Chapter 3: Chapter 3: A New World
*Maria*
We spoke at the same time, the word that encapsulates the feelings burning inside.
"-Perfect."
I don't know why I said that but the thought still lingers in my mind. He really is perfect, but I don't know why. I want to cover my mouth in embarrassment but I wouldn't want to seem rude.
But...apparently, the elf in front of me doesn't feel the same way. He immediately covers his mouth and turns away from me. Well, maybe he's not so perfect.
"By the Goddess, is that a baby demon beast in her arms."
...Huh?
"So it's true, they did join the demons."
"Quick, kill them with fire!"
Emotions start to flare up enough to scorch the air. Or is that just the various fires spawning in the elves' hands?
"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa! Stop!"
I look towards the elf that caught my eye, hoping for some type of support. But...he's still looking away. As if denying the reality before him.
Heat begins to build as the elves start to circle me. The madding whispers are drowned out by Smokey's barking. But his valiant effort means nothing...we're about to-
"S-Stay back!"
They don't listen.
"P-Please don't-"
"ENOUGH!"
The very space around us quakes in fear of the forceful voice. We all look at the old man that looks like some typical wizard. Except his beard is well-kept and golden.
"What are you, savages? Calm down!"
"But Archmage, that's a human. They are the savages that-"
"Does that frighted little girl look like some savage?"
"W-What about the baby demon beast."
"If it becomes a problem, we can easily kill it."
"What?! No!"
Everyone's eyes return to me after that stupid outburst. Smokey's barking and growling aren't helping.
The old man walks towards me which causes the still avoiding handso-I mean the elf ignoring me to step aside.
"Tell me child, what is your name?"
"M-Maria."
"Maria, how did you get here?"
"I-I was just in my room when I heard some chanting a-and saw strange lights. It...overtook me and the next thing I know I'm here."
"That's impossible."
"The she-devil is lying!"
"Silence."
That shut up the peanut gallery. The old man starts to stroke his chin as if he had a lush beard.
"Well, this is interesting for so many reasons. But before I go into the details, what do you think son?"
Everyone looks at the still-shocked elf. I guess he's someone important if he's the son of the Archmage.
"I...she's a human so...I don't know what to think."
"Well, that's a first."
Another elf emerges from the back. Goodness, he's even more handsome than the other one. But for some reason, I don't feel anything when I look at him.
"Prince Alymar, do you have a comment?"
Prince? What have I got myself into...
"We've all heard the horrors of humanity but all I see is a cute girl hugging her....well we can ignore that for now."
"C-Cute?"
Everyone seems to share my confusion as they look at him like he said pineapples belong on pizza. Clearly, he's a madman. Even Smokey has to stop barking and stare at this insanity.
"My friend Aren is clearly too shocked at the prospect of living the rest of his life with such a beauty."
"That's not-"
"Shh, my good friend. No need to say it, I get it. But you must hold yourself back, let's give everyone some time to get her adjusted before you lose yourself."
"What are you-wait stop!"
The prince quickly drags Aren out of the room. Aren...that's his name huh?
I shake my head.
No, no, no, no. They clearly did something with my head, why am I suddenly boy crazy? There's only one thing that should be on my mind.
"E-Excuse me."
The elves return their attention to me. Thankfully, there's less hatred in them now. The Archmage takes the lead again and answers me.
"Yes, my child?"
"I-I just want to go home. Please...send me back."
"Hmmm, this reaffirms my theory."
"Archmage, what are-"
"This is a human but not ours. My lady, where are you from?"
"E-Earth?"
"Wonderful! I can't believe it. I was right. There are other worlds besides our own and my son actually summoned one of its residents. He even bonded with her."
Another world? Oh no...they're not going to experiment on me right?
"Archmage, she's still a human. Extra dimensional being or not, we can't trust those...creatures again."
"Well we're not going to kill her and my son clearly summoned her so-"
"You can't mean to suggest pairing a human and an elf? That didn't happen even when we were allies."
"It's not my decision, the blue string has spoken. They are a fated pair. I dare not disagree."
A part of me is glad to be safe and maybe even happy to be...bonded to Aren. Whatever that means.
But a growing part of me is getting a bit annoyed. Enough to set aside any fear now that my life is secured. They're talking about me like I'm not even here. As if I'm a thing and not a person. Worst of all, I'm confused as hell!
"Will someone please explain to me what's going on!?"
I almost immediately regret my choice. The elves turn to me and that previous anger returns.
"How dare you yell creature, I'll-"
"That's quite enough, you wouldn't want my brother to discipline you."
Another elf, this time a shapely woman, enters the dimly lit room. This time her hair is a long flowing black and an elegance that overshadows all others.
"Sister, why are you here?" said the archmage.
"Valaron, when I saw our boy looking quite confused I had to see what caused it. I'll admit, I didn't expect a human to be the cause."
"Lady Valareia, talk sense into your brother. He plans to let her live."
"I will do no such thing."
She walks over to her brother and leans on him in a manner more suited to a couple. Wrapping her arms around his arm...
Okay, I'm even more worried now.
"This is too interesting to not observe. Besides, my precious brother has finally gotten proof of other worlds, validation of all his hard work."
"But Valareia-"
"Dismissed."
"...Yes."
The other nameless elves quickly leave me alone with the Archmage and his sister.
"Now that those fools are gone, go on Valaron. Ease this poor girl's worries. She's in a new world after all."
"I will once you let go of me."
"No, I'm good here. The great Archmage can handle a little extra weight and warmth."
"...Fine. Listen child, I can't send you home."
My heart skips a beat at those words. Am I...stuck here?
"I will continue my research into parallel worlds and with your help it will go faster."
"W-Why would I help you? You kidnapped me from my home!"
"Because I will probably find a way to send you home during the process."
"R-Really?"
"That's if you even want to leave."
"O-Of course I want to leave. I have a lif-"
....Do I have a life there? Isn't this my chance to finally-
No! I don't belong here. I have to go home and conquer life. Dad wouldn't want me to give up and run away to a fantasy world. That's not a life I would be proud of.
"I can see the war in your eyes."
My eyes widen from his ability to read me.
"I don't know what you've been through in your world but I can tell it will be better here. Especially with your soul bond." the Archmage said.
"Soul bond?" I asked.
Before the Archmage could explain, his sister decided it was time to join in.
"Well my dear, it's two people destined for each other. Your other half, the sun to your moon."
"Wait, you mean a soul mate?"
"If that's what your people call it."
"You mean Aren is my-"
"Yes, my so-nephew summoned you after all."
Was that why I felt those things before? But I don't even know the man, how can I-
"Oh don't think about it so hard. You'll see enough, isn't that right my dear brother?"
"Yes, as per tradition you will be living with Aren for the rest of your stay in our world. Be sure to get along with him and cultivate well."
I stared blankly at him.
"Huh?"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone