"The sound of your voice is sweet
Full like the taste of date wine
And I, drunken girl in a tangle of flowers
Live only as a captive to hear it."
-AN EGYPTIAN LOVE POEM, C.1300 B.C.
𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍𑁍
"Hello?" the young woman yawns as she stretches herself out of bed.
"Mana! Where are you? For crying out loud! Your flight leaves in an hour!" her boss demands from the other side of the line.
Practically leaping towards the bathroom, the young woman shrieks, "Oh no!"
Hanging up and swearing at her alarm clock, the young woman manages to get ready in under five minutes and scrambles towards the airport, her luggage rolling behind her.
As she tells the cab that she's heading to the airport, she cannot help but chuckle to herself on why she was running late. She didn't want to wake up as she was once again dreaming of the beautiful place, filled with soft sand, a long and big gorgeous turquoise pastel river, and sweet flower scents from the garden. Then she felt the arms of someone hugging her, making her feel valued, loved, and… safe.
No matter how many times she tried, she could never see his face. This man, who held her with such grace and love, presented a dark shadow face.
Never allowing her to see who she dreamt about.
However, he wasn't the only one. There were more people she dreamt of that she never got the chance to see their faces. It was as if the only people she ever dreams of only had silhouette faces.
The woman smiled as she leaned her head on the cab's window and looked at the passing buildings. Ever since she was young she dreamt of sandy lands, hiding inside of a giant vase, and being held so high before being placed on the shoulders of someone who her heart knew she felt an immense amount of love towards.
Before she could continue to daydream more the driver announced that they had arrived. Thanking the driver after a nice tip, Mana turned around and glanced at Domino city one last time before stepping into the airport.
Something in her heart practically screamed at her that things were about to change, but as always, she continued forward bravely.
𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨𓀨
Mana whined as she stretched her arms and legs like a cat awakened from a long slumber. However, she wasn't in slumber. She had been brushing all day the pyramid's floor tiles. She slowly turned her head towards the legendary royal garden, which is just a few strides away. Though the garden was nothing but sand and rocks now, even under the red sun of late July, Mana admires what's left of the garden.
Mana's gaze slowly moves towards the desk and her lips form into a soft grin. There, sitting so proudly on the wooden desk are the newly discovered relief pieces of artwork of the nameless Pharaoh and Dark Magician Girl. Mana smiles at the process she has done since the morning.
After arriving in Egypt for her summer project to investigate the newly found palace, Mana was taken towards the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, where she was escorted to the museum's mummy preserves. There, she was permitted to see the famous nameless Pharaoh's tomb. She recalled almost crying at such sight, as if she was destined to always meet it. With the archaeologists and scientists at her side, she was allowed to touch it gently and she recalled feeling an aurora surrounding her at the moment. A spark, an ignite of fire, a beautiful deja vu. It's as if she- she was meant to do that. Only she was meant to touch this Pharaoh's tomb.
Soon after that, she was taken to the newly discovered lost palace of the nameless Pharaoh. It had taken nine years to uncover the palace but it was a groundbreaking discovery. A palace everyone had given up as lost forever within the sand's time.
She remembered gasping when she stepped within the palace's crumbling walls. It was breathtaking for her. The long hallways filled with endless secret paintings and hieroglyphics. Countless broken vases made her heart swell in pain and the shattered pillars almost made her cry. It was such a beautiful palace and from what Mana could tell, the people who lived within these walls were happy.
It brought her joy knowing that long long ago, not only was this a palace, but also a sanctuary filled with beauty, honor, and peace. They must've been so happy here, Mana muses, thinking absently of the Pharaoh and his servants. Though she wishes he lived a long happy life, she knows, after years of research, that the Pharaoh sadly departed too soon from this world.
"Need help, Mana?"
Mana stands up from the floor and smiles.
"It's alright Mr. Muto. Thank you though!"
Archaeologist Solomon Muto chuckles at Mana's bright personality. "As much as I love your enthusiasm Mana, don't you need to head back to the hotel? We're the only ones left in this palace."
"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Muto," Mana begins. "But I want to finish something so if it's no bother, I'll stay for a bit more." Mr. Muto shoots her a worried look which makes her smile widely. "Nothing to worry about Mr. Muto, I'll be okay. The sun is still up, is it not?"
