The night mountain air was a little cold, but clinging to Zubu kept me warm. So warm that I suspected it was the reason she really wanted to carry me. Being used as a personal heater wasn’t a bad life. It just wasn’t what I envisioned myself doing. She still smelled like copper, but with a hint of flowers and sweat.

I’ve come to the conclusion that being carried wasn’t so bad. I just didn’t like being carried by people I didn’t trust. I also didn’t like it if I was carried in a public place or in front of certain people.

In front of my wife, no. In front of my brother, no. The image I have of myself in there eyes was that of a man. Not necessarily a strong man, but at the very least a respectable one. That meant I couldn’t allow this sort of treatment to be seen in front of them.

I didn’t want to show my brother weakness, or he might take advantage and hurt me in some way. I didn’t want to show my wife weakness, because that meant I couldn’t be strong for her. When it came down to it, I was really just a big old baby.

I breathed deeply through my nose taking in Zubu’s scent. I wanted to burn her memory into my brain. Her smell, the softness of her body. The squishiness of her torso. The warmth she produced. Even her heart beat, and the way she breathed.

There was no guarantee I’d see her again. That thought made me very sad. Never see Zubu again? That sounded horrible, but if she ascends and leaves Chikū behind, it might come true.

Considering how much she hates Cosmo. She might leave her multi-verse entirely and get lost in the blue void. She could find new friends and forget all about me. Maybe remember me every once in a while when a random kid annoys her.

How long before I forget what she looks like. what she sounds like. How long before she becomes a different person. Would we even still like each other by then? The Zubu I know might just disappear entirely by the time we meet again. I hope she doesn’t start vaping.

We walked along the back of the mountain. Where the bath was. This was the place where I almost accidentally killed myself. I breathed fire and nearly put myself in a coma.

We went passed it and headed to the other side. The path narrowed to the point where only one person could walk by at a time. We were still pretty high up. What if Zubu decides to throw me off the cliff? I suddenly felt very nervous causing me to hold on tightly to her.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.” Said Zubu like an adult reassuring a child.

I looked up to her smiling. I guess she was pretty sometimes. It might just be the moonlight though. I reached up and slapped her cheek.

“Ow! What the hell piss baby!” She yelled.

“I thought you were an imposter.” I answered.

That’s when she flipped me around and grabbed me by the legs dangling me off the side of the cliff.

“Aaah! I’m sorry!” I cried, as I did my best to hold my skirt down.

“Teddy bear undies? I hope you like them, because that’s what you’ll be buried in!” Threatened Zubu.

“Would you two knock it off!” yelled Lorie.

Zubu pulled me back up and when I was safely back in her arms we both apologized, “sorry!” we were both terrified, as Lori had drawn out her signature weapon. Le Spoon.

She turned back around putting Le Spoon away. Both Zubu and I let out a sigh of relief. Then looked each other in the eyes. As if in perfect sync we stuck our tongues out at one another causing both of us to giggle uncontrollably.

Our hike continued as I settled into her arms once more. The silence was nice, but I really wanted to talk to her some more. I wish we could have 100 more—no 1,000,000 more conversations! But, what would we talk about?

“Zubu, Zubu.” I called to her, my voice unintentionally childish. By this point I was used to it.

“Yeah?” She answered somewhat annoyed.

“is Yukio your birth name?” I asked.

“No, it’s Ashly. I was originally part Japanese though, but I was raised as an American.” She answered.

“Oh, I figured it wasn’t your real name. Did you know that Yukio is primarily a guys name…” I felt a sudden chill run up my spine. “Your not a dude right?” I asked fearfully.

Zubu laughed. “Yeah, of course I am .”

“What! Let me go! Your some kind of pervert aren’t you!” I cried, as I wiggled my body in her arms in an attempt to get free.

Zubu laughed again, “relax I was kidding. No Diddy stuff.” She said.

I fell limp in her arms as relief washed over me. Nope the only pervert here was me. “Don’t joke like that. You’ve done some pretty weird stuff to me and it would look really bad if you were a guy.”

The conversation continued in that manner for a bit. With Zubu teasing me in her usual way. Eventually we began talking about Earth. It was peaceful chatter, up until we got down to the details.

“It’s jiff peanut butter.” I insisted.

“No it’s jiffy peanut butter.” She shot back.

Instead of fighting any further I simply stated the obvious. “I think your Earth isn’t the same as mine. What year did you get isekaied?”

“2023” answered my tormentor.

“Me too.” I responded.

“That doesn’t make sense.” She said.

“That’s because most Earth’s have the same history, so I have a set date for trial events.” Said Cosmo. “On some Earths their history can be a little different. For example. On most Earth’s Diddy wasn’t exposed until 2024.”

