Bully For You

Below is a short story with an open ending I wrote for a Shadow Light competition. This will likely be slowly expanded on in the future.

Chapter 1: There Would Have Been a Fight

“Can someone please turn that light off? James, please, where are you?” The man said loudly as the blinding light shone down on him. Wait, where was he? The man, with eyes now opened, looked around at the small glade he was lying in, clad only in the pajamas he had worn to bed the night before. Had the cough been worse than he realized? He looked around at the pristine beauty that surrounded him and came to the conclusion that it must have. The trees looked like something from his dreams, and had he ever seen a sky so blue?

Forcing himself… no, he didn’t need the force now. There were no cracks as he stood up. His body felt great. The old spring in his step was back. A twig snapping in the distance distracted him from the changes in his body as his head shot to the side. At first, he thought what he saw was a deer, but no, the legs were all wrong. There were six of them, and he had never seen a deer with such amazing color patterning before. If he hadn’t been sure before, he was now. The cough had won. He had died, and his soul had moved to another world. Heaven was a beautiful bounty of nature. It was amazing. The air filled him with a new zeal for life.

With a giant smile plastered across his mustached face and a small regret that he didn’t have any shoes or proper clothing, he walked out of the glad into the forest. Were there any other people in this new world, or was he free to roam an untamed wilderness for as long as his heart desired? The second idea, while having some charm to it, did strike him as a bit lonely. A personal heaven for just himself could easily grow boring, and the idea of not seeing his family again when they also passed pushed even harder on that passing loneliness. For now, though, he was content to wander aimlessly. Those thoughts could wait until that boredom proved real.

At the first stream he found, he drank deeply of the cool water, finding it both familiar and strange. It reminded him of an encounter with an electric eel as the slight feel of energy tingled in his mouth with each gulp of water. It was crystal clear, and the rocks below shimmered in the midday sun. He wanted more. He drank deeply of the water, soaking his face, but the more he drank, the better his body felt. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so good. Before the Brazilian expedition, at the very least, he was sure of that much.

“Hey, you, who said you could drink from that water? How did you even get in here?” a voice called out from behind the man, startling him out of his thoughts. He spun around and spotted the questioner, a young man dressed like a factory worker and carrying a large bag. So he wasn’t alone. Perhaps this wasn’t heaven after all. A reprimand didn’t fit his vision of such a place.

“Apologies, I honestly have no recollection of how I came to be here or even where here is. Perhaps you could help me with that?” the man asked, giving the newcomer a confused but gentle smile.

“Really, another one? Why do we always get the drunks from the baron’s parties?” the new man replied, shaking his head with annoyance as he walked closer.

“I assure you I’m not drunk, mostly just lost,” the first man said, deciding it best to be honest and try to get some information about his location. Wherever he had found himself, the man hadn’t recognized him, which hadn’t happened to him in a long time. So not heaven, but also probably not anywhere near his home. So where was he, and what was happening? 

“Just follow me, I’ll take you to the boss. He can figure out what to do with you,” the younger man replied, gesturing his hand in a way that may have meant to follow him before turning and walking away. Deciding that was likely what had been meant by the sign, the older man followed him deeper into the trees. It wasn’t like he had anything in mind.

They walked in silence for several minutes before a small building came into view in the distance. It was half log cabin, half brick; the construction was fascinating, and the older man was sure he had never seen anything quite like it. For one thing, he had no idea how one of the upper floors was suspended above the building. He couldn’t see anything holding it up. The cry of a bird caught his attention, breaking him from the study of the building’s architecture. He looked up and saw yet another amazing sight. The noise hadn’t come from any bird he had ever seen before, certainly not one that existed on Earth. Far above him, a wondrous giant sparkled, its colors shifting from purple to green as it soared across the skies. 

The colors nearly brought tears to his eyes. That was an animal whose majesty did not exist as far as he knew, and yet his eyes weren’t lying to him. Finally, the fanciful thought he had been considering of another world cemented in his brain. He truly had left his home.

“Yeah, she’s amazing, isn’t she? We think she’s nesting,” the younger man said.

“Amazing doesn’t begin to describe her. I’ve never seen her like,” the older man replied.

