As a kid, I always dreamt of flying. The idea of soaring through the sky, leaving everything behind, was my definition of freedom. No rules, no worries—just me and the open air. But like most childhood dreams, it stayed just that: a dream.
Still, what I experienced earlier… it was something else. Amazing? Sure. Terrifying? Absolutely. Honestly, I can't even begin to wrap my head around it. One moment, I was flying and fighting for my life—and the next, I'm here.
Where is here, exactly?
The forest around me was peaceful—unnervingly so. The air was just right, carrying a strange stillness, like the world itself was holding its breath.
I stood up, brushing dirt off my clothes, and glanced around. That's when I saw it: a bird perched on a low branch, staring at me with sharp yellow eyes.
"Wait... Geo?" I blurted out. "You're the bird from my dream! Hold on—am I dead? Since you're dead?"
The bird tilted its head, unimpressed, and flapped over to land on my head. "Do I look dead to you?" he snapped, pecking me lightly.
"Well, you were dead in my dream," I muttered.
Geo leapt off my head and landed in the grass, glaring at me. "Listen up, Ladon. I'll explain everything, so stop running your mouth."
Wait—did he just say my name?
"Right now, you're in the Petra Zone," Geo began. "This place is sacred—it's the gods' sanctuary, their true home. They control every aspect of the world here. The only mortals allowed in are the goddess's followers, and only after their death."
"So… I'm dead?" My stomach churned.
"No," Geo said with a sigh. "You're alive. The goddess herself can invite people in. Otherwise, only the deceased get to choose to enter."
I was about to ask more, but Geo cut me off. "And no, I'm the only follower here. I don't need anyone else—just my master."
"How long have you been alone?" I asked, suddenly feeling sorry for him.
"Hundreds of years, maybe," Geo said flatly.
Something inside me stirred, and I knelt down, wrapping my arms around him. "That must've been so hard. But I'm glad you're okay."
Geo squawked, shoving me away with his wings. "I don't need your sympathy."
"Whatever you say, pigeon," I teased.
"PIGEON?! You disrespectful brat!" Geo screeched, flapping furiously. "You need someone to—"
"Okay, okay, relax!" I interrupted. "Why am I here, Geo? What's going on?"
Geo huffed, calming down. "You're here because of the gem you found. That gem is called a Petra. Every god or goddess has one. It's their power source—the heart of their strength. If they lose it, they become mortal. The one you found belongs to my master, the goddess Dove."
I blinked. "So… there are other Petras out there too?"
"Of course," Geo said. "Each Petra has unique powers. Ours is tied to animals."
"Any animal? Even fish? What about insects?"
"No! Aquatic animals belong to a different god, and insects—ugh, Master hated those. Thank the heavens they're someone else's problem."
It was a lot to take in—gods, gems, animal powers. But Geo wasn't finished.
"Ladon, I need your help. My master hasn't returned to the Petra Zone. Something's wrong. I can't do anything in the mortal world, but you can. It must be fate that you found her Petra."
"You're asking me to find your master?"
"Yes, but more than that," Geo said firmly. "You'll have to become the Petra's Guardian and defend it with your life. To do that, you must swallow the Petra. It will merge with you and—"
"Hold up!" I cut in. "Swallow the stone? Defend it with my life? I never signed up for this!"
Geo's feathers ruffled. "How dare you?! Her followers would've given anything for this honor!"
"Look, I'm not saying it wouldn't be cool to have god powers," I admitted. "But you're asking me to risk my life for something I just found. It's a lifetime commitment."
Geo looked heartbroken, lowering his gaze. "I… I can't force you. But now, I don't know what to do."
I sighed, guilt gnawing at me. "I didn't say I wouldn't help you find your master. I'll help with that much."
"Wait, really?!" Geo squawked. "I mean—of course! Why wouldn't you? Once we find Master, we'll figure everything else out."
I paused, letting the silence stretch as my thoughts raced.
This is too much. I just lost someone dear to me, and now I'm in this strange place, being asked to make life-altering decisions?
I'm not ready for this. But… I can't just walk away.
I took a deep breath. "Alright," I said slowly. "Let's take this one step at a time. So, you're telling me I need to swallow the Petra? Like, actually gulp it down, and it'll merge with me? Doesn't sound very appetizing. What if I just, I don't know, keep it in my pocket?"
Geo cocked his head, tapping his beak. "Well… I've heard of people forging Petras into weapons instead. But you wouldn't be as strong. Carrying it around is… not ideal for a long-term Guardian."
"Not ideal is better than 'shove it down your throat,'" I shot back.
Geo huffed. "Fine, do whatever you want. But if you're serious about this, start thinking like a Guardian instead of a coward."
I ignored the jab, my thoughts racing. A sly grin spread across my face. "Actually, I've got an idea. Guess I'll need to make a trip tomorrow."
Geo tilted his head, suspicious. "What are you planning now?"
I stood, brushing off the dirt. "You'll see, pigeon. You'll see."
His glare softened, and he looked away. "See you tomorrow, Ladon."