"Three blocks south...three blocks south," he mumbles to himself.

-This place is like a maze. I hope I'm going south.

No, he does not know his cardinal directions.

He rests his throbbing arm to the side. Thankfully, it has ceased to bleed. Once again, people stare as he walks past. Sirius ignores their blatant staring. A mother covers her daughter's eyes.

-You could at least try to be subtle. Or offer help. That'd be nice too.

So far, only one person has shown him kindness. That being her. Aureole. She resides at the forefront of his mind. Refusing to leave his thoughts.

The stopwatch in his pocket bounces with every step. It's a miracle it hadn't fallen out while pursuing the wailian. The watch's touch cues the old man to pop into his littered head. Why did he give me this watch? Is there cultural significance behind it? Was he trying to be nice? Was it just his job? Man... that guy sucked at talking.

Sirius continues walking in the direction he believes to be south, though he has his suspicions. I've walked at least five blocks now.

Two concerns cross his mind. One, if he had passed the clinic without realizing it. Two, if he is in fact not heading south. He suspects the ladder.

The expressions on people's faces start to wear on him. They all look so... disgusted by him. Like he doesn't belong here. He's always hated being in public, but this is a different feeling entirely. He diverts his gaze from those around him and hastens his step. "Witch Spawn" they keep saying. Why? Stop looking at me. Stop pitying me. Just help me, please.

Unable to vocalize his desires, no one ever comes. He carries himself and his mauled arm through the crowded streets, all on his own. Never expressing his pain.

He starts wishing he had followed Aureole, maybe then he wouldn't feel so alone.

The high he rode when with her slowly subsides.

...

The medieval buildings and atmosphere begin to drift away the further along the road he gets. Distant voices shrink until they cannot be heard, giving a small sense of relief. The gray buildings trickle out as the city bleeds into a field of green. An open metal gate with a symbol resembling a tree stands before him.

He enters what he assumes to be a park. A short, stone wall stretches across the perimeter of the vast, grassy sea. Gentle hills and small trees are scattered throughout. Rustic benches and people color the grounds. Some are on dates while others walk their strangely shaped pets. It is a lively little area, yet tame compared to the market.

It's peaceful, only the subtle sounds of nature and bugs exist. While the buildings of the city loom on the horizon, they all feel so distant. Unsurprisingly, there is no clinic in sight.

His beating arm persists with an intensive burning. He hasn't felt this much pain since being run over. While he curses himself for repeatedly getting into these situations, he finds the need to be grateful. At least I'm not stuck on a hospital bed... Still, he can't help but wonder...

-What was that thing?

A grotesque horror masquerading as a bat. Something like that shouldn't exist. The inhabitants of this strange land may be different from humans, but at least they are... tame. That thing was not. Not at all.

The sight alone should have prompted him to get away. To abandon the girl and save himself. Logically, it would be the best option. Morally, not so much, but at least it wouldn't be risking two lives. So...

-Why did I do that?

For as long as he remembers, Sirius has never once done something so bold.

Don't stand out. Don't be different. Stay in line and act as you should.

Be perfect.

This is how he has lived his life. Never doing what he wants. Never deciding on anything. Doing as he's told. Doing what he must to meet other's expectations.

-Why did you do something so stupid? So sporadic? This... isn't who you are. This isn't who you should be.

...

Who do I think I am?

Lumbering through the park, he spots a familiar figure.

The old man.

He determines this detour is worth it; maybe he can get some answers. The senior faces off in the opposite direction, stalking something.

The man is settled in the shade of a large, twisting tree. Its oval leaves are a deep green with white ones sprinkled throughout. Looking closer at the grass, white blades stand along with the green.

"Man, how are you wearing that coat? I'm dying out here." He stops at the man's side.

The man vaguely wheels his head towards Sirius, glancing at his arm. "You seem to have gotten in quite the scuffle. I didn't take you for the fighting type."

"I'm not, a wailian or whatever it's called attacked me."

"A wailian? That's rare..." The elder enters a deep state of thought. "Also troublesome..." The man returns his gaze to the distance.

"What are you looking at? Just looks like a whole lot of grass." It indeed does look like a lot of grass. It almost is akin to an old computer wallpaper.

"I'm just waiting..."

...

They share a brief moment of silence.

"Oh, that's right..." Sirius snags the watch from his pocket. "I know you were trying to be all mysterious and everything, but could you tell me what this is counting down to? I-"

The old man places a finger in front of Sirius' lips.

"Shh... Watch." Sirius directs his vision to where the old man's lies. It's just grass. Nothing and no one in sight.

-Is this guy sleeping while standing up?

"I don't-"

About twenty steps out, on the side of a low hill, a small patch of grass uplifts. The checkered blades sway as if they were blown by the wind. But there is no breeze. There is nothing for a moment, and then again, the grass shifts as the ground moves upward.

As if an infected wound, the ground swells. A small bump is forming on the side of the hill. The mound enlarges almost rhythmically, only ever stopping for a second or two.

It's as if the ground is being dented from the inside out. The lump in the soil grows taller and wider, small chunks of compacted dirt breaking off.

