Quick reminders!
1.) When I said this story will be more EAH than HH, then I meant it. To be more precise, it will be 90% Ever After High, and 10% Hazbin Hotel components.
2.) Adam will undergo a significant character development, eventually becoming OOC, into an Adam befitting of his title and lineage.
3.) There will be many characters that will appear that isn't properly introduced in the show, yet made many appearances. I'm using the Bio concocted by a wonderful user from DeviantArt named; Soragirl6. So go and thank her, while checking out her other biographies for any characters that will soon appear. However, I'm only keeping the description and design. Their personalities will leave much to be imagined and desired.
Adam felt the rippling barrier envelop his senses, as if he were floating in an endless sea, where the currents alternated between roaring with thunderous fury and gliding serenely through undisturbed waters. A strange, tranquil feeling washed over him, urging him to surrender to the mist and let it carry him across the hazy shroud.
But this serenity was fleeting. It wasn't long before Adam felt himself violently ejected from the wall of mystifying origins. On the other side, a similarly blinding light greeted him, revealing a forest that was just as majestic as the one he had just left.
"Um, what the f—?" he blurted out, utterly bewildered. "What was that all about?"
His eyes darted around the new surroundings. It was still a forest, but something about the landscape on this side of the veil felt different. It was beautiful, yet there was an intangible quality it lacked — something essential, something that made Adam question the very reality of where he now stood.
"F— this! My gut is telling me something's not right, and I'm not taking any chances." He tried to turn back, to return to the familiar forest, but was met with the unbroken expanse of trees. The barrier that had let him through was now nowhere to be found.
"G— fu— dam—!" he cursed, a mix of frustration and fear rising in his chest. He reached out for the blur that had once accepted him, but it was gone, vanished as if it had never existed.
"No, no, no, no, no!" He was in denial, his mind refusing to accept the terrifying situation he found himself in. "This can't be happening!" With no other choice, he ran, his thoughts a chaotic storm of emotions that threatened to tear apart his sanity.
As he ran, just when he was on the brink of collapse, a sudden calmness washed over him, like a soothing balm on a raging fire. His breathing, once erratic, slowed to a steady rhythm. His mind, once frantic, now found a semblance of peace.
"Okay, okay, stop acting like a bi— a— pu—. You're the First Man, dam—." He wasn't sure where this newfound clarity came from, but he was grateful for it. He had to keep his wits about him.
"Yeah, I'm Adam, and I rock!" he declared with a newfound resolve, a fire igniting in his chest. "If you think that's all it takes to bring me down a peg, then think again!" he shouted into the void, as if daring the universe to challenge him.
"It's gonna take more than a little existential crisis and dementia to bring me down! I'm Adam, the First Man, the first son of the Highest Order, the father of humanity! So you can suck on these premium nuts of mine and f— off!" His voice echoed through the forest, his middle finger defiantly raised to the sky. A cold, gentle breeze was the only reply, rustling the leaves in a whisper.
"What am I doing?" he muttered to himself, the absurdity of his actions sinking in as the adrenaline faded.
He took a few minutes to calm himself down, eventually sitting at the foot of a lone tree in a small clearing. His thoughts swirled, trying to make sense of the bizarre situation he was in and figure out his next move.
"Alright, f—, I'm in a forest, possibly a different one from before. No sign of civilization anywhere, no animals, nothing. I haven't eaten anything since I got here, which might explain the panic attack and the recent outbursts. And to top it all off, I'm this close to losing my sh—!" He pinched his fingers together, emphasizing just how fragile his mental state was.
He began bobbing his head up and down, occasionally slamming it gently against the tree's soft bark as he grappled with the overwhelming reality he was now facing. A thought resurfaced as his stomach growled loudly, reminding him of a more primal need.
"Right, I was hungry. When was the last time I actually needed to eat something?" he mused, struggling to recall anything from his millennia in the afterlife. Everything before this moment seemed like a distant, foggy memory.
With a grunt, he stood up, dusting himself off as he scanned the area. "There's gotta be something to eat in this forest. He—, I might just nibble on some tree bark if I have to." As if responding to his words, the nearby trees began to tremble slightly, their leaves rustling with a sudden unease.
