Unfathomable entity

When you step outside, it’s darker than you expected, save for in one direction. It’s as if all the light has been pulled into the center of the courtyard. Looking in that direction is almost blinding, a ball of yellow and red light pulses, seemingly waiting for you. It’s not giving off any heat, nor does it seem dangerous, so you cautiously approach, hand on the hilt of Caliburn.

Once again, the voice fills your mind, though it’s not painful anymore, and seems to be…feminine?

Ahh, hello. Approach me, my unknowing champion.

You come as close as you dare, shielding your eyes from the light. The ball is massive, maybe ten feet high, and although there’s no heat, there’s a palpable feeling of power radiating off of it, like nothing you’ve ever felt before. You get the impression of amusement in your mind.

My apologies, child. It has been many millennia since I have appeared before a mortal. It is so easy to forget your frailty. A moment, I will change my form.

The red and yellow lights seem to swirl, condensing and coalescing into a humanoid shape, albeit still nearly eight feet tall. As the light dims, the shape resolves, and you’re stunned at what you see.

Towering over you is a figure at once terrifying and alluring, dangerous and desirable, horrible and lovely. Seemingly an amalgamation of demon, dragon, human, and molten steel, it (she?) is incredible to look upon. Massive, curvaceous, and terrifying, the being turns to look at you with yellow, glowing eyes. Eyes that are kind yet hateful, placid and lust filled, trusting and judgmental, and above all, filled with otherworldly intelligence and knowledge. The contradictions alone are enough to send your mind reeling, yet you can’t look away from them.

A smile spreads on their face, revealing fanged teeth. “Ahh, the confusion. I am familiar. I will answer the questions I feel bubbling in your mind. First, though, this mode of communication is more comfortable for you, correct?”

All you can do is nod, still in shock from what’s happening. They smile again. “Excellent. So, to answer the question. This form is female, though gender is meaningless to a being such as myself. However, I’ve found that many approve of this form.”

It…she waves a hand at her body, which you have to admit is stunning. Unclothed, she has large breasts, a toned stomach, and wide hips, all drawing your thoughts to things that are definitely not relevant to what’s happening. From her expression, you can tell that those thoughts are neither a secret, nor upsetting to her.

She puts her hands on her hips, and nods. “As for what to call me, I have many names. The closest word to what I truly am is ‘the all’, but that is not a name. For now, simply call me Poena.”

You nod again, finding your voice this time. “And…what are you, exactly?”

Poena smiles again. “The simplest questions are the hardest to answer. I am one of two, half of the whole. I am the creator, but I can also be the destroyer.”

You look at her. “So you’re some kind of god?”

She actually laughs, somehow musical and discordant at once. “Not exactly. If your gods had a god, that would be me. But beings like myself are beyond labels like that.”

You shake your head. “I…I don’t understand.”

She nods. “I don’t expect you to. In the simplest of terms, then. I created this. All of this. From the greatest of gods to the smallest of insects. And I am here to protect it. Or not. That part is up to you.”

You blink in surprise. “Up to me? How?”

Poena shrugs. “You are my chosen champion. You have a counterpart, an opponent. Your conflict will decide the fate of this world, like so many others before. Though I must say, you have done much better than any previous champion.”

You shake your head, confused. “I think I need…more explanation.”

Poena nods. “I presumed as much. As I said, I am half of a whole. My other half whispers in the mind of your opponent. That’s the source of his power, much like I’m the source of yours.”

You look at her curiously. “Your other half?”

She smiles. “Other half, other aspect, however you define it. It is me, but different. That is how this works. Each world is given a crisis. Two champions decide the fate of the world. This time, it’s rather evenly matched.”

You shake your head. “So this is..a game to you? We’re just toys?”

Porna’s eyes narrow, and she seems to swell threateningly. “Do not speak to me like that, mortal. Though I like you, ephemeral beings such as you do not trifle with me.”

She relaxes. “But no, it is not a game, as such. It’s about balance. No world is perfect. Think of it in terms of tempering steel. If the mixture is wrong, it shatters under stress. This conflict will temper your world, so that it is ready to stand on its own. If it shatters, then it would not have been correct.”

You open your mouth to speak, but she holds up a clawed hand. “I sense there are many more questions, but I have answered all I will for now. I will speak with you again, champion. Know that I am watching, and I am pleased. Continue on your path, and your rewards will be many. Do not fail.”

Poena nods. “Your rival is much the same, and it will come down to the two of you. In the end, that is a battle you and he fight alone. I wish you luck, until I come again.”

She begins to glow, shifting back into the massive ball of red and yellow light. As you shield your eyes, her voice thunders in your mind again.

And take care of your family, child. Especially the golem. She intrigues me. Perhaps next time I shall meet her as well. Farewell, champion.

Without a sound, the light vanishes. The world seems to brighten, and returns to normal, leaving you standing in the empty courtyard. Your mind reels with the implications of what you learned, and you somehow know that there’s much, much more going on here. For lack of anything else to do, you turn back towards the infirmary.