Something is coming out of the ground.

Faint grunting can be heard. The sound is synced with each rise in the dirt. The voice escalates, getting louder with each tremor.

Then, the jagged spikes of soil cave in on each other.

The old man clicks the side of an identical pocket watch in his hand. Sirius hadn't realized he was holding one.

Sirius realizes what he's witnessing. All within moments, his individuality and train of thought come crashing down. Breaking his distinction, reality spews both catharsis and dubiety.

"Zora!"

A boy explodes from the ground, reaching towards the sky. His breath heavy, he stares up at the clouds.

-It's a human. Is he... like me?

Dirt expels itself from his throat. The boy buckles down and coughs forcefully into the ground. Tears stream from his bloodshot eyes. Rasping for air, he pounds on his chest.

Sirius is speechless. He watches quietly with the old man.

Once his choking concludes, the boy grabs his grimy knees and sucks in giant breaths.

He frantically places his hands over vital body points. He grabs his neck, stomach, and limbs as if checking they're still there.

The boy wears very comfortable clothing. Loose-fitting pants and an oversized hoodie. If they weren't lathered in dirt, they'd be perfect to sleep in.

Finally mastering his breath, he looks up into the world. It's not a particularly beautiful sight, just a park, but his honey-hued eyes don't blink. The boy's mouth hangs open. He doesn't appear alarmed, more in disbelief. His eyebrows are raised, almost happily so.

The boy takes in his surroundings and pats his entire body down. His movements are slow and stiff, dust clouds puff off his clothes as he brushes them.

The boy spots Sirius and the old man. He stares at them; his once curious expression becomes straight and terrified. His eyes dart from side to side nervously. The boy swallows and prepares himself for the encounter.

-Is this how I looked?

The boy attempts to walk towards them, but trips over the hole he dug. He faceplants and slowly slides down the hill. Sirius bites his tongue, resisting the urge to laugh.

Embarrassed, the boy stands back up and brushes off his muddy, beige hoodie. He pats down his dark pants and shakes his hands through dirty blonde hair. He approaches cautiously, each step laced with uncertainty. Honey irises dash side to side, looking for anyone else around.

The old man advances towards him, stopping the boy's approach. He freezes in place as if turning into a statue.

"Uh- oh no, hi..." The boy is panicking, he sounds and appears the same age as Sirius, his voice only slightly higher-pitched. "Look man, I don't know what's going on here. I was just talking to this really nice, pretty lady so if you could send me back to her that'd be really great-"

"Welcome, Witch Spawn," the old man repeats the same words he had said to Sirius.

"Witch Spawn...? What is this? Why am I in a park?" All sense of nervousness is gone.

"Eat this." The man stretches out his hand, revealing a pastel red gummy.

The boy's face is comically disgusted.

"You're trying to drug me?! Really? Man, I was just buried alive! And now you're trying to drug me!?"

"Perhaps I need a new approach to this..."

-Oh? Is that self-awareness I sense?

"You!" The boy points at Sirius, who forgot he was part of the scene. "Are you in on this?"

"Me?" Sirius points to himself.

"Yes you, there's no one behind you." The boy speaks as if he has known Sirius his whole life. Very condescending.

"Right," Sirius walks over to them. "No, I'm not really in on this." Sirius faces the old man. "Look man, I think you need to stop being so vague, it really does sound like you're trying to drug people."

"Hm..."

Sirius leans over towards the boy, "I thought the same thing when he offered me it."

"What even is this thing?"

"I don't really know how it works, but it lets you speak and understand the language here."

"Huh?" The boy looks like he's concerned for Sirius' wellbeing. "Eating this will let me understand the language?"

The old man butts in, obviously feeling left out. "Yes, consuming this will allow you to speak Klephal, the most common language in this world."

The boy becomes completely still.

Frozen in place, he begins to twitch. His lips widen into an animated smile. His eyebrows raise to heights not thought possible.

"Did... Did you just say... this world?"

"Yes, I believe I did-"

"Like, I'm in a different world? Other than Earth?" His words are quick, containing overwhelming excitement.

"Yes. Is that witch not explaining herself as well as she used to?"

The boy's mouth gapes open. He closes his eyes and squats low. His head hangs down, his entire body is trembling.

"You okay, man?" Sirius asks. "I know you probably don't believe it but-"

"YES!!!"

He yells at the top of his lungs, pure joy radiating from the scream. The boy's body flings backward, arching his back into the shape of a lowercase r. His demeanor beams with childlike wonder.

Then, in a complete tonal shift, he gets on his knees and places his palms together.

"My prayers have been answered. Thank you, God. Truly. Thank you..." he sounds like he could cry out of happiness at any moment. He suddenly pops back onto his feet. "WAIT- if I'm in another world... does that mean I have powers?! Can I shoot fireballs!?" He swings his arms around, trying to expel fire from his hands.

Sirius contains his chuckle with a grin.

Never has he seen such unrestrained positivity and joy.

