As Harry and Hela's clones stepped through the portal, they were hit by a sensory overload of sights and sounds. They stood on a busy sidewalk in New York City, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, blaring car horns, and the constant murmur of people. The chaos of the city was both exhilarating and overwhelming. Harry glanced around, his mind racing to process everything.
Gone were the familiar sights of magic and the Dark Dimension; instead, they were in a world bustling with life. Cars zoomed by, people moved with purpose, and the air was filled with the scent of street food and the heat from the city's pulse.
"We're in... a city?" Hela asked, her voice a mixture of awe and unease. She felt a thrill she hadn't experienced in thousands of years—the uncertainty of being vulnerable. She glanced down at her hands again, flexing her fingers. They weren't just physically weaker—emotionally, too, they were feeling things they hadn't in so long.
Harry scanned the area. "We're definitely in a modern world," he muttered, noticing the technology, the advertisements plastered on billboards, and the pace of life around them. "But what kind of dimension is this?"
Hela smirked despite the nerves. "Isn't that part of the fun? Not knowing?"
Harry chuckled, though his eyes betrayed a bit of worry. "Fun, sure. But we need to figure out how to survive here without standing out."
The thrill of their vulnerability, the unknown possibilities, and the risk of being utterly powerless in a world they didn't understand—it all excited and terrified them both. In this world, they weren't feared gods, rulers, or beings of immense power. They were simply two teenagers, vulnerable and exposed, standing on the streets of New York City.
Harry pulled the enchanted pouch from his jacket and slipped it into his pocket. "We have enough provisions to last a while. But we'll need to blend in."
"We look out of place already," Hela said, eyeing their clothes and the wide-eyed looks they were giving the city. "We need to act normal."
Harry nodded. "Let's start with finding out where we are exactly. What year, what dimension... and more importantly, how to fit in."
They exchanged a glance—excitement mixed with a tinge of anxiety. The portal had thrown them into an entirely different reality, and they were now two teenagers with no idea what lay ahead. But that was part of the adventure, and after centuries of isolation and power, it was exactly what they both needed.
"We start fresh," Harry said. "No powers. No control. Just us."
As Harry and Hela stood on the crowded sidewalk, taking in the frenetic energy of New York City, Harry's mind raced with practical considerations. He knew they couldn't simply stroll into a store and start trading gold or magical artifacts; that would attract unwanted attention, and they were still adjusting to their new identities as ordinary teenagers.
"First things first," Harry said, looking at Hela. "We need to keep a low profile. No gold, no big gestures. We'll earn our way."
Hela nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I agree. But we should at least have a way to defend ourselves." She placed her hand on the hilt of Excalibur, swords Harry created and can turn into a pen, which was cleverly concealed beneath her jacket. Though they were currently powerless, the sword remained a constant reminder of their past strength. It was a symbol of hope—a tool that could amplify their abilities if things went awry.
"Right. We're not completely defenseless," Harry replied, feeling reassured by the weight of the sword at his side. "If trouble finds us, we'll be ready."
As they walked down the street, they blended into the crowd, adopting the demeanor of typical teenagers. The bustling atmosphere was invigorating, and for the first time in centuries, Harry felt a spark of excitement about the unknown. They passed shops displaying everything from trendy clothing to street food, and the cacophony of voices around them felt alive.
"Let's find a place to get our bearings," Harry suggested. "We can grab something to eat and maybe figure out a plan."
"Sounds good," Hela said, her curiosity piqued. She spotted a small café across the street, its bright neon sign flickering. "That looks promising."
As they made their way across the street, Harry observed the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Couples chatted over coffee, friends laughed as they shared meals, and street performers entertained passersby. It was an ordinary world, yet so vastly different from the realms they were accustomed to.
Once inside the café, they ordered simple meals—sandwiches and drinks—and settled into a booth near the window. As they munched on their food, Harry took the opportunity to survey the crowd, looking for any signs of danger or trouble.
