In a realm where technology and ancient magic intertwine, James Ward is no ordinary citizen; like all Mindlinks, he shares a symbiotic connection with the Mind Link Supercomputer, a bond that grants him access to unparalleled knowledge and abilities. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is chosen by the supercomputer itself for a mission of critical importance. Meanwhile, in the shadowed lands of the Everlinks, Afina, a half-demon, half-dark elf princess, renowned not for a dark past but for her defiance and strength, receives a prophecy from the Oracle Frangotta, guiding her to a destiny intertwined with James.
Brought together by fate, James and Afina are enlisted into Messorem, a secret organization of assassins charged with a daunting task: to thwart the efforts of those who wish to rekindle the ancient war between their peoples. Despite their vastly different worlds-James, with his technological prowess and serene understanding of the Mind Link, and Afina, with her formidable magical skills and royal heritage-they find common ground in their shared goal.
As partners, they navigate the challenges of their mission, leveraging James's strategic mind and Afina's combat skills. Their journey takes them across the land, from the high-tech sanctuaries of the Mind Link society to the mystical realms of the Everlinks, drawing them into a web of intrigue, power struggles, and emerging threats. Along the way, they encounter a cast of characters whose alliances and motives are as varied as the landscapes they traverse.
The true challenge for James and Afina lies not in the specter of their enemies but in their ability to forge unity between their contrasting worlds. As they delve deeper into their mission, they uncover secrets that test their loyalties and challenge their perceptions, realizing that the key to averting war lies not in destruction but in understanding and cooperation.
**SHORTLISTED - ONC2024**
Prompt: "Fairytales are real" and there couldn't be anything worse."
"Hi, my name is Rue, and my fairytale is worse than Cinderella's and Snow White's.
In "The Worst Fairytale," I, Rue, dive headfirst into an adventure that twists the classic fairytale into something dark, thrilling, and utterly enchanting. Tasked with rescuing my grandmother, I find myself in a world filled with deceitful and magical creatures, including the tiny, troublesome fae and their captivating king.
Navigating a realm where beauty masks danger, I discover unsettling truths about myself and the fae that blur the lines between heroes and villains. With each encounter, the distinctions between ally and adversary fade, challenging my every conviction.
Join me on this journey of love, betrayal, and redemption, where my mission to save my grandmother might cost me more than I'm willing to sacrifice. Will I manage to outwit the villains and perhaps share a dance with the mysterious Fae King, or will this story spiral into my deepest fears? Delve into "The Worst Fairytale" to discover if I can forge my own happy ending in a world that defies all expectations."
**** ONC 2024 Entry ****