Lillia awoke with a start. The world she was a noble warrior was nothing more than a dream to this world.

Her and two friends shared this "dream" and she felt like it was the better half of her life. Here, she was an average high school student, living out a bland life of academics and typical high school drama. There, she was a brave warrior who practiced magic.

Her phone suddenly rang, startling her out of her thoughts, and she picked it up, recognising the caller ID. "What is it, Annabeth?"

The girl on the other end sighed. "I, uh, heard you were meeting the King. Are you crazy?"

"I already met him. He approved my mission, Anna," Lillia replied, dragging herself out of bed and beginning to get ready. She was far too tired to pay attention at school, but attendance was important.

"He hates beggars, though..." Annabeth's voice trailed. The girl always worried about everything.  Lillia thought it was almost endearing.

"I wasn't a beggar. I was a trader. He certainly likes those," Lillia said with humor lacing her voice. Annabeth huffed in annoyance as her response. Lillia knew she wasn't actually annoyed. She just liked banter.

"I have to go. See you and Jason at school?" Her friend responded after her theatrics were finished.

"Yeah. And thanks for reminding me I have to talk to Jason,: She hung up and grinned. Jason should've told me he worked for Alfondia. Guess he deserves what's coming.

---------

"Guess what a little birdie told me?" Lillia said, leaning against the locker beside Jason's. The high school they were at bustled with loud students, so it was safe to talk.

"That I'm an incredibly handsome individual?" He guessed. His warm brown eyes sparkled teasingly, matching his short brown hair. He could match her sass and sarcasm, an admirable trait in Lillia's eyes.

"Little birdies tell the truth, so no," She responded without thinking, causing him to laugh. "Better question. Guess who I visited?"

"The blacksmith named Ferrum in Castellum Village?" Jason suggested.

"King Alfondia and Captian Geoffrey. Geoffrey told me after I beat him in a duel. Why didn't you tell me, Jason?" Lillia said bluntly.

"I didn't think I had to," He said boldly. "You're not in charge of me."

Lillia gave him a sweet smile. "Funny you should say that. I'm going on a quest with some of Alfondia's soldiers."

Jason groaned at Lillia's innocent look. "Don't bring me. I have important stuff to do."

"Like hiding all your dirty little secrets before I find them?" She said, feigning even more innocence. "I told you everything. You promised to do the same, remember?"

"You were suffering PTSD because of that world. You needed to get it off your chest," He said calmly. Lillia winced as she recalled that. Someone she was exploring with had a run in with a kelpie. They had been a close friend of hers and she had witness their death, helpless to do anything. 

There was more to his side of the argument than either spoke. Alfondia was cruel to his men, civillians and soldiers alike. It explained why Jason was looking more pale and stressed each day. He was probably being viciously abused or too much responsibility was placed upon him.

Annabeth came over and beamed at them. Her hair was the color of a piece of gold and eyes gleamed with a sapphire blue. In the other world, she was a thrifty merchant. Lillia thought she was wasting a great opportunity to be whoever she wanted to, but didn't mention that near her.

"Hi, guys!" She chirped. "Why the long faces?" Lillia gave her a sour look and didn't answer.

"It doesn't matter," Jason said, burying his nose in his locker to hide the lie. "How are the sales?"

Annabeth brightened and began rattling off the number of sales and profit margins. Lillia pretended to listen, nodding along to the rhythm of her friend's words.

"Lillia?" Jason called softly.

"Hm, what?" She responded. She blinked at him, guilt flooding her eyes. Did Annabeth notice she had stopped listening?

"I started talking about aliens, you know," The aforementioned merchant pointed out. "You nodded along like I was still talking about our quality iron."

"Ferrum is your top costumer, right?" Lillia said hopefully, not noticing Annabeth said that a moment ago.

Her friend cried out in annoyance and stormed away, fuming.

Jason winced. "You're rude, you know that? We've all found our place in Patiaminus. Just because hers doesn't fit your needs and wants doesn't mean you can put her down."

Lillia groaned. "Don't lecture me, you squire."

He chuckled. "You're hopeless."

She grinned. "Thank you. Walk me to class?"

"We're in the same class, you idiot," He mocked. They both walked to class, Lillia naking a mental promise to apologize to Annabeth.