Post by Asen Mahawa on Apr 22, 2014 22:29:43 GMT -5
Chapter 1: Fate's Twisted Humor
In a world complete opposite of Earth, there is a vast world flowing with the mystical powers known as Magic. Earth has a law that forbids Magic of any kind, however there are those who breaks this law and was originally called Witches and Warlocks. Which most of them had dealings with the Spirits of the Wicked Hell beneath our very own two feet. There are some in the older era which would be somewhere in the Medieval and Renaissance era. This era was commonly fond of the wonders of Magic, but because some abused this Art the locals who are ignorant deem these as evil sorcerers and wizards. Now, in the Modern era, Magic seems its just a fairy tale.
My name is Asen Origami, and I should probably start from the beginning before all of this happened. Originally, I'm from Earth in the city of Kingsville and I just so happen to be a Homeschooled kid trying to pass on time before I turned eighteen. I'm seventeen now, and I think I'll start off by going into detail about the very same week when my ordinary life was no longer.
My alarm had gone off at exactly 6:00 in the morning as it was the beginning of dawn. Half asleep, I lazily raised my hand over my head and pressed the dismiss on my phone and the alarm quickly died off. Just laying there resting my sleepy body for a few more minutes as my mind slowly started to wake itself up. Pretty soon I couldn't lay down anymore as I began to grow rather restless and got up to my feet planting on the polished brown, wooden floor. Though it was bitter cold due to the AC running right under my bed, but I really didn't mind as I quickly got dressed for the day. It was Mid April, 18th of the year 2017 to be more exact. The bus drove past my house as the kids were quiet for it is in the morning still. Quickly combing my ash blonde hair and splashed water on my face. Looking up in the mirror and stared into my sapphire blue eyes while I dried my face off with a faded dark red towel that was still nice and fluffy.
"Asen! Breakfast is ready!" My mom had called out which snapped me out of my staring contest with myself. "Be down in a second!" I called back as I quickly brushed my teeth and went downstairs after I did that. The upstairs is mainly just my room and the bathroom, my parents' room is located downstairs along with their own bathroom and an Guest room with a living room and kitchen/diner room. When I did get downstairs and to the kitchen, Mom had already fixed her breakfast including mine and was waiting for me at the dinner table. "You better hurry, or you're going to be late for school again. You know how Mr. Gero dislikes students who are late for their classes." She half teased and half warned me as I sat down next to her. She had made some blueberry waffle that's still steaming with the warm fluffy texture. "Yeah I know, I promise not to get him... frustrated I'm going to say. Besides its not like there's any other students going to his class." I complained as I picked up my fork and took a bite out of the waffle. She giggled and even gently pinched my shoulder as she took a bite out of hers.
After I had finished eating, I picked up my bag of books and slipped my cellphone into my pocket. Then when I had made sure I had everything, I went out of the house to go to Mr. Gero's 'classroom'. Though his method of teaching is going to all of these wondrous sites that is rumored to be rich in Magic. It was just a fairy tale fantasy, why would a grown up man who is fixated with Science and Magic is beyond me. However, I'll admit his expeditions are really a lot more fun and it gives me more of a hands on experience on just about everything that comes our way.
Walking down Mystic Lane Dr. as the morning sun starts to climb higher in the sky. Checking on my phone to make sure I don't have any messages, not that it really matters when I don't actually have any friends except for Hero and some other strange people. When I meant as in strange, I mean I swear they're another clone of Gero. It just seems that there's so many people obsess on finding this Magic thing. I don't even know what exactly it is other than its some kind of energy. Though come to think of it, I don't think even Gero knows just what Magic is.
Turning around the corner to come upon a old faded brown walnut door that led into the house Gero was currently renting out. Though I truthfully fail to see the point beings that we always go somewhere that seems illegal to most people. Before I could even knock on the door, the door had swung wide open and standing in the door way was Mr. Gero. His grey and black short hair combed backwards and his eyes were as brown and light as sand. The gentle wind had blown on his dark tanned skin and tugged on his rugged linen white shirt. Cracking a smile at me as he put on an Australian brown hat with a leather cord hanging in a loop behind his head. "You're just in time my boy; are you prepared for another adventure?" He asked me. I was a little surprised, but then again when do I ever sit behind a desk and read everything out of a textbook? "What artifact are we looking for this time?" I asked him as he bent over and picked up a satchel of where he had his food and even a sleeping bag in.
