The Trunk popped open with the shirt’s hanger coming up with the door. Tim’s smile was one of nostalgia. ‘Not a bad one Simon’ he thought as he slipped into the black shirt adorned with a familiar Spartan from one of the first multiplayer online games.

  With the rock music blaring, he drove through the town, passing signs looking for workers. He stopped at two clothing stores, two electronics shops, and three fast-food chains. At McD’s, after chatting with a manager, he grabbed a meal and headed to his favorite park.

  Three people were walking the track, and four others were engaged in various activities with their dogs. Tim found a quiet bench off to the side. His confidence from earlier was fading, and as he sat down with a heavy sigh, he pulled out his burger. The grease was apparent, the sandwich a sloppy, ugly mess. But he bit into it anyway.

  As the burger started to disappear, Tim’s mind wandered through the events of the day. ‘Oh we forgot to remove the hiring sign.’ ‘Are we still hiring? I thought we filled all the available positions.’ ‘We’re only hiring part-time workers.’ and the best one. ‘Yeah, we’re looking for a janitor but I don’t think you’d be a good fit. Thanks for coming by, though.’

  Tim leaned back, looking up at the nearly clear sky, a single lazy cloud drifting by. The forgotten burger hung loosely in his grip. ‘What the hell am I going to do?’ He closed his eyes. ‘Not a good fit for a janitor position.’

  Tap, Tap, tap.

  Tim jerked his head up. An old man flinched at Tim’s sudden movement.

  “My apologies, young man. I didn’t mean to disturb you.” He said

  The man wore a bowler hat, and held a wooden cane in his right hand, dressed in a two-piece pinstripe suit. His outfit, and accent, seemed out of place. Tim immediately wondered if he had fallen asleep again.

  “I say, are you alright?” The man asked, breaking Tim’s thoughts.

  “Huh, yeah I am good. Can I help you with something?” Tim asked as a cold droplet hit his knuckle. He saw a schnauzer eyeing his half-eaten burger, its facial hair almost identical to the man’s. ‘Talk about dogs looking like their owners.’ Tim thought.

  “I asked if you’d mind if I sat down,” the man repeated.

  “Oh, of course.” he replied, gesturing to the spot beside him. He scooted over to give them both some room.

  The dog sniffed at the burger, sneezed and turned up its nose, walking back to its master. 'Damn dog doesn’t even want the burger.’ Tim thought

  The man looked down at the dog, then at the burger. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but those things are horrible for you.”

  Tim's mouth curled up in a tired smile. “Yeah, sadly. I’m just trying to be frugal. A five-dollar cheese burger doesn't hurt the wallet so much. Though I did it to myself.”

  The older gentleman nodded thoughtfully. “And how is that?” he asked, encouraging Tim to continue.

  Tim tossed the half-eaten burger in the trash, his appetite gone. The schnauzer nudged his now empty hand and without thinking, Tim started petting her, staring at a spot on the ground.

  “I quit my job,” he muttered.

  “What led to that?” the man asked softly, letting Tim speak.

  “A manager who wouldn’t get off my case.” Tim said, pausing. “Though, part of it is my fault. I said to a coworker the job’s no better than high school. I mean, it’s like that because she won’t let it go. but you know how it is. He probably told her something worse than what I actually said, which led to her riding me all the time—questioning me, trying to catch me making mistakes. Until today, when she accused me of stealing.”

  Tim wasn’t sure why he was being so open with the man; it just felt right.

  “Ah, yes,” the man said with a nod. “People love their drama. It entertains them in the mundane. When you’re under constant pressure, or micromanaged, many people react with anger. And if someone’s aggressive towards you, it’s only human to lash out, even if it’s a minor thing like slapping their hand away. Though, of course, that’s not always acceptable.”

  “Right,” Tim said, his words slowing. ‘I didn’t tell him I slapped her.’

  The older man continued. “Tim, throughout my life, I’ve noticed that people often react more emotionally than they mean to when they’re unhappy or dissatisfied—physically and mentally. You may never be happy where you are. You’re a leader who just hasn’t had the chance to take the reins yet.”

