20. Chapter 20

Chapter twenty

Day Two

B ut I didn't my end there, either.

In fact, even with my eyes closed, all I remember seeing is that bright flashing purple light, then hitting my head on something solid. As I struggle to open my eyes, I make note of something in particular... I'm freezing . Why is it so cold? I put my hands down on the ground as my vision slowly comes back. Is this snow? I hear a grunting sound and realize I'm actually sitting up against Corvu, who has just banged the back of his head into a wall. Pulling back, I realize the most important thing: he's alive. I take a deep breath and look around me.

This is familiar. I know where I am.

"Ow," Corvu sighs, grabbing the back of his head .

"Oh shit, are you okay?" His eyes snap open quickly upon hearing my voice.

"Tia?" he questions, "Are we dead?"

"No," I state, unable to stop myself from smiling, "Welcome to New York."

I'll admit, I'm beyond flabbergasted that we were transported to the back alley of my apartment building, but I didn't have a lot of time to think about it. Pulling on Corvu's arm, I run upward and into my building, where I search for the fire extinguisher I hide the spare key behind. Corvu doesn't speak, but his eyes are wide and he keeps looking around. Frantically opening the door before someone sees us I pull Corvu inside and slam the door shut, locking it again. Thankfully, it didn't look like anything had been touched. In fact I was pleasantly surprised there were no eviction notices on my door.

I look at Corvu, who is bewildered at the sights before him. He never would have seen any of it previously to now. I tried to contain my giggle as I turned on a light switch and he flinches .

" That's electricity. It helps power things, like lights, no candles required. Although I do consider those quite romantic." I say. He looks at me and exhales deeply, taking steps forward he embraces me in a sudden and gripping hug.

"I didn't think I'd see you again." Letting out a sigh I hug him back, mostly happy we were both still breathing. I'm still mad at him for tricking me and locking me in a dungeon but I also know he did it to keep me alive. Letting me go he looks around the apartment again. What happens now? I have to get him home.

"Must have accidentally activated the amulet when I crashed into you, and brought you here." I say. Corvu nods as he walks over toward the couch, which probably looks really different to any kind of seating arrangement available in his world. "Just sit while we figure this out." I smile. He nods at me and takes a seat on the couch, thoroughly startled and alarmed when he accidentally switches on the television by sitting on the remote. He even jumps up onto the couch. "Whoa! It's okay." I say, dashing over and hitting the power button on the television stand itself. "That's just something we watch shows and movies on. It's not real stuff. Kind of like plays and theatre." This is going to be interesting. He was probably freaking out as much now as when I found out the Daemonaria around me were real. Which reminds me of something important. "I think we should go find the woman who gave me that amulet, she might be able to tell us how to use it to get you home." His expression looks a little deflated after I said that. As he jumps down off the couch, I realize there were a few things I have to do urgently. "Corvu?" I question, waiting for a response. He seems really distracted by the lights on the ceiling. I should probably avoid turning on the fairy lights I've scattered around the place to help me get into a writing mood. "Corvu?" I repeat. He looks at me, sadness in his eyes.

"I'm sorry I tricked you. That's the last thing I wanted to do to you." I can't help but smile in return.

"Hey, I got tricked by a Trickster. Can't say that happens to me very often." I giggle. He walks up to me, pulling the amulet off from around his neck and placing it back on mine.

"Just in case, it's probably better that you have it, it's magic seems to work for you." I'll admit, I oddly feel better getting it back, even though it causes so much trouble. Now that Corvu is closer and I had a moment, I can actually see some of the wounds around his neck starting to heal before my eyes. I guess Tricksters really are unique in a way. Knowing there isn't a lot of time to get him home before the Orcs do something crazy, I run to my computer to message my boss. Since I had lost my phone at some point during the struggle in Central Park, I had to assume it was long gone by now. I apologize for not messaging him beforehand and should he need it I'm happy to explain my absence, but before I hit send there is one crucial indicator that I may or may not be losing my mind.

