DeadRealm75 – T.U.S: Life Will Continue Without You – Chapter 2: Growing up. Part 2/2

Author:"I'm in love with this fairy tale, so much that it hurts. I don't care if I lose my mind, I'm already cursed by its own charm. The problem of reality and fiction. Fiction is wonderful, reality is harsh and cold for us the 'dreamers'." - Phrase inspired by "Fairytale" - Alexander Rybak.

New part of the second chapter!

Hello, I never communicated to the readers what changes are happening, so this took... (10) times to rewrite. There are a few things I have to settle down first.

1.- Music playlists and time stamps are being removed from previous and new chapters.
2.- There is a new format of writing, something like a "Narrator" will be included. This new format will be added to previous chapter with time.
3.- I spotted some misspells like "trow" instead of "throw", I will fix them later. I also want to say that if they get point out, I would greatly appreciate it.
4.- A week from now will update the tags to accommodate the discovery and include parts of the story.
5.- 150 reads have been reached!Which unlocks some memories and changes the way the story goes and moves on. The content unlocked was not originally included, but when the amounts of reads got close to it, it was added and adapted to the story.
6.- I will make sure that, when editing, I will not change the story, I might add extra information, but I will not change anything that could move it away from the original.
7.- Informal speech will be introduced slowly, previous chapters will also have informal writing per character. I decided to change that bit of info and make characters less... robotic and formal.

Quick Note: The video on every chapter is the song that inspired more into the chapter. There will also be things telling names of songs and how a part moved forward thanks to a specific song. Songs are the fuel to my creativity and many worlds that I so wish to share.

Changes:

April 01, 2023: Changed solitude to loneliness due to a misunderstanding of what the difference is from one to another.

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~-=| Basics on trading. |=-~

Songs that got the following part moving forward with inspiration: "The Chosen One" by Smash Into Pieces, and "House of Memories" by Panic! At The Disco.

(Alex, point of view.)

Current date: Day 03, Month 10, Year 986. Autumn.

~= Time: Morning. =~

I woke up next to Aiden, his head was nestled in my chest. He was cuddling with his arms in between us. Almost like in a fetal position, mostly like a baby. My arms wrapped around his upper back, enjoying his soothing warmth. His short yet silk like fur, was soft, like a blanket recently out of a drier.

Remembering what happened yesterday... I had my mind... scrambled. I was deep into thinking of my actions of what I did do.

Alex's Mind: What did I just do?

Alex's Mind: I had Aiden try to have his way with me, yet I did not push him completely away.

Alex's Mind: I would never do this... Yet...

Alex's Mind: ...

Maxwell did have an influence on me, I had courage now. I have a will to fight and do what is right. To fight for my beliefs and try to solve them logically. I did not fear what Aiden would do to me, I stood up and held my ground. I showed kindness to him even after what he tried to do.

Alex's Mind: Maxwell, you had changed me.

Never in my life I would do such things. I would cower, hide, try to not show my emotions... Yet, here I was, laughing, crying, showing my emotions to unknown people. But this people are familiar to me, thanks to Maxwell's memories. I did not stop my resolve and moved forward to this uncertain life.

Alex's Mind: But, what is my purpose now...

Alex's Mind: I no longer live the life I had years ago.

Alex's Mind: My memories are there, intact, I can't forget any of it. I can even recall the taste of my first "chilate".

(Chilate is a chocolate beverage from Costa Chica, Guerrero, México. The beverage is a fusion of African and indigenous cultures. This beverage is served very cold, it is a mixture of chocolate, rice, cinnamon, and brown sugar.)

Alex's Mind: My fights with my cousin...

I had a family member where we had a brawl every time. He would fight me, playfully obviously, and try to win in games against each other.

Alex's Mind: My adventures in my small town...

I was adventurous, I would follow animals, and sometimes get lost in the forest. The good thing is that I could always trace back my steps and be back home safely. But... One time I got kicked by a horse in my knees.

(By the way, this is not intentional, but it is funny since it is similar to the meme of Skyrim. "I used to be an adventurer like you, until I got hit by an arrow in the knee.". Goku Revolucion actually got kicked by a horse in both of his knees.)

Alex's Mind: My friends...

Although Privado was my actual friend, I did make a few friendships, but like I said. They never ended in good terms. I was never called to hang out. Never asked how I was doing. Never asked why was alone.

Alex's Mind: ...

Alex's Mind: Always alone...

My family never paid attention besides of if I ever get a girlfriend. My aunts and uncles never asked about me. Conversations with me were always awkward... No matter how much time passed. I felt alone, they did not care about me. Not once they asked about me. What did I like, what my dreams were, What I would do once I get older? Nothing.

Alex's Mind: Alone with my mind... Alone in my imagination... A shadow in society...

My school achievements did not matter. I never had any, I was ignorant in school. Did not care at all, but I tried for my mother's sake. Even with motivation, I barely would understand my homework. Later, though, I got interest in history. I got interest in the wild life, on plants, and even literature at one point.

Alex's Mind: ...

But, now...

Alex's Mind: But now... I have something to call family, a home, something that felt missing at some point in my life.

Alex's Mind: Another reason to continue moving forward. A reason to break that shell that I had. A reason to move forward and change my future.

Alex: A motivation to live.

I whispered. Tears formed around the corners of my eyes, but I never let the dam break. While scratching Aiden's chin, I earned his purrs that brought a smile to my face.

Alex's Mind: Thank you, for trusting in me... Maxwell.

I felt light, like the weight of my past was being lifted. Everything that I had experienced no longer mattered. Here, I just needed to live in the present now. To use my knowledge and wisdom to do better in my new life.

Alex's Mind: Thank you, for this new opportunity.

~=Time: Morning.=~

I decided to continue and enjoy Aiden's company, still scratching him. I started to enjoy this kind of company.

Alex's Mind: This... is nice.

I start to hug Aiden a bit more strongly, keeping his company. But by doing so, he slowly starts to wake up.

Aiden: hmmm...

He started to move, and I lighten my grasp on him.

Alex's Mind: We might not even be friends, yet...

Alex's Mind: This could be seen as if we "slept" together.

My face started to burn in embarrassment, this was out of my control and comfort. Slowly, I try to remove myself from Aiden. But I stopped, something pulled me to want and stay with Aiden. Like a voice in my mind, telling me that it was fine to stay, that this little action will not cause me troubles.

I felt restricted... Something was wrong. Not maliciously nor with the intent of killing or causing problems. It just made me feel more conscious of my actions than ever. My crystal that is in the open on top of my dark shirt was white, something was wrong though.

My nerves raised, and I had goosebumps running through my whole body. Once, twice, trice... Something was out of place here. I pulled the covers, thinking it might have been the morning air being chill. Although I felt more comfortable, the chills running through my body were continuous. One wave after another, flowing like water.

I started to panic, but that panic turned into a clinging embrace. My hands hugged Aiden, my body was no longer trembling. But something still felt odd. When I blinked, I was pulled into the same void I was before. The same one I had experienced while arriving to this new world.

A gentle, soothing voice spoke to me.

????: Welcome, mine own child, I come to see thee in this place. To guide thee in this journey thee're anon to embark. Thou shalt have to choose thy fate, thy story and change the world into a new land.

????: Thou shalt fight for the young and old, for the weak and suffering. Anon, the new life thou hast acquired shall ask for thy collaboration. Fate might be unmovable, but thee, shall anon change its course.

My surroundings became a blur. Showing a temple. It was run down, but a certain structure stood in front. It had two spheres on top. In the middle, it had some kind of writing. Decorated with a pattern, arching in a way that the top of the writing created a pattern resembling a blooming seed.

There was a dark blue circle with strange symbols in front of the structure. Not like the spell casting language. More like actual figures. To the side of the structure, there were two angel structures, kneeling down and praying. Multiple pillars with the same intricate design, this made a hall guiding you towards its interior.

????: A warrior traveling from a far would'st be joining thee anon. May mine own blessing be thy guide to the new lands. I bid farewell to thee, child.

After a blink, my vision was back in the room. This was an unexpected turn of events. Something contacted me? Their voice was gentle, but... Why it was hard to decipher their gender. Their voice was deep, hard, and stern like a man's voice but, at the same time, it was high-pitched, soft, and gentle like a woman's voice.

It seemed that two people were talking to me, but at the same time, it united into a single voice.

Alex's Mind: That voice... Could it be a messenger from above?

I chuckle to myself a bit, since it is quite amusing to be contacted in that way. But at the same time, somehow I expected to receive something like that. While I was thinking that, I failed to notice that I was still embracing Aiden and laughing a bit close to his ear.

