???: What is death, power, and being a prince?
As he stands on the outskirts of the Lionheart kingdom, the young man gazes thoughtfully into the distance, pondering the mysteries of life. With a calm yet serious expression, he silently questions himself, contemplating the concepts of death, power, and responsibilities that come with being a prince.
'Death is the silent end to a life,
A moment when the clock stops to chime.
It is a journey through the dark,
A farewell to all that was once bright and stark.
Death is not the end, but a new beginning,
A transition beyond our kenning.
It is a mystery, a final mystery,
That we all must one day meet'
'Power, a force elusive and grand
A force that knows not of bonds or bands
It's like a raging tempest wild
Or a serpent, coiled, in a child
A force that can bring the weak to their knees
Or cause the world to bend its knees
It's a fire that burns so bright
A force of night. Power is like a dream
A dream that takes you to unforeseen extremes.'
'A Prince is a figure of great importance,
A leader of men, a hero in his rise.
With a noble heart and a regal bearing,
The Prince stands steadfast, undaunted, and daring. Though he may face trials and tribulations, He will not be daunted, he will not be slain. The Prince is a symbol of hope, A beacon of light, a vision of a better day. With wisdom and courage, he shall lead the way, and his people shall follow him, united and strong.'
The young man gazes up at the vast, star-filled night sky, deep in thought as he contemplates the uncertainty of his own words. Is he truly speaking the truth, or just spouting random nonsense? Just then, a soft but distinct ringing sound interrupts his thoughts, drawing his attention to his right hand
???: Mhmm? Mother is calling...*
The young man murmured and raised his hand to his face, his gaze falling to his NeuroLink watch. The small screen displayed his mother's name, and he ran his fingers over the screen, feeling the cool, smooth surface. With a soft touch, he pressed the blue answer icon, and a hologram of his mother appeared, her image floating gently above the device like a flickering, ephemeral ghost. The young man's expression softened, and he smiled gently at his mother
???: Hey, mother... is there something wrong or anything I can do for you?
The young man asks his mother in a curious and gentle voice
The woman's small holographic form looked up and smiled beautifully at her son
Ashley: Hey Ashborn... where the hell are you? I've been turning the castle upside down, trying to find you, but you're nowhere to be found. Did you seriously bail out and not even bother to invite me? That's pretty damn rude, Dear. I thought you kinda liked your old lady.
The woman's voice was as smooth as silk as she faked a melodramatic sob, her small holographic form falling to her knees with dramatic flair, theatrically hiding her face, while Ashborn Lionheart simply looked upon his mother with a flat expression, unfazed by her antics. Should anyone behold the enigmatic Queen Ashley Lionheart in such a manner, they would be left utterly baffled... and utterly speechless.
Ashborn: "Mother, I'm already 500 miles away from the kingdom. I'm not that far."
Ashborn sighed, used to his mother's overprotective ways, since he inherited her striking appearance –snow-white hair gathered into a dynamic style, with blue and purple highlights, bright lavender eyes with star-shaped irises. alongside her snow-white eyelashes, eyebrows and Eyeliners, A star halo adorned their heads, accompanied by a pair of elegant white crystal horns on their forehead.
Ashley arched an eyebrow, staring at him with a flat expression.
Ashley: "500 miles, huh? That's like saying a walk in the park to you."
She quipped sarcastically, clearly unimpressed by her son's nonchalant remark.
Ashborn: Mum, you could effortlessly appear by my side if you just made a tiny bit of effort, yet here you are, too sluggish to even bother
Ashborn murmured to himself, barely enough for Ashley to hear, but despite his hushed tone, Ashley managed to hear him
Ashley: ASHH! I AM NOT LAZY YOU MEANIE!!
Ashley crossed her arms over her ample bosom, her features shifting into a cute pout as she looked to her side. Her chest swelling with a gentle heave as she puckered her lips into a playful pout, she pushed aside a loose strand of white hair and focused her gaze back on her son,
Ashley: I am not lazy, Ash!
