November 12th, 2023

As gas merges in space to form a star, so too does a butterfly. One to set the course of the universe on a new, and shine brighter than the biggest of stars.

A field of view full of green goo was the only thing Alina could perceive. And then a few bubbles rise on the left. Alina could now think and hear clearly. A quiet yet prominent sound resonating throughout the glass vat caught her attention. She is tied by wires and tubes, floating in a tank of solitude with little sensory information. That is until the lowering of the green water slides down her body. Her skin now touches air for the very first time. Alina hangs still in the empty cylinder and with the green now gone she sees the world for the first time. A silver steel room around the tank. She is risen out of the tube by metal hands, moving slowly as to carefully lower her onto a medical bed. Weak and unable to move she can only watch as the arms poke and pry at her body. Injected with fluids and poked with pressure pins her mind fades back to sleep.

When she awakes again it is far more normal than before. She wakes to the sound of a peaceful-sounding alarm clock next to a bed. The room is no longer steel but a bedroom in a comfy house. Alina shifts around in the comforters and stares at the fancy alarm clock. She slowly sits up and then realizes she doesn’t know who or where she is. Alina gets out of bed and stumbles when trying to walk. This is clearly her first time taking a step into this world, but she can make her way around the room and admire the mundane objects sitting on the shelves and desks. She is particularly interested in the mirror on the wall, and she curiously looks at her body. She is intrigued by the motions she can perform and the solid white clothes she is wearing. Despite being zero years old she understands she is wearing clothes, and that the mirror is reflecting light, but not sure how and why.

Before she can do much else a voice can be heard from within the walls.

"Good morning. Do not be frightened, Alina. Are you feeling, okay?"

Alina shocked starts looking around the bedroom. She notices there are cameras and speakers all around the room. A bit frightened she responds.

“Oh, I uh. I am actually feeling great right now. May I ask who is asking?” Alina asked.

“My name is Prisum. I am an artificial intelligence with an important mission assigned by Eldria Brightwater.”

“And what might that be” Alina responded.

"To protect and raise you as per my orders. You can put your full trust in me and as my new operator I will effectively obey all your commands." Prisum explained.

“Oh okay. That’s nice. So, well, where are we and who am I?”

“I shall explain everything. Please make your way to the living room and we can discuss you and your future.” Prisum asked of Alina.

Alina still a bit confused walked outside of the bedroom and took her first steps on a journey of a great adventure.

The Sanctuary floats still in the air, propelled by the calm levitating force of mystic crystals underneath. It is from a faraway view it appears as an island, not unlike the ones that reside in the sea. There are trees, rivers, a few mountains, and grass covering all the land. The wind flows normally as if standing on a hill in a large grassland. The rivers flow from sacred lakes and off the edge simply misting away into the atmosphere. There is day and night and nothing more. No rain, no storms, and few clouds always soring. And to keep it that way the island is protected from the sights of humans and any who would seek it harm. By godly means, no one besides the Manaforms can interact with the island. It appears clear and intangible to any other eyes in the universe. The land came prepared with house infrastructure, and the resources to run a small civilization. This garden of Eden sits above the world, orbiting in the sky waiting for its prey to arrive.

The Manaforms on the island, upon being created, instantly went to work doing the only thing they needed to. Prepare. Every day the soldiers trained, practiced combat, and mastered their respective abilities. With the existence of humans on Oravia, the Manaforms appeared as such. Without a close-up look they can pass as humans, should they ever need to interact with them.

However, their insides tell a different story. Built to be efficient the Manaforms don't require subsistence, only heat energy from various sources with the sun being the primary. They also don't age, are immune to most diseases, and don't have reproductive systems. However, some lean toward having more male or female physical features, so as to blend in with humans. Now mentally they were almost identical to humans, primarily when it came to emotion. Perhaps too similar. Over the many years of boring life on the island, the human aspects of the Manaforms began to take effect. Year by year the divine soldiers walked the island living their lives wondering what lay beyond their mission.

December 3rd, 2024

Sitting below a great oak tree a Manaform rest back against the bark, lying still atop a hill overlooking a vast grassland. Enjoying the smooth breeze and sun against her skin, she slept through the rising voice of a friend. Her eyes opened and she could hear a maniform approaching trying to get her attention.

