Furina's breath hitched, her heart racing as the reality of the situation hit her full force. She was no longer the Furina she once knew—the Hydro Archon who ruled Fontaine. The people outside, their faces filled with curiosity and awe, whispered her name like she was a ghost, a myth come to life. But more than that, they were speaking of someone else.

"That's Lady Focalors, the Chief Justice!"

Her mind reeled. Focalors? The title buzzed in her ears, foreign yet disturbingly familiar. She stumbled back from the window, her reflection staring back at her with wide, confused eyes. The long hair, the regal yet modern clothes that hugged her frame... This wasn't her. But it was.

"No... no, this isn't right," she muttered, shaking her head as if denying the truth could make it disappear. Her hands, trembling, gripped the fabric of her unfamiliar clothes as if they could anchor her to reality. She needed to get away—away from the eyes, the whispers, the stares that only confirmed how out of place she was in this world.

She turned on her heel and bolted for the door, her heart pounding in her ears. Her legs felt weak and unsteady, but she forced herself forward, each step more desperate than the last. Her mind raced with questions she couldn't answer. How was she here? Why was she in this body? And how could she be this... Focalors?

The moment she burst out of the building, she was hit with the cacophony of the city. Cars sped past, their engines roaring, and pedestrians rushed down the streets, their footsteps a constant rhythm against the pavement. But when they saw her, everything seemed to stop.

The crowd parted like the sea, people gasping, whispering, and pointing at her. Phones were raised, cameras clicking, as more and more voices rang out.

"Isn't that the Chief Justice?"

"Focalors! What's she doing out here?"

"She looks different... but it's definitely her."

"Could it be? Could she be... Focalors?"

Furina—or was she Focalors now?—froze, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts as the weight of their stares pressed down on her. She could hear the confusion in their voices, the mixture of reverence and doubt. But underneath it all, there was something else—fear. Not of her, but of what she represented. They saw her as a figure of authority, of judgment, someone who wielded the power of justice in this new Fontaine. But she wasn't that. She wasn't Focalors. She was Furina, wasn't she?

Her legs began to move on instinct, carrying her away from the crowd, deeper into the city. She didn't know where she was going, only that she needed to escape, to think, to breathe. Her chest heaved as she ran, dodging through the streets, past towering glass buildings and strange machines she didn't recognize.

Everything felt so foreign, so cold. The Fontaine she remembered was elegant, flowing with water and artistry, not this harsh, metallic landscape.

As she ran, her long hair whipped behind her, catching the wind, and she could hear the murmurs of the people trailing after her.

"Where is she going?"

"Focalors never acts like this. What's wrong with her?"

The words stung, as if she was a stranger in her own skin. And perhaps she was. She had woken up in a world she didn't recognize, in a body that wasn't hers, with a name that wasn't hers. She didn't know who she was supposed to be anymore.

Her legs carried her down a narrow alley, away from the prying eyes of the public. She stopped only when she reached the far end, her back hitting the cold brick of the building behind her. Her chest heaved, each breath shaky and uneven, as she slid down to the ground, hugging her knees to her chest.

She could hear the faint buzz of the city in the distance, but here, in this small, secluded space, it was quiet. For the first time since she had woken up, she allowed herself to feel the full weight of the confusion and fear that had been building inside her. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision as she buried her face in her knees.

Focalors... The Chief Justice of Fontaine... That's not me. I'm Furina... I'm the Hydro Archon. I'm...

Her thoughts fractured, and for a moment, she didn't know what to believe anymore. Had she truly been reincarnated? Had she truly left everything behind—her past, her title, her people—to become this new figure? And if so, why? Why had the world moved on without her?

"Why did this happen...?" she whispered into the silence, her voice breaking.

She clenched her fists, feeling the weight of her powerlessness, her isolation. For years, she had ruled Fontaine with confidence and flair. Now, she was lost, trapped in a future she didn't belong to, burdened by a name and title she didn't understand. She couldn't remember how she got here, or why. And yet... the whispers of the people echoed in her ears, calling her something she wasn't sure she could live up to.

