Realization.

Part 1: Shizue/The Capital

Shizue

Gradually... no, maybe not gradually. Everything changed. I found myself in a place. A place... What was it called again? I must have hit my head. Anyway, I found myself alone, at the end of a road, I think, peering into what I would call an abyss. The abyss glowed brighter than literally anything I've ever seen. But it wasn't painful. It was comforting. The longer I stared at this light, more the familiar it became. And then it happened. I saw your face, shining in front of me. I told you it wasn't gradual, sorry to mislead you like that. Can you, perhaps, see me too? Or am I only a figment of your imagination? Something that you made up yourself? I wonder what I look like in your mind. It doesn't really matter. Please. Help me. Get me out of here. I'm sorry again... Oh my gosh, this is the second time I've apologized. But I'm sorry... you probably already know about that habit of mine if you've made it this far. I'll cut to the chase and quit wasting your time. I love you. So please, rescue me. Rescue... whoever I am to you. I can't do this anymore.

"'Another day in the dungeon, huh?'"

A brazen boy, at the foot of the dungeon, said loudly. Loud enough that it echoed through the cave.

"'Yeah, it's really the same thing every day, but I guess it's our job, so we have no choice.'"

A quieter, slightly fiery and harsh voice exclaimed. His face showed approval at his partners words.

"'Well, if you look at it like that, at least one of the perks is seeing the cute receptionist everyday!'"

The first boy was smiling gleefully from ear to ear, but there wasn't any substance behind it. It almost seemed forced, but his partner didn't pick up on it.

"'You're right about that one brother.'"

"'Let's head home before she finds us, you know she hates when we're here without her.'" The first boy said, speeding up his steps.

"'Ryu! Haku! Can you hear me?'" A dainty, feminine, but slightly hoarse voice echoed throughout the labyrinth.

She slowly walked towards the entrance, unsure of what lies ahead. She looked confident that someone was there. Her steps were light and airy like she was floating on clouds in her own world.

"'SHOOT! SHE FOUND US!'" the boys said in unison.

They crept back into the cave as far as they could without making any noise. But the sun started shining brighter over the trees and made its way in.

"'Did you really think you could hide? Pathetic. Sorry for startling you guys, but you know you can't do that, going off without me. What if you got hurt? What would I do then? Huh? You're sharing whatever loot you earned, too, so don't think you've gotten away.'"

The girl began scolding the two boys with a motherly voice.

"'Ahh... '" they both sighed, again in unison, while hanging their heads as she grabbed them both by the ear.

"'I was seriously worried about you guys! Sorry for doing my job as healer! What would have happened, seriously, if you got trapped without me? Look, I understand that I'm a girl and new to the party, maybe that turns you two off, but--'"

Quickly, they both shouted, "'It does not turn us off!'"

"'Ah!'" they said while turning their heads towards each other.

"'We were thinking the same thing again!'" The words escaped their lips through laughter, and they just peered at each other with a grin, with their ears still in the girl's hands.

"'Okay, I'm flattered, but let me speak. I am the most powerful healer in the capital. And I'm in your party. Why, then, would you ever think of venturing without me? Honestly? It's not like I actually care that much, though... Okay, I was worried, but don't tell Seleria!'"