The Chronicles of a Fallen Star

Paola awoke with a start, the soft light of dawn filtering through the trees. She rubbed her eyes, disoriented, the night's discussions and confessions blending into the edges of her dreams. Had she slept through the entire night sitting up against the tree? Her body felt stiff, but oddly warm despite the chill of the early morning air.

She glanced around, the camp quiet, the fire reduced to faintly glowing embers. Ayla was nowhere in sight, and a twinge of panic fluttered in her chest. Paola slipped her feet into her bunny slippers, standing slowly as she scanned the surrounding area. Where could Ayla have gone so early?

As she shuffled about, attempting to stretch the sleep from her limbs, she decided to make herself useful. "Might as well do a small perimeter check," she muttered to herself, trying to shake off the unease.

Suddenly, Ayla's voice came from behind her. "And where are you off to so early?"

Paola jumped, spinning around with a hand clutched to her chest. "Jesus! You scared me," she exclaimed, her heart racing from the surprise. She tried to laugh it off, adding, "Just thought I’d check around, but here you are."

Ayla smiled, a light chuckle escaping her lips. "It’s better to get an early start anyways," she said, her eyes scanning the horizon.

Paola let out a relieved breath, glad for the company. "Yeah, that works for me," she agreed, looking around once more at the peculiar landscape. The trees and grass sprouting from sandy soil still puzzled her, an incongruity that nagged at her mind.

Ayla picked up her broadsword, securing it at her back before gesturing towards the river. "We’ll follow the river," she announced, as if reading Paola’s thoughts.

Paola laughed, a genuine sound that surprised even her. "That was my plan, too, before... all that happened." She motioned vaguely in the direction they had come from, where the encounter with the zombies had occurred.

As they started walking, Paola wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly aware of the chill in the air. The morning was indeed cold, much colder than she would have expected for such a vibrant, sunny day. Curiously, though, her skin remained unmarked by goosebumps, and she felt an odd warmth keeping the biting cold at bay.

"Why aren't I freezing?" she muttered to herself. The question was more to her than to Ayla, but it hung between them, inviting an answer.

Ayla glanced at her, her brow furrowing slightly. "The air is brisk, isn't it? But you seem... unaffected. Do you not feel the cold where you're from?"

Paola hesitated, then shrugged. "It gets cold, sure, but nothing like this. I should be shivering, or worse." She gave a half-hearted laugh, trying to dispel the tension. "I guess I'm just tougher than I thought."

Ayla looked at her for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "Perhaps," she said slowly, "it’s something to do with how you arrived here. The magic that brought you might be protecting you in some way."

"Magic?" Paola echoed, the word still foreign on her lips. Despite having accepted the reality of magic in this world, it was another thing to consider it might be affecting her directly.

"Yes, magic," Ayla confirmed, nodding earnestly. "It permeates this land, sometimes in ways we don’t immediately understand. It could be acting as a ward against the cold."

As they walked, the river's gentle murmur accompanied their steps, a soothing soundtrack to their journey. Ayla led confidently, her steps sure and unwavering, while Paola followed, her mind abuzz with thoughts of magic, other worlds, and the mysterious circumstances that had brought her to this strange but beautiful place. As they continued along the riverbank, Ayla’s gait was confident and effortless despite the massive broadsword secured on her back. Paola watched, bewildered by the logistics of such a weapon. The sword’s tip came dangerously close to grazing the ground, while its handle swayed just shy of Ayla’s head, seemingly defying the practicality of its own size.

Ayla seemed to sense Paola's curiosity but chose to address a different topic. "When was the last time you were at the Grove of Echoes?" she asked casually, her gaze fixed on the path ahead.

Paola shrugged, a bit thrown off by the sudden question. "I’ve never been, actually."

Ayla stopped abruptly, turning to face Paola with a scrutinizing look. Her eyes flicked from Paola’s face down to the pink bunny slippers and back up again. Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword, her expression turning cautious, even suspicious. "Keep your hands at your sides," she commanded, her voice sharp.

Startled, Paola’s hands shot up defensively, then quickly dropped to her sides upon Ayla’s command. "What’s going on?" she asked, her voice tinged with fear.

