“Are we there yet!”

“No! Shut your trap longlegs. It’s hard enough for me to keep up as it is.”

“But we’ve been walking for hours and I’m still tired from yesterday!”

“You think we had it easy! We all were busy and we’re all walking.”

“Briana and Rachel aren’t”

“Like I’ve said, Briana’s legs are shorter than mine and it’s Rachel’s wagon.”

“It’s still not fair!”

Elizabeth and Teage were arguing as they walked in front of us through Teage was having to jog to keep up. I looked behind us to see Matt and Remus talking about something while Lennie, John, and Raven kept watch while joking behind us.

So far we had been lucky and hadn’t encountered any bandits. There was an odd man wandering alone on the plains though. He said he was a traveling adventure heading to a nearby town. We wished him luck and we continued walking. He felt off though. I couldn’t tell what though.

It was about time to make camp for the night. I was exhausted from everything that had happened. I awakened to some new power from the spirits in that tomb, I had killed all those people who had simply been in the wrong place. Plus there was the, for lack of a better term, earthlings hiding out in the burial grounds as well.

It was a lot to take in. Surprisingly I wanted to escape back to reality of all things now.

“Brenner, have you logged out lately? You were on when I logged out and in.”

“No, I’m doing an experiment with my sister she has me hooked up to some scanners and wanted me to play for 24 hours.”

“That sounds tiring. How are you even still awake? You must be exhausted from all this! Especially after what just went down.”

I closed my eyes for a minute and rested, but I’m used to it I’m fine.”

“How did you grow another tail? I was in a hurry so I didn’t ask earlier.”

“Some kind of power I received from the spirits in the burial grounds. They also gave me this nifty sword.”

I tugged at the sword that I had strapped to my back. It was too long to go around my waist and sometimes dragged along the ground. So Teage made a strap for me.

“Though this curse still confuses me. I’ve tried to keep myself busy so I really haven’t had much time to really investigate it. I’m still being surprised.”

My tails moved absentmindedly behind me as a sat quietly. Rachel seemed mesmerized by my tails.

“So how does it work? The two tails. I’ve seen others with tails but never someone with two. Is it like having two extra arms?”

“I guess so. It’s more like finding a missing limb. It feels like I’ve missed it all my life and finally found it. Kind of like a missing phantom limb I never knew of.”

I tried controlling them and they swirled on command. Spinning them in a circle behind me.

“I’m kind of envious. It seems quite interesting.I choose to choose to play as a human because I didn’t want to worry about anything weird like choosing another race. Guess I played it too safe choosing to be human.”

“Better than dealing with all the other things another race brings.”

“Like extra tails?”

“Among other things. There are pros and cons to every choice.”

“So what are your cons? You make it sound like you are having some.”

“Growing an extra tail definitely isn’t pleasant for one. Another jarring thing is having ears on your head. It makes locating sound easier but it’s weird having ears that move more.”

“Like this?”

Rachel then scratched my ears to my unexpected enjoyment.

“It seems like it also changes other things as well.”

I quickly brush her hands away and shy away in embarrassment.

“AW! SO CUTE!”

She then hugged up on me rubbing herself against my fur. I struggled against her assault and failed to struggle myself away.

“Rachel get off me!”

“Come on Brenner. Let me enjoy this. It isn’t every day I get to pet such soft fur.”

“Don’t you have your own dog?”

“But he isn’t as cute as you Brenner, and his fur has a different texture. You know how it is.”

“That still doesn’t give you the right to cuddle assault me.”

Lennie caught up with the cart as we were drifting due to Rachel’s negligence.

“Rachel! Get off Briana and keep the cart straight. You can mess around later, but I want to get to the city by lunch if possible.”

“Fine I’ll keep my hands to myself till then.”

She retracted her hands off me and back to the reigns.

I sat back in my seat relieved I’d escaped another cuddling. Thanks Lennie, I owe you one. Though he was probably just jealous thinking back on what happened before we started this trip. This body was more trouble than it was worth.

