Blades of Grass

A Man

Crashing through the atmosphere, I ignite into a brilliant orange meteorite as the air thickens around me. I streak across the sky above the mountainous landscape, the rushing air creating a whistling thunder that draws the attention of Aesar, Freyja, and Presz. They look up and watch as I plummet.

"I still can't believe Marshall did that," Aesar fumes, her arms crossed tightly.

"Maybe it's for the better," Freyja tries to calm her, placing a reassuring hand on Aesar's shoulder.

"WOOOOOOOOAHHHHHH!!" I scream in exhilaration, experiencing the thrill of flight—well, sort of—for the first time.

'And I'm not even protecting you from turning into a blazing fireball!' Qura reminds me with a hint of amusement.

"YEAH, I'M MANAGING TO KEEP MYSELF ALIVE FOR ONCE!" I yell, the roar of the wind deafening me as it rushes past my ears.

As I near the ground, the entire western province below becomes a tapestry of reactions. The rising sun casts long shadows, and people across the land look up in awe. Men, women, and children all turn their heads to the sky, where my fiery descent has become the center of their attention. Some are excited to find the supposed meteorite that is soon to impact. Either to research it or extract its minerals. Others just find it... beautiful, spiritual; some even religious.

As I plummet through the low-hanging clouds, the foggy air feels unexpectedly calming and refreshing. But then, a shadow shifts through the mist—what is it? A person? A bird? Perhaps even a Wyvern? I catch a fleeting glimpse of the creature drawing closer.

It turns to face me.

A human visage, scarred and bruised, peers out from the clouds. Its eyes are piercing, and its lips curl into a chilling grin. Then, it vanishes into the mist.

'Qura, investigate,' I command.

'I can't seem to get close to them,' Qura replies, a note of frustration in her voice.

'What do you mean you can't? How is that possible?'

'I... just can't. It's like they're blocking me. But how is that even possible?'

We burst through the clouds, and I continue my rapid descent.

'Who do you think that was?' I ask, trying to make sense of the encounter.

'If I could have gotten a better look, I would tell you,' Qura responds.

'But who has such powers as to block a godling like you?' I ask, confused.

'Something stronger.. I guess.' Qura worries.

The idea of someone, possibly stronger than a godling, casually maneuvering through the clouds unsettles me. But I've just been thrown from the sky for a reason. I've learned my lesson.

I shouldn't fear them. They should fear me.

I shift my focus onto teleporting to the lab upon impact, to try to get as close as possible lest I lose my sense of direction. The ground is lunging towards me faster and faster.

Until I finally crash.

The instant my face got into contact with the dirt, I teleport far away. Losing all the dangerous momentum. I can hear the great explosive impact of all that built up pressure that was leading me to the ground burst into a crater.

I look around trying to regain my footing. To my luck, this view is familiar. I must've landed north of the lab, about four to five kilometers away. And now, I'm closer, more to the east, but I'll be at the lab in 10 minutes.