Connected Memories

“Mana? Are you alright?” Brendan asked.

She stared straight ahead, a look of shock on her face. Lacia was alright. She couldn’t believe it. It had been nearly a month since her disappearance. Just knowing she was ok filled Mana with a revived passion.

“She’s ok,” Mana said softly.

“Sorry, I didn’t catch that. One more time?” Mana turned around to face Brendan, tears of happiness streaming down her face.

Brendan took a small step back. “If this is about last night, I’m sorry,” he exclaimed. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Confusion crossed Mana's face. “Huh? Wha– Oh, no. These tears aren’t about last night. That wasn’t your fault, Brendan. I’m sorry for dragging you into my emotional wreck of a life,” she said apologetically. “These are tears of happiness. Lacia is ok and I know where she is.”

“Seriously?! That’s incredible! Where is she?”

“She’s with another person, but they’re at the border of the Kingdom of Gila. That’s northwest of here and the westernmost point of Alura.”

The screen-door of the porch slid open with a soft whoosh. Licht appeared in the doorway, a look of surprise on his face as well. “Did I hear you say you know where Lacia is?” he asked.

Brendan nodded. “Yeah, we know where she is now. The border of Alura and–”

“We leave in the morning, if that’s ok with you two?” Mana interrupted. “Besides, there’s something I need to…” Her voice began to ebb as she swayed uneasily back and forth, Licht barely catching her before she collided with the screen door. Beads of sweat crossed Mana’s forehead. She looked up, but the ceiling began to spin, colors spilling and mixing together. She shut her eyes. If she didn’t, she'd probably vomit all over Brendan and Licht.

“Mana? What’s wrong?” Brendan called. He sounded light years away.

“Please make it stop,” she whined. “I can’t do this–” She reached out, hoping to find a hand to grip, but her arm flailed in the empty air. Panic overtook her as Brendan and Licht's voices dissolved into nothingness. She felt like she was being carried away–somewhere distant.

A white room slowly came into focus. Shifting palettes of color dotted the blank scenery. There was no end to the expanse of the strange room. Mana slowly lifted her head up, water trickling from the ends of her hair.

“What is this place?” she wondered aloud.

A familiar voice echoed through the room. “She has begun to refine her gift if you’ve come to this place,” it emphasized.

“I know that voice,” Mana mumbled. “Omnis?”

Mana examined the white rose petals floating at her feet as gently brushed her ankles. She hadn’t noticed the water at first, but it felt pleasantly ambient–neither hot nor cold. The surface of the water could have been mistaken for glass had it not rippled when she moved. Examining herself in the reflection, she tilted her head to one side. One of the floating palettes of color drifted over to her, slowly unfolding itself in a flurry of picturesque images.

“What is that?” Mana asked. “It seems vaguely familiar, but I don’t know why…”

The scene in front of her resembled a floating puddle. She reached out, gently tapping the shimmering image with her finger. In a supernova of color, warmth, and emotion, Mana found herself standing in the middle of an abandoned amusement park. Night had already enveloped the fairgrounds. The only light came from a full moon overhead, illuminating her surroundings in a milky-white luminescence.

“I might as well figure out where I am,” she said to herself. “I feel like there’s something I’m meant to see, but why am I here?”

The night air embraced her as she walked past rusted carousels and disheveled tents. In the middle of the fairgrounds stood a Ferris wheel. She placed her hand on a blue cart. Sadness washed over her in waves as tears welled in her eyes. She pulled away, brushing the tears away with the backs of her hands.

An orange cart caught her attention. Inside, a small bracelet rested on the cracked leather seats. With a little effort, she managed to pry the door open. The bracelet was in perfect condition. Silver beads gleamed in the moonlight, dazzling beautifully. She picked it up and took a seat, carefully examining the piece of jewelry. On the end was a diamond-shaped locket.

“I wonder if there’s anything in here… Huh?”

A small picture fell out. It was perfectly folded to fit. On the back was a message: 

To my best friend in the whole entire world.

To the girl I look up to most.

