Eternal Echoes

Chapter 10: Unexpected Landings

The transition through the Calamity Box was a whirlwind of colors and sensations for Marcy. As the lights subsided, she found herself standing in a place unlike anything she had ever seen before. The air was thick with humidity, and the sounds of unfamiliar creatures echoed through the dense foliage.

Elated by the success of the Calamity Box, Marcy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in her surroundings. "This is it! I can't believe it worked!"

Her jubilation, however, was short-lived. Caught up in the thrill of her arrival, Marcy failed to notice the steep flight of stairs that stretched downward into the unknown. With unbridled enthusiasm, she pointed out every unique creature she saw, eager to explore the enchanting world she had only known through stories and games.

But fate had a different plan for Marcy. As her excitement reached its peak, she missed a step and tumbled headlong down the stairs—200 flights of them, to be exact.

Miraculously, Marcy survived the fall, albeit a bit bruised and bewildered. She found herself in a dimly lit cavern, surrounded by the soft glow of bioluminescent flora. Stunned and disoriented, Marcy attempted to stand but found herself woozy from the fall.

Just as she began to take stock of her situation, an elderly newt couple appeared. Concern etched on their faces, they rushed to Marcy's side. The elderly newts, wise and kind, helped her up and assessed her injuries.

"By the tides, young one, what brought you to our realm in such a chaotic manner?" the elderly newt asked, a twinkle of curiosity in their eyes.

Marcy, still catching her breath, explained her unexpected arrival and the adventure that led her to Amphibia. The elderly couple exchanged glances and, with a shared nod, decided to lend a helping hand to the stranded human.

"We may not fully understand your world, but hospitality is universal. Come, let us take you to a place where your injuries can be tended to," the elderly newt offered.

With gentle guidance, they led Marcy through the labyrinthine tunnels of Newtopia, the bustling capital of Amphibia. Along the way, Marcy marveled at the intricate architecture, the vibrant marketplace, and the diverse array of amphibious creatures that coexisted in this enchanting world.

Finally, they arrived at a hospital—a place unfamiliar yet surprisingly welcoming. To Marcy's surprise, the elderly newt couple assured her that in Amphibia, healthcare was a public service, free for all.

As she received the necessary medical attention, Marcy couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward the kind newt couple and the remarkable world she had stumbled into. Little did she know that her unexpected arrival in Amphibia was just the beginning of an adventure that would test the limits of friendship, uncover ancient mysteries, and reshape the course of her life in ways she could never have imagined.