The figure before Vivienne was tall, elegant, and imposing, dressed in a flowing black blouse and fitted black trousers, with golden hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders and deep, penetrating amber eyes. Every gesture she made seemed to bend the sunlight around her.
When their eyes met, the soft, deliberate voice echoed:— Aiko…
Vivienne froze. That name… it was hers, from the life she had left behind, from the modern era that now seemed so distant. In an instant, everything made sense — the familiarity, the resemblance, the brilliance in the eyes of the one standing before her.
And then, unable to hold back, tears began to stream down Vivienne's face. She swallowed hard, her voice trembling:— Wow… we're so alike… even in this reality… and your golden hair, like liquid gold, shines just like mine…
Aiko smiled faintly, a gesture full of warmth and recognition, and her amber eyes seemed to shine even brighter. The garden, bathed in sunlight, fell silent, as if holding its breath before this moment of pure, unexpected connection.
Vivienne felt a mixture of emotion, relief, and strange joy — finally, before her, was someone who shared her essence, even in a world that wasn't her own.
Vivienne wiped her tears, still feeling her heart race. She took a deep breath and looked directly at Aiko.
— I… I don't even know where to start — Vivienne said, her voice trembling with emotion. — It's strange, you're… so much like me, but at the same time… it's like you come from another time, another place.
Aiko took a step closer, her gentle smile radiating understanding.— I know, sister… I feel it too. There's something about you I can't forget. Something that made me recognize you the moment I saw you.
Vivienne sighed, lowering her gaze for a moment as she tried to gather her thoughts.— But… don't call me Aiko anymore — she said, her voice firm despite the tears. — I love living as Vivienne now… and I love a woman named Odette. And she loves me.
Aiko tilted her head, her amber eyes fixed on Vivienne, reflecting a mix of surprise and acceptance.— I understand… — Aiko said softly. — So Vivienne is who you are now. And Odette… she's important to you.
Vivienne nodded, a small smile breaking through her tears.— Very important. And I couldn't be happier.
Aiko took a step back but kept her eyes on Vivienne, her smile growing warmer.— Then I'll respect that, Vivienne. But still… knowing that we're alike, that we share something so deep… it's incredible.
Vivienne smiled, feeling the weight and strangeness of the moment slowly dissolve.— Yes… it really is. Even in another world, another reality, you still look like me… and that's… comforting.
The two stood there in the garden, observing each other in silence for a few moments, connected by something that transcended words or explanation. A strange mixture of familiarity, admiration, and affection filled the space between them, making the sunlight feel even warmer and more welcoming.
Vivienne looked at Aiko, still emotional, tears streaming down her face.— Satsuki… what's your name now? — she asked, her voice trembling with surprise and emotion.
Satsuki smiled softly, her amber eyes shining with recognition and tenderness.— Lavinia Ebonwing — she replied, her voice calm but laden with emotion.