"Oh its not just any artifact, its a wonder my boy. We're going to run a little expedition of a possible ancient ruin that's about half a day away from here." He explained as he tossed me a set of keys which I caught with my free hand. "Think you can drive there?" He asked me as he brushed past me. "That really depends on if you don't lead us to another ditch like last time." I teased as I turned to follow him. He was rubbing the back of his neck while we were walking along the street towards a 79' Charger with the body of a dark green metallic color with some some weird symbol yellow spray painted into the front bumper. "I am sure we'll won't have any misfortune on the way, though that's if my theory is correct." He added which caused him to stroke his grey and black goatee. Opening the trunk, we put both of our bags into it and I closed the lid as Gero went to the front passenger seat. I went to the driver's side and closed the door while putting the key into the ignition. The interior was of dark yet cool leather with the steering wheel has a flame like sleeve over it to give it a better grip and not be too hard on my hands. "Alright first we're going to cross the Lumpkin Bridge just North of here. We can go into the woods after about a few miles out and venture into the mountains." Gero explained as we both buckled ourselves up while I turned the key. I nodded to let him know that I understood what he said as I pressed the clutch and shifted the gear from Neutral to 1 while I have my other foot on the brakes and I looked at my side mirrors for any passerby. Not seeing any, I rolled out and shifted to 2 manually heading north.
About ten minutes of driving, we finally got to the Lumpkin Bridge. Though there was some close calls with some other drivers who were in a rush, and I even said some extremities under my breath in frustration. "So what exactly is this wonder then? Maybe some key to this Magic or whatever it is?" I asked as I rolled along with the flow of traffic on the bridge. "Its a possibility, but we'll never know until we've reached it too. It's name has long been forgotten and the manuscript of it is completely faded to the point where it's impossible to read or even decipher it. I'm afraid I can't give out too much information about it for there's still numerous of possibilities of what it could be." He reluctantly explained as if it was difficult enough to give a thorough explanation. By now we had fully crossed the bridge and we could see some forest areas to the Northwest. But there was no sign of any mountains. "Old man I think your theory might be flawed, there's no mountains in these parts." I pointed it out as we were venturing further down the road. He stubbornly shook his head. "It has to be here, the coordinates point to the Northwest of here." Now I shook my head with a smirk on my face. "Well, I don't see any mountains around here, if it's under some invisible wall then it's either really big or just that strong. That's the only explanation I have." His eyes lit up as if an idea had suddenly formed into his head.
"Actually, that just might be possible." He stated as he started to gently bite on his index knuckle. "Pull over right here." He pointed at a patch of concrete that was basically a loop around on the side. Shaking my head while turning the wheel and the car was getting rather bumpy. Just to be safe, I rode the Charger all the way to the grass and came to a stop right on the patch of concrete. "We're starting here I take it?" I asked him as I turned the keys counterclockwise and rolled the windows up to a crack so that some air can circulate in the car. He gave me a grin as he opened the door. "We started the moment we started to come here my boy!" Smiling as he stepped out and closed the door while I pump the trunk and stepped out of the car after making sure both doors were locked. Gero had grabbed his satchel and tossed me my bag which I luckily caught while I tuck the car keys into my back pocket with my wallet. He took out a map as he closed the trunk and looked at it intensely.
"Okay, we just go through here in the forest across the road, and just head to Northwest as much as possible." He stated as I sling my bag on my right shoulder and slipped my left arm through the other strap. I got up beside him and had a glimpse of the map before he folded it up and stuck it inside a side pouch of his satchel. Motioning for me to follow, we crossed the road and entered the forest. The oak trees were in full bloom and there was even a grotto, but that wasn't possible until we aimlessly climb roughly towards Northwest by relying on the sun and my time on my phone. The air was very moist, and it was really starting to feel rather hot yet really comfortable. Maybe its because we've been through the rainforests in Columbia a couple months ago searching for a mythic beast called the Basilisk.
"Alright, let's take a quick break here where it seems rather peaceful." Gero insisted as he rested his old bones on top of a large, smooth rock. We have been climbing for about two hours now, and it seems like we haven't even scratched the surface of the journey we have taken. I wanted to tease Mr. Gero for the fun of it, but looking at myself I was rather slightly fatigued myself. So I decided to take shelter under a very old, gnarled cherry blossom tree. "Why is there a cherry blossom all the way over here in America?" I asked Gero as I was inspecting it's texture on the bark. He looked up at me and looked into every inch of the tree without moving much. "Honestly I don't really know. It has to be at least a century old for being as large as this. Some foreigner probably planted a seed of the tree a long time ago." He explained yet another of his theories. Then his eye squinted at me as if he was trying to search something on me. "What is it? Do I have a marker on my face or something?" I joked and half asked him. His eyes went wide for a moment and his face went red and he turned away. "U-um we sh- should go ahead and climb some more!" He fumbled over his words which i thought was rather strange. Curious, I turned to whatever he was staring at, and I saw a figure of something running away behind a tree and vanish. Before I knew what had happened, Gero had snatched my arm and pulled me to my feet and we started to climb upwards once again.