The old man interrupts the boy's magic training. "You're getting a little too ahead of yourself, for now, would you mind eating this?" He once again offers the gummy. The boy purses his lips, not sure what to do. The boy looks to Sirius for approval. Sirius gives a quick nod.

"If I die from this I will be really upset." The boy grabs the gummy and pops it in his mouth. Hardly any hesitation. He swallows and then twirls around. "Nothing happened."

"Well, we would need to go into town to find out if it worked," Sirius replies.

"Alright then! Let's go!" The boy immediately starts rushing past them.

"Wait," the old man stops the boy. "Before you go, take this." The man grabs and opens the boy's hand. He gently places the pocket watch into the boy's palm.

"What's this?" He immediately begins fiddling with all the buttons.

"You'll find out in time."

And with that, the old man turns around and begins walking off.

...

Disbelief.

"Oh, COME ON! You can't just say something all mysterious and then walk away!"

"He did the same thing to me," Sirius sighs. They both share the same disappointment. "I'm not sure what it does exactly, but it's counting down to something."

The two of them examine the backs of their watches.

Sirius: 22921149 seconds remain.

The boy: 22926321 seconds remain.

"Huh... anyways... can we go explore the town now?!" Excitement bounces back into his step as he stuffs the watch into one of his pockets. They could easily catch up with the fleeing old man, but he decides to let him be mysterious.

"Uh, yeah... sure, but do you mind if I lead the way? I kind of need to find a clinic." Sirius raises his disfigured arm.

The boy's face flushes and repulses.

"What the fuck happened to your arm!?"

"Did you not notice it the whole time we were talking?"

"No!? That thing is disgusting!" The boy acts as if it's the most disgusting thing he has ever seen. Which would make sense. After shaking off the revulsion and removing his eyes from the arm, his tone once again shifts. "Let's go."

The two of them begin to walk south towards the town. Supposedly beginning to walk south. The boy has accepted his situation so fast, that Sirius is both impressed and concerned. In a matter of seconds, this boy tagged along with him like they've known each other their entire lives. Sirius isn't used to having company, but he welcomes the boy's presence.

Albeit a gamble, for the first time in forever, Sirius lowers his guard. Both his mind and manner of speech loosen. Though only slightly.

"How did that even happen?" The boy is spinning in circles, admiring the scenery. Sirius briefly explains his tale of the girl and Wailian. "Wait, so there are monsters in this world too?!" His face somehow looks even happier. He seems to have forgotten what a monster did to Sirius' arm.

"I guess so. I only got here like an hour or two ago."

"Oh shit, really? Did you come out of the ground too?"

"Yes, it was horrible. I thought I was going to suffocate... again." Flashes of himself before his death blink in his mind. He swallows a heavy lump in his throat.

The boy gives an unsteady, reluctant look.

"Did you... die by chance? Then wake up here?"

"...Yes."

"I see..." A melancholic air grabs hold of the boy. He almost seems disappointed by Sirius' answer. Quickly shaking it off, he refuels himself on wondrous bliss. "Did you meet with a pretty lady?"

"I did!" The thought of the void lady returns his spirits. "I'd love to speak with her again." While he's not sure why or what'd he say, he wants to meet with her once more.

"Yeah..." The boy shuts his eyes as if he's dreaming about her. "By the way, what's your name?"

"I'm Sirius. You?"

"Korlin. Nice to meet you."

They meet the opposite end of the park, entering into a teeming market.

Korlin's jaw drops as he views the scene. His eyes light- no, they sparkle with awe. He's even trembling a little. He may very well piss himself any second. Sirius is slightly worried.

Winged creatures and people whiz above the road. Anthropoids small and large roam the market. Vendors line the streets, selling and buying products not seen anywhere on Earth. Beasts with massive fangs and tails enter and exit shops and tents. Everyone is vibrantly colored, either with clothing or paint on their skin. Some people are blue, some purple, and some even have pink fur and/or scales. Most anatomy here is bizarre yet it all makes perfect sense. While everyone looks different, no one is out of place here.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

This really is a different world.

Korlin can't control his enthusiasm. Glee is practically leaking from every pore on his body. He looks over at Sirius, who is also staring at the sight. "Dude, how are you not flipping out at this?"

"I don't think it's fully hit me yet. It still feels like I'm dreaming."

"It really does..."

Korlin is utterly awestruck. Instead of admiring, he frolics into the market. He greets every person he passes; some return the greeting, and others ignore him. He runs up to stalls, picking up every weird item and examining it. He chats with the vendors, asking about prices and what each item is. When the vendors hear he's broke, they shoo him away. Sirius loosely follows the boy, admiring from afar.

Minutes pass and not once does Korlin's eagerness waver. It still looks like he could explode from happiness at any moment.

"Is it alright if I touch your tail?" Korlin asks a random lady, who just so happens to have a tail.

-Yeah... it's time to step in.

Sirius places his good arm on Korlin's shoulder. "Hey, sorry about him, he's a little... unique."

The woman nervously nods her head and hurries off.

"Man, I was about to get to touch her tail." He is genuinely disappointed.

