EVENING -- 5:30 PM
Temple University
Most students are heading back to their dorms, lunchrooms, etc. However, it is about to rain soon, and something unbelievable happens. There was an alert that somebody had tried to enter the CAMPUS unannounced, and suddenly, a few people captured a young man looking for something.
That something...
Was a girl...
Four Students -- Cameron, Bailey, Tarik & Tasha. The “Man” in Question and Two Teachers, Professor Anderson & Dr. Patrisha Evelyn Thomas, are investigating the man tied up in the chair. He is being held in place for suspicion of trying to attack a few students. They are told that the Police are on their way. However, a situation outside has led to a near lockdown in some areas around campus. This is a matter of confusion of the situation.
This is the story.
“Okay, Sonny. You have about 5 minutes to answer these three questions: “WHO are you?”, “WHAT are you doing here?” and, “How COME you attempted to attack three of my students while wounding a few others?” Professor Anderson had spoken to the young man using his right fingers and thumbing backward. This young man was around his early 20s, barely an adult. He bit his lip as he was exhausted. But Anderson folded his arms. “Rest assured that the authorities are on their way to processing you and taking you into custody.” Once again, the man bit his lip. Yet this time, forming a near-straight line and sighed heavily… Until he finally spoke.
“…Someone looking for answers..” He said immediately. Until what he then says next got the others wondering as well as himself. “What do you plan to do with me?” The girls, Bailey and Tasha, are visibly nervous and eyed each other nervously. Tarik speaks. He is tall, dark-skinned, and answers him.
“Uh, did you not hear what my teacher said? You’re going to get arrested, dude. And then they’re going to question you and throw your sorry ass in jail.” This made the poor man scared.
“I wouldn’t dare hurt them! I was just…, you need to understand. I apologize for the intrusion. This world is entirely new to me, yet I know your eerieness of me!”
Eerieness? What does he mean by that? Bailey questioned in her mind and looked towards Dr. Thomas. She had long dark hair and light skin and was firm about her cause for alarm. She was in her late 30s to 40s and knew her work well. She was a Biology professor with a doctorate degree in medicine. Anderson was a film and media teacher.
“I’m looking for my family from EARTH!”
“This IS Earth. What are you talking about?” Exclaimed Tasha.
“Wait a minute. I’ve heard stories. I’ve listened to rumors, are you…?” Cameron gasped as she began to realize what was going on. Varon nodded.
“Why would you look for… wait a minute, a Novian? From another place, not on earth, yet, wait! Her, what are you saying?” Dr. Patrisha had said. Tarik began to realize.
“Because you love her…” Cameron concluded, nearly in shock, almost feeling a little
jealous.
Varon relented and spoke up.
“Because she’s in danger, and she can be able to activate my powers. But…” he sighed. “ Her friends and I separated, and she was thrust back here.” he corrected.
“She belongs HERE.” Further, he corrected everyone around him. He wasn’t as certain if what he was saying was actually making a lot of sense to them. He continued.
“But she’s also important back HOME. Everything is connected. And if I don’t find a way, this world becomes in sync, and these portals will open, and somebody has to stop it before demons flood the place!”
“Their Novians. And Novians were said to become abhorrent to humans, having many mansions, places, and even realms you may not know. Their world is peaceful, but they encountered malignant forces that tried to mess up their world and ours. It’s nearly fantastical and medieval, yet has almost every place different.” Dr. Patrisha spoke.
Varon was shocked by her statement. However, his encounter with others wasn’t like this back home. He could understand what was the entire point of this interigation.
“This all has to be a joke; how can we have some guy from ‘fantasy land’ suddenly show up and…” An earthquake began to rumble, and you could hear students and teachers screaming before it all ended in a split second. Varon’s eyes were wide with concern.
We don’t have much time.
“May I explain my reasoning and desire to save this world and mine?” Varon offered, hoping to settle this unintentional argument peacefully. He wasn’t one for arguments.
“What reasoning?” Tasha asks.
Varon paused before drawing his breath about to speak.
There was
.
.
.
