Reunion

The space behind the door was both strange and lovely. Amid the dense branches, long vines hung from climbing roses that covered the trees, forming a gently swaying curtain. Then the curtain began to shake more violently, and a beautiful Unicorn stepped through it. When it spotted Allen, its eyes widened, and it studied the wizard in surprise. A moment later, realization seemed to strike; it let out two sharp neighs, backed up two steps, lowered its head, and took on an attacking stance.

Branches rustled, and several Unicorns appeared behind Gaia. A wind stirred Allen's hair—it was Tina the Occamy, circling high in the air. The gusts from her beating wings scraped painfully across Allen's face.

After a brief standoff, a shrill, grief-stricken cry burst from Gaia's mouth, and she charged at Allen. The Unicorns also reacted, aiming their horns at him one after another, lifting their forelegs and preparing to attack. Tina the Occamy beat her wings faster, circling in the sky as if searching for an angle of attack, ready to strike at any moment. For a time, every animal there had adopted an aggressive posture toward Allen.

Allen had only just seen Gaia, and the apologies filling his chest had not yet left his mouth before their formation—and Gaia's reaction—left him stunned. Only after using Legilimency did he realize that, after the turn of time, both his aura and appearance had changed. Gaia and the others had not recognized him right away. They had even mistaken him, someone able to enter this space, for a Dark Wizard, and had imagined that he might have killed "Allen" in order to gain access to this private place. That was why they were so hostile toward him now.

"Gaia, wait, it's me, Allen..." Allen spread his hands, signaling that