Arrival

AURORA STORMBRINGER POV

A wild rollercoaster of emotions comes crashing down on me like a ton of bricks. It's like an invisible hand is squeezing my heart so hard that I can barely breathe. Suddenly, a scream escapes my mind, leaving me startled and slightly embarrassed. I can feel my fist clenching so tight that I swear I'm about to break a finger. These memories are hitting me like a freight train, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for the ride.

I thought I had the reins tightly in my grip, that I had tamed the beast and it wouldn't dare misbehave again. Alas, that was merely a fleeting thought, as the wild stallion of chaos bolted once more, leaving me to hold on for dear life.

As the duel kicked off, a fiery energy surged within me, taking over the reins of my being. It wasn't just any ordinary loss of control - no, no - it was as if some supernatural power had invaded my body and was directing my every thought, word, and action. A brand new personality, similar to but oh-so-different from my old self, emerged right before my eyes. It was like the feeling I got when I addressed my loyal subjects, but with an extra zing that made it stand out.

And for that, a wild and wacky thought has sprouted from the depths of my mind! It's a crazy notion that I've tried to stifle, but it keeps bouncing back with such tenacity that I can't ignore it any longer. It's so outlandish that I'm not even sure if I believe it myself, but it won't leave me alone. It's like a pesky fly that keeps buzzing in my ear, begging for attention. Is it possible that the entity that takes over me is none other than my in-game persona, assuming command of my being? Despite its outlandishness, It's like my brain has become a cozy little home for this wacky thought, and no amount of mental spring cleaning can evict it.

And so as the carriage rattles and bounces along the rocky road, I let out a long sigh, like a deflating balloon. Suddenly, Lyra's intense blue gaze locks onto me, her curious expression tinged with worry. Her eyes seem to scan my entire being, like a forensic detective analyzing a crime scene.

"Is there something wrong?" she asks, her eyes locked onto mine with unwavering determination.

I'm roused from my reverie and meet her eye with a quizzical "Hmm? Ah, Don't worry, I was just lost in thought."

"Dont tell me! I knew It, Elara, the foolish one, daring to engage in a duel with you is an act of the gravest offense. I shall ensure that she learns her place."

She's dropping some seriously strange stuff with a poker face like it is no big deal. Like, what in the world is she even yapping about?

"Lyra, do you have a penchant for carrying ideas to preposterous ends?"

"What do you mean?" she asked confused.

"It's not of importance, but I do hold the belief that it is wiser to refrain from accepting a singular notion as absolute truth, as it may very well be flawed."

"With utmost respect, your highness, I must profess that throughout my existence, I have never once found myself in error. Indeed, however, it is a given that your highness's wisdom surpasses mine in every way imaginable. I am but a mere mortal, unable to fathom the magnitude of your magnificence."

That's exactly the problem. You've put me up on a pedestal like some kind of mythical deity, and now you're brushing off everyone else like they're not even worth your attention. It's getting to the point where I don't know what to do with this gal anymore!

It's best to just ignore her as I press my right cheek against the carriage window, to catch a glimpse of the lush greenery that was promised to me. But alas, my eyes scan the barren landscape, and I'm left wondering, "Where in the world have all the trees gone?"

I mean, seriously, what I am looking at is so wacky it could give a tall tale a run for its money. And don't even get me started on how unnatural it all looks, like a fish riding a bicycle or a cat walking on its hind legs. It's enough to make you do a double-take and wonder if you've stumbled into a parallel universe or something!

The scenery looks more barren than my bank account after a weekend bender. I'm talking tumbleweeds rollin' by like they own the joint. And where there should be trees, there's nada, zilch, zero, not even a cactus in sight. Plus, what's with all the holes? It's like Mother Nature went on a gopher-thon or somethin'. And hold up, is that smoke I see in the distance? Nah, scratch that, it's definitely fire!

