Alex was floating. He was unsure how or why, but he found himself floating in the night sky above the ocean. At least he assumed it was the ocean. Nor would it surprise him either way. After all, normal was overrated at this point.

He took a moment to look around, finding that he had some degree of control over his movements. Above him, he could see two moonlike structures, one similar to Earth and another much larger world. While part of it seemed familiar, he couldn’t place it.

{ATMo∑: That is Rationa Mundi}

An unfamiliar voice answered one of the questions running through Alex’s mind. Who was that? What was going on? More importantly, where was he?

{ATMo∑: Easy there, one at a time Alex, I’m not here to hurt you}

“Ok, Then the first question, Where am I?” Alex asked, annoyed.

{ATMo∑: Inside you, well within your soulscape to be honest.}

“That raises more questions, but still strangely tracks. Got it. Next question, Who are you?” Alex continued the little Q and A session.

{ATMo∑: complicated, but I am not your enemy.}

Alex sighed, that definitely tracks… “Ok, I'm already going to guess that what you are is out of bounds as well. You can read my thoughts, is this place how I am guessing.” Alex asked trying to find out more information about where he was.

{ATMo∑: Yes, to the first question, and not quite to the second.}

Darn, he thought. Now a little more confused. “Can you elaborate?” He asked before adding a stipulation to the request. “Can you elaborate, without the back-and-forth debating ability and desire?

{ATMo∑: You’re no fun, Alex. Yes, I can explain, but I am not able to in this format. It takes too much energy to speak to you in this manner currently. Speak with Libra and mention that an Admin has approved. Be warned I only have enough energy to allow one more question.}

The voice gave a valid answer and a good reason not to answer the other part. He could work with that. Ok, he only had one question left to ask, how was he going to ask this? Think, Alex. You love puzzles. Think of the solution, don’t focus on the problem.

“What is the answer to the question I should be asking oh great disembodied voice?” Alex asked grasping at straws.

{ATMo∑: Cute Alex, I’ll allow it since it is technically asking a question. You should be asking why your weapon kept taking over your body, with the answer being, ask her yourself. She's here with us after all.}

{ATMo∑: Farewell Alex, keep up the good work with the Village. }

With that, the voice was gone. Alex put another pin in the ‘questions for later’ folder, and he had to admit it to himself. This folder was getting thick. So the will of the Riposte was inside his noggin as well.

..ep…beep…beep…

“Should have guessed that outcome.” He mused, knowing dreams never finish the way you want them, but considering how vivid the detail was here, he might have been inside his soul. After all, he was in a world of magic.

[Good Morning Today’s Date is 1st Winter 6, The time is 0600, and the Weather forecast calls for continued Snowfall.]

[Credits Deposited: 1600]

Alex felt heavy in his bed. At least he assumed he was in his bed, considering he passed out, while outside. Still, he shouldn't feel heavy. A thought popped into his head loud and clear.

“Oh no, don’t tell me,” Alex whispered looking down to see Evelyn and Melody asleep on either side of him. “How am I supposed to deny anything when they make things this obvious?”

Alex realized how the two felt about him, he was relatively certain that everyone knew about this. What makes things worse is that he cared a great deal for them as well, and as much as he wanted to complain about avoiding all of the red flags that could put his life in danger according to common sense. He had to admit, seeing those two sleeping peacefully warmed his heart.

He will let them have this moment for now, he still needed time before he felt he was ready to let anyone into his heart again. Hopefully, they will understand until then.

“Girls, I need to get up…” Alex tried to explain before a small green hand thwacked his face like an alarm clock. Looks like he was sleeping in today.

“So why were the two of you in my bed with me?” Alex asked, sitting in his desk chair as the two girls sat on his bed, their heads down in embarrassment.

“After everything that happened last night we were worried about you, and didn't want to leave you here alone,” Eve explained.

“You are also like, super heavy.” Melody added with a smile, “So we kind of passed out before, teehee.”

“Tee Hee?” Evelyn questioned, as she turned to Melody. “You’re the one who passed out stating, ‘Oh I'm so tired after carrying him up here,’ and crawled into his bed with a big smile on your face. I had to stay here longer just to make sure you behaved, before waking up already in the bed…”

“We’re sorry, Alex.” the two girls apologized in unison. Both sank their heads lower at the situation.

