"-and so, we are gathered here today to witness the awakening of the staff by Kasia and Aliana!"

Leanna, and old woman the the head of our village concludes her speech and steps back, allowing my sister and I the stage. It's finally our turn! Our turn to pick up the staff and face our destiny.

"Me first?" I look at my sister, who is way calmer than I am, with puppy dog eyes.

She shrugs with a smile. I snatch it. The sacred holy staff wielded by our ancestors!

...

....

.....

Nothing absolutely nothing.

It's a stick.

A big wooden stick.

Yes, there's the jingly jangly rings and sacred chains hanging off of it but where's the swirling lights or fireworks display? There's nothing.

Suddenly, it starts shaking; and rather violently at that. For an intense moment of excruciating pain I'm certain my arm is going to be ripped off, I squeeze my eyes shut-

It stops. And I open my eyes to see my sister, Kasia, mouth pursed in resolution, clutching the staff.

...

And THAT's when the fireworks display goes off.

No

NoNO

NONONONONONO

I have no recollection of the following events besides the thud of my feet as they carry me out.