The Traveler Of Dreams

By Rafy Barreira

Waking up suddenly in a world not her own, Mia, a spunky teenage girl, knowledgeable of all sorts of things, from movies to digital media of her time is found by a traveler in her dream that helps her out of the cold. Yet what he doesn’t expect was the girl to be destined for a grand role in his world as part of a mighty group of four individuals and an amazing adventure. In a world of a completely different time period where such digital devices don’t exist, will she learn to survive? Will she be able to cope with the lack of such technology? But most importantly, will she be able to escape?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clube de Autores
• Release date: May 25, 2021

Book preview

Vision 1:

The Silly Girl That Fell Into Her Dream

Somewhere deep within the woods of an unknown land, rests a girl; long chestnut flowing hair fading to black toward the edge of each string, wearing a purple hoodie and… nothing else; under a great tree she sleeps, until a faint voice reaches her ears.

_Hey… Hello? Wake up! _Says a stranger shaking the girl's body.

_Ugh, come on... just… five more minutes_ the girl whines in a sleepy tone shifting to the side.

_You’ll catch a cold if you stay here. Come on, wake up_ he persists.

_Fine, fine… Ouch... My head! _She winces sitting up and resting her hand on her forehead. Reaching into her pocket she takes out a pair of black round frames pressing them against her face.

_What the...? That's weird_ the girl’s eyes wander her surroundings. But to her surprise she notices her vision is blurry.

_Where... am I?! _Asks the girl puzzled. 

_This is The Arcane Woodlands_ answers the stranger.

_Arcane… what?! The last thing I remember is falling from the sky and landing under this tree. Did I faint? _The girl panics.

Fell from the sky?! How did this girl suffer no injuries? _The stranger thought amazed.

_We can exchange details later. Come to our village for now; it's dangerous out here in the dead of the night_ says the stranger extending his hand to help her off the ground.

_Oh, thank you, but who are you? _Asks the girl seeing nothing but a blurred figure standing before her. Slowly taking off her glasses she is shaken; her vision is clear.

_Whoa, I... I can see, but how is that possible? Her eyes slowly travel upwards as a tall young man towered over her. He stares at her for a moment. She meets his gaze nervously.

_What were those strange shields of glass covering your eyes? _ He asks curiously. The girl stares puzzled.

_O-oh you mean, these? They're used for people like me who weren’t born with... the best vision_ explains the girl embarrassed. The man stares intrigued.

_May I see them? The girl stares a bit weirded out but obliged. He analyzes the piece as if he had never seen such thing; cautiously he places them over his eyes.

_Amazing! My vision looks so much clearer now! Is this magic?! _ He shouts astonished. The girl smiled at his reaction.

Magic?... What’s up with this guy? He’s so weird_ she thinks giggling.

_Excuse me but, can I please have my shields of glass back? Startled the man apologizes placing her glasses back over her eyes and turns away, supposedly to that village he had mentioned. The girl stands there dazed; her eyes gaze up towards the stars. Removing her glasses, she stares deep into the black vastness.

_Where am I?! No. I think the better question is why... Giving her head a good shake, she slaps her cheeks stuffing her glasses back into her hoodie.

_I shouldn’t be thinking about that now. At that moment she notices that the stranger isn’t there anymore. Panicking, her eyes turn and spot him walking into a forest.

_Hey, d-don’t just leave me here! _Shouts the girl running towards him terrified. Catching up, her fingers grip onto his cloak, rapid breath escapes from her lips.

_Oh, hello there_ says the stranger looking down behind him. In response the girl shoots him a resentful stare.

_Don’t hello there me. You were gonna leave me there, weren’t you? _Barks the girl, annoyance in her eyes. The man furrows his brows and turns to her; his once friendly expression turns cold.

_I saved your life, you know. If it weren’t for me, you could have fallen ill.

_Yeah, sure, you woke me up, but what then? Were you just going to abandon me there? Leave me for dead? _The girl interrupts lashing out at him.  The stranger then leans in closer to her.

_I wasn’t done talking… and for the record, if I didn’t care… I would have left you there_ replies the stranger looking at her, dead in the eyes. Terrified, she felt her heart sink to her toes, looking down to the ground. The stranger lets out a sigh and kneels.

_Even so, if I had ever done such a thing, I would never be able to forgive myself_ he says petting her. A light smile shows on her face. 

_Wanna keep following me? The girl nods. Standing back up he presses forward. The girl follows right behind him.

