The great Fenghuang tucked her wings closed and stood as tall and proud as possible for a bird. She closed her eyes and nodded her head as Chesi began to talk. Up until a certain point. Frankly, on top of being indisputably the wisest sorceress in the land, Fenghuang also considered herself the most beautiful and most powerful and smartest. And most famous. And the most humble, of course. Not to mention the most gracious, as she had the tact not to call Chesi out in the middle of her explanation.

As for the others, she didn't interfere in their connecting with the summoned boys. Why would she? Although she was a little miffed that Denali had declined her want to swap charges. Then again, she couldn't deny that she already felt the draw of her element towards the reddish haired boy. Not her first choice for sure, but she supposed it could have been worse. With a sigh, she hopped towards him.

As for Eli, he had scrambled to his feet as soon as the bear appeared. His queasiness was long forgotten now in the face of talking animals, magical transformations, and imminent danger. If things had been normal, if they'd still be on Earth, he would have told everyone to jump around and shout and scare the thing off (and hoped it wasn't the 'play dead' kind of bear). It was way too late for that now though. Besides, his pals were actively fighting it. With elemental powers!

So long story short, everything was happening so much.

And Eli couldn't just stand around and do nothing! Conner and Gray were casting magic, David and Milo were pretty much flying and cutting, and even Noah was chucking shit. Eli wanted to help out too.

He looked down at Fenghuang as the colorful little bird approached him. Their eyes met, and Eli held his hand out towards her.

"We're partners, right? Everyone else teamed up with a little animal and we're the only ones left," he said. Fenghuang's eye twitched. "You guys are magic, or something? Give me some of your power so I can help my friends!"

The bird jumped up, hovering the air in front of Eli. Her feathers began to shimmer until they heated up, flames licking the edges of her wings. Eli looked on with wide eyes and braced himself, but with a small flash Fenghuang dismissed her fire and flew up to land on Eli's head. She made his hair even more of a mess, bending down to peck his forehead. "Ow!"

"How dare you speak to me so casually? And you demand things? Of me?" She scoffed, incredulous. "It is true we are connected, but I will have you prove yourself before lending you my power!"

"H-huh?" Eli lifted a hand and rubbed the spot she'd pecked. Could she just do that? Didn't the other animals say stuff about saving this world? Although Eli was glad to be here with his friends to support them in this weird abduction, he had to wonder why he'd even been taken along if his "partner" wasn't going to help him out. "How do you want me to do that? Do you expect me to throw hands with a bear...?!"

"...'throw hands?'"

"Like, punch it? Fight it bare-handed? Pun not in-"

"Yes yes. That sounds amusing~!" Fenghuang lifted a wing to cover her mouth, muffling a pretty and petty laugh.

Fortunately, Eli was not actually dumb enough to try that. He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted at the other boys as they fought. Offering encouragement and suggestions was apparently the only thing he could do at the moment. "This bird's not cooperating! But you got this, guys! Just get it in the snout! The snout!"

Milo vehemently denied touching an Ursa Minor. Chesi narrowed her eyes. She would accept that for the time being, but she still thought this kid was strange. “I’m watching you…”

Conner wasn’t paying attention to his dolphin companion call out Milo. He was busy studying David. He gets wings, he gets a cool sword, and no struggle with magic at all. David always gets everything. It wasn’t fair.

“Yeah, I hate Denali.” Chesi whispered. “She thinks she’s so holy because she controls the element of light. She’s a self righteous bitch if you ask me.”

An annoyed expression crossed Conner’s features. “I guess… But don’t worry about her. You’ve got me. We’ll show both of them what real power looks like!”

“Both of them? Is somebody jealous?” Chesi teased.

Conner rolled his eyes. “No… I just want to prove myself. That’s all…”

In the background, both Eli and Noah hadn’t transformed. In fact, Noah threw his little dragon friend at the bears face. That didn’t help at all.

“Guess it’s up to me…” Conner muttered. He raised his arm with the trident in his hand, and thought of a happier memory. He thought about surfing on the beach, riding the waves. Instantly, a wave of water appeared beneath him. Conner rode the wave. “Surfs up dudes!”

While riding the wave, he heard Eli shouting to aim for the snout. Conner aimed the tip of his trident directly at the bear’s snout.

The wave crashed into the bear with incredible force, sending it stumbling backward with a loud roar of pain.

