??? – Hello. We've spoken before, but I never had time to introduce myself.
Maya – Who are you? What?? Where are we?
??? – This is the void. Here, everything and nothing exist at the same time.
Maya – Am I dead?
??? – No.
A snapping sound echoes.
Maya sees herself unconscious, with Fionna holding her and shouting her name.
Maya – Guess I am dead, huh.
??? – No. You're just unconscious. This is what one could call a lucid dream.
Maya stares blankly.
??? – Now that everything's clear… may I finally introduce myself?
Maya – Yes, sorry.
??? – What Fionna told you was about 80% correct. I am all the people she said I was.
Maya – She never mentioned you.
Heleanor – Oh, she did. She spoke about me.
Maya – But I… then she
Hydrangea – So, she was right? I said she wasn't right nor wrong.
Maya – But you just admitted you live inside me… maybe inside her too!
Annora – Seeing you like this shocked, scared, so full of questions reminds me of my youth.
Maya – Just tell me what you want from me.
Annora – You may call me Annora. That's the name my parents gave me.
(Maya thinks) – Well, technically, all the others were names your parents gave too.
Annora – Then let's say it was the first name.We're inside your mind. Everything you think, I can hear.
(Maya thinks) – Yeah, that's what they call a toxic relationship.
Annora – ENOUGH! I simply don't understand… You're so different from all my daughters. Only three have ever faced me without fear.
Maya looks down.
Maya – I am terrified.
Annora – When the time comes, you'll understand why all of this is happening.
Maya stares into Annora's glowing red eyes.
Maya – I have a question!
Annora sees pure, genuine hatred in Maya's gaze.
Annora – Fine. One question. Go ahead.
Maya – Was it you who started the war in Thessalia that led to—
Annora – Hahahaha! Incredible!
Maya's anger grows.
Annora – You've achieved what neither Farahlim nor Lily ever could.Yes, Maya, I orchestrated everything so your parents would die there and so you'd end up in this country.
Maya – I SWEAR! I'll find you. I'll make you suffer. You'll pay for every soul you've ever hurt.
Annora – I doubt it. But if you do succeed… I'll be waiting for you, little one.
Maya – You can wait. I'm coming.
Maya wakes up.
Person – Hey! Girl? Maya?! Hello?
Fionna – We were talking, and she just passed out! It's been like… six hours!
Valéria – She seems really weak.
Person – Call Rod. Tell him to stop by Hanada HQ and bring a list 4, 1, 2, and 3.
Maya (weak voice) – Fionna… I'm going after her.
Maya faints again.
Back to the present day.
Violet – Maya?
Maya – It was nothing, really. You know that.
Violet – "Nothing"? The council said you scored perfectly on everything!
Maya – My parents are strict… I had to work hard.
Estela – Tell me about it. My dad won't let me do anything! It's always study this, train that… I wish Valéria were my mom—she's always so amazing when I see her.
Maya – I don't blame them. It's for my own good.
Khawlah – Okay, Violet! You two can talk all you want after your checkup, alright?
Violet – Ugh, fine, Mom.
Maya – It's okay, go ahead.
Maya looks to the side and notices Alícia staring back.
Alícia – Hi?
(Maya thinking) – Prehistoric Psychic War Elephant???
Alícia – Hello!!!
(Maya thinking) – Just a mind-reading test… guess she doesn't have that power. She looks like that woman, Fionna's friend that day. Can I trust her?
Alícia walks closer.
Alícia – Hiiii!!
She touches Maya's face with her cold hands.
Maya jumps back, startled.
Maya – What the hell, girl? Are you crazy?!
Alícia – Sorry! You were just staring at me, I panicked. I didn't mean to invade your space.
Maya (embarrassed) – No, I'm sorry too, that was weird of me. I don't usually stare at people but...
Alícia – What? Is there something on my face?! Where's the bathroom?!
Estela – Relax, there's nothing there.
(Maya thinking) – How do I fix this? I look like a total weirdo… Wait, I've got it!
Maya (blushing) – Your whole face.
Alícia – WHAT?!
Estela – What are you talking about, Maya?
Maya (embarrassed) – I was staring because… you're really pretty.
Estela – EXCUSE ME, WHAT?!
Just then, Gregor walks in with Mandy.
Gregor – Wait, what did you just say, Maya?
Mandy – I think she said Alícia's really pretty.
Gregor – Ooooohhh!
Alícia turns beet red.
Alícia – I—I need to… uh… go!
Estela – It's fine, I'll take you to the bathroom.
(Maya thinking) – It worked! …Wait, what if she got the wrong idea about me?!
Estela gives Maya a playful wink.
Estela – I'll take her and be right back.
(Maya thinking) – …Yeah, I think Alícia wasn't the only one who got the wrong idea.
Estela and Alícia leave the room.
Jheysi slowly approaches Maya.
Jheysi (in anime voice) – Something's been bothering me.
Maya (matching her tone) – Where does he hide while watching us, making changes to the world?
Jheysi – But I forgot one simple truth…
Maya – Something every child knows there's nothing more boring…
Jheysi – Than watching someone play an RPG…
Maya – And not being able to play it yourself.
Jheysi – Isn't that right, Kayaba Akihiko?
They both burst out laughing.
Gregor – Again?! Every time you two meet, it's the same anime quotes!
Jheysi – Obviously!!
Gregor – Ugh, whatever!Jheysi, did you know our magnificent Maya here was flirting with Alícia?
Jheysi – What??? Maya?!
Maya – Wait, it's not like that! I just complimented her looks!
Jheysi – Mhm, sureee…
(Maya thinking) – Great. Now everyone thinks I'm into Alícia. Damn it!!
Jheysi – So where is she now?
Mandy – Estela took her to the bathroom to wash her face. After Maya's little "move," she couldn't even form a sentence.
Jheysi – Hahahahaha! Okay, I'm going to check on them.
[To be continued…]