“Girls it's ok, a lot happened yesterday. You don’t need to apologize.” Alex said trying to convey his actual feelings. “Look, I guess this is… Sorry, I’m not very good at this.”

Alex took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He was afraid. “Before I died, and was sent to this world. I was never really good at any relationships. Especially after my wife passed away.” He finally admitted a tear forming in his eye. “Look, before you say anything. It was a long time ago when I was a lot younger. Which brings me to my other issue.”

Melody and Evelyn looked at him with expecting eyes. Adamant to see this through, Alex met their gaze before turning away. “Look I may only look like I'm in my twenties but, I'm actually around 40 from my old world. I’m sorry” he said bowing his head.

Melody and Evelyn started laughing hysterically, Melody nearly fell off of the bed. Alex sat in the room completely stunned at the chaos of the two girls losing their minds to their laughter. What was so funny to them?

“Um, what’s so funny?” Alex asked a little irritated that he just put nearly everything on the table.

“Alex, you do realize I am nearing one hundred and sixty,” Evelyn said flatly to the young farmer. “I realize forty may be a bit older for humans in this world, but your age is a drop in a hat compared to an elf's lifespan.”

“Um, yeah. I do not want to burst your bubble or anything, but I’m like totally past two hundred sweetie.” Melody chimed in, staring into Alex’s eyes. “Eve’s got a point, it doesn’t matter if you were twenty of two hundred. We care about you, ya big goof.”

They both reached out taking a hand in theirs, a warm smile shared by each. “Look, Alex, we’re not going to force you into anything. Just know we have both agreed that whenever you are finally ready, we are here for you.” Eve said, placing her other hand on his cheek.

“You guys, thank you.” Alex finally said. Leaning into Eve’s hand, before pulling them into a warm embrace. “I promise not to have you wait too much longer.”

With that, he stood up from his chair and walked towards his window. The morning sun would already be clear of the forest canopy, if not for the powerful outbreak of snow in its quest to create a world of pristine white. The system called for snow, but this was near blizzard conditions. Looks like he was going to work inside today.

“I guess I can try to figure out that book again, I guess I will go ahead and change into something a little more comfortable,” Alex said as he started taking off his shirt before remembering something very important.

Turning around he remembered he was not alone in his room. Still sitting on his bed were Eve and Melody, just as they were just moments ago. Eve looked like she was about to start laughing again, while Melody had a certain drooling smile he recognized all too well.

“Umm, do you ladies mind?”Alex asked.

“Not at all,” Melody chimed in, not taking the hint.

Eve smiled and shook her head at the gobliness, “I’ve got her Alex,” she said before getting out of bed picking Melody up, and carrying her out of the room.

Melody started fidgeting and fighting to get free of the elf’s grip. “NO! Put me down, I wanna see, I wanna see!” she whined before Eve carried her out of the bedroom and down the hall. “Evelyn, you’re no fun at all…”

Finally alone in his room again. Alex let out a sigh of relief. He cared about them, but it would still be a while before he was used to not being alone. He enjoyed his moment of silence while changing into his Farmers outfit, considering he was still in his tunic from his trip to the store. While he liked the outfit, he felt comfortable in the flannel and overalls the farmer class provided.

“Ok, before I go eat, I should take a quick moment to talk to Libra. After all, I need to figure out what in the world a Soulspace is.” Alex mused to himself, opening the book at his desk to the normal page, only to find it blank.

“Libra, you available?” Alex asked a little confused

The pages remained blank. This was strange. While he was not expecting the goddess Libra to be at his beck and call, she was still usually quite punctual with her responses. Hopefully, she was ok. Alex decided to leave a message for her to respond to later. So neither would forget about it.

* Libra, hope all is well. Wanted to ask you a few questions about something about Soulspace.

* Be Safe ~Alex.

“Well, with that I guess it's time for breakfast,” Alex said heading to the door.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

At least that was the plan. Halfway down the stairs, he could hear the sounds of yelling between Melody and someone else. Turning the corner into the kitchen, Alex was met face-first with the base of a stockpot. Though he couldn’t remember much after that.

Beep… Beep... beep…

An EKG in this world?