“Yeah, and you likely won’t again. Nate, who the hell is this?” a new gruff voice yelled as a large man emerged from the front door of the building. Was he even human? Unline the younger man he was covered in fur and had two large fangs protruding behind an angry scowl.

“Sorry, Tom, found him drinking from one of the charged streams. He asked me where he was, so I’m guessing just another drunken, unwanted guest who was left to die out here,” Nate replied matter-of-factly.

“Point of order, I don’t think I was left to die by anyone, and I’m certainly not drunk. I just don’t know where I am or how I came to be here,” the older man replied.

“Yeah, and just who are you then?” Tom asked, moving closer, his glare intensifying as he spoke.

“Theodore Roosevelt, twenty-sixth president of the United States, twenty-fifth vice president, thirty-third governor of New York, and holder of a Nobel Peace Prize. Though my friends call me Teddy,” the man’s boasts were accompanied by a beaming smile. He felt no fear in his man’s presence, only excitement.

Chapter 2: Big Sticks

“The United, what now?” Tom asked, looking at Teddy confused.

“That response is enough for me to be sure. I suppose where I’m from is now mostly irrelevant, but this is clearly not the world of my birth, and while it is absolutely amazing, I have no idea how I got here,” Teddy answered.

“Oh, that’s a problem,” Tom said, his glare entirely gone, replaced by a look of worry.

“Uh, now I’m lost,” Nate said, his head swiveling between the two.

“Teddy here is an outworlder, and since he appeared in the sanctuary here, that means he was summoned,” Tom answered.

“Fascinating, who summoned me?” Teddy asked, his smile somehow having grown bigger.

“The spectral phoenix,” he answered, sighing loudly afterward.

“Wait, so the legends are true. Spectral phoenixes can do things like that?” Nate asked, his eyes going wide.

“Well, not entirely, I don’t think, but honestly couldn’t tell you for sure. We do know she’s nesting, and we have some proof standing right here to suggest it is,” Tom answered.

“Why would she summon me here? Not that I’m complaining exactly, I feel twenty years younger,” Teddy asked, giving his legs a big stretch to test just how good he felt. All the old pains were still gone.

“Understand what I’m about to tell you could be entirely a myth, as there aren’t enough of these great birds left to be sure. She and her mate may be the last two. But A spectral phoenix has always been seen as a harbinger of great change, and a lot of people historically have hunted them, blaming them for anything from bad weather to trying to hold onto their crumbling throne. But there are some legends that claim a spectral phoenix can sometimes commune with their entire bloodline to see what’s needed to protect their young,” Tom answered, looking Teddy up and down as he did.

“Yes, I can understand wanting to protect your kids, doubly so if you’re nearly extinct, but that doesn’t really explain how I got here. Not that I’m sure the how is really that important,” Teddy said, his smile turning serious. Had he really been brought here to defend that mother bird from poachers?

“I don’t know, but you don’t seem like one of the guests turned victims of the baron. The fact you believe to know your past and name certainly suggests an outworlder,” Tom answered.

“A better question, I suppose then, where exactly am I?” Teddy asked the need to know, finally pushing it to the front of his mind.

“You’re in the Last Refuge Sanctuary on the plane, Grelemia,” Tom answered, some anger returning to his voice. Curious, what had caused that? Teddy hadn’t intended the question to be offensive, only informative.

“Isn’t it Holmenian now?” Nate asked nervously.

“It’s been Grelemia since long before that asshole got here, and I sure as hell aren’t about to change it now. I don’t care what he wants,” Tom said.

A loud cough brought their attention to a newcomer standing on the path from the front of the house. “I’m sure I could pretend I hadn’t heard that, Tom. For the right amount, of course,” they said. The new figure reminded Teddy of a frog. It had large bulbous eyes and green flesh. It was the strangest sight he had seen so far.

“Blurst, you worthless piece of shit, I told you if I ever saw you on the grounds again what would happen!” Tom roared, starting to barrel forward.

“Yes, and that’s why I brought some extra muscle this time. Boys back here!” Blurst yelled, which was immediately followed by two very large bear-like people joining him on the path toward Teddy and his new acquaintances.