Time passed quickly as we settled into a nice pace. I found myself mesmerized by the flowing grass that moved lively in the wind. Watching the chaotic dance as the sun flew overhead kept me quite entertained.

As the sun dipped overhead we crossed over another hill to reveal a large city in front of us. It was still alive with activity with people busily making their way about.

“We made it! Let’s try to find a nice inn. We’ll sell our findings tomorrow. I’ll contact some of the girls and see if they can find us a buyer.”

“Not sure how well they’ll sell to be honest they sure are cool, but there isn’t a way to create more bullets.”

“That can be fixed with some magic I bet. That won’t matter though. People will pay a premium for a gun in here even if only for intimidation. Most people will believe they will be loaded and that’s what will matter in a fight.”

“Not sure how I feel about this arms deal. You sure these won’t be used by the wrong people?”

“That won’t matter. There aren’t any arms regulations and people will pay a lot of money for them. It’s also a limited quantity so it’s not like we can arm a whole army. So don’t worry about it so much. Just think about what you’re going to spend the gold on. I’m going to buy myself a new staff. I’ll get the best wood on the market and enchant the heck out of it.”

“I’m guessing that’ll be expensive though. Make sure you save at least some money for other things.”

“Stop worrying so much Brenner. Have a little fun and let go. This isn’t the real world and you can do whatever you want. So let’s have a huge party tonight. No rules against alcohol in here either so we’ll be able to drink the night away!”

“I don’t think they’ll sell alcohol to a minor Rachel.”

“You aren’t a minor just a small girl. Don't worry so much.”

After being inspected by the city guards we wandered the streets before settling in a nice hotel Lennie recommended. It wasn’t really a hotel. It was more of a fancy tent area with better amenities. After parking our cart we went to the attendant to rent out our tents.

I grabbed my bag and jumped down to stretch my sore limbs as we approached the attendant. The attendant looked us over before widening her eyes in surprise. She walked out from behind her table and stood in front of us before bowing her head.

“Hello divine one! This establishment is blessed by your presence. How may this humble servant serve you today.”

Right the whole god thing. I was going to be the center of attention no matter what I did here.

“Could we rent enough space for the nine of us. We are exhausted from our travels.”

“Of course I’ll get your rooms ready just give me a minute.”

She then went off to prepare our rooms. John then walked up to me with a smug look on his face.

“Oh divine one, what luxuries will you offer to your most loyal servants.”

I hit him in the gut and he hunches over in pain.

“I’m not a divine you idiot. We’ll go along with it, but don’t encourage it.”

“Why not Brenner? We can use this to our advantage. Why not enjoy your influence some.”

Rachel had a scheming smile to her face. I bet she was going to take me on a shopping tour later.

“We should go shopping and see what we can find for you. Your dress is getting a little small isn’t it?”

I looked at myself and realized Elizabeth was right. The dress was a little tighter and smaller on me due to my growth from my second tail. I should get another bigger dress for when I grow my third tail. Also having more than one set of clothes is a good idea.

The woman came back with another person behind her.

“I’m sorry for the wait divine. Follow me, I’ll show you to your tents. My assistant here will help carry your bags for you.”

The assistant grabbed my bag from me before I could protest and they led us to a collection of three tents.

“The tents house three people per tent and should accommodate your needs divine. If you require anything else let me know.”

After they left we looked inside the tents to find three cots lined with fur in all three tents. I jumped on one and rubbed myself against the furs. They were so soft I felt myself being absorbed by them as I lay in bliss.

I felt someone pick me up and looked to see Matt with a stern look on his face.

“At least clean yourself first. Your filthy Briana it’s ruining the furs.”

“Fine, I’ll stop, anyways do you know why she was calling me divine? In the last place, they called me princess.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“My guess is that it has to do with your second tale. Maybe it’s seen as a sign of maturity to them.”

“There are too many things I still don’t understand!”

I flop back on the bed and roll around some more before Matt picks me up and throws me off the bed. Elizabeth then enters the tent to see the scene. Picking me up off the ground before chewing Matt out.

“Why are you throwing Briana around Matt! What did she do?”

