Pyra felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension as she stood before the man in silver armor. "Uh, hi..." she replied, thinking of all the other things she was dying to ask, along with the urge to start yelling at him for freaking kidnapping her! His gaze seemed to penetrate her, as if he could see through every layer of her being.
"I am General Nightshade," he continued, "and you, Pyra, are a key part of a prophecy that has been foretold for generations."
General Nightshade gestured for Pyra to sit, and as she did, he began to explain the prophecy in more detail. "In the realm where fire dances and water weaves, twins born of magic are destined to bring balance. The fate of the fairy world and the human realm rests upon your shoulders."
Pyra listened intently, absorbing the weight of her newfound destiny. The commander revealed the ancient origins of the prophecy and how it foretold a time of great upheaval and a choice between light and shadow. As he spoke, Pyra couldn't shake the feeling that her life had taken an unexpected turn into a realm of mysticism.
"I don't fully understand this prophecy. It's super cryptic," Pyra admitted.
"Basically," General Nightshade explained, "this prophecy speaks of two siblings, twins. One is born with water manipulation abilities, and the other, you, with fire manipulation. One of you is destined to save the human and fairy worlds and unite them in peace, while the other is destined to destroy both realms and turn them into their slaves. The only way for one of the sisters to fulfill her half of the prophecy is to destroy the other half—her sister."
"Why on earth would I want to kill my sister?" Pyra asked, horrified.
"It is for the greater good."
Pyra didn't know how she felt about this but decided to stay silent for now.
"Everyone assumes that you will be the evil sister," General Nightshade continued.
"Why?" Pyra questioned.
"Water in the fairy world is sacred to us. It represents life and joy. Fire, on the other hand, represents destruction, chaos, and evil. At Kendallsurge, we believe it's time for fairies to overcome their prejudice."
"But why me?" Pyra finally asked, breaking the commander's narrative. "Why am I part of this prophecy? Also, you didn't think to warn me before kidnapping me?"
General Nightshade looked at her, his expression somber. "Humans have their own organizations, and they do not understand fairies. They wish to harness powers like ours. When you started that fire three years ago, it brought a lot of attention to you. We had to pull you out immediately, and I apologize for scaring you like that. As for why you..." He leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Your ability, Pyra, is unique. It goes beyond the ordinary control of fire. You possess a power that could tip the scales—a power that needs guidance to fulfill its true purpose."
As the conversation continued, Pyra learned about the underground sanctuary where fairies resided, hidden from human knowledge. She discovered the complex dynamics of Kendallsurge, an organization dedicated to safeguarding the delicate balance between the magical realms.
The commander's words unfolded a world of mystery and danger, and Pyra realized the gravity of her role in this intricate tapestry of fate. She also learned that while Kendallsurge wasn't located at the very center of the Earth, the rest of the fairy population thrived there. However, their queen wished to conquer both the human world and her own, and she would go to terrible measures to get what she wanted.
The commander concluded, "Pyra, you are now part of a lineage that extends beyond time. Your choices will shape not only your destiny but the destiny of both our worlds. Are you prepared for the challenges that lie ahead?"
Pyra took a deep breath. What on earth was she supposed to say? Of course, she wasn't ready. Of course, she was not prepared, but she could certainly try. So, she put on her bravest face and told the best lie she had ever said. "I am ready, and I am prepared for what is coming."
General Nightshade nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit, Pyra. Now, let the journey unfold, and may the flames within you burn bright in the face of destiny."