Only when I felt a flutter of something soft hitting my mouth, made me notice that Aiden was fully awake and blushing. I could tell by how close I was to him and the heat that his head emanated.

Alex: S-sorry Aiden!

I backed away quite fast, pulling him with me and falling off the bed. Luckily, he did not fall with me. Actually I noticed that he was really close to me, and I was at the edge of the bed considering how fast I have fallen off.

Alex: Agh!

I hit my head on the floor, not with enough force to knock me. But enough to make me feel pain and try to sob it away.

Aiden: Are you alright?

I hissed, trying to lower my pain while sitting down in the floor.

Alex: Y-yes... Just hit my head in the floor. Glad there's a carpet at least. Heh...

A sigh escaped Aiden's maw.

Aiden: No worries then. Let me get something...

He went into a corner of the room where a chest was. I would assume that maybe it was the INN's one. If it wasn't by the crest painted in it. The crest was of a shield with a half painted red and the other painted green. On top of it were two lions holding a crown in top of the shield. It was simple yet it seemed important.

Alex: Aiden... Where is that crest from?

Aiden: Oh! They are from the kingdom of Ocathia.

Aiden continued while rummaging the chest for something.

Aiden: I work over there, I have to repair some mechanics that allow the aero-ships to float.

Aiden: My boss required some material, and I was asked to talk with Oliver about it. Mostly wood and some monster materials that are common from this area.

Alex: Strange, isn't the forest big enough to collect wood from all the way over there?

Aiden: You have no idea where the kingdom of Ocathia is, right?

I got up and put back my clothing.

Alex: No, not really. Actually, I haven't seen a map of the continent now that I think about it.

Aiden: The continent? You mean of Estelia, right?

Alex: Yes of Estelia, are there no more continents?

Aiden: Yes, but there is a strange thing going on the borders of each continent.

Aiden: There are big clouds and storms surrounding the continent. We are kinda disconnected from the rest of the world. But not only is that.

Aiden: A decade back, apparently, we had access to the other two continents. But they had been erased from any map, not only that but also the names of the places we had traded before.

Aiden takes out a book, showing some smudges on some areas.

Aiden: See, these words are erased, but I can tell there were names in them. This book is a story about a traveler from one of the other two continents.

Aiden: The continent had people who could tame monsters. But the name of those places have been erased. If you touch the page, you will feel a tingle.

I stand up from my place and approached the book. True to his word I feel a tingle but what happened next was surprising for me, the letters started to appear, and I saw the name of a single place.

Alex: Beocitia.

When I said the name of the place, a shock expanded around and made me have goosebumps. I can tell I was not the only one, Aiden's fur started to stand up. After that, I noticed that, what I felt expanded, almost like a ripple effect.

Through the window. On the sky, the whole place had a deep blue hue around in the sky, and it expanded far away. This made me think that, whatever happened, it will start following me around. After all, I got a message from something. This just made it more apparent that I will be dealing with something bigger than I can see.

Alex: A-Aiden, I think it is better we leave that part out.

Aiden did not answer me while I was looking at the sky, the ripple was slowly disappearing.

Alex: Aiden?

I turned around and saw Aiden frantically looking at every single page of the book.

Aiden: A-Alex, you just... you... made a word appear.

Alex: What? Let me see.

I snatched the book out of his hands/paws and notice that the word started to appear in more pages in the book. Even the one that I read had the word in it.

Alex's Mind: First the message now this...

I let a sigh escape me. I started to feel a little stressed by this. It did not make sense why I was the one that managed to reveal the word.

Alex: Here... don't tell anyone what happened. Got it?

Aiden: Why though?

Alex: Aiden, trust me, don't tell anyone.

Alex: I have a feeling that something bad will happen to me if you do. Please.

I had a pit in my stomach when I said that. I really felt that something bigger was happening that what I saw. It no longer made sense, and I started to wonder if it had to do with how I arrived into this world.

Aiden: Alright...

Alex: Thank you, and get ready you got to train me to trade, remember?

Aiden: Oh. right.

Once I was ready, I left the room. Before leaving, I look back to that baby blue colored tiger. I close the door, smiling at him. While going downstairs, I stretched and let a yawn out of my mouth. A few popping sounds come from my arms and neck.

Alex: Did I sleep that bad?

Oliver: Oh, there you are!

Oliver said with a sound of relief coming from his voice. I jumped, surprised, not expecting him to be up already. Or even notice that I slept here, without paying.

Alex: H-hello... G-good morning...

Oliver raised an eyebrow. He was cleaning the tables of the bar area, they did serve food for travelers, that's why we have a INN.

Alex: D-do you want me to explain or...

I trailed off since I did not want to have that conversation.

Oliver: If it is possible... Remember, the rooms are not free.

He said grinning. Judging by his grin, I think he was implying something...

Alex: So you are going to threaten me in exchange for my explanation?

Oliver: Boy, sure, I keep forgetting that you don't think like a child.

He scratched his neck while looking rather uncomfortable.

Alex: I might have died young, but that does not mean I can not tell when something is up...

Alex: And in your case... Are you implying something?

Oliver: Uhh... N-no.

Alex: Oliver, I'm getting tired of people judging me like that.

Alex: No, I'm not interested in anyone on here. Besides, I know what to expect, and I need to be eighteen if I want to get "friendly" with someone.

I said the word friendly with extra intonation, and showing air-quoting with my hands.

Alex: In my world we have the age of coming at certain age because not everyone can make a decision like that at young age.

Alex: In here is really similar to where I used to live. Just do not bring that up.

Oliver: I-I... I am sorry, Alex. I-

Alex: Also don't hint at it, I know what are you trying to do. You do not want to know me when I get angry(I so, want to put "angy" like a little child).

I said, annoyed by the constant teasing he has done. Somehow, Oliver knew about my preferences. Not that I was showing them, in the contrary, I think my involuntary shyness about it made it more apparent. Not including my constant evasion to his teasing.

Oliver: Anyway, there are a few breakfast preparations being done. Do you wish to eat here?

I raise an eyebrow.

Alex: Are you going to charge me? Or use it for information?

I noticed now a deadpan face in Oliver.

Oliver: Do you actually believe I would do something like that?

Alex: Well... Everything is possible, nothing is completely set in stone.

I shrug, and take a seat at one of the clean tables.

Oliver: What do you mean, nothing is set in stone?

Alex: It is a saying. Your future cannot be prophesied, because your actions will lead you to different paths in life.

Alex: Even the single actions we do, like giving food to the poor or buying something. Will change the course of our future and theirs.

Oliver: Interesting... It seems that wisdom is something you do possess.

Alex: Not at all, I can be naive at times. But I can agree in one thing, wisdom is different from here and there.

Alex: I have things to learn that my books did not tell. I have experiences that can only be experienced by doing them.

Alex: My mind is my temple and I just use it like everyone should. Not everyone thinks before doing something, even I fail to think before acting...

That reminded me of what I did yesterday...

Alex: Like... *Sighs*. Yesterday.

I did not notice when Oliver came close to me, he padded my back.

Oliver: Did... Something happened yesterday?

I just nod my head.

Oliver: Do you wish to talk about it?

I shake my head, looking at the table in front of me.

Oliver: You can talk to me, I might be old and less knowledgeable compared to you. But saying something to other people who care about you always helps.

It is true, many of us who suffer internally we do not want to spill our worries. Because sometimes the other person says something that does not help. Words are powerful tools to help and damage. We need to hear a specific word or a phrase from someone specific. The other times, just not saying anything helps with showing instead of saying.

We might be fighters mentally and somewhat emotionally. But the people around us sometimes pushes us towards the edge. Until we tip over and reach that line of no return. When they notice that the words they said did nothing, they would wish to do something. Wish they were there. Wish that they took the fall instead of them when it is too late.

Sometimes we want attention, even if we don't get the right one. Sometimes we just need someone to keep us company, even if the person we hoped for does not come. Sometimes we wish to be with someone, even if we know it will never be possible. But at the end we can not ask for it.

We evade and ignore, we hide and stop people from trying. We know we need help, but it is never easy to accept it. Because it is easy for any person to say it. That does not mean that it will be easy for us (going a bit more descriptive and intense here, so hold on tight).

When we want to say something, we feel as if we have a noose around our throat tightening every time we try, or someone strangling us. We hear voices telling us to just give up, why bother trying if we will never get what we want. Due to those voices, we ignore people and try to just silence the world around us.

(Great song that makes you feel how hard it is, this one: "Easy's Never Been This Hard" by Citizen Soldier.)

