I drift aimlessly in the warm, blinding light, weightless and unbound by gravity. Every part of me is suspended in this ethereal space, where time seems to stand still. Suddenly, a force tugs at my body and I begin to rise, slowly at first, but steadily gaining speed. The sensation is exhilarating, like soaring through the skies with no limits. But just as quickly as I ascended, I was plunged into a freefall, hurtling recklessly through the vastness of space. In an instant, the dazzling light disappears and I am enveloped in endless darkness, disoriented and unsure of my surroundings. My senses are overwhelmed by nothingness, and for a moment, I feel completely lost in this void.
A sharp gasp escapes my lips as I jolt awake, expecting to see nothing but darkness. Instead, I find myself gazing up at a ceiling, the soft glow of sunlight peeking in through the window. Confusion clouds my thoughts as I try to recall the events that led me here. I could have sworn I was underwater just moments before.
I squint, taking in my surroundings. A wall and a window with billowy curtains come into focus as I tilt my head slightly. Turning my head to the other side, I see a cabinet against another wall. As I shift my weight, I become aware of the softness beneath me - a bed.
My body still feels heavy and sluggish, but I am relieved to feel sensations in my arms and legs. My mind races to piece together where I am and how I got here.
Just then, the door to the room swings open, and a woman enters, carrying a tray. As soon as my eyes land on her, I do a double take. She appears to be human except for two striking features - instead of human ears, she has two wolf-like ears perched atop her head, and from her lower back sprouts a large fluffy tail that matches her grey and white ears perfectly.
Intrigued by this peculiar sight, I can't help but stare for a moment as I try to understand what exactly is standing before me.
The woman's warm smile greets me as I open my eyes. "You're awake," she says in a soft voice, her kind eyes filled with relief. "We were beginning to think you wouldn't wake up at all." She sets a tray on the bedside table and introduces herself as Mrs. Rose. My throat feels dry as I try to speak. "Where am I?" My voice is hoarse and weak. "You are in my home in the city of Aurelia," she replies with a smile. A wave of confusion washes over me as I realize I've never heard of this place before. "I've never heard of Aurelia," I mutter, trying to remember any mention of it in my past travels. "It's a small town in the kingdom of Britaria," Mrs. Rose explains. My brow furrows at the unfamiliar name. It sounds similar to my home country of Britain, but something feels off about it. Mrs. Rose notices the confusion on my face and asks where I am from.
When I tell her I am from Britain, she suggests we look at a map to help me understand our current location better.
She returns with a small tablet and shows me a digital map. As I zoom out, my confusion only grows as the map resembles Earth but with different names for countries. The United States of America is now Amberica and Japan is Japona. "I come from Britain, which should be here according to normal maps," I say, pointing to where it should be located on this map.
As I zoom out on the map, my eyes fall upon the title: Erythune. The word jumps out at me, a name that is unfamiliar yet strangely alluring. Mrs. Rose notices my shock and concern. "Is everything alright?" she asks, her voice gentle and comforting. My mind races as I take in this new information. We are not on Earth but on a planet called Erythune. No wonder I couldn't find familiar names or places on the map.
"What do you mean?" Mrs. Rose asks, sensing my hesitation.
"I'm from Earth," I say softly, still trying to process this revelation. "Somehow, I've ended up here, but I don't know how."
My heart beats faster as I try to make sense of this unexpected journey to an unknown world. All I can do is hold on tight and prepare for whatever adventures await me in this new world of Erythune
"Mrs. Rose broke the silence with a soft voice, her eyes distant in thought. 'I believe I have heard of Earth,' she said slowly. 'It was many years ago, when a hero from your world came to ours and freed us from a great evil.' My confusion must have been evident on my face as Mrs. Rose clarified, 'She claimed to be from a place called Earth.'
I couldn't help but stare at Mrs. Rose in disbelief. A hero? From Earth? "Wait, are you saying that there are magical heroes on Earth?" I asked.
