Traveling through the portal this time felt like being caught in a whirlpool and then flung into a sea of green. Paul was an excellent swimmer, but this was different. It was tumbling and spinning and splashing through nothing, until the world snapped back into focus and he found himself staring up at tufts of grass towering over him like tiny trees.

For a heartbeat, that was all he saw—just an endless maze of green blades and no sign of his friends. A cold twist tightened in his stomach. What if he was alone again?

Then Hunter’s voice cut through the grass. “Paul? Paul, where are you?”

Warmth flooded him, as bright as the golden tones he smelled in the air. Paul waved every tentacle he had, his bioluminescent freckles flashing with frantic enthusiasm. “I’m here! I’m here!”

A broad shadow fell over him as Hunter bent down and scooped him up in one smooth motion, settling Paul carefully on his shoulder. Relief washed through his soft body like a warm tide.

He Xiangu was already brushing grass from her hair, eyes sharp and scanning the horizon. Binky, on the other hand, was happily plucking mouthfuls of grass to chew on, her mood oddly sentimental.

“This is a sight for sore eyes,” she said around a mouthful of greenery. “Grass fields. Oh, how I’ve missed you. Reminds me of my youth.”

There was a softness there—a tiny crack in her hard exterior. When she noticed Paul watching, she scowled as if she hadn’t said anything tender at all.

She jabbed a paw at the empty air. “Hey, GATO. Map stats. Now.”

GATO: One moment please. We are experiencing interference. This is a mid-level chi environment.

He Xiangu inhaled deeply, almost reverently. “I knew it.” She pulled out one of her smoke sticks, its tip glowing with controlled flame.

Binky made a disapproving noise. “Smoking is bad for the environment. And your lungs.”

“It’s not smoking. It’s a focus tool,” He Xiangu growled. “It helps me gather chi.”

Paul perked up when the world window blinked into view. He still got excited every time. New worlds meant new colors, new smells, new recipes, new everything.

Map / World Stats

Name: Eedan

Arrival Location: Kafni Farming Area

Ingredient Prediction: Farm Orchard

Hazards: Kevin, aggressive birds, snakes, farmer couple, other beasts

Portal Close: 29 minutes

Hunter stomped the grass, expression wary. “Keep your eyes open. Last thing we need is snake bites slowing us down.”

A faint crackle buzzed in the back of Paul’s mind. A pale afterimage of the Portalier flickered into view—something only Paul seemed able to see first, like always. His squid senses picked up subtle sounds and vibrations before anyone else, a skill born from survival, not training.

Binky folded her arms, purple glow flickering. “The dead arise and appear to many, but sure, you have a nice nap.”

A smile tugged at the Portalier’s lips as he adjusted his goggles. “I don’t nap. And I’ve been stabilizing the worlds you’re hopping through because, as I keep reminding you, you are not supposed to be here.”

GATO appeared, hovering over the Portalier’s shoulder. “Regarding the seasonal rift, you have made some accurate assumptions about those white birds that are…”

“That sounds like your way of telling us, without actually telling us,...” He Xiangu’s lips pressed into a thin line. She flicked ash from her chi stick and watched it fall into the grass, “that the birds are linked to the seasonal rift and we should expect to see them again here.”

GATO remained silent.

Hunter nudged a tall stalk of grass with his boot, watching it sway. “We will add that to the hazard list then,” he said, brow raised. “And I wager you also cannot tell us anything about Kevin—the fearsome name that strikes terror into every heart.” His sarcasm was thick enough to spread on toast.

“Names can mislead you,” the Portalier said before he and GATO disappeared from view.

Binky snorted and spat out a stem of grass. “Too right. One of the nastiest boss battles I ever fought in the Dungeon of Eternal Gigglewater was against a brute named Dimples McChucklebutt.” She flicked a paw as if batting away a mosquito. “By the Blessed Fangs of the Bunny King, he was a tough nut to crack.”

Paul’s lights shimmered in awe. “You have lived such an adventure-filled life.”