(Changed solitude to loneliness in multiple parts of the story, due to a misunderstanding of what the difference is from one to another.)

Depression can be troublesome. I had this problem of loneliness, but I could leave that feeling by using my time and distracting myself. I think I had or have depression. My life was "dull". Imagine seeing bright colors, wonderfully brilliant and warm. For me, I saw them what I guess is "water down".

Like having a pair of sunglasses or seeing a dusty old painting. Though, it wasn't always like that. I felt the connection of people, but just momentarily. It is like having a pit in your chest sometimes. A hole that... just... drains you. It feels crushing, it weighs you down.

Did I get therapy? No, neither wished to. I don't know how to explain it, but I kinda have both sides. For one, I feel like shit, pardon my language, unworthy for the life I have. But I know it is not the right mind, I'm capable to see that I have it wrong to think in that way.

In the other, I have the ability to control almost all my emotions. Besides anger and obviously sadness. I hid my emotions to the world, I was the quiet one, the one that gets ignored. I didn't stand out, I was just a person like any other. Another classmate, another person that just exist.

It is an internal battle, that's for sure. Just to escape the feeling I kept doing cooking or just distracting my mind with chores, playing games, anything really. But daily life became a struggle, ever since my parents passed away, It became an unbearable reality.

~= Flashback =~

I felt safe at "home" doing nothing, trying to work became a chore. My emotions became more and more unstable, my wish of being there for them when it mattered tore me apart. I had been stuck in my apartment for months, just going to work and coming back. Ordering food just to not go out.

I was in my own selfish pit, wishing that I just... went with them. Occasionally I would just scream my lungs out in my pillows. Trying not to brother the neighbors, funny how my priorities worked. Worried about them instead of myself. I knew I had to break the cycle, or I would end up doing something stupid.

But, just... giving up on everything was more... tantalizing. Oh, how I wondered how peaceful I would be once the suffering and pain was over. How that sweet melody of nothingness would feel in my ears and eyes. Finally sinking in that black, endless pit of nothingness.

But some of those phrases I so heard would just let me cling into reality. It told me that it was okay to feel sad, to be broken, to be a worthless piece of shit, garbage, and the million things I would hear from bullies. Life is both fair and unfair. Karma exists for a reason and so we too.

Grab that single rope that someone is giving you and use it to get out, not to just end in there, hanging by the neck... Just... don't... give... up.

...

I had to clean a lot once I broke out of that routine. Floors, shelves, tables, any kind of furniture had a thick layer of dust. Mold in the shower, dark colors of grime in the sink and the toilet.

I was a disaster of a person to allow it to turn like that. Plates still full of food with roaches and ants, It was disgusting. I had to throw many things, and put my mind into cleaning even if I did not want to. Music has been the other motivator in my life.

Many of the songs I listen to are motivational, and always lifted my spirits up. Some even brought energy into me to do stuff. Seeing my apartment clean after three days of working into cleaning during my break, made me feel better. But, I would slowly turn back into my slob of a person.

So I decided to use cooking and tried many new recipes. That is what allowed me to become independent. My mother was happy for my abilities to cook like her.

~= End Of Flashback =~

I let a big stressed sigh out of me. Remembering my past and how I felt is getting me back in that cycle again.

Alex: It is something I do not wish to talk about...

Alex: I-I... I know I can solve it. Just... give me time.

Some might wonder how I have been able to keep with... Life in my state, emotionally and mentally. Mostly, there was always a phrase and a song that will always come in my mind. The song name that would always come was called: "Those who fight with the monster named Reality" A song made by Takayoshi Tanimoto/Yu Takahashi.

Not only that, I had a music class before arriving into the United States. And allowed me to appreciate more the lyrics in songs. Many of which would talk about hope, talk about depression, misfortune, broken hearts, the feeling of love. All of it made me experience a bit of their lives.

Some books would allow me to part away from my reality and slowly make me feel like I was one of them. The reality unseen in our faces is sometimes like a monster that surges to try to knock down our aspirations. But facing reality is your true challenge, the same one that I had to fight against.

"Those who fight against the monster named reality" are called warriors. Because of being able to face the many problems in their lives. They still move forward even in their lowest. Even in their weakest point, they still live up until this very day.

That way of thinking, that alone, kept me moving forward.

Alex: Those who fight against the monster, named reality, are called warriors...

I mumble to myself, with a finger covering my mouth. My hand was supporting my head, in the table.

Oliver: What did you say?

Alex: Oh... Nothing, just... something I remembered.

I let a big sigh out. Leaning back to the chair to support my back.

Alex: Yes, I would take a breakfast... if you eat with me.

Oliver's face brighten up at hearing my proposal. Pretty sure he is eager to hear more recipes from me.

Oliver: Sure, let me start preparing it.

Oliver leaves and I hear steps coming down from the second floor.

Alex's Mind: Could that be Aiden?

I turn around and notice Lucas coming down.

He looks awful, like he barely took any sleep at all. He was wearing a coat similar to mine. Now that I think about it, I never described Lucas... His kimono features are a Wolf, but the fur in his ears and tail are brown. His usual hair was not tied like it used to. He was wearing a light purple tunic underneath his coat.

I might as well say that he is in a way a fem boy. His looks are more feminine like. But you can tell he is a male. Yellow hair color, same color as mine, with green emerald like eyes that really stand out. His face has freckles from cheek to nose to cheek. His tail is something that he has taken care a lot. It looks smooth and well-kept.

But right now... Not even that is well-kept.

Alex: Go- What happened to you?

Lucas: Hmm?

Lucas: *Yawns* The book...

Lucas said with a really groggy voice.

Alex: D-Did you read the book all night?!

I asked surprised. His condition to talk is slurred, I can understand him, but it takes time for me to decipher.

Lucas: I had no idea you... *Yawns* That you knew that much about us.

Alex: You might need something to wake you up. I know something, but I don't know where to find it.

Oliver comes from the kitchen with two cups.

Oliver: Do you mean this?

Shows a cup fill with brown liquid, steam rising from it. The smell is quite familiar...

Alex: Is this coffee?

Oliver: Oh! So, you know it?

Alex: I mean... Eliot made coffee when... I arrived.

I lowered my gaze back at the table slightly.

Oliver: Was it during...

I nodded to Oliver.

Oliver: Sorry.

Alex: No worries, I was lost the first time and well... I'm glad that I survived Eliot's Knockout.

I laugh nervously, scratching my head.

Oliver: I still think you should be mad at him.

Alex: No, I mean, yes, I should be. But thanks to Maxwell memories, I can see he is a caring father.

Alex: If I actually had a need...

The air around them turns cold and heavy, Alex's gaze became dark. Lucas wakes up not by drinking his coffee, but by watching Alex. Alex gaze was not in them, but far away in the distance. None of Alex's words were directed at them.

Alex: I would have to kill him, in self-defense, of course.

I said as serious I could be.

Alex: In matters where is life or dead, I would do what ever I could do to defend myself.

A chill run down the spines of Oliver and Lucas. Soon, the air returned to normal...

Alex: Luckily, I never sensed that my life was in danger. So I'm happy that it did not happen.

I returned a smile to them both.

Lucas and Oliver both shivered suddenly, that startle me.

Alex: Wait, what happen?

Lucas and Oliver: N-nothing!

Alex: I can tell something is off...

Both turn stiff, making me more confuse.

(To explain what is happening, Maxwell was seen more smiling with positive energy. When Alex arrived, and changed the view of Maxwell. The more common view of him now is happy and laid back. But never in intimidation, by showing a threat of fighting for life. It changes their view of Maxwell, normally a sweet person to a furious, angel. Knowing that they should not mess with him.)

Alex: Is something wrong?

I turn around, trying to see if someone or something is around us, but all I see is nothing. The tavern was still empty, and Oliver recently cleaned the tables. When I turn to look at them, they advert their gaze. Not looking at me.

Alex: Guys, this is not funny, is there something I should worry about?

Both deny at the same time. I raise an eyebrow, both shiver again.

Alex's Mind: I can tell they are tense of something... but, from what?

I sigh, shaking my head.

Alex: Alright, I will be outside to check in Nayoko, he probably is back from home.

I leave the INN & Tavern, to meet Nayoko.

Once outside, I notice that Nayoko was sitting outside under a tree, laying down in the shade. He was in the other side of the road. Seeing him lying down brings a smile to my face. I get close and sit down beside him. I check around my belt to see if I have a brush, but there is nothing. I check my pockets and find a hairbrush on the right side of an inside pocket of my coat.

