Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a long, tiring day.

History class started out fine, but Mr. Caff's monotone voice droned on, to my inattentive ears. As per usual for history class, I was just reading Webtoons on my laptop. 

"Also, don't forget, we have the job fair in the gym today. You'll need to pick a topic for the upcoming report due next month. Keep in mind, you'll be required to pick a reasonable topic. I don't want to see anyone writing 'Internet Celebrity' on their papers." Mr. Caff says, clearly tired. Another student, Tyson I believe, stood up and started yelling that he could totally become a vlogger. 

At the end of class, I pack up my stuff, and head over to the gym, for P.E, aka torture for introverts and artists alike. After P.E, the announcements buzz into the background noise. "All students, go to the gymnasium for the career fair!"

I moan. Events are the worst. After walking around, I notice Tyson being pulled by another kid into the storage closet. As I start to walk around, some kid trips some other kids, and the human domino chain starts to push me towards that same storage closet.

Tripping as I enter the room, I fall onto this glowing, multicolored puddle. As I do, the liquid starts to glow brighter, and I feel faint.

I wake up, immediately noticing the rain. "Since when does it rain indoors?" I mumble. As I get up, I notice the edge of my vision is slightly blurry. "I hope I didn't get a concussion or something."

I then notice we aren’t inside anymore. In fact, we’re in a very muddy swamp. 

“What.. is this?” A scared voice says.

“ Gross , what’s on your hands?” Tyson’s voice says.

“I think these are my hands!” 

Looking up, I see Tyson and that other kid. 

“Tyson, you have horns!” The kid says, panicking.

A roar echoes through the rain, and I look up, and see a giant.. monster. Its navy blue scales with bioluminescent green patterns on its fins glow brightly, in stark contrast to the dark, moist environment. I go to hide, but I trip in the mud, and the creature bites my hood, thankfully missing me. The mud made me aware of the feeling of damp feathers on my my neck and chest, which feels so heavy that it becomes slightly harder to breathe. I am so dead aren’t I? A voice calls out, "Hey! Pick on someone your own element!" I look towards the voice, seeing some kind of bipedal salamander.. I hear a sudden crackle of fire being lit, snapping me out of my daze. 

Tyson calls out to the other kid, "Mateo, Are you okay!?" Well, at least I know his name now.

Mateo shouts back to Tyson, "I.. I think so?" Tyson then comes over to me, as I stand up,

The salamander walks over, "Are you three ok? That gupper almost killed you! Aether’s blessing! What in the Realms are you!?

“Me!? I could ask you the same thing!” Mateo yells.

“Woah! A fish person.” Tyson adds.

“How about we all stop freaking out and calm down, perhaps introduce ourselves before anything else tries to eat me?” I say, still slightly traumatized.

“Well, my name is Tele, and no, I’m no fish. I’m a Hyleft! Clearly you three aren’t from around here.” He says.

“I’m Tyson, and that’s Mateo. No clue who the other one is.” Tyson says, pointing to Mateo. 

“I’m Xander. Shouldn’t we get somewhere safer before we talk?”

“Uh- Yeah, good idea..” Mateo says, still trying to process everything..

“Hey, Xander, not trying to alarm you, but you have feathers on your neck.” Tyson says, as we begin walking.

“I know.. I can feel them. Water and feathers do not mix.” I respond.

“So.. what are you three? Half-elves? How does that even biologically work?” Tele says, their head tilting.

“Don't think too hard about it.” Tyson says.

“Ok.. noted.” Tele says.

Chapter Text

We walked for about an hour, through what had to be the thickest swamp I've ever seen. At the docks, Mateo started to slow down. Soon after, Tyson slowed down too, and I followed suit. I groaned, feeling a wave of nausea washing over me. The thick, humid air of the swamp seemed to press down on me like a suffocating blanket. My legs wobbled beneath me, threatening to give way at any moment.

“Hey, Tele, I don’ feel so good..” I slur my words together, as I start to feel faint. I begin to fall, but thankfully, Tele catches me, in his surprisingly strong, albeit gooey and sticky hands, and sits me down. 

Mateo and Tyson hovered nearby, their expressions mirroring my own discomfort. Mateo grimaced in pain, while Tyson's furrowed brow betrayed his concern. Tele's voice cut through the haze of my thoughts, his concern evident in the droop of his ears. "You three don't look so good. Let's get you to Nyla, she’s the best healer in town."

I nodded weakly, summoning what little strength I had left. "Lead the way, Tele," I murmured, my words slurring together. With his gooey, sticky hands supporting me, I let him guide us through the dense undergrowth, each step bringing us closer to salvation. Nyla lived in a small hut on the outskirts of the swamp, surrounded by various herbs and plants she used for her healing concoctions. 

“Is Nyla here?” Tele shouts into the hut.

"Bring them inside. We'll do what we can until Nyla returns," One of the two Hyleft inside said, their tone determined. The assistants wasted no time, immediately ushering us to sit on the makeshift beds.

“What are you three? Elves? Half-elves? How would your parents even-"

“These children are no Elves.” A purple skinned Hyleft says, “They’re Human.”

“Nyla!?” The first Hyleft says.

“Human!?” The other one says.

“Yes. I know you think humans are myths, but I would know. I’m the last Hyleft who’s ever met one. There seems to be magic infused into their bodies that isn't meant to be there. It’s a miracle any of them are even alive, let alone awake.”

“Wait, what does that mean? Are we dying?” Tyson says.

“No. But your bodies are changing into creatures of these realms.” Nyla responds.

“How am I ever going to explain this to my parents?!” Mateo mumbles.

“You probably won't need to. As far as I know the only way back to earth for you three is slowly dying out, and is almost certainly dead by now.” Nyla says. 

“What?! So we’re stuck in a fantasy world that has no advanced tech, and no electricity?” Mateo begins to hyperventilate.

“Hey, Mateo. Look at me. I know it’s terrifying, but let's not give up ok? There's a chance we could find a way back, right?” I lean on Mateo’s shoulder to comfort him. 

Tyson does the same thing on Mateo’s other shoulder, and Mateo begins to cry quietly into his now blue hands. Nyla then asks the other Hyleft in the room to leave, much to their annoyance. Once they left, she started to look through some cabinets. She grabs three crystals, and a pair of pliers. She then looks at us with a somber expression. “What are your names, young humans?”

“Mateo Ramirez.”

“Xander Poletnyvet.” I say.

“I had no clue you were Russian, X! But uh, I'm Tyson Hale.” Tyson says, doing finger guns. 

“Why is that the default reaction to my last name?” I say..

“Well, you three have different levels of each magic in you. For Mateo, you have higher levels of Water Magic, than Fire or Air. For Xander, it’s Air. For Tyson, it’s Fire.” Nyla says.

“Wait, Fire?” Tyson says, a bit too enthusiastically..

“Yes, Fire. Please don't burn down any villages. Or anything, for that matter.” Nyla says.

“Tyson, if you burn anything down, you'd probably still go to prison. No arson.” Mateo says.

“Awwwwww.” Tyson says, disappointed in the lack of arson.

“I can do something to slow down your transformations, however I have no cure. It would be painful and dangerous, and might not even work, but it could buy you some time.”

“Oh! Please, anything to give us more time!” Mateo says. 

Nyla then has Mateo lie down, and she uses the pliers to remove a glowing ball of green light from Mateo’s chest, although not without Mateo making sounds of discomfort and pain. 

She then puts it in a crystal necklace, and hands it to Mateo. That crystal now contains your Earth Core. It’s what makes you human, and if it breaks the magic inside your body will be able to permanently overtake your body.”

“Oh.. uh. Ok. Thanks?” Mateo, now fully human again, says. 

Nyla turns to me. “And you? You don't seem too fussed with the feathers? Do you want to have more time to find a potential cure?”

“Yeah.. while I don't care about returning home, I'd hate to be stuck in just one form forever, I'd rather find a way to stabilize and control this.. power.. of ours. Maybe then I can feel at home in my body for once, ya know?” I say, making Tyson stop what he was doing for a second.

“I see. I suggest you find the Elves. While they are devoid of the use of magic, they are the realms’ leading source for information on how it works. They have entire libraries full of information too! I may just take you three there sometime.” Nyla says, patting me on the shoulder. She then lays me down, and uses the pliers on me. Ack! Ow! My chest is left with a slightly sore feeling. 

Let's hope this goes well..

Chapter Text

FANART & MY TUMBLER

Nyla gives me a necklace, containing my Earth Core. “Like I told Mateo, don’t lose this. It’s everything that makes you human.” She then turns to Tyson, “And you?”

Tyson thinks for a moment. “I think I want time to figure stuff out too.” 

Nyla nods, and removes his Earth Core as well. “As for your cures, while I doubt any real cure is possible, the elves may be your best bet.” She says, “Remember, just because your magics are imbalanced inside of you all, you each can shift into any of the creatures of the realms. The imbalance will just make one creature far more likely than the others.”

“Thank you, Nyla.” Mateo says.

“Is there somewhere we can go to start earning money?” I add.

“Well, I hear Tele’s family is looking to hire a farmhand, but I could always use an assistant..” Nyla says.

“I’ll help you out around here. I’ve never been one for physical labor.” I say.

“I’ll go talk to Tele about getting us jobs, ok Mateo?” Tyson says.

“Oh, Uh, Sounds good.. Thanks, Ty..” He responds.

That evening, Tele invites all three of us over for dinner. By that time, my feathers from earlier wer covering almost my entire torso, and with the constant rain, I now smell like a wet bird. 

“Hey, Mateo, is it just me, or do you smell hotdogs?” Tyson says as we walk into Tele’s house. 

“N-No, it smells more like soy sauce to me..” Mateo responds.

“Well dang, now I'm craving chicken!” Ty says.

“I get it, I smell like a wet bird, you done now?” I say, mildly annoyed.

After dinner, Mateo and I decided to go on a little walk. By then, my feathers were slowly dissipating, replaced with black skin, likely due to the little amount of Water Magic in my body. 

“Y-You really don't want to go back home? So much for staying hopeful huh?” Mateo says.

“I never really liked earth. Partly due to how badly people treated me before high school, but also because my family never understood me, never even attempted to be there for me..” I start, “Mateo, life has only ever taken from me. From physical loss, to taking what little hope I had left. These Realms are a chance to take back hope. Hope that someday, I'll be comfortable in my skin, no matter what gender I feel I am. Hope that I can be my true self, instead of the carefully crafted image my parents expect from me. I’ve thought it through. But in life, the hardest choices are often the most important ones.”

“Oh. I had no idea, Xander.. Well now my reasoning for wanting to go back seems stupid..”

“Stupid? Why? What is it?”

“I.. want to be an astronaut..”

“There is always more to it than that. Why? What inspires this goal?”

“I.. Dunno.. I guess I kinda always wanted to explore space..”

“Well, you do realize you've been doing that? Right?”

“I-It’s.. n-not the same.” He says, nervously.

“Course it isn't. Life’s never gonna just hand ya something exactly as you wish it. Ever heard of the Monkey’s Paw? It grants your wish, but it always comes in unintended ways.” 

“Then what do I do? Just give up hope of returning home?”

“No. You adapt. Overcome. You choose to keep going even when all seems lost, because that is what achieving your dreams takes.”

“Thanks.. I think I needed that..”

“Anytime.”

Back at Tele’s house, I decide to surprise Mateo by decorating his bunk on his & Ty’s shared bunk bed. I grab some unused enchantment crystals, and–remembering watching Nyla do the same thing earlier–I enchant the crystals with Air Magic to twinkle and glow like stars in the night.

Using some fishing line, I string the crystals together, and hang them from the bottom of the top bunk with Tele and Tyson’s help. “Hopefully this helps him sleep well.”

“Oh it will.” Tyson says, looking proud of our work.

“How’d you figure out enchantments by the way?” Tele asks.

“Watched Nyla do it a few times. It’s pretty simple, actually.” I say.

“Fast learner eh?” Tyson says.

“Yep, I was actually taking a few AP classes back on earth. Anyways, go grab Mateo, tell him we have a surprise for him!”

Chapter Text

“You did all this.. for me?” Mateo says.

“Yeah.. figured you'd like it.” I give Mateo an extra crystal. “Here. You can keep this one. As a reminder that no matter how far the stars seem, you'll never be far from your dreams.” 

Mateo begins to cry, and his ears start to shift into Hyleft form. He sits down on the bed, and lightly touches one of the crystals. “They twinkle just like real stars.. Did you know that stars twinkle because their light is bending from gravity pulling on it? Heh..” His ears begin to sharpen, and split into three fins. They turn from their usual tan, to a deep vibrant blue that could make the ocean jealous. His hands begin to grow their webbing, and the blue from his ears starts to show up in his hands. “Thanks guys.. you two are amazing.. Thank you so much for this.” Mateo responds.

“Actually it's due to atmospheric refraction. Light gets bent as it hits particles in the atmosphere. Although you aren't completely wrong. Light does bend due to gravity, but that's not why they twinkle. It does affect our perception of their position in space though.”

“Oh.. that's cool! I'll look into tha– oh yeah.. no internet.. heh.. damn.” 

“Hey, Mateo, if you need anything, me and Tyson are always here for ya.”

“X, bro, just call me Ty, you don't have to call me my full name every time. Lol”

“Oh. Cool. Wait, did you just say ‘Lol’ out loud?” I responded, “Well guys it’s getting late, we should try to sleep soon.”

“You're not my real dad, you can't tell me what to do!”

“You do you then. I’m just trying to make sure our sleep schedules don't get too disrupted.” I say.

Later that night I couldn't sleep. I decided to take a little walk, and I happened to stumble upon Nyla’s hut. “Hey, Nyla, how’s life treating ya?” I ask.

“Like a sore back.” She responds. “What brings you here so late at night?”

“I don't really know.” I chuckle, “But, since you don't seem busy, how about you teach me a bit more about how magic works?”

“Sure, I don't see why not.” She rolls her eyes slightly in amusement. She grabs some Enchantment Crystals, and I walk over to the workbench.

“How much have you learned so far?” Nyla asks.

“I know how to perform basic enchantments, and can use basic magic.”

“We’ll start at the source of magic then. Magic is fueled by the Aether. It flows through the realms in a cycle. Air, then Water, then Fire. Using magic will draw upon the Aether in your body, and after, it recycles into the realm's cycle of Aether.” She begins, “You draw Aether from your surroundings whenever you aren't using magic. Now, what kind of things do you wish to learn?”

“Enchantments, I want to learn how to make advanced ones.” 

“I see. Grab that Enchantment crystal, I will teach you as much as I can. Maybe even show you some theories I want to experiment with..” Nyla smiles.

A few hours and many high level enchantment lessons later.

“Nyla, you said something about theories?” I ask.

“Ah, yes. You see, Enchantment is an ancient technique, even to us Hyleft. I wonder if there could be more to it than what we know.” She begins. “Once, there was a form of healing magic, so ancient that even the Hyleft have long forgotten. Perhaps you, young human, could be the innovator we’ve been missing. And perhaps it may lead to a suitable solution to your predicament, wouldn't you say?”

“You sound like you know more than you let on.” I say, bluntly.

“I know what was once able to be made, but what was done to make those things happen is forgotten even to me.”

“Spill the beans, Nyla. Any info you give could help me greatly.”

“Ancient history speaks of Elixirs, Mixtures, and Oils that could perform miracles. That's all I know.”

“So you’re saying Potions are theoretically possible?” Good thing I got an A- in Chemistry last year then. “Well, I'll find out how to make them if you can find me test subjects!”

“Sounds good to me. See you soon, Xander.” Nyla says. 

I hurried back to Tele’s house. Grabbing a large metallic bowl, and some Enchantment crystals, I begin to experiment. My first attempt was to fill the bowl with water. Usually in fiction, water is the base for all potions. I then try to enchant a few crystals with various effects. I then carefully dip the crystals into the water, and the crystal starts to glow, and the water glows in the elemental colors. Reminds me of the liquid from when we were teleported here.. Does that mean I'm on the right track?

The pot begins to heat up, and a high pitched whistling sound escapes from it when I put the lid on. “Well I hope it doesn’t explode. I should move it outside.” I then grab my jacket and use it as makeshift oven mitts, and I carefully carry it outside, taking the crystals, now practically melting, out.

As I set it down, I splash some cold water on the crystals to cool them off. As I do, a black liquid drips off of them. Huh. Maybe I was on the right track after all. 

I then collect the black liquid into a cup, and It then starts to form a little sparkly pattern in it. Almost like a galaxy.. perhaps Mateo would want to see this. 

After placing the cup of black liquid on a table, I decided to try a few more ideas before rushing to tell Mateo and Ty. 

Chapter Text

I woke up the next morning with a burst of energy. I run over to Ty & Mateo, and shake them awake. “Guys, last night, I made a huge discovery!”

“Ack! Xander? What's going on? Did someone die?” Mateo shouts.

“No, but I just discovered potions! I made one that let me see in the dark for a few hours!” I say, pulling out a vial of a glowing green liquid from a case I made. “Don't worry, I only drank a few drops. It's definitely not toxic. Plus its ingredients are all edible. Even the fish eyeballs!”

“X , with all due respect, you've gone insane.” Ty says, “You sure you aren't just tripping balls right now?”

Mateo sits up, rubbing his eyes. "Potions? Like, magic potions?"

"Exactly! I figured out how to brew them last night!" I reply, excitement bubbling within me.

Ty scratches his head, still half-asleep. "Wait, are you serious? You made a potion?"