"So, what do you want to do first?" Hela asked, sipping her drink thoughtfully. "We can't just sit here forever."
Harry considered her question. "We should find a place to stay—somewhere we can call home while we're here. We'll need jobs, too, something low-key. Maybe we can find work at a local shop or something."
"I could probably pull off a job at a clothing store or a café," Hela suggested, already envisioning herself fitting in. "And you could be a shopkeeper or something similar."
"Sounds like a plan. We can look for jobs this afternoon, and I'll scout out some safe neighborhoods where we can find an apartment," Harry replied, a sense of determination settling in.
As they talked, Harry's mind also drifted to thoughts of their past lives. He knew they wouldn't be able to escape their history entirely, but for the first time in centuries, they had a chance to experience life as normal beings. The idea was intoxicating.
"We can make this work," Hela said, her voice filled with resolve. "A normal life—no pressure, no power struggles. Just you and me."
Harry smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Hela that he hadn't felt in ages. "Exactly. Just us. Let's embrace it."
After finishing their meal, they stood up and prepared to step back into the vibrant chaos of the city. Together, they would forge a new life—one step at a time, one adventure at a time.
As Harry and Hela walked through the streets of New York, the excitement of their new adventure quickly gave way to the reality of their situation. The bustling city that had initially seemed vibrant and welcoming now felt daunting and overwhelming. Finding a place to stay had turned into a challenge they hadn't anticipated.
"None of these hotels will take us," Harry muttered, glancing at the busy streets filled with tourists and locals alike. "And we can't exactly just waltz in and claim we're adults."
Hela sighed, her expression a mix of frustration and determination. "We need to come up with something. I refuse to sleep on the streets like… well, like this." She gestured to the throngs of people passing by, some of whom looked lost in their own struggles.
Harry pondered for a moment, his mind racing. Then, an idea struck him. "What if we pitch a tent? There are homeless encampments around the city, and we can blend in. I have a magical tent stored in my pouch."
Hela raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A magical tent?"
"Yeah, I learned how to create a wizarding tent. It's bigger on the inside and has some basic amenities," he explained. "It'll provide us with shelter without drawing too much attention. And we can ward it off against prying eyes if we need to."
"That's a good idea, Harry. Let's do it," Hela replied, her enthusiasm rekindled.
They made their way to a nearby park, where they noticed a few makeshift tents pitched among the trees. It was a rough area, filled with desperate people seeking refuge from the chaos of the outside world. As they approached, the atmosphere grew heavier, marked by the scent of smoke and the murmurs of those trying to escape their realities.
Harry quickly found a suitable spot, clear of debris and out of sight from the main path. He pulled the magical tent from his pouch and whispered the incantation to expand it. With a gentle pop, the tent unfurled, revealing a cozy interior that seemed a world away from the grim surroundings outside.
"Wow, this is actually nice," Hela remarked, stepping inside. The tent had soft, glowing lights, a couple of makeshift beds, and even a small table with chairs. It felt safe and warm, a stark contrast to the chaos beyond the flaps.
Harry nodded, relieved. "It's not the Ritz, but it'll do for now. We can figure out our next steps from here."
As they settled into their new home, they noticed a few other people nearby. A couple of homeless men eyed them curiously, sizing up the newcomers in their midst. Harry's instincts kicked in, and he subtly tightened his grip on the hilt of Excalibur, concealed beneath his jacket.
Hela, ever perceptive, sensed the tension. "Let's not draw attention to ourselves," she whispered, her voice low. "We can stay in the tent and keep a low profile for now."
"Agreed," Harry replied. "We can spend some time observing the others and see if we can learn anything about this place. We need to figure out how to earn some money and get our bearings."
As night began to fall, the atmosphere shifted. The park, once filled with the sounds of laughter and the bustle of city life, now echoed with the sounds of sirens and distant shouting. Harry and Hela exchanged glances, both aware that their surroundings could become dangerous quickly.
