Worlds Across

Chapter 6: Some calm

We head into the market, and let me tell you, it’s a whole different experience when you’re walking around with what’s essentially 3 million bucks in gold compared to what I usually have back in California—aka, nothing. So, naturally, I decide to splurge. I buy a massive grill, enough meat to feed an army, and of course, all the side sauces and fries you could dream of. If we’re gonna eat, we’re gonna eat. Ragnillon may be full of weird magic and vampires, but at least they know how to party.

While we’re there, I make the executive decision to buy only Sage and me beer. No way those three idiots are getting their hands on any more alcohol. After Matt’s whole “I’m a vampire” debacle, I’m taking no chances. I don’t need another round of chaos with them thinking they’re immortal or invincible—or worse, right about something. So Sage and I get to have a nice, civilized drink while the others get to sober up with water. I’m practically doing them a favor.

And of course, we can’t forget about Tata. If we’re living it up, our fluffy, judgmental king deserves a treat too. So, we splurge on some fancy tuna for him. I mean, why not? He’s basically the most responsible member of this group, and he didn’t try to punch anyone or drink anyone’s blood. Tata deserves better than all of us.

After packing everything up, we head back home. And honestly, I’m half-hoping, half-dreading what we’ll find. I’m praying they haven’t turned our new house into some kind of gothic vampire castle, or worse, a bar—because, let’s be real, those three would absolutely try to open up a dive bar in the middle of vampire town and call it a “genius business move.”

As we walk, I glance over at Sage, who’s holding Tata like he’s the most precious thing in existence, and I can’t help but think, "Well, at least the cat’s happy." But in the back of my mind, I’m already preparing for whatever fresh disaster is waiting for us behind that front door.

As we approach the front door of our new home, I take a deep breath, half-expecting the worst. I turn the knob and swing the door open, preparing for the worst-case scenario: a vampire rave or a DIY blood bar.

What I find instead is... well, it’s both better and worse than I imagined. The living room is transformed into what looks like a post-apocalyptic hangout. The couch is overturned, and the coffee table is littered with half-empty bottles of various drinks. Is that a pizza box in the corner? Yes, yes it is, and it’s not even the kind of pizza that’s edible anymore. It’s the kind that makes you question your life choices.

“Welcome to our humble abode!” Draco shouts from the corner, wearing a makeshift crown made of bottle caps. He’s holding what looks suspiciously like a rubber chicken. “We’re having a party!”

“Great,” I deadpan. “Because nothing screams ‘classy vampire town’ like a rubber chicken and a half-eaten pizza.”

Matt, still sporting the hangover from his "vampire transformation," stumbles over, a goofy grin plastered on his face. “Dude, you totally missed the best time! We found a bunch of cool stuff in the attic!” He gestures wildly, and I flinch as his arm almost collides with the grill I just bought. “You should have seen Tony. He tried to drink from a wine bottle and ended up wearing it as a hat!”

“Right, because that’s a solid life choice,” I mumble, watching as Tony emerges from the kitchen, clearly in a state of blissful drunkenness. He’s wearing said wine bottle as a hat, the glass still glistening with remnants of whatever was inside. “Congratulations, you’re the new mascot for ‘Why You Shouldn’t Drink and Drive.’”

“Hey, I’m trying to start a new trend here,” Tony replies, swaying slightly. “It’s called ‘Fashionably Intoxicated.’”

I shake my head, a mix of amusement and despair welling up inside me. “If this is what your version of a ‘party’ looks like, I’m really scared for the future of humanity.”

Suddenly, I hear a loud thump from upstairs, followed by the unmistakable sound of laughter. I shoot Sage a look, and she raises her eyebrow, clearly amused. “I think they’re throwing a rave up there.”

“Just wait until I go up there and see what other disasters they’ve conjured,” I say, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. I can’t let these idiots ruin this house—or my sanity—any further. “Tata, you stay here with Sage. Let’s hope they don’t try to turn you into a party animal too.”

As I make my way upstairs, the sounds of music and laughter get louder, and I brace myself for the chaos that awaits. I push the door open to what can only be described as an unholy mix of a dance floor and a wrestling ring. A few old mattresses are strewn about, and lights are flashing from somewhere (don’t ask me how). Draco is using one of the mattresses as a makeshift stage, and Matt is doing an embarrassing version of the robot dance.

“Join us, brave warrior!” Draco yells, striking a dramatic pose with his rubber chicken. “This is your destiny!”

“Yeah, not my destiny,” I shout over the noise, hands on my hips. “My destiny is to clean this mess up, not participate in your ridiculous charades.”

But instead of stopping, they all cheer me on, clearly loving the chaos. I glance back downstairs, wondering if Sage has any idea what she’s gotten herself into, then roll my eyes. “You guys really think this is a good idea, don’t you?”

“Absolutely!” Matt yells, his enthusiasm rivaling that of a five-year-old at a birthday party. “We’re living our best lives!”

We tell them that they've had enough fun for now and we all start cleaning, thank God they sobered up.

We go to our backyard and bring out the grill, beer and food. "Before you all get your hopes up, you don't get beer, it's just me and Sage who get beer"

I started cooking up Tatas food, which finishes relatively quickly, then I start making our food, which surprisingly also cooks quickly. I tell Sage to go deep fry the fries. I make some more burgers and steak. I make some mini sliders and Sage brings out the cooked fries. I bring out a picnic table from inside and some chairs and we get ready to eat.