I nod vigorously. "Yes, I did! And it works! Well, at least the one I tested did. I made this one specifically to enhance night vision. Check it out!" I hold up the vial, the green liquid glowing softly within.

Mateo leans closer, curiosity evident on his face. "That's... amazing, Xander. But how did you even manage to do that?"

I explain, recounting the process of my experimentation and the accidental discovery of the potion. "And look at this," I say, gesturing towards the cup with the black liquid from earlier, now displaying the swirling galaxy-like pattern. "This is the residue from the enchantment crystals I used. It's fascinating, isn't it?"

Mateo's eyes widen as he examines the cup. "Wow, it's like a tiny universe in there."

“I saw a massive cave on the way to town yesterday, why don’t we explore that?

With our newfound excitement, we spend the day planning and preparing for our nighttime exploration. I carefully pack the vial of potion, making sure it's secure in my bag alongside the other essentials.

As dusk approaches, we set out towards the caves, the anticipation palpable in the air. The Realms seem different under the veil of night, mysterious and alluring. As we reach the entrance of the cave, I retrieve the potion vial from my bag, holding it up to the dim light filtering through the trees. "Here goes nothing," I mutter, before taking a small sip.

As the potion takes effect, the world around us transforms. The once murky darkness of the cave is now illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. Shadows recede, revealing intricate details in the cave walls and the shimmering crystals that adorn them. With our enhanced night vision, every step forward is a revelation. The colors of the crystals seem more vibrant, their facets catching the light in mesmerising patterns. We move with a newfound confidence, our senses heightened by the potion's effects.

"This is incredible," I whisper, my voice filled with awe as I gaze around at the illuminated cavern. "I never imagined we'd see anything like this."

Ty nods in agreement, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's like we're in a whole different world."

“Ty, did you forget what Realm we’re in?” I ask.

“Lol, true, but still, this cave is nothing like I thought it would be.” He answers.

Not paying full attention to the cave walls, my leg gets caught on a stalagmite. “ack! Shit, I scraped my leg. It doesn't seem too bad, I'll just wrap it with some extra fabric I packed.” I grab a bit of the fabric I packed, and quickly wrap my leg up. As we delve deeper into the cave, we encounter creatures unlike any we've seen before. Strange, luminescent beings glide through the air, their iridescent wings casting intricate patterns of light on the walls. We watch in awe as they dance and flutter, their movements graceful and hypnotic.

"Look at that!" Ty exclaims, pointing to a particularly mesmerising display of aerial acrobatics. "I've never seen anything like it."

Hours pass in a blur of exploration and discovery. We uncover hidden chambers filled with ancient artefacts, their surfaces gleaming with an otherworldly sheen. We marvel at the intricate carvings and symbols, each one hinting at a long-forgotten history waiting to be unravelled.

"This is like something out of a fairy tale," I muse, running my fingers along the smooth surface of an ancient artefact. "I can't believe we're actually here."

As the first rays of dawn begin to filter into the cave, we emerge into the fresh morning air, our hearts full of wonder and excitement. The sky above us is ablaze with the colours of sunrise, a fitting end to our journey of exploration. Exhausted but exhilarated, we make our way back to Tele's house, our minds buzzing with ideas and possibilities. 

I immediately start the potion brewing process again. I grab the metal pot, now empty from having safely disposed of the multi-coloured liquid it had contained. I place a strainer above the pot, with a few enchanted crystals of Water Magic. The galaxy patterned liquid returns as I pour about a litre of Water into the pot through the crystals and strainer. I keep following the same process as I did for the ‘Elixir of Darkvision’ as I'd decided to name my first potion. I placed an edible fish’s eye into the pot. The dark liquid then turns a Pinkish shade of red, rather than the luminescent green from the Darkvision. Emanating from the mixture a throbbing aura, reminiscent of a heartbeat, can be felt.

Pink? The hell? The only difference is the crystal’s enchantment.. That seems to affect it. I had used a Fire Enchantment on the last one.. Perhaps every ingredient affects the mix in different ways for each element? Well, I might as well test it.

After I bottle the mixture, I take a small sip from one vial, and it immediately energises me, removing any feeling of tiredness I had. I then notice the lingering pain in my leg disappear.

Well, Nyla, it seems you were correct. Healing magic does exist! I should prepare more. Maybe I could sell some of these for a profit… 

After preparing three more batches, of one litre each, I bottle and package as many as I can. I should ask Tele about the local currency.. I don't want to destroy the economy.

I repeat the process again, this time using an Air Enchantment. As I place the fish eye in, the dark liquid begins to turn white, and begins to bubble. Well, here goes nothing. I get a vial ready, and I then take a sip, and immediately notice myself turning invisible. It’s like even the air flows through me.. Invisibility is a powerful thing early on in most games, so this will help massively.

Chapter Text

As I finish bottling the invisibility potions, I hear the door to our little hideaway creak open. Nyla steps in, her usual stoic expression gracing her features. "Xander, come here please," she calls, her voice steady and commanding.

I carefully set aside the potions I've just brewed, making sure they're safely stored away before I follow Nyla out to the main area of town, past many waterfalls and shops, stopping at a tavern. Tyson and Mateo are already there, looking as curious as I feel.

The person behind the bar offers me a drink. “Hey, Gwen, keep it down will ya? And as for you newcomers, ya want a drink?”

“Lin, they’re children. I doubt they are of age for alcohol.” Nyla bonks the Elven bartender on the head with her walking stick.

“That depends, what is the minimum age for drinking alcohol here?” I say, half joking.

“Sixteen for Elves, twelve for Hyleft, eighteen for Eibua, eight for Techikk.” Lin says, cleaning a glass.

“What about humans?” I ask.

“Uh.. Well what's your average lifespan? Do you have any ability that makes digesting different things easier?” Lin asks.

“We live to about 90 if we live a healthy lifestyle. As for digestive ability, it's decent.. I mean some humans have eaten some weird shit and survived, but not many humans have that ability.. and alcohol is very common on earth. If a bit unhealthy tho..”

“Then the same as Elves. Sixteen.” Lin says.

Damn.. I’m one year off. I'm fifteen. I offer a nod in return, feeling a bit out of place among this group of fantastical beings. “Sorry, I'm a year too young then. Do you have something for kids?”

“Not really.”

Nyla gestures towards a figure sitting at the table next to us, her tail swaying gently behind her. "Kids, I want you to meet a certain Elf named Gwendolyn," she says, her tone serious but not unfriendly. 

The Elf turns around at Nyla's introduction. “Gwendolyn Loradi, local Legendary Elven Hero at your service!” Her tail twitches with excitement as she gives us a polite nod. “Nice to meet you all," Gwendolyn says, her voice almost.. melodic. "Nyla's told me a bit about you. It's good to finally put faces to the names. Humans in the realms, with magic poisoning? Sounds rough.."

“So, Gwen? Can I call ya that?” Tyson starts. “We need some help to find a cure for this magic poisoning. You got any info?”

Gwen rubs her chin in thought. “Well, here’s the thing, you all are new around here. If we’re gonna travel together, I need to know you can pull your own weight. I’ll give you your info, and I'll escort y’all to your destination, but not for free. If you don't know, the realms all have individual currencies. Here in the water realm, Platoi are the currency the Hyleft use. It’s divided into denominations of one, five, ten, and twenty. One-hundred Platoi per person should be enough for the entire journey.”

“So how long will you be staying here in the Water Realm?” Nyla asks.

“About five days until I need to be leaving, but I'm getting packed up the day before.”

“Ok. Sounds easy to me. Ty, Mateo, you two can either join me in my plan, or earn cash on your own.” I say, slightly smug.

“I’ve talked to Tele’s mom about me helping out at their farm, so I'm gonna do that.” Mateo says.

Ty checks his phone, and smiles. “Looks like my phone’s battery is still good, so I'll probably host a movie night.”

“The heck is a ‘f-one’?” Gwen asks, incredibly confused.

“It's a thing humans invented that allows for instant communication, and doubles as entertainment. And Ty, don't. Not only would you need to provide snacks, but you'd have to convince a lot of people to pay to watch something they might not even enjoy. That’s just a recipe for disaster. Especially cuz the only movie downloaded on your phone last I saw was The Hunger Games, and that would just make people think that we humans are monsters.” I say, putting a hand on Ty’s shoulder.

“Oh yeah.. lol.. how about I just help out with Mateo..” He says, looking embarrassed.

“Well, I'm gonna be starting a business. I’ve made potions, and I think they might just be a good moneymaker for me.” I admit.

Gwen’s tail flicks. “Wait potions? As in the ancient technique that drew Liquid Aether from Enchantment Crystals? You Humans are really innovative huh?!”

“Yep. I have two types for sale for the moment, Healing Elixirs are gonna be sold in bulk, while Elixirs of Darkvision are gonna be individually sold.”

“I’ll place the first order for those Healing Elixirs.” Nyla says. “How much will twenty Elixirs be?” 

“Oh, I was gonna give you the recipe since you're a healer. It’s only fair for every company to have plenty of competition.” I respond.

“Ah. Well, how kind of you.” Nyla chuckles. “How much for the recipe then?” 

“I still don't know exactly how much one Platoi is worth. Is one Platoi able to buy you much?” I start, getting interrupted.

“I’d say a fair price for the Healing Elixirs would be two Platoi for one.” Gwen interjects.

“Oh. Thank you Gwen. Then for the recipe, I’ll say about forty Platoi.” I continued. “Does that sound good to you, Nyla?”

“That sounds good to me.” Nyla grabs a small fabric bag from her waist, and gives me two platinum coins from inside. She then pulls three more. “These are the different denominations. One’s are the smallest, and are most common. Five’s are thicker and slightly bigger. Ten’s are the largest, but not the thickest. Twenty’s are the Thickest, and second biggest.” She pauses to grab three more coin pouches from her waist. “These will keep all of your Platoi in one place.” She tosses the pouches to each of us. 

“O-oh! Thanks!” Mateo says.

Mateo and Ty then head off to help on Tele’s family farm, while I bring Nyla over to my potion brewing setup and Gwen heads over to the inn.

“Ok, so to make a Healing Elixir, first you grab a filtering tool, preferably a strainer. Place it over an empty pot or bowl. Then, you enchant a few crystals with any Water Enchantment. Place them in the strainer. It doesn't matter how many crystals you use, but they will dissolve into the water during the next step. Speaking of, grab a good amount of water, and slowly pour it over the crystals. You’ll notice the dark liquid inside, which means we can add our catalyst, in this case a fish’s eye, turning the liquid pink.” I slowly work through my process, demonstrating each step as I go. 

“I see. Thank you. Can I buy this batch?” Nyla asks.

“Sure. This was a small batch, so I'll see how many vials this turns out to be. Any that aren’t completely filled up are on me.” I start to fill up vials with the pink liquid. When I finish, I have twenty vials, with one extra incomplete vial. “That comes to… forty Platoi total.” 

“Ok.” She grabs two more coins from her coin pouch, and hands them to me, and I start to package the vials in two small wooden boxes. “Do you need any help bringing these back to the healing hut?” 

“No need, I can carry them both. I may be old, but I'm not frail.” She deadpans.

“Sounds good. By the way, do you know where the fish shop is?”

“For the fish you used, you’ll need Anice Fish, which Tele’s family sells.” Nyla says.

“Looks like I'm gonna be indirectly paying Mateo and Ty’s wages.” I laugh.

“Seems so.” Nyla responds. 

I then walk over to where Tele’s family has their stall set up, and Tele is trying to attract customers. 

“Hey Tele, how much for a dozen Anice Fish?”

“What’s a dozen mean?” He responds.

“Oh. That’s a human term meaning twelve. So twenty-four is two dozen.”

“Wait twenty-four? One second.” He turns, and yells, “MOM, WE GOT A SUPER BIG ORDER! TWENTY-FOUR ANICE FISH!”

“Is that a lot?” I ask, genuinely concerned.

“Are you kidding? We’ve only been eating the baby ones at home cuz the adults are massive! You must be really hungry!”

“Oh shit, those were babies? How big do they even get?” 

“Bigger than an Aqualotol!” Tele says. “I’m assuming you don't want the adults? 

“Definitely not. Although maybe one adult, and the rest should be babies. I genuinely thought that the ones you were giving me, Ty, and Mateo for food were adults. 

“Ok. Mom! One adult, twenty-three babies!” He shouts. 

“Thanks hun!” Tele’s Mom shouts back, from behind the stall.

A short while later, Mateo and Ty emerge, bearing the massive fish with a blend of human and Hyleft, and Techikk and human features respectively. I gracefully employ Air Magic to alleviate the bulk of the weight, and as I join in to help, a sudden sensation grips me, sending my world spinning out of control. My vision blurs, and an unbearable agony courses through me as feathers erupt from my skin. Each new feather feels like a searing needle piercing my flesh, amplifying the pounding of my heart in my ears. Mateo's voice, attempting to console me, becomes distant amidst the chaos ravaging my body. Struggling to maintain focus, panic threatens to engulf me as my transformation unfolds in agonising detail. My limbs elongate, bones shift, and feathers burst forth, shrouding me in a cloak of torment. Breathing becomes a battle against the relentless pain that threatens to overwhelm me. Despite Mateo's reassuring grip on my hand, terror tightens its grip, fueled by the uncertainty of my metamorphosis. I muster the strength to survey my altered form through the haze of torment. My once-familiar skin now adorned with sleek black feathers, some tipped with a deep crimson hue. The stark contrast serves as a chilling reminder of the irreversible change consuming me. Hands now wings, and a mouth moulded into a curved beak, further accentuated my transformation. My heart races, echoing like thunder amidst the rain outside, mirroring the turmoil within. Panic rises, constricting my throat and suffocating me. Each breath is a desperate struggle as the world spins in a dizzying whirlwind of fear and feathers. The urge to scream and escape this waking nightmare intensifies until darkness descends, swallowing me whole into an abyss of terror. Time loses meaning as panic suffocates, leaving me grasping for reality in the void. But then, a glimmer of light pierces the darkness, beckoning hope. Shapes and shadows materialise, slowly bringing form to the chaos. Blinking away the remnants of blindness, relief washes over me as I reacquaint myself with the muted glow of reality. 

Chapter Text

After that painful transformation, I sat down on a stool conveniently nearby. The feathers slowly recede as I rub at my arms, and my vision returns to normal after a few minutes.

“You ok, X? You were panicking pretty bad there for a minute” Ty says, concerned.

“Yeah, I think I’m calming down now..” I respond.

Tele’s mom, Mona, rushes over. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“I feel sore, but other than that, I think I’m fine." I say, rubbing my wrists.

“I think we should get some help” Mateo says.

“No, Mateo, I'll be fine. There’s a reason I'm selling Healing Elixirs now.” I take one of the elixirs I made earlier and bring it to my lips, taking a small sip as to not waste it. “See? All better!”

“Okay" Mateo says, still looking concerned.

“Now, Tele, I didn't get the chance to pay you for the fish yet. How much for them?” I say, turning to Tele.

“Oh, um.. about 42 Platoi.” Tele says.

I fetch my coin pouch and take out 45 Platoi, handing it to Tele. “Keep the change, I owe you for making a big scene at your stall.”

“It's okay, and thank you.” Tele says.

“Thanks for the fish, Tele.” I start. “Ty, Mateo, how are you two doing in terms of Platoi? You make enough to pay Gwen yet?”

“So..X, my man, about that..” Ty trails off, sweating.

“You’re still broke, huh?” I chuckle. “If you guys can't afford it completely, I'll help ya, but i'm not paying all three-hundred Platoi.”

“I’m somewhat good on my part, but Ty on the other hand..” Mateo says.

“Tele, how much do you guys pay around here? What's the minimum wage here?"

“Are we paying them?” Tele says, looking at his mother in a sweat.

“Yeah, two Platoi a day.” Mona says unfazed by the question.

“That’s the minimum wage here? How is that legal? Also, Tele, how many hours do you work a day? On earth, there are so many child labour laws, and minimum wage is a lot higher in most places!”

“I work about 12 hours a day,” Tele says, looking dazed by Xander’s question. “Why?”

“Do you have school? Any level of education?” I ask. “On earth, labour laws are extremely strict. Companies and even family businesses can't force kids to work more than, like, eight hours a day at most.”

“We don't really have schooling here in the water realm.. But I really want to study magic, and go to the Air Realm’s colleges!” Tele says.

“Why not ask Nyla if she’d teach you?” Ty asks. “College seems like a hassle if it’s anything like Earth..”

The conversation droned on, as I started to lose interest. My mind still lingered on the transformation from earlier.

“Hey, X, umm.. Are you doing okay, X?” Ty says, waving his hand in front of me.

“Xander?” Mateo says. “You ok?”

“Oh, sorry, zoned out.. I’m good. I’m gonna bring all these fish back to my brewing setup.” I respond.

“Ok, Do you need any help with carrying the fish back?” Mateo asks.

“That would be nice, thank you.” I say

“I’m coming to help as well!” Ty says

After bringing the fish back to the setup, I start to brew a few more batches of the potions. After a few minutes, a wandering Hyleft walks up to me. “Good day sir, are you the young human who discovered Potions? How much for those Healing Elixirs you sell?”

“I try to sell them in batches of ten or twenty, but if you only need one, it will be two Platoi per Healing Elixir.” I say.

“Ok, Thank you.” The Hyleft pulls out two Platoi out of their coin pouch.

Taking the Platoi, I nod, and hand them a vial of Healing Elixir. “Drink a few sips for larger injuries, but one sip should be enough for minor stuff.”

