"Why am I so attracted to this thing?"

The question replayed in my head like a mantra. My brain couldn't focus on anything other than the piece of metal I held. My eyes scanned the medallion like I was trying to uncover some great secret by mere determination. But despite my efforts, my lack of understanding of this place put me at a considerable disadvantage.

I traced the carvings on its surface in a last-ditch attempt to figure the item out. Like a Casanova coercing a pulsating reaction from their lover. I wasn't sure what got into me. And, oh boy, was I wooing with a dirty little object. The mysterious force it wielded upon me was beyond comprehension. I became compelled to provoke and gain a response from the carved artifact. But with the sheer power of what?!

Cuteness?! Should I take it out on a date?! Lick its etching until it gushed its secrets and released waves of information?! Will I get lucky if I flirt with it?! 

The questions popped into my mind, hurling pointless ideas that made no sense. I was getting too carried away with my imagination, but I couldn't help it.

"Mierda, puñeta, I'm incorrigible! Why am I having these useless thoughts? Is sex the only thing I can think of? Heat stroke is affecting my ability to think straight more than I think. I need to find food and water soon." I turned the object about my hand to examine it further, fascination aroused. Indifferent about my current predicament.

The already tickled intrigue sparked several notches as the captivating pattern in the middle drew my attention. "It looks quite new."

Something about the artifact appeared different, hiding its true purpose. I regarded the intricate runes etched on the surface. The lines weaved in and out to form a complicated design. Suddenly, the pull grew more powerful, calling to me. 

"I wonder what these markings mean?"

Abruptly, an ominous pressure clamped on my head as if trying to take control of me. A shiver ran down my spine. I felt dragged down a dark and cold tunnel. Still, the artifact's shiny surface beckoned me to continue my exploration and uncover its secrets.

Confusion clouded my judgment as I traced the intricate carving with a gentle touch. A disembodied whisper floated into my unconscious mind, contrasted with the terrifying screaming noise from my surroundings. I grew compelled to learn more about the artifact that I found. But somehow, an intelligent entity prevented me from knowing the truth. At war with itself and conflicted between the desire to unravel its mysteries.

A renewed pressure in my head continued probing my senses. As nerves consumed me, I realized my judgment was a grave error. But the thing insisted. It pushed me to my limits until I was on the verge of a nasty headache. A heavy sense of disappointment seeped into my very bones, like a sickness ready to leave its mark on me. Suddenly, my head was quiet. 

Empty!

A disquieting sensation jarred my emotions as I followed a shimmer dancing on the face of the metal. The hypnotic impression lured me away from the real world and into a dangerous situation. The passing oppression weighed heavily, pressing down on me like an insistent force.

Its lingering essence resembled an intention more than a memory.

Unlike before, each time I saw a picture of my family, peaceful images flooded my mind. Beautiful impressions floated into my consciousness every time their faces illuminated the small screen of my cell phone. A swarm of butterflies invaded my stomach, leaving a tingling sensation throughout my body.

But now, all that remained were dark forebodings drifting through the depths of my reason. The weight of terror turned into a heavy sack to carry, harboring a persistent concern. I shook my head, unsure about my reaction. I looked around for clues but found nothing. 

But one fact became apparent: I didn't 'just stumbled' upon this 'hellish thing.'

Armed with this new information, my determination to learn more about it grew stronger. "Leo?! Charmaine?! I hope you're doing better than me. My memory fails me of our life together, yet a part of me still yearns for you. I wish we cross paths soon."

Other than receiving a nasty burn and an annoying shafting between my thighs, the place had nothing else to offer me. Despite my initial fear and confusion, conviction ignited within me. As much as the symbol etched on its surface intrigued me, I should keep moving toward safety.

So, I chucked the medallion in my bag.

I looked around to understand my position, but it proved difficult. The fevered day left me disoriented, and the sun's exposure befuddled my brain. I admitted I needed to get my bearings quickly or risk dying.

I turned on my cell and opened the map app. My eye landed on the battery indicator, and I sighed in relief. If I played my chances right, I could use my phone when in need to navigate other treacherous spots. 

When I first got here, my sole focus was my well-being. Now, I find more about my location. "The Blazing Plains," I mumble as I zoomed out to where I was. My heart cheered that I made good progress and was close. 

"I'm almost to the hut, and only a few more hours to go. But I must hurry if I want to make it before nightfall."

I moved my cursor, curious to discover which locations stretched beyond my stop. A forest of blackened trees across a red river greeted me, and I became concerned. For some odd reason, my fingers flew over to the search screen, and I typed 'rest area' and 'watering hole,' but nothing came up in the results.

"That was super dumb. But... I'm surprised I know things about Earth but not my life. This place seems determined to make me forget all parts of my identity. For some bizarre motive, it wants to reset me. But why?!" 

I inhaled to temper my unusual bout of anxiety. Just a few seconds ago, energy burst through my veins, and I needed that motivation. So, I focused on my plan. 

"I'm concerned the abandoned dwelling is too close to a lava river. It can get too hot and will dehydrate quicker. Shit! I hope the place has provisions."

I turned off my phone to save power and headed toward the dilapidated structure. The trek stretched out before me in a straight line. So, other than dodging a few things here and there, I should reach my destination soon.