  Tim chuckled, despite himself. “Nah, I’m probably one of the furthest things from a leader. I can’t even lead a raid group right.”

  “That’s simply because you lack experience,” the man said, smiling kindly. “But you’re on the right track. You see what you don’t like about others in positions of power.”

  Tim listened, still skeptical. ‘Yeah, but I suck with people, I usually make things worse with my words.’

  “Leaders come in all shapes and sizes,” the man continued. “Yes, being good with people helps, but it’s not the only way. Some inspire by action.”

  Tim blinked, surprised. ‘Hold up, that’s twice now you’ve known things I haven’t said. And you just read my thoughts. Elephant in a tutu! Pineapple on pizza is amazing! Are you reading my mind old man?’

  The older man grinned knowingly. “Exactly! You don’t have to be good with people to be a good leader. A true leader makes the tough choices no one else wants to make. They surround themselves with quality people who understand them, not just yes-men. They find people who compliment their weaknesses. Sometimes, a leader is just an idea.”

  “So basically a figurehead?” Tim asked.

  “No, no.” The man laughed. “We’re talking about True leaders. Someone who sees what’s

  wrong and works with others to fix it.”

  The man paused, his eyes locking with Tim’s. “But here’s the important part. When you settle for something that doesn’t feel right, your body will tell you. Over time, your emotions will react—anger, frustration. Eventually, you’ll find it hard to get out of bed, and you won’t know why. You’ll ignore the signs until it’s too much to bear.”

  Tim blinked. “I think you’re reading into it too much. I’ve just always had a temper. But… why does it make sense?”

  The older man nodded. "You're not living up to your potential, Tim. Your body is telling you that.”

  Tim stared at the ground, unsure. “Maybe. But with the way things are, you have to work or end up homeless. And only get promoted if you brown–nose those above you. That’s not me.”

  “Precisely,” the man said, his eyes lighting up. “You see the flaw in the system. You want more, but you want it on merit, not just because you’ve kissed someone’s ass. That’s leadership.”

  Tim furrowed his brow. “how do you figure?”

  The man’s grin widened. “Because I see it in you. Now, let me ask you something. If you were sitting at home, doing nothing, and started feeling uneasy, what would you do?”

  “Probably get up, and do something, or leave the house,” Tim answered.

  The man continued to smile. “That’s your body speaking to you. Now if you’re stuck doing something over and over, and nothing changes, what’s the next logical step?”

  Tim paused, considering it. “Try something else?”

  “Exactly,” the man said. “your body has tried to tell you–working for someone else isn’t where you belong. But you didn’t listen to the discomfort, so it turned into anger. And now, you can’t ignore it anymore.”

  Tim sat there, deep in thought. ‘Is he right? Or is he just reading too much into this?’

  “You need something different, Tim,” the man said gently.

  Tim finally looked at the man again. “What’s your name?”

  “Glean,” he said, gesturing to the schnauzer. “And this is Fey.”

  “Fey’s a lovely name.” Tim said, smiling as he continued to pet her. “Sadly, Glean, with how things are, I have to start somewhere, I only know working for someone—either in a store or on a farm. School never worked out for me.”

  The man’s eyes softened. “Everything starts with a choice, Tim. I have an option for you.” He said pulling a blank envelope off his lap, one Tim hadn’t noticed beforehand. Glean stood up, handing off the envelope. “In it is an invitation. Whatever you decide, I believe you’re a good choice. I hope to hear your answer soon.” He tipped his hat and started to turn away.

  “Wait,” Tim said, holding up the envelope. “Is your number in here, so I can respond?”

  Glean smiled without turning back. “You can say that.” His cane clicked on the pavement as they left.

  Tap, Tap, Tap

  Tim stared at the blank envelope in his hand. He looked back the way Glean and Fey left already out of sight. The park was eerily quiet compared to a minute ago. staring back at the envelope. ‘What’s one more strange thing to deal with.’