…a time
A time full of hope,
A time full of peace,
and a time full of war…
A time full of vast mountains, beautiful forests, valleys as sweet as gold, towns lively, and a Kingdom that truly loved her people, with a golden sun and a moon under the stars.
Catacombs were full of history, groves so intense it would keep you lost in time. Other places were left to discovery. But hardly anyone ventured out of the land. It was so protected that nobody would have assumed anything worse. The roads leading to the secret place were steep, but nonetheless, it was not unreachable.
This is a story about love, adventure, and awakening. Lost, Redemption, and Conquering Fear…
About The Timeless...
For centuries and more, the heavens have many mansions, many places, and even realms you may not know. The Novians are akin to humans, but just on another planet. It is close to a time of medieval age, yet its progression halted, and its people and the world became known as near timeless. While we had wars and struggles before my time, King Amaldus had a successor and had to protect the Princess, for she was the only daughter left to preserve Nova’s history.
Before a war broke out, a hero was said to awaken to defeat that dark lord from below. This dark lord was called The Scourge King. Few awakened; others couldn’t; some did not…
One year before the current events.
A man is riding his horse on the hill, mountains, down a beaten path, and finally enters a cave that leads to a grove full of pillars, another cave, and the strange statue of a woman of remembrance. The girl wasn’t worshiped like God, the creator of all living things. Yet her statue was a reminder of what she was able to do. The statue faded as centuries passed, yet he often spoke to her as if he had known her for ages. He got off the horse and walked to it. He stared and was solemn. It was VARON on his horse.
“Why did you have to go so soon?” He spoke softly under his breath.
Suddenly, he began pulling out something to write, and then his horse, ESTELLA, had let out a cry, and more horses had come from behind them. It was three MEN, Two Knights, and a Page: #
CAPTIAN DOMHNALL: (47) A middle-aged man, well built and heavy set.
SIR THOMAS CRATE: (39) Friend and battle partner of Aonghus, the mentor of Varon.
PAGE KIAN: (15) He is the son of a great warrior but became into training and a page
for Captain Domhnall.
Varon eyed the men suspiciously as he didn’t like where this was going. He knew who the men were, and Estella came to him immediately. Varon notices and begins speaking in authority, changing his tone to formal and brash.
“Where you’re standing is on sacred and historical grounds. How did you get access?” he demanded. However, Domhnall decides to step forward before bowing slightly.
“We apologize, Sir Varon. We understand that you are a knight’s son and were given permission to come here, as you and your family often overlooked the grounds throughout history. I was once your superior, and you often never talked to me in that tone. However, I understand now your place here and your concern. It is a misunderstanding.”
Varon narrowed.
“I’m not trying to return for old time’s sake. I ask that you let it be and go in peace.” Varon calls for Estella to come so that he can prepare to leave. Until the Page Kian desperately speaks.
“It is the Princess and the King, Sir Varon!” Varon pauses midway on the strap and looks concerned before slowly stepping down.
“What of the family?” He looked back in alarm. Sir Thomas Crate tried to stop Kian from speaking further until Domhnall had raised his hand to stop him.
“It’s a complicated situation…”
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
CASTLE VERIDIAN (or VERENIA: its true title)
Inside the Castle
Key figures are at the round table in the well-lit meeting room. Are as noted:
KING AMALDUS III: a sufficient King who keeps the ideals of the people in check and foremost. He believes in the rumors, as well as the legends. PRINCESS ELIANA, the king’s daughter and the only heir to the throne. He is somewhere in his mid-forties. She is spiritual and gifted and has secret abilities and powers that haven’t yet been revealed to the public. She wants to help her people, but her father fears for her safety and retribution. Also, a teenager of seventeen years old. Then there is PRIMA, a servant maid to the Royal Family and attendant to Princess Eliana. She is about thirty-seven years of age.
Page Kian, Varon, Captain Domhnall, and Sir Thomas Crate were also with them. A few CASTLE GUARDS, and LORD EDWINDO: Of the Southen Province, LORD ROHN: Of the Western Province, and FRIER YUSEF. Who came from Upper-class families in town. Along with matters of the other families not yet revealed. Then, their Messenger begins to speak.