"It was a joke!" he quickly clarified, and the trembling ceased as the trees seemed to relax. He rubbed his eyes, trying to ease the stress building up inside him, and began wandering aimlessly through the forest, searching for anything to sate his growing hunger and quench his thirst.
He spent minutes trudging along the forest floor, the air crisp and the environment pristine. The gentle symphony of the forest reached his ears — a harmonious blend of soft rustling leaves, the creaking of branches, and the distant murmur of running waters.
For the first time in what felt like ages, Adam felt a deep sense of peace wash over him. The world around him, though strange and unfamiliar, was undeniably beautiful, and its tranquil melody resonated with something deep within him, grounding him in the moment, if only for a little while.
He shook his head, snapping out of the trance the serene forest had subjected him to. The rumbling in his stomach reminding him of his present need to be fulfilled post-haste.
He stopped beside another tree as he patted its bark before speaking, "Hey, you guys wouldn't happen to know where a guy like me can get a little bite, would you?" A deep groan from the proud and mighty oak resonated across the forest.
From a distance, many trees rustled and trembled before making way. Parting like the red sea, heeding Adam's request, they moved and formed a path much to his shock and utter befuddlement.
"O-kay, that's new." He silently thanked the caring evergreens as he followed the path they paved.
He journeyed without complaint, wandering silently, obediently following the forest's unspoken commands. The whispers of the woods were unmistakable to him, their life forces resonating with satisfaction as they guided him.
Though their words were unvoiced, the forest's joy was palpable, each rustling branch and swaying leaf celebrating his presence. They cheered for him, their silent voices expressed through the shifting canopy and guiding pathways, as if the very earth beneath his feet was alive with pleasure.
The forest thrummed with life, its vitality reflected in the vivid greens that surrounded him. As the First Man, he moved with a growing hunger in his belly and an even greater curiosity in his heart, drawn deeper into the harmonious embrace of the trees. The melodies of the forest enveloped him, soothing his spirit and healing his weariness. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the serene hum of nature, letting it wash over him like a comforting lullaby.
But in this moment of tranquil blindness, his foot caught on an exposed root. With a gasp, he tumbled forward, crashing into a dense thicket of thorns and jagged leaves that tore at his skin.
"Ow! F—! Sh—! Motherf—! Dam—! Cu—! Bit—! Co—" he sputtered in a chaotic symphony of curses, his words stuttering with every painful bump and bruise. His descent was relentless, each fall and roll accompanied by another string of expletives. The ground beneath him grew steeper, and as he continued to tumble, his curses turned to cries of surprise.
"Ouch! Oh heavens! Goodness gracious! That smarts! Oh my! Egads! Well, I'll be! Yikes!" he shouted, his voice a mix of frustration and bewilderment as he careened down the hill. The momentum finally subsided, and with a heavy thud, he landed in a heap at the base of the slope.
Bruised, scratched, and aching all over, Adam lay there for a moment, catching his breath. His head throbbed with a dull pain, a possible concussion adding to his discomfort. Slowly, he tried to push himself up, but his limbs felt heavy, uncooperative. As he struggled, a pair of hands suddenly grabbed him, pulling him to his feet.
"Woah, did someone break their crown trying to fetch a pail of water?" a playful voice interrupted his dazed thoughts.
Startled, Adam blinked and found himself face-to-face with two children — a boy and a girl — both of whom were watching him with wide, curious eyes. The boy's smirk carried a hint of mischief, and though there was a sternness in his tone, Adam couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement.
"That's my job, bud," the boy continued, his grin widening. "I'll thank you for not stealing my role."
The unexpected humor caught Adam off guard, and he couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Um, who the heck are you two supposed to be?" he asked, still trying to process their sudden appearance.
The siblings exchanged a knowing glance before responding in unison, "Why, we are the Hill twins!"
The boy stepped forward. "I'm Jason," he introduced himself. Adam took in his appearance — Jason was dressed in a peculiar ensemble of three layers, starting with a green polo shirt, topped with a wooly embroidered vest, and finished with a jean jacket. His hair was striking, divided right down the middle into blonde and brunette strands, complementing his hazelnut eyes.