Mrs. Rose nodded with a small smile. "Yes, we do use magic here in Erythune."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Magic was only ever spoken of in fairy tales back on Earth. "We only know about magic through stories," I admitted.
"Ah, how sad," Mrs. Rose's tone turned sympathetic. "Magic is an integral part of our everyday lives here."
Excitement bubbled up within me as Mrs. Rose continued, "Would you like to learn more about Erythune?"
I eagerly nodded, causing Mrs. Rose to chuckle. "I'll be right back," she announced before standing and disappearing into another room.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Rose returned carrying a thick book in her arms. "This is a book of the history of our world," she explained with a gentle smile."
Gently, she places the book in my hands, its weight surprisingly light despite its large size. I open it and find a beautifully detailed map, with intricate lines and symbols representing kingdoms and countries. As my eyes scan over the map, it seems to shift and come alive before me. The ocean appears to have actual waves, and clouds move across the entire expanse of the map. Curiosity getting the better of me, I start to flip through the pages, eager to learn more about this magical world.
Lost in my own thoughts and immersed in the pages of the book, I am startled when Mrs. Rose's voice breaks through my concentration. Blinking away my surprise, I look up to see her smiling at me. "I'll leave you to your research," she says as she stands from her chair. "It's already 3 pm so dinner will be in three hours. If you're hungry, there's some fruit on the bedside table."
My stomach grumbles at the mention of food and I notice the tray next to me for the first time. On it sits a glass of water and a bowl filled with an assortment of vibrant fruits. I thank Mrs. Rose with a smile as she exits the room, leaving me alone with my newfound knowledge and delicious snacks
As I flip through the book, my eyes catch a glimpse of my hand. But something is off - instead of being short and stubby, my fingers look longer, thinner, and more delicate. Confusion creeps in as I slide out of bed and make my way over to the mirror in the corner. With each step, I feel lighter than before, my movements smoother and more graceful. As I stand in front of the mirror, my eyes widen in shock. It's still me, but my body has transformed. My once unruly mop of red hair is now smooth and cascades down my back. My face, once plagued by acne, is now clear and flawless, and it looks like I've shed a few pounds. I’m dressed in a set of comfy beige pajamas that are soft to the touch. Stumbling back to the bed, I sit on the edge as disbelief sets in. Pinching myself only confirms that this is indeed real. Trying to make sense of what has happened, I notice sunlight filtering through the window. This isn't like the dull light on Earth - it's clear and bright, almost otherworldly. Standing up again, I push open the curtains covering the large windows. An expansive tree comes into view, bathed in the same ethereal sunlight that shines through its lush green leaves. A small smile spreads across my face at the sight - it's a scene I could easily get used to. Taking a moment to soak in the beauty outside, I finally return to the book and continue reading while snacking on some fruit left for me by Mrs. Rose. The photographs of this new world captivate me, reminiscent of images from Earth long ago. Perhaps now, with this transformation, I'll have the chance to experience some of these stunning places for myself
I continue to read through the afternoon. I barely notice the sun setting as it casts orange and pink hues across the room. I smile to myself and I flip through the pages reverently as I read about Erythune, a world of vast forests and sprawling fields, where magic was as common as the air people breathed. The pages were filled with pictures of enchanting landscapes that made me feel as if I could reach out and touch them. I learned about the Great Forest of Silverwood, a woodland so vast that it stretched across the majority of the county of North Amberica. Ancient trees stood like sentinels over the forest floor, their bark thick with moss and lichen - a testament to their age. Delicate blossoms of varying hues painted the canopy overhead, casting dappled multicolored light onto the forest floor.
Then there was Caelum's Peak, the highest point in Erythune. It was known to touch the heavens and was said to be graced by the gods themselves. It was no mere mountain but a living part of the world, its slopes adorned with waterfalls cascading into clear pools and fields dotted with wildflowers swaying in the soft breeze.
