Random Encounters: Dimension 13

Rescued

"Alright, now that everything is set up, we can send me into Dimension 13 and grab Gwen and resume life as it was," AJ says eagerly.

Nate darts his eyes back and forth as he puts the metal plate back on the machine, "Actually AJ, I was thinking maybe I should go after Gwen. You know, you may dawdle and not get back in time."

"I resent that, but see your point," AJ admits.

"Before I go... Don't forget me," Nate says nonchalantly.

"Nate, you'll be back. Why are you worrying so much? We'll have you, and Gwen, and we can do fun stuff, and we'll live relatively happily ever after," AJ smiles a bit, showing off his teeth.

Nate smirks a bit and looks away, "AJ, you have been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We've been through thick and thin together, and I wouldn't have chosen a better friend."

"Nate, you're acting like you're gonna die, it'll be fine," AJ looks at him strangely.

"Just, let me finish. AJ, I want you to know I care about you. And I love you, as a friend. And no matter what happens, I had you in mind," Nate says.

"Wow, Negative Nancy much?" AJ chuckles.

"Anyways, stand back, I don't want you being sucked in the vortex," Nate says, preparing to flip the switch.

AJ takes a few paces backwards as Nate flips the gray switch. There's a white flash of light, and when Nate opens his eyes, he's in a bright white room. Gwen is sitting far off, her knees to her chest, rocking herself back and forth. Nate begins walking up to her, but when Gwen sees him she scurries away in fear.

"No, Gwen, it's okay," Nate says as he slowly approaches her, "It's me. It's Nate."

He brushes back her hair and she looks up at him. Maybe trying to assess if he's a figment of her imagination, or real.

"Gwen, I need you to jump through the portal," Nate says, pointing to the dark smog where he had popped into existence.

"No," She whispers, "It's not real."

"It is, but you have to go now, or we're both here forever," Nate lowers his voice.

She shakes her head, "I'm imagining it."

"You aren't, please. If anything happens, I will personally let you do whatever you want, okay? Just trust me," Nate holds out his hand to help her up.

Gwen takes it cautiously and they begin walking, Gwen not letting go of his hand. Nate leads her to the vortex. He lets go of her hand and aligns her with it.

"Thank you for the years. Don't forget me," Nate says.

He pushes her into the vortex. She stretches out her arm expecting him to take it, to pull her back in, but he turns his back and walks away. The whirlwind swallows Gwen whole, then fades as if it was never there.

Nate hangs his head a bit and walks away, ready to face the worst things he could ever imagine. As he walks, the room transforms into a smaller, more narrow room.

"Who's Nate?" Gwen's voice whispers