The whole thing unfolded like a whirlwind, leaving me breathless and uncertain of how much deeper the chaos could dive! Time is slipping through my fingers, and I must race against it to reach my destination! But first, I have to conquer this challenge, and there's no room for error. What mistake has caused me to end up in this chaotic situation? My family, my friends! Can you fathom the sensation of your entire world being flipped upside down in a single evening? Well, I don't have to imagine—I'm living it! It's as if I'm strapped to a rollercoaster of doom, spiralling through the unknown! Argh! My vision is clouding, but I must push forward. Before you dive into the horrid details of the recent events, let me introduce myself and set the stage for this unexpected, bizarre twist. My name is Alexandria Valencia, and this is the malignant tale of how my life took a wild, unexpected turn. The best way to grasp my situation is probably by learning more about my life before this chaos erupted.
My college life, as a freshman at UCL - University College of London, appeared to be a typical one. It was a rollercoaster of unique experiences and personal growth and with whole lot of fun. I shared a cozy and charming apartment at Regency Apartments, located at 7 Montaigne Cl, London SW1P 4BB, with my best friend and older sister, Nymeria Valencia. Our apartment was our little haven, adorned with mismatched yet comforting furniture, study materials scattered in organized chaos.
Nymeria isn't just my sister; she's like a second mother to me, a source of unwavering support and guidance. We've been inseparable since childhood, sharing not just a room but countless memories, secrets, and dreams. Nymeria, being a year older, is pursuing a degree in Medicine, showcasing her dedication and compassion for others. I, on the other hand, am majoring in Archaeology, driven by a fascination for ancient civilisations and the stories buried beneath the earth.
Despite our different academic paths, we've managed to maintain a delicate balance between our studies and part-time jobs. Our schedules are packed and often hectic, but we find solace in our shared routines. We both work as cashiers at a local convenience store, a job that has taught us the value of patience and customer service. Additionally, we moonlight as pizza delivery drivers, navigating the bustling streets of London with laughter and the occasional misadventure. These jobs, though demanding, have given us financial independence, a strong work ethic, and countless stories to reminisce about.
Now, you might have several questions about our choices. Why are we working part-time? What are our ages? Are we struggling financially? Why do we live alone? First and foremost, let me assure you that we are not poor. Our family is quite comfortable with our finances, and we have the means to support ourselves without any financial strain. I'll be turning 18 this year, and Nymeria will be 19, which means we are at a stage in our lives where we are transitioning into adulthood and gaining independence. Yes, we have parents, and they are healthy and well, always supportive of our decisions and eager to see us grow. We chose to live alone because we are legally adults and feel responsible for our own living arrangements, wanting to experience the challenges and joys of managing our own household. Our apartment is conveniently located near both our university and our part-time workplaces, which allows us to balance our academic responsibilities with our work commitments efficiently.
It appears to be quite ordinary, doesn't it? On the surface, my life seemed picture-perfect. I had a wonderful life—a loving, supportive family who always stood by me, great friends who shared countless memories and laughs, a fantastic university brimming with opportunities, a cozy apartment that felt like my personal sanctuary, a peaceful and enjoyable workplace and some cool and popular friends who brought a vibrant energy to my otherwise tranquil existence.
Now, you might also be wondering, "What kind of popular friends are you talking about?" Well, that's a story for another time, filled with unexpected adventures and fascinating characters. Trust me, it's quite interesting and perhaps a little surprising.
Speaking of contrasts, my sister Nymeria played a significant role in highlighting the diversity within our family. A huge K-pop and pop music enthusiast, she was the complete opposite of me in many ways. While Nymeria could spend hours immersed in the beats of the latest pop hits, passionately discussing her favourite idols and choreography, I had no interest in pop music. The catchy hooks and glamorous performances didn't resonate with me. I preferred calming and peaceful music, like Lofi, with its soothing rhythms and absence of lyrics that allowed my mind to wander freely. It created a serene backdrop to my thoughts, a gentle companion to my quiet moments.
At least, that's what I thought I liked until I met some incredible people who unexpectedly changed my musical perspective. They introduced me to genres and artists I had never considered, sharing the stories, emotions, and artistry behind the music. Through their passion and enthusiasm, they somehow managed to broaden my musical horizons. Now, I find myself tapping along to pop tunes, appreciating the energy and creativity they embody. While I'm a bit more open to pop music now, I still deeply cherish my peaceful, lyric-less melodies. They hold a special place in my heart, offering a comforting, calming effect that no other genre can replicate.
So, yeah! My life was going all peacefully and normally (I can't emphasise how normal and effortless it was). It was the kind of routine that lulled you into thinking nothing extraordinary could ever happen. Every day seemed like a perfect copy of the one before—waking up to the same alarm tone, breakfast shenanigans with my sister, attending classes that blended into one another, and spending evenings either buried in books or part time or research. Until the day of my 18th birthday!