  With a sigh, he ripped open the envelope, half-expecting some kind of prank or gotcha letter, but instead, a single folded piece of paper slipped out.

  HELLO, INVITED PARTICIPANT,

  You have been invited by one of our recruiters to join in an upcoming adventure. We seek strong-willed individuals who have grown tired of the mundane life, the everyday grind, and the world that demands you either kiss up to get ahead or be born into wealth.

  Our adventure will be like no other. You will blaze a trail through uncharted territory, building yourself and others you choose up from nothing. No one to tell you what is right or wrong—no more systems designed to keep you in line. If you encounter those in power, you will have the right to challenge them however you see fit. We believe you should have the freedom to fight against what you believe is wrong in the world, and together you and others can build your ideal.

  It will not be easy. There will be obstacles that most people would back down from, but those who press on, Who leave their mark, will be rewarded with riches and power beyond anything you can imagine. So participants—will you accept this invitation? If so, press your thumb below.

  Tim frowned as he read. It sounded too good to be true, the kind of pitch desperate people fell for. ‘pyramid schemes, pay-now-to-get-rich scams, all of them’ His gut twisted with suspicion. “All they want is a huh? Not a signature, not personal info… just me pressing my thumb?” He mentally shrugged, a little laugh escaping him. “Maybe I’m overthinking this.”

  He glanced around the park, the people who were here earlier had left. ‘No harm in trying it right?’

  He pressed his thumb to the paper—just as a gust of wind swept across the park, lifting the corner of the paper and catching him off guard. It sliced his thumb, sending a sharp sting up his hand. Tim yanked it back instinctively, hissing through his teeth. “Damn thing bit me!”

  He sucked on his thumb, glancing down at the new blood stained thumbprint on the paper.

  Then the paper began to slightly glow, his eyes widened as the paper rippled like water disturbed by a stone, before it faded out of existence entirely. One second, it was there, the next… nothing.

  Tim sat frozen, staring at the empty air where the paper had been. ‘What the hell?’ He twisted his body to check under the bench, then peered into the trash bin, his mind racing for any logical explanation. His heart hammered in his chest as he scanned every corner of the park. but the paper was gone.

  His throat went dry. “Am I… losing it?” he muttered, disbelief creeping into his voice. He took a step back, looking around like a man in the middle of a dream—or a nightmare. ‘I’m just stressed. Yeah, just stress. Maybe it’s just my mind playing tricks on me after everything today. Overthinking. Probably not enough sleep. I’m just tired.’

  Starting to walk to his car, “there has to be a reasonable explanation. Maybe it was some sort of weird trick with the paper or a prank. Yeah, it’s a prank. someone’s messing with me.’ He nodded to himself, as if convincing his own brain that this was all just a fluke.

  But then he heard it.

  WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE WE HAVE RECIEVED YOUR LETTER EXPRESSING YOUR DESIRE TO JOIN OUR ADVENTURE. HOWEVER THERE IS ONE REQUIREMENT YOUR RECRUITER PUT ON THE INVITATION, YOUR PARTNER MUST ALSO ACCEPT. WE WILL NOTIFY YOU OF THEIR RESPONSE AS SOON AS WE RECEIVE IT. NONETHELESS, WE ARE THRILLED TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR ADVENTURE!!!

  The voice echoed in the empty parking lot, clear and deliberate, as if coming from all directions at once. Tim froze for a moment, his fist clenched. His heart skipped a beat. The voice… Where is it coming from?

  He looked around already knowing in his gut he would find no one. Not a soul. The parking lot was as empty as an abandoned mall. He glanced at his phone, just to be sure, but there was nothing—no new notifications, just Tim and an empty parking lot.

  Tim exhaled slowly, shaking his head. ‘It’s fine.’ he thought as his mind treated him to an image of him sitting at a coffee table with everything burning around him. ‘Just stressed and tired. It’s fine.’

  Getting in the car, he turned the key as the nagging feeling lingered. ‘But what if.’ as he drove off.

