No Mans Land

This chapter was written by me, Bing AI and ChatGPT4. I’ll elaborate on which parts and what changes were made in a later post but for now, here’s the first chapter:

Chapter One 

Yearning for a moment to return to the dream, and the impression of tenderness and passion that it had left on his waking mind, Simon instead yawned and thrust his arms skyward and stretched. He shook his head in wonder; the world he had just left seemed more real than this one lately.  

He’d never been one to ponder on the mystical nature of life or what the possibilities for true magic might be, so he couldn’t fathom where these dreams were coming from. According to those with knowledge of these things, the mind could only create what it has direct knowledge or experience of, but the dreams made a nonsense of this. 

Simon knew nothing of magical spells, and he’d barely passed his English classes at school, so how was it that he could speak in another tongue fluently and understand it, not just within the dream but here and now, in the real world? 

He spoke a few sentences in a foreign language and understood the words, though he had an idea that no-one else would. He then spoke authoritatively in the same dialect, summoning his Nomad and instructing him to bring some breakfast but predictably, no breakfast appeared, and his Nomad remained absent. 

He was sober for a moment, remembering Sonnet, his magical love interest in the dream. “Only in a dream” he murmured quietly. Simon had never so much as kissed a girl, let alone been involved with one as he had with her. They made an awesome couple, they had fought and won, against all the other contenders last night and they were just headed back, under the full moon, holding hands in a scene so full of romance that it could have been a poem, when he woke up. 

He grumbled to himself as he took off his pyjamas and dressed for the day. It was Saturday so no school today, he ate breakfast and wondered what he should do. His parents would be at work already, though it was only 7am. They always worked, they were very important people, with important jobs and people depended on them, so Simon hardly ever saw them. 

His family had moved to the countryside five years ago, just before he was to begin Secondary School, so he had few close friends and they lived on the other side of town. 

“What shall I do”, he thought and pulled his phone from his pocket, hoping that someone, somewhere might have left a message and would save him from boredom. 

Nothing, no messages. 

Being an only child was a bother sometimes. His father was a serious man who spoke about responsibilities and competence, whenever he had the chance. He was very keen to see Simon follow in his footsteps and spoke often about strategic planning, cost management and profitability. Simon daydreamed throughout their little talks; he had no interest at all in assets and liabilities or whatever the conversation might be about. Simon wanted adventure, daring exploits, exploration and romance. Instead, he got surprise quizzes on algebraic equations and factorial notation.  

His mother was a wise and very grey lady, who gave him excellent counsel about morals and how a woman ought to be treated in the workplace. She strongly advised Simon to treat women with dignity and respect, at every opportunity, which was often. His mother was always greatly concerned that Simon’s knowledge was lacking in so many areas and that because of this, he would be exposed to hardship later in life. Consequently, much of the time he spent with her was filled with oral presentations, monologues, facts and helpful information, which might assist Simon once he had to make his own way in the world. 

Simon knew that he would soon have to make his own way in the world, but he had a while yet, first he had to complete school, then with luck there’d be University. He didn’t even know what he might study at university yet, though he had an idea of what he wouldn’t study; anything to do with finance. 

The coffee maker buzzed as the brown liquid splashed into his cup. Simon put his phone into his pocket and collected his drink. He wasn’t particularly fond of coffee and only drank it because his father had categorically forbidden it. It was the smallest act of rebellion but an important one, he could never win an argument and he never got his own way. He knew that coffee was bad for him, it raised his pulse, it depleted his calcium, it caused him restlessness and gave him headaches, his father had told him. Simon hadn’t noticed any of those things, so he carried his morning coffee down to the bottom of the garden and leaned on the fence on the riverbank. 

It was early morning, and the sun was still quite low in the sky. He loved the sound of the river splashing against the bank as it wound its way through the countryside. The river was surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. The water was crystal clear and reflected the sun’s rays beautifully, they glimmered and sparkled over the ever-flowing water. 

The bank of the river was covered with beautiful flowers in full bloom. There were daisies, buttercups, and forget-me-nots, there were small pale lilac flowers and large, globular yellow flowers. Simon didn’t know their names yet, but he knew that one day he would stand here with his father and the knowledge would be passed to him. 

The flowers were buzzing with insects. Bees and butterflies buzzed and fluttered, busily moving from one to another, attracted to their sweet nectar. Simon watched them closely for a few minutes as he finished his coffee, then he hopped over the fence and removed his shoes. He rolled up his trouser legs and took off his socks, then sat on the riverbank, dangling his spindly, lilywhite legs in the cool water. 

His mind wandered back to the dream and to Sonnet. 

Simon stood at the entrance of the colossal stadium, his eyes widening as he took in the awe-inspiring sight before him. The stadium stretched out like a vast, sprawling beast; its grandeur heightened by the backdrop of a dusky sky. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, the stadium lights flickered to life one by one, illuminating the entire arena with a warm glow. 

The structure itself was an architectural marvel, constructed with towering pillars and intricate carvings that depicted legendary battles and ancient spells. Its circular design symbolized the endless cycle of magic, drawing the eye towards the centre where the main arena lay. The seating area comprised tiered rows of intricately designed stone benches, forming a colossal amphitheatre which was filled with thousands of thrilled spectators. 