But as she sat there, tears streaming down her face, a thought pierced through the fog of her mind.

If I'm Focalors now... what does that mean for Furina?

Had the world forgotten her? Had she forgotten herself? Was this her fate, to be reborn as someone else, stripped of the identity she had once held so proudly?

Her thoughts swirled in chaos, but one thing was clear. She couldn't stay here, hiding in the shadows, running from the truth. If she was truly Focalors now, then she had a responsibility—to the people, to the city, to the future of Fontaine.

With a shaky breath, she wiped away her tears and stood up, her legs still unsteady beneath her. She didn't know what the future held, or how she would navigate this new world, but one thing was certain:

She had been given another chance.

And she would find out why.

She stood up sharply, as she took in a deep breath and bolted.

......................

Furina kept running, the cobblestones beneath her feet uneven and unforgiving. Each step sent shockwaves of confusion and guilt coursing through her. She couldn't stop; she couldn't afford to be caught in this moment of vulnerability, not when the whispers and stares of the crowd felt like a swarm of judgment closing in around her.

As she sprinted down the narrow, winding streets of Fontaine, she could hear snippets of conversation.
"The Chief Justice," someone murmured, awe dripping from their voice.

"I heard she's more powerful than we imagined."

Another voice chimed in, filled with disbelief, "But look at her... Is she really herself?"

Their words stung, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth, like ash and regret.

Why do they think I'm someone else? she wondered frantically.

The identity of Focalors hung around her like a shroud, suffocating and heavy. All she wanted was to escape the truth that felt so foreign, so wrong.

The cool night air did little to soothe the heat rising in her chest as she turned a corner sharply. She needed a moment—a breath—to gather her thoughts, to untangle the confusion in her mind. But as she rounded the bend, she collided with something solid.

The impact was jarring, and Furina stumbled backward, her heart racing as she regained her footing. She looked up, panic momentarily giving way to shock.

Neuvillette stood before her, his tall frame and striking features silhouetted against the streetlights. For a fleeting moment, everything else faded away as their eyes locked. His pale eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, the familiar warmth of his presence washed over her, calming the storm inside her.

"Miss... Focalors?" he said, his voice low and steady, tinged with an uncharacteristic uncertainty.

Furina's breath hitched. She took a step back, shaking her head, trying to dispel the overwhelming feelings swirling inside her. "I—"

Neuvillette's hand shot out, steadying her by the arm. The contact sent jolts of warmth through her, grounding her. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

She searched his face, trying to articulate the chaos within her, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she looked away, the weight of his gaze forcing her to confront the reality she was running from. "I... I don't know what's happening."

Neuvillette's expression softened, and his grip on her arm tightened slightly. "You are Focalors, the Chief Justice. You need to remember that. You have a responsibility."

At his words, a pang of guilt surged through her. The notion of responsibility felt like a chain, dragging her back to a past she didn't recognize. "I'm not her!" she burst out, the desperation in her voice echoing off the stone walls around them. "I'm not... I don't belong here. I don't know why everyone thinks I'm someone else."

Neuvillette's brow furrowed, confusion flickering across his features. He scanned their surroundings briefly before his attention returned to her, his eyes searching. "Whatever has happened, you are still here, in Fontaine. You can still be the person the people look to for justice."

Furina felt her heart twist at his words. But I can't even be myself.

The thought weighed heavily on her chest as she took a step back, trying to create distance between them, the sense of loss threatening to engulf her.

Neuvillette remained patient, though concern creased his brow. "You seem distressed. It's alright to take a moment. You don't have to shoulder this alone."

As he spoke, Furina felt the world around her spin, the noises of the bustling city fading into a dull murmur. Her legs wobbled, and the edges of her vision darkened as exhaustion set in. In that moment, she wanted to scream, to cry, to make sense of everything. But instead, she found herself simply staring at him, the quiet strength emanating from him a small solace in her tumultuous thoughts.

"I..." she started, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know who I am anymore."