"Sorry to get in the way of your fetish, but could we try and find the clinic? My arm is pulsating." Sirius tries not to sound rude.

Korlin's eyes widen as if snapping out of a trance. "Oh! Yeah, I'm sorry, I got a little carried away there..."

"A little bit."

The two boys resume their search for a clinic. They ask around, all answers leading south.

Korlin continuously gets sidetracked and wanders off. Sirius continuously retrieves him. Sirius drags the boy by his wrist.

Korlin learns that he no longer can read, it doesn't really bother him.

They ask a man for directions, but he replies by calling both of them "fility Witch Spawn." Korlin gets his first taste of what it means to be human. Many similar events follow after. He isn't too bothered by their comments.

"Are you always this... energetic?" Sirius asks, looking to the sun for direction. It doesn't help him.

Korlin stares at the pavement. Fulfillment lathers his smile.

"No, not usually. I haven't felt this alive in a long time. I can't remember the last time I was this happy."

...

The words hit Sirius hard.

He's been enjoying himself. Despite the arm thing, of course. When was the last time he's done that?

Their paces slow, and Sirius releases Korlin's arm.

"I feel that..." Sirius' voice is drowned out by the crowd. They continue walking, and for a moment, Korlin's enthusiasm fades.

...

"I really hope this isn't a dream."

*****

Eventually, they arrive in front of a stone, box-shaped building.

The clinic. Or at least what they hope to be. A sign out front has a white symbol equivalent to a heart. It was much further than three blocks down. Aureole isn't the best with directions, it seems.

"You alright out here?" Sirius asks.

Korlin gives a military salute as a response. He takes that as a "yes."

Sirius enters, leaving Korlin to entertain himself. Which is very easy to do. He passes through the arched doorway and into a bright interior. Candles hang on every pillar and wall, giving the waiting room a rich, white glow.

He approaches a counter made of the same brick as the walls. Almost everything in the capital seems to be sculpted from the same type of stone. Their appearance resembles that of veneer walls back on Earth, but they seem to have been carved to look that way from a single slab. Each "protruding" stone is differing in size, their imperfection adds charm to the city. While this building appears to be made of the same material, it is constructed with actual bricks.

A woman with blue, droopy, dog-like ears sits behind the counter. Her eyes also seem to droop, though they are mostly covered by her bangs. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out the seven purple gems Aureole had given to him.

-I really hope this is money. And a clinic.

"Hello, is this a clinic?"

The woman perks up and smiles politely. "It is! What can I..." She peers at his arm. "Actually, I have a pretty good idea. I'll notify one of our healers."

Sirius thanks her civilly. She strolls over into a hallway out of view.

-Healers? Are they not called doctors?

After a few moments, she pops her head back into the room. "Right this way please!" Sirius shoves the gems back into his pocket and follows the lady. She leads him to a room with a dark wooden bed in the center. A singular brick is removed from the wall to let in natural light. Potted plants are spread around the floor. "Please wait here for just a moment."

Sitting on the loosely sheeted bed, he waits. This is nothing like any hospital he's been to before. There are no monitors, no medical supplies... no casts, no buzzing, no beeping, no tubes, no machines... Alone with only his thoughts, a memory comes tumbling back to him. About the last time he was in a clinic.

His hand wraps itself around his throat. The air feels heavier.

Images of his little brother, standing next to his hospital bed, flash inside his mind. The boy's anger, his disgust.

The sound of a cord being unplugged. The sound of his heart rate monitor racing. The sound of his flatline. The sound of his brother's last words to the boy he just killed. The last word he ever heard.

-"Sorry."

The word was so faint Sirius couldn't tell if there was any emotion behind it. While he struggled in his bed to breathe, his brother walked out of the door, pretending as if nothing had happened. What happened after?

-Does anyone care?

The depressing thought is followed by a stream of memories.

His mother's financial issues. His father's never-ending disappointment in his son. His brother's raw hatred for his own sibling. His friends at school ignoring him.

-They're probably thankful.

A crushing pain in his chest emerges. He hasn't even realized he's holding his breath.

-They're probably happier now.

A swirl of negative thoughts bombards his meek brain. The grasp on his own throat tightens.

Yack

A violent expulsion of coughs escape his throat, reminding him to breathe. He sucks in all the air he can with each breath. After a minute, his breathing steadies out and he regains his composure.

A hand knocks on the doorway.

Why aren't there many doors around here?

A young man walks through the arch. He carries himself with dignity, though his face is relaxed and kind. A long robe drapes around him, almost to the floor. He places glasses over his pointed ears and enters the room.

"The arm, is it?"

Sirius fixes his posture. "Oh, yeah it really hurts. Is there anything you can do for it?" In truth, Sirius almost forgot about his arm. The man simpers and raises an eyebrow.

"That's an odd question. I am a blessed healer after all."

He kneels beside Sirius. Removing the white glove from his hand, he lifts his palm to Sirius' arm. The man closes his eyes in deep concentration.

A greenish-gold light emits from the man's palm.

-No way. Is this-?