With a look of disdain, Lyra uttered, "Tch, the inhabitants of this planet are incapable of preserving the natural splendor of their surroundings. It is hardly surprising, considering their primitive nature."

No, no, no, no! Lyra, you've got it all wrong! I don't think their negligence is to blame for this disaster zone. It's more like this place has been through a wild war and came out bruised and battered.

"Lyra, hold your judgment for the moment, It is possible that an unforeseen event may have transpired here."

"Though your majesty, your statement may hold some truth, I humbly ask for your pardon as I express my audacious thoughts. Alas, my mind is consumed by a single notion," She comes to a sudden stop, her eyes locked on the barren wasteland ahead with a look of utter revulsion. Then, just as quickly, she shakes off the feeling and looks forward once again, "Forgive me, but I cannot help but opine that you may overestimate their abilities."

More like you're not giving them enough credit. Can't you see how absurdly out of whack everything is here? It's like some massive explosive device detonated smack dab in the center of this wasteland! It's as if Mother Nature just completely lost her cool and went on a wild rampage!

I straighten my posture as I can't help but remark, "Of all the eyes I've ever seen, yours are the most beautiful, yet there's one thing they seem to be missing."

She inquires with great interest, "what might that be?"

I crack a grin as I feel my face light up with amusement. With the grace of a royal highness, I nonchalantly cross my right leg over the other, as if I'm lounging on a throne. And then, in my most regal and measured tone, I speak the words, "Common sense."

Her peepers popped out with shock, grappling to process the words that had just rolled off my tongue. But, despite her bewilderment, she clung onto that same look as she fired back at me. "I believe I possess an ample amount of common sense."

Chuckling softly, I remark with a sense of wonderment, "Heheheh, It's interesting how each of us clings to our own beliefs, even when they differ from others'. That's what gives us a sense of similarity and individuality all at once."

Her eyes take a quick detour towards the carriage window just as her words break free from her lips, "Seems like we're nearing our destination."

She deftly steered the conversation into new waters as I found myself admiring her verbal prowess. In response, I couldn't resist flashing a charming smile her way. With a casual flick of my gaze towards the passing scenery outside the carriage window, I acknowledged her point with a simple yet suave phrase, "Indeed, it seems we... uh?"

We finally made it! But, what caught my eye was the complete and utter obliteration of..... walls? I mean, sure, they're technically still standing, but why in tarnation do they have colossal, cavernous gaps in 'em?

At the front gate a group of knights stand tall and proud, with a dignitary who seemed to be no other than the pontiff himself, surrounded by them. And lo and behold, at the head of the pack stood the pope, emanating an aura of majestic grace, his hands clasped together in a gesture of peaceful veneration.

I shift my gaze towards Lyra as my eyes can't help but fixate on the magnificence of her snow-white wings. I couldn't resist but suggest to her, "Lyra, your wings are absolutely breathtaking, but maybe it would be prudent to conceal them for the moment?" I gesture towards her impressive appendages, hoping she won't take offense at my suggestion.

"Your majesty, the expanse of your wisdom knows no limits," she spoke with deep reverence. "I shall conceal them as you have advised, for I cannot bear the thought of those repugnant gazes lingering upon my resplendent being." Her words dripped with gratitude and deference.

"Well, I guess I'll throw in the towel!" I declared, waving a white flag of defeat. It was clear to me that trying to talk to this unpredictable creature was a fool's errand. With a heavy sigh, I accepted my fate and decided to ride the wave of chaos. After all, sometimes you just gotta go with the flow, even if that flow is more like a raging river than a calm stream.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but did you say something?"

"Pay me no heed," I say, gesturing towards the still and vigilant knights stationed just beyond the carriage window, poised and ready for our arrival. "Let us not be tardy any longer."

"Yes!"

Gave, the masterful driver, with the flourish of a magician, swings open the carriage door with a sweeping bow, his left hand extended towards me like a graceful swan. With the poise of a prima ballerina, I extend my hand and clasp his, stepping out of the carriage with the elegance of a royal monarch. He does the same for Lyra, ensuring that we all exit in style.