"And this is my sister, Julie." The girl beside him flashed a bright smile and waved enthusiastically. Her outfit consisted of a charming white blouse with puffed-up sleeves tucked into a knee-length blue patterned skirt. Julie's hair was a blend of blonde with sparse brown strands covering the expanse of her honey-like mane, and a pair of turquoise round glasses perched neatly on her button nose, giving her an endearingly quirky look coupled with eyes similar to that of her brother.
"We're the son and daughter of Jack and Jill," Jason concluded, his voice carrying a note of pride.
Adam blinked in surprise. "Wait, Jack and Jill? You mean from the nursery rhyme?" When they both nodded, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "I thought they were siblings."
The twins burst into laughter. "No, no," Jason said, shaking his head. "That's a common misconception. Our Mom and Dad aren't brother and sister. They're distant cousins!"
Adam opened his mouth to respond, then closed it again, taken aback. "That's… only slightly better," he muttered, feeling a twinge of discomfort. But who was he to judge? His own family's history was complicated, too. The memories of his daughters — so eager for his attention even when he was still with his beloved — flooded his mind, and he quickly dismissed any judgment.
"So, what's your story?" Julie asked, her voice gentle and reassuring. "We've never seen you around these parts before."
Adam hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Oh, uh, I'm Adam. And I came from the forest, I guess," he offered, hoping the vague answer would suffice.
The twins leaned in closer, their eyes widening with fascination. "Oh, wow," Julie breathed. "Your story must be one filled with adventure and mystery."
"Uh, yeah, sure, whatever you say." Adam rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Look, as you two said, I'm kinda new around here, so can you tell me where I am and what the frick you two are talking about?"
"Frick?" Jason echoed, a smile playing on his lips. "That's a funny word."
Julie quickly took over. "Well, Adam, we're standing at the edge of the quaint little village of Book End," she explained, gesturing to the scene behind her. Adam finally noticed the bustling town not far off, its architecture a blend of Renaissance charm and modern practicality. The distant sounds of children's laughter and the lively hum of a market drifted through the air.
"Wait, Book End?" Adam repeated, his confusion deepening. "What kind of place is this, with a name like that?"
"Why, it's the heart of Ever After," Jason chimed in, as if the answer was obvious. "Smack dab in the center where most characters meet and frolic as much as they want."
"Ever… After?" Adam was more bewildered than ever. "What the heck is that?"
Jason gave him an incredulous look. "I don't know what rock you've been living under, man. It's Ever After! The very world we live in. Come on, even Spellementary kids know that!"
Julie quickly pinched her brother's side, earning a yelp from him. "Jason, be nice. Adam's new here, so I think we should give him a tour to help him get used to everything."
"That's a great idea—ouch!" Jason winced, rubbing his side. "You didn't have to pinch me that hard."
"Maybe if you weren't so clumsy all the time, I wouldn't have to," Julie retorted, crossing her arms.
Jason shot back immediately. "Hey! You're about as clumsy as I am, or did you forget how you came tumbling after?"
"True," Julie admitted with a smirk, "but I'm not the one who fell down first, am I?" She quirked an eyebrow, her smile challenging, as the two began to bicker lightheartedly.
"Father, what have I gotten myself into?" Adam whispered under his breath, his thoughts spiraling as the twins, Jason and Julie, eagerly tugged him along toward the bustling village ahead. The question had plagued his mind for what felt like the hundredth time in the last few minutes, each repetition only intensifying the turmoil swirling inside him.
The children of Jack and Jill — Jason and Julie — were an inseparable pair, like two peas born from the same pod, yet always teetering on the edge of bursting apart. Their constant bickering was more a part of their rhythm than a source of irritation. What really gnawed at Adam was the absurdity of the entire situation, a surreal nightmare that forced him to reconsider every choice, every regret that had paved the road to his current state of despair.
