Hilda: Across the Hildaverse

Chapter 1: Strangers in A Familiar Land

HILDA: ACROSS THE HILDAVERSE

ACT TWO

By: Half_Half

I: Strangers In A Familiar Land

"That can't be good... but please catch me up on what's happened."

You might be wondering...what in the cruddlesticks just happened? Well, dear reader, it all started in the beginning. Alright, let's do this one last time.

My name is Hilda and for twelve years, I have been this city's one and only...adventurer. Pretty sure you know the rest: Moved to Trolberg, got two good friends, and went out on an adventure, again and again and...again.

I grew up rough and wild. You can say I'm well known around here. Look, I'm in a few graphic novels, an actual novel, an amazing soundtrack, got myself an awesome show...and a so-so plushie. I mean, I've looked worst. Recently, I've been through a lot of misadventures with magic. Got turned to a deerfox, discovered a mirror dimension, nearly tore my whole world apart, fend off a bunch of Red-Eyed Trolls, and broke a universe!

But Trolberg can be a lot of fun too. I got to rescue the Great Raven, made peace with a troll, met one of the last Lindworms on Earth, learned how to ride a bike, wrestled a ghost; and I ran... a lot.

But, it's nothing worth getting down about. Sure, I often end up falling flat on my face in these kinds of adventures. Literally and... not so literally. But no matter how many hits I take, I always find a way to get back up, each and every time. A little roughing up is worth getting to see the great big world out there! And who's going to take a look if it isn't me? 'Cause when I think about it, I guess I'm the only Hilda Trolberg has.

As they say...such is the life of an adventurer. I mean, its not all bad. There's a few friends I would love to have you meet.

Outside Library
Day 2, 10:37 PM

"David! Oh thank god, you're okay," David cried as he gave him a little hug.

New David returned the gesture, feeling warmth graze his body, although he could feel his energy draining from his fingertips. Before he could even address it to him, fatigue had ran amuck all over his body, his energy fades like water through a sieve before collapsing against the ground. A soft but audible thud shocked David and turned his attention immediately.

"David," he cried again, "Do--don't worry, we can– David!" His concern growing bigger as New David couldn't move an inch...and then his body ran cold.

As he laid there unconscious and his head resting on David's hands, he could feel his eyes tearing up, and as David tried to resist shedding a tear, he couldn't blame himself if he did. He could feel it in the sides of his eyes, he could feel the emptiness of a soul he now has within his hands. And once his eyes were about to give in to his own pressure... a hand was gently placed over his shoulder. He lightly flinched before turning to his shoulder.

"Hey kid," Adult Hilda sits next to him, "Are you...okay?"

A moment of silence stood in between them as a gust of wind blew in the air. "No..." he turned away, "No, I'm not." David moves himself a little bit away from her.

"Do you–"

"No." David stopped her, "Please, keep it to yourself." He said out, sheltering himself within his helplessness.

His reaction struck out to her...it felt like what her David had felt back in her world. She could see at least a remnant of him in David and it struck a chord. Adult Hilda didn't attempt to reach out to him, letting the silence settle the dust as she gathered her thoughts. As time ticked by, she considered what she should say to him, given the situation. Then...she heard something right next to her. He sniffled his nose. She took a glance and noticed that, he was crying. She can see the tears come out of his swollen eyes. David's near-quiet sobbing is all she can hear and the sound of it just compels her to do something.