To my favorite person ever.

To you, Mana.

Emotions crashed into Mana like a tidal wave, threatening to drown her in the undertow. She turned the picture over to the front. Her eyes grew as wide as the full moon. There she was, in the very same cart, but next to her was another girl–Lacia. She was smiling, her perfect white teeth taking center stage. Mana donned a small smile. Her eyes gave off a look of content despite the small, cramped cabin. The sun shone through the window at a perfect angle, creating a brilliant rainbow-colored lens flare.

“We looked so happy. How could I have forgotten this memory of all things?” She fitted the picture back inside the locket, closing it with a small snap. “Now I know what I’ve been feeling all this time.” She pressed a hand against the interior. A soothing warmth spread throughout her body, happiness filling her heart. A long-forgotten memory flashed across her mind.

Lacia was pointing at the Ferris wheel. A pink fluff of cotton candy waving back and forth through the air took the place of her pointer finger. Mana gave a reluctant smile as Lacia dragged her along.

Noticing she hadn’t moved from her spot despite Lacia clearly grabbing her hand, Mana yelled out. Confusion and worry encroaching into her voice.

“Lacia, wait for me,” she pleaded. “Laci… a… Wait. Is that me?” Mana realized she was looking at herself, a memory from four years ago. She was so focused on Lacia she didn’t realize she wasn’t physically there.

“I see…” Mana said, disappointed.

Lacia’s voice snapped her back to attention. “Hey, let’s go check the pier out after this. I’ve always wanted to watch the sun set over the ocean,” she said. “I think that would be a perfect way to end summer break.” Mana’s younger self nodded in agreement as they climbed into the orange cart, the summer sun transforming the orange paint into a brilliant, blazing, bronze.

“It’s a totally different experience from this perspective,” Mana thought. “I can’t believe I forgot how much I cherished this memory.” She rushed to climb into the cart, following behind her and Lacia’s younger selves.

As the Ferris wheel began to lift into the sky, Lacia pulled a small bracelet from her shoulder bag. Mana quickly realized it was the same bracelet she had picked up earlier, minus the picture that had yet to be taken. Clasping it between her hands, Lacia held the bracelet up to her heart. She turned to face the window, hiding a smile from Mana as she slipped the bracelet back into her bag.

“We’re almost at the top–let’s take a picture! I don’t want to forget today,” Lacia said, leaning forward.

“Mmm,” Mana noted in agreement. “I don’t want to forget either. I want to cherish these moments forever.”

Tears filled Mana’s eyes as she watched them take the picture she had forgotten about. “I feel like such a jerk. Here I am saying I don’t ever want to forget, yet I went and forgot. What kind of best friend does that?”

The two girls giggled until the Ferris wheel finally completed its revolution. Vibrant purples, reds, and oranges burned across the sky in a fiery display of passion that seemed to echo the same fervor Mana and Lacia had for each other. As the evening crowd began to thin, the girls departed for the pier to watch the setting sun. Golden light gleamed through the clouds, casting a warm glow across everything the sun’s rays touched.

Several couples lined the edge of the pier, admiring the watercolors the setting sun was painting in the sky. One girl seemed especially fond of the evening’s sunset, tugging at her boyfriend’s hand as she pointed at the colorful clouds.

“I wish I could have someone like that." She had always longed for something real like that. She couldn’t help but feel incomplete without Lacia there by her side at such a crucial moment.

Reaching the end of the pier, Lacia instructed Mana to ditch her shoes. “Wouldn’t want a strap to randomly break and lose a shoe, right? Besides, feeling the sea-breeze on your feet is a feeling unlike any other,” Lacia explained. Mana did as instructed.

“Say, Lacia… What would you say your favorite moment of the summer has been so far?” Mana asked, curiously. Lacia pondered over the question for a moment before she gave her answer.

“This one. Right here. Right now,” she said smiling as she leaned in closer to Mana.

The scene shifted into blurs of white haze as Mana found herself back in the white room where she started. Trails of memories continued to swirl around in various complex patterns. A shallow bed of water greeted her as she gazed into her own eyes through the reflection. Small tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

“Do you understand now?” A voice came.