Hela pulled out the magical pouch, rummaging through it until she found some rations. "At least we won't starve," she said, smiling. They shared a simple meal, and for a moment, they allowed themselves to forget the weight of their situation, finding comfort in each other's company.
"We'll make this work," Harry assured her, a sense of determination creeping back into his voice. "We'll find jobs, make some friends, and eventually figure out how to live here without drawing attention."
"I trust you, Harry," Hela said, her gaze steady. "And I'm ready for whatever comes next."
As they settled in for the night, they knew the journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but they also understood that together, they could face anything. They had each other, and in this new world, that was enough to keep the spark of hope alive.
The following day, Harry and Hela set out to navigate their new lives in New York City. The sun peeked through the tall buildings, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets as they began their job hunt.
Hela, who had always been accustomed to a life of luxury and privilege, found herself surprisingly excited about the prospect of working in a café. After years of isolation with only Harry for company, the idea of interacting with others was refreshing. "I think I'd like to be a waitress," she said with a newfound determination as they walked down the sidewalk. "It sounds… normal. And I miss talking to people."
Harry smiled, admiring her resolve. "That sounds perfect, Hela. You'll be great at it."
Hela's thoughts danced with the possibilities. She envisioned herself chatting with customers, serving coffee, and sharing laughter. "It might even be fun," she mused.
Meanwhile, Harry was on the lookout for a job that would utilize his skills and knowledge. After wandering through a few neighborhoods, he stumbled upon a small auto repair garage owned by Mr. West, an older gentleman with a friendly demeanor. The garage was bustling with activity, cars lining the lot, and the sounds of clanging metal and revving engines filled the air.
Harry approached Mr. West, who was busy tightening a bolt on a car. "Excuse me, sir. I'm looking for a job. I have experience with cars and repairs."
Mr. West looked up, sizing up the young boy in front of him. "Experience, eh? What do you know?"
With a confidence that surprised even himself, Harry explained a few things he had learned during his time tampering with vehicles. He mentioned a particularly tricky gasket brake issue he had tackled once in his old life. Mr. West raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Alright, let's see what you can do," he said, leading Harry to a car that had been giving them trouble. With a few deft movements, Harry tackled the issue, impressing Mr. West with his skill and speed.
"Not bad, kid! I could use someone like you around here," Mr. West said with a grin. "How about a part-time job after school?"
Harry couldn't believe his luck. "That sounds amazing! Thank you, Mr. West."
With a sense of accomplishment swelling in his chest, Harry rushed back to Hela to share the good news. "You won't believe it! I got a job at a garage, and Mr. West said he would help us get enrolled in school!"
Hela's eyes lit up. "That's fantastic, Harry! I found a café that's hiring. I think I can start working there part-time. We can finally have our own lives!"
Excited about their new opportunities, they quickly made arrangements. Hela secured her position at the café, where she would serve coffee and pastries, bringing her charm to the customers who frequented the shop. As she prepared for her first day, she found herself buzzing with anticipation, ready to meet new people and create new experiences.
Harry's first day at the garage proved to be just as rewarding. Mr. West became a mentor figure, sharing tips about cars and life, while Harry soaked up every bit of knowledge he could. Between shifts at the garage and studying at school, Harry began to feel a sense of normalcy he hadn't experienced in ages.
The two friends enrolled in the local public school together, where they were introduced to a world filled with possibilities. As teenagers navigating the complexities of high school, they found themselves in classes that challenged them academically, socially, and emotionally. While Hela embraced her new role as a waitress and began to flourish in her interactions, Harry dove into his studies, proving to be a quick learner in math and science.
Author's Note:
Enjoying the story?
Consider joining my to get early access to more chapters and exclusive fanfictions! Even as a free member you will get one extra chapter and you'll receive early access to chapters before they're posted elsewhere and various other fanfictions.Your support helps me create more content for you to enjoy!
Join here: (dot)com(slash)Beuwulf