Chapter 2: Strange New Worlds
"Where… are we?" Aaron muttered, looking around at the towering buildings and glowing crystals that surrounded them.
Finley stood beside him, equally confused. "This place looks like some kind of fantasy city," he said. "Look up!"
Aaron tilted his head and saw flying creatures soaring above a tall white tower. "Okay… definitely not home," he whispered.
The two began to walk forward, trying to figure out where they were. But as they turned a corner, the ground gave way beneath them—thud! They both tumbled down a huge flight of stone stairs.
Meanwhile, deep in a forest, Nicole and Victoria slowly woke up on a patch of moss.
"Ow… my back," groaned Victoria.
Nicole sat up and looked around. "Where even are we?"
Just then, a walking, talking pink frog stepped out from behind a bush. He wore a scarf and carried a wooden stick like a walking staff.
"Hi there! I'm Branch," said the frog cheerfully.
Nicole blinked. "Uh… did that frog just talk?"
"I'm Nicole, and this is my sister Victoria," she said, standing up. "Have you seen our friends? One's named Aaron, the other is Finley—they're both boys. Or maybe a girl named Mahishah? She's another one of our friends."
Branch tilted his head. "Nope, haven't seen any humans besides you two. But don't worry—I know someone in Wartwood who might be able to help!"
Victoria and Nicole exchanged glances. It looked like their adventure was just beginning.