Project Eliora

After Yazmin had finished outlining her plan for entering Eliora’s loop, there were still some lingering doubts in the air, which prompted Reuben to express his concern.

“I can’t help but wonder.”

He said.

“How do you possess such extensive knowledge about the loop? It’s not common information, and I find it hard to believe that it’s readily available on your planet.”

His question struck a chord within me, and I was looking forward to Yazmin’s response as well. She took a deep breath, realising the importance of the question.

“You’re right to question it.”

She acknowledged.

“The reason I have such profound familiarity with the loop is because I played a role in its creation.”

We were momentarily taken aback as we tried to process the significance of her confession after hearing the revelation. Yazmin went on, unravelling the intricacies of her involvement.

“To clarify, I didn’t design the entire system; rather, I laid the foundation for it. At the time, I had no inkling of its future usage, and it seemed implausible due to the colossal amount of energy required for its operation.”

Yazmin paused, looking each of us in the eye to make sure her words were understood.

“However, everything changed when Eliora introduced Int-Z energy into the equation.”

I interjected, and she nodded before continuing.

“Eliora modified the framework after my departure, but the core foundation remained intact. That’s why I possess a deep understanding of the loop, enabling me to navigate and manipulate it to some extent”

I turned to Reuben as I processed the new information, a look of astonishment in my eyes.

“And how did you discover a way into the loop?”

“The information isn’t as secretive as one might think. I’m not the only one who has entered the loop.”

The lingering impression of Reuben’s statement made us feel uneasy. I looked over at Yazmin to get her opinion on the situation. She returned my gaze, her expression filled with a mix of determination and concern.

“It’s true”

Yazmin responded, acknowledging Reuben’s comment.

“Entering the loop itself is not an insurmountable challenge. In fact, others have managed to do so before. Eliora is aware of this, but she has refrained from taking action because, as she believes, we cannot disrupt its operations.”

My mind raced, trying to comprehend the implications of this revelation. The notion that Eliora might have anticipated our intentions left an unsettling feeling within me.

“But you broke me free.”

I jumped in, and Yazmin nodded, her expression grave.

“Indeed, it took years of research and experimentation to develop the means to break someone out of the loop. Eliora is likely aware of our capabilities now and may have prepared accordingly.”

I couldn’t help but experience a wave of unease. The fact that Eliora had mentioned finding the weakness at its source during our encounter left us on guard. Our plan to modify the loop and explore Eliora’s memories held the promise of uncovering vital information, but it was fraught with risks.

“The question that bothers me is why Eliora would provide us with a clue.”

I voiced our collective concern.

“Why give us hints and lead us into a potential trap?”

Reuben’s question hung in the air, unanswered. The situation was confusing and full of uncertainty. Eliora’s enigmatic actions, from asking us to find her to expressing trust in me and even offering a clue, left us on edge.

“At this point,”

Yazmin spoke, her voice full of determination and resilience.

“There isn’t much we can do except proceed with our plan.”

Her words resonated with a sense of unwavering resolve.

—

I was surrounded by darkness, which numbed my senses. I couldn’t perceive anything—no sounds, no smells. It was as if my senses had been stripped away, leaving me in a state of utter emptiness. However, a tiny glimmer in the shadows caught my eye. A hand extended and yanked me back as I drew nearer. I stumbled and ended up on the ground, disoriented.

“Elisa”

A voice called out, breaking through the veil of silence. I turned to see Reuben beside me.

“Hey”

I managed to respond while still attempting to regain my bearings.

“Can you stand?”

He asked, concern etched on his face. I slowly raised myself off the ground, looked back to see a tear, and wondered if that was where I came from. I then surveyed my surroundings and quickly came to the conclusion that I wasn’t on Earth anymore. The architecture and structures around me were unlike anything I had ever seen. The buildings stood tall, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colours. It was a sight that made me wonder and feel energised.

The colour palette consisted mostly of white, with striking accents of red and black. The deliberate choice of colours created a harmonious visual impact, enhancing the overall grandeur of the structures. Although I couldn’t pinpoint our exact location, it felt like an alleyway, albeit one that exuded a sense of mystery and intrigue.

“Are you ready, Elisa?”

With eagerness in his voice, Reuben asked.

“I’m just taking everything in, but I’m ready now.”

I replied, slapping both of my cheeks to show my focus and resolve. Now it was time for the next step of the plan, which had its own challenges. Following Yazmin’s instructions, we had to proceed carefully and swiftly. We seamlessly assimilated into the bustling crowd by strolling side by side. They appeared human-like, making it easy for us to blend in and remain inconspicuous.

