Birds of Atrimina

/Five/

The now trio left Andy's house soon after they asked them to go somewhere. The walk down the mountain silent, but relatively fast paced.

"While we're walking... Do you guys want me to explain a thing or two to you?", Andy, who was walking slightly in front of the others, looked back at them. "Before I begin, I need to make sure. This needs to remain a secret between us there.", two nods a signal for them to continue. They were surprised that neither Salt or Nik were questioning anything.

"Well... I think it'll be easier to explain when compared to the multiverse theory. You could think that it works only in movies, books, all the like. But I can assure you, it is real. And while it doesn't work the exact same way as described in sci-fi, there indeed are different worlds. Similar to ours, or completely different, whatever you could think of honestly. We are to... Let's say you two have the chance to see one of those for yourself today."

"That's great and all, as hard to believe as it is, but... What- why are you taking us there? Why us of all people? And how are we going to get there? Is it even safe to just- travel between worlds?", ah, here come the questions. Salt was handing them out expertly.

"Easy, easy. Slow down. As to how we'll get there - you'll see soon. That would be even harder to explain so I'll shorten it. Some universes are connected to one another in places only a select few knows about. We call those 'the Gates'. There is a Gate nearby, we'll use it today. They are safe to get in, as well as back out, so there's no need to worry about that.", Andy stopped talking for a while, letting their friends register what they said.

"But why us?", Nik repeated Salt's question. Andy wondered if they should tell the two about the war now... Maybe at the Gate, before they enter? It'll get them some time to gather up a few words.

"Something had happened there. I'll tell you the exact reason later, but some... Friends of mine are in need of help. I chose you two because I know you, I know I can trust you with what I've said and what you're about to witness."

"So you were in that world before?"

"How is it?"

Both Salt and Nik were now curious, most likely still concerned about the reason, but Andy was thankful for them not pushing on the subject.

"I've been in and out a good amount of times. The last time was five years ago, though time flows differently there. A year here is about a month behind the Gate. The world in itself is quite wonderful, I'd say. Full of magic, creatures never seen on Earth, wonderful places normal humans can only dream of, and much more. I'll make sure to show you around to the best of my ability, if you decide to enter the Gate."

"Soo... Are the Gates like... Hidden but free to enter for everyone, or...?", Nik trailed off, waiting for a reply.

"No, no. They are more or less hidden, true, but they are guarded. If any regular human finds a Gate by accident, some kind of magic won't open the Gate. But, if someone authorized, such as myself, were to approach the Gate, a Guard would appear to open it."

"A 'Guard'?"

"Person chosen specifically to protect the entrance, gifted with the ability to open it at will, as well as enter and leave the world at any given time. Now, more questions later. We're almost there.", they were nearing the same bridge where they saw the swan earlier, both Nik and Salt seemed to notice it as well.

Instead of going on the bridge, they started walking down a grassy hill the bridge was connected to. The two followed suit, suddenly silent and looking around for anything that could resemble an entrance of sorts.

The hill now behind them, Andy lead their friends under the bridge, light seemingly not reaching there quite well, despite it still being relatively sunny a second ago. Here they were, at their destination.

"Who dares to approach the entrance?", a voice spoke, an armored male appearing out of nowhere. Iron armor shining despite the lack of light. Magic emanated from every piece of his armor. Helmet covering the males face almost completely, making it impossible to see his features clearly. A sharp, equally shiny sword at the Guard's side. His shoulders broad, as well as his entire build, though Andy knew just how fast and strong the Guards could be, magic enhancing their abilities.

Crap. They thought they'd have a while to explain the exact reason of dragging the two out here before a Guard appeared.