Lina asked, as she entered the new room. Anyone here?
This room was one of the most interesting. At the beginning, where Lina was, it was very bright, as though a strong light was shining upon it- though no lamp nor anything of the kind was present. The light slowly lessened further across the room, then darkened. The end of the room couldn't be seen, for it was pitch black there.
Anyone here? she asked again, looking around. Suddenly, she spotted a figure on the ground, in an area of mid-lighting. She was facing away, but judging by her size she would be seven or eight years of age. Her hair was brilliant and vivid, a bight orange.
The feeling of familiarity struck Lina again, even stronger than before. She rushed over to the girl.
Umm... Hello, she greeted awkwardly, as she observed the girl turning away from her.
the girl replied.
Lina studied her for a moment.
Umm... You gonna move anytime soon?
The girl shook her head.
Why not? Lina asked curiously.
I like it here. It's dark over there, she said, pointing to the darkness on the other side.
But if you don't go anywhere, you'll stay here forever. Isn't that boring?
...I like it here, the girl said again, hugging her knees.
You can't be afraid of the dark, Lina insisted. Come on! Be brave! Live for the unknown!
But when I go over there, everything's gonna change. I just wanna stay here, the girl insisted. Getting up, she began to walk across the area of mid-lighting, back and forth. See? I can move while still staying here. Why should I move in the other direction?
Because you can't be afraid of change! Lina replied. You've gotta be fearless!
You don't wanna grow up and stop adventuring, do you? the girl asked.
Lina stopped. Her eyes widened.
How- how do you know about me?! she asked.
See? You don't. So I shouldn't have to move.
Part of Lina growled in frustration, but the other side was thinking over the girl's question in a troubled sort of anxiety.
...That's different, she insisted.
No it's not, the girl retalliated. It's exactly the same. You don't wanna move on to the unknown.
What would she do for the rest of her life? Would she keep up her adventuring forever?
If not, I'd have to settle down... Maybe marry... Run a shop, perhaps?' Lina mused.
The girl looked at her.
I could teach magic, or tell stories... Or lead some sort of town guard...' she thought, unconsciously experimenting with different possibilities.
I could too grow up, Lina said suddenly. The girl stared, but Lina wasn't looking at her face. She unconsciously grabbed the girls hand, and began to walk-
I could marry...
-going a little further into the shadowy areas-
Have kids...
-feeling the girl's hand get steadily larger in hers-
Tell stories about all my heroic achievements-
-as they walked further into the unknown-
And after that, who knows? A whole world of possibilities.
-then the girl looked into her eyes. Lina's eyes widened as she recognized the face that she saw.
You- you're... me?
In an instant, a flood of understanding slammed into Lina full-force, as she pieced everything together.
Then that girl- the boys- the king and queen- everyone- the house of cards, the painting, the mask... they're all-'
~
And suddenly, Lina Inverse woke up.
Huh? What?! she asked in confusion as she sat bold upright. Blinking, she slowly gained realization of her surroundings. She yawned.
That- all of that just now- it was just a dream?' she mused, bewildered, as memories of the dream in question returned to her.
No, not really,' a voice told her in amusement. Just something that needed to be done. You discovered something, didn't you?'
Lina nodded.
Because now she understood.