  On their way to the village, the journey through the forest is a quiet one, so the stranger opens his mouth.

_What is your name, little one?

_Oh, silly me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Mia_ replies the girl with a smile.

_Mia… That is a beautiful name. She blushes in response.

        Later, once their journey has come to an end…

_This is it: home sweet home. A small hamlet in the woods, houses carved out of the massive strong trees. Lamp posts with crystals decorates the small roads and lanterns hang over the doors of houses surrounding them all in a warm glow. Children and town’s people wander the streets basking in its light. Mia stares with her eyes wide in astonishment, but something catches her attention.

Ears? And tails?! _Thinks Mia in disbelief rubbing her eyes.

_Mister, why does everyone have ears and tails? _She asks shaking profusely.

_What do you mean? Everyone has ears and tails in this world. Silly girl. With a laugh he removes his hood and lifts the trench coat he wears over his clothes to reveal

his fox ears and his tail. A young man of tanned skin and black hair appearing to be roughly in his mid-twenties, his chiseled jaw is covered by a light beard. Mia blinks twice, looks away, then looks up at him again.

_But I don’t have those ears or a tail! _Says Mia angrily shaking her arms around. Puzzled the man stares at her.

_Nonsense! Of course, you do. Can’t you feel them? _He asks pointing towards her head.

  Removing the hood, Mia places her hands on her head and feels her ears twitch at the slightest touch. Reaching behind her, a soft feeling of fur brushes across her hands swishing around. Then with a blank expression on her face for a moment, she bursts in an explosion of joy.

_No way! I’m a fox girl! _Yells Mia waging her tail. The man smiles, but immediately sinks to a frown.

Interesting! She didn't realize she had ears, not even a tail until I pointed it out. On top of that, she carries a strange tool that enhances one's vision! She’s definitely not from around here. Maybe I should take her to the village’s Oracle _He thinks nodding to himself.

_Come along now Mia. Why don’t we go to the Inn and get you a place to stay? _The guy suggests.

_A place to stay. That’s so kind of you_ She smiles warmly.

Walking through a large, rounded gate made of twisted tree branches, it is a truly humble place. She sees a stream in the distance with plenty of fox women filling wooden buckets with its water, men who seem to be building and repairing structures and many small children run past her with joyous laughter. Roz looks back as Mia stands still, admiring her surroundings.

_Come on Mia_ He calls grabbing her hand. Startled she blushes looking up at him.

_Oh, s-sorry, I was just… The man smiles.

_I know… it’s a lot to take in, isn’t it? The girl agrees.

          Guiding her through the village they come across a tall tree as the man opens its door. Mia stares in awe at its majesty. All its furniture beautifully carved.

_An Inn carved into a tree; that’s different! _She thinks.  Inside, the young man walks up to the receptionist.

_Excuse me_ asks the young man attempting to grasp the attention of the fox woman behind the counter.

_Oh, good evening, Roz, how may I help you?

_I need a single room. Are there any available?

_Well, there is one but… It's at a pretty hefty price _answers the woman scratching her head.

_That won't be a problem, I guess. I've been saving up quite a beauty_ says Roz with a chuckle.

_And who's this fine little gem? Never seen her around these woods before. The woman stares at the little fox curiously.

_This is Mia. I found her sleeping deep in the woods earlier, under the Mother Tree_ replies Roz with his hand on her shoulder.

_Will she be sleeping here?

_Yes_ he answers with a smile.

_Okay then, that will be fifty Crystals.

_Fifty?! He sighs. Fifty it is_ he agrees reaching for his pouch. He pulls out the biggest and brightest Crystal he had and places it on the counter.

_Thank you for your patronage. Here's the key to her room.

    After some flights of stairs, they arrive at the room Mia would be staying in.

_From now on you’ll be sleeping here, okay?

_Okay. He turns away from her.

_Wait, mister! Please come in_ pleads the girl grabbing his arm, smiling; her tail moving back and forth. Sitting on her carved bed, she gestures him to sit by her side.

_Well, if you insist_ says Roz sitting next to her.

_Mister… What are Crystals? _Asks Mia tilting her head.

_Oh, so that's what you want... Well, Mia, Crystals are this world’s currency. You see, we harvest Crystals which naturally grow deep inside these woods and use them to buy our everyday things. The value of a Crystal depends solely on its appearance. In other words, the bigger and brighter the Crystal, the more valuable it is. Reaching into his pouch he pulls out a chunk of stone; its wide array of colors shines brilliantly. Mia stares in awe.