“What was that?” Mana asked, holding back tears, ignoring the question.

“A memory, one of your most cherished.”

“Yeah, I got that much, but how was I able to see that and where am I?”

“This is the Hall of Memories. Only those deemed worthy are allowed in here, but even fewer do I allow conversation with me.”

The sound of sloshing water edged closer to Mana, still processing everything. She wiped away tear after tear, but they refused to cease.

“Let’s get you fixed up, shall we?”

A golden-orange glow engulfed Mana. It was comfortingly warm and overflowing with abundant mana. Her clothes stripped bare revealing perfectly toned skin in the golden shimmer. She outstretched her arms, watching as the mana condensed, creating abstract spiral patterns along her skin that glowed with a brilliant luminescence. The familiar rush of wind around her body lifted her off the ground again, seeking to finish the job it was unable to complete the first time.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Her chocolate-brown hair slowly dissolved into a shade of blonde–the color of stardust. Generously, the mana braided her hair like that of royalty. The wind began to draw the mana into a condensed vortex as it swirled around her–faster and faster.

“This is incredible…” she thought, her mind clear.

A beautiful gold and brown dress began to take shape, fitting her curves to a T. Golden ruffles formed a skirt in the front that cut off at mid-thigh, revealing a second layer of platinum-colored lace. The back stretched slightly further, brushing the backs of her knees as sleeves began to shimmer on her arms–a satin brown laced with gold at the wrists. The dress laced itself in the back with threads of shimmering light that dulled to a gorgeous golden satin, tightening themselves enough to secure the dress from the back. Ruffles donned the top of the dress near her shoulders, creating a second layer of finely-weaved fabric. A satin corset hugged her abdomen, complimenting her curves even further. The occasional fwip could be heard as her corset fitted itself comfortably on her body, giving her breasts a slight boost in support.

Brown leather heels adorned her feet, ankle straps crossing her open arches. Gold trim lined the outside of the shoe as a small block heel in the back offered her an extra inch in height.

The rush of wind and swirling mana began to slow as they offered one last facial touch-up. Sparkling golden eyeshadow and liner highlighted her emerald-green irises. Her eyelashes straightened themselves as they grew in length, boldening in color without the use of mascara. The final traces of mana etched a pale magenta onto her cheeks, promoting her cheekbones as the rest of her face filled with color. Settling on her lips, the mana gave a small plump as they reddened to a vibrant, rosy color.

Mana finally settled to her feet, her shoes creating a small splash in the watery floor. She examined herself in a newly cast reflection as she slowly opened her eyes. Unable to recognize herself, she turned around to face a humanoid figure bathed in white light standing before her.

“Did.. you…?”

“Yes. You’ll need it where you’re going,” the figure replied, answering Mana’s question. “As one final gift, I have also restored your magical circuits to their prior fully-functional state. Now, cast a wind spell,” it commanded.

“A… wind spell?” Mana said, uncertainly. Before she could ask how to cast such a thing, a new memory presented itself in front of her. Drifting through the remaining breeze, the memory-bubble shimmered and dissolved as it reached her chest.

“Oh… I see.”

She closed her eyes, channeling the mana around her. Whatever the Hall of Memories was, it was brimming with magical energy. Gravity seemed to weigh her down as the mana quickly pooled and condensed, raising the atmospheric pressure around her. Visible wind currents rotated around a singularity between her hands.

“Now, aim it at me, if you would,” the figure said, “and fire.” 

Mana opened her eyes as she stared at the spiraling sphere of wind she had created. She took a deep breath and loosed the spell. “Viernius.”

The sphere howled through the air unleashing a sonic boom. A loud clap thundered through the hall as it landed a direct hit on the white figure. Wind rushed out in every direction, nearly knocking Mana back as she raised her arms to block the gusts that rushed back at her.

“Very impressive. You have much talent, Mana Lhumin. Yes, you are ready at last.”

