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Chapter 2: The Return
When Daniel lifted his head, he realized something immediately. The sunlight… it wasn't right. It was dimmer than it should be. The shapes of the trees… all identical, repeating endlessly. Daniel focused, determined to uncover what was happening.
As he began searching, he noticed the animals… they were all the same, moving in circles, and the birds seemed to fly in repeating loops. Nothing felt natural; it was as if the forest itself were breathing, reacting to his presence in a strange, unsettling way.
For a moment, Daniel doubted himself:
"Is this real?! No… am I even real?!"
After realizing what he was thinking, he slapped his own face to refocus. As he carefully looked around, he saw a shadow moving between the trees. His eyes couldn't leave it. Something… unbelievable… was there, but he didn't dare approach. He wanted to look away… to run… but he couldn't. What was he seeing?!
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It was a massive black shadow, towering and immense. Its head was small, its arms unnaturally long, almost brushing the ground. Its fingers were long and sharp like spears. Its legs were impossibly long, disappearing into the darkness, yet somehow he could still see them.
But… what was this strange feeling?! He felt like he had seen this before. Somehow, it seemed familiar.
Before Daniel could think further, the creature suddenly spoke:
"Chosen one… I have found you… beware, they are close… the ****… Prepare your memories…"
"W-what?!"
"What was that?!"
"Chosen one?! I've heard this before… yes, I am the Chosen One!! Wait… who is hunting me? Who the hell are you?!" he shouted loudly, but his voice was useless.
A blinding white light erupted, overwhelming his senses, and he lost consciousness within seconds.
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When Daniel slowly opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a beautiful white cat… Wait… was it a cat?! No, it was more like a small fox, with golden eyes and a soft, furry tail, sitting atop him.
He smiled faintly and said:
"Hello, little one… I've returned."
Then he whispered to himself softly:
"Maybe…"
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Daniel examined his surroundings and checked himself carefully. He knew the strange creature intimately—the spiritual being that had been with him throughout his life, or rather, through his past lives.
After surveying the area, he paused for a moment, then looked up at the ceiling and sighed heavily, thinking to himself, "It seems… it's back." Yes, Daniel's memories had returned.
The strange creature suddenly opened its eyes and looked at its companion with a long gaze filled with mixed emotions. Sadness? Joy? Longing? Anger?! He couldn't tell, yet he was happy to see the creature.
Daniel let out a wide smile and said,
"It's been a long time, hasn't it?!"
Then he added,
"How are you?! Sylvia."
Yes, the creature's name was Sylvia.
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