“Anything standing out in particular?”

Reuben kept our conversation private by whispering. I observed our surroundings while keeping my voice low.

“Nothing specific, although...”

My voice trailed off as I became aware of something in the distance. Reuben followed my gaze and recognised what had caught my attention.

A massive triangular structure loomed ahead, surrounded by a liquid-like substance at its base. This was the place Yazmin had mentioned—the location where we might find her. Reuben and I silently expressed our intentions to one another. As we drew closer, the details of the structure became more apparent. Its exterior was decorated with intricate carvings, and the liquid around its base created a mesmerising reflection. It was a sight to behold.

After circling the building, we found a path that cut through the liquid, leading us inside. I took a quick look at the device strapped to my wrist—a bezel-less screen displaying a countdown. It was the same as the one Yazmin uses but was less advanced, and it was our way out of the loop.

“Thirty-two minutes”

I noted. That was how long we had to wait.

I pointed to a quiet area not far away and motioned for Reuben to join me. We settled down, finding comfort in the silence as we awaited the countdown’s completion. No words were spoken between us. We were engulfed in silence, which I welcomed as it helped me gather my thoughts.

Consequences.

They were always there, waiting in the shadows, determining the choices we made. As human beings, we sought options that benefited us or at least minimised the harm inflicted upon us. But within the loop, consequences seemed to lose their grip. It was a realm where decisions could be taken without lasting impact, with a clean slate awaiting us in the next iteration.

But I couldn’t bring myself to use this freedom to its fullest.

Even if I were to kill someone in the loop, it wouldn’t have permanent consequences. They would be revived in the following loop, unaware of what had happened, but I would remember. The memory would become ingrained in my mind, leaving a bloody stain on my conscience.

The same held true for my intimate encounter with Louis. He wouldn’t remember our time spent together, but I would. Every time I allowed myself to reflect on that incident, a heavy sense of regret and guilt overcame me. It was in moments like these that I realised the fallacy of believing that the loop had no consequences. We often overlooked the mental and emotional toll that our actions took, even if they were destined to reset.

“Reuben?”

I called out to him quietly.

“Yeah?”

He turned to me, his expression curious.

“What were you about to say back in the loop chamber?”

I said this as I was hoping to continue our previous conversation. He scratched his head as he struggled to remember the moment.

“Has it been bothering you all this time?”

He asked.

“Not really”

I said it quickly and waited as he sighed. The conclusion I came to with regard to the loop was what I wanted to confirm.

“I assumed that while you might have the opportunity to kill Eliora in the loop, it would be difficult for you. Unlike me, who has experience killing both inside and outside the loop, the memory of your actions would stay with you.”

His words confirmed what I already knew to be true. It wasn’t just about the loop resetting; it was about the lasting impact on our minds and souls.

“You have a moral code, Elisa.”

Reuben continued.

“If you were to start killing, even in a resettable loop, it would bring about internal changes. Those changes and those consequences would leave their mark on you. That was something I did not account for.”

Consequences, I thought. They manifest externally and internally. Our behaviours shape who we are and how we view ourselves. It’s not just about the physical outcomes; it’s about the moral and emotional growth that occurs within us.

“Elisa, do you remember when you broke down and cried, feeling guilty for what happened with your friend, when you believed you had taken advantage of that scenario for personal gain?”

Reuben’s voice was gentle, but his words stirred up painful memories. That incident had left an indelible mark on my soul, a reminder of the consequences of my actions, and I was plagued by regret and shame over it as it haunted me. I kept wondering how I was going to deal with Louis after this was all over. Could I ever repair the damage I believed I had caused?

Reuben’s next words echoed my own fears.

“That incident serves as proof that you wouldn’t be able to handle something as intense as taking a life. The emotional and mental breakdown you would experience would be far greater than what you’ve previously endured.”

I shuddered at the thought of experiencing such turmoil once more, and I never wanted to experience that pain again. The weight of the consequences and the toll they took on our minds and hearts were becoming clearer to me.

“You see, Elisa, your first kill is something you will never forget. It leaves an indelible mark on your conscience.”

Reuben spoke, his voice seasoned with wisdom. His words struck a chord with the ingrained reluctance I sensed inside of myself. I wasn’t prepared to bear the burden of taking a life, even in a resettable loop. The emotional and moral ramifications would be overwhelming.

“Tell me about your first kill.”

I urged, wanting to understand the weight of Reuben’s experiences. His expression turned grave as he delved into the memories.