That was interesting. I wonder if there was another me out there. Maybe. Was my world even still around? It's served It’s purpose after all.

“Do our Earth’s still exist?” I asked, fearing the worst.

“Of course they do. 2023 is only one point in time used for the trial event. There have been other events. You two just so happen to be from the 2023 one. Separate Earth’s of course, but same year.” She said.

“so there really are others.” I said.

“Yeah, also sometimes when someone dies in a tragic way I’ll let them go to another world. Other times I’ll pick them at random. Why do you think there are so many unsolved missing cases? Your brother was apart of the trial event before yours.” Said the goddess.

My brother had his own trial. I should have asked him for some advice. Then again he probably would have lied.

After about 5 minutes of walking we came to a strange sight. It was a cave, but odd. The opening looked like a mouth with all its stalagmites and stalactites representing teeth.

The real strange part was all the blood leaking out of the cave and down the side of the mountain. How did I never notice the blood waterfall?

“Why’s it bleeding?” I asked fearfully.

“It’s not bleeding!” said Cosmo.

“Yeah, it’s not blood, it’s chocolate.” Said Mr. Brutus before reaching out to the red liquid dipping his finger and taking a lick.

He had this look on his face like he’d just made a terrible mistake. “Yeah, no. It tastes like blood.” Said Mr. Brutus.

“See it is blood!” I panicked.

“I told you it was scary.” Said Zubu.

“Ugh! It’s not blood! It’s just water with iron!” Said Cosmo.

“But it smells like blood, looks like blood, and it tastes like blood.” Mr. Brutus counted each one on his fingers.

“Yeah, dad told me if it’s three things then it’s true!” I agreed.

“Its totally blood. That’s what happens to your body after you go through. They say some people never make it back. That’s why it bleeds to this day.” Said Zubu.

“I don’t wanna go in there!” I cried hiding my face in Zubu’s shoulder.

“Its okay piss baby. You can stay here with me and be my cozy aspect generator.” Said Zubu a bit too gleefully.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“For the love of me, it’s not blood!” said Cosmo. Clearly irritated.

“Yukio, stop trying to convince Isaac to stay. Scaring him is such a cheap trick.” Said Lorie.

“So its not blood and I won’t be trapped in there forever?” I cried.

“Isaac, you like science right? Tell me, have you ever heard of a blood waterfall in your home world?” Asked Lorie.

I thought about it for a second, tilting my head when I needed to think a little harder. “hmmm… Oh, I remember hearing about this. It’s like rust.” I said.

“Yes, that’s what I said! Why doesn’t anyone listen to me?” Cosmo complained.

“I don’t know kid, it tastes like blood to me.” Said Mr. Brutus.

“That’s because blood is full of iron. Back in my world in a place called Alaska. There’s a blood river, that acts the same.” I explained.

“Huh…. Alright.” He said.

“So… do I have to go in there?” I asked. Not only did it look like it was covered in blood, but the inside was completely dark.

“Oh, don’t be afraid sweetie, I’ll be going with you.” Said Cosmo.

I looked to Lorie. “Don’t worry child. You’ll only be in the cave for a moment.” she smiled warmly.

“Zubu, what do you think?” I asked.

“I think it’ll be scary, but you’ll be okay. Remember, if you want to fight a demon, then going through the cave is nothing.” She said.

“Okay, I’ll try.” I said. Zubu put me down on my feet causing my light up shoes to ignite. I jumped a few more times to cheer myself up. Then turned to the goddess and asked, “So, why do I need the cave? I’m not complaining. I’m just curious.”

“The cave is easier and safer than ripping out your soul. I need access to it in order to send you back. Besides, breaking your body will only send you back to purgatory. That won’t do. It’ll take time to find you again so using the cave is easier. Think of it like jacking off a car to get under it.” Said Cosmo.

Mr. Brutus held back a laugh before correcting her, “jacking up.”

She blushed in embarrassment as everyone seemed to laugh at her. Everyone, but Lorie who found the whole situation distasteful.

Once we all got over her blunder, I said, “Okay, so is there anything else I should know?” I asked.

“Remember when you first got transported? It’ll feel like that.” Said Cosmo.

“Can’t you make it painless?” I panicked.

“Whenever I transfer souls across reality it always feels that way. There’s nothing I can do to change it. Well, there might be, but it's a bit too time consuming.” Said Cosmo.

She was being very calm and gentle with me. This was what a goddess should be like. Nice and understanding, but stern and not afraid to tell you how it is.

“Thanks for the warning.” I said. It was better to know before I hopped in.

