A/N
This story is unedited so apologies for grammatical and spelling errors if any.
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Fiora (POV)
That woman didn't respond to my scream and walked towards me. I backed away immediately, heart pounding with fear, moving out of her path. She continued undeterred to one of the tables, where a bonsai sat by the window and trimmed it with delicate precision. Summoning my courage, I approached her and tried to touch her again. My hand slipped through her form like smoke.
Desperate, I reached for other objects in the room, but each attempt failed. Realization dawned on me: it was all a hologram. Panic rose within me.
I'm dreaming, I thought frantically. I tried to wake myself up, pinching my arm and shaking my head, but nothing worked. I was stuck here, trapped in this surreal space.
Scanning the room, I sought clarity, my eyes darting around desperately, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The details of the room became sharper in my heightened state of anxiety: a table covered in various potions and strange glowing moonflowers, alongside flora I couldn't identify. My gaze fell on containers of different sizes, each with something swirling inside—dense air, perhaps? And why was there so much water in the massive transparent tank?
Confusion swirled within me. What on earth is going on here?
I looked back at the woman and noticed her hands moving with an ethereal grace as she used magic to shape the bonsai. If I'm not mistaken, it's Ficus benghalensis. Wow, people here really have an obsession with Ficus plants—even Samragyi had some kind of Ficus.
"Indali, are you here?" a man's voice called out.
"Yes," she responded.
A man, also in his forties, entered the room. He was dressed in regal clothing, with a crown that matched the woman's. This man was the epitome of strength and elegance, his physique hinted at even beneath the layers of his attire. He wore light, shimmering jewelry that caught the light and added to his dignified appearance.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Shaping my bonsai. Why?" she replied.
"I was searching for you everywhere."
"Why, do you need something?"
"No, it's been a long day. I missed you."
"I missed you too."
He embraced her from behind and kissed her gently. Feeling like an intruder in this intimate moment, I thought I should leave, but there was nowhere for me to go. So, I stood there, an invisible witness to their tender exchange, feeling both awkward and captivated by the scene unfolding before me.
"Did you find the answer?" he asked, his voice gentle but probing.
"No!" she replied, frustration evident in her tone. "I think I'm wasting my energy on a very stupid notion."
He turned her to face him, his eyes filled with understanding. "Everything great starts from a very stupid notion."
Her eyes lit up with renewed motivation, and she rested her head on his chest, finding comfort in his presence.
"Do you think I should try to blend them one more time?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Trying won't hurt," he assured her.
With that, he gently nudged her toward the centre of the room. She took a deep breath, raising one hand toward the container with the swirling substance and the other toward the water container. Slowly, a ball of the swirling substance and water emerged from their respective containers and began to swirl around each other in the air. They danced together for a few seconds before vanishing into thin air
The woman's face fell, and the man hugged her again, locking his arms around her.
"It's okay, you'll find the clue someday," he reassured her gently.
A small spark of hope returned to her eyes. "Okay, tell me, what's your favourite element out of the seven?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
She hesitated playfully before responding, "Am! ammmm! ammmmmm Maybe fire. And what's yours?"
"Water," he replied after a moment of contemplation.
"Waaater? Why?" she asked, stepping back a little, curiosity evident in her tone.
The man smiled suspiciously, and a shiver ran down my spine. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
"Because..." he said, his hands beginning to glow. He raised them towards the water container, making a single drop of water float in the air above the woman's head. With a quick flick of his fingers, the drop multiplied and splashed down, soaking her completely.
"What just happened?" I thought, my eyes widening in disbelief. He had taken a single drop, multiplied it, and turned it into a drenching shower.
I mirrored the woman's shock, but my emotions were driven by a different shock. The man eyed her like a predator, I looked back at the woman to find the answer, and here it was
Her attire, now drenched, hugged her form with an almost sculpted precision, revealing a figure that was both voluptuous and meticulously toned. The fluffy fabric that once cascaded around her now clung snugly, tracing the gentle slopes and valleys of her body. Each drop of water that had soaked her clung to her skin like glistening pearls, following the natural contours from her face, trailing delicately down her neck, and outlining the graceful curve of her chest. It slid languidly over her waist and stomach, leaving a trail of cool dampness that settled into the folds of her lower garment.