He had been thrust into a hazy, ethereal realm, a place that seemed like an uncanny reflection of his past, woven together by threads of old memories and half-forgotten dreams. It was a world tinged with fantastical elements, yet it felt hollow — an incomplete canvas that only deepened the ache in his soul. He found himself wandering into a section of the forest that was steeped in magic, yet somehow lacking the vibrancy he had glimpsed in other places. And then, by some strange twist of fate, he tumbled into a bush and emerged to find himself face-to-face with these peculiar twins, who quickly informed him that he had entered a world where characters from fairy tales, poems, and nursery rhymes came to life, fulfilling their destinies within the grand library called life.
"And that's to keep our stories alive for generations to come!" Julie declared proudly, her voice filled with an infectious energy as her brother cheered her on.
"Oh, yeah! Nothing beats recreating the tales of our parents, following every twist and turn of our destinies," Jason chimed in, his excitement almost palpable. "Though, I'm not exactly thrilled about breaking my crown over and over again. But hey, I'm tough, and I bounce back quickly — same goes for my sister!"
"Mhm-hm! And since it's our Legacy Year, we're all hex-cited about what's to come!" Julie added gleefully, but something she said struck a chord in Adam.
"That's actually pretty cool," Adam mused, a hint of admiration creeping into his voice. "So, you guys get to rewrite your parents' stories, the very ones that made them who they are, all so people can enjoy those timeless tales for years to come? That sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Plus, you've got the rest of your lives to look after. "
Jason and Julie exchanged confused glances. "What do you mean?" Jason asked, puzzled by Adam's remark.
"Well, you know, you live out those stories, but then you get to live your own life too, right? You're not just stuck following someone else's path forever."
The silence that followed was unsettling, a heavy weight that settled in the pit of Adam's stomach.
"There's… more to our lives than just following our destinies?" Julie asked, tilting her head as the trio stopped near a weathered stone bridge.
"Uh, yeah," Adam replied, his voice wavering with uncertainty. "Isn't there?"
"No, that's just how it goes. We're born with a role to play, a destiny to fulfill, just like our parents before us. Isn't it the same for you?" Jason clarified, his words hitting Adam like a cold slap to the face.
Adam's heart pounded in his chest as a deep sense of unease settled over him. He wanted to argue, to tell them that there had to be more to life than just fulfilling a predetermined role. Yet, something held him back, a force he couldn't quite name. He remembered the moment of his own creation, when he too was given a purpose — a destiny bestowed upon him by the Almighty, one he had never dared question. But now, that same certainty was slipping through his fingers like sand.
"Yeah… yeah, you're right," Adam muttered, shaking his head as if to dispel the growing doubt within him. "I was just spouting nonsense. Don't mind me." His silence hung heavy in the air, but the twins chose not to press him further, allowing him to retreat into his troubled thoughts.
As they continued towards the village, crossing the ancient stone bridge, Adam felt a strange disturbance in the air. A shiver ran down his spine, every instinct urging him to be on high alert. His unease proved warranted when a deep, menacing growl echoes from beneath their feet. Suddenly, a monstrous figure emerged from beneath the bridge, blocking their path.
The creature towered over them, its sickly green skin stretched over a grotesque, snarling face. It was a sight that would send any ordinary person running in terror.
"Get behind me!" Adam shouted, his voice laced with urgency as he instinctively raised his fists. But before he could strike, the monster spoke, its voice an odd mix of menace and uncertainty.
"Roar! Give me your lunch money, or I will… uh, do terrible things to you!"
Adam's brow furrowed in confusion. The monster's words were clumsy, almost comical in their delivery, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this was some sort of ruse to catch him off guard.
"Not on my watch, you ugly beast!" Adam declared, standing his ground as the monster tried to make itself appear more fearsome, pounding its chest and stomping its feet. But its attempts only fell flat, leaving Adam unfazed.
"Then so be it, you noble and benevolent hero!" The monster bellowed, charging at Adam with outstretched arms. Its movements were erratic and uncoordinated, providing Adam with ample opportunities to strike.
"Adam, wait! He's—" Julie's voice cut through the tension, but it was too late. Adam and the monster were already locked in a chaotic clash, their battle cries echoing through the forest.
