Intertwined Souls

“You're a reincarnated…?”

Luciel asked, as he heard her blurted out an accidental confession.

Alice froze, realizing her slip had given her away. She sighed softly, then straightened her posture. “Yeah… it’s true. I’m also reincarnated. From Earth—”

“Earth!?” His voice sharpened in surprise. “That’s where I’m from…”

She blinked, her ears perking. “Seriously? Then it’s not just me…”

“Quite a coincidence that we’re from the same world…” He chuckled, surprised by the fact they lived on the same planet.

Her curiosity bubbled over. “Then—care to reveal your name from back there?” She leaned a little closer, eager for his answer.

He shrugged, raising his eyebrow, “Why should I do it First? Ladies First, for a reason.”

“Come onnn… just tell me, then I’ll tell mine!” she pouted.

He sighed, realizing she wouldn’t let him escape. “…Fine. Tsukiyama Rei. From Japan.”

“Rei-kun…?” Her voice trembled as the name left her lips.

The sound of it stirred old fragments in her mind—faces, voices, fleeting warmth. She clutched her chest as if holding onto the memory.

Rei… it has to be him.

Immediately, Alice lunged at him in a tight embrace, her tears flowed onto his shoulders as she held him close. Her cries echoed silently between them, as she stammered out a response.

“You don’t know how long I’ve searched for you…” her voice trembled, breaking between sobs, “It’s me—Kureha Anna… I finally found you.”

“Anna-san…?” he looked at her, bewildered by her unexpected reveal. “B-But, how…? I just saw you die…”

“Dead…?” she echoed, confusion flickering through her tears.

He averted his gaze, his voice low. “…Lilith is you as well.”

“That explains how I got a fragmented reading on the soul translator…”

“A soul what?” he repeated, baffled.

“Ah well…” she looked away, “It’s going to take a long explanation if you really want to know…”

It was only then, in the silence that followed, that she realized the awkward truth—she had been on top of him this whole time. Her cheeks heated instantly, the warmth spreading to her ears. Hastily, she pushed herself up, brushing dirt and grass from her skirt in a flustered motion.

“Let’s go home, shall we?” she stammered, extending her hand.

He blinked up at her, momentarily caught of guard by the rosy tint of her cheeks, the way the golden rays of the sun turned her golden hair, appear fiery—like threads of fire flowing on top of her head. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he took her hand, her soft touch pulling him back to his feet.

For moment, neither of them spoke—only their footsteps, and the rhythmic beat of their heart echoed. He walked beside her, stealing a few glances, before averting his gaze once more.

“You’re not slick y’know?” she chuckled, thawing away the silence that formed between them.

His ears reddened instantly. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess I’m not that stealthy, huh…”

She shook her head softly, a smile tugging at her lips. “Same as ever…”

“I’m stronger than before!” he pouted, puffing his chest out ever so slightly.

Alice then chuckled, her cheeks still had that faint flush, “Stop being cocky now Luciel, it’s getting late after all.”

Without a warning, Alice grabbed his hand, tugging him alongside her as she ran with him, basking in the golden glow of the setting sun. Laughter and smiles was shared among them, rewinding the time back to when they were together in their old world.

Mago crickets began to sing from the tall grass, their rhythmic chirps harmonizing with the echo of their laughter. Fire Allays drifted into the sky, glowing like living embers, scattering across the twilight as the last rays of sunlight sank below the horizon.

By the time they slowed, breathless and smiling, the moon had risen—its silver light washing gently over them, as if blessing their reunion.

“I really thought…” he paused, catching his breath. “I would never see you again.”

Her lips parted, her voice still trembling with both exhaustion and emotion. “Me too… I thought the same thing…”

Moments later, they finally arrived at the house: tired, but wrapped in a strange warmth that came from simply being together again. The wooden door engraved in a tree, creaked open, welcoming them with warmth. Inside, the air carried the faint scent of old paper and dried herbs—familiar, grounding.

After placing bags of vegetables and preserved meat by the kitchen counter, Alice turned to Luciel, who sat by the sofa drawing scribbles.

“What are you drawing, Luciel?” she glanced.

He chuckled, raising his head with a small smile tugging at his lips, “Funny how you call me Luciel—more than Rei.”

“I just got used to it.” she shrugged, leaning closer to peek at his paper. “Anyway, what’s that?”

“Nothing much,” he said. “I just wanted to draw something.”

“You really are childish sometimes.”

“You know how I was back then, right?” he shot back with mock offense.

Alice let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Fine, fine. I’ll let it slide this time.” She straightened up, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I’ll cook us something tonight.”

She then set a pot on the stove and began unpacking the vegetables. The rhythmic sound of the knife against the chopping board filled the quiet room.

“You sure do cook a lot, huh?”

She smirked, “Mhm, A lot more than you,” teasing him slightly. “Or do you even know how to boil water without burning it?”

“Hey, I know that water does not burn!” he pouted, standing up from the sofa.

Alice’s lips curved into a smile, “At least you know that much.”
The air carried the smell of simmering broth, mingling with the faint melody of the crickets. For a brief moment, the house felt alive—not just a place they stopped by, but somewhere they could almost call home.

“I really thought I would never see you again in this world.” he sighed, walking closer towards Alice.

“Same here,” she hummed, stirring gently. “I thought I would live my entire life without seeing you ever again.”

A sudden warmth pressed against her shoulder—Luciel resting his chin there, his gaze following her graceful movements.

“Remember the time you cooked for me when I was sick?” he murmured.

“Yeah,” she chuckled softly, “you looked like you were about to die. Wailing like a child calling for his mother—”

“That’s where I’m going to stop you.” He pressed his hand over her mouth, then withdrew with a crooked smile.

Alice expected him to retreat, but instead she felt his arms slip around her waist, pulling her into a gentle embrace. His warmth was steady, grounding. She flushed, though her hands never faltered on the ladle.

“Let me stay like this for a while…”

Her lips curved into a quiet smile. “This really does feel like déjà vu…” she murmured, the broth simmering softly as she stirred.

“What if Lilith sees you like this?” she asked softly.

Luciel’s hand stilled for a moment before he answered, “She’d probably be glad… just knowing I’m alive and with someone I can trust. And besides, you and she share the same soul.” His voice lowered. “But… it still hurts.”

Alice’s gaze softened as she returned to stirring the pot. “I’m here now. So, rest easy.”

***
What a development... I guess.
Anyway, next chapter will welcome a new plot point!
Next Chapter - Chapter 18: The Soul Translator
August 29, 2025 (GMT +8)