Ayla’s eyes narrowed. "I didn’t mind your strange attire or your unfamiliarity with our lands. But claiming you’ve never been to the Grove of Echoes—that’s too far. Everyone from here has been there at least once. It’s a rite of passage to interact with the Tree of Life."

Paola shook her head, feeling the weight of her fabrications crashing down around her. "I... I’m not from here," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not from this fucked up world...”

Ayla unsheathed her sword, holding it with both hands now, her stance defensive. "Then tell me, where are you truly from? Are you a demon? An advanced crypt lord? Some sort of puppet?"

The intensity of Ayla’s interrogation sent a cold shiver down Paola’s spine. "No, I swear, I’m just... I’m just me. I was at home, not this place, trying to bathe, and then... I was here." Her explanation sounded feeble even to her own ears, but it was the truth. "With zombies and magic and... and sword maidens. It’s all too much."

Ayla listened, her expression unreadable, her sword still poised for action. "This could be a trick," she muttered, almost to herself. "Puppet masters are skilled at deception."

"But I’m not!" Paola protested, her voice cracking under the strain. "I’m just scared and confused. I don’t understand any of this!"

"Please," Paola continued, her voice dropping to a desperate whisper, "tell me what’s real. Is there a way back? Am I stuck here?"

Ayla watched her closely, searching for any sign of deceit. The genuine fear in Paola’s eyes seemed to soften her stance slightly, but she remained cautious.

"Tell me the truth," Ayla insisted, her voice firmer now.

Overwhelmed, Paola’s knees buckled, and she fell to the ground, her defiance crumbling into resignation. "Fine, kill me if you must," she sobbed, her hands digging into the sandy soil. "It’s better than this hell."

Ayla’s expression shifted from suspicion to something more conflicted. She lowered her sword slightly, her eyes locked on Paola’s defeated form. The tension hung thick in the air, a palpable force that seemed to suffocate.

Silence stretched between them, filled only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant call of river birds. Finally, Ayla sheathed her sword, her movements slow and deliberate. She crouched down in front of Paola, her face softened by a newfound understanding—or perhaps pity.

"You’re truly lost, aren’t you?" Ayla’s voice was softer now, tinged with regret for her earlier hostility. "I... I don’t know how you came to be here, or why, but it was not my intent to hurt you. I had to be sure you weren’t a threat."

Paola lifted her tear-streaked face to meet Ayla’s gaze, her eyes pleading. "Please, tell me what to do. I don't want to be here. I just want to go home."

Ayla shook her head sadly, her eyes full of sympathy. "I don’t know," she admitted, the words heavy with defeat. "But," She looked around, her gaze settling on the river, "I do not think anyone else should know you are not from here. At least not yet."

Paola nodded, her expression crestfallen. She wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand, her voice quiet. "I'm just... I'm so lost."

Ayla extended a hand, her touch surprisingly gentle. "Come. Let's continue our journey."

Paola hesitated, unsure whether to trust the woman who had just moments ago threatened her with a sword. But what choice did she have? She had no idea where she was or how to get back to her own world. She needed someone to guide her, to show her the way. She placed her hand in Ayla's, allowing the sword maiden to help her to her feet. She stood in front of her, trembling, her heart racing.

"It's okay," Ayla reassured her, her tone warm and soothing. "You're safe with me."

Paola met her gaze, searching for any hint of deception. Those eyes, one the deep red and the other a bright blue, stared back at her, steady and true. A wave of relief washed over her, and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"Okay," Paola breathed, her voice barely a whisper. "Thank you, Ayla."

Ayla nodded, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Of course." She gestured for Paola to follow her, and the two continued their trek along the riverbank, the silence between them now less tense and more contemplative. "I'm sorry about earlier," Ayla began, breaking the silence. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

Paola swallowed, her throat dry. "It's okay. I... I understand why you were suspicious. This world is..."

"A lot," Ayla finished for her, smiling. "It can be overwhelming, especially when you're not used to it. I could tell something was different about you from the moment we met, but I didn't realize the extent of it until I saw those strange footwear." She pointed at Paola's slippers, a hint of amusement in her tone. "You're not the first woman of undress I've encountered, but you are the most curious."

Paola blushed, glancing down at her slippers, the fluffy ears perking up. "Oh, yeah, these are... well, I guess they're silly, aren't they?"

