The day started off slow.
My father was able to slip off early on in the morning, despite the protests of my sleepy mother. To prepare for the festivities I assume.
Out my window, the rolling fields I had grown to love had been blanketed by people.
I can see the patch-work stalls lining the flowing fields of gold. The townspeople are building a grand stage for the celebration. The foundations of the growing event reminds me of Asian festivals, with stalls of food and games illuminated by lanterns.
In my old home, it would be rare to find anything that even closely resembles this. Not unless you walk into Chinatowns or Asian districts. So I am excited for this chance, even if I can not walk it myself.
As the hours pass, I can see hundreds of people beginning to gather, helping to continue to build the stage. They help tie the banners of the stalls together, paint signs. Chatting, Laughing at each other, arguing at others, all together.
Night falls, and the sprinkle of stars start to dot the crimson sky. Mother proceeds to dress herself and I for the festivities.
As she rustles around cabinets and dressers, I can see her trying to hide a frown of worry on her face.
I am dressed up in black pants and a thin Crimson smock. While she puts on a deep, navy blue frilly blouse and what resembles cream colored shorts, keeping her usual leather boots.
"Alright Jace, you ready?" My mother asks me as she lifts me up from the table. "Let's go eat some tasty food!"
Our heavy door slowly creeks open as mother pushes open our door into the unknown. So it begins.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to take you out since I brought you into this world," mother continues as we're cresting a hill "but welcome, to Haven"
There in-front of me, is a beautiful sight, like something out of a fantasy novel.
Ramshackle and kit-bashed houses grouped tightly together, set along winding stone roads that all lead to a massive wooden manor. Each house seemingly built in varying and completely differing styles, like they were plucked out of different time periods from around the world. There are Germanic thatched houses, old English cabins, low hanging Chinese siheyuan, and the wooden Japanese Minka, among others in the sea of houses.
The manor way in the distance seems very similar to that of a Buddhist pagoda, casting a grand shadow during the day.
A wall of stone ramparts dotted with spiraling towers, encircle the town.
Though not particularly grand, the nerd inside of me cannot help but be in awe of the scene.
Each of the seven stone roads leads towards the manor, seemingly the first building built here. I can see the edge of a cliff in the distance, leading towards a vast and sparkling ocean.
"That big house over there," she says, pointing to the direction of the manor, "that is the town hall where mommy and daddy, and all our friends go for work. It was built by the Lord a long, long, looonng time ago," mother says, poking my belly every time she speaks. I can't help but to let out a little giggle. "Though he hates it when we call him Our Lord, we can't help but call him that for everything he has done for us. We all love and respect him, even your daddy too"
Whoever this "Lord" is, mother seems to be trying her hardest to impress me with his importance.
But this town has a welcoming feeling to it.
Every few hastily made stalls we pass, a vendor calls out to mother, in congratulations and thanks. It feels like every single person in this town knows the other, a first for me.
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As we leave the gates of the town, the stone road slowly turns into a dirt one.
There is a pair of guards at the gate, each one holding a very sharp glaive.
"Are you heading out to the festival Ms. Cassandra?" One of the guards calls out
"Sure am!" Mother responds, "I'm showing little Jace here the town"
"Alright, have a good time," the guard replies.
As we leave the fires of the town, I know I must be thinking this a lot, I can't help but marvel at the sky. Back home, the beauty of the stars could never be seen due to all the light pollution, so this is a pleasant surprise.
"I don't remember the last time we had a celebration like this, Jace. This is quite the occasion," But then a sorrowful expression creeps onto her face, "though I wish it would have been for better reasons..."
"But, all we can do is enjoy the occasion." Mother takes a long pause before starting again, "Oh! It seems it's about to start, we better get going."
And with that, mother hurries over to the stage I saw them building earlier. It seems to be where everyone is gathered. We are able to shoulder our way to the front row.
There are six people gathered on stage, aligned in a sort of V shape, though it looks like there are two people missing. My father and Ms. Rhea are among the people on the stage.