The scene painted an image of sensuality and grace, where the play of light and shadow highlighted every curve and line. The way her clothes adhered to her figure hinted at a blend of strength and femininity, while the droplets of water added a touch of allure, reflecting the ambient glow with a soft, ethereal shimmer.
She seethed with anger but managed to flash a sinful smile. "Oh dear, this isn't good. I really shouldn't be here," I silently lamented.
Her hands crackled with a sparkly glow, and before the man could react, she unleashed a burst of heat that singed his upper clothing.
"Oopsie! Maybe a bit too intense," she teased, her smirk widening as the man stood there in stunned silence, arms defensively crossed.
"Oh my, I wasn't mistaken. He had a robust physique, his chest broad and defined, with light rectangles marking his abdomen."
"That was quite entertaining," she continued playfully and eyed him sinfully and I couldn't agree more
"Apologies! Did I scorch you there? Let me cool things down," she purred devilishly, her hand gesturing towards the water container. With practised ease, she conjured a ball of water and swiftly froze it before flinging it at him. Without missing a beat, he retaliated with a flicker of fire. They engaged in their playful duel for several minutes, laughter echoing through the room as they chased each other around, their playful banter filling the air with lively energy.
And here I am, caught like a deer in headlights, watching these lovebirds while my heart simmers with jealousy, fixated on that bonsai. Just when I thought things couldn't get more awkward, I heard a distinct moan.
Turning around faster than a startled cat, I realize the man is now planting kisses on the woman's neck, his hands wandering dangerously south.
"Whoa, seriously guys? Get a room!" I blurt out, feeling like an intruder in this intimate scene. The moans persist, becoming unmistakably louder, and I can't unhear what I'm hearing.
"Come on, a twenty-four-year-old stuck here," I mutter to myself, a blend of amusement and mortification swirling within me. My fingers splayed over my face, I dared to peek through the gaps. Before me, a man, with a nonchalant flick of his wrist, conjures a portal. As if it were the most natural thing in the world, he and his companion step through it, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.
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As the portal vanishes, leaving the room eerily silent, my attention is drawn to two tiny balls—no larger than water beads—still floating and dancing in the air. They ricochet off mirrors, twinkling like mischievous fireflies, before colliding with each other. The impact produces an eerie, otherworldly glow that illuminates the centre of the room.
A mesmerizing sight unfolds before my eyes: a ball of light, pulsating with a rhythmic heartbeat, its form undulating as though it possesses a life of its own. The luminous sphere gradually stretches and contracts, growing larger with each pulse, transforming into a distinct cylindrical shape.
"Wow," I whisper, unable to tear my gaze away from the enchanting display. The room, once a mere backdrop to my frustrations, is now a theatre of magical wonder
With each subtle shift, the glow coalesces into the familiar form of the dagger I had scrutinized earlier. Its intricate details shimmered in the ambient light, casting intricate patterns on the floor. The air around it seemed to vibrate with ancient power, and a sense of reverence washed over me as I beheld the mysterious transformation before my eyes.
"Well, well," I murmur to myself, "even magical artefacts need their privacy."
As I reach out to touch the dagger, a surge of realization floods over me. This could be the story of how this enchanted weapon came into existence. With a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, I extend my hand, fingertips trembling as they make contact with the shimmering surface.
In an instant, the world around me shifts. I find myself abruptly back where I started, surrounded by scattered scripts and papers. The five exhausted figures, including Samragyi, rest peacefully on their makeshift water beds. I glance at my phone, stunned to see that thirty minutes have slipped by in what felt like mere moments.
With a deep breath, I carefully return the dagger to its place, a newfound reverence mingling with my lingering sense of wonder.