“King Amaldus the 3rd! I have received word that strange occurrences have been spotted towards N-W of the Western border. Please be advised that only a few witnesses have noticed what is going on. “
King Amaldus III began to stir in wonder until he questioned the matter.
“What is the report of this situation?”
“That there was a town that got attacked recently.” The King had widened his eyes,
and the Messenger sighed. “It is an urgent matter, sire.”
“There have always been town attacks throughout the areas. This is nothing new.” He began to dismiss the issue until the Messenger began to sweat.
“Apparently, this is not the only town. There are other towns. Sire.”
“What of the matters of the East? And the Far West such as Aislang Valley.” “The prairie villages, towns and cities, and areas are doing their best.” “Of the South-East?”
“The water towns are thriving, having yet to experience anything—no word from them as they have ignored our messages.”
“The North and The West?”
“Mining and mountain towns, the Chief of their village is concerned. They’ve barred the entrance to their. Cities. As did the Water Village and islands. The forest is the only option. As where it was said, Sir Varon was. But no other word on the town of Amythis.”
“How about the South-West? Desert people?” They have grown wary and also starting to close their borders. They are reluctant to open up, and trading has become more aggressive.
The King shook his head while Princess Eliana secretly watched Varon, who blushed and tried not to show attention. He was embarrassed about people spying on him. Yet, his attention paid more to what had happened. He rarely found anything out concerning with other races of people. Yet, they are still part of the Land of Verenia. He had been to a few places but hadn’t visited outside the Plains and the Forest. Rarely did he go past the trail but not to the mountains, as it was said that another place that was forbidden was full of dark, poisonous fog. Another forbidden city beyond the border. King Amaldus speaks.
“Have a cartographer come to our aid within three days. Bring the greatest knights known to man and have somebody investigate the Sacred Forest!” He demanded. Then continued.
“Something else is going on, then…” The king turns to look at the lords, Varon, etc.
“What is your assessment of this…?” He turned to Varon.
“Something is more likely to affect the areas.” He replied.
Lord Edwindo had spoken up to question. He was slim, had darkened skin, a black mustache, and young with black hair.
“Then, what is affecting the areas?” Varon continued.
“Something dark, and it shouldn’t be affecting the areas the way it is now. When I read up about making the other girl into a statue, I said, ‘No way to do it.’ Now there is something else is happening. “
Everyone else had clammer in murmurs.
“Sire, what are the people to do?” Princess Eliana requests her father.
“The situation has changed to some degree.” He stands up. “Therefore, we have to guard those towns and alert those surrounding them. Ensure to keep the people on alert but not overly alarmed. Keep everything discussed in this room to yourselves.”
Frier Yosef then speaks up. He wore robes, had brown hair, and wore his crown around his head.
“It is troublesome that this is occurring. I will be sure to inform my guards and others, with your permission, to remain quiet and not do anything suspicious. This cannot break out to the general public. Not without thorough investigation on the matter.” He turns to Rohn. “Did you have any idea that this was happening?” Rohn shakes his head.
“Not at all!” Frier Yosef frowned.
“Then perhaps the young knight is right. This is a matter of investigation, and the sire is correct about what to do.”
“Then let’s make a plan to ensure the people are aware. We don’t have any more time!” Domhnall spoke.
So they all had done what they did. They made a plan.
THE HALL OF THE CASTLE — 2:00 PM
Princess Eliana and Varon had decided to speak privately. Prima, her attendant, is next to her.
Princess Eliana speaks.
“Varon, it has been years.” Varon nodded.
“Indeed, Princess. It has been. I hope everything is well.” Noticing she has grown from their childhood days into a beautiful young woman.
“Things are what they are; I just hope that everything is okay with you. I have been worried. I had a dream. I want to share it with you. But through this.” She turned to Prima, and Prima had given Varon a letter.
“I hope all is well, sir Varon. Please let this letter do you well in the course of your journey. I, too, desire that no trouble shall come before you, and that includes anything you need to do. Please be sure to inform me.”
Varon took the letter. It was sealed.
“Anything else?” Prima and the Princess shook their heads.
“Please be careful. And when you can, make sure you get some rest. My father, the King, was very happy that you were well. We were worried.” Page Kian runs up to the group. He bowed and looked to Varon.
