In a vast, open void, Dagger was floating. Guided by the energy that had transported him there, he glided forwards, unconscious. In the void were all sorts of crystals and wires surging all around to nowhere. As Dagger flew forwards, his shoe brushed one of the wires. His eyes burst open. They darted around, taking in the orange sky and blue shards and wires surrounding him. In the distance, he could see what looked like ground, and farther off, some kind of tree. The energy surrounding him took him to the floating island and set him free. Dagger fell over and expected pain in his wounds, but nothing came. He scanned himself, noticing that his whole body had undergone some kind of hyper-healing. Dazed, Dagger stood and took in the island. There were these strange creatures farming and fishing off the side of the island. Dagger looked behind him and saw that there was indeed some 100% see-through water only visible by its shine off the edge that stretched as far as the eye could see. Dagger dipped his finger in. He felt the wetness absorb into his glove, but when he pulled his finger out, it was dry again. “Whoa,” he said. “I guess I never need to worry about not having a towel.” Dagger started towards the tree he had seen before, noting that his body wouldn’t allow him to run. He could only walk. Dagger shrugged. The wind from his speed probably would’ve wrecked the plants anyway. As Dagger continued onwards, some of the creatures stared at him. They were green, slimy creatures that were about half Dagger’s height. A couple of them took hesitant steps towards him, but when he noticed, they backed off. Dagger walked up to one of the farmers. “Hey, got any idea where I can find some big tree?” he asked. “It caught my attention earlier.” “Røvoṙ?” the creature asked. It raised what seemed to be an eyebrow and gazed questioningly into Dagger’s eyes. “Uh, nevermind. I think I’m good.” Dagger looked around and spotted the tree-like landmark over the horizon. It seemed just as far as it had been when he landed. Confused, he started towards it. He walked agonisingly slowly, inching forwards and trying to ignore gazes from the creatures who lived there. As he moved the tree didn’t appear any closer. He walked on for what seemed like hours, hoping to reach his destination. Just when he thought he would never reach it, he bumped right into something in front of him. “Ow!” Dagger yelled as he held his head. “What did I hit?” Dazed, he looked up and saw that he had reached the tree. The plant was towering, seeming to go up forever. The only indication that it had a top was the leaves that started around 40 feet above the ground and kept on going with the trunk. Branches stretched out and weaved between each other, acting as pathways for more of those creatures to walk across. Dagger noticed huts made out of leaves and holes in the trees acting as residencial and commercial areas. This was a town of some kind. (continue to N&C)
“Quite the wonder, isn’t it?” called a kind, charming and smooth voice from behind him. Dagger wheeled to see a lavender hedgehog with long, flowing quills standing behind him. She wore a sweatshirt and sweatpants and looked very casual. Yet at the same time, she had jewels and rings and her sweatshirt was too big, almost looking like a fancy dress of somekind, which leaned more towards formal. “Sorry,” Dagger stammered, “didn’t see you there.” “No worries,” she replied. “I kind of snuck up on you.” Dagger felt like he was staring. He felt as if he had never seen a more beautiful girl. She was amazing, and the fact that she was here among these creatures made no sense to him. Then another thought came. Maybe there was one other as beautiful, as breath-taking as her. Raelyn. Dagger puzzled at his own thoughts. Since when had he carred for her? “You’re thinking about Raelyn?” The girl asked. “But why? I’ve never felt anything towards her. Why now? Why at all?” She smiled. “You may not notice it, but you do have feelings for her. I’m a tad envious, but I understand this was what was intended.” Dagger stared at her, awestruck. “Who are you?” She chuckled. “Right, I’d forgotten you don’t know me. I am Serenity, the watcher of the creatures you have already met and your personal pathfinder. I know what your future holds, and I am here to guide you to fulfilling it.” “Um… cool. Since you’ve obviously been here a while, what is this place?” “This,” Serenity replied, sweeping her hand across the horizon, “is the land of fatum. It is where those who need guidance are guided, those who seek knowledge given directions. This,” she said, gesturing towards the landmark behind them, “is scientia village, where we pathfinders take our mentees to teach them. In the community is all of history in your world. I would know. I was assigned to you 5 years ago, and have been going there everyday since to make sure I knew about your journey through life.” “You— you’re here for— me?” “Yes, and you have quite the life in store for you. Quite the amazing purpose.” Dagger looked expectantly at Serenity. She didn’t continue. Dagger started to tap his foot impatiently. Serenity pretended not to notice. “You, uh, gonna lay it on me?” Dagger asked finally. “I can’t tell you everything. It is against my rules. I can only guide you to fulfilling your destiny.” Dagger sighed. “Figures. Got any ‘guidence’ to give me?” Serenity started towards the tree. Dagger turned and watched as she opened a door he never would have seen on his own. She walked through and Dagger jogged to catch up with her. Serenity led Dagger through the narrow passageway to the higher parts of the village. On either side of them, the walls were made of thick, dirt-covered roots tightly woven together and surging upwards. At the end of the halfway was a bell. Serenity grabbed a rope hanging beneath it and rang it easily. She reached back and grabbed Dagger, pulling him up next to her. Suddenly, a burst of cold, clean water shot up from beneath them and carried them up to the higher parts of the tree. When the water stopped, a leaf slung out and caught them gently. Dagger stared with a look of awe on his face at the system that had brought him up there. Serenity giggled, bringging the same awe-filled look on her. She smiled and opened another door. A blinding light shone through, masking the other side from view. Serenity walked through the doorway, leaving Dagger staring in awe. A moment later, she peaked her head back through the doorway and grabbed Dagger by the hand. With ease, she pulled him through the doorway and into what was next. On the other side, there was a large branch that stretched for miles, interwieving with other branches and covered with leaves and huts. The long, soft leaves came off in all directions and hung off the side, dangling down another 10 feet. A smile formed on Dagger’s face. This place was amazing. To be continued... Song: Chun-nan Night from Sonic Unleashed
