Recap:
A light consumed me. My life was flashing right before my eyes.
"Take care of everyone for me. Tell them I love them all with my heart.
"I will. Take care of yourself."
I smile gently, tears threatening to fall from eyes.
"You too..."
"Where am I?
--------------------------
The forest hums with life all around me. I wonder about, gazing up at the canopy, searching for the birds that sing sweetly. I was in an unknown place. With only my bag and an apron. If someone happen to stumble upon me they probably would be confuzzled.
I cover my face as I stare up. The sun breaks through the cracks, lighting up the dirt path ahead of me, decorated with outgrown roots, wildflowers and fallen leaves that crunch beneath my bare feet. I trudge on, taking in the fragrance of minty grass and the damp earth. Each breathe is like water, fresh and cleansing, flowing freely into my lungs.
Why am I here of all people. I wonder what everyone will feel once they realise I'm gone...
I thought bitterly. I bring a hand to my face.
It's wet?
My eyes drip with tears. Moment by moment, I feel more helpless. Salty drops fall from my chin, drenching my shirt. I grip the dirt below me for some stability.
I slide down the trunk of a tree. Silently crying as reality sunk in.
"Hello young man."
I jump slightly in surprise before wiping my face with my apron and jumping up.
A force a smile to my face.
"Oh hello sir!"
I croak out, a blush spreading on my face like wildfire.
The old man chuckled in response.
The old man had a fringe of grey-white hair around his balding, mottled scalp. He had a wizened face and a back slightly hunched. With each movement there was the creak of old bones. A gentle, warm and calm smile adorned his wrinkled face as he leaned on his cane.
"What seems to be the matter. Why not come over for some tea."
I look at him hesitantly. But nod. I could be here for days. He's my only hope. I hope he has some answers to my burning questions.
"If you would allow it."
"Of course, young man."
I smile gratefully and jog up to him to aid him on the walk but. He smiles thankfully at me as he leads the way.
I spot what I assume to be the elder's cottage. It crouched low into the grassy embankment, as though it were trying to hide, but the misshapen slate roof was too large to go unnoticed. Through the darkness I could see the coarse, unevenly sized, grey stones that made up the walls. As I got closer, the occasional flash of colour - some blues, others green or brown- emerged from the grey stones that looked like eyes trying to steal a glimpse of the world.
"Please feel free to make yourself comfortable. It isn't much."
"Thank you so much. I can't be more grateful for your kindness. I will surely repay it someday."
He dismisses it with a wave of his hand.
"No need. It's nice doing some good before I fall asleep permanently."
"Please don't say that!"
He chuckles and pats me.
"You're a kind man."
I smile. He reminded me so much of Po-san.
We stepped inside the homey cottage. I asked him if I could use the kitchen to make tea. He nodded.
My eyes widen a fraction. All of the equipment was so simple. No electric kettle or stove. It really is a different world....
I slap myself on the cheek and quickly make some simple herb tea.
I carry it over to him and hand him a cup that wasn't to much since I known older people find it harder to drink tea if it's to hot.
"Thank you, oji-san. You seem use to it."
I sit down and nod at his statement.
"I am. I'm a caretaker for people of all ages.
"It seems so. You do it well. Now do you want tp share your worries. Obviously, you don't have to. But it seems you aren't from around here from the way you dress and act."
I scratch the back of my neck letting out a nervous laugh.
"Your right I'm not from around here. I don't even know where I am. I suddenly appeared in the middle of the forest after I was trying to kill a fly..."
I hold up the fly swatter that I had when I teleported.
He hums in response.
:Sounds like quite the situation."
"You believe me!?"
He quirks an eyebrow at my question.
"Why wouldn't eye. I have no reason to believe you would lie and you seem genuine.
"Thank you so much. I just feel so confuzzled."
"It's natural. You're in an unknown place."
The old man takes a sip of his tea. Sighing in satisfaction.
"This is simply delicious and calms my nerves."
I smile happily. It was always nice to receive a compliment.
"Thank you. I take pride in my tea making skills."
The two of us chuckle.
"Anyways I haven't got your name oji-san."
"Jus call me William."
"Nice to meet you William-san. I'm Asahina."
He nods in response.
"A lovely name."
"Thank you. Now I have a few questions I would like to ask. Is that alright?"
I refill his cup of tea and he quickly thanks me.
"Why of course. I'll try to answer it to the best of my ability."
I rub my chin trying to think of a simple question at first.
"Well would you mind telling me where I even am?"
"Ah yes. Well currently you are on the outskirts of the main city of Crestfallen. We are in the country of Fortune. Known well for it's beauty and wealth. Hence the name. There is also Jewelster, Black Hollow, Armon, Frost and Goldenleaf. Many you have to get there by ship. Each are known for a certain think, like Armon is for armoury and weaponry."
"Oh okay thank you. I think I get the premise. But I don't even know what to do here...."
"Well I believe you came here for a purpose. If you like you can stay here with me. I could use some company."
"I dare not intrude any longer. I'll figure it out sooner or later."
He hums in response before slowly getting up. I quickly get up and help him.
"Well at least let me provide you with some things to aid you in your journey."
"Thank you."
-----------------
I look down at the map Po-san gave me.
I was quite clueless on how to use it. But I feel like I was nearing the end of this large forest. My legs were aching and muddy. The robe which he gave me shielded me from the burning sun that was beating down upon the planet. I probably stink due to all my sweat. I felt so icky and was craving a nice relaxing bath.
I saw light filter beyond the trees. A smile appeared on my lips as I sped up my pace. The leaves crunched beneath my feet. I halted as I stepped out. A breeze meeting my skin, my hair fluttered behind me like a cape. My eyes sparkled at the site of the city before me. It was so surreal.
I walked towards the gated city where various guards stood in their metal armour that glistened in the sunlight.
As I walked up swords crossed in front of me halting my movement.
"Halt. Show us your identity card."
I began to internally panic.
Identity card. I don't even know where I am!?
Wait didn't William-san give me a letter. He sure knows how to prepare beforehand. I place a hand to my chest letting out a sigh of relief.
"Hurry it up."
I quickly take it out of my apron pocket and hand the letter to him.
He rips it open and skims the content before moving aside and letting me in.
"Go ahead. You'll need to create an identity card at the guild. This allow you to go into some cities."
"Thank you so much.
As I stepped in a gasp escaped my lips as I wondered the bustling streets. The city truly lived up to it's name.
The city was enormous. It was beautiful. And so much colour. There were obelisks that rose into the sky casting their shadows across the rest ground. They marked the districts and were built of stone.
The city held an equally impressive arena, for sports and games that drew people from all around the world to watch men fighting with Raptors and all these other creatures.
People were lining up to queue inside, some dressed in bright blues, yellows, reds, and some with hats. Some were dressed in sandy brown colours that matched the sands from beyond the city walls. But nobody cared about fashion, they were there simply for the games.
Stall upon stall lined the streets. The smell of mouth-watering delicacy wafting through the air.
'Welcome to the city of Fortune. Where hopefully your dreams come true~'
(A/N INTO THE UNKNOWN!)
Bl Harem Pantry:
Asahina: Into the unknown~
Older ????: Into my Asahina~
Asahina: Into the As-wait what!?
*Chases after said male with fly swatter while blushing profusely