[RP] The Second World

[lubbies]

Jake had roamed the streets for hours, searching for people to relieve' from the weight of their heavy wallets. Eventually late in the evening he spotted an obese guard threatening a women in an alleyway. He waited in silence till the guard had finished and as the guard walked onto the street, Jake walked straight into him.

Guard-Do you have a problem?!

Jake smiled and excused himself. The guard shoved him away, Jake tripped and fell. The guard smirked and continued on his way, Jake remained on the floor for a while before bursting into a chuckle.

Jake-Fat guards have fat wallets.

He stood up and weighed his newly obtained purse of valuables.Not bad. Sun had begun to set so Jake had decided to call it a day. When he arrived home it was dark and his sister was sound asleep, even while asleep she had a troubled look on her face. Jake removed his boots and decided to keep on his jacket. He lay down on his straw bed and was out in seconds.

Jake felt the sun touch his face. He was quite suprised but decided to continue to lie down. The straw beneath him felt wet.. And moving. He opened his eyes slowly to find himself in a field of tall grass. He stood up quickly, feeling the mud between his toes. He had no idea where he was but had come to a conclusion that it was definately a dream. A boy who stood no taller than the grass approached him.

Boy-Come with me.

The boy gestured towards the forest. Jake was put off by the kid.

Jake-Sorry, my mum said not to follow strangers into dark forests.

The boy grimaced, Jake did not expect that reaction. Once again the boy gestured towards the forest.

Jake-okay I'll come.

The boy exploded into movement, moving at incredible speeds towards the forest. Jake attempted to follow but even his agility was no match. He had soon lost sight of his companion but continued in the same direction. He eventually reached a clearing with a bunch of people gathered around a waterfall. Instead of barging into the clearing he decided to hand around the edge, masked within the treeline.

[Yume Tsuki]

Neicha had just returned to the village. Welcomed by the rest of the beast-men. Her joints were tired from venturing through the forest.
"Neicha, you should stop venturing on your own through the woods. At least take an escort with you. What would you do if you got lost?"
Said one that had the face of a wolf. Neicha rolled her eyes. She'd rather didn't bother anyone to come with her, and besides. Her sense of direction was ridiculous. Even when she starts doubting herself she still manages to get home without getting sidetracked. But she knew most of the people were mostly worried about her because she had some kind of knowledge about herbs. And one of their hopes on returning to normal. Neicha didn't like having that kind of burden brought on her shoulders, it seemed like a lot of responsibility, and besides it almost looked like they gave up on finding a way to turn back themselves. She did agree to help them find a way to turn back to normal humans, even though she herself had no interest in turning back into a human herself. Most humans were greedy beings in her eyes, that try and take everything from each other. Her eyes narrowed at that thought.
"Well if you excuse me, I have some work to do."
Having said that, she pulled herself up with the walking stick. The hunting group just returned from deeper woods, with enough prey to keep the carnivores satisfied. Neicha already shivered just taking a quick glance at their catches. One of the reasons she didn't want an escort to go with her. The majority of villagers were carnivores. She didn't even dare to think of what it would look like how one of them killed an animal right before her eyes. Therefore, she was glad she was a herbivore.

Once she arrived at her secluded hut she tossed her satchel on the table. She sat down on a chair and inspected the herbs she gathered.
"Belladonna, Wolfsbane... Silver leaf... Mageroyal..."
Skimming through the herbs in the bag she didn't really find anything helpful. Another 'fruitless' exploration through the woods. Most herbs she found were either deadly on consuming, or had healing effects. They would be very useful for safekeeping. With a sigh she rested her head in her hands on the table. Outside the dusk was already coming. Neicha wasn't really hungry and she didn't feel like seeking through all the herbs if she find anything new yet. She stood up swaying a bit, holding onto the walls to remain in balance, carefully walking to the bed. dropping herself onto the stacks of fur skins. The villagers insisted she took some since they didn't want to let anything go to waste and it would be much warmer sleeping with them. And honestly, it was better than sleeping on the hard wood planks that were supposed to be her bed. She fell asleep rather quickly.

