Welp, looks like I'm already going to post this next chapter. It was fun making the last one, to be honest. So without further ado, I eagerly present
Chapter 2
"An Alternate Realm"
(Foreboding Omen - Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch)
Nolan crept to the right from behind the bush, easing along the wall of his home. The crimson snow was still falling. Nolan saw many shadows moving around, and wanted to steer clear of them. Nobody in the neighborhood seemed to be conscious, making this a bit more difficult. When he got to the corner, he shifted his body to the right, and continued on. He felt something strange in the air. He looked around a bit until he saw a shadow advancing toward him.
(Music: Off)
His legs instantly locked, and he fell to the ground, seemingly paralyzed. He closed his eyes. Please, just go away... he thought. Leave me alone... He didn't feel pain as he thought he would. He heard nothing but silence. He didn't want to open his eyes, but he knew he'd have to at some point. A full minute of silence and dread passed as the boy slowly opened his eyes. He saw no shadows. He lifted his head and looked down where his feet were. The shadow from before was also gone. The boy slowly stood up. The snow had stopped falling, though there were still crystals in the air; however, they were motionless. Nothing seemed to be moving at all. Not even the few shadows he could still see. The boy slowly inched along the hedges around the other houses until he realized that everything had frozen. He slowly edged away from the hedge, walking toward the light. He then remembered his home. He turned back and ran for his house, but couldn't seem to go any further. There was a strange force keeping him back. He tried going around it, but the whole street seemed to be blocked. After a few minutes of trying to get past, he couldn't seem to get to his house. He didn't know where his parents were anymore, or what happened to the area. He decided to call out. "Hello? Can anyone here me?" There was no answer. This troubled the poor boy, as he was now lost without a soul to guide him. The only option left for him was to go to the light. He sighed as he plodded down the street, looking back at the house he thought he'd never see again. He took a right at his current road, and then took a left at the next intersection. He took another left at this street, finally entering the town square.
(The Eye of the Storm - Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch)
Nolan found himself gazing into the massive pillar of light. He slowly walked toward it and stopped about three yards away. He was mesmerized by the glimmering beam in the dull area. He took a step forward, hearing no sound from the ground. He felt a piercing gaze on his shoulders. He reluctantly took another step forward. He realized he wasn't alone. He barely took another step. He was five feet away from the light, but he felt like someone wanted him to do this. The situation was too convenient. He called out: "Who's out there? What do you want from me?". No response. "I SAID, 'WHAT DO YOU WANT?!'" There was an answer.
"I want you to know the truth." Nolan gasped, then proceeding to look around.
"Who's there?"
"I am not a priority. But you, however... must go..."
"I want to go back home! What have you done to my parents? My family?"
"Step forward if your elders are whom you seek..." Suddenly, a wall of dark mist appeared behind him, and a group of shadows stood at the opposite road of the square.
"I-" Nolan realized he had nothing to fight back with. "Fine. This had better not be a trick..."
"But where else do you have to go?" The voice chuckles to himself. Nolan walks to the pillar of light, and reaches his hand into the warm substance. He slowly walks in, but turns around before his full body is enveloped.
"Wait, what's with the snow? What's with the shado-" The rest of the light covers the boy before he can finish; however, the last thing he could see was a shrouded dark figure walking toward him.
(Mighty Magic - Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch)
Nolan felt absolutely nothing as his eyes were filled with the reoccurring sight of white and gold. He didn't know where he was or what was happening. He tried to move forward, thinking he was still in Derelyn, but everything started swirling around. The boy closed his eyes, as the movement made him nauseous. He had no idea what was going on as he heard the whirring of the wind. He didn't dare look around as he still heard the sound. He was scared of what was going to happen after he heard what the dark figure had to say. The boy took a deep breath, and found the air very rich in oxygen. He welcomed fresh air into his nostrils as he slowly opened his eyes. He felt his feet leave the ground as he saw the light move faster. It spun around him at the speed of- well, light. He became calm as he felt the joyous warmth soothe his skin. He bathed in the radiance, closing his eyes. He felt his left pocket become heavier as he hovered above the ground. He was filled with sensation as he slowly descended, his feet resting on what felt to him like grass. He opened his eyes as the light slowly faded. What he saw was unlike anything he had seen before.
(Another World (Field Theme) - Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch)
(Point of View Change: Nolan Smith)
I looked around the area, for it was a true sight to behold. I was in a vast landscape, covered in miles of grass and dirt. The wide plains ended at a large forest harboring a great number of trees, along with the natural wildlife growing in it. In the distance I saw what looked like one of the castle towns you'd hear about in stories. Surrounding the area were mountains unlike any other- even they were filled with many shades of their color. I didn't know where I was, but I enjoyed what I saw. I could not help but look up at the beautiful sky, the soft clouds- I could stand there forever... but I was in an unknown area. I could not just sit there and do nothing. I had to- I had... I didn't know what I could do. Evidently, I was nowhere near home. The most I could do was explore the area; and so I did. The grass was taller than what I had experienced at home. It tickled my fingers as I walked across. My walking turned into a slow jog. The sweet smell of grass filled the air as I enjoyed one of nature's greatest gifts. I eventually found myself stopping at a wide river filled with the clearest water you ever did see. I dipped my hand in the moving current, the cool water trickling past my fingers. I lifted my hand from the river and looked over the horizon. I saw that the castle town had appeared closer than before. There didn't seem to be a way to get there at the time... and so I searched for a bridge. I walked along the riverbed, keeping an eye out for anything that would allow me to cross. Soon, the forest blocked the view of the town. I then realized that the woods were actually very close to the river. This must be why the wildlife here is so plentiful! I thought. I decided to find a way into the forest instead of my current mission. I soon found a trail of rocks across the river. I saw no other way to get to the other side, and so I attempted to hop along them. I got halfway across the river and immediately stopped. The river flowed to my left, and I saw no end to that path. If I could not escape from the river, I would be stuck for ages... but if I fell to the right, I would be caught by the rocks when the river swept be away. I would be able to get back up; and so I leaned to the right as I walked across the stones. To my surprise, I never fell. I was at the other side of the river! I pumped my fist in the air, acknowledging my accomplishment. After my short moment of victory, I walked toward the forest. I looked for a way in, for the prickly bushes made my job very difficult. I found an opening between two trees, and saw a path. I went down said trail, and entered The Glittering Grove.
(Music: Off)
Welp, there's Chapter 2 of our story! Now, if you're wondering, no, this isn't the Summerlands- he isn't in Ni No Kuni yet. This is a bit different- but you'll find out more about the area in Chapter 3! I hope you enjoyed this one as well as the last. Now I wish that you'd all enjoy your days. Bye!