The hairbrush is a flat, like comb, made from wood. Actually I have a habit to call it a hairbrush when in reality the right name is comb. Though it is similar, the difference is that it has a handle. It is a weird kind of hair tool. Not that I mind at all, it does its purpose.

I notice Nayoko's ear twitch when I try to get close.

Alex: Hey buddy, want me to brush you?

Nayoko lifts his head and stands up, moving into my lap. There he lays, and I start to brush his fur. This calms my nerves every time and allows me to think. Who knew having a pet is therapeutic? Oh! Right, me. I had studied a lot of having pets. I wanted one and was saving money to buy everything that it would need to be distracted while I work.

But you know what happened, and never got to have one. That is, until I got Nayoko. The air outside is cold, although I was enjoying it. Both Nayoko's warmth and mine, kept us warm. Making us less prone to lose heat. His head was laying on top of my thigh. I was lightly scratching his head while brushing him.

I kept at it until I heard a voice calling me.

Oliver: Food is served, come and eat, Alex!

Alex: One second!

I slowly move Nayoko to the side since it started to sleep in my lap. But that failed, since he woke up and moved out of the way to stretch. Besides, he probably would have wakened up by us yelling.

Alex: Sorry, I got to eat something. We will play later, okay?

I do not know why, but sometimes I can feel Nayoko understanding what I say. Like he knows or understands what I'm trying to communicate. Sometimes he understands without words. It is something that still surprises me.

I head inside the INN & Tavern and notice that there are a few people already sitting eating and drinking. Music started to play, in one corner. A small group of people gathered there, one of them was looking like a (human) bard. His instrument was interesting. Normally bards would use a Laud, but he was holding a plucking instrument.

I have seen this kind of instrument, but I forget the name of it. This instrument makes him look like he is holding a big wood board with strings attached to it. The instrument was in a small table, he was plucking it with metal rings at the strings.

(The instrument a Zither, the oldest one that was found, dates around 433 BC. Zither comes from the Greek word Cithara.)

A (human) woman was holding a Lyra. To be more precise, a Cretan lyra (Lyraki). The instrument was small with three strings attached. Similar to a violin, it is an instrument that you stroke the strings instead of plucking them.

(The Cretan lyra dates around the 10th century AD. An instrument with three-stringed, pear-shaped musical instrument.)

A male wolf Beast Fallen was holding a percussion instrument... That instrument was familiar, it is not a drum, actually it was different. The most familiar percussion instruments are circular, yet this one was... Square. Strange... The drum was similar to any drum, but it reminds me of a "Pandereta".

It had metal jingles (platinelas) that sounded in every corner of the instrument.

(The "Pandereta" or better known in English as a Tambourine. It has an unknown origin, but it appears in history as early as 1700 BC.)

And for last, a female fox Beast Fallen had a Flute. It is hard to distinguish flutes, since the last thing I remember... It was that there are too many of them. The only thing that comes to mind is a Cross Flute.

(Flutes have many forms, and the one that she has is a Cross flute variant. Normally made of bamboo, a Bansuri, is an Indian kind of flute, depicted for "celestial music". It appears around the 1st century AD.)

Their group seemed dynamic, one of them would not play on some songs while the others continued playing. The songs... are simple. By simple, I mean they are catchy, easy to repeat without experience. Not like the songs I once listened normally.

I sit down in the same table I was first at. There, Aiden and Lucas were having a conversation of something. I just arrived, so I had no idea of what they were talking.

Alex: Good morning, Aiden.

Aiden: G-good morning... Alex.

Alex: Did you sleep well?

Aiden: I-I did.

I notice that Aiden looked slightly jumpy. I guessed that it was because of what happened at night. I got up from my sit and got close to Aiden. Leaning in his ear, I whispered.

Alex: What happened in that room stays in that room. I do not hate you, for what you did to me in the night, in case you wondered.

I place a hand in his shoulder, giving him a smile.

Alex: Got it?

Aiden: G-got it.

He answered sheepishly. I sit down back into my chair and notice Lucas giving me a weird look. I took a sip of my cup of coffee before asking.

Alex: What? Is there something you want to ask me?

Lucas was taken aback by my assumption, which was proven by his question.

Lucas: Did you... two... do something?

Aiden, of course, was uncomfortable, but I decided to get out what he was suggesting.

Alex: I do not know...

Alex: Why don't you tell me?

I raise my eyebrow. I gave a bit of intonation to the word "You".

Alex: What do you think happened?

I did the intonation again to make sure he understood what I was thinking, he was suggesting. Lucas answered, whispering without a shame and leaning close to my ear.

Lucas: Did you two mate?

I let a big frustrated sigh out, shaking my head and answered back, whispering.

Alex: No, you idiot. I know what it is, and I can control it. Do not think it will be easy for you have an opportunity.

Alex: I'm saving myself to the right person. And no, I'm not attracted to you or any of them.

I leaned back and showed a smirk. Lucas face was red from embarrassment. I noticed a hint of disappointment coming from him. I can't understand why they are not subtle about it.

Alex: That's why I told you to read the book. Specially you Lucas.

Alex: If I did... Don't you think I would have written something about it in one of the books I wrote?

Lucas: Did you write that on one-

I just slap my face, that just made Lucas stop talking.

Alex: Did you not hear what I said before?

Lucas, embarrassed, knowing that Alex told him so, slightly sunk in his sit. Crossing his arms with a child like behavior.

Lucas: Yes, I did.

Lucas said annoyed.

Alex: Anyway, leaving that to the side... Aiden, care to come with me home to start with my trading lessons?

Aiden: S-sure, I will be going there around midday. J-just mend things with your father first.

Alex: Way ahead of you. I already planned to do so.

Alex's Mind: Besides, that's a good thing to have that first settled before anything else.

Aiden: But what was all the yelling with you and your father?

Alex: Nothing you should worry about. Just... A misunderstanding.

Lucas got curious and asked Alex.

Lucas: You are not going to tell us?

I sigh at the question.

Alex: Did he not tell you guys?

Both of them deny.

Lucas: He was angry, but it looked stressed about something. Mostly we felt uncomfortable and tried to keep him company, but...

Lucas: We got kicked out, he told Samuel to stay, they had to talk about something.

Alex: I have an idea of what it could be, but... I can't say if he will allow me to talk about it.

Alex: He still holds authority here, so...

Both nod at me with understanding. Oliver finally comes to our table with food. A big wooden tray is holding the plates, what I see is something similar to what I made when he came around our house. He has meat diced and flavored with some kind of sauce, and some vegetables to the side.

He puts a cylinder made of wood with a cloth covering something. When I move the cloth, I can tell those are tortillas. He made a simple meal and used my tortillas as a tool to eat. I smiled when I saw this.

Alex: Jeez, Oliver, you are making me not want to leave the village...

I failed to notice myself tearing up. Until I felt tears running down my cheeks, I was crying of happiness. I made something that Oliver liked, and he made his own version of it. Both Lucas and Aiden smiled at me.

Alex: This really makes me feel at home.

I hugged Oliver when he finished placing the items in our table. He padded my head while shaking with laughter, and sat down after I stopped hugging him.

Alex: My mother used to make tortillas every time we would eat food like this. Well... almost every time.

Alex: But I never told you how to make it, how did you figure it out?

Oliver: It was thanks to Eliot.

Alex's Mind: I will have to thank him later about it.

Alex: Is this on the menu?

I started to taste it and... I was left speechless. There is one meal that I know that tastes similar to this. Pork ribs with cola or soda or pop, however you want to say it...

(Something similar to what Alex's is eating is called "Braised Mexican-Style Pork ribs." it is similar to what even my mother would make at home.)

Oliver: No, that is your choice, since you made it first.

Alex: I would love to! But tell me how did you make this taste sweet and... This flavor is similar to...

Alex: It had been years since I tasted something similar... It reminds me of so many memories...

Alex: This is one of my favorite meals my mother used to make.

Alex's was beaming with excitement, and happiness, his homeland food started to appear, even if he did not tell the recipes directly to Oliver. He was savoring every bite and did not notice the laughter surrounding him.

He made a scene, and was not aware of it. Oliver, Aiden, and Lucas enjoyed their meal with Alex. By the end, Alex finally finished his food and left them to solve his problem with Eliot. Alex left the INN & Tavern waving goodbye to Oliver, Lucas, and Aiden.

During his walk, Alex had a bit of extra step. This made his day, and was determined to fix the problem he had with his father. Soon he arrived at his home and knock on the door. Who answer was not the person who he was expecting.

Alex: L-Levy?

Levy: Alex! Long time no see.

Alex: Where is father and Samuel?

