The same light protruded his senses, yet again, making Win groan. Yesterday was Sunday. So today, it must be Monday. Shit! Not again!

He carefully slid his hands over the sheets, only to find his bed much longer than it was yesterday. What?

His nostrils were invaded with much stronger and sweeter fragrances, making him feel more relaxed and rested. He sighed in comfort.

"He's awake! He's awake!" Excited murmurings went on.

Wait! Is he not alone in his room?

He snapped open his eyes to find a brightly lit stone ceiling. Two people in lime green cloaks and a man with a pointed nose were peering down at him with curious glances.

"Who are you?" He sat up finding another man a foot away from his bed sitting on a chair, stroking his long beard.

"That's a question for later, boy. For now, tell me did you sleep well?" The man asked, walking to him and sitting at the foot of the bed.

Oddly enough, he feels well-rested for the first time in the last four years. He flexed his shoulders, sighing in relief finding no aches in the muscles, "I feel good. Thank you".

"That's the good news", the bearded man nodded his head, "Healers can go. The work is well performed."

The people in lime green cloaks disappeared from the place with a 'pop'.

"Wait! What was that?" Win enquired, he was shocked beyond imagination, "how did they -?"

"Calm down, boy. One thing at a time. Your little brain might not process all the information I am about to give you", the bearded man spoke.

"But-" Win began.

"I said stop!" He gave a sharp eye, hushing him, "speak when I allow you to. Now take deep breaths and calm yourself".

Win's revolting inner dilemmas started fighting to surface up, yet he complied with the order. He needs to know where was he and who were they disappearing like some voodoo magicians.

"That's very good. Now, Mr. Win, do you remember what happened to you before you closed your eyes?" The man enquired.

"Um... I went shopping with my mum and met my seniors who bu- talked to me, um... A bit harshly...", He said, eying the man with pointed nose, " And-" His eyes widened with realization.

The accident! He must've been dead by now!

"I died?" He questioned, his stomach clenching in fear.

"It means your memory is just fine", the man nodded, stroking his beard, "you have questions, don't you?"

"I do!"

"You can ask anyone now. To start the conversation".

There were so many questions running across his mind. Choosing anyone among them would be like finding a needle among the heaps of hay. He pinched the bridge of his nose thinking only to find something's missing.

Glasses! Where are his glasses?!

"Where are my glasses?" He asked, mentally cursing at how puny a question was that!

"That's a great question indeed, Mr. Win", the man nodded his head few more times, "you see, to answer this question we need to start from where you are and how you came here and who you are. So, in short, you're indeed very clever to ask such a question!" The man smiled.

"Thanks?" These people sound so weird!

"You're welcome. Potsdam, the map please?" The pointed-nosed man pulled out a large roll from his backpack and hand it to the man in front, "if you may..." He gestured Win to scoot back towards the pillows.

He opened the entire map keeping it straight on the surface, letting the 3D miniature universe float in the air with a soft glow.

"Can you recognize this?" He asked Win, who was busy gawking at the incredulous thing in front of him.

The red pin over the blue planet disappeared.

"Is that the Earth?" Win asked. He squinted his eyes further to find small green countries and continents behind the white swirling clouds.

"Precisely", he said, pulling his finger over a bright and big golden planet and asked, "You know what is this?"

It looked like a star to Win. He had read this is what a cooled-down star looked like. This one, however, looks like a much bigger version of the Sun.

"A star?" He asked, looked at the gold shinning ball with awe.

The man chuckled a bit, "no, Win. This is a planet. It is called the Midaster. Can you guess the meaning of its name?"

"Um, Mid- Aster. Middle star?"

"That's the meaning, yes. It does look like a star, but it's a planet in the exact middle of the universe", the man nodded answering.

"Don't tell me I am here", Win said. An unknown fear enveloped him.

"You are, in fact," he answered, " I understand these are all new and complicated to you. But trust me when tell you this, you need to know this before it gets too late".

Win nodded, reluctantly.

"Ask your question now."

"Am I dead?" He gulped.

"Yes and no", he answered with a smile, "you're dead back on Earth until you finish your work bestowed upon you by the mighty Universe, and then you can either choose whether you want to go back to live there or continue your life here".

Potsdam was already sitting on the stone floor listening to the conversation with utmost concentration.

"What work?" He asked hesitantly.

"Preserving the Universe", he answered.

"Huh?!" Win shrieked, unable to hold himself back.

"Yes, we must abide by the plans of the Universe. You have a plan and it's time you must execute it." The man said, "you were chosen the Preserver centuries ago".

"I am sorry, but how can I be a chosen Preserver? The last time I checked I can barely preserve and protect myself from the bullies. My existence is not as great as a Preserver must have", he answered, the fear in his system started mingling with a hint of an overwhelmed feeling.

"Not true! In the name of Boony, your name has been praised by the people of Midaster even before your birth!" The man said.

What?!

"Wait till you meet them, Mr. Win", Potsdam replied from the floor, "there're no Numan who doesn't know the Preserver".

"What's a Numan?" Win asked, smiling a bit. The feeling blossoming in his heart is so distant yet so soft. Some people understand him and look forward to meet him!

"Oh, it's the inhabitants of Midaster. They are just like a human, but has wings and magical powers", the bearded man said, " I and Potsdam are a Numan too, you will get to know more about us soon".

The pointed-nosed man stood up and bowed deep at Win, "Nice to meet you Preserver. Looking forward to serving you in the future".

