A man finds himself in the World of Equus.... where he comes to be worshiped by it's inhabitants.
Sidenote: The Griffon's, Hippogriffs, and Dragons will play a notable positive roll in this story. This may also be expanded to include Seaponies.
A displaced story, with the usual starting. A merchant, a scam, an adventure.
Dropped off in the world of Equus, our protagonist will will have to bring three tribes together, forge an empire, and assert himself as a God, a Godking.
I never know how to start these things. I guess I should start out by introducing myself.
My name is Lucus Green, I'm nineteen, and I'm from Colorado Springs. I had a relatively normal upbringing, in fact the only abnormal thing about my upbringing is that I have two moms. It wasn't that bad, Leah, my "first" mom is a shrewd business woman with a no-nonsense attitude. My "second" mom Isabella, is the complete opposite, a total geek with a giggly attitude. How they fell in love in the first place is completely beyond me.
Due to the fact that my first mom Leah was constantly working, Isabella basically raised me by herself, as such most of her interests rubbed off on me. Meaning I am also a Gamer Geek, she taught me how to play DnD at the age of six, and from there we just took off.
Me and Isabella are currently at Comicon, she's dressed like Bayonetta, I'm dressed like Nero from DMC4.
"Alright sweetie, lets meet back up at the dinning kiosk in an hour," said Izabella giddily.
"What are you gonna do in the meantime Ma," I replied.
"Two Words: Costume Contest," said Isabella with a squeal.
"Guess I'll go check out the shops, good luck," I said walking away.
"Whatever you do, don't tell Leah that I brought you along, she'll kill me," shouted Isabella.
"No promises Ma!"
I walked off into the crowd, perusing the stalls and kiosks, nothing really catching my attention. I continued walking around the stalls and kiosks, talking to anyone who approached. I got a lot of compliments from people, it appears that all the hard work I put into my costume really paid off. Although, the fact I wasn't able to find a way to make Nero's Devil Bringer, without it looking like complete crap that is, really did bug me. After a while I came across a stall that really piqued my interest, leaning over the stall's counter-top was a woman dressed like the Divinity Statue from DMC. Lioness' headdress and all. Turning on my heels, I slowly waded my way through the crowds towards her.
"Hello Little Hybrid, what brings you to my stall," asked the woman.
Her voice is quite odd, angelic yes, but also echo-y if that makes sense.
"Must be a voice modifier in the lion's head," I reasoned.
"Sup," I said, putting on my best Nero impression.
She chortled in response.
"You Half Demon's are all the same, have you come to make a purchase," she said coyly.
"Sadly, I appear to be all out of Red Orbs and Proud Souls, maybe you could give me a freebie," I reply.
"I also accept cash, feel free to browse," She said motioning towards the counter-top in front of her.
"She has an odd selection, lets see, Discord's Lion Paw, Yamato, I think that's an Amulet of Baphomet, Nero's Devil Bringer, Ichigo's Hollow Mask, and the Guild Seal from Fable II, a great, if not random, selection.
"How much for all of it," I asked giving her a cocky grin.
"For you," she asked coyly "Five Hundred, and I'll even through in something extra."
She reached under her stall, fiddled around a bit, before pulling out a little plushy. A black cat wearing a witches hat to be exact.
I looked at all the items, they were of very high quality, and could probably go for much more.
"Are you sure," I asked, my act breaking for a moment.
"Consider the discount a gift for amusing me," she replied.
"Deal, but my Mother will be quite displeased that I spent all my funds in one place, oh well," I fished out my wallet, and set a stack of twenties on the counter-top.
The woman reached over, counted the money, then nodded her head. Afterwards she slid all the items towards me.
"Good luck kid, it's been a pleasure," She said giddily.
"Huh," was all I was able to say before my vision started blurring, blacking out around the edges.
That's about the time the agonizing pain in my left arm set in as well. Great.
I awoke on a bed of soft leaves, soft wet leaves. I continued to lay there, soreness seeping into every muscle.
"Motherfucker," was all I could say.
Above me sat a canopy of leaves. There were also small, almost unnoticeable beams of light seeping through the dense canopy.
"So I've found myself lying in a forest," I said, thinking aloud.
"Somebody give the genius a prize," said a small female voice.
"Who said that."
I looked around panicked, until I felt a small weight climb on my chest. Looking down I saw a black cat wearing a purple witches hat.