Father is positioned on the right from the center, and is wearing his same navy and crimson lab coat, but with a medallion pinned to his collar. It resembles a fancy school or college crest. Must be where he went to school, though feels weird to present in this scenario.
Ms. Rhea, is positioned to his right. She is wearing a similar outfit to what I saw last night, a leather shirt and cloth skirt. But this time with silver armor over top and a Valkyrie-like helmet obscuring most of her facial features. A silvery long sword is at her hip.
Talk about some expensive cosplay, it looks like real metal, though it feels like a waste seeing that most of it seems to be tinted black from what looks like flame exposure.
On the left side center of the V, slightly In front of father, stands a blue skinned man.
He has green dreads tied up into a bun, kept up by a silver circlet adorned by a deep sapphire blue gem stone. Weirdly, he looks vaguely sweaty or damp. He wears a light blue, almost martial arts ghee or yukata like top with baggy pants held up by a blue bead belt. There is also what looks like a scimitar on his hip. He seems to be trying, and failing to suppress a scowl with a hint of disgust.
I wonder how long it takes for him to color his skin that blue, must be why he seems pissed off.
Mr. Blue-man clears his throat. With a strong, but surprisingly young sounding voice, he starts. "Ahem, before we begin our celebration, our lord has requested to begin the ceremony before releasing you all to your festivities." He lets out a deep sigh as he continues, "and along with this, since we have had new additions to the, as he calls it 'family', he has requested an introduction from me before he makes his entrance"
Mr. Blue-man takes out a piece of parchment out of a pocket and begins to read aloud, in an incredibly hesitant and irritated tone.
"You all gather here today to witness a promotion. But before that, let us introduce those recognized as the pinnacle of our village, the Arch-Angels. I, druidic hollow, Corrin Malenheim."
Ah, a tree hugger. Must be naturally made paint or something.
Corrin begins to motion towards the other members of the stage, from right to left. "Kraeian Architect, Liisrax"
And there on the far right end is a… Woman? She seems to have four arms, she is clad in tattered cloth tightly wrapped around her body. She wears a steam punky mask with folding magnifying glasses. Her "lower arms" seem to be messing with some kind of copper contraption absent mindedly, while its "upper arms" attempt to rest on its sides awkwardly.
Whoever this is emanates with nervousness, and I don't envy you, whoever you are inside that suit. The title of "Architect" though does confuse me a little. Like the people who design buildings?
"Iron blood, Lady Rhea Stonewall." At this, a man in tattered and baggy clothing, holding a young boy, screams at the top of his lungs. Ms. Rhea dawns a fierce grin at this attention.
That must be her son and husband I've heard about
"Sorcerous accomplishment, Siph Bell." Mother, copying the other man's enthusiasm, screams even louder at her husband's name and almost dropping me in the process. Father, now red faced try's not to look away in embarrassment.
He must have a great time at work events
Now motioning towards a dwarven looking man, Mr. Blue-man continues
"Witch Shifter, Theo Wallden"
He is very short, though their proportions make them seem like a fantasy dwarf with a large chest and arms. He has a long messy beard of dark brown hair drapes over his hide, almost armor like clothing. His arms and face are covered in runic like tattoos with his arms seemingly greying, as if they are losing circulation. His eyes though seem to twinkle, you can get an air of compassion emanating from his harsh demeanor.
Mother grips me ever so slightly harder at hearing his name.
"And finally, Beastial trickery Alice Harper," who proudly puffs out her chest in recognition, emanating an air of charisma.
She has long shaggy gray "hair"? Her large wolf-like ears highlight a rugged looking face with very large scars over it. She wears a loose belt with many loops sketchily attached to it, with many different tools hanging on to it. She seems to be a person that has been in their fair share of scuffles.
Her lean body looks limber and athletic, as if it's able to contort into impossible angles. That feels a little surprising for a furry for some reason
"And now, the man you all have been waiting for. The Demi-god of adventurers, founder of the Seraphs and our quaint little town of Haven. The one possessing the epithet 'The Lost'. Recognized by many achievements and titles." He squints at the parchment, "Pretend to be reading a long list of titles then continue with… And other names that would take too long to read"
I don't think he was supposed to read that line
"Give it up for the one, the only, Connor Sorrando"
The townspeople begrudgingly start clapping in applause.
