When I was young, the idea of Fireworks left me in awe. I remembered wishing to see one on my birthday.
But I never did.
They say when you die, you get to have what you wished for previously. It was like checking off an item you put on your bucket list.
The light bursting forth from above was proof that I was not bluffing.
Or maybe I am.
After all, they weren't really fireworks.
It was a semblance of fireworks—colorful sparkling things flying out from a wide gap that appeared in the sky.
[This is impossible]
Fifi sounded indifferent.
'What is?'
[Only the Divine and his right hand are capable of creating portals. A few of the strongest beasts managed to do the same, but after Russo, I'm sure you heard about him, there were no other incidents that mimicked the chaos he brought]
'The years of peace.'
[Yes]
'So, if I understand this correctly, some creature figured out to make portals. It wants to conquer Universes just as Russo did. And then what?'
[Declare themselves gods greater than the Divine. These creatures think that if they kill and become stronger, they can exceed him, who is the mightiest of all]
'Harrith was supposed to be the most guarded place in the Universe. How is this possible?'
Gliding close to the mysterious black hole, its edges were emitting electrical sparks as I tried to assess using my borrowed dragon eyes.
[I have no approximate location or theory where it came from. The only information Fifi could provide right now is for Exo to stay away from the portal. Don't even think about stepping into it. There was no certainty you could come back unscathed]
'Aww,' I teased, easing the tension. 'You're concerned about me.'
[...]
[If you die, I die]
I snorted, the puff of smoke distracting me for a while.
[Fifi will have a word with Master Nichen about this. Currently, two portals have opened in this Universe alone. Even in Russo's time, only one portal was open]
'I've been wondering about that all along. You've never once told me about this portal.'
[...]
[You never asked]
'I'm not certain you would give me an appropriate response.'
[...]
[You don't trust me]
'I do. But I remember you were mad. This is me being a considerate human.'
The sarcasm was intentional, and Fifi went silent again.
The portal started glowing right then. It was almost pulsating that I had to move away.
'What's happening?'
[...]
[There's too many]
'Too many what?'
[...]
Fifi went silent for a moment, leaving me to observe the now glowing portal. Its light brightened the sky, illuminating the darkness it could illuminate.
[...]
'Fifi?'
[Exo]
[You need to run]
[...]
[Now!]
'What?'
Before Fifi could respond, the portal glowed bright red.
[EXO!]
[WARNING: A swarm of unidentified beasts incoming!]
A flood of heat burned through my skin. It made me think of flames, but despite the heat, my flesh wasn't burning in a literal sense.
But I couldn't even think about that because, after the sensation of being on fire, I was free-falling.
"Fifi!"
There was nothing. She was silent.
I closed my eyes, bracing myself for impact as I plunged faster than I had expected to the ground.
However, I opened my eyes when nothing happened and immediately regretted it.
Several creatures, from the largest to the smallest, crawled out of the portal, each of them heading in separate directions.
I wish I could name each of the monsters that flew past. Some had shiny scales. Others had horns, and most had deadly reddish eyes, which I'm afraid didn't mean anything good.
Pulling myself up, I looked around and was partially grateful that the carnival was empty. Except for the ruined stalls and the rides left running despite being deserted, there was no one else but me.
I've never been grateful to be deserted. But right now, I was.
[Exo]
"Fifi," I dashed to hide behind a stall. It was a precaution in case the monsters noticed me.
I certainly had no plans of dying for the second time.
Especially not with this body.
"Where have you been, and what happened?"
[I'm sorry]
[Your current level is not sufficient to fight that many beasts. Before you could even fight with one, you could die trying]
"Still," I hissed. "You could have explained to me about that first and abandoned me next. Instead, you did the opposite."
[...]
[I'm sorry]
I ran a hand through my hair.
"Anyway," I sighed. "What do we do now?"
[Exo must go home]
The moment she mentioned home, it just occurred to me that Winter was there with her.
"Are you safe? Is Winter still there with you? Priscilla?"
[...]
[Winter left to buy something. Mother has yet to come home]
I curled my hands into fists, my heart racing and my nervous system suddenly acting up.
"You're at home, right?"
[Yes]
"Stay there. I'm coming."
[Hurry. I think the creatures are attacking the entire Universe]
"What?"
[My analysis showed that they are moving, causing chaos, and are no longer waiting in the shadows for their prey]
I licked my lips, not knowing what to do.
"Fifi."
[Yes?]
"Let me have another word with Nichen. I won't be complaining, but I need to understand something."
[...]
[I'll try but hurry home first]
I scoffed.
"Yes, madam."
–
Fifi wasn't exaggerating.
One minute, I was still appreciating the beauty of Harrith, its beautiful lights, and lively spirit.
After the portal appeared, the once bright lights and cheerful atmosphere had turned into screaming and chaos.
A terrifying monster was probably coming, far stronger than all these monsters combined.
I made it to the apartment.
Several balloons were scattered on the floor, and the cake I saw earlier was on the kitchen table. Winter had spent the last few hours preparing a surprise birthday dinner for me.
It was touching but also heartbreaking after realizing that the timing was off.
To make matters worse, Winter wasn't there. Only Fifi came running to me, fear evident in her eyes.
Seeing her so vulnerable, I also felt scared but determined to solve this dilemma as quickly as possible.
Closing the portal would be the main priority. But the safety of everyone else within Harrith was even more critical.
But I couldn't do this all by myself.
I need help.
And I think I have the right person in mind even though teaming up with him might be a terrible decision.