"I'm going insane aren't I," I said, once again, aloud.
"Not yet," said the cat in a singsong voice "with that aside, lets begin with the tutorial."
"Tutorial?"
"Yes, you see the "Cosplayer" you bought all your items from, was the real deal, and now you're on Equus," she said happily.
"Fabulous," I said sarcastically "will I be able to go home?"
Her ears splayed backwards.
"No, not until you complete all your quests," she said sorrowfully "and there's no guarantee you'll still want to go home after we're done here."
I sighed heavily, this day was getting worse by the second.
"Who are you," I asked curiously.
"My name is Blair, I'm your familiar," said the now dubbed Blair.
"I'm Lucus, it's a pleasure to meet you," I said with a wave.
"I know who you are silly, you're my Meowster," said Blair waving a paw.
"So, you said something about a tutorial? Do I have a new set of powers?"
"Yes you do, if you'll pull out your phone and open the new app that's been downloaded we can continue."
I did as I was told and pulled out my white smart phone, with a click of a button, the screen booted to life. On the front page was a new app, depicting the Guild Seal from Fable II. I clicked on it, and opened the app.
"Alright, there should be four options, Alignment, Powers, Quest's, and Perk's. Most of your abilities are locked right now, like Chaos Magic, Hollowfication, and your Devil Trigger."
I nodded my head confirming what she said.
"As you fight and grow, you and I will gain new abilities, you will eventually unlock all of your abilities, rising to godhood," said Blair with a hint of pride.
"What abilities do I currently have?"
"Enhanced Physicality, you are basically Nero from DMC4, you have a healing factor, and your Devil Bringer is fully active. Which means you can summon the spectral claw to snatch or grapple enemies and objects, as well as absorb certain powerful magical objects with it. You can use Will Spells, though at the moment you can only have access to Fireball. Finally, your Amulet of Baphomet grants you the ability to calm and communicate with nature, it also grant's you a small boost to your physical strength."
I clicked the Quest's tab, opening it up. The only quest I currently have is "Form an Empire."
"Blair," I said with a sigh.
"Hmm, yes Meowster?"
"Let's form a fucking Empire," I said with a slight grin.
The story picks back up a two hours after I entered Equus, right now Blair and I are exploring the forest we landed in.
"Hey Blair," I said staring confusedly at my glowing left arm.
"Yes Meowster," said Blair lazily.
"Am I Nero, or do I just look like him?"
Blair scratched her chin, humming thoughtfully.
"I guess it's a little of both, you're physically identical to him now, but you are still you," said Blair lazily.
"So it doesn't matter who I say I am," was my reply.
"Not really, you need to form an Empire, so it doesn't matter who you are, just who you'll become."
"How do my powers work exactly? How do I unlock them," I inquired curiously.
"From one topic to another, my you're Bipolar. Anyway, your abilities run on video game logic, the more you use them, the more you unlock."
"How do I use my Will Spells, do I just focus or is there a process?"
Blair rolled her eyes.
"So many questions," she said exasperatedly.
"You said you'd give me a tutorial, so it's your own fault," I replied with a chuckle.
"Damn my amazing helpfulness, alright fine. As you defeat enemies, they'll drop orbs, these orbs are invisible to everyone except us. The stronger the opponent, the more orbs they drop. Green Orbs are General Experience, Blue Orbs are Strength Experience, Yellow Orbs are Dexterity Experience, finally Red Orbs are Will Experience. You'll use these orbs to purchase new Skills, Spells, and Perks. In order to use all your abilities, simply willing them into activation will work. Focusing on a Spell, Skill, or Perk will make them more powerful. Many of your abilities require actual effort to unlock, like Hollowfication and Devil Trigger/ Sin Trigger."
"I can use a Sin Trigger," I asked giddily.
Blair rolled her eyes again.
"Eyes on the Prey not the Horizon," was her curt reply.
"Kill Joy!"
"Alright, so onto more important business, getting you battle ready, first we need to get you a weapon," said Blair.
Blair climbed down from my shoulder and fished my phone out of my pocket, then returned to her spot on my shoulder. She turned on the phone and pulled up the Guild Seal App, and fiddled with it. After a few clicks, a downloading notification flashed across the screen.
"There, now we'll be able to teleport to and from the Sanctuary, give it a try," said Blair confidently.
