World 1.4

The interior of the temple is well-lit by what look to be glowing balls of light affixed to the walls and pillars. Leading up from the entryway to the altar is a blue carpet lined with golden fringes, and the pews at either side of it are painted (or at least stained) a dark red.

There are a few people milling about, dressed in white robes bearing the same crest as the guards' tunics, but in yellow. Maybe they're priests?

And among them (well, in the same general area, even if she's alone) is a figure Yuri knows well.

"Kaoru-chan..?"

Her long waves of midnight black hair are tied up in a high ponytail, but clothes aside, it's definitely Kaoru. She'd recognize those deep green eyes anywhere.

Set and Circ walk her over to the dark-haired priestess.

"Lady Priestess," Circ begins, "would you be so kind as to assist us in finding this girl's family?"

Kaoru the priestess looks at Yuri for a long moment and then smiles.

"Certainly," she answers. "First, I'll need to ascertain her identity." She extends her hand palm-up just as Circ did roughly thirty minutes prior. A green light pulsates around it as Set and Circ release Yuri's hands.

Cautiously, Yuri steps forward. She is slow and wary, yet Kaoru's kind expression remains unchanged. She gives Kaoru her hand.

This might be uncomfortable, she hears Andromeda warn, but there's no time for anything else. I'll protect the memories of your Kaoru, so bear with it for a bit.

For just a moment, Yuri feels lightheaded. She falls forward, and is vaguely aware of Kaoru steadying her. Her vision is spotty, eyes glassy as Kaoru's magic takes effect. The priestess says something to Set, and then suddenly Yuri feels cold.

It's as if she'd walked under an A/c on a hot summer day.

Finally, her vision fades. Her eyes droop closed and she loses consciousness.