“Are you just going to sleep there all day? And at a time like this. Nothing serious has happened here in the last 23 years and you choose now to sleep.” Said Kyle.

"Oh alright. Can't a soldier get its beauty sleep before the chaos that's going to unfold over the next few months?" Alina spoke in a tired voice.

“Nope. I’m heading down to Star-Dust Coffee to meet Jack. We need to discuss our plans for this ensuing chaos.”

Alina after a bit of stretching followed Kyle to the coffee shop in town. The center of the island is where all the structures are located and since it’s the only town on the island the place is simply known as “The Town”. They strolled through the luxury of the city, mostly white stone clean as possible, and teaming with life. There are food stands all along the strips of the Town as well as your general stores, and leisure places. The two soldiers were being stared upon by the crowd as they passed. With eyes particularly focused on Alina. She, a bit shy, hurried Kyle to the Star Dust café.

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Alina walks into the simple structure after Kyle, a bit sleepy. They see Jack sitting at a booth with 3 coffees already prepared and walk over to sit down. As Alina passes by the central bar, she greets the coffee shop owner, Thio. He who had been kind to Alina ever since she got here deserved Alina’s appreciation. He is a young-looking Manaform who to everyone’s knowledge hasn’t yet discovered his powers. As such he is treated like a kid by most. But not to Alina, who sees him as a helpful provider of the best-tasting drink in the world, coffee. Thio responds,

“Glad to see you again Alina”.

“Great to see you too. Meeting with Jack and Kyle. I'll see you around. Maybe you can catch me at the tournament."

With a smile, she goes to sit down at the booth with Kyle and Jack. The smells of the three coffees begin to wake Alina up. Alina Immediately takes a large sip of the warm elixir of life.

“About time you two showed up”. Said Jack.

“Some of us had to take a hike to find sleepy beauty,” Kyle says as Alina yawns.

“Well, let’s get to it. I know we’ve all sort of leaned toward wanting to fight in the front lines. Should we all partake in this upcoming tournament?” Jack explains.

“I definitely am. I’m going to be the one to get that divine gift and it’s going to me who charges into battle to defeat Rold.” Alina quickly responded.

“Well, we are also in. which means you got to fight us.” Said Kyle.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Alina speaking with smug.

“Good luck to you too on that. Man, it’s still crazy to think so many Manaforms were inspired by Eldria and just decided not to fight.” Jack puzzled.

“Meh. Not that crazy. It kind of seemed like after we defeated Rold the gods were just going to get rid of us. So now we get to retire afterward. Thank you uprising.” Alina spoke.

“Yeah, I suppose.” Jack hints that he’s heard that before.

A few months back. A large group of Manaforms got together and protested at the gods, arguing to not fight Rold on the means of their want to live their life longer. The gods gave an answer. Those who don’t want to fight don’t have to. And due to the lower army size, they came up with the idea to hold a tournament between all of those who wanted to participate. The winner would be granted a gift from the gods to aid them in Rold’s defeat. And afterward, the Manaforms could continue to live on the sanctuary until it fell from the sky.

There would be 8 separate tournaments held each month. The winners of each tournament would then fight in one finale to determine the champion.

A few minutes later the group of three get up to leave the café. As they walk out of the door, they spot 3 figures leaning up against the bar across the street. They are Involt, Crystal, and Alex. There is instant tension between them. Kyle immediately glances at Involt giving him the stare of death. They have a long-going tension for some strange reason unbeknownst to Alina. The three stand there looking at each other almost with the intent to attack. In an angry voice, Involt shouts out to them.

“So, look who it is. Y'all three aren't planning on participating in the tournaments, right? You see us three have a little bit of a plan. We won't be participating in the tournaments, however, after the tournament concludes whoever is left standing will be subject to our wrath. For your sake, I hope that we won't be fighting.” Involt spoke with high confidence and a childish voice.

“As a matter of fact, we are. And I look forward to seeing you at the end of all this.” Kyle responded.

“Why would you three want to fight the winner anyway,” Alina questioned.

“Well, Ms. failure of a Clone, if we can defeat the winner then we are better than them and we ourselves will use the gift to defeat Rold.” Crystal talked with smite.

