“Amazing! You’re truly are from another world!”

Nia had repeated those words for the umpteenth time while she was gazing at the photos of city botanical gardens that his class went to last semester.

Benny had to give a wry smile at that.

That’s what I’ve been trying to say. Though I can’t see how you would be convinced just by looking at those plants. He thought.

“I’ve never seen these specimens before! And I’m familiar with just about every plant species in the world!”

“What’s the deal? They’re just plants.” says Tenryu, trying to look at screen. “I want to see more of those weird things from the other world, so can we move along?!”

“Tenryu, these are plants from another world! Think of the healing properties they can hold!”

Benny chuckled lightly, “Actually, these are just ornamental flowers. They’re called orchids.”

“Orchids? What kind? Singer Orchids? Spitting Orchids? The Flesh-Eater Orchids?”

Nia named several of this world’s types of orchids excitedly as though to expect there might be some similarities.

The last one, though, sort-of scared Benny.

“Um, no. They’re just…orchids. No other names attached. And these are basically they’re just for show. But these were the varieties that are considered rare even in my home world. So for us of that world they’re something to be prized of.”

“Oh…is that so? No, I guess there are plants that don’t have any properties for healing but are simply cultivated for aesthetics.” Nia glanced at the photos. “But still for people of your world to grow these beautiful flowers is something admirable.”

“Cam we skip the flowers already and move on to the other photos?!” Tenryu grumbles impatiently.

Nia gave him an annoyed look once more but resigned herself knowing that as much as she wanted to look at the other world’s flowers some more it was unfair to hog the “smart phone” all to herself.

Benny smiled wryly once more and flipped to the next picture,

He showed them several more photos of his old world. The photos were usually about times from his trips and vacations. There were also some when he hung out with Ace in the arcade (he had to explain the mechanisms behind the gaming machines in the most general way.) Tenryu was exclaiming about every single detail that seemed familiar to him (which was apparently all of them.) Nia kept remarking about the different plants that appeared in his pictures (the funniest was her admiration about the photo of a common garden weed.)

He even showed a selfie in the backyard with Brownie (Ace’s pet dog that unfortunately had died just recently.) Nia asked what that animal was.

“Benjamin, what kind of animal is that? It looks like one of the Caniaso Clan but its body structure….”

“Oh, that animal is what we call a dog.”

“A dog?”

“That’s what we call them and they are…personal companions to everyone.”

Benny was about to say “pet” but that would be seriously rude here in this world where there are sentient beings with those features.

He quickly changed the subject before any of them could ask further.

“Ah, here is the Flores de Mayo Festival.”

Now that I think of it, mom was part of the organizers and Lily performed here with her class…

“Wah, it’s so pretty!” Nia admired the photos of the parade floats and flowers decorating them.

“Ah, here’s a video of the parade.”

Tenryu and Nia looked confused, ““Video?””

Rather than explain, Benny played a clip of the video he shot during the parade.

“What the blitz?! The picture’s moving!”

“Amazing! I can even hear sounds from it!”

Benny smiled at their reactions, “That’s what a video is. It’s a moving picture with sounds.”

The camera panned around and sounds of nostalgic parade music can be heard. They were even playing some band version instrumentals of the local songs.

For a while, they just watched the clip of the parade.

Benny felt the nostalgia and a little homesick as he watched the scenes of his former world dance around in that small little screen.

“It’s really all there… Those things…they’re really real…”

Benny’s ear caught by Tenryu’s muttering and saw he looked rather pale and shell-shocked.

He let Nia watch the video of a rock concert he went too. (“I really can’t understand that song at all! It’s all screaming and yelling…”) and poked Tenryu to get his attention. There was something that Benny wanted to know.

“Say Tenryu, how did you know all these stuff from my home world?”

“H-huh? What the blitz do you mean?”

“From your mutterings just now and your descriptions earlier it is pretty obvious that you are familiar with things from my world. So how do you even know them?”

“Um, well…I sort of saw them…in my dreams.”

“Dreams?” repeats Benny.

Nia looked up from the video, “Do you mean those dreams that have been bothering you these past months?”

