Questioning the Superiors

I was overwhelmed with emotions when I heard the girl's name, Ais. It felt like a flood of feelings washed over me, and I became lost in a maze of thoughts, desperately trying to piece together my memories.

The memories in my mind played games, teasing me with fleeting glimpses and faint whispers. I couldn't help but wonder who she was. How could I have a sister when I had no recollection of ever having one? These questions echoed in my mind, causing confusion and disbelief.

It felt like there was a missing part of my life, leaving behind a void that I wanted to fill with answers and understanding.

Looking at Ais, I felt a deep concern, prompting me to share my confusion with her. The words hesitated on my tongue, but I couldn't hold them back. They came out quietly, reflecting both bewilderment and sincerity.

"I'm really sorry, Ais," I said, my voice trembling with genuine remorse. "I honestly don't remember ever having a sister. However, there's something about you that feels strangely familiar, like an echo from a distant memory."

Ais's expression changed subtly, and tears welled up in her eyes. It seemed like my words struck a chord within her, evoking her own emotions.

Regret immediately washed over me for causing her pain. It wasn't my intention, but the truth had to be spoken.

Her sadness pierced through my heart, and I had an overwhelming urge to comfort her. I instinctively reached out, extending my hand towards hers as a gesture of solace and support.

"I'm truly sorry, Ais," I interrupted hastily, my voice filled with sincerity. "I never meant to upset you. Please forgive me. We'll go through this together and find the truth."

Ais nodded, allowing her tears to flow freely, marking the path of her vulnerability. I embraced her, offering whatever comfort I could, and our shared uncertainty brought us closer as family.

In that profound moment, I realized that even though my memories were blurry, the unbreakable bond of sisterhood seemed to transcend the limitations of recollection.

It was like a flickering flame of connection, a testament to the deep love and shared experiences that existed beyond forgotten moments.

After a while, Riveria, with her unwavering determination, gently interrupted, her voice filled with purpose and unwavering resolve. "Let's get going," she suggested, conveying a sense of direction and determination with her words.

She motioned for us to follow her, leading the way on the path that would unravel the mysteries of our intertwined destinies.

With Ais by my side, we navigated through the castle-like building, our footsteps echoing in the grand halls. The splendor and magnificence of the surroundings left me in awe, as if I had entered a world of unmatched beauty and grandeur.

Elaborate tapestries adorned the walls, each depicting scenes of history and grandeur, with vivid colors that told tales of heroes and legends. The craftsmanship and attention to detail were mesmerizing, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting a soft, warm glow that illuminated the corridors, enhancing the majestic atmosphere that pervaded every inch of the place.

It felt like we were stepping into a world of royalty and ancient tales, where time stood still and secrets whispered from every corner.

Each step we took was filled with anticipation, as if the castle held the key to unraveling the mystery that enveloped my past.

Finally, we stopped in front of a pair of imposing double doors, their presence commanding reverence.

Riveria, the embodiment of strength and resilience, raised her hand and knocked on the door, the sound resonating in the silence, announcing our arrival and intentions.

A deep, authoritative male voice from inside asked, "Who is it?" The anticipation grew as we waited for the response, our hearts pounding in unison.

Riveria responded with unwavering confidence, her voice carrying the weight of our purpose. "It's me, Riveria. I have brought the two children with me," she declared, her words filled with authority and determination.

"Come in," the voice commanded, its tone infused with authority and curiosity. My heart raced as we prepared to step into the room behind those imposing doors, bracing myself for the revelations that awaited us.

With unwavering determination, Riveria pushed open the heavy doors, revealing the room beyond, a realm of possibilities and undisclosed secrets.

She motioned for Ais and me to enter alongside her, our eyes widening with anticipation as we crossed the threshold into the unknown.

As we entered the room, I saw a short blonde figure and a bearded dwarf eagerly waiting for us. Their presence alone demanded attention, and I couldn't help but feel intrigued and curious, as if a wave of possibilities washed over me.

The blonde figure exuded authority, displaying regal poise and a confident aura that captivated the room.

Every movement and gesture seemed deliberate, as if they held the power to unlock the doors of our past and shed light on the shadows that obscured our identities.

Meanwhile, the dwarf stood tall, radiating wisdom and inherent power. His eyes gleamed with a spark of knowledge, hinting at the depths of his understanding and the significant role he might play in unraveling our intertwined stories.

In that moment, as I stood before these mysterious figures, concern mixed with curiosity within me. I couldn't help but wonder what roles they would play in unraveling the enigma of my true identity.

Little did I know, their presence would soon take us on a journey, a journey that would reshape our lives forever and bring forth the answers we desperately sought.

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As we confronted the two men, the scrutinizing gaze of the blonde individual fell upon Ais and me. His sharp eyes seemed to penetrate our very souls, searching for concealed truths.

I couldn't help but feel a mixture of nerves and curiosity as I met his intense stare. "Wow, someone's giving me the laser-eyed treatment. I must be quite the mystery to unravel."

Finally, breaking the silence, the blonde man spoke. "I am Finn Deimne, captain of the Loki Familia," he introduced himself, his voice commanding yet not devoid of warmth.

"And this," he continued, gesturing towards the bearded dwarf standing beside him, "is Gareth Landrock, first-class adventurer and a top executive of the Loki Familia."