Until she heard the noises of dripping water. Her eyes opened rather fast looking around if there were any leaks in the roof. Then realizing her roof made of stone... Stone...? STONE!? Neicha tried to crawl up in panic. Her roof wasn't made of stone! It should be wood! Her eyes shot glances right and left realizing she was actually in some kind of cave. Her hands were moving all over the floor until she found her stick laying next to her. Quickly she grabbed it and pulled herself up in a swift movement. Nervously she looked around.
"O-okay Neicha... Calm down..."
She breathed heavily shaking from head to toe. She slid the mask she wore on her head onto her face trying to calm herself down. At least there was no sign of whoever had kidnapped her... Yet. On the end of the cave she could see light. Apparently it was already day. Quickly she made her way out of the cave reaching the forest outside. It smelt different than the forest she lived in. How far from home was she? What would be the reaction of the other beast-man if they realized she had been taken away? She looked around, but nothing seemed familiar in the slightest. Then she spotted a boy in the distance. He was looking at her from afar. She just wanted to head for him when he turned around beckoning and then started running. He ran... She did attempt to run too, tripping almost immediately on the spot. Crawling back up as fast as she could running after the little dot in the distance that was getting smaller.
"Wait!"
She cried out.
"I can't run that well!"
She lost sight him when she set hoof in a grove. Looking around. There were a few people around this place. Was this a trick. She warily stood there. Catching her breath hanging on her walking stick. Her mask hid her terrified expression while she slowly looked around at everyone. She was ready to turn around and run away. But she doubted that she would make it far.

[WhistfulSoul]

Tyrren again looked up from the water, hearing the boy, Kaiyos, disappear again in the wind. This time, he was greeted by three new faces: A dwarf with a nicely groomed beard, who looked very intimidated by the sunlight that found it's way onto his skin; a literal giant of a man, who was gawking at the girl in the night gown, and apparently knew her by the sound of him saying her name; and a... wait, a deer? Tyrren stood up, and found that as tall as he was still didn't compare to the large man-thing, nor was he nearly as built. Next chance I get, I definitely need to bulk up.

He walked closer towards the maiden, so he could talk without being rude to anyone in the clearing. I don't intend any ill thoughts, but, what is that? The maiden smiled at his curiosity, but also his slight ignorance. In a slight undertone, she replied, They have no true name, like the elves or humans do, but prefer themselves to be the Beast-like. These are a race entirely their own, humans that attempted to merge themselves with elven culture and instead had their spirits taken by primal urges. What you see is the result. She smiled at Tyrren once again, and said If you look past my other shoulder, there's another one that Kaiyos brought back.

Almost immediately Tyrren saw the flash of two red eyes from behind a tree. It sent a slight shiver down his spine, but he was comforted by the fact that the maiden seemed mysteriously powerful. Tyrren felt stupid as he talked to the tree, Hey, uh, you don't have to hide. None of us wish you any harm, nor do I think we would be allowed to do so. He turned back to the maiden and asked, How many of us remain to appear? With a quick glance to the forest, she replied, Only one remains for Kaiyos to find. Then all questions will be answered.

[Humen]

Jacob

Mid-day came with the sun raised into the center of the sky, beaming down on the dwellers of the surface. Jacob walked through the forest carrying a bundle of buckets in his hands. He was accompanied by his sisters, Herah and Louise, as he walked towards the nearby river to collect water. They stayed near his side as he regaled them with stories of Elvin history that their mother once told him. He decided to tell them of the beast-like, creatures once human but that had turned feral after an extended period in the wilds, they sought to live like the elves of old but were force to pay a price. "They roam the woods at night like packs of wolves attacking livestock-." Jacob stopped his story short; Louise tugged on his shirt with a fearful look in her eye. "What if those beasts attack our farm at night?" Jacob could hear the worry in the tone of her voice; he couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. Before he could say anything Herah blurted out the absurdity of the story ridiculing her sister for buying into it. It was a bit upsetting hearing his sister so forwardly reject tales of their culture, but they had already reached the river so he decided to let it go.

