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msitp · 9 months

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Chapter 6: Where One Belongs

I didn’t know what to expect now that I was within the Division. I had already stumbled my way into staying in the wrong Willow branch. Compared to the original story, I was healthier than the cannon Orion. Which allowed me to be included in discussions, seen as more then Lise’s sickly brother.

A nurse had come to check on me not long after Lise set out for the day. I guess I had been made an added chore for the girl. She changed by shoulder wrap; the sting of the balm wasn’t as severe as the day before. She seemed less concerned as she left this time, shyly smiling at me on her way out. I didn’t have to worry about feeling lonely it seemed. The young boy from the day before, was next to knock on my door breakfast in hand. He seemed a bit intimidated now that I was just me without Lise.

I’d be the first to admit, even in my last life I was considered cold and unapproachable. Now I had a good face at least. Or does being handsome only make my anti social aura harder to deal with? The boy hovered in the doorway after he handed the platter to me. I set the breakfast down at the table. Whoever had made up my meal had been generous with portions. I motioned at him to come in, setting a place for him. I only needed to place a hearty portion on the plate to finally tempt the kid into relaxing and coming to join me. He sat down and eagerly began scarfing down the food. Though I’d convinced the kid to join me for my meal, he still proved cautious. Speaking only to ask if he could take something before eating it. I assumed he was to take me somewhere after the meal, or else he surely wouldn’t have stuck around. Even with the temptation of second breakfast. After I had my fill and the kid had the rest, he finally spoke up.

“Sir Reign asked to see you in his office. If your ready to go, I can take you there,” the boy said while whipping food off his face.

I couldn’t help smiling at the kids still messy face, “Of course. And you missed a spot.”

He took the fresh tissue I held out to him, an embarrassed frown on his face. After a few more vigorous rubs he got up, energetically rushing towards the door. I tried holding my chuckle as I got up to follow him. As expected, leaving the guest area, and returning to the mountain peak was no less confusing the second time. I nearly lost the small boy a few times as he nimbly took the many twists of the winding path. He warmed up to me a bit, after seeing my helpless sense of direction. Grabbing hold of my sleeve to keep me from straying again.

Like a pet on a walk, I was finally led again to the main office. The boy let out a relieved huff letting me go and knocking on the door. Within a voice said something I couldn’t catch. The boy opened the door and nearly pushed me in. As if he was worried, I’d find a way to get turned around otherwise. The door was shut swiftly behind me.

Reign looked up at me from his desk. A welcoming smile beamed out in an instant. As he beckoned me to come sit in the chair set in front of him. The unnerving feeling like I had just stepped into a second interview without preparing settled over me. I sat down trying to stop myself from sweating, with Reign’s undivided attention on me.

“Thank You for joining me so early,” Reign’s smile felt with a spell that made his words feel sweet and genuine.

“I was hoping I could have a proper talk with you. Now that you’ve had some time to rest. May I ask how your stay with us has been so far?” His eyes held some sort of eagerness, he was warming up to something.

I tried to keep my own curiosity at bay as I responded, “Your Division has been more then generous to me. My sister also seems to be quite happy having found a place here.” Keeping my response short seemed a good idea. Reign clearly has more to ask already sitting on the edge of his tongue, as he listened.

“That’s good. Would you mind if I ask your opinions on our organization overall then. What we do here isn’t well known to most folk after all. Do you have any idea what we do here?” His hands fidgeted with the edge of the parchment in front of him as he spoke.

This question was harder to answer. As a reader of course I was well versed with the Division’s work. Even the independent branches I was fairly aware of. The heroines branch Akava was the one I was most familiar with, since it was the base of her operations. The regular person of this world though doesn’t seem to know much. Just that the Division has impressive resources, nothing more. It seemed Reign was more then willing to let me collect my thoughts, even looking away to relive any pressure his eyes might cause me.

“It seems… That you help people? At least, that’s what you’ve shown me.” I hoped this answer would be enough of a response. Reign’s eyes returned to me; his smile softening. Seeming relieved after my answer.

“My friend, you have the root of it. The Division at its core, was designed to assist the people of this world. In anyway we are able. We study medicine, war, and peace in equal measure. Our archives are the oldest, yet the most well preserved- I’ll try not to boast much more then that.”

He laughs as he relaxes a bit more in his chair. His pride in not only his part but the whole of the Division is clear. Though the Division has many trees in its forest, its Willow sect acts as it’s heart. All knowledge was stored in the 4-mountain peaked rage. It was the strongest in terms of its natural defences and those chosen to guard it.

Reign asks next for me to tell him what happened on my journey here. Admitting when the animals arrived without the carriage or me, most had assumed a tragedy. The hawk in charge of leading me had arrived to the mountain desperate to get help. When a small party had followed it back to the location of the robbery. The fading light made it hard to discern much but drying blood. I was relived when he admitted that I had barley made it to the base of the mountain a moment before, they called in Lise to tell her the news.

I took my time explaining, trying at first to downplay the robbery and how I had gotten my injury. The bandits after all hadn’t been more then an annoying inconvenience. Despite my intentions, it seemed like Reign was skilled at reading between the lines. Asking about anything I tried to glaze over. In the end he had somehow gotten every detail out of me. Reign seemed more then content after my explanation. Even agreeing to not share the struggles of my story with Lise needlessly. He stood then suddenly eager to bring up the topic he had been patiently waiting to address.

“I admit I was remiss, when your sister was recruited by Akava so swiftly. I cannot deny that your timing, was very much in my favour. Your injuries were just slight enough to give me an excuse to keep you within my own branch. The anticipation of your explanation was worth the wait. You seem to be a capable young man, perhaps more then you realise. This might be my selfishness as the leader Pathosmet, but before any of my colleagues are able to. I would like to request your admittance into my branch.”

Reign had begun pacing slightly from behind his desk. He seemed to intentionally turn his back to me as he made his request. I was thankful he had given me the privacy to react. I could feel my eyes bulge at his shocking demand. Demand? Request? Was there a difference??

Pathosmet was in simple terms the explorer branch of the Division. If this was a D&D campaign all parties would no doubt be formed or hired from this branch. The original Orion had never been officially scouted by the Akava branch but had been allowed to stay there more for his sister’s sake. I could feel my precious peace fading ever further from my grasp.

Joining a different branch of the Willow Division wasn’t a bad idea. It would give me enough distance from Lise to maybe keep me from getting in her story’s way. While still being close enough to provide her with any brotherly support when she may need. This wouldn’t be completely unknown territory. One of Lise’s main love interests was in this branch after all. -a reliable and quick-witted rogue, who would provide the street smarts the rest of the sheltered youths would desperately need- Besides I had read more then enough books and played enough RPG’s to probably be of use here. The side quests were my favorite part of most games! I could see no reason to go against it, if this was the way the plot wanted to go.

“If I can payback even a bit of your Division’s goodwill, I am willing. So, if you think I can be of use here. I will try and live up to your expectations. Please be patient with me.”

