The Chronicles of a Fallen Star

Paola and Ayla had finally made it out of the underground cave they had found leading them away from the Cave Hounds, emerging somewhere further down the Miridian Mountains. It had taken them a whole day of navigating the monotonous, twisting tunnels to reach the surface again. They were now walking along a narrow path, a precarious blend of sand and rocky terrain, with trees littering the steep cliffside. Ayla moved with ease, while Paola was visibly uneasy, her eyes darting to the steep incline beside them.

"Skill Tree?" Ayla asked, her tone both amused and incredulous. "Paola, it's called the Tree of Life. It’s ancient, with documents and history poured into it. You can’t just call it a... skill tree."

Paola grumbled, shuffling along in her pink bunny slippers. "Tree of Life, Skill Tree—whatever. It’s just ridiculous. I mean, have you seen the skills it gave me?"

Ayla chuckled softly. "Yes, I have, and I have to admit, they are quite... unique. But you have to understand, the Tree of Life is deeply rooted in our existence. It took me my whole life to nurture my tree's growth in the direction I needed."

Paola sighed, her annoyance clear. "Well, I got mine in three days, and it’s not exactly what I’d call helpful. Dagger Diva? Skin-to-Skin Combat? Summon from Scratch? All these sound like they’re designed for a... nudist superhero."

Ayla couldn’t help but laugh. "I get it, it’s unusual. But these are some of the best perks you could get. They make you incredibly versatile and powerful."

"Versatile? Powerful? I feel like a walking joke," Paola muttered, kicking at a small stone on the path. "And don’t get me started on that Nudist perk. Why does it even exist?"

Ayla’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, it does seem to fit into the... unique nature of your situation. But honestly, it’s amazing how quickly you’ve gained levels. What level are you now?"

"Level eleven," Paola replied, her tone flat.

Ayla stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide with shock. "Level eleven? In just three days? That’s... unheard of!"

Paola nodded, her frustration evident. "Yeah, thanks to that stupid Nudist perk. I get XP for doing everything naked. It’s ridiculous."

Ayla shook her head in disbelief. "Paola, do you realize how incredible that is? Most people spend years trying to level up, and you’ve done it in days. The Nudist perk, as odd as it is, might be one of the best advantages you have."

Paola scowled, her gaze fixed on the ground. "It doesn’t feel like an advantage. And don’t even get me started on the Rabbit’s Foot. I feel like I’m living in some kind of twisted fairy tale."

Ayla chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, luck is on your side, it seems. Maybe those bunny slippers are part of your charm."

Paola groaned, looking down at her slippers. "I want to kick these stupid things off."

Ayla placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, you’re doing great. And who knows, maybe the Tree of Life has something special in store for you."

Paola sighed, feeling slightly better. "I guess. But I just want to understand why everything is so... weird."

Ayla smiled. "Sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we don’t understand right away. Just take it one step at a time."

They continued along the path, the steep incline making every step a challenge. Paola glanced nervously at the cliffside, her heart racing. The thought of slipping and tumbling down the steep slope was terrifying. "How much further?" Paola asked, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

"Not much," Ayla replied, glancing at the terrain ahead. "We’ll find a safer path soon. Just keep going."

Paola nodded, her body aching from the constant travel and lack of sleep. They hadn’t slept in longer than she had ever gone before, yet she felt a strange determination to keep moving. As they walked, Ayla tried to keep the conversation going, sensing Paola’s need for distraction. "So, tell me more about this Rabbit’s Foot. What exactly does it do?"

Paola rolled her eyes. "It’s supposed to bring me luck. But I’m not sure how lucky I feel right now."

Ayla laughed softly. "Well, maybe it’s working in ways you don’t see yet. After all, you’ve managed to survive quite a bit since you arrived."

Paola sighed, conceding the point. "Maybe. But I still feel like I’m living in some kind of bizarre video game."

Ayla smiled. "Welcome to Udanara. It’s a strange place, but you’re adapting faster than anyone I’ve ever seen."

Paola couldn’t help but smile back, despite her frustration. Shrugging, "Thanks. I guess."

They continued on, the path gradually widening as they neared the top of the cliff. Paola breathed a sigh of relief, her heart rate slowing as the danger receded. The narrow, treacherous trail gave way to a more open area within the Spinal Range. Here, the landscape was dotted with lush trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. Brightly colored birds flitted from tree to tree, their feathers a dazzling array of reds, blues, and greens.

