Worlds Away 3B

"Okay, I'll follow you," you tell him. He smiles and turns to leave. You trail him for a few steps but then turn and run. You are running as if your life depended on it. He shouts something but you are too far away to hear.
The foliage of the forest is thick but you break through the vines and branches, desperate to get away from the strange boy. He can only mean trouble, plus mother always told you never to talk to strangers. You look back to see if he is following you and can't see him. A little relieved you slow down and take in your surroundings.
You've stopped in a small clearing. Green grass grows long and lush while the trees around you tower above everything, blocking out the sun. A stone cliff is off to your left, vines covering part of its surface. A black opening sits staring at you, crawling with mystery and adventure. Unable to resist the temptation you walk towards it and peep inside. You can't see a thing, but a foul smell comes from somewhere in the cave.
A shout from behind, startles you. It's Nox, he's coming for you. You hesitate a moment and then plunge into the inky darkness.
The smell grows stronger as you stumble along, one hand placed on the rough stone wall. Several minutes later, a light appears ahead of you. Quickening your pace, you head towards the light. It leads you into a large cavern, lit by many candles. An immense form sits in the center of the chamber, its back turned towards you. It is a large, scaly back with massive, leathery membraneous wings protruding from the shoulders. You almost scream but cannot open your mouth, you are rooted to the spot. It turns, sensing your presence. It's a dragon. A huge, terrifying red dragon.
It surveys you with a bored expression, obviously not interested in eating you. You stare at each other for several long minutes before you are startled by scrambling feet behind you. The dragon notices also.
"Well, another one of Nox's jokes?" it asks sharply.
"Umm," you mumble, surprised it can speak.
"Where do you need to go?"
You don't respond, still too shocked.
"Well? What world do you want to be on? I can get you out of here before Nox gets in. He won't take kindly to you running from him."
"I...uuhhh...ummm...Earth," you stutter. The dragon nods and snaps its talons together.
A circle of shimmering blue light appears before you, suspended in mid air.
"It's a portal you walk through it," the dragon snaps then adds, "it should work."
You jump through just as Nox runs into the chamber and sees you, his yell of frustration follows you and you are sucked into a vortex of nothing.

Fin

- A. Oswald