The Realm

“Oh, Victor! It is time to wake up!”

Victor groaned at the voice protruding through his daze of sleep, drawing him closer to the world of the living. His head swam, the usual outcome of his experiences in interdimensional travel. Victor's young body had never faired well in any sort of teleportation, but jumping across dimensional barriers especially seemed to bother him. Umbra had even tried to google help for him, but all of WebMD and MayoClinic’s methods fell flat. His parents reasoned that it was because of his small frame and poor constitution.

Slowly awakening, Victor felt cool grass cradling his body. He struggled to open his eyes, and he was met with the ethereal sight of the Celestial Realm.

He, Seraph, and Esper sat on a grassy hill overlooking the grand marble palace, shimmering in the reflective light of the silvery moon hanging high in the cloudless, colorful sky. Turquoise grass waved in the refreshingly brisk wind, ticking Victor's ankles.

Seraph smiled, light reflecting a swirl of color in his eyes. “It looks very cool, right?”

Victor chuckled and nodded, but he hesitated when he saw Esper crouching near him. The nature spirit looked forlorn and distant, softly rubbing the silky grass between his fingers.

Victor moved to him, laying a supporting hand on his shoulder. “It's crazy beautiful out here, y’know,” Victor immediately regretted speaking, unsure if his statement was offensive.

“I'm sure it is,” Esper murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, “The scenery is the only beautiful thing here.”

Victor blinked dumbly, not sure how to respond to Esper’s cryptic statement. Luckily, Seraph interrupted his encounter with a firm pat to his back.

“Friends! I brought us here to the Stellar Meadows so I could give you a personal tour to the Palace! Additionally,” Seraph added, winking, “Victor and I have some special memories here!”

Is he referencing dragging me into this dimension with no explanation, me throwing up, or me fainting a couple times, I wonder? Victor thought sarcastically.

Seraph spread out his arms, gazing at the sky. “In an effort to reach the Palace quickly, I turned into my dragon form and flew the remaining distance! Are you okay with riding with me, Esper, or do you wish to fly yourself?”

Esper dipped his head respectfully. “I'm unable to fly myself. All of my alternate forms are land dwelling.”

Seraph grinned. “Amazing! I have always wanted to carry several passengers at a time!”

Victor decided it was best to ignore that concerning comment.

In a flash of golden light, Seraph started to change. His form stretched and molded like fluid, shifting into the massive dragon he had seen many times before.

Now, Seraph towered above them as a mighty but graceful Eastern dragon. He was covered in bright, pleasant-to- the-touch feathers, and a streak of long fur ran down the base of his spine and formed a mane around his slender neck. Thin whiskers stretched from his cheeks, levitating and floating with no assistance from the wind. Vibrant pink eyes stared down upon them, his now toothy grin still on his face.

He bowed his head like a steed, offering Victor the lead position on his neck.

“Shall we?”

Author's Note- okay question time bc questions encourage comments and I love comments: who's your favorite villain in the book?

Also we've had such a good streak with votes!!! :) thanks guys!!! ♡♡♡