Paola carefully maneuvered around the dimly lit cave, her eyes always on Selene. She wanted to get to know her but couldn’t afford to let her guard down. Given that this woman was chasing after fallen stars, Paola knew she had to tread lightly, especially considering the diamond-tier, pink fluffy bunny slippers stashed in her bag. The last thing she wanted was to draw unwanted attention to herself or her precious items.

The cave provided a temporary respite from the Beaststorm raging outside, but Paola was unsure of the storm's full extent. She decided to probe Selene for information, hoping to gain some insight. Selene raised a cautious eyebrow as Paola began her questioning, then started asking her own set of questions before answering any of Paola's.

"Do you have storms like this in Solaria?" Selene asked, her tone probing.

Paola shrugged. "Not where I’m from. We get bad weather sometimes, depending on the season—storms, floods, tornadoes, you know." She listed common storms from Earth, hoping it would make sense in this context.

Selene nodded thoughtfully, seeming to understand. Then she began explaining the storm. "A Beaststorm is more than just a storm. It's more beast than storm."

Paola furrowed her brow, not quite grasping the concept. Selene nodded and tried to elaborate. "The storm itself acts like a magical beast. The creatures it summons within the storm—they act as its teeth, its claws." She struggled to explain the phenomenon, her words fumbling slightly. "The storm is aware of what it can reach. That’s why the beasts seem to know exactly where we are when we're caught within it. Also, it can’t reach into caves unless it uses a significant portion of its power to pursue."

Paola's eyes widened with intrigue. "What do the beasts want? Why do they attack?"

Selene sighed. "The more energy the storm consumes, the stronger it becomes."

Paola's mind raced with possibilities. "Does that mean if it gets stronger, it can be beaten?"

Selene laughed, a hollow sound echoing in the cave. "Theoretically, it could be done, but I’ve never heard of anyone actually succeeding in that."

Paola sat in silence for a moment, digesting this information. She thought about what Selene had said about the storm being able to search for magical items. It made her wonder if the storm might be after something specific, something valuable.

Deciding to test the waters, Paola asked as casually as she could, "Do you think the storm might be around this area in search of... well, you know?"

Selene nodded, her expression serious. "Yes," was her only answer.

Paola tried to keep her expression neutral, but her mind was racing. She needed to know more but couldn't afford to show too much interest. "That makes sense," she said, trying to sound thoughtful. "It must be pretty powerful to search for magical items like that."

Selene's eyes narrowed slightly, studying Paola. "It is. That’s why we need to be careful."

Paola nodded, her heart pounding. She felt the weight of her own secrets pressing down on her, the knowledge that she wasn't from Solaria but from Earth. She knew she couldn't reveal that truth, not until she was strong enough to protect herself and her possessions.

The cave fell silent again, both women lost in their thoughts. Paola glanced at Oso, who had settled down at her feet. The little cub seemed more relaxed now, but Paola knew the danger was far from over.

Selene shifted, drawing Paola’s attention back. "The storm will eventually pass," Selene said quietly. "We just need to wait it out."

Paola nodded, her mind still racing with thoughts of the storm, the beasts, and the treasures it sought. She knew she had to be cautious, but she also felt a strange kinship with Selene. Despite their differences and the secrets they each held, they were both caught in the same chaotic situation, trying to navigate a world filled with danger and uncertainty.

Paola decided to keep the conversation going, hoping to learn more about Selene and perhaps gain her trust. "So, what’s Valarian like?" she asked, shifting the topic slightly. "I’ve only been there for a short time."

Selene’s expression softened slightly. "It’s a bustling city, full of life and energy. But it has its dark sides too. There’s a lot of politics, power struggles, and hidden agendas. It’s a place where you have to watch your back."

Paola nodded, understanding the underlying message. "Sounds like it’s not too different from where I came from," she said with a wry smile.

Selene chuckled softly. "Maybe not. Every place has its own challenges."

Paola hesitated, then decided to share a bit more about herself. "I was just an ordinary person before all of this. Living a simple life, trying to get by. But everything changed when that spell went wrong."

Selene’s eyes softened with empathy. "It sounds like you’ve had a rough journey."

Paola sighed, nodding. "Yeah, it’s been tough. But I’m learning to adapt. I’ve met some good people along the way. People who’ve helped me survive."

Selene’s gaze turned thoughtful. "It’s the people we meet that make the difference," she said softly. "I’ve learned that the hard way."

Paola felt a cautious camaraderie growing between her and Selene. The cave, with its softly glowing mushrooms and the ever-present rumble of the storm outside, felt like a world unto itself, isolated and strangely intimate. Paola, ever curious, decided to push for more conversation, sensing that there was much more to Selene than met the eye.