Benny looked between Tenryu and Nia. This was clearly something that was long before he came here.

“I’ve been having dreams about a strange land with all those things. Cars…Airplanes…T.V.s …they were all there! And that thing in your hand showed all of it. It’s only now that I know that they’re all real…”

Hearing that, Benny could somehow understand Tenryu’s feeling a bit.

Benny didn’t say it yet but he too had the same experience as Tenryu. He too had weird dreams of a strange world. At that time he thought it was just some kind of fantasy dream and it wasn’t any special but actually seeing it all actually exists was something that can really shatter what one knows.

“…then I sort of got a glimpse of them once more when we got caught by Nia’s Spell at Venditore’s. It’s sort of been bothering me lately this past week.”

Nia crosses her arms, “So it’s my fault you’ve been brooding this whole time?”

“I don’t know! All of sudden it affected me like that for some reason!”

It seemed that neither Tenryu nor Nia knew about the additional effects of the Grove of Dodona Spell.

“No, no…most of it was guilt for what happened to Benny…but well …”

It was clear to Benny that there was something else. Something less pleasant...

Benny was then remembered that Emrys had mention of Tenryu had went through some kind of unimaginable hardships. He also remembered Tenryu’s frightened child-like demeanor during the time they were caught up in that Spell. And even now, somehow Tenryu seemed to struggle about it. As much as he wanted to know, Emrys was right that it wasn’t his call to make and that Tenryu wasn’t ready to tell just yet.

“I guess you probably saw bad memories or dreams as well.” says Benny finally.

Tenryu flinched. Nia gazed at him in surprise.

“Well, I gotta say, you’re not the only one affected. Even I saw some terrible memories when I was caught up by that Spell. I guess it does have some kind of effect on those caught by it. I didn’t anticipate it could do also do that…so that fault is mine for pressuring you to do cast it, Nia.”

Benny had precisely said these words for two reasons. First, was to give Tenryu a window to accept that he wasn’t the only one affected and maybe open him up to say more because whatever it was really sparked Benny’s interest. Second, was for Nia to clear out her conscience from the responsibility of getting them caught in that Spell.

“N-No…it was tense moment and we had to do what we need to do. And neither of us was entirely sure of its true effect so it was essentially a gamble…” says Nia, who looked a little relieved.

Tenryu on the other hand only looked at his hand…precisely at his right hand and trembled a bit. The exact opposite of what Benny intended nevertheless had to let it slide.

“Cough*…getting back to subject. Do you guys believe me now when I said that I’m from another world?” Benny asked them while being slightly cautious of their reaction.

He had already explained the circumstances of how he got here and now he backed up his claims with proofs he had on hand. He only hoped that they believe it.

And that they didn’t see him as something repulsive.

It was Nia who answered, “I can’t say that I can refute that you are from another world, Benjamin. But there is something that I don’t understand. If you are from another world that doesn’t have an ounce for Magic, how is it possible that you are so adept at it? And that’s without considering you even have the Conjurer Ability which is even rare here in Mundo Magica.”

Benny had momentarily forgotten his weird Ability, “Actually, I had help. Most of the Spells I use come from here.” He patted the Spellbook on his lap.

“From that book you always carry? So you’re saying those Impossible 13 Spells also came from that book?!”

“Ah, as for those I made them up as I go. There were some Spells like those Barrier Spells that were also included. To be honest, I just simply imagined those instances to happen and put them to use. I didn’t actually expect them to work.”

“And yet they did.” Nia sighed once more as she shook her head, “As much as unbelievable it may seem but seeing your capabilities in Magic I guess it’s hard to say otherwise. I have to reiterate that even if someone were to have a guide to cast Spells it does not guarantee they can cast it proficiently. Even from another world, you have a natural affinity for Magic.”

Emrys did say that though. Apparently he had a talent when it comes to Magic.

“But that just brings another question, Benjamin. What is that book? And from such a world, where did you even get it?”

“I got it from my Abuela.”

“Who?”

“Ah, that’s what I call my great-grandmother. This Spellbook is a family heirloom I received from her. Strange enough it was on the same day…I came to this world…”

Nia squints at him.