“It was a simple incident. Jaylin and I were returning from an errand when we were unexpectedly attacked. They were after her specifically, seeking revenge for a massive bet she had won against them, leaving them in significant debt. I protected her, but they managed to hurt her.”

Jaylin is his sister, whom we talked about last night. He still harboured anger, as evidenced by his clenched fists.

“I lost control in that moment. I smashed and battered one of them, repeatedly striking until my hands were shattered. The others fled when they witnessed the brutality.”

“Did you face any repercussions for your actions?”

I cautiously questioned him because I understood how serious his confession was, but he shook his head before answering.

“Not really. It was deemed self-defence, given that they attacked us first, but despite that, I carry the weight of that choice within me. It is a burden I can’t escape, a scar that will always remind me of the darkness I’m capable of.”

His revelation left me contemplating the complexities of morality and the consequences of our actions. Even in the face of peril or to save others, could I ever justify taking a life? I was unable to come up with an answer, and I came to the conclusion that I was at a loss for words. Reuben’s next words resonated with my own uncertainties.

“That is why I will be the one to take care of Eliora.”

A nagging question continued to linger in my mind, and even though Reuben had provided somewhat of an answer, I needed to be certain.

“But what if you and the others aren’t around? What if I’m the only one who can stop Eliora, and if I fail to act in that moment, she gets away or even kills me?”

I asked, and Reuben gave the question some thought. He knew that it was impossible to predict the future, but he was determined to provide me with the reassurance I needed. With a confident smile on his face, he turned to me.

“I won’t let that happen. I’ll always be there for you.”

Those were his words, and his fierce determination to keep me safe was obvious in his eyes, even though I knew he couldn’t always guarantee it.

“Elisa?”

The sound of my name snapped me out of my thoughts. As I lifted my hand to my face, I noticed small droplets of water on my skin. I realised I had been crying but hastily wiped away the traces from my cheeks with my hand and put on a brave face.

“I’m good,”

I said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. Reuben and I fell silent again, but I couldn’t stop thinking about his promise to be there for me. It echoed in my mind, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos and uncertainty of our situation.

I gave Reuben a signal as the countdown came to an end. Our target was visible—a girl with short, purple hair carrying a tablet. She appeared to be unaware of us or not caring at all as she walked past us while wearing a blank expression.

“Eliora?”

I questioned her as I walked up to her, with Reuben just behind me. She came to a stop and gave me a cold, lifeless stare.

“Yes?”

“Do you know someone named Yazmin in training?”

I asked.

“Yes,”

She replied in a monotone voice, devoid of any emotion.

“Could you take me to her?”

“Yes.”

We followed Eliora down the path that led to a triangular structure, with me and Reuben close behind.

So this is Eliora, albeit a younger version of her. She appeared to be a teenager, possibly between the ages of 15 and 17, but given my past failure to guess Yazmin’s age, I had reservations about my assumptions. I took this as a chance to observe her behaviour, attitude, and thought process. There was so much to learn from her.

The doors to the structure slowly opened, and we stepped inside. The interior was vast, but we couldn’t see very far in front of us due to the dense fog. Two figures stood out in the mist: a man and a woman.

“Yazmin, this woman is requesting for you.”

Eliora said to the woman who greeted us with a smile on her face.

“Hello, you asked for me.”

Yazmin’s younger self stood before us; her short, dark brown hair was in sharp contrast to the long, white locks she would eventually be known for. It took me a moment to recognise her as the same person I knew.

“Yes, I am Juliet, and this is Marvin; we need to speak to you before your training begins.”

I said, giving her our fake names. She looked back at the person she was speaking to before, who nodded and disappeared into the fog.

“Sure, right this way.”

As we made our way through the fog, I looked back to find Eliora, but she had vanished. It seemed she had completed her task and disappeared as quickly as she had appeared. The deeper into the mist we went, our surroundings gradually disappeared until we came to a stop. She turned to us with a cheerful expression, a complete contrast from Eliora’s cold demeanour.

“What do you need me for?”

She asked eagerly.

“Do you happen to know Eliora’s favourite food?”

I inquired, and she appeared perplexed, which is understandable. The question was random and unexpected.

“No, I don’t think so. We aren’t really close.”

She replied, breaking character.

“Oh, I thought you two might be friends.”

I said that, pretending to be disappointed. Our question about Eliora’s favourite food was just a pretext. In actuality, Yazmin herself had instructed us to meet with her younger self for a different reason. She claimed that at this age, she was outgoing and friends with almost everyone in training, except for Eliora, who always turned down her attempts to befriend her.