_Wow, that's so cool. The way money works where I come from is totally different_ says Mia ecstatic. The man stares.

        Where is this girl from after all? She says her currency is completely different from here and the way she speaks is very strange… Sometimes I understand, sometimes don’t.  Tomorrow I will take her to speak with the Oracle. Maybe he can explain her origins_ he thinks.

_Mister, are you okay? _Mia asks staring at him. He then focus back on her.

_Oh, sorry. It's been a long night for both of us, so you'd better get some rest_ says Roz walking to the door.

_Okay, good night, mister.

_Please, call me Roz.

_Okay, night, Roz.

_Sweet dreams. He turns to the door.

_Wait, Roz_ says Mia getting up grabbing his wrist.

_What’s wrong now?

_I just wanted to thank you… I mean, you just met me a little time ago and you’ve done so much already, so thank you. And… I’m sorry, for getting mad earlier. Roz smiles.

_Please, I couldn’t just leave you there. It was the least I could do so think nothing of it_ says Roz petting her. Mia smiles then slowly closes the door. Alone with her thoughts, sinking to the floor her body leans against the hard-wooden door.

        How did I even get here? Is there a reason for me being here? Is this all just… an illusion? _Mia thinks to herself clutching her knees.

_Maybe if I go to sleep... She walks over to the lamp, finds a key; turns it closing it like a butterfly chrysalis. Then she walks to her bed, settles in and falls.

"Dreams…

What are dreams after all?

Are they just random worlds created by our subconscious and later played to us while we sleep?

How do we even know when we’re in a dream...

And how will we know when we're not in a dream?"

Vision 2:

The Oracle of The Village and The Soul Bell.

The next morning, early rays of sunlight shone through the small window illuminating the room. Mia still asleep, the sound of a bell reached her ears.

_Hmm… Morning already? _She mumbled sitting up with a stretch; she hopped out of her bed and wandered over to the window.

_Good morning world! _She shouted beaming. Everyone on the streets of the village stared for a moment and waved. But sadness washed over her once she stepped away and sat on the bed.

_Looks like I’m still here. Maybe I should just accept it… I’m trapped… and I’m never getting out_ she closed her eyes clutching her knees as silence followed.

_Mia, may I come in? _Said Roz behind the door. Her ears twitched as she stared at it.

_Well at least I’m not alone, right? 

_Come in! He opened the door and walked up to her.

_Good morning. Mia greeted with a warm smile. He paused and looked up and down.

_Mia, what exactly are you wearing? _Asked Roz puzzled.

_These are my pj’s_ answered Mia enthusiastically.

_Pj’s? What in the name of... Oh, whatever. Well… It's a bit too… revealing_ said Roz staring. Mia's eyes shifted down, her face went red.

_Hey! What exactly are you looking at, pervert? _Asked Mia, flustered, pulling down the ends of her pajama trying to cover her panties.

_I-I didn't see anything, calm down. What I'm trying to say is that we should find you more suitable clothes, you know, to be seen in public.

_Oh, okay, sorry about that _she apologized blushing and dressing her hoodie.

_For now, wear these; walking around barefoot doesn't look very pleasant. Roz handed her a pair of brown fur boots. I hope they’re the right size.

_Aww, that’s so thoughtful. Thanks. _Mia beamed.

  Shortly after, Roz took Mia to a small fair of stands and huts. Everybody around stared at her with curiosity. She looked away nervously. Standing before one in particular, there were many different types of clothing on display.

_Excuse me, I require assistance_ said Roz to the shop clerk.

_Good morning, sir. How may I be at your service?

_I need some suitable clothes for this little girl_ said Roz with his hand on Mia’s shoulder.

_Hey. I’m not little; you’re just really tall_ She whined flailing her arms around.

_Okay, okay. Please come with me_ the shop clerk called.

_Fine_ Mia pouted.

_Sir, could you please wait here?

_Very well_ replied Roz sitting down.

        Inside the changing rooms…

_Miss, could you please remove your... clothes? _Asked the tailor. In response the girl felt a chill down her spine.

_Whaaat? Are you crazy? Why? 

_So I can take your measurements, please. It won’t take long _she insisted.

_Fine. She said sighing. While she was taking off her hoodie and pajama, Mia noticed she wasn't wearing a bra underneath. Her face grew red as an apple and covered herself.