"Waahh"

"Gorgeous, absolutely stunning"

"Wait, so she's the one we had to move on real quick?"

"Who is she?"

we strutted out onto the scene and BOOM! Suddenly, all eyes were on us. Every single person couldn't take their gaze off us - we were like magnets, drawing in all the attention. They looked at us with a mix of amazement, fascination, and maybe even a little bit of infatuation. It was like we were the stars of our very own show, and everyone else was just a spectator, entranced by our presence.

I was observing the crowd and to no surprise, most people reacted as I had expected. But then, there was the Pope! He had a look on his face that was worth a thousand words. His eyes were bulging out of their sockets, and his hands were clenched tight like he was ready to throw down. It was as if he had just witnessed a ghostly apparition! And to top it all off, he was sweating bullets. I could tell he was itching to bolt out of here and never look back.

And Lyra, well, she couldn't help but let out a disgusted snort as she caught sight of the lustful stares being directed our way. Her eyes blazed with fury, and she felt an almost primal urge to teach those perpetrators a lesson they'd never forget! "Those wretched vermin," With a sly grin and a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she muttered under her breath - just loud enough for everyone to hear. It was as if she had thrown caution to the wind and decided to let it all out, uncensored and unfiltered. This was definitely a statement she wanted to make! "To dare to gaze upon her highness with such unbridled desire. I should pluck out their eyes."

As she readied herself to move forward, the pontiff suddenly snapped back to reality, like a rubber band slingshotting back into place. His once-sweaty forehead now cool as a cucumber, he locked his gaze onto us and gingerly stepped forward, as if walking on eggshells. And with a voice that sounded like it was doing a tightrope walk, he began to speak, cautiously choosing each word like a picky eater selecting from a menu, "I-I extend my greetings to you all, esteemed visitors, and offer our apologies for our lack of vigor. As you all can already tell, we are not in the most favorable of circumstances."

"Ha!" Lyra scoffed. "As if your paltry display of hostility could ever measure up to the magnificence of her highness." And of course, Lyra just couldn't resist flapping her gums, could she? Can't this woman ever keep her trap shut? Did she forget why we even bothered coming here in the first place!?

I stride purposefully forward, my flowing robe and hair whipped about by the gusting wind, determined to intervene before matters spiral out of control. The knights' eyes bore into me with heightened intensity as I pose my question. "Speaking of this scene, what could have brought about such an unnatural occurrence? Negligence alone cannot be responsible." My words ring out, poised and authoritative.

I locked eyes with the pontiff, feeling like I was staring into the depths of his soul. Suddenly, his face flickered with surprise, like he'd just been hit by a bolt of lightning! Maybe my words had shocked him, or maybe he was just stunned by my cluelessness. Either way, he looked unsure and lost in thought, and his eyes stayed locked on mine for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he opened his mouth to speak, but his voice was shaky and hesitant, like he wasn't sure if he was ready for whatever was about to come out. "The events that transpired are so preposterous that I fear you may deem me mad if I were to recount them."

His gaze fixated on the distant horizon, his voice reverberating with a sense of awe, "The Gods themselves were locked in discord, and we mortals were left to bear the weight of their conflict. The ground trembled beneath our feet, and the sky was cloaked in darkness as a colossal explosion, the likes of which I had never seen, erupted in the farthest reaches of our sight."

With each flick of his linguistic wrist, he painted a picture of pure chaos that had etched itself deep into the fabric of his brain. His language was like a kaleidoscope of colors, exploding onto the page and giving birth to a tragic scene that was so real you could almost touch it. It was a story that hung in the air like the smell of wet paint, impossible to shake off and impossible to ignore. And there I was, frozen in shock, mentally shouting, "Holy sh*t, this is all my fault!"