001

I sat on the beach, dipping my toes slightly into the water while observing others. The wind whipped around as the short, slightly wavy hair of mine blew across my face. My odd mask and white hair mixed in with the others, as most who lived here were a collection of all sorts of things. Winged people, horns, multi-colored hair, and more were traits you could often see.

The sun beat down on me as I fanned myself.

Maybe I should've stayed inside.

I clasped my phone in my hand and got up, brushing myself off. A portal glowed a faint blue behind me as I walked towards it. Portals like this were located all around the world, connecting different lands and places. As I stepped through, a familiar feeling enveloped me. It felt like a gel was encasing me and I felt as though I couldn't breathe.

I've always hated the feeling.

*****

Suddenly, my feet hit cement and I stumbled forward.

"UGH!"

I should really try and perfect my landings. It was a bit embarrassing, tripping every time I went through a portal.

Looking around, I recollected myself. I had landed in the main park where most others usually would chat and group together. I didn't really have anybody to talk to most of the time, except for one; Rai. My most recent friend that I had just met a few days prior. As I scanned the park to find them, something caught my eye.