“Alright, thank you, kind human.” The wandering Hyleft waves as they walk off.

“Anytime.”

As more customers come by, I start to experiment with more ideas for new potions. But, just as I decide to close the shop for the day, a loud thunderous roar echoes through the town, only barely muffled by the rain.

I rush outside, only to be met face-to-face with an Aqualotol. How in Hel’s icy winds did you get here?!  I think to myself, terrified.

“RUN KID, RUN!!” Gwen’s voice sheers through the dead silence, setting a chain reaction into motion.

I quickly grab a vial, an Elixir of Darkvision, and chug it. As the potion takes effect, I use Fire magic to scare the Aqualotol towards Gwen, who is running towards me.

“What are you doing, I told you to run!” Gwen yells.

“I’m no coward. I have magic!” I use Fire magic to make a wall of fire trapping the beast within a small area. “Welcome to your worst Nightmare, Aqualotol. But for me, this is barely a daydream.”

“Stop talking and start fighting, idiot!” Gwen yells.

I slowly shrink the circle of fire, and blast fire at the beast’s fins. “Gwen, stab it now!”

“On it!” Gwen says, running towards the Aqualotol, stabbing her sword deep into its blue flesh. Green blood gushes from the wound, as the beast screeches, and stumbles over, as I extinguish the fires, and loot the beast’s corpse for potential supplies. “Gwen, mind if i borrow your sword for a sec? I need to cut more into this thing.”

“Hold up now, this sword belongs to me!” Gwen says. 

“Fine! Hel’s sake, at least just cut the beast open please?”

“Why do you want to cut open this thing, it’s already dead?” Gwen says, looking disgusted.

“Because I could use its organs for potions. That and I heard they were edible.” I respond.

“Fine! I will cut it open for you.” Gwen says, cutting it open.

“Thanks, Gwen.” I say, as I basically climb inside the beast to harvest organs.

“You’re welcome.. What are you doing!?” Gwen says, looking shocked and disgusted.

“Trying to find its heart, and maybe its stomach while I'm in here!” I yell from inside.

“Why the heart!?” Gwen yells back.

“Cuz Intestines are too gross, and the lungs are already damaged from your initial stab.” 

“What about the bones!?” 

“Good idea!” I say, taking a few organs and bones out of the corpse. “Wonder what kind of potions i can make with these!"

As I start brewing, Mateo and Tyson run over. “Guys, an Aqualotol has been rampaging and we couldn’t stop it! Please help!” Ty says.

“There’s another one!?” Gwen says.

“Yeah!” Ty says. “By the docks” 

“Is anyone hurt?” Gwen asks.

“Ty got bitten on the leg, and Tele got thrown at a wall.” Mateo says.

“I’ve got Healing Elixirs. Ty, come here.” I grab a vial of the Healing Elixir.

Ty, still hurt, limps over, and takes the visl, drinking it. “Thanks, X.”

“No problem! You and Mateo help evacuate the town from that area.” I say, and the two nod, running off.

“We should stop it before anyone else gets hurt!” Gwen says, as she runs to the dock.

“Gwen, wait!” I say. “We need a plan.” 

“Well, what do you have in mind?” Gwen asks.

“They seem afraid of fire, so I'll make walls of fire to limit its movement. You’ll sneak up behind it, and surprise it from behind. You’ll be hiding under the docks.” I say.

“Good idea.” Gwen says, running off to the docs.

As I follow Gwen, I notice that my hands have changed. Seems that my use of fire magic started turning me into a Techikk. As I arrive, the Aqualotol growls at me. 

“Oh, yeah? Are you angry? Same here bud!” I yell back, as I blast a wave of fire at it. “Now back up will ya? It’s about to get real hot around here!” I create a wall of fire, by exhaling a breath of flame, which scares the beast onto the docks. I slowly push the flame wall down the dock, and then Gwen hops up holding a round, white object.” 

“Is this what you’re looking for!?” Gwen yells, holding the object in hand. 

The beast stops walking, and I take the opportunity to blast it with a wave of fire, and it screams in agony, as it dies.

“Gimme that egg, Gwen.” I say, as I find a small dagger on the ground, and use it to cut the beast open, to loot its body. “Damn this one ate a whole lot recently.. I could use some of this stuff in its stomach!”

“How did you know it was an egg?” Gwen asks, trying to avoid puking.

“Cuz it looked scared when it saw the thing in your hand, like a kind of motherly fear. Animals will do a lot to save their young.” I say. “Oh! Score! It has so much random stuff in its stomach!”

“I’m going to look the other way now.” Gwen says, looking a little green.

“Get used to this, anything we kill will be looted for ingredients. Who knows what kind of potions this might create! Don't forget to give that egg to me.” I climb out of the beast,covered head-to-toe in slime, green blood, and mucus.

“Here you go.” Gwen says, looking more green and shaking when handing the egg to me. “You are gross, by the way.”

“Thanks. Hey, if this stuff makes potions, and I end up saving your life with one, then you can dig up organs in the next beast we slay.”

“...Fine.. but why?” Gwen asks.

“Because you're complaining about something that could end up saving your life.” I deadpanned.

“Ok, fine!” Gwen says. “It’s still gross.”

“Oh it is. Trust me.” I laugh.

The next morning, I open my shop, and start experimenting with some new ingredients, writing down the ingredients I use in each potion. 

‘By replacing the fish eye with Aqualotol Bones, I was able to achieve a new potion that acted much the same as coffee does back on earth. I could market that as an energising drink that can help you be more productive. (Note to self, make sure to warn about the dangers of overuse.) Perhaps the potions aren't random effects paired with different combinations of elements and ingredients. Perhaps there’s a science to it. A form of Alchemy, perhaps?

When I made the Darkvision Elixirs, I used Fire Enchantments. Perhaps the effects are drawn from the abstract. The ingredient for Darkvision is the Eye of an Anice Fish. An eye is used to see, and Fire is a source of light. Light and sight make sense to mix into a type of night vision..  With light and sight you see through the night! Then, if you take that logic, the invisibility potions make sense too! A fish eye, and air. All you see is air, meaning there is nobody there! As for healing, you have to see an injury to be able to effectively treat it. Water has always been associated with healing and recovery. A sight, to help thy plight!’ 

“Hello again human!” Lin says.

“Oh. Hi? You're Lin right? From the tavern.” I say, slightly annoyed by the interruption, but happy to have a customer. “Did you need something? I’ve made a new potion, a type of Haste Potion. It tastes surprisingly good, knowing the ingredients.”

“Yes, my good human, I was curious about this haste potion you made.” Lin answers. “You see, I’m curious what will happen if I mix the haste potion with my drinks.”

“Firstly, for moral and ethical reasons, don't spike drinks. Secondly, these potions are dangerous in high doses. One vial is enough to make you lose some sleep. I’m afraid mixing it with alcohol might be extremely dangerous.”

“How dangerous are we talking about?” Lin asks.

“Enough that you might kill a person. Especially an Elf or a Human.” I say. “I’m afraid I don't sell to suspicious people, so if you plan to mix these into your alcohol, I will call the town’s guards to arrest you.”

“Now hold on now human, it’s not for the customers.” Lin says, with his eyes slightly open and somewhat of a frown on his face.

“So you want to drink it to increase your productivity? I will allow that, but only one a day, and none after two in the afternoon. Five Platoi for two Haste Potions.”

“...Sure!” Lin says, closing his eyes and smiling while pulling a coin pouch from his pocket and pulls out ten Platoi.

“Here you go, and I'd recommend you don't drink all of it at once.”

“Thank you, Xander.” 

“See ya.” I wave, and turn to my brewing setup, and I start to write more notes on my recipes. ‘As for my new potions, Haste, Strength, and Water Breathing, I used the ribs of two Aqualotol that attacked town. Haste is made with an Air Enchantment, Strength is a Fire Enchantment, and Water Breathing is made with a Water Enchantment. I think it works like this. The Enchantment tells the Liquid Aether what effect variety is being made, while the Ingredient takes into account the physical characteristics of the creature it came from, or an abstract concept attached to it. Aqualotol are strong, fast, and amphibious creatures. Their bones create potions that mirror them. I believe potions are a way to draw a creature’s magic from them after they have already died. More potions are definitely possible. Perhaps some grant the same abilities. Perhaps if I find one that repeats an effect I already have, I can test if adding multiple ingredients makes the potion stronger.’

“X, you gonna close the shop for lunch?” Ty’s voice breaks me away from my book. “Or are you just gonna be a bookworm all day?”

“Sorry, yeah, I didn't notice the time! I've been so hyper focused on my new potions shop recently.. heh.”

“X, it’s fine, we’re going to the tavern to go get lunch.” Ty says.

“Oh! I actually just saw Lin, he was acting slightly suspicious, but I think he’s just socially awkward..” I say.

“Maybe we can talk to Lin about that.” Ty says with a smirk on his face.

“Nah, I think he's got enough on his plate. Let’s focus on lunch first. Also, you have four eyes again. Your Techikk side is showing heh.” I say.

“Ty, what did you do with your fire?” Mateo asks, looking concerned.

“...I might have set fire to a tree.. the rain put it out though. Damn Water Realm weather..”

“Ty, no.” Mateo says. “That’s arson.”

“Eh, as long as he doesn't commit vandalism or burn down anybody’s property, I don't see why Ty can't have some fun.” I say.

“...Let’s just go to lunch…” Mateo says.

“Good idea.” I chuckle. “Ty, stop eyeing my stock. Unless you're planning on paying, no. And I know your ass is still broke.”

“...Let’s go to lunch!” Ty says, looking scared.

At the tavern, Gwen waves us over to the bar, where she and Nyla are talking, while Lin cleans a wine glass behind the bar. I lead the way as we sit next to Gwen and Nyla.

“So, can I start you three on some appetisers? We have Dune-Shell Crab legs, and Deca Chips.” Lin offers.

“Uh, I'll have the crab legs.” I decide. “What drink options are there?”

“Good choice, Xander.” Lin says smiling “The drinks we have are Dëvlon, Jæméls, Rœmve, and Qůentilestinenirt.”

“I.. how in the nine realms do you even spell those?! Let alone say them! I’ll.. I’ll have the ‘qua-ae-en-til-est-eene-irt'? Did I say that right?

“Qůentilestinenirt.” Lin chuckles. “It’s a rare flower here in the Water Realm but it's super common in the Air Realm. You grind it up into a thick paste, and mix it into water, to make a refreshing juice. Also what was that about nine realms?” Lin mixes the drink, and hands it to me.

“Oh! Sorry, force of habit, it's a religious thing. Ya know, now that I think about it, I do think the water Realm reminds me of Vanaheim.. lush forests, wildlife, great fertility..” I start to get homesick a bit. “But yeah, the nine realms are, in no particular order, Asgard, Alfheim, Midgard, Muspelheim, Vanaheim, Nidavellir, Jotunheim, Niflheim, and Helheim. Not that that really matters heh.” 

“Interesting. I guess I need to study more about human culture. And for you two?”

“I’ll have Rœmve myself.” Mateo says, with the fluency of a local. “And Ty wants Dëvlon.” Lin chuckles at my confusion about Mateo’s perfect pronunciation. 

“You say it better than when I first said it. How do you say it like that?” Lin says.

“My family is from a country on earth that speaks Spanish.” Mateo chuckles. “Pronunciation is a nightmare for many new Spanish speakers.”

“I.. I see, well, here are your drinks, boys” Lin says while giving the two their drinks.

“Thanks, Lin. So, Gwen, I have my payment ready. One-hundred Platoi. Here.” I pass the coins to Gwen. “I know I’m a few days early though.”

“Oh, thanks, and it’s fine. ” Gwen says, getting the coins from me. 

After lunch, Mateo and Ty head back to work, and I open the shop back up for the afternoon.

“Hello.” A charming sounding voice catches my attention from my notes. “I’ve been hearing about your potions, and would like to purchase a few.” 

“Oh. Hello. I’m selling Haste, Strength, Water Breathing, Healing, and Darkvision Elixirs.”

“I’d like five strength, six haste, and three healing. I have some jobs for some people to do.” The Elf says.

“Let’s see, five strength, six haste, and three healing comes to.. Fifty-one Platoi total, sir.” 

“Thank you,” The Elf then pulls out fifty-one Platoi. “Here you go.”

“Before you use the haste, just know that too much is incredibly dangerous.”

“I heard from a friend of mine about that.” The Elf says.

“Lin? Yeah I figured. He's a bartender, gossiping is part of the job description.”

“Lin tends to talk about random things he’s heard from others.” The Elf says. “I’m surprised he hasn’t talked about me or ARC yet.”

“What’s your name? What’s this about ‘ARC’?” I say.

“My name is Lysanthir Liatris, and I am the founder and leader of the Aether Research and Conservation group, or just ARC.”

“And why does the Aether need conservation? If the Aether is a form of energy than it can not be destroyed or created”

“You haven’t heard that the Aether of the worlds are dying?” Lysanther asks.

“That's not physically possible. It’s a universal law that energy can not be destroyed or created, only change forms.” I say. “Though I forgive your ignorance, since it was humanity that discovered that fact.”

“Well, then since you know so much about the Aether then you explain why magic is dying from the realms?” Lysanther says.

“It isn't. In case you haven't seen it, magic is thriving. You wanna know what is suspicious? The fact that you decided to send Lin to buy haste potions from me to spike our drinks at lunch.”

“What makes you think I sent Lin to do that?” Lysanther says it in a shocked tone.

“Think about it. Lin buys some potions, asking what would happen if he mixed it into alcoholic drinks, but I discourage that by telling him it’s potentially deadly, so then you go to do it yourself.”

“It’s just Lin being Lin, what do I have to do with any of this nonsense?!” Lysanther says, looking a bit angry at the statement.

“I’ve dealt with people like you. You say exactly what you know someone wants to hear, or you just tear their self-image to shreds. But the fact you're getting angrily defensive shows you have something to hide. I’m a lot smarter than most assume.”

The Elf angrily pays for his potions and leaves. Pathetic egocentric idiot.

“Hey, was that Lysanthir?” Lin says walking in looking confused.

“Yeah, don't trust that guy. He's a narcissist. Builds you up to knock you back down.” I say.

“You tell me, why was he angry though?” Lin asks, looking more confused.

“Cuz I didn't fall for his little trap. And don't think I don't know you’re working with him. I won't close my doors to anyone, but you better not do anything dangerous with these potions.”

“...Huh?” 

“Lin, don't lie. It’s bad for your health.”

“ What made you think I was working for that guy?!” Lin asks, looking confused even more.

“Because you asked what happens if you mix a haste potion with alcohol. Logically, a haste potion would speed up your mind, while the alcohol slows down your heart.”

“I only ask because I was going to test it on myself, not on others!” Lin says.

“Which would've killed you, and I don't think you're that dumb.”

“You would be surprised on what I did to myself before.” 

“You have no visible scars, and you don't seem to have brain damage, so I don't believe you'd have ever hurt yourself in a bad way intentionally.”

“.... Fine, you got me, but what are you going to do, you can tell people but they wouldn’t believe.” Lin says 

“Ban you and all ARC members from shopping here. I’ll also get you banned at Nyla’s hut. That cuts all access to potions for ARC.”

“Oh, I don’t go to Nyla anyways, she doesn’t like me or the ARC.” Lin says “Also you have no evidence.”

“Well, now I don't like ya. And uh, have you not heard? I am a human. Meaning I have technology beyond your comprehension.” I pull out my phone from my hidden cubby in my desk, making sure to hold on tight to it.

“...Well now, I can’t have that now, can we?...” Lin says, while slowly showing a dagger out.

“Now you see me,” I drink an invisibility potion, and sneak out of the shop, behind Lin. “Now you don't.” 

“I may not be able to see you but I can still hear you!” Lin runs off to go find Lysanthir, while I step back into my shop to be here just in case they come back.

Chapter Text

Lin doesn't seem to be coming back. “Hey, X, who were those guys?” Ty says, as he accidentally sneaks up on me. “Customers, or?”

“Problems?” Mateo says, right behind Ty.

“A prick, and Lin. Lin is working for this Elf guy named Lysanthir who doesn't seem trustworthy.” I say.

“Sus Elf guy!” Ty says.

“Yeah.” That night, I was trying to fall asleep, when a loud crash outside woke me up.

“Shit. Lin, what did I tell you, be quiet! We’ll wake those kids up!” Lysanthir’s voice immediately irritates me.

“Sorry! I’m trying not to wake the scary one, ok?!” Lin whispers.

“Well, I’m already up, dumbasses.” I say, through the window. “Lemme guess you tried to steal my potions?”

“Well..No, that thing around you and your friends’ necks.” Lin says, pointing at my neck.

“Our crystals? You do know that I can hear right? And I could have drunk a Darkvision potion for all you know.”

“We’re not dumb, of course we are aware of that, sooo..” Lin

“How about this, put down anything you're carrying, weapons, potions, or whatever, and I won't report you to the authorities.” I say, tired. “Deal?”

Lysanther signs “It’s not just me and Lin here, you know.”

“I doubt that.” I laugh. “Any successful heist has as few people as possible.”

“Well, not this heist.” Lysanther says, with a smirk on his face. I drink Darkvision, Strength, Haste, and Invisibility potions, and sneak outside while they talk.

“And besides...this is not a heist.” Lin says.

“Oh really? Cuz I'll say it awfully like one.” I say, suddenly right behind them. “Boo.” My invisibility wears off.

“Lysanthir, What do we do here!?” Lin asks, looking panicked at Lysanthir.

