The sky turned blood red. Clouds faded from the sky and split open. People held onto their things as the ground shook for over a minute. Adults weren’t too surprised and watched for their things and other people. It was only the young children who did not expect the world to shake.
“I thought it was opening up next week,” said one man.
“Has it been five years already,” said another.
Greg and Brad were playing in the street when the sky changed. For a few moments they were surprised before realization set in. They remembered Priest Grant’s history lessons. The barrier between their world and the Demon world was breaking down and connecting. A few runners ran by to send word to important people. The opening of the barrier would take a bit more time. Enough time for the city officials to prepare and for the populace to ready their new guests.
“We should go back.”
“Already?” asked Brad.
“Things will be a bit different this week. I don’t want to give Priest Damon any reason to trouble us while visitors are in the city.”
Brad and Greg hurried back to the orphanage, their minds racing with thoughts of the impending changes. As they entered the building, they found Priest Grant already in the midst of organizing the children for the upcoming events.
"Ah, there you are," Priest Grant said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "I was just about to send someone to fetch you. We have much to prepare for!"
The children gathered around, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Priest Grant cleared his throat and began to explain the situation.
"As you all know, the barrier between our world and the Demon world has begun to break down. This means that we will soon have visitors from the other side. It is our duty to welcome them and show them the best of our world." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "To that end, I have decided to organize a field trip to the Demon world for tomorrow. This will be a chance for us to learn more about their culture and way of life, and to foster a spirit of understanding and cooperation between our two worlds. We won’t stay overnight, but you will have plenty of time to see our sister city over the next week."
The children erupted into a buzz of excitement; their earlier fears forgotten in the face of this new adventure. Brad and Greg exchanged a glance, both wondering what the Demon world would be like. As Priest Grant began to outline the details of the trip, Brad couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had heard stories of the Demon world, of its strange and sometimes dangerous inhabitants. But he also knew that this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
Greg, on the other hand, seemed more excited than ever. He had always been fascinated by the idea of other worlds, and the chance to see one firsthand was a dream come true. As the day wore on, the orphanage was a flurry of activity as everyone prepared for the trip. Bags were packed, supplies were gathered, and last-minute instructions were given. They would leave as a group and stick together as a group. None of the children knew the city and neither did Priest Grant so they needed to make sure they didn’t get lost.
Finally, as the sun began to set, Priest Grant called the children together one last time. "Get a good night's sleep," he said, “We’ll leave in the morning.”
As the sun rose over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the city, the children of the orphanage gathered in the courtyard, their excitement palpable. Priest Grant stood at the head of the group, a smile on his face as he surveyed the eager faces before him.
"Are we all ready?" he asked, his voice carrying over the chatter of the children.
A chorus of "Yes!" rang out, and with that, they set off towards the portal that would take them to the Demon world. As they walked, the city around them seemed to come alive with activity. People hurried about their business, some casting curious glances at the group of children as they passed.
Finally, they reached the portal, a shimmering gateway that seemed to pulse with energy. Near the entrance to the portal a few demons idles and chatted. Some had already passed them as they made their way to the portal. Priest Grant stepped forward, placing his hand on the surface of the portal. It rippled beneath his touch, and then, with a flash of light, it opened, revealing a world beyond.
As the children stepped through the portal, they found themselves in a world unlike any they had ever seen. The city before them was a marvel of organic architecture, with buildings that seemed to grow out of the ground itself. The streets were lined with strange, luminescent plants that cast a soft glow over everything. The children gazed in wonder at their surroundings, their eyes wide with amazement. Even Priest Grant seemed taken aback by the beauty of the Demon world. Quickly each one in their group had entered the new world.
As they walked through the streets, they began to notice other humans joining them. It seemed that they were not the only ones curious about this strange new world. The Demons, for their part, seemed just as curious about the humans. They watched from a distance, their eyes filled with wonder and interest. Some exited the portal with destinations in mind and ran off to meet acquaintances across the realms.
The group made their way through the city, stopping to explore the various sights and sounds. They visited a park, where strange, otherworldly creatures roamed freely. They browsed through shops filled with exotic goods and trinkets, marveling at the craftsmanship of the Demon artisans.
As they walked, Brad couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Despite the beauty of the Demon world, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was not quite right. He glanced around, trying to pinpoint the source of his discomfort, but everything seemed normal.
Greg, on the other hand, was having the time of his life. He darted from one shop to another, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in all the sights and sounds of the Demon world. Priest Grant noted Brad’s discomfort.
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“What you are filling is normal. It is why the youngest children couldn’t join us today. Remember when I told you how there are differences between the worlds. Longer term it isn’t great for you. It is something you have to get used to while you visit here. Or head back if it is too much.
“I think I just wasn’t expecting it. Some parts of the city have been better. Right when I entered the city though. The difference hit differently.”
As the group continued their exploration of the Demon world, Brad tried to push aside his discomfort and focus on the incredible sights around him. The city was a marvel of organic architecture, with buildings that seemed to grow out of the ground itself, their curves and angles flowing seamlessly into one another. The streets were lined with strange, luminescent plants that cast a soft glow over everything, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that was both beautiful and unsettling.
Despite his best efforts, Brad couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him since they entered the Demon world. It was a subtle thing, a sense of wrongness that he couldn't quite put his finger on. He glanced around, trying to pinpoint the source of his discomfort, but everything seemed normal. The Demons they passed on the streets seemed friendly enough, nodding and smiling at the group as they walked by.