The soft glow envelops Sirius' mutilated arm. His limb begins feeling fuzzy and warm, almost numb. The scratches and scars begin to fade away. His twisted skin and muscles unravel into the shape an arm should be.

After only a couple of seconds, all traces of the wailian-inflicted wounds are gone. His arm is healed. The light dissipates from his arm and the man's palm. The fuzziness feeling fades, leaving only a hint of numbness. It's as if nothing ever happened.

Sirius stares in awe at his healed arm. He can hardly believe it.

-That was magic... Magic exists here. I have to tell Korlin about this.

"Is there anything else you need healed?" The man knocks Sirius off his daze.

"Oh- n-no that was all. Thank you..."

"Of course. Well, I'll be off then." The man walks out of the room like it was a casual, everyday occurrence.

Sirius gazes upon his reformed arm a little longer before getting up. He checks the functions of his fingers and joints. Everything works as it should. Amazing. Still in a state of wonder, he returns to the lady at the counter.

"I take it all is well?" she asks.

"Oh, yes."

She smiles again and writes something down on a piece of paper. She doesn't use a pen or pencil, instead, she draws with a large claw.

"Alright then," she starts the mumble to herself. "Four hundred plus tax is..." She looks back up at Sirius. "That'll be four hundred and sixteen nem please." She outstretches her hand. He's supposed to give her something.

-Nem?? Is that money?

The only thing he can think to do is pull out the purple gems. Four hundred and sixteen... Purely guessing, he hands her five of the gems. She accepts the stones and rummages around behind the counter. After a moment, she places an orange gem, three red gems, and four green gems into his palm.

"Alright, you're all set."

Sirius glances between the woman and the gems. The gems are all in the relative shapes of coins, though some are more jagged than others. He clutches them tightly.

"Right... Thank you!" Sirius gives a small wave and exits the building.

-That was the easiest doctor visit ever. Not even any paperwork.

Korlin is surprisingly just sitting on a bench right outside the clinic. He's watching a type of bug fly past. Sirius trots down the small set of stairs and drops on the bench beside him. "Look my arm is all better." Sirius waves his arm around playfully.

"What kind of doctor was in there!?"

"That's the thing, there wasn't one. He called himself a healer and I'm pretty sure he used-"

"MAGIC!"

Korlin's face beams, but he isn't looking at Sirius.

A blazing ball of fire rips past the two of them. Red and orange streak by, igniting nearby plants. The heat of the orb threatens to singe their skin, thankfully, it only feels warm. The flaming sphere disperses as it rams into a nearby building.

A strand of Korlin's hair is caught aflame, he doesn't even notice. Sirius pats the fire out. Searching for the ball's origin, they land on a rampant, six-legged dog creature barreling down the street. Tiny, white horns stick out of its head. An older woman trails behind the dog, trying to catch up with it.

"Someone! Please stop him!" the lady screams. She's slow in comparison to the dog.

Upon sight of the animal, or maybe its bark, Korlin freezes.

...

He's petrified.

...

It's as if the sight of the dog brought back disturbing memories.

"Hey," Sirius notices. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"

Sirius' words prove deaf to his ears.

...

After a moment, Korlin rockets out of his seat, his expression stiff. His eyebrows furrow and he rushes head-on towards the creature.

"What are you doing!?" Sirius shouts, but it doesn't reach Korlin's ears. Korlin houses a determined aura around him, his gaze is fixed on the beast.

The dog, about the collide with the boy, attempts to steer off to the side. Not allowing it to get away, Korlin seizes the fur of the creature's back. The dog scrambles and begins sprinting faster. Korlin is dragged along by the dog's chaotic movement.

Fear spreads throughout his features. Promptly, something in his mind tells him to snap out of it. He manages to mount the beast. Korlin tugs on the rough fur, but it only makes the dog cry out, releasing a spray of fire. Unsure of what to do, he jams one of his legs in between the dog's six.

It works. The dog trips over Korlin's foot and topples over, skidding across the stone road. Korlin naturally does the same.

Sirius and the old woman rush over to both of them.

"Humprey!" The woman is furious, her wrinkled forehead somehow gains more wrinkles. "This is outrageous behavior!" She barehand slaps the dog. "We are going home this instant and you will think about what you've done!"

She grabs the beast by its ear and starts dragging it along the street. She curses under her breath the whole way. The flaming dog whines in defeat, seemingly uninjured. Sirius and Korlin stare in complete befuddlement.

"You're welcome... I guess."

"I don't know, I kind of feel bad for the dog thing."

"Hm... I don't know... I'm not too fond of dogs..." An underlying sadness rests within his words.

"...Uh- That was crazy! What made you do that?"

"I don't know," Korlin stares at his fists. "I saw magic and nothing else mattered at the moment." A gigantic smile widens on his face. "Magic! It actually exists! This is amazing! I've always wished magic was real, and now it is. Do you think I could use magic? I hope so. If I get to use magic my life will be complete. Simple as that. I could die happy."

Korlin rambles on about magic for about ten minutes. All Sirius can do is listen to the boy's endless enthusiasm. Sirius eventually tells him about the healer and his arm. It refuels the boy's fire for another ten minutes or so.

