Allie opened her eyes, her head pounding as she lay against the cold tile floor. She groaned, confusion clouding her thoughts. "How did I...?" she muttered, reaching for the sink to pull herself up. Staring at the mirror, a shock coursed through her— the reflection was not her own. A pale face with pointy ears and crooked teeth stared back. She reached out, brushing the mirror's surface, and everything went black.
Allie landed with a thud in the Land of Ainran, beneath the Longing Tree. A soldier in a bright red uniform approached, a curious expression on his face. "Oh, hello. Are you a snamuh?" he asked, his voice friendly yet puzzled. Allie blinked, trying to understand. The soldier continued, "Well, whatever you are, I'm taking you to the palace."
Allie's mom called out, "Are you finished in the bathroom, Allie?" She opened the door, and her scream pierced the air upon seeing a goblin-like creature lying in the sink. The creature stirred, its eyes opening slowly. Eriko scratched his head, "W-w-where... a-am I?" he stammered. Allie's mom demanded, "WHAT DID YOU DO TO ALLIE?!" Her voice filled with panic and anger.
"P-p-please calm down. I can explain," Eriko said, his voice trembling. He described the magical world of Diona, the portal of the Longing Tree, and the danger Allie faced. Allie's mom listened, disbelief etched on her face. "We must save her," Eriko urged, explaining the need for a blood pact to enter Ainran undetected.
With determination, they performed the blood ritual, the mingling of purple and red sealing their bond. Eriko chanted a spell, and they were whisked away to Ainran, landing awkwardly on the soft grass. Allie's mom looked around, the strange world overwhelming her senses. "To my cottage," Eriko instructed, leading the way down a hill to a tiny village nestled in the valley.
Allie's mom and Eriko crept through the palace gardens, spotting an unguarded window. They slipped inside, the opulence of the palace surrounding them. Their hearts pounded as they navigated the maze of hallways, drawn by Allie's muffled cries. Bursting into the throne room, they faced Queen Nasus Noslip, her eyes blazing with power. A fierce battle ensued, courage and love fueling their move.
Defeated, the Queen was taken away, her reign of terror ended. Allie rushed into her mother’s arms, tears of relief streaming down her face. "I'm here, sweetheart," she whispered softly. The people of Ainran celebrated their liberation, and Allie, forever changed by the adventure, returned to Earth with Eriko, who became a cherished part of their family. The memories of Ainran, its magic, and the courage she discovered, stayed with her always, a testament to the extraordinary within the ordinary.