Barely a day had passed since I left. I didn't even have another shift until tomorrow according to my calendar. I refreshed it over and over again but nothing changed. Two days. I was only gone for two days. Corvu is cautiously looking over my shoulder.

"Is that what your language looks like? How did you get the letters onto that shiny paper?" He asks me. I suppose this is the strangest looking thing he's ever seen.

"Ah, not quite how it works. I'll explain some other time." I mutter, standing up straight and staring off into the wall. It's not an interesting wall, but I need to think. I was in the other world for about three weeks, and yet two days passed here. No one would even know that I'm missing yet. How did that happen? It also meant we had even less time to wait around here if time was faster in the other world. I look at the clock on the wall. It's only eight in the morning. Shelia won't be at the fountain today until about one in the afternoon. I hope that isn't too much time passing in the other world. I'll have to work on the math later. "Corvu, I'm going to take a shower." His face scrunches up as I say that. "Okay I know you don't have plumbing but you must have something like a shower."

"I know what a shower is, I'm just not sure how you take one." Wondering if we were talking about the same thing I drag him over to the bathroom where I turn on the hot water. He jumps a little at the speed in which the water comes out. He puts his hand out and retracts it right away. "When did you boil the water?" He questions.

"I didn't. It's gas, it constantly heats the water and the plumbing helps push it through the pipes in the walls." I can tell this amuses him. "Maybe you'd like to take one first? I'm going to ask the neighbor to borrow some clothes to change you in. You can't go walking around like that outside." He looks down at his clothes as if to question what was wrong with me but otherwise doesn't argue. I show him the hot and cold tap, so that he can adjust the water. I also show him that there was soap, shampoo and conditioner and instructed on how they were used. I don't know if he caught everything, but I said once he was done to switch off the taps and put a towel on till I got him some clothes.

Doing a very quick change into jeans and a sweater, I go across the hall to a nearby neighbor and politely give him twenty dollars, since it's all the cash I had in the apartment, in exchange for jeans and a shirt.

Returning to my place I leave the clothes on the couch as I hear Corvu finishes his shower. I face away as he comes out, and I tell him to put on the clothes I left on the couch while I quickly take a shower.

Even though I technically had a bath recently, I still felt that putting a conditioner through my hair really helped me feel more like me again. Before I go to use the hairdryer, I decide it best to tell Corvu before doing so in case he is alerted by the noise. Putting my clothes back on, I come out into the living area to see Corvu on the couch, flipping through a magazine sideways in a navy blue v-necked sweater and dark jeans. It was different to see him dressed like that, a practical modern day Trickster. His hair was already dry and a lot bouncier than normal. His ears twitch as I enter the room and he sees me with my wet hair and all.

"These clothes feel strange." He comments. "These pants are tight around my legs."

"Yeah," I sigh, ", it's fashion, they're kind of meant to be a little irritating." He nods although I'm sure he was just being polite. "Anyway, if we go outside we're going to need to hide your...well," I gesture to my ears and his brow furrows.

"I know why I hide them in certain villages, but you said you don't have Tricksters around here."

"Exactly. We don't have Tricksters. Or Orcs, Elves, Pixies, Clawhops, Snouts or any other Daemonaria. There are only humans here. Magic doesn't exist." He ponders for a moment but otherwise nods in agreement. "Also I'm going to dry my hair, it makes a bit of noise so don't be alarmed." Walking back to the bathroom and leaving the door open, Corvu follows me and leans on the threshold. I try not to laugh as he steps backward when the hair dryer goes on. I show him that it's just hot air and it's harmless. He's amused by it now.

I can't wait to show him a refrigerator.

It's twelve, which means there was only a half hour before we leave for the fountain. After going through an assortment of appliances from toasters to kettles, and everything between, we sit on the couch where I show him a map of where we are. He had the same impression as I did about Skiora. They look almost identical. The more Corvu learned, the more his ears would twitch and move based on his interest, which at the moment is a lot.

"Can I ask you something? Feel free to say ‘no'." I ask.

"Anything." He responds, smiling at me. I hesitate for a moment, though I'm not exactly sure why.

