What I did was neither right

Nor wrong,

What I did was awful,

What I did was majestic.

Some said I was wrong,

Others said I was right,

To get here I fought,

I fought till I could not breathe.

What I did was cruel,

But what I did was necessary,

They didn't knew it then,

But they do now.

I tried to save them,

I tried to bring balance,

To life and to the Universe,

But they resisted me,

They fought me till the end.

Everything should be balanced,

As balanced as it should be,

A tip over either side,

Will bring forth great catastrophe.

Now they say that I was right,

Now they say that I was their savior,

But what difference does that make,

I'm nothing but dust now.

I speak English, but sometimes there just isn't the word I want! So, I like the word fremdschämen which is German for "the embarrassment you feel for someone who has embarrassed themselves".

Have you ever felt that feeling? I have! Someone does something really stupid or foolish and you feel super embarrassed for them! I wish that there was a word in English for it... :)

If I had to pick an English word, I'd pick "Exquisite". I like it because it's such an exquisite word. :) It's right up there with "Unique", which I like because it's unique. :) Actually, I think it's because I love words that have 'Q's in them. Like "Quaint", "Quintessential", "Queer", "Earthquake", "Aqua" and "Quite". A 'Q' is just so pretty!

It was a dark and stormy night .. on those nights, so many memories come flooding back.

I was 6, my family lived on a dead end dirt road, no neighbors as far as a 6 year old could see. Loud thunder and lightning would give me nightmares. My 6 year old imagination would run wild with thoughts of what could be happening and to where I could find comfort and safety, more often than not, it would find me crawling into bed with the one person who always made me feel safe.

Still, to this day, when those storms return, and the memories flood back, I hold your picture close to my chest, knowing you are still with me, keeping me safe. It has been 9 years since your passing, but you're still here with me, keeping me safe, on those dark and stormy nights.

Love you mom.

This story is part of a collaborative project with additional talented writers. The previous chapters can be found here: https://theprose.com/post/438830/tag-list-and-schedule

Anime Gareth, really?

"Lighten up and just enjoy the action Olban." Gareth teased as he scrolled through his Crunchyroll queue. "After what we went through in your world, something a little less realistic would be nice. So what do you guys say? Jujutsu Kaisen? My Hero Academia? Dragon Ball Super? Or we could do a sports one, like Haikyu!!"

Anime is ridiculous Gareth, nothing like real magic. And they're all the same. Oh no, I've never felt a power level like this before! Oh man, how many episodes will we have to scrap by until the main hero shows up and overpowers the baddie, only for the villain to transform and drag the story out for another twenty episodes!

"Whatever. How about you Eloise, did you watch any anime in your old life?"

Not really, but being on a couch streaming shows is a nice change of pace, so go ahead and pick your favorite Gareth.

"Alright, how about some Demon Slayer? That's a really good one!"

We just took out two demonic like creatures. Do we really need to watch more of that? We are living out the real thing.

"Well, we haven't seen the Entertainment District arc yet, so let's check it out for a bit before we call Doctor Connors to prove that magic is real."

Fine, just one episode. Then make the damn call.

Gareth clicked on the episode and a slew of ads began.

"Sorry guys, if my job paid better then I could afford premium and skip these ads."

This is still nice compared to Olban's world. No offense, but I don't want to stay there any more than we have to.

"Right...." Gareth said uneasily, wondering how he and Olban would ultimately break the news to Eloise that she would have to get used to being there, forever. Before the anxiety of that unwelcome future conversation could kick in, a Royal Fisheries ad promoting their fish and chips served as a welcome distraction.

"Olban! We need to get some of those while we're here! If we could only pair them with those nuts from your world...."

Agreed, those fish and chips are one of the few things I enjoy about crossing over here.

Those look delicious! Eloise chimed in.

A notification then popped up on Gareth's phone. He checked his phone to find voicemail notifications, including one from Dr. Connors.

"Yeah, I should probably be better about checking my voicemails. And nice timing, we were going to call you anyway doc. Let's see what's on your mind."

"Hello Gareth, this is Dr. Connors calling you once again. You were not at your previously scheduled appointment, and I really need you to call back to reschedule. If you are not comfortable coming in person due to the pandemic, we can meet online via Zoom. Please return this call as soon as you can, it is urgent that I speak to you all. Thank you, and I wish you a good rest of your day."

"Well we can't do Zoom if we're demonstrating magic with the armband, he'll just say it's an illusion on the computer."

That's what you took from that Gareth? There's something Dr. Connors said that sounds off.

"And that is?"

It is urgent that I speak to you all. Dr. Connors thinks you have Dissociative Identity Disorder, why would he say speak to you all?

"Maybe he's humoring my delusions?" Gareth laughed bitterly.

Or what if this is a trap? Vellan did say that the nameless one could have minions here too. What if one of his minions is posing as the doctor, and his comment on your voicemail was a slip of the tongue? We already know how dumb his minions have been so far.

"Sounds like a stretch, but showing Dr. Connors our proof of magic may trigger something in him if it is indeed a trap. So I'll call him back now. If this is so urgent, he could probably get us in today."

Yes, but there is something we need to do before we go in. We need to master the binding spell Master Stell put in the armband. With everything that happened in my world, we never got to try it. And if this is a trap, we will need to have that mastered.

That's perfect. Didn't Master Stell want us to capture one of those creatures anyway? This is our chance!

"Indeed Miss Parker, but we have to all get on the same page for this to work. Sorry Gareth, but your new episodes of Demon Slayer will have to wait. We've got our work cut out for us."

*****

Well, that was a disaster. Eloise remarked from within Gareth's mind as they sat on a couch in Dr. Connors' office. Even with us having the incantation memorized, we still couldn't get the spell right once!

Well it's not our fault that your timing sucks Eloise!

"Guys, stop arguing in my head! Chill out, the chances that the doc is actually a minion in disguise are so ridiculously low!"

For our sakes Gareth, I hope you're right.

Look at that, something we can all agree on!

A knock on the door ended the internal quarrel as Gareth called for Dr. Connors to come in. Dr. Connors entered and greeted Gareth with a hand shake, taking a seat in front of the couch.

"Thank you for making it a priority to get here today. Now Gareth, can you tell me how your symptoms have been lately?"

"Well doctor, I definitely feel another presence within me still. Would you like me to elaborate with a brief demonstration?"

"Sure, but first tell me more about how Olban and Eloise are doing?"

"Eloise? I never mentioned that name to you before!"

"Don't be silly, of course you have Gareth!"

"No, I definitely never mentioned that name before. I told you about Olban, but never that other name."

Other name? Do you have to be that cold Gareth?

Never mind that Eloise, the point is that the last time Gareth had a session with Dr. Connors, you were not in the picture. So there is absolutely no way he would know about you. So just like I suspected, this was a trap. And this is definitely not Dr. Connors either. I've never felt such a powerful presence from the doctor before....

"Ha, I thought anime wasn't realistic Olban! Anyway, let me talk to this idiot."

"The jig's up doctor!" Gareth said with a mocking smirk. "Do you even have a medical license, Mr. Nameless Minion?"

He's obviously too stupid to have a medical degree to blow his cover that easily Gareth. He's no brighter than Wellick or that other guy with the appetite.

"Ha ha ha ha, you're right Olban, this guy is just another moron!" Gareth jeered loudly. "Guess the minion generating program from the nameless one hasn't brought any positive results yet. How about you Miss Parker, what do you think of this moron?"

Not impressed at all Gareth. Wellick was at least good to look at in his human form. This middle aged man is nothing impressive. He could have at least picked a disguise as a hot intern!

"Well, we all agree that you are a loser Mr. Nameless Minion! But you would know that if you could read my mind, am I right?"