“You received a magical heirloom in a world that doesn’t have Magic? No matter how you look at it, doesn’t that seem contradicting?”

Benny scratched his cheek, realizing that it does seem contradictory. “I guess I should explain further.”

Benny quickly explained that he had recently discovered that Abuela was actually from this world but for reasons yet unexplained she crossed over to the other world by accident. She had since lived in the other world while raising her son, Benny’s grandfather, whom she was pregnant with when she crossed over and continued to watch over the family that grew there until Benny’s generation. All the while she had kept her Mundo Magica heritage a secret due to the fact that such concepts or things did not exist in that world. That was until she finally revealed the truth only to Benny.

Benny did leave out one important detail: this information was told to him in a dream by a self-proclaimed family Spirit Guardian.

“So your great-grandmother is from here. If we think it that way it does that solves on mystery.” Nia nodded in satisfaction.

“But Benny wouldn’t that mean you are a person who is from both worlds?” Tenryu points out.

“Ah, now that you mentioned it… I guess that would mean I’m partly of this world by descent.”

Benny had temporarily overlooked that obvious fact. Even though it was already pointed out at him before by Emrys having this pointed out once more by Tenryu felt a little stupid .

“You most likely inherited your natural abilities in Magic from your great-grandmother. Since she kept most of her life from Mundo Magica a secret, I could only guess that she may be a very powerful Magic user.”

Benny looked at the Spellbook. His thoughts ran to Abuela and her mysterious past. Who was she exactly? He thought.

“So you have no idea how you and your Abuela traveled between worlds?” asks Tenryu.

“No, both instances were complete accidents. Well, I don’t know how to entirely explain it. I was caught in a storm out at sea and I think out of desperation…by then, I had an inkling of what this book was. I, this is gonna sound crazy, but I sort of read a Spell from the Spellbook in desperation. But I’m pretty sure there was something else that happened and it transported me here. And when I came to…that was the day I met Tenryu.”

Tenryu looked down to his chest as if he was looking at something there. He could’ve sworn he heard Tenryu mumble “The same day that I…”

“Yet, strangely it happened in the same family. Fate does have some weird coincidences. To be separated from all that she knew…”

Benny flinched.

“…and raised her son all alone in another world while adapting to a new life there for decades with no hope or idea to return back…”

Benny flinched at every word.

“…I can’t imagine how much she went through.”

“Neither did I or the rest family but…” Benny’s cracked voice caused Nia to turn at him. “I do understand a bit now…I mean…I’m going through the same thing…” Benny had said that with a hallowed voice and a cramped expression.

Nia suddenly realized how her words meant towards Benny.

“Ah! I’m sorry Benjamin! I didn’t mean it like that…”

“N-No, it’s okay! It’s true anyway…so…”

But Benny looked a little drained as those words seemed to really hit it deep. In fact, his remaining eye looked a little like a dead fish’s.

“Benjamin! Please, forgive me.”

Nia shook him by the shoulders to snap him out. But all it did was make Benny shake his head like a bobble-head doll.

“Hey, Benny…”

Tenryu’s voice was the one that did snap Benny of his hallowed state.

“H-Huh? What Tenryu?”

“Why didn’t you tell any of this to us before?” Tenryu looked at him with eyes and tone had a bit of irritation and dismay. “When we first met…you…you could’ve told me!”

Benny was prepared for that question. But it didn’t make feel any easier.

“Would you have believe me if I told you?”

“W-What the blitz is that supposed to mean? Of course, I’d believe you!”

“No, Tenryu I sincerely doubt it.”

“What?!” Tenryu felt offended and began to rage in complaint.

Fortunately, Nia restrained him, “Tenryu, stop it. It’s only natural that Benjamin kept this a secret.”

“B-But-!” Tenryu tried to argue.

Benny gave him a wry smile, “I am quite certain if I suddenly say “Hey, I’m from another world! Believe me!” to a person I just met I’m pretty sure the obvious first reaction would be “This guy is crazy!” right?”

Tenryu understood that it make sense and felt a little off-footed but he was still stubborn to demand answers.