Solomon thinks for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, then Mana. Please be careful and just know that security is a walkie-talkie away or outside these palace walls." Mana nods.
Solomon bids her farewell but before he can completely disappear from her sight he turns around. "Oh, Mana!" Mana immediately jogs towards him. "Yes?"
Solomon snaps his fingers as if he just recalled something. "I almost forgot. The CEO, who is also our sponsor, is coming over in a while to see the progress our team has been doing. He'll be picking up some documents on the table stand over there. If you want I can stay and-"
Mana shook her head. "No, Mr. Muto. You need to rest. Besides, isn't your grandson expecting a call from you soon?" Solomon gives her a look to which Mana grins at.
"Fine then. Take care, Mana." Solomon laughs softly before he waves at her and leaves. Mana smiles in triumph as she watches the old man go. He needed the rest, Mana thought as she turned back to her work.
Half an hour passes and as she hums expecting some scrolls she tilts her head and groans at the dull pain in her neck. She lifts her head and she catches a glimpse of a shadow in the distance, within the crumbled walls of the palace's hallway.
Mana pauses. Though she wishes for this person to scram off and to not be stepping all over her team's survey marks she remembers what Mr. Muto told her. Realizing the CEO had arrived, Mana takes her eyes off the scroll and takes off her gloves before heading over to the figure.
Mana skips cheerfully towards him, excited to know who her team expedition sponsor is. Getting closer to him the man turns gently towards her. A soft gasp escapes from her lips as she stops.
It was a young man, around her age or a little older than she was. His skin was quite pale as if he had been hidden away from the sun for too long.
He was wearing black pants and shoes with a dark midnight blue vest along. His muscular arms had golden armbands around them. However his hair, was the probably the most peculiar type of hair Mana had ever seen. His hair was all spiked up and three different colors. His hair was black with magenta edges, and golden locks fell on each side of his face, like lighting bolts.
It took every strength of her own to not touch.
However, the reason why Mana gasped was because of his eyes. Beautiful, crimson eyes. They reminded her like rubies. Oh, how she just wanted to stare at them forever. Though he had an intimidating gaze, he was also so divine. His stance which showed his full of confidence only enhanced that idea.
"Oh, you must be the CEO!" Mana cheerfully says clearing her throat as she breaks away from her train of thoughts.
The stranger stares back at her, unabashed.
"This palace… based on the limestones, was from 3000 B.C, correct?"
"Yeah!" Mana tries to recover her foolish staring at him. She wipes the beads of sweat off her forehead and replies, "You're the first who guesses correctly. We've had many people answer incorrectly as they get lost at calculating how old the palace is."
He smiles softly. Mana's heart swells up.
"You work here I assume?"
A sheepish smile paints Mana's face, "Yup, if my clothes don't give it away. Hehe." Mana gestures at the sweat-soaked tee and loose blue jeans covered in dust and sand.
The stranger doesn't respond but Mana sees in his eyes a spark of joy and fondness. He gestures around them, "Is researching ancient Egypt a passion of yours or is it some kind of dull research project?"
Mana's eyes lit up as she replied, "Oh yes! Researching ancient Egypt is my passion ever since I can recall." She paces around and eyes the structures with fondness, "My orphanage took me and the kids to some local museum, and that month the museum was displaying ancient Egyptian artifacts. Imagine the horror adults felt when four-year-old me could understand the hieroglyphics on the displays."
The stranger looks at Mana carefully. His eyes filled with amusement.
Mana's eyes widen as she does a double-take and bows, "Oh I am super sorry! So sorry, my name is Mana."
She stands straight again and extends out her hand, "What's your name?"
The stranger takes her hand and looks deep into her eyes, making her freak out internally.
"Yami, Yami Yugi."
"Yami. Yami." Mana pronounces his name, liking how it sounded.
What a feminine name. It sounds so beautiful. Mana thinks before she shoots him a smile. "Do you wish for me to call you Mr. Yami or CEO Yami?"
"Just Yami is fine. Is Mana alright?"
She nods with a bright smile.
"Want me to show you something cool Yami?" Mana asks, making a goofy expression.
There is no response. He just stares at her, as if he's in disbelief at the way she's acting.