"I am not Mr. Nameless Minion! My name is Wren, and I am the master's greatest creation yet!"

"Well Wren, considering the two minions that came before you, that isn't much to brag about. The monster truck troll guy and the dude that swallowed us with an intact weapon in hand at least gave us somewhat of a challenge before!"

"Well I will show you what I can do!" Wren hollered. "Allow me to not only read your mind, but melt it from within!"

Much like Wellick and the visitor from the games in Olban's world, Wren transformed into a hideous monster. He now sported putrid gray skin, fiery red eyes, and fangs that could cut through anything. He held his palm out, and an orange glow from it briefly mesmerized Gareth. The monster then screamed in pain and fell to the floor, temporarily stunned.

"Well Olban, the mental block you put in the armband appears to be working! I thought that thing had us for a moment."

What would you do without the magic from my world? Oh right, probably die! In any case, while this Wren is stunned, we should try the binding spell once more. Miss Parker, what do you say?

I think we can pull it off this time. Let's capture us a minion!

Ok Gareth, Eloise.... on the count of three. One, two three!

Initosh kaglabah regafla!

"Initosh kaglabah regafla!"

Initosh kaglabah regafla!

A golden laser emitted from the wristband, wrapping itself around Wren like a rope until he was completely bound. He screamed and squirmed, but could not break free.

We did it guys, we did it!

Well done Miss Parker, your timing was perfect. As well as yours Gareth.

"That went better than I could have ever hoped for!" Gareth gushed. "Now we just need to do that second incantation together, and Wren gets transported back to Master Stell, right Olban?"

If we were still in my world, then yes. But since we aren't there currently, the second spell won't work.

"What? Then how do we get him to Master Stell?"

We would need a ring to do so. And we would have to brave the dangers between worlds with him in tow. Next time we're home, I will talk to Master Stell about possibly upgrading the armband so we can transport things and communicate between worlds.

"Great, but that doesn't help us now! Where are we going to stash a monster until then?"

Guys, don't bicker! We were able to successfully cast the spell, and we captured a minion! We'll figure something out, just calm down....

"How can we be calm Eloise? You're from this world too, have you ever seen a good place to store a monster anywhere?"

"No master, don't leave me, please!"

Wren screamed as his body started convulsing. Gareth, Eloise and Olban stopped their internal argument and looked at the minion that laid bound and helpless before them. Once Wren's body stopped moving, his red eyes faded to reveal a normal human like pair of blue ones.

"This is it, I'm dead." Wren lamented. The golden bindings then vanished immediately after he spoke.

"What the hell?" Gareth cried out. "Did we do something wrong?"

I don't think so. Olban replied calmly. We did everything Master Stell suggested. Could the spell be less effective because it was cast by three people sharing one body?

"I don't know, but I guess we can talk to Master Stell about that too, if we don't die of course!"

Guys! Stop and look at him. He's free, but he's not attacking!

"You win humans. My master has abandoned me, and I have lost my purpose, and apparently most of my memory too. Just finish me off quickly."

"You're not going to attack us again?" Gareth asked in a confused tone.

"Why would I? The master left me here at your mercy, he apparently has no use for me. I don't even remember why I was going after you to begin with."

This is an interesting turn of events. Although I am wary of this being another mind game like the ones Wellick attempted, this thing is obviously still stronger than us, but has lost the will to fight. Dumb as these minions are, they seem to lack purpose without the nameless one's influence.

We may not be able to transport him back to Master Stell, but maybe we could talk to him? Get him on our side?

"You want to try to tame a monster Eloise? Have you lost your mind?"

No, just my body currently. Why not? It's not like we have any other options. Besides, look at him. He looks like a lost puppy!

"Fine, I'll give it a shot."

"Wren, I'll humor you." Gareth said to the dejected monster. "What can you tell us about yourself and your master?"

"Well, my name is Wren, I can take on any form I wish, and that's about it. I used to be able to read minds and attack them from within, but I seem to have forgotten how to do that. I also know my master created me, but I don't remember anything else about him. I don't even remember what the master was trying to accomplish."

"Well your master wants to destroy everything and create an existence of nothingness. How do you feel about that?"

"Nothingness? That sounds horrible! This is such a beautiful world! Those fish and chips from that restaurant alone are worth the price of admission! So you guys are against what the master.... I mean, that vile being wants?"

"We have our own quest, but yes, he does stand in the way of what we want to achieve. So am I right in assuming that you no longer want to work for your former master anymore?"

"Yes, he left me when I needed him the most! Even if he tried to take me back, I would refuse! Say the word and I'll do it, I can still transform and fight in order to help you guys!"

This could still be a trap. We've been duped by the nameless one before, so I can't promise that I completely trust him. But these minions are so simple minded, and this one is no different. He really does sound sincere. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But even if he is truly reborn, we have to prepare for the possibility that his former master could try to control him again. What do you two think?

I say we give him a chance. You always talk about how weak we are in this world - having some muscle like Wren on our side could be very beneficial.

"I agree with Eloise. If he wanted to kill us, he would have done it already. And if we figure out an easier method of transportation, he might be able to help Master Stell gather more information about the nameless one. I'm willing to give him a second chance if you guys are."

Very well. Tame this creature Gareth. We're counting on you.

"Welcome to our cause Wren. If you truly want to help us, we are grateful. Before we proceed though, I have two requests for you."

"Sure thing boss, what can I do?" Wren asked eagerly.

"Ok, make that three things. First, you don't have to call me boss. Let's start with proper intros. I'm Gareth, and in my head are Olban and Eloise. If we figure out a way to have you cross worlds with us, you'll get to meet them too. Now my second request.... you said you can still shape shift, right?"

"Yes Gareth, of course! Why do you ask?"

"Can you take on a human appearance? It will make traveling with us less conspicuous."

"Absolutely, here we go!"

Wren transformed into a handsome young man that looked like he was in his mid twenties, now looking completely natural next to Gareth.

"Perfect, thanks Wren. I have one more request for the moment. Do you know if the real Dr. Conners is still alive?"

"Oh yeah, he should be fine!" Wren replied enthusiastically. "Follow me Gareth, I'll take you to him now!"

Well, one thing's for sure. Olban mused. With Wren in tow, proving to the doctor that magic is real should be a cinch!

Okay, so, remember a challenge where we had to spotlight our favorite authors which was held a few months ago? To be precise, on the September of 2021. And the challenge word limit was 200, and I went out of my way to make a gigantic post of-- a lot of words? Well, last day, I found the lost draft that I thought was gone forever. And ah, it's a mess. So much of a mess that it almost hurts XD But I am going to put that up here. So here we go!

********

How could I possibly not notice this challenge before?! Alright, there is only one day left. So, we have to be fast. I will keep everything short. I don’t want to, but I think I will have to. Let’s hop right into it.

I just skimmed through some challenge entries this morning. I might have blushed a little, maybe jumped across my room in excitement for minutes on end, and perhaps played a happy dance. I don’t think I did, though. I mean, I am so mature and all, so... Yeah, I am still a horrible liar.

But I was surprised to notice that this name has not popped up anywhere: @Clarity. If you had known me for a while, you might probably know that I am a mad fan (a fanatic) of her work. I don’t think she is around these days, but she might probably remain one of the best storytellers, forever, in my heart. And if you are yet to read one of her novels, come on, what are you waiting for? Go! GO! GO! GO!

I am sorry for that. But next up in my list, it would be @CindyCalder. I haven’t read many of her posts, but she is such an incredible author. I don’t know if she had published any of her works before. But if she hasn’t, the publishers are missing out on some quality content.