“Scatter!” Lysanthir yells, running off.

“Got It!” Lin and the other ARC members yell, and I chase down Lin, seemingly the slowest of the ARC members. Catching him, I tackle him into the water by the docks. After I drag him out of the water.

“...You know, you're fast for a child..” Lin says.

“Haste. Boosts movement speed.”

“...I know, also what makes you think I wasn’t a distraction.” Lin says

“I don't give a fuck, you're a gossiper. You can't help but talk.” 

“...How about I make you a deal?” Lin asks, looking up at me with incredibly wet hair.

“What? You give me information for me to spare you?” I mock. “There is one thing that truly separates me from my friends. I don't put up with bullshit. Speak, or I'll gut you like a fish.”

“....You don’t do mercy..Huh?" Lin sits in silence. He shakes and then bursts out laughing.

“The fuck you think is going your way here? Remember, I could kill you and not even bat an eye.” I bluff.

“Yeah, I was just wasting your time.” Lin says as he pulls out the haste potion he saved and drinks it.

“Oh, no you don't.” I hold him down by stepping on his ankle. “I drank a Strength Potion. I could rip you in half with a single sip of one, I chugged an entire vial.”

“Sure you would kid.” Lin says, whipping out his dagger to stab me, but my Haste potion effects sped my reaction time, so I kicked the dagger out of his hand, onto the dock.

“Nice try. Still too slow.” I grab his shirt collar, and pick him up, and set a fire under him, lowering him closer to the fire. “This is how this is gonna go-You talk, or you die. Your choice. Don't test me. I will drop you into the fire if you try anything.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you kiddo.” Lin says with a grin on his face.

“You sure? I can drop you right now if you're that confident in you being saved.” I quickly do a donkey kick behind me to make sure nobody was behind me.

“You know you talk too much, also you have had your eyes focused on my face and not my hands.” Lin says.

“What, you got another dagger? Lemme guess, it’s in the water now.” I grab his dagger and throw it into the water.

“No, oh no, not after that,” Lin says “...But this” as he pulls out my Earth Core from the crystal necklace. 

“Oh hey, my Earth Core. Nice job. Unlucky for you, that belongs to me.” I drop Lin into the fire, and grab my core as he falls.

Lin yells in agony, but crawls out of the fire with burn marks on his body.

I grab the first dagger from the docks, and stab it into his hand. “Don't move. It’ll hurt more. Oh, and by the way, have fun with the fire.” I say, spreading the fire to his feet.

“Hey, hey, stop, please, I beg of you! I'll tell you everything!” Lin yells

I put out the fire, to surround us in a circle of fire instead, and I sat next to his hand, still stuck to the ground via the knife stuck in it.

“Look, I do this because I need this.” Lin states.

“Money? A feeling of helping heal a supposedly broken world? Why?” I start. “Lysanthir is a lying bastard of an Elf. He probably underpays y’all too.”

“I don’t have a whole lot, and Lysanther would never lie to me!” Lin yells.

“Lemme guess he told you that I was weak, and that he’s been researching me for weeks? I’ve barely been here for that long.. What, five days now?”

“No! I know you're stronger than me and.” Lin stops, almost looking as if he lost his life. “A-and wanted me to.” Lin starts shaking and black tears go down from his eyes.

“I-i was lying..I didn't want a-any of this to happen!” Lin yells

“I know. Me neither. But Lysanthir forced my hand. You’d have made a fun ally. But history rarely lets you choose your side.”

“I’m just twenty-two! I don’t want to die!” Lin yells, grabbing his chest in pain.

“You seem to have been poisoned, I can give you a Healing potion but I don't know how effective it’ll be.” I grab a Healing Elixir, and help Lin drink it. “Pain still there?”

“Y-yeah. There is something I need to tell you.” Lin says.

I grab the dagger from Lin’s hand, and put out the fire. “You’ll live. Tell me, but first, breathe. It's not too late to be on the right side of history.”

Lin looks me in the eyes. “ Yeah, so can I work with you guys?” Lin asks.

“Sure. How much did you make before, cuz I'm hiring you at the potions shop. But if I catch you talking with ARC members outside of work, You’ll be permanently on outhouse cleaning duty.”

“Five Plantoi a day, and I promise you, after what just happened, I won’t be talking to Lysanthir anymore.” Lin says, with a sad smile. 

“I’ll pay you 20% of the income I make.” I say. “And, by the way, your tears were black, did they make you drink a potion or something that I didn't know about?”

“W-wha.” Lin says, as he wipes his tears, finally seeing the black tears I was talking about. “That lying son of a bitch!” Lin yells. “He gave me this vial of what he said was a potion he had bought from you!” 

“What colour was it?”

“Black, with little twinkling white spots.” Lin says.

“That was Liquid Aether.” I say. “I haven't tested the effects yet.. Lysanthir must have been buying potions as a way to spy on my potion making process! Odin’s beard, that’s actually smart! Shit this guy’s a lot smarter than I gave him credit for. I don't think he’s seen what ingredients to use though.” I pause. “Did you want your dagger back by the way? Cuz I'm keeping this one, but you can go dive to find the other one.”

“Nah. Don’t need it.” Lin says, pulling out a third dagger from his boot.

“I think my haste and strength are still in effect.. also why in the name of Loki do you have three daggers? Well, one now, but still..”

“You never know. I feel tired all of a sudden.” Lin says, falling on his side.

“Here, a Healing Elixir, and a Haste Potion.” I pull out a pair of vials, pink and orange in colour.

“ T-thanks.” Lin says

“You lost a hel of a lot of blood.. you good?”

“Not the first time this has happened.” Lin say

“You go watch over the shop, while I go find Gwen!” I yell, running off. 

“O-ok. I-i will!” Lin yells back.

Afterwards, I end up finding Gwen at the Tavern, seemingly upset at it being closed. “Where’s Lin? I have to get my dagger back from him.”

“Lin’s at my shop. Just hired him. Big ordeal, this bitch named Lysanthir tried to get Lin to kill me, and then I convinced Lin to switch sides.”

“What?!” Gwen yells in confusion. 

“Yeah, also Lin's daggers are fine. Ones in the water by the dock, I have one and am keeping it.”

“Did that one have some small writing on it?” Gwen asks.

I pull out the dagger I decided to keep. “Uhhh yeah I'm keeping this.”

“Never mind that, what do we do about ARC?” Gwen asks, looking a little angry.

“Tell the others. I need to tell Nyla not to sell any potions to ARC ever again. You go tell Ty and Mateo.”

“Hello again, Xander.” Lysanthir says. “And Gwendolyn, what are you doing? It’s not very heroic of you to be an alcoholic.”

“Shut up Lie-santhir. All you do is break other’s spirits. You're a textbook narcissistic fool, and you'd think an Elf, the so-called ‘keepers of knowledge’, would understand that!” I say. “Leave Gwen alone! Maybe she’s trying to escape from life’s expectations and pressures, even for just a minute. Hel if I knew you for longer than a day I'd become an alcoholic immediately.”

“I’m not here for you, human.” He rolls his eyes. “Gwendolyn, come, you're needed in the Fire Realm.” 

“Gwen, please. I know you don't know me well, but unlike this narcissist I won't hurt you. You're a hero, right? So choose your own path, write your own legend.”

“I’m sorry Xander, my quest calls.” Gwen says.

“But is your quest to listen to this bitch and wait on him like a goddamn maid?”

“No, but the Fire Realm could be in danger.” Gwen says.

“Lysanthir, why don't you explain exactly what Gwen is needed for in full detail?”

“That is none of your concern, human.” Lysanthir says, looking a bit pissed.

“Not to me to Gwen, she is the hero, you should be preparing her for the so-called quests you send her on!” I say. “What kind of Quest is she on? A fetch quest for you? Please! I think she has something far more valuable to do.”

“A–what do you humans say–’none of your business quest’.” Lysanthir says, looking a little red.

“Gwen, do you even like him? What does he treat you like? A hero? Or a tool? Cuz I'd always respect your decisions and I'd protect you if you needed it. He’d probably throw you in the trash the moment you lose your shiny ‘hero’ title.”

“Lysanthir, can I bring Xander, Ty, and Mateo to help on this quest?” Gwen asks. “I promised to help them out with their situation..”

“What?!” Lysanthir yells.

“What’s all the yelling about?” Ty asks, coming out of the Inn across the street. Mateo joins him shortly after.

“Gwen, who’s this guy?” Mateo says.

“Oh, this is Lysanthir. He can help you guys with your situation.” Gwen says.

“No, he can't. I don't trust him as far as I could throw him.” I say. “He tried to steal from my shop, tried to assassinate me and Lin, and is a textbook narcissist.”

“And do you have proof that I did any of that?” Lysanthir asks.

“Hel yeah I do. I have a recording of Lin. And you. From your little heist. I’m not stupid, you damn tall-ass Elf. I recorded you and Lin sneaking around outside the shop.” I say. I press play on the recording.

“Shit. Lin, what did I tell you, be quiet! We’ll wake those kids up!” Lysanthir’s voice repeats from my phone.

“Sorry! I’m trying not to wake the scary one, ok?!” Lin’s voice says.

“Well, I’m already up, dumbasses.” My voice says. “Lemme guess you tried to steal my potions?”

“Well, No, that thing around you and your friends’ necks.” Lin’s voice says.

“See? I do have proof.”

“Shit.” Lysanthir quietly says.

“So what lie are you gonna make the fuck up this time to try to get out of this one? Hmm?” I say.

“Wait, Lin is evil?!” Ty yells.

“Was. He's good now. Oh, and yeah he’s still alive, Lie-santhir. You poisoned him with an incomplete potion that you tried to replicate from memory. I healed him.”

“How?! He should be dead even with your healing potion.” Lysanthir says.

“You didn't even research, did you? Potions can turn Liquid Aether into more of that potion. Liquid Aether is a potion’s base state.”

“You’re not wrong.” Lin says, coming back from the shop.

“Hey Lin. You wanna take the first stab at this bitch?” 

“Nah, I already told the guards about what was going on with ARC.” Lin says with a straight face.

“Aw.. no arson.” Ty says.

“Arson later, Ty.” Mateo says. “I think we should head out soon. Me and Ty got our payment ready, Gwen.” He holds out a pair of coin pouches.

“Thanks.” Gwen says. “I think you're right Xander, you guys are a whole lot kinder than him.” Gwen points lazily to Lysanthir

“This won’t be the last time you see me!” Lysanthir yells as he runs off.

“This is why I make potions.” I chug a Haste potion and chase Lysanthir down, tackling him onto the ground. “And stay down, you tall-ass bitch.”

“We’ll handle this kid.” A Hyleft Guard says.

Gwen then leads us to the gate, a portal between the Realms. 

“It’s been a while since I've used the gate system.” Lin says chuckling.

“What happened to that green Enchantment Crystal?” I say, though after some thought I realise, “Wait was Earth one of the Realms once?!”

“Yep, it’s been a few centuries since the War, but yeah, Humans invented a lot of the stuff we use. Hell they technically invented Potions too. Never told anyone their recipes, but they sold so many potions. They had a complete monopoly on them. But they weren't satisfied. Greed got the better of them, and soon, the realms fell into a one-hindered year long war. Humans were almost victorious, but one of their own, who legend says was their last king, turned on them, and helped sever Earth from the Aether Cycle. Ever since, magic has been getting weaker. There's more to the story, but that's the gist of it.” Gwen says. “You three are the first humans in the realms ever since.”

“Does anyone know that last human king’s name?” I say.

“It was said in the Elven History books that his name was Xavier Polet III”

“Wait, Polet? As in Poletnyvet?” I say.

“Wait, Xander’s family is royal?!” Ty and Mateo yell in shock.

“Well, now my family history just went from boring to actually kinda interesting. I knew I had some royal genes but had no clue just how much of a Royal I am.”

“Wow.” Lin says in shock.

“Wait, are there any human made ruins?”

“In the Fire Realm, yeah.” Lin says. “It's called ‘The Anthill’ as far as I know.”

“If we go there, look out for a specific symbol, it looks kind of like an eye, with a kind of square shaped iris. It’s my family’s crest, and has been since long before mediaeval times. My family came from the Vikings originally, according to our history books, and we ruled over vast swathes of land on earth, especially during the mediaeval era.” I say. “Perhaps my family was more well travelled than I'd thought”

“X, you're viking royal, that awesome, dude!” Ty says.

“I’m a Royal Viking, whose family Invented inter-dimensional portal technology. All the evidence points to them being responsible for the Gates. Perhaps my family left a backup power source for the Earth gate or failsafe just in case…”

“Your family made the gates!?” Mateo says with stars in eyes. “How did your family and the world forget about all of this?!”

“Time is cruel in its power. Nothing built lasts forever, like that one poem–Ozymandias, I think–says. Nothing lasts.” I shrug.

“I think we should get going before X and Mat go full-on science nerd mode on us.” Ty says

“Ty, I am no Science nerd. If anything, I'm a History, Archeology, and Architecture nerd.” I scoff. “Mateo’s the Science nerd.”

We start walking through, as I notice my family’s crest adorning the top of the gate’s frame. Called it.

“Oh, and we should look out for ARC in the Fire Realm too.” Lin says, looking concerned. “I remember Lysanthir sending a letter to another researcher named Aydred.” 

“Thanks Lin. Oh, did you close up the shop and pack up all the stock?”

“I did, before I left.” Lin says, 

“Thanks. I’ll set up a stall somewhere in the nearest city. But, seeing as we're now in a goddamn desert, that seems difficult huh?” I say, suddenly incredibly hot. 

“Uh, X, bro, you have feathers.. like.. a lot of them.” Ty says.

“No wonder it feels like fuckin Muspelheim all of a sudden.” I say, as we walk.

“It's really hot here in the Fire Realm.” Lin says.

“Yeah, no shit.” I say, irritated and itchy.

“Why are there two suns!?” Ty says.

“Because The All Father decided to fuck with us I don't know!” I say. “Odin’s beard it's fuckin hot! Mateo, how are you doing?

“Dying.” Mateo says, looking dry.

“Ty, you could turn into a Techikk to avoid the heat.” Gwen says.

“Oh yeah.” Ty says, using fire magic to transform. I can hear Ty’s bones snap, his spine cracks and breaks in half, and elongates, twisting into place, excruciatingly painful. The growth of two new limbs is painful, as bones push out against Ty’s torso skin, and as they break that skin, blood comes gushing out, as the new muscle growth and his newly growing exoskeleton plugs the holes. His tail breaks skin, causing the newly grown scorpion-stinger to fall limp to the sandy ground. Ty’s face contorts in ways that should be physically impossible as his jaw splits wide open, cutting it down the middle, and his jaw extends, along with the roof of his mouth, extending out a good five inches, as he screams a bloody, mangled scream of pure agony.

“Does it always hurt like this?! Ow!” Ty says, while two new eyes grow on his face. “My whole body feels like it's breaking and twisting around inside of me and the outside feels like I barely just walked out of hell!?” 

“I bet it’s painful, your whole body just transformed into that of a Techikk, Ty.” Lin says, pointing out Ty’s newly transformed body. “You should feel fine after a few minutes, but I won’t know personally.”

“Here, let me help you up, Ty.” Mateo says, looking concerned for his friend.

“Where's the damn anthill place? I wanna investigate it.” I say.

“It should be a few miles away in the distance.” Lin says, pointing at the sand hills.

“Fuck I'm going full birb to use air magic to cool us off.” I say, using air magic to create artificial convection cycles around us, cooling us off. 

As I do, feathers sprout, each break of skin a jab of a needle, bloody feathers develop into flight feathers, and my hand feels as if it was under a hydraulic press as my hand slowly merges its fingers together to reshape into wings. My arms’ bones snap, and extend to massive lengths. My spine starts to feel as though it’s being forcibly ripped from my body, and the harsh suns beat down on ultra-sensitive nerves and tissue on my spine, as I try to keep the convection going, but fail miserably due to the intense pressure and pain in my body. I start to go blind again, as the now all-too-familiar darkness encroaches on me, and my already weakened heart rate jumps to an arrhythmic beat of sweating, blood, and tears. My legs give out, as my feet are ripped apart to form talons, and blood stains the sand even more than it already has. Still, I feel the stretching of my very being, and twisting of my aching muscles.

As the pain begins to dull, a feeling of weightlessness overtakes my aching body. The pulling and squeezing inside of me, painfully ripping up my muscles and bones. 

“Somebody help me walk, I can't see anymore. I've gone blind. Lin, how do Eibua fly straight? Or.. even navigate? Actually wait… I.. I can hear vibrations of individual sand grains.. GUYS SOMETHING BIG IS UNDER Y’ALL!”

“That’s cuz that Eibua use their other senses like hearing or smelling to see..Wait WHAT!?” Lin yells

“Something’s digging quickly through the sand! Run!” I say, as I grab onto Mateo’s shoulder’s with my talons

Chapter Text

“Run!” Mateo repeats to me, as a massive scaled beast launches from under the sand.

As the sand falls from the scaled beast, I decide to try something in order to navigate. I let out an–admittedly very crow-like–screech, and I am immediately proven correct.

Echolocation. It does not work like I thought it would, though. It ‘looks’ more like LIDAR than echolocation. Dots everywhere, and living things look like red dots. As I fly around, the dots seem to stick around, so I can use them to navigate.. Until they disappear a moment later. Shit. I should try to find a way to whistle with a break.. If I try to help the others, I can't even see my target, I could hit someone.. 

“It’s a Wrym!” Gwen yells. “ I almost forgot about these creatures, they tend to go underground to hunt for their prey!”