Just who is this guy?
Then suddenly, a creeping chill enters my spine, and the few hairs on my head start to stand up a little.
With a loud crash, a man appears in a puff of purple smoke. For a split second, it looks like he has shadowy black, inky skin with horns coming out of his forehead. But before that thought can fully process, a normal looking man is now standing in the center of the stage next to Mr. Blue-man.
He seems to be a middle aged guy, wearing a black trench coat with purple accents and a silver snake design, seemingly actively coiling around his right arm.
Must be a trick of the eyes
He wears a white button up shirt and brown pants. His messy short brown hair sticking up in some places and he has a crooked nose. And finally with a large, shit-eating grin on his face and a large scar over his pale-yellow left eye.
So this is the Lord I have heard so much about? He looks like a phony, a stand up magician.
"Thank you Corrin for that stunning introduction"
The "Lord" known as Connor then takes a performative bow, "and thank you all for listening to my selfish request. I thought it would be good to start off with the reason for this celebration."
"We are gathered here today, to celebrate many things. The many births from among us, including the children from our very own Siph and beloved lady Rhea. The newcomers to our organization, like Mr. Sullen Allister," Motioning towards a sinister looking, iron-clad warrior near the front of the crowd.
"But, for the reason of this festival, we celebrate a promotion among the esteemed ranks of the Arch-Angels,. Though it will be hopefully temporary, I hope we can welcome them and congratulate them for their achievements. Here they are now"
Connor motions towards the left side of the stage, where a pair of characters start making their way up.
Most notably, is a man that wins the award for most over the top cosplay.
Towering over the other, he is a man with crimson skin and black fingernails. He wears a white doctor-like coat with a pitchfork-like tail peeking from under it. His long black hair has a singular goat-like horn coming out the right side of his forehead.
He seems to be helping a sickly and pale woman in a pink and red flowered kimono walk towards the center of the stage. She has Long straight blond hair, and shockingly red eyes with dark bags underneath. One arm is slinged around the shoulder of the demonic looking man, with the other using a heavy looking large battle axe as a cane with the other.
Once they get to the center of the stage, the women now standing straight, the beautifully made battle axe is in full view. The sickly woman begins to speak.
"My name is Misha Reinhart. After giving birth to my daughter, I seem to have unfortunately been stricken with a sickness. I thank all those who have cared for me and my daughter during this time, but I must temporarily put down my mantle as 'Orinion Rage' in the case that I do not make it."
A small, grim smile falls over the members of the stage. A sense of doom overcasting the attendees, unable to deny the possibility.
"But with the strength that I have, I will make this relatively short. I am so thankful for being allowed to stay in your humble town, and for calling me among the greatest"
A slight murmur permeates among the crowd.
"I have decided the person to take my place, the man in charge of my care. One that I can confidentially say is the perfect person to care for the people of the community. You may already know the one I am talking about, a man who has become a warm part among our hearts"
Misha motions the man that helped her up the stage forwards towards the front.
"This man, to continue with our vivacious leaders trend."
Surprisingly, the woman is able to lift the axe upright into the air
"Stand with me, Hellish Apothecary. I name thee angelic doctor, Fallen Loyd!" Reaching out and grabbing his hand, she cuts a symbolic gash on his palm, which the devilish-man winching a little
The crowd cheers in excitement. The fellow Arch-Angels vigorously clapping in approval.
Joining in, Connor continues
"Thank you Misha. Now, it is time for my audacious seal of approval. I again ask you, Fallen Loyd, kneel." Connor flicks his wrist and the serpent pattern jumps out of his coat and into his hand and materializes a dark cobalt blue, almost black blade, emphasized by silver serpentine designs, and points it towards the now kneeling Fallen.
Just what is going on, that is some impressive visual effects
"Do you, agree to uphold your values and to better the community in the stay of Ms. Misha's leave?"