Levy: Oh, I calmed them down. They seemed in an argument when I arrived. I expected you to be here though, what happened?

Alex: Do you want me to be blunt or let you figure it out when I speak to my father?

Levy: Hmmm... I can guess but, I am sure, is better hearing it than letting myself guess.

Alex: Fine...

I say, sighing in defeat.

Alex: Eliot seemed mad at me because I "slept" with Samuel.

While saying the word slept, I brought up my hands and made air quotes to creates emphasis in the word I was saying.

Levy: Did you sleep with him, though?

Alex: No! What are you thinking? It was a sleep-over. Well... We did share a bed, but... That's not what matters, what maters is that he confused that me and him were having...

Levy: Go on.

Levy said with a slightly intriguing tone.

Alex: Having... relations with Samuel...

Levy: Is that what you believe he was mad about?

Alex: Yes... What else he would be angry about?

Alex: He almost punched me, or hit me... I saw the same signs that my father would do when he was angry at something. When his anger would tip over, he would hit me...

Alex: Not that it matters now, though... He is gone, and I'm no longer living with him or over there.

I looked at the ground, some tears started to form. Just remembering my past always brings those painful memories from my father. All I can remember nice from him was when he gifted me a plushy... But even that was the only thing.

Levy hug me, I leaned into her. I hate some things about my past, but seeing it again is just... worst. More, when it is the one that I started to feel like it was, better than my real father.

Levy: Don't worry, Alex, I'm sure he will forgive you.

I cleared some of my tears and calmed a bit down.

Alex: How can you be so sure? He probably hates me after leaving him screaming at me yesterday.

I say between sobs, I know what I did, and I hate it.

Levy: Because he heard you silly.

Levy opened the door completely, showing Samuel, who was bright red. His fur did not manage to hide that bright red face he had. Eliot, in the other hand, was looking down with a hurt face. This of course made me shut my mouth and cover it. I was not expecting Eliot hearing me about it, or even Samuel.

Levy really had his ways to fix many problems we had. For once, I was grateful she managed to stop their discussion... which is now that I remembered to ask when she arrived.

Alex: L-Levy, when did you arrive home?

Levy: Yesterday, when I notice Eliot screaming at you... Way to use your wings, by the way. You were flying around the village for nearly half a day, those slimes, and hornets really keep you at the edge, huh.

Alex: Wait... yesterday? Why didn't Aiden or Lucas told me something about you arriving?

Levy: I told them not to, I wanted to surprise you!

She was giggling, while I was left there standing looking at her. She really had changed after going into the kingdom's military training.

Alex: W-well... there is no use, then. Let's speak for a bit until Aiden arrives, I asked him to help me understand how to trade.

Levy: Oh, so you are preparing for when you leave?

Alex: Yes... But now I'm having doubts about it. Oliver started to make food similar to my home world, and it is starting to make me feel at home.

Alex: I do not know how long I will be able to keep my resolve about that.

Levy: No worries. We are here when you need us, Alex.

My mouth curled into a smile, and a small laugh escaped my mouth.

Alex: Heh, thank you.

Soon after, we started to talk about the current events. Levy told me she arrived here to pick up Aiden and Lucas, back to their homes. But her priority was Aiden. Lucas on the other hand was being called into Ashborne Erast. Apparently it was something that she was not able to talk about to anyone.

I asked what Lucas was known for. I was surprised to learn that Lucas was a Sage. Sages are something like next level mages, they are rare and not many mages can surpass their limits. According to what She told me. They go through something called Awakening or Limit Break.

(*Incoming Transmission*
Computer: Requesting access to the database...
Computer: Access granted.
Computer: Accessing information on Magic...
Computer: Information on Magic, found.
Computer: Monsters - Evolution - Limit break or Awakening (In-game mechanic, story base information.): This ability is a rare occurrence and not many can do this. It is known that only the chosen heroes are able to archive it. But also some companions that are destined with following the heroes, will also be able to overcome the barrier of and break their limits, allowing them to also obtain a similar ability. In companions, it will be mostly call "limit break".
This enables to change appearance at their will or to show something else. It is said that it will show one's true nature, while keeping them somewhat sane. Others say that it can make them lose control due to the sudden change, and change their personality to a sadistic one. Also increasing their basic stats and enabling a unique ability.
Even if common folk can archive Limit break, the ones with true potential will be able to change their appearance and change their class. It can only be archived once by common people. However, the change of class is permanent.
Computer: End of information.
*End Of Transmission*)

She also told me a lot about Mana. For example, her affinity. According to her, we have an affinity to a single Primal Mana. Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire are the more common Mana forms that can be found around the world. Her affinity is Fire, she can control flames into a blade and create Mana spells differently.

She is a Paladin. According to what I could understand, her class is like a priest but with the ability to cleanse anything that has Dark Mana. She uses divine or holy Mana to lift curses or destroy monsters that are weak against it. She also passes the word of the gods.

I have yet to see any religion in this world, and from what I could tell I probably would not find it in this kingdom. I asked her about it, but she dismissed since she is not a follower of the church, and got me thinking. If the church does not influence here, then what does? What do this people believe in?

Continuing, she told me that even though we have Mana Affinity to a certain element, some have affinity to two. The Dragon-kin has the ability to control two Manas better than everyone else. Since they have their ancestors as Dragons and their bloodline had been... Tainted. They had been cursed by something... She did not want to continue on that.

I asked her if there was a way to control Mana without spell casting. She told me there are stories, but nothing if they could do it. I asked about the problems surrounding the continent from the separation that Aiden told me.

She said that she had been in few expeditions to see if the sea have opened their rivers... Whatever that meant. But no one could go through. Many of the ships that sunk would come back to land with the crew fainted and soaked in water. Some people did die on those expeditions, but it did not explain what happened there.

According to the information, she could gather. She said that multiple people started to feel sleepy when entering the storm, and after an hour in the storm most of the tribulation would faint. No one was able to keep themselves up.

Alex: That is really strange...

Levy: Yes, but they are still investigating what caused the division of the continents, and there is no possible explanation for it as of now.

Alex: It reminds me of something, but I don't want to throw ideas in the air.

Samuel: Why not share it?

Alex: Well... It is more like a thing that happens in video games...

Levy: Video games?

Alex: Oh right! Haha...

I laughed, a bit embarrassed of remembering that is somewhat a thing from my world. They do have board games like cards and something similar to chess, but that's about it.

Alex: So video games are like stories build in a board that you can control the laws and everything around it. Basically you can create a world similar to this one with limitations.

Alex: For example, we can limit the world in a game by saying that the world is under a curse that only the "hero" can unlock. Like mysterious artifacts and gates.

Alex: Due to limitations, the characters, or people, can't leave the continent due to a supernatural cause.

Levy: Supernatural? Like ghosts and curses?

Alex: Uh... something like that. What you said about people returning to land fainted could be something that says like...

Alex: A door that can't be opened until you get the key. Something like that could be happening over there. That is one of the things I think is happening.

Alex: The other could it be that the continent has something that is blocking our way out until it is solved. A way to say that a divine power is controlling the continent.

Alex: Until the problem is solved, we can not leave our continent.

All of them look at me shocked, I guess I did tell a lot of information.

Alex: Look in my world we have fictional places like this, Mana, beastman people, curses, gods, even powers are fiction to us. Fiction is the word we use for things that doesn't exist in our world.

Alex: That's why when I saw levy for the first time, it did not impress me a lot. Even Aiden and Samuel are common in stories of my world.

Alex: Mana although I can know how it should work, I can't understand it since it works differently from what the fictional stories I read about told.

Alex: Even items, and monsters, are there. Slimes are commonly seen in games, but I never expected them to have skulls and a core in them. Items like this bracelet that Eliot gave me exist, but we do not understand how exactly everything is made.

Alex: Mana does not exist in my world, we just invented it. Created stories based on my people's beliefs and past. For example, werewolves, we believe is a curse or a disease called lycanthropy.

Samuel: Actually, no, they are born that way.

Alex: Really? I would never know, there are different things from what I know, and that was the closest thing I could get. That's why I did not want to throw ideas into the air.

Eliot: Well... That certainly is an eye-opener.

Alex: Wait... why?

Eliot: Remember when you cast your first spell?

Alex: Yes, what does it have to do with it?

Eliot: You had no idea how to use Mana and overused to lift the Shadow's grasp on me. And somehow you knew the language of spell casting, even that is out of the ordinary.

Eliot: I can now understand why it feels weird to you to live in a world like this.

Alex: I actually don't feel that... What I felt before was... loneliness.

Eliot: Loneliness?

Alex: You haven't heard my whole story, so I guess now is a good time to tell it.