“Not by choice, kid.” Binky’s chewing slowed, her paws sweeping lightly across the grass blades as if stroking something long gone. For a breath she seemed sad, and then her face hardened again into its usual scowl. “Enough about me. Let’s get this freak show moving. Looks like we have apricots to nick from a couple of pitchfork-crazed farmers.”

Paul checked the hazard list again. Birds, snakes, “Kevin,” and “farmer couple.” In his old world, farmers were always kind in storybooks. “I have never met a farmer before,” he said. “What is a pitchfork?”

“A tool,” Binky growled. “But if they catch you raiding their cabbage patch, they will use it to rip you a new asshole.”

Paul grimaced. He had never wanted to imagine an asshole being ripped before, and now the mental picture stuck like a bad smell.

He Xiangu shot Binky a glare. “Really. They are protecting their livelihood. Raiders steal their crops.”

“Such a human answer,” Binky snapped. “Us furry folk live off what we can find. My cousin died thanks to one of those farmers, so excuse me, princess, we weren’t all born with a silver spoon in our mouths.”

“Do not call me that. You know nothing about my childhood.” He Xiangu pulled out the map they had taken from the last world. The parchment shimmered and redrew itself into a new layout. She tapped the center and pointed to the horizon. “There. Orchard is that way.”

Hunter clapped his hands together. “We have twenty-four minutes to get the next ingredient. Let’s follow the new map and get in and out as fast as we can.”

“I bet that’s what she said.” Binky let out a filthy laugh.

Paul didn’t understand the joke, but He Xiangu clearly did. Her face tightened like someone had dropped a lemon in her tea. “Rabbits may be prolific breeders, but your mind does not have to live in the gutter.”

Paul had a wonderful view from Hunter’s shoulder as they walked through swaying grass. What had been a dark square in the distance slowly grew into a wide wooden house, its roof shining in the sun.

“Looks like we found the place,” Hunter scanned the surroundings.

Binky sniffed the breeze and leapt into the air with surprising grace for a beast shaped like a furious marshmallow. When she landed she thumped her hind leg. “Deeeelicious. I smell apricots.”

“We’re not here to fill your belly. Only take what we need,” Hunter adjusted his cuff.

He Xiangu nodded. “We can trade like last time. We are not thieves.”

“If we meet Kevin, I am sure if we ask nicely he will understand,” Paul said, eyes widening with his smile. “I am very good at making new friends.”

Warmth rose in his mantle. It felt so nice being part of a group and not talking to himself to pass time.

A piercing rooster crow snapped him out of it. The sound rippled across the field and made Paul’s tentacles twitch.

He Xiangu stiffened. “Since when do roosters crow in the afternoon.”

She gestured for them to move low through the grass toward the orchard, away from the farmhouse.

“In my world,” Hunter whispered, ducking low beneath the grass, “roosters can be fiercely territorial little spirit beasts. Trouble on legs. And now that I’m thinking about it… we had apricots back home. Pretty tasty ones too.”

He sighed, flicking his storage ring with a rueful glance. “Pity I don’t have any in here. We could skip this world altogether.”

GATO: The quest is more complex than that. Not just any apricot will do. Paul’s Midwinter Feast ritual must be recreated as closely as possible. While apricots exist across the multiverse, only these chi-infused apricots match the Golden Sun apricots used in his original stuffing recipe.

The reminder made Paul glow with a tiny spark of pride. Mina’s mother had always said recipes remembered the cook.

He Xiangu led the way through the swaying grass. Paul clung to Hunter’s shoulder as he peered through the blades. A gleam—metallic, sharp—caught the sunlight. Steel talons. Brilliant feathers. The rooster perched on the fence post with the confidence of a beast who absolutely knew he was important.

Paul’s curiosity bubbled up and slipped out before he could stop it. “Maybe he’s friendly!”

GATO: I can identify anything. Simply ask. I am your world guide.

“GATO, identify the plucky rooster,” Hunter said.

[Kevin the Rooster

Species: Rooster

Tier: Low-Level Spirit Beast

HP: 20

Attack: Peck (annoying but effective)

Speed: Yes

Presence: Overwhelming

Traits:

• Judgmental Stare: Inflicts moral discomfort.