After filling the buckets to the brim, the trio walked back, one bucket in each of Jacob's hands while his sisters carried one on their own. They enjoyed the sounds of the forest as they walked, basking in the shade of the trees as they neared their home. When they finally came back Jacob's father had finally gotten out of bed, Jacob noticed a small limp in his step as he moved around, he seemed to hold on to his back whenever he stood up straight. The day went on normally past that point, Jacob finished his daily chores and soon night fell upon his farm. Jacob patrolled the outskirts of the field, the moon had risen in the sky, and Jacob paused for moments in his walks his eyes beginning to close longer each time, the only thing keeping him awake were the howls coming from the woods. It really was that time of year he thought to himself. He felt a hand grasp his shoulder from behind, as he turned quickly shovel raised he saw it was only his father. “Go inside Jacob I'll take care of the night watch." he said. Jacob would've liked to go inside and sleep, but his father should be the one resting. He tried to explain himself to his father but his expression only turned sour. "I fought to get this land; I’ll be damned if someone goes and tells me I can't even doing something as simple as watch over it." A slight frown showed on Jacob's face but he gave in to his father’s wishes and went inside.

Jacob lied down in bed and quickly drifted off into sleep, letting go of all his worries. It felt like no time had passed of all; the sun was already in sky. I must have overslept Jacob thought. Only then did he notice he could see the sun clearly in the sky, when he should've been inside. "How did i get out here?" he spoke out loud. "Follow me and I'll gladly tell you." A child who appeared from seemingly nowhere and had spoken. A stern look grew on Jacobs face." As if I would follow some strange kid in the middle of a forest." Jacob picked himself up from the forest floor and looked to the sky. “If the sun is rising in the south then the farm should be north of here or at least the clearing to town. Later kid, with any lucky the next person you try this on might believe you." He waved to the kid as he walked north, but the child didn't seem to mind much. When Jacob was no longer in view he had finally talked again "Well at least he's headed in the right direction." As Jacob walked through the woods he began to realize the trees seemed different then the ones he normally passed through. How far could one child have dragged me? He pondered. He reached what looked like a clearing blocked by some bushes, as he pushed them aside Jacob saw something he wasn’t expecting. A waterfall and around it a number of unfamiliar faces, Jacob came to one clear conclusion, he was nowhere near his little farm on the edge of the forest.

[Lunartic]

"Daylin?" She hopped off the rock and walked over to him. There was no mistaking the large man with his deep voice. "It's quite fortuitous that we-" she stopped her self mid-sentence and sighed. ". . . it's good to see you," she said with a smile as her eyes gained a warm tinge of orange. "How did you find yourself here?" She put her hands on her hips and looked around. "And where is here, exactly?" She looked around at the newcomers. "I don't suppose any of you recognize this grove."

[WhistfulSoul]

Story Post

The maiden regarded Floressa as she wondered aloud where they were. Do not worry, Floressa. You are in no danger, any of you, and there is nothing you are missing in your world besides restful sleep. She gestured her hand towards each of her guests. Please sit, there is much to be told. As she said this, each person in the grove besides the maiden herself and Kaiyos, who had seeming appeared out of thin air, turned behind them to see stones perfect for sitting and listening. The maiden regarded each of her selected persons as they sat. Jacob. Duriel. Floressa. Neicha. Daylin. Tyrren... Jake. Her eyes glinted as the last of the names was called, the one who had initially hid in the underbrush.