"So, Selene," Paola began, her tone casual but probing, "what made you become a treasure hunter? It doesn’t seem like the kind of thing someone just falls into."

Selene hesitated, her eyes flickering with a mix of reluctance and curiosity. "It’s a long story," she replied, clearly not eager to dive into her past.

Paola smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, I told you mine. Fair is fair."

Selene sighed, her gaze turning distant. "Circumstances pushed me into it. I had to survive, and this was the only way I knew how. I never planned on this life; it just happened."

Paola nodded, understanding the feeling of being swept up by forces beyond one's control. "I get that," she said softly. "When I first arrived here, I was saved by a Sword Maiden. It was... intense, to say the least."

Selene's eyes sharpened with interest, though Paola didn’t notice. "A Sword Maiden?" she echoed, her tone carefully neutral.

Paola nodded, lost in the memory. "Yeah, I got attacked by zombies within hours of arriving in Seracian Province. I would've died if she hadn't shown up at the last second. Killed the zombies and saved me. After that, it was one thing after another—river lurkers, bandits, cave hounds, mountain lion things, and even slimes."

Selene listened quietly, her gaze fixed on Paola as she spoke. There was a depth to her silence, as if she were absorbing every word.

"I had never fought before," Paola continued, her voice tinged with a mix of wonder and exhaustion. "Back in Solaria, my life was simple. Get up, farm, and sleep. I had nothing but the routine. But here... everything changed so fast. I had to adapt or die."

Selene's eyes softened, and she nodded slightly. "It's a harsh world. It forces us to become something else, something we never expected."

Paola sighed, feeling a weight lift as she shared her story. "Now, I don’t know if I have a purpose. But getting through to tomorrow has more meaning. At first, I thought I wanted to go back to being a simple farmer, but in truth, I've found something in this life of adventure. It's hard and scary, but... I saved Oso by myself. That felt... meaningful."

Paola paused, reflecting on her words. She realized she wasn't thinking about going back to Solaria—she meant Earth. Accepting that she could never go back was a slow process, but sharing her story with Selene made it feel a little easier.

Selene gave a faint smile. "It sounds like you've found something worth holding on to, even if it wasn't what you expected."

Paola nodded, a small, grateful smile on her lips. "Yeah, I guess I have."

Before they could continue, a sickly moan echoed from the far end of the cave. Both women turned, their gazes locking onto the source of the sound. Emerging from the shadows was a massive Sand Golem Zombie. It was a grotesque amalgamation of rotting flesh, earth, and sand, towering over them with a presence that seemed to suck the very light from the air. Its body was a twisted, lumbering mass, but what caught Paola's eye was the solid black marble embedded in its chest. Streaks of red and yellow lightning swirled within the marble, creating a menacing, chaotic light.

Oso growled briefly before whimpering and running to hide behind a cluster of mushrooms. Paola watched the cub retreat, her heart pounding as the golem advanced.

"Great," Paola muttered, raising her arms in defeat at the monstrous creature. "This is what I'm talking about. One thing after another, you know?" She shook her head, a mix of annoyance and resignation in her voice.

Selene blinked, her expression a mixture of horror and confusion. She struggled to hide her fear, taken aback by Paola’s seemingly casual attitude in the face of such a terrifying beast.

Paola gestured towards the golem, her annoyance palpable. "I'm glad I have backup this time. It should be fast."

Selene just blinked, her mind racing to catch up with Paola’s nonchalance. The massive Sand Golem Zombie lumbered closer, its grotesque form illuminated by the eerie red glow of the mushrooms.

The creature was an abomination, its body a patchwork of decayed flesh and hardened sand. Its limbs were misshapen, with one arm larger than the other, ending in a claw-like hand made of stone and bone. The marble in its chest pulsed with a sinister energy, casting flickering shadows on the cave walls.

Paola turned to Selene, her eyes sharp. "You ready for this?"

Selene nodded slowly, her eyes never leaving the massive Sand Golem Zombie. As she did, she asked Paola, her voice tinged with urgency, "Do you know what that is?"

Paola shrugged nonchalantly. "Ugly," she replied, her tone casual despite the towering threat before them.

Selene blinked, then looked at the zombie, then back to Paola. "No, no," she said, shaking her head. "That's the eye of the storm."

Paola turned and looked back at the golem with the same look of indifference. "What does that mean?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Selene's ash-grey complexion seemed to pale even more, as if she had seen a ghost. "That's the literal heart of the storm," she explained, her voice trembling slightly. "That's the life, the energy core..."