~= Time: Midday. =~

Before starting, Aiden arrived with Lucas and joined the conversation. Alex started to tell his story and memories he could remember with precise detail. Soon they finally understood why Alex was the way he was. Eliot felt guilty for yelling at Alex, even being mad at him for something trivial.

Aiden started to feel uncomfortable after knowing how bad his past was. Even more after what happened last night. Alex managed to tell him that, what happened should stay in the past. Alex told them that this was a difficult conversation, but he will tell everything, so they can understand him more.

More and more memories of Alex's past were told, they became clearer to Alex, and the day started to pass. Soon night arrived and everyone had to leave. Everyone was exhausted after learning about a heavy subject as Alex's life. Even if he told them to not worry about it, they could not help but worry how much he had gone through.

It didn't matter to him, his life was difficult and seemed, unimportant. He knew that even if his way of thinking was sometimes wrong, he would be treated like someone fragile. But having these strangers, who he started calling family, were worried about him. Brought a warmth that was lost many years back.

If this was a dream, then he wished to never wake up from it. At the end of their conversation, Alex and Eliot managed to fix their problems. Also thanking him for teaching Oliver how to do some dishes that made him feel at home. Alex gave a big hug to his father.

Samuel, on the other hand, stayed again with Alex. Lucas asked if it was better that Alex could come to sleep in the INN. Since they have bigger beds and sharing it would be better, than both staying in the same single bed. Eliot told him that it was fine, and they were prepared for a sleepover. Both Alex and Samuel started to discuss how they would sleep this night.

At the end, Alex would be sleeping on the floor. Samuel started to protest that he should not sleep in the floor, and it was better sleeping together in the same bed. Everything got settle when Eliot stopped Samuel's protest, and soon both ended falling asleep.

~-~-~ The next day... ~-~-~

Current date: Day 04, Month 10, Year 986. Autumn.

Alex's wake-up and did his morning routine. Cleaning himself in a hot bath to let his stress of the night leave and enjoy the warmth. Then dressing up to cook something for everyone, this time Levy joining too. With bellies full of tasty food, Aiden and Alex started with the basics of trading.

(Explanation: Due to issues in the game development, Me and Goku Revolucion worked in the economics of basic items for a while. I'm giving some examples, but in his game, he can only use Gold coins as a monetary value. So... None of the trading is included in game, but in a "what if it had an economic structure" kind of deal. Also, this is the main reason why it took longer to release this second part of the chapter. Besides of the heavy theme we are dealing soon.)

~= Time: Midday. =~

Aiden and Alex were siting in the kitchen. With a lot of books that were used for basic operations of money and accounting. Of course, the way that money worked in here was different. Coins did not have a specific value. Just that certain amount of coins would allow them to buy common items.

Aiden: Alright, this is how it works. I get paid in golden coins, but there are other kinds; For example, copper and silver coins.

Aiden showed Alex the coins. The copper coins were similar to the golden ones. Their design is the same across each one of them.

Aiden: A hundred copper coins become one silver. Fifty silver coins become one gold. That is the conversion of coin for buying things.

Aiden: Now, to understand how we get coins, we kill monsters and sell their materials. But you might have noticed that even monsters have coins.

Aiden: These coins have a different emblem. They hold similar value, but are used differently.

Alex: Different? Can you show me how different they are?

Aiden: Sure.

Aiden took two golden coins out. One of the coins had a crown with intricate design from both sides. The other coin had a skull on one side, in the other it had a flame that seemed animated.

Aiden: The one with the crown and intricate design is the ones we use for trading. They are used all around the continent with one exception.

Aiden: The one with the skull and a flame are used for traveling. They are harder to get, and can't be replicated like the coin of the continent.

Aiden: Now, let us get into the ones that matter for now. With ten silver coins, you can stay in the INN and have meal with it.

Aiden: Eight are used for renting the room. One is used for eating, it depends on where you travel, mostly. Some places charge the same, but the living conditions are worse.

Aiden: The last silver is used for Individual Voluntary Arrangement. We call it IVA for short.

Aiden: It is included in every price of everything, so you don't have to worry about counting how much you will pay after.

Alex: That sounds like taxes...

Aiden: Taxes?

Alex: Uhhh... Let's see, like a state revenue, that is charged by the government.

I notice Aiden's confused look, I chuckled a bit, realizing what I said was not in simpler terms.

Alex: Sorry, like money that the kingdom takes, with a certain amount from every single exchange.

Alex: Basically the same thing you said, IVA.

Aiden: Oh... I never thought about it. Did you have to pay IVA like this before?

Alex: More like the place I was born was that way. One second...

I started to think how to make it sound more reasonable to him. When I managed to organize my thoughts of explaining it, I started explaining how I saw it.

Alex: Alright, the place where I was born was in another "kingdom" with different ways of buying and selling stuff.

Alex: It was different from where I move into. There, they used the same way of getting IVA out of items.

Alex: When I moved away to a different "kingdom" they used IVA differently.

I glanced around, got up at a box and took three apples. I set them in the table and sit back down.

Alex: For example, this apples cost around... twelve cooper coins for all of them.

Aiden nodded.

Alex: In my born kingdom they cost that twelve cooper coins. In the new one they had something called Taxes or Sales Taxes.

Alex: Basically they are the same as IVA, but here is the thing.

I pick the apples and to give more emphasis in the way it works.

Alex: These apples cost twelve copper coins. When going to pay for them, you have to add later the IVA. Which, it was a certain amount. Let's say that the IVA is 8.5%.

I take a blank page lying around and started writing. I'm surprised how many we got just to do this.

Alex: So this is how they did it. IC x ST = TST. This is what we know as a formula.

Alex: Replacing the letters for what they actually mean, IC means Item Cost, ST means Sales Taxes, and TST means Total Sale Taxes.

Alex: Did you get that?

Aiden: Yes, but it is confusing seeing letters instead of numbers in this.

Alex: Well, this is how we do most, calculations for other stuff... Now that I think about it. This is just barely something of what they taught us in school.

Aiden: School? Wait, you said something like that yesterday...

Alex: The school is an education building, almost like a library. I imagine you get your books from something like that, don't you?

Aiden: True... But an instructor taught me. There was no building, besides the library.

Alex: I see... Well, these buildings are somewhat public... depending on your... wealth since they have two types. Some you had to pay to get into them.

Alex: While the free one, you had to register and pass a test. But that is just the basics. You had a right to learn, no matter your wealth.

Aiden: Really?!

I looked at Aiden, slightly shocked by his cheerful mood.

Alex: Yes... By the laws of our states, education is mandatory and free... A state is like a kingdom.

Alex: Aiden, did you have to pay to have an instructor?

Aiden: Yes, of course, learning is not free.

Aiden: Your world seems more open about it. Here, wealth and lineage command where you can enter.

Aiden: I actually wished something like what you are telling me. There are more people who are not thought like me... I just wished it was different.

Aiden's ears and tail dropped. He looked sad, and less encouraged. I brought a hand up and petted his head.

Alex: Oh... Then it is like I thought. I had a liking that maybe education here was bad, but I never expected to be this bad...

Aiden: Oh, do not worry, is not the only thing bad here...

Alex: Let me guess then...

I took a big breath in since there was a lot that I know of.

Alex: Poverty, unemployment, crime, delinquency, drugs, child abuse, discrimination, class discrimination, religion, corruption, family and health problems, lack of education-

Alex: -Abuse of powers, economic problems, cultural and environment problems, psychological problems, lack of safety, lack of security, and many more that I can't think of right now.

I run out of breath by the end of it.

Aiden: How... how do you know this?

Alex: Hehe... Well, we went through the same thing. Wars, protests, movements, changes in laws and beliefs. We have been living for around... two thousand years.

Alex: Thanks to education, we know what happened in the past. Here it seems almost the same thing. Just there is Mana and probably the monsters lurking around.

Aiden: Wow... for that long?

Alex: Yes, and that's not the most impressive thing about my time and world. Heh...

I lean back in the chair and look up with my hands in the back of my head.

Alex's Mind: Even here, those problems do not leave, huh...

Alex's Mind: I have been living for almost four years in here, and I thought it was all peace and quiet.

Alex's Mind: ...

Alex's Mind: Maybe not complete peace and quiet, but I thought that those issues did not happen here. I have been looking through a painted glass, then.

Alex's Mind: It had distorted my reality from what they have to go through. It is not the same thing as what happened in my world, but those things still happen.

I breathe in and let my slight stress leave my body when I let the air out.