"I've really kept to myself, while I was in Skiora, and I was really, really curious about something. Only because it's so unusual and I'll probably never see real ones ever again."

"Real what?" I mutter so much I didn't even ask the question. Why am I this nervous?

"Your ears...I was wondering if I could…touch them?" A fierce blush crossed his cheeks as I spoke. I guess he wasn't expecting me to ask. "You can say no, I mean I know what you said about people pulling on them and- "

"It's okay. I just had to remember that my ears alone are really different for you and you don't know much about Elves, Pixies or Tricksters."

"Really?" He smiles and nods. I feel a little awkward now but to get past it quicker I should probably just touch them. He sits perfectly still as I lift my left hand to his right ear. Delicately I touch the lobe and trace my thumb upward toward the point where his single earring sat. "This is crazy, not that you're not real or anything," I continue tracing it up and down out of curiosity, ", but this is just so surreal. I know some fantasy folks that would kill to have ears like-"

"Okay, stop." Corvu flinches away from my touch. I feel really bad now. Clearly it makes him uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry." I state. Maybe it's because his ears used to get pinched as a child? Maybe they're sensitive and I should have just given them a quick poke instead.

"No, don't be." He pushes a smile but otherwise it was probably best to forget the subject.

"Come on, I have a beanie for you and a coat you can wear. It's going to be cold."

Corvu looks surprisingly human with a beanie on, as long as he doesn't bare his teeth. I tell him to keep his mouth closed as we enter a nearby convenience store. It's difficult for him not to ask questions—I can see that in his curious eyes darting around the small space filled with unfamiliar items.

The store is bustling with people grabbing quick snacks and drinks. Corvu's eyes widen at the bright lights and the variety of products lining the shelves. I guide him towards the deli section, where sandwiches are displayed in a chilled case.

"Stay close and try not to draw attention," I whisper to him. He nods, keeping his mouth firmly shut as he marvels at the colorful packaging around us.

As I pick out a sandwich for Shelia, Corvu's attention is caught by a display of candy. He picks up a bright red package and turns it over in his hands, looking at me questioningly.

"That's candy," I explain quietly. "Sweet treats that people enjoy eating."

He nods, carefully placing the candy back as if it's a rare treasure. I can tell he's fascinated by everything in this small store. We move to the register, where I quickly pay for the sandwich. Corvu 's eyes are glued to the transaction, clearly intrigued by the concept of money and exchange.

The cashier gives us a friendly smile. "Nice day out, isn't it?"

I nod, returning the smile. "Yes, it is. Thanks."

As we leave the store, Corvu finally allows his curiosity to spill over. "How do all these items get here? And what was that you gave the person in exchange for the food?"

I laugh softly. "That's money. People use it to buy things they need or want. The items come from different places, made by different people. It's a system we use to make sure everyone can get what they need."

He seems to mull this over as we step back into the street. The nearby clock strikes one, its chimes echoing through the city. We start heading towards the fountain, the sandwich for Shelia tucked safely in my bag.

Corvu looks around, taking in the bustling city life. "Your world is so... organized. Structured."

I nod, understanding his amazement. "It is. But it can also be chaotic in its own way."

As we walk, I notice Corvu's gaze lingering on various things—the cars rushing by, people hurrying along the sidewalks, and even a street performer playing a lively tune on his guitar. Everything is new to him, and it's clear he's absorbing it all with a mix of wonder and bewilderment.

We finally reach the fountain, and I spot Shelia sitting on a bench, looking around expectantly. I feel a sense of relief wash over me. This is our next step in figuring out how to get Corvu back home, and hopefully, understanding more about the amulet and its powers. Today is cold but it isn't particularly snowy, which is good for us. I tap her on the shoulder from behind and she looks at me, a wide smile across her face.

"Hello, dear." She says. Corvu and I come around the bench and face her.

"Hi, Shelia. This is my friend-"

But Corvu interrupts me, "Mother?" What did he just say? Shelia looks at him up and down a couple of times before standing.

