Swirling energy permeated everything as Germ and the dragon stranger walked through the portal. Crackling and spinning energy lightning was something one didn't usually see, even in a lifetime. Was anyone truly prepared for what could be on the other side? The colorful swirling tunnel was like walking through a giant electric rainbow. Germ took in the sight joyfully and a bit excited now by the new world that no one could have even guessed existed.
" This is going to be a wild ride from now on. You would do best to be prepared for what will come" the dragon stated, " My name is Vargfreid. Uncommon to your people, but a strong lineage name among mine".
" I'm just glad you're not like those other ones" Germ shot Varg an almost questioning look. " I don't even know how we made it out alive."
" The war God is quite formidable even to my species" Varg said plainly. " He is easily the best combatant I can think of. You can be quite powerful yourself now if given the time and practice".
" The war God" Germ said confused for a brief moment than it all seemed to click. The woman at the house said her name was Artemis. " Like as in Ares" Germ asked Varg.
" You catch on quickly" Varg grinned " Yes the one and the same. Though they aren't exactly how they are perceived. Quite powerful and beyond human scope, but they aren't the end all be all if you know what I mean".
" Some of it makes sense , but still is a lot to comprehend" Germ just shrugged. " So who is the man with the hat that hired me" curious now more than any other time before.
" That my new friend is Apollo. He has had a vested interest in you for awhile now. Nothing bad , in fact he wants to see you succeed and prosper more than anyone else I think" Varg said and suddenly stopped . Looking around for a moment he than placed his hand against the energy and uttered some strange language that was more like a string of low growls and hisses.
Germ could feel some kind of shifting in a metaphysical sense . Awareness was driven up in a major way and a purple explosion of light happened that created an archway of energy. " This will be your home for a little while" Varg said as he moved his arms around and began walking through the doorway." Or you could choose to make it your permanent home if you truly wished it. Doesn't matter which way to me . You are always welcome".
Looking through the portal Germ saw the most splendid sky of sorts. Different hues or blues, greens, pinks, and other colors that sparkled energy here and there. The ground they stepped on to was a plain filled with mult colored trees that seemed almost technicolored. Buzzing little light orbs flew through the air criss crossing along the trees. To the far left was a small mountain with a flowing waterfall of shiny pastels.
" This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life" Germ exclaimed taking in all the new sights , sounds , and aromas.
Suddenly a few of the orbs flew towards the pair. Upon close inspection they seemed like very tiny humanoid beings with dragonfly wings. They buzzed around Germ a few moments and just as quickly we're off again to their own destinations. Germ stood silently a few minutes with that and slowly started walking closer to a group of them that were huddled near a tree.
Varg snatched Germ's shoulder and pulled him back a little bit. " Those are some of the fair folk as your people call them " Varg went on " But they are a capricious and fickle lot. Some types could be highly dangerous and some just enjoy being playful and curious. Those ones aren't the sweetest, but can be swayed to be friendly. They are called Blight Weavers and have grotesque abilities when angry. Best to let them be until they become more aquatinted with your presence here".
Germ simply nodded " I understand. Best to be careful especially in a new place like this. Even at home not everyone you meet is good either " sounding a little upset by not getting to communicate with the new creatures. The dragon did say they could potentially be friendly though so that gave some hope.
The trek was a little longer than Germ had expected. The two came up on a darker forest and Varg broke through the underbrush motioning for Germ to follow behind. Eerie noises filled the now dark sky inside this thick forest of gnarled trees. Before Germ could say something , Varg covered his mouth and shook his head as if to say it would be a bad idea.
A reverberating howl echoed through the forest as tree limbs and bushes swayed from movement. Germ now felt eyes on them and definitely a strong presence of primal energy. A think bushy tail waved from behind a desecrated tree that had odd markings on it. Suddenly something jumped down from a tree right in front of Germ . A feminine purple colored humanoid fox figure crouched in front of the pair. She wore makeshift chain mail armor and cloth that didn't match. Two long jagged swords were strapped to her back. Sniffing at Germ she suddenly stepped back with fearful eyes.
" This is Germ. Odd nickname I know " Varg quickly butted in " but they are an ally. It will all make sense soon" the dragon cajoled.
" Is it wise to bring that here " the werefox asked.
" Hey. I'm right here. No need to be so rude" Germ said irritated.
" I apologize. You are right" the fox said in a more submissive manner." I am Toteq. I trust Vargfreid . You have safe passage of course. Be careful of others in this place". Toteq ran a hand over the sigil on the tree and it began to glow. A giant hole opened up in the forest leading to a swirling bright colored lake.
" Toteq , join us to the spire. You are due for a visit anyway" Varg smiled and hugged her softly. The fox warmly smiled back and simply nodded. Varg than grabbed Germ and Toteq by the hands and jumped into the lake .
Shifting into his birth form , Vargfreid became a giant serpentine dragon . Black and aqua color scales sprouted from his skin as his body extended to be even longer than a giant sailing ship. His tail was more in the shape of a mermaids with some spines added for protection. He traveled quickly through the watery gateway and appearing out of it stood a giant cylindrical castle of green ice atop a mountain. A cave mouth in the shape of a dragon's maw was the entrance. Germ stood stunned in the presence of the awe inspiring spire and felt like a grain of sand on a vast beach filled with beautiful shells. This was only the beginning of some feverish dream Germ thought.