1.1 – Separation

(Lytia's first person perspective)

Slowly, I opened my eyes and realized I was in a black void.

It wasn't the usual darkness of night, but something far more unsettling. The space around me was devoid of boundaries, shapes, or anything that could give this place meaning. A sky? Walls? A floor? None of that existed. Everything felt like emptiness—absolute, consuming every thought and every sound.

And yet… I am not alone.

In front of me sat a boy. He watched me closely, as if assessing my every move, though I myself didn't know what I was supposed to do.

He had white hair—short in the front but tied back. His eyes, gleaming in this endless darkness, shone with an intense yellow hue.

He looks… familiar.

I frowned. Where was this feeling coming from? Why did I have the sense that I knew him?

— "You don't need to worry," he spoke in a calm, slightly hesitant tone. "Right now, you don't recognize me, and you don't understand what has happened to you, but that's normal."

I remained silent.

— "I don't have time for a long explanation, so I'll be direct," he continued, taking a deep breath. "You've lost your memory. It's a temporary state—your memories should return in time. Until then, you are… an empty shell without a soul."

I clenched my hands into fists. An empty shell? What is he talking about?

— "I'll leave you on the planet Terva. Living among people should help you learn something about yourself and… develop your own personality."

What is he saying?

The boy slowly stood up from the ground.

— "My name is Cethus. And you… you are Lytia."

Lytia.

That name stirred something within me, but I couldn't say why. Was it because I had heard it before?

Suddenly, a white crystal appeared in his hand. It emitted a soft, pulsating light that reflected in his eyes.

Cethus stepped closer.

— "In time, we will meet again," he said with a slight smile.

And then, he drove the crystal into me.

The pain was unimaginable.

— "AAAAAH!" A scream tore from my lips as searing, burning heat spread through my body.

I looked at my hands. The world around me blurred. With each passing second, I lost control of my body.

Nausea. Dizziness.

I collapsed to the ground.

And then, everything went black.

~~~~

I woke up in a forest.

It was night. The air was cool and damp, filled with the scent of wet earth and trees.

I jumped to my feet.

Frantically, I looked around. I was still wearing the same black dress. Instinctively, I touched the place where Cethus had driven the crystal.

No trace of it.

What did all of this mean? Wait…

I felt something.

Instinctively, I turned. I was sure I wasn't alone again.

I tensed my muscles, trying to sharpen my vision in the darkness. Then, I managed to make out someone sitting under a tree, head lowered as if they were sleeping… or waiting.

This person's aura… felt familiar. It reminded me of Cethus.

Was it him?

I stepped closer, cautiously.

I stopped in front of him and bent down slightly, resting my hands on my knees.

It's so dark—I can't make out who this person is.

No… it's not Cethus. That much I'm sure of.

Suddenly, the man opened his eyes. He looked at me—coldly, indifferently.

Oh.

I probably look like some kind of weirdo, just staring at a stranger without saying a word.

Embarrassed, I immediately stepped back and stood to the side.

He said nothing.

Slowly, he stood up, walked over to where his dark cloak lay, and casually draped it over his shoulders. He fastened his belt, adjusted his hood.

Still ignoring me.

For a moment, an awkward silence filled the air.

I didn't know what to do. I had no idea where I was or what I was supposed to do next. But what if he knew something? Maybe it wasn't a coincidence that he was here?

— "You were bound by chains, so I broke them," he finally said, his voice devoid of emotion.

His words made me pause.

Chains…?

He picked up his sword and started walking away, as if nothing more needed to be said.

And what about me? Am I just supposed to stay here?

I stood frozen, watching him leave.

He took a few steps and then stopped.

Now's my chance to ask where the nearest city is or something like that.

I gathered my courage.

— "E-excu…" I started hesitantly.

What am I doing? Why am I stuttering? Am I afraid of saying something stupid and sounding like a lost child? But… that would be the truth. I don't know where I am. I don't know what to do.

He didn't turn toward me, but I knew he was listening.

— "Thank you…" I whispered, realizing that I hadn't actually said it yet when he mentioned the chains.

Silence.

— "Where are you going now?" I added, my voice slightly more confident.

Finally, the boy turned toward me.

His gaze slowly scanned me—bare feet, a thin dress completely unfit for traveling through a forest.

Yeah, I must have looked truly pathetic.

— "I'm going to the capital," he replied after a long pause.

The capital. Perfect. Most importantly, it's a city—exactly what I need right now.

— "Can I come with you?" I blurted out immediately, not even thinking about my words.

His reaction surprised me. He didn't react at all.

Did I say something wrong…?

For a moment, he looked as if he was analyzing every word, every movement I made.

After a few seconds, he simply replied:

— "Okay."

And he started walking again.

And I—having no better choice—began to follow him, not knowing where I was or where I was headed.