The beast's flailing limbs missed their mark as Adam deftly dodged and weaved between its attacks. In a swift motion, Adam swept the monster's legs out from under it, sending it crashing to the ground with a thunderous quake. Before the monster could regain its balance, Adam grabbed it by the shirt, pulling its hideous face close to his own, his fist poised to deliver a devastating blow.
"Adam, stop! This is all just a huge misunderstanding!" Julie's voice rang out, filled with desperation, as she grabbed his arm, halting his strike.
"What the—?" Adam stammered, his anger and confusion boiling over. "That thing just tried to rob us, and now you're stopping me from putting an end to it?"
"You could've just paid the toll, man," the monster muttered, its tone shifting to one of nonchalance, as if the whole encounter was no big deal.
"Whoa, dude, you got your butt handed to you faster than the gingerbread man can run," Jason quipped as he helped the monster to its feet.
"Okay, someone explain to me what the heck is going on, because I'm seriously starting to lose my mind here," Adam demanded, rubbing his temples in frustration.
"Come on, we'll introduce you," Julie said, pulling Adam along as his bewilderment deepened.
As they drew closer to the monster, Adam noticed that its appearance was strangely casual. It wore a plain white long-sleeved shirt with intricate embroidery on the sleeves and a jersey with ripped arms and gold accents. Piercings adorned its long ears, and its green skin was offset by a shock of neatly combed hair. The two protruding fangs jutting from its lower lip completed the bizarre image.
"Adam, this is Laurence. He's in training to become a fairytale orc. On some days, he steps in for the Troll under the bridge when it needs a break," Julie explained, introducing the monster who was now, surprisingly, their acquaintance.
"And Laurence, this is Adam. My brother and I met him after he… broke his crown. We offered to show him around the village," she continued, as Laurence nodded in understanding.
"Ah, that explains it. I was wondering where a strong guy like him came from. He could give the Charmings a run for their gold," Laurence remarked, cracking his back to ease the bruises from his fall.
"Anyway, it's nice to meet you," Laurence extended a hand toward Adam, who hesitantly shook it, using only two fingers.
"Sorry about the whole 'gimme your lunch money' thing. I'm still getting the hang of being a vile, villainous orc," Laurence apologized, a sheepish grin on his face.
"Uh, sure, no problem. I guess I should apologize too… for, you know, almost beating you up," Adam replied, his tone softening.
"No harm done. I deserved it, honestly. I should've realized you were new here. I didn't want to mess up your first experience in the village by being a jerk," Laurence admitted, genuine remorse evident in his voice.
"It's alright. At least I know I'm not as rusty as I thought when it comes to fighting," Adam said, surprising the others.
"You mean you weren't even trying your best?" Jason's eyes widened in awe.
"Did you come from a family of great heroes?" Julie's excitement mirrored her brother's.
"And here I thought I was strong," Laurence added, humbled by Adam's abilities.
"Okay, back up, you three. Give me some space," Adam chuckled, though the tension from earlier still lingered.
"It was nice meeting you, Adam. I should probably get back to guarding the bridge. Can't let the next group of travelers pass without paying the toll!" Laurence said, offering a high-five before heading back to his post.
"Nice meeting you too, Laurence," Adam replied, finally warming up to the young orc.
"Well, after that little misunderstanding, we can officially welcome you, Adam, to the village of Book End!" Julie exclaimed as they reached the village entrance. A wooden sign, weathered by time, proudly displayed the name of the lively town.
"Looks… quaint," Adam said, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of trepidation.
"You haven't seen anything yet," Jason grinned, and with that, the twins eagerly dragged Adam into the heart of the bustling village.
Adam's gaze wandered, his eyes drinking in the sights and wonders that the village had to offer. Every direction he turned revealed something new, something magical, as if the very air hummed with life. Businesses were bustling, overflowing with eager customers, and the streets were alive with the vibrant energy of people going about their daily routines. The scene was a tapestry of activity, yet it was the characters themselves that truly captivated Adam's attention.