“Why did the Fire Realm have to be bigger than the Water Realm?!” Lin yells.

“That’s what you’re yelling about?!” Mateo yells. “You guys down there are being chased by a huge dragon-like creature, and that's what you say?!”

“What about you two up there?! Are you guys even safe?!” Lin asks in a panicked tone.

“Panicking! I found out how an Eibua navigates, and it is so weird!” 

“Why weird, X?” Ty yells back.

“Ever heard of LIDAR? It’s that but the dots don't stick around.” I say.

“Cool, but it sucks that it doesn’t stick for long!” Ty yells

“Mateo, could you be my eyes for a bit?” I say. ”I’ll toss you onto my back!”

“Yeah, I can do that!” Mateo says to me as I toss him onto my back. I catch him using the echolocation.

“You okay up there, Mateo?!” Lin yells. “Please give me a sign that you’re ok!”

“I’M GOOD! Shaken up a bit, but good!” He says.

“That’s good to hear, but how do we deal with the Wyrm?” Lin asks. “Do you have a plan, Xander?”

“Mateo, use your Water Magic to blast that thing! That’ll also make more solid ground for Gwen!” I say. “Gwen, Get ready to drive your sword into its neck.”

“Okay!” Mateo says, sounding scared of what might happen. He blasts a stream of water, and it hits the dry scales of the Wyrm, and with my better hearing, I can hear Gwen unsheath her sword, and then footsteps on wet sand, and then the sound of a loud, pained roar.

“On it!” Gwen yells, readying her sword. She runs towards the Wyrm and stabs it in the neck.

“What do Me and Lin do, X?” Ty asks

“Why am I the de-facto leader?” I say. “I don't know, do something!”

“Wait, Ty, It's arson time!” Mateo yells to Ty.

Ty lets out an excited squeal, hurting my ears, and making him appear as a collection of small red dots in my ‘vision’. The fwoosh of Ty’s fire breath, and the roar of pain from the Wyrm, followed by the footsteps around me slowing down, tell me it’s safe to land.

“Well, he's happy about that at least!” Lin says. “But is the Wyrm dead now or.” Lin pulls out his dagger to poke it.

“Lemme check. Someone help, I can’t walk well on sand right now.”

“Here, let me.” Mateo says, climbing down from my back. As he leads me closer to the Wyrm, I listen.

“It should be dead, right?” Lin asks, still poking the Wyrm.

“If y’all shut up for a bit, I can hear if its heart is still beating.” I say.

They all go silent, and I listen closely. “Yeah that thing is dead. No heartbeat. Gwen, you think you could cut it open so someone can help me loot this thing’s body?”

“That’s good.” Lin says. 

Gwen sighs. “Fine, but I am not climbing inside that thing.”

“I could volunteer for climbing in.” Lin says

“Somebody seems excited to get all sticky.. I for one am not excited, cause it means that my feathers are gonna get all sticky and heavy.” I say.

“Not excited, but I am willing to help you guys out.” Lin says.

“Guys, I think I'm starting to turn into a Hyleft..” Mateo says.

“Mateo?” Lin asks, with a tone of concern in his voice.

“I'm not the only one with Magic Poisoning. Mateo and Ty also have it.” I say.

“Oh. Damn. Lysanthir said it was just you, Xander.” Lin says, looking terrified by that fact.

“That's because he wants to seem more intelligent than he truly is. If he seems intelligent, he becomes more credible. Then he can manipulate you.” I say.

“Mateo, are you okay?” Lin asks again, this time, sounding more concerned than before.

“I think as long as I don't use Magic for a while, I’ll be ok.” He says. 

“Just please be careful about this, Mateo.” Lin says, turning towards me, Mateo, and Ty. “And that goes to you two as well.” 

A while later, we arrived at Anthill. By the time we got there, my Eibua form began to recede, Slowly and incredibly painfully returning me to human form. Thankfully, my face had almost completely returned to normal, so navigation was far easier now.

Mateo, however, was sweating buckets. As we stop to rest, he falls to the sandstone ground, passed out. As Ty goes to pick him up to carry him, Mateo’s torso starts to split open, forming gills, his blood spilling all over the hot sand. Three slits on each side of his torso, and he groans in pain, even in his unconscious state. His skin starts to turn a dark blue, and his hair darkens ever so slightly. The tearing of flesh, as his ears rip into three fins each. The blood gushing from his gills. I can barely look, yet I also can't look away. His back creaks and cracks as his posture becomes more hunched over, and his legs start to dystrophy, his muscles and skin tightening and wasting away. His tail bursts through the skin, and blood gushes out even further. The fins on his back stab through from his spine, as his hands begin to grow. His skin, now a deep blue, starts to get a layer of mucus over it. His clothes stick to him like a second skin, and just trying to help Ty lift him gets my remaining Feathers sticky and weighs them down. As Mateo wakes up, his breathing is shallow, and delayed.

“Kiddo, you ok?” Lin asks, concerned about what just happened.

“Uggh my..everything..hurts. What happened?”

“Well kid umm” Lin says.

“You’re a sticky, gross fish person now, congrats.” Gwen says.

‘What?!” Mateo yells.

“Don't mind Gwen, you’re not that gross. You are sticky though. But you fainted and turned into a Hyleft.” I say

“What’s my dad gonna say about this?!” Mateo yells.

“I think we should just all take a deep breath.” I say. “It’s been a long day, and I think we all need some rest. I saw a water fountain over by the town entrance.” 

“Yeah, we should head to town and find an Inn to stay at.” Lin says.

“Any Hyleft needs water. Help me carry him to the fountain, Lin.” Gwen says.

“Got it.” Lin says, helping Gwen carry Mateo to the town fountain.

“So, Gwen, about those ruins?” I say. “Where are they?”

“The ruins are underground. We’ll explore tomorrow, for now, rest up.” Gwen says.

“Sounds good.” I say.

That night, we slept in the local inn. It wasn't too uncomfortable, but the beds were made for Techikk, meaning a pile of blankets and pillows on the floor. Ty slept well, but Mateo and I couldn't sleep.

“Hey, are you awake, Xander?” Mateo asks.

“Yeah.. I've got a good view of the Fire Realm’s sky over here if ya wanna stargaze with me..” I say.

“Sure. I would love to see the stars again.” Mateo says.

“You truly are a starchild eh?” I say. “You know, I think the Fire Realm is quite unique for a planet.. wanna know why?” 

Mateo sits next to me. “Why?”

“Firstly, it supports life. Secondly, it’s part of a binary star system, which is already rare. Thirdly, it also is part-way to forming a ring system. One of its two moons had a big chunk blown out, you see?” I point to the larger moon. 

“Woah! It feels.. weird. I used to know every star by heart, back on earth. Now, I look into an unfamiliar sea of stars. What was once my dream, has become a.. nightmare for me.. I wanted this.. exploring space is my life’s dream! I should be ecstatic about this! But I'm not? Why? I’m exploring a galaxy far from earth, this is something straight out of a fanfiction! But.. it doesn't feel right.. I can't even tell why..”

“You build up a big, golden moment. You probably envisioned stepping onto a rocket ship, and then landing on either mars or the moon, and conducting vital research. Am I right?”

“Yeah..” Mateo says, looking down at the ground with sadness in his eyes.

“That’s why. Life isn't about reaching a destination. Life is about the journey. You wanted to see the stars, so life brought you straight to them. I wanted to escape an abusive life, and life brought me with you. Ty wanted freedom of expression? Well, life gave him that. Life’s a hit lazy sometimes, but it brings us together to help raise each other up. Life is not a golden trophy. Life is the silver brick road that leads to it.” I say.

“I.. never thought about it like that.” Mateo responds. “I guess you're right..”

“You two can’t sleep as well?” Lin asks, coming over to sit on the pillow in front of us.

“How in the name of Thor does Gwen even sleep on that? It's a pile of pillows.” I ask.

“She has been here before for her 'hero’ training.” Lin states. “You know, thanks to you Xander, I know what it's like to be free.” 

“Well, I’m just everybody’s therapist now eh? Well, fair enough. A tortured soul teaches its woes better than most others.” I say. “Freedom is a good feeling isn't it?”

“It is.” Lin says. “I wish my brother had someone like you.”

“He’d want you to be strong, brave the challenges of your life, and overcome them, and to change for the better.” I say.

“Xander, I haven’t seen my younger brother in ten years.” Lin says with sadness in his eyes.

“I can't say that he is or isn't alive. Only the Gods know that. But I leave my prayers for them to look after him, dead as a Valkyrie, or alive.” I say.

“Thank you, but whatever is a Valkyrie?” Lin asks.

“The Warriors of Valhalla, the immortal army of the Gods.” I say. “You know, I keep forgetting I'm the oddball here with my religion.”

“Anyways, I’m tired, so good night you two.” I say, as I am already falling asleep, and I fall onto Mateo’s shoulder.

“Night, Xander. Thanks for what you said earlier, by the way..” Mateo says, falling asleep. 

“Good night you two.” Lin says. “You boys give me hope.”

Chapter Text

That night, I slept better than most nights. I woke up around three in the morning thanks to my severe insomnia, and I realised instantly that Mateo was hugging me in his sleep. Aw. He’s actually kind of adorable when he’s sleeping.. He reminds me of a kitten.. so small and cute. No, don't let it get to you. I’m not losing another.. I start to absent-mindedly stroke my fingers through Mateo’s hair. Mateo starts to stir in his sleep a bit, and his little yawn makes my heart practically backflip. Damnit Xander, stop falling for him! It’ll only lead to more loss.

I try to fall back asleep, but end up just stroking Mateo’s hair until dawn cones, and Gwen wakes up.

“Wha-” Gwen starts.

“Shh, the others are still asleep. I have insomnia, I've been up for a few hours.” I whisper.

“Ok, never mind that, but do you want to go to the ruins today?” Gwen asks.

“Yeah, but let's wait for the others to wake up. Why don't you find a good place to get breakfast in the meantime?” I say.

“Fine.” Gwen says.

As Gwen leaves, Ty starts to stir, and eventually wakes up,

“Hey, how’d you guys sleep-” Ty starts. “Is Mateo cuddling you?”

“Y-Yeah? Why? Does he usually not hug something in his sleep?” I say, slightly flustered.

“No, he does, but I got to take a pic of this!” Ty says

“Ty, please don't.” I say, trying to stay calm so as to not wake Mateo up. “Or at least don't bother either of us about it ever again.”

“Oh, no, I am never going to let you live this down, X.” Ty says, while taking a picture of us.

Mateo starts to stir in his sleep, and does another cute kitten yawn. As he wakes up, he realises he’s hugging me, and gets really flustered. “Oh, god, I am so sorry, Xander, I didn't realise I'd been hugging you in my sleep!”

“No problem, Mateo. We all have our different sleeping habits. Hel, I used to be a cuddle bug too. Well, until a few years ago.”

 “Please tell me that Ty didn’t take a picture of this?” Mateo says worrily. 

“He did, and I couldn't stop him without waking you up.”

“Hehe!” Ty chuckles.

“Oh no..” Mateo says, and his skin starts to turn blue again. He starts to hyperventilate as he notices the transformation.

“Mateo, it’s ok, you’ll be fine, just breathe. Ok? Look at me, Listen to my voice ok? You’re going to be just fine.” I say, putting my hand on Mateo’s shoulder, as he starts to transform.

His torso begins to rip apart again, forming the now familiar gills, and blood splatters around Mateo, as he grunts from the pain. His spine starts to form his fins, as his legs shrivel in size, and his hands grow once more. Mateo’s screams hurt my ears and my heart, and part of me wishes we didn't have to have this incredibly painful Magic Poisoning. His ears, having stayed mostly in Hyleft form, only needed to grow to return to full Hyleft form. As his tail begins to break skin, blood gushes from his back as the fins finally break skin.

“It hurts..” Mateo says.

“I know.” I say, rubbing his shoulder blade. “It hurts me to watch you go through that, especially since I've had a similar experience with try transformations. The pain, the fear, the uncertainty of if you’ll survive.. it breaks us. All three of us.”

Ty nods, coming over to hug Mateo. I joined in too, mostly because I felt left out.

Lin, having probably been woken up by Mateo’s screams of utter agony, speaks up. “You three are quite adorable, you know that?”

“We know, Lin, we know.” Ty says.

At the local breakfast diner, Mateo and I sat across from each other, while Ty sat next to Mateo, and Gwen sat between Lin and I. The waitress, a young looking Hyleft, comes up to take our order. “Hey, I’m Jade, I’ll be your waitress this morning, can I start you all off with any drinks? We have plenty of options, including: Dëvlon, Qůentilestinenirt, Loþintinemerïnē, Sheþilne, and Rœmve.”

“I think I'll try the Sheþilne, thanks.” Mateo says.

“I’ll have the Loþintinemerïnē.” Ty says.

“I’ll have water, thank you.” Lin says.

“And I will have the Rœmve, please.” Gwen says.

“Qůentilestinenirt, please.” I say. The waitress nods, and walks back to the kitchen. Turning to Lin, I ask, “Hey, Lin is there a more energising drink here in the realms? I’d rather not waste any Haste Potions.”

“Well, Sheþilne is an acquired taste, but it can be very energising.” Lin says.

“Wait, did I just order coffee?” Mateo asks. “Xander, can we switch if it tastes like coffee? From what I know coffee is super bitter..”

“Hel yeah, that’ll wake me right the Hel up! You know what? Insomnia sucks. Can't sleep for hours, then despite only getting two hours of rest, I wake up at three in the goddamn morning!” I say.

“That’s rough, buddy.” Ty says, laughing.

“Seriously, the only thing keeping me from falling over is coffee and spite usually.” I say.

“Well then Sheþilne would be perfect for you.” Gwen says. 

“Mateo, we’re switching drinks.” I say.

Jade returns from the kitchen, and hands out our drinks. “Alright, we have four options for breakfast this morning, Þroÿíx, Ravnu, Nÿxé, and Fillae.”

“I’d like Ravnu, please.” I say.

“I will have the Þroÿíx, please.” Lin says

“I will have Nÿxé, ma’m” Gwen says.

“I will also have Ravnu, please.” Ty says.

“And I will have Fillae, please.” Mateo says.

“Of course. I’ll be right back with your food.” The waitress nods, collects our menus, and walks back to the kitchen.

“So, about those ruins, apparently, you need a guide to visit the ruins. And most of the guides are currently ARC members.”

“Then, since they don't know Lin’s not with them, he could provide us the perfect cover. Since Lysanthir’s in jail by now.” Ty says.

“I was going to say that I found one that wasn't an ARC member.” Gwen says.

“That works too.” Mateo says, chuckling. 

“His name is Raji Bao.” Gwen says.

“Wait, did you say ‘Raji Bao’?” Lin says. “T-That’s my brother’s name”

“Huh. It seems the gods answered my prayers last night huh?” I say. “Thank Loki for that..”

“And it’s not hard to find him either.” Gwen says.

“Lemme guess, you invited him to breakfast with us, but he’s conveniently late?” I say. “If so, that’s lazy writing.”

“Yeah, I did, but he’s waiting over there.” Gwen says, pointing in the direction of a depressed looking elf.

“Well, this'll be a fun family reunion..” I say, sarcastically.

“W-Would you look at the duelling suns, I better open your shop.” Lin says, trying to run away from this reunion.

I grab Lin's coat. “Oh no you don't. I assure you, if you wanted to avoid your brother seeing you, by now you’ve definitely failed. I bet he misses you dearly.” I throw Lin back into his seat. “Sit. Don't run off. Face your fear of rejection before it faces you.”

“It’s just-I don’t know-I haven't seen him in years, I don't know If he wants to even talk to me!” Lin says

“Too bad. The gods did you favour, they are letting you reunite with him now, or are you going to waste what could be your last chance?” I say.

“W-Well, no.” Lin says

“Good. Face your fear before it faces you first.” I say. “Do you know how much I'd do just to see those I've lost? I’d kill for that chance.”

“I-” Lin starts.

“No, you aren't gonna make an excuse. I’ve lost every important person I've let into my life, I'm not letting you make mistakes I have made myself. I've been hated by my family for pushing them away when they needed me most. I ran from my fears. Then my family died in a series of freak accidents. You can't run from fear. You need to face it. It’ll be terrifying, but would you rather get this chance to see him again, or lose him forever?!” I let my heart drive my voice.

“Are you okay, Xander?” Mateo asks. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“I-Shit, I'm sorry, guys, I’m usually a lot better about keeping things to myself-Lin, I’m sorry, I didn't mean to-”

“Hey, is everything okay over here?” The depressed Elf from before interrupts me.

“H-Hello, Raji.” Lin says.

“Wait- Lin? Is that you? I thought you were dead! Where the actual fuck were you?! It’s been ten years!” Raji yells

“Well, I-Wait, who said I was dead?” Lin asks

“Nobody, I just thought you'd died. I mean you never tried to contact me!” Raji yells.

“Oof.” Ty whispers.

“Ty, shut it, this is a family reunion.” Mateo whispers.

“Lysanthir said you were killed during your training!” Lin yells.

“I left ARC before you left me!” Raji says.

“You two, please, I get you haven't seen each other in ten years, but for Loki’s sake please save the shouting for after we leave the public restaurant?” I say.

“I’m sorry about that, I just-Never mind.” Raji says.

“It’s ok, you’re upset. You can say what's on your mind, but try to do so quietly and calmly.” Mateo says. "I'd rather not get kicked out."

