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Gray heard Noah mention it wasn’t the beer’s fault for the queasiness in his stomach but it surely did not help him either. That statement was glossed over when Milo spoke up. Gray’s eyes snapped over him as he continued talking. It was clear his friend wasn’t doing well emotionally. Not that he was expecting anyone to just be okay with their life being thrown into turmoil like this. He was keeping calm to hopefully figure things out. The teen understood that would yield better results than freaking out. Ignoring the discomfort of his budding hangover, Gray trodded over to Milo. He made sure to give Eli, who kindly came over after he puked, a thank you for the comforting pat. Standing close to his friend, he gently patted Milo’s back similarly in an attempt to help him relax. 

Gray hadn’t formulated the words he wanted to say before coming over so he thinking. Saying everything would be okay would be an irresponsible statement that he couldn’t guarantee to be true. But more truthful facts of their situations could make his anxiety worse. The pounding in his head was making formulating thoughts challenging. Just when he believed he might have something that would make Milo feel a little better, a voice arose from his shoulder.

[color=92278f]“Ugh, so annoying...”[/color] Reyenne remarked with an exasperated groan. The black frog shifted more up on her limbs. [color=92278f]“Whatever. Guess this is better than you mindlessly acting because someone asked you to. Just hurry up and head straight through that clearing.”[/color] She raised her right front leg toward an obvious break in trees. After that, Reyenne leaped from Gray's shoulder onto the leaf of a smaller plant, and then the ground before disappeared in the shadows of the foliage once more. Gray followed her with his eyes until she vanished in the direction the other talking creatures were heading. There was a strange twinge in his chest at her curt parting words, but he just put up as a byproduct of this unusual situation and generally just not feeling well.

————

The group ended up trailing behind their animal guides and eventually entered the city in question. There was clamoring and many strange beings around them that were definitely not human. If it weren’t for the hangover that made his head hurt,  throat dry, and made him feel nauseous he might have been more interested. All he could do on their trek to their destination was hold himself together enough to not look like he was about to throw up again.

Once they separated from their guides they entered an inn other settled at a table. Still actively worried about Milo, Gray sat next to him. The aroma of food luckily didn't trigger his nausea but the background chatter of the building didn't give his headache the same luxury. Gray massaged his temple as he glanced around wondering if it would cause a problem to get water. Was the water here even safe for him to drink? Before acting on that, Conner spoke asking how everyone felt about this whole thing. He expressed excitement and honor of being chosen for some important mission. Milo agreed but also conveyed fear of the dangers that might accompany such circumstances. It was clear to Gray that his friend was overwhelmed by the situation forced upon him. He scooted closer to him as he mentioned not feeling great.

[color=9e0039]“There, there,”[/color] he cooed and patted his back like he was soothing a small child rather than his friend who was older than him. Gray needed to say something more to reassure his friend. [color=9e0039]“Even if we meet our evil counterparts, at least we are together. With the six of us, I’m positive we can make things work out.”[/color] Gray did his best to give affirmative words that he could somewhat guarantee him. They would certainly be together and watch each other back since they were close friends.

But then those two opinions remain out in front of the group, one of deep excitement about their predicament and one of conflicting feelings and worries. The gray-eyed boy reviewed their fantasy novel situation in his still throbbing head. Gray, like Conner, was also quite excited to be in this magical world. It felt similar to when he went out with Noah, that feeling of thrill of doing something he typically wouldn’t. Even the fear of injury and death didn’t dampen that exhilaration he felt. This was way better than just waiting until he was separated from everything when he went off to college. But Milo's rare unenthusiastic attitude helped to ground Gray’s thoughts. He shouldn’t be so selfishly elated by this. This was a serious predicament they were thrust into.

[color=9e0039]“To be honest… I don’t think we have much choice in this matter. I get the feeling those… talking animals are pretty desperate since their world is in danger and all. We are probably their last hope, so it is unlikely they just let us go.”[/color] The teen rationalized their situation instead of inserting his personal feelings. Gray decided it was best he stayed more impartial and calm so he could better bridge anyone else's conflicting thoughts. [color=9e0039]“Learning what we can about Arcanum and observing the situation closely will be our best bet at dealing with this.”[/color] After adding his thoughts, Gray silently rested a hand on his abdomen and waited to hear from everyone else.

——————

Reyenne decided to just stick in the shadows rather than share the pond with Chesi. She was willing to risk letting her skin dry out. The blue dolphin was still freaking talking even after the boys left them to talk among themselves. The frog was yet to be used to her excessive babbling and just moaned at her complaints. [color=92278f]“Their reaction seems normal to me. They have no reason to care about this world or us.”[/color] Reyenne grumbled from her spot shrouded in the darkness. Her crimson red peer out created an illusion that the shadow had suddenly grown eyes and the ability to speak. [color=92278f]“Fortunately, just like I have to deal with all this nonsense, they also have to do the same.”[/color] The cold reasoning and lack of any genuine care for anyone easily flowed out of her mouth. Her remaining in an isolated dark little spot away from the main group shows how little she enjoyed being near others.