“She was getting the beds dirty. She needs to get clean first.”

“That’s not a reason to go throwing her around come on Briana let's get out of her we’re going to go on a shopping spree tonight! Rachel gave us some money to buy some new clothes.”

Elizabeth then dragged me out before I could answer her. Rachel was waiting for us as we exited the tent.

“Let’s go clothes shopping! This’ll be fun to see what we can find for you.”

We left the hotel after storing away our weapons. We wouldn’t need them in the city and I didn’t want to lug around that heavy sword all day. This was going to be a long enough day as it is.

“But first let’s get some lunch. I told Lennie we’d meet him for dinner at a place he recommended So that means we have the afternoon to ourselves ladies.”

Why was she so accepting of this.

“You do realize I’m a guy Rachel?”

“Not in here and since you look so cute! I’ve got to help you look your best.”

Elizabeth seemed on board as well as she looked at me.

“Come on it’ll be a fun new experience for you. Besides she’s paying so why not?”

“Because I feel like I’m going to pay in some fashion at the end of this.”

“Stop worrying so much Brenner. Come on, I’ll buy you some lunch before we start shopping.”

We then made our way to the market square where people had stalls scattered about. The smell of food and spices permeated the air as we browsed at all the market had to offer. We ended up buying some meat skewers that made you salivate from just seeing them. Rachel paid the owner after we begged her to buy them for us.

The owner gave us an extra on the house after seeing me thanking us for our patronage and blessing. I felt it was unwarranted but everywhere I looked I saw people staring at us like a rare find. With people approaching us asking for my blessing from time to time.

My soul defenses were straining as I felt all their voices seem to gravitate towards me. I was having to spend more and more effort to protect myself.

Elizabeth seemed to notice and picked me putting me on her shoulder.

“Let’s go to somewhere less crowded Rachel. I don’t think Briana is doing well.”

“It is hard to find what I want to with all these people. I didn’t think Briana would attract this much attention.”

We then left the square following Rachel. We cut through some side alleys losing the crowd behind us. I didn’t pay much attention though as I calmed and fixed my soul defenses. It was still was going to take some time before I could walk in front of a crowd that big again.

Elizabeth looked at me concerned as I finally fixed it.

“You feeling better Briana?”

“Yeah, it was just more than I was used to.”

“You have a problem with crowds? I don’t remember you having a problem before.”

“New condition. It has something to do with the curse as well.”

“That’s annoying. Well, for now, let’s go to this tailor I know of. She might have something that will help you avoid attention.”

We then walked around till we were on the outskirts there we made our way into a tent with the sign of a bolt of thread laying by the entrance. We made our way inside where a woman was knitting on a stool. There were bolts of fabric laying around her. But I couldn't see her face well as she wore a veil.

“Hello Fir, how are you doing?”

The woman looked up looking us over. It I could swear I felt multiple eyes sweep over me. But was was weird was she never stopped knitting.

“Business is slow as usual. So why have you brought a draconian and a divine? You do know I’m not cheap.”

“My friends Brenner and Elizabeth needs some new clothes and I happen to have found a good haul. So we’re celebrating with some new clothes. I couldn’t think of anyone else who could get an order ready fast enough. Also with the people she attracts your clothes could do her some good.”

“Then close the flap and wait outside. I’ll tell you when I’m done.”

“You guys have fun now! I’ll be outside if you need me.”

Something felt off about this. This woman had something to her that naturally made me nervous around her.

“Hey Rachel, who is she?”

“Oh Fir? She is a tailor. Though she’s expensive, her clothes are the best around.”

Elizabeth had a concerned look on her face. I don’t think either of us felt sure about this woman. She seemed to give off this weird vibe.

“Now have fun you two I’ll be outside.”

She then left and closed the tent behind her before we could say anything else.

“Now that she has left. Let us begin.”

Fir stopped knitting and stood up. Then eight spider like appendages sprang out from her back and she removed her veil to reveal her eight eyes.

Neither Elizabeth nor I knew what to do or say. I was surprised more than anything else.

