Reality Uncheck

[Yuuko Asou]

Is...Is this all a dream?

That was the first thought running through the young girl's head as her eyes adjusted to her surroundings. The constant illumination of the white landscape made that an easy and difficult task simultaneously. To the average onlooker, she might have appeared to be a normal teenaged girl who fell asleep on the ground. Her cotton sailor fuku clothes were a little wrinkled but she seemed harmless otherwise.

However, there were a few facts that would have quelled such thoughts immediately. First, there was the fact that she appeared in front of a fountain in the center of the Nexus. She rested her back against the brick completely oblivious to its significance. Second, she was holding a longsword in her right hand and a broadsword in her left. Both weapons were pointed towards the ground but her hands refused to let go of their grips.

She did not stand from her spot and seemed content to remain where she was. She could feel the strength in her body returning as well as the rough texture of the etched brick on her back. If this really was a dream, she wouldn't be feeling the discomfort of rubbing her back against rock or the weight of the two swords in her hands. As much as Yuuko wanted to dismiss this whole scenario as just a bad dream, she wasn't delusional enough to ignore reality.

Everything about the situation seemed surreal. The 'conversation' with Omni was a one-sided affair that explained very little to her. Each time she recalled it, she grew more annoyed by it. I'm here to entertain him?! What is so entertaining about a schoolgirl who...who.... The blue haired woman closed her eyes with a pained expression on her face.

She tried to think back before she was brought to the void but her memory was hazy at best. As much as she wanted to blame her current state on the ruler of the omniverse, there were better ways to spend her energy. She closed her eyes and tried to block out everything around her, Don't panic, I just need to take my time. Think about what I do know and let everything else come to me.

After taking a deep breath, she mentally began, My name is Asou Yuuko. She slowly opened her eyes and cast her gaze on two swords, The longsword is...Valis and the broadsword is...Leethus. She continued her mental monologue while focusing on her dress, This is a high school uniform...from Seishin Joshi Gakuin Academy...yes, I got in on a scholarship since it was too expensive otherwise...but...this red cloth piece...it isn't a part of the standard outfit. It- Her cerulean eyes widened a bit in realization. It was like trying to twist open a stuck facet knob. The memories that she had briefly forgotten rushed back to her and all the emotions she felt came back with them.

In a matter of moments, tears welled up in her eyes. The blue haired maiden did not scream out loud and only the occasional sniffle confirmed her existence. Even if Yuuko's hands were free, she wouldn't have the urge to stop herself. She allowed her tears to flow down her face and stain clear droplets on her clothing.

Staring up at the clear 'sky' and utterly unable to focus anymore, she let out a single word completely oblivious to her audience, "Reiko..." This single word conveyed a strong sense of sadness, longing and regret.