  It didn’t take long for Tim to return to his old job to pick up Simon, so he ended up sitting in the parking lot, waiting for him to finish. The music played softly in the car, “I tried so hard and got so far.” Tim sang in another world when a tap on the window cut him off.

  He turned, expecting Simon, but was surprised to see Glen. He waved and motioned for Tim to step out of the car. Tim’s heart skipped a beat, but despite the unease, he slowly opened the door and stepped out..

  “Hello again, Timothy,” Glean said with a bright smile, Fey sitting quietly beside him, though Tim felt as though she was smiling up at him. “I’m glad you accepted my invitation. I’m sure Simon will join us once he hears you’ve signed up.”

  “You mean Simon will be my partner if he agrees?” Tim asked, hopeful, he relaxed for a moment. “Wait, you talked to me briefly, then went and found Simon? How did you know where to look for him?”

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “Oh, I know everything about you,” Glen replied casually. “Once you accept the invitation, you become a representative under my care. All your information is made available to me. It helps me understand you better, to accommodate you, all to make sure you have the best start without crossing any lines when you arrive into the new world.”

  Tim raised an eyebrow. “New world?” .

  “Yes, a new world, I will make sure you Simon and yourself arrive safely, should he agree,” Glean confirmed.

  Tim stood in stunned silence, trying to process the conversation as Glean treated it as if it were an ordinary chat about the weather.

  “I’m glad you’re taking this so well. Some of my previous representatives didn’t handle things so... calmly. Some even tried to run away from me, and one went so far as to take his own life,” Glean off handley commented, his tone strangely detached.

  Fey barked, drawing his attention. “Oh, was I being insensitive again?”

  Tim blinked. “You... You’re completely serious.”

  “Absolutely,” the man said, his voice unwavering. “Once you signed up, you gave me full control and permission to remove you from this world and take you to one of the other worlds of Gaia.”

  “Gaia? You mean Earth?”

  Glean shook his head. “No, this is a mere shadow of the real Gaia, created to foster life and see what grows here. Timothy, if you wouldn’t mind, could we wait for Simon before continuing? I find repeating myself tedious, and I suspect he’ll have questions, many the same as you.”

  Tim instinctively nodded at Fey before leaning back against the car, trying to piece everything together. Fey walked up to him, nudging her head under his hand. He absentmindedly started petting her, the action oddly soothing.

  After about ten minutes, Simon finally walked out, changing course when he saw the three of them.

  “Tim, I see you met Glean,” Simon said casually, though Tim could tell he was on edge.

  “Yeah, he visited with you?” Tim asked.

  “Yeah, he came into the store earlier. We had a brief chat before he gave me this and left.” Simon held up a familiar looking envelope.

  “Have you read it yet?” Tim asked.

  “I did. I assume Glean gave you one too?”

  “Yeah,” Tim replied. “But this whole thing is... insane.”

  Glean smiled. “Timothy has already read and responded to my invitation, but I am sure you both have questions, so I suggest we discuss them over a meal. Timothy’s favorite place in town is Billy’s Steakhouse. Would that work for you, Simon?”

  Simon looked a bit surprised. “Uh, sure. Their steaks are some of the best, but they’re expensive.”

  “No need to worry about the price,” Glean said smoothly. “Consider it my treat. Let’s head there in your car so we can beat the dinner rush.”

  Simon glanced at Tim, who shrugged. “Can’t beat a free meal.”

  “Alright, Glean, is it alright if you and Fey ride in the back? You’re a bit shorter than us.”

  Glean grinned. “Not a problem.” He headed for the passenger side.

  Tim nodded to Fey. “Her name’s Fey, by the way.”

  Fey gave a grateful nudge to Tim as Simon acknowledged her.

  Simon opened the rear driver’s side door for Fey. “After you.”

  Fey gave a polite bow and hopped in. Tim moved to the passenger side but was stopped by a clearing throat. He turned to see Glean waiting at the door.