The sun had started to set on the horizon, and both of us were rather exhausted for having to climb for a total of six hours worth. Though according to Mr. Gero, we're very close where the mountains are. "Can we possibly take a little rest? It's almost dark and if it's very close then we should get some rest so that we can see better." I half complained and half suggested while I was resting my back against an oak tree. Gero looked back at me who was just as tired as I was. He shook his head and pointed ahead of us. "We can make it before dark, just a little further and we'll be there I promise. Then we can rest." He instructed, which I had to agree with him. We can seek shelter in the ruins and basically kill two birds with one stone. Gathering the little remaining strength of my aching muscles, we pressed on once more. It felt like my mind had flipped a switch and I didn't feel as exhausted and tired as before, but maybe ten or twenty minutes had passed when Gero had finally collapsed to his knees.
"What's wrong Mr. Gero?" I asked him in concern as I took a couple steps ahead of him. His breathing was rather heavy and he was sweating like a pig. He stubbornly shook his head. "We need... to find somewhere safe to sleep..." He weakly instructed. I nodded in agreement and went forward to find somewhere decent enough to rest, only to come face planted to something hard and very active like electricity was flowing. A pulse of white light surge in a wide circle, and like glass something like a wall shattered into huge pieces and looming before us was the large ruins that we've been looking for. Both of us was in awe and rather shocked at the sight before us. Gero had suddenly shot up to his feet and seemed to forget that he was tired. "This... this is it! This is the ruins of the Khalarians! The fabled sacred temple that is rumored to be linked with the mystical energy of Magic!" He exclaimed in overwhelmed joy.
For once, I really was beginning to believe that there might be such a thing as Magic. But I wasn't entirely convinced just yet. "What was that just now?" I asked Gero as I looked at where the 'wall' used to be before it broke into pieces which lays shattered on the courtyard's stone floor. My question made Gero stroke his goatee again as he hummed to himself. "Perhaps it's a barrier of some type placed here to ward off any unwanted visitors. Most likely powered and created by magic. But for what purpose?" He asked himself. "Well that was a very weak barrier then for it to break so easily." I pointed out as I stretched my aching muscles. "It's probably drained from it's full power if it's been here as long as it's been dated, though it was mainly just a legend until now." He stated as he took his first step into the courtyard that is linked with the temple looming before us. A cold shiver went down my spine and for some reason it felt like we were being watched by something... unknown.
We walked to the middle where a stone bone dry fountain sits under the evening sky. Gero was absolutely fascinated with the architecture of this place and was acting like a five year old in a toy store. Though I was mainly curious about this Magic business now, especially after that barrier collapsed. Perhaps it was just plain coincidence, or it could have been just dumb luck. "Come on old man, let's go inside so that way we'll know what we're getting into." I suggested with a thrill in my voice. He looked at me and had that twinkle in his eyes. "I see, you must be very eager on Magic now eh?" He teased and gave me a nudge on the ribs. I smirked as I clapped his shoulder and together we went across the rest of the way to a set of stone double doors that have been weathered down by wind and rain. For once, it felt like we have finally synched one another and not be at odds with each other. Together we pushed on the right side of the door. It didn't budge at first, but after giving it a second push at the right spot the door had pushed open. Dust had fallen from the hinges and the inside was sucking up the air like a vacuum tearing through our clothes and hair. Gero held on to his hat as we took a couple steps into the dark chamber.
It was dark except for the little light the setting sun has left. It was very dusty as there was like a thick layer of it on the floor that it looks pretty much close to sand. Letting out a soft whistle of my lips, it echoed throughout the entire temple. "Man, think there's even a single living being in here?" I asked Gero as I shrugged my bag off and took out a flashlight to light the way. Relying on the single beam of light, we could see just an empty chamber with three stone walls with strange symbols on it. Gero was absolutely fascinated about the symbols, and was brushing along the wall as if he was searching for something. "What in blazes are you looking for?" I asked him knowing full well what exactly he was searching for. He finally found a ledge sticking out of the stone wall in the center that had a symbol in the center and gave it a push. However, no matter how much he pushed or how he did it, it wouldn't budge an inch. "Lad! Come and help me push this! This has to be the key to unlocking a door!" He groaned as he started to drip with sweat and even his face was red. I nodded as I placed the flashlight right between my teeth and bit down on it as I walked up to his side and reached for the ledge. But right when just the tip of my fingers touched the symbol, it flashed a pulse of white light throughout the room. I could hear stone grinding and sliding against stone behind the walls as the ledge slide into the wall and dust was falling from the ceiling.
Both of us backed up in astonishment as a slab of stone slid upwards to reveal a set of stairs leading down. I was thrilled and excited, but I couldn't shake this feeling in my gut that we're doing something wrong. Gero was laughing out of joy and I could sense that he was relieved for some reason. "Come on now my boy! This is the first time in all of my search and expeditions that I've witnessed the power of Magic first hand!" He admitted as he brought out a flashlight and flipped it on while I hurried and grabbed my bag. We went down the flight of stairs, cautious for any traps that might have been set to ward off unwanted visitors. Though I did spot a couple symbols engraved into the stone steps, but they didn't do anything when I traced them with my hand. Maybe their Magic energy went out? I didn't know at the time, and just kept on walking along with Mr. Gero who was beyond control of his overwhelmed anxiety.
At the bottom of where the stairs had come to a stop, there was another chamber except it was really large that could probably house 100 people and some. Mr. Gero was already inspecting everything in this room. Which it did in fact had statues of creatures I've never seen before and even the walls were different with the designs. But whatever it was had faded to the point of almost unreadable. While Mr. Gero was inspecting the statues, my interest was into this arch way that doesn't lead to anywhere except a stone wall. Figuring that this was harmless beings that it was just a dead end to the right side of the chamber, I just wanted to find something spectacular to further prove that there was indeed Magic. "I wouldn't wonder around too long boy, you never know when you might trigger something like a trap." He warned. I smirked at him and just kept walking towards the arch way. "You're just being too paranoid old man." I teased and as I said that; I felt something sink under my next step. I didn't know what I just stepped on, and the room suddenly lit up brightly with blue flames. Confused on what's happening, I turned back to Mr. Gero and I just saw an armored hand shooting out from the arch way and clawed into my back. I fell to my knees as a wave of boiling agony and pain washed over my bodies. Then out of the corner of my eye, the hand reached for me again and this time it snatched me in its grasp. I could hear Gero's panicked voice calling out my mind as I was suddenly pulled into the arch way and was bathe in a bright and tingling light.
Withering in pain as i tried to see what's going on, but all I saw was a giant mechanic being with large unattached arms that has large bullets shaped for a large rifle caliber circling in the wrist where energies of light emits from the palms. It's metallic head was of a blade like row of teeth that practically breaths blue flame and it's eyes glows a bright red like a laser. In a weird voice that sounded almost human spoke in my head. "Help... the Realm... Eden..." It was deep and ancient, almost as if it was speaking through a dried throat with no water or anything. Then I finally passed out from the pain and I didn't know just how much my world was flipped upside down.
In a world complete opposite of Earth, there is a vast world flowing with the mystical powers known as Magic. Earth has a law that forbids Magic of any kind, however there are those who breaks this law and was originally called Witches and Warlocks. Which most of them had dealings with the Spirits of the Wicked Hell beneath our very own two feet. There are some in the older era which would be somewhere in the Medieval and Renaissance era. This era was commonly fond of the wonders of Magic, but because some abused this Art the locals who are ignorant deem these as evil sorcerers and wizards. Now, in the Modern era, Magic seems its just a fairy tale.
My name is Asen Origami, and I should probably start from the beginning before all of this happened. Originally, I'm from Earth in the city of Kingsville and I just so happen to be a Homeschooled kid trying to pass on time before I turned eighteen. I'm seventeen now, and I think I'll start off by going into detail about the very same week when my ordinary life was no longer.
My alarm had gone off at exactly 6:00 in the morning as it was the beginning of dawn. Half asleep, I lazily raised my hand over my head and pressed the dismiss on my phone and the alarm quickly died off. Just laying there resting my sleepy body for a few more minutes as my mind slowly started to wake itself up. Pretty soon I couldn't lay down anymore as I began to grow rather restless and