Trying to sound cool about the offer, it feels like I’ve just been cast for a part I don’t suit. Reign turns to me, an almost fatherly pride upon his face. I realise Lise’s adorable round face won’t be the only danger to my peace. If the division has more people even a fraction as handsome as their leader, I will be doomed.

#my sister is the protagonist #msitp #MSITP #ongoing story #original story #writers on tumblr #isekai #portal fantasy #polyamory #queer story #queer writers #transmasc character #transmigration #fantasy setting

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msitp · 9 months

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Chapter 5: The Willow Division

I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when I went up to the guards. The plot fairies must have not wanted to waste much time, for the two young men only briefly glanced at me before leading me further into their headquarters. The ornately carved rock seemed to be woven around the other materials that made up the buildings. Wood, brick, tile, and stone; a village carved in and around the mountain peaks. It felt like I was walking into a sacred place I shouldn’t be allowed inside. The price of the scenery was the long walk up the main entry stairway. I know this new body of mine should be more then capable of the trek. Even with a few new injuries. My heart still screamed out for the hidden easier paths, I knew the Division must have for their carts and horses. I was glad for the guard that led me up as the stairs branched off at points heading deeper in the mountain, where homes and faction buildings lay.

I know the inner hearts of the division lay at the highest points of the mountain keep. I still was unprepared for the way my heart leapt out of my chest, as the closed in stair path suddenly opened to a massive entrance overlooking even the clouds. The air this high was crisp, the solid waist high walls the only thing separating me from the sky. At least they have barriers, all these steep edges were sending shivers down my spine.

“Brother! You’re here, you made it!” a cheerful voice called out.

Somehow, I could tell the call could only be directed at me, as I turned to face a young girl running full speed in my direction. I barley had time I register the wavy half tied back hair before I was knocked over in an enthusiastic hug. The shorter soft form of the main heroine gripped me tightly, unwilling to let me go or get up from the ground. I tried to not let out a pitiful cry of pain, when she squeezed my bad shoulder. When she finally released her iron grip, apologising for knocking me down; she was wiping a stray tear from her eyes. There was no doubt in my heart, this was Lise. Her round face and lilac eyes shining with the aura of a true protagonist. I couldn’t seem to resist gently resting my hand on her head, in my awkward attempt to comfort her. I had taken a long time to return her brother to her. Something I hadn’t felt guilty about until now.

“Sorry I took so long,” I give her head a few more comforting pats.

When more tears start running down her face, it startles me. She hugs me again; her strength feels like it might open my shoulder wound back up. But I can’t bear to push her away, doing my best to hug her back properly. For her this isn’t a meeting but a reunion, no matter if it had only been a few weeks. These siblings only have each other. They had always been anxious while apart in the early chapters of the story.

As she pulls away and I can look at her again, the faint similarities between the siblings begin to connect. Orion’s features are coldly angular while hers are round and cute. The shining purple hue of her eyes were like flowers. While his- well mine- are a darker shade somewhere between red and purple. We stare quietly at each other; her hands still cling to my shirt. I pull up my sleeve to dab at her tears. The building that Lise had come running out of looms in the distance. I know each division branch sit’s atop one of the mountain peaks; I’m unsure which one we currently stand in.

I don’t have to wonder for long, as a figure appears in the large doorway. Following my eyes Lise turns to them, straightening her posture and composure. She clasps her hand in mine as she turns to lead me to the building. Once we make it up to the doors the man standing there gives a bright smile. The stunningly handsome man, can only be Reign Pathosmet branch head and leader of this division headquarters. Seeing such a beautiful person up close he looks like he was carved from obsidian, even the faint traces of age only further frame his beauty. I nearly stumble as his dark eyes focus on me.

“So, this is your brother. I’m glad he has made it here in one piece,” his eyes smile as he beckons us into his office.

I hope my hand isn’t getting too sweaty for Lise to hold as we follow him in. The inside of the building is full of shelves neatly organized but still filled to the brim with books and scrolls. His desk is also pilled with documents, the kind of organized chaos you’d expect the Division leader to work in. There are two chairs already set out beside his desk, and as he takes his place behind it, we sit. There are four leaders in each Division and the focus of each varies. Pathosmet -Reign’s branch- was the sect made to house and harness the skills of the bold and adventurous. Those who were willing to go out into the world to explore and discover it’s secrets. The other branches Akava, Moroseil and Jaunvei, each specialised in their own crafts. If things are following the plot correctly the healers of the Akava branch have already scouted Lise. I’m not the half mad and sickly Orion that showed up here in the original text. So, I’m unsure if I’ll be welcomed out of pity into Lise’s branch the same way the original was.

“I would like you to get checked over by Akava now that we can check your condition in person. But before I send you over, I would like to formally introduce myself, I am Reign and this Division is in my charge. Your little sister here made quite the impression on us. When she first showed up to Akava’s in town clinic,” Reign’s warm smile never faltered but there was a serious glint to his eyes as he spoke.

I could tell that some sort of analysis of me had already begun. How I had made it to their mountain despite getting separated from my transport and guide. I clearly have sparked their curiosity, or suspicion. It cost them a carriage on top of all the medicine they had provided me. I spared a glace at Lise but she was intently listening and hadn’t looked my way.

Reign continued, “Orion. I would like you to place a drop of blood onto this plate. I have a sneaking suspicion I would like clarified, if you don’t mind.”

He pushed an old battered looking round stone tablet towards me, the edges were jagged. With magic runes cut directly into the stone, its sharp edges seemed intentional. Perhaps to make blood easy to draw.

Lise looked over at me and gave me a reassuring pat, “Don’t worry I took the test just before you finished coming up the mountain.”

She held up her own finger already neatly wrapped, proudly beaming at me. I wasn’t that scared by a pointy bowl and much as I was suspicious of it. I’d already been stabbed, was I going to lose even more blood within twenty-four hours. It seems I am living up to my role as the icon of misfortune. Not wanting to make Reign ask twice, I slowly held my finger to one of the points and pressed until a small drop of blood bloomed. The moment my blood had fallen onto the stone. Lise had pulled it back and began cleaning the small cut. I was too transfixed by the tablet to pay her much mind. As the small bit of blood seemed to stretch across the carvings of the tablet. Filling in every rune before absorbing into the stone. A faint blue hue began to glow directly from one of the runes. Lise looking away from the my well wrapped finger looked at the glow and once again smiled at me.

“The same thing happened for me! I’m so curious but Sir wouldn’t tell me until he could test you and be sure,” she let out a playful huff looking back at the head eagerly.

He was busily marking a few things down, and checking notes. His focused actions, reminded me of the eager note taking of a professor. The charismatic smile then turned back on as he looked up to face us. His excitement hard to contain as he stood up to speak.