Teddy wasn’t entirely sure what was going on now, but from the demeanor of the newest people, he had a feeling which side he should be on. He gave his body another big stretch before looking around for a weapon. The large stick nearby seemed the perfect choice, and ignoring the continued shouts of the bear-men, he walked over and picked it up. It felt right in his hand somehow. More natural than any other club he had held in the past. That was something he’d have to examine later, though, as Tom and the bear-men were nearly at blows.

“Gentlemen, I strongly suggest you back away from Tom. He’s been kind enough to help me thus far, and I would be remiss if I allowed anyone to lay their hands on him,” Teddy ordered them, perfect calm in his voice despite the firmness of it. Blurst started laughing.

“Pardon me if a man in those ridiculous clothes holding a stick doesn’t strike any fear into my heart,” Blurst said through the laughter.

Teddy just smiled in response as he walked forward, testing a gentle swing of the stick and feeling something even stranger as he did. The earlier connection seemed to grow as he swung it. There was something deep inside him flowing into it. It was like a dam had broken inside him as the energy rushed throughout his body, invigorating him and filling him with a new sense of purpose. There was a voice behind that that flow, but it seemed distant. “Theodore, find me.” were the only words he could make out.

That would be a mystery for later. Today, it was time for a brawl. “Here’s the deal, gentlemen. Once I knock you down, stay down, and we can discuss the terms of your surrender,” Teddy said.

“What a fo-” Blurst started before a swing of the stick crashed into one of his men. Mid swing, it glued a brilliant blue, with the final impact sizzling as the first of the bear-men fell to the ground.

That was new. Was that the energy he felt? Teddy didn’t dwell on it as the other creature slashed out with his own clawed hands, forcing him to sidestep before giving another devastating swing of the stick, hitting the second bear-man in the shoulder. This time, this one didn’t drop as easily as its partner, but a swift, hard kick to its chest knocked it backward, giving Teddy room for another swing before it could slash back.

“Try not to kill them. They likely only took Blurst’s money to feed their families. They’re desperate fools, not evil,” Tom called, causing Teddy to pull his swing slightly. He understood that sometimes you had to do unsavory things to secure the future of your children. They mattered more than anything. The weaker blow was still enough to knock his second opponent to the ground.

As he turned back to face the final member of the trio, he found the coward had already begun to flee. It came as no surprise to Teddy. He had already taken the measure of the man and found him wanting, but leaving his own men behind like this was still something Teddy found utterly deplorable. He reached his hand down to the nearest bear-man, offering it in a gesture of camaraderie. The fight was over, after all. Now was the time for food and talk. “Good fight,” he said with his arm outstretched, still smiling.

“Uh, thanks, I think,” the bear-man responded, grabbing Teddy’s arm. He easily helped the man back to his feet and repeated the same with the other.

Chapter 3: Sometimes, We Vary Our Diet

“I can respect a man that knows when they are beaten. Tom, would it be possible for all of us to share a meal while I ask the flurry of questions that have begun to plague my mind? I’m sure I can find some way to repay the hospitality,” Teddy asked, turning back to the gruff man.

“Buddy, you already did more than repay it, though there’s probably going to be hell to pay for this show of force. But it had to happen eventually, and there ain’t anything we can do about it now. So yeah, let’s everyone go inside and get something to eat. Sarah should have some lunch prepared, and you two idiots can tell me how you let Blurst convince you this was a good idea,” Tom said, glaring at the two bear-men.

“You know why. What the hell else are we supposed to do?” one of the bear-men said.

Tom sighed loudly before responding. “Yeah, I know, and it’s getting close to the time we have to figure that out. That new baron of ours has made himself a real problem, hasn’t he?”

There were several nods of approval to Tom’s question, but Teddy didn’t know enough to be able to agree. He suspected anyone calling themselves a baron would likely be a problem in itself, but he wanted more information before he committed. Blurst, though, was another tally against the figure. So for now he kept his mouth shut and his eyes peeled as he followed Tom inside the strange building, past several small chambers full of odd creatures until they reached a door to the back room labeled ‘Employees Only.’ Inside the room were several tables and chairs.

“Grab a seat. I’ll get some food. Please don’t start another fight either, you two,” Nate said, looking at the bear-men, who both looked surprisingly guilty at the request.

“So, I feel as though I’ve joined a story halfway into the telling, if that makes any sense. I understand many of the words you’ve said to me, but the contexts in which to place them seem entirely indecipherable,” Teddy said as he sat down.

