A Craving That Crosses Realms

The days that followed were largely the same. The princess came to see me nearly every day. She started by bringing a change of clothes, a long pair of fine-quality slacks and a blouse. Although they were of good quality, the gaudy golden embroidery that was used to embellish them felt totally out of place in a prison. Since I had been bare-chested since arriving, I just accepted the shirt.

She continued to bring various treats after that. She set out to impress me with this world's best cuisine after I informed her about the variety of food back on Terra. It got me thinking: would she take me out of here to explore the outside world if I told her about the amazing sites on Terra?

I became really close to her. She started to talk about her life and the royal family, particularly her older sisters, throughout the past two days. I found out that she had a great admiration for them and was quite close to them. She said that although her first and second sisters were lovely and noble-hearted—truly down-to-earth despite their royal status—her third sister was a tomboy who spoilt her the most. Their closeness was stronger than that of most typical siblings, despite the fact that their mothers were all different.

Knowing that this young princess had such wonderful people to rely on gave me a sense of relief. They weren't gone forever, even if they were gone. They would undoubtedly make time to visit one another.

A cake made from herbal extracts that tasted like premium alcohol; a hot, minty beverage she called "Pallana," a popular drink in this world; and a mango-shaped fruit that tasted like watermelon but had the texture of a durian were just a few of the exotic foods and beverages I sampled because of our growing friendship. My palette was experiencing everything for the first time.

But it was all one-sided. I couldn't get her to try any of my food, but she was always the one bringing me food from her world. One day, I hoped, I'd let her sample something from Terra. When she introduced the hot mint drink, she was very proud; I imagine she was equally interested in the most well-liked beverages in my planet. I was curious about her reaction to a cola. I might ultimately try to make one here. Anyway, how do you make carbonated drinks?

Boss Ren's pizza came to mind when I thought of food. I have been in this realm for eight nights now. The fact that I disappeared must have infuriated him. I hoped that he was staying healthy. Don and Timmy were still there to assist him in running the pizza and delivering food, so everything should be good.

Even though Boss Ren's pizza was mediocre at best, there was something about it that made me want to return. Although it wasn't the best I'd ever had, it always had a lot of toppings and felt cozy and handmade. "If we can't use expensive stuff, we'll just use more of the cheaper ingredients to compensate!" was Boss Ren's straightforward mindset because we couldn't afford the expensive ingredients at Papa Ren's Pizzeria.

Ren the boss, I apologize for leaving without saying anything. When I originally moved to Brookland years ago, he was a huge assistance, providing me both a job and a place to live.

As I lay on the prison bed, I relived old recollections, including the day I first met Boss Ren and even earlier moments that delved deep into my troubled, dark history.

"Pizza from Boss Ren... I only want to have one final taste.

The idea persisted. I compared it to my sacred food.

Dziiing

What?

Vroaaam

What the—? In mid-air a glistening hole appeared like a door. It whirled like a sluggish, cosmic tornado, its surface glossy and wet-looking. I had to confess, it was enchanting. However, what on earth was it?

Nothing happened while I waited. With a quiet, ethereal hum, the hole simply hung there, whirling. From every viewpoint, the emptiness inside appeared the same.

I made the decision to touch it.

Psuu

Why are these sound effects used? I pushed my finger into what felt like viscous water, but my hand remained dry. Passing through a really thick soap bubble—almost like a pool of mercury—would be a more appropriate description.

I pressed my hand closer. It was an exhilarating, ticklish experience. Addictively, I must admit, it felt very good. What was this thing, I wondered? I was certain it wasn't harmful after exploring for another minute without experiencing any negative consequences. To see what was on the other side, I made the decision to push my face through.

I was wary, though. I ripped my bedsheet into strips, fastened one end to the bars of the cell, and twisted them into a makeshift rope. The fall from the rooftop wouldn't apply here. I knotted the rope around my wrist for safety, and I held it tightly in my right hand.

I carefully inserted my entire arm after inserting my left hand. The opposite side's air was dry but windy. A breeze brushed on my skin. I tried to touch something, but I couldn't find anything. It's not a negative sign. I then made an attempt to touch the floor. The surface I touched was rough, flat, and rigid. It had the texture of stone that had spent some time roasting in the sun.

Everything is fine. The opposite side was not a blank space, but a floor and air. I inhaled deeply, held it, and then gently pushed my head through while shielding my face with my left hand.

"..."

It shone so brightly. My eyes adjusted after a few moments, and the landscape became clear. Here, it was daytime. I was looking out onto a location that I immediately recognized—the tiny alley behind Boss Ren's business, the one he used as a makeshift garage—not because there was a sun within the hole.

I gazed up at the partially overcast sky. The first brightness was just the sharp contrast between the daylight outside and the dark dungeon. I repeatedly slapped and pinched myself to be sure it wasn't a dream.