Ashborn: Yes, you're lazy...
Ashley: No
Ashborn: Yes
Ashley: No
Ashborn: Yes
Ashley: No
Ashborn: no
Ashley: yes- ehh? ASH!!
Ashborn: hahaha! I told you!
Ashborn let out a mischievous laugh, his star-shaped eyes sparkling with glee. His mother joined in on his laughter, their joyful exchange filling the air around Ashborn with warmth.
Ashley: Anyways, I was just calling you because of your upcoming birthday, which is only 11 days away now. I'm curious to know if you'll be available on that special day
Her gentle and caring tone betrayed her affection and interest in ensuring her son's availability for his birthday celebration.
Ashborn: Mother, i don't think I'll be able to return home today or tomorrow. It's a feeling, an intuition. Something colossal is approaching our world at an unmeasurable speed. I can't quite put my finger on it, but i can sense it in my soul. The energy signatures are off the charts. It seems i will facing something unprecedented, and i can't leave this matter unattended. I apologize for any worry or concern you may have mother, but i have to stay and address this threat, take care mother i love you
Ashborn lookes up at the star-studded night sky, his expression solemn, knowing that this unknown entity posed a threat to everything he held dear
Ashley: Dear ashborn....
Ashley voice is filled with worry and sincerity as she speaks
Ashley: i can sense something powerful approaching our realm,
She continues, her voice filled with concern.
Ashley: i know you're strong, but if you don't mind, i would like to fight alongside you against it. If you'd prefer. I can even send the Great Spirit of Chaos to assist you innyour battle, just in case you need extra help.
Ashley's words hang in the air, her worry palpable but her desire to support her son clear
Ashborn lovingly looked at his mother's face, his star halo gently spinning and his crystal white horns glowing in response. Even though they were physically more than 500 miles apart, he sent a warm and comforting signal to his mother's own star halo and crystal horns, she could feel his warmth and reassurance as if he were right beside her.
Ashborn: Mother, thank you for offering your assistance. Instead, just send the Great Spirit of Chaos. Oh, and remind her to bring my twin swords along as well
ashborn glanced up at the western sky. Sensing a growing sense of uncertainty. The air crackled with an underlying tension, and he could almost feel the ground beneath him quiver with every passing moment. The distant horizon was still and peaceful. But something was off, something that sent shivers down his spine. Without knowing why, ashborn felt the need to stay alert, his senses heightened, sensing danger with each passing moment.
Ashley: I will, sweetheart. Just please, be careful. I love you so much...
Ashley said softly, her words filled with worry, yet also love and unwavering trust for own child
Ashborn: See you later mother, i love you...
Ashborn said warmly as he quickly ended the call and turned his gaze toward the western horizon, contemplating what the object was and where it was heading. With a swift and inhuman speed, he dashed into the air, intending to uncover the truth behind this mysterious occurrence
Ashborn star-shaped lavender eyes flared as he raced towards the horizon, the wind whipping through his snow-white and purple-tipped curls, Ashborn's royal white suit with a long white coat billowed behind him as he soared through the sky, diamond earrings and cross chain glinting in the fading light, the world below blurred into stream of light. Towering peaks and sprawling cities raced by in an instant, their forms etched briefly against the starry night sky before vanishing into the distance
✈︎✈︎✈︎
✈︎✈︎✈︎
✈︎✈︎✈︎
Meanwhile...
Location: Lionheart's kingdom
The grand marble hallways of the Lionheart kingdom gleamed under the soft glow of enchanted chandeliers, their golden light dancing across ornate walls and towering stained-glass windows.