He couldn't help but notice how unique and distinct each person was within this strange, enchanting world. There were teenagers dressed in exquisitely tailored clothing, their garments shimmering with fine embroidery and rich fabrics. Jewelry sparkled in the sunlight, adorning the graceful necks and wrists of those who clearly came from privilege. Yet, even those dressed more casually had an air of medieval eccentricity, a nod to the world's fantastical roots that blended the old with the new in ways that left Adam both bewildered and awed.
But what truly struck Adam was the sheer beauty of the people around him. It was as if he had stepped into the pages of a fairy tale, where every face belonged to a prince or a maiden of unparalleled grace and charm. The men were impossibly handsome, the women breathtakingly beautiful, each one seeming to glow with an inner light that set them apart from anyone he had known before. The more he looked, the more it felt like he was surrounded by living works of art, characters who had stepped out of a storybook and into reality.
Yet, amid all this beauty, there was a nagging feeling deep within Adam's heart. Something was missing, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. The world was perfect, too perfect, and that perfection was starting to feel hollow. A world of such fantastical wonders should have been a dream come true, but instead, it left him with a strange sense of emptiness, as though beneath the surface, something essential was lacking.
His eyes flicked to the twins, Jason and Julie, and he couldn't help but take note of how striking they were. Jason, with his chiseled features and confident demeanor, was undeniably handsome. And Julie, when the sunlight kissed her face at just the right angle, was simply radiant. There was a beauty to her that was both innocent and captivating, a beauty that Adam had to admit drew him in despite the strange circumstances he found himself in. Even Laurence, as grotesque as he seemed at first, had a certain rugged charm — at least more than any orc Adam had ever imagined.
"Make way! Make way for the Princess!" A sudden shout pulled Adam from his reverie. He turned just in time to see a carriage approaching, the crowd parting like a wave before it. The twins quickly moved aside, pulling Adam with them to clear the path. The carriage rolled past, its grandeur unmistakable, drawn by horses that seemed almost too perfect to be real. But beneath the clatter of hooves, Adam could have sworn he heard the faint, mechanical hum of an engine — a sound that didn't belong in a world like this.
As the carriage disappeared into the distance, Adam's curiosity got the better of him. "Hey, what was that all about?" he asked, glancing at the twins.
"What do you mean, Adam?" Julie replied, her attention split as her brother returned, arms laden with snacks.
"Well, we're in a frickin' fairy tale world, right? So, I'm guessing that weird carriage was carrying—"
"None other than the fairest of them all!" Jason interrupted, stumbling back to them, his excitement causing him to nearly drop the food in his hands.
Julie sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose at her brother's theatrics. "What he means is that the carriage was carrying the daughter of the fairest queen in all of Ever After. Care to take a guess?"
Fairest Queen? Fairest… wait. "You mean Snow White? As in the Snow White? The one with the Seven Dwarves?" Adam's eyes widened, disbelief coloring his voice as the twins exchanged amused glances at his reaction.
"Well, to be more specific, it's likely her daughter in that carriage. She's probably heading to the academy to get settled in before the semester starts," Julie explained casually.
"The daughter of Snow White?" Adam echoed, trying to wrap his head around it.
"Yeah, her name's Apple White. And she's the prettiest girl there ever was. So perfect, so beautiful, so fair," Jason said dreamily, his words trailing off as he got lost in his own thoughts. Julie had to snap him out of it with a well-placed smack to the back of his head, causing him to drop some of his snacks.
"Apple? You mean she's named after the thing used to poison Snow White?" Adam asked, his tone incredulous.
"Yup, pretty fitting if you ask me," Julie replied with a shrug, but Adam's mind was already wandering, lost in a swirl of thoughts.
So, princesses exist in this world too, huh?
Adam's mind spun with the implications. How much more beautiful must the royals be, compared to the already stunning people he had seen? Would their beauty be blinding, impossible to look at for more than a moment? He wondered if he could get their autographs — or maybe even their parents', if he was lucky. His thoughts drifted to the fairy tales he had once told his own children, stories spun from his imagination.
Did they exist here too, living out their lives in this strange, enchanted world? He wasn't sure; the memories of those tales were foggy, buried under the weight of time and regret.