“We’re actually here to talk to you about Eliora.”

I explained it to Yazmin’s younger self.

“We live in the same building as her and wanted to learn more about her.”

After hearing this, Yazmin’s face lit up with curiosity, and I knew our cover story was working.

“Are you aware that her setirap is today?”

I asked Yazmin.

“No, I don’t.”

She was surprised.

Setirap was a special day dedicated to worshipping the Supreme Being that occurred four times a year on this planet. It was followed by a get-together with friends, but since Eliora was distant from everyone, she probably didn’t participate in that tradition. We had no idea when Eliora’s Setirap was, but we needed a reason to get Yazmin’s younger self to help us.

“We were planning a surprise get-together for her,”

I said, hoping to persuade Yazmin.

“That’s why we need your help,”

My goal was seemingly accomplished, as Yazmin appeared convinced.

“How about we surprise her in her room?”

She suggested.

“She won’t mind. In fact, she usually joins us to eat some of the food we prepare.”

Reuben, who had been quiet, finally joined the conversation and was sceptical.

“Are you sure she won’t be angry?”

Yazmin shrugged.

“She never complains. I’ve done this before.”

I gave Reuben a quick look before turning back to her.

“Alright then, after you are done with training, we can get going.”

“Okay, deal,”

Yazmin turned around and strode into the fog. To avoid getting lost, we trailed behind closely. Upon returning to our spot, we found a larger group of people already gathered there, which Yazmin joined, and they added up to thirteen in total. Interestingly, the females outnumbered the males by one, and Eliora was also among the group.

Reuben and I stood at the entrance and watched the group from a distance, not wanting to draw attention to ourselves. We were also able to speak in private without being overheard. Suddenly, three elders appeared from the fog and addressed the candidates.

“Children of the Deity, it is time to begin. Follow us”

They commanded and ushered the crowd into the mist. I let out a sigh of relief and sat down on the ground, knowing that we had to wait until the training was over. The plan was going smoothly, almost too smoothly. I felt suspicious and uneasy about it.

Our target was Eliora’s room. We hoped to find any useful information, particularly about her weaknesses. However, I was drawn to something the younger Yazmin said.

“Hey, Yazmin mentioned that Eliora is never angry when she sneaks into her room; what are your thoughts on that?”

I asked Reuben for his thoughts on this, and he crossed his arms.

“I am sure you are thinking what I am as well; the fact that you asked this question is proof of that.”

He was definitely right about that. If Eliora did not seem bothered by people just sneaking into her room, it means that she might have nothing to hide there and that her room was spotless. That would definitely mean that if we searched for it, we would be wasting our time.

“This might be a problem,”

I said.

“Definitely, but we’ll figure it out.”

Reuben answered with a reassuring smile. I brought up something else that caught my attention.

“Did you hear what they called themselves? The Children of the Deity.”

“Is that just some religious thing, or is there actually a deity present here, and they are biologically all its children?”

What he said might have sounded dumb, but considering this was an alien world, I was not about to leave any possibility off the table.

“I do think, though, that if Yazmin was related to Eliora, she would have told us.”

He said so calmly.

“So you trust her that much?”

I said it with a cheeky smile plastered across my face and a slight jab. It seemed like what he told me yesterday was very true, but it was fun to tease him about the tough guy attitude he displays around her.

“It is most likely a religious thing or something that we are not aware of yet.”

He chose to ignore me completely, as he made no response to my remark, which caused me to sigh deeply and retreat. What he said made complete sense, though, and I agreed with him.

The Children of the Deity

It was an interesting name, and I couldn’t wait to find out more.

—

I was utterly bored after a three-hour wait that seemed to go on forever. Reuben made an effort to amuse me by talking about space, a subject that had piqued my curiosity ever since I arrived on this strange planet.

Our pass-time activity came to an abrupt end when the candidates emerged from the fog and we got on our feet. Eliora walked towards us without acknowledging anyone else. She headed towards the exit, which was conveniently located near where we were standing. I chose to ask her a question out of curiosity.

“Eliora?”

She swung around to face me.

“Yes?”

“Where are you headed during your break?”

Their training was held in three parts, and each part was about three Earth hours long, with a two-hour break in between. I was amazed at how they were capable of doing this every single day. The nature of their training was not specified by Yazmin, but it involved physical and mental challenges.