_Here, cover your, um, upper half with this_ she said handing her a piece of cloth. The girl tied it around her chest, but sadly, it barely covered anything.

_U-um, okay, please stand still_ ordered the tailor as she took a measuring tape and placed it against Mia’s pale skin. She measured around her waist and hips, arms, breasts and shoulders. Mia did her best not to move while the very young woman tried to avoid staring at her body.

_Finished. Now please put your… whatever that is back on and wait outside_ said the tailor with rosy cheeks. She nodded slipping her hoodie back on.

_That was terrible… said Mia shaking as she walked outside.

          Later that afternoon, Mia was wearing a white blouse with puffy sleeves fitting her quite well, paired with a dark brown skirt around her hips.

_I love it, what do you think Roz? _ the girl asked twirling around.

_You look lovely.

_Aw, thanks_ she replied smiling.

_Now, back to the matter at hand, I would like to introduce you to the village’s Oracle _said Roz staring at her.

_Oracle? _Mia inquired gazing up at him, thumbs up.

_This is very important. You must take it seriously.

_Right! _ Mia spoke confidently.

  While the sun began to set, Roz took Mia to see the Oracle of his hamlet.

_I have come with a visitor_ Roz called out. Stepping foot into an old, withered tree, with many cavities like a cave made of wood and bark. Inside sat a bald, white bearded man; his ears and tail had all but lost their color as well, his body covered by a white robe. They removed their shoes and sat down across from him on the floor.

_Roz, who is this young girl? _Asked the Oracle caressing his beard.

_Wait, I thought I would be faced with a huge computer! Both stared stunned at her caressing their beards.

_Com...puter? What in the name of the Creator is that? _Roz asked.

_It’s something that knows all the things in the world_ answered Mia. The Oracle smiled intrigued. Mia then turned her attention back to him.

_Oh... my manners. I’m sorry... Hello. My name’s Mia_ she greeted. He stared at her for a moment, then spoke.

_Mia… come closer. Mia turned to Roz; he nodded. She then sat right in front of him.  Placing his hand on her head he closed his eyes. Mia followed his lead closing hers as well.

_Hmm, I sense something special inside this girl. You are not from this world… Are you? Mia felt her heart race, her ears and tail perked up. She stared at Roz for a moment, and back at the Oracle.

_No… I'm not. The last thing I remember, I went to sleep in my world, then next thing I know I woke up falling from the sky in the middle of the night until I landed in these woods, that tree and blacked out. Eventually, Roz found me asleep and woke me up_ explained Mia with her ears drooped.

_I see… Tell me, have you ever heard about the legend of The Traveler of Dreams? _Asked the Oracle.

_Nope. Never heard of it.

_Of course not. The Oracle closed his eyes and looked up to the sky.

Long ago there was a man who once fell into his own dream and never awoke from it again. Trapped inside that dream, he traveled it endlessly trying to find a purpose... something to accomplish, yet he found nothing. He married to a beautiful woman, raised a family and lived on as if completely forgotten he was dreaming. However, once his time came, he would die in that dream, but only to be born in another, living thousands of different lives in different dreams without an end. That was his fate. Some say he lives among us to this very day somewhere unknown, but nothing is certain.

_Wow! That sounds amazing, yet very sad. But why are you telling me this story? _She asked confused.

_Because I sense traces of him in you_ he said pointing at her. Mia and Roz both gasped.

_How come? _Mia asked. The Oracle smiled.

_Only destiny knows the answer_ he said and stood up.

_Please, come with me. In unison they got to their feet.

_Roz, the place this girl and I are about to enter is sacred; no outsiders are allowed_ explained the Oracle.

_Very well_ answered Roz sitting back down.

      The Oracle led Mia into an immense grotto where a tall tower stood in the middle. Atop that tower was a silver bell.

_Mia, if my prediction is correct, you are the only one who can ring this bell.

_But it's so high up. What do I do? How do I ring it? _She wondered staring up at it. The Oracle looked deep in her eyes and smiled.

_What do I do?!... Yes, possibly the greatest question of the universe. You must believe in yourself, ease your heart, close your eyes and concentrate. And your own answer will come.  Mia stared at him then at the bell.