Raji breathes in and lets out a sign. “The day you left the air realm for ARC, I wanted to tell you about Lysanthir’s lies.”

“Oh he’s well aware now. Xander did some badassery to convince him.” Ty says.

Raji looks over at Lin. “After ten long years, somebody finally tells you, huh? What did he have to burn you at the stake?”

“You could say that I had to do more than burn him. I also stabbed his hand, had to dodge a few daggers and more.” I say. 

“You did what?!” Raji says.

“All’s fine now, I gave him some healing elixirs–oh, wait, you don't know what that is, do you?”

“No, I don’t.” Raji says, sitting near the table. “But I have heard that a human re-invented potions.” 

“I'm that human. Name’s Xander Poletnyvet, but X works if that's what you prefer. My friends here are Tyson Hale, and Mateo Ramirez. Oh, and Gwendolyn Loradi.”

“Nice to meet you then X and company,” Raji says. “Also, your last name sounds like the old human family that made the Gates.”

“That’s cuz it is. Well, at least that’s our theory. I’ve seen my family’s sigil on the gates, so that’s a good sign.” I say. 

“Well, that’s good to know.” Raji says

“We were hoping you would guide us through the ruins, so I want to offer you a few potions as payment.” I say. “How about ten healing elixirs, and two haste?”

“Sure, I can take that as a suitable payment.” Raji says.

Chapter Text

After breakfast, We headed out to the ruins. Well, more like down to the ruins. An underground maze of tunnels, traps, and dangerous rooms.

“So, Raji, do you have the layout of the ruins memorised?” I ask. “Or do you have a secret map in case we get lost?”

“How did you know about my map?” Raji asks.

“Clairvoyance, or perhaps just something along those lines.” I say, as Ty chuckles at the obscure reference.

“I don’t get what’s so funny.” Raji says.

“It's an earth thing, don’t worry. Anyways, we came here to investigate Xander’s family’s past, and potentially find a clue as to what our cure might be.” Mateo says.

“Wait, what do you need a cure for?” Raji asks.

“Magic Poisoning. I’m slowly becoming an Eibua, Ty’s slowly becoming a Techikk, and Mateo’s becoming a Hyleft, although Ty and Mateo haven’t been fully human in a while. Our crystals keep our human forms safe, but it’s only a temporary cure.” I say. “I personally think we should find a way to harness this curse, but that's just me.”

“I thought that magic poisoning was lethal?” Raji asks.

“Usually, yes, but our bodies choose to adapt.” Mateo says, looking down at his hands, still blue from the transformation earlier.” I walk next to him, and pat his shoulder to cheer him up.

“Well, you three are very lucky to be alive then.” Raji says.

“We know.” Ty says. “Also, Xander, your gay is showing.”

“Correction, I’m pan.” I say, chuckling. 

“I thought you were a human?” Raji asks. “What do gay and pan mean?”

“They are terms for what types of people someone finds attractive. Gay means the person likes someone of the same gender, pan means they like someone regardless of gender.” Ty says. 

“Oh so you humans aren't all just ok with people being happy with whoever eh?” Raji says. “Cuz by that definition, then I'd be Gay.”

“Sadly, some humans are asses. I would know, my birth parents were asses. Fuckin abandoned my ass at eight.” I say, to distracted by trying to cheer up Mateo to realise what I was saying.

“You do want to talk about it, kiddo.” Lin asks.

“Shit-did I actually say that out loud? Sorry, I wasn’t thinking about what I was saying, I’ll be better about keeping shit to myself, I promise-”

“X, it’s ok to open up to those who care about you.” Raji says.

“Pardon my reclusive nature, but last time I did that, I was abandoned.” I say.

“X, I know it’s hard, but you have to stop bottling up the negative emotions you feel.” Raji says.

“I-” I say, unable to form any complete thought.

“If you keep bottling it up, eventually you’ll overflow.” Raji says.

We walk further down, and eventually stumble across a room containing a massive library.

“Don’t bother with those books, none of them are written in any known language.” Raji says

“How do you know my family didn't write them in a language we know?” I say.

“Here then, take a look for yourself.” Raji says, handing me one of the books.

I take the book, recognising my family crest on its spine. “Drykkir, uppskriftir og hráefni.” I say. “Potions, Recipes, and Ingredients. Seems like I can read these. Am I allowed to take a few books out of here?”

“Well damn, I guess you were right. Well, sure, I see nothing wrong with that.” Raji says.

“Wait, Mateo, I think I know why we lost access to wormhole tech.” I say.

“Then why did we lose wormhole tech?” Mateo asks.

“Back during the Eleventh Century, Christianity wiped out almost all of Viking culture. This is written in Old Norse, so I can read it thanks to my family’s history, but most people can’t. Combine that with the fact Vikings didn't really write shit down on earth, and that's how we lost that tech! Vikings kept their records here in The Anthill!”

“Yet another thing to blame on the christians!” Ty says.

“They are a historian's mortal enemy.” I say. 

“So, what do the books say, X?” Raji asks

“The first ten pages have a list of potions and their ingredients, here’s one. Fyrir levitation blöndu, notaðu lofttöfra og bein úr ryksugu. Which means ‘For a levitation potion use an Air Enchantment, and the bones of a Duster.’ What’s a Duster?”

“A Duster is a small creature with six legs, fur, big eyes and ears.” Lin says. “You aren't gonna kill an innocent Duster are you? They don’t ever hurt people..”

“The price of innovation is always high. I won't kill any in an inhumane way. Quick and painless.” I say. “A levitation potion could save us from a long fall, or help us reach a high up area. If there's a different recipe, I'll use that one instead. Deal?”

“Deal.” Lin says

“What else does it say?” Raji asks.

“Hægt er að brugga drykkjarlogavörn með wyrm vog og vatnstöfra.” I say. “That means ‘A elixir of fire guarding can be made with Wyrm scales, and a Water Enchantment.’ Good thing we killed that Wyrm yesterday.”

“Wait, you guys were the ones who killed that Wyrm yesterday?” Raji asks.

“Yeah, and I was in Eibua form, Mateo was in Hyleft form, and Ty was in Techikk form.” I say.

“And I stabbed it.” Gwen says, as she enters the room. “Also, did you guys forget me? You left me in the previous room!” 

“And where were you when this was happening?” Raji asks, pointing at Lin.

“I couldn’t do much. Elves have no magic, and the only weapons I have are my seven daggers.”

“Wait what? Seven? Where the Hel do you keep them all?” I say. “Last I checked, you had one left! Where did you get more?”

“None of your business.” Lin says.

“I want to know that too.” Ty says.

As we collect a few books to bring back to the Inn, we start making our way out of the ruins. That night, Mateo and I were unable to sleep, so we decided to go on a walk. 

“So, Xander. You wanna talk about anything?” Mateo says.

“I-about earlier..” I say. “I said that I was abandoned, but that's not the full story..”

“So, what’s the full story then?” Mateo asks.

“It’s better to start from the beginning. For the first eight years of my life I was always the ‘child prodigy’. That kinda fell apart when my mother died. I was barely eight at the time, but my dad expected me to process that death quickly, he had been over mom’s death far sooner than even the rest of the family, and wanted me to maintain an ‘image of perfection’ for the world to see.” I start. “When I became reclusive, dad became angry at me for ruining the family’s perfect image. He disowned me, kicking me out on the streets, and soon faked my death. A stranger named Nya ended up taking me in, and while she was a mysterious, secretive person, she gave me food, water, and shelter. But she had been the one to take me to some of the Nine Realms before. Nya took me to Vanaheim first. Then Muspelheim. Then Asgard. Then, one day, she just disappeared. I was barely eleven, so I don't remember much, but that's my tragic backstory I guess.”

Mateo hugs me suddenly, and cries softly into my chest. “I’m sorry that happened to you, Xander. Your experience with Nya seems so nice, it’s a shame she wasn't able to stay there with you for longer.” He says. “What happened after that? Howd you keep going to school?”

“After about a month of me trying to survive on my own, Child Protective services came and forced me to live in a foster home.”

“What happened after that?” Mateo asks.

“I just lived on. Avoiding people, avoiding making that kind of connection with others, avoiding getting hurt again. In hindsight, I understand I really should have been more open. But that avoidance of people brought me to you.” I say, blushing slightly. “A-And Ty, of course.” 

“I guess so.. Do you want another hug? I think you need one..” He says.

“T-That would be nice..” I say, as Mateo hugs me again.

As we hug, I can feel Mateo’s heart beating. I am a good few inches taller than him, so his hair ends up straight in my face. I don’t really mind though, since Mateo has really soft hair. He’s just so adorable. I try to resist the temptation to pet his soft hair, but I fail. 

“Are you petting me?” Mateo says.

“Y-Yeah. Your hair is just so fluffy and soft.” I say, continuing to pet his floofy hair.

“O-Oh, ok.” Mateo says, blushing like a tomato.

“I can stop if you don’t like it..”

“N-No, you’re fine, you can keep doing it, I was just surprised, that's all.” He says.

“I-If you want to sleep with me again I don't mind.” I say. “You were so cute last night, hugging me. You helped calm my mind enough to get some level of rest when I woke up at three in the morning, as per usual.”

“U-Um, sure if that’s fine with you.” Mateo says, looking red as a tomato.

“To be honest, I’m developing a crush on you. I’m sorry, I’m kind of a blunt person, so if that was too sudden I get it, but like-” I say, blushing deeply, as Mateo cuts me off.

“N-No, I think I’m starting to have a crush on you too” Mateo says.

“Daww, You two are so adorable together, you know.” Ty’s voice says, scaring the living shit out of both me and Mateo.

“Ack! Ty, don't sneak up on us like that! You're lucky I dont have my weapons out!” I say.

“Sorry, but I saw you two gone and my gay detector went off. Lol.” Ty says.

“And just came along cuz I wanted to make sure you two were safe.” Raji says, coming out from behind Ty.

“Well we’re fine, can’t two guys just have a conversation in private?” Mateo says, blushing deeply.

“Why didn’t you leave a note?” Raji says.

“No paper, no pens, and no other means of doing so.” I say.

“I have paper and pens in my bag if you wanted some.” Raji states.

“You were asleep.” Mateo starts. “We didn't want to wake you guys up..”

“I don’t really sleep, you know.” Raji says. “I just close my eyes.”

“Neither do I, and Mateo’s just homesick still. Plus, I wanted to find a decent place to open up my potion shop.”

“Yeah, right, and I’m a dragon. We both know you two confessed. We heard it happen.” Ty says.

“Well, actually, Ty and I heard the whole thing.” Raji says.

“E-Everything? Even my life story?”

“Yes. I was surprised you didn’t hear me or Ty crying.” Raji states.

“I-I was distracted by Mateo’s hair, to be honest.” I say, blushing, as Mateo grabs my hand. 

“Well, no use in trying to hide it, right?” Mateo says, holding my hand. 

“How about we head back to the Inn? I’m sure the others are either asleep or worried about us.” Ty says.

“Good point.” Mateo says.

“Yeah, that would be a good idea.” Raji says. “How about X? You want to head back?”

I then notice feathers on my hands. I start to feel lightheaded, and my vision begins to get blurry, and black spots start to cover my vision. “I-I don't feel good..”

“Oh no, are you transforming again? Right now?” Mateo says, concern for me.

The feathers grow, as each pin-prick feels like a tiny dagger, stabbing through my skin from within, and my spine attempts to eject itself from my body. The incredible pain becomes too much to bear, as I scream out in agony. My wings begin to stretch and grow, pulling and twisting my muscles apart. My face also begins to feel that twisting, pulling, and breaking in its muscles and bones, as a layer of hard bone forms over my face, and my beak is created within. The image of Mateo’s worried expression becomes ingrained in my mind as I fall unconscious.

Chapter Text

Last night, Xander wouldn’t wake up. Gwen says he’s probably crashing from lack of sleep, but I’m still worried. So, I decided to take care of him today. 

“Hey Gwen, Lin, Raji, is there anyway to check if he has a fever? His forehead-if you can even call it that-is hot, but that isn't exactly accurate..” I say.

“Mateo, how did this happen?” Lin asks.

“He went through a transformation while we were outside last night

“What were you four even doing outside?!” Gwen asks.

“W-We were talking, since we couldn’t sleep.” I say. 

“What about the other two then?” Lin asks.

“They followed us.” I say.

“Yeah, we did, right Raji?” Ty says. 

Raji just nods his head, looking at the ground in terror.

“Guys, we need to help Xander, if he’s sick, who knows if his body will be able to fight it off alone. I wonder if Xander’s healing Potions work on diseases?” I say, going over to Xander’s messenger-bag. “I hope you don't mind me going through your stuff, Xander, but you’ll forgive me eventually.” Looking through his stuff, all of his potion vials are empty.

“Great. Now we have to figure out how Xander brews those damn things!” Gwen says, looking over my shoulder.

“No, I’m pretty sure he wrote his recipes down.” I say. 

Grabbing Xander’s journal, a hand-crafted leather-cover book, about two inches thick, made with parchment paper. I open to the first page, and start skimming to try to find where he wrote the potion recipes. ‘Vanaheim Trip, Day One, Entry One: Mama Nya said today she’s gonna take me to Vanaheim! Well, at least to a small town there. She says we might have to move there someday.’  I read. ‘She said to bring my jacket, and that when we arrive there, that I shouldn’t stare at the people. Apparently she’s been given a power that allows her to look like the people there! She says it was painful at first, but after a few weeks with it, she didn't feel as much pain.’

‘Entry Two: Vanaheim is so cool! The whole Realm is really wet, It’s apparently been raining there for so long that nobody can remember when it wasn't raining! Mama Nya says the people of Vanaheim look like lizard-fish-people!’

Lizard-fish-people? That sounds kinda like a Hyleft!

I should stop reading this, and find those potions.. but little Xander seems so adorable.. I blush at the thought of a tiny nine-year-old Xander. 

‘Entry Three: Mama Nya says that we have to go back home soon. I don’t want to.. Midgard is so cruel, and Vanaheim seems so cool!’ 

Flipping through a few pages, I keep reading. ‘Mama Nya isn’t back yet. It’s been a few days, but at least Mama Nya left some food leftover in the fridge.’

She must have cared so much.. 

‘It’s been almost a week now. Mama Nya’s still not home. She’s probably off having fun with the gods. She’s probably forgotten me.’

No, Xander, I'm sure she hasn’t forgotten you, she’s probably trying so hard to get back to you! Wait, Nya kinda sounds like.. Nyla.. is it possible.. Did Nyla have Magic Poisoning?? I mean, she is the only Hyleft I’ve seen wearing earrings..

‘The school called Child Protection cuz I was so hungry today.. I don't need them! I can take care of myself till Mama gets back!’

Poor Xander.. Scared, alone, and hungry.. I’ll find those potion recipes and heal you right up! I flip to middle of the book, and read another blurb.

‘Todays the Sixth anniversary of Mum’s disappearance.. I really don't think she remembers me now. Things are looking up now though. I've recently found myself with Magic Poisoning. Similarly, I've met two new friends. Tyson Hale, And Mateo Ramirez. They also have Magic Poisoning. We've been teleported to a strange world dubbed ‘The Water Realm’, but to be honest it reminds me of Vanaheim more than anything.’

Xander, that's cuz it is. I swear you're the dumbest boyfriend.. ever.. d-do I really think of you like that? I guess so. Dang it feels so.. weird, but also good. 

‘By replacing the fish eye with Aqualotol Bones, I was able to achieve a new potion that acted much the same as coffee does back on earth. I could market that as an energising drink that can help you be more productive. (Note to self, make sure to warn about the dangers of overuse.) Perhaps the potions aren't random effects paired with different combinations of elements and ingredients. Perhaps there’s a science to it. A form of Alchemy, perhaps?’

Ah! This must be it. Let's see.

‘When I made the Darkvision Elixirs, I used Fire Enchantments. Perhaps the effects are drawn from the abstract. The ingredient for Darkvision is the Eye of an Anice Fish. An eye is used to see, and Fire is a source of light. Light and sight make sense to mix into a type of night vision..  With light and sight you see through the night! Then, if you take that logic, the invisibility potions make sense too! A fish eye, and air. All you see is air, meaning there is nobody there! As for healing, you have to see an injury to be able to effectively treat it. Water has always been associated with healing and recovery. A sight, to help thy plight!’ 

Damn, Xander, remind me to never challenge you to a poetry challenge. But there we go. Anice Fish eyes, and a Water Enchantment. I think I remember the process he showed me..

I grab a cup of water, and a bowl. I then place a strainer over the bowl, and pour water over. a Water Enchantment crystal.  The water turns a black colour, with white specks in it.. Then, I dig through Xander’s stuff some more, and find a few leftover Anice Fish eyeballs. I place 2 in the bowl. The Liquid in the bowl fizzes, and turns pink, with a strong heartbeat emanating from the liquid. 

I quickly put it in a vial, and opened Xander’s mouth.. beak? Doesn't matter. I get Xander to drink the potion. 

“Ughh, my head hurts..” He says.

“How are you feeling, Xander?” I ask.

“I feel like a sleepy bird, thanks for asking.” He says, reaching out his wing to find me.

“I’m right in front of you Xander, no need to try to reach out for me. Here, I’ll hug you so you can feel my heartbeat.” I sit down next to Xander, and give him a hug. 

“T-Thanks, Mateo..” He says.

“Awww!” Ty, Gwen, and Lin all say in almost perfect unison. 

“I ship it.” Ty says.

“T-Ty!” I say.

“What?” Ty says. “You did say you weren't gonna hide that you two are dating.”