"They're adorable," Ayla countered, chuckling. Paola's cheeks flushed deeper, the compliment surprising her. "Truly though, they are... interesting."

Paola gave a small shrug, not entirely sure how to respond. She didn't like the attention her feet were getting, but the conversation was better than the stifling silence that had followed the sword maiden's accusations.

"What is the purpose of them?" Ayla continued, her curiosity piqued.

Paola bit her lip, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Well, I... they're comfortable," she said simply, shrugging again.

"No enchantments, no protections? Just a comfort?" Ayla asked, sounding incredulous.

Paola nodded. "Uh, yes, I guess. I don't know anything about enchantments or whatever."

Ayla chuckled. "Right. Of course. I forgot." She shook her head, amused. "Which would explain why you've never heard of the Grove of Echoes." Her expression turned serious, and she gave a firm nod. "We shall rectify that."

"What is... what's the Grove of Echoes, exactly?" Paola asked, her voice hesitant. She had a feeling the answer wouldn't make much sense to her, but she wanted to try.

"Hm, how to describe it?" Ayla mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. Ayla led the way along the riverbank, her voice taking on a reverent tone as she began to explain. "The Grove of Echoes is more than just a place; it's a nexus for skill acquisition and adjustment," she said, her gaze distant as if visualizing the place. "It embodies the deep connection between our people and the magical infrastructure of our world."

Paola listened, her confusion growing with each word. "A nexus for skills?" she repeated, trying to grasp the concept.

"Yes," Ayla continued, warming to the subject. "Each Grove of Echoes is centered around an Echo Tree—a monumental tree that acts as a living symbol of the world's life force and magic. These trees are not ordinary; they are the core of each grove, where adventurers come to synthesize their experiences into tangible skills."

"Adventurers can... synthesize experiences into skills?" Paola repeated, her mind racing to connect these ideas with anything remotely familiar.

"Exactly," Ayla nodded. "The Echo Tree absorbs accumulated experiences—or XP, as some call it—and transforms it into new abilities or enhances existing ones. It's also where adventurers can adjust or swap their skills, allowing them flexibility to adapt to new challenges or personal growth paths."

Paola's mouth hung open slightly as she processed the information. "So, it's like... upgrading yourself through a tree?"

Ayla looked puzzled for a moment but then smiled. "I suppose that's one way to put it. The Grove of Echoes is also a place of meditation, reflection, and community bonding. It's highly respected and considered neutral ground across all cultures."

"And everyone has access to these groves?" Paola asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Indeed," Ayla confirmed. "They are strategically placed to ensure that no one is too far from one, promoting a balance of power and opportunities for everyone."

Paola shook her head, her thoughts spinning. "This sounds like something out of a video game," she muttered under her breath.

"A video game?" Ayla queried, clearly unfamiliar with the term.

"Yeah, like... you know, where you level up by going to specific spots and gaining new abilities. Except this is real life for you." Paola's voice was thick with incredulity.

Ayla frowned, trying to understand the comparison. "I'm not sure I follow. This is just how our world works. The Grove of Echoes, the Echo Trees—they're vital to our way of life."

Paola tried to laugh, but it came out more as a nervous chuckle. "Right, of course. It's just a lot to take in. You're telling me that people here actually level up by visiting these trees, adjusting their abilities like they're characters in a game."

Ayla nodded seriously, not catching Paola's tone. "Yes, that's essentially it. It's a critical part of our development and survival."

The more Ayla described, the more Paola felt like she had fallen into a fantasy RPG. "And these Keepers," she added, remembering another detail, "they're like... game masters, or something?" Recalling Ayla mention Keepers that rule within the Grove.

Ayla considered this for a moment. "I suppose you could say they're guardians of the grove's knowledge and peacekeepers of sorts. They maintain the groves and ensure that everything functions as it should."

"Wow," Paola breathed out, her mind reeling. "This is just... wow."

Seeing Paola's overwhelmed expression, Ayla placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's a lot to understand all at once, especially coming from a world without magic. But don't worry, you'll see it for yourself soon. We're headed to the nearest Grove of Echoes now. It might help make things clearer."