Out of breath, “Ready?”

“Do you not recall our prior conversation?” the figure of light asked.

“So…” she trailed off. “You are Omnis–the one I’ve been speaking to after all.”

The figure seemed to shimmer as it chuckled. “Indeed. I am the one you’ve been calling Omnis. You’ll understand much more when the time comes.”

Omnis pointed a finger, motioning for Mana to look up. A small beam of light shot from the tip of Omnis' finger, fading several seconds later. What had been an untouched ceiling of pearly white suddenly began to shift, blocks migrating from one section to another.

“Do you remember when we first spoke? It has been quite some time now,” Omnis offered up.

“Are you talking about after the earthquake?” Mana replied, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

“Close. After you first arrived in Seria.”

Surprise found its way onto Mana’s face. It felt like eternity since she first arrived in Seria with Brendan and Licht. She scoured the corners of her mind, trying to remember what had been said. Realizing where she stood, she gasped.

Mana recited the riddle she was given aloud: “Under a bed of water I lay in waiting. I can be seen twice a day. Find what you cherish most and unlock the door to the grand maze.”’ A smile spread across Omni’s face. “This is what you mean, isn’t it? This is the grand maze,” Mana said excitedly.

The faux ceiling above Mana resembled that of a starry sky–one unlike she had ever seen. Stars shone with a ferocious magnitude as meteors streaked across the sky. A dazzling full moon cast its pearly glow around her.

Silence hung in the air for several seconds before Omnis spoke. “I’m afraid not, but that was a very good guess. Give it a little more thought.”

Another minute passed before Mana gave her second guess. Stooping down, her dress trailed in the water where it floated on the surface. She placed the fingers of her right hand on the surface of the water, lines of mana spreading out across the watery floor like an emerald topography map.

“That’s what I thought…” she said slowly. Her fingers broke the glassy surface, slowly inching deeper until her arm was elbow-deep. She felt around until her fingers grasped something solid hidden beneath the surface.

“Under a bed of water,”’ she recited, as she slowly pulled a golden band from the water. Engraved around the circumference of the band was what looked to be an ancient script. She was unable to read it, however.

“Do not forget the rest of what I told you and complete your quest,” Omnis said, satisfied. “You must hurry and reconnect with your friends. This will be the last time I can assist you. Good luck, Mana Lhumin.” A shimmering doorway appeared behind her. “Take that doorway back. Your journey has only just begun,” Omni’s voice echoed as it faded away.

Mana watched as Omni melded into the background of the white hall. Turning around to face the doorway, she marched on, a newfound determination stirring a fire in her heart and soul.

“So remind me why we’re dressed like nobles again,” Brendan said, pulling at the collar of his robes.

“Do I really have to explain it again?” Mana whined.

The moment she stepped through the doorway, her new plan was set into motion. Her reunion with Lacia was closing in, but so was something else–something dark.

Mana hurriedly packed their belongings into the car, setting off for the Kingdom of Gila that afternoon. She tried her best to explain everything that had happened with Omnis including the memories and the engraved band, but all Brendan and Licht could do was stare at her which made her uncomfortable–part of the reason she decided to change. It was an even greater pain trying to find appropriate clothes for them.

'You’ll need it where you’re going.' The only explanation she could come up with was that the Kingdom of Gila was apparently very formal. She’d never visited the actual kingdom itself. She just knew they were friendly people, or at least she hoped so, considering recent events.

“Then tell me why we have to wear this stuff and you don’t anymore?” Brendan complained, referencing Licht and himself.

Of course, Mana knew better than to ruin her new outfit, but the weather had turned into a sauna. Her outfit was far less breathable than theirs. Besides, it was punishment for their ogling her. She would tell them later. For now, she just let them suffer.

“Is the heat messing with your brain, Brendan? You’re normally pretty sharp,” Mana said, focusing on the drive. Thankfully, everything north and west of the quake and tsunami were mostly spared.

“Real funny, Mana,” Brendan retorted. “Anyways, what’s the plan when we meet up with Lacia?”