“Is anything wrong, Kian?” Varon asked.
“Your horse is ready. Please be safe as you get back. However, something is going on back in the forest.”
And something did begin in the Forest that stirred, and Varon felt this, until, unbeknownst to them. An adventure soon awaited…
Chapter Two
THE NEXT DAY
PLANET EARTH — UNIVERSITY QUAD
CHRISTA MALONE, 18, is coming out of her dorm and walking to her next class. She meets up with her best friend from middle school, ERICA ROBISON: Christa’s best friend and support. She is majoring in both Psychology and is into creative writing or English. Erica is also 18 and is majoring in Psychology. They eventually find themselves talking about Christa’s Dad, who returned from Europe from the research trip and teaching abroad for nearly 10 years.
TOBY: (17) The youngest of the college students who love to read high fantasy novels, is well versed in stories, tropes, and an ideal romantic. He is an English major and wants to write his own novels one day, as Christa does.
ORELL: (19) He is an engineering major in earth science and astronomy.
Erica began to speak to me. I would think I can write my own stories one day.
“Hi, Orell, Hi, Toby!” Orell nodded. Toby smiled. He then excitedly speaks up.
“So, have you reached out to him yet?” I shook my head.
“Not really. I’m just shocked that he returned after he and Mom had this problem. I’m just trying to figure it all out. I have to tell you something, though.”
“What is it?” Erica turned to me. I shrugged and shook my head.
“I get the feeling he is hiding something. Yet I don’t know what it is.” Erica suddenly began to go pale.
“Oh, fudge….”
At the laboratory, there is a group of people working on finding the entrance to the hidden part of the catacomb. They have so far been able to look at the drawings, mysterious writings, etc, but to no avail; nothing was able to come up. They had translators from one indigenous tribe being able to help. And have enlisted the Japanese to further investigate the matter.
DR. RICHARD GALE MALONE starts to address with his team of 42 others. However, MOLLY THOMAS, JUNE RICH, PAULIE GRANT, and JIM HANG were with him. His boss, DR. ERIKSON WALKER, looked on in anticipation, as did his superior, TOMOHIRO YAMAGUCHI, with his assistants, REIKO IRAKAWA and JURO SASAKI.
Dr. Erikson speaks and demonstrates.
“So, as of right now, as you can see, Yamaguchi-sama, we have seen some things moving along. However, the research team is still pulling up data. We’ve been monitoring for earthquakes as of late, just in case. Everything seems to be okay.”
“What, then, is the problem?” Yamaguchi questioned the team.
“Time.” Molly requested.
Paulie raised his hand. “…We’re still working on it and hope that nothing else happens like the last time. “ June nudges him from below. Paulie shows through his expression of pain. Dr. Richard frozed. Yamaguchi turns to stare at Paulie and June before turning to Dr. Ericson.
“I take it there are some details left out? The government is trying to get their hands on this. Even though we are being funded, we cannot let them have it. This is so sacred that even my own country would fight for it. We leave it alone.”
Dr. Richard explains now.
“I understand your concern, but the CEO thinks otherwise. It’s why I came back. I cannot have somebody tell us not to search for it, and yet it’s my research! Along with my team and group.”
But Yamaguchi assumed otherwise.
“Have any of you ever thought about quitting while you are ahead?” He looked around to see if there was anybody who was brave enough to say anything—a hint of disloyalty, any sign of weakness.
“Since when did any of my team want to quit that badly?” Dr. Richard questions. Then, / THE
Mr. Yamaguchi raised a brow.
“So, you now speak for them all?”
“We had this discussion. EACH of my team and companions are compassionate about this project. If anybody else can do it, it is them.”
Everybody clapped in agreement.
“In fact, my team is looking to discuss this as we speak. Yamaguchi, give us about three days to get this done. And the rest will work itself. We already completed Phase 2.”
Yamaguchi was shocked.
“Fe-su Ni?”
Phase Two. He memorized from the Japanese. But Dr. Erikson had stepped in and placed a hand on Dr. Richard’s left shoulder.