"Don't I already have Yamato?"
"No, Yamato is sealed away in your Devil Bringer, and you don't have Red Queen so, we need to get you a Hero Weapon."
"Fable III?"
"Yes, exactly like Fable III, now c'mon," said Blair impatiently.
"Alright alright," I said as I clicked the new app that appeared on my screen.
Both of us were shrouded in a bright light, a dull ringing echoed in my ears as we teleported. When my vision cleared we were in a circular room, a circular table sat in the center, and four doorways sat behind the table. Beside the table stood a woman wearing red and white gypsy robes.
[Ignore Jasper and the Prince]
"Welcome, it is good to see you," said the woman "I am the Seer Theresa, I'll be acting as your assistant during your time in Equus."
"Aren't you, and I mean this with the utmost respect, blind?"
"It's a figure of speech Lucus, don't be an ass," said Theresa coyly.
"Right, I'm a fucking idiot," I replied giving myself a facepalm.
"Is he here to choose his weapon," asked Theresa turning her attention to Blair.
"Yep," replied Blair curtly.
"Right, if you'll step through the door with a gun and sword plaque, we can continue."
Theresa motioned towards the first door, I nodded and walked inside.
"If you'll look to the left side, you'll find two weapons, a Hammer and a Sword, choose one and we'll continue," said Theresa appearing out of no where.
"This is going to give me a headache isn't it?"
I walked over to the wall, looking at the two weapons carefully. They looked just like the normal unevolved versions of the Hero Weapons from Fable III, bland and boring. A simple double headed Plumb for the Hammer, and a simple double edged blade and cross guard for the Sword.
"Which one do I wish to use, I can always come back if I change my mind, so it's no big deal. When I played Fable III, I always chose the Sword, it made it a lot easier to chain attacks, the Hammer hit's harder, but it's much slower."
I picked up the sword and gave it a few test swings. Perfectly balanced, as I thought it would be. Sitting beside the pedestal that the sword previously sat upon was a scabbard and a belt attachment. I grabbed the scabbard, fastened it to my waist and sheathed the sword within it.
"So you've chosen the sword? Good, now if you'll turn to the adjacent wall, there are two guns, please choose one," said Theresa.
"I'll just grab the pistol, it'll be easier to carry around. "
"These weapons are alive, your decisions in the future will change how they look, once changed, they will remain in that state for eternity, so be careful," said Theresa.
"Sir, yes Sir," I said giving a mock salute.
"I don't know if I should be insulted by your 'enthusiasm' or simply amused," deadpanned Theresa.
Blair giggled in response.
"That being said, YOUR appearance will also change depending on how you behave," said Theresa "If you act evil or corrupt, you will begin to gain demonic features. These may include horns, red eyes, pale or tattered skin, as well as a general malicious aura and magical color. If you act benevolently, you'll have much more... angelic features. A halo, glowing blue eyes, a near perfect complexion, and a calming aura and magical color. Be careful, your appearance and attitude can shift drastically with a single desire or action."
"So it's the Fable II style Morality System, Good and Evil, as well as Pure and Corrupt. Seems easy enough to remember," I said nodding my head.
"Good, now follow me back to the Map Room, there is much to discuss," said Theresa as she guided me back into the other room.
It was at this point that I got a good look at the map, instead of depicting Albion like it did in game, it appeared to show the whole of Equus. Continents and Countries like Zebrica, Griffonia, Equestria, and The Dragon Lands were a few highlights. All of the countries were highlighted one of three colors Grey, Red, or Blue. Equestria is Grey, The Dragon Lands are Blue, Griffonia is Blue, and Zebrica is Red.
"As you can see, this is the world of Equus," started Theresa "As you've no doubt noticed, the Countries on the map are color coordinated. Grey means Neutral or Undecided, Red means Hostile or Antagonistic, and Blue means Friendly or Allied. This will give you an idea of how the world will react to you, or how readily they'll decide to aid you when needed. There is another thing to note, if your relationship with a Foreign Leader or Dignitary progresses enough, the Country they represent will turn Gold, signifying you have their unfettered support or admiration. If the country turns black, it means they hate you, or wish your downfall."
I nodded, trying my best to soak up all the knowledge.
"You are currently here," said Theresa pointing to a slice of land to the west of Equestria "this is unclaimed territory, though that being said there are three factions vying for control of it."
