The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 9 (Part 3)

     The sun casts blinding light from the cerulean sky as the wind blows. The sunlight may cause a burden on anyone's head and back, but the cold air is present to cool anyone from the heat. The trees rustle, and their leaves fall from their branches, showering the concrete pavement with greenery. This noon is like any other noon that brings a sense of relaxation and tranquillity to anybody.

     After eating lunch, Denis and the others set out from the quaint town to the Versobert Woods. They pass through the tall iron gate leading to a muddy trail. Then, they walk down the enchanting woods.

"Man, I just hope there are no more creepy monster ladies in these woods," Denis sighed, his breath quivering with anxiety.

"Nah, there are no monsters here. Only in the Gloomy Forest! Hence its name," Felix reassured him. "Meanwhile, here, in Versobert Woods, it has..."

"An enchanting biome!" Presley continued, jumping forward.

     Presley spins around as the cherry blossom petals fall upon his nose, a giggle escaping his lips. Like a smooth transition, the green turns pink, and Denis and the others are quick to notice the change in the environment. They then see a whimsical forest, surrounded by magenta grass, pink foliage, one-story-tall glowing mushrooms, and vibrant cherry blossom trees.

     This place really is whimsy. It feels like it is the home of magical fairies and unicorns. It's just so colourful, and the bright, pastel hue in the forest brings a light smile of awe to Denis' face, a rare expression of his. Isn't a place like this so enchanting? It feels like heaven's magnificent garden, all created by the hands of the divine.

     Along the way, as Denis gazes at the cherry blossom trees, a fairy with fiery hair in a short, flowy white dress flies towards him. Denis encounters the fairy, and they lock eyes, staring at each other briefly. Suddenly, Denis jolts back and falls to the ground, scared by the fairy. His sharp gasp quickly alerts the others, causing them to look at him.

"Ah!" Denis gasped in surprise.

Philip giggled. "Relax! They're harmless!" he said.

"Harmless...? What is she...?" Denis asked, his gaze locked on the flying fairy.

"They're what's called a fairy!" Philip stated.

"A fairy...? Huh, a fairy," Denis panted. "I know what a fairy is."

"Oh? They exist in your universe, too?" Philip questioned curiously.

"Oh, no, no, no. They're just a myth in my world," Denis replied, shaking his head.

What a bummer. Such a reality Denis lived in.

     In a sudden whirl of ethereal light, a flock of fairies descends upon Denis and his companions, their delicate wings shimmering like iridescent jewels as they envelop the group in a mesmerizing dance of enchantment. Drawn together in a moment of shared wonder, the two parties lock eyes. A sense of awe and reverence fills the space as smiles are exchanged, bridging the gap between humans and fairies.

Echoes of Harris's words reverberated in Denis' mind, urging him to stand resolute in the face of the unknown. "Man up, Denis," he silently reminded himself, recognizing that these ethereal beings, despite their otherworldly aura, bore no ill intent.

Stepping forward, Philip addressed the fairies. "Hello there!" He then asked, "Does any of you have any idea of where we can find a shiny stone? Like a lost totem?" Smiling, he added, "They look like crystals but, at the same time, look like ordinary pebbles. Any ideas? We would really appreciate your help."

     With their translucent wings fluttering like a sparrow's wing, the fairies fly forward and lead Denis and the others deeper into the whimsical forest. They then show Denis, Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix a stone altar where a shiny, pebble-like, crystal-like stone lies. They then claim the totem and thank the fairies.

"Hey! We got it!" Philip grinned. "Thank you so much!" he said to the fairies.

"We truly appreciate your kindness," Meredith added.

"Mhm!" Chloe nodded.

Being grateful, Denis thanked the fairies as well. "Thank you," he whispered timidly.

     Then, like a majestic spectacle, the fairies fly around Denis and sprinkle him with silver dust, making him giggle. Meanwhile, the others watch from the side, smiling. Harris, on the other hand, has a blank, neutral face, his lips straight, and his eyes half-closed. Slowly but surely, Denis finds the realm slightly better than his, and he is beginning to think he wants to live here instead. Of course, without any annoyance like what Harris is giving.