Nostalgia Mini Book Awards (JUDGING)

🧩Story Weaver Challenge #1🧩

Written by: AlphaSheWolf-
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In the boundless tapestry of existence, there exists a tale woven between realms, where science fiction and fantasy entwine in a dance across time and space. At the heart of this cosmic saga are two beings, the Voyager, a Time Lord from the enigmatic planet Gallifrey, and Catori, a She-Wolf of ethereal grace.

These beings, so their myth goes, are from two very distinct universes that somehow became entwined to become one. With a story like that, it's ready to be told.

Their fateful encounter occurred in a realm where the fabric of reality is as fluid as stardust. The Voyager, with a time capsule that hummed with the echoes of countless epochs, stumbled upon Catori's mystical domain. Intrigued by her otherworldly beauty and the grace with which she moved through the enchanted forest, the Voyager extended an invitation to join him on a journey throughout time and space.

Catori, eager as ever, had said yes during the time. Now she stood in front of the Voyager, tears welling up in her eyes as he told her she can’t be with him any longer.

In the twilight of their shared odyssey, the Voyager and Catori faced a heart-wrenching choice. To preserve the delicate balance of both their souls, the Time Lord had to deny her feelings, leaving behind the enchanted world where love had blossomed. He told her that he can't ever have a life to settle down with. For the curse of the Time Lords, is eternal solitude. Their parting, like the closing of a dimensional portal, echoed with the pain of an interstellar farewell.

Catori bit down on her lip before she spoke, “I’ve loved you. This whole fucking time I’ve loved you and you tell me this bullshit!” She spat. “I don’t care if I die and you move on because you’re forced to. I want to be with you goddammit!”

In the aftermath of Catori's emotional eruption, the Voyager met her pained gaze with a heavy heart. The weight of his curse pressed upon him, and profound sorrow etched across his timeless features. With a deep breath, he began to speak, his voice a melancholic echo in the cosmic silence. "Catori," he whispered, his words carrying the weight of numerous lifetimes, "Every shared moment across the vast reaches of time and space has been cherished. Your love has guided me through this cosmic tapestry. Yet, there's a curse shadowing the essence of my existence—a burden I must bear alone." His gaze, a mix of love and resignation, continued, "As a Time Lord, I'm bound by the laws of the universe, tethered to the ceaseless march of time. Sharing this curse with you would burden your ethereal spirit with temporal inevitability—a fate I cannot allow you to bear." Gently cupping her face, he spoke, "Catori, I cannot condemn you to a life entangled in the cruel dance of time. The pain of watching you age while I remain unchanged, witnessing fleeting moments slip through your grasp like grains of sand—it's a destiny I cannot subject you to."

"I don’t care!" Catori pushed the Voyager's hands away from her and yelled. "You love me! You acknowledge that, so why are you shoving me away now? Why would you take me on this foolish time-traveling spacecraft when you could have just left me? I would rather have seen you go than to stay here and never be able to be with you again because of some stupid curse.”

In the whirlwind of emotions, Catori's anguished words echoed through the cosmic expanse, causing the Voyager to feel the sharp sting of her pain. "Catori," he spoke with regret, "I never meant for our love to be ensnared by this curse. Bringing you on my journey was an act of genuine connection, sharing the wonders of the universe with you." His touch, warm yet burdened with inevitability, reached out, "The curse is not my choice but an aspect of my species, a burden I bear alone. A species that no longer exists. I brought you along not to hurt you but to show the universe you were eager to explore. Leaving you, as you suggested, would betray our love. I chose to share these moments despite the toll on your heart." The Voyager's eyes reflected sorrow and determination, "Catori, I can't change my nature, and I won't deceive you. But I won't subject you to a future where time becomes a barrier. Separation, though painful, is preferable to the torment by my side." Stepping back, he gave her space, "It's not about love but a cruel reality. Remember our moments untarnished by the relentless passage of time."

As Catori took in the Voyager's words, time appeared to stop. Deep down she knew he was correct. If her parents taught her anything, it was to never give up. She was determined not to give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances or the result might be. She stared him in the eyes, tears flowing down her cheeks, and she didn't want to give up on him. She moved forward towards him and said, "I don't care what you say. I want to spend my life with you, to love you, and to discover this damn universe together. Furthermore, I won't let you leave. Not now, not ever. So help me, and I'll be by your side until my shattered, torn body passes away and goes to wherever souls go. In those moments, I'll be content with you.” They were inches from each other's faces when she took another step towards him. "Kiss me, goddammit, or help me; I'll explode with a rage that you've never seen."

In the intense gaze between Catori and the Voyager, a dilemma unfolded. Their love turned fragile as it hung in the balance, but as their lips drew near, a distant signal disrupted the moment. Torn between passion and impending danger, the unspoken question lingered: would love triumph, or would the universe intervene to keep them apart?

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At the end of the awards, the entry that has the most votes will have an additional of 📚5 for Game 3.

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