Chapter 12: Meeting of The Minds

Harmony and Vault sat around the campfire in their cave home in silence. They were taking some time to process what they had just been through. Another person from their world wanted to take them out.

When she had initially met Vault, both of them were cautious of each other. They were worried that one might try to take the other one out, but after spending some time with each other they realized neither one of them would really have the heart to do it.

Out of survival and if the situation demanded it, maybe… If just given the choice to spare the other they definitely would. Basically it was not something either one of them would actively be trying to achieve. Attempting to wipe out the competition in order to get through this game.

In the mental world Felicia stared into the pond water at her own reflection. She was beginning to ponder on the idea that if this place could turn someone from her world into a much darker person, what was stopping it from doing it to her?

Felicia noticed Eunice was still sulking with her back to her. Her sadness had always both literally and figuratively been at the back of her mind. Something kept interrupting her, but there was nothing stopping her now. She let out a sigh before calling out to the goddess. “H-Hi…Um…Can we please just have a normal conversation?”

Eunice perked up a little and Felicia continued speaking. “Neither one of us is going to get far in this game. No, forget winning or losing this game…We need to be able to just get through the day at least. I know we both aren’t exactly buddy buddy…There's something both of us want out of this right?”

Eunice nodded. “I had been mistreated my entire life by the other divine beings. I was never really shown any signs of kindness. All I saw were beings who believed they were above everyone and everything. They would just use each other to accomplish goals.”

Eunice turned her head slightly so she could see Felicia out of the corner of her eye. “I did not like it. It was all I've ever known, so I've tried to treat you the same way. You expressed your disapproval early on and I tried to change.”

She bit her lip. “I still failed…I keep finding myself reverting back to that same mindset and that way of thinking. The crafting boy and you… I cannot stop seeing both of you as just a means to an end. I don't want to think that way anymore.”

Felicia gave her a guilty look. “Honestly, I can't blame you for thinking that way sometimes. There are times I'm worried about the things you say and do changing me. Occasionally, I can feel what you feel, and it's horrible.”

Felicia shuddered a little when she said those last words before continuing. “I truly am sorry you had to go through that. If you're willing, I would like to hear a bit more about your past. I think that's a good place to start.”

Eunice stared down at her reflection in the water. It wasn't much to look at, she thought. “In their eyes I was never much to look at.”

The water around them showed shadowy silhouettes of many people. Felicia looked around amazed that the mental world could show images from each other’s memories in such a way.

Eunice pointed at a shadowy figure of herself. She traveled through rocky terrains, hid from monsters, and climbed trees while gathering items in bags. “I never had any abilities of my own, unlike the other divine beings. I thought if I did favors for them, made myself useful by going on quests to get things they needed, I could at least make a connection with them.”

Felicia saw the silhouette being pushed around, kicked, and constantly pleading with people while giving away items she found. “Over and over again…Time after time…I was used, betrayed and tossed aside. My time scouring this world allowed me to acquire a set of knowledge, but at the end of the day I don't really have anyone I want to help using it.”

Tears formed in her eyes. “I can't even use it to fix my own problems. Then the game started and I had an opportunity. I found you and thought everything would change for me. The little scavenger who scoured the world looking for a friend.”

She turned to face Felicia. “I thought I found someone who could represent everything I struggled for. After our short time together, I'm not exactly sure what to make of our connection…Do you hate me?”

Felicia looked down at the pond below her. A ripple spread from her little island across the water and changed the scenery. It told a similar story. It showed silhouettes of parents ignoring a silhouette of a young version of Felicia.

“I also had people who didn't really care much for me. My own parents didn't really pay much attention, nor did they really try to spend any time with me. I already told you my story of how I felt…And…I meant it when I said I don't want anyone going through that…”

The silhouettes of both their bad memories spread across the water and both girls turn to face each other. Felicia gave Eunice a determined look.“I'm not going to earn your trust just like that, and there's no way for us to just shake off all the bad experiences we've been through. All I'm asking for is to give me time and a chance.”

She placed a hand over her heart. “Don't forget! You Found Me! I’ll do whatever it takes to be the one thing you were searching for! This isn't about winning the game nor just surviving! we need to be there for each other through it all! We are going to make mistakes, but we can’t give up on ourselves or each other!”

Eunice was left speechless by her words. Ripples spread across the water from both of their little Islands and dispersed all the dark silhouettes across the water. It had now returned to just being normal water once again.

Eunice gave her a little smile. “Alright, just one more time… I'll give someone a chance.”