When Lightning Strikes: World's Collide Edition

8. Escape From Darkland

Alicia

As soon as she stepped into the land of mystery, Alicia was possessed within its glamor. The atmosphere changed; an otherworldly perception was ingrained within the air she breathed in. A realm of super nature, extraordinary substances filled the space. The girl shielded her eyes from the excruciating brightness that closed around her.

Surrounding her, were luscious, pine-green coloured trees, as though they've been highlighted with precision; the girl captured the vivid colours that was emitted from every leaf, branch, or anything she could set her eyes on. Emerald mesquite trees rose behind her, dropping waves of tiny lime-coloured bulbs that pulsed with light as they sprinkled over the group, fading away in mid-air. "Whoa," she gasped, paralyzed in awe.

The shades of green rippled around her, clear and extremely vivid to the eye. They shone with such glamour, strangely brightened. The aroma of burning lavender, melting vanilla, and the dampness of moss and dew from light drizzles of rain, overpowered Alicia; The mere whiff seemed to raise her higher, floating off into the distance. An intense feeling of contentedness washed over her, an aching that cannot be expunged. Leaving this place would be the most difficult decision she'd ever make.

The ancient, mesmerizing trees towered over the three of them, extending upwards so high they seemed to pierce through the veil above the sky. They seemed to envelop the view of the sky, separating the land from reality. Resulting in a dark realm surrounded by glowing fields of nature and colourful, endless strides of greenery. The meadows underneath their feet, were cast with a strikingly colourful shade of jade. It sparkled mystically with the breeze of winds. The three of them stood in place, admiring the view. Drops of clear dew were peppered on their faces; sweetness and chills.

Ominous whistles of wind passed by them, striking Alicia by surprise, jolting her to reality. She was frozen in place; any movement was relinquished by the desire to dissolve herself within the landscape. It was as though a painting that she could not tear her eyes off of.

Every colourful bloom of pedals on the flowers surrounding her, the comforting warm chill of tropical winds that smoothly touched her cheek, their whispers and cozy sensations lulled her into a spiraling sense of safety and openness.

She caught the subtle whiff of a familiar scent, overpowering her. In a fraction of a second, the young woman found herself back at home, seated on the kitchen counter. She found herself 8 years younger, a child; Joy and excitement flowing within, her giddy nature rising above. She was watching her mother bake something – a batch of cookies, or perhaps a birthday cake - as the scrumptious, mouth-watering fragrance wafted through the air. A smoky figure, undistinguishable from view, was watching her from the counter. The comfort she'd felt, her insecurities and overwhelming lingering anxieties fading away, disappearing. Alicia sensed herself healing, as her past was suddenly forgotten, seeping away into the mystical nature of the land she currently inhabits.

Now, thrust back into Darkland, regaining her senses, Alicia slowly glanced at Carter and Melissa. They weren't as deeply engrossed as she were, thought they continued to admire the beauty of the magical forest. The little bulbs of light continued to sprinkle down on them, the trees towering over them like guardian angels. The girl gazed, mesmerized; it was a struggle to keep her eyelids open, as though it were pulled down by heavy weights.

"Alicia, you good?" Carter asked, scrutinizing her with a full smile. "Y-yeah," she answered, still partially submerged in the overpowering sensations Darkland provides. "Alright, lets go!" Melissa exclaimed, jittery like an excited puppy. As they ventured through the enchanting forest, wisps of smoke began to curl at their feet. The white fog was beginning to thicken up ahead. Alicia shook away the grappling beauty of her surroundings, catching up to Carter and Melissa, who were already several steps ahead.