The City of Lysandrae, glistening under a perpetual sunset, was truly a sight to behold. The buildings shimmered with magic-infused glass that reflected the soft light and created an enchanting glow throughout the city. At its heart stood the Citadel of Light, a monumental palace renowned for its opalescent spires reaching high into the sky, giving it an ethereal quality.
As I read about these places, my mind spun with images from fairy tales and dreams. It felt like an impossible world filled with infinite possibilities. On Earth, magic only existed in stories, but here in Erythune... Magic was alive and tangible.
As I turn the page to the section about the gods of this world, a faint murmur of voices drifts through the door. I strain my ears, trying to make out their words, but they remain muffled and indistinguishable. A few moments later, there is a soft knock on the door. Curiosity guiding me, I slip out of bed and pad over to answer it.
Standing before me is a man with two young children by his side. They each have wolf-like ears, mirroring those of Mrs. Rose. The man offers me a kind smile and extends his hand. "I'm glad you're awake," he says warmly. "We were worried you wouldn't wake up." His hand feels large and slightly rough from hard work, yet his grip is gentle. "I'm Jason, and these are my younger twin siblings, Megan and Matt," he introduces them as they peek out from behind his legs.
"Hello," greets Megan while Matt waves hesitantly in greeting.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm Bella," I reply with a smile.
"It's good that you're up. We were wondering if you would like to join us for dinner," asks Jason.
"I'd love to," I say eagerly, following them downstairs. We enter the dining room where Mrs. Rose can be found in the kitchen, her face lighting up when she sees me.
"Go ahead and have a seat. My husband will be joining us soon," she says cheerfully as she finishes cooking.
I nod and take a seat at the table. Suddenly, I feel something tugging on my pant leg. Looking down, I see Megan and Matt gazing up at me with hopeful eyes.
"Will you sit with us?" asks Megan, while Matt nods enthusiastically.
"Of course," I agree happily as they lead me to the table and we wait for dinner.
The two of them sit on either side of me as we wait for dinner.
Jason sits across from me at the wooden table, his dark hair falling gently over his forehead. I can see a hint of curiosity in his piercing blue eyes as he starts to speak. "Hey Bella, I have a question," he says, leaning forward slightly. I take a seat next to him and eagerly await his inquiry. "What were you doing in the water? My dad and I found you on the beach two days ago while we were training," he continues,
Mrs. Rose joins us at the table, setting down plates of steaming food. Her kind eyes meet mine as she asks for more information about my unexpected arrival. I nod, taking a deep breath before responding. "I got pushed into the water by a bully. I fell unconscious and the next thing I know, I woke up here," I explain, glancing around at the concerned faces of my new friends.
"That must have been difficult. I'm sorry you had to go through that," Jason says sincerely, reaching out a hand to comfort me.
"It's been strange, being transported between worlds. But so far, it's been great. Everything is so beautiful here. Back home on Earth, everything is polluted," I say softly, thinking back to my own world.
"So you're from another world?" Matt asks quietly, his brown eyes wide with amazement.
"I am. My world is similar to this one, just very polluted," I reply honestly.
"How polluted is your world?" Jason asks with genuine interest, eager to learn more about my home planet.
"Well," I begin, drawing a deep breath and casting my gaze towards the window. The pristine exterior of this world seemed so distant from what I was accustomed to. "The waters are full of trash and gunk. What once must have been clear blue is now muddled with man-made waste. The horizon isn't visible anymore because it's hidden behind miles of rubbish."
I see their eyes widen, shock and disbelief etched on their faces.
"The sky," I continue, "is no better. It is constantly covered with smog and exhaust from cars and factories. A thin, grey haze that never seems to lift. Birds do not fly as much as they used to, and the sunlight is often dimmed by the pollutants in the atmosphere."
Their expressions turn somber at my words, a stark contrast to the earlier cheerful atmosphere. Jason breaks the silence, "That sounds dreadful."
"It is," I admit, "But there are those who are trying to change it, to clean up our mess. It's a slow process, but we're hopeful."
"Are there any unpolluted places left?" Megan asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
"A few," I nod. "There are places where people have managed to keep pollution at bay. Forests, some bodies of water... They're treasures we hold dear."
