Heading North Part I

“Welcome to Arcadia.”

The AI’s voice greeted them as the two young men re-entered the world of Arcadia in the early evening. Inside, however, the skies remained bright and sunny, fixed at what appeared to be around noon.

“Ugh… just as I thought.”

Dani’s weary voice broke the silence as his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings of Tulansier. The changes in this once quiet town made his frustration palpable.

“It’s not really surprising from what I expected.”

Joke responded. He barely had time to pull his hood up to disguise himself before the transformation around them became evident. Eyes turned their way, unmistakably locking onto him like predators finding their prey.

“There he is, it’s really him…”

“The real deal, no doubt.”

“What do we do now?”

“Wait it out. You can’t do anything to him in the town.”

Whispers filled the air, loud enough to make it obvious they didn’t care if Joke or Dani overheard.

Both sighed in unison, exasperation hanging in the air between them.