“I had my theories when Lise rode into town, after riding for days without rest. Neither herself or her steed should have been capable of such a trip. At least without overworking it to death. Then when message came that you had woken up, from an illness that isn’t so easily survived. Our medication increased your odds, sure. But permanent lifelong damage is expected, you climbed those stairs on your own. Sorry for making you take the hard way, but it was the easiest way to measure. Our healers will be the true judges, of course. But still, your recovery is remarkable.”

The way Reign was talking excitedly breathless, had peaked both me and Lise’s interest. I knew the original had really destroyed his chances of healing fully, but the outcome being expected had been left out of the details. I know Lise has abilities no one else has, that’s how all protagonists are. Had I allowed for some sooner revelation by showing up battered but other wise healthy? Seeing he had drawn us both in. Reign held up a scroll, it was written in a script I could not read. The rune at its center was the same as the glowing one on the bowl.

“This has confirmed my least likely theory. That you siblings are apart of a very old bloodline, not easily found today. The connection you have to this inheritance seems especially strong. Making you and your magic potential all the rarer.”

Having come to his grand conclusion Reign sat back down looking eagerly at us. As if awaiting questions. I only realised my mouth had dropped open as I tried to speak and found my mouth too dry to do so. Lise quickly took over as a proper main character should, asking questions and sharing answers when the head asked about our family. The likely hood of our own parents having gone missing because of this very bloodline, seemed undeniable.

It was a classic hero set up, having the thing that made them strong also being the cause of their woes. It seemed Reign jotted down a few more notes, intending to investigate our parents’ disappearance. As well as who had made the decision to cast us out of our home, and take over any possible knowledge hidden there.

Watching from front row seats as the foundation of the book, Many Blossoms began to be neatly laid out before me. I nearly forgot I wasn’t just there to bear witness but also take part. Lise’s eyes seemed worried after glancing at me.

“Sir, I’m sorry to stop. But I think my brother is worn out, can I bring him back to my branch to rest?” Lise’s hand had already shifted to check my pulse.

Reign looked at me his own excitement turning to concern. He pulled out a piece of paper swiftly folding it. A rather dainty paper bird came to be in an instant. With the addition of a few ink markings, the paper bird suddenly twitched to life quickly fluttering off.

“No need to have your brother walk quite so far, he can stay in my division. I was considering having him explain how he found his way here. But it can wait, go rest,” Reign came over patting me on the back.

Feeling the bandages underneath my shirts, his head cocked to the side looking at me with even more concern. A young boy came into the office the paper bird perched on his head, it quickly leapt to return to Reigns hand. Lise was already completely focused on leading me to the closest free room. Nearly lifting me off the ground as she supported my steps. Had my complexion palled so much or was she also just desperate to have some time to process this new information. I looked behind us as Reign unfurled the paper bird and began writing onto it.

A nurse from the Akava branch was already waiting in the room I had been assigned, by the time we arrived. The whispers sent between her and Lise made me feel like I had become a patient again. Lise assisted as the woman checked me over. When my shoulder wound was revealed, Lise seemed ready to start crying all over again. Seeing her older brother, a bit battered and still no doubt a little too frail for her liking; must be terribly hard on her. I’d been doing my best to keep this body healthy but it seemed I’d fallen short right when it mattered. The nurse began sterilizing my shoulder with something that burned so much I thought I might faint. Then rest of the check up was smooth compared to that. I was fed a bit more medicine, and by the time the nurse left dinner was brought in.

Lise sat and ate with me, and for a bit we just sat silently. As if sitting across the table was too much distance, Lise sat right at my side. I wanted to comfort her somehow. Picking up a large helping of the sweetest dish, I quietly placed it in her bowl. She looked up at me smiling as I cleared my throat.

“Thank you. It must have been hard… Sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. I’m just glad you’re back beside me,” she took a bite of her food, leaning against me slightly.

I put another helping onto her bowl. I could see how she had gotten be to such a treasured little sister. Smiling playfully, she began placing way too much food onto my plate. Without saying much more, we finished our meal this way. I wondered if the division had told her when the hawk and horses had returned without me. I hoped they hadn’t. Having given her another thing to worry about before my arrival seemed too cruel. Maybe this is just the story roping me into place, but the desire to cause as little trouble as possible was slowly becoming my new goal. I was side by side with the heroine now, perhaps my knowledge as a reader could make her future easier. Lise didn’t return to her own section of the mountain easily. Staying beside me all night, morning brought her orders for the day from her branch. I half awake sent her off to begin her daily studies and chores, ignoring her protests as a responsible older sibling should. The small guest room felt bigger once I was alone.

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msitp · 9 months

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Chapter 4: In the Middle of Night

Unsure of where I stand currently, I quietly follow behind the bandit shorty. I don’t even see the point of asking his name; him giving a truthful answer seems unlikely. I can’t help tugging at my hair as I say my goodbyes to it as we walk. I don’t recall hair magic being often mentioned in the original story, but perhaps I just hadn’t gotten to it yet. Before I was thrown into this world head first. Practical wise it could just be sold to an artisan to do with what they like. Or this guy just has some sort of link to a hair fetish community; can’t help cringing at the thought of that. Staring at the back of his head where his own hair is messily tied back. It might need a comb but his hair is thick and wavy, it seems much nicer than mine.

As if feeling my eyes, he spares a glace back at me. “Whatever your scheming, can you stop before you stare right through me.”

I widen my stride to catch up to him, “What do you mean schemes?! I’m the one who was robbed and stranded thanks to you.”

“pft- Acting as if your so helpless. I’m still not buying’ it, or should I not count the wounds from that damn bird and you”. He lifts his crudely wrapped arm, practically shoving it in my face.

I can feel my face twitch as before I know it, we’ve begun bickering back and forth. Fighting proving a way to pass the time. The once quiet trek now noisy as we throw accusations back and forth until the sun begins to fall. I expect the bandit to stop but he pushes on, as it gets darker, I begin stumbling more unable to see the forest floor clearly now. I half expect this to be apart of some trick until a sudden flooding of purple light surround us. The dagger in his hand is the source of the light; he offers his other hand to help me up. I have no choice but to stick closer to him, often still catching my self on his shoulder when the roots of the trees trip me. The faint glow from the dagger helps but not enough to make travelling in the dark a real option. I begin to slow down feeling the deep need to quit moving and rest. His rough hand grabs my wrist and he stubbornly drags me further. It pisses me off but I’m getting too tired to care.

The moon comes into view as we come to a break in the trees, a small hut sits in the clearing just visible with the moonlight. A tired grunt of relief comes from him as he pulls me into the hut before finally letting me go. I sit down where I stand, while he uses the dagger’s glow to search for a proper lantern to light. The warm golden glow of a fire light stretches across me as he lights a fire pit in the center of the room. The hut proves bigger than I could tell in the dark, a neat fire place at its center. A hole in the top peak of the ceiling lets the rising smoke out as the fire begins warming the room. I still can’t quiet find the energy to move from my spot by the doorway. Perhaps I’ll find the will to crawl a bit closer to the fire and warm up, but my eyes feel heavy. A smack to my right shoulder only barley keeps me from falling asleep. I hear an annoying voice go from mocking to worried, followed by a sudden sense of weightlessness. When my head hits something incredibly soft everything fades to black.

