2 Chapter 02: Are Those Real?

I could see something aside from the color blue which was.....good I think. There was, however, a small problem. There was not a single sign of people just the wooded clearing I was in. I frowned softly before sitting down on a nearby rock to collect my thoughts and verify my standing.

I looked around me, and the trees stood like eternal sentinels. Their mighty branches and towering height made them seem from a time long before my own. They were ancient and regal in their bearing. The branches were kind enough to allow some traces of sunlight into my clearing to stave off the darkness. I couldn't see any creatures around me, but an uncomfortable feeling permeated my soul.

This unpleasant feeling weighed on my until like a bolt of lightning I found the source. I can FEEL again. It had been so long since the sensation of touch. I smiled widely touching all around my own body. The tactile feedback was amazing! My hair, my face, my arms they can move! "Ha ha ha" my joy could no longer be held back as I broke the tranquil silence of the forest with my booming voice. Raising my face to the heavens I yelled in triumph. "I'M ALIVE!"

My smile could not stop, but I did decide to be a bit cautious in my new environment. I had never really liked camping as a kid, so I had very few options at my disposal. As my giddiness slowly became replaced with a fear growing in my heart. What could I do here on my own?

I frowned in concentration as I began investigating a far more 'serious' issue. "What on earth did I reincarnate as?" I asked myself softly. Using my hands I could feel my hair was very soft and straight and my heart quivered before building up my courage. Reaching down my front I realized two things. Firstly as opposed to my fears my 'little brother' was still very much connected. "Thanks Buddha". And secondly I was clothed in a very odd attire. My chest was completely exposed, while it appeared that some kind of Kilt protected my waist and important bits from the elements.

With few other options I decided to start walking through the forest. though I knew very little I had watched enough survival documentaries to feel that finding water would be a good first step. "Good bye tree friends" I called out lightly.

"Good bye little one" I stopped dead in my tracks, one foot lifted to continue my journey. "Whos there?" I called somewhat scared to hear the answer. "We are us." I stared around me before settling on the only answer that made sense. Talking....trees....lovely. "I'm sorry trees, I didn't think anyone was...here, do you know where I can find people?" I ask into the thin air. Instead of the answer I was hoping I hear only a soft wind rushing through the clearing. I quickly decided that instead of waiting for the trees it may be far smarter to leave. Walking away the the cool air calms me.

The forest was hard to navigate, but only a few hours after leaving the area with the talking trees I saw a sight that simply couldn't be. This was a thing many had always wanted to exist but was fantasy. A small barrel chested man was walking on a fairly deserted road. His face was covered in a large bristley beard that was nearly as long as the short man was tall. A dwarf! Oh be still my beating heart, I try holding back my excitement. Dwarves could be very different than what I expect so let's just try talking to him.

I make sure to stomp out of the forest loudly so the dwarf has to look at me well before I'm near him. Walking closer the dwarf still hasn't called out to me, so I decides to man up and ask for help. "Excuse me friend, can you help me get to a town, I'm lost." I smile this sentence is perfect. Not too rude, but direct with what I need. I congratulate myself heartily for completing my first sentence with a person. I really was in that blue place for far too long. Instead of the response I expected what I see is..shock, with a touch of fear. I raise my hands to attempt to show I'm no threat but my new friend seems well beyond that point already.

His face was ruddy before, but now it seems to be burning with rage. "How the bloody hell do you know dwarvish boy!" he tells with spittle sticking to his black beard. I jump back startled at his instant antagonism. "Wha...what are you so mad about?" I ask as my feet are already set to run away if he makes a move. I mean the guy is only like 2 feet tall I doubt he would be able to keep with a fully grown.....I really hope I'm a human. I check behind me to make sure my path was clear, and I immediately regretted the choice. HOW CAN THAT TINY BODY MOVE SO FAST. Before I fall back into darkness I see a small dwarfs fist barreling into my sensitive exposed stomach quickly making my vision go dark and my consciousness fade.

The first thing I noticed was the pain. The unbearable splitting pain I felt in my liver. That tiny punch carried the force of a collapsing star! I force my eyes open and surprisingly I'm in what looks to be a fairly comfortable bed. The vibrant green blanket covering my body looks, if nothing else, clean and warm. Sitting up my stomach is covered in a very bitter smelling paste overlaid with leaves and other plant bits. This is probably a medicine I think nodding my head.

So reincarnated into a fantasy world, I pause a bit before trying something my nerdy mind desperately hoped wold work. "Open Status" I say to the empty room. Excellent so there isn't going be a system to help me along. I sigh in my head. Didn't Buddha say had help me out. I begin thinking deeply about what he said while I was receiving the knowledge of language. Aside from a few vague words nothing seems to come to mind.

Hard boots sound off on weak floor boards near me. it seems like i might be making my first acquaintance! I was quite excited by the idea. The tiny figure that entered instantly soured my mood. "Get talking boyo" the gruff dwarf demands, however the words had barely left his lips before a resound smack rings out from the dwarfs head. A second tinier person was hiding behind the dwarf. "Be nice to him Cedric! We can use him." That voice was clearly that of a young woman though craning my neck I was only able to confirm a purple cloak

I pause knowing I have a bit of an 'ally'. I take a deep breath before deciding on what my story should be, simple should be best. "I'm sorry, do I know you two?"