Originally uploaded Dec 17, 2022

Art Pov

Sluggishly my eyelids opened. "Uhhhhh..." I groaned. My entire body was sore and it felt as if my eyelids were glued shut. I could taste a sharp metallic fluid in my mouth.

My eyes eventually adjusted and I was met with a clear blue sky edged by some trees.

All of my movements seemed slow. As if my body was made of solid stone. I attempted to use my arms to prop myself up but awkwardly fumbled and fell straight on my back.

"Oof.... heh." Reminds me of when I first awake in the Relictombs with my body broken and core shattered. Wait a minute my arms-

Turning my head which felt as if I was breaking it I stare down at my body. "What?!" I couldn't help but blurt out. Bringing my hands in front of my eyes I just stare at them as I move my fingers.

It would appear my body as reverted back to that of a young child. And judging by my location and the dead bandit next to me. Hmmm seems like this is the moment before I met Sylvia.

The idea of meeting Sylvia alive again filled me with determination as I willed my body to move.

'Well at the very least I kept my draconic body and aether core. That would have been a hassle to recreate.' I sighed in relieve. Though the development of both seems to have been reverted for now. Better than starting at square one I suppose.

Feeling around in my core I check for Regis' presence.

'Good, he is still there. He just seems to be in a deep hibernation state for now.'

Utilizing aether to aid my movements I stand up. 'God, I forgot how tough it was to be in a under developed body.' I cursed in my head as I stretched my body.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

For now I collected necessary supplies from the bandit's corpse when suddenly an familiar voice rang in my head.

"Oh, you're awake? How is your body?"

I couldn't help the sudden swelling of emotions. I thought I had lost my ability to feel strong emotions after spending so many years in that desolate waste land. Thankfully I was wrong. For now, let's act according to the script.

"Who are you? Are you the one that saved me?" I asked to Sylvia

"Yes, to your second question. As for the first, you'll find out once you find me at my dwelling."

"You seem certain that I'll even try to find you, let alone succeed."

"Well I am the only one that will be able to get you home."

"Well that doesn't leave me with much options does it?"

"I suppose not."

"Very well lead the way disembodied voice in my head!" with my attempt at a joke Sylvia playfully chuckled

"Kuku quiet an interesting child aren't you. Very well. I'll show you."

The sensation wasn't anymore pleasant the second time. It felt as though a foreign object or entity was forcing its way into my brain as it showed my hazy images of the forest and a cave.

"I recommend that you depart as soon as possible. It will be safer while it's still light out."

After what felt like several long days, mostly because I lacked the need for sleep. I finally arrived outside Sylvia's cave.

"I'm glad you were able to make it here safely. You will find me within the crevice."

Following her instructions I slip in through the narrow passage in the outside walls of the cave. Loosing my footing I plummet two stories down. Landing hard on the cave grounds.

"Watch your ste-.... guess I was too late." Sylvia chuckled.

'Curse this child body.' I said in my head as I patted the dust and dirt off myself.

"We finally meet, child." Sylvia in her Vritra disguise said sitting atop a mound of rocks.

I tried to pull of the most convincing startled/scared face I could muster. But all I could feel was overwhelming happiness in seeing Grandma Sylvia again.

"Oh, you are not reacting in a way I would have expected." She noted as she stood up from her stone chair and began to approach me.

"Well if you intended to kill me I suppose I would be dead already." I said back to her as she bent down to inspect me.

"Quiet a smart one aren't you?" Sylvia said with a smile which would have been sweet if not for her Vritra humanoid form.

"It will take some time for me to open a dimensional rift strong enough to transport you back home."

It might have been foolish of me to not say anything. To not reveal everything I had gone through, of what will come to pass. But I was feeling selfish. I just wanted to enjoy this time I had with her. Just this once, I can indulge myself right?