“Yeah, that can happen, not that I’ve really met an outworlder before, I’ve heard some stories, though, and it looks like at least one of them is true. That stream Nate found you drinking from certainly left an imprint on you,” Tom replied as he too, sat down.

“Is that where the weird energy I feel is coming from? Is it also the cause of the voice?” Teddy asked, remembering the strange call to find someone.

“The energy, yes, the voice, that I don’t know. What did it say?” Tom asked, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Teddy.

“It called to me by name and asked me to find it,” he answered, entirely unphased by the bigger man’s expression.

“I believe that may be the missing puzzle piece in the answer to who summoned you here, but I don’t know the owner of the voice. The spectral phoenix should only be able to understand their danger, not bring you here. This makes me think they found some help. Who that help could be though, I don’t know. But going back to the energy, those streams in the sanctuary aren’t generally safe for anyone besides mana beasts to drink from. This actually should have been Nate’s first clue you weren’t one of the baron’s. When otherworlders get a dose of mana-charged water, it tends to kickstart a reaction inside their bodies. I’m no expert on that path myself, but you’ve now taken the first steps,” Tom explained.

“I have no idea what that means,” Teddy said, smelling something tantalizing, entering the room, as a woman resembling Tom’s build dropped a plate of steaming food in front of him. He couldn’t identify any of it, but the smell was enough to push past any worry he had in eating it.

“Yes, there won’t be many on this plane able to teach you, I’m afraid. The new baron is supposedly on the path, but that’s a whole other problem,” Tom replied, his own plate being placed in front of him.

“I gathered as much from some of the words you’ve all said. I’m not big on tyrants, so would you please enlighten me more on this baron?” Teddy asked, grabbing what looked like a large fork, and started to dig in after the question.

“So this plane was created a very long time ago with the purpose of protecting mana beasts throughout the cosmos. It fulfilled that goal well enough for a long time, but it eventually fell into disuse. My father started working on putting this sanctuary back together about fifty years ago. After he started actually getting a foothold on organizing it all, others began showing up with their own projects. That was all fine for the most part. The real problem started when we apparently got big enough to attract the wrong kind of attention-.” Tom started to explain before Sarah cut him off.

“Yes, what my dear brother is trying to say is one of the lordlings realized there was a perfect place full of all kinds of resources without anyone ruling it, and came and took it for their own,” She said angrily.

“Our dad left a couple of years back to try and get some help with this, but, considering how long he’s been gone, well, you understand, I assume,” Tom said. Teddy could read between the lines. Something had happened to the man, and it wasn’t likely he was still alive. That was another mark against this baron.

“Which brings me to you two. Torne, Pel, how could you ever work for such a man?!” Sarah said, her anger blossoming into a rage.

“Lads, I heard what you said outside, and I have an offer to make you both. I know I’m new to this world, but I’m going to need a few guides to learn about life here and a couple of sparring partners as well since I seem to have gained a few new skills,” Teddy said, smiling to bear-men.

“I don’t see what we get out of that trade,” one of them said.

“Oh, that’s an easy answer. We clearly have a baron that needs to be deposed, and you two will be the first members of the group I’m forming to do that,” he answered.

“Look, as much as I appreciate the offer of help. I’m not sure you understand what you’re getting into here,” Tom said.

“True, my knowledge of your military, the stocks, supplies, and even the terrain is near nonexistent, but this will be far from the first battle I’ve led. Tell me what exactly does this baron want out of you anyway?” Teddy answered and followed up with another question.

“There is a reason so many mana beasts are as endangered as they are. Their cores can be used to greatly enhance anyone on their path, especially those who haven’t formed their first core stage yet,” Tom answered.

“Okay, so overhunting, that is a problem I can understand. The path and cores I’m still a bit lost on that one. But I know a thing or two about conservation, and I also know a thing or two about people like your baron,” Teddy replied.

“I’m starting to see why at least you were the one who was summoned, even if we still don’t know the beast responsible. So tell me, how do you propose we deal with our problem?” Tom asked.

“Ultimately, in any sort of undertaking like this, it requires the support of the people. What I propose boils down to a pretty simple idea. Speak softly and carry a big stick,” he answered to the curious stares of everyone present.