Strange things started happening to me, and now, looking back, I should have recognised it as a sign that my life wasn't going to be the same anymore. It began subtly at first, with an unsettling feeling creeping in, like the shadow of a cloud passing over a sunny field. First, I had this terrifying nightmare that genuinely freaked me out. It wasn't just any nightmare—it felt vivid, almost real, as if I had been transported to another realm, filled with dark, swirling mists and eerie whispers that echoed in my mind even after I woke up. My heart raced, beads of sweat clung stubbornly to my forehead, and I couldn't shake off the ominous feeling that something was watching me.
Then, somehow, I had to attend college on my birthday, which fell on a Sunday. I know it may seem unusual to go to college on a Sunday, but I had a legitimate reason behind it. A week before my birthday, my parents called and informed me that they wouldn't be able to celebrate my birthday this year. They had an incredibly foolish reason for it—they literally said they had to attend an important, last-minute work conference in another city that couldn't be postponed. I was baffled and disappointed, feeling brushed aside on what was supposed to be a milestone in my life.
"My dear, I'm so sorry, but Me and your Father are swamped with work and won't be able to make it to your birthday celebration this year."
Seriously? Well, I'm not trying to sound like a spoiled brat, but in the past, none of their work mattered when it came to family. They used to cancel any work-related appointments without a second thought, just to be there for our birthdays. It was a tradition, something sacred that we always looked forward to—family gatherings, heartfelt conversations, and making memories together. Now, suddenly, work seems to be the most important thing in their lives, overshadowing everything else. I mean, it's my 18th birthday! That's a milestone, a rite of passage where I officially become a legal adult, even legally allowed to have my first drink. I had this picture-perfect plan in my mind—I wanted to have my very first drink with my parents because, honestly, they're great people to drink with. Their stories, laughter, and the warmth they bring to every occasion are irreplaceable.
This year, however, things felt different. I was cranky the entire week, unable to shake off the feeling of disappointment. Another reason I forced myself to attend university that day was that I had left some crucial project assignment materials backstage at the archaeology seminar hall. Initially, I thought of asking my friends to pick them up for me. Landon, one of my closest friends, would have gladly done so without hesitation. But the truth is, I needed the distraction. I had been overworking myself, hoping to bury my feelings about my birthday under piles of assignments and lectures. Going to college seemed like the perfect way to keep my mind occupied. Plus, it gave me a chance to take one final look at my project assignment before packing it up and bringing it home.
Anyway, that's not even where the real story begins. The chaotic events that unfolded on my birthday were far from ordinary. Instead, let's delve into the peculiar occurrences that commenced on that fateful day—events that would make this birthday unforgettable for reasons I never anticipated!
It started somewhere around midnight I think…., I had a weird dream... it was absolutely dark and disturbing as hell, it went like this..
It seemed like a dark, foggy forest (creepy as hell), a scarlet-haired woman who might be in her late 20s (I'm guessing) with a heavy armour suit was running from something. It looked like she was holding something wrapped in a cotton bandage cloth; the woman could be clearly seen badly wounded. Her head was scarred and bleeding, her hands were badly bruised, and her legs were covered with bloody scars, but she didn't seem to care about herself at that moment.Whatever she was holding in that bandaged cloth seemed more crucial than her life. It appeared as if she was diligently protecting whatever lay within. She was undoubtedly fleeing from someone or something. Suddenly, she halted her running and spoke to herself while catching her breath.
'We need to make it to the Dracore Village as soon as possible !'
And then, she resumed running. To me, it seemed like an hour had passed when she stopped behind a tree to check if she had lost track of someone or something she had been fleeing from. After confirming that she might have lost the thing she was running from, she started catching her breath and said.
'We might have a few seconds to spare before they could find us... but we need to hurry.'
It appeared as if she was conversing with the thing concealed within the bandaged cloth. Suddenly, the thing within the bandage began moving, piquing my curiosity. I leaned forward to gain a closer look at what lay beneath the bandage. Oh my goodness! That's not a thing! That's a child! More precisely, a toddler! But a CHILD! A living, breathing human being! All of a sudden, the toddler let out a cry for no apparent reason (like most toddlers do…I never understand why). I attempted to touch them, but my hand passed right through them! "Wha-!" I tried to touch them again and shout, but it didn't work, and they couldn't hear me either. And then, the scarlet-haired woman spoke once more.
"Shhhh... they are coming! Please stay quiet for a while [started swinging the toddler] ...shh... please stop crying, please princess...
Otherwise they wil-..'
*Thump! Thump! Thump!*
*Low level growling*
It seemed like something was approaching us... the noise kept getting louder and louder until-
*Sharp sound!*
A sharp, pointed sword suddenly appeared and struck the tree we were hiding behind! It was clearly intended to attack us, I mean the woman and her toddler. Before I could react, three more sharp, pointed swords emerged from nowhere and attempted to strike us. I managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of the attackers, but my focus was on making a run for my life, so I couldn't make out much of the brief sighting.
'Oh My God!! Run!!!' - I screamed at her forgetting the fact that she couldn't hear me..