The sudden realization makes Mana shrink. Foolish of her to get carried on. He was just here to pick up some documents. That's it. "Of course, you came here for work. I'm very sorry. I've done nothing but waste your time so far-"
Yami interrupts her by speaking, in a gentle voice, "No, please do not apologize. You have never wasted my time. Please, lead the way."
Mana's eyes glow at his response.
"Yay! Well, come on then!" She automatically grabs him by his wrists and drags him gently towards the back of the palace. Towards the area she has been working in, the palace's garden. "If I talk too much or get bored, just tell me, okay?"
Yami just smiles at her request and the fact that Mana had no idea or sense that she unintentionally was dragging him across the ancient palace.
"Oooh, what should I show you first?" She whines as she lets go and rubs her hands together in excitement.
"Tell me, Yami, what do you know about ancient Egypt?"
He is silent for a long time before replying, "I know about the Pharaohs and their Queens."
"Ooo. Any Pharaoh in particular?" Mana teases.
Yami closes his eyes for a brief second, letting deep memories resurface again after so long. He opens it again and looks at Mana, "Yes, however, it's a secret." Mana chuckles.
"How about you?" Yami asks her.
She smiles, "The Pharaoh I wish to know more about remains a mystery to me, you, and this whole world."
Mana sees something flicker in his eyes, like sorrow or grief.
As Mana walks towards her equipment table stand Yami makes his way towards one table filled with scrolls and points at them. "Made of papyrus. From the way this one here is written, I'll say it was a Master making their student take notes during class." Yami says, smiling at the bittersweet memories.
Mana nods as she walks towards him with gloves, her own hands gloved as well. He thanks her as he puts them on and taps on the table's surface gingerly. "Perhaps notes of Priestess Mahad and his student apprentice, Dark Magician Girl?" Yami presses, flickering his eyes to look at Mana.
To see if she remembered something.
However, Mana looks at him skeptically, "Hmm, interesting observation but I don't think so. So far there aren't any name nor instructor notes. It could've been written by anyone."
Yami is silent for a moment before he sees how Mana's eyes kept gazing at the garden just a few feet behind him.
"What can you tell me about the palace?"
Mana looks at him amazed. "What can't I tell you about it." she jokes. "As you correctly stated earlier, the palace was built around 3000 B.C. and was home to many Pharaohs and Queens."
Yami hums and averts his gaze, however Mana inches closer, "Tell me Yami, what do you know about Egyptian marriages?"
Yami flickers his eyes to her for a quick moment before landing on a relief Egyptian-style art on the palace's wall directly in front of them.
"Women were not inferior to men. They were equal. They could own properties, rule Egypt, divorce, abort, and much more." Mana gives him a thumbs up before she adds, "Many think that marriages in ancient Egypt were arranged for either communal stability or personal advancement. All we know about Egyptian marriages was that they were expected to last one's lifetime and in special cases... even continue in the afterlife.
Mana sees that Yami shows an expression of longing and... sadness. He adds, "That's not true. Romantic love was just as important to the people as it is to those in the present day. Ancient Egyptians valued nothing more than love, harmony, and peace."
Mana smiles. continues, "I have to agree with your statement Yami. This theory can be seen in some tomb paintings and descriptions." She points at some relief Egyptian-style art a few feet away from them. "These paintings show couples enjoying each other's company in the Field of Reeds. Their perspective on eternal marriages was just… fascinating."
She shoots him a gentle smile, making sure she hasn't lost him. "Even with the lack of evidence, I do think that ancient Egyptians valued romantic love marriages. A couple who proves that is Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen." She sighs dramatically, "It's everyone's favorite love story. Better than Romeo and Juliet. He was the one who constructed this palace."
Mana stops before Yami shoots her a smile to go on. Mana's heart squeezes in harmony. Finally, there was someone who didn't tell her to shut up. Who listened to her!
She smiles back. "After the Queen died giving birth to Egypt's only heir, Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen never remarried nor took any harems. Not a single harem girl. He remained faithful to his one and only wife."
Yami made no sudden movements nor expressions. He went back to study the relief Egyptian art. Mana chuckled as she added shyly, "Though Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen and his Queen have a beautiful love story they're not my favorite ancient Egyptian love story…"
Mana smiles nervously as Yami's head turns to her slowly. He doesn't need to talk. His eyes tell her to continue.
