The Ignorpa statue looked identical to Cannoli, only the tuft of red fur on it back are blue crystals and its eyes were a pair of protruding blood red gems. The gems alone were beautiful yet the closer I got, the more the metallic statue grew more lively. It was a masterpiece, something not seen back home as crystals that large were usually reserved for jewelry. The statue even blew steam from its snout! Admittedly, I jumped in shock the first time it did. As I walked under the statue, I began to think back at what Taylum said; he said Ignorpa come in all shapes and forms but I am beginning to question how friendly or unfriendly these forms can truly be. Cannoli appeared more gecko-like, while this one was more bat-like. I mean, it’s face had a bat-like snout, and it had these strange bat-like wings with embedded claws that screamed murderous intent. Maybe it’s simply art.

"Hey, Leo is that statue to scale?" I nudged him in the shoulder and asked jokingly

"Oh yeah! They are for da Arc’s. They are very mean and will uhm...rip your guts like spaghetti says, my Dad, uh-huh. What makes them the mostest scariest is they travel with shi-fuf and can grow humoungously or be super smaller!!” Said Leo excitedly, running towards the front of the statue.

“You don’t say?” I said nervously.

“So this one is made bigger right?” I asked somewhat fearing his response.

“Nope. This is da Generals. One of hugest Eggnoorpa.” He responded innocently, ignoring my distress.

“Read dis sign here.” He asked pointing his finger at a plaque at the front of the base of the statue.

“

Dear citizen,

Here we honor and remember an extraordinary member of society who has given more than anyone ever should have to. Primo Arc Leader Revant Stormfield gave her life defending what we know now as New Dwarden from three ravenous giants in the age of 1303. Primo Arc Leader Revant Stormfield’s sacrifice alongside the courage of her beloved Ignorpa Kalsyfer helped cement the survival of our Lord and King Alhonder. This statue not only commemorates her sacrifice but it also acts as a conduit of bravery and inspiration for all who have the privilege to call themselves citizens of New Dwarden. She will be missed.

Pax in morte, est in vita pacem, pacis per nostrum

“

“Incredible. She seems like a real hero. I wonder what happened to Kalsyfer? I don’t think I’d want to run into him Leo.” I thought aloud.

“… Oh, and it can spit poison!" Said Leo, his face crept up to mine while moving his fingers menacingly.

It appears as though little Leo fell into his own world as I, in turn, fell into my own. He was completely unaware that I wasn’t listening to him, instead, I was sucked into this heroes tale. I’d like to know more given the chance but I have to move on. With a gentle tug to Leo’s shirt, we began making our way past the statue.

"Why on earth would you need something that bi-..." I indirectly asked Leo.

"Giants, Worm monsters, bad Eggnorpa, and really really really bad people, says my Momma." Said Leo confidently.

This is perfect, traveling with Leo seemed to be largely beneficial. Despite him being young, he is helping somewhat with understanding the wonders of New Dwarden, or more importantly my around it.

New Dwarden is certainly massive and I honestly don't know the extent of its size but if I take this city square by square than I can certainly find something about these Mad Madachi or whatever I need to cure the baby on my back. It took a little to get through Parade Plaza, but ultimately Leo and I sifted through it. Even the crowds around us grew thinner and thinner.

“So... how close are we to where your parents might be?" I asked after a long period of silence.

"Uhmm...I think we are suuuper close! My house is very close! Somewhere between da Cheryybim 8-4-1 and Cherry 8-4--2." Said Leo with an odd burst in confidence.

Leo fixated his eyes to a specific clearing, he seemed excited that his home was finally nearing. Perhaps his parents would be waiting for him there? Slowly, he began to further himself from me, looking in every nook and cranny for his parents; he even looked between the dumpsters! The closer we got to the clearing between the Cherubim, the further Leo would stray from me. Everything was odd. The crowds were almost completely gone, just a stray group of people who numbered only a fraction of the thick crowds before. This area felt somewhat peaceful, almost as if the party already ended here and everyone was ready to hug their beds to sleep.

"So in the event that you were lost, your parent's told you to meet here?" I asked suspiciously.

"I think so…, they say if I get in trouble, then we always meet somewhere here." Leo pointed up ahead.

After a short walk he brought me to yet another clearing except this time it was much smaller and devoid of anyone/anything but silent Cherubim and leaky copper pipes. These must be what they consider there back alley’s. The area reminded me of where I had awoken, I remember the orange brick laid neatly on the ground, even the random greenery scattered about was similar. I could hear the festival noise drowning in the background. It was still so surreal...

"Leo?" I shouted in his direction.

"Ova heya!" Yelled Leo from behind some shrubbery.

Something was strange..., as I drew closer to Leo I could hear rustling from way behind me, and all around me. My gut was beginning to tug me like a toddler at a clothing store, I just wanted to leave. On our whole little walk over here, he examined me more than his surroundings. I gave him the benefit of the doubt because he claimed to be 11 but is he really telling the truth?

"Leo bud...what's going on? Something feels wrong…Be careful. Maybe you should stick close." I tried asking him.

"I couldn't have gotten here without you." Said, Leo, while smiling sadistically.

"You, my friend are trapped. You are obviously not from here, and we have a problem with people who aren't from here." threatened Leo.

"We...?" I said shakily.

Out of every creak and every crevice, people began to emerge. Laughter and snickering strangled me from all around me. Yet again, I could only stand terrified. Should I of listened to Taylum?