Win, too, wai-ed at him, returning the respect.

"But why– how did I come here? I mean I was there on the Earth and now I am in Midaster, I didn't get it", Win asked, shuffling the sheets with his fingers.

"The only way a person can come to Midaster is after its death. Remember, no living man in the entire Universe can visit Midaster. It is a sacred place where Universal balance is maintained, the judgment of the dead souls is given out and Fates are woven", the man said.

"Then I am... Dead?" He enquired.

"Not really. You are one of an exception. You're no more a Human. You are a Numan now. I mean, you were always a Numan but your powers were in the dormant stage in your human form. Now that you're home, you might face the powers coming up." The man answered standing up, "oh and now that you are not wearing your glasses anymore, your Seeing powers might come to the surface".

"Seeing powers?"

"Um, future predicting powers in your language", he explained.

"Oh, cool!" It was fascinating!

"Ah, yes, it is. But soon it'll be like a curse to see the death of all your near ones at random times", the man nodded, "your powers might start appearing randomly, so you will need extreme pieces of training to learn to control them... That can be arranged, of course."

"You mean the wings will come out, too?" Win asked unable to contain his excitement. Just imagining himself flying in the sky, gives him goosebumps.

"Yes, it will," the man added with a smile.

Win grinned thinking about how different his life will be from now on. It's a bit nerve-wracking to think about how he has to preserve the ever-continuing Universe, but that thought can wait. Exploring his dormant powers is the new goal.

"Potsdam, you may take him to the prince after a while. I hope he'll be clearing off Mr. Win's further doubts", he ushered the pointed-nosed man sitting on the floor to do according to his orders, who in reply nodded his head.

"Oh, by the way, I am the Magnifer of the Midaster, a king in your language. Please address me accordingly, Mr. Win", he smiled and stroked his beard.

Win nodded with awe, "so you're the King of the Universe, sir?"

"Kind of, yeah. But I am responsible for my actions to the mighty Universe herself", he nodded.

"That's fascinating!" Win breathed out, "Everything feels so... Odd. But in a good way!" He added with a small laugh.

"You'll get used to it, Mr. Win. You have a lot of things to do now. Potsdam, take him to the prince. I hope he can carry this out", the Magnifer added with a smile.

It took no time in getting out of the room. Potsdam led Win through a twisty, stony pathway clad with red carpet. All the walls were filled with gems of various colours and odd yet beautiful pots and statues were kept in intervals.

"The prince will be very happy to meet you Mr. Win", Potsdam squeaked. Win had not noticed earlier but Potsdam wore a bonnet made of feathers.

"Potsdam? Please call me Win. It's much comfortable", Win grinned, scratching his neck.

"Alright, Win. If you say so", he returned a small bow in turn.

"Potsdam, is your bonnet made of feathers?" Win enquired.

"Oh no. It's the skin of Usico- very soft and silky", he answered, running a hand over his bonnet.

"What's an Usico?" Win asked.

"Oh, you'll get to see them soon. Prince has a pet Usico he might show you if you ask him", he answered.

"The prince?"

"Yes."

"Um, Potsdam... It's just a hypothetical question."

"Yes, tell me Win. No need to hesitate".

"Is your Prince a ferocious one?" Win shuffled his fingers. According to most the film's he has seen, most of the princes looks fierce.

"Oh no, he's in fact, a very kind man. He even respects the Messengers like us. A great man indeed", Potsdam's eyes shone with admiration.

"I see...". Win had no clue what a Messenger is or what it has to do with respect, but he thought not to ask him anymore and stay ready for what he's going to face ahead.

After several painful moments of climbing infinite stairs, they were finally standing and panting in front of the oak doors with silver handles.

Potsdam opened it and pulled Win inside then closed it behind them.

The room was huge and the ceiling was covered with celestial bodies floating among the heaps of clouds.

"Your Majesty, the Preserver is here", Potsdam bowed low, probably in front of an invisible someone.

"Who's here Potsdam?" A girl came out of nowhere, swirling and making her blue hair float  suspended in the wind.

"Princess Pam, it is the Preserver and me, Potsdam. Magnifer ordered me to take him to the prince", Potsdam added, still stooping down.

For Win, Pam was an extremely ethereal looking girl. She looked beautiful and her voice was honey-coated sweet. Although she looked much younger than him, her beauty was no less than the mythical Nymphs.

"Brother, Come out! It's the Preserver here!" She hopped on the spot.

Before Win could check Pam out further and form some admiring words for her beauty, out of the thin air came the most handsome man, spreading his big white wings in the air. Win gawked at the man who emerged from nowhere as he pulled his wings in and stood looking at his sister with deep irritation.

He was beautiful, yes. No wonder he is the prince— such beauty must be holding some supreme place in the Universe!

Soon, their eyes met. He quickly pulled his head down to show respect.

"Are you Win Metawin, the Preserver of the Universe?" He asked, making Win raise his head up and look at him again. Prince's voice was warm, mellow--one that he reminds him of the warm summer days.

"Yes", he breathed out.

And then he knew he was dead when the prince flashed a smile and said, "welcome to Midaster".

________

So, Win is finally here! OMGG!

And Bright and Win met each other!! Hurray!

Win doesn't know half of the whole thing yet! Bet it's going to scare him very much.

I have added the meaning of Boony in 'some terms' chapter.

(Q1) What would be your reaction of you were in Win's place?

(Q2) what do you think an Usico is?