The smell of something cooking rouses me from my deep sleep, a stinging ache follows not long after from my right shoulder. I bury my face further into the furs I’m lying in as I open my eyes, I shift in the fur cocoon I seem to be wrapped in. Trying to move my right arm shoots pain down my back, I let out a few curses looking around to place my pains blame on someone. Looking guilty the bandit stirs a pot that’s been placed over the fire. When my cursing subsides, he finally glances at me.

Casting his eyes back when our eyes meet. “I’d favour that side a bit, I had to stich you’ a few times. The pots nearly done cooking; I’ll help you up so you can have a bite.”

I’m somewhat taken aback by the sudden U-turn in treatment. He was the whole reason I’d ended up walking half a day through a un traveled forest. Why the sudden guilt now? Unsure of how much I could trust him I carefully sat up on my own, winching a few times when I moved wrong. My shirts are gone; I throw a suspicious glance in the bandit’s general direction. Then try to get a look at my shoulder, which had been covered in wrapping.

“Can’t listen to me for even a moment- Fine I get it, that’s fair. Don’t remove the bandages, the herbs I had to use on you aren’t easy to- “, he seems to stop himself glancing my way again.

If the pain in my shoulder and my tired legs didn’t leave me feeling so drained despite just waking up, I’d nearly want to laugh. This cocky bandit was channeling a puppy who’d just destroyed the couch. Though the couch in this case was my back, the very back I realised, that I’d thrown in front of a dagger. Ah, that’s why. If it hadn’t been due to his dagger, I’m sure he would have tried charging me for his nursing services. My throat feels dry as I try to speak, the guilty party scoops out a bowl and brings it over to the pile of furs I’m lying in.

I take a cautious sip the warm broth, “So you stab me, rob me and I get soup in return.”

“Well, you did jump in front of it, how was I supposed to know you’re a lunatic. Prioritize yourself next time, save me some trouble,” he grumbles but hovers around me. Dark circles around his eyes hint that I was the only one who got any sleep.

“Are you really blaming me?? You and your dumb friends were the ones who broke my ride.”

“If that damn bird hadn’t dived at me, I wouldn’t have even used my dagger!”

“Oh, do people not usually try and protect themselves. So sorry for putting up a fight,” my snarky voice seems to bring him relief as his shoulder begin to relax a bit.

“Division carriages never come this way, I guess me and my lads were a bit too eager. The first time it passed by there was clearly no one in it, I didn’t really plan on you being in there at all.” He doesn’t look my way but I assume this is the closest he gets to an apology.

I must admit, for experiencing a classic bandit robbery a few stiches weren’t the worst outcome for a helpless side character like me. The bandit leader next to me didn’t seem cut-out for the cutthroat role he was playing.

“How about, instead of just trying to steal from the division you go and get yourself recruited instead,” perhaps I can lead this young man on a better path; like a quest giving npc.

He retorts, “I was going to ask you to join my crew. Your sneaky cunning shouldn’t go to waste.”

His comment surprises me as I choke on the soup, “What do you mean by that, huh.”

“Ai don’t pretend to be all innocent now, I suffered first hand at your plots. The entire time we’ve been around each other the only time you showed me your back was to trick me! I might have noticed your wound sooner if you let your guard down for even a second.”

Now he’s back to scolding me? I really can’t get a grasp on this guy’s character at all. Perhaps unconsciously I did keep my right side away from him, but I’m not some crafty rouge. I’m supposed to be a comedic relief support character, at most I might end up in a few towers that my sister will have to save me from. I hand him back the empty soup bowl which he refills and begins to eat from himself, this hut must be one of their hideout spots only stocked with a few necessities.

“I have to ask, did you even leave your group a note.” He pauses the bowl leaving his lips.

“Leading any possible people out of the forest for a fee was a possible outcome. They shouldn’t be worried.”

“Oh yeah. Even though since we both got hurt, there might be blood all about the carriage site. Huh? Did you think of what that might look like to them?”

He looks at me wide eyed, “I really need you in my crew. You think of everything.”

“I’m scared of bugs; I wouldn’t last in the woods more than a day.”

“Ah come on, scared of a few butterflies,” he teases.

“Yes, I hate those little freaks. Disgusting, can’t stand them.” I speak firmly looking him straight in the eyes.

The laughter that bursts from him is childlike and reckless, he nearly spills his bowl as he falls to the floor. After we finish eating, he cleans up the pot and comes to lay down in the furs. He hands me a rather nice looking inner and outer shirt before closing his eyes as if to sleep. I carefully manage to get the clothing on, this time he knows better then to offer to help me.

“These threads are much nicer that the ones I was wearing,” I say aloud only half asking.

He opens one eye glancing at me, “The ones you were wearing had too much blood on them. Can’t bring you to town looking like that.”

I don’t see a reason to complain when he adds, “Those clothes are yours, you know. I took them out of your bag.”

Ah I had avoided going through the original Orion’s bag, I guess a spare change of clothes being in there is to be expected. The fabric is cool and smooth, what you would expect from an ex well off family’s son. I stay quiet for a bit and let the bandit rest for the remainder of the morning. I don’t waste my energy wandering around and stay sitting in my spot on the pile of furs; only when the sun seems to move higher in the sky do I disturb him.

“You might as well cut my hair and stash it while were here. How much farther is the nearest city? My legs might end up hurting more then my shoulder at the rate we were walking.”

He replies smoothly making me wonder if he was milking his nap for as long as I would let him.

“It’s just an hour away now, this hideout is right at the edge of the forest. If we hadn’t gotten here in the night, you might have been able to see the main Divisions Mountain in the distance.”

“Then come on. Give me my free hair cut and then I can get out of yours.”

He slowly gets up lazily moving he collects a few things before coming back to sit behind me. He does trim my hair; I’m relieved scissors exist in this world and he’s not just hacking away with his dagger. He doesn’t take nearly as much as I expect him to. Even taking the time to neatly braid and tie back my hair. It still falls a bit past my shoulders while tied, but I’m happy to have it completely out of my way. Sabine had seemed to find my messy attempt at tying it back an injustice to the long hair. So, she’d made a point of only tying enough to keep it out of my face and letting the rest fall prettily. The bandit’s method felt more practical, and I gave a few approving pats to my hair when he was done.

Seeming proud of his work he gave a few gentle tugs to the hair tie, “Now your hair suits my crew. Since you aren’t ‘anyone special’ to the Division just stick around.”

I could tell he was still curious about who I was to the Division, perhaps his incessant propositions were apart of getting me to talk. I stood up and turned to him, giving a spin I walked to the doorway. He let out a sigh but didn’t seem surprised at how I brushed off his offer.