I kept on walking for the rest of the afternoon. Completely drenched in sweat, I felt relieved I didn't wear too many clothes. The sweltering day seemed hellbent on getting me cooked to a crisp.

Throughout the day, airy wailing became a constant companion. Other than the initial fright from the previous day, the noise stopped bothering me. At the moment, my primary concern was surviving the day—everything else became an afterthought.

Only for it to be a big mistake.

I continued my trek toward the derelict village before the blackened trees, unaware that trouble brewed on the horizon. The volcanoes in the distance slipped through my mind. Their incessant echoing through the air morphed into just another buzz for me. Their roar, combined with the wailing, took a permanent place in the back of my mind.

Until.

The ground trembled beneath my feet. The volcanoes in the distance began their fiery progression. I turned to watch in horror as one mountain top after another erupted, spilling its fiery guts for everyone to behold. The spectacle mind-numbed my senses. With a loud howl, the explosions sent a cascade of molten lava racing down their slopes and a dense cloud of scorching ash.

Toward me.

"SHIT! What a bitching luck I have, jodienda!" I ran toward a boulder to find shelter, hoping the hiding place would be enough. Curling into myself, I braced for the worst. My heart pounding in my chest as the thunderous noise drew near my spot.

Tiny pebbles rained on me as the gust of wind went past me, thrashing my hair and clothes. Fortunately, the blistering ashen cloud didn't reach me. Yet, the hot shock wave sent debris and dust flying all around me sending.

"I—I'm glad you're safe and found the medallion." An ethereal whisper caught my attention as I whipped my head to its source. Shocked, I stared at the see-through figure standing before me. "What... shocked to see a ghost?! I know you've seen the likes of me when you were a child. You just refused to acknowledge it to others."

Again, nothing came out of my dried-ass windpipe.

"It's connected to your soul. It beckoned and guided you to find it," the ghost said with its singsong voice.

"To me! How is that possible?" At last, I plowed past my initial shock as I stared at the apparition.

"Well, that artifact is sentient. It remained hidden for a long time until yesterday when you tumbled into this world. It beckons to its true master."

"How do you know I crashed into this world?" I asked suspiciously, ignoring the whole sentient and master parts of the conversation.

"Everyone is aware of your presence! Even the lord of this land, Lord Vrax. An important event just unraveled and will shake his eternal lordship's reign. He's been searching for you, dispatching his underlings to find you. I'm your friend, and I'm glad I found you first."

"My friend?! I have a hard time believing that. We don't know each other." My hesitation seeped into my tone as suspicion flowed through my veins, alerting me to be cautious. A ghost claiming to be my friend was outrageous.

"I know you! I have access to vast information as a specter. Your meaty minds will never comprehend the secrets held in the annals of boundless knowledge. I find your purpose quite intriguing."

Without missing a beat, I spoke my mind loud and clear. "Well, I don't trust you at all. Go right ahead, withhold this 'information' you have about me. You're acting suspiciously like you're gaining something from this exchange."

"As you can see, I'm dead. I have nothing to gain. My time passed, and I'm not interested in carnal affairs."

"And here you are, playing mind games. Are you really sure about not being interested 'carnal affairs' thing of yours?" Goosebumps broke over my entire body as I faked my bravado, opting to sass my way out of trouble.

"Even though you're in Hades, your body is still flesh. Like you can die a second time."

Interest flooded my brain with questions. Above all else, my dream made it clear I didn't die. Instead, I plunged in. The ghost was full of shit. "Hades?! As in the world between Hell and Heaven?!"

"We call it Elysium, but yes. I'm here to offer you an opportunity. Leave your carnal body behind. Transcend with me and embrace unlimited knowledge."

Yep! This bitch is so full of crap. The thought flickered through my mind before I allowed my mouth to follow through with a response. "Rrriiight! Ok, never mind that now. Now, who is this Lord?"

"Stupid girl! Being like me will give you vast amounts of knowledge... and power.

"Yeah! Not interested in this knowledge stuff. Pure moot, if you ask me. What about this lord you mentioned?" I pushed the apparition to dish out whatever information it claimed to have. I'm also annoyed at being referred to as 'girl,' deciding to be extra annoying just for kicks.

"But don't you—"

I didn't want to listen to the ghost plead, so I pressed on. "Argh, again, that knowledge mumbo-jumbo. Boring! So, Lord?!"

"Fine! I'm done with you. Lord Vrax."

"Ok, Lord Vrax! Why is he interested in me?" I asked, glad that I was getting somewhere with my interrogation.

"There is a prophecy that a powerful succubus queen will enter this plane and change everything. This new queen will change our way of life and bring progress."

"Why is everything tied to a prophecy well beyond me?! Anyhow, I'm human and not some succubus queen."

"Well, a part of you whispers otherwise..."

"What?!"

"I believe it's time for me to go. You're insufferable and annoying." The ghost said, leaving me hanging with lots of questions.

"Wait!" I tried to stop the spectral figure, but it disappeared. "What a bitch, leaving me hanging like that?!" 

I complained as I stood, dusted off the ash clinging to me, and resumed my hike to my destination. Exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration were all but forgotten, although I sensed a presence lingering behind me.

"I can feel you." No response. "Fine! Be that way. I don't need your bitchy, condescending, better-than-anyone cabrona attitude." I shouted to the nether as I stomped away, aware something followed me from the dead-dead realm.