"So, why take over a manor instead a hidin an makin all ya supplies?"
Bored, the trio now sit in a spacious living room. Three small couches sit in the center, a medium table between them. Various small paintings and certificates line the brick walls, a deer head hung on the wall above the fireplace directly across the entrance. Instead of sleeping the trio decide to chat, Harry standing next to the fireplace and staring while the other two sit. After a split second of hesitating Harry answers Crims question.
"Every time I make something it's like I'm ringing a bell. If someone can hear it they can find me. Better to only use it when I need to."
"So you needed to feed the dogs a turkey?"
Will looks at Harry completely deadpan, waiting for his reply. In response Harry shamelessly nods. "All dogs deserve a good meal. Same for Lily and other kids. Not like I'll be in danger, I'd just like to avoid the annoyance." Crim nods along with Harry while Will raises a brow, focusing on his phrasing. Instead of confronting Harry on what he means by "Not like I'll be in danger," he chooses to investigate privately when he can. While Will continues to lose himself to his thoughts Crim and Harry continue to chat.
"So why'd ya start ya radio show?" With a small lean forward Crim looks at Harry expectantly.
"Secret." Ignoring Crim's clear annoyance Harry moves to take a seat, making sure he's still facing the fireplace.
"Ya and ya bloody secrets. Well what can ya tell me?"
"Depends on the question."
"So if I asked ya how big ya trouser snake is ya'd answer?"
"Yup."
Silence
Then realization as Harry's words finally hit him. Crim puts on a teasing Grin as Harry struggles with the idiocy he just agreed too. Just as Crim is about to ask, Will glares at the duo. A fierce aura reminiscent of a bloody sea-side war pours out from his eyes. Instantly, the duo stiffen!
"Crim…be appropriate, and Harry. Just tell us what ya can, ignore the kid if 'e decides ta be an idiot."
"YES SIR!"
"YES SIR!"
Will seeing the two straighten up puts on a nostalgic smile.
"I'll be talking with our merchant friend. You two behave, try not to ring that bell too much."
Will steps out the door, giving the two one last glare before closing it and walking back to the merchants office. The duo, after making sure they can't hear footsteps relax. Crim looks at Harry, wondering if he really would've answered while Harry looks at Crim hoping he asks for something else. After an awkward silence, Crim speaks.
"'Ey, why ya keep staring at tha fire?"
Distracted, Harry takes a moment to reply.
"Ah, I just like how it looks. It has a pretty color and is shiny. Plus it moves really pretty."
I guess it does look pretty, Crim thinks, resting his head against his hand as he leans against the couch armrest. So, silently the duo stare at the bright red flame. Harry is lost, enjoying the silence while Crim stares at his favorite radio host. He always knew he was odd, he's been listening for years after all but actually seeing it feels different.
More real?
"Anyone ever tell ya you's an odd one mate?"
Harry nods, a weak smile showing as he continues to stare at the fire.
"All the time. I don't really care. Sure I'm weird but I know I'm also good, otherwise I wouldn't have had so many friends. Besides, life's more fun when you embrace the oddities."
Giving Harry an odd look Crim responds, looking right at him instead of the fire.
"Had?"
"From earth."
Silence…
"What was earth like?"
Hearing Crims question Harry's expression becomes somber.
"I'll tell you if you tell me about yourself."
"Hmm? Sure mate but why?"
"I wanna know more about my fan."
Crim looks at Harry. Raising a brow Crim raises his head, focusing completely on Harry. Harry, in response, puts on a teasing grin. With a heavy sigh Crim responds.
"Ask away chief."
"Then for my first question. What about me has you so interested you risk a calamity?"
Crim scratches his head, taking a few moments to think his answer over.
"I seen past a tear. I know ya ain't lying so then I gotta ask. How'd ya cross?"
Tilting his head, Harry turns away from the fire, facing the roof instead. As he's about to speak he takes one arm off the arm rest and starts rubbing his thumb against his palm.
"Can't say how it happened. One day, I was just here."
Harry, still staring at the roof, starts to remember. He went out for a night walk. Enjoying his music he looked at the moon lost in how pretty it felt that night. Everything was nice, he was finally starting to relax.
Then the stars blinked.
The moon started to peel. Before I could even process anything the outer layer came off. Within seconds the moon was replaced by a giant deep blue eye. The rocky crags of the outer layer started to fall, aiming straight for earth. Within seconds the apocalypse had arrived, the eye of "Something" watching. The stars quiver, the wind screams, and all of earth is drowned in fear. Seeing the shift Harry can only say one thing.
"Welp, I guess the world is ending. Shame, I never managed to platinum dark souls. Oh well! Ah, I should check on everyone."
