Side Note

It's a nice day here in Mendass. The river's flow is pleasing to the ear, the daylight is warm and inviting, and the nearby birds let out cheerful chirps. In the distance, though, is a giant demon laying waste to the ground beneath it. Mel and I are watching it while lying on the car's trunk. According to Sherry, it's out of fuel. She left it with us while she's gone off to find fuel. Honestly, it's a very relaxing time for the end of the world.

Mel is fast asleep on the car next to me. Apparently, she didn't fall asleep last night on the river. The adventurer instincts kicked in, and she ended up doing night watch. I'll have to thank her later, but I'll let her sleep for now. Yes, I have stared at her sleeping face, and yes, I did stealthily give a cheek kiss. I've read romance books, you know.

…

I honestly have no idea what's going to happen. I hope it doesn't end. I'm not scared of death or anything. I just want to spend more time with Mel. I also have yet to beat Myka at Go Fish, which is something I'd like to do before the end of the world. 

Actually, there are a lot of things I'd like to do. I'd like to say hi to May, Mari, and the Chaos Storm again. I'd like to congratulate Mimi on her marriage since I still need to do that. I'd like to punch Rio in the face at least once. I'd like to talk with mom more and maybe figure out what Moira's deal is… perhaps even have a better relationship. I've only ever known her as headmaster and the person who almost killed my girlfriend.

Hmm… is this the first time in a while since I've been alone in my mind for a long time? Ever since I temporarily reverted to my boring self, I feel like my mind is so much clearer… am I going through a mid-life crisis? Oh no… I'm only… how old am I? I thought I was 512 at some point, but my memories aren't very clear… or rather, existent. I should've asked Moira more about my artificialness, huh?

Oh… the sky turned dark. Well, more like the sky off in the distance turned dark. Not where the giant demon is, since his sky is hellfire red. By the way, the one above my head is crystal blue… there's someone in the nearby forest shooting crystal golems into the sky. It might be Sherry. 

Umm… what else? What else? I guess… the Shadowrealm feels emptier. I can usually sense if something is going on in there, but right now, it feels like so many folks were just forcibly taken from it. It's hard to explain the feeling… I guess emptiness? Yeah… although it doesn't feel like actual emptiness. I know what that feels like.

Yeah, I have no idea what to think anymore. I guess I'll just sleep, then. We should be alright… maybe. Night night.

At the edge of the world, standing in what little of Hamblin that had not gone overboard, is Myka Jaspers, scrolling through a list on a tablet she had acquired during her trip to Earth. She ticks another name before looking upon the remains of Hamblin.

"Talk about an edgelord." The bunny girl is approached by a young girl, one akin to the many Otherworlders from Earth.

"Rika Kaneyama," Myka says, not bothering to look at her. "You were on my list. I'm glad you came to me yourself."

"I like your future self more." The Crimson King exclaims. "I guess prison really does change a person."

"Is that knowledge from your Nigh-Omniscience?" The Bunny Girl asks with a scrutinising gaze. 

"You and I both know that Nigh-Omniscience can't see the future. As for how I know…." Rika shrugs. "Consider it foreshadowing for both you and me."

"Pfft…" Myka lets out a little chortle. "Not subtle at all."

"Is anyone ever subtle in Mendass?"

"I guess not."

"Care to explain your motivations?"

"No."

"Not even a bit?"

"Fuck you."

"That sucks."

"Sure does."

"Then let's get going." An image of a half-elf and a maid flash in Rika's eyes. "They'll wake up soon."

"Let's go then." Myka snaps her fingers, making the two disappear. A moment later, the little piece of Hamblin the two were standing on falls down, deep and deeper into the abyss.

Sherry woke Mel and me up, and we are back in the car. She's starting it up… I feel like I shouldn't ask her what she is using for fuel. Anyways, Mel went back to sleep. She's sleeping on my shoulders. It's cute. That is all… actually, I should ask Sherry a question.

"Hey Sherry, where are we going?"

"Give me a second," she says, turning the key. A few turns later, the car revs up. "Okay, got it on. Now, to answer your question, don't worry. Rika told me where to go. We'll have to make two stops, though."

"Two stops?"

"A cabin in the woods. Apparently, we'll meet a butler there."

"Okay?"

"And the home of Sally Cordozar. We'll need to pick up some things there."

"Oh… wait, Sally? Like, Entropy?"

"No idea, but Rika did mention it's near Hamblin."

"Huh… I'm finally going home."

"Congrats."

And off we drove, with excitement flowing through my blood. Just two more stops, and then I can see home. 

Chapter namesake: As The World Caves In by Matt Maltese