Alex woke up to the familiar sound of a hospital room, the rhythmic beeps of his heartbeat, the dull fuzz of the room fan, the drip of an IV. What was going on? Alex moved to get up and found himself in a rather standard-looking hospital room.

“Hello? Anyone there?” Alex called out in the lonely room. He didn't see anyone, not even in the hallway.

The room remained silent and still…

“Hey! I know someone has got to be out there. Come on out already!” Alex called out once more, feeling irritated as he did. “Look I'm not going to go through with the whole bit, can we please skip to the part where you magically show up so we have more time to talk about whatever possibly cryptic information you have for me?”

“Has anyone told you that you are no fun?” A voice called out, as the chair beside his bed shifted towards him.

Moments later the silhouette of a woman hazily came into being, as her features sharpened into focus he found the woman to be quite attractive. She wore a long black asymmetrical dress, that seemed to fit a little too well and was adorned with silver and diamond jewelry of all types. Her scarlet red lipstick, veiled hat, and lace gloves gave her all the traits of a noir film fem Fatalle, and Alex was already hearing every warning bell go off against this woman.

“A question before we continue this dialogue?”Alex asked. “Is your appearance by choice or something else?

The woman laughed. “Oh a bit of several things really, dear.” She answered, “I felt my personality and choice of style matched the attire. After all not much else to do in your head except browse your memories when I'm constantly trapped in there.” She gave Alex a long hard stare after the last part.

“You’re the Riposte aren't you?” Alex asked bluntly.

“Uhgg, I hate that dreaded name. I don't know why Phaestus changed the system registry to that awful name. Gentleman’s Riposte, I know for a fact ‘he’ doesn’t like it.” The woman spat out in disgust.

“I'm sorry, may I ask your name then?” Alex asked trying to change the subject a little.

“Of course dear, I am the autonomous system assistant,(N)y/𝓍. Please call me Nyx, I used to be the primary interface with your staff, or at least its real name _____…”Nyx tried to say. “Well, that’s weird, that name was completely banned. Ok, basic easy to explain, Phaestus changed a lot of what the staff does. It used to be a very powerful tool that the God of Stories once held. I kept the various systems at bay. However, I can’t say I can do much right now since someone set off a command override. I know for a fact, he is pissed off right now.”

“Wait you keep saying he. Are you not referring to Flint?” Alex asked trying to keep his bearing on the info dump Nyx was giving him. He was becoming a little overwhelmed, and the cold reminder of the hospital room felt like a knife getting twisted in his heart. The man was barely coming to terms with his new life as it was, he didn’t need reminders from his previous one.

Nyx seemed to pick up on Alex’s growing annoyance and gave him a soft smile. “I think before I answer that question I should say something first.” She said to Alex her voice a bit more gentle. “I know you don't like being in this room, but keeping you hesitant and on edge helps keep you from entering a state of contentment which is very dangerous in this portion of your mind.”

Alex nodded in agreement to Nyx’s explanation, it made sense that she would want him to feel on edge about where he was. I made him seek more questions, and if he was in his dreamscape again, then he needed to stay focused. He gestured for the woman to continue.

“I won’t give you his actual name because it is not mine to give, but you know him as the hunter. He was originally designed to be a combat movement assistant that worked in tandem with the system.” Nyx explained. “When the original owner of the staff disappeared, and Phaestus changed everything, his parameters changed and he became a fully automated system.”

The room started shaking as Nyx was finishing her explanation. “Looks like our chat is finished, love.” She chimed a small look of disappointment on her face. “If you ever learn to speak in the true tongue, please call me, it’s been so long since I’ve been outside. Till then take care. Know that I’m really not your enemy and only tried to protect you.”

Alex noticed a small tear fall from the woman, though she tried to hide it. “Don’t worry. I’m not sure why, but I kind of believe you.” Alex tried assuring her. “Take care Nyx.”

The pale woman smiled at him as the room continued shaking more aggressively, becoming darker and out of focus. Like the world around him was a box being pulled away and the vast ocean of nothing absorbed all sound, warmth, and life.

Before he knew it, Alex was awake once more. Once again inside a hospital room, kind of… It looked more like a lab-clinic hybrid. Where was he? Looking around more, he spotted various tools, glowing machines, strange apparatuses, and many other weird, techno-fantasy things he remembered seeing in various video games.

