A rainbow-colored portal shimmered into existence, spilling its vibrant hues into another dimension. The landscape was harsh and desolate, a vast stretch of rugged, rocky mountains towering over dry, lifeless ground. The air hung still, devoid of vegetation, with the barren peaks rising like silent sentinels.
The swirling colors of the portal expanded, and a sleek, futuristic flying vessel glided through. Its silver surface gleamed under the dim, unnatural light, and its design was both elegant and imposing. Inside the vessel, three passengers remained alert, their journey far from over.
Billy peered out from his seat, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar terrain. "Is this place even real?" he wondered aloud. It seemed almost too alien to be part of his hidden world.
One of the pilots, dressed in sleek black armor, reached for the dashboard. With a press of a button, the sky above crackled with electricity. A shimmering blue energy dome materialized, its barrier extending endlessly in all directions and ascending to unimaginable heights.
The lead pilot leaned into a microphone that popped up from the console. "Agent Buckler and Agent Smith checking in with the Prince. Requesting access to Section 3-112."
A crisp, mechanical voice responded over the radio, its tone formal and cold. "Enter authentication sign for passage access."
Agent Smith exchanged a nod with Buckler and placed his palm on a glowing circular pad. The console beeped, scanning the unique magical signature imprinted in his hand. The energy dome responded, parting to form a circular passageway.
With a soft hum, the flying vessel accelerated, entering through the opening with increasing speed.
Billy's breath caught as the view transformed. The harsh, lifeless landscape gave way to something extraordinary—a breathtaking oasis of life and beauty. Green trees stretched as far as the eye could see, interrupted only by expansive fields of lush grass. Waterfalls cascaded down jagged cliffs, their mists creating vibrant rainbows in the sunlight. The architecture was nothing short of magnificent—elegant spires and domes crafted with intricate precision, glowing softly as if imbued with magic.
The sky above teemed with activity. Flying vessels of all shapes and sizes crisscrossed the air, some transporting goods, others ferrying passengers. It was a bustling, vibrant kingdom hidden within an impenetrable barrier.
"This place is incredible," Billy whispered, his awe momentarily overpowering his confusion. His gaze turned toward the horizon, where a golden castle stood atop a hill, its brilliance commanding attention. The castle's layout was an architectural marvel, with interconnected towers spiraling gracefully upward, adorned with glowing runes and banners fluttering in the breeze.
"Welcome back to Avan Kingdom, Prince Billy," Agent Buckler said, removing his helmet and bowing slightly.
Billy's emotions churned. Excitement at returning home clashed with an unsettling sense of guilt. It had been five years since he'd last seen this place. So much had changed—and yet, nothing had.
"It's just as I left it," Billy murmured, turning to take in the familiar sights.
Agent Smith adjusted his controls, his expression grim. "Not entirely, Your Highness. The kingdom is deteriorating. Our magic is waning, and with it, our defenses and technology. It's… connected to the Queen."
Billy turned sharply to face him. "What do you mean? What's happening to my mother?"
Agent Buckler sighed heavily, his voice laced with concern. "Her condition has worsened. She's critically ill. The magic of the kingdom, tied to her life force, is fading."
Billy felt as though the air had been knocked out of him. "My mum… she's sick?"
Agent Buckler's eyes softened. "She's in a coma. The healers are doing everything they can, but you must be strong, Prince Billy."
The vessel neared the golden castle, and a deafening trumpet blast echoed across the kingdom, announcing their arrival.
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High above, on the castle's grand balcony, a regal woman in her fifties stepped forward. She was dressed in resplendent royal attire, her dark hair pulled back in an elegant style that framed her sharp features. Her chocolate-hued skin glowed in the sunlight as she gripped the railing, her expression one of satisfaction.
At the sound of the trumpet, a slow smile spread across her lips.
"Children," she called out, her voice authoritative yet velvety.
Two figures emerged from the shadows behind her—Kai and Ella, twins and heirs to the throne. They were dressed in matching royal attire, their features a striking mirror image of one another. Kai's sharp jawline and Ella's cold gaze bore an unmistakable air of arrogance.
The woman gestured toward the horizon, where the flying vessel approached the castle gates. "Our sworn enemy has returned. Ready to disrupt our peace and steal what is rightfully ours." Her voice dripped with disdain, her dark eyes narrowing.
"He won't get anything from us," Ella declared, her voice icy and resolute.
Kai smirked, his confidence unshaken. "He's in for nothing but misery."
The woman chuckled, her laughter laced with malice. "That's the spirit. You are my true heirs—the ones destined to rule." Her lips curled into an evil smile as she turned back to watch the vessel's descent.
As the golden gates of the castle opened, the fate of Avan Kingdom—and Billy's place in it—hung precariously in the balance.
....To Be Continued...