"My favorite love story begins in the garden behind us that is just a few feet away. Not much is known of the most famous and mysterious king of Egypt, the Nameless Pharaoh. We just know he was Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen's only son. However, we just recently discovered in a scroll last week that he met his future wife in that garden from a very young age. They became best friends and later on lovers and he gave the garden to her as a gift. Who was she? She was none other than the High Magician Priest's apprentice, nicknamed 'Black Magician Girl'."
Mana smiles at the artwork displayed on the wall. "Though a young man when he inherited the throne, just at the age of sixteen, he did his best to restore Egyptian stability and religious practices after the reign of his father. Though they are rarely given any credits, he did so in the company of his royal court, the six Sacred Guardians, and his best friend. His lover."
Mana slowly walked towards another table and looked down at the newly discovered opened scroll. She smiles sadly at the image of the young couple surrounded by papyrus flowers. She feels Yami's presence next to her and she continues.
"The newest images of the two of them together are among the most interesting depictions of romantic love in ancient Egypt we have ever discovered. She and the Pharaoh were promised to wed each other as soon as she became Priestess. But, what makes this painting so intriguing is how it emphasizes their devotion to each other by their proximity, hand gestures, and facial expressions. They seem so comfortable and devoted with one another."
Seeing the scroll more detailedly, something in Mana's heart pierces in pain. As if an arrow went right through it. Just seeing, no, feeling the love between them through the paper, Mana sees Dark Magician Girl standing next to the Nameless Pharaoh, tall lotus flowers on their right. They are in the garden. He holds her safely around her waist as she leans her head on his chest and has her left hand resting on his right hand, where he holds a crook and flail.
He holds her with such love.
Quickly Mana realizes she has zoned out.
Chuckling she says, "Oops. I must've gotten too attached in my geek fantasyland. Moving on, um, the Nameless Pharaoh heroically died around the age of eighteen, not so long after taking the throne. It's unclear how he died but what we do know is that is when the famous Egyptian legend originated." She moves her hands as exaggerated gestures for dramatic effect. "The legend says that long ago when the pyramids were still young, Egyptian kings played a game of great and terrible power. But these shadow games erupted in a war that threatened to destroy the entire world. Until a brave and powerful Pharaoh locked the magic away. Imprisoning it within the mystical Millennium Items, but it's just a legend."
Mana stops moving her arms and chuckles at Yami's stern expression. "Don't worry though. The Millennium Items don't hold any magic."
Mana then shoots Yami a small smile, adding, "Many scientists and archaeologists believe that the Nameless Pharaoh died of infection or sickness but not me. I believe that someone like him, who changed Egypt for the better and was adored and respected by his people, died in a more honorable way. I'd like to think that perhaps he was the Pharaoh that the legend talked about. I'd like to keep him heroic, thank you." Mana giggled.
"Ah! Which reminds me." Mana leaves the table and walks towards the next one. Yami followed close behind. There, lined up in order, are photos of the six Millennium Items. "These are all the Millennium Items found in the last century. Egyptian records tell us that we have only discovered six of the seven Millennium Items. With the discovery of this palace, everything from the Millennium Items to the nameless Pharaoh's throne will be displayed in next year's collection at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. I'm trying super hard to find that last Millennium Item, it'll be a groundbreaking discovery and perhaps the last piece of the puzzle to find out both, the mysterious Pharaoh's and his beloved's identities."
Without noticing, Mana makes her way to the edge of the stairs, admiring what was left of the gorgeous garden. "Shortly afterward the death of the Nameless Pharaoh… Black Magician Girl disappeared from historical records. All that's left recorded of her was that after her master's and lover's death, she moved rank. She became a part of Pharaoh Seto's royal court as his Priestess. Yet even as a powerful sorceress, she did not serve the new Pharaoh for a long time as she chose to depart to the desert, researching and searching for the Path of Thoth."
Mana sighed sadly, finally revealing in a despondent voice, "She disappeared from the face of the earth, just like that. No records of her death nor nothing."
There's a moment of silence before Yami breaks it.
"If the story ends tragically, why is it your favorite?" he asks, refusing to look at her.
Mana smiles sadly. "I-I just fell in love with how the Nameless Pharaoh treated and loved his lover. When I arrived in Egypt, I read his coffin inscriptions. Oh Yami, he was extraordinary."
