8

I sit back against a tree relaxing. With my eyes closed, I am humming a tune, my foot swinging in the air as I do so. I allow Selah, Ceon, Tulip, and Roy to summon Purple. I don't need to fight with them anymore.

As the ritual begins to become complete, my humming starts to compete with their chanting.

Purple, Purple, Purple, rise! Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, rise!

So wake me up when it's all over

When I'm wiser and I'm older

All this time I was finding myself

And I didn't know I was lost.

Purple, Purple, Purple, rise! Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, rise!

I tried carrying the weight of the world

But I only have two hands

I hope I get the chance to travel the world

But I don't have any plans

I wish I could stay forever this young

Not afraid to close my eyes

Life's a game made for everyone

And love is a prize.

Purple, Purple, Purple, rise! Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, rise!

So wake me up when it's all over

When I'm wiser and I'm older

All this time I was finding myself

And I didn't know I was lost.

Purple, Purple, Purple, rise! Purple, Purple, Purple, rise!

I didn't know I was lost.

I didn't know I was lost.

I didn't know I was lost.

I didn't know...

I finish my tune before they finish their chanting. As I wait, I just bask in it all: The synchronized chanting, the warm sun on my skin, the breeze as it caresses my face and ruffles my hair. When the chanting stops, I open my eyes. I get up and dust myself off. Strolling over to them, I see them smiling and cheering. They turn to me and wave.

"We did it!" Tulip cries happily. I can't help but smile back at her.

"See? You didn't need my help." She tilts her head curiously at me.

"We will always need you, Gabri."

Giving her a sad smile, I respond, "I hope not always, dear one. You can do things without me. You did this." I gesture towards the ritual. She grins and opens her mouth, but before she can say anything else, I quickly continue, "Why don't we make a toast before he comes?" She beams at me.

"That's a great idea, Gabri!" She shouts to the others to come over and toast with us. When all four grab a glass, Tulip says, "A toast to friendship and overcoming your battles with them!"

"Cheers!" The other three chorus. They clink their glasses and chug down the liquid. The poison does not take long to take effect. One by one, they fall like flies. Tulip is the last to go. I catch her in my arms before she falls. She stares up at me, her eyes pleading.

"What...What have you done?"

"I have created a better future." She looks up at me with a horrified look. She shakes her head.

"He has gotten to you. How?" She looks past me. "You have gotten to her! How?! No...No! I don't want to go! You can't make me! You can't make-" She falls silent as death takes a hold of her. I gently put her down and close her eyes.

"Rest in peace, Tulip. Enjoy those vast meadows with thousands upon thousands of different flowers." I stand back up.

"So, she remembered in the end." Purple stands next to me, watching as the life goes completely out of Tulip.

"So she did." I reply, taking my eyes off her. "The question is: Do you?"

"Why would I? You know I can only remember certain things. My memory...has departed."

Shaking my head, I answer, "No, no. Memories may be forgotten, dear friend, but they are never gone for good."

Hesitantly, he asks, "What is it that you want me to remember?" I smile and hold out my hand to him.

"Come." His blade instantly flashes into his hand. My eyes immediately focus on it, remembering the last time it and I interacted. I have to keep my body from recoiling back. He points the sword at me.

"Why should I trust you?"

"Because it's time you knew the truth about the time loop and about...him."

"Tch. I already know about Cole. And what makes you think that I won't kill you?" My eyes search his before I answer.

"Because you are curious." Then I add, "Besides, you should know everything before I become the Red Lioness."

"This better not be a trap." A glint of distrust and irritation flash in his eyes.

"Oh, trust me, I know what you will do if it is." I drop my hand. Shrugging, I turn around and walk towards the forest. As if knowing I want him to follow me, he starts walking a few paces behind me still clutching his blade. I stop a few paces and stoop to the ground. Putting my hand on the ground, I close my eyes and whisper, "It is time."