Page 152 of The Wishing Game

Leaves and twigs crackle under Ze's weight as the ground is a mix of dirt, moss, and stone. The trees are larger than before—so much so that I can barely see traces of the blue sky. For the first time, it dawns on me that despite being a foreign world, with a toxic atmosphere for outsiders, it's so very similar to my own world. The vivid green of the leaves, the earthly brown of the tree branches and the muddy ground, the clear blue of the water and its refreshing taste, the textures of the plants and rocks; they are all so similar. I may not be too knowledgeable in science, but I wonder if perhaps this is not a universal requisite to produce and maintain forms of life. Maybe they are similar yet different enough to ensure a parallel evolution—from cells to complex systems.

Where my world is mostly devoid of supernatural dangers that could promote the evolution of certain abilities, other worlds are not. Maybe it's just my simplistic and ignorant way of thinking of things, but I still can't help but marvel at the things around me—at everything I'm experiencing that I would have never thought real before. There's so much more out there than I could have ever imagined. Yes, there's danger, terror, and evil. But there's also beauty. It's in the nature that seems ubiquitously serene and peaceful. But it's also in the attempts to build civilization, to create a language, a culture—something to live on. There's so much commonality that for the first time I don't feel as foreign. Not to this world, and not to my new friends.

"You are awake?" Ze inquires as he half turns his head to me.

"Yes. Thank you for letting me sleep."

"You have been holding out well, human," he acknowledges in a soft voice. "I sometimes forget how small and frail you are."

"Hey." I pinch him. "I'm notthatfrail."

"Compared to me, you are," he continues. "You forget that I could crush you with one hand."

"Don't worry, Sir Sparkles, I haven't forgotten about yourstrength," I mutter drily.

"I am not saying this to antagonize you."

My eyes widen in surprise at his words.

"I am merely reminding myself that we are different, and I should not expect you to keep up with me, or with Cerenios or Erithea for that matter."

"Wow, Ze..." I whisper. "You just scored yourself another point," I joke. Did I wake up in yet another world where Ze is not arrogant, rude, and overbearing? Maybe I should pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

"I have been reflecting," he states, his tone serious—almost as if he was about to tell me he had the most important epiphany.

"Oh, and what did you reflect on?" I ask curiously.

"You are weak. I am strong. It is a perfect match."

"I don't?—"

"Because you are so weak," he continues, cutting me off, "you can never be alone with another male." He pauses. "Or female."

"What are you talking about?" I ask, thoroughly confused by his so-called reflection.

"I, of course, shall always be by your side to ensure your safety and I will vanquish anyone who means you harm."

I blink.

"I appreciate that, but?—"

"I acknowledge it is not your fault you are so weak," he interrupts me again. "You were simply unfortunate to be born as a human. Do not worry, I will not hold it against you. In fact, it might be for the better."

"Ze, I have no idea what you're talking about," I mutter, confused.

"Alas, that is another one of your shortcomings. But I will not hold that against you either. You have plenty of good qualities, too," he speaks, his voice booming with self-assuredness.

"Oh, really? And what are those?" I ask ironically. I'm curious what he'll come up with after insulting me not once, not twice, but three times! I guess I should start taking off points, too.

"You are small."

"You just said I was weak." I raise a brow.

"I like small." He nods to himself with a smile.

That's not exactly a quality, though.

"What else?" I ask, even though I know I'll probably regret wanting to know.

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