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Paola raised an eyebrow, slowly beginning to grasp the gravity of the situation. "Ooh," she said, though it was clear she still didn’t fully understand.

Selene glanced back towards the direction Paola assumed she had come from, her expression one of sheer panic. "Are you going to run?" Paola asked, her tone almost teasing.

Selene looked back at the beast, then at Paola, her fear evident. "We’re literally going to die if we don’t," she said, her voice a harsh whisper. She glanced at the beast again, then back to Paola. "It's probably already too late."

Paola gave a small smile, her confidence unshaken. She leaned in closer to Selene and whispered, "I have a cheat code."

Selene watched in disbelief as Paola produced a pair of fully pink slippers from seemingly nowhere and let them fall gracefully to the ground. Selene blinked, her eyes widening in shock as Paola lifted her foot, wiped the dirt off the sole, and slid it into one of the slippers. The little pink ears on the slippers perked up in response, adding an almost comical touch to the dire situation.

"What the fuck is a cheat code?" Selene whispered, more to herself than to Paola. She shook her head, her fear overtaking her rationality. "We have to go," she tried to urge Paola, her voice breaking. But her legs wouldn’t cooperate; she was paralyzed by the fear, being within the range of the Eye.

Paola, now fully adorned in her pink slippers, felt an invigorating rush of energy surge through her. She looked at Selene, her face a picture of calm determination. "Don't worry," she said, her voice steady and strong. "I've got this."

Selene's eyes darted between Paola and the monstrous golem, disbelief and fear battling for dominance in her mind. But Paola was resolute, the energy from her slippers infusing her with a newfound power and confidence. Selene tried to talk some sense into Paola, her voice urgent and desperate. "Paola, if you think you're brave enough to fight this thing, then be brave enough to run!"

Paola nodded thoughtfully, as if considering Selene's words. "That makes sense," she admitted, a small smile playing on her lips. "But then I'd be leaving you behind." She flashed a cheesy grin at Selene. "And I can't do that."

Selene's eyes widened in frustration. "Paola, this beast is a Sapphire tier, maybe even Diamond! It's suicide!"

Paola shrugged, her demeanor casual despite the gravity of the situation. "Don't worry about it," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "I've got my pink slippers on. What could go wrong?" She glanced at the golem and then back at Selene. "Besides, who's scared of a zombie cosplaying the thing from Fantastic Four?"

"What?" Selene doubled down, her voice growing more intense. "Paola, don't be stupid. Don't kill yourself for a stranger!"

Paola shrugged again, her indifference unwavering. "Who said anything about killing myself?" She smirked, making another joke. "Worst case, I need you to step in and finish the job." She winked.

Selene let out a string of curses, her frustration boiling over. "This is fucking insane! You're fucking insane!"

Paola took a step forward, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with Selene's panic. "Maybe," she said, her voice steady. "But someone's gotta do it." She looked back at Selene, her eyes softening. "Just step back. I can handle this."

Selene, despite her initial reluctance, felt herself taking a step back as Paola moved forward. The determination in Paola's eyes was unwavering, a stark contrast to the fear that had paralyzed Selene moments before.

The massive Sand Golem Zombie loomed closer, its grotesque form casting an ominous shadow over them. Paola squared her shoulders, the energy from her slippers coursing through her. She felt ready, more than ready, to take on whatever came next. The Eye of the storm, the heart of the Beaststorm, would be her challenge to conquer.

With that, she activated Meteor Speed, sprinting towards the golem with blinding velocity. The sand beneath her feet seemed to melt away as she closed the distance in a heartbeat. The golem, slow to react, swung its massive arm down, but Paola was already gone, having used Nimble Escape to teleport behind it in a burst of cosmic energy.

She summoned a pair of daggers using Bare Necessities, feeling the familiar weight in her hands. The golem turned, its movements sluggish, but its raw power evident. Paola lunged, aiming for its legs with Flash and Slash, hoping to blind it with the glare. The daggers found their mark, slicing through the gritty surface and sending a cloud of sand into the air. The golem roared, a deep, guttural sound, and swung its arm wildly.

Paola ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, and used Hide and Streak to turn invisible for a brief moment, repositioning herself. She appeared behind the golem again and leaped high into the air with Moonlit Leap, aiming to strike from above. Her daggers gleamed in the dim light as she came down hard on the golem’s back, but the creature twisted at the last second, grabbing her mid-air.

It slammed her into the ground with bone-crushing force. Paola felt the air leave her lungs, pain radiating through her body. Her HP dropped significantly, but the Galactic Resilience from her slippers kept her conscious. She kicked out, using Agility of the Rabbit to slip free from the golem’s grasp and roll to her feet.