And if I don’t mention this name in my list, I would rather be dead: @Mnezz. I mean, come on! She is the nicest person on all of Earth. The universe, maybe! She is the lifeblood of Prose. Without her, this community wouldn’t be what it is tonight. And of course, her spooky tales are a must read *chuckling*

Now, I have to mention this person too: @GLD. Yes, she is an amazing writer, and writes such amazing poems and stories. But more than that, she is such a wonderful friend. When I say that she has changed me even as a person, I am not lying. She has. I am lucky to have a friend like her. And I still feel that’s an understatement. And of course, check out her heartfelt poems and beautiful stories, you are missing out.

Wow, this post will go on forever. You know what? Let’s shift gears! Hold on, my dear friends. We are going lightspeed!!!

My pal, my buddy, my Bucky: @Amal_Z. My very first online friend with whom I could speak in my own language: @Sanjana_S. Her stories and poems are just *chef's kiss* And then, our queen, the epitome of self-love, my dear friend, Our Radiance: @Smruti_Swarupa. The young girl whose confidence and hard work I admire and respect: @Samina. Another online friend that I found in my aimless wander who loves a good debate: @Tushar. And when we talk about him, we can't avoid this man: @Hrithik. Also check out Miss @VRose's profile. She got some really, really good posts lined up.

Now, descriptions are not something that everyone can master, except these two. If you want to read a good character description to fill your mind, you go to @Sinha. If you want to read a good emotional description, you go to @HelenaTherese. And her micro-poetry is a must-read! And yes, my dear friend whose ambition and stories that inspires and motivates my lazy soul: @CalebPinnow. Now, if you are feeling a rush of positivity here, none of it stands a chance against the one and only Ms Nightmare: @LiannaC! Honestly though, she is such a nice person. But, we aren't still done with descriptions here. You want to experience the story on a deeper level with descriptions? Well, I got another two that can create such wonderful imageries and precise descriptions: @PaperbackFish and @HandsOfFire.

And now, it's time for heartbreak. There is one person who can top this least without an effort: @ajrfanz. But trust me. If he breaks my heart again, I am taking him down XD. But heartbreak doesn't end there. I got a bunch of people who can break your heart with ease. Someone who can break it with merely one or two lines: @LovelyNB. Someone who makes us cry and imagine such beautiful yet depressing scenarios simultaneously: @Zoe_n. No, it doesn't end there. I got two more! @arctic and @coldfront. They just like playing around with our heartstrings, I guess.

Now, it's time for siblings! We got lots of them. First off, my dear history mate: @ValiantRaptor47. With him, you got both informative and thrilling posts to read. What a combo! And of course, his sister: @Voidkin_Killer. It doesn't take a long time for her to crack you up with her fun rants. That brings us to our heartbreak and mending pair: @snivyth3 and @Laveenya. You read @snivyth3's poems, you heart gets broken, then you have to go to @Laveenya's profile and read a little something. It's like they have a little evil masterplan! And we have yet another pair of siblings: @VerityMonet and @Carissa. @VerityMonet is one of the most confident, resolved young ladies I am lucky to have met. And her sister, @Carissa, will never let her down too. You will love this duo.

Now, I have a bunch of writers (and good friends) who never ceases to amaze us with their writing abilities. First off: @Rob_Lee. Now this man knows how to craft a story, and he is not even leaving one of them as weak. His profile itself is a masterpiece. And he leaves some of the most heartwarming comments too. Next up: @nightscribbler. Her expertise over language is unmatched in all of Prose! And she is such an amazing person too! Next up: @ana_vega222. If you haven't read any of your poems, you are seriously missing out. Go straight away! Don't care to wait. Fourth up, we have @WhiteWolfe32. I mean, have you even seen his collection of poems? Have you read his chilling stories? Have you visited his super cool website?! Please don't say no. I can also name someone who never stops writing and gives us something everyday. He even has a few books lined up: @1912writer! He is one of our best young men!

Now, this has already crossed over a thousand words, and I not even halfway through. Alright, we are doing a quicker thing.

Some good friends who are not around these days:

@GinelleColour: A young Irish lady, an amazing friend.

@Mara_C: That one person who will pop up when you need it the most.

@MargeauxReed: If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here. She was the first person to send me a message, told me what all I had to do with my posts, gave me advices, supported me. I will never forget her.

@MsHannahTweets: I wasn't here when she used to be here. But I read every last one of her stories, and if you haven't, go straight up there. Trust me, you will never regret that.

@thesavyleelyon: One of her stories still has not left my mind, even after several months. I was excited to delve deeper into that story, but well, I never got the chance to.

@TheDreamer: We all know her. There used to be a time when she ruled over the challenges.

@NaomiAdams: That lady who helped me continue a series with her lovely comments.

@Acadec56: A young man who inspired me to do good, and stay as myself.

Some good friends who only stayed with us for a short while:

@Parise_25: A young lady, who had tons to say and write, but never did it. Her poems were always beautiful, and they always will be.

@Rodaina: Just two posts, and both of them are challenge winning stories. And her debut even won the Prose Monthly challenge!

@Shayna13: A good friend for a brief time. She had such wonderful stories to tell.

@Deeksharai: Another good friend who stayed for a short while. She had a book written in Hindi, and was one to stand up for the things she believed in.

@AnnieLParrish: She is a published author. Need I say more?

Now I have to tell about four others: @Celia_Himawari (Formerly @Cass_Wolf, a good friend), @SadieBug (a.k.a Breadcrumbs. I was Jellybeans!) and @Raing0at (or whatever his username is right now XD). And @KacieIuwara (She has a collection of such amazing tales!)

And when I say these names, I also have to say about one mighty young gitl: @mightymanda. There used to be a time when many of us used to be good friends, so... And she is back now, and she is writing more!

Oh my, I will have to list just the names, I guess XD

Some of the best of the best: @KMCassidy (stories are a must read!), @rlove327 (an English teacher and a wonderful author), @EstherFlowers1 (the one with the tiger pfp, need I say more?), @TW (The Wordsmith), @QuietSilence, @poetgreen, @Mfrobs (stellar writing, here it is!), @EvelynDawn (always encouraging!), @SharondaBriggs (the kind of person the world needs more), @KarenKitchel (leaves the most concise, perfect comments), @CatLady1 (she will crack you up.), @Scratch77 and @JulianRace (Masters of Comedy!), @Roses311Sublime (Just go to his profile, you will understand.)

And

Ernaline (probably the best poet on Prose), anarosewood (Well, there's the contender XD), @TeaRise, @chainedinshadow, @Thereisnospoon, @BonnieBoo, @VividHues (she is a lovely poet!), @LexiCon (If anyone can replace what @Mnezz do one day, it's her.), @tooldtocare (Her trilogy is a must-read!!! MUST-READ!), @James.

@ChristopherHow1: He built a website to write a collaborative novel on mother's love, and I am still sad that I couldn't be a part of it.

@AliPoetry: He even has a newsletter!

Some other lovely names who inspire me to write books:

@thniels: I read his entire book in a day. That explains a lot.

@goldenmel: I am yet to read her books, but I know they will be good!

@Taki: I am yet to read her books too, but I feel the same!!!

@Commentator: He also left me dangling midway through such an amazing sci-fi thriller, but okay, I will forgive him XD I just hope he becomes wildly successful one day.

@EllaCressman: She had a good thriller, gradually unveiling, but again, I could never get to the end.

########

Well, you know, life and its phases... *sighs* But I do love all of those people behind these names. And they will all forever have a place in my heart. Yes, even after I had written this post back then, a lot of new guests had joined us over here on Prose, and I adore them too. And I do have reasons to believe I had missed out on a lot of people even back then. But please know, guys, it ain't personal XD

To this little family I got here <3

Lots of love,

Chacko Stephen

Olban stared around himself in dismay. Nothing was familiar. Oh, the trees were all of recognisable species. The flowers and other plants too, but… Gareth had asked a bloody good question. Where in all the hells were they?