“The Obelisk”

She responded immediately, and the door to the facility opened. A figure clad in black armour, standing about two metres tall, emerged from behind the door. It was an imposing sight and triggered my danger signals. I felt a hand on my shoulder that belonged to Reuben, and although he appeared relaxed, I saw that his other hand was ready to attack if needed. Without saying anything, Eliora walked past the figure, and it followed her, its movements slow and heavy. They vanished from view as the door shut behind them. Reuben removed his hand from my shoulder as we both relaxed.

“What the hell was that?”

He indicated he had no idea by shaking his head. That figure and the place Eliora mentioned, the Obelisk, intrigued me. I wondered what it was. However, I reminded myself that my primary concern was confirming whether Eliora would be in her room, and her response indicated she wouldn’t.

“Are you both ready?”

Yazmin inquired while grinning broadly and struggling to contain her excitement. Standing next to her was a young girl with golden, short hair and glistening red eyes, whom I didn’t recognise.

“Who’s this?”

I asked, trying to figure out who the stranger was, and the girl made an immediate introduction.

“I’m Bethany; nice to meet you. Yazmin already told me who you both are.”

“Pleasure to meet you too.”

I responded politely, still a bit confused.

“Beth wants to help us as well.”

Yazmin said as she quickly jumped back into the conversation. Adding another person to our group made me hesitant, but I didn’t want to come off as rude to Bethany. This operation was perfect with just our small number, as there were fewer eyes on us and a lot more we could do in secret. With Bethany added to the operation, that is another person we would have to deal with; however, it did not look like she would pose a threat.

“That’s great; the more help, the better.”

I hoped Yazmin wouldn’t interpret my words as permission to extend the invitation to even more people. Yazmin took the lead, and we trailed behind her, giving me the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture and appreciate the surroundings. I walked alongside Bethany while Reuben trailed behind and grew curious about her relationship with Yazmin.

“How close are you and Yazmin?”

This may not have any importance in the plan, but I just wanted to get an idea of what Yazmin’s relationships with others were like in the past. Some might call it prying, and maybe it is, but I am going to do it either way.

“We’ve known each other for a really long time.”

Bethany replied.

“Since she was still in her socially awkward stage,”

“Yazmin? Socially awkward? I never knew that.”

I said surprised, as given Yazmin’s outgoing nature now, I was surprised to learn that she had ever been socially awkward. Before continuing, Bethany chuckled a little.

“I was the one who approached her despite my anxiety. It was the best decision of my life, and it’s made me more open and interested in getting to know people.”

I could relate to that. I had always considered myself to be socially awkward; talking to total strangers is something that makes me nervous and sometimes causes me to make mistakes that totally embarrass me. However, that seems to have changed now due to my current circumstances.

“It’s great to be more open since loneliness and desolation can be tough.”

“I was lucky to realise that early on.”

Bethany responded, appearing relieved that her decision to approach Yazmin had been the right one. I couldn’t help but notice how openly Bethany shared personal information as we walked. She divulged information that most people wouldn’t reveal to someone they just met.

“What about her and Eliora?”

“Eliora has always been the quiet type. We don’t know much about her, but I understand why someone wouldn’t want to share personal details.”

Bethany replied, rubbing her cheeks before continuing.

“Yazmin has tried to get Eliora to open up, but it hasn’t been successful. Eliora doesn’t complain about Yazmin’s sometimes intrusive nature. I’m not sure if she’s okay with the company, or if she doesn’t know how to tell Yazmin to stop.”

“Have you ever asked Eliora?”

I asked, and Bethany thought about responding.

“I did, but she told me she didn’t know.”

“My guess is that she enjoys it but doesn’t want to admit it.”

“That might be true, but we won’t know until she tells us.”

She commented as she laughed. I then shifted the conversation to something that I needed information on.

“I saw a large armoured figure outside when Eliora was leaving. What is that?”

Bethany took a moment to think before snapping her fingers.

“She said it’s a guardian. I’m surprised you haven’t seen it before, considering it’s always close to her.”

I realised I was about to out myself and quickly thought of a response to alleviate any suspicion.

“Maybe I haven’t been paying attention.”

It was a weak excuse that I tried to laugh off as a joke, and I felt relieved as she joined me. Conversing with Bethany was really fun, and I was able to gain a lot of insight about this world without raising any red flags. It was interesting to think that, to them, I was likely an outsider or even an alien. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder about this place.

One significant piece of information I learned was that every individual was registered in a comprehensive database. This database contained all of their personal information, which was constantly updated. This society had little to no crime, and the training area where the city’s potential rulers gathered was a relaxed environment without heavy security, which was a reflection of their peaceful way of life.