She pondered the question for a moment; she wasn’t sure what her reunion with Lacia would bring. “Honestly, I’m not sure. All I ca say is that this band and Lacia are connected somehow,” she said, grabbing it from the side door pocket.

Speaking up, “I’m really glad you two are having such a heart to heart moment here, but could you kindly focus on the road?” Licht asked.

“Dude, there’s literally no one else on the road. What are you so worried about?” Brendan said light-heartedly. “Look, we’ll be there by tomorrow evening. Until then, let’s map out the kingdom before the satellites come crashing down, too.”

“What do you mean 'too?' Mana asked, suddenly concerned.

“It was a joke. You two are way too on-edge today.” Brendan locked eyes with Mana in the rearview mirror. “Hey, you look tired. Pull over. I’ll drive.”

“Are you sure? I mean, I can at least get us to the next town.”

“It’s fine. I’ll drive, Licht can take the front seat and you can stretch out in the back. Sound good?”

She sighed. “Fine, I guess. Thanks, Brendan,” she said, pulling onto the side of the road. “Do you know how to get to Gila?”

Chuckling, “Yep. Don’t worry. Licht and I can handle things from here. Get some rest and we’ll wake you up in a couple hours,” Brendan said as Mana swapped seats with Brendan.

“Ok, ok,” she said. “There’s more to the story, but I’ll explain tonight. Hope you don’t mind a warm seat,” she said jokingly.

The heat of the day eventually broke like a fever, the sun settling below the horizon. Dusk settled in quietly for the evening. City lights grew brighter as the evening progressed, but the streets remained clear of much traffic. It was almost like quarantine without the disease.

Brendan checked the time on the car radio–half past seven. Mana was still sound asleep in the back seat. He figured he'd let her sleep, considering everything she had been through that morning. Licht's laptop reflected in the passenger-side window. Street names and city capitals were scribbled across a map of Gila.

“How’s it coming over there?” Brendan asked, briefly glancing over.

“Just finished actually. Gila is mostly rural from what I can see. The layout of the entire kingdom seems to be made up of multiple ruling families,” Licht briefly explained. “However, I was looking at a population density map and was cross-referencing energy usage, but the data doesn’t line up.”

“What do you mean?”

“The energy usage throughout the entire kingdom has dropped significantly since the start of the year, but there hasn’t been a recorded decline in population to support such a drop.”

Brendan glanced in the rearview mirror, watching Mana’s body rise and fall as she slept. Their conversation hadn’t disturbed her yet.

“We haven't given you the full rundown on Lacia yet, but all of this crazy stuff has revolved around her–even since before we met. Whether or not it’s all coincidence, I have no idea,” Brendan said. “What I do know is this: Something is happening and no one has any idea what it is and that scares me, honestly.”

Licht closed the laptop, putting it away. “Let’s go over what we do know. First; the extreme weather and natural disasters. Second; Lacia’s disappearance," he paused, recalling the last few weeks. "Finally, we have Omnis and the Hall of Memories."

“Don’t forget the disturbance Madame Lucero felt,” Brendan added. “Whatever is going on, it’s way bigger than all of us. How we solve this, I wish I had the answer to.”

A small groan emanated from the back seat as Mana shifted around in the confined space of the car. As quickly as she'd settled into a new position, she fell back to sleep. Licht pulled a small blanket from a bag in the floorboard, laying it over Mana. Despite the recent scorching summer days, the nights were still pleasantly cool.

“She’ll probably be out until late. Maybe we should just keep going,” Licht suggested, as he returned his attention back to the front. “I don’t mind taking over for a while.”

The lights of the city were now behind them as they drove on into the coming night, an eerily empty highway ahead of them.

“That works for me,” Brendan said. “It’s almost eight at night now, so I’ll take over again around one in the morning. Sound good?”

“Fine by me,” Licht replied. “So… do you just wanna quickly hop seats or–”

“Absolutely not, dude. I’d rather not know how that ends.”

“Still a killjoy, I see.”

“Shut up,” Brendan laughed.