Ayla pointed to one of the birds as it landed nearby. “Those are called Prismacaws. Beautiful, aren’t they?”

Paola nodded, watching the bird with interest. “They look a lot like parrots from Earth. So vibrant.”

Ayla smiled, though a shadow of concern crossed her face, she was starting to grow to Paola's references to earth, knowing she was the only person Paola could tell these things to. “Yes, Udanara is quite different... and dangerous compared to... Earth.” She paused, as if barely remembering the name. “Speaking of which, what happened to you while I was fighting the hounds?”

Paola sighed, her eyes darkening as she recalled the memory. “One of the hounds slipped past your defense. It was... it was a nightmare. I had my dagger, and I tried to stay in the shadows, but it was so fast.” She took a deep breath, her voice steadying as she continued. “The hound lunged at me, and I barely managed to dodge its claws. It was tossing me around like a rag doll. I would hide in the shadows, and somehow, it seemed to lose sight of me. I had to strike from the shadows. I don't know how I managed, but I kept finding these moments where it couldn’t see me.”

Ayla listened intently, her expression one of both admiration and understanding. “That sounds like the Barely There skill. It gives you rogue-like abilities, making you harder to detect.”

Paola nodded, her eyes distant. “It was terrifying. I remember its teeth snapping inches from my face, the stench of its breath... I just kept moving, kept striking whenever I saw an opening. I managed to stab it in the eye, and that finally brought it down. But it felt like pure luck.”

Ayla placed a reassuring hand on Paola’s shoulder. “You did incredibly well, Paola. Those hounds are vicious, and you faced one alone. Don’t underestimate what you’ve accomplished.”

Paola sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly under Ayla’s touch. "I’ve never had to do, or fight, anything like that before.”

Ayla nodded. “It’s a trial by fire, but you’re adapting quickly, as I said.”

They walked on, the path now more comfortable, surrounded by the sounds of nature. The Prismacaws filled the air with their melodic calls, adding a sense of tranquility to the scene. Paola marveled at the beauty around her, feeling a strange mix of awe and wariness. Ayla continued to share stories about Udanara, explaining the different flora and fauna they encountered. Paola listened, appreciating the distraction from the harrowing memories of the hound attack. The open area provided a welcome respite from the treacherous paths they had traversed earlier.

As they walked through the less daunting part of the path, Ayla turned to Paola, concern in her eyes. "We haven't had a true moment of rest since we were chased into the cave by those hounds. Being in the Grove doesn’t count as rest, either."

Paola sighed, her body aching. "I feel like I've been walking for a whole day without sleep. How does sleep even work here? I absolutely should have fallen over by now." Paola scrunched up her face as tried to remember when she last slept, calculating the hours and how much time has passed.

Ayla smiled gently. "Sleep in Udanara is different from what you're used to, I'm guessing." Ayla tried reading Paola's reaction.

"Of course not," Paola grumbled, her shoulders slumped in fatigue. "Why would anything be normal here?"

Ayla gave her a sympathetic look, understanding the frustration she was feeling. "People sleep for the buffs it grants, not because it's required. If you go too many days without sleep, the probability of gaining the Insanity trait increases."

Paola looked confused. "What does that mean?"

Ayla blushed slightly, realizing how little Paola knew about this world. "Sleeping grants a buff that affects your XP gain. For the first couple of hours, your XP rate doubles. Then it slowly decreases until it normalizes after about eight hours. The buff has a sixteen-hour cooldown. So, while sleep isn't strictly necessary, it's beneficial to sleep regularly. Without sleep, the chance of gaining the Insanity trait increases."

Paola frowned. "What's the Insanity trait?"

"The Insanity trait can give certain buffs, like increased creativity or strength, but it has more negative effects. It can cause hallucinations, irrational behavior, and if it goes untreated for too long, it can become irreversible. Early on, it's reversible if you get enough rest in a safe environment," Ayla explained.

As they talked, Ayla cleared a spot and began setting up a fire for them to rest. The trees here were less dense, allowing Paola to finally look up into the sky. She stared at the three moons that formed a small crescent, each one at a different distance from the planet. The middle moon was the largest and closest. Beyond the moons, Paola could see at least two other planets, their faint outlines visible against the starry backdrop.