"At least there's hope," Matt mumbles.
"Yes," I agree with a soft smile, "There's always hope."
A heavy silence falls over us as we ponder my words, each lost in thought about the contrasting worlds we inhabit.
The silence was broken by the sound of footsteps descending the stairs. A man with wolf ears appeared, his steps light and confident. "What's with the long faces?" he asked, kissing Mrs. Rose on the cheek before taking a seat at the table. "Bella, this is my husband, Theodore," Mrs. Rose introduced. His smile was warm and welcoming as he greeted me, "Nice to meet you."
Jason filled his father in on our conversation while Mrs. Rose began serving the food. The aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air, making my stomach grumble with hunger. "No wonder you all look so sad," Mr. Theodore commented, "but it's nothing my wife's cooking can't fix." I couldn't help but smile as Mrs. Rose handed me a plate.
As we began eating, bits of conversation were sprinkled throughout the meal. The twins chattered about their day at school while Jason and Mr. Theodore discussed their work as guards. From what Jason explained, they were like police officers who guarded the city gates and would be dispatched throughout the city for emergencies such as burglaries or fights (although those were rare).
The dinner was delightful - Mrs. Rose's cooking was delicious and I enjoyed talking with everyone at the table. It felt like a family gathering, something I hadn't realized i missed this much. As I finished my meal and looked around at the smiling faces, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpected moment of warmth and companionship after my ordeal
As the last bites of our delicious meal disappear, Mrs. Rose turns to me with a warm smile. "Bella, would you like to stay here with us? We would love to have you," she asks kindly, her bright blue eyes shining with genuine sincerity. My heart swells at the thought and I can't help but smile. The twins look up at me with their big, pleading puppy dog eyes and my heart melts even more. "I'd love to," I reply happily, unable to contain my excitement. The twins let out a loud cheer and Jason's face lights up with a smile.
Mrs. Rose continues, "You can stay in the room you were in earlier. It'll be nice to have some extra help around the house," she says playfully as she nudges her husband with her elbow. Mr. Theodore joins in on the joke and extends his hand towards me, which I eagerly shake, feeling welcomed into this loving family. "Then it's settled, welcome to the family Bella," he declares warmly, his voice filled with fatherly pride. We all sit around the table for a while longer, savoring each other's company as we chat and laugh together.
Eventually, it's time for the twins to go to bed since they have school tomorrow. Mr. Theodore and Jason also head upstairs as they have work in the morning as well. As Mrs. Rose and I clean up the table and do the dishes together, she asks kindly, "Would you like to take a shower before bed?" Her voice is gentle and caring, reminding me of a mother looking after her child's well-being.
“I'd like that,” I say as I finish drying the dish I am holding. once we finish doing the dishes Mrs. Rose leads me upstairs. she pulls two towels from the linen closet and hands them to me. “ the guest bathroom is just down the hall with the blue door” she says as she heads to her bedroom to get ready for bed. I head to the bathroom and undress before hopping into the shower
The warm water cascades down my body and as I close my eyes, I can imagine I am standing under a waterfall in some distant, magical realm. I can still taste the salt on my lips from the sea, a bitter reminder of the turbulent events of the day. The soap in my hand is fragrant and soft, lather foaming beneath my fingers as I begin to wash away the grime and saltwater.
The scent of lavender fills the steamy air and I feel myself sigh in contentment. It had been a long day, full of unexpected adventures and new friendships. The feel of water on my skin was soothing, washing away not just the dirt but also the tension coiled in my muscles.
I reached up to rinse my hair, working my fingers through it until every last trace of sea salt was gone. The shampoo was also lavender-scented, adding another layer to the calming aroma wafting through the bathroom. It relaxed me further as I continued to rinse out the suds.
As the last remnants of shampoo swirled down the drain along with the last vestiges of today's trials, a strange peace fills me. The perils were gone, replaced by this new and promising life. I let myself bask in this tranquillity for just a little longer before finally shutting off the water.
