The sound of birds and the wind whistling was the first thing I noticed while hung-over and half asleep, followed by the sensation of a bright light shining down upon my face giving me a sense of warmth. Then, as the warm air blew the smell of flowers towards me, I continued lying there; I began to think to myself, “Dale, you've done it again, you must have left the window open this morning. This is getting old, and why do I always feel so cold? I need to buy better blankets."

I began to yawn a little, stretching, and while I was still laid down, I then started to wipe away the sleep from my eyes. Rocking my hands back and forth across my eyes, it was then I picked up on something, I could hear the noises of strange animals and birds chirping. The noise was annoying, so I began to roll over, and that was when I noticed something was off.

I was not in a bed, and I was lying in the dirt. I could smell the dust and the mud. I began to run my hands along with the dirt then the oddest sight met me when I finally decided to open my eyes. A sight I had never seen before in my life; ‘What the hell is that?’

Besides my face, crawling through the mud and dirt was a strange insect that was teal and green. It had a long stick-like appearance and just slithered along until it noticed me staring down at it; it looked at me, and I at it. I quickly started to sit up before it jolted off. Wiping my eyes once again. ‘This must be a dream.’

However, once I opened my eyes fully, I was left in utter shock. I saw the giant pine-like trees in a green orangish field. ‘Where am I?’

I started to stand and take in my surroundings. In front of me were various dirt paths leading off in different directions and strange plants and trees. I thought, “This had to be some crazy dream.”

Assuming it was, I then began to close my eyes roll over and lay back down on the dirt, hoping the next time I woke up would be in my bed. Yawning while doing those casual morning things;

‘Something isn't right.' I quickly shoot back up once I felt my lower waist I was no longer in my pyjamas. Is this a scarf on me? Also what is this?

Now at that moment, I knew something was off. I never slept in clothing or even owned a scarf. Once I was awake, thing’s started to click in my head. If I was dressed, I was no longer in my house I must be outside. ‘Please let this just be a dream!’

I continued to tell myself ’ “It’s just a dream, Dale. Calm down.” But the more I looked around, the more I felt like I was not asleep or in a dream. It seemed as if I was no longer in my cozy little apartment at all. Finally, understanding the situation I was in, I let out, “I must have been taken away in the night!” Now I frantically began looking around, trying to spot someone to help, as thoughts began to race my mind, frightening thoughts; ‘I am going to die. I was kidnapped! I was clueless as to where I was or what to do.’

All I knew was I was alone. Worried, I began to think of the only logical explanation; putting my hands together one over the other, I thought to myself, “I know I was late on last month's rent, and the landlady said next time I am out. But seriously? Did they have to throw me outside the city? I could die! What day is it even?! I could have sworn it was not the end of the month yet.”

Just then, I remembered about my cellphone. I always carried my phone on me, and I began to reach down into my pocket to grab it, but the phone I always kept in my right pocket was gone. Without that, I quickly realized I did not even have a GPS, and with no maps, I had zero clues where I was dragged off and where I would need to walk to get home. In fact, everything I owned was mysteriously gone, and it was at this time I frantically began to pat all of my pockets in an attempt to feel my keys or wallet, but everything I owned was gone. This could not get any worst.

With my head hung low, I felt the feeling of being hopeless start to settle in. There was a cold shiver I felt run down my spine as I began looking up into the sky’s sun; it may have been a summer's day, but in my mind, it was cold -50. Without a clue as to where I was, I was clearly lost. It was at that moment I could not help but scream out at the top of my lungs, “This sucks, fuck everything!”

After I let out my anger, I covered my face and hung my head low again. I tried to formulate a plan in my head with my hands in my pockets, but I had nothing. I also knew no one. The only friend I had to rely on outside of video games was the friendly wind that was casually blowing in the background, making that familiar whistling noise I came to know all so well.

I had no money, no phone, with no idea where I was, or even which way I had to go to get back to the city. So I could not do anything but pick a path, walk in that direction, and hope to find someone to help me.

Closing my eyes with my hands in my pockets, I started to walk. But it was at this moment, and a menu popped into my vision. Something like a video game’s text, and before it could show me anything useful, it was gone as fast as it showed up. Nevertheless, the menu looked familiar as I began thinking to myself, “Was that a menu?” ‘It couldn’t be.’

The menu oddly looked like the ones from the World of Gepots in-game menu, but I could have sworn I was awake outside in a strange field and not in a game. I started scanning my surroundings for a sign of anyone. Then suddenly I could see a large group of people in the distance. Pondering whether to walk over there and say hello or walk the other way, I could not decide which direction to go as my mind began to do some mental gymnastics.

First, I began to argue with myself if they were friendly mentally. Next, I made good points about maybe they could help me get home or tell me where I was. Finally, I decided to investigate the group of people in the distance; when I started to run, I heard the noise of metal clashing back and forth. This noise caused me to be alarmed, and I thought someone was behind me. As I quickly turned around to see who was there.