He sighed. “I have absolutely no idea where we are;”

Fuck! What are we going to do? Gareth’s tone took on an air of despair.

“I think you were asleep when I made this.” Olban pulled on a chain around his neck and withdrew an amulet. He held it up to his face and turned it around in his hands. “Master Stell had never even conceived of such a thing before. He still doubts its usefulness. Now, it could prove vital.”

Why? What is it?

“I learned a lot in your world, Gareth. Watch.” He closed his eyes and concentrated and a moment later, a wispy form appeared before them.

Don’t tell me you can summon ghosts, now! Eloise exclaimed, horror filling her voice.

Olban muttered through gritted teeth. “Of course not. That isn’t a ghost.”

The form took a step back in shock. “Oh, by the Gods! I’m so sorry, Olban. I’m so”

“Sir. I’m not dead.”

“What? But look at you! There’s nothing to you!”

“Sir. Pull your amulet out.”

“What?” The figure reached for its neck and the moment the twin to the one Olban wore appeared, the figure gained a lot of solidity. It also became recognisable. It was Master Stell.

“But the beast! Goliath swore on his very life! He said it ate you whole!”

“Clearly, the form it took was designed for imprisonment rather than digestion, sir. The last thing it said before I passed out was that someone wanted to see me. It was just as stupid as Wellick. It didn’t disarm me. It swallowed my sword, too, and it was fairly easy to cut my way out. It’s dead, now. The problem is, I have no idea where we are. Nothing in the landscape’s familiar. Can you locate me?”

Stell smiled. “Of course, my boy.” He took something long and thin from his tool belt, clenched his fist around the amulet, closed his eyes and sighed. His smile withered. “How could that thing travel so fast? You were only swallowed two hours ago!”

“Why, sir? Where am I?”

“You’re a hundred and ten miles south of the village.”

“A hundred!? It’ll take days to get back! I have important work to do!”

“Don’t be too hasty. I’m currently in your cave. I’ve already scrubbed away the abomination that perverted it.”

“The salts, sir? I was wondering about that. About what could be done with them to”

“No, Olban. No. I forbid it. Leave the pigments to the weavers and potters. Blending such things with the art of metallurgy can lead to some very… unpredictable effects. It’s far too imprecise and where magic’s concerned…”

“Dangerous… I know, sir. Why did Wellick do it like that, then?”

“A very messy short cut. I did study the pattern before I removed it but I wasn’t able to make much sense out of it. All I can say is, wherever it led, it wasn’t in this reality. Fortunately, the pattern beneath, even though the metal was removed, is still ingrained in the stone. Bear with me, Olban, I think I can at least partially repair the damage.”

“You think we can have a means of instantaneous travel? To anywhere?”

“The magic in this cave is far beyond my level of expertise, Olban. I thought I was a master until I saw this. Now? Compared to this, I’m a child making his first horseshoe, but, I think I should be able to get enough range to open a way for you. One hundred miles is nothing compared to what this thing was originally capable of. I think that’ll be close to the limit with my shoddy workmanship, though.”

“Yes, sir. How long, do you think?”

“An hour, maybe two. You may as well sit down. Relax. Find something to eat while you’re waiting.” The image winked out of existence.

Two hours? Eloise sorted. A hundred miles is easy in two hours!

Oh, for… Gareth sighed. Even a marathon’d be a world record with a time that short. We don’t have the internal combustion engine here! The average walking speed for a human adult is less than four bloody miles an hour! I bet you’ve never even walked ten miles, let alone a hundred. How many settlements are there between here and the village, Olban?

“None until we’re about ten miles away. No-one travels very far south beyond Calton’s farm.”

What about a horse? Eloise prodded. Those are quicker, aren’t they?

“Do you see a horse around here? They’re not wild animals, you know. Certainly not on this continent, anyway. The nearest one? Calton’s farm, again. That means no water, no shelter, nothing. For at least four days. I think waiting here for a couple of hours is preferable, don’t you?”

What did he mean, find something to eat?

“Ah, yes.” Olban jogged to the top of a small hillock and surveyed the scene before trotting down the other side and over to a tree. “The traveller’s friend, we call this, otherwise known as the molkanut tree. They grow all over the place around here.” He placed his hand on the trunk and closed his eyes for a few seconds before whispering. “Forgive me, but we are in need and beset by evil forces. I promise to spread your seed when we depart.”

What was all that about?

Gareth chuckled. Magic’s real, remember? What you might view as superstitious crap in our world could save your life in this one. There might be a wood nymph attached to this tree. A dryad. Don’t want to annoy her, now, do we? What happened to Rinam. Olban?

“I’d rather not talk about it, but by the gods it was nasty.”

I think our guest needs to know.

Olban began gathering fruit from the tree. They were about the size of a plum with a dull orange skin, dotted with bright purple blotches. He shuddered. “Alright. He was about the same age as me until he disappeared one day. Thirteen by your reckoning. The next day…”

Go on. It’s good to talk about these things, y’know.

“He was my best friend! We were always exploring, playing at being travelling mercenaries and things but that day, I didn’t go with him. He got careless, not thinking the fairies lived in our lands. Here? We’re in fairy territory. That’s why there’s no settlement within a hundred miles. To the south, there’s nothing for a hundred leagues. He ate of the tree without asking for its forgiveness. Without promising to spread its seeds.”

How do you know he ate without this weird ritual thing if he disappeared? Asked Eloise.

“Because the next day, someone new came to our village. God, he was old, must’ve been at least a hundred and twenty. He was blind, but he recognised my voice. That was what happened to him. They took him. Punished him for years, then returned him. That’s one of the many dangers in dealing with the fairy folk. Their time works different. It isn’t consistent like ours. He could just as easily have vanished for a hundred years and appeared in our village as if only a day had passed for him, but they wanted him to suffer. They tortured him. He was insane when he returned to us but he had the odd lucid moment. One of those moments, he told us what he’d done and some of the things they did to him. We both had nightmares for a month. Didn’t we Gareth?”

You’d be nodding right now. One of the first times I really let loose to a psychiatrist. Unbelievably, he actually helped, that time.

Olban nodded, wandered back to the hillock and sat. “It’s not just scary looking things in this world that might be good friendly creatures. Some creatures are incredibly beautiful and very, very dangerous. As I said earlier, bury all your prejudices. Both good and bad. Here, they could get you killed.”

And you prefer this?

“We don’t choose where we’re born, Miss Parker and I was born here, raised, here, trained here. This is where my family and friends are. Besides, your world’s probably more dangerous than this one.”

But it’s hell, here. You live in filth, abject squalor, the dangers are way worse and we’ve been attacked twice and it’s barely afternoon! How can my world be more dangerous than a place that can get you snatched away for a hundred years of torture just for eating the wrong thing?

“You know the rules in your world, we know the rules in this one. As long as you follow them, there’s little danger. As for the filth, the so-called squalor… Gareth, last time you got ill?”

Gareth chuckled. Really bad case of the flu last year. Before that, chickenpox, food poisoning, the broken leg when the boat capsized was a major downer. I was off my feet for six months!

“Quite. I’ve never been ill. I never will be in this world. In yours, I very well may fall foul of one of your innumerate diseases. I didn’t enjoy it one bit when Gareth got sick and the broken leg was agony.”

So? Everyone gets sick once in a while. You’ve just been lucky.

“No. Not luck. Magic. Oh, I’ve suffered from the odd broken bone over the years, too, but I was fully back in action a day later each time. Every trade has its magical lore. Everything we own contains some magic or other woven into its structure. This tunic, for example. A modicum of protection from injury, a little temperature regulation and healing. The amulet I showed you, telecommunication, the pots we use to store food prevent spoilage. It never goes off. Never loses its goodness.” He prodded his neck. “Feel any pain?”