The golem lunged again, and Paola barely had time to react. She used Ethereal Step to run up the cave wall, flipping over the golem and landing behind it. She struck with her daggers, aiming for the core in its chest, but the golem’s hide was tough, and her strikes barely made a dent. It turned with surprising speed, its massive fist connecting with her side and sending her sprawling.

Paola winced as she struggled to stand, her vision blurring. The golem’s next attack was coming, and she knew she couldn’t take another hit like that. She needed to find a way to weaken it. Desperation fueled her as she activated Singing in the Raw, her voice echoing through the cave, amplifying her bardic abilities. The song’s magic infused her next attack with added power.

The golem hesitated, the sound disorienting it for a brief moment. Paola used the opportunity to summon a spear, throwing it with all her might. The spear pierced the golem’s shoulder, causing it to roar in pain. But it wasn’t enough. The creature grabbed the spear, snapping it in half as it advanced on her.

Paola tried to dodge, but the golem was faster than she anticipated. It grabbed her again, lifting her high and slamming her into the ground repeatedly. Pain exploded through her body with each impact. Her HP was dropping rapidly, and she knew she was on the brink of death. But she couldn’t give up.

With a final burst of strength, Paola used Nude Nunchaku, unleashing a flurry of unarmed attacks. Her fists and feet struck with precision, hitting weak points and causing the golem to stagger. But it wasn’t enough to stop it. The golem roared, raising its arm for a final, crushing blow.

Paola's vision darkened, her strength fading. She saw the golem’s massive fist descending and knew she couldn’t avoid it. But then, a blur of movement caught her eye. Selene, who had been watching in horror, sprang into action.

Selene’s amethyst eyes glowed with determination as she moved with incredible speed. She reached the golem just as it was about to strike, her Mithralite prosthetic arm transforming into a massive, glowing fist. With a primal scream, she punched the golem's core, the Void Fist ability unleashing a devastating amount of energy.

The golem's core shattered, the marble exploding in a burst of light and energy. The golem staggered, its body crumbling into sand and debris. Selene stood panting, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and disbelief.

Paola, lying on the ground, looked up at Selene with a weak smile. "Worst case, huh?" she managed to joke, her voice barely a whisper.

Selene dropped to her knees beside Paola, her hands shaking. "You're fucking insane," she said, but there was a hint of a smile in her eyes.

Paola chuckled weakly before the pain and exhaustion overtook her. Her vision blurred, and she felt herself slipping into unconsciousness. The last thing she felt was Selene’s hand gripping hers, a promise of safety in the chaos. Then, darkness took her.

***

Selene stared down at Paola's frail body. Her cloak, once a symbol of resilience and enchantment, lay in tatters, barely covering her lithe frame. The remnants of the battle were etched on Paola’s skin, bruises and cuts marring her delicate features. Selene’s amethyst eyes gazed over the woman, teetering on the brink of death, and a mix of emotions churned within her.

"No, not again," she muttered to herself, the guilt from her past mistakes flooding back. Stealing the feather from Poca was a sin she still carried heavily. But taking the slippers off Paola's dying body after she had bravely fought the Eye of the Storm and nearly won—it felt like a betrayal of the highest order.

Selene knew she had fucked up. She had stolen Poca’s feather unjustly, despite the woman’s kindness in gifting her the mithralite arm she now wielded. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Paola was clearly a good person. Even in their short time together, Selene could see that. And those slippers... they were undoubtedly powerful. This woman, Paola, was traveling with Ayla—she had to be the fallen star everyone was searching for.

The choice seemed clear. All Selene had to do was let Paola die, take the slippers, and she would be free. Free from everything. No one would be able to stop her. But deep down, she knew she would never be free from the guilt that would follow. The guilt that already haunted her from past mistakes.

Selene knelt down, her hands trembling as she gently pulled the slippers off Paola's feet. For a moment, she considered slipping them into her own dimensional bag. But she couldn’t do it. Instead, she placed them back into Paola's bag, a heavy sigh escaping her lips.

Reaching into the pile of sand where the Eye of the Storm had fallen, she grabbed the obsidian artifact. The red and yellow veins within the black marble pulsed faintly, a reminder of the storm’s deadly power. She placed the artifact carefully into Paola’s bag, ensuring it was secure.

With a determined look, Selene bent down and scooped Paola into her arms. She cradled her like a bride, carefully supporting her head and legs. Paola’s body felt light, almost too light, as if she were already slipping away.