Chapter 4: Not Quite a Bull Moose

When he had explained to the gathered people his big stick principles, he wasn’t entirely sure they understood it, but as Torne and Pel had decided they preferred being on his side more than the alternative, they had left to go see what kind of support could be drummed up. This was a couple of weeks ago, and so far, people had been trickling in to meet him and see who had managed to impress those two so much. Teddy didn’t fully know what to make of this new world. The idea of it being some sort of heaven had mostly left him; it just seemed like a new world full of its own problems.

The bear-men had proved surprisingly reliable sparring partners as well, not that he could consistently get the energy to spring forth from the stick in quite the same manner he had initially. Still, he learned how to reasonably feel when it was coming, even if he had little control of it. Plus, there was the fact that he hadn’t been in a boxing match in years, and while his brain still knew how to do it, his muscles needed some catch-up.

There was also the fact that his body had changed so much from what it had been in the last years of his declining health. He was nearly sure he could row with the best of them again. That was why he had volunteered to join Tom and Nate today on a chore deep into the forests. Apparently, there was a heard of mana beast in the area, and they wanted to count the young.

“Every creature in here is some sort of mana beast, you say?” Teddy asked as they passed a small squirrel-like animal. Unlike the squirrels he was used to, it was covered in a rainbow of colors and seemed able to hover off the ground like a hummingbird. He had no idea how it could do that, as it had no wings to speak of, but that sight alone had made this trek worth it.

“For the most part, there are some mundane creatures, but the exposure to the levels of energy in these forests tends to change them over the long term. That isn’t the goal, of course, just an interesting side effect,” Nate explained. 

From what Teddy had managed to pick from Nate’s brain since he arrived, this new world he was in was part of a grand tapestry of worlds that somehow all fit together. Nate called it the weave but stressed that others had different names for it. That was just what his dad had called it. The thrill of exploring this new land had dug deep into him. As had the recurring dreams. The voice that he had heard when he first experienced the strange energy burst kept calling to him, and he had no idea who it belonged to or where to find them.

“In my old life, I was quite the naturalist. Did you know I even had a pet badger? Sadly, he was a biter,” Teddy said as they continued their walk.

“I imagine so, though I’m shocked you lived through it. Never seen a badger, only nip at someone. Those things try to swallow people in a single gulp,” Nate replied, reminding Teddy that the animal names he was used to seemed to have much different meanings here. That was another thing he didn’t understand: the common language they seemed to speak. Tom hadn’t even understood the question when he asked he asked it, and he gave up trying for an answer and just assumed it was a trick of the magic of the place.

“Shh, the herd is up ahead,” Tom whispered from in front of them. Teddy and Nate slowly crept closer to the lead keeper of the sanctuary to look at what he had spotted. In the distance were dozens of the same creature Teddy had seen alone soon after he first woke up here. The same deer-like creatures, with too many legs, though he now realized what he had seen before was a juvenile as the buck of the herd was bigger than any moose he had ever seen.

“Do the young generally venture off alone?” Teddy asked, keeping his voice as low as Tom had.

“No, why?” Tom replied, sounding concerned.

“When I first woke up, I saw one of them roaming the forest entirely alone. There was no sign of a herd like this,” he answered back, now understanding the man’s concern. If they were trying to track herd growth, a lost fawn could be a problem.

“Strange, but the good news is the herd is growing. It’s double the size it was last year. Damn, the bull saw us,” Tom swore quietly as the largest of the herd began to trot toward them.

“You, two-legged, you are not of this world. Why do you smell of my herd?” a deep voice rumbled.

Confusing Teddy, no one else seemed to react to the voice, prompting him to question them. “Uh, did anyone else hear that?”

“Hear what? Did he speak to you?” Tom asked, now excited.

“I think so?” Teddy answered, somewhat shocked. He had never had a moose speak to him before.

“I did speak to you. Why do you smell of my herd?” the voice asked again.

“I don’t know. Well, no, maybe I do. I came across a fawn when I first awoke in your forests, but that was weeks ago,” Teddy answered out loud, drawing stares from Nate and Tom. Tom’s stare strangely came with a smile. The man looked happy at this turn of events.