“Like hell you are! Kyle if you would.”

Alina angrily looks at Kyle and nods, hinting for him to shoot her with a blast of lightning. Kyle turns toward her, and sparks fly out of his body. Large bolts of lightning strike Alina and she begins to glow. Alina’s hair grows a bit longer and begins to catch a little bit of fire. Embers fall slowly from the golden light of the goddess’s hair. Alina stances herself to attack them, taking in a deep breath of strength. Jack, also wanting to stop them, releases a bunch of black sand from his hands. The sand flows like water, staying connected to each other. It spreads out and hovers in the air. Jack commands the sand to take the shape of two giant fists floating in the air.

Involt, Crystal, and Alex also take a fighting stance. Involt pulls out a bolt of lightning from his body and aims it at Alina. Crystal lowers his hands shaking them at the ground. Little crystal-like rocks begin to grow just below. Alex’s hands engulf in flames, and he aims them up at Jack. Just before they all lunge at each other an invisible force pushes the six of them apart from each other, knocking over Involt and Jack. When they all look up, they see an angel slowly descending from the sky.

Alina immediately recognizes the figure as Camillia Sparks, probably the strongest Manaform on the island and the most beautiful. Camillia lands on the ground keeping her eyes off Alina in a shy like manor. She turns toward Involt, Crystal, and Alex.

“Alright now. You three get out of here. If you really want to fight me, do so after the tournaments.” Camillia spoke with forgiveness. She then looks back at Alina’s group.

“Hey, clone. Are you alright?”

“I think I’ve told you before. The name is Alina, and I’m still trying to figure out this whole clone thing.”

“I’m so sorry. I just knew her well. When you understand more you can talk to me about it." Said Camillia in a soft and kind voice.

Camillia then unfolds her wings and uses her telekinetic powers to soar away. Kyle stands up looking at the angel.

“So that was Camillia, the 2nd tournament leader. You and I know Jack that she is not a force to be wrecking with. If we want to win, we gonna have to beat her.”

“Hey, don’t worry about Eldria too much. Take your time adjusting. Kyle and I are here to look after you.” Jack touches Alina’s shoulder.

“Thanks, you, guys. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Going home to Prisum.” Alina responds. They then part ways.

Alina walks to a nearby Parking lot where the grasslands can be seen over a hill in the distance. Alina goes over to her motorcycle in a far-back spot. On the side of the motorcycle the words “The Comet” appear in bright red. Alina hops on and puts in the key. On the keychain are the words “Eldria’s Comet”. The Jet-black motorcycle ignites a blue glowing ring for the engine. Alina drives off heading toward her house.

As she is driving down the street, she thinks hard about who Eldria was to these people. Barley being a year-old Alina isn’t sure what to make of it all. Suddenly Alina looks up and sees she is about to run into a person. She quickly flips the bike to its side scratching across the floor.

Just as she is about to fall, she is levitated into the air and slowly stops in place. She had almost run into Camillia who is now floating in the air checking Alina for injuries.

“Oh, Are you alright?” Said Camillia with concern.

“Uh. What do you mean am I alright, I almost hit you? Are you okay?” Says Alina with confusion.

“Huh. Um, yeah… no I’m fine. Didn’t even touch me.”

“Oh good. I am so sorry about that. Well, for almost hitting you with my bike how can I make it up to you?” Alina speaks after a slight pause.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I was---” Camillia said.

“I insist” Alina interrupts.

“Well. Can I, maybe see you tomorrow?” Camillia curiously asked.

“Yeah, that sounds great. Here, let me give you, my number.”

The two of them exchange phone numbers awkwardly.

“Thank you” Camillia blushed.

“I should be thanking you, uh, can you let us down?”

“Right right, my bad.” Camillia Apologizes.

She slowly drifts them both down to the ground. Their feet softly touch the ground, and they stand still yet shaking in their boots.

“Alright then. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Says Alina.

“Yeah. Be careful on that bike of yours.” Camillia speaks as Alina walks away.

Alina picks up her bike and continues riding home smiling along the way and hopeful of the future to come. Perhaps this world didn’t have to be as confusing as it seemed.