"Will I need to fight these factions?"
"It is up to you to decide, either bring them under your rule, or force them to serve you," said Theresa sagely "but whatever you choose, will decide how the rest of the world views you."
"Thank you," I said giving Theresa an appreciative nod.
"I'm not done yet," relied Theresa flashing me a smile.
"I meant for helping me, it means a lot to me."
Theresa's smile warmed slightly, "It is my pleasure, though it feels nice to finally be thanked for my help, most of the Hero's I've guided said not a single word to me, so thank you."
I nodded at her.
"So what are the three factions that I need to bring together?"
"Outcast's and Undesirables, all three groups are either unwanted or exiles in some way. The first group are the Diamond Dogs, they've never had a Kingdom of their own, having been treated either as slaves or pests, they seek to rectify their place in this world. The second is a mix of several Minotaur Clan's, all of whom were exiled on the grounds of treason. Finally, The Renegade Dragons, also called Gem Dragons. These Dragon's refused to fall in behind either Tiamat or Bahamut during the Great Dragon War, a war that raged between the Metallic's and the Chromatic's several thousand years ago, as such, they aren't welcome anywhere."
"If you wish to go the Benevolent Route," continued Theresa "you must speak to the Leader's of each group and get them to accept you as their Patron Deity or King, or maybe even both. The Leaders are Belle Oak-Crusher for the Minotaur's, Chief Black Fang for the Diamond Dogs, and Opal Silverwing for the Gem Dragons, tread carefully, one wrong move and it could end in war. You might also want to consider choosing a Godly Alias."
I pouted at her.
"Is there something wrong with my name?"
"It doesn't have the right... flair," commented Blair "Just imagine, Lucus God of Paperwork and Mundane Affair's."
I rolled my eyes at her joke.
"I'll have to think on that."
"Just remember, once you pick, you've gotta stick with it," added Theresa.
"Yes Mom," I said with mock exasperation.
"A Sphere of Influence will also need to be chosen, but that can wait till later. Though I feel as if you already have something in mind," said Theresa.
"I do, is God of Nature and the Hunt taken?"
"Bah, you're so basic," said Blair sarcastically.
"Bitch."
"Dickface," said Blair passively.
"It is not, as the previous God of Nature and the Hunt, Hircine, was struck down by the Royal Pony Sister's, leaving the position open. Though Attunement can be handled at a later date, right now you need to get your foot in the door," said Theresa.
"You ready to get out into the world," asked Blair eagerly.
"One more thing, Theresa, who do you think I should try to convince first?"
"The Diamond Dogs would be the best bet, they're mostly unorganized but follow Black Fang loyally, for the most part, find the Eldest Daughter of the Chief, she'll be your ticket in. And be careful, you're stronger than most, but most of your abilities are unavailable to you, so tread cautiously."
I stood hunched over the Map Table, studying every inch of it. One thing didn't sit right with me. Zebrica was already red, and Equestria was slowly shifting to red before my eyes. It made no sense, I haven't ascended to Kinghood or any type of Leadership role yet, let alone made contact with any of these countries. That being said, The Dragonlands, Griffonia, and Hippogriffia are all Blue, yet I haven't made contact with them either.
"Theresa," I said lowly gaining her attention.
"Yes Lucus, how can I assist you."
"Why do some of these countries already have opinions of me if I haven't even done anything yet?"
"Some of the worldly populace already have set opinions, these opinions cannot be changed without extreme action on your part. Zebra's hate Predators like you, the Minotaur's, Griffons, and Diamond Dogs. Equestrians, or more accurately Princess Celestia hates anyone who isn't a pony. Dragons like those who appose Celestia. Griffon's love meeting fellow predators and hunters, they also like those who appose Celestia. Hippogriffs are part of a dying breed, they revere nature, and are themselves predators like you. That being said, it is easier to loose love than it is to loose hate. The Hippogriffs are in dire straits, when you rise to power and bring order to this land, you might want to help the Hippogriffs."
"Help how? I am not going to annex them if that's what you're suggesting. That has never gone well, not once," I said with a serious tone.
Theresa sighed.
"They are currently Leaderless and in complete chaos, if you wish to defend against those who would put you down, a grand showing is required. Whether you're hostile or peaceful doesn't matter to me. Besides, once you become the new God of Nature, they will inevitably fall in behind you."
