The Ascended Hybrid

2.

Provlane's universe was twenty thousand square feet of tropical jungle the last time Temptation had dared jump in. There were piles upon piles of junk Provlane would take from other universes hoarding every step you took.

Now, it was a bustling metropolis. The jump sent them to a platform in a central park full of people. Many tripped over the thick, constantly moving vines that warped through the terrain like a bowl of noodles. The tropical flora was still in abundance, despite the expansions. The dirt was muddy, squishing with every step.

The tall buildings surrounding the park were more daunting than the vines climbing around them. They housed the technology development and the business end of Provlane's work. The three tallest buildings stood in a triangle formation around the park, and had beams of energy shooting from the tops of them, powering the trains and keeping the Void open. The edges of the Void crackled, threatening to close in, only to be forced back open by the beams.

Bean held their breath in awe, taking in the sight. Their father's universe was bigger in population, though denser in residential with elegant, affluent aesthetics. This universe held a sleek, professional appeal.

Temptation slid his hand across a vine, his hand an ant to an elephant. He smiled, turning back to Bean. "How about we get a snack first?" His antennae twitched as he continued petting the vine.

Bean felt their insides drop. They didn't have any merits or anything of value to trade. "Do we have to?"

He grinned, playfully commenting, "I'll pay. Besides, i think you've earned it - no. You DESERVE to have a little treat."

"You're right. I do deserve it." Bean turned their nose to the air with a satisfied grin as they passed the gates that marked the edge of the park.

The walkways were busier. Many were passing through, and some were sightseeing. Others were networking, attempting to prove themselves and their powers in the eyes of the Council. In one corner, a group of Voidwalkers were holding up signs, and yelling, "Gods with no universes are leeches! They provide nothing to our community!"

Temptation didn't look at them as he thought of his studio apartment sized universe.

Every hundred feet was a tall pole with a loudspeaker and a television pointed in each direction. The screens were idle, glowing as brightly green as Static. Bean tore their eyes away from them quickly.

They found a cafe at the base of one tower. The inside smelled strongly of coffee, a scent Temptation welcomed. He stepped into line, holding his hand out to Bean.

Bean begrudgingly dug into their pocket. Despite their pocket being empty, their hand came out with Council merits. They set it into his hand. They tried to wipe the trembling fear off their hands, but their body refused to listen.

When it was their turn to order, Temptation had to take a second glance at the blond worker behind the counter. He looked stoned as hell. "Lucas?"

Lucas, a Demi-God from Alias' universe, grinned. "Tempt! Long time no see, bro. Bong? What's your sleep counter at now?" He held up a latte, seemingly unaware he wasn't presenting what he had said.

"Oh, uh," Temptation glanced at Bean as they muttered with discontent. He responded, "Not now, I'll tell you later. Just a... coffee. And a snack. A sandwich? No, no..." He looked up at the menu, though none of it made sense to him.

Bean heaved a heavy sigh. Their voice shook slightly. "A small iced caramel macchiato, a small hot coffee with lots of sugar, and two chocolate croissants."

Lucas looked bewildered as he noticed Bean. A glint of recognition flashed in his eyes, though he didn't say anything if he did recognize them. He rang up the items and said the total.