Errr… No. Why?

“That thing held me by the neck until I passed out. Not even a bruise, now. Healing magic. Someone from this world appears in yours, they’re unlikely to survive the week.”

What do you mean? Why?

“Even if they didn’t step out in front of a speeding car and get flattened, they’re likely to catch one of your diseases. They’d have no money, so couldn’t pay for food, pay for shelter. They’re likely to run into some thug or other and get beaten up. Might even get shot if they appeared in the wrong country. Here, we’re not obsessed with keeping up with the Joneses. We don’t own possessions just for the sake of having the brightest newest thing. We own things for their purpose and nothing more. Your world’s beset by greed. Selfishness. You people don’t give a stuff about the people around you as long as you’re alright. Here, we care deeply about each other. It seems your penchant for having a bedroom to yourself made you lose that sense of community.”

And that, Gareth replied smugly, is something I took from this world. It’s why I’m a lifeboat volunteer back home. I do help, where I can. Olban… the nut…

“Oh, of course.” Olban took one of the fruit and using his thumbs, tore off the flesh and put it to one side. Inside, a stone which he popped between his teeth and bit down, hard. There was a crack and he spat it out again before tearing the stone in half. He pulled a black ball about the size of a pea from the centre, wrapped it in the flesh, took out his dagger, cut a square out of the sod and planted it, replacing the square.

I… I don’t understand? You eat the stone? What about the good bit? It’s a fruit! You normally do the reverse. You eat the flesh and throw the stone away.

“Not with these. The flesh contains a stimulant, a very powerful one. If we had a horse, I could feed it the flesh. There’s enough in the stone to keep a human awake and active for quite a while. Eat the flesh and you’d likely suffer a heart attack, even with the healing properties of the tunic. The flesh will help the seed grow.”

Eat it, Olban. Oh, God, this is one of the few things I’m looking forward to when I get here physically. Tasting it for myself. Yes, Miss Parker. I agree with you about the smell. I don’t like it either.

Olban shrugged. “Bet you wouldn’t even notice it after a week. Besides, it’s natural. Better than the diesel and petrol fumes in your world.” He popped half the nut into his mouth and began to chew, sighing with contentment as the flavour exploded in his mouth.

putain, c'est la meilleure chose que j'aie jamais goûtée

What?

I said it's the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted!

I know. Good, isn’t it?

* * *

“Olban?”

Olban’s eyes snapped open, he leant up on his elbows and look down the hill. The image of master Stell was back. “Here, sir.”

“Ah, good. I’m ready. I’m going to try to open a way for you now, directly to the centre of the village rather than to the cave, but it may place more stress on the repairs. I’m unsure how long I’ll be able to keep it open, so I want you to make yourself as small as possible and leap through the moment it appears.”

“Thank you, sir. Before you do it, though…”

“Yes?”

Olban gripped his amulet, concentrated and a second later, the image winked out of existence. A few seconds wait, another manipulation of the amulet and the figure reappeared.

“Sir, what were we just talking about?”

“I was telling you about opening a way to the village… Why did you end the…. Whatever you call it?”

“A good word’s connection, sir. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t another Wellick. We know they’re a little on the tricky side and they can change their appearance and be pretty convincing about it.”

“Ah… Good thought. Very good thought. Be ready, I’ll do it, now.” The image winked out of existence again.

A few seconds later, it appeared. It didn’t look like the last one. It wasn’t a sphere. Instead, a shimmering window hung in the air, the roundhouses of the village clearly visible.

Olban leapt and at the same time, curled into a ball. It was a strange sensation. A sudden wave of cold combined with acceleration. A few brief flashes of… things. Not long enough to process what the things were, but they seemed to resemble life of some kind and then, a longer flash of the cave, another acceleration in a different direction and the village was just… there.

He landed, stood, and turned just in time to see the window showing the hillock he’d lain on flicker and vanish.

He gripped his amulet one last time and Stell appeared again. “Thank you, sir. You may want to study it before using it again.”

Stell’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, I intend to. What was it like?”

“Best I can describe it as is strange, sir. I don’t know how it works, but I seemed to pass through another place and I think there were living things there.”

“Really?” He giggled. Olban had never seen Stell giggle before. “I’ve got so much more to learn. I could spend the rest of my life studying this and barely scratch the surface. I’ll let you get on with it, I’ve…” He rubbed his hands together with glee… “I’ve got a to learn.”

And with that, the image vanished yet again.

I’ve never seen him like that before. He’s normally so….

“Serious?”

I was going to say miserable, Now? Looks like a kid in a toy shop near Christmas.

“Well, he is. He knew it all until he saw that cave. Now he’s realised he doesn’t know anything. Bet he feels like that kid, too.” Olban took a deep breath and turned towards his forge. “Better get to work. I’m afraid you might have to miss a day, Gareth.”

Miss a day?

“I think I’m going to have to pull an all-nighter. No sleep means you stay asleep until I’m finished. Sorry, but we’ve lost so much time today with all the distractions.”

Gareth sighed. OK. Just as well we decided to travel across on a Sunday, isn’t it? Just as well I booked a few days off work to show you around, too.

* * *

It was a weird sensation. Oh, she’d been conscious a few times when one of her other “personas” had control, but this time? The care! The skill. The strength he put into the work, carving the precise patterns onto the inside of the band with a white-hot stylus. And she wasn’t just seeing it being done. It actually felt like she was doing it, even though she had no idea what it was he was doing. There didn’t appear to be any rhyme or reason to the patterns other than the fact they were beautiful.

Olban worked tirelessly at first, but the exertions of the day eventually caught up with him and when his need for sleep began to make demands, he took another nut from his pouch and did the same thing he had last time, munching on another of the stones. Reinvigorated, he continued, setting aside the stylus and collecting together the numerous metals he required, drawing them into wires so thin, Eloise suspected they were about as thick as a human hair.

When that was done, with even more care than the carving, he placed the hairs he’d made into the grooves, winding them around the pattern in various combinations, all the while muttering something incomprehensible under his breath, and, when each hair was fully in place, he ran this thumb along that section of pattern, muttering something more, this time with almost a sing-song tone. As his thumb stroked those sections of pattern, the metals smoothed and became a part of the armband in a way she couldn’t fathom.

When darkness began to encroach, Olban waved his hands in an elaborate way and the ceiling lit up. He continued his work.

Light was beginning to stream through the open doorway again by the time he held up the armband to study it and sighed. “All done.”

It’s beautiful, Eloise gasped, but what does it do?

“You surprised me, Eloise. I was expecting to be bombarded with questions all night.”

I’ve just never experienced anything like that before. Oh, the others had control once in a while, but my hands were doing such amazing things, I was mesmerised, this time. What was all that mumbling?

Olban sighed. "Alright. It takes immense amounts of concentration to focus enough to shape magic to your needs. I was just stating in exact terms what my intent was, that helps shape the magic in my mind and thus, the magic in the piece."

But I didn't understand a word of it.

"That's because I was speaking in the ancient tongue."

Why not just say it in English?

"A few reasons. You need to learn it, it isn't what you grew up with, which makes sure you're concentrating. That's only a small reason though. It's much more formal than English, not that we call it that. English is far more flexible and far more imprecise, more prone to misunderstandings. If I said it in English, my mind might trip up over some of those imprecisions and that could be dangerous. The ancient tongue is precise, rigid, just like the metals I'm working with."

I'm not too sure what you mean by imprecise.