“I might be nobody but I think I owe the Willow Division a thank you in person.”

“A thank you, what could they have done for you?” He gets up putting out the embers of the fire.

“I was sick and they helped” -I won’t mention it was at the request of the protagonist- “It seems like a group that just does that sort of thing. They can’t be all that bad.”

Finished packing up the bandit joins me at the doorway, “I’ll have to keep that in mind. Come on this way. If you’re going to keep tripping over every root just walk beside me.”

We chat comfortably now as we walk, he continues to try and scout me. I try selling him the idea that he seemed more then capable to try joining a different path. We even talk about the Division; he lives close enough to it he knows all the local rumours. I share a bit of what I know, trying my best to avoid mentioning my knowledge comes from the source material of this world. I guess the ordinary people don’t know much about what the Division does. Stories about how it’s a group full of powerful people who horde secrets seem to do the adventuring guild an injustice. Calling them well trained students who go around collecting information and solving the odd problem, is a much closer summary.

When we finally come to a well traveled rocky path. The mountain the division has carved its home into, rises from the tree line. It seems that the bandit takes me on a tour of the small cities’ outer limits, the town is the biggest I’ve seen. People bustling around the markets as vendors sell their wares. I have no desire to dive into such a busy throughfare but enjoy watching curiously from a distance. The bandit makes no move to part ways and seems to enjoy watching me stare around dazed at the city folk. Before I realise it, we spend a few more hours walking around before he delivers me right to the base of the mountain.

A Large carved gateway declares the entrance to the Willow Divisions head quarters, a few ornate looking roof tops can be seen peaking out from the moss-covered rocks and trees that occupy the edges of the mountain. I turn to offer a half sarcastic thank you to the bandit, but he has already gone without a word. I scoff, such a sudden disappearance suits him. Perhaps he’s rightly gained a fear of the danger pigeon delivery birds that live in the Division.

I stare a bit longer at the unfamiliar trees that smell rich and oddly comforting. I let out a heavy breath before walking past the gate and up to the guard house. Somewhere further in this mountain keep is the main protagonist of this world; as well as all her friends, suitors, and their troubles.

#my sister is the protagonist #msitp #MSITP #ongoing story #original story #writers on tumblr #isekai #portal fantasy #polyamory #queer story #queer writers #transmasc character #transmigration

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Character portraits of main cast.

Ravan- Xian - Reign

Orion - Note

Anora- Lise - Yuka

#msitp #character portrait

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Chapter 3: A Man a Bird and A Hard Place

The ride is quiet for a long time; the peaceful sound of hooves crunching against dirt. I eventually drag myself out of my head and enjoy the beautiful forest as we pass through. The trees are much bigger than I’ve ever seen, the classic greens are mixed with vibrant and strange hues I’m not used to just seeing in passing. Nature here feels exotic and magical, as it burns under the setting sun. I take deep breaths and ground myself in this moment, not allowing any serious thoughts to keep their hold of me. My body still weighing my down as I try and ignore my mind.

The sound of wings and the gentle tickle of feathers wake me from a nap I hadn’t realised I slipped into. The horses have pulled off to what seems like a rest point, a familiar bird is glaring daggers at me from the window.

What am I supposed to do here? Do I tend to the horses? Probably not. They came all the way to me, seemingly on their own. I get up and step out, the small lanterns hanging from the carriage are the only source of light. How they glow on their own, I’ll just write off as some sort of fantasy bullshit. I walk over to the horses their large and sturdy bodies almost intimidating. A trough full of clean water sits to the side and a pile of grass and grains has already been laid out for them. Is there some magic pit stop worker around, or does the Division just have its tricks?

The horses both handsome brown mares’ glance at me between bites. Curious I give a faint whistle and the closest horse steps closer, lowering its snout to me. Unable to resist I slowly put my hand up waiting for her to get a good look at me, before I gently pat her long face. I feel like a cowboy bonding with a trusty steed; a stupid smile stretches across my face. I’m relieved no one is here to see me so excited, just from petting a horse. As if jealous at the attention the other mare also comes up and bumps me; I happily indulge the two with all the pats I can give.

After thoroughly doting on the two for their hard work; I go rummaging into the bag of supplies Sabine had packed me. Pulling out a meat pie, I sit near the horses stretching my legs out. The hawk comes swooping in, landing next to me. Ever overseeing it scans the dark.

“I’d give you a bit of meat, but I don’t know if seasoned meat is safe for you.” I pull out a small piece wiping some of the sauce off it. Holding it out, it sharply turns of its head to face me seeming hesitant. After a moment, it hop-steps a bit closer and takes the meat from me.

“Playing hard to get, but taking it in the end huh. Don’t suppose you’d want any pets this time.” Can hawks sigh? It sounds like it just huffed at me.

The night passes quite comfortably, the inside of the carriage is padded and warm. The hawk seems to keep watch as the horses and I sleep. When I wake the next morning, we are already back on the road. How the horses got re hitched I’ll just chalk up to more magic for plot convenience. I munch on a piece of fruit for breakfast. The dutiful hawk comes into the carriage, seemingly deciding to keep me company.

“You are the same birdie, aren’t you? I know the Division has a lot of messengers, but your glare feels distinct. Yours is the first face I saw since-.” It might be silly of me but having the chance to talk without a care, isn’t something I’ll be able to do once I’m reunited with the main plot.

“Since I woke up here. Is it too obvious hmm? Am I fitting in well for not having a clue what I’m doing? Or will I be punished for not being who I should. Will that sister of mine be heartbroken, that I’m not the brother she had,” a long sigh I had gotten used to holding escapes.

I know a glorified chicken isn’t going to be able to help me. Yet talking out loud seems to ease my worries, keeping them from becoming overwhelming me again. The chicken in question, also acts as if it’s thinking seriously about my raving. I can’t resist its cute reaction, lightly brushing a finger over its head. It goes stiff but doesn’t peck or squawk at me, so I test my luck and give it a few more light strokes. My chest feels much lighter and I can’t help chuckling at the disappointed glare it gives me when I pull my hand away.

“Thank you, clever birdie. If you ever want more head pats, I’m always available,” more laughter escapes as it ruffles its feather acting offended.

The day goes by slowly, we pass through a few smaller villages and rest briefly now and again. We enter a densely populated forest, the trees here are thin and dark. The road becomes smaller as we pass less and less travellers. I don’t doubt the horses know their way and lounge on the carriage seats with the hawk.

A loud crack suddenly cuts through the silence and the carriage comes to a sudden crashing halt. Both me and the bird fall out of the seat and into the floor. The horses start making a ruckus. The shouts of men also rise. Worried for the mares I quickly get up, peaking through the driver window. The horses have been cut from the cart. Two rough looking men are trying to keep a hold of the two but their bucking and lashing keeps them from getting hold of them. Sensing an opportunity one horse suddenly charges. The space the men make to avoid her, allows both horses room to break into a full sprint. Relief briefly washes over me as I watch the cloud of dust the two make as they disappear down the weaving path. The two men quickly hop onto their own hidden mounts but the strange gangly beasts they ride don’t seem likely to be a match for the strong Division horses.

