Kael pulled his jacket tighter against the biting chill of the evening air. The city streets were nearly deserted, except for the occasional passerby hurrying to their destinations. The steady rhythm of Kael's footsteps echoed against the wet pavement as he trudged home, his thoughts clouded with exhaustion. Another long day of meetings, following orders and the dull monotony of corporate life had drained him mentally and physically.
Dark clouds loomed under the beautiful moonlight, heavy and ominous. Small raindrops started to fall and splatter against his face. He quickened his pace worried that it might get worse than it was.
Then it happened.
A flash of blinding light tore through the sky, followed by a deafening crack. Before Kael could react, a bolt of lightning struck him. Time seemed to freeze. Pain lanced through his body, searing and all-encompassing as if his very soul was being wrenched from his mortal form. He crumpled to the ground, his breath caught in his throat. Darkness enveloped him.
In those final moments of consciousness, Kael thought, So this is it. This is how I die.
******
The next thing he knew he woke up in a strange place.
The first thing he noticed was the warmth of sunlight filtering through a canopy of emerald leaves. The air smelled different—fresh, almost intoxicating, with hints of something unplaceable yet divine. Slowly, Kael pushed himself up, wincing as his body protested. He blinked several times, trying to make sense of his surroundings. Gone were the familiar city streets. Instead, he found himself in a sprawling meadow, bordered by towering trees that shimmered faintly as if their trunks and leaves were infused with starlight.
"What… where am I?" he muttered, his voice hoarse and uncertain. His gaze swept across the landscape. Rolling hills stretched far into the distance, dotted with crystalline lakes that reflected the sky's vibrant hues. It was unlike anything he had ever seen—breathtaking, otherworldly and impossible to put into words.
A shadow passed over him. Startled, Kael looked up and saw a figure descending from the sky. At first, he thought it was a bird, but as it drew closer, the details became clear. It was a man—or something resembling one. His features were sharp, almost too perfect, his golden hair cascading in waves that defied gravity. He wore armour that gleamed like molten gold, and his eyes glowed with intense, unearthly light.
"You there" the figure called out, his voice resonating with a power that sent a shiver down Kael's spine. "State your name and purpose."
Kael stumbled to his feet, his heart pounding. "M-my name is Kael. I… I don't know how I got here. One moment I was walking home, and then…" He trailed off, unsure how to explain being struck by lightning and waking up in what felt like a dream.
The figure landed gracefully, his feet touching the ground without a sound. He studied Kael with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "You're not from this realm, are you mortal?"
"Realm?" Kael echoed, confusion evident in his voice. "What realm? Where am I?"
The man's glowing eyes narrowed. "You stand in the land of Dione, where we gods reside. This is no place for mortal men."
Kael's mind reeled. 'Gods? The word felt absurd, yet the evidence was undeniable. The man before him radiated a power and presence that defied explanation and let's not forget he was just flying a second ago'. "I don't understand" Kael said, his voice trembling. "How did I get here? Why am I here?"
The golden figure tilted his head as if weighing his next words carefully. "Perhaps the Fates brought you here" he said, his tone softening slightly. "Or perhaps you are simply a mistake. Either way, mortal, your presence in this realm is… how should I put it, unusual."
Before Kael could respond, a distant roar echoed across the meadow. The Godly figure stiffened, his glowing eyes scanning the area. "Stay close to me mortal" he commanded while reaching for his blade.
Kael's heart raced as he followed the man's gaze. In the distance, a shadowy figure emerged, its form hulking and monstrous. It moved with a predatory grace, its eyes glowing crimson, its claws glinting menacingly in the sunlight. Kael's breath caught in his throat. Whatever it was, it was unlike anything he had ever seen.
"W-what is that?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"A beast of chaos" the man replied, drawing a gleaming blade from his side. "Stay behind me, mortal. This is not a fight you can survive."
As the creature charged, the ground trembling beneath its weight, Kael's mind raced. How did I end up here? What is this place? And how am I supposed to survive something like this?
The man in golden armour moved with speed and precision that left Kael in awe. He darted forward, his blade flashing as it met the beast's claws. Sparks flew as metal clashed against unholy flesh, and the meadow seemed to hum with the energy of their battle. The beast roared, swiping its massive arm toward the man, but he dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and calculated.
Kael stumbled back, his legs threatening to give out beneath him. He was no warrior or hero. He was just a man who had been thrust into a world that defied all logic. But as he watched the golden figure fight with an elegance and ferocity that seemed otherworldly, Kael felt a spark of something he hadn't felt in years: hope.
The fight raged on, the golden man landing blow after blow, his blade slicing through the beast's tough body. But the creature was relentless, its glowing eyes fixed on its opponent with an unyielding hunger. It lunged forward, its jaws snapping inches from the man's face. Kael's breath hitched as he watched the two clash, their movements a blur of light and shadow.
Finally, with a guttural cry, the man drove his blade deep into the beast's chest. The creature let out a final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing to the ground, its body dissolving into wisps of black smoke that dissipated into the air.
The man stood still for a moment, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. Then he turned to Kael, his glowing eyes softening. "You're lucky I found you mortal" he said, sheathing his blade. "This realm is no place for someone like you."
Kael swallowed hard, his mind racing with questions. "Thank you" he managed to say. "But… what happens now?"
The man studied him for a moment, then extended a hand. "Now, you survive. And if you wish to find your way home, you'll need to learn the rules of this world. Come, mortal. There is much you must understand."
Hesitating only briefly, Kael took the man's hand. As they walked toward the shimmering forest.