“You’ve seen the lost one? Come two-legged, we must find him. Can I trust your keeper friends to protect my herd while we search?” the voice that Teddy was now sure was the bull of the herd asked.

“Yes. Tom, this fine man wishes me to accompany him in search of his lost child. He says he’s trusting the care of the herd to you until we return,” Teddy said, standing up from his crouch and walking out of the cover to the animal as he spoke. As Teddy approached, it lowered its head. Assuming that meant he was welcome to climb onto its back, he pulled himself up. It had been a long time since he last rode a moose, but the feeling came right back to him.

“What are you called two-legged?” The animal asked as Teddy settled onto its back.

“Friends call me Teddy, how about you six-legged?” Teddy asked back, laughing lightly, not sure the animal would appreciate the comment.

“I am Wide Antler, son of Tree Rammer. Now tell me where you saw my child,” Wide Antler ordered.

“I’m not sure how to do that, but as your voice is just in my head, at least I assume it is. Would it work if I thought hard of the spot I saw him?” Teddy asked, hoping it would because he didn’t have any other idea on how to track him.

“Yes, that will work,” Wide Antler answered, and just as Teddy did that, the animal took off faster than any horse he had ever rode deep into the trees, easily maneuvering between them. The sights around him flew by so quickly that he had no time to appreciate them beyond the faintest of glimpses, but what he caught continued to impress him.

Finally, Wide Antler skidded to a stop near the stream where Teddy had first drunk and let out an ear-deafening cry. Seconds later, a smaller version of Teddy’s mount walked out of the trees, its head slunk low. “Looks like we found him,” Teddy said.

“We did, thank you, Teddy. I am not sure I’d have found him before something horrible had befallen him without your help. As far as my authority may grant you, let it be known I approve of you within our lands. Now come, son, we must get this man back to his comrades and check on the herd,” Wide Antler said as he turned back the way they had come.

Chapter 5: A Tyranny of Privilege

The return trip to the keepers had been much slower as Wide Antler had made sure to keep the fawn in sight at all times, making Teddy understand why the animal had wanted them to watch his herd while he was gone. He had initially been confused about the need, given the animal’s speed. They found the herd safe and fully counted on their arrival. Teddy thanked the animal for the trip and was thanked in return for his assistance.

Tom’s reason for the smile became apparent during their walk back to the lodge. Tom had explained that his father had also been able to commune with the mana beasts, and to be given any of their approval as Teddy had been was a great honor. 

“Any idea why I am able to do it though?” Teddy asked as they neared the lodge.

“In your case, I expect it is part of the nature of your summoning. Still having the dreams?” Tom asked, looking back at the smaller man.

“I am. I wish I knew how to find the voice,” Teddy replied. So far the dreams had all been the same message. He had no idea if that would ever be enough to discover the owner.

“Well-,” Tom started before noise in the distance coming from the lodge grabbed all of their attention. There were several angry yells, but they were too far away to make them out.

“Something’s wrong,” Teddy said. He knew what that kind of commotion meant. There were far too many people gathered at the lodge for anything normal. Following his declaration, he broke into a run back to his new home, worried about what he was going to learn. He heard Tom and Nate’s footfalls behind him.

“About damned time you three returned,” Sarah said as they neared her. There were dozens of people gathered on the ground, moving about like angry bees. What had they missed?

“What’s going on?” Tom asked as his head scanned the crowd.

“Blurst took the pligs. Apparently, the baron was tired of waiting for us to give him a mana beast and decided to take his own,” Sarah answered, her voice full of simmering rage.

“What, when?” Tom said, the anger having infected voice as well.

“A couple of hours ago, but I don’t know what to do. The baron has those two guards, and you know they are both supposedly initiates just like him,” Torne answered. His ears were drooped down, matching the fear in his voice.

“How many men does this baron have in total?” Teddy asked. He had never had reason to get a full count before now, but now he was angry. He had met those cute little animals. They reminded him of guinea pigs. In no world was he going to stand around while they were slaughtered so some petty tyrant could become slightly stronger.

“I’ve seen a few guards. Just the two initiates, though, probably a couple of dozen house staff and Blurst,” Tom answered, standing tall beside Teddy.