“You two are dating?!” Gwen says.

“Well, thanks for ruining the surprise, Ty!” Xander says. “Anyways, how long was I out?”

“About five hours.” Gwen says.

“Mateo, how'd you make a Healing Elixir? I never told you how? And we were out!”

“U-Umm, I may had to look in your journal for the Healing Elixir?” I say

“Do you want to ask any more questions about the stuff I wrote in there? If you wanna read more, just ask ok? I’m ok with you using it to help me since it was an emergency, but usually you can just ask. Not you though Ty. Only Mateo.” 

“I’ll ask when you feel better.” I say.

“I’m just a little sick, it’ll heal. Plus, we don't have anything to do. Especially since a certain Elf I hired should be running my shop once he opens it. I’m not paying ya for standing around. Lin, find a spot to open up shop. Here, Mateo, can you write some stuff down for me?”

“Sure, I can do that for you.” I say.

“Write down the recipes for Healing, Haste, Strength, and Darkvision. They’re on page two-hundred-seventy-two. Ok? When you're done, Give the paper to Ty or Gwen, who will find out where Lin opened up shop, and give him the recipes. If any of you tell a soul outside our group what’s on the paper, ARC could get access to Potions, ok?”

“Got it, Xander.” Lin says. “I will see you all in a few hours.” Lin says, walking out the door.

“Done writing. You have really neat handwriting by the way, Xander.” I say.

“Thanks Mateo. Gwen, Ty, you two decide who’s gonna track down Lin.” Xander says.

“We decide who tracks down Lin with three rounds of Rock, Paper, Scissors!” Ty says.

“Or we could just flip a coin. Far easier.” Gwen says, flipping a coin. “I call heads.”

“Tails!” Ty says, checking the coin. “I’m going then.” 

“Ty, go find Lin, bring him the note. Gwen can you come over here? I can't tell where you are.” Xander says.

“K.” Ty says, grabbing the note and leaving.

“Yeah, yeah, I'm coming over.” Gwen say

“Gwen, I want to learn more about the Realm’s History, and you seem to be the right person to ask.” Xander says, as his feathers start to recede.

“Yeah, I can tell you more about The Great War.” Gwen starts. “Over many hundreds of years ago, all four elements lived in relatively stable harmony in all the magical creatures. But humanity was greedy and wanted more than just their earth magic.” 

“Of course Humans are greedy, when aren't we?” Xander says, his feathers receding more, and his bone-covered face begins to return to normal. 

“So they invented enchantments to harness and store the other elements. They created these crystals that lifted islands, cast light that didn’t that didn’t burn, and held back oceans.” Gwen says.

“That’s where my family came in. They invented Enchantments, and Potions, and were greedy rulers. Kings and Queens that wanted to expand their empire.” Xander adds.

“But eventually, even that wasn’t enough to sate their lust for power.--” Gwen continues.

“Greed and pride are known as the roots of all evil.” Xander says. “War is no exception. Rulers want more, and more, and become prideful of their own power.” 

“-Can I continue?” Gwen asks.

“Sorry, I get excited when it comes to history lessons.” Xander says, his face now barely visible, and his feathers now a thick floof on his chest.

“You’re fine, now back to the story.” Gwen starts. “The humans turned to conquest. They started a great war that lasted for over a hundred years. After much bloodshed and violence, there was fear that the humans would win.”

“So the races banded together..” Xander says. “To banish humans. Cutting us off from magic, and almost all of Viking Culture 

“Yep, the realms gathered five great mages. A Hyleft, a Techikk, a Eibua, a Human, and the very first Elven hero.”

“A lone Human stood against their own race. Brave guy eh?” Xander says, his eyes now returning to their normal ruby red.

“Maybe, but nobody knows if he was the only human against his kind.” Gwen says.

“I like to think human nature is not of evil, but of neutrality. Environmental factors play a massive part in shaping who we are.” Xander says, in almost full human form again, as he grabs me and pulls me in to cuddle.

“Anyway, together, they casted the greatest enchantment to ever exist.” Gwen starts again. “One that banished humanity and the Earth Realm to the void, but at the cost of their lives.”

“I see. Now, one of my favourite things about history, what would you do in that situation, given all you know today? If you were that first Elven Hero?” Xander says. “Would you agree to banish humanity? What if Ty, Mateo, and I were there?”

“Well, the legend says that without the Earth Realm connected to the Aether, Earth magic began to die. To this day, no one has been able to find any trace of Earth magic. Well until now.”

“Breaking the Earth,” Xander says. “breaks the Cycle of Aether.” 

“I guess so..” I say. 

It took a few hours for Xander to fully recover, and return to human form. After a few hours of making potions at the shop with Xander, we stocked the shelves, and customers rolled in. One caught my eye though. “Hey Xander, Nyla’s here. You wanna talk to her?”

“Why, she’s probably just here to buy potions.” He says. 

I decide to try to talk to Nyla, even if Xander doesn't want to. “Nyla, how's things back in Beryll Ravine?” I say.

“Oh! Mateo! Everything is going well, how're you doing?”

“Oh, you know. Still human.. mostly..” I laugh.

“That’s good. Is Xander back there?” Nyla asks. 

“Yeah. Lemme grab him.” I go to the back of the shop, and hug Xander. “Xander, Nyla wants to talk to you.”

“Oh? And you decided to hug me to tell me this?” Xander places his vials of potion aside, and boops my nose. “Well, thanks for letting me know, ya little snuggle bug.”

“By the way, I read a little of your entry from when you were nine, and I think you really should talk to Nyla about that book of yours. She might even recognize it.” I say.

“Why do you say that?” Xander asks.

“I don't know for sure, but she might just be someone who you've missed dearly for the longest time now.” I say, placing my chin on his shoulder, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“W-What do you mean ‘someone i’ve missed dearly for the longest time’?” He asks.

“Think about what important day it was recently for you.” I say. “I read your entries from yesterday. And the day before.”

“O-Oh. That.” He says. “W-Wait you don't mean Nya do you? I mean yeah the names are similar, but-”

“I do mean Nya, but again, I don’t fully know if they are actually the same person.” I say.

“I have to at least try right?”

“Yeah, I think so.” I say.

He turns around on his stool. “Mateo, if you're right about this I swear to Loki, I'm kissing you.” 

“Sure- wait what-” I say, flustered.

“Thanks for the tip!”

A few seconds later, Xander returns, with Nyla following behind. “Nyla, this will sound crazy, especially if I'm wrong about this, but do you recognize this Journal?” He says, holding up his Journal. 

“I do, actually. May I read its first page to make sure though?”

“Sure.” He says, and he is visibly excited.

After reading a few paragraphs, Nyla hands it back to Xander. “I knew you looked like him, but to find out my own child followed me all the way to the Realms, it seems that the Gods found a way to answer my prayers. Hello, Alexander.”

“Hey mum. So, you've been hanging out in Vanaheim eh?”

“Not of my own choice. I’d have taken you with me if I could. I couldn't reach you in time. It’s been sixty years for me, but only six years for you.”

“Thank you for everything you've done for me, despite your Magic Poisoning.”

“You know, I told you the Realms were Vanaheim, Muspelheim, and Asgard because I figured you would process that easier than any other explanation.”

“I figured. You always found a way to include my love for Norse myths with everything. You found a great way to teach me how to process the trauma I’d experienced. You know, after you disappeared, it took the school a whole week or two to figure out what even happened. If I wasn't eating like ten times my body weight in food at school, they'd have never noticed.”

After a few hours of them talking, Lin came in to tell Xander it was closing time. Back at the Inn, Xander and I decided to sleep together again. 

“You know, I just realised I owe you something, Mateo.”

“W-Wait what? For wha-” Xander kisses my cheek. It isn't a long kiss, but it didn't need to be, to say every word Xander meant in that kiss. 

‘I love you, Mateo’ 

“I-I.. Thanks, Xander.”

“Anytime.” He says. “Boop.” He boops my nose, and I smile.

“Am I interrupting a moment between you two?” Ty says, reminding us both he’s still there.

“Please tell me you didn't get a picture!” I say.

“I did.” Ty says, with a smirk.

“Hey Ty?”

“Yea?”

“If you ruin another sweet moment I will throw a brick at ya. You hear me?” Xander says, coldly.

“Ok.” Ty says. “Sorry, X.” 

“Also, Ty, can we talk about something?” Xander says. “Mateo, I trust you so you can come too.”

“Sure.” I say. “Whatcha need, Xander?”

“Sure, what do you want to talk about?” Ty asks.

“Gwen, Lin, Raji, can you guys please leave?” Xander says.

The three nod, and leave the room.

“I don't really know how to say this, even in a blunt way, mostly cuz I don't fully understand it myself..” Xander begins.

“Understand wha?” Ty asks.

“I’m not always a guy, at least as far as I can tell.. sometimes I feel like neither a guy or a girl. And other times I'm genderless.. and I'm rarely a girl, but it has happened.” Xander starts. “I figured you two would at least understand what that means..”

“Ooh, you’re genderfluid, and I understand.” Ty says. “If you couldn't tell-by some miracle-my voice sometimes gets really high pitched, especially in the morning, when I'm not fully awake..” 

“I see, so you weren’t always a boy.” Xander says. “I honestly suspected that, considering the whole vocal range thing. Seriously, you could be a singer, you'd do well.”

“Hehe, Yeah. I’m Trans. Mateo already knew, but we never really thought to tell you. You always seemed to be using the right pronouns so it wasn't an issue I thought needed attention.” Ty says.

“Thanks for telling us. Do you know what pronouns you want us to use for you?” I say.

“Xi/Xe generally work when I'm genderless, and They/Them works for when I'm non-binary. Otherwise he/him unless I tell you otherwise.” Xi says. “Currently I'm genderless. I still need to find a way to let you guys know without having to verbally tell you..”

“Maybe some coloured earrings!” Ty says. “I've seen that on Tumbler before, and apparently it really helps.”

“Well, I don't have my ears pierced yet.. and I don't think anyone in the realms could do that.. actually.. wait.. Mateo, do you think Mo-Nyla would know?”

“Did you almost call her mom? Honestly, I can see it.” Ty says.

“Xander, the process isn't hard. It's just a hot needle through the skin. Ty could do it with his Fire Magic. Do you have a needle?”

“Check my bag. I also have some old jewellery crafting supplies if you check the front pocket. A big old case of tools and materials. Once I made my mom the earrings she still wears. I never got rid of the extra stuff. I might mirror the ones I made for her. Put an interchangeable gem on it though. Red, purple, and green for the three more common genders.”

“Ooh, I'll practise with my Fire Magic so I can heat the needle up. How many holes do you need?” Ty says.

“Two, one towards the top of the ear, one on the side. Not in the earlobe though.” Xi says.

A few minutes later, Xander and I are making earrings together.

“Thanks for the help Mateo.” Xi says, giving me a kiss on cheek, making me blush deeply. 

“You two are seriously adorable together!” Ty says.

“Thanks, Ty. Ok, you ready with that needle?”

“Oh, yeah, I have it ready to go.” Ty says.

“Ok. I’m ready. Left ear only.” Xi says, clearly nervous. 

“Ok.” I say, also just as nervous.

Ty then heats up the needle, and it glows with heat. As he pokes the two holes through Xi’s ear, Xi tenses with pain. As Ty pulls the needle out, I give Xander a Healing Elixir, and he drinks it after he puts the earring on, and the interchangeable gemstone hangs from his ear, as the chain wraps around the back of his ear. The Healing Elixir then heals the burns around his ear.

“That went surprisingly well.”

“Yeah!”

That night, I watch as Xander gets ready to try to sleep, so I decided to help with that.

“Hey, you mind if I sleep with ya? I figured since we're basically dating now, right?”

Xi blushes, and scoots over towards the window, and I grab my blanket, and cuddle up to Xe, giving Xe a hug. “ Thanks Mateo. You don't even know just how much you helped me today.” Xi says, as he kisses my cheek. “Gooodnight, my Lunaris.” 

“Night my Solaris.” I say.

Xander begins to hum quietly. “Oh, When the sun loves the moon, Even the ocean feels his pull. Oh, and the stars align every night, To spell out their love in tiny bright lights, Oh, when the sun loves the moon, Never touching but never far.” 

“Oh, at the break of day, A summer's ray,” I continue the song along the same rhythm.

“A moonlit night that casts away,” Xi sings.

“Their love remains,” I sing.

“Their love remains,” Xi repeats.

“Oh, oh, oh, oh, Oh, when the sun loves the moon.” We sing together.

“Xe’s golden light,” I sing.

“His silver hues,” Xi sings in a quiet voice.

“A beautiful song,” We sing together.

“Oh, how he longs, for dawn,”

“Oh, how Xi longs, for dusk”

“I love you, Mateo.”

“I love you too, Xander.”

Chapter Text

I wake up, with Mateo’s arms still wrapped around me. For once, I seemed to have gotten a half decent amount of sleep.

“Morning sleepyhead.” Gwen says. “You aren’t gonna like what I heard. Lysanthir was released from prison and is on his way to the Fire Realm as we speak.”

“How did he get released?!” Ty asks.

“Well, none of us pressed any charges on him. He was there for two days, then they just let him go.” Gwen says.

“Ok. Lin, close down the shop. How much Techint have we made?” I say. 

“I say about sixty-seven Techints is how much we made.” Lin says.

Mateo stirs in his sleep, as he begins waking up. “Whas goin on?” 

“Uh Lysanthir’s out of jail, but we’re gonna figure out ARC’s plan and stop it before anything bad can happen.” Ty says. “Right, X?”

“Right. Ok everyone pack up their stuff. We’re gonna move our base of operations into a more defensible location.” 

“I know a perfect place where we can move our base of operations to.” Raji says.

“What?” Mateo says.

“The maze.” Raji starts. “You would need a map or have been down there a lot to know the place as well as I do.”

“It’s an idea, but Gwen said you were the only guide for the Ruins that wasn’t in ARC.” Lin says.

“ARC doesn’t actually know their way around the maze like I do.” Raji says.

“You better be right about that. Ok. We’ll head to the ruins. Gwen, Lin, you’ll need to be on lookout duty since you two have weapons. Raji, is there an armoury in the Ruins?”

“Yeah, there is.” Raji says.

“Good, we’ll use those weapons. We can always repair a broken one.” I say. “For now, I’ll use that dagger Lin kindly gave me after I stabbed his hand a few days ago.”

“Then let's get going before ARC finds us.” Raji says.

“Wait. Before we go, Invisibility Potions. I don’t sell these ones, so ARC can never get them. Sure tricked you and Lysanthir before, right Lin?” I say, passing out the potions we’ll need to everyone. Haste, Invisibility, Fire Guarding, and Strength.

“Yeah..” Lin says. “They sure did.” 

We all pack up, and start heading out. As we pass by the town square, I see Lysanthir, speaking to the people. “The truth is, Magic isn’t dying. It’s running out. We’ve been using Magic as if it’s an unlimited resource, and now we’ve drained the well.”

“More lies from that son of a bitch.” Raji whispers.

“Actually, I think there is a tiny bit of truth hidden within. Magic is getting weaker, I’ve heard the residents complaining about their Magic not working properly.” I say. “But he’s trying to manipulate the masses into using all their Magic for fueling his own goals. That manipulative fuck.”

“Right, that’s my bad for that outburst.” Raji whispers.

“Now, we must work together to limit its use, to allow the source of Magic, the Aether, to heal!” Lysanthir says. “I won’t leave you defenceless, we must only use magic on what is necessary. If everyone donates their Magic, we can ensure it won’t go to waste!”

“We should find a way to slow them down, right?” Raji whispers to me.

“Normally, yes. But we need to move. The Invisibility doesn't last long, and I'd estimate we have half an hour left at best.” I say, as a small fluffy animal walks up to me. 

“Uh.. Guys, why is that thing able to see me?” I say, giving the creature a pat on the head. 

“Can we keep it, X?” Ty and Mateo ask.

“Little guy, you can come, but only cuz you're adorable and Mateo wants you, so if you wanna come with us, hop is somebody’s bag, ok little guy?”

The little bunny-cat-thing nods, and hides in my bag. “Gwen what’s it even called?” 

“It’s called a Duster, they’re small furry, six-legged creatures. They are normally seen as pets, breaking into barns and kitchens for food or Enchantment Crystals to eat.” Gwen says, as we continue walking, reaching the Ruins.

“Aww, he’s just a little Loki. A mischief maker!” I say. “I'm naming him Loki. It just fits.”

“Well, we’re here.” Raji says.

“Just in time. The Potions are just wearing off now.” Lin says.

Loki climbs from my bag to my shoulder, and jumps to Mateo’s shoulder, and lays down around his neck. “Aw, Mateo, Loki likes you!” Ty says.

“Guys, we don’t have time for that.” Raji says.

“Sorry, right. Ok, Raji, take us to the Armoury first.” I say.

“On it, X.” Raji says, pulling out the map for the Ruins. “Ok, just follow me.”

We arrive soon after in the Armoury, where the walls are covered top to bottom in Viking era Weapons, as well as some Asian ones, and some other random ones.

“Hey, Xander, how is there a katana here?” Ty says.

“The Vikings went pretty much everywhere they could. Hel, they discovered North America before anyone else.” I say. “Everybody pick a weapon, even you gwen. Grab a backup.”

“Got it.” They all say, almost in-sync.

I stare at a mural of the maze, sunk into the floor. Next to it, a big lever sits on the floor. “Hey Raji, is this Maze able to change its layout? Say like by flipping this switch?”