I will try my best to answer all of your questions. The first question that was actually vocalized: Where are we all? I have brought you here, to this world, my world, the World of Magic. She waited a moment for the shocked expressions and disbelief to pass, but it only took a second; everyone had remained focused on her. I have brought you all here for a specific reason: to stop the collision of this world and your own. This time she was required to pause, as the shock was much more forthright with this statement. Certain events have been enacted, through works of magic, that are forcing a shift in the destiny of this planet right into the path of your own. I have brought- Tyrren interrupted her, a short thought on his mind. Wait, what exactly do you mean by magic? Again she smiled, pleased by his curiosity. Works of wonder that use the unseen to shift what one does see around themselves and others. May I continue? Tyrren curtly nodded before bowed his head.

As I was explaining, I have brought you here as a means to prevent this calamity. I located and latched onto your consciousness' and transfixed them to switch between replications of your physical selves and your actual bodies on your home world. Every time you fall asleep on your planet, your mind and consciousness is transported to this world, and the opposite is true if you fall asleep here. Be wary, however: any injury you sustain here will be mirrored on your true self once you wake up, in the same state it was when you fell asleep here, and again the opposite is true. If you are injured and sewn up here, the sewn wound will appear on your true self once you wake. If you stub your foot using your true self and fall asleep while it still throbs, the throbbing will follow your consciousness here.

Kaiyos shifted his weight behind her. One of them is wondering just exactly how all of this is possible. You might want to explain. The maiden turned and patted his head, which seemed a bit childish for his intelligence. Of course, Kaiyos. She faced her chosen once more, and began to float half a foot off the ground. She closed her eyes, and when they reopened, they were made of pure light. I am a goddess of this World of Magic, one of three deities that rule over this land. I am known as the Queen of the Fallen, the Peacekeeper, the Wishgranter, the Maiden of Dawn. I need your aid in helping both of our worlds, for this is not peace. She resettled on the ground and her eyes gave a quick flash before returning to normal. I have brought you here and seek your aid due to the circumstances that I am unable to directly alter the fate of this world. I have seen what will happen to this world, and your own, and I have seen that each of you has a role to play in the events that are to pass. She paused for another moment before continuing.

I have two questions for each of you: will you help me, and do you have any other misgivings? If you choose to help, then I am certain you will have more questions, and thus will stay. If not, then you will return home and forget this encounter.

[The-Blades-slave]

Daylin listened in rapt attention to the goddess, awestruck as she rose off the ground and her eyes glowed with the Heaven's light. He had no doubt what she said was true, even in his wildest dreams he couldn't think up something like this, but... "You gotta have made a mistake, accidentally taken me with Floressa. I can't do nuthin' to change the world." He didn't look the goddess in the eye, his gaze cast downward and his brow furrowed. "You should send me back and find whoever ya meant to, cause it wasn't me. I'm just a slave."

[Yume Tsuki]

Carefully listening to what the goddess had to say she slowly slid the mask back up her head so her face became visible. From what the goddess said, this meant she was still sleeping in her hut. When she gestured everyone to sit down Neicha sat down on the rocks. The idea of worlds colliding seemed impossible, but so far nothing made sense at all. The fact that she was chosen to stop this cataclysm from happening made her lower her ears. Just what she wanted, more responsibility... And the fact that she could get injuries and actually die in her dreams kind of was scary. She hated when people put their lives and hopes on her shoulders. It was a large burden. And so far she wasn't even able to make any progress at all, what makes the goddess think she is suitable for a task to stop two worlds from colliding. She's a simple beast that couldn't even prevent humans from destroying her own home when she was still one of them. She was ready to refuse to help.

Before she could open her mouth one of the humans already spoke up. He too wanted to refuse finding himself incompetent for the task. She didn't blame him. The situation seemed hard to grasp. Besides, Neicha believed she had to focus on restoring the others from being a beast. Then she realized something. This IS the world of magic. Perhaps she could find answers to turning them all back into humans right here, in this world. Her ears raised at the thought of it.
"Um... I-I am not really that useful either... I just know somewhat about herbs... I'm not really sure how I can help worlds from colliding... But I might want to try and see what I can do. Just don't expect too much... There is just something I need to find out..."
She was nervously fidgeting with the stick in her hands.

