A New Friendship

As they arrived home, Jane, exhausted from being away from the internet, collapsed onto her bed and pulled her cell phone out of her pocket to catch up with her friends on social media. Meanwhile, Lara noticed Jane’s open door and grew curious about what she was holding in her hand, displaying things unknown to her. Lara stepped into the room and asked, “What is this in your hand?”

Jane, taken aback by the question, replied, “It’s called a phone.”

Lara quietly left the room and saw her mother standing at the door. Feeling ashamed, she walked past her as well. Stella, noticing the sadness on Lara’s face, entered Jane’s room.

“Be kind to Lara; I think she might have memory loss from the fall. Eventually, she’ll remember everything and her own people,” Stella said.

“I did not consider that. I feel terrible,” said Jane.

“You should apologize to her,” advised Stella.

Jane went in search of Lara and was relieved to find her outside the house. She approached her and noticed that she was crying. “I’m so sorry. I did’t mean to be mean to you,” Jane apologized.

“It’s not my fault I’m here. I should not be here,” Lara expressed.

“Don’t say that. You’re right where you’re supposed to be. I’m glad we found you before those flesh-eating humans did,” Jane reassured her.

Lara looked into Jane’s eyes and realized she had no idea who she was. She contemplated revealing her lack of knowledge about this world, but hearing Jane’s words, she decided to play along and let Jane believe she had lost her memory. Jane, captivated by the blue nature of Lara’s eyes, extended a hand of friendship. Confused but willing to go along, Lara smiled and shook Jane’s hand.

“We are friends,” Jane declared.

“Yes, we are,” replied Lara.

“Come inside and freshen up in my room while I search for something more human from whatever royal party you must have fallen from,” Jane joked.

Lara smiled and entered the house. She went into the bathroom and was relieved to find that it was not much different from the ones in her world. After taking a bath, she exited the bathroom. Jane, seeing Lara’s nakedness, was shocked by her beautiful, flawless skin.

“You’re so gorgeous,” Jane exclaimed.

“Does that mean you’re attracted to me?” Lara asked.

“Don’t be silly, I’m more into guys,” Jane clarified. She handed Lara one of her dresses and gave her some privacy. A few minutes later, Stella called for dinner, but Lara, being a goddess who couldn’t eat human food, politely declined to join the family. Instead, she pretended to be asleep as soon as she heard Stella approaching. Stella, seeing Lara sleeping, decided to leave her be. Lara, hearing her footsteps fade away, stood up and walked to the mirror. She prayed to her father, hoping he would appear before they finished their meal.

“Father Arthur, the king of the realm of Sky City, ruler of his people living on planet Mai. I pray that you appear to me through this mirror I stand before,” Lara whispered.

Lara waited eagerly, hoping her father would appear any moment now. She had many questions to ask him, especially about how to blend in with humans. However, Arthur did not show up, and Lara grew despondent.

“He has abandoned me. He no longer wants me. He promised to speak to me like he does to his people,” Lara mourned. Tears slowly streamed down her face as she quietly returned to bed, hoping for sleep to bring solace.

In the absence of Princess Lara, suitors continued to flock to the kingdom, seeking her hand in marriage. However, King Arthur, a noble and just ruler, politely declined their requests, explaining that his daughter had ventured beyond their realm. Rumors soon began to circulate that Princess Lara was nowhere to be found in King Arthur’s kingdom. The news reached Arthur’s ears, causing great concern as he resided in his castle on the heavenly hill. He feared that word of his daughter’s absence would reach the dark Queen of the night realm.

Unfortunately, his fears proved justified when Queen Maya, wife of Lord Satan and mother of Lucy, heard from one of her subjects that Princess Lara had left the kingdom and its people. Queen Maya, aware that Lucy was trapped in the night realm due to a curse placed upon her by Arthur, approached her daughter with news. Lucy, seated comfortably on her throne, surrounded by subjects bowing to her supremacy, noticed her mother’s hurried approach and stepped down to greet her, eager to learn the reason for her sudden return.

“Mother, why have you returned so hastily?” Lucy inquired, her eyes fixed on her mother’s dark gaze.

“Daughter, I fear you will never be able to roam the mortal lands freely,” Maya replied with a heavy sigh.

“What do you mean? Has the curse placed upon Arthur’s child been broken?” Lucy asked, her curiosity piqued.

“She is no longer in the kingdom, and I have been unable to locate her in this realm,” Maya explained.

“Arthur… It seems he is trying to deceive me. Very well, I will find your daughter and put an end to whatever plans he has,” Lucy declared confidently.

“What do you intend to do, Lucy? You know how powerful Arthur is,” Maya cautioned.

“He may be powerful, but his daughter is no match for me,” Lucy retorted.

Lucy turned to her maiden, Lillo, and beckoned her to come closer. Lillo approached, addressing Lucy as the goddess of the night.

“I am here, my goddess,” Lillo spoke respectfully.

“Fetch me my staff,” Lucy commanded.