“Sorry I’m not more helpful. I wish I could go there myself and fix everything, but I really am just a useless goddess. Maybe if it was Ribdena instead she could fix it, but I’m just too weak.” She admitted.

“I’d rather have a weak goddess than a ruthless one. The fact that you feel bad about it makes me think you’re not that bad.” I said.

She nodded. I looked to my not-family and moved my way over to Mr. Brutus. I gave him a hug. Kind of, his legs at least. He picked me up and tossed me into the air. It was kind of dangerous, but that was just how we played.

He caught me just as Zubu, Lorie, and Cosmo chastised him. I giggled as he put me down. “Thank you for teaching me how to be a cultivator, Mr. Brutus. It was a lot of fun.” I said.

“Anytime, kid! You were way more fun to teach than those other little monsters,” he said, affectionately ruffling my hair.

I turned to Lorie next rushing towards her and giving her, her own hug. She hugged me back. “Thank you Lorie for taking care of me. Your food was delicious. I also really like your games.” I said remembering the aspect projections we messed around with.

“You’re very welcome. I also had fun playing with you. My home will always be open to you.” She said.

Last was Zubu. I ran to her and hugged her as well. The hug was a bit rough, but I didn’t want to break down into tears before I got to her. It would be too embarrassing.

“Geez piss baby, I’ll miss you too.” She said.

“Thank you for caring enough to stop me from doing dangerous things.” I cried.

“You can still stay here. The offer is always open.” She said.

I shook my head. Our hug lasted longer than it needed to. I finally managed to pull away and see the tears on her face. I reached out holding onto her kimono. Then asked Aku for a favor. Zubu watched in confusion as a light began to spread from my chest through my arms and onto her clothing.

Glowing bands of quintessence and aspects began to weave themselves through the fabric as Aku enchanted the outfit. “There, I kept my promise. Now your clothes have the same enchantments as my kimono.” I said.

“No way! You little shit! How did you do that?” She asked excitedly.

“Aku is a talented girl.” I answered.

“That’s interesting.” Said Lorie.

“Yeah.” Added Cosmo, sounding a bit too nervous for my liking.

Next, I held Snowball up to Zubu.

“What? I can’t take her. She’s your friend right? What are you gonna do if you get nervous or scared?” She asked me.

“It’s okay. Snowball has another avatar back in the new world. You can hold on to this one. This way when you sleep with it we’ll be together.” I said.

She smiled through her tears. Taking the doll she gave it a hug. “Thank you.”

I turned back to Cosmo as my anxiety rose. I felt like I was about to willingly jump into an alligator pit. I didn’t even have Snowball to hug anymore. Taking her back would be cruel, so I held my head high and tried my best not to cry anymore. I needed to be strong so that Zubu wouldn’t worry.

“Alright baby! Lets get you moving.” Said the goddess as she took my hand.

“Hold on.” Said Mr. Brutus.

“Hmm?” Said the goddess.

“Before you go kid there’s a few things you need to know.” Said the giant.

“Like what?” I tilted my head in curious confusion. This caused Cosmo to gush.

“You built a pretty powerful aura. Its way over the 50 layer limit.” He said.

I nodded. “Yeah, it needed to be. That was the only way to fight Cain.”

“Do you know why the layers get easier to build after you create them The first time?” He asked as if leading me into a lesson.

I thought about it. Then tried to power up a few layers to see if I could spot it. Ten layers flared up. They were so easy to make. It was like breathing. Why was that? I didn’t even have to focus that hard.

“I don’t know.” I admitted.

“Right, I see what you’re getting at. It will be a problem I suppose, but we did our best to prepare him.” Said Lorie.

Zubu while still hugging Snowball looked to Mr. Brutus for answers. “What does she mean?”

“Alright, pay attention you two. Especially you kid. This’ll be your last lesson.” He said.

There was always something new to learn. It made me kind of happy. Getting new ways to hurt Squirmy was always welcomed.

“When a cultivator builds an aura they aren’t just building a cloak over their body. They are using their power to slowly mold their natural aura into layers. Even when their aura is turned off, the layers are still there. Attached to their natural aura. That’s why its easier to activate your aura after the first time.” Said Mr. Brutus.

Lorie chimed in with her own take. “This is also true of mage auras. This is why over time a mage can gain natural resistances to certain elements.”

I understood the concept and had even come to a similar conclusion back when I was training with Zubu. “I get it, but how is this important? I feel like it's not that helpful.” I said.

“That's easy.” Cosmo hugged me from behind. “You see Isaac. That means that when you switch back to your other body, your aura won't carry over.”

“Oh….. ooooooh.” I said realizing what this meant. “Does that mean I'll be weak again?”