The sound of hooves is soon swallowed by the dense forest surrounding us. There’s no chance any sort of bandits would leave the carriage unchecked. With hawk beside me, we both tense as the carriage door is opened. Not wasting a moment hawk dives at the invader the moment he appears. Not having a chance to take note of my presence the man barley raises his arms in time to spare his face from the talons that are stabbed towards him. A glint catches my eye, a dagger with a strange aura unsheathes itself from the man’s waist. The bird is too busy digging his claws into his arms to notice the threat that dives their way. I’m unsure how my body reacts as quickly as it does but I manage to get my body around hawk snatching him out of the path of the dagger.

A slight stinging feeling creeps into my right shoulder, I must have pulled something from moving so fast after being stagnant so long. The bandit also stumbles back holding his bleeding arm as his dagger hovers protectively at his side. With the faint smell of blood in the air I clutch hawk close to my chest, the bandit and I exchange glares. I’m rather annoyed at the man that sneers at me, his face handsome despite the layer of grime. His eyes shine with a cocky defiance as he sizes up me and the fidgeting bird in my arms.

“If you give me the bird and whatever else you got in that box on wheels. I’ll make your ransom cheaper,” the smirk he flashes makes it seem like he’s offering me a great deal. I can’t stop the twitching of my brow at his audacity.

I scoff, “Sorry to be the one to tell you but the most valuable thing’s from the carriage were the ones who were dragging it.” I take some pleasure in watching his smirk slightly falter.

“Bullshit, no one gets to ride in one of these carts if they aren’t worth something,” his eyes are quickly moving across me again.

This time instead of evaluating threat he seems to be gauging my worth. Slight annoyance is apparent as his eyes keep returning to hawk. Whose screeching has practically become a hiss, as it glares from my arms. I’m in -what I assume- is humble cloth that Sabine had given me. I must be disappointing to look at, as he accidentally tightens his grip on his bleeding arm. The moment he winches from his carless action, my eyes are drawn to the movements of the dagger. As he winched the aura around the blade seemed to dimmer slightly, losing its place in the air by a few inches.

An idea begins to form in my mind, “I’ll give you my bags, it should be clear I have nothing to fight you with.”

I take a cautious step back towards the carriage, he arches a brow following but not stopping my movement. I don’t push it too far only reaching into the compartment for the bags, I pull out the snack bag first tossing it at his feet. His eyes dart from me to it, the dagger stays pointed in my direction. I reach back for the bag the original left behind, whispering to the hawk as I do so.

“This time I’ll distract him, you fly away,” the hawk in my arms goes quiet from shock; clearly having understood me.

When I pull this bag out the bandits’ eyes seem to shine a bit. The make of this bag is much better than the snack bag; which he’s already emptied out in the time it took me to turn around. Acting as if this bag is too heavy to throw, I leave hawk in the carriage. Passing the bag directly allows me to get right up to him. Before he pulls away bag in hand, I dive at him. The sound of wings taking flight behind me, blends with the bandits startled yelp as I big my nails into the cuts on his arm. I twist to check but the dagger still attempts to pursue hawk. The bandit up close might be shorter than me but his strength is no joke, as he quickly takes hold of both my arms. He is distracted, trying to keep track of hawk in the sky while wrestling with me. Since I’m unable to keep scratching I go to my next option. Using our proximity, I plunge my teeth into the only exposed skin not protected by his leather armour; his neck. The dagger falls from the air, as the bandit lets out a startled yelp. His focus turns fully on removing my teeth from the soft flesh of his neck. I hold on long enough, by the time he’s peeled me off him and pinned me to the ground; I see no sign of hawk in the sky.

I let out a breath, stopping my struggling. The bandit keeps me tightly pinned making sure his legs have my arms trapped at my side; mouth also a safe distance from him. He stares at me with wide eyes his hand on his neck, seemingly quite stunned by my display. The dagger doesn’t return to hovering, it’s been proven his own strength is enough to take me. He sits on top of me too shocked for words.

Assuming I’ve dug myself quite the grave I don’t bother holding back my tongue, “I told you I wasn’t worth anything. Do you believe me now? I’m worth less then a pigeon.”

“You really shouldn’t be so proud of that, you damn crazy fool,” he rubs at his neck while shaking his head.

“Well either way if you’re going to kill me, just get on with it.”

He blinks at me aghast, “Who’s going to kill you? I’m a thief not a murderer.”

“You were going to stab my bird,” I huff.

“A dead bird is still worth at least a meal, your worth even less dead. I don’t want to waste more of my time burying you”, the smirk makes a return to his face.

I attempt to brake out of the vice grip his legs have me in, to no avail. Ah well its was curiosity more then anything. He seemed pleased with himself despite having gained nothing from his carriage heist.

He let out a laugh, “Are you really, worth nothing? I thought with that long pretty hair of yours you’d be some noble’s bastard at least.”

I looked at him stone faced, “If my hair is so valuable then take it, it’s a pain to have anyway.”

“You’re joking.”

“I’ll trade some hair for not having this conversation between your legs.”

He stared at me again, seeming scandalized by my choice of words. Reaching out he slowly runs his fingers through a lock of my hair. I could see the math calculations hovering around his head. Finally, he stands up, releasing me from his vice thigh grip.

“Deal.”

I blinked, “Wait. Really? If its that easy, what kind of thief are you.”

His smile is like that of a cat still cleaning canary off its lips, “If you don’t know the value hair like yours has, that’s my gain. If you give up your bags, I’ll even escort you out of my woods.”

This brat, acting like he’s won again. Does he fancy himself bandit king? He can’t be older than me, what’s he got to be swaggering around about. He happily collects my bags, while calling his dagger back to its sheath without a sound. He takes a moment getting his baring’s as he stares at the suns place in the sky, before heading off in a direction off the path.

I don’t follow easily, “Don’t you know how paths work.”

He is quick to quip back, “Haven’t you heard of a short cut.”

#my sister is the protagonist #msitp #MSITP #ongoing story #original story #writers on tumblr #isekai #portal fantasy #polyamory #queer story #queer writers #transmasc character #transmigration

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Chapter 2: It’s All too cliché Isn’t It

I burst into laughter when I first realise what has happened to me. The old woman- who I soon learn is called Sabine- must of herd my laughter and assumed I’d woken up a maniac. Though the person I am now, is a stranger to her. Perhaps she’d just assume I was always an odd sort. I have a few days to stew on the ridiculous idea that I had in fact, awoken in another world. More specifically the world of the very web novel I’d fallen asleep reading, the popular -soon to be animated- novel ‘Many Blossoms’. This is what I get for reading the book, instead of waiting for the show. I get isekai’d, transmigrated, I’ve become a typical portal falling idiot. No large truck or rabbit hole needed! Just a high-speed collision of my phone to my face! What a deal, a bargain!