As the wave subsided and the Ursa Major lay stunned on the ground, Conner hopped off, and landed gracefully. He proudly raised his trident high. “Tridents are better than swords, eh Davey?” He gloated.

“Yes yes, that was very nice.” Chesi said. “Although, you need a little more control. You could have caused a lot of collateral damage. I’m sure some of your friends got wet from that attack.”

Conner rubbed the back of his head and laughed sheepishly.

You’ll never be good enough. Conner heard in his head. He raised an eyebrow, wondering where that voice was coming from, but no one responded, so Conner shook it off.

“Alright, most of you did well…” Chesi declared, glaring at Noah and Eli who didn’t transform. “But you all have a lot to learn if you want to have any hope of saving our realm, and getting back to yours.”

She then looked at the unconscious Ursa Major. “It’s such a shame. Ursa Major are usually gentle creatures. Guardians of Celestial balance in our world. The only thing that would drive them to violence would be their young being threatened… or they have been corrupted by a dark force… That is the threat you face children. A dark entity has been unleashed, and threatens to consume and corrupt the magic of this realm. This corruption is spreading throughout Arcanum, endangering not only it’s inhabitants but the very fabric of magic that sustains us. The darkness has likely corrupted this poor creature… It has the ability to corrupt beings by amplifying their darkest tendencies and desires, bringing out the worst parts of themselves. Beings under the influence of this corruption act in ways that are harmful to themselves and others. I implore all of you to be on your guard, and don’t give in to temptation.”

But Conner wasn’t listening. He was still hearing that damn voice in his head. You’re only a burden to them. They don’t care about you at all.

“Anyway, I think it’s time we take you lot into the city.”

After attacking first, everyone else jumped into some kind of action. Gray pretty much froze afterward and watched as Conner, Milo, and David in order confronted the beast. Conner with a blast of water, Milo with cutting wind, and David with a burst of light as he slashed it with a sword. Gray just watched astonished. And couldn't help thinking how very fitting these elements were... Guess that's why they were chosen. Neither Noah nor Eli transformed but they gave their support in different and quite fitting ways especially Noah hurling one of the small creatures toward the bear. Finally, Conner came in on a wave and finished it off with a stab creature through its snout. The aftermath of the water attack doused him and snapped him out of his stupor state. He was far enough away for him to only get wet by the attack, fortunately. Standing there dripping, he listened to the dolphin creature obviously scold a few of them and explain in more detail what was happening. This was information Gray fully comprehended since the haze in his head had pretty much left after that event. His currently crimson eyes locked on to Conner as he got an odd feeling about his aloof expression. Though as he was about to speak up he felt something completely different.

The combination of too many alcoholic beverages in his system, an adrenaline dump, sudden movement, and extreme emotional stress was too much for Gray's stomach to handle. He rested an arm against a nearby tree bent over and violently vomited. After a small coughing fit, he straightened and rubbed the back of his hand across his lips. There was an awful taste in his mouth, his throat burned, and he wasn't feeling all that great but he turned back to them with his pretty standard relaxed body language.

"...... I'm never drinking more than two beers again..." He vows in a calm tone, trying to ignore the throbbing in his head. His eyes turned toward the aquatic mammal. "So basically... we need to defeat this dark entity in this place, Arcanum, that's turning normal calm beings aggressive by awaking their darker tendencies and is consuming this world's magic thus destroying it before we can return home. And we should be careful not to be pulled into the dark side ourselves. ...Honestly, this sounds straight out of a fantasy novel." And Gray would know, he read tons of novels in his free time when he had to stay home and supervise his younger siblings. After Gray summarizes the magical dolphin's spiel on their mission, he massages his aching temples as he tries to soothe his obvious hangover. While doing so he felt a slight pull on his clothes. He glanced down to see Reyenne scaling up his body.

"At least someone willing to listen and understand that fish's long-ass explanation. I think she just loves hearing her own voice." The black frog rudely stated as she continued her climb and eventually settled on Gray's shoulder. She didn't seem to be bothered by the moisture on his clothes. "I will admit you're lack of ability, Rags. You took the initiative but squandered it by doing nothing afterward. If you are going to fight then fight, otherwise just hide so you don't die gawking like a fool." It was her evaluation and advice to the teenager. Other than its haughty tone, it sounded like pretty solid advice.