“B-But you have the proof to show it! If you showed it to me at that time I would’ve believe-”

PAT*

All of a sudden, Benny felt Nia patted his hand. Her sudden warm touch sent heat waves coursing through Benny’s body.

She then spoke up for his defense, “Tenryu, can you blame him for being wary? After being thrown into another world what do you think you’d do? Who do you think you could trust? To be keeping such a secret is without a doubt a tremendous burden. The fact that Benjamin was able to trust us with it shows how much he already puts value on us. And it’s not like he’s waited until several years, months or even weeks to tell us.”

Actually it’s because Emrys urged me to do so… And he was right. If I told them in a later date I wonder how this would go. Benny added in an afterthought. I should probably thank him the next time he pops up.

That cooled Tenryu’s head a bit and caused him to sink back down on his chair.

“After getting to know you two a little better I believe I can already trust you with it.” Benny said.

“Your reasons for keeping this a secret is understandable and I’m grateful you trust us with this.”

The way Nia smiled at him that caused him to feel warm in his cheeks and stiffened at her touch.

“I don’t really like the fact that you kept all of this quiet but I guess you have your reasons.

Benny smiled at his two friends. He felt a great relief that he had people he can trust in this world.

“Benjamin, there’s still something I want to ask. Do you really have no idea how to return to your world?”

“No. I really have no idea.”

“Then, are you perhaps looking for a way to get back?”

He could see a conflicted expression on her face. Tenryu’s expression was cramped as though he was bracing to hear some bad news..

“The answer to that is…no.”

““Huh?””

Benny’s answer surprised them both. After all, Benny’s home, family and everything he knew was in that other world. So for him to suddenly say “no” to return to all that was something unexpected.

But the truth is…Benny had a different goal in mind.

“Actually, I’m not in a hurry to go back to my home world. Rather, I’d like to search for a method that can freely allow me to travel between worlds.”

“Travel?”

“Between worlds?”

Benny held up his index finger like he had an idea.

“Think about it. Though it was an accident both me and my Abuela traveled between worlds. If there was a way to do that at will then that would be more preferable than just choosing one world over the other, right? At the very least, I won’t be eternally separated from those important from me!”

Although it was crazy and almost other worldly idea that could shake the foundations of thinking what Benny felt his idea was right.

“But Benjamin…that’s rather…”

“I know it’s plausible and difficult but not impossible.”

Benny hasn’t felt so sure on his goal.

“So that’s your goal, then? Don’t you want to go back home to your family as soon as possible?” asks Nia.

“That would take a lot of research and study so I anticipated that it won’t be easy. Nor I’m that optimistic that it will happen any time sooner. So it’s more or less a long term goal. But for the present-”

Benny stared out the window where a good view Amberose City opened for him.

“I just want to live my life in this world to the fullest.”

Tenryu and Nia looked at him. They weren’t sure what his words meant.

“Benny, I want you to know one thing.”

“Er…What is it?” Benny couldn’t help but stiffened a bit.

“You…told me just now that you’re my friend, right?”

“Y-Yeah?”

Tenryu hesitated for a bit.

What’s with that hesitation? Wait… Did that mean Tenryu didn’t seem me the same way? Benny thought in despair but.

“Well, act like it! If you are my friend and I want you to trust me a little more! Blast it!” Tenryu was blushing as he said that.

Benny blinked for a moment before he burst out in laughter.

“W-What the blitz? Why are you laughing?! I’m being serious here! Nia don’t join in!”

“I know, I know, sorry… But yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I also want you to think the same for me. We’re both your friends and that what friends do.”

“Thanks…Nia…Tenryu…”

As he continued to look at them he saw both their Aura appeared once more. That sight of which caught him by surprise that he made an “eh?” sound. Both red and green Aura appeared and wafted like smoke then swirled around him like as though it were embracing him. There was warmth growing his chest as he felt the bonds between them growing deeper.

And for the first time, he saw something coming out of him. It was yellowish-gold Aura and it reached out towards Tenryu and Nia. It wafted around them the same theirs did for him.

“Benjamin?”