“Yeah, all of the walls outside this room shift around.” Raji says. “Could seriously slow down anyone trying to get in or out of the Ruins.”

“Ooo, That means we can use this against ARC!” Ty says.

“At great personal risk. We should take a picture of each layout map. Ty, grab your phone.” I say.

“You got it, X.” Ty says, whipping out his phone, and taking a pic of the map.

I pull the lever, and the map shifts, as the maze around us begins to churn and gears around the room work in unison to shake the very foundations of the Anthill, shifting the maze to its second layout. Ty grabs a pic, and I push the lever back, causing more shaking and quaking. Shit they know someone is down here now.

I go over to the spearheads, and pick up a glaive. “Sweet, a glaive! These things are my favourite weapon. It's like a short sword on a long stick.” I wonder if it’s possible to enchant a crystal and have it power up a weapon? “Hey, Gwen, how does your sword’s blade work? Is it the crystal?”

“Yeah, I believe that’s how it works but why do you ask?” Gwen asks.

“Then I have an idea. Once y’all pick out weapons, come here.” I say, grabbing some enchantment crystals.

“Hey, X, what kind of blade is this?” Raji asks, showing me a rapier.

“A rapier, good choice, it’s best used for thrusts, not as much for slashing. It fits you.”

“Alright. So, what do you plan on doing with the weapons?” Raji asks.

“Boosting them.” I say, as I grab an enchantment crystal, and place it in the pommel of the Rapier, and enchant it with Air Magic. “There. Now it’ll be even lighter, and will boost your movements allowing you to be faster, lighter, and jump higher.” 

I then grab my glaive, and enchant it with Fire Magic, so that I can light it’s blade on fire.

“Cool.” Raji says.

“Hey, guys, what about this bow? Does anyone see an arrow? Or like twenty?” Ty says.

“Ty, bring it over here, I’m about to eliminate that need for you.” I say, as I enchant a crystal with Fire Magic. “Now, your arrows are made of Fire.”

“Oh yeah!” Ty says, holding up the bow.

“Mateo, what are you choosing? I can help you choose if you can't think of one

“What about this crossbow?” Mateo asks.

“I mean they’re slow, but they can pack a punch. Maybe try melee weapons? We already have a ranger in Ty.” I say, offering a shortsword and small shield.

“Sure.” Mateo says.

“The sword will be enchanted with Water Magic, allowing you to heal any wound you receive. The shield will have Air Magic, so it’s lighter, and will give you better mobility.” I enchant the items.

“Be careful, ok? If it comes down to a battle, stall for me to find you, my Sköll.” I say.

“Wait, what did you call me?”

“Sköll, the celestial wolf that chases the sun across the sky. It’s Lunar counterpart is Hati.” I say. “Sköll and Hati.”

“Daww!” Lin, Ty, Gwen, and Raji say almost at the same time.

“Alright, you two love birds, we should get going to prepare for ARC’s arivial.” Lin says.

“So, how would we do that without them knowing?” Ty asks.

“I say we stay here. In the ruins, we have home turf advantage. Raji, how many entrances are there?” Gwen says.

“About two main entrances, Gwen you go to the southern one, Lin you can go to the northern one.” Raji says.

As we talk, Lysanthir comes in. “How did you six get in here?!” 

“We walked here.” I say. “So, Lie-santhir, what brings you down here?

“I-I’m trying to find something.” Lysanthir says. “And why are you six here?” 

“Well, we don’t have the time or the right crayons to explain it to you.” Raji says. 

“Whatever. Get out of my way.” Lysanthir says.

“Yeah, no. If you want to get out of this room alive, you’ll have to fight us all at once.” I say, twirling my glaive into a battle stance reminiscent of Obi-Wan, and I grab a few throwing knives from next to me, and I throw one into the wall next to Lysanthir’s head. “That was your only warning. Either you surrender now, or die in a few minutes.”

“Why is it you keep forgetting I'm not alone.” Lysanthir says.

“We didn't forget, we came prepared.”

“Lin, you know what to do.” I say.

“Yes, I do, Xander.” Lin pulls the lever. The earth beneath us shakes and rumbles, and the maze map shifts.

“What did you do?!” Lysanthir yells.

“We moved the walls around, ya know, just getting your men lost in the maze.” Ty says. “Good luck getting backup this time.”

“Well, crap.” Lysanthir says. “How do I get out of this.”

“You don't. Your skeleton will rot here for thousands of years, you brain-dead, idiotic, son of a bitch.”

“Surrender, you have nowhere else to run to!” Raji says, pulling out his rapier.

Lysanthir pulls out his sword, and has a mad look on his face. “You will not interfere with my work again. I doubt any of you even know how to use your weapons!”

“Me, Gwen, and Raji do though.” Lin says, pulling out his daggers.

“You have a few daggers, and at worst, Gwen can't fight to save her own life last I checked, and Raji’s using a weapon he has no experience with.” Lysanthir says, a cocky smile plastered on his face.”

“You shut the hell up, you tall-ass motherfucker!” Raji yells. “You know nothing about us!”

I run at Lysanthir, and light my glaive’s blade on fire, and slash at him, aiming for his left arm, forcing him to dodge back, where Ty shoots his leg with his fire arrows

“Ack! Fuck! What is that? Fire? How the hell are you shooting fucking fire at me?” 

“Fire Enchantments!” Ty says.

“I’m ending this.” Lysanthir says, grabbing four, glowing vials, one yellow, one red, two blue. Potions? No, he doesn't know how to make those, and blue is for Water Breathing.. 

“Wait a minute, those look like the same vials from the storage room!” Mateo says. 

“The closet?! Wait, those vials are the same as what gave us Magic Poisoning aren’t they?” Ty says.

“If you so much as step closer, I'll destroy these vials of Pure Magic.” Lysanthir says. 

Ty shoots the vials. “Ty, he just said that was pure magic.” Raji says.

Lysanthir falls quiet as his skin rots, turning a dark purple, then black, as his face begins to melt away. He looks panicked, even just his skull, as it begins to grow, shifting, and cracking. His bones, now fully visible, begin to break themselves apart, and reform into a form unlike his own. His once decently handsome face is now that of a dragon-like creature. His bones turn a dark, sickly grey, and his new form keeps growing. Soon his head hits the ceiling, but he doesn't seem to be even close to done growing.

“Guys we need to get out of here and evacuate the Anthill!” I say. “Lin hit the switch again. I’ll stay behind to make sure everybody follows Raji out of this place.”

“Got It!” Lin says, pulling the switch.

I start to shepard everyone out, as Lysanthir’s size puts cracks in the ceiling, and light debris falls every time Lysanthir breathes.

“But I’ll stay behind. You go on ahead!” Lin throws me his dagger. “If I don't make it, Raji, I love you, brother. Xander, everyone, I’ll miss you. Xander, you said that in your culture, those who die in battle go to Valhalla right? Well, I'll wait for you there. See you soon.”

“Lin, NO!” Raji yells in tears. 

I pull Raji out of the room, as Lysanthir’s growing size starts to drop chunks of rubble from the ceiling, and along with it, a large key-shaped object, with a green crystal. Gwen grabs it quickly as we run.

“Why Lin, why?!” Raji yells, falling to his knees.

I pull Raji off the floor, but it’s too late as rubble comes crashing down around us. After a little bit of coughing, I reach for my Crystal necklace, feeling a crack, but it’s not broken yet. I grab my phone, and turn my flashlight on, and the battery saver app. “Is everyone ok? Let’s do headcount. Mateo?”

“I’m ok, but my Crystal necklace got cracked.” Mateo says.

“Noted. Gwen?” I ask.

“Alive. I think I might have broken something in my tail though.” She says.

“Raji?” I shout.

“Here.” Raji says, looking more depressed than before.

“Ty?” I say.

“I think my Crystal necklace broke.” Ty says.

“Shit, what form are you in? Still mostly human?” I say.

“Yea, mostly.” Ty says.

“Ok, avoid using Magic until we can figure out how that’s affected you.

“K.” Ty sats.

“Can anyone see my flashlight?” I say.

“I can.” Mateo says. 

“I can't, unless it's that strange green orb near me.” Gwen says.

“What strange green orb?” Ty asks

Just as I manage to dig my way to Gwen I watch her touch the orb. “Gwen no! That's Ty’s Earth Core!” 

“I bet she touched it!” Ty says, slightly concerned.

“Oh she did, it’s been absorbed into her body now.” I say, as the key that Gwen picked up during the commotion begins to glow. As it does, Gwen throws it at the wall of rubble. It then flies back at her, but stops near her hand. She turns her hand, and it mirrors. Almost like she's telepathically controlling it. “The fuck?” Gwen says.

“Gwen, you have Earth Magic now, but uh.. that might also end up meaning Magic Poisoning.”

“Would that make her now part human?” Mateo asks.

“Basically. Well on the bright side, it won't be nearly as painful for you, Gwen, since Humans look a lot like Elves. You’ll lose the tail though. And the sharp ears. That’s pretty much it in terms of physical stuff.” I say.

“I-I see.” Gwen says.

“Well. Let’s see. Can everyone dig towards my voice?” I say. 

“Yeah.” Raji says.

“I’m starting now.” Ty says.

“Good. Mateo, you good? Anything broken?” I say, letting my concern slip into my voice.

“Yeah, nothing is really broken, maybe a few ribs, but that’s all.” Mateo says.

“Ok, can you see my flashlight?”

“Yeah, I can.” He says.

“That's good, come to me, I'll grab a Healing Elixir.” I say, grabbing one from my bag. I also grab Elixirs for Strength and Darkvision, drinking half of each. “I just took an Elixir of Darkvision, I can see you now! The rubble isn't thick, I'll dig through to you.” I say, as I move the larger pieces of rubble away, and clear out enough space for everyone to see each other. I give Mateo his Healing Elixir, and the four of us start to dig through rubble to escape, as Lysanthir’s continued growth causes more tremors in the ground, and brings down rubble behind us. Eventually, we dig through into the staircase into the once great maze.

“Ok, let’s get the flippity fuck out of this gods-forsaken hel-hole, shall we?”

“Yeah. Let’s do that.” Ty says.

The ground trembles again, and we rush up the crumbling staircase, past ornate statues, almost fallen over now. As we go, a massive pillar threatens to fall on us, and just as the ground gives way, Gwen throws her new key, and it sticks into the pillar, and Gwen uses her new Earth Magic to lift it away. 

“Thanks for the assist, Gwen. Everyone, our primary mission here isn't to just escape, but to evacuate the Anthill before Lysanthir turns this place into the next Mt. Saint Helens, and blows the top off. Remember, this place is an actively erupting volcano. If Lysanthir blows the top off, then we gotta get people far away.” I say.

“I'll alert the city guards!” Ty says. “With how infrequent the rumbling has been, and how deep underground the maze is, I'd say we have about an hour before this Anthill goes kaboom.”

“Good idea. Mateo, you’ll help me evacuate the southside. Gwen, Raji, you get the northside! Meet up at the city centre!” I say. We all ran to evacuate the city, and the residents, who were already on edge about the tremors, listened with little hesitation. As the people evacuated, more and more tremors were happening.

As everyone escaped, we led the evacuation efforts down the mountain, and into the desert, where Gwen used her new Earth Magic to create new homes and buildings while Ty, Mateo, and I were using Water Magic to harden the ground for Gwen to use. The city guards used their Fire Magic to blast sand into different building materials. Sandstone, glass, limestone, some quartz, it all went into creating a new town square, with thick walls of stone with an armoury and meeting room in the town centre. 

Gwen then decided to train with her new weapon. After noticing she could draw trace amounts of various metals from the ground, she had me heat up steel she drew from the ground to forge a proper blade into it. She also decided to dismantle her old sword, to harness its Earth Magic to create the ultimate Earth Magic sword.

It looked like a regular one-handed sword with a crossguard, but it had two Earth Enchantments, and a Fire Enchantment. Its blade can be hidden, detached, and set on fire, and Gwen can telepathically control it. She had Mateo spar her for practice, and was able to win the spar. 

Off in the distance, the rumbling of Lysanthir’s growth shook the Anthill at its very core. Within, a pained and now very powerful Lysanthir, still growing larger, as his exposed bone began to ooze a thick, black, oily substance, and he pressed against the mountain above him. 

A crack of stone. So loud it was audible from the Fire Realm’s moons.

A thundering boom echoes across the Fire Realm.

An ear-breaking roar. The ‘dragon’ was awake, if you could even call it that, since its form was barely able to remain together.

The screams of the residents were heard for miles, as they witnessed the massive explosion that followed, sending chunks of debris crashing down everywhere for miles. Lysanthir’s voice echoed loudly across the valley. “Bow down to my ultimate power! Master of all Magics!” Nobody respected him. Not even ARC could bow down to a madman. 

We, the five of us, would have to fight for the safety of the realms. 

“Gwen, I have an idea, you think you could throw a few blades into him?” I say.

“Yeah, I can.” Gwen says, shooting daggers at Lysanthir.

“You’ll be the kill shot, so start prepping to light as many fires in him as physically possible. We’re gonna evaporate a dragon, then you’ll need to slice open as many weak areas as you can find ok? Mateo, you’ll be watering his gooey body down, limiting his movement. Ty, you’ll be leading the City Guards into battle. I’ll distract him from above. Raji, you’re with Ty.”

“On it.” Mateo says, hosing down Lysanthir

“Guards, follow me and Raji!” Ty yells. “If we combine our strength, we can take that bitch down!”  

“Fine.” Raji says, getting up from the ground.

As the team moves in, I use Air Magic to lift my body up off the ground, and my now slightly less painful transformation begins, and I feel my bones shift within me, as my vision goes dark. Thank the Gods it’s less painful now. I feel my muscles twist and turn as my feathers come in. I use my Echolocation to navigate, repeatedly circling the draconic Lysanthir, occasionally blasting a wave of fire at him and dodging his green flames. 

“Foolish humans! You think you can defeat me!? I am a GOD now!”

“Lysanthir, I of all people would know that even a God can be killed! And we are your Ragnarök!” I yell. “Prepare for your end, you asshole!” I dodge his fire, as I land near Gwen. “How many blades are in his goo?”

“I’d suppose about sixty blades.” Gwen says

“Fire. Now. Then go in for the kill.” I say. 

“Ok.” Gwen says, as she taps the crystal in the pommel of her sword’s hilt, causing all of the blades to set on fire, causing Lysanthir’s goop to bubble up and evaporate. I lift Gwen up, and drop her on Lysanthir’s head. She throws her blade directly into Lysanthir's skull, lodging it deep into the thick bone. As she stabs another blade in, jamming the two blades deeper, she then sheathes the hilt, and presses the ignition on the blades’ fires. The heat and pressure on Lysanthir’s skull causes his head to literally explode, and Gwen gracefully jumps down to the ground as the bones of Lysanthir fall to the ground. That was the only thing left of the supposed ‘God of All Magic’. 

“We did it!” Ty says.

“Yep. I’m harvesting some bone tissue. Perhaps I could make a potion out of Lysanthir. Least he’ll be useful for something. For once.” I say, as my vision returns fully, and I land on Lysanthir’s rib cage.

“Really, X, really?” Ty says.

“It’s not like he deserves respect. Nor will he ever get any.”

“He’s gone.” Raji says, shaking and tearing up. “He’s finally gone!” 

“I say this deserves a celebration. Both of Lysanthir’s death, and a celebration to honour Lin’s life. Why grieve a loss so great with only sadness? Lin’s life had happiness, so we should be thankful for his sacrifice. He bought us time to get out of there and warn the residents.” I say.

“Yeah, Lin would want us to cerebrale.” Raji says, with a sad smile on his face.

“Let’s make a Fire pit, and tomorrow, we’ll create a memorial for him. Ok?” I say. “Ty, sadly, I don't think you should light the fire. You’ve used a lot of Magic already, you're already growing extra hands.”

“Yeah, that would make sense.” Ty says, looking down at his changed body. “I’ll never be human again huh?” 

“I’m sure there is a way to change you back.” Mateo says.

I then create a massive bonfire, and the five of us gather around the fire.

“So, what songs do you sing in the Earth Realm?” Raji asks.

“Well, I will need to change the lyrics a tiny bit to avoid confusion, but there's one in particular I like.” I say. “Mateo, you know that one viral song from twenty-fifteen? Soldier, Poet, King?”

“Yeah, I know, by ‘The Oh Hellos’ right?” Mateo says. Nodding, I start to hum to the melody, and I grab a drum nearby, and give it to Mateo. I find an acoustic Guitar, and start to strum the melody. “There will come a soldier, Who carries a mighty sword, She will tear your defences down, oh lei oh lai oh Lord, Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh Lord, She will tear defences down, oh lei oh lai oh Lord.”

Mateo joins in, singing. “There will come a poet, Whose weapon is his words, He will slay you with his tongue, oh lei oh lai oh Lord, Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh Lord, He will slay you with his tongue, oh lei oh lai oh Lord!”

The two of us sing together in unison. “There will come two rulers, Whose’ mission is to heal, They will dawn a golden age, oh lei oh lai oh Lord, Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh Lord, They will dawn a golden age, oh lei oh lai oh Lord, Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh Lord! They will dawn a golden age, oh lei oh lai, oh! Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lai, oh! Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lai, oh! Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lai, oh!” We finish, and he kisses my cheek at the end. 

“Your singing voice is amazing, my Hati.”

I gasp a little. “Aww you liked the idea I had for nicknames!” I say, tackling him to the sand, and we decide to just stargaze that night.