I did, however, find myself pondering why Eliora needed a guardian. It was peculiar that she was the only one among the potential rulers who required one. Was it related to the mysterious obelisk that she was heading towards? I supposed I would find out eventually.

We passed through a cutout in a tall, slender building to enter the interior, which was furnished with white furnishings and art. The environment was so relaxing that it made my skin feel soft, like lotion had been applied to it. Carvings could be seen everywhere, giving the area an opulent appearance. We stood on a circular platform, and suddenly a beam emitted from it, lifting my body into the air. I started flailing my arms around in a fit of panic because it was so unexpected. My cool facade was shattered, and I’m sure the two girls with us were wondering what was wrong with me. Reuben quickly took hold of my hand and shoulder while steadily calming me with his eyes.

“Don’t mind her; she is always like this.”

He explained to them both, and Yazmin appeared to comprehend my actions and nodded, but I could sense some doubt in the back of their minds. The beam of light disappeared around us, and we found ourselves in a different location on the same circular platform, with a short hallway leading to a door at the end. I was very fascinated and impressed by the teleportation device, which was a very intriguing way to move around.

As we approached the door, Yazmin pulled out a key card and hovered it a few metres away from the door’s surface. The door opened almost immediately after the card was read by a scanner that materialised. I could not help but ask her the question on my mind.

“So you stole Eliora’s key card?”

Yazmin looked taken aback.

“I wouldn’t say I stole it. I just made a copy.”

I was still dubious.

“Does Eliora know about the duplicate key?”

Yazmin giggled.

“No, but it makes her wonder how we always manage to get into her room.”

I couldn’t help but shake my head. Even if Yazmin didn’t think it was stealing, it still felt like a violation of privacy. But it was our way in, so I pushed the thought aside. The room was sparsely furnished, with only a mat, a drawer, and a dining table. To access other areas of the apartment, there were two doors. Since I was unfamiliar with the local economy, I was unable to determine whether this was a result of financial constraints or a personal preference.

Yazmin led us into the kitchen, which was also spotless and unadorned after we opened one of the doors. She touched the surface of a large machine in the corner to reveal items of cold food.

“Ewip, non-sot, qwibs, she does not have that much in here, but I can make something work.”

Yazmin said this in reference to the food items, and I was not going to attempt to remember those names.

“Maybe we can make a Candid”

Bethany suggested as she broke her silence.

“That’s a great idea. What do you guys think?”

Yazmin asked, turning to us.

“I’m all for it if you guys think it’ll be good.”

I said.

“Me too,”

Reuben agreed, since we should be okay as long as we accept whatever they recommend. Yazmin excitedly took control and gave each of us a task.

“Juliet, please handle the slicing; Bethany, you’ll be mixing; Marvin, you can help us grill; and I’ll take care of the non-sot since I’m the expert.”

We all got to work, and as I used a tool resembling a knife to chop up the ingredients, I heard a commotion from Bethany and Reuben’s area.

“Not like that, Marvin.”

Bethany said to him as I turned to see that he was struggling with a machine that appeared to be involved in the grilling process, and soon food went flying onto his face. We all burst out laughing at his own expense.

“It looks like you’re not much of a cook, Marvin.”

Yazmin said this while giving him a cloth to clean up with, and I could not help but step in to give a reason for the entire situation.

“Oh, he’s terrible. I usually cook because he makes such a mess.”

They both gasped with excitement, but I couldn’t understand why.

“You cook for him? How romantic!”

I was surprised by Bethany’s response. Romantic? Was that some form of expressing love on their planet? Well, come to think of it, if you hear that someone of the opposite gender is cooking for the other, that would be the first assumption, wouldn’t it?

“Oh no, we’re actually siblings.”

Reuben seemed taken aback by the story I was running with, but he immediately replied.

“She is just my dumb little sister.”

So he was calling me his little sister? This made me think back to the conversation we had before. I could not help but feel slightly embarrassed, and I tried avoiding his face.

“I understand, Marvin, but maybe you should take a break before you mess up the food.”

Yazmin said with a friendly smile.

“Sure thing,”

Reuben replied, turning to leave. As he walked away, he caught my eye and gave me a subtle nod, as this was the perfect opportunity he needed to search the apartment.

“Now, let’s get back to work.”

Yazmin said so to Bethany and me, and we did so right away. After weighing each ingredient, Bethany added it to a bowl. She added a small amount of liquid and stirred the mixture with a spoon until it turned golden. Meanwhile, I finished cutting the last ingredients and brought them over to her.