"Do you think there are different classes? Like fighting, healing, defense? Or is it like an elemental thing? But in that case, what would healing fall under? Water, or maybe fire? I've always felt fire has underlying healing properties. Do you need to be born with magic or can you gain it throughout your life?"

And so on.

*****

-I think I've figured out how the currency system works. The currency here is called nem. They come in different colored gems, each with a differing set value. The shape of the gem doesn't really matter, it's all color. A green gem is worth one nem. Blue is worth five. Red is worth ten. Orange is worth fifty. The purple ones Aureole gave me are worth one hundred each. Then, from what I've gathered, there are pink gems worth one thousand nem. I believe they keep increasing like this, though I'm not sure of the highest value nem. It's a fairly simple currency system, I don't believe anything equivalent to "cents" exists.

Sirius explains his findings to Korlin who devours every bit of it. He scrambles around the littered floor until he finds something similar to paper. The two boys sit on the ground beside a bench. They originally planned on sitting on said bench, but the built-in butt scratcher made them a little uncomfortable.

There is lots of random stuff lying around, not garbage or trash, just interesting objects. In fact, the streets are surprisingly clean for such a sizeable population. Korlin pulls a black-dipped feather from somewhere and begins writing the information.

"The feather is a little much."

"I know right? I feel like an author in the eighteenth century."

"What are you even writing with?"

"I don't know, it was already on the feather when I picked it up."

...

The two of them share a long session of eye contact.

Korlin sniffs the feather.

"Yeah, it's shit."

Sirius nods in acceptance, "Of course it is." Korlin tosses the feather and paper into what they assume is a trash bin.

"So what do you think we should do now?"

"Um... I don't know."

With his arm healed, Sirius doesn't know what to do with himself anymore. He has his whole life ahead of him again. He isn't quite sure how to spend it.

"Hm..."

-Should I really be dragging him along with me?

"Hey, uh, are you sure you want to keep hanging around me?"

"What do you mean?"

"It's just... You seem really passionate about being in this new world, I don't want to hold you back. I don't want you to feel obligated to stay with me."

"Are you kidding?! We're in this for the long haul, you and me! Everyone else here either hates our guts or just thinks we're stupid. I need another "Witch Spawn" or I might go crazy. Besides, I've never had so much fun before! Part of that is because of you, Sirius."

"...Is that so?"

"You bet! So no more talk of obligation or holding me back, alright? I may have just met you like an hour ago, but from now on, you and me, it's ride or die, baby."

A smile creeps up from Sirius' lips.

-What the heck... What is this feeling?

"Ride or die, huh? That's a little extreme."

Korlin chuckles. "I could do without your smart remarks though."

"No can do. They come with the package."

They share a scene of laughter. Sirius feels a weight lift off his shoulders. These foreign feelings detach him from who he knows himself to be.

"Anyways, do you think we need to find out our sleeping arrangement? The sun is getting lower."

"You're right..."

"Should we go ask around? Oh! Maybe they have magic beds here!"

"I suppose we should. Magic beds, huh? Man, you're really into all this."

"I'm still surprised you're not. We are literally in a fantasy world with magic and fire-breathing dogs. It's awesome."

"Don't get me wrong, this is all really cool. This is probably the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm just... not sure how to act at the moment. You seem perfectly content with everything though, it's like you've prepared for this."

"I've watched a lot of anime. Like, a lot." He holds himself with pride.

"Ah, I never really got into any of that stuff. I watched like one, but it wasn't really my thing."

"Let me tell you, you were missing out-" The look on Korlin's face distorts into a realization. He puts his palms to his face. "Dang it! If I'm in another world I can't finish any of my shows..." His proud demeanor is defeated.

"No offense, but I don't think that's our biggest concern right now." Sirius gives him a very judgmental look.

Korlin composes himself, "You're right... You're right." They both hop to their feet and continue walking around the city. "What was the one anime you watched called?"

"Uhh, let me think... pardon my French-"

"It's Japanese."

"Same thing, anyways, I think it was called Boku no... piku? Something like that."

Korlin stops every single muscle. A look of undisguised devastation and raw horror morphs his face. "Why. In the ever-loving fuck. Would you watch BOKU NO PICO!?"

Sirius is confused. "Someone at school recommended it- saying I would love it and it had a good story."

Korlin is dumbfounded by the words spilling out of Sirius' mouth. He looks as if he could cry out of empathy for Sirius.

The two boys have a nice, long discussion about anime.

*****

They set off to find a place to crash. Scouring the streets, they come across a lone, baby turtle.

"TURTLE!"

Korlin rushes up and scoops it off the ground. He spins in circles, giggling with the turtlet in hand.

"Do you like turtles or something?"

With a final ballerina twirl, the boy stops. "I've just never seen one in person before."

"Ah..." Upon further inspection, Sirius finds concerns in the boy's handling. "Why are you holding it like that?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're holding it like it's a burger."

"Is that wrong? Are you a turtle handler or something?"

"No, it just looks uncomfortable."

