"That sounds fake."

"It's not," the furred boy whispers out the corner of his mouth.

Veles rolls his eyes. "You a firstie?"

"First time dying, if that's what you mean."

A sigh. "Follow me."

Arms cross, then "Fine. Where're we going? Who're you anyways, how'd you do the water thing?"

"To the Exit, duh. And I'm Veles, the god of death and reincarnation."

"I'm Malen. Human. What's a god? What's reincarnation?"

"In order: better than you, and how the dead go back to the Gardens."

"The Gardens are where we started? And that's not an answer, 'cause you're not, and also that doesn't tell me what's different!"

"I am so better than you. I'm never going to die, and I made the underworld. And yes, the Gardens is 'where you started'. The Garden of Sophia, specifically."

"Wait, I thought it was the Garden of Bilas?"

"Different garden, cat-boy."

"There's other gardens?!"

"What're Sophia and Bilas?"

"Don't know who Sophia is. Bilas is the god of war."

"Sophia is storytelling."

"Stories? Like of heroic deeds?"

"Not my job to explain, mortal."

"You're a jerk."

"And you're dead!"

"How's that matter? I'm still talking and moving around, aren't I? And what's it mean, to be a god of something?"

"To be in charge. And I guess if it doesn't matter you can hang out in the reeds forever."

He starts walking towards the maybe-mountain.

She stomps after him. "How do I get back to my garden? Opal was there, he's probably really worried."

"Stop asking dumb questions and follow me and we'll get you back."