• Food-Driven Logic: Makes all decisions based on sweet snacks.

• Territorial Strut: Believes he owns the place.

Martial Skills:

• Wings of Destruction

• Steel Spur Kick]

Paul didn’t read further into the descriptions before Binky thumped the earth so hard a snake shot up out of the grass like it had been launched from a catapult. She caught it neatly by the tail, the way someone else might pluck a dandelion, and tore the head clean off.

Hunter arched his brow. “I thought rabbits were vegetarian.”

“Hey, numbnuts, do I look like a regular rabbit to you?” Binky said, still chewing. “Descendant of the Demon Bunny King. Move your feet unless you want these snakes getting ideas.”

More snakes rustled through the grass. Low-level ones. Annoying, not dangerous, unless you were a firefly squid with the survival instincts of a damp sock.

Five tense minutes later, they reached the orchard. Rows of apricot trees glowed warm gold in the afternoon sun. Paul breathed in the air, rich with the scent of ripening fruit. In color, it smelled like honeyed orange and warm daybreak.

A sudden rustle behind them snapped the moment in half.

A blur exploded upward, wings flaring wide. The rooster arced overhead with theatrical grace and landed in their path, sending dust swirling around his talons.

“No sign of the farmers. Looks like this one’s on security detail,” He Xiangu said, her hand resting on her sword’s hilt.

“They should really put up a sign that says beware of chicken.” Binky groaned. “Not for my sake. I could take this bozo with one paw tied and a blindfold on. But for simple folk like you three.”

“It’s a rooster.” Hunter eased into a guarded stance as he raised both hands. “We mean no harm.”

Kevin spread his wings wider, feathers rippling like armor plates. He crowed again—deep, resonant, sharper than before.

His eyes locked onto Paul like he’d skewered him on a giant hook.

Pau’s whole life flashed by—quiet tidepools, warm kitchen lights, Mina humming as she diced fruit, the last terrible night. His insides flipped so violently he thought he’d glow inside-out.

Warmth pressed down on his mantle.

“He’s using killing intent,” Hunter said. “I’m using my aura to shield you.”

Paul clung tighter. He didn’t know if the others felt anything half as bad as he did, but all he wanted was to curl up in a rockpool and pretend the world was small again.

He Xiangu stepped forward, blades sheathed but ready in her stance. “Honored warrior, we are not here to steal. We wish only to trade for a handful of your bountiful apricots. Time is short—would you accept—”

Kevin lunged.

Dust shot up. Talons slashed. Hunter leapt back and drew his spear in a whirl of movement. He Xiangu’s swords flashed free with a ringing hiss. Binky darted across the rooster’s flank, trying to smack him with a spinning hind-leg kick.

They moved on defense, cautious to avoid killing blows.

But Kevin? Kevin was all fury and feathers, determined to defend his orchard even if it meant kicking them straight into next week.

“We don’t have time for this!” Hunter yelled, blocking a swipe that left a furrow in the dirt.

“Let me pound him into the ground!” Binky shouted, bobbing and weaving through rooster strikes. “He signed up for guard duty. He knows the risks.”

“No!” Paul shrieked. “Food made with love tastes different. If we hurt him, the apricots will taste sad—and sad tastes bitter!”

Binky stared at him. “Kid, I’ve heard necromancers make more sense. Fine! Then maybe he’s sexually frustrated. Let’s find him a hen.”

He Xiangu growled. “Do you see hens lining up to shag him out here?”

Another wing strike sent Hunter sliding back a step. “Words won’t work. Time for something else.”

Paul remembered Kevin’s stats, he had food-driven logic, making all decisions based on sweet snacks.

He tugged Hunter’s sleeve. “Food works. Try something sweet!”

Hunter blinked. Then grinned. “Show and tell.”

Kevin didn’t stop attacking so much as… pause mid-murder. His wings were half-spread, talons sunk deep into the dirt, eyes blazing with killing intent bright enough to make Paul’s glow sputter.

