I shook my head, trying to clear the fogginess.
"How did I even end up here? Where am I?" I muttered, my eyes scanning the dark surroundings.
The air was heavy with an unsettling stillness, and the darkness seemed to press in on me from all sides.
Then, a faint voice echoed from the shadows, sending shivers down my spine.
"Hey Shang! Did you miss us? Come here, let's play!"
The voice was familiar, yet twisted, and it brought back memories of a past I'd rather forget.
"No... no, please noooo," I jolted awake, my eyes snapping open as I gasped for air.
I was drenched in sweat, my heart racing like a wild animal in my chest. I looked around, disoriented, and spotted Drake sleeping peacefully beside me.
I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself down.
"Oh, it's just a dream," I told myself, attempting to shake off the lingering fear.
But the image of the dark place and the voice lingered, refusing to be dismissed.
I got up, my legs wobbly, and stumbled towards the nearby waterfall.
The cool water was refreshing, and I splashed some on my face, trying to wash away the remnants of the disturbing dream.
As I stood there, the roar of the waterfall created a soothing background noise.
I closed my eyes, letting the memories of my past life flood back.
"What was that? And why did it come to my mind? Why now?" I wondered, my mind whirling with questions.
I stood up, gazing up at the star-filled sky. The constellation twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse.
"I also need to find out why I was reincarnated and brought to this world," I mused, my voice barely above a whisper.
Just then, I felt a strange sensation, like a sudden jolt of electricity coursing through my veins. "Uuughh!", like a sudden jolt of electricity.
My heart skipped a beat, and I knelt down, "What the hell? What's going on-" clutching my chest near my heart with my right hand.
My teeth were gritted, and I felt a wave of discomfort wash over me "Huhh, huhhhff, huff".
The sensation was intense, like a burning fire spreading through my chest.
I felt like I was going to pass out. After what felt like an eternity, the sensation subsided, and my heart returned to its normal rhythm.
I was left wondering what had just happened. "What just happened? What's going on with my body? Why is it acting strange?" I thought, my mind racing with questions.
As I stood there, trying to make sense of what had just occurred, a figure emerged from the darkness of the mountain.
He was shrouded in black, his entire body obscured by the shadows, but his eyes... his eyes gleamed like two shiny white stars in the night sky.
They were the only visible feature, and they seemed to bore into my very soul.
I stared at the mysterious figure, my heart still racing from the earlier sensation. "What is that thing?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"Hey, who are you?" I tried to ask, but before I could finish, my legs felt like jelly, and my vision began to blur.
I tried to take a step forward, but my body wouldn't respond.
I felt myself falling, but I couldn't stop it.
"No... I need to... Head to the camp," I muttered, but my words were cut off as I collapsed onto the ground. Everything went black.
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scene Shifted
A grand, imperial room with dark, ominous tones. The ceiling was high and vaulted, with a stunning crystal chandelier hanging from it, refracting the faint light that seeped in, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the walls.
The room was dimly lit, with shadows dancing across the ornate furnishings.
A horned man (a phobian) with pearl eyes and brown hair, strode into the room, his boots echoing off the stone floor.
He was dressed in dark, battle-worn armor, with intricate engravings on the leather.
"Tsk, it took forever to kill that fool," he muttered. His expression was one of relief and annoyance, his brow furrowed as he scratched his head.
As he entered, another man emerged from the shadows, his presence subtle, yet commanding.
His face was obscured by the darkness, making it impossible to discern any features. "What took you so long, Vex?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.
Vex (the brown hair) immediately dropped to one knee, his head bowed in respect. "Greetings, Prince Vrakor," he said, his voice steady, but laced with a hint of fear.
"Stop with all that shit! Get to the Point! Did you get the Aetherstone which I instructed you to? And what about that traitor Zarak?" Vrakor's voice boomed through the room, dense and powerful, creating waves that seemed to press down on the gravitational force. His words were laced with anger and frustration.
Vex's face contorted in a mixture of fear and worry as he kept his head bowed. "I-I have killed that bastard, Prince Vrakor. And as for the stone, it wasn't with him... it seems he wasn't the one who was having it," he stammered, his voice shaking.
Vrakor's mouth twisted in a snarl, his teeth gritted in anger. He sat on a small, royal throne, holding his head with one hand. "Shit!" he cursed, his voice echoing off the walls.
Just then, a woman emerged from the shadows, her presence regal and commanding. She was dressed in a stunning royal gown, made of silk and adorned with precious gems that sparkled in the faint light.
Her crown was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with delicate filigree and a central gemstone that shone like a star.
She wrapped her hands around Vrakor's neck, her touch gentle, yet possessive. "What's the matter, dear? You look... troubled," she asked, her voice soft and melodious.
"It's nothing, it would be better if you stayed out of this, Melina," Vrakor said, his voice commanding and firm, his eyes flashing with a warning.
Melina pouted, her lips curling into a sulky smile. "Huff... you're no fun, Dear," she said, her voice playful, but with a hint of annoyance. She took a step back, her eyes never leaving Vrakor's face, her hands slipping from his neck.
Vrakor's gaze shifted back to Vex, his expression turning cold and calculating. "I don't want to know what happened to him or whatever," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I just want the stone back. That stone is very important to us Phobians."
Vex nodded hastily, his face pale. "Roger, my lord," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Vrakor's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Just bring it back, otherwise..." He paused, his eyes glinting with menace. "Grandfather would get into action."
Vex's eyes widened, his head jerking up in surprise. "His Highness?" he stammered, his voice trembling. "Why would someone like him, the King of the Phobians, act for that stone?"
Vrakor's gaze turned icy, his presence suffocating. He unleashed his great powers of pressure, crushing Vex to the ground. "Uurgh, forgive me, my lord," Vex gasped, his face twisted in pain.
"You don't need to know why," Vrakor said, his voice cold and detached. "Just do what I said. Bring me the Aetherstone, no matter the cost. Do not fail me." he paused
Then he added "I have high hopes on you..... commander Vex."
Vex struggled to his feet, kneeling again, his head bowed. "Yes! I won't fail, my lord," he promised, his voice shaking with determination.
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POV: - ARIES
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When I came to (woke up), the sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow. Drake stood over me, his face etched with concern. "You okay, There Aries?" he asked, his voice laced with worry, his eyes scanning my face intently.