Korlin inspects the baby's facial expression and somehow deduces that... "It looks fine to me."

"Stop holding it like it's a burger!"

"If I shouldn't hold it like a burger, then it shouldn't be shaped like one!"

"What kind of logic is that?!"

The turtle could easily sit atop Korlin's palm, but instead, the boy holds it with a two-handed grip.

"If burger-shaped, it should be held like one!"

"It's a living being!"

"It's not like it cares-"

Thudding footsteps disrupt the two's bickering. A shadow casts over the boys, blocking the sun's light.

"What do you two think you're doing?"

Both their eyes direct themselves onto the towering creature in front of them. What lies before them is neither comprehensible nor possible.

It's an anthropomorphic turtle. A massive one.

"Shit..."

The turtle's expression is hard to read, but they assume it is upset.

"Aha... is this yours by any chance?" Korlin smiles stupidly, asking in a sing-song manner.

"Give me my son."

The standing turtle's voice booms and rattles each of their bones.

"S-son... C-Certainly..." Korlin carefully drops the baby in its father's hand. The man-turtle leans in close.

"Never mess with my son again, you got that?"

"Of course. Absolutely."

"...Good." The turtle backs off and leaves with his son. "Handling a man's turtle... filthy Witch Spawn..." he mutters to himself.

Korlin turns to Sirius, his mouth gaping open.

"Sirius... a ninja turtle just threatened me."

"You got what you deserved."

"What's next? SpongeBob?!"

"Come on, let's go find a place to sleep."

"Winnie the Pooh?!"

...

Eventually, Korlin's worries subside.

As they walk about the capital, they ask strangers for a place to stay. Unsurprisingly, they are met with disappointment and insults. The sky welcomes a lovely shade of yellow.

"Please, it doesn't have to have a bed, a spare room would be perfectly-" Sirius is cut off by the woman he's pleading to.

"Unfortunately, I share no hospitality with you, Witch Spawns." She grimaces at the boys as she strides away.

Korlin attempts to bargain with a man. "I will literally sleep on the floor of a shed."

The man pities the boy. "Look boy, I apologize but if my wife catches me bringing home two Witch Spawns, she'll kill me. I don't personally mind your kind, but she has a... not-so-good relationship with the witch." The man apologizes once more before disappearing amidst the crowd.

The boys regroup and share their outcomes. "Witch Spawn," Sirius mutters. "Some people don't call us that, but some act like we're rabid animals..."

"Witch... Witch... Do you think they mean the lady who sent us to this world?"

"Maybe, though I don't see why people would hate her."

"True..." They dig through their brains for an answer, but to no avail. "When I think of the word witch, I think of more a green, ugly hag riding a broomstick. Or a mommy with purple eyes and silver hair, not that angel in the void."

"I'm sorry, did you say mommy?!"

"I have to tell you more about anime, man..." Korlin shakes his head in disappointment at his pupil.

"I don't think I'm the weird one here."

They bicker and laugh together through the twilight city.

It's been there the entire time, but as they saunter, Sirius admires the distant looming castle. A massive, straight out of the medieval-era castle, only more refined and impressive. Lightly stained stonework contrasts the rest of the city, it towers atop a giant mound near presumably the center of the city. The dusk glow and hazy distance make the fortress appear surreal, almost magical.

The two of them enter a large part of town with lots of carriages. Wooden carriages with cloth roofing, spacious but compact. Some hold people, others carry goods and food. The carriages are being pulled by massive, hairy beasts. Four-legged, gorilla-esche beasts with tusks. You can't even see their eyes through the white fur.

It seems to be a trading hub.

People of various sizes and shapes load and haul crates onto and off the carriages. Winged animals and people fly with boxes over and around the hub. Some shady characters in the corner use fire magic to cook raw meat and then place it in containers for trade.

A narrow vein of water flows through the center of the area under a tiny, arched bridge. The stream laps the perimeter into a small water mill built into the ground. An amphibious man conducts threads of water into the air and transfers them into large glass jars.

One of the massive gorillas floats over the two boy's heads. A shrimpy girl off to their right is extending her arm and drawing a path in the air. The hovering beast follows the girl's path until it gently lands in front of a carriage.

Korlin is practically frothing at the mouth. You can basically hear his thoughts.

Every nook and cranny of this town is alive. It smells musty here, but not overbearing.

A chill now runs through the air. They are nearing dusk. Sirius unties his dirty, finally dry, hoodie and slips it over his head. Out of nowhere, a middle-aged man runs up to Sirius and firmly grips his hoodie sleeve.

"Where did you get this!?" The bearded man is wide-eyed. "Wh-what is this material I am feeling?!" The strange man with thick horns caresses the hoodie. Sirius snaps to Korlin for help.

"Uh- what material do you think this is? I have no idea. Cloth? Linen? Wool?" Sirius is desperate to get this guy off of him. He smells like a lumberjack. It would probably be a nice scent if not for the strange circumstances.