Paola nodded, her thoughts still swirling. "Yeah, seeing might just be believing," she said, half to herself, as they continued walking along the river, the mystery of the Grove of Echoes looming ahead like a promise—or a threat. Paola listened intently as Ayla explained further about the Grove of Echoes, trying to wrap her mind around the fantastical elements of this new world. "So, these groves... they're not just scattered randomly? There's a specific way to access them?"

"Yes, precisely," Ayla nodded, her tone indicative of the significance of these sites. "We access the Grove through Echo Gates, which are portals located in cities and towns. These gates are central to our community planning, often dictating where settlements are built due to their importance."

Paola's brow furrowed as she tried to visualize what Ayla was describing. "Portals? Like magical doorways?"

"Exactly," Ayla confirmed. "These Echo Gates are constructed from materials that are magical and unique to each location. They serve as the entry points to the Grove, allowing individuals to step directly into this mystical environment to develop and adjust their skills."

The concept seemed ripped straight from the pages of a fantasy novel, and Paola felt a mix of awe and disbelief. "So, you just walk through these gates, and you're in another place where you can... level up?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes," Ayla smiled slightly at Paola's phrasing. "It's a place deeply connected with the magical essence of our world, essential for personal and communal growth."

As Paola absorbed this information, trying to reconcile it with everything she knew about her own world, a sudden change in the environment drew their attention. The calm part of the river beside which they walked began to bubble unexpectedly. Ayla's expression turned from one of education to alertness in an instant, her hand going to the hilt of her sword as she motioned for Paola to stay close.

"What's happening?" Paola asked, her voice tense, every muscle in her body tightening in anticipation.

"Stay behind me," Ayla instructed firmly, her eyes fixed on the bubbling water. As they watched, the surface tension broke, and two green arms emerged slowly from the depths. The arms were long, covered in slick, waterlogged skin that glistened under the sunlight.

Paola stepped back instinctively, her heart racing as she stared at the emerging figure. Questions about Echo Gates and Grove of Echoes forgotten, her focus narrowed on the immediate threat. Ayla positioned herself between Paola and the river, her sword drawn and ready.

As the green arms continued to rise from the water, Paola could begin to make out what she was seeing. A bulbous head, with large, yellow eyes and a gaping mouth filled with rows of sharp teeth, pushed through the surface. The creature let out a low growl, its gaze fixed on the pair, hunger and bloodlust apparent. Her memories brought up images of the 90's ninja turtle movies, only the monster was slimy and covered in green moss.

"Don't panic," Ayla said calmly, her eyes never leaving the creature. "Stay behind me and let me handle this."

As the creature continued to emerge from the water, its full body coming into view, it was a fleshy version of Leonardo, complete with the shell and sword, although missing the mask. Ayla held her ground, her sword at the ready. The creature took a step forward, its clawed feet digging into the sand, and let out another low growl. The fleshy green skin was mottled with patches of moss and algae, and its yellow eyes had a hungry gleam to them. Slowly, it drew its katana, its movements deliberate and predatory.

"That's a teenage fuckin’ mutant ninja turtle," Paola exclaimed, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Ayla shot a quick glance at her, confused. "A mutant... what? It's a River Lurker. A vicious predator that feeds on anyone or anything that gets in its way. They're intelligent creatures, and they're not above attacking groups or villages if the opportunity presents itself."

"But it looks like a—" Paola began, but Ayla cut her off with a curt gesture.

"Stay back. I'll take care of this." Ayla's tone was confident, and Paola had no choice but to obey.

The River Lurker took another step forward, its gaze fixed on the women. Its movements were slow and deliberate, as if testing the waters. Ayla held her ground, her expression determined. She gripped the hilt of her broadsword, her stance solid and ready. The Lurker held its own sword, the blade slick with moisture.

As the creature took a final step forward, its gaze unwavering, Ayla raised her sword and swung, the blade cutting through the air with a loud whistle. The Lurker dodged the blow, its reflexes lightning-quick, and lashed out with its sword, aiming for Ayla's midsection. Ayla pivoted, narrowly avoiding the strike, and struck out again, this time landing a hit in the beasts’ shoulder. The Lurker hissed in pain, its claws digging into the sand. Yet, its gaze remained fixed on the sword maiden, its yellow eyes filled with determination.