Pulling out his phone he starts messaging people, sending out small good byes. The only message he sends to family is one to his uncle while the other messages go out to long time online friends. Remembering his mmo friend's plans for a guild meet-up he can't help but feel a bit sad it'll likely never happen.
"World's ending and I'm still focused on the online…"
Looking at himself then the eye he can't help but remember his past, losing himself to his thoughts.
I always wondered how the world would end. Used to think i'd be special somehow and save the world. More like hoped, I guess. Instead right as the world ends here I am again, alone in the dark waiting for my friends to reply. I wish…I wished I could die feeling okay.
Dying in my lazy clothes leaving my home a mess sounds about right.
Just as he's about to completely lose himself, he sees it.
A tear?
It feels like the eye is looking at him. The space starts to warp around him, the ground melting and shifting. A cacophony of primordial screeches fills his ears as a tear appears directly in front of him. White iris flowers bloom from its sides a welcoming feeling of original beckoning roars into existence.
Eyes gaze from the tear.
Harry, entranced, steps forward, lost in the silver eyes floating in the pitch black tear.
The tear blinks.
Step by step he grows closer.
The tear extends, aiming to swallow Harry.
Gone.
Cold sweat covers Harry, his eyes quivering as he continues to remember. Crim, worried about him, speaks. "Ya okay mate?" Immediately Harry is pulled out of his memories. Silently, he nods in response. "I'd prefer to change the topic." His skin has gone pale, his eyes glimmering like he's ready to cry. Crim, trying to put on a compassionate smile stands up and moves to Harry. "What happened? Did I do something wrong?" Crim shakes his head, instead looking at him and gently patting Harry's head.
"It's okay big man, ya safe 'ere."
Shocked, Harry looks at Crim. Usually he'd feel a sort of instinctual rejection to other people's touch but for some reason he's okay with Crim patting his head.
A pleasant silence hits.
For a minute Harry enjoys Crims headpats, speaking after he's fully calmed down. "Kid, I've been wondering for a while now but are you a boy or girl? Or are ya neither?" The pats stop, Crim stepping away somewhat annoyed he has to explain yet again. "I know I look ladylike but I'm a proud man!" Harry nods, not noticing Crim's annoyance. Seeing his obliviousness Crim can only sigh, moving back to sit down again. "So Crim, do you have anything you want for your birthday?" It's a bit late but the kid is still owed a present, Harry thinks. Taking a moment, Crim thinks over what he could want.
An all I can eat buffet? How's bout a nice pair a brass knuckles? Can I appear on the next Harry's happy hour? Or maybe I can ask him for a game from earth?
"I want a copy of dark souls."
"No can do. Gotta be from this world."
"Wha? Why?"
"This world naturally rejects earth. Can't drag anything here."
Awkwardly the pair stare at each other. Crim, a bit sad he can't play the game thinks about what else he can get. Harry on the other hand can't help but ask, "Why a copy of dark souls?" Crim takes a moment to respond. "Ya always talk bout how good it is, I wanted ta see if ya were tellin tha truth." Scratching his head Harry decides to try something. His eyes shine a weak silver, a small tele appearing on the center table.
The back is large and it's more like a large box. On earth it'd be considered old fashion but here it's top of the line. He tries to make a controller appear but no matter how hard he tries it won't, instead a small burst of red light flashes in his hands. Sighing, instead he stares at the tele. It turns on, images Crim's never seen before appearing. Then, despite never having seen it before he sees it. The opening scene for dark souls.
"I'll be damned, it looks like the world is ready for this."
Right as it's about to start the image flickers then fades to black. Seeing it fail, Harry makes a tape player and hooks it up to the tv. Playing a freshly summoned tape the same thing happens. Crim, seeing Harry trying his best can't help but smile. He's sad he can't play but it's nice to see someone care so much about him like this. "It's fine, how about you make me that sun knight's sword and shield?" Harry shyly smiles, pulling out a small one handed sword and shield from nowhere and passing it to Crim.
The second Crim grabs them, they start to shrink. The sword turns thumb sized while the shield becomes as small as his eye. Despite being smaller they weigh the exact same. Ignoring Harry's shocked eyes Crim puts them in his jacket pocket. And so the duo relax, waiting for Will while watching the fire. After another five minutes he and Charles walk in, Lily holding Will's hand.
"Our introduction was an odd one but I would still like to say. Welcome to Lindbourough."
He takes a bow, the hem of his shirt lowering to reveal a familiar tattoo. Harry notices while Crim remains oblivious. With a smile, Harry responds, focusing on Charles.
"Thank you."
Looking back, remembering his talk with Crim he can't help but remember the moment he crossed. He didn't come into this world out in some fields or in the middle of nowhere. A long time ago, back when the town was different. When nobility still ruled in absolute it went by the same name.
Beyond the tear, where Harry's other world story began.
It was a town in Abbey called Lindbourough.