I might just go insane if I linger too long on the ridiculous circumstance, I’ve found myself in. I try to think seriously on what to do now. Luckily for me Sabine was in fact a kind hearted stranger, there was no need to pretend to be like the original in this circumstance. I asked for her name and where I currently was. Her inn was called the Rickshaw Inn, settled on the edge of the humble town of, Spokewrike. Not an important location, I didn’t recall the names ever making it into the novel. The only reason I’d figured out which world I’d fallen face first into, was the familiarity of the plot. I was -thankfully- now but a small player in this world.

The main character of Many Blossoms, a young woman called Lise starts her story on a pilgrimage with her older brother Orion. In search of a place to call home. Their parents having gone missing -yada, yada- typical main character back story. Pushed out by other relatives wanting to claim the family home as theirs -etc. etc.- Most of the details had already blended with other such stories I’d read and had already become lost to me. The important driving force of events for Lise, is when her brother suddenly catches a serious cold while travelling. The caring and brave heroine decides to check her brother into the nearest inn and rushes off in search of help. Before you know it, she ends up blindly going to the most prominent healing center in the country. A branch of the highly influential Willow Division, a group which studies all aspect from monster hunting to philosophy. Being the main character she is, Lise enters the healing branch for help only to end up a being recruited.

This is how the main story begins. A standard right place right time set up, for any young cute main character. It seems I am now nestled into, that very main characters doting older brother Orion. Not too bad a body to fall into, nothing more than a side character with a sister complex. A comic relief and sometimes obstacle for his sister’s gaggle of suitors. If anything since the story only really mentions him here and there, I’m rather pleasantly surprised at his good looks. The main character genes must be hereditary. An adorable little sister must have a handsome but stern older brother. As a chronic fan of older brother types, I really can’t complain.

In the original story as soon as he is well enough to crawl out of bed Orion hops on a horse and rushes to join his sister. This leads to him only worsening his condition, leading to a permanent weakness of his body. Knowing this important tidbit. I make sure to take it slow, give the medicine I’m offered time to work. After giving myself a few days’ rest, I decide its time to properly test drive dear ‘Orion.’

I ask Sabine if she’ll let me help tend the inn, as thanks for all she’s done. She seems hesitant at first. Making sure I’m still taking the medicine that’s been sent to me. I’m not sure if its my incessancy or the now restored good looks of Orion, that finally wears her down. I begin greeting her customers, bringing them to their rooms when Sabine is occupied with other guests. It seems I might be underestimating my new face, as a few Spokewrike girls begin lingering outside the inn whenever I tend the front desk. I humour the idea of just sticking around here to avoid all possible ‘adventures’ I might get dragged into, if I were to rush off to take my place beside my dear ‘sister.’

Perhaps ignoring the original Orion’s driving character trait, is the best option for me. He was jokingly referred to as the ‘magnet of misfortune’ by the fanbase. If Lise were to show up, I couldn’t even be sure I’d be able to pick her out. Could I even fulfill the originals’ role properly, I’d only ever been a younger brother after all. I’d hate to disappoint her, after she did so much to save him. Her poor brother has already left this world behind.

Picturing Lise walking around with a main character aura radiating off her like a neon sign, or maybe the brightly coloured gravity defying hair of a comic protagonist. I lean against the front desk laughing to myself. As I imagine stereotypical uniform wearing teens running around trying to save the world. My train of thought is derailed when Sabine steps in, back from her shopping. Catching the almost misty-eyed glance she gives me before approaching.

“Well lad, there’s quite the fancy lookin’ carriage out-front. It’s clearly marked with the Willow Division crest. Think your ride has finally shown up my boy.”

Sabine softly sniffles as both joy and sorrow washes across her face, as if unable to settle on an emotion. I couldn’t help but stand still. Frozen in place with shock; by both her news and clear affection for me. The thought -this world must really be a gentle one- crosses my mind, as Sabine heads for the kitchen.

The regular village girls all rush in moments later, pouting as they ask “Are you really going to leave? Are you sure you must! Can’t you stay awhile.”

I was about to do my best to comfort them, they’re just sweet kids after all. Sabine return’s shooing them away before I find the words to comfort them.

“You girls act as if this lad is dying’! He’s fit as a fiddle, now get on home. You’ve been spending enough time outside my inn. I can only imagine the complaints your parents will have for you, leaving your chores to come here. Go on, out with you.”

She turned her eyes on me once the girls had gone, “What are you standing behind there for. Go collect your things, I’ve already packed your medicine and some food for the road.”

She seemed to have regained her composure and was gently swatting at me to do as I was told. It seems I wasn’t going to be able to avoid the plot that easy. I didn’t have much to pack besides the bag of belongings that Orion had left behind; it had felt wrong going through someone else’s things.

A wave of anxiety washes over me for the first time since I’d discovered my new face. Am I really going to have to be him? I’m not myself anymore, I’m him. A ringing and dizziness make it difficult to breath as my throat tightens. They really wave over the existential dread of this genre, don’t they? Who I was a week ago, who I was my whole life; might be gone forever. I might be dead; my real body might be laying somewhere. I’m never going to wake up, myself.

Lost in my head just trying to stay upright. I return to Sabine and receive the overly filled bag of provisions. Magic in nature the Divisions unique driverless carriage patiently sits out front. The horses that pull it watch as we walk up. Only relaxing once, a familiar avian screech notifies them that I am the awaited passenger. The deep sinking pit my mind is lost in, makes it hard to do more then climb in and wave a final farewell. Sabine must mistake my quiet blankness as my own sadness over the sudden parting. In a way she isn’t wrong. Though the goodbyes I’m lost in, are ones from my old life; ones I’ll never get to make. The horses set off at a steady pace, Sabine and her Rickshaw Inn slowly fade into the distance under a yellowing sky.

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Chapter 1: It Could have Just Broken My Nose, How Did It Come to This?

After another day, that had already begun to blend in with the rest. Note had spent the day scrolling through job listings and denial letters. As he lay sprawled out on his bed, he pulled out his phone, clicking on an open tab. Reading one or two chapters before bed was a nightly routine; even though one chapter often became ten. The latest web novel Note had discovered was called many blossoms. A low stakes reverse harem story taking place in the classic fantastical world of heroes and magic. Note considered this kind of story a guilty pleasure; as his mind dove back into the current misadventure of the main character Lise and her gang of love interests and friends.

Note wasn’t anywhere near finishing the story but could already tell which of the male leads was likely going to win in the end. A typical story, no unexpected twist was likely - Note had a knack for predicting outcomes- as his eyes began to grow heavy; he was just doing his best to make it to the end of the chapter. Eyes falling shut, his phone slipped from his grip and dove for his face. He braced for the weight of the phone to come crashing down onto his glasses. The pain didn’t come, but opening his eyes didn’t seem an easy task either.