  Tim looked at him for a moment before Glean cleared his throat a second. Tim realized and opened the door for Glean.

  Glean stepped in with a smile. “Thank you, Timothy.”

  “Welcome,” Tim replied, before shutting the door. “I better not be a butler in the new world.” He muttered.

  On the drive to Billy’s, the car was silent, with Glean and Fey sitting upright in the back, maintaining perfect posture, as though they were taught to always sit properly.

  Simon broke the silence. “Glean, I guess I’ll start with the questions. Why us?”

  Glean looked at Simon with a gleam in his eye. “You and Timothy are perfect candidates. You both complement each other well. Simon, you have a gift with people, a charm that allows you to maintain composure even under pressure. You’re able to diffuse situations with words. Timothy, on the other hand, is more at ease with animals, he struggles with people. He’s quick to anger. But he is loyal, and stubborn to achieve a goal.”

  Tim wasn’t sure whether to take that as a compliment, but Glean’s words seemed sincere.

  Soon, they arrived at the steakhouse. After entering, the hostess greeted them but hesitated when she saw Fey.

  “I apologize sir. But we have a no pets rule.” she said apologetically.

  “She’s a service animal,” Glean explained motioning back to Fey who now wore a red vest that said Do Not Pet Service Animal. I am working.

  The hostess looked confused at first before smiling. “My apologies. I don’t know how I missed the vest. Let me take you to a booth.” She led them to an area cut off from the primary dining area that had a few booths and tables.

  As they sat down, Glean asked, “Timothy, what would you recommend here?”

  Tim didn’t need to look at the menu. “I usually get medium-rare sirloin with broccoli and a side salad. If I’m really hungry, I’ll swap the salad for a baked potato.”

  “That does sound good.” Glean said, setting down the menu. “Are you one who thinks well-done steak is a crime?”

  Tim and Simon both visibly cringed at the thought. “Yeah, it’s just wrong,” Tim said.

  Glean laughed. “I agree. Simon, what will you have?”

  “I usually get the same, but I take fries instead of broccoli,” Simon replied.

  Their waitress came over. “Hello folks, my name is Janet, what can I get you to drink while you look over the menu?”

  “Water.” Glean said.

  “Pink lemonade for us.” Simon said already knowing what Tim wanted.

  “Ok, and would you like any appetizers?” Janet asked.

  “Fried pickles,” Tim excitedly ordered.

  “Alright, I'll get that going and your drinks. Be back in jiffy.” she said as she left.

  As she was out of ear shot Glean began. “To answer your question earlier Tim, Yes. You and Simon will both be taken to a new world if he accepts.”

  Simon looked at him, skepticism in his eyes. “You mean the letter is real?”

  “Oh, absolutely,” Glean confirmed. “Once you two decide, I will take you to another Gaia. You’ll be given new bodies that match your strengths and abilities, and you’ll begin your journey. Think of it like one of the fantasy games you both enjoy—only this time, it’s real.”

  “Another Gaia?” Simon asked.

  “You see what I meant about earlier Tim? similar questions.” He said. “Yes, there are many worlds made by the goddess Gaia, many like this one spawning life.”

  Before they could ask another question Janet arrived setting down their drinks and fried pickles. “Alright, are we ready to order?” Glean repeated everyone's order and Janet quickly left.

  “Tim, did you actually sign that thing?” Simon asked as he was reaching for a pickle.

  “Yeah I mean it asks you to press your thumb to it so I thought it was a joke and next thing I knew it took my thumb print and vanished.” Tim replied feeling dumb for not taking it more seriously.

  Simon eyed him, easily seeing Tim say screw it and press his thumb to it.

  “Is there a way for him to back out?” Simon asked, still trying to make sense of the situation.

  Glean paused for a moment looking between them both, his expression becoming serious. “Timothy willingly signed. Once a contract is accepted it is solid. Timothy will be coming with me, with or without you Simon, I will just have to find someone else to take your place.”

  Simon silently stared back taking that in before asking. “From your early statement that we should think of it like a video game, will we be able to see our stats? Cast spells? You know, all that stuff?”