The pair exchanged a series of blows, the sound of steel on steel ringing through the air. The Lurker was fast and agile. It swung low, aiming for Ayla's legs. She jumped over the strike, landing lightly on her feet, and countered with a powerful blow to the creature's torso. The Lurker stumbled, its body jerking.

Paola watched, mesmerized, as the pair engaged in a deadly dance, their blades clashing and parrying with impressive speed. Ayla moved with grace and fluidity, while the Lurker was powerful and relentless, its strength fueled by its hunger. It pressed its attack, striking at Ayla from all angles, trying to catch her off guard.

But Ayla was unrelenting, her skill evident as she held her ground, the broadsword moving almost as an extension of her body. The Lurker's blows rained down upon her, the clang of metal on metal echoing in the still air. What Paola witnessed before her was nothing short of an epic battle, the likes of which she had never seen in her own world besides in movies or games.

The Lurker swung its sword, and Ayla countered, sparks flying as their blades collided. The creature lunged forward, its jaws snapping, and Ayla ducked, rolling away from its grasp. As she regained her footing, the Lurker swung again, this time scoring a deep gash in Ayla's arm. She winced, but her expression remained focused, her resolve never faltering. The blade slid down her arm, blood trickling from the wound. The creature roared, its eyes glowing with a sickening hunger. She used her arm to parry the Lurker's blow, the momentum throwing the creature off balance. Ayla followed up with a swift strike to the creature's chest, sending it staggering back.

Ayla took advantage of the Lurker's momentary distraction, her blade slicing through the air, leaving a trail of crimson. The creature shrieked, its clawed hands clutching the gash in its flesh. It's chest tore open, revealing the pulsing organ beneath the skin. Paola's eyes widened, her stomach churning at the sight. The Lurker lurched towards Ayla, its eyes wild and feral. She side-stepped the attack, her sword flashing. It was truly impressive how she held the sword, despite its sheer size. Paola watched in awe as Ayla's blade pierced the Lurker's chest, ending the fight with a final decisive blow.

The creature let out a final, gurgling gasp, its body slumping to the ground. The sand soaked up the creature's blood, the thick, crimson liquid pooling beneath its motionless form. With a final shudder, the Lurker's eyes dimmed, its life draining away.

Ayla stood over the fallen creature, her breathing heavy, her expression grim. She turned to Paola, her face streaked with dirt and sweat. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice rough.

Paola nodded, her voice caught in her throat. "Yeah," she managed to reply, her eyes darting from the Lurker's corpse to Ayla and back. "That was... amazing."

Ayla's expression softened, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "I do my best." She sheathed her broadsword, the blade disappearing from sight.

Paola watched as Ayla walked over to the slain creature and knelt beside its motionless body. The Lurker looked pitiful, its fleshy green skin mottled with algae, its clawed feet curled up. She averted her gaze, feeling a strange sense of sadness and guilt. She couldn't understand why, but somehow, this creature's death felt wrong.

Ayla reached out, her hand resting on the Lurker's chest, her expression pained. She murmured a few words in a language Paola couldn't understand, then bowed her head, a sign of respect. As she did, Paola noticed the faintest shimmer around the creature's body, as if the creature's remains were surrounded by a faint glow. Ayla stood and stepped back, her eyes never leaving the fallen creature.

"It was a noble fight," she said quietly, her voice tinged with sadness. "May it find peace in the next realm."

Paola swallowed, her throat tight. "What happens now?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Now," Ayla replied, her gaze turning to the river, "we continue on our journey."

Paola's gaze lingered on the slain Lurker's form, the memory of the battle etched into her mind. "Will there be more of those things?" she asked, a note of apprehension in her voice.

Ayla smiled grimly. "Undoubtedly," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "But don't worry, I will keep you safe. Now that we've encountered one, I'll be on the lookout for any signs of others. It may be better if we follow the river from a distance."

The fight, it took minutes.

But, in Paola's mind, it lasted an eternity. The sound of the clashing weapons, the roar of the beast, the look of concentration and determination on Ayla's face, the blood, the smell of the river, and the gurgle of the water as it lapped against the bank. Ayla moved with ease, the back and forth of her blade, her feet never seeming to get tangled. The monster was strong and fierce, its attacks relentless. Ayla, though, was faster and more agile, her years of training evident in every movement.