Despite his best efforts, Brad couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him since they entered the Demon world. It was a subtle thing, a sense of wrongness that he couldn't quite put his finger on. He glanced around, trying to pinpoint the source of his discomfort, but everything seemed normal. The Demons they passed on the streets seemed friendly enough, nodding and smiling at the group as they walked by. He looked to Greg who seemed to have adapted to the strange feeling of the new world. The other children as well had started to adapt. If they felt anything then it was only internal. Slowly the feelings faded as he focused on the new city around him.
Finally, the group arrived at their destination: the Demon orphanage. It was a large, imposing building, with walls that seemed to be made of living wood. As they approached, they could hear the sound of children's laughter coming from within.
Priest Grant stepped forward, knocking on the large, ornate door. After a moment, it swung open, revealing a tall, slender Demon with kind eyes.
"Welcome," the Demon said, bowing slightly. "We have been expecting you."
“Hello, I am a new priest to the city of Henoes overseeing the orphanage. I understand from the previous notes that you have some suggested activities for us.”
“Yes. As guests to our world, we must be good hosts. In a few days we too will schedule a field trip of our own and see your city.”
The children filed into the orphanage; their eyes wide with curiosity. Inside, they found a world not so different from their own. Children played and laughed, while caretakers watched over them with loving eyes.
As they explored the orphanage, Brad couldn't help but notice the similarities between the Demon children and themselves.
“Do you want to play a game?” asked one eager demon boy.
“Check out these flowers I brought,” said Ash.
Soon the two groups started to truly comingle. As the day wore on, the children of both worlds began to mingle, playing games and sharing stories. Brad found himself talking with a young Demon boy named Zephyr, who told him of his own adventures in the Demon world. Greg, meanwhile, had struck up a friendship with a group of Demon children, who were eager to learn more about the human world. They listened with rapt attention as he told them stories of his life at the orphanage.
“You like swords I hear,” said Zephyr to Greg.
“I’ve started learning a bit,” he responded.
“We’ve got some wooden swords in the back. Do you want to share tips?”
Greg paused considering the offer. “Sure. Let’s go!”
Greg and Zephyr made their way to the back of the orphanage, where a small training area had been set up. Wooden swords of various sizes lined the walls, and a few training dummies stood at the ready. Zephyr grabbed two swords, tossing one to Greg with a grin.
"Let's see what you've got," he said, taking a fighting stance.
Greg gripped the sword tightly, feeling the weight of it in his hand. He had only just begun his training back home, but he was eager to learn from someone with more experience. They circled each other for a moment, sizing each other up. Suddenly, Zephyr lunged forward, his sword flashing in the light. Greg barely had time to react, bringing his own sword up to block the blow. The two swords clashed together with a loud crack, and Greg felt the vibrations running up his arm.
They traded blows back and forth, their swords moving in a blur of motion. It was clear that Zephyr was the more experienced fighter, his movements fluid and precise. But Greg held his own, his determination and quick reflexes keeping him in the fight.
As they fought, Brad watched from the sidelines, his eyes wide with amazement. He had never seen Greg fight like this before, with such focus and intensity. It was clear that he had found something he was truly passionate about. Against Jack, Greg had gotten used to similar moves, but Zephyr’s style was something else.
The fight went on for several minutes, neither boy willing to give an inch. Sweat poured down their faces as they danced around each other, their swords clashing again and again. Finally, with a quick flick of his wrist, Zephyr disarmed Greg, sending his sword clattering to the ground.
"Not bad," Zephyr said, lowering his sword and grinning at Greg. "You've got potential."
Greg rubbed his wrist, wincing slightly at the sting of the impact. But he couldn't help but smile back at Zephyr, feeling a sense of accomplishment despite the loss.
"Thanks," he said. "I've still got a lot to learn."
Zephyr nodded, handing Greg back his sword. "Keep practicing," he said. "And maybe next time, you'll be the one disarming me next time our world’s meet."
Greg laughed, taking the sword, and giving Zephyr a playful salute. "I'll do my best," he said.
As they made their way back to the others, Brad fell into step beside Greg, clapping him on the shoulder.
"That was amazing," he said. "I had no idea you could fight like that. How much practice with Jack have I been missing?"
“Only a little bit. You should join in the practice with Jack some time.”
Brad nodded, “Perhaps some time.”
As the day wore on, the children continued to explore the Demon orphanage, learning more about their new friends and their way of life. They played games, shared stories, and even tried some of the strange and exotic foods that the Demons offered them. Throughout it all, Brad couldn't help but notice the way that Greg and Zephyr seemed to gravitate towards each other. They were constantly talking and laughing, their earlier sword fight having forged a bond between them.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the Demon world, Priest Grant gathered the children together once more.
"It's time to head back," he said, a hint of regret in his voice. "But we'll be back again soon, and I'm sure our new friends will be eager to visit us in our world as well."
The children said their goodbyes, exchanging hugs and promises to stay in touch. Greg and Zephyr clasped hands, grinning at each other.
"Keep practicing," Zephyr said. "And maybe next time, we can have a rematch."
Greg nodded, his eyes shining with excitement. "I'll be ready," he said. “See you tomorrow.”
Back in their own world, the children chattered excitedly about their adventures, reliving every moment of their incredible day. Priest Grant listened with a smile, proud of the way they had embraced this new experience with open hearts and minds. As they settled in for the night, Brad lay awake, his mind racing with thoughts of the Demon world and all that they had seen and done there.
Beside him, Greg slept soundly, a small smile on his face as he dreamed of sword fights and a new friend.