Korlin is also panicking. "Uh..." He grabs Sirius' hood and rubs his fingers across it. "It's pretty soft and fluffy, so I'd probably say wool..." Sirius nods in desperate approval and looks the man in his eyes.

"Uh- wool, I believe."

-Please get off of me.

"Hmm," the man continues to knead his fingers while being in deep thought. "Wool... Wool, where did you get this wool?"

"Uhh... sheep? I guess."

-Is this guy for real right now?

"Hmm, what is a sheep exactly?

-No way.

"Is this guy serious?" Korlin whispers over to Sirius.

Sirius whispers back, "They might not have sheep in this world." He turns back to the overly-interested man. "Sheep are these big animals with lots of... usually white, uh... fluff surrounding them." Korlin is motioning with his hands what a sheep looks like. Or at least he's trying to.

The man seems to have hit a revelation. "Huh, so they're kind of like a lambie?" He releases Sirius' sleeve.

Korlin facepalms.

"A lambie? What, like a LAMB!? A BABY SHEEP!?"

"What are you talking about? A lambie- Oh! There, those are lambies."

The man points behind the two of them. Turning around, a pack of sheep-like animals is being herded along. They appear to be sheep, except instead of wool, the backs of the animals are swallowed by a mountain of bubbles. Bubbles completely absorb the creature; it looks like a massive ball of soap with a stubby sheep's face. A shepherd leads the animals along, popping a bubble or two to keep them in line.

Korlin takes an overly exaggerated deep breath. "That is not a lambie. That is an abomination."

"That is a lambie! Look, there are even baby lambres!"

"LAMBRES!? What are you blabbering about right now!? You are talking absolute nonsense right now." Korlin and the man continue to bicker. Sirius holds in his laugh.

In exchange for Korlin admitting he's wrong, the man agrees to let them stay in his nearby stable.

"Only on one condition."

"That being?"

"Let me study this clothing tonight. I want to see if I can end up mass-producing. I've never seen anything like it before."

"Oh, sure..." Sirius takes off his hoodie and hands it to the man. "It's a little dirty."

"Ah, that's no bother. Is it waterproof? Would it be alright if I wash it?"

"Go ahead, it should dry rather quickly." The man grins, revealing small fangs, and gleefully leads them to his stable in town. In town isn't the best way to describe it. It's just around the corner of the trading hub, seemingly near the edge of the city. Towering, stone walls block the view of the outside, the only exit being a massive wooden gate.

Guards in suits of armor patrol the gate and tops of the wall. The guards aren't human, but rather humanoid reptiles, namely lizards. The armor mostly conceals the fact, but the lack of gloves reveals scaly, green, some blue, webbed hands. Sticking out from their back plating are small tails. And, of course, there is the fact that some aren't wearing large helmets, which means their lizard heads sit on their metal shoulders.

The lizard guards group together and shut the giant gate. It produces a booming, slam noise, and they return to their patrolling. Maybe they close it for nighttime?

The man twists a key in the metal lock and motions them inside the wooden building. Sirius never thought the sight of a door would surprise him so much. As they enter the stable, hay layers the floor. Atop a mound of straw rests one of the giant, hairy, carriage carriers.

"Is it safe to sleep with this thing?" Korlin questions.

"With ol' Gary? Of course, he doesn't bite. His fur should warm you right up if it gets cold."

"What species even is that?"

"What? Never seen a manfi before?"

"Of course I have, I've just... never seen one... that... fluffy."

They once again thank the man, and he locks them in for the night.

The pale moon's light floods through an opening in the roof. Crisp air swallows the stable. Sirius buries himself under the heap of fodder. Korlin is snuggled under the shaggy arm of Gary.

Neither of them can rest their eyes. Too much has happened today. Both stargaze at their new night sky. A looming silence hangs over the stable. The only noise being Gary's occasional grunts and murmurs.

"Hey Sirius? You awake?" His hushed tone sounds so loud in the quiet night.

"Mhm, I can't sleep."

"You sound tired. You have all day, actually."

"...Really?" Sirius rustles out of his cave of hay. "My eyes do feel heavy..." He presses his fingers under his left eye. Were they always this heavy?

"That's not the kind of tired I meant." Silence once again swaddles the stable. "Are you... alright?" There is a shakiness to his words.

Sirius can't help but tremble. It's a subtle quiver, yet there, nonetheless. He's been asked this question many times by his mother but has never felt inclined to answer. Sirius takes a deep breath.

"I'm alright. I just... don't know how to feel. I've lived what feels like the same day for so long, I don't know what to do. I can't tell if I'm scared or excited." He pauses, taking in every aspect of his first day in this new world. "And... I can't stop thinking about..." He doesn't finish the thought. A truck and hospital bed enter his brain.

"Look, I don't know what happened before you died... But, that doesn't matter anymore. We just... need to take it one day at a time."

There is a blatant lack of confidence in his words.

"You seem so content with everything that's happened. I think I'm a little jealous." Sirius embeds himself once more.

"Are you kidding?" He sounds as if he could laugh or cry at any second. "I'm terrified..."

He tucks in closer to Gary's arm.

...

...

"I don't want to wake up."