"So, expand my borders and take a group of lost waifs under my wing at the same time," she nodded "I'm guessing a peaceful "take-over" will show that I'm accepting and somewhat benevolent, as well as show I have some level of influence. While a hostile move will show that I'm cruel, direct, and powerful."
"It's not really something to be concerned with now, right now gaining the favor of the three tribes currently on the board has a much higher priority," said Blair.
"Yes you're right, although, having plans, and preparing for future hurtles is also very important. Especially since I already have a country that's hostile towards me, and one that's close behind," I replied blankly.
"He speaks the truth, remaining blind to the world around him will only hinder him in the future," agreed Theresa "but, focusing to much on the future will blind you to what's happening right now."
"Also true," I said "But we have one option, by the time we Unify my future Country, a decision should have been made, until then, I have a Princess the meet and seduce."
"Just meet," chided Theresa coyly.
"You never let me have any fun," I said with mock indignation.
I strode over to the Cullis Gate, completely forgetting that... I have no idea what I'm doing.
"Um, Theresa, how do I operate the Cullis Gate?"
"Our Hero everyone," said Blair teasingly.
Theresa waved a hand my way, absentmindedly rattling off a reply.
"Focus your Mana, or hit it with a spell."
"Um, Theresa, you haven't explained how I'm supposed to do that," was my agitated response.
"That's Blair's job, not mine," said Theresa coyly.
"Bitch," Blair and I said in tandem.
Theresa glared at Blair... well, glared as well as a blind woman can.
"Fine, I'll do my job," said Blair exasperated.
"What do I do? Is this going to be one of those bullshit 'find your zen' type lectures?"
"Thankfully no, I'd probably rip my ears off if I was forced to teach you that. It's a lot simpler."
I rolled my eyes at her little jab.
"Focus on the Mana in your body, they should feel like a sea or a vast ocean in your stomach. Move these energies throughout your body, preferably to your hands, we can work on Advanced Mana Manipulation later. Imagine your Mana Sea swelling out into the rest of your body, flowing like a torrent towards your hands, then let it flow out and strike the Cullis Gate. Doing this will Align you to this Gate, allowing free travel to and from it."
I focused on my stomach, trying to picture the Mana she mentioned. Initially I thought it'd be a large mass of liquid-esq Blue, but instead I found something... odd. Four large sea's of energy converging on each other, each a different color. All of them thrashing in the middle of a large open field of purple flowers.
A large mass of destructive black and red swirling energy thrashing wildly.
"Hollow," I mused calmly.
A large mass of midnight blue and blood red energy, equally destructive, but less... intense.
"Demon," I mused once more.
A large mass of calm, but powerful crystal blue energy, giving off a sharp, low chime.
"Will?"
And finally, a large mass of bright nature-y green energy. Though this mass was far more unique than those that clashed with it. It's formed into a sort of... being? Vaguely humanoid, the being has wide shoulders, a thick muscular physique, shaggy fur(?), and three heads. The first, and assumed main head seems like a cross between a goat and a bull. Long, hooked horns sprout from it's temples, ending with small almost antler like barbs at the tips. It's mouth, which is full of sharp dagger-like teeth is twisted into a eager grin. The second head is much more wolf like. Attached to the being just above the right shoulder blade. It has typical wolf features, extended muzzle, sharp teeth, and piercing yellow eyes. The final, and admittedly weirdest head takes the place of the beings left arm. It's a ferocious dragon's head to be exact. It has four horns curving backwards sprouting from the back of its head, a short muzzle, a vaguely cat-like nose, and slitted golden eyes. It's also spewing fire from it's mouth...
The entity was assumedly trying to break up the conflict between the energies, though to little avail.
"I feel like I've been drugged," I said dumbstruck.
"Fool, calm your energies, focus your resolve and exert your absolute will over these forces," yelled the being angrily, each head speaking in tandem.
"Calm my energies? You mean this turmoil is because of me?"
"Yes," spoke the wolf head, speaking in a vaguely masculine french accent.
It was at this point I noticed a fifth mass of energy floating above the others. Mainly black-ish blue in coloration, it also has chaotic flecks of purple, pink, red, yellow, and green swirling randomly across it's surface.
"Chaos Magic?"