“Alright let’s get rid of these cheap rags.”

Before we could do anything she had cut all our clothes and removed them with her appendages. Piling the cut remaining into a corner.

I then felt a small prick across the back of my neck and I froze up. I couldn’t move or speak as she quickly measured us while cutting and sewing fabric all at the same time with her appendages each working almost independently from the other.

Before I knew it I was clothed again and I felt another prick on the back of my neck. I slowly regained control of my limbs. I looked at myself to find I was wearing a shirt and skirt that went to my knees. I also had a brown poncho that had a hood that would conceal me from the crowds.

“What the hell!”

I turned to see Elizabeth who was wearing a shirt as well and some short shorts. She didn’t seem very happy.

“What’s the matter? Are the clothes not to your taste?”

“What the hell did you do to us!”

“I made your clothes, you’re wearing them.”

“I meant why couldn’t we move and why did you strip us!”

“I don’t see the problem we’re all women right? Your clothes were in the way and I wanted to start with a blank canvas.”

The tent flap opened and Rachel stepped in ignoring Elizabeth who fumed in anger.

“So do you like your new clothes girls?”

Elizabeth turned to Rachel she seemed conflicted.

“I like the clothes, but her! She’s a pervert!”

She was taking this too far. True I would have liked some forewarning, but it wasn’t that bad.

“Give her a break Elizabeth. Do you like the clothes? That’s what we came for.”

“I do, but she took things way too far!”

Rachel had a sly grin on her face. She was getting a kick out of this.

“Sorry I didn’t tell you. But she is the best seamstress around. She just prefers to keep to herself. Her species isn’t really popular around here.”

Fir didn’t seem to care and took for what it was. She sat back down and returned to her knitting.

“Can’t change their opinion. But it does allow me to have a more selective clientele. The jobs and people are also interesting so I’m never bored.”

“Her clothes are the best around. Though her approach is surprising at first. It caught me off guard as well. Though the quality is definitely worth it. So how much?”

“The usual rate. Though I’ll give you a small discount due to you bringing a divine. So I’ll make it only nine gold coins.”

“You drive a hard bargain.”

She took out nine gold coins and deposited them in a small jar at the entrance. We then made our way outside as Fir continued her knitting. We then made our back to the hotel. With my new poncho, I didn’t draw any more attention and we were able to window shop at the stalls we crossed on our way back.

Elizabeth liked her new clothes as well. Prancing about with a skip in her step. I think she failed to recognize the attention she was garnering though.

Rachel was laughing at Elizabeth as we walked together down the street.

“Thanks for getting us these clothes Rachel. You didn’t have to go that far. Especially since I’m probably going to outgrow these pretty quick.”

“Well, we can’t have you going around in those old drags. Besides it's always a worthy investment to look your best. It’s a good little secret between us girls you should take to heart.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right.”

I felt a ‘killing intent’ towards me. I hated saying that but I didn’t know how else to describe it.

I looked around but didn’t see anything.

“Is something wrong Brenner?”

“I don’t know maybe it’s just ‘THUNK’“

I feel something piece my chest and look down to see an arrow embedded in my abdomen. I then cough up blood as my brain finally caught up with what just happened. I then fall down as the pain grows with each passing second.

“BRENNER!”

I felt the killing intent disappear. But that still didn’t help me since I had an arrow through my chest. Elizabeth was clutching her chest as well. The shared pain being too much as she fell to the ground.

Rachel held me in her arms as she cut the shaft off the arrow with wind magic before she shoved the arrow out my back. I groaned in pain at her action and squirmed in pain. My shirt then contracted and applied pressure to the wound. I look down to the shirt and poncho mending themselves.

I was probably suffering from internal bleeding and who knows what else. But it would do for now. Now I just had to get Elizabeth to help me, but before I could call out.

‘Force logout has been initiated.’

Guess that means time is up. I was blinded by light as I felt my body disappear. Next thing I knew was I was back in my seat in my sister’s lab.

But the pain still didn’t go away and I was struck with a phantom injury. I knew my mind must have been tricking me but I couldn’t think past that. I groaned in pain as my sister ran towards me.