"Oh... fighting is not something I'm used to, but I don't think there's anything wrong with being a support member. Also, my name is Gray, Ms. Reyenne." Despite the curtness pointed toward him, Gray kept his temperate and polite attitude towards his frog companion who seemed to come off as a cranky jaded adult. He found courteous works best with those sorts of people. Though with the annoyance he heard in her exhale after he finished talking, it currently wasn't effective.

"Whatever. Can we hurry it up and just get going to the city already?" The impatient irritation in Reyenne's voice was easy to pick up on. With that statement, she seemed done communicating with the boy as she just silently laid on his shoulder without another word. Gray held back a sigh as he strained to keep a smile on his face as stared at his animal companion. His eyes eventually turned outward.

"Is everyone okay?" Gray inquired as he let his gaze slowly scroll over everyone before pausing on Conner. There was a look of concern reflected in those bright red eyes.

Eli waited just long enough to see that the bear wasn't going to stand back up anytime soon, then he hooked an arm around Noah's shoulders and let out a celebratory whoop. The bird on his head squeezed its talons a little tighter to avoid being thrown off by the sudden movement. Now that the action was over, the little pinpricks of pain from her claws was the final confirmation Eli needed to really, really realize this wasn't some shared dreamscape or alien illusion. Well, it still could be alien, but it wasn't an illusion.

"You guys did it!" He was glad everyone was alright. And if any of them was acting a little weird, it could be chalked up to the completely crazy experience, right? Eli felt Chesi's annoyed glare on him, which only compounded the slight guilt he felt at being unable to really help. But what could he have really done? Pushing a small grin to his face, Eli said, "I've got the next one. Miss... _uh, Fenghuang will help me out."

In response to that Fenghuang huffed. Her feathers poofed out a little but she didn't argue. A little respect showed to her was a good first step to getting her charge ready for the power of fire. Although truthfully, Eli hoped there wouldn't be a next one... at least anytime soon.

He dislodged himself from Noah as soon as he heard the telltale signs of retching. Poor Gray, that was never fun. That had almost been Eli earlier, though he'd managed to keep it down. It might still be if Gray started a chain reaction. Even so he crossed the distance toward Gray and put a hand on the other boy's back, a gesture that had always made himself feel better when he was sick. As soon as he recovered, Gray went on to summarize the situation for everyone - which was great because Eli had understood about half of what was explained so far.

Sensing his apprehension, Fenghuang sighed and shook her head. If she was going to be stuck with this one, she might as well help out a little. Especially if he was going to make an effort as well. She leaned froward, spreading out one of her wings to cover the faces of herself and her charge. "I'll answer any questions you have later on," she whispered. "Do as I say and you'll be fine."

She didn't mention his friends. The other mages could handle their own boys. It was unfortunate she ended up with this boy, but it was lucky for him that he'd ended up with her - the best option, surely. Fenghuang hopped into the air, gliding down to the ground and preparing to head into the city with the everyone else.

Eli blinked. He didn't know what to make of Fenghuang and the other animals, but if they had called everyone here to save their world they were probably trying to help, in a weird way. There wasn't really any reason not to trust them. Eli looked at his friends with a shrug and a small smile. Might as well follow them, right? his expression said. Although his smile started to slip when Milo finally spoke up.

It always sucked when Milo got into this state, though for none more than the the boy himself of course. Honestly it was surprising that more of them weren't freaking out. Eli was just letting everything wash over him, letting what was happening filter into his brain then right back out of it like he usually did to stay calm. Pushing stuff off and thinking about it later was kind of his specialty. So at least he was good to try and calm Milo and anyone else down. Thank god they had the whole crew though, since there were much better people among them for this kind of thing.

"Go on ahead," Eli said to the former sorcerers. The animals might be mad (they didn't all seem like the most patient bunch), but the boys could follow at a distance for something.

Conner brushed it off. “Yeah yeah, I’m fine…” Even though he was anything but fine. He really didn’t want the others prying. Especially when Milo seemed to be having a tough time as well. “Can we just get out of here? Milo’s right, having a minute to chill would be helpful.”

Chesi nodded. “Very well. I know just the place. Follow me.” The former sorceress led them through the rest of the forest, and into a bustling metropolis. The city itself was a bustling hub of activity, with creatures of all shapes and sizes going about their daily lives. Literally just casually flew past them. The architecture was unlike anything the boys had ever seen before, with buildings made of shining crystals and huge towers that reached towards the sky.

