I told my brother to slow down. Hurrying out of there would only make us seem suspicious. We left the marketplace that seemed to stretch for almost a mile and arrived at a very desolate area of town.

We need to find a map. I can’t believe what that fruit fly said until I can confirm it myself.

Gigi stopped us and said, “South of the US is Mexico. So we have to be in Mexico, right?”

I wasn’t sure what to tell her. Not only that, but this wasn’t anything like how I thought Mexico would be, though I’d never gone there.

For one the people looked to be a melting pot of different races. The darker skinned people were a minority here! It was far more common to see pale skinned people, followed by what I thought might be people of African descent. I was incredibly confused. Mexico as far as I remembered had a pretty homogeneous Spanish speaking culture. But people here speak English. And what’s more, they’re referring to the land as the Kingdom of Renshire. Is there a hidden kingdom in Mexico that I had neglected to learn about in school? Maybe a remnant of British colonialization? In Mexico?

Gah, this is all so confusing. Where is a damn map?

“Yeah, this has to be Mexico,” Mario said.

“Well south of the United States could be anywhere in Central America.” mom interjected.

“Guys start looking for a map. Let’s go back to the market and look for any stalls that might have one.” I ordered.

Just then a person interrupted us.

“Forgive me for prying, but if you’re looking for maps, there’s a nice shop in the Royal Shopping District I hear has some nice ones.” a blonde man with kind eyes looking to be in his 50’s said. He was dressed in white scholarly robes.

Royal Shopping District. Another term we’re unfamiliar with.

“I hope you’re prepared to spend a few silver at least however.” he continued. “The items in the district are imported directly from the capital and are usually priced for only institutions or noblemen to afford. But I can’t imagine they would turn you away for browsing… especially with fine clothes like those. You should hurry before sunset.” The man studied us with a careful eye.

Before any of us could say anything, he continued his chatter.

“By the way, I am professor Truestar at the Count Sylvian University of Meade.” the professor said in a friendly demeanor.

Not wasting a moment, Mario engaged the professor.

“Professor, we’re new to this entire area. We’ve been in search of information that would tell us more about where we are. We are from the United States.” Mario said.

Upon hearing United States, the professor’s eyes lit up.

“Why you’re in the Kingdom of Renshire, city of Meade, the biggest metropolitan area for commerce in the land! You know, if you’re curious to learn more about our world, we offer free courses on geography and world politics. Well I do, and it would make my day if you bought my book which goes along with the course.” he said with a shiny look in his eyes.

“We might take you up on that Professor. But is this kingdom a part of Mexico?” I pressed, wanting answers.

The professor looked puzzled.

“Mexico? What is that?” he asked sincerely.

I started to feel uneasy again.

“Mexico. The country directly south of the United States… the one that shares a border with Texas and a few other states.” I said, adding unnecessary details.

Is this a senile old man?

“There is no Mexico, lad. I’ve been teaching geography for over 20 years and never have I heard a country by that name.”

“That can’t be.”, Mario chimed in.

“That is a joke, right professor?” mom asked with a grave look on her face.

“I’m afraid it’s no joke, madam. I’ve heard our great kingdom called by many names; let’s see: there’s the Rising Land of the West. Oh and Alseecra. But never a Mexico.” the professor explained.

At this point, I was ready to throw up. Just where on Earth are we?

“Then what about the United States? Why hasn’t its name been changed too?” Gigi demanded.

The professor turned to face Gigi, crouching so as to try to match her height.

“I do not understand what you mean, little girl. But the country you’re from is the United States of Ulseex.” he said.

No. No no no no no. That can’t be. He’s lying. They’re all lying.

I felt a compelling urge to run away. My legs started moving on their own and soon I was running.

“I’m going to go look for a map! Wait for me!” I yelled, looking back at everyone.

“Jay! Stop--!” I heard trailing voices call out to me.

Run. Find a map. Now.

I was sprinting, completely fueled by adrenaline, making turns in random corners and running towards whatever caught my eye at the moment. A nervous sweat ran down my back. I fought the feeling to throw up.

Before I had realized that I had run away from my family in an unfamiliar land, I had already gone too far to see them anymore.

No, what have I done? I can’t get separated from them now. Should I turn back?

I glanced around frantically for anything helpful to figure out where I was and then something caught my eye. I saw a large wooden sign hanging off a street lamp with big scarlet letters that said, “ROYAL SHOPPING DISTRICT”.

I’ll just get a map first and then go back.