_Okay… If you say so. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

  The grotto filled with light, markings appearing on the grassy floor and wooden walls. She opened her eyes glowing with a turquoise hue. Once her body began to move on its own, she danced around the tower; reaching the end, her arms cleaved the air like a pair of blades. With a grand leap she twirled her body gracefully landing back onto the ground. Thrusting her arms in front of herself a gust of wind hit the bell’s surface causing it to chime. The sound of the bell echoed throughout the hamlet as its settlers stood in silence. From its hollow shell a round pendant gently floated and chained itself around her neck; she stood motionless with her eyes shut.

      After a while, her eyes opened again, and the grotto returned to normal.

_Huh? Where am I, Oracle? _Asked Mia dazed gripping her head.

_Just as I envisioned_ he said walking up to her.

_What happened? My body just started moving on its own and then I blacked out_ Mia asked confused.

One day a small fox of chestnut fur shall appear dancing beautifully like the wind and call forth the Soul Bell: a girl so powerful. Under her command she shall awaken the Mighty Four and unite them once more.

_And just as foretold, here you are with the Soul Bell chained around your neck _said the Oracle delighted staring at her necklace.

_But what does this mean? _Asked Mia placing her hand on the bell.

_It means little one, that you are one of the Holy Four Spirits.

_Holy Four spirits? _Mia stared puzzled.

_The Holy Four Spirits are the selected four people born with the knowledge of the Elemental Dance of Wind, Ice, Flora and Blaze; beings so powerful; they have been known through the generations as saviors of worlds. Although you still haven't unlocked your power, soon you will_ he explained smiling.

_Power?! That’s crazy! Which one is mine? _Asked Mia ecstatic.

_From what I’ve seen of your mesmerizing performance, I’d say yours is Wind_ The Oracle answered.

_Cooool… But what am I supposed to do now? _Asked Mia a bit overwhelmed.

_You must seek out the other three of your kin; once you do that the answer will be clear.

_Got it! I'll do my best_ said Mia cheerfully. Emerging from the grotto, Roz stood up and ran towards her bending down.

_Mia, are you alright? You’ve been in there for quite some time.

_She is fine. Please take her back to the Inn; she needs to rest_ said The Oracle retreating into the withered tree.

        By the time Mia had gotten out, the moon steadily rose in the sky. She explained everything to Roz on their way back.

_Are you serious?! Do you have any idea what this means? _He asked overwhelmed gripping her shoulders.

_To be honest, I don’t have the slightest_ she replied embarrassed. Roz just stared at her, then let out a chuckle.

_Well, it's been crazy so I wanna hit the hay for now, ‘kay?

_Mia, sometimes I really try to understand what you’re saying. But what I understood was that you want to sleep, right?

_Yeah, something like that _she said smiling.

_Well… anyway get some rest. I'll meet you up in the morning.

_Okay, night_ said Mia closing her door. Leaving the Inn, Roz walked over to his house with a smile on his face and walked in.

_Well ... Who would’ve thought such a little defenseless girl would hold such colossal power! … Incredible! _He said laughing.

        Meanwhile in her room, disturbed, Mia lay on her bed gazing up at the celling.

_Who am I?! I feel as though my memories have been wiped clean. Cocking her head to the window, the fox got up and walked toward it, resting her arms on its frame gazing up at the stars. A smile carved its way onto her face as they twinkled in the sky.

_So now I’m supposed to have an important role in this world! What the heck is happening? _She asked herself with a giggle.

          Eventually drowsiness taking a hold, stumbling back onto her bed she succumbed to slumber.

"Have you ever thought

Why we dream at all?

What is the objective of a dream?

I Wonder…"

Vision 3:

The Shia Clan And A Lost Cat

The next morning, the bell in the hamlet’s center rung, its sound echoing throughout. Mia's ears twitched as she gently opened her eyes.

_Well, time to get up! _She said yawning. Slowly sitting up, she got off her bed. Her mind still a bit disoriented, she walked toward a wall slamming her body against it.

_What the…?! Once her blurred vision came into focus, she saw there was no bathroom. Mia laughed to herself rubbing her head.

_Right, right… I forgot; this isn’t my old house anymore. Well, guess I’ll just have to go downstairs. Walking up to her wardrobe she grabbed her clothes and went down to the lobby. There she was met by the receptionist who appeared to be filling out some forms. Reaching her arm up she rang the bell grabbing her attention.

_Hmm? Who’s there? _She asked confused.

_Excuse me, but my eyes are down here_ said Mia in a huffy tone. Startled the woman looked down.

_Oh, good morning fox pup. What can I do for you?

_Can you show me the way to the bathroom? The woman stared confused raising an eyebrow.