“Thanks, Juliet. Can you help me stir a little?”

“Sure”

I said, taking the bowl from her and beginning to stir. The mixture was so thick that it took all my energy to stir it clockwise, which impressed me with how long she was able to do this before getting tired.

“And I am done.”

Yazmin said, standing over five brown, long strips of non-sot.

“You can bring the bowl over here, Juliet.”

She said so, and I walked over to her, and she took the bowl from me. She took care not to spill the mixture as she then applied it to the non-sot strips’ surfaces.

“It seems like you love cooking so much.”

I said to Yazmin

“I do. It’s always been a fun way for me to take my mind off things.”

Yazmin replied.

“Plus, she’s a glutton.”

Bethany interjected, causing Yazmin to scream in embarrassment.

“Don’t tell her that.”

After Yazmin finished pouring the last of the mixture onto the non-sot, she used her finger to draw a line, which left a trail, around it on the counter, creating a boxed-in space. Soon enough, smoke started rising from it, which made me realise that it was probably equivalent to a stove. After that, she came to join us where we were standing.

“Alright, Bethany, I need the details.”

I urged her, causing Yazmin to blush.

“It’s embarrassing”

In addition to laughing, Bethany wiped away a stray tear.

“It’s not that bad. She is just a force to be reckoned with when it comes to food. She literally finished two whole Gluvian right in front of me; it was scary.”

I had no idea what a Gluvian was, but given the context and the embarrassed look on Yazmin’s face, it must be something especially large. I couldn’t help but laugh, and Yazmin shrank in response. Then, a short while later, Bethany approached the Non Sot while carrying a large plate and tapped on the counter. She gently placed them on it and looked at both of us.

“And the Candid is ready.”

She announced and showed us the finished product, which looked fantastic. Its golden and brown appearance reminded me of bread.

“Come on, let’s set this up.”

She said this as she left the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but poke fun at Yazmin.

“I hope you don’t devour it all before Eliora gets back.”

This made Bethany and I both laugh aloud, and Yazmin’s face turned red.

“I won’t, okay, plus, that was a long time ago.”

She responded, which made us laugh even harder as we exited the kitchen. After about forty minutes, we managed to prepare the Candid and set it on the table. A small voice in my head wondered if the Candid was edible for me, but I had no desire to find out. Reuben caught my eye, but his expression told me that he could not find anything useful, which was disappointing but already expected.

“We actually made it work.”

Bethany commented.

“Yeah, we did.”

I agreed.

“Considering the mishaps, it turned out better than I anticipated.”

Yazmin said, and we cast a quick glance at Reuben, who turned away from us.

“You made him feel bad.”

Bethany scolded Yazmin.

“You were staring at him too,”

Yazmin retorted.

“I wasn’t”

Bethany countered, but their argument went on. I jumped at the chance to sit down and rest after being on my feet for so long.

“When is Eliora getting back?”

I asked so that I could create a discussion around her, which worked because Yazmin responded to my question.

“She would be here soon.”

With this, I could now segue into what I really wanted to ask them about.

“She went to the Obelisk, right?”

“Yes, she did; she goes there every day.”

Yazmin said, and I probed further.

“I wonder why?”

“I heard it’s like holy ground or something like that.”

Yazmin replied, now curious as well.

“Considering the massive amount of energy that goes in and out of there, it’s definitely important.”

Bethany added, and I looked over at Reuben, who seemed to be eavesdropping on our conversation, listening intently. The obelisk was an enigma even to the locals, and I found it odd that Eliora frequented such a mysterious place. The significant energy consumption and output only added to my intrigue. It was apparent that our next destination was set.

As soon as the door opened, Eliora appeared with an expressionless gaze. Yazmin eagerly approached her and drew her towards the dinner table.

“We made you some Candid.”

Yazmin said with a smile, presenting the dish. Eliora examined it carefully before turning back to her.

“Did you use up all the ingredients?”

She asked, and Yazmin’s smile faltered.

“Oh, yeah, sorry about that.”

“I will need to go shopping later today, then.”

Eliora responded.

“We can accompany you.”

Bethany offered, noticing Yazmin’s guilt.

“That would not be necessary.”

Eliora immediately shut down her request without a change in her expression. I started to wonder how we would get out of this without bringing up Setirap, unless it was the biggest coincidence that it was today.

“You came back.”

I looked at her, confused by what she meant. Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine as her gaze locked on me. However, things became even weirder when I noticed Yazmin and Bethany had that same deadpan look that I had come across before, but instead of staring at me this time, they stared at Eliora.

