Empire of Baeluith, blessed by the Red Basilisk

"I grow weak, my child." The loud and rumbling voice of the basilisk sounded as he curled around, his head resting on top of his larger clawed-feet. Even in his fragile state, the power in his voice still echoed throughout the forest, shaking leaves from branches and rattling rocks.

The commander's teeth clenched as he held back a frustrated growl. "I will not give up and continue to search for the woman with fingernails dipped in gold. You have to hang on, Dio." A term used for the most powerful.

A high priest and powerful sorceress had told him about the woman who could cure the basilisk of his mysterious illness many full moons ago. But the commander had also been warned of the woman's elusiveness and possible nonexistence.

The red basilisk kept the empire prosperous and safe from underworld monsters. His mere presence deterred otherworldly creatures from venturing within Baeluith's walls. If he died, Baeluith would fall.

"I fear I cannot hold on until the next full moon, child." The creature rumbled.

Flashes of the emperor and empress's smiles, his parents, appeared in his mind. The laughter of children, his older brothers' faces, and the palace made him want to lash out at his own incompetence. "Hang on, Dio." The commander rested his hand on the basilisk's snout. "I will succeed this time," he vowed, turning away to return to their camp.

"How's the condition of the Dio, Prince Gillian?" His second-in-command, Reglio, asked as he approached.

Gillian's expression answered the question, making Reglio sigh. "I hope we find the woman before it's too late."

"We will find her," Gillian vowed as his azure eyes shifted to the half-moon above.

**

New York City, year 20xx

You smiled at your beautifully done acrylic nails - gold tips on almond-shaped nails for your upcoming college graduation. It was your first time getting acrylics, and though uncomfortable, you were pleased with the result.

Then a cargo truck swerved into the pedestrian lane where you were crossing. You stared at the speeding vehicle as your feet refused to move, and everything went black.

...falling.

You could feel yourself falling but couldn't see anything.

"Hello," a deep but bright voice sounded.

"I am Jinn, I will be your short-time guide to the new life you've been chosen to live. To make it a little bearable, I'll grant you three wishes."

"You can wish for anything from your previous life, but no living things. Clothes, cosmetics - I'll even grant electricity if you wish. Just no alive things."

Moments later, your back hit the ground, knocking the air from your lungs.

Birds chirped and leaves rustled. Warmth touched your skin, and the smell of fresh air filled your lungs as consciousness fully returned.