Once I noticed nobody was behind me, this caused me to look down at my arms, chest and feet, which were the culprits. There was cloth-like armour on my hands and feet, which confused me deeply as it had a hint of similarities to something I used to use as in a game armour for a demon I used to play as. Turning and spinning around on the spot, I began examining every inch of my body as I began to look down, up, right and left; that was when I felt whatever situation I was in, I was in over my head. Not only was I wearing armour, but I also was wearing black pants that had red cuffs on them with a matching red belt around my waist, which was what I felt earlier. The more I looked at the boots, pants, and armour I was wearing, the more they began to look awfully familiar to a set Azurith used in The World Of Gepot. Then, with that sinking feeling in my gut, I started to feel sick, almost as if I was going to throw up. But I pulled myself together and headed in the direction of the people.

The more I examined my body along the way. The more things did not make sense. I turned all of my attention to my arms and chest now. I started noticing they weren’t the same skinny arms and scrawny chest as I had before. I must have somehow gained 20 or 30 LBS. I was a lot bigger. “I did not remember being this big.” I thought to myself, as every part of me felt different, I could begin to feel a weight difference with each step I took. I could not help but think in light of all this new information, 'This looks exactly like my character Azurith's armour from Gepot. What the hell is going on here?!'

Looking at my hands, I began to shake after noticing on my fingers were fancy ornate rings that looked priceless. The first ring I saw was on my index finger. It was a bright purple gemmed ring with a silver band on it. Followed by a blue gem-coloured stone on my pointer with some diamond on each of my index fingers. Finally, on my thumb, there was a yellow gold band.

The more I tried to think of a reasonable explanation, my head hurt. I personally did not own any rings or armour. Trying to put everything together in my head was doing some serious harm. The more I thought about what was happening to me, the more my head hurt. Everything began to look off or different though, be it slightly, be it the tree’s or even the sky’s blue something was off with all the surroundings like the grass. What was I wearing?

I cried out in my head. The more I tried to picture what was happening to me, the more confused I was becoming before finally coming to the only logical conclusion that made sense. ‘This must be a very clever prank...Though I don't have many friends or any, in fact, no one has my apartment key.’

I continued walking down the path making all kinds of weird gestures. Not entirely sure where I exactly was. Nevertheless, I could see the men now walking over towards me in the distance, which was relieving. The more I walked around, the more I looked around, and much time had passed since I began. I noticed no telephone towers, power poles, or signs of modern civilization while I was exploring where I was. ‘This is so confusing, and I should have seen something by now. I am so hungry, and I feel sick.’

But the feeling waved as the air smelt fresh compared to the damp city I was used to living in as the fragrance blew the scent of lavender and citrus carried past me.

': Dale lived in a huge industrial city.:.'

While I walked around this unknown area, the scenery I saw was beginning to remind me of being outside the city in the countryside, which was pleasant. There were a lot of different types of bushes and trees though none looked familiar. Finally, I reached the group of men who were walking towards me. But when I was within shouting distance, I could see they did not have clothing on but instead wore armour. I also noticed the men were carrying large swords with them on their backs; as I casually smiled, I heard one of the men yell at me, “State your purpose on our land, foul beast.” ‘Wait, what me foul beast?’ Confused, I turned to answer the man and replied, “Excuse me? I am lost. Could you show me the way back to the city?”

The group of men began to walk over towards me and form a circle around me, and then one of the men shoved me back a little while, saying, “You aren’t going anywhere, kid.” I tried backing up, but then I bumped into a man standing behind me, and before I could escape, he grabbed me by my arms. I tried to resist pushing and shoving, but I was suddenly struck in the right eye with a fist followed by a knee to the stomach. I felt the air leave my body as I gasped for air and fell to the floor. When I fell, I could feel the group of men kicking and stomping on me for several minutes until they finally stopped and left me in a bloody pool of my own blood.

I was unable to move more than a crawl as I continued to feel the boots of the men stomping on my head and ribs. It was around this time, I thought, “I am going to die.” I began to think of these awful thoughts as they were the only comforting thing to think about here in this strange place. So here I was going to die lying on the side of the road face down in the dirt all by myself. ‘Fitting end.’

Then out of nowhere, I could hear a girl's voice shouting at the men, dazed and confused; I listen as the voice grew louder. I thought I was dreaming as I began to slip in and out of consciousness, but I clearly heard one as she went on to scream towards the men, who then quickly scattered away. Finally, I could feel the strikes and stomping come to an end. Then I could hear she started to speak once they left with whoever she was with when she was standing above me, “Is he alive?"

I could feel the woman grabbed my hand and then with one motion she spun me over, but all I could see was red as the blood ran down my forehead into my eyes, whoever she was, she started to speak again, "This guy must not be too intelligent to get wrapped up in bandit attacks.”

I could hear another woman, though I did not understand what they meant by “Bandits” go on to say, “Jacosta.” Nevertheless, I continued to listen in a daze as she replied to the mysterious voice while I lied in the dirt motionless; she said to the person she was with,

“Sister, he must not be from around here, also look at him. He has horns on his head. This man clearly is a Demon.”