Neuvillette stepped closer, his expression earnest. "You are Lady Focalors, and you still have your duties. But it's okay to feel lost. We can figure this out,... together."

Something in his voice resonated within her, a flicker of hope igniting amidst the chaos. It was strange, this connection they shared, as if their fates were intertwined in some way. But before she could process that thought, another wave of confusion washed over her.

Why was she standing here, and why did she have to bear the weight of a life she didn't understand?

Taking a deep breath, Furina looked up at him, her heart racing. "What if I can't do it? What if I fail?"

Neuvillette's gaze remained unwavering, steady like the tide. "Then you will learn. That is what it means to be the Archon. You're not alone in this. You have the people, your people.."

His words resonated deeply within her, piercing through the fog of confusion. She allowed herself a moment to breathe, to absorb the sincerity behind his reassurance. For the first time since she had awakened in this strange world, she felt a sliver of understanding creeping in, a small light guiding her through the darkness.

"I-... I'm not her..," she finally said, her voice stronger than before.

"Very well..," he replied, a small sigh ghosting across the atmosphere. "Let's find a quieter place to talk. You need rest."

As he gently guided her down the street, Furina felt a mix of emotions surge within her—gratitude, confusion, and a lingering dread of the unknown. The cobblestones felt cooler beneath her feet, the noise of the city fading as they moved into a quieter district. She could hear the distant sounds of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the soft hum of conversations, but it all faded into the background as she focused on the path ahead.

Neuvillette led her to a small park nestled between two buildings, the trees swaying gently in the evening breeze. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the area, casting a warm light that felt almost welcoming. He gestured for her to sit on a bench, and she complied, her body sagging with exhaustion as she sank into the wood.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, his tone gentle as he leaned against the railing nearby.

Furina looked down at her hands, the soft glow of the lanterns reflecting off her skin. "I don't even know where to begin."

"Start wherever you feel comfortable," he encouraged, his eyes unwavering. "There is no rush."

She hesitated, the weight of his gaze urging her to speak. "I was just... running. Trying to escape the voices, the expectations. It's all too much."

Neuvillette nodded, his expression understanding. "And the people who see you as Focalors? They only want what's best for you, for Fontaine. It's a lot to carry, but you don't have to keep it all in..."

"I know," Furina replied quietly, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her sleeves. "But I feel so disconnected. I'm not her... I can't be what everyone expects me to be. I have these memories that I don't even remember having-! I feel like this isn't my body. I DONT KNOW WHO I AM ANYMORE!"

The taller man jerked back a bit,before he cleared his throat and paced his gloved hand onto Furina's. "Identity can be-...fluid," he said, his voice soothing. "You can redefine who you are. You have the power to shape your own narrative. Focalors is you, but she does not solely define you..."

Furina absorbed his words, a mixture of apprehension and hope swirling inside her. "But what if I can't live up to that? What if they see me as a fraud? A worthless Archon!"

"You won't know until you try," Neuvillette replied, his tone resolute. "And if they do judge, it is their failing, not yours. You have been given a second chance. Make the most of it."

As she looked into his eyes, Furina felt the warmth of his belief in her—an unwavering trust that ignited a flicker of determination within her. Perhaps she could do this. Perhaps she could be both Focalors and Furina, forging a new path amid the chaos.

With that thought, she took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill her lungs, and allowed the tiniest smile to form on her lips. "I'll try to be stronger. I owe that much to them, to myself."

Neuvillette nodded, his expression reflecting pride. "And I will be here to support you every step of the way."

As they sat there in the quiet park, the world around them continuing to pulse with life, Furina felt the tendrils of hope wrap around her heart. It was still uncertain, still frightening, but for the first time, she felt like maybe—just maybe—she could find her place in this new life.

<—————————->
Hello my little lake Lillie's! I'm back again with a new book!<3!  This will be a mafia au! I'm so excited to write this and make sure to read; "Apologies, Miss. Furina...~!" Before continuing on! I'm so excited to see how this will progress!"

-the Author