“Let’s go?” Death said and I nodded. There’s a reason why Flynn stays here. Is it right for me to bring him back to the place he wants to run from? “Is there something else that the two of you talked about?”

“No,” I replied.

“You looked troubled. Is it because of the university?”

“Yes.” It revolves around that one thing. Going to university. I don’t know how long I’d be staying here and how long until Death finds my way home so I don’t want to be a burden to them while it goes. My parents emphasized that being naïve and being an idiot is the same, you’d just lead people to a cliff without even realizing it. I’ve been here for more than a week and it taught me something: there are nice people. I haven’t been around people like them on Earth. Other kids think that my actions are run by social status and money so they avoid me as much as they can and don’t trust me. I don’t want to lose them and if they are led to a cliff because of me, I don’t think I’ll be able to swallow it. 

“I’m sorry kid. I know you're determined to learn things and the fact that there aren’t a lot of resources here pulls you there but I can’t risk your life and–”

“I know, Death,” I said then looked at her. “Thank you.”

“Oh, I didn’t do anything.” She said and there was silence. We are walking in the village. It’s almost dark so there are lesser sorcerers around. 

“Can we use the path near the ocean instead?” I asked.

“But the waves are too powerful there. And during this time, we should be home, we might get lost in the forest.” Asphalt said.

“I figured that so…” I took out a bottle from my pocket containing zinc sulfide activated by silver*. It appears bright blue and gets more luminescent as the place gets darker. “I brought zinc sulfide. I found it near the rock dripping from waste.”

“What is that? How does it emit light?” Asphalt asked.

“It's a compound element made by mixing things. It’s the sorcery of science.” I said then smiled.

“That’s cool, kid. But the waves cannot be tamed by that.” Death said.

“It’s not for the waves, it's for the dark.”

“I can calm the waves as we walk. It’s a simple spell, I won’t overexert anything nor get too much attention.” Flynn said.

Asphalt looked at Death trying to get her to say yes. Death sighed and said, “Fine. How will I win with the three of you teaming up on me!” She led the way using a shortcut and we got to the ocean in a jiffy. Flynn’s eyes glowed as he started to rest the wild waves on the shore. I lifted the bottle and the ground lit up a bit. The waves reacted to the zinc that I’m holding and started glowing as well. At first, I thought it was because of the presence of planktons but there was none when I got closer. There was a strong smell of salt when I took a deep breath. The orange light that the sun releases complements the kind of blue that the ocean produces. “It’s pretty right? This is the place that those upper sorcerers call a dumpster. There’s nothing low about this place, just pure beauty.” And I couldn’t agree any less. The sand prickles on my skin as the rough particles try to seep into my sandal. Its soft bed is sucking my feet slowly downwards like quicksand. The water feels warm as it touches my skin.

“Yes, it’s nice.” I agreed with Death. What could be up there that could surpass the beauty this place could offer? I couldn’t judge them yet without having to see anything myself but at this moment, this place is mesmerizing. 

We have finally left the ocean and are now walking in the forest. 

“The place feels different,” I said.

“It is different. The trees are more vast so be careful not to trip on any root. The creatures could also be resting at this time so avoid directing the light at them.” Asphalt said and I replied with a nod. The roots react with the light as well, producing crystal blue light. A soft hush blew from behind us bringing the light with it and dancing with the wind. “What you made is mysterious. Other things respond to it as if it is a part of it.”

“It is a part of it. The materials are naturally made by this place and I did nothing but mix it to produce another raw material. It’s a part of them and would always be, just like how your magic is a part of nature as well.” I replied. We reached Death’s place in time before it was completely dark. Death threw herself to the chair and buried her face on the cushions.

“It’s nice to be back home.” She said,

“Says the witch that always leaves home.” Asphalt said.

“Hey! You forgot to note that I leave with purpose!” Death said.

How could I possibly break this? A bond, a relationship so tight that even if they’re not blood-related, they care for each other so dearly. I’ve learned, I wouldn’t let my naivety bother this peace that they have for as long as I can help it.