Of course, Chesi, who loved to hear herself talk, pointed out various landmarks and places of interest. Like the magical academy where sorcerers of all ages learned to hone their craft. And the library which housed all the knowledge of Arcanum. She went on and on about the city's layout and customs. She explained that the city was a melting pot of different cultures and species, each bringing their own unique traditions and customs to the mix. Of course, whether or not anyone was actually listening was anybody’s guess…

Eventually, they arrived at the Inn, a cozy establishment nestled in the heart of the city. Chesi led them inside, where they were greeted by the warm glow of lanterns and the comforting aroma of food cooking in the kitchen.

"Here we are."Chesi announced, gesturing towards the common area where several tables and chairs were arranged. "This is the Inn where you can rest and collect yourselves. Feel free to make yourselves at home."

Chesi bid them farewell, and the companions left. As they did, the boys who transformed reverted back to their human forms.

As they settled into the Inn and found themselves a table, Conner is the first to speak. “Well guys, what are we thinking? How are we feeling? I know this isn’t what… really any of us were expecting when we decided to have this trip. But I’m not gonna lie, I lowkey find this cool. And for once, I get chosen for something important instead of my annoyingly perfect sister.”

—-

Meanwhile, outside the Inn, the former sorcerers gathered around. Chesi found yet another pond to splash in. “Why did the magic of Arcanum decide to send us children?” She rubbed her temples with her fins in frustration. “They were just handed great power, and none of them can see outside of themselves!”

Gray heard Noah mention it wasn’t the beer’s fault for the queasiness in his stomach but it surely did not help him either. That statement was glossed over when Milo spoke up. Gray’s eyes snapped over him as he continued talking. It was clear his friend wasn’t doing well emotionally. Not that he was expecting anyone to just be okay with their life being thrown into turmoil like this. He was keeping calm to hopefully figure things out. The teen understood that would yield better results than freaking out. Ignoring the discomfort of his budding hangover, Gray trodded over to Milo. He made sure to give Eli, who kindly came over after he puked, a thank you for the comforting pat. Standing close to his friend, he gently patted Milo’s back similarly in an attempt to help him relax.

Gray hadn’t formulated the words he wanted to say before coming over so he thinking. Saying everything would be okay would be an irresponsible statement that he couldn’t guarantee to be true. But more truthful facts of their situations could make his anxiety worse. The pounding in his head was making formulating thoughts challenging. Just when he believed he might have something that would make Milo feel a little better, a voice arose from his shoulder.

“Ugh, so annoying...” Reyenne remarked with an exasperated groan. The black frog shifted more up on her limbs. “Whatever. Guess this is better than you mindlessly acting because someone asked you to. Just hurry up and head straight through that clearing.” She raised her right front leg toward an obvious break in trees. After that, Reyenne leaped from Gray's shoulder onto the leaf of a smaller plant, and then the ground before disappeared in the shadows of the foliage once more. Gray followed her with his eyes until she vanished in the direction the other talking creatures were heading. There was a strange twinge in his chest at her curt parting words, but he just put up as a byproduct of this unusual situation and generally just not feeling well.

————

The group ended up trailing behind their animal guides and eventually entered the city in question. There was clamoring and many strange beings around them that were definitely not human. If it weren’t for the hangover that made his head hurt, throat dry, and made him feel nauseous he might have been more interested. All he could do on their trek to their destination was hold himself together enough to not look like he was about to throw up again.

Once they separated from their guides they entered an inn other settled at a table. Still actively worried about Milo, Gray sat next to him. The aroma of food luckily didn't trigger his nausea but the background chatter of the building didn't give his headache the same luxury. Gray massaged his temple as he glanced around wondering if it would cause a problem to get water. Was the water here even safe for him to drink? Before acting on that, Conner spoke asking how everyone felt about this whole thing. He expressed excitement and honor of being chosen for some important mission. Milo agreed but also conveyed fear of the dangers that might accompany such circumstances. It was clear to Gray that his friend was overwhelmed by the situation forced upon him. He scooted closer to him as he mentioned not feeling great.

“There, there,” he cooed and patted his back like he was soothing a small child rather than his friend who was older than him. Gray needed to say something more to reassure his friend. “Even if we meet our evil counterparts, at least we are together. With the six of us, I’m positive we can make things work out.” Gray did his best to give affirmative words that he could somewhat guarantee him. They would certainly be together and watch each other back since they were close friends.