Paola couldn't help but admire the sword maiden, her skills impressive, her confidence even more so. And the way she fought, like the battle was a dance, her movements fluid and graceful. The heart of the beast exposed after Ayla's blow, its life blood pooling in the sand.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," Ayla said, pulling Paola out of her thoughts. "It wasn't a pretty sight, but it had to be done. That creature would have killed us both without a second thought."

"It's okay," Paola replied, trying to reassure the sword maiden. "You said they are intelligent? What, uh, what do you mean?"

"Well, they're not like normal beasts," Ayla explained, her expression turning thoughtful. "They're not driven by instinct alone; they can think and reason, much like humans. And, if they were to catch us off guard, they would have easily overpowered us. We're lucky this one was alone."

Paola nodded, taking in the new information. "How many species like that are there? I mean, how common are encounters with things like the Lurker?"

Ayla smiled, amused by Paola's question. "I'm sorry?" she asked, cocking her head slightly.

Paola blushed. "I just, I'm trying to wrap my head around all this. I mean, I just watched you fight a ninja turtle. It's a lot to take in, and I want to make sure I'm prepared if we run into any other... I just want to be prepared if I run into Bugs Bunny or something."

"Bugs... Bunny?" Ayla repeated, her brow furrowed in confusion. "I'm not familiar with that name. Is it a beast native to your home?"

"Uh, no," Paola laughed, shaking her head. "It's uh, a talking rabbit. He's always getting into trouble, and I just... I don't want to find myself unprepared. Besides, he's not important to the point here. Can the Lurker talk, are they that type of intelligent? Do they have a language? Do the monsters have names?"

Ayla shook her head. "Names? That I don't know, but they can communicate. It's a different tongue than our own. There are many languages in this world, some even I can't understand. The Lurkers have their own speech, though, and they can hold conversations with humans. Like Goblins or Fae, they are creatures with a sense of self and intelligence. They have a society, and while I have never spent time with them, I've heard the tales."

"Okay, then what's the deal with the ninja turtles, or whatever you call them?" She glanced back towards the river they were slowly moving away from. “Why kill on sight?”

Ayla smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You mean the River Lurkers? Well, as I mentioned, they're predators that live in the water. They're intelligent creatures, able to plan and strategize, but they're also incredibly territorial and dangerous."

"Why didn't you try talking to it?" Paola asked, genuinely curious.

Ayla raised an eyebrow. "Talk to it? It's a wild beast, Paola. They don't respond to diplomacy or reason. If it had the chance, it would have killed and eaten us both. I don't know how things are done where you come from, but here, we do not speak with the mouth of the beast."

"But, what if..." Paola trailed off, not entirely sure how to articulate her question.

"Listen, Paola, it's not that I don't appreciate your questions. In fact, it's admirable. You want to learn, and I can respect that. But I'm telling you, the River Lurkers are not friendly. They're killers, and they don't stop until they're dead or you are."

Paola nodded, a bit taken aback by the harsh tone of Ayla's response. She felt she has lost interest in asking more questions about the ninja turtle monster.

"I'm sorry," Ayla continued, her tone softening. "I didn't mean to snap. I'm just... I'm still worried about you, and this new information, about the Lurkers, and the... You're truly from a different world aren't you? Not just a different place, a different realm, a different plane."

"I am," Paola answered, her voice small. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make things harder for you. I know I'm not your problem. You're just doing me a kindness. You didn't have to come along and help me."

"Nonsense," Ayla replied, her voice firm. "I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. I'll do my best to protect you, Paola, and I'll teach you everything I know." She gave Paola a soft smile, the corners of her lips curving upward. "So, yes, the River Lurkers are intelligent, but they're also extremely dangerous. It's not something I want to encounter again, but we will if we have to."

Paola nodded, understanding the risk. "I'll do my best not to slow you down," she promised, determined to prove herself useful.

"I know," Ayla said, her tone reassuring. They shuffled along, the tension between them dissipating. "Tell me more about the monsters in your world," Ayla requested, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"Monsters?" Paola replied, surprised by the request.

"Yes, like the ones you mentioned earlier—Bugs Bunny, was it? What kind of creature is that?"