  Glean nodded as he enjoyed a bite of pickle. “Once you accept you can access the display before we even leave, Timothy should be able to see his right now if he wanted to.” He said taking another pickle. “These are excellent. Good choice Timothy. Now if you want to see what I am talking about just will your stats to appear.”

  Tim looked over at Simon, then focused. To his surprise, a translucent character sheet appeared before him, like something out of a fantasy role-playing game.

  Timothy Sawyer

  Age:22

  Strength: 13

  Dexterity: 10

  Constitution:14

  Intelligence: 13

  Wisdom: 15

  Charisma: 10

  Due to past experiences Timothy gets a +4 to handle animals.

  Due to past experiences Timothy gets a -2 with charisma checks with others unless it involves common interests.

  Tim read aloud, awestruck. “Welp, that happened.”

  “You mean we can choose before we go?!” Simon asked.

  Nodding glean said. “Yes, you should have three choices.”

  Tim allowed hope to take hold, Simon was seriously considering joining, even though Tim agreed without information.

  “What else do you have Tim?” Simon asked, very curious. Tim noted a explanation point in the bottom right corner, mentally clicking it, a new page opened.

  Recommended starting paths

  Barbarian: A warrior who relies on his own strength, and powers. Team work, and spells are for the weak. If you cannot stand on your own two feet you have no right to continue to move forward.

  Strategist: A tactician, who mainly sits behind others giving orders, choosing the best formation to win the fight. Although some choose to lead from the front lines, commanding his men before hand, giving them stat boots then leading them into hell and back if needed.

  Gaia's Warrior: A warrior for the planet, friend to the forest and beasts alike, this path allows you to cast spells of nature and use equipment modified from the earth, as well as allows you to improve your own capabilities from stats of animals, and have animals assist you later in levels.

  Tim’s eyes lit up as he read Gaia's Warrior. It sounded like a dream of his. Being able to cast spells as well as fight like a fighter in the front lines, he instantly knew what he wanted. The path lit green and a female voice echoed in his head.

  “Welcome, Warrior. I am proud to call you one of mine. I am positive you will grow and bring light on what it truly means to be a Warrior of Gaia.”

  Tim’s eyes widened. “Who was that?!” he blurted.

  “That was Gaia.” Glean replied, his tone knowing. “I had a feeling you’d choose that path. She’s pleased to have you as one of her champions.”

  “You good bro?” Simon asked, a bit of worry in his voice.

  “Yeah. This is actually getting exciting.” Tim said, enthusiastically picking up a pickle.

  Glean’s eyes glinted. “It’s because you’ve let go of uncertainty. By choosing a path, you’ve taken your first step toward growing stronger.”

  Tim felt a nudge coming from beside Glean. “Mentally accept it.” Glean said before Tim could ask.

  He did as prompted as a new voice echoed in his head. “Hello, Timothy. It’s me, Fey.”

  Tim stared towards her in shock. “What?”

  Glean laughed. “Earlier you and Fay made a bond, without your abilities you could only sense her feelings now you can hear her thoughts. It’s no surprise with your path and handle animal skill so high.”

  Tim blinked. “Can I just think to you, or do I need to speak out loud?”

  “This is fine.” Fey replied. “This is way better than speaking out loud. Could you tell Simon thank you for opening the door earlier for me?” She asked tail wagging.

  Tim turned to Simon. “Uh, Fay says thanks for opening the door for her earlier.”

  He looked at Fey. “You are welcome, Fey. Only being courteous.”

  Fay’s tail seemed to wag with joy. “Thank you, Timothy. I knew you would choose Gaia’s path! I’m so happy for you!”

  “Really? What made you so sure?”

  “You could call it multiple things, woman's intuition. Or the fact that you are so kind even when we couldn’t communicate.”

  Tim smiled but got uneasy as a thought crossed his mind, his eyes glancing at Glean.