“Let me put it this way. It’s like hitting the button for a New Game Plus. You’ll basically have to recreate the layers of your aura, but don’t worry there are a few bonuses.” Said the goddess.

“Like what!” I yelled clearly upset. I knew my spark was gonna get a reset, but I had no idea my aura would be zeroed out too!

“Well, the body you currently have is made up of aspects. It’s like a summon. While it is somewhat like your actual body, it’s not the same. For starters you’ll get a boost to your natural physical abilities. Your spark will also be a bit stronger. Maybe not as strong as the one you’ve cultivated in this body, but not too far behind.” Explained Cosmo.

That didn’t sound too bad. “What about magic?” I asked. As long as I had that I’d probably be okay.

“It’ll actually be a bit harder since the world system is actively collecting the raw aspects.” Said Lorie.

“What does that mean?” I questioned fearfully.

“I can explain. Players have dantians too, but theirs are designed to hold essence. In order to make it work. I had to connect their player system enchantments up to the world system enchantment. Basically the world is constantly gathering the aspects and force feeding them to the players. This in turn reduces the essence saturation in the world.” Explained Cosmo.

So in other words. The new world had less essence to go around. That was wonderful. “What was the point in letting me learn magic!” I panicked.

Lorie laughed. “First of all, you’re the one that was so intent on learning magic. Second of all you can still use magic. Just not as quickly, or as easily as you have. Instead of 20 fireballs, it’s 10.” Said Lorie.

That didn’t sound too bad. “Why can’t you just hook me up to the world system instead?” I asked.

“You are a cultivator. With that much corruption you’ll crystallize into a statue before you can even try one of your katas.” Said Cosmo.

“How come players don’t turn into statues though?” I asked, trying to find some sort of hole in their logic so that the mean joke would end.

“Their cultivation technique is simple. It’s like a current inside their bodies. Essence or focus. It flows through them like a water current. Even the essence in their dantian is constantly being replaced—like a cup in the rain.” Said Cosmo.

That was actually pretty cool. As long as the energy was flowing it couldn’t crystallize. That was kind of how the flowing river worked too. “But you can still control the flow right?”

It had to be that way since different players had different re-gens. “You’re not wrong. The system controls the flow of essence, but unfortunately there’s no off switch, so even if I turn the flow way down, you’ll still end up over flowing the moment you fall asleep, or get distracted.” She said.

Zubu threw in her own two copper coins. Her voice slightly muffled by Snowball’s head. “You do get distracted a lot piss baby.

I looked back at her and yelled, “Hey! Its not my fault I have so many important thoughts!”

“Right, like when we were training and you thought the sky was falling because of how low the horizon was. If I hadn’t reminded you we were on a mountain, you would have dug a giant hole in the ground.” She reminded me.

“is that why there’s a hole in the walkway now?” asked Lorie.

“That’s not fair I was saving our lives! You can’t blame me for that!” I started crying again but only because Lorie had her hand in her robe. I knew she had wrapped her fingers around Le Spoon.

“Would you stop derailing the plot!” yelled Cosmo. She sighed. “Do you understand why I can’t hook you up to the essence flow?”

Realizing this was a way out of a beating, I nodded. “I understand. I’m just trying to figure out my options.” I said.

“Don't worry kid. Everything will be fine. You should know one more thing. I’d like you to form an aura for me.” Said Mr. Brutus.

I nodded, then formed my level 1 null aura. It flared to life around my body like a blanket of blue flames. This might be the last time I get to see it.

“Good job, now I’ll turn mine off.” He said as the air around the area began to shimmer. Zubu and I were both surprise, as it appeared we were all standing in Mr. Brutus’s aura.

The power receded back towards Mr. Brutus and as soon as it passed me, my aura flared for a second time becoming a raging blue. “What is this?” I felt so light. Like a feather.

Mr. Brutus was smiling. “That's your aura. I've been putting pressure on it since you got here. Even when I was gone it still permeated the area. My aura is the type to linger. You are way stronger than you know.”

I smiled at my master. He was helping me build it this whole time, and now that I know how powerful it actually was, I felt confident in my abilities. This was like finding an important game mechanic at the end of the game, only to realize it would have made everything easier if you figured it out forever ago.

“Wait! You let me fight Cain like that!” I complained.

He laughed. “Oh, don't think you're special. Claw boy was under the same pressure.”

“Isaac, I still need to hook you up with the system. Otherwise it’ll try to kill you when you show up. Anything without a system enchantment will be purged. Kind of like how immune systems attacks germs. My admins have a small enchantment on them that prevents it, but for you I need to give you something extra.” Said Cosmo.

“Extra?” I questioned.