[WhistfulSoul]

The goddess walked towards Neicha and placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling a slight shiver as she did so. Do not be afraid. I know it seems dangerous, and yes, death is a possibility. If one of you does end up dying, you will return to your true self on your home world, aware of what has happened and still the same as you were before such an accident. Think of it as though it is a back up, a plan B, if you will. The goddess smiled at the beast-like, hoping to soothe her tense nerves. She turned back to the rest of the group, but looked fixedly at Daylin. I know it seems a daunting task but I am sure that I have made no mistake. I have chosen each of you for the purpose of saving both our worlds. As I stated each one of you has a role to play in all of this, the strings of fate have shown me this. Do you believe that the strings of fate would lie about your destiny, Daylin? Or do you have no faith in yourself? She pursed her lips for a second, and thought of the best line to win their hearts over.

Have not any of you wished for a second chance, another opportunity, to forge your life as you want it?

[lubbies]

Jake had been surveying this 'meeting' with great care not to be noticed but had apparently failed. He walked out from the treeline, surprised that he was noticed by a strange woman who seemed almost mythical after he made sure not to be heard or seen. He listened as they talked about worlds colliding and the apocalypse but Jake really didn't care much about that stuff, it was too serious and stressful, instead he only thought of one thing.

Jake-As long as there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, I'm in.

He gave a wide grin showing his fangs and his red eyes burned as if a fire had been set in them. Jake knew that this was some kind of dream but he might as well play along. Who knows, it might be fun.

[Humen]

Jacob

*READ CLOSELY******
'What kind of a farce is this? Are you trying to tell me you took me by force, as if I’d be ever so joyous to assist in your phantasmal adventure of wonder and whimsy? That it’s apparently all okay because this is nothing more than a simple dream, because if we perish we are not dead? As if I’d buy into something as idiotic as that.‘ Flailing his arms about as he screaming till his lungs were fit to burst, he angrily paced toward the so called "goddess”. ‘Frankly the only thing that would make me half believe you are these pathetic excuses for creatures.' He spun pointing, arm extended in the direction of the deer-morph. ‘What is with that thing? It can barely stand with that stick, and I don’t even know what it is, but it’s clearly not human when you compare it to that lummox over there. I have no time to entertain such idiotic notions such as these, I suggest you find another sap.'

Jacob wanted to say all this and more, but instead he stood there, silently watching everything take place in front of him. He couldn't be positive at first but reaching this grove, Jacob confirmed his fear, and he wasn't near the farm or even the forest he knew as his own personal backyard. There was no telling where he was, and he couldn't take the chance of dying out in the grounds because he let his temper get the best of him. He'd have to play their game, at least until they reached some civilization, when that happened he could break free and plot his way home.

Have not any of you wished for a second chance, another opportunity, to forge your life as you want it?

Something about that line made Jacob snap. It felt like a vein had popped in his head, and his eyes bulged as he shouted at the godess. “No, I haven’t! I have never once thought of another life, I love my life! Working the fields my father fought so hard to obtain, caring for the animals every day, assisting my mother with the house work, and after a hard day’s work spending time with my sisters! I have never once considered it a burden, so much so that I would drop it all and abandon them. And for you to have the audacity to suggest that as if you can read me like some open book..." He stopped all of a sudden, his face flushed red from his frustration. He didn't even realize it, but he had stepped farther into the grove. It was embarrassing to have lost his temper from a few mere words, but he must regain his composure. "But," The anger could be felt in his voice, but his words were hollow. “If my family is in danger as you say, and I am in a position to help them... Then I suppose I have little choice but to assist you."

