The Unknown: Chapter Two

Ox slowly opened his eyes and tried to stand up, but his legs wobbled beneath him and he stayed seated. The experience had left him dazed and disoriented, and he could barely make sense of what was happening around him. A strange being approached him silently with a deep stillness.

It was an odd purple being with an eye in the middle of its forehead and waves eminating from its entire body. An energy rippling like heat rising from the ground, distorting the light that passes through it.

In one hand the being held a simple string loop with an emerald green crystal dangling from the bottom.

“Hello there,” the being said. “Do you know where you are?”

Ox shook his head, still too dizzy to speak.

He looked around, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The air was thick with an otherworldly mist, and the ground beneath him was spongy and unstable. He could hear strange noises echoing all around him, like the whispers of ghosts.

It was unlike anything he had ever seen.

“What is this place?” he asked, finally finding his voice.

The being smiled. “This is the place that connects all that is and ever was, all of time and space, the place where all things that fall through the cracks of reality end up. You, my friend, have stumbled into a very special place indeed.”

Ox felt a shiver run down his spine. He didn’t know what was going to happen next, but he knew that he was a long way from home. As he looked around at the strange landscape, he wondered if he would ever find his way back.

“Who are you?” Ox asked. “How did I get here?!”

The being paused for a moment and then ever so softly said: “My name is Oran. I am the guardian of this place.” Oran helped Ox onto his feet.

“There are many ways one can get through to the unknown. For you, the amulet you hold allowed you to travel here. Follow me. You will learn all in due time but for now, rest — you’ve had quite the journey.”