Alex: Alright, let's get back into trading. First, we convert a percentage to decimal. 8.5% = 0.085 and we replace the letters with numbers. 12 x 0.085, from this we get two numbers.

Alex: 060 and 960, they get added and as a final answer we get 1020. Now we add the decimal back and our TST is 1.02.

Alex: This means that the price has gone up.

Alex: These apples, have their real price of thirteen copper coins.

Aiden: What about the .02 you left?

Alex: Oh... if it was different it would be like this... a hundred copper coins is equals to one silver right?

Alex: If their value was like in my world. You require thirteen silver coins and two copper coins as a complete payment.

Aiden: I never thought about it like that...

Alex: Well... Coins have a different value where I was, and also there were different kinds of currency.

Aiden: Currency?

Alex: Uh... Something like this, you use copper, silver, and gold to buy things, right? In other continents, they might use coins that have different value.

Alex: For example, something like a paper that holds the value of 100 silver coins. Or a coin that holds the value similar to a silver coin, but they use copper and iron to make their coins.

Alex: If I could, I would show you, since I can compare it to how we actually trade.

Alex: Alright, let's get back to your explanation.

Aiden: Oh, right... Heh, I kinda forgot about it for a moment.

Aiden organized his thoughts to return to what he was saying. But it took him awhile to finally remember where they left his explanation.

Aiden: Now, we divide the one silver we had left, and see how much copper goes for the food exactly. Around thirty copper is paid to labor. Seventy copper are for ingredients.

I frown at the amount of copper left for labor.

Alex: Don't you think it is a bit... too low pay for workers?

Aiden: I mean, it is, but that is how we were thought to pay them.

Alex: Wait... WE?!

Aiden: I uh...

Alex: Aiden? Have you been hiding something from me?

Aiden moved his face away from Alex, leaving him uncomfortable to share this bit of information.

Alex: Are you really going to make me guess?

Aiden moved his head back to his direction, but his eyes were focusing on everything except Alex. Alex let a sigh out, shaking his head.

Alex: I see... So you are royalty? Or someone wealthy?

Aiden: I really... do not want to talk about it.

Alex: Why?

Aiden: Because you-

Alex: There is no need to worry, Aiden. I do not care if you are some kind of son of a king that escaped or, someone wealthy that can literally even buy me.

Alex: I would not use it against you or even try to use your name. Honestly... If luxury is something that people kill for. I do not care, I already lived through luxury...

Alex: Not the same though, no gold coated clothing, no jewelry or great amount of coins, or even the most costly and exquisite food.

Alex: I do not care for those things anymore, what I want is something that even coins and status can't give you...

Aiden: What exactly you want?

Aiden asked, his interest had been picked at this point. Though Alex, believed, he would think it was something selfish and even impossible. His past and the experiences he had told him that.

Alex: ...

Aiden: Come on, Alex, you can't expect me to not ask. You know something from me now.

Alex: ...

Alex: It is love...

Aiden: But... You do already have it, right?

Aiden asked with a bittersweet feeling. It was filled with worry, and kindness. His face seemed pained, but he let a smile form in.

Alex: Hehe... No, that kind of love, that is family and friends... Even having Oliver who isn't related as a friend or family already made me feel at home yesterday, remember?

Aiden: Yes, how would I forget? You literally squealed when you were thanking Oliver. Even tears were rolling out, you seemed happy.

Alex let out a pained laugh, it was true he was happy at that moment. But everything can't last forever.

Alex: I'm talking the other kind of love... The one that I can return differently. I did not tell this to anyone yesterday, but I guess is something I can tell...

Alex: It seems that it is time to tell more about me...

Alex: Let me get Samuel and Lucas... This is something I have to share with you guys, to solve this... Thing, that you guys still feel towards me.

Aiden: I-I don't think that is necessary.

Alex: Really? Because I can still see the feeling from that night in your eyes. It is still there, so do not lie to me, Aiden.

Aiden's embarrassment lets his red cheeks power through his fur, and make it visible incredibly well. Making Alex stifle a laugh before leaving. Half of an hour passes and the last one to arrive is Lucas. Who was still discussing with Levy. Levy asked what was going on.

But, Alex gave a vague idea to her, so she stops asking. A smirk was made in her face, that was quickly erased after she noticed Alex's mood. Levy let Alex go, and gave him a squeeze in his shoulder. Telling him that everything will be alright.

Levy leaves Lucas with Alex and all of them sit at the dining table to talk.

Samuel: Alright, we are all here. What did you need, Alex?

Samuel asked, intrigued by the sudden summon that Alex requested. But also because his other friends were here.

Alex: Well, I call you all to discuss a bit from this... feeling you guys have towards me. Aiden still has it, I can see it, is in Samuel's eyes too. I don't know about you, Lucas.

Alex: Also, I will explain why I refuse you guys, just...

Alex: Let's start with the beginning, where that feeling started. By the way, if any of you have questions, let me know please.

Alex: Also, this is really... Difficult thing to tell. So if I take some time to continue, that is the reason. I made a promise in my past life that.

Alex: If I ever got a second opportunity to continue living, I would be truthful, honest, and sincere. To be open and think things better...

Alex's takes a big breath in and out. Preparing to tell that... pit in his heart.

Alex: I was around... twelve. I forgot when exactly my problem with my best friend happened. I remember it being close to the same year, but it feels that is also years apart.

The thing with my memories is that I remember them, but I can't recall an exact date. Since I never paid attention to the dates when those things happened. I wish I did, though.

Alex let his head rest in his interlocked hands, his face looking at the table to have some kind of support.

Alex: I felt this pit in my heart, even after I managed to control my emotions and understanding them. I was the quiet kid in my... study group.

Alex: No one paid attention to me, no one tried to even talk to me. It did not bother me at all. But the feeling of something missing started to become more... obvious.

Alex: With the years passing, that feeling grew stronger and stronger. I really didn't know how to date people. How to show my emotions and how to act like it was supposed to.

Alex: You see, even if the age I left was more... Peaceful. Same-sex relationships were considered taboo.

Samuel: What is Taboo?

Alex: Taboo... It is something that is not accepted by society. For example, demons are not accepted by the church and becoming friends with one of them would be considered taboo, forbidden.

Lucas: How do you-

Alex: Demons, angels, monsters, everything that probably exists here I already know or have an idea of how they are. Like I said before, my world was... creative in those kinds of things.

Alex: Sorry Lucas is just that these things are common to see in books, and well... even if they exist here, I can't actually know what exist and what doesn't.

Alex: Anyway, I'm getting side tracked.

Alex: I experimented a bit during my fourteens. You know... I had friends with benefits.

All of them look at Alex confused. Alex lets a sigh out, following with a stifled laughter.

Alex: Friends with benefits... Think of... Me accepting and willingly doing... the things mates do without actually being mates.

I burst out laughing after noticing their faces red, the most visual is of course Lucas.

Lucas: How did you lose your virginity?

Alex: Haha... Directly to that, eh?

I shake my head at the forward question.

Alex: Very, well. At first when I got to know, my friend we got along great. Even if we did not go to the same study group. I would visit his house, and we would talk and play games.

Alex: We had around... eight months getting to know each other. But, no feelings develop. We had curiosity and, yes, we were really young...

Alex: Actually, Would you believe that I never got my first kiss?

Lucas: You probably did.

Aiden: I don't think you did...

Samuel: No, not really.

Alex: Haha, wow. I wasn't expecting this.

Alex: We... never kissed. I never kissed someone in the lips. I was so awkward that even my friend did not bring that up. But, we did agree on "messing" with each other.

Alex: One day we agreed to try to go further. We did not know how to do it. But I got a feeling, that it was something that would hurt...

Alex: Question for you, Lucas.

Lucas: Wha- why?

Alex: Because you are so eager to hear this~. How do you think I lose my virginity?

Lucas eyes me up and down. Probably thinking of how I-.

Lucas: Being a top?

Alex: Hehe, If I had the same confidence that I have now, sure. But, no, I got to be the bottom.

Lucas: So you are versatile?

I frown at the question.

Alex: Is it normal here, Lucas? To know your position?

Lucas: Well... I got to read some... books, and the word versatile was included. It said something about being comfortable in any position and knew how to please their partner.

Alex: That is... awfully straight, but I can't say that I did not expect you to know about it.

Alex: But to answer your question... Yes. I do not care in what position I am, just that we both feel comfortable.

Samuel: Did you ever fell in love with someone?

Tears started to build up, Alex was affected by the question. Still, he decided to answer.

Alex: I... don't think so... The only thing close to it was when I was six years old. It was with a girl around eighteen years old. So I can't say if it was actually love.