There was a moment that came next. It was the kind that had a sense of inevitability to it.

She stood in silence for a long time, the realization hitting her with full force. She was truly on another planet. She had kept telling herself that she would find a way back home in a few days or weeks, but staring up at the unfamiliar sky, she felt a pit form in her stomach. She thought about her father, her brother, her mother, her sisters, and her friends. She had nothing here.

Tears welled in her eyes and she let them fall, not bothering to wipe them away.

Ayla sat in silence, unsure of what to say or do, sensing the depth of Paola’s thoughts. Paola saw the weak smile on Ayla's lips, but she knew the words wouldn't matter, or help her feel better. Her cheeks, still wet from her tears, were flushed. The weight of her situation sinking in. Ayla noticed the silent pain on Paola's face as she stared up into the alien sky. The fire crackled softly between them, casting flickering shadows on their faces. Paola’s voice was soft and tinged with sadness as she began to speak.

“I miss my family,” Paola said, her eyes still fixed on the three moons. “We’re from New Mexico. My parents brought us over when I was young. They crossed the border illegally, but they did it for us, for a better life.” Ayla remained silent, listening intently. “My parents... they worked so hard. All their lives, they didn’t know anything but work. My dad, he gave us the best he could, but I didn’t know that when I was younger. I just thought... I don’t know. I was brought over from Mexico. They were fleeing.”

Ayla’s voice was soft as she asked, “Was this, Mexico, a land in war?”

Paola paused, unsure how to respond. “Kind of. There’s a lot of violence, poverty, but I thought it the same as where we lived anyways. There was violence and poverty there, too. I was just ignorant to what they meant. Mexico... it’s still beautiful. It’s a place I always wanted to see again, to really appreciate. But now...” She looked up at the stars, a deep sigh escaping her lips. “Now, I don’t think I’ll ever get to see it. Getting home feels so much further away than I ever imagined.”

Her mind thought back to the days, the very recent days before she was here in this world. The fights with her family were fresh, the last few words between them had been heated. She thought about her dad and his tired eyes, his rough hands that would never fully heal, her mother, who worked tirelessly, trying to keep their family afloat while her father wouldn't admit to his injuries. She thought about her family and how she'd left, and the anger and frustration that was building between them all. The words they'd said. Only her and one of her sisters had the chance to make amends, but even then, she knew the pain was still there. The hurt, the regret, the guilt. And now, she wasn't sure if she'd ever get to fix it.

Ever.

Her heart sank.

"I'm sorry, Paola. I can't imagine what you must be going through," Ayla said softly.

Paola coughed, wiping the tears away. "Sorry, I just haven't had time to really process everything. I'm... I'm okay."

They sat in silence for a long moment, the crackling of the fire the only sound.

Paola tried to shift the subject, not wanting to dwell on her emotions. “So, uh, Obsidian Tier... Is that like the middle ground?”

Ayla laughed easily, a merry sound that lifted the heavy atmosphere. “Oh no, Obsidian Tier is one of the highest. It takes people their entire lives to achieve it." She easily sensed the shift in the mood and followed the new line of questioning, grateful that Paola was able to find something to distract her. "Only a handful of people ever reach Sapphire Tier in their craft, and Diamond Tier... Well, those are legends, mythical beings that come only once in several generations. Stories are written about them.”

Paola listened, finding some comfort in Ayla’s explanation. The way Ayla spoke about these tiers made her realize the enormity of Ayla’s accomplishments. “So, you’re basically one of the best there is.”

Ayla smiled, shaking her head modestly. “It’s a lifelong journey, but yes, I’ve worked hard to reach where I am.”

Paola nodded, feeling a bit lighter. She looked back at the sky, the moons and stars casting a serene glow over the landscape. “What about your level, Ayla? What is it?”

Ayla didn't so much as shift, but something about her demeanor changed, her body tensing, her gaze dropping. Her eyes looked up to meet Paola's. The different colored eyes seemed to almost glow in the dim light, her hair framing her face. The uneasy deepness in the red, as if a fire burned beneath the surface. The blue, a calming ocean that could swallow you whole. The look of a seasoned warrior, someone who has seen the darkest parts of the universe. And yet, she had an innocence about her.