“Benny?”

Benny snapped out his trance, “Huh? What?”

“You were staring at us weirdly.”

“Is something wrong?”

On the contrary, he felt as though nothing felt more right than it is now. He simply smiled at them, “No, nothing’s wrong at all.”

It was at that moment that Benny felt a small pop in the air. He felt a shiver in the energy and also slight tiredness.

“Ah! The White Noise Spell had worn off.”

Sure enough, there were some voices from outside.

“What was that?”

“I thought my ears were ringing for a moment.”

“Was someone playing with a chalkboard or something?”

“I don’t know maybe we’re just tired.”

The doorknob shook as someone from outside tried to enter. Benny quickly stuffed the Spellbook back into his satchel.

“What the blitz? The door is locked!” There was some knocking in the door. “Hey! Open the door!”

They both recognized those voices as Aunt Magma’s and Flare’s.

“Shoot! Magma-tia and Flare-ate!” Tenryu stood up.

Nia quickly stood up, “Listen! What we discussed right now must be kept a secret!”

“Eh? Keep this a secret from Magma-tia and Flare-ate?”

Tenryu looked at Benny.

“I agree. At least for now…I’m too tired to explain once more.” Benny says as he fell back to his pillows.

“O-Okay…” Tenryu reluctantly agreed.

Nia quickly strode towards the door and opened it.

Flare and Aunt Magma entered the room. Flare had a finger in her ear as though she there was something in it.

“Why did you kids lock the door?” asked Aunt Magma, she too seemed to ringing out her ear.

“Ah, the doors in this Healing Facility sometimes get stuck. I’ve complained to the custodian so many times to oil the hinges but he always forgets. Don’t worry about it.” Nia made an excuse.

“I did hear you complain about it a lot.”

“Speaking of hearing, Nia can you check my ears? I feel this annoying ringing in my ears.”

Nia gave Benjamin a knowing look.

Both Benny and Tenryu glanced at each other and they both shared a laugh.

Extra

The part where they were watching the parade from Benny’s smart phone.

“Hey Benny, look at that!”

Benny flinched as he heard that old voice from the small speaker. The camera pans towards a familiar grinning kid wearing a bandana.

“Benjamin, this is?” asks Nia.

“My friend…the one I was talking about. He’s from my old world…” Benny’s words choked in his throat.

“What Ace? I’m looking out for Lily-”

“Just look over there, Bro!”

The camera pans to the side. It focuses on a dancer wearing one of the most revealing and gaudy costumes while dancing vigorously to the groove of the music.

“Pfft! Isn’t that-”

Benny’s voice in the voice was cut off when Tenryu laughed loudly when he saw that and even Nia tried to stifle her laugh but found it hard to do so.

“Oh, my word…she has intriguing tastes...” Nia giggles.

“What the blitz is with her get-up?” chortles Tenryu.

“It’s a costume, Tenryu. People in my world don’t usually wear that out in public unless for occasions like these.”

“She must be pretty confident to go walking around looking like that!” Tenryu shakes his head.

Benny’s face cramped. Not because of the person dancing in the video. But it as because he kept hearing “her” or “she”

“And for the record, that’s person’s a man…”

“Huh?”

“Eh?”

Benny sighed a little too loudly, “He’s a man…”

Tenryu and Nia kept looking between the screen and Benny. No matter how they looked, all they could see was a woman. Although in their opinion, “she” had some slight masculine features such as a hard jaw line.

“Eh? Benjamin…this is a lady, isn’t she?”

“No, he’s a guy. And I would know since he’s lives nearby my old home.”

“How the blitz is that a man?! I mean look at that chest! It’s as big as any women! It’s like Flare-Ate’s and is even bigger than Nia’s-Gufuh*!”

Benny had elbowed him to a stop. He knew full well that there are things that should never be said in front of a woman.

And Nia was half-about to take out some kind of bladed instrument from her purse.

Benny tried his best to explain the concept of “surgery” to them.

The result of the explanation: Tenryu completely blue and speechless while Nia, on the other hand, was more interested in the medical aspects and the advanced medicine of Benny’s world.