"..." I was dumbfounded.

"No way... Absolutely! I'm back? Can I return? Like that? I instantly dropped the rope and sprang for the opening.

"Ah, huh?" Sorry, I didn't realize it was fastened to my wrist. I thrust my whole body through and swiftly unfastened the knot.

"Hehehehehe! I'm free, though I'm not sure how it happened! What a miracle, man! Once more!" A broad smile appeared on my face.

I looked at the gateway behind me as I reveled in my sudden freedom. It remained, suspended in mid-air. I had an idea. I could convey some of Terra's culinary riches to the young princess if this hole remained open long enough. Boss Ren's pizza was the first thing that sprung to mind. Of course, I was being very objective. It wasn't because I liked it; rather, it was a calculated move to begin with something less outstanding and work your way up to the really good things. It was unquestionably the cause.

That might wait, though. I had to see how things were going here for the time being. Had Terra also been a week? What had transpired since my disappearance?

I went to look for Papa Ren in the store. It didn't matter that I didn't know what justification I would offer him. The most important thing was to let him know I was all right.

There was nobody in the pizzeria. It was odd. It was still daylight, and the business was open daily. You shouldn't close it. Something didn't feel right. No dough had been prepared, and the kitchen was empty. There would have been some activity if Don, Timmy, or Boss Ren had simply left.

No one. Nothing. The area appeared bleak and deserted. Everything was covered in a visible layer of dust, and spiderwebs clung to the corners. No supplies, no ingredients, and not even any kitchenware were present. The store appeared to have been abandoned for several days.

I didn't comprehend. What was happening?

I made the decision to inquire. I crept out through a window because the front door was locked and the key wasn't in its normal location.

"Seriously, why is the store abandoned?" To myself, I mumbled. Are they trying to find me? It made sense, considering the character of Boss Ren. I thought of another alternative, but ignored it. They wouldn't risk it. They wouldn't. I told myself, nonetheless.

I recognized Crazy Mo, an elderly homeless veteran with a few loose screws, around the corner. Talking to him was still possible, but the subject would frequently go off into strange digressions about conspiracies and otherworldly creatures. Nevertheless, he would be aware of the store's fate because he seldom ever left his place.

I approached in a streetwise, amiable manner. "Yo, Crazy Mad Dog Mo!"

He smiled as he looked up.

"Hey dude, how are you? Say, are you aware of the recent events in this area? particularly with Boss Ren's pizzeria."

He took a while to respond. He was staring at my clothing, which was supposedly embroidered. "Nice shirt," he remarked, his destitute spirit blazing with passion.

"Oh, this? Do you like it? You have to tell me what's been going on, okay? I'll give it to you. I gave it to him after removing the shirt. Even though it seemed pricey, I didn't need it, and I didn't wear it. Like a child who has discovered a pirate's treasure chest, he grabbed it and looked at it with wide eyes.

"Now, the information, please."

"Oh, information, ya ya. He grinned broadly and replied, "I know what's on." I needed solid knowledge, and I hoped his insanity wasn't resurfacing.

"Benjamin's been busy lately."

All right. I paid close attention.

"At first he was depressed. You know, it's so sad."

"..."

"He told me that he had lost a son once more when I asked him why he was depressed. I've been here for a very long time, but I was unaware that he had a son. "Uhum."

There was a problem.

"So, yes, he was taken away by several ominous-looking individuals wearing black suits the very following day. They were terrible, I assure you. Poor Benjamin was pulled into a car—or was it a truck? Hold on, what was it once more?

"It doesn't matter what car!" I lost my patience and snapped. "Are you aware of his destination? or which way, at the very least." This was a severe matter. Although I had thought about it, I never imagined that it would occur just because I had been away for a few days.

Astonished, Crazy Mo went on. "Well, uh, um, I don't know where they took him."

This wasn't good. I needed to locate him.

His subsequent remarks, however, were like a blast of cold water. However, I am aware that he returned yesterday. returned by the same individuals. Ren looked even worse. He didn't appear to be in any pain, but I can tell—ooh, it couldn't evade my keen senses—that he was in excruciating pain on the inside. As in, truly, really awful.

Relief washed over me. The boss was all right. Even though he was injured, he was unharmed. The worst situation has been averted. However, those individuals... they dared. Once more, I would have to tug a few threads. I suppressed the dark side that was surging inside of me. I had to hear Crazy Mo's story through to the end.

According to what I've heard, he's going to the cemetery today to pay a visit to his son's grave. He had on all-black clothing and accessories. Though he's already black, hehe. Hehe, hehe, hehe.

At the end, he added a dumb joke. The man was definitely crazy.

Was Boss Ren heading to the graveyard? His son... I felt really uneasy. Brookland was not where his family was buried. I was unwilling to consider it. I needed to be sure.

I ran directly to the graveyard after leaving Crazy Mo.