“Everything will speak for itself is hardly an answer.” He confirmed. “But this is different. Team 4 had already cracked the code…”
Don’t forget; this would all make sense, Dr. Erikson…
Christa, you’re just going to have to wait for me. It has been at least a decade…
Christa is in her room trying to straighten everything out. She gets a call from her mom that she will be back soon as she is off to work late. She was a Nurse, and for the most part, everything covered the bills. Christa thought of doing dog walking to make extra money. However, there was something else on her mind.
Her father.
If I find out what he could be doing. She said to herself. Then, I would be able to know exactly how to handle everything. But this was pointless. However, this could be it if Dad was involved in this expedition. She was dressed in Shorts instead of pants this time. It was her first attempt to try to get to her dad. She remembered her grandfather would read her stories, hoping that she would get the message of romance and fantasy novels. Nevertheless, they have all attended church often and prayed daily for protection, wealth, wisdom, and knowledge. What Christa didn’t realize was that something else was about to happen.
The doorbell rang, and Erica was there, as were Toby and Orell.
Erica was wearing her usual pink and red. It was her favorite color as a combination. Orell wore a Dark Forest Green shirt and dark blue pants, as did Erica, and Toby had a
tan shirt, a black and white checked button-free light jacket, and black pants. He wanted to blend in. His messy black hair helped to show off that he had dyed it that color. For Erica, she had light brown hair and brown eyes. As did Orell with his brown hair and brown eyes.
Christa’s brown eyes eyed Toby.
“Are your parents okay with this? You’re only seventeen years old.” He shrugged.
“Not like I have anything else better to do. At least I am with other’ adults, lol.” Erica looked at him funny.
“Who even says that anymore?”
“Must you always find a way to diss something?” Orell made a point.
“Okay, let it be!”
“Geez. So, what is the plan?” Erica commented.
“Just getting to where my father is, which is about an hour away. So let’s go. I want to catch him in the act.”
#
Hidden Cave in the Mountain Range - 1800km Deep
#
Dr. Richard had the entire archeology team on the move; diggers kept digging until they had stopped, and he had looked over their work. They were in some pocket and wanted to look into something. Uncertain if it was a door, and was looking for a hidden switch.
“This is a mess; where is it?” He muttered to himself.
“Dad!”
“Dr. Richard! Kids!” SUMIKO TOWATA had shouted before KOCHI YAMATO, HARU MASAMOTO, THEODORE FAIRRAWAY and DR. HARRISON attempted to stop them.
Dr. Richard had turned around in shock.
“Christa? What the heck are you doing here?”
Suddenly, Christa was allowed to go through the man-made barricade of the diggers and the tech team.
“No time! What the heck are you doing here?” She repeated.
Dr. Richard was starting to fume as he knew his daughter’s ways. However, he didn’t have time to get angry or upset.
“This is not a place for you or your friends. I don’t even know how the heck did you get
here. Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in classes?”
June had remembered. “Wait a minute…” She turned to look at Dr. Richard. “You have a daughter?”
“Yes, June. This is Christa, my daughter. And I suppose her friends from the University.” “Hiya!” Kochi smiled. “They are the Japanese team with me on this research project.
Speaking of which, HOW did you find me?” Orell raised his hand.
“Heck! Might as well tell em’”
“That is besides the…” Erica suddenly stepped forward to say something. However, she ended up landing her right foot on one of the switches that were hidden.
“Hey, I was going to say that?” Christa looked at Erica in confusion until she saw Erica’s face turned white.
“Fudge-sticks!” Erica screamed! Then, I noticed that Haru had asked a question. “What the heck is a…”
An earthquake begins to cause the entire cave to rumble. And then suddenly, rocks came tumbling down.
“EVERYBODY, GET BEHIND ME!” Dr. Richard screamed.
“Argggghhhhhhh!!” The sound of a man being crushed hits the ears of everybody around.
The diggers all ran for the entrance, while the entire team also steered clear of the rocks.
“HARRISON!!!”
“OH MY GOSH! What are we going to do!” Sumiko said in shock. “This is beyond what the text may have said.”
“Let the text go for now! We got to get a move on. Further inside!” Richard said as it wasn’t over. Until it finally did.
There was smoke and debris everywhere.