I quipped inwardly, 'Captain Finn and his bearded companion. They look like they mean business, but I hope they're not all seriousness and no fun.'

Gareth nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze keen yet comforting. He exuded an air of experience and knowledge that commanded respect.

I couldn't help but think, "Gareth Landrock, the bearded sage of the Loki Familia. I bet he's got a treasure trove of stories and wisdom hidden beneath that majestic beard."

Finn then turned his attention to Riveria. "And lastly, this is Riveria Ljos Alf, the vice-captain of the Loki Familia," he said, his voice tinged with admiration and respect.

I couldn't resist a playful quip in my mind, 'Vice-captain Riveria, the queen of elegance and grace. I hope she's got a sense of humor too, otherwise, this might be a serious party.'

Feeling a mixture of shyness and curiosity, I timidly took a small step forward and introduced myself. "I-I'm Althea," I said, barely above a whisper. My heart raced, overwhelmed by the unknown and the presence of these influential figures.

I couldn't help but tease myself internally, 'Althea, the queen of nerves and awkward introductions. Way to make a grand entrance, girl.'

Ais, on the other hand, stood tall and spoke with a hint of defiance. "I'm Ais," she stated, her voice carrying a determination that matched her resolute gaze.

I couldn't help but admire my sister's confidence and thought, 'Ais, the fearless warrior. She's got the 'take charge' vibe down pat. I'll have to take some notes from her.'

Once the introductions concluded, Finn directed his attention towards me, his gaze filled with understanding. He seemed to sense the countless questions swirling within my mind, waiting to be voiced.

"Althea, I understand that you must have many questions," Finn began, his voice calm and reassuring. "Please, feel free to speak your mind."

I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, 'Oh boy, Finn. If you only knew the whirlwind of questions spinning in my head right now. Get ready for a quizzical hurricane.'

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts and summoned the courage to ask the burning questions that had plagued me since my awakening in this unfamiliar place.

"How... how did I end up here? And why can't I remember anything?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of confusion and frustration.

I couldn't resist a touch of sarcasm in my thoughts, 'Ah, the timeless classics of 'How Did I Get Here?' and 'Where Did My Memory Go?' I'm really hitting the memory loss jackpot, aren't I?'

Finn's wry smile revealed a touch of empathy as he listened to my words. It was as if he had anticipated my inquiries, understanding the overwhelming confusion that consumed me.

"You and Ais were discovered deep within the labyrinthine dungeon, encased in ice," he explained. "The members of the Loki Familia were the ones who found you and successfully melted the ice, saving your lives."

I couldn't help but quip in my mind, 'So, Ais and I were frozen popsicles waiting to be rescued. I hope they didn't forget the sprinkles and cherry on top.'

His words brought a mixture of relief and a new wave of questions. Relief washed over me, knowing that there were people who cared enough to rescue us from our icy prison. Yet, the origin of the ice and the reason behind my memory loss remained a frustrating enigma.

Finn continued as his voice filled with sincerity. "As for your memory loss, we still do not have a clear answer," he admitted. "We saved you, but the circumstances surrounding your amnesia remain a mystery."

I couldn't resist a sassy thought, 'Ah, the good old 'We Saved You, But We Have No Clue Why You Can't Remember Anything' story. It's like a mystery novel where the detective forgot to read the last chapter.'

Finn's words hung in the air, leaving me with a bittersweet taste of gratitude and longing. The pieces of my fragmented memory felt like scattered shards, and the more I tried to grasp them, the more they slipped away.

I couldn't help but think, 'Memories, memories, wherefore art thou? I'll be damned if I let you slip through my fingers like sand. Time to put on my memory detective hat and solve this puzzle.'

I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss, a yearning to reclaim the memories that belonged to me. Yet, at the same time, a spark of determination ignited within me. If my past was concealed, then it became my duty to unearth it, to piece together the puzzle of my own identity.

With renewed resolve, I met Finn's gaze. "Thank you for saving us and for being honest about what you know," I said, my voice laced with determination. "I won't rest until I uncover the truth about my past and find the missing pieces of my memory."

I couldn't help but think, 'Get ready, memory fragments. Althea's on a mission to gather you all up and put you back where you belong. Time to unlock the secrets of my past.'

Finn nodded, acknowledging my determination. "I admire your resolve, Althea," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and reassurance. "The Loki Familia will do everything in our power to support you in your search for answers."

I couldn't resist a mental quip, 'Well, Loki Familia, get ready for a wild ride. Althea's about to embark on the grand adventure of memory hunting. Buckle up!'

His words filled me with a glimmer of hope, knowing that I had allies in this unfamiliar world. I turned to Ais, who had been silently listening to our conversation, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I'm sorry, Ais," I said, my voice filled with honesty. "I don't remember having a sister, but that doesn't mean I don't want to know you or learn about our connection. I just... I need time."

Ais silently nodded, her expression softening with understanding as she absorbed my reasoning. It was a relief to see that she grasped the complexity of my situation, allowing me the time and space to explore my own identity.

I couldn't help but think, 'Ais, my sister in the shadows. We may be starting from scratch, but I'm determined to build something meaningful between us. Let's take this journey together, one step at a time.'