Those Who Are Gone and What They Left Behind

I flew past acres of trees, rivers, and hills. The place that would have been the welcome hub was a small, dimly lit clearing in a forest. The ground was covered in green grass dotted with patches of white and yellow flowers.

The pale flowers glowed softly in the moonlight, and I reached down in an attempt to touch them. My hand phased through the petals, and I clenched it into a fist.

I looked around the area and focused on the sounds around me. Only the chirping of crickets echoed through the night.

There’s nothing here, no signs of life or death. No wandering ‘spirits’… exactly as I suspected.

I floated from place to place, exploring every corner of the nearby forest. All I found were a few raccoons, owls, and fireflies.

I returned to the clearing and sat in the center, just above the ground. I wrapped my arms around my knees and let my mind wander.

… I was right not to trust her, but the truth only makes things worse. No one is coming to help us, are they? And the only other real person here is an egotistical tyrant.

Another shock spread through my body, and I clutched my head in pain.

Another glitch…? But I haven’t even remembered anything!

Am I just doomed without an NPC to inhabit? Maybe I should try an animal, then Eris might not be able to find me… I could live in this world peacefully.

I rose to my feet and stared up at the moon. I narrowed my eyes at it, looking from crater to crater.

No, I can’t keep doing this. Who I was, how I lived, no longer matters. Eris thinks she can scare me away, but she’s forgotten that we have the same power.

I rose into the sky and turned my gaze to the place that I tried to protect. I moved quickly past the forest, the hills, the rivers, and the castle. I lowered myself into the abandoned encampment.

The world of the past is far from here. For all I care, this is my new permanent home. Now I just need to find a way to stop Eris from destroying it.

“Ghostie, is that you?”

The bushes rustled as Finley approached. She sheathed the sword in her left hand and stopped a short distance away.

“Finley? W-what are you doing here?”

Finley’s eyes were squinted, and her lower eyelids looked darkened. She put a hand to her chest and sighed.

“Vivian… told us what happened. At first I wasn’t sure if I should believe her, but then a woman showed up lookin’ for her family… she told us what you did.”

“I’m sorry. I tried to keep them away, but… I’ve never been in a fight before. I had to rely on other people’s memories and instincts just to stall your attackers.”

Finley’s eyes widened and she waved her hands.

“No, no. You did plenty. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have all made it out.”

“All— E-everyone escaped?”

“You betcha’! …Thanks, ghostie. You mind if I call you that?” Finley gave me a thumbs up and a wink before crossing her arms and furrowing her brow.

“I don’t mind at all. I… I think it suits me.” I nodded, and Finley smiled. Her droopy eyes began to look reddened.

“Finley… What are you doing here? It must be the middle of the night now.”

“… We were in such a rush, I forgot to grab somethin’. Hold tight, I’ll be right back.”

Finley ran toward the large, now collapsed tent, and I waited for her to return. After a few cricket chirps, she exited the tent holding something wrapped in dusty brown cloth. Her droopy eyes stayed fixated on it as she walked toward me.

“This was Papa’s sword. He told me to take it before he passed. He wielded it for every battle… he cared for it more than he did me.”

She unwrapped the cloth, revealing a dull sword. There were traces of scratches and a chip on one edge. The hilt bore the symbol of Solagard.

Now that’s a well-used sword. Finley’s grandfather… I wish I’d woken up before he passed. Maybe we could have taken Eris down together.

“I neglected it. I should have paid attention to his ramblin’s, to every word he tried to get into my head. Now it’s all…”

Finley’s eyes began to water, making her look even more tired and worn out. She tightened her grip on the sword in the cloth, pulling it toward her chest.

“I got so in my head, underestimatin’ the queen and overestimatin’ Papa. I never paid any attention when he tried to teach me swordplay. I’ve never swung a sword in my life… I was an idiot to think I’d try— earlier, when they arrived. Sniff, If it weren’t for you, I don’t think we would’ve made it…”

Finley’s tears streamed down her scrunched-up face and fell to the ground, seeping into the dirt. I reached out a hand before letting it fall back down.

I feel a faint sorrow, but there’s nothing I can do. I can’t touch her shoulder or cry with her. I can’t even remember if I’ve ever felt grief before… It’s getting hard… to feel human.

My face contorted as I struggled to find words. I opened my mouth before shutting it again.

“Finley.”

The woman’s eyes peeked open, and she sluggishly lifted her head. She hugged the sword in the loose cloth. The moonlight made her tears shine, and her overall appearance reminded me of a child who’d just woken up from a nightmare.

“… Your grandfather… entrusted you with his most prized possession… No matter how you think you’ve wronged him, he decided to believe in you above anyone else. He raised you, saw all your highs and lows. In the end, he still wanted you to carry on his will.”

I did my best to smile gently. Finley’s expression became difficult to read, and I started to panic internally, worried I’d said something wrong.

“Thank you. I’m sure… you’re speakin’ the truth that he never got a chance to.”

Finley wrapped the sword back up and tucked it under her arm. She wiped the tears from her eyes, sniffled, and looked toward the bushes she came from.

“Sorry for gettin’ mushy. The new spot’s a pretty good walk from here, so we best be movin’ on.”

She began walking at a steady pace, and I rushed to follow her. The moonlight shone through the tall trees as we traveled in silence through the forest.

I hope I helped, and that she’ll be alright. If I could remember who I’ve left behind, I’m sure I’d hate myself too.

I glared at the ground, remembering my conversation with Eris. Her desire to make the world worship her. The lives she’s taken on that path.

Before I forget how to care, I’ll do everything I can to reverse what she’s done.