“Hang on, Paola,” Selene whispered, her voice filled with a mix of hope and desperation. She stepped out of the cave, the transition from the dim glow of the mushrooms to the bright blue skies a stark contrast.

The storm had died with the Eye, leaving behind clear skies and the gentle warmth of the sun. Selene’s eyes adjusted to the brightness as she carried Paola, her mind focused on finding help. The world outside the cave was a peaceful aftermath, a sharp juxtaposition to the chaos they had just survived.

Selene moved with purpose, her steps steady and sure. She scanned the horizon, looking for any signs of life or civilization. They were still in the middle of the desert, surrounded by towering mesas and vast stretches of sand, but there had to be something, someone, who could help.

Paola stirred slightly in her arms, a soft moan escaping her lips. Selene glanced down, her heart aching at the sight of Paola’s pain. “Just hold on,” she murmured, more to herself than to Paola. “We’re going to find help.”

As she walked, Selene’s mind drifted back to the battle. The sheer ferocity of the golem, the way Paola had fought with such determination despite the odds—it was awe-inspiring. And yet, it was also a stark reminder of the dangers they faced. The memory of Paola’s nonchalant attitude in the face of such danger brought a faint smile to Selene’s lips. The woman was fearless, or perhaps just crazy. Either way, she had earned Selene’s respect.

Selene kept moving, her legs burning with effort as she trudged through the sand. Every step felt like a battle against the exhaustion threatening to overtake her. She could feel Paola’s faint heartbeat against her chest, a fragile reminder of the urgency of their situation.

After what felt like an eternity, Selene spotted a small outpost in the distance. It was little more than a cluster of tents and makeshift structures, but it was a beacon of hope in the desolate landscape. She quickened her pace, her heart pounding with a mix of relief and determination.

As she approached the outpost, a few figures emerged from the tents, their faces wary but curious. Selene called out, her voice strained. “Help! We need help!”

The people rushed forward, their expressions turning from curiosity to concern as they took in the sight of Paola’s unconscious form. Selene carefully laid Paola down on a makeshift stretcher they provided, her hands trembling with exhaustion and relief.

“She’s badly injured,” Selene explained, her voice hoarse. “We need a healer, or at least someone who can help her.”

One of the figures, an older woman with a kind face, nodded and immediately began to assess Paola’s injuries. Selene watched; her heart heavy with worry. She had done everything she could, and now it was up to these strangers to save Paola’s life.

Then, the healer came from one of the tents in the back.

As the healer moved closer, Selene’s heart skipped a beat. The lithe frame and light blue skin were unmistakable. Poca moved with a casual grace, her near nakedness under that potato sack dress seeming entirely natural. Her bare feet and calves, as well as her hands and forearms, bore slight traces of dirt stains, ones that Selene recognized. More of that ribbon stitchwork adorned her thighs and wrists, each stitch precise and delicate. Stitches also crawled from each side of her mouth and ended at her ears, but despite these markings, she exuded an aura of serene beauty rather than fear.

Poca’s face was soft and round, contrasting with her slender body. Her long black hair fell into her face, partially obscuring her intense expression as she worked. Selene could see every detail: the small, delicate stitches that ran through Poca’s cheek from her mouth to her ear, the navy-blue ribbons crossing between her breasts, the elegant yet eerie blend of flesh and artifice. It was Poca... here... in the flesh.

Poca’s eyes met Selene’s, and for a brief moment, a gentle smile appeared on her face. Her eyes were a mix of curiosity and warmth, a stark contrast to the dread that Selene felt. Then, the smile vanished as Poca turned her attention to Paola, her hands moving with practiced precision as she began to use her healing magic.

Selene watched in stunned silence, her mind reeling. She couldn’t comprehend how Poca was here, of all places. The guilt and the memories of their last encounter flooded her mind, making it hard to focus. She watched Poca’s hands glow with healing energy, her movements deliberate and controlled.

Selene felt a major sense of dissociation, as if she were watching everything from a distance. The world around her felt unreal, the sounds muffled, the colors too bright. She could see Poca working on Paola, could see the life returning to the fallen star’s body, but it all seemed like a dream.

Her thoughts spiraled, caught between the relief of seeing Paola being saved and the overwhelming guilt of her past actions. Poca’s presence was a stark reminder of her mistakes, and the realization that she might have another chance to make things right was both terrifying and hopeful.

Selene’s gaze drifted, her mind unable to process everything at once. The relief, the fear, the guilt, and the hope all mixed together, creating a storm of emotions that left her feeling detached from reality. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to ground herself in the moment. But the feeling of dissociation lingered, a constant reminder of the complexities of her past and the uncertain path ahead.