  Fey catching the uneasiness from Tim, “Oh don't worry you don't have a link with him, so he can’t hear your thoughts yet. Unless you open one willingly you'll know if he forces one.”

  Glean straightened up, smiling warmly. “Please, I’m not the kind to violate anyone’s privacy like that.” He reached for another pickle. Noticing it was the last one he looked back up“I’ve clearly been enjoying these too much. I’m sorry, you two barely had any!” He gestured for one of them to take it.

  “I'll pass, thank you.” Tim said, focusing back at Fay.

  “I don't like pickles.” Simon said simply and gestured for him to have it.

  “Thank you boys.” Glean said and took the final one with glee.

  “So how bad is this going to be for me?” Tim thought to Fay.

  “Bad? Oh, you’ll be fine,” she replied, her voice reassuring. “It’s a bit of a shock at first. The world you’re going to is less civilized—think fantasy books, with plenty of nature and fewer cities. You’ll likely end up in an area full of unclaimed land where you and Simon can grow. If you’re lucky the area will have lots of goodies for you two to take advantage of like great items to empower you, or a high power creature to partner with or even A DUNGEON CORE!” she said till her excitement erupted.

  Glean smiled. “Let’s not get too excited about rare finds. But I have faith in both of you. I think you’ll surprise us.”

  “Now Fay don't get ahead of yourself, those items are rare but I have faith in our two boys here to surprise all of us.” he said and Tim noticed a gleam in his eye as Simon moved.

  Just then, Simon winced. “Ouch! Son of a—!” he muttered, sucking his thumb as the paper in his hand vanished.

  Tim’s jaw dropped.

  Simon caught him looking “What, I couldn’t let you have all the fun,” Simon said nonchalantly. “Besides, I don’t want to be stuck here alone. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it together.”

  “Aww you do love me!” Tim teased, jokingly exaggerating an anime girl impression.

  Simon groaned. “Stop that!” pushing Tim away

  Glean and Fay both laughed and a message appeared in Tim’s view.

  CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOUR PARTNER HAS ACCEPTED THE INVITATION AS WELL, YOUR PARTNER WILL BE SIMON DIPPER YOU TWO HAVE GREAT PROMISE WITH SUCH A DEEP BOND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT AMAZING THINGS YOU HAVE TO BRING TO OUR ADVENTURE!

  Tim took a deep breath as he processed the message, then turned back to Glean. “What exactly are you? And what did you mean by giving us new bodies suited to our abilities?”

  “I’m an ascended, I was chosen many centuries ago just like you, you are going to influence a world and if you grow strong enough, you may even claim it as your own. As for your bodies—they’re not quite up to the task. So when I send you to Gaia, you’ll be given new forms suited to your paths. I’ve already selected one for you, Timothy. Once Simon chooses his path, I’ll pick one for him. But don’t ask for details—it’s best left as a surprise.”

  “Now if you don't mind, I suggest you enjoy this meal Janet is bringing our way, It will be a good while before you get another good meal like this one so enjoy it and savor it.” He said as she arrived, setting down the plates.

  Tim looked over at Simon. “Don’t look at me. You heard the man dig in.”

  The table was silent but the clinging of knife and forks, the occasional “mmmm so good.” from Fey when Glean gave her a piece of steak.

  It was a really good dinner. “Thank you for the food, Glean” Tim said and Simon also thanked him.

  “No need to thank me boys. This is all just a stepping stone. I will be providing you both with starting gear, and have you put in a decent spawn point. Now Simon you have been very quiet after accepting. Have you decided your starting path?” He asked his hand moving as he finished talking.

  “I believe I have.” He said, closing his eyes.

  Glean smiled “Ah I did choose two good ones, you surprised me a little Simon. Ok boys I need you both to choose new names, preferably something you would use for one of your fantasy characters.” He said

  A new screen popped up asking for their names. Tim took in a breath then exhaled, putting in a name he tended to favor. “With that, we must leave. Boys until we meet again.” He smiled and shook Simon's hand then Tim’s, as he let go of Tim’s hand everything went black.