Mana gazed towards the sky and held her hands near her heart. "I will not just love you till death. I will love you for eternity, this life, and the next. Nothing nor nobody, even time, will change that. Until then I will wait for you, my lotus flower."
Yami raised an eyebrow at her as she blushed with embarrassment. "I apologize. I just memorized the Pharaoh's quote."
Mana nervously tugs a strand of her hair back as she finally adds, "That quote was meant for Black Magician Girl. It was his way of telling the world he would always be bound to his lover. Even in their next life."
Mana shyly turns to Yami as she says, "That's why they're my favorite ancient-heck-all time favorite couple. The Pharaoh and his lover bound together for eternity. Even if death separated them I just know that they found each other again."
Yami seems deep in thought before Mana pouts, "It's a shame that no one knows this Pharaoh's name nor has found the last Millennium Item."
Yami still refuses to look at Mana before she turns to him and says excitedly, "It's rumored that Pharaoh Seto hid something in this garden." Yami looks down sadly making Mana frown a bit.
"Aren't you interested in what he hid?"
Yami sighs before turning around and walking away slowly. Mana follows after him, "Not really. What happens if it's something bad? Shouldn't it be better to leave it as it is?"
Mana crosses her arms as she snaps, "Well, of course, but maybe this secret will help us uncover and understand the past. I believe the Nameless Pharaoh deserves to be remembered as someone who left his mark on history and his people. If this item contains something that helps us uncover more of him, I won't give up till I find it."
Yami stops before he turns to look at her. The last rays of the sun from the sunset highlight his firm jawline and stern eyes. His gaze is cold and unflinching, "Does he? Is he or his father as great as people paint him to be? Or maybe, sometimes the past is best forgotten."
"If he could write a poem as beautiful as that for someone lower his status, I do not believe he was a bad person. He had a heart, integrity, and respect." Mana replied.
"Yet look where that got him. He couldn't even save the people he loved. He died. His best friend and right hand man died. His lover disappeared from the face of the Earth."
Mana crosses her arms as she huffs, "Then I suppose we have different opinions regarding this matter."
They stay in silence before Yami sighs and speaks up quietly, "I apologize. I didn't mean to quarrel with you."
Mana stares at him before she smiles gently. "No biggie Yami." He makes his way back to her and with a bigger smile Mana says, "Let's see the garden now."
Stepping down the stairs Mana begins to explain to Yami all the things she and the other archaeologists discovered. "Based on some documents found from the palace, many lotus flowers were planted, specifically blue water lilies, which suggest there might have been some stream or river that was connected to the garden. There is also evidence that there were date palms and-"
"A fig tree…" Yami whispers.
Mana turns to face him with an amused expression.
"What do you mean… we never found any fig trees here. Anyways, I have a theory as to what Pharaoh Seto might have hidden here in secret. I am willing to bet that he hid away the last Millennium Item. Scholars say it's the most valued and important one and scientists think that the item might be a-"
"A puzzle." Yami meets Mana's surprised gaze, and looks away abruptly, "I have also done the research, you know?" he replies, backing up his reply.
"Hmm that's a really good guess but scientists and scholars believe it might be the Nameless Pharaoh's crown. I just gotta figure out where to dig."
Mana does a quick spin studying the garden and smiles fondly at it. "Isn't the garden's background story beautiful? Imagine if your lover gave you Egypt's most honored garden as a present. Though not much is known of 'Black Magician Girl', the world still remembers and honors her today by -
"Creating a card in her honor…" Yami's words whisper but Mana catches them and exclaims, "Hey you play Duel Monsters? That's so cool! But, yeah! You're right!"
Yami just gives her a small smile.
"As an ancient Egyptian geek, I feel glad knowing the most popular card game was inspired by an ancient Egyptian Legend. Though the monsters and personas aren't one hundred percent based on ancient Egypt, it's still cool."
She then finds herself gazing back at the stairs and just for a slight moment, she feels as if she had walked down those stairs at a different time.
Mana clicks her tongue before nervously speaking, "I probably shouldn't tell you this as people have gotten spooked out or called me weird."
Yami stops gazing at the corner of the garden and Mana suddenly feels his eyes gazing at her. She drums her fingers nervously and adds softly, "I know it's crazy but, I feel like I've been here before. Ever since I could remember, I dream of faraway places."