A woman strode confidently through the corridor, her heels clicking rhythmically against the polished floor. She moved like a whisper in the dark, striking otherworldly, and undeniably dangerous. Her long, voluminous white hair cascades past her waist in wild, flowing waves, each strand catching the light with an eerie shimmer. It framed a pale, elegant face adorned with sharp, magenta-pink eyes slitted pupils glinting like a predators in moonlight. Her lashes, as snow-white as her hair, frame her eyes like frost-laced thorns. Her lips curled into a mischievous grin, revealing sharp, jagged white teeth that hinted at something far from human. Her pointed elven ears peeked from beneath her hair, twitching slightly as she passed a guard who dared to glance too long. Her exaggerated hourglass figure was proudly displayed in a form-fitting white dress, trimmed with delicate frills and gleaming jewel accents. The low-cut bodice clung to her generous curves, daring and regal all at once. Long white gloves covered her arms, ending in ruffled cuffs that swayed with each confident stride.
She was a paradox of elegance and danger both ghost and seductress, queenly and monstrous.
As she approached the grand doors of queen Ashley Lionheart's throne room, two royal guards stiffened. One took an unconscious step back. She offered them a teasing wink, her sharp teeth glinting.
With a casual flick of her gloved hand, the massive doors creaked open unaided.
She stepped into the throne room with the poise of someone who owned the very air she breathed
.
.
.
Seraphine, The Great Spirit of Chaos, stepped into the throne room with a playful grace, the immense double doors closing behind her without a sound. The air shimmered with chaotic, ethereal energy, like reality itself bent in her presence, unsure whether to laugh or shatter.
Before her sat Queen Ashley Lionheart, radiant and commanding atop a throne forge from crystalline starstone. Her long, wavy white hair shimmered with soft lavender and pink undertones, cascading like stardust over her shoulders. It floated gently with each breath of magic in the room. From the majestic horns, textured like the cosmos itself, swirling gradients of deep navy, violet, and glowing hues of blue and magenta, speckled with tiny stars that moved as though alive. Her eyes were a mesmerizing, multicolored irises with star-shaped pupils in radiant shades of magenta, purple, and yellow. They sparkled with depth, mystery, and unyielding power. Her skin was flawless and fair, with a soft pink blush glowing on her cheeks, a contrast to the limitless might she held within. A warm, confident smile graced her lips, welcoming, yet firm.
Above her floated a Star-Halo, a ring of swirling rainbow energy and drifting cosmic particles, it rotated slowly, bathing the room in gentle hues of light, giving Ashley the aura of a divine monarch
Seraphine paused a moment, bowing slightly, not out of submission, but respect,
"You look more divine than ever, dear Ashley. New stars in your crown, i see."
Ashley's smiled softened, though her gaze remained intense. She raised her hand.
With a flash of golden and shadowy light, two swords materialized beside her throne, crossed over one another, radiating opposite forces so powerful the floor beneath them crackled slightly
Then with a flick of her wrist, she hurled the twin blades with precise force. They cut through air like divine meteors and embedded themselves upright into the obsidian floor just before Seraphine's feet.
"Excalibur, the Holy Sword of Promised Victory," Ashley declared, her voice echoing with authority. "And Exodus, the Demonic Sword of Corrupted Promises."
Seraphine looked down at the blades, one radiating golden brilliance, the other pulsing with violet-black flames and crimson arcs of power. Her grin widened.
"Gift-wrapped weapons of apocalypse. You spoil me."
Ashley stood, her halo intensifying, voice lowering with urgency.
"These are not for you. They belong to my beloved son. Ashborn is marching to face a cosmic eldritch abomination beyond the edge of realms. He needs them. Now."
Seraphine's teasing faded. Replaced with flicker of seriousness.
"Is he that close already?"
Ashley nodded. "If he faces the entity without these he'll fight with one hand bound behind his back. You must reach him before the final convergence begins."
The spirit of Chaos laughed softly, lifting both swords effortlessly as if they weighed nothing.
"Very well, I'll bring him salvation and damnation in matching sheaths."
With a wink and twirl of her chaotic aura, Seraphine vanished, the air splitting behind her into a swirl of light and shadow
---
---
---
---