. Not with blood...but with information. About the quest you've embarked on. You want to know how to free them...don't you? The ones you love..."
"I don't love them!" I denied quickly. Yet my curiosity peaked...How could she have information on such things?
"Sure, whatever RaXi." Ari dismissed. "Just listen to me for once. The information you want exists...it's just scattered throughout the worlds. But like anything...you ask the right person...and they'll tell you what you want to know. Here's a list. Start at the top and work your way down...I'm sure they'll be very helpful. Yet...in the end, you'll have to decide whose word to take. I won't be able to do anymore than this."
I took the paper she held out to me and read the names on it. "You're kidding. Why would they know the answers I seek?"
"Why wouldn't they?" She rebuked with yet another smirk.
"Fine. I'll try it..." I admitted and turned away. "I will spare your life this time Ari but next we meet..."
"...I will tear your heart from your chest and take it as my own. Yeah Yeah RaXi, don't you tire of saying that? You say it every time you see me...but you know...I'm still waiting for the follow-through." Ari interrupted. "Good luck. I wish for your happiness RaXi. You deserve it."
"Pfft. Sure you do." I dismissed opening up a portal to the first contact's world. "Don't cross my path again Ari. Next time I mean it."
The portal closed instantly. Ari smiled fondly at her other half. "I really wish I could've given you my heart RaXi...but I know you fear it. I'll never be a burden to you...so please...just find happiness out there..."
I appeared in a lively forest. Forest creatures scampered about happily and I sighed rolling my eyes. I swear...if this list didn't get me anywhere...I'd find Ari again and tear her apart. I walked down the forest path to it's end...a tiny little cottage...
~RaXi