Binky snorted. “What are you waiting for, pal — old age? Give him the plum!”

Hunter scowled, clutching the fruit to his chest. “I value my fingers.”

He Xiangu let out the most exhausted sigh Paul had ever heard. “Then throw it. His reflexes are good.”

Hunter muttered something that sounded suspiciously like a prayer to three different deities, then lobbed the sweet plum into the air.

It didn’t even reach the peak of its arc.

Kevin blurred.

One moment the plum was airborne. The next — 

SNATCH. 

It vanished into the rooster’s beak with a sound like a bear trap slamming shut. He swallowed it in one smooth, horrifying gulp that made Paul think of a sinkhole devouring a mountain.

The rooster’s crest lifted. His feathers fluffed. His tail fanned like he was being worshipped by the heavens themselves.

He Xiangu nodded. “Okay. That got his attention. But how do we keep it? Please tell me you’ve got more plums.”

Hunter raised a single finger. “I’ve a few plums left. That’ll have to be enough. I’m not touching the pink-apple stash… Nightmare would kill me.”

He muttered the last part under his breath, so low Paul couldn’t make out whether “Nightmare” was a person, a beast, or some terrifying fruit goddess who hunted down apple thieves. 

Hunter’s eyes darted around the grass like he half-expected something to leap out and slap him for even mentioning it.

Paul had no idea what any he’d meant… but judging by Hunter’s grimace, he absolutely did not want to find out.

GATO: Also, did you know eating plum stones isn’t good for one’s health? Cyanide poisoning and all that. But I think Kevin’s iron-stomach constitution can handle it. The Portalier asked me to remind you that you have fifteen minutes remaining until the portal closes.

Kevin’s burning eyes locked onto the bag of plums like a tiny feathery warlord demanding tribute.

Paul did his best to stay positive. “I think he’s ready to negotiate.”

Binky rolled her eyes. “He’s shaking us down, kid. Classic poultry bandit behavior.”

He Xiangu gave Kevin a smile so polite it almost glowed, then bent in a deep, formal bow. “Honored warrior, this one is filled with gratitude for the chance to test our mettle. Would you grant us the favor of sampling a few of your heavenly blessed apricots?”

Hunter blinked like he’d just seen her propose marriage to a rooster.

When she rose, she caught his expression and shot him a warning look sharper than her sword. “Not. A. Word. I’m not above groveling to a bird to save time. Or honor. And don’t pretend you wouldn’t have tried something stupid first.”

No one dared comment because Kevin, apparently satisfied, puffed out his chest and strutted into the orchard. His feathers shimmered like polished copper and his talons gleamed as if sharpened by someone with worrying enthusiasm. He stopped beside a tree so loaded with golden fruit it looked like sunlight had decided to grow on branches.

Binky was vibrating. Actually vibrating. Hopping from foot to foot like she desperately needed a bathroom or a battle. Possibly both.

Hunter tilted his head back toward Paul on his shoulder. “How many do we need? And since you’re the expert”—he gave Paul a gentle tap—“you pick.”

Expert. Paul nearly burst like an overripe jellyfish. If he’d had cheeks, they would’ve been bright red.

Hunter moved him closer to the fruit. Paul stretched out a tentacle, but froze under Kevin’s intense stare. Those rooster eyes narrowed. Paul gulped.

Kevin dipped his head in a shallow bow, the kind warriors made in epic tales before granting permission to approach a sacred relic.

Paul plucked the exact number needed and passed them down to Hunter, who tucked them safely into his magic ring. 

A small blue notification appeared in Paul’s vision.

Quest Progress: 2 of 4 Ingredients Collected.

The glowing timer display pulsed with the words “four minutes”— barely enough time left.

“We should hurry.” Paul’s tentacles twitched as he steadied himself.

They bowed to Kevin. The rooster accepted this with regal satisfaction, crunching into another plum like a warlord dining on tribute. Then he launched himself skyward, wings flashing as he returned to his fencepost throne.

They sprinted back toward the portal. No sign of the terrifying pitchfork-wielding farmer and his equally terrifying wife. A few snakes wriggled out to complain about trespassers, but Binky punted one into orbit before anyone slowed down.