"Wait, you said something about an academy?" Adam asked, snapping back to the present as Julie perked up.
"Yes! How about we go there together?" Julie suggested, her eyes bright with excitement.
Adam considered the offer. He didn't see any reason to refuse, especially since he was already way over his head in this world. "Sure, why not?"
As they walked, Adam passed countless stores and quaint spots that he made a mental note to revisit later, should the need arise. But nothing could have prepared him for what awaited them at the academy. As they neared the school's premises, his breath caught in his throat at the sight before him.
It was a castle, but not just any castle — it was a vision of pure magic and grandeur, something that wouldn't have been out of place in Heaven itself. The castle rose majestically from the hilltop, a structure of pale, shimmering stone that seemed to glow with an otherworldly light. The rooftops were a deep crimson, each tower and turret spiraling upward as if reaching for the heavens. Bridges and walkways crisscrossed through the air, connecting the various towers in a dance of architecture that defied gravity, adding to the castle's enchanting allure.
"Whoa…" Adam breathed, the word slipping out in a whisper as he took in the majestic sight.
"That's right, Adam. Whoa, indeed," Jason echoed, taking a bite out of the pea-butter and princess sandwich in his hands, oblivious to the wonder in Adam's eyes.
They crossed a viaduct made of gleaming white stone that sparkled brilliantly under the sun, and Adam saw students milling about, chatting and laughing as they went about their day. The scene was foreign to him, filled with a carefree joy that was utterly alien to someone like him, who had been raised in a life of constant struggle and discipline.
"Welp, we'd love to help you get settled in at the school, Adam, but we've still got to fetch a pail of water for our mother," Julie said, suddenly snapping out of her casual demeanor as Jason's eyes widened in panic.
"Oh my gosh! Mom's gonna kill us! Catch you later, Adam! Hope to see you soon when classes start!" Jason shouted, and before Adam could process what was happening, the twins were off, sprinting away as if their very lives depended on it.
"Wait, what?" Adam called after them, but they were already gone, their voices fading into the distance.
He stood there, bewildered. "Did they mistake me for a student like them?" Adam thought, the confusion growing with each passing second. How could they have come to that conclusion? He didn't look that young — did he?
"I mean, I have a scruffy beard, for Father's sake," he muttered to himself, reaching up to stroke his chin. But his fingers met smooth, flawless skin, and his eyes widened in shock. He frantically felt around his face, then his body, then his privates, needing to be sure.
"Dear Father!" The words escaped in a whispered scream as the truth began to settle in. Was he really going to believe what his senses were telling him? What had happened to his aged, battle-scarred body? The countless scars that had once told the story of his many battles? The rippling muscles he had honed over a lifetime of struggle and discipline?
His heart pounded as he searched for a mirror, or anything reflective. He spotted a fountain in the center of the courtyard, its water sparkling in the midday sun, and he rushed over, nearly tripping in his haste. He leaned over the fountain's edge, his breath catching as he stared into the rippling waters, dreading what he might see.
The face that stared back at him was a stranger's, yet somehow familiar. It was the face of a younger man, far younger than he had been in life, even in death. His eyes, once shadowed by the weight of countless sleepless nights, were bright and clear, no longer burdened by the dark circles that had plagued him for centuries.
His hair, which had once been a dull, unkempt mess, was now a vibrant shade of caramel brown with a light sheen of ashen gray, perfectly styled and gleaming in the sunlight.
Adam's eyes, which had dulled after millennia of hardship, now shone with a golden brilliance that he had long thought lost. His skin was smooth, unblemished by the scars of battle, and had a youthful glow that seemed almost otherworldly. He looked healthier, stronger, more alive than he ever had before.
Adam stared at his reflection in disbelief, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and awe. Who was this man staring back at him? What had happened to him? He was better looking, more profound, and more lustrous than he had ever been. But beneath the shock and awe, a deep, unsettling question began to form in his mind: What did this mean for him, for his future in this strange, fantastical world?
Leave your comments, thoughts, and reviews down below.
Would love to read them to help keep me inspired.
That's all for now, would be a shame if I kept you all wishing for more.
