The morning sun spilled over the cliffs as Eiji, Lyra, Kael, and Pyra made their way down the winding path from the Temple of Echoes. Mist drifted through the trees, and the sound of running water followed them like soft music.
Eiji adjusted his cloak and sighed. "So, that was traumatizing but educational. I think I learned something valuable."
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Which part?"
"That I should never trust talking architecture again."
Pyra snorted in amusement. "That's the lesson you took away? Brilliant."
Kael led the way through the forest with silent precision. "We need to reach the northern plains by nightfall. The next seal is rumored to lie beneath the ruins of Vaelmar."
Eiji frowned. "Ruins again? Why is it always ruins? Why not a nice tavern or a bakery for once?"
Lyra grinned. "Because saving the world rarely involves pastries."
"Maybe it should," Eiji muttered.
The path opened into a meadow of tall grass and shimmering flowers that swayed with faint traces of magic. It looked peaceful, almost too peaceful.
That was when they heard a voice.
"Eiji."
The group froze.
Eiji turned slowly. A girl stood at the edge of the field, sunlight framing her in gold. She wore travel-worn clothes, her long hair tied loosely, and her eyes—bright violet—seemed to glow faintly.
"Who are you?" Eiji asked cautiously.
She smiled softly. "So it's true. You really don't remember me."
Lyra leaned toward Pyra and whispered, "Oh no. Is this an ex from a past life?"
Pyra smirked. "If it is, this should be entertaining."
Eiji blinked in confusion. "Wait, what? No, I've never seen her before in my life."
The girl stepped closer, eyes shimmering with emotion. "You wouldn't remember. The cycle erased everything. But I was there… when the world burned."
Kael's hand went to his sword. "Explain yourself."
"My name is Selene," she said. "I was your guardian in your past life. When the last Oracle fell, I was cursed to wander until you returned. And now that you have, the seals are awakening again."
Eiji's mind spun. "So you're saying you knew me when I was the previous Oracle?"
Selene nodded. "I swore to protect you then. I intend to keep that promise now."
Lyra crossed her arms. "Okay, that's both romantic and suspicious."
Eiji stared at Selene, unsure whether to feel flattered or terrified. "You've been… cursed for centuries just waiting for me?"
"Time is strange under the curse," she said softly. "But when the First Seal broke, I felt it. I felt you awaken."
Pyra circled her warily. "She's telling the truth. I can feel the same energy around her as the seals."
Kael lowered his sword slightly but didn't relax. "If she's been bound to your fate, then the Shadow Guild will come for her too."
Selene looked up at the sky, her voice barely above a whisper. "They already have."
As if on cue, a shadow moved across the grass. Figures in black cloaks emerged from the trees, their faces hidden behind silver masks.
"Shadow Guild," Kael said, drawing his blade.
Eiji groaned. "Why does this always happen after dramatic reveals?"
The masked figures raised their hands, and tendrils of dark energy shot forward. Lyra threw down a potion, releasing a burst of green smoke that sent the magic scattering.
Pyra flared brightly, forming a ring of flame around them. "You'll have to get through me first."
Selene lifted her staff, light radiating from the crystal at its tip. "Stay behind me, Eiji."
But Eiji shook his head. "No. Not this time."
The medallion at his chest glowed, and runes appeared across the air. The power of the Temple still lingered within him.
He stepped forward, light surging from his hands. "If I really was the Oracle before… then maybe I can act like one now."
The light expanded, colliding with the dark energy. A brilliant flash filled the meadow, followed by silence.
When it cleared, the Guild's agents were gone. Only scorched grass and drifting motes of light remained.
Eiji swayed on his feet, dizzy. "Okay, that was cool. And exhausting. Mostly exhausting."
Selene caught him before he fell. "You're stronger than before. The echoes are awakening within you."
Eiji looked up at her, half smiling. "Great. Let's hope they come with a manual next time."
Lyra laughed and patted his shoulder. "At least you didn't accidentally blow up the entire field. Progress."
Kael sheathed his sword and looked north. "We move before more arrive. The Guild won't stop after this."
Eiji nodded, glancing once more at Selene. She smiled faintly, her eyes full of quiet sadness and something else—hope.
And though he didn't remember her, something deep inside him whispered that this meeting was destiny.