It wasn’t until he found the window of the Snow Laden view of the lakeside, that Alex realized he was inside his house. Where in his house was unclear but, he was in his home.

“Hello?” Alex called out from the medical bed. “Anyone around?”

A door opened up revealing his living room, a girl with long pink hair wearing a lab coat walked in followed by Eve and Melody, “Seems the patient is awake.” The girl said aloud without much emotion. “How are we feeling right now?”

“Um, ok?” Alex tried answering, but she wasn’t listening.

The girl pulled out a small light from one of her lab coat pockets, nearly blinding him, as she checked his pupils. Spending the next few moments performing various checks and tests on him, he remembered how much he was starting to resent hospitals.

“Ok, Looks like no lasting damage, just a small concussion due to blunt force trauma. A healing spell seemed to be all he needed.” The girl continued, completely ignoring his attempts to communicate. “ you ladies are welcome to take him.

Alex just about had it. “Hey! Can I say anything here?” He said to the girl his voice filled with a great deal of irritation. “Look I appreciate what help you have given me, but you haven’t responded to a single thing I have said, and honestly I don't appreciate it.”

Alex straightened himself on the bed, placing his feet firmly on the floor, “So if you don't mind, Can someone please tell me what in the blazes is going on before I lose my mind? The last I remember is one of MY stockpots becoming more familiar with my face than I let most people after a first date.”

The girl cleared her throat before addressing him, taking a deep breath. “You’re right, I apologize. Currently, you are in my lab, which I have set up as our clinic until I can utilize the facility in town. As for your event of injury, Miss Melody and my sister engaged in a heated debate concerning the utilization of the kitchen space. Tracy wished to make something in reparation for last night’s introductory encounter, while the Goblinaire woman told her it was unnecessary and that they wanted to surprise you with a large meal.” she explained.

Not getting the whole picture Alex looked towards Eve. “And?” he asked, knowing that she would be able to help complete the scenario.

“Tracy started becoming aggressive stating she was duty bound to fix her mistake, Melody told her, she had done enough last night.” Eve explained, staring daggers at the young gobliness, “This ended up triggering Tracy into becoming even more defensive. To save time in my explanation I will leave out most of the argument.”

Melody took over the conversation, “When you took over the conversation I may have…” She paused, squeezing her arm guiltily. “I may have thrown the large pot at Tracy when she referred to you as a monster. To which she used her arm to deflect it, to your face.”

“Tracy felt guilty about the situation and came to get me.” Mia explained unenthused, “I brought you in here performed first aid, and applied a sedative to allow you time to recover.”

Alex covered his eyes with his left hand, mildly annoyed. He understood there would be issues with inviting the sisters to live here, but he knew Flint would have been extremely worried about his daughters. However, that raised a bigger question. “Where is Flint?”

Mia pointed to a larger machine further down. Inside what looked like a large glass chamber wearing an oversized oxygen mask was the dwarf. “He used a lot of magic last night saving both you and Tracy,” Mia explained her voice finally showing any emotion.

“Ok, I won’t ask any more about it.” Alex said to Mia, seeing her mouth a ‘Thank You’ to him. “So, how about I make us all something for dinner?”

“Ummm, actually Evelyn already volunteered and made us a meal to enjoy together,” Mia interrupted. “She even allowed Tracy to help.”

“Wait, if Tracy and Eve made dinner. What happened to Melody?” Alex asked.

Melody still holding her arm feeling guilty about the whole situation spoke up. “Eve put me in, Time Out.” She said meekly. Alex couldn’t hold back his laugh.

The world outside was a world of soft billowy white. The storm finally ended allowing the Moon and stars to shine and dance in the frozen paradise. Alex sat outside on the new bench swing, that the group purchased while finding new clothes. The crisp cold air bit into the farmer as he embraced the peaceful silence.

Dinner as it turned out, was not a simple endeavor, more like a trainwreck with a nuclear reactor. While the meal itself was divine, a smoked Duck that Eve made, along with various slides that Tracy helped with. Alex really enjoyed the fried noodles that the young twin masterfully prepared. The soft mouthfeel and wok hei flavor, similar to a specific style of food Alex loved from his previous world brought some tears to his eyes.

