Grian's stomach flipped as he exit the portal, seeing large structures, all made of obsidian, end stone, and pupur. Many of the Admins looked at him strangely, noticing his natural wings and very human-like appearance. He tried ignoring all of the staring and staying away from crowded areas, sometimes having to blend in with the crowd. All the buildings towered over him; at least 60 feet tall. He found the marketplace, deciding to have a quick look around. Grian hadn't been in the Void for years, meaning everything looked different in some way. Everything about the market was upbeat and happy, a sweet tune filling the air. Songbirds! Songbirds had been hunted down in the overworld and extinct for centuries. But in the Void, they were thriving. All songbirds were like regular birds, but they could sing any tune they desired, never out of tune or too high-pitched.

As Grian continued through the market, many people looked at him strangely. Mainly because he wasn't a 'traditional' Admin. Grian was a Watcher and an Admin. Born as a Watcher, adopted as an Admin at age 11. Despite having paler skin and bright purple wings, they accepted him as their own, teaching him everything he needed to know. Since he was adopted, he had dyed his wings to match the markings of a parrot to try and forget about the Watchers and all the things they had done.

Of course, some didn't approve of Grian. Seeing him as a monster for being with the Watchers. Since most Admin children had beautiful dark skin, Grian was heavily criticised, and could never leave his house without another Admin. He was alone now.

Grian entered a small shop. It was cosy, yet perfect for the aesthetic. He browsed through some shelves, seeing all sorts of jewellery, magical items, and candles. Nothing was of interest to him except a small glass ball, seemingly containing wisps of purple smoke. It glowed slightly, making it stand out amongst the other items, and had gold accents on the glass. It was very delicately made, probably old, too. He decided to buy it. He walked up to the cashier with the item and placed it gently on the counter. The cashier looked at him with surprise.

"You really want this? It's very expensive, but definitely a fine craft. Not many people take interest in the emotion spheres. Especially not this purple one." The man said, staring at the intricate designs.

"An emotion sphere? What's that?" Grian asked, clueless.

"Emotion spheres glow extremely bright when the holder is feeling that emotion. This here is the anxiety sphere. If you're feeling nervous, it will glow. If not, it will slowly fade into a dull black." The man explained, wrapping it up carefully with a cloth and putting it back down.

"So? How much is it?" Grian asked. He knew he would be able to afford something like this, but it was better to check, just in case.

"419 Rift." The man said. The currency in the Void was called Rift and was pretty much the equivalent to a British Pound or a Dollar.

"Wow... That is a lot for one item..." Grian thought for a second "...I'll take it!"

The cashier smiled exchanging the money in Grian's hand for the wrapped sphere.

They said goodbye and Grian left, storing the item away in his bag. He now knew where he was going to go. The Great Admin Palace.

The Great Admin Palace was a large palace, built to protect the Royal Admins at all costs. Only one party was held there each year, although the date changed each time, and everyone was allowed in. The only people not allowed in were criminals, whether they were locked behind bars or not. That was the only time of the year that the public could enter, making it a very anticipated event. Of course, Grian wasn't there for the event. He was there to see his childhood friend, Xanthe.

Xanthe was a Royal Admin, meaning he had access to anywhere in the Void, but forbidden by his parents to go to the Overworld.

Grian was always allowed into the castle, so he hoped that he would still be able to enter. If not, then Sam may be harder to ban than they initially thought. He walked up to the gate, seeing two guards standing beside the door. The guards looked serious and highly trained. But also new, meaning they wouldn't know Grian.

"State your case, sir!" One of the guards shouted, pointing his spear at Grian.

"Right- um... you won't remember me...Will you?" Grian sighed. This will be difficult.

"Sir! State your case!" The other guard shouted, louder this time.

"I'm here to see my childhood friend, Xanthe. He lives here... but you already know that..." Grian laughed nervously, backing away a little.

"Do you really expect us to believe that? Get lost kid!" The guard scoffed.

"No! Seriously! I used to be allowed whenever I wanted and I had full access to the entire castle every day if the year!" Grian plead, becoming increasingly more worried. He looked down at his small satchel, seeing a purple glow.

"Please leave or I will be forced to take you of these premises myself!" The guard shouted, stepping forward.

"I-I..." Grian was about to start speaking.

"Xelqua?" Someone said.

Grian turned, seeing Xyla, Xanthe's mother.

"Your majesty! I apologise for this inconvenience. We will dispose of this thing immediately!" The guard stood to attention, staring at Grian intently.

"How dare you say such things to this young man. He has known me most of his life. Please open the gates and let us both inside!" Xyla said, nudging Grian slightly, indicating that he should step through the gates.

Grian shuffled through the gate, instantly feeling at home.

Maybe he'd see Xanthe after all...