When did I fall asleep? My phone couldn’t have knocked me unconscious, right? Roughly rubbing at my eyes, I could feel the traces of sleep still weighing my eyelids down. Where did my glasses fall; I hope I hadn’t rolled onto them, yet again. Eyes still unwilling to open, I feel around for my frames blindly. The sudden feeling of something solid, aha! There you are! Wait. Why does it feel like my glasses just shuffled away from me? I finally force my eyes open; oh, its not my glasses it’s a bird’s claw I’ve grabbed. ... … ….???

Why? Is there a bird on my bed? I sit up quickly blinking rapidly, the bird doesn’t seem too phased. It only seems offended at me for grabbing at it.

“Apologies for that um, hope I didn’t scare you” The bird looks stern but why am I apologising to it, exactly?

My brain still isn’t fully loaded yet, this can’t be a hawk, right? It sure looks like one, brown feathers sharp talons and beak. Its still just looking at me, could it be an escaped pet that got in through a window. It might be my sleep addled brain but I wonder if it would let me pet it? Its feathers seem so soft.

“Uh um, here pretty bird. Your too smart to be scared by me, right? Want a little scritch, you’re such a beautiful baby. Yes, you are.”

It looks at my hand as I motion for it, before letting out a shrill shriek. My heart, it could have stopped from that so early in the morning! Cruel pretty bird. The hawk seems content at how high I jump at its shout and hops onto the bedframe, looking pleased. Wait, last I checked my bed doesn’t have a frame. Also, since when, was I able to see to the end of my bed so clearly without my glasses on? As I look around, the room is an unfamiliar one. I don’t have much more time to think before a door burst’s open and an older woman comes rushing in.

She looks relieved as she sees me, “Oh dear, thank the heavens! Your finally awake. Your poor sister will be so relieved to see you with some colour in your cheeks again lad!”

The older woman seems to hover at the bed side too excited to decide what exactly to do. After swaying in place for a moment, she seems to make up her mind and rush out of the room again.

Me and the bird watch her go, “Isn’t any chance you know where I am is there, sweet bridie?”

The hawk twists its head back to me, seeming almost surprised as its head tilts. It suddenly hops back on the bed, doing its weird bird walk right up to me. The woman didn’t seem phased by its presence so I try not to flinch as it steps onto my legs. Its sharp talons lightly dig into the sheets, as it stares daggers at me.

I can’t help the nervous sweat I feel forming, “Please don’t try and eat me. Is that stupid to say?”

The woman comes bustling back into the room, a tray in her hands. She doesn’t seem concerned by my being in a one-sided stand off with a bird of prey. As she places the tray on a table, picking up a rolled piece of parchment. Finally looking my way properly, she takes in the scene with a chuckle.

“I’ve written something for the young miss, so she can stop worrying. This fella has been waiting to have something positive to deliver for a week,” she says while gesturing to the bird.

At mention of a delivery the hawk finally turns away from me, jumping to the end of the bed its leg out. The woman hesitantly secures the note to the string already around the bird’s leg. She barley makes room before the bird leaps into the air and out the open window.

She lets out a relieved sigh, “Having a Willow division messenger bird waiting around my house has been an experience I tell you lad. Now have a sip of broth so you can start building up your strength. Poor boy, been twisted up in this bed with fever so long I was afraid you wouldn’t ever wake.” The warm bowl she gently places in my hands seems to trigger my stomach, as it growls loudly. She smiles and chuckles as I try to take small sips and not swallow the broth down all at once. It really does feel like I haven’t eaten in days, but I had a snack right before bed how could I be this hungry?

“Slow down lad, I have more in the pot. Your sister won’t be able to send for you for a day or two, there’s no rush now,” the woman might be saying that, but she seems more than happy to watch me eat and drink.

Do I ask her outright what’s going on? Her clothes look more like I caught her on the way to a Renfair. The room seems basic enough. It gives a rustic feel, as it’s decorated with sewn wall tapestries and dried plants. The she sits at a small floor level table, watching me as she absentmindedly fusses with things on the messy table. What looks like clay vials have been knocked over and very traditional looking medicine pills seems to have spilled onto the surface in her rush to bring the tray in. If this is a dream it’s the most vivid one, I think I’ve ever had. But if it was a dream, I would have gotten to pet the hawk. I try to will myself awake but it doesn’t feel like I’m dreaming. I finish the meal and resist licking the bowl, the woman gets up trading the bowl for a small cup and a pill.

“Now that your awake lad, you can take one of these. Your sister really managed to find some high-quality medicine for you. With such a great sister you better take good care of her. She was willing to rush off all on her own to find the nearest doctor -a few towns over mind you- all for your sake. She could barley get out the door with you clinging to her, delirious as you were.”

The pill seems too large to swallow but it goes down with surprising ease. The woman is beginning to tidy up the table now, preparing to take the dishes. I hope if I take my time drinking, she’ll just continue talking. I can’t tell yet if she’s someone I’m supposed to know. Has my nightmare of showing up to a play I forgot I was in come to pass? The woman continues, and I do my best to tune back in.

“As an older brother, letting your little sister go off on her own for your sake must have been hard. But the girl seems more then capable. She even got the high and mighty Willow division to send over the medicine with one of their fastest birds- a keen one at that- That big fella came to ‘n fro with all kind of elixirs and pills. Most such high-quality stuff, the like I’ve never seen. I’m just glad I had a spare bed to put you in when the two of you came crashing into my inn. If it been the busy season might have had no where to put you, poor dears-.”

I was doing my best to keep up with her train of thought, but she had collected my cup shuffling the dirty dishes out of the room. She seemed to continue talking -more to herself then to me- perhaps she had gotten used to me not being able to respond. Some of the things she said seemed to pull at the back of my mind. I couldn’t help feeling a sense of familiarity with some of what she was saying. The Willow division, I’m sure that’s something. I just can’t put my finger on it, but my memory has never been the best. The woman returns and keeps me company for awhile more before leaving to tend to other Innkeeper duties.

I can’t quite get up the courage to ask where this inn of hers is, or who im supposed to be for that matter. Once alone I get up and search around the room a bit, finding some cosmetics tucked away in a drawer. I open each compact in search of one thing. When the glint of a mirror finally appears, I eagerly move it around trying to take in as much of myself as I can at once. The shock that wells up into rising panic settles over me, my legs give out as I clumsily fall to sit on the floor. The face I’m looking at is angular and handsome in a way that’s apparent even through the small mirror. The skin is ridiculously smooth, my usual morning breakouts not present. Overwhelmed I roughly click the compact shut, it seems….

I have woken up as someone other then myself.

#my sister is the protagonist #msitp #MSITP #ongoing story #original story #writers on tumblr #isekai #portal fantasy #polyamory #queer story #queer writers #transmasc character #transmigration

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