Alex: I... I do not know that feeling and... Sometimes I wondered what was the point of my life over there...

Alex: Like I said before, I was picked up on it... My body, which you guys know is... fat by my ethereal form. Made me a target of constant picking.

Alex: I had friends, but even those relations lasted mere months before they got broken. Most of my days I would eat alone, behind my school's buildings.

Alex: Sometimes I would eat in the farthest table I could just to avoid being pick on. I was healthy, I had food and a place to stay. Though, I did not have emotional support from my family.

Alex: My family barely knew about it, I couldn't tell them.

Samuel: Why?

Alex: They... *sighs* would just tell me to defend myself, though I never wanted to harm anyone. For them, if they knew about my "preferences" I would be... just... broken.

Alex's body started to shake, and he was struggling to continue talking. But he decided to still push forward.

Alex: I know you guys barely know me since three days had passed, my life felt like dirt. I had a family, and my necessities taken care of. But mentally and emotionally is not the same.

Alex: I felt alone, barely able to talk, doing what I was told. That routine is what got me moving, but at some point it became... meaningless...

Alex started to cry and covered his eyes to try to recompose, meanwhile voices in his head started to appear.

????: You are worthless...

Alex's Mind: I know that...

????: What a piece of trash!

Alex's Mind: I already know that...

????: Ew, look at the four eyes.

????: I know he will get us his germs and make us blind.

Alex's Mind: It isn't my fault that I had problems to see...

Father: Why can't you get better grades? Look at your cousins, they have better grades than you. Why aren't you like them?

Alex's Mind: I'm trying, I'm really trying... But I'm not them...

????: Hey, do you have a girlfriend yet? No? Oh well, I guess you will always be alone...

Alex's Mind: I can't, because I'm different and... broken.

Mother: Why don't you go out to play with your friends?

Alex breaks from his own pit and yells involuntary.

Alex: What friends! I barely had any, and after we moved. There was no one that would talk to me!

There was an awkward silence, no one had said anything. All stunned after Alex's outburst, they did not know what to do. Alex noticing his outburst, decided to clarify his outburst by telling a bit more about himself.

Alex: Remember... how other people treat you when you move to a different village? Some might treat you nice, others just judge you.

Alex: Well... I was the outcast, I moved from village to village. Due to some problems, sometimes economical, others... Due to crime and robbery, even killings made us move.

Alex: I was introduced into different schools, always I would get pick on due to my physical body. I was fat, I could not see well. I was smart but, my instructors would not explain in a way that I would understand.

Alex: I would take longer, I would be alone for being new.

I let my breath leave and my ethereal form for a second. Showing them what I meant with it. I still believe that my body was nice once I managed to control those voices in my head. They are still there, but they no longer control me.

Alex: My... only way to escape my issues was literally getting out of my house and have a stroll in the forest.

Samuel: Did you... ever think in ending it?...

Alex: Yes... I have, I almost did it one time... Do you guys really want to know?

They looked at each other, nodding, and moved their sits closer to Alex. A small smile escaped, and a warm palm/paw from Samuel in Alex's back gave him comfort.

Samuel: We are here, you can tell us.

I take a deep breath in.

Alex: One day, I had the feeling of... "enough". I felt cold, I was in so much pain that I wanted that pain to end. I wished to have at least someone to talk about my problems.

Alex: But there was none... I was... Alone, after my study group session. On the exit of that building there was something similar to a cliff.

Alex: It was full of rocks, and even falling would risk you having your head open by one of them. It was a road that not many used, but was useful for the people living around the area.

Alex: I wished to leave and stop my pain there. So when the day arrived, I... almost jumped. I say almost because when I had the courage to do so, someone had pulled me back.

Alex: I did not know about that person or who it was. I did not care, they told me to be careful and just... not get too close to the edge. I was around fifteen...

Alex: After that... Life moved on. No one knew what I was about to do. I just wanted to remove the pain. But when that person saved me, it made me think. I started to change a bit, and managed to control my emotions.

Alex: That is the main reason I feel better now about myself.

I felt warm hands around me, all of them had pulled me into a hug... I felt safe, loved and that someone cared about me. About whom I was. Besides of having problems, they accepted me.

Sometime passed after... letting the topic leave naturally by the embrace of each other.

Alex: Well... continuing with my other story and moving away from my sexual life and my difficulties... Really, I did not think you guys would be interested in it. Besides of course having interest in me.

Lucas: We all like you, and care about you.

Aiden: W-we do... E-even if you have problems. Thanks for telling us.

Samuel: If you need to tell something that is troubling you, we are here for you.

Alex: Thanks guys...

I clear the remaining tears from my eyes and let myself become calm. Letting my fear of being outcasted by them leave and accept my new reality.

Alex: This still feels unnatural to me. Like, how do you guys actually feel about me? Lucas you first.

Lucas: Uhh... I just had found you attractive, even when we were younger, I... had some dreams...

Alex: Oh... I can see that.

Lucas: Wait, what?

Alex: Each of you remember the books I gave you?

All of them nod in unison.

Alex: Those books have the things I have seen, thanks to Maxwell's memories. Many of which tell what I have seen. I can still see the looks you guys give him, and are similar to the ones all of you have now.

Alex: But when you read the book completely, you will understand something that might satiate that... yearning or feeling of attraction you have for me.

Alex: At least that's what I hope it happens. Because I can't return those feelings.

There was silence that lasted for a moment, before Alex broke it.

Alex: How about you, Samuel, what do you feel?

Samuel: O-oh... W-well... it is intimate, since... Maxwell and I had always shared stuff with each other. I even know little secrets that these two do not know about. Heh.

Aiden and Lucas: What!?

Alex and Samuel: Ow!

Alex: Lower that yelling... We are in a small room and close to each other. There is no need to yell.

Aiden and Lucas: Sorry.

Alex: What happen? Now you two are in sync?

Aiden and Lucas: No, not at all!

Aiden and Lucas: Stop coping me! No, you stop!

Alex: Wow...

They continued for five minutes until one managed to broke free from that sync.

Alex: Creepy...

Alex murmured under his breath. Samuel's ear twitched because he could hear Alex. Still, he decided to keep his comment.

Alex: Well, Aiden, how about you?

Aiden: It is the... the...

Aiden was continuously stuttering, being anxious and nervous at the same time.

Alex: Are you feeling alright, Aiden?

Aiden: I do, it is just... hard to say it.

Alex: Why? Is it something bad?

Aiden: No... Just... Something that I think you will not like.

Alex blinked and then decided to turn towards Samuel.

Alex: Samuel, you have any idea?

Samuel: Not really... Is something that I should know?

Aiden: Yes! Especially you...

Samuel: I do not know...

Samuel shrugs, after all, Aiden isn't giving any hint of it.

Aiden: Uh...

Alex: Is it something about pheromones?

Aiden: N-no, no!

Alex: Soulmates?

Aiden: Uh... Not... exactly. How was it called?

Samuel: Oh! You mean Bond Mates?

Aiden: That... I forgot how it was called.

Alex: Okaay... How is that supposed to not make me like it?

Aiden: W-well... R-remember what happened before... I-It takes our instincts and... K-kinda forces us to try and... M-m-mate when the bond is active.

Alex: Wait, so what happened that night was the bond?

Samuel: Did you two did something?

Alex: Kinda? Aiden almost forced me to have... you know... With him.

Lucas: But you told me that nothing happen.

Alex: Well... because nothing happen. If it did, he would be regretting it and probably in bed as of today. If he actually managed to do something, I would have cut his... his... b-balls.

All of them grimace, and I notice their color drain, I'm surprised by it, since even their fur lost color... Not only that, it made me so uncomfortable that I felt my stomach churn. Disgust followed suit, and a headache was as presentable as ever.

Alex: I-I made that threat because you almost rape me...

Alex: L-look... L-let's leave this here before we get to the time to eat, or we won't be able to stomach it down.

Samuel: Ugh... I feel like I'm going to throw up when you put it like that.

Lucas: S-same.

Awkwardly, we all let the conversation die down and tried to let our minds stop thinking about it. Something about today left us... Uneasy, like there was something wrong with what we discussed. At the same time, I felt dirty, and uncomfortable during the rest of the day.

Once dinner arrived I asked if they wanted meat in their food, none agreed, and we decided in bread, with some cheese, and a bit of ale. I decided to take some fruits to just have it accompanied the food. We did not drink a lot, just enough to forget the day.

For the first time, I was grateful beer existed here. The day turned sour after our talk, and we needed to just forget. The night continued, and slowly the time passed in a blur. I can't remember what happen that night.

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