But then those two opinions remain out in front of the group, one of deep excitement about their predicament and one of conflicting feelings and worries. The gray-eyed boy reviewed their fantasy novel situation in his still throbbing head. Gray, like Conner, was also quite excited to be in this magical world. It felt similar to when he went out with Noah, that feeling of thrill of doing something he typically wouldn’t. Even the fear of injury and death didn’t dampen that exhilaration he felt. This was way better than just waiting until he was separated from everything when he went off to college. But Milo's rare unenthusiastic attitude helped to ground Gray’s thoughts. He shouldn’t be so selfishly elated by this. This was a serious predicament they were thrust into.

“To be honest… I don’t think we have much choice in this matter. I get the feeling those… talking animals are pretty desperate since their world is in danger and all. We are probably their last hope, so it is unlikely they just let us go.” The teen rationalized their situation instead of inserting his personal feelings. Gray decided it was best he stayed more impartial and calm so he could better bridge anyone else's conflicting thoughts. “Learning what we can about Arcanum and observing the situation closely will be our best bet at dealing with this.” After adding his thoughts, Gray silently rested a hand on his abdomen and waited to hear from everyone else.

——————

Reyenne decided to just stick in the shadows rather than share the pond with Chesi. She was willing to risk letting her skin dry out. The blue dolphin was still freaking talking even after the boys left them to talk among themselves. The frog was yet to be used to her excessive babbling and just moaned at her complaints. “Their reaction seems normal to me. They have no reason to care about this world or us.” Reyenne grumbled from her spot shrouded in the darkness. Her crimson red peer out created an illusion that the shadow had suddenly grown eyes and the ability to speak. “Fortunately, just like I have to deal with all this nonsense, they also have to do the same.” The cold reasoning and lack of any genuine care for anyone easily flowed out of her mouth. Her remaining in an isolated dark little spot away from the main group shows how little she enjoyed being near others.

The next morning, Conner did not sleep well at all. He was plagued with nightmares. Voices whispered doubts into his head, and he was mocked by the image of his perfect sister, and all of his friends laughing at him for his failures, especially David. He awoke, drenched in sweat, and he felt more exhausted than when he had gone to bed.

When he came downstairs, he found his friends already gathered in the common area of the Inn. The innkeeper had prepared a hearty breakfast for them.

As they ate, the companions entered the room, their expressions serious yet encouraging. The boys quickly finished their meal, sensing that something important was about to be discussed. Chesi was the first to speak. “Good morning, everyone. I hope you managed to get some rest.” She glanced at Conner, noting his tired appearance, but chose not to comment. “We have much to discuss.”

Denali spoke next. “It is time you understood the full scope of your mission. You’re arrival has been foretold. You are the chosen ones of an ancient prophecy, brought here to save Arcanum from a growing darkness that threatens to consume our world.”

Then Vlinderbelle fluttered forward. “This darkness is not just a physical entity but a corrupting force that can twist and warp both creatures and environments. Its influence has been spreading, and if left unchecked, it will engulf everything. Including your home world.”

Fenghaung spoke next. “Each of you have been granted powers connected to the elemental forces of this world. These powers are not just for combat; they are a reflection of your inner strengths and virtues. You must learn to harness them fully if you are to stand a chance against The Darkness.”

Conner felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, and spoke up. “But why us? We’re just a group of friends. Why would we be chosen to do this over anyone else”

At this point, Reyenne hopped onto the table. “The magic of Arcanum is ancient and wise. It sees potential in each of you that you may not yet see in yourselves. You were also chosen for the bond that you share. It is said that friendship is the strongest magic there is. Personally, I think that’s a load of…” Before she could finish that thought, a loud frog-like croaking noise came out instead. Reyenne shut her mouth, horrified such a sound had come out of her.

Chesi laughed at her fellow former sorcerer before continuing. “Your mission is to gather the six elemental crystals scattered across Arcanum. These crystals hold immense power and will be crucial in your final confrontation with The Darkness. Each crystal is guarded by formidable challenges, and you will need to work together to overcome them.”

Fenghuang nodded. “Remember, this journey will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine. It’s not just about defeating monsters or solving puzzles. It’s about growing into the heroes you are meant to be.”

“Luckily for all of you, you won’t have to do it alone. You’ll have us to guide you!” Vlinderbelle added.

Conner looked at all of his friends, to hear what they had to say.