Now, my curiosity led me to the next weapon, a spear. The moment my fingers touched its smooth surface, the room faded, and I found myself back in that dark alley with the queen. Her form was hauntingly familiar, and it struck me: "You're the same one who created that dagger, aren't you?"
"I don't have time to discuss that," she said urgently, her voice tinged with desperation. "Yes, I'm the same woman. Listen carefully. By now, you must be aware of what's Ebon Flux. If not, search about it. To destroy her, you'll need three things: the sword of...getma...de... the light of...g.ous...son... shit... network..."
"What? I can't hear you! What are you saying? 'Network'? What are you talking about? How do you know me? Who are you?" My questions spilled out in a frantic rush, but her words were becoming distorted, her form flickering like a faulty hologram.
"Aakshi," she managed to say clearly, "everyone will die. Be careful." And with that, her image vanished completely.
I woke up with a jolt, my heart racing, and found five pairs of eyes staring down at me. "Hello," I said, my voice shaky and uncertain.
My aunt let out a deep sigh of relief and pulled me into a tight hug. "Are you okay?" she asked, her concern palpable.
"Yes, why?" I asked, confused by their worried expressions.
Samragyi spoke up, "You've been out all day."
"Wait, what?" I felt a wave of panic wash over me.
They all looked at me with a mixture of concern and relief. "What time is it?" I asked, dread settling in the pit of my stomach.
"It's half past three in the morning," my aunt replied softly.
"Hold on. You mean I was out the entire day and night?" My voice was barely a whisper.
My aunt nodded solemnly, confirming my worst fears.
I sat up, my mind reeling. The queen's cryptic message about Ebon Flux and the urgent warning she left me with played over and over in my head. I knew I had to find out more about this mysterious force and the three things she mentioned. There was no time to waste; lives were at stake.
Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself, pushing the lingering fear aside. "I need to find out more about Ebon Flux," I said with determination in my head.
They all looked at me with worry etched across their faces.
"It's all that woman's doing," I said, trying to steady my voice.
"What woman?" Samragyi asked, her expression shifting from concern to curiosity.
"You know, the woman with regal clothing, wearing the same crown as yours. Brown eyes, a voluptuous yet fit body, long black hair," I described, the image of the mysterious woman clear in my mind.
"Samragyi Ina," Ruup interjected.
"No, I think her name is Indali," I corrected, shaking my head.
"But your description matches Samragyi Ina," Marma pointed out, her eyes narrowing in thought.
Everyone looked back and forth between me and Marma, their confusion deepening.
"Bring the portrait of Samragyi Ina," the queen ordered firmly.
Malay left to fetch the portrait, and Jihan seized the moment to ask, "In a meanwhile would you like to elaborate, what did she say?"
I frowned, trying to recall the fragmented conversation. "I don't remember everything, but the last time I met her..."
"Last time?" Samragyi's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Yes," I confirmed. "Before I decided to return, I fell into this state back at home as well. She said something about my choices shaping the future. I came here to find answers to what she meant, but from your reactions, I think you all aren't aware of this phenomenon either."
Malay returned with the portrait and carefully unfolded it. The moment my eyes landed on the image, recognition hit me like a lightning bolt.
"Yes, she's the one I saw in that dream or vision or whatever it was," I declared, my voice resolute.
The room fell silent, each of them processing this revelation. The image of Samragyi Ina, captured in the portrait, looked back at us with an enigmatic smile. It was the same face, the same presence that had haunted my visions.
"Who was she?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Samragyi stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mix of awe and reverence. "Samragyi Ina was a revered figure in our history. She is the one who established this magical realm. She was known for her wisdom, strength, and mystical abilities, but none of us knew exactly how powerful she was. Many of her records were burned to establish total patriarchy."
"Why?" I asked, the injustice of it all stirring a deep anger within me.
"Darling, we've asked that question countless times," Ruup answered, her voice tinged with frustration.
My aunt took my hands in hers, her grip firm but gentle. "What did she say this time? Try to remember, child. This is important."
