Dimensions

Chapter Nine /// Unexpected

Warning for those who need it: this chapter contains blood.

Marius was so excited, the doorway to the Overworld was right there! He was ready to take the longest nap in the history of naps, because no one could sleep in the Nether and for someone who was able to once it was like hell for 17 years. He couldn't wait to hear bustling cities and see streets filled with light in the darkness of the night.

"Mar?" He looked over to his left to see his little brother standing there, looking at him.

"What?" he replied.

"What if it's not all you thought it'd be?"

"What do you mean?"

"Just, I don't know, what if it's not as great and amazing as you thought?"

"It will be." He said confidently. "Do we have everyone?"

Aenon sighed, "I think so, I'm just waiting for the last guard for the people in the back."

Marius nodded in agreement. The two boys sat down as they waited. The thousands of other people sat while they waited for the princes to go through the portal first. Kids ran laps around parents who were dead tired (but they can't sleep, see what I mean by hell?) Some parents got too annoyed and made their kids put on gloves and play games on their makeshift tablets. A baby was getting fussy having to wear his mask for so long. An elderly woman came up to the boys.

"My apologies your highness but how much longer do we need to wait?" She asked Marius. "My legs and back are aching and the children are becoming restless."

"Just for a guard at the back of the line ma'am." He answered. "We have to make sure we have everyone. She should be back to report in a few hours."

Aenon stood up from his red, grassy, spot. "Can I help you with anything or get you and your companions something in the meantime?" He asked.

"Oh why yes, thank you." She smiled at him. Aenon walked off with the elderly woman and talked with her on the way over to her family that the guards hadn't gotten to help yet.

Marius didn't have anything else to do so he decided to record these historic events in his tablet. It had wires sticking out everywhere but it worked just fine. Surprisingly. He had made it himself when he was ten and has been documenting everything, everyday, since then.

Day #2555

We have reached the portal to the Overworld. The guard from the back of the line should be back in half an hour at least. Once everyone is ready we will be leaving this horrid place known as the Nether. Hopefully nothing has changed too much since we were there before.

-M

Suddenly there was a blast of cold air from the portal, and something else. It was like the portal radiated power of some sort. But what was it? He couldn't recall ever feeling such a presence when the portal was closed. Maybe he'll just let Aenon go first.

What in the three realms? Marius thought to himself. The portal was just fine earlier, that was like a delayed reaction or something. Why would the portal do that though?

"-Highness!"

What could possibly be wait for us on the other side?

"Your highness!" A guard shouted, pulling Marius from his thoughts. "Apologies your highness, the guard from the back has returned. Everyone is ready to go on your command."

"Right." Marius replied, his chest feeling tight all of a sudden. Ok. Chill. It's not like this is the great unknown, I've been in the Overworld before.