[The-Blades-slave]

Daylin kept silent throughout the elf's tantrum, sighing heavily and running a hand through his hair. 'Dear Creator, please tell me what to do...' He already had so much work to do, and the family that bought him would always come first and foremost in his life, even before a quest given by a goddess. They owned him body and soul, they could do anything to him, yet they supplied him with a warm bed and great food. The only thing they asked him in return was to tend the farm and make sure it didn't decay, to keep it in running shape. He couldn't divide his time anymore, he decided, he barely finished his daily work as it was. There was no way he could do this quest.

He turned and stared hard at Floressa. She was still dressed in her nightgown, but he knew she was a lot more comfortable than him. She was smartest person he knew, and wouldn't have any trouble keeping up with everyone here, unlike him. His brain already hurt and he wanted to go home, but he couldn't leave her to run off into a foreign world and get herself killed. "I'm a slave, she speaks for me." He motioned over his shoulder at the half-elf, big arms crossed over his chest. He was tired all of the sudden, and his eyes drooped. He was going to regret not just going home, he knew it.

[Desbear]

The dwarf's head began to spin with the talk of all that... Magic, and other world stuff... And this lady was claiming to be a god now?! Further more, if magic like that from fairy tales did exist in this world, and it was as dangerous as she said it was... What could they do against it? How could a simple dwarf even hope to help stop what they described as the 'collision' of worlds...? He was sure that the person had gotten the wrong dwarf, or even that they were pulling his leg... But... Was confused the small dwarf the most... Was when she said that she was that each one of them had a role to play, and that they knew they had gotten the right people... The deer girl who could hardly stand... The tall human who claimed to be a slave... Each, and every one of them, all.... Six? No wait, add him in... All seven of them had a roll in this, and that actually raised the simple dwarf's confidence in the situation...

Now, there was one more thing that caught his attention. She said that they would still have their lives in their home 'world'... And that if any of them were to die, they would still have their life on the other world... Well, to this... He felt like there were very little downsides, that he didn't have a reason to say no. After all, when death in the other world didn't mean death in his home world... Well, there's not a very good reason to back down, now is there? "I may not know what I can do to help, but  I don't really have a reason to say no... So, I'm in."

[Lunartic]

Floressa listened patiently to the goddess, her gray eyes wide with curiosity, but the elf beside her made it difficult with his immature whining. Her eyes would be red if she allowed them. She blocked him out and focused on the daunting decision before her. But what would the fates want with a lowly farm girl? Or anyone else here? Aside from those beast . . . things, it was a very normal looking group. But she knew well enough that "normal" was quite subjective, and few things were "normal" in life. Such as being a half-elf.

And who knows? It might be fun.

"I'll do it," she said decisively. "Daylin too. Won't you?" She was reminded of a younger self, with big eyes and tiny hands, dragging him around to help her pull an apple from the tree or carrot in the ground when Papa wasn't looking. And even if they were caught, she would always take the fall for him. He simply did what he was told. He shouldn't be in trouble for that.

But this wasn't an innocent game. "Getting caught" could mean the end of both worlds. This thought either hadn't crossed her mind, or it amplified her sudden surge of wild vigor. It was an adventure, something new, something big and important that she was taking part in. The very thought made her eyes turn a flaming amber, and even if she could stop it she certainly didn't care. Part of her wanted to jump out of seat and straight into the action, but instead she sat and smiled and waited for Daylin to say yes. She knew he would.

[The-Blades-slave]

Daylin hung his head and slumped forward, resigned to his fate. He knew she was going to say yes before she had, he was fully aware she was going to drag him along before she asked; that didn't mean it bothered him any less. It didn't upset him that she wanted him to go, even if she hadn't he would have insisted. It was his job to make sure she didn't go and get herself hurt. He was just skeptical about being a hero, unsure if he could even make a difference. No one else there may have been special, but at least they were their own people."I guess I don't got much of a choice, now do I. If you got hurt because I didn't go with you lord knows what all those fancy lords and ladies you go out with would do to me, not to mention your Pa. I'd be deader than a doornail."