I racked my brain, trying to decipher the fragments of the woman's cryptic message. "Probably something about 'three things'... and 'network'... Yes! I remember now. She said, 'Aakshi, everyone will die. Be careful.'"
My excited revelation was met with silence, the gravity of my words sinking into the room like a heavy stone. Slowly, everyone turned their gaze from me to Samragyi, the unspoken question hanging in the air.
"What do we do, Samragyi?" my aunt asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
Samragyi gently patted my aunt's head, her expression softening. "Don't worry, we'll figure it out," she consoled, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty.
Her eyes conveyed an unspoken message: 'I have no idea how to deal with this.'
The same uncertainty was mirrored in the faces of the others, their expressions a blend of determination and fear. The weight of the mysterious warning hung heavily over us all, a dark cloud of impending doom.
They all gathered in a circle on the makeshift waterbed I had conjured, each lost in contemplation. Unbeknownst to me, we remained in the mirrored chamber. While they pondered, I surveyed our surroundings. The room was a blend of mystical elements—a space where reflections danced with reality.
Driven by a desire to bring order to the scattered papers, I wielded my air element. Papers lifted and arranged themselves into neat stacks. Outside, my earth element sprang to life, coaxing flowers into bloom. Their fragrance wafted through the room, a soothing balm to our troubled thoughts. With a flicker of my fire element, tiny lights sparked to life, mimicking fireflies that fluttered playfully around us.
Next, I turned my attention to the water in the fishbowl, attempting to double it using my water power similar, to what that man did. It proved challenging, requiring numerous attempts—perhaps fifty or sixty—but eventually, I grasped the rhythm and essence of the task. Once understood, it became more manageable, the water responding to my intent with greater ease.
Yet, amidst this display of elemental mastery, a disquieting sensation crept over me—a prickling awareness that someone observed my every move. It was that uncanny feeling of being watched, of unseen eyes bearing down on me.
Turning slowly, I met the gaze of five pairs of eyes fixed upon me, their expressions inscrutable, devoid of any discernible emotion.
"Who are you?" Samragyi's voice sliced through the silence, laced with authority.
Fear pulsed through me, threatening to overwhelm me. If I said I was scared, it would be an understatement.
"WHO ARE YOU?" Samragyi's voice rang out, her tone sharp and commanding, her eyes piercing into mine. The others stood poised, their elemental powers ready to strike, each emitting a radiant glow that filled the room with an eerie light.
"I'm Fiora," I stammered, my heart pounding in my chest like a drumbeat. My eyes widened in disbelief and fear, my steps instinctively retreating as I felt a surge of panic rising within me.
"Liar!" Samragyi's accusation cut through the air like a blade. "You just wielded all five elements flawlessly. You can't be our Fiora. Reveal yourself before I unleash my fire upon you!" Her hands ignited with fiery intensity, the flames flickering dangerously toward me.
Surrounded by the others, their hands aglow with elemental power, I felt a wave of terror wash over me. The air crackled with energy, their collective force pressing in on me like an invisible wall.
"I don't know what's happening!" I pleaded, my voice tinged with desperation. "I am Fiora, but I don't understand why you all are reacting like this."
"Where did you learn to wield your powers with such finesse? It's an advanced technique that takes years of training and guidance," Malay spoke, his voice firm and determinant.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I learned these techniques from an old man, and the last time I saw someone use water powers like this was with that dagger," I explained hurriedly, hoping to make sense of the chaos unfolding around me.
"What old man? Who are you talking about?" Samragyi demanded, her tone sharp but tinged with curiosity now that their initial aggression had subsided slightly. The others, still cautious, maintained a safe distance but listened intently.
I recounted how I had learned to control the elements and the circumstances under which I had observed their use. As I spoke, a flicker of realization seemed to pass among them, though their expressions remained inscrutable to me.
"We need to meet this old man," Samragyi declared firmly, her gaze unwavering.
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A/N
Word count:- 3000
Hello, my lovely readers, I hope you all are doing well
Here, is the 34th chapter of my book
I hope you all liked it and have a great day ahead
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Date:- 30/06/2024