To Find the Lost, II, Vol. 1 Finale

Author's Note:

Hello there everyone :)

I know that it's probably just me right now, reading all over this again. I just wanted to say that, this part is the conclusion of Volume One and WOW, I never imagined I would get to finish a whole volume.

I know that this volume was more of a slice-of-life and slow-burn type and the end today may not be of your taste. But get ready for volume 2 which will be packed with action and emotions!! Stay safe, drink water, and thank you!

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Today is a great day! Why? You may ask. Well, I am finally going to be discharged from the hospital!

It's been over two weeks here of sleeping and another one of contemplating life every day because of the recent occurrences, but from today, no more!

I was now fully clothed up and at my doorstep, looking at the cleaned room.

Sigh. Why am I getting sentimental now, like I am ever going to miss this place…

I closed the door and finally walked down the hallway, stairs, and floors.

The hospital scent. I don't like it, it makes me feel uncomfortable. Even now, I can see people in wheeling chairs, or walking with infusions by their side.

Finally, the building's exit. I can go out now.

I looked at my surroundings once more. I gazed at the receptionist's face, which was a woman, she was kind to me whenever I got to talk to her.

On the chairs, the old woman who used to give me candies, even though I am a grown-up.

I took one last deep breath, and let it out. Finally walking towards the entrance, and the automatic doors opened for me.

Step…

step, step.

I'm out…

step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step!

I was panting for breath and there, before my eyes, the cubic-shaped house was waiting for me.

I got close to the door, and suddenly a feeling of nervousness took me over.

Was it ever this difficult to open a door? I thought as sweat began trickling down my face… It's probably because of the sun… Though the sun is setting right now.

As soon as I was about to push down the handle, the door opened.

In front of me was Sean averting his gaze.

I looked at him and slowly opened my arms, "C'mere." That was all it took to make him jump towards me in a hug.

"How are you doing, buddy?" I asked.

He replied quietly, "Not good…"

"What am I going to do with you? Cheer up, after all, we will soon go save Layla." I talked to him, only to receive a confused look instead.

"W-what?" he raised his head and asked while stuttering, "W-what do you mean by save Layla? She's already gone, what are you saying!?" His tone started to shift into one of anger.

I calmly replied with a question "So Luke didn't tell you, did he?"

"Luke? He hasn't been home for the past four days…"

"What?" Huh, How? He visited me 3 days ago though. When he told me about Layla. So, why wasn't he home too?

*crack*

I whipped my head back instantly, and in my vision was the person in question himself.

"I was waiting for you." I said as I smirked.

His face, a smile etched to it, talked, "Wow, your instincts still haven't dulled, even after resting for three weeks."

I talked back in a goofy tone, "Heh, why would they. Well, it seems you didn't tell Sean about Layla."

His smile faded as he said, "Oof, so you spoiled the surprise."

I simply shrugged, "I thought you told him before me, I didn't know. Now, let's get inside and tell me more about this matter, we don't have time to waste!"

***

We sat on the couch, I sat on the opposite side so I was face to face with Luke, "Tell me where's Layla and how did you get this information?"

"Chill out, I've been working for this. That's why I haven't been home recently." He replied calmly.

After a small break, he continued to talk to Sean, "Sean, as you can see and hear, Layla is still alive right now. It might've been a shock or you still don't feel like it's real considering there is no reaction for you."

I glanced over at Sean, he looked completely normal and rational, with no sign of emotions on his face.

I noticed my shaking foot, I guess I am restless right now.

"Can you get on with the explanation already?" I said impatiently.

"Yes, don't worry." He said while looking at me and carried on, "Layla currently is… somewhere in the middle of a desert somewhere… More specifically in the sand dunes of another continent."

"Huh? Another continent--oh?" I screamed and then remembered that there are planes in this world… Teehee.

"Yeah, don't worry. I've already got the expenses covered and we will take off tomorrow. But the thing is… She's inside a dungeon." He exclaimed.

Sean's surprised gasp was heard next, "Huh, a Dungeon?!"

"Yes, and it seems that it has some levels and Layla is inside one of them. It is called the 'Dune Dungeon' which seems to be filled with different types of beings that feast on humans."

"Hmmm?" I mulled over something that didn't seem to fit right in this conversation.

Oh, yeah, a dungeon! Dungeons aren't supposed to exist in this world, if it was Sean who said so and knew of it, I wouldn't be surprised. But it is surprising to hear it from Luke.

"Anything wrong, Elias?" Luke noticed my gaze.

"No, nothing like that. I was just thinking how I wished to see Ser… Layla right now."

"You will see her… soon. Let's just… hope for the best!" his face looked full of worry.

"Thank you, Luke… for everything…" I said noiselessly as I went to my room to get prepared for the trip awaiting me.

Finally… One step closer to seeing you again…

VOLUME 1-FINISHED.