Reuben sprang into action, brandishing his blade as he drove it through Eliora’s back. Blood gushed from the wound as she crumpled to the ground.

“We need to leave now.”

He ordered with urgency in his voice, and as I approached him, I felt a tight grip on my leg. Looking down, I saw Eliora holding onto me.

“Wait, Elisa, please.”

My first instinct was to ignore her, and we needed to leave immediately, even though that meant abandoning our plans to investigate the obelisk. But something compelled me to hear her out. I didn’t know why, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye. Reuben, understandably, was growing impatient with my hesitation. Our lives were on the line here, and every second we dallied put us in greater danger.

“What are you doing, Elisa?”

He sternly questioned

“Just give me a moment.”

I replied, turning back to Eliora, who was covered in a pool of her own blood.

“Explain yourself?”

“I hoped you would find me, and here you are. If you leave now, I won’t have any means to help you.”

Hearing her say that made me wonder what she meant. Does she want to help me? But why? She claimed to be on my side and urged me to trust her. Was she telling the truth? According to her, she had been protecting me, but from what? From herself? Despite the fact that it made no sense, her tone made me want to believe her. Or maybe it did. A new theory began to form in my mind, one that explained everything.

“Are you Eliora?”

“Yes, I am.”

She replied, but maybe that was the wrong question, hence why I decided to rephrase and be more direct.

“Are you the real Eliora?”

She hesitated for a moment before answering.

“Yes and no.”

My eyes widened as the pieces started to fall into place.

“Elisa?”

Reuben called out, obviously needing an explanation of what I had deciphered.

“The loop takes place in our minds, and our bodies here are just representations of ourselves in the real world.”

I responded.

“It also acts as a hub where everyone’s minds are linked; hence, in my loop, I am also interacting with representations of people created from their own minds.”

I gestured to Yazmin’s younger self, who was still frozen and staring at Eliora, and continued.

“Yazmin isn’t in the loop, so she shouldn’t exist here. Eliora created this entire place and filled it with people she created; whether they really existed is questionable.”

Eliora nodded in agreement.

“You’re somewhat accurate. I’m not an accurate representation of Eliora, but just a small part of her. I was unconsciously created, representing a portion of herself that she has suppressed and locked away.”

“Why are you suppressed?”

Reuben finally spoke up.

“Elisa will tell you once she learns about it.”

Eliora responded but did not satisfy either of us.

“How can I learn about it?”

I asked.

“You need to stay. I will make some alterations to the loop. Reuben, I need you and Yazmin to protect her outside. This will mess up Eliora’s plan, and when she finds out, she will take action.”

Eliora said. I was aware of the danger, but I needed to find out the truth and a clue to beating Eliora. It is then decided.

“I’m staying”

I declared firmly, and despite his worried expression, Reuben respected her choice.

“Alright, we will be waiting for you outside.”

He said this as he activated the device on his arm and disappeared, leaving me alone with Eliora. I gazed down at the woman before me, trying to make sense of everything she had just revealed. Then I realised that I needed a way to easily distinguish between the two Elioras.

“Do you have another name I could call you?”

I asked her, but she nodded.

“No, I do not.”

It was a quick one for me to figure this out.

“Can I call you Yael?”

I prompted.

“It might make things easier.”

Although she had a blank expression, I could see a hint of surprise in her eyes.

“Yael.”

She repeated it quietly.

“I don’t mind.”

I felt a sense of relief wash over me. At least now I could refer to her by a name other than Eliora, or “alternate Eliora.” But my moment was quickly cut short when Yael spoke again.

“The next course of action is to restart the loop.”

She said that, and I sighed quietly because I knew what that meant.

“I hate this.”

I let out an annoyed grumble as I scanned the area for any helpful objects. I needed to find something quick, as I had no desire to wallow in pain and suffering for longer than necessary. Unfortunately, my search proved fruitless, and I begrudgingly made my way back to Yael.

“Any ideas?”

She simply gestured for me to come down to her level. Despite the amount of blood she had lost, she was still able to move with surprising ease. As I knelt down beside her, she asked me to turn around so she could embrace me from behind. I could feel the warmth of her blood seeping through my clothes.

“I am glad you trust me.”

She mumbled.

“I don’t have much choice in this situation.”

I replied.

“Regardless, thank you.”

Suddenly, her arms tightened around my neck with incredible force, crushing my windpipe and rendering me unable to breathe. I collapsed to the ground, my vision fading, and everything went black.