"How many synonyms and homonyms are there? How many people can't even get it right in your world? Wear, where, were? There, their, they're. As for set, the dictionary has pages full of definitions and that's before we even get onto punctuation. When I say a panda eats shoots and leaves, do you picture a panda munching down on bamboo shoots or taking a bite out of a doughnut before opening fire with an assault rifle and walking away? One comma's all it takes to completely change that sentence."

I think I uderstand. I’ve never really been into arts and crafts. That might change, now.

“Nice to know we’ve had an impact.”

But what’s it supposed to do?

Olban sighed. “Alright. The designs along the outside edges are the original ones. It was nothing more than a proof of concept. Master Stell examined it and said it’d work so we didn’t even need to test it, not that we could until this weekend. Those patterns allow the band to travel through the dream with the wearer. It will appear on Gareth’s wrist when he wakes up. Stell’s confirmation allowed me to try for something much less conspicuous and much grander, though. Two days ago, I completed the two rings we would wear the next time I slept. Gareth also completed the other half of the mechanism. A circle in his basement that allows physical objects to appear from the dream. I was going to travel across with him, wearing the rings I’d made, but that’s no longer possible.”

What? Why?

“Because Vellan asked us to help you. We can’t use the rings until we have enough of them, that means six more.”

Six? But there’s only three of us.

“And five more minds sharing your original body. They’ll each need one in order to gain independence from each other. Until then, this armband will prove, finally, that magic is real and that Gareth doesn’t suffer from multiple personality disorder. As for the other things it can do, what I added to it? Several things above and beyond its original function. Vellan suggested a proof of magic, so… Well…” Olban snapped the armband onto his wrist. It covered his entire forearm, like a bracer rather than just a small bracelet. He pointed at the anvil and it shot three feet into the air. He twiddled his fingers, it span and then, he lowered his hands and it gently landed where it’d originally sat.

Gareth let out a cackle. And I’ll be able to do that? I’ll be able to flip the doc’s desk?

“No, Gareth. You know how weak magic is in your world. You may be able to levitate a feather. Possible even a pencil, but I doubt you’ll be able to do more than that. There is however more to it than just magic tricks. I’ve woven a healing charm into it. Here, it’ll do pretty much what the magic in my tunic does. There, it should prevent any diseases, stop them from gaining a foothold. It should aid your recovery by maybe double the normal healing rate if you’re injured. I also threw in a mental block. No more mind reading from things like Wellick. It’ll be like bashing their minds against a brick wall, here or there should they make the attempt.”

Good thought.

“Only one more thing to do before I bed down.”

Gareth sighed. What?

“Don’t worry, it’s only a promise I need to keep.” He gathered together the four Molka seeds and dashed to the edge of the village. A few minutes was all it took to plant them before he was back in the forge. He opened his firebox, placed it in the centre of the fire and the light began to dim, then winked out. Firebox back in his pouch, he walked over to the other side of the hut, swept aside a blanket, rapped it around himself and lay down in the centre of an ornate circular design.

I thought you slept with your family?

“Not this time. The circle’s needed, the armband won’t go anywhere without it.”

* * *

Olban walked through the void and it wasn’t long before two misty figures began to materialise by his side. Gareth to his left, Eloise to his right. A couple of minutes was all it took for them to become as solid as he was.

Gareth glanced across Olban and smirked. “At least put some clothes on.”

Eloise’s attention snapped to her left and the froze. “Who the hell… Gareth? Olban?”

“Of course. Who else would we be? Clothes?”

She looked down at her naked form and yelped, curling up and attempting to cover herself, not very successfully.

Olban sighed. “I thought you were familiar with the dream! You said you were going to conjure up a dagger, after all.”

“I normally find myself in some woods with my other… selves? I’ve only ever seen… What is this place? Why is it so… So empty?”

“It’s always like this. Just conjure up some clothes. It’s a little distracting, to say the least.”

“How?”

Gareth tutted. “It’s easy, just use your imagination. Look.” He swept his arm across himself and instantly, the jeans and t-shirt he had been wearing vanished, to be replaced by a pirate outfit that would’ve looked ideal for one of Jack Sparrow’s crew. He clicked his fingers and that was replaced by a full leather biker suit and crash helmet. Another click and he was wearing his lifeboat gear, yellow waterproofs and life preserver. Then, a thought… He clicked his fingers a final time and was immediately encased in steel. A full medieval suit of armour, cotton surcoat depicting a red cross included. “Thinking about it, we might all want to dress like this.”

Olban nodded. “Slight improvement on that idea, Gareth. How about this?” And in the blink of an eye, Olban was encased, too, but not in metal. The material was much lighter and more flexible around the joints, but completely solid. Completely sealed off from the outside world.

“Space marine? I like it!” Gareth chuckled and his armour changed to match. He patted his side and pulled a laser pistol from its holster. The next time he spoke, it came out like a poor quality old-style phone call. “Might as well be armed, too, just in case.”

Eloise looked down at herself, closed her eyes and concentrated. When she opened them again, she sighed with relief. Jeans, t-shirt and leather jacket. “Why do you want me to dress like a science fiction convention reject?”

“When we crossed over last time, there were a lot more nightmares than usual. They can be dangerous if you become embroiled in them. You can’t be hurt, but you can have a very rude awakening and if you’re here physically, like when Olban completes the rest of his rings, then you can die. As just dreamers, though, it just means waking up, but on this side of the woods, that means waking up back in Olban’s world. We have to get back to mine. To ours.”

“You were having nightmares?”

Olban shook his head. “The woods you seem so familiar with aren’t just your dream. They contain all the dreams, of everyone. Here, this empty space is just the place between worlds, between the physical realm and the dream realm.The woods’ll materialise soon, we cross them and then they fade again as we enter the place between the dream and your world, but if those nightmares have got worse… We want to be protected. I suggest you protect yourself, too.”

“What do you mean, everyone?”

Olban tapped his chin for a second. “Think of the woods as the collective unconscious of the whole of humanity. Yes, humans have got a small amount of latent psychic ability, but that only usually manifests when they’re dreaming. They’re usually totally unaware of any dream but their own, but we’ve been crossing those woods all our lives, so we get a sneaky peek into what everyone else is dreaming about. We can even interact with them, but if it’s a nightmare, that is not advisable.”

“And I can dream up anything?”

“Yes. You could even turn yourself into a dragon if you wanted to.”

“Well, I’m not wearing that!” She closed her eyes again and a moment later, a bracelet covered in flickering lights appeared on her wrist.

“We said protect yourself, not invent a new piece of costume jewellery.”

“Go on, then. Shoot me with that blaster thing.”

“Seriously? This could cut a mountain in half!”

“Try me.”

Gareth shrugged. “OK, if you’re sure.” He raised his gun and with a zappy sound just like the one in Star Wars, a blue bold of energy shot out, bounced off her and vanished into the distance. “Personal force field? Clever. Think I’ll add that to this.” and in the blink of an eye, a flashing panel appeared on Gareth’s chest. “Double protection. Let’s get a move on, eh?”

They continued on their way, but before the first of the trees began to show themselves, another figure appeared in the distance. As it approached, Eloise inched back, to walk behind the other two. It was the wolf. It looked like the same one that’d… that she thought…

Olban sighed. “It’s alright, Eloise.”

“But it… it… killed me.”

“It did to you what it saw as necessary to protect everyone else. What you attempted to do could’ve caused untold damage to not just your friends, but to the world itself.”

“But it”

“He attempted to prevent the damage in the only way he could. He did also ask us to help. If he hadn’t, you’d still be standing in this void, mindless and naked. He won’t harm you again.”

Well said, Olban. Hello Gareth, Eloise. I trust your work was fruitful?

“The armband is complete, sir, if that’s what you mean but”

But things didn’t go quite according to plan, I know. For either of us. The balance has been disrupted more than we feared.