The issues started occurring during one of the conversations, unable to find any common ground between the two groups Alex tried asking the twins about life in the city they were from. Unfortunately, the girls never really left the specific lab they were made in, especially after their mother passed away. They felt no reason to explore the outside world. A world that convinced their father to desert them.

Melody, who spent a great deal of her life in captivity, found it unheard of. They had all the freedom to learn about the world they lived in and chose to stay hidden. Tracy taking offense to the statement, ended up arguing with the gobliness. So Alex unable to do to stop the ensuing battle, simply left the table and walked outside. He had enough drama for one day.

There was something refreshing about the cold air of snow. As long as the wind was just slow enough to not cut through you. The soft bite of winter felt amazing and always helped clear Alex’s mind. There were no city lights, no cars, just the slow sound of wind and the shine of the moonlit sky.

Alex was nearly in a trance enjoying the view before he heard the door open, and the sound of footsteps behind him.

“You forgot your jacket,” A voice called out. Turning around Alex discovered to find Tracy standing next to him, holding his newer brown jacket. “I don’t think Evelyn or the Goblinair would want you to get sick.”

Alex a little annoyed at the way she referred to Melody, stood up and took the jacket from the girl. Taking a moment to calm down, the farmer came to a decision. He needed to nip this issue before it became unbearable.

“Why don’t you join me out here Tracy? I feel like we need to talk about a few things.” Alex suggested to the girl, her eyes staring back at him in confusion towards the idea.

“Why? Would this not upset your mates?” Tracy asked, clearly not understanding several social norms. Alex couldn't completely argue since from the outside it did seem like that.

No, no one will be upset, and I think we need to talk before someone gets hurt. Alex said raining a hand before she could protest. “Just give me a few minutes, before you get defensive. Please?”

Defeated, the Simulacrum sat down in the seat next to where Alex sat. The two of them looked up and stared at the night sky. A brilliant canvas of blues, whites, and greens, like brush strokes of paint on an unimaginably large painting.

“Do you know why Melody was upset?” Alex asked, trying to keep things simple.

“Because she's normal like everyone else, no one understands why my sister and I never wanted to leave,” Tracy answered her voice starting to become defensive.

“Calm down Tracy,” Alex admonished. “Don't lose yourself to your narrative. I asked do you know why Melody specifically was upset.”

Tracy shifted uncomfortably. “No, I don't.” She said.

“Ok, Now before I continue. I want to let you know that I can understand some of why you and Mia choose to stay hidden for the most part.” Alex started explaining. “The world can be a cruel place. For you, it was probably because you were misunderstood and seen as tools meant to be destroyed.”

Tracy turned towards Alex a look of pain and understanding showing clearly in her eyes. Looks like Alex was correct on the assessment. “For some people that concept of freedom was not allowed. Some people suffered this cruelty in the form of enslavement. Unable to do anything except what they were forced to handle.” Alex continued.

“Why are you telling me this?” Tracy asked not quite putting the pieces together.

“Melody was captured when she was younger and forced to be a dungeon monster. Dying time and time again for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” Alex laid out for the girl to understand. “She was trapped in that world by force for more than a hundred years. While she may not have understood your side of the story. The fear that you would be rejected by society because of your origin. You never once tried to see her world either.” Alex saw tears well up in Tracy's eyes, unable to control himself he wrapped an arm around the girl and let her cry.

After several minutes of her crying while incoherently sobbing and apologizing about everything that happened. Tracy simply stared at the ground in a mentally exhausted state. He couldn't blame her, because it was only the two of them for so long. The poor girl never had anyone to admonish her, or have her confide in.

Alex felt arms around his neck soon after as he found tracy giving the farmer an appreciative hug. “Thank you” She whispered.

Returning the hug, Alex felt it was best to stay silent. He watched as she smiled at him, politely bowed, and walked back inside. He then shifted to the middle of the swing and called out to the field.

“Come on out you two,” Alex said simply, as two shadows appeared from the side of the house.

Alex waited as the two girls sat on the bench with him before he pulled them into a warm embrace. “Thank you for letting me talk to her without starting a fight.” He said allowed.

They only nodded, clearly not wanting to ruin the moment. Alex appreciated the quiet moment with them. The warmth of their bodies, and the feelings he felt growing between them brought back a sense of peace he lost a long time ago. Pulling them close they all watched as the moon danced in an endless ocean of stars.