*Louder Growling!*
But then, I glanced towards the woman who had already started running, so I joined her. Whatever was chasing us behind didn't sound like a human or any other living creature I was familiar with…
The scarlet-haired woman, despite the danger, remained unperturbed as the flying swords relentlessly approached us, narrowly avoiding being sliced twice. She shielded the toddler with unwavering determination, her life seeming insignificant compared to protecting this child at all costs. We continued running for a few more minutes until she abruptly stopped. We had no more land to run on, and I panicked, screaming, "What are we going to do now!" (Again forgetting the fact that she couldn't hear me.) However, we spotted a boat near a dirty dock. We quickly jumped on the boat, and she secured the toddler in a safe spot. She then started paddling as fast as she could.The flying swords continued their relentless assault on us (in fact, I believe their numbers have increased), the scarlet-haired woman was severely injured, yet I could see her gritting her teeth and pushing through the pain. I was consumed by fear and panic, screaming every time the swords drew near, ready to strike.
She abruptly stopped paddling in the middle of the river, causing me immense fear. I screamed at her, "Why did you stop?!" But then, I glanced at her and felt a loud, shaking sensation. I looked up and gasped, "Oh my God!" What I witnessed astounded and frightened me a bit. It made me feel like… oh my god, goosebumps all over my body! My jaw dropped wide, and I felt as though I had forgotten how to blink or breathe.
There were these enormous mountains that resembled… dragons! "WOW!" I was left speechless, and I thought my mind had stopped functioning. What happened next… well, to put it in one sentence, it was absolutely insane! The giant dragon-shaped mountains started moving! And this scarlet-haired woman took the toddler into her arms and lifted the toddler up into the sky, just like they showed Simba in the Lion King movie. I had no idea what was happening. Everything had made no sense until now… this scarlet-haired woman in armour, the blond-haired toddler in her arms, the flying swords, the unknown creature with monstrous growling, and now giant dragon-shaped mountains that appeared out of nowhere! I simply cannot comprehend anything that was happening. Suddenly, the woman screamed commandingly while holding the toddler. I was even more confused than before.
"Regem draconum voco, custodem regni mystici, salvatorem creaturarum fabulosarum!"
(I call upon the king of dragons, guardian of the mystical realm, saviour of mythical creatures!)
"Hey! Wha-..! What the hell is—,," -
"Veni ad tuam protectionem deprecare! quaeso! eam serva!"
(I have come to beg for your protection! I beg you! Protect this child!)
"What-!!"
"Yin ad Yang! Salvatorem! Vive usque ad verbum tuum! Te voco cum omni parte ultima potentiae meae! Ostende te!"
( Yin to the Yang! Protector of this world! Live up to your blood oath! I call upon you with every last part of my power! Show yourself!)
Before I could say anything or complete my sentence, even process a proper thought, a strong, heavy wind gushed towards us. At this point, I thought I completely lost my freaking mind because of what I saw next…. GUESS WHAT I SAW!!?? A FREAKING DRAGON!!! (Then it clicked to me.) This must be a dream… or some sort of freakish nightmare… There is no way in hell any of this was real. Because this crazy woman, who until now talked in perfect English, started doing Lion King shit and switched languages, began to talk in a language that I don't even recognise and somehow managed to summon a giant freaking dragon?? WHAT THE HELL!?!?!? And the dragon's wings thundered as it took to the sky, its scales glinting like polished steel. Yep! A freakish nightmare it is… and the giant dragon started to,
*Heavy dragon snarls*
*Snarls getting louder and louder*
*Dragon Exhaling*
I never knew that air can be this skin-peeling hot, but for some reason, watching this dragon didn't scare the bejesus out of me. I mean, it's huge and black in colour with fiery eyes, and normally I would seriously faint at the sight or scream my lungs out (like I've been doing until now) or better jump into the water, but I felt this some weird sense of familiarity with the dragon. I felt safe; it felt like a rescue.
*Dragon Inhaling*
Before my mind and body could ease up, where I thought I could finally take a breather, thinking that the commodity which was attacking would finally stop. But BOY!! WAS I WRONG!?!The ground trembled as a deafening roar echoed across the planet, reverberating like the crack of thunder. The dragon's voice reverberated through the air, and with each scrape of its claws against the stones, sparks flew everywhere.
*Dragon ROAR!!!!!!!!!*
*Flying swords plunged out*
*ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
"Oh My God!!!! WAKE UP ALEX!! WAKE UP!!! THIS IS A DREAM! THIS MUST BE A DREAM!! WAKE UP!!" I kept shouting and began to punch myself in the face, " I am done with this nightmare! I quit!!!!" And all of a sudden, the dragon abruptly stopped roaring… And immediately out of nowhere, our surroundings started to feel hot. "Wait… what… why…" Before I could barely register anything that was happening around me, I heard people from afar shouting "RETREAT!! NOW!! RETREAT! RETREAT!!! GO BACK!! RUN!! NOW!!" I was confused, why? And then I looked up towards the dragon, it opened its mouth, and its throat started glowing… why? I wondered, it took me a few late seconds to realise what was about to take place. Before my mind could process the information…
*Dragon unleashes the fire*
"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"