Paola's gaze bounced between her eyes, mesmerized by their contrasting beauty.

Ayla hesitated for a moment longer before sighing, beginning to explain her level. "I'm level 43," she said quietly, glancing at Paola.

Paola’s eyes widened. "Level 43? That’s incredible."

Ayla nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "As a Sword Maiden, I’ve dedicated my life to honing my skills. It’s not just about strength; it’s about balance, strategy, and precision. My abilities are a mix of combat prowess and protective skills."

Paola listened intently, her gaze fixed on Ayla. The woman before her, despite the dirt and exhaustion, radiated a strength and beauty that was hard to ignore. Her black metal shoulder pads held strands of her blonde hair, and even in this state, she looked formidable.

Ayla continued, "Some of my abilities include Elemental Storm, which you’ve seen, and Mirror Mantle, which reflects damage back to the attacker. I also have Flames Cross, a powerful attack that combines fire and physical strikes, and Frost Step, a defensive maneuver that allows me to reposition and control the battlefield."

Paola tried to make sense of it all. She was impressed, undeniably so. The abilities Ayla described sounded like something out of a video game, yet here they were, very real and very powerful.

Ayla glanced at Paola, noticing her deep thought. "You’re doing well, Paola. Adapting quickly."

Paola sighed, her mind racing. She found herself drawn to Ayla, the allure of the woman before her growing stronger. Ayla’s presence was comforting, and Paola couldn’t help but feel a connection. She knew Ayla felt something too, but she tried to push those thoughts aside. She had told herself she wouldn’t catch feelings, but here she was, unable to deny the attraction.

If she could get strong enough, maybe these two weeks wouldn’t be so daunting. Maybe she could focus on spending quality time with Ayla, enjoying moments like this without worrying about Cave Hounds or other dangers. But then her mind wandered back to getting home. Home was always at the back of her mind, a constant, nagging thought.

She glanced up at the sky again, the three moons and distant planets a stark reminder of how far she was from everything she knew. What day was it now? How much longer did she have? It was all so tiring, mentally exhausting.

Paola thought back to her character sheet, the surreal experience of looking at her own body like a game character. The fact that she was gaining XP, leveling up—it was all so strange and overwhelming. Ayla was doing her best to make her feel better, but it was hard to accept this new reality.

She sighed again, glancing at Ayla. "Thanks for explaining all this. It’s a lot to take in."

Ayla nodded, her eyes soft with understanding. "I know. But you’re strong, Paola. You’ll find your way."

Paola managed a small smile, appreciating Ayla’s support. They both settled down by the fire, the crackling flames providing warmth and light as they rested. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but for now, they had a moment of peace. After a long moment of silence, Paola broke the quiet with a hesitant question. "Ayla, do you have any family here? Or friends?"

Ayla looked at her, her eyes softening. Paola had felt a strong connection to Ayla ever since their first night together. They had shared an intimate moment after barely knowing each other, something she chalked up to adrenaline and the intensity of their situation. She felt something for Ayla, but she wasn’t sure what it was. She noticed the glances Ayla gave her, the wandering eye that lingered on her form.

Paola had learned a bit about Ayla's noble background and how it had put her on an accelerated path to achieve a high tier at a young age. Ayla had spent her early life training hard, but she seemed hesitant to open up about anything else. Now, though, Paola sensed a shift as Ayla began to speak.

"I don’t know my parents," Ayla said quietly. "My eyes should be a gift, but they’re more of a curse."

Paola listened, her eyes fixed on Ayla’s face. Ayla’s dual-colored eyes, one red and one blue, stared back at her over the fire. They were mesmerizing and carried a story of their own.

"One’s eyes in Udanara represent their affinity," Ayla continued. "Fire and ice are not supposed to work together. I assume that’s why my parents abandoned me. I was a child destined for failure, for conflict."

Ayla’s gaze moved back to the fire, the flames reflecting in her eyes. "When someone possesses a dual affinity, they usually complement each other, like fire and air to create ash. But fire and ice... they’re opposites, constantly at odds."

Paola studied Ayla, her heart aching for her. She glanced at the broadsword sticking from the ground next to Ayla, a symbol of her strength and struggle. She thought about her own affinity—Chaos. Did her eye colors change? Would they change, too? There was still so much she didn’t understand.