“Is that why we were attacked, sir?”

Yes.

“What exactly was Wellick? What was that thing that ate me?”

I suppose the best way to describe them is minions of the nameless one.

“Nameless one?” Gareth said with a yelp. “That doesn’t sound good. What the hell is a nameless one?”

When the universe was still very young, we emerged. How? We don’t know. We just… Appeared. Whether we were created by gods or just out of a necessity the universe required, we don’t know that, either, but each of us had a purpose. Some had a creative purpose, others a destructive one, but the nameless one chose a different path. It attempted to undo everything each of us tried to do. It wanted a return to the void, the state of things before the universe began. That was what it decided its purpose was. As time went on and we began to make progress, it became more violent ending with the death of one of us. The rest of us banded together, created a space for it with just what it claimed to want, an empty void and locked it away.

Gareth sighed. “And the last thing Wellick said was he’s coming. What happens if he does?”

He? That’s new. It never even chose a name for itself let alone a gender. When I said the balance must be restored, it was to prevent just this type of catastrophe.

“And if he does return?”

Chaos. And it’s… he’s just the type of petty minded, vindictive… He’s likely to start with the highest of our works. Worlds with life, with intelligent beings such as yourselves.

“He can’t be that much of a threat, can he? He doesn’t seem to be intelligent enough. We’ve encountered two of these minions so far and both were severely lacking in the brain department.”

His minions are something new. He only cared about destruction, so creating some proxy creatures to do his bidding is unusual for him. Clearly, he hasn’t mastered the art, yet. We don’t create life in the way he is. We allow nature to take its course and just prod it once in a while. We guide, we don’t force. These Wellicks are just his first attempts. Never underestimate then because they will become smarter as he grows in confidence.

Eloise finally plucked up the courage to poke her head around Gareth’s side. “But why are they targetting us?”

The wolf regarded her gravely. You were a very unusual and powerful being, Miss Parker. Six independent and distinct minds all sharing the same body? If you’d only realised just how special you were, you could’ve performed some amazing feats, but now? The balance is too fragile. Your attempt to murder one of your own, your betrayal is what allowed the barrier to weaken to the point he could force open a crack. It’s far too thin to allow him entry back into these worlds right now, but if you were to die before the balance could be restored, or worse, if you were to fall into his clutches, he could tear the world apart. That is why I had to do to you what I did. The only way to even begin to fix this, now, is to transport all of your compatriots to their respective worlds. Olban, Gareth, come. Eloise…. Stay.

Vellan turned and trotted away.

Gareth and Olban glanced art each other and jogged after the wolf. When they were a fair distance away, it stopped, turned and regarded them.

What we discuss now must not reach her ears. Is that understood?

Olban nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“I’m fine with that. Why the secrecy?”

When your rings are complete, do not allow her to wear one until you’re travelling back to Olban’s world. I know I said she could travel back to her own but things have changed. She already has a physical presence there and another would only add to the disruption. When the rings are distributed and her compatriots have completed their journey, her body will die, because there will no longer be a mind to sustain it. Olban… She will have to take up permanent residence in your world. When you get back there, take her ring and destroy it. Ensure all rings attune themselves to the first wearer so they can never be used by anyone else, just in case she attempts to steal one of yours.

“Hmmm…” Olban looked down at the wolf with concern. “I’m not sure about the attune to one wearer thing, sir. In order to give the rings to her and her compatriots from Gareth’s world, he’ll need to wear all of them in order for them to travel with him.”

That may be, but he won’t be materialising himself. He has a body there. Make the attunement activate on materialisation. Gareth will appear in your world using the full power of the ring. Have it lock to him, then.

Olban nodded. “I see how that could be done, sir. One thing I don’t understand.”

Only one? Vellan’s voice took on an amused tone. Go on?

“You said there were many focussed on destruction as their purpose. Why not lock them all away?”

Creation and destruction are two sides to the same coin, as long as they abide by the rules the universe sets forth, Olban. If a star explodes, what happens?

Gareth chuckled. “He’d got you there, Olban. Heavier elements? We wouldn’t exist without iron, carbon, a few dozen other elements.”

Quite. The nameless one doesn’t want to just blow up the odd star, he wants to unmake the universe itself, and not just this one, but every corner of reality.

“But what do we tell her?”

I’m sure you’ll be able to come up with something. Just, don’t tell her the truth until her ring no longer functions. I suggest you get on your way, I have a lot of work to do. Be careful crossing the woods. Oh, and be on your guard. There may be minions anywhere, including Gareth’s world, now.

And with that, the wolf vanished.

“What was all that about?” She demanded, the moment they got back to her.

Olban shrugged. “It’s technical. A final modification to the rings, in order to prevent interference from that… thing. Also a warning, he said the woods were getting more dangerous. Come on, we’d better get going.”

* * *

Even before the misty forms of the trees had solidified, it became evident something had changed. They no longer stood erect, proud. Instead, they were twisted, deformed and the more solid they became, the more sinister they appeared. Their branches seemed to reach out to grab them as they passed, their leaves were black. In fact, everything about then was black.

“I see what he means about being careful, now.” Gareth said, staring around uneasily. “It looks like something from bloody Scooby Doo.”

Before he’d even completed the sentence, a man appeared, eyes wide with terror, bolting through the woods at right angles to them. A few seconds later, a misty form floating three feet off the ground appeared, clearly chasing him. It let out a blood curdling howl and vanished into the woods.

Olban sighed. “At least the last time, the nightmares were benign or distant enough not to matter. We’d better hurry. The quicker we’re through, the better.” He increased his pace.

At the brow of a hill, the trees began to thin and down below on the other side, a city street appeared. Rubble, shattered windows, huge holes in some of the buildings. A man in camouflage uniform stalked rounded a corner and froze as an old woman approached. She said something that clearly upset him and held something out to him. He raised his rifle and fired. She slumped to the ground. He stared at the body for a few seconds, shaking his head. He appeared to be weeping. Then, he turned tail and ran.

Olban sighed. “At least some of them appear to realise what they’re doing is wrong, if they’re having nightmares about it.”

“What was that? Was that”

Gareth cut her off. “A Russian soldier. Yes. I wonder if that’s Kiev or one of the other cities.”

“I really don’t think it matters. I suggest we run until this one’s gone.”

“But we’re protected, aren’t we?”

“And if a missile strikes one of those buildings and buries us? We might not be hurt, but we would still be trapped.”

Olban and Gareth bolted and Eloise was hot on their heals, dodging around mounds of rubble, they reached an intersection, stopped at the corner to peer around it and continued. A few explosions could be heard in the distance, but clearly, the worst of it was wherever that soldier had run off to.

“How do you know it wasn’t the old woman’s nightmare rather than the soldier’s?”

“If the woman had died, this entire nightmare would’ve ended. She would’ve vanished. She didn’t. The nightmare’s still here, so, it was clearly the soldier.”

Eventually, the streets began to fade away and the trees replaced them again. Still covered in black leaves, but much straighter than the first they’d encountered.

A man standing on a hill as a mushroom cloud erupted in the distance. Fire swept the landscape turning him into ash in an instant. The whole scene vanished a moment later. A woman fleeing the transparent outlines of a shop with a security guard in hot pursuit. A man strapped to an electric chair. A flip of the switch, a lot of smoke and screams and that nightmare ended, too. They skirted dozens of them, avoiding trouble in each one before the trees began to fade and the between reappeared. They hadn’t encountered a single pleasant dream.

It wasn’t long before Olban and Eloise began to fade, too. As the armour became more transparent, it was clear the armband wasn’t.

“You’re both fading. What happened when you’re gone, Olban?”