Once dried and changed into fresh clothes provided by Mrs. Rose—a soft, cozy nightgown that smelled faintly like roses—I felt rejuvenated. As if today's events had been nothing but a far-off dream.
As I returned to my room, a heavy weight settled in my chest, slowly spreading through my body. It was a strange feeling, one that I couldn't quite place at first. The day had been wonderful and full of happiness, but now something felt missing. And then it hit me like a wave crashing against the shore: I missed my grandparents.
They had been my rock before this entire ordeal, always there to support and guide me. But now, as I sat alone in this unfamiliar room, I didn't even know if I would ever see them again. The mere thought was enough to cause my heart to clench with an ache that spread down to my bones. With a heavy sigh, I sank onto the edge of the bed, feeling the weight of the world resting on my shoulders.
Tears welled up in my eyes before I even realized it. As they rolled down my cheeks, my body was overcome with silent sobs. I flopped onto my side, trying to juggle all the emotions swirling around inside me. There was anger directed towards Robin for her actions that had landed me in this situation. But more than anything, there was sadness for my grandparents as they now believed I was gone.
And maybe there were other emotions mixed in too, ones that I couldn't quite put into words. No matter how hard I tried to hold them back, the tears continued to flow freely down my face, leaving salty tracks in their wake. In this moment of vulnerability and raw emotion, all I could do was let myself feel everything that came rushing in like a storm.
after a few moments, the door to my room creaked open. I sit up to find Jason standing in the doorway. when he sees me crying he closes the door behind him and makes his way over to the bed. “ is everything alright” he says placing a hand on my shoulder.
"I miss them," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the silence of the room. "I miss my grandparents."
His eyes softened as I spilled the truth to him. There was understanding in his gaze, a sympathy that went beyond pity. He had already been through this pain, he knew what it felt like.
"They..." I began, swallowing hard past the lump in my throat, "They must be so worried."
Jason didn't say anything for a moment. His hand gently squeezed my shoulder, a silent promise of support and comfort. And then, in a soft voice barely above a whisper, he said, "Bella...your grandparents...they probably miss you too."
Something about his words made the tears fall harder. He made me think of their faces - etched with worry and sadness - as they waited for any news about me. The thought made me sob even harder.
Jason simply continued to sit there with me as I let out all the pent-up emotions I had been holding in. He was patient and kind, his mere presence offering more comfort than any words could.
As the night wore on and my tears finally started to subside, Jason finally spoke up again. "Your grandparents...they know how much you love them."
"But...how?" I asked, pulling away to look at him incredulously. "I never got to say goodbye."
"You didn't need to," Jason replied gently. "Love isn't always expressed through words or grand gestures. It's in the everyday actions, in the time spent together."62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTspdfY02aZ
He paused for a moment before continuing, "In every shared meal, every shared laughter, every shared memory.62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T8tyMKmLq
It was such a simple assurance, but it felt as though it carried all the weight of the world. The tears that had momentarily held back now began flowing again.
Jason sat patiently with me as I cried anew, his presence a steady anchor amidst my storm of emotions. He didn’t try to stop my tears or tell me to be strong; he just let me grieve.
When I finally calmed down and the tears stopped flowing as forcefully, Jason looked at me with those caring eyes and said softly, “Remember, I’m here if you need to talk about anything.”
I managed a small smile at his words. It wasn't much, but it was an improvement from the storm of tears earlier. "Thanks," I whispered back.
With a gentle squeeze of my shoulder, he stood up from the edge of my bed. "I hope you sleep well," he says softly before closing the door behind him, leaving me alone once more in the quiet darkness of my room. I curl up under the blanket, pulling it tightly around me as I stare at the plain white wall. Memories of the good times with my grandparents flood my mind, making it hard to let go and drift off to sleep. But eventually, exhaustion takes over and my eyes flutter closed. In my dream state, I relive those cherished moments with them, feeling their love and warmth surround me once again.
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