“Sorry about that, you already passed the twenty-four hour mark. So I pulled you out, but are you okay? What’s wrong?”

She looked me over trying to see what was wrong.

“I’m fine you just pulled me out at a bad time.”

“What happened was it a battle or where you dungeon crawling?”

“I was shot on the street by an assassin I think. All I know was it wasn’t pleasant.”

“Well, it should wear off in a minute. Right now we need to take care of your bodily needs. I’ll be right back with a pizza. Meat supreme you favorite.”

She then left the room opening her wallet. I stood up and hobbled to the computer she was using. Taking a seat I looked at all the charts and graphs of all the data she had collected. I couldn’t make heads or tails of what I was seeing. Though they did seem abnormal at times so it must have been detecting something. What though I couldn’t tell.

‘So who wanted you killed lass?’

“I don’t know, but we’ll worry about that later. Right now we need to see what she gathered while we were out. You understand any of this Matt?”

‘No, I can’t make heads or tails of it. Though she didn’t act like anything was out of the ordinary.’

‘Weren’t we the first one though? If that’s the case we’ll definitely stand out from the other test subjects.’

‘Stop worrying John we can’t do anything about it. Besides, I don’t think I’m the only one here who believes we are on a time limit. It was only a matter of time.’

“She’s right as much as I hate to admit it. There are probably people looking for us. Especially if there were people from this side exploring that side.”

‘Your right lass, but what do you intend to do? You’re having a hard enough time just dealing with your own changes. If we get caught right now I don’t think we’ll stand a chance,’

“We’ll just have to keep playing the game.”

I hopple back to my chair and sit back down the pain slowly fades and my body slowly relaxes.

“We learn what we can there and then I use that knowledge here.”

I try to create an illusion of a sphere in the palm of my hand. But the second I try my body cramps up and I fall off my chair and start seizing. My body feels like it’s tearing itself apart and I have to concentrate on gathering all back into my soul.

I dry heave on the floor as I regain control. My sister walks in seeing me like this and puts the pizza down before walking towards me.

“What’s wrong? Did the pain come back or something?”

“I’m fine Sophia just give me a minute I was just moving around too much. I should have taken it easier.”

She sets me back in the chair before handing me some pizza.

“You’ve got to take it easy. Playing a full day straight playing regular games is bad enough. Full dive stuff still hasn’t been fully studied yet. There are the safety warnings that the company released, but they haven’t released their studies. So I decided to do my own tests.”

She then poured me a cup of water as I wolfed down the pizza in front of me.

“Make sure to chew that. You don’t have to swallow it whole.”

“Stop worrying so much, I’m fine. So what did your data show?”

“It looked promising. Though since you were my first subject I don’t really have anything to base it off of. Though there were some weird reading and a few mental spikes.”

“That bad?”

“No, it was all within standard parameters.”

“What parameters?”

She hands me the cup of water and sits down at her computer to start some note taking I guessed.

“Standard REM stuff. I don’t really have much to base this on yet so it was the only thing I could think of.”

I gulp down the water and continue to eat the pizza. But what worried me was my try at magic. It failed, but it did start. Why though? Maybe Matt knows.

‘Matt do you know what happened just now.’

‘Could it be that your body can’t handle mana?’

‘But the lass used it before right? It’s how she is protecting her soul.’

‘He Teage it’s he. I’m a guy right now.’

‘I don’t care lass. I can’t keep up with your pronoun crap.’

‘He’s right though. Maybe your body here can only handle soul magic and not mana.’

Is there even a difference? I didn’t feel it when I was using it earlier.

“Let’s just calm down for now guys. We have time. We might have limited time, but we do have time to explore it. Right now let’s just relax for a bit. Work and rest are needed equally.”

‘That’s true Elizabeth but we don’t know how much time we have. Only that we have limited time.’

‘Well Matt we might not know how much time we have but all I know is that I really do want to get some actual sleep for once.’

I finish the last slice of pizza and lean back in my chair and before I knew it I was already out.