_What in tarnation is a bathroom? Mia froze in place, with no idea how to respond.

_Uhhh, is there anywhere I can wash myself then? _ Asked Mia awkwardly. The woman’s face lit up.

_Oh well why didn’t you say so?! There’s a waterfall behind the Inn; it does wonders for the skin_ she said smiling. Mia stared confused.

_Waterfall?... Wait. So, you guys just take baths… in the open?

_Yes, there’s a one-person policy of course, but we just take our clothes off and be free. Mia blushed furiously in response.

_I… see.

_Would you like a towel? _Asked the woman.

_Yes please_ answered Mia. Once handed her towel, she walked over to the back of the tree.

        There stood an astounding waterfall; its turquoise waters fell from a tall cliff splashing against the many stones around it and spreading off into a small pond.

_Sweet! So serene! _She said in awe. Bending down she was faced with her reflection and jumped at the sight of it.

_Woah, what the… what the heck is up with my eyes? _Mia wondered staring deep into them. Her once human eyes were replaced by those of a fox; sharp black pupils engulfed in a sunset colored iris. Intrigued she opened her mouth. Her eyes widened to see her teeth had become larger and sharper.

_Damn! I look so rad, and these ears are just the cutest_ she said touching them contently. Her long chestnut tail waved from side to side. A warm smile stretched across her face.

_I feel reborn.

        Looking around her, she proceeded to strip herself from her hoodie; slowly entering the cold waters she winced as it brushed across her skin. While cleansing herself, her ears twitched.

_Mia! Are you back here? I have something I’d like to give you! Roz called out. Startled she turned.

_Wait! I’m not…! Before she had the chance, he stood at the pond’s edge like a fool. The small backpack he held fell from his grip. Mia felt her face burn as it turned to a bright red… again. 

_Quit looking, you peeping Tom! Get out! Get out.! Get out! _She screamed covering her breasts with her arms whilst a long and magnificent tail covered the girl’s more private area and submerged into the pond.

_Gah! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! _Shouted Roz covering his eyes running into the Inn, leaving his present behind. Mia opened her eyes and got back to her feet.

_Honestly! _Mia huffed to herself. Finishing with her bath she rinsed out her hair and dried off her body along with her tail.

_You can come out now_ she called with an irritated tone. Roz emerged from the Inn and stood at the pond’s edge. Mia stood there fully clothed still barefoot with her hands on her hips. Glaring at him with judgmental eyes, she gestured him to come closer. Roz nodded. He sat on the ground as Mia towered over him. With all her rage accumulated she clobbered him on the head. 

_Seriously? You shouldn't just barge on a lady taking a bath without permission _Mia lectured pointing at him.

_But I called out.

_No buts! You walked in before I could even react. That was your fault_ said Mia glaring at him. He hung his head as his ears and tail drooped.

_Apologies, Mia. It won't happen again. Mia stared at him; her eyes then flicked toward the leather backpack on the ground. She let out a sigh and smiled.

_Is this the gift you were talking about? … Thank you _She said. But Roz kept his head down.

_It’s okay. I owe you so much. I just can’t be mad at you. I know your intentions weren’t completely wrong_ said Mia hugging him and waging her tail. Roz smiled.

_Distractions aside, today we will begin our journey to find the other three Holy Spirits _he said with a serious expression.

_Right. But how will we find them?

_Hmm, good point. Let's ask the Oracle.

_Sounds good. Mia put on her boots and they left.

      Moments later at the withered tree...

_Oracle, how do we find the other Holy Spirits? _Asked Roz.

_The Spirit Gifts, they call out to each other _He said pointing to her bell. That is how you will find them_ the Oracle explained vaguely. Mia stared confused.

_But how will we know which direction to take? _ Mia added.

_Concentrate! Feel the link between you and the others. She nodded, touched her bell and closed her eyes.

_I see polluted streets and a dark sky. The Oracle caressed his beard.

_I see… so the closest one must be somewhere in the Dark Metropolis.

_What? But going there… Could be very dangerous right now_ said Roz.

_I’m afraid you have no choice in this matter_ the Oracle said firmly. Roz sighed.

_Very well. I shall be Mia’s guardian then.

_Good. Have a safe journey. I will be asking the Great Creator for the both of you to return home safely.

_Thank you, Oracle _said Mia bowing her head as they left.

        Meanwhile...

_I wonder if she is truly up to the task_ the Oracle said to himself laughing and retreating to his tree.

        That afternoon