Adventures Beyond The Void (Season 1)

Chapter 12: The Capital and the Captains

3RD POV

 

Astonishment. That was all Nicholas could feel. The sun had fully risen, its golden light spilling over the distant mountains and bathing the world below in warmth. He let the rays wash over him, chasing away the biting cold of the high altitude. Then he looked down, and his breath caught. Nestled between two towering mountains and stretching toward the sea stood the Kingdom of Tellus.

As Zana slowly lowered the flying carriage, the details sharpened. What was once a distant marvel, became a living, breathing city. They soared above rooftops, close enough now to see the people below. At first glance, they looked human. But Nicholas knew better. There was too much variety; unusual eye colors, vibrant hair, even individuals with animal-like features. Some walked alone, others laughed with friends or guided their children through the busy streets.

And then there was the magic. Fire danced in open palms. Water twisted and flowed midair, performers drawing cheers from gathered crowds. Others shaped crystals with delicate precision, crafting intricate works of art before the eyes of onlookers. It so beautiful. So alive. Neither Nicholas nor Hunter would ever forget this sight. As they drew closer to the castle, the city changed. The buildings grew grander, more refined.

White stone walls gleamed under the sunlight, windows adorned with elegant designs. Courtyards bloomed with fountains and statues, surrounded by lush gardens overflowing with color. Wealth. Status. Power. Just like the kingdoms Nicholas had only ever read about. Finally, Selin guided them lower, descending into a vast courtyard just outside the towering castle. Zana followed smoothly, bringing the carriage to a stop.

Kenju hopped out first, releasing Nicholas in the process. The two boys stepped down, their legs slightly unsteady, but the excitement coursing through them easily overpowered any lingering dizziness. Nicholas's mind raced, replaying every breathtaking image. Hunter, meanwhile, muttered under his breath something about anime. A flash of pink light pulled their attention back.

The crystal carriage dissolved into countless shimmering particles, scattering like glitter before vanishing completely. Zana exhaled softly and walked toward Selin, clearly pleased. Her eyes flicked toward the boys, and a proud smile spread across her face. Hunter noticed and scowled.

    Selin: - Alright, listen up. Kenju, you and Severed will wait for us to return. And please, try to stay out of trouble.

She shot Severed a look that said: Make sure Kenju doesn't do anything.

    Selin: - Put these on.

She handed the humans two pendants with a grey stone on each one. Nicholas obeyed without question, but Hunter eyed her suspiciously.

    Hunter: - Huh?! And why should we?

    Selin: - Because, those are magical pendants, able to create illusions. By putting them on, you'll be able to hide the red color of your blood, and others will see it as blue. Meaning if you are to ever get hurt in public, your identity as humans will remain hidden, unless of course they're taken off or destroyed.

She had a point. Now that Nicholas thought about it, he realized that when he first met Zana, the color of her blushing face was a light shade of blue, the complete opposite of his own red face. Good thing Selin had thought of it and prepared accordingly.

    Selin: - Also, you two are commoners. You've spent your whole lives in Bron Village, born with no magic, orphaned at a young age and living on the streets. You were at the Butterfly Forest searching for herbs to sell, when you encountered that nightmare. Afterwards, I took you in, and now I bring you before the king to share what you've witnessed. That's the story you'll say if asked. Am I clear?