“Well, correct me if my count is off, but I see at least fifty of you good folk, and there is something to be said for numbers when dealing with a problem like this. So why don’t you all grab a nice club or pitchfork because it’s time I met this baron and informed him of our grievances,” Teddy said, putting every bit of charisma he could into his smile. The cheers he received back told him it had worked. Immediately, people were scattering in search of weapons while he grabbed his own nearby stick.

Soon, Teddy had a marching group of angry people behind him and Tom at his side, guiding them down the path. Not that there were many turns to take, and within half an hour, the monstrosity of a castle came into view. Their new baron had chosen to place it on a hill, it seemed, likely to make sure everyone had to see it. Teddy was sure he had the measure of the man now.

“Who do you peasants think you are? Do you really think I would let the rabble approach my home uncontested?” a voice yelled as they neared the building. It belonged to an oddly thin man who could just almost pass for a human if it wasn’t for the pointed ears. He was flanked by six guards, two of them standing toward the front had glowing swords drawn.

“They are here to reclaim their animals. I’m here to make sure they stay safe doing it. I’m willing to give you this one chance to stand down!” Teddy yelled back, focusing his stare into the eyes of the other man.

“And if I don’t?” The baron replied, taking a step forward past his guards.

“Then I will be forced to challenge you to a fight. Are you at least that much of a man of honor?” Teddy said, his words dripping with anger. The fact that his pathetic man had dared to steal such endangered mana beasts had pushed him past the point of calmness now that he had actually seen him in the flesh. It was everything he could do just to hold to the proper manners.

“You’re a fool, but yes, I accept,” the baron replied, drawing a sword and stepping forward. Teddy matched his step, bringing only his stick. Had he not felt the energy coursing through him in the same way strong manner he had in his first fight on this world, the presence of the sword would have worried him. Instead, he just found it another insult.

He reached out his hand for a handshake and was greeted by a swing of the sword. It wasn’t unexpected, but it was also the final insult Teddy would allow the man to bestow upon him. He yanked his arm back, barely avoiding the blade, and swung out his other arm with the stick, feeling that same strange energy crackle through his arm into his weapon. The baron stepped backward, his own sword beginning to glow, but even curiouser, the stick grew in length until Teddy’s swing crashed into his opponent with a loud boom. Sparks of blue energy flashed from the impact as the baron crumpled to the ground. The single blow had apparently been all it took. Teddy found himself disappointed. 

“Get up,” Teddy said, looking down at the man in disgust. Two of the guards stepped forward, looking ready to engage him. “Do you really think that’s a good idea after seeing that fight?” Teddy said in response. Immediately, they stopped at this question.

Tom took a step forward and spoke. “My friend Theodore, who, as you can see, also walks the path like your baron, has beaten him in what I find hard to call a fair duel, but a duel nonetheless. Now, before I lose control of the angry people behind me, it is time for all of you to collect your baron and leave this plane. Find somewhere you are more welcome.” These words left his mouth in an angry snarl.

“Fine, I accept my defeat, but I promise you this isn’t the end,” the former baron said, pushing himself to his feet.

Cheers of celebration went up from the crowd at his words. Within the hour, all of the unwelcome residents, Blurst included, had been shuffled off through a strange door in the castle. Tom had explained it led to a waypoint between the worlds, and they would find their way to a new home from there. That night, once all the pligs were safely back in their enclosure, the residents of the Last Refuge Sanctuary celebrated their victory and their strange new ally. 

Epilogue: A Dream of Tomorrows

As Teddy lay in his bed, dreaming peacefully after the night's events, the voice came to him yet again. This time, though, it was different. It was clear, and it had a form. Before him stood something he had only ever seen in a museum. And even that had just been bones strung together. The voice belonged to a tyrannosaurus rex.

“Theodore, can you see me?” the dinosaur asked.

“I can,” he answered, in awe of its presence.

“Good, then take my gift of these dreams and understand why we called you forth,” it replied.

The dinosaur disappeared, and for the rest of the night, Teddy’s mind jumped through a myriad of dreams: great lonely beasts, some the last of their kind, others searching for lost family, and some still guarding over the places of their birth.

The next morning he awoke with the question of the voice finally answered in his mind. That sense of purpose he had felt the first day was now stronger than ever. He would find these mana beasts and learn their secrets.