"Yes," replied the Dragon head, the head speaks with a thick Romanian accent, it also appears to be female.
"Focus your mind, these energies are your own, you cannot afford to let them quarrel," said the main head. This head also appears to be male, his voice is deep and gravely, with a distinctive Norse or maybe Yiddish accent.
"Clear your head and command these forces to stop," said the wolf head.
I looked across the mindscape, or what I assume is a mindscape, and truly examined the turmoil.
If this is my mindscape, how did I not notice it sooner, or at least feel this conflict within myself.
"You are a being of chaos, an entity of change and turmoil," said the Dragon head.
"But you are also a being of order and control," said the Wolf Head.
"You are a living contradiction... we are a living contradiction," said the Bull/Goat Head.
The being has since given up on it's attempts to calm the energies, instead prompting to communicate with me as the masses clashed.
"If that's the case, what's the point in taming these forces? They'll just start to fight once more?"
"You will be significantly weaker if you don't," replied the Dragon Head sharply.
"Can I put them in, I don't know, mental jars or something? That way they can occupy the same mindscape without fighting."
"Doing that runs the risk of the vessels rupturing, and one of your energies seizing absolute control," replied the Bull/Goat Head.
"And yet, it's probably our best option," chimed in the Wolf Head "for now at least."
I turned to the swirling masses, focusing very heavily on separating them. It took quite a lot of energy, but I eventually managed. After that I imagined four glass beakers, slowly inserting each mass into a beaker of their own. Doing this seemed to put quite a lot of mental strain on me, but I managed. Finally I lidded the beakers, sealing the energies within them.
I took a moment to catch my breath, not realizing such a process would exhaust me physically as well.
"Wonderful, positively marvelous," said the Wolf Head mirthfully.
I turned back to the being again, confusion filling me to the brim.
"Who, and what are you?"
"You," they said in unison "we are a slice of your soul, an exaggeration of everything you are or will ever be, a cheap mimicry, whatever you prefer."
"So you're like a Zanpakuto Spirit?"
"Precisely, we are l̶̨̙̳̜̀̆̊̿̄̕a̶͈̤͇͐́͑͛̀̌̒̀̅̇͗͘h̷̨̘̹̦̤͇̩͎̱̣̻͠f̵̢̝̜̳͇̜̜͓͈̬͗͋̾͊͝͠j̴͙̘̱͙̩̫̥͔̜̟̜͇̏̒̔̽̀i̵̛̺̥̥̹̙̩̟̬͇͂͛͜ŗ̷̹̜̠͔̥͉̗͚̱̉̌̒̅͋̂͋̓͆̚͝j̵̘̩̲̹̪̣̥̗̊̀̎̒͑́̓̓͠m̴͍̦̪̯̼͎̣̉̍̂̈́͊̿͊͛̔̾̌͘͠č̵͓͕̠̞͙͉͈͖j̶̢̲͈͉͙̰̫͒̈́̌́i̸̘̹̳͔̞̝͛͒͑̾̈̎͐̊͆́͜͠," they said solemnly.
"You're who now?"
"It appears you cannot hear our name yet, a pity," said the Dragon Head.
"Yet expected," said the Bull head passively.
"I do not have a Zanpakuto, so how will... how will your abilities work?"
"After a time we can imprint our being onto an object of great importance to you, most likely your Hero Sword, this object will become us, it will become your Zanpakuto," said the Wolf Head happily.
"So the hero's sword is very similar to an Asauchi?"
"In a way," said the Dragon's Head.
"Will I be able to utilize my energies now," I asked nervously.
"Yes, though until you have better control, we advise against mixing energies at the moment, you're not a certain cocky Knight, you weren't granted inherent affinity for all your abilities, so be careful," said the Bull Head.
"I have no idea whom they're referencing, but I'm sure he's important."
"Thank you," I said as I left the mindscape.
"Are you alright, you spaced out and your energies started to thrash wildly," asked Blair, her fur seemed to be blown haphazardly.
Turning around I found Theresa, giving me a particularly annoyed scowl.
I rubbed the back of my head nervously.
"Sorry."
"In any case, open the Cullis Gate so this Journey can Begin," said Blair.
I raised a palm up, pointing it towards the circular dais on the floor, forcing my energy into the Guild Seal. After a few minutes the Seal flashed blue, blinding me temporarily, when my vision returned I was back in the forest.