“Pick the armband up and put it on the wrist you don’t wear your watch on. I don’t know what’ll happen if you put it on the other wrist. Two objects sharing the same space, I doubt the results would be good.”

“That’s a damned good thought. I hadn’t considered that.”

“I guessed. That’s why I said it.”

They continued and before long, there was a clatter as the armband fell to the floor. Gsreth picked it up, snapped it onto his left wrist and continued on his way. At first, it felt too big for him, but as he continued, it began to feel snug against his skin. He looked at it in amazement.

That’s another thing I considered, Gareth. I am more muscular than you, after all. Comes with the work. It’ll always adjust itself to the wearer.

* * *

Gareth woke, stretched, sat up on the camp bed and glanced at his wrist with a grin. He held it up so they could see it. “It worked!” Then, he shifted uncomfortably. “Oh, bloody hell! I suppose I should count myself lucky I didn’t wet the bed, and bloody hell, I’m famished.”

He dashed upstairs to the toilet, glancing at his watch as he went. It was nine at night.

I understood it

I had a clue

It was simple

The sky was blue

The birds flew

I smiled

I knew truth

In my youth

Then I grew

It got cruel

I felt a fool

I lost a lot

And gained little

I was thrown a curve ball

It knocked me to a crawl

But still I stand

I stand tall

because when life tries to make me fall

I know

I

will

gain

more.

Olban!

Olban felt the achiness throughout his whole body. He couldn't remember what had happened the day before.

"Can't I just sleep for a little longer Gareth?" He yelled.

Wow, he really likes his sleep... Eloise said.

You have no idea. Gareth responded, And to answer your question Olban, no, you can't. We are currently eaten alive and stuck inside of some weird monster's stomach.

Everything was coming back to Olban now. The game, the way Maiko was running, and the monster.

"Holy crap!" Olban said jolting awake he looked around. It was disgusting! Olban gagged a little.

Please don't do that! Eloise said, I still feel your bodily functions and was barely able to suppress my own vomit... that I can't dispose of!

"What? Why aren't we dead?" Olban asked. He stood there trying not to throw up.

Just close your eyes! Eloise yelled in Olban's mind That's what I tried to do! When you were snoozing oh so babylike!

Wow Eloise, wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

Actually, I woke up in something's stomach, beleve it or not.

"Wait, I sleep with my eyes open? That bad arse! Anyway, how are we supposed to get out of here?"

I dunno

Thanks, Gareth... Eloise said sarcaticly.

Your welcome Eloise.

Just so you know Gareth, I'm trying to roll Oblans eyes right now.

As long as your not rolling my head.

"Would you two shut up?" Olban yelled, "I can't think with you two constantly yapping in my head!"

Eloise and Gareth quieted down.

Olban looked around.

Hey Olban...

"I said shut up Eloise!" Olban snapped "So just shut up!"

But...

"I don't want to hear it!"

But I see your sword!

"Where?"

I thought you "didn't want to hear it".

"Well, I changed my mind!"

It's uhh...

"Come on Eloise... spit it out!"

It's up.

"What?" Olban looked up and low and behold there was his sword hanging on some slimy rope thing.

That's a problem.

How are we supposed to get up there?

"You mean how am I supposed to get up there?

Mhm.

"I'll figure something out."

Olban looked around for a while trying to find a way up to his sword. The inside of this thing's stomach was almost all green. There was green stomach acid slowly climbing upward. Green slimy rope-like things (Like the one holding Olbans sword) were hanging down from everywhere. Olban followed them with his eyes to find a way up. He mapped out a path and grabbed one of the ropes and tugged on it.

Ew. Eloise said.

Wow, Gareth said Are we really this desperate?

"Of course, we're this desperate!" Olban yelled, "We're inside something's stomach!"

Good point,

Let's just get this over with.

Olban started to climb on the ropes every once in a while he would have to swing like Tarzan and jump to another rope. Eventually, they were in arms reaching distance.

Alright, now all we have to do is knock it over or grab it.

Olban reached for the sword. His fingers touched the handle. He pushed forward a little more knocking it over. It fell to where they started and landed point down. Air rushed past them as the monster screamed in agony. The gust of air knocked Olban off balance and they all fell down.

Oof!

Ow!

"Ugh!"

The three played there in Olbans body.

Did anything break Olby?

Olby?

"Olby?"

Never mind, is anything broken?"

"I don't think so."

Good, cuz if you don't mind, I'd like to leave now.

"Sure thing." Olban got up and grabbed his sword. He stuck it through the slimy skin. The monster bellowed from the pain. Olban started to cut a hole through it. After about a minute of Olban cutting and the monster screams, Olban got through and jumped through the hole.

The slime monster fell on its back and died as stomach acids started to leak out of the human-sized hole.

We... are never... doing that again. Eloise said.

Agreed.

"Yeah."

But we still have one problem

"What now?" Olban sighed.

Where are we?

A Church I follow has an app (Crossroads Anywhere) where we journal together as a community, and one of the things we journal about are things we are thankful for. I wrote these for this week's prompts from the app....

2/14/2022

"What are you looking forward to this week?"

- Valentine's Day celebrations with my wife and kids tonight, and my students on Wednesday.

- Enjoying some hometown pride, even if our team didn't get the outcome we were hoping for.

- Celebrating my birthday with family this weekend.

- The release of the game Horizon Forbidden West.

2/15/2022

"What are you grateful for today?"

- My wife getting my kids and me where we need to go today.

- The digital age for allowing me to rewatch highlights from the Super Bowl and the Super Bowl of Preaching.

- A nice phone conversation with my folks last night.

2/17/2022

"How did someone help you this week?"

My co-teacher helped me survive our classroom Valentine's Day party :-)

2/18/2022

Affirmation: "God had me in mind before I was born."

"Is there anything you would like to thank God for this week?"

Thank You God for giving me the awesome birthday gift this weekend of being able to hang out with my parents - including taking in a hockey game together.

2/19/2022

My parents are special because they have passed on their Christian values to me, they taught me the importance of compassion and kindness, they are awesome grandparents, and they are so much fun to be around (they are visiting this weekend).

When I was in second grade, I told the whole class I was turning 10. We all know eight is the more appropriate age at that grade level.

My mother was bringing a cake that afternoon, I guess I needed to live up to the attention I was expecting to get.

I don’t remember a single classmate not believing me. I remember telling one, maybe two people and the rumor must have spread like wildfire. What was so great about 10?

I just remember my mother walking in the classroom later that afternoon with a huge cake and possibly some ice cream. She must have taken off from work early, something she rarely did.

My mother and Mr. Brown, the best teacher till this day, conversed for a few minutes as usual. Made small talk. Mr. Brown was very handsome. I’m assuming he was single and not gay. But don’t think they were flirting. Sally’s mom would flirt with Mr. Brown, she even asked him for gas money once.

The question must have been something along the lines of, “How many birthday candles do we need on this cake?” Or maybe Mr. Brown asked aloud, “How old did you turn today?”

If memory serves me right, my mother’s response must have been something along the lines of, “Eight!”

I just remember my heart sunk. Before I knew it, the class was whispering. A few people started shouting, “10!” The newish, quiet boy shouted the loudest in his Spanish accent, “Teeennn!”

“Oh, great. They actually believed me.” I thought.

I remember Mr. Brown looked at my mother. My mother just laughed and said, “She’s going to be eight.”

Mr. Brown made a very loud, clarifying announcement to the class that I had turned eight.

I embarrassingly sank into my chair. I’m sure the entire class turned and looked at me. My mother and Mr. Brown just laughed it off. No big deal. But my spirits were crushed.

One of the two adults began cutting into the cake at the front of the room. I had to redeem myself.

I turned to my friend, we’ll call her Linda, sitting at the same table as me and whispered, “But I'm really going to be 10!”