“That’s twenty-three snakes sent to the Great Beyond!” Binky pumped the air with a paw as she bounded through the tall grass.

“That’s nothing.” Hunter grinned. “I killed six birds last world and nine snakes here.”

He Xiangu surged past both of them, barely breathing hard. “Try to keep up,” she said, her voice warm with laughter. “I killed seven birds and twelve snakes. Your stats combined are embarrassing.”

Paul was still admiring how she moved like a dancer made of knives when a sudden icy shiver raced over his skin. The temperature plunged so sharply it felt like someone had dunked him into an ice hole carved out of a frozen lake. His skin prickled. His glow sputtered. He knew exactly what that meant.

The birds were back.

His little heart thrashed in his chest, beating so hard it might burst right through his mantle. He twisted around on Hunter’s shoulder, searching every inch of sky, but nothing moved.

For a half-second, he dared to hope—

The portal exploded.

A blizzard of white-feathered bodies burst through in a shrieking wave. So many wings. So many claws. Paul tried to count them and lost track before he reached ten.

Hunter’s  spear spun like a silver wheel. He Xiangu swept her sword up in a cold glittering arc.

And Binky—

Binky launched herself upward like she’d been fired from a cannon.  She scissor-kicked a bird in the throat so hard it folded mid-air, then she grabbed its wings, flipped, and slammed it into the ground with a cheer that sounded delighted and murderous at once.

It was the most amazing thing Paul had ever seen. Even more amazing than the time he figured out how to boil noodles without causing a “squid-splosion” in the pot.

A timer blinked sharply in his vision.

[1 minute remaining.]

The birds kept coming.

They blotted out the bright blue sky, feather by feather, until all Paul could see was white and all he could feel was that awful cold chewing at the edges of his mind.

He Xiangu moved like a storm of steel.

Three birds dove — three heads hit the grass with soft thumps. Paul clung on with his suckers.

Hunter thrust his spear into the swarm, each strike a clean silver flash, every movement precise.

Binky stomped a bird, then punted another so hard it squeaked before it vanished into the horizon.

Still the cold grew sharper, sinking into Paul’s thoughts until they slowed like syrup in winter.

He needed to help.

He had to help.

He might be small, but he wasn’t useless. Mina always said his light was special, and light was still something he could give.

Paul squeezed every photophore across his mantle, pulling his glow together until it burned behind his eyes. Then he let it loose.

A pulse of light exploded from him — rich gold, warm blue, shimmering like a rising tide. It washed over the orchard, over the long grass, over the portal crackling behind the birds.

The swarm faltered. Wings stuttered. Their screeches dropped into confused chirps.

And then a shadow tore across the field.

Kevin.

The rooster ripped through the sky like a feathery comet, spiraling downward. His wings snapped open at the last second, catching the air, turning his descent into a swirling, furious vortex.

Birds shrieked as the cyclone of feathers and talons swept through them.

Kevin hit the ground with a quake. Wings flared. Talons flashed like drawn swords. Birds went tumbling in every direction, bouncing off trees, fenceposts, and even Binky who shouted, “Watch it, ya overgrown omelette!”

“GO!” Hunter yelled.

He Xiangu scooped Binky under one arm like a misbehaving puppy. Hunter clutched Paul close and the three of them sprinted as Kevin held the line with the pride of a general defending his territory.

The last bird lunged. Kevin kicked it into a hay bale with a triumphant crow.

They dove through the portal just as the edges collapsed inward. Grass vanished. Sky vanished. Cold vanished.

Paul tumbled out still clinging to Hunter, panting and glowing faint, his tentacles trembling. A message popped up in his vision

GATO: Well done questers! Though perhaps, and this is merely a professional observation,  some improvement in your time-management skills might be advisable.

Paul sprawled on his back in Hunter’s palms. “We made it,” he whispered, relief flooding him. “And Kevin helped. He’s my friend now… I hope.”

Behind them, in a world already fading from existence, a faint rooster crow echoed in agreement.