Whims of a Quiet Dreamer

Chapter 14: A World in Balance

Sithu hurried home after school, eager to return to the other world, her mind filled with thoughts about everything she had learned. As she walked, she listened to Aurora through her headphones, the lyrics striking a chord deep within her:

"This world you live in is not a place for someone like you
Come on, let us take you home..."

The music felt like an anthem to her growing realization that she didn't belong on Earth. She reached her room, her heart pounding in anticipation. She quickly made her way to the glowing door near her reading nook, the key warm in her hand as she opened the door to Nymbrelis.

Today, she had come with a purpose: to clarify more of the mysteries that still lingered in her mind. As she stepped into the magical world, the air felt different—more charged with possibility. The vibrant colors of the landscape seemed even brighter, the sounds more melodic.

Sithu wandered to the castle, where she was greeted by two of the queen's daughters. They were regal and graceful, each exuding a quiet power. One had hair the color of moonlight, and the other's eyes sparkled like stars. Their names were Aurelia and Seraphina, and they carried themselves with the confidence of royalty.

"Hello, Sithu," Aurelia said, her voice warm yet curious. "We hear you have questions."

"I do," Sithu admitted, glancing between them. "I've been wondering... Why were we sent to Earth? What's really happening?"

Seraphina exchanged a glance with her sister before speaking. "Long ago, Earth was a neutral place, neither good nor evil. But that changed when citizens from a planet called Gliese 667 Cc were sent there."

Aurelia nodded, continuing. "That planet's real name is Krevath, and its people—the Krevathians—are destructive. Their purpose was to pollute Earth and manipulate the minds of its people."

Sithu's heart skipped a beat. "So, Krevathians are the bad ones?"

"Yes," Seraphina confirmed. "Their population is much larger than that of Nymbrelis, and they have been spreading their influence for a long time. Their power comes from control, manipulation, and sowing discord. Earthlings weren't always like they are now. But after generations of Krevathian influence, people's minds became tainted."

Sithu was quiet for a moment, absorbing the weight of their words. "So... do they fit in with Earthlings? The Krevathians, I mean?"

Aurelia shook her head. "No, they don't fit in either. But unlike Nymbrelans, they've become masters at manipulation. They've learned how to control and corrupt Earthlings, making themselves seem powerful and intimidating."

"They thrive on fear and dominance," Seraphina added. "That's why Nymbrelans were sent to Earth—to balance the goodness with the evil. But our numbers are much smaller, and over time, it became difficult for us to counteract their influence."

"Which is why so many Nymbrelans feel like outcasts," Aurelia said softly. "We try to bring goodness, but Earthlings' minds are already polluted by Krevathian control. That's why we're often bullied or seen as strange. Our light threatens their darkness."

Sithu felt a pang of recognition. It explained so much about her life on Earth—why she never felt like she fit in, why people seemed so different from her. "But... what can we do? How do we stop them?"

Aurelia gave her a sad smile. "There's much more to explain, but it's not something we can answer fully today."

Seraphina placed a hand on Sithu's shoulder. "For now, enjoy the time you have here. We will talk more soon."

With that, the two princesses turned to leave, their elegant forms disappearing into the distance. Sithu watched them go, her mind racing with new questions. There was so much more to learn, so much she didn't yet understand.

But for now, she let those thoughts drift away as she rejoined her friends, playing and laughing in the magical world of Nymbrelis. Here, she could be her carefree, nine-year-old self, running through fields of flowers, climbing trees, and sharing stories with other Nymbrelans.