Upon hearing that word, "Demon," Confused. I did my best to turn over to face the people talking to me. With every ounce of strength I had left in my body; I turned upright, now looking up at the sky, which was so bright I could not see them. The only thing I could see was an orange light from the sun that it was giving off, and with every bit of sincerity I had, I shouted, “Please don’t hurt me!! I don't want to die!!! Take whatever you want.”

As my vision returned temporarily, I clearly saw the figure of two women now looking down towards me, then next they began looking at each other before looking down at me once more while I was lying on the road pleading for my life. Finally, the first woman who spoke earlier started putting her boot on my chest, which almost caused me to throw up, and asked me, “What is your name, Demon?”

Thoughts were racing through my head now as my life flashed before my eyes. I’ve never been so scared I started thinking.

'So, this is it; this is how I die. Why does she keep going on with this Demon nonsense? Am I already dead? Or still out of it in-like some dreaming-like state? How do I answer this my name? Demon? I don't know how to respond. I must be delirious. Did I hear her right? I still am not sure what is even going on here, let alone where I am. This must be an awful dream. I cant play this game right now.’

Incoherent and making no sense. I was panicking. The only thing leaving my mouth was gibberish before I mustered up the words,

“I must be sleeping. There is no way I am a Demon. I am a human being.”

Now passing in and out completely utterly helpless, there I laid as blood continued to form a pool around me until I passed out cold on the dirt with sweat pouring down my face.

As I looked down at the Demon, who passed out I started thinking. What a strange person who passes out mid-conversation? Also, he could have made some sense before he passed out; such an idiot. Looking at my sister Jacosta I asked her,

"Well, what should we do, Jacosta? He may prove to be of some use, I mean. He must have been of a pretty high level not to have outright died from not fighting back against that many people and to have survived this long without any aid. We could save him...But I don’t know if we can trust a Demon. Perhaps killing him would be easier. Aren't Demons known for being untrustworthy liars?”

I could see my sister looking down at the Demon deciding what we should do, walking back and forth on the spot. My younger sister was a small, frail lady called Jacosta; she and I only ran over here because she wanted to save the man who was being attacked as a hero does, but when we learned it was a Demon, it was an unexpected twist. 'Demons don’t stray too far from the land of darkness, I thought, hmm.’

The Demon before us had an interesting weapon on his back. I had never seen anywhere before in my life the detail and craftsmanship were out of this world. 'It looked cumbersome, though, from how it was on the man's back; However he looked strong, and I did not suspect that was the case for why he held it on his back.'

I could see when Jacosta noticed his sword. I could see her staring at it with hearts in her eyes as she reached for it. She always loved shiny things as a child and I always did my best to give her them. I watched from the side as Jacosta went for the man's swords, the fancy one on his back. I was surprised to see she suddenly stopped before touching it. 'Second-guessing if this was right, I assumed.'

But as she did, the Demons hand shot out at lightning speed, grabbing her wrist subconsciously, holding it tightly, not letting go. I noticed my sister quickly began trying to jerk and pull her hand back away from the man prying it before saying it towards me, unable to move, "Help Reena, help!"

Panicking still she looked back at me and continued, “I can't break free of his grip. He’s too strong Reena, don't stand there, help me.”Seeing Jacosta stuck made me laugh hysterically and point to the Demon who caught her. I started mocking Jacosta that this Demon caught her while he was half-dead, as I then said to her while she was stuck, “Well, I guess we will have to help him now, and it's all your fault.”

I could hear Jacosta pouting now as she reluctantly agreed with me. It took both of us to help the Demon up to his feet; putting him around our arms and using ourselves as a crutch was also no small feat for us. The man was hefty. I could hear Jacosta remarking on his size as we lifted, “He must have weighed 200 lbs!” I could not help but notice the Demons condition was getting worse. Turning to my sister, I said to her, “He may not make it to the city at this rate. He was looking a little rougher now they started moving him, and not to mention he was burning up.”

As we both continued to look at the Demon, Jacosta agreed with me, next saying in a sarcastic, rude tone, “Your the only one here that can use magic, Reena, maybe hit him with a blast of ice-cold water? That might help.” I could, but my mana is so low. Would it even make a difference?

Looking at the man in my arms who was burning up, I could not help but try. With Jacosta now supporting the man, I started pulling my wooden wand out. I then chanted a magical spell as the mana formed around me and flooded around my hands; next, a magical circle appeared before my feet. The writing was in an ancient language and was not of any form of language one still used today. Now aiming my magic at the Demon, I began casting a water ball with my second hand. A bright flash shot forth with a white light that appeared. After I began to cast some ice magic to chill the water to sub-zero temperatures. Now with a ball of ice-cold water in my left hand, I continued chanting my spells until they were ready, and I casted them at the Demon who was linked to my sister and me. As the water ball spell, she shot forth and connected with the Demon; we all stood there and watched while the ice-cold water slowly started to steam off of him. Amazing... Now Jacosta and I looked at each other, and my sister now started mentioning,

“I Do not think that worked, Reena. Perhaps we should get to a doctor in the city before it's too late and he dies.”