The audience buzzed with anticipation, their voices merging into a low hum that reverberated throughout the stadium. Simon looked up at the sea of faces, each one filled with curiosity, excitement, and the unmistakable energy of a crowd ready for an extraordinary spectacle. People from all walks of life had gathered here, Promegans and humans alike, donning vibrant robes and garments that represented their respective magical affiliations. 

Simon’s gaze shifted to the centre of the stadium, where a circular stage had been set up. The stage was encased in a shimmering barrier, a protective enchantment that separated the contestants from the audience. He could sense the crackling of magic in the air, almost tangible, as if it carried the collective power and dreams of all those present. 

The stage was adorned with intricate sigils and glowing symbols, pulsating with an otherworldly energy. Towering banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, bearing the emblems of various magical orders. The air was thick with the scent of anticipation, a blend of aromatic herbs and the faint aroma of enchantments cast by skilled magicians. 

As dusk fell, the stadium lights cast a radiant glow upon the contestants’ area. Simon could see the other participants, each one clad in unique robes and accompanied by their Nomads, standing on the edge of the stage. Their faces mirrored a mix of determination, nerves, and excitement. Some whispered last-minute spells under their breath, while others stood tall and resolute, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. 

The contest was about to begin, and a hush fell over the crowd as the designated host stepped forward, his voice amplified by powerful magical amplifiers. He announced the rules of the contest, the challenges that awaited the participants, and the immense honour that awaited the victors. The crowd listened with rapt attention, their eyes fixed on the host as he spoke, conveying the weight and significance of the forthcoming battle. 

Simon’s heart pounded with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. He felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins, fuelled by the electric atmosphere around him. The stadium seemed to vibrate with a palpable sense of magic, as if the very essence of Promega had converged within this grand arena. 

As the host concluded his announcement, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their cheers and roars reverberating through the stadium. Simon took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the stage ahead. He knew that this contest would push him to his limits, test his mettle, and unleash his hidden potential. The time had come to step into the arena and embrace the extraordinary journey that awaited him amidst the cheering spectators and the luminous spectacle of the magical contest. 

– 

Simon’s eyes scanned the bustling stadium, searching for a familiar face amidst the sea of spectators. As his gaze settled on the contestants’ area, his heart skipped a beat. There, standing at the edge of the stage, was Sonnet, a vision of beauty and confidence. She stood tall and poised, her radiant presence commanding attention from those around her. 

Sonnet, just sixteen years old, possessed an athletic grace that set her apart. Her ebony hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her delicate features and emphasizing her piercing blue eyes that sparkled with a hint of mischief. Her smooth, sun-kissed skin seemed to glow under the stadium lights, and her contagious smile lit up the space around her. 

Simon felt a mixture of awe and nervousness as his gaze lingered on Sonnet. He found her overwhelmingly attractive, but his own shyness had kept him from expressing his feelings or engaging in meaningful with her, or any other girl he’d ever known. She exuded a magnetic confidence that made her presence felt, and Simon couldn’t help but feel a tinge of intimidation. 

Yet, as he watched her interact with the other contestants, his nervousness began to melt away, replaced by a sense of relief and gratitude. They had been chosen as partners for the contest, and the realization filled him with a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that having Sonnet by his side would bring out the best in him, both in terms of magical abilities and personal growth. 

A smile tugged at the corners of Simon’s lips as he admired Sonnet’s athletic figure. She carried herself with a natural grace and strength, a testament to her dedication and rigorous training. Her attire, a blend of practicality and elegance, accentuated her lithe form, and her nimble movements hinted at her agility and prowess in combat. 

As their eyes met for a fleeting moment, Simon felt a rush of warmth and connection. Sonnet’s eyes seemed to hold a glimmer of anticipation and shared excitement, as if she understood the significance of their partnership. It was in that instant that Simon’s apprehension dissolved, replaced by a growing admiration for Sonnet’s beauty, strength, and the unspoken bond that formed between them. 

With newfound confidence, Simon straightened his posture and made his way toward Sonnet. The buzzing of the crowd faded into the background as he approached her, his heart pounding with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. He knew that together, they would face the challenges that lay ahead, supporting each other every step of the way. 

As Simon reached Sonnet’s side, he mustered a shy smile, his voice infused with newfound determination. “Sonnet,” he said, his words laced with gratitude, “I’m glad we’re partners for this contest. With you by my side, I know we can overcome anything that comes our way.” 

Sonnet’s eyes twinkled with a mixture of amusement and appreciation. She nodded in agreement, her voice filled with a hint of playfulness. “Likewise, Simon. Together, we’ll make magic happen.” 

In that moment, as the stadium buzzed with anticipation and the contest loomed on the horizon, Simon found solace in Sonnet’s presence. The two of them stood side by side, ready to embark on a remarkable journey that would test their abilities, forge new friendships, and perhaps even ignite a deeper connection that went beyond the bounds of the magical contest.