And for the first time, the devil speaks with a gravely voice
"As I did the day I took my oath to join your ranks, I swear to treat all those who come to me in aid. To honor those who have welcomed me, and the teachings of my master "
Connor taps the flat end of the sword gently on Fallen's shoulders, "then rise, rise and stand with your friends and allies as an angel among men"
Fallen rises to his feet, a cheer similarly rising in the crowd.
"Now, with the boring part over with." Connor continues, "let's send off the festivities with a bang. Siph, you had something planned?"
Father, now hurries into the spotlight. "Ah yes. If you were part of my little experiment, you may remember the words I taught you. Through some careful experimentation, I believe I have perfected it." He takes in a deep breath and continues, "please, all of you, think of something that makes you smile, something that you enjoy, to get the full effect"
Father, grabbing a wooden staff from where it was resting on a near wall, goes to the middle of the stage, bracing it in concentration.
Connor and the other angels raise their implements of war towards the sky in suit. Father raises his staff slowly, Rhea her sword, the dwarf man Theo raises his fist, the Wolfish Alice a crude dagger and the Insect like Liisrax places a now surprisingly large machine on the ground, aimed towards the sky.
In a brief moment of silence, follows something I should have figured out by now. In hindsight, it should have been oh so obvious
The air becomes thick with a loud steady crackle, as the raised impalements and appendages of the Angel's hum with energy. I can feel as if my head is being tugged gently in every direction.
I can see mother closing her eyes, her brow furrowing in concentration. As I look around, I can see the majority of the crowd following suit.
The silence is broken by chanting coming from my father. Each word seems to resonate in the air
"Oh grand flame of ambition"
Those in the crowd, including mother, copy the words emanating from the stage and join in on the chant, raising their arms in the air
"Compressed into practical form"
Small glowing motes of color changing light start to form around peoples palms
"We call upon the zeal as an act of celebration, a celebration for a new tomorrow, for the hope of new discovery. Kindled from love, in dazzling glory: Crackling flame!"
And with that, the motes fly into the air in varying times and amounts. They soar with a whistle. Rising and rising to impossible heights, until…
Exploding in dazzling lights of fireworks.
I can see a large smile and sense of accomplishment on my fathers face, overshadowed by the even radiating sense of pride emanating from my mother.
The grand beauty of the magical world, a wondrous tempo of bangs that brings feelings to light.
I should have realized by now, there is not anybody committed enough, hell, even rich enough I think to create this kind of fantastical beauty in my old world. I should have known the entire time.
My mistrust had spread wider than I thought. There was just no way that I would be lucky enough to get this chance.
Ms. Rhea really is an elf. Mr. Theo must really be a dwarf. And those ears on Ms. Alice must be real.
The magical fireworks release from the crowd and stage in unpredictable patterns, dazzling the night sky with bright explosions of colored fire.
I am not sure of what exactly happened the rest of the night, I was too mesmerized by the wonder painted on the sky before the wind could blow the sparks away. The endless possibility of a fantasy world.
I can feel my eyelids begin to feel heavy.
After a little bit, father seems to have joined mother off stage to enjoy the festivities of the celebration. Explosions continue to dot the sky.
The few times I take my eyes off the sky, I recognize foods from all over the place. Okonomiyaki, candied apples, steak sandwiches, things that resemble hotdogs, foods from all over the world. Along with other unknowns, probably from this world. Misshaped vegetables and twisting fruits, and animals with three eyes skewered on open flames.
I do not know when, but it seems that I fell asleep at some point. The next thing that I know, It is morning, and I wake up in bed in the cabin.
My mind is racing from the images of the night before. Surely that was all a dream.
I would pinch myself, but my fingers are too stubby for that.
No, that's not right, this is not a dream. I've been reincarnated, so it doesn't seem that impossible.
I am not one to believe in the divine, but I always left a small dusty corner of my heart for that possibility. Now it has grown to envelop my very own body whole.
A part of me is excited-excited for all that I can learn, all that I can see, the bizarre and familiar people I can meet. Oh the adventures I can have.
What fun this will be.