Ayla continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "I've never told anyone this, but I was an orphan, adopted by a noble family in Tarnstead. They treated me as a weapon, not as a daughter. I fought from sunrise to sunset in heavy armor, training relentlessly with my... father."

Paola noticed the hesitation in Ayla’s voice as she said the word "father." There was a deep pain there, a wound that hadn’t healed. Ayla glanced at her sword, then back at the fire, saying nothing more. Paola remained silent, absorbing Ayla’s words. The fire popped and crackled, sending orange flames dancing into the night. She felt a mix of sorrow and admiration for Ayla, understanding a little more about the woman who had become so important to her in such a short time.

The silence stretched between them, but it was a comfortable silence, filled with unspoken understanding. Paola thought about her own struggles, her own journey. She had a lot to learn and a lot to figure out, her gaze turning back to the alien sky. To see the moons, the planets, the stars—it was so foreign and yet beautiful. She thought of her own affinity, Chaos.

Chaos.

Why Chaos?

Why would the Tree of Life choose Chaos for her?

She thought back to the chaos she had experienced the last few days. Everything had been a blur, her life changing so drastically. Was that why the Tree chose Chaos? She blinked, knowing the answer would have to wait.

Little did she know... the answer was already on the way.

* * *

If one followed the Leviathan's Flow, the river that Ayla and Paola were tracing toward the Crystal Falls, towards Valarian, and journeyed south, back to the crater where Paola had arrived, a path of chaos could be seen. So much had happened in such a short time. Along the river, a River Lurker named Splinter lay dead, his lifeless body sprawled near the water’s edge.

Around Splinter’s body stood four younger, stronger River Lurkers. Leonardo, the eldest of the four, knelt beside their fallen master, finishing a prayer. His scales shimmered in the dim light, a mix of blues and greens that reflected his anguish. Donatello placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder, a gesture of support.

Leonardo's voice was a raspy gargle as he addressed his brothers. “Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo,” he began, his tone heavy with sorrow and anger. “Do you see what these land walkers do to our kin? They have no empathy. They resort to this,” he gestured to Splinter’s body, “slaughter, without so much as the respect for burial.” His cadence was slow, patient. Each word measured and pronounced.

Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo exchanged grim looks. Their scaly, wet skin glistened as they shifted uncomfortably. Their bodies resembled drakes, sleek and powerful, designed for both land and water. Unlike their elder kin, whose heads rounded, and bodies weakened with age, these young River Lurkers had sharp, angular features and robust physiques. Rows of sharp teeth in strong jaws.

Leonardo shook his head, his eyes filled with rage. “Master Splinter did not deserve this fate. He may have been driven to insanity, but he was still ours. We planned to cure him, to bring him back from the brink.” The younglings glanced at each other, frustration evident in their postures. Who would dare to slaughter an elder, even one driven mad? Sure, Splinter had pushed himself too hard, training relentlessly, but he was their master.

Leonardo's voice dropped to a whisper, filled with determination. “This... is an act of war. We will find who did this to one of our chosen.” His blue scales shone as he turned, facing his brothers. They nodded, a new resolve settling over the group.

Raphael clenched his fists, his scales rustling with barely contained fury. “We will make them pay,” he growled. The red of his scales matched his mood, a burning crimson rage.

Donatello nodded, his expression resolute. “For Splinter.” Several purple scales, like amethyst, glinted in the sun, the youngling's eyes filled with determination.

Michelangelo, usually the most light-hearted of the group, wore a rare, serious expression. “We’ll find them and make them wish they were never born, bros. For Master Splinter, for all River Lurkers, we will have vengeance.” His usual orange scales took on a deeper shade, the youngling ready to fight.

Leonardo stood, his gaze sweeping over his brothers. “Then it is settled. We begin our search immediately. We will track these land walkers, and we will make them answer for their crime.”

The four River Lurkers looked down at their master one last time before turning their attention to the task ahead. Their mission was clear, and their resolve unshakable. They would hunt down the ones responsible for Splinter’s death, and they would bring justice to their fallen master.

As they set off along the river, their movements were swift and silent, their scaly bodies blending seamlessly with the water. The Leviathan’s Flow would guide them, and their determination would drive them. The hunt had begun, and the land walkers would soon feel the wrath of the River Lurkers.