"Dreams…" Yami walks towards her, drawing out the words carefully, "What do you dream about?"
"You won't judge?" she asks as she wrings her hands, unsure if she should continue. Yet, Yami's gaze is focused on her. Something about him makes her feel like she's heard and valued.
"Never."
Mana turns her face from him and starts. "In my dreams… I hear laughter, a lot of laughter. Someone is always scolding me and but, I don't feel sad nor ashamed, I feel at ease and playful. I see a long river filled with fishes that kiss my feet when I dip them in the water. The sweet taste of dates and delicious food being displayed in a banquet with people I know and I love. The sun on my skin as birds chirp and people are always by my side… and being in this palace, gives me I don't know, a sensation that perhaps I have been here before in my dreams."
Mana closes her eyes, "I feel myself being squeezed inside a small space with someone else but we're laughing." She laughs softly.
"I also dream about this man with who I feel safe. He praises me as he also scolds me. He carries me high on his shoulders like the father or big brother I always desired for. Sometimes he twirls me by grabbing my arms." Mana laughs again.
"I can't see his face but all I know is that I love this man with all my guts. He is my knight in shining armor."
Before Yami can ask something else Mana adds, "Yet there is this other man."
Mana holds her hand above her chest, feeling her heart beat faster. "When I'm with him... I feel a different kind of love."
Yami has a sad face but Mana doesn't notice as she still has her eyes closed. "He makes my heart go crazy and I feel like I'm burning whenever I'm with him. He makes me feel like the only girl in this universe, always listening to me, goofing around me, yet making me know just how much he loves me. I sometimes dream of small scenes where he and I are gazing at the stars, other times we are splashing water at each other in a beautiful river."
Mana finally opens her eyes and looks towards the palace. "My favorite however was when he embraced me under the hard rain and kept repeating just how much he loved me." She sighs. "Though I do not know who that man is, all I am sure about is that I am utterly and completed in love with him."
Mana stops herself abruptly and feels her cheeks flush, "Uh oh. I did it again huh? I got carried away. Ohh, I'm sorry. Please just ignore what I said. I am probably crazy."
Yami is now looking at her as if he was looking at her for the first time. His eyes swirling with a mixture of newfound recognition and incredulity.
"Don't apologize. You might find me crazy for saying I believe you." Yami replies gently as Mana looks at him in awe.
They stand in the courtyard, looking at each other with new sets of perspectives. There is something very mysterious about Yami but, why is Mana allured by it? Shakily, Mana murmurs the question that has been plaguing her mind, "Do I know you, Yami?"
She watches as Yami stares into her eyes with parted lips. But nothing comes out. Instead, he shakes his head, seemingly frustrated with himself, or someone, and turns around wordlessly, before he begins to walk along the garden with a strange air of familiarity. After inspecting all the spots where Mana's team has already excavated he comes back to her.
"How much faith do you have in that rumor that Pharaoh Seto hid something in this garden?" Yami asks while looking at her.
Mana answered confidently, "As much as the Pharaoh did when he trusted his kingdom to him."
Yami hums as he studies the excavation tools.
Mana frowns at Yami's silence but, before she can say anything she is interrupted by Yami, who speaks firmly yet gently with intent eyes. "Try again. Start all over. Let the past reveal itself to you. Let your dreams guide you."
He gazes at Mana when she suddenly hears someone speak.
"My Lotus Flower," it whispers lovingly.
Mana sees that Yami doesn't react to the voice, meaning he didn't hear it, so she doesn't react to the voice either.
Yami looks at Mana one last time before he begins walking towards the stairs.
"When everything is put in place, know that I will also be waiting."
"My Eternal Love." the voice soothingly whispers before Mana sees Yami's figure disappear within the palace, leaving her standing alone in the garden. Her heart races as she clutches her hands near her chest and shivers from the evening breeze. Somehow it had suddenly turned so very cold.
Before Mana could react to run after Yami she noticed a flower beside her foot.
"That wasn't there before," Mana said to herself as she picked it up before her eyes widened.
It was a blue flower.
Gazing at the flower Mana hadn't realized the tears streaming down her eyes.
"A lotus flower," she whispers, her voice cracking a bit.
The flower of self-regeneration.
Note:
Artwork on cover is all credited to Siosiri on Tumblr.