"Corvu?" She says aloud, tears swelling up in her eyes, which then burst into a proper cry as she embraces Corvu. He's stunned for a moment but hugs her back. He looks at me, complete confusion across his face. I shrug my shoulders because I'll be honest, I know less about what is happening than he does. Pulling back from him, she has us sit on either side of her on the bench .

"I don't understand," I say. "Corvu, I thought you said your mother died in a fire."

"I also told you I wanted to use that amulet to find out for sure, didn't I?" That was true. Perhaps if Shelia was really a Witch, she used her power to send me to Corvu, and the amulet brought him back here to her? I am thoroughly confusing myself.

"Oh, you kept it on? Good girl," Shelia smiles as I pull it out from around my neck. "I was worried you might consider it junk jewelry."

I sigh, "I couldn't very well consider it junk after it teleported me to Skiora." Shelia's eyes widen as I speak.

"You went to Skiora?" I slowly nod. Lighting up like a star, she smiles, "I had no idea you were already so strong. Well done!" She grabs my hands and pats them, as if I've accomplished something major.

"What are you saying?" Corvu questions. As she sits back to face us both, she sighs, touching Corvu's face in appreciation of his presence.

"I gave her the amulet to protect her. I don't need it anymore; but I certainly thought she might. But Tia has all the makings of an Elder Witch. That's why I gave her the amulet." Corvu's brows lift; clearly, whatever she said makes sense to him.

"So, Tia is actually a Witch? She doesn't even need the amulet?" I'm a what? Are they insane? I was born in Manhattan. I would hardly think someone from this world possesses magic from another. Shelia chuckles.

"The amulet is just a possessed item that glows when it senses the presence of magic. Otherwise, it's just plain old jewelry." My head is going to explode with all this new information. This entire time, the amulet wasn't anything special?

"The whole thing is made up?" I question.

"Yes," Corvu leans back against the bench, unbelieving of what he just heard. "The rumor about the amulet was concocted to protect new Witches. You see, Witches were to be executed as soon as they were found to possess magic, for fear they would turn evil. However, thankfully, if the King thought the magic came from a trinket that can only be given and not taken, we could protect the young Witches."

"That's actually rather genius," I mumble. Shelia nods in approval.

"People are dying over those things." Corvu comments.

"I am sure they are." Shelia sighs, "It's not a myth I designed, but it saved hundreds. I was only able to save myself by using what remained of my power to come here. I had merely hoped I would be strong enough to go back." She turns to Corvu and grabs his hand. "But I wasn't. I ended up leaving you there with no way back. Even though only a year has passed for me I'm so glad I am able to see you grow into a wonderful man."

"Corvu," I begin, ", how long has it been exactly since you've seen your mother?"

"Twelve years or so." He responds. It was like I thought, the time difference between both worlds was significant.One month here was nearly a whole year in Skiora.

"Shelia, if I really am able to travel to Skiora, and I was able to bring Corvu with me, that means I can take both of you home, right?" She thought about her answer before speaking.

"I suppose that would be correct, yes. You would take whatever your hands touch."

"You need to tell me how to do it. You both belong there. And also there is probably an impending Orc attack on the Capital, I don't feel right leaving everyone there fighting and dying over a trinket."

"You can go back and forth whenever you want, dear. Just close your eyes and concentrate where you want to go. See it in your mind. It's a power that builds up inside you, your emotions control it." I could have come back whenever I wanted ? Ugh!

"I didn't know what Skiora looked like when I went there the first time. I just…remember feeling like I wanted to be somewhere safe."

"And you ended up near the village where I was." Corvu smirks. Clever Trickster. I suppose I could have gone to someone that would keep me safe, even if I didn't know who they were at the time. I lean over and take Shelia's and Corvu's hands in mine. I know we were out in the open but what was anyone going to do if they saw three people in the park disappear? I really needed to bring them home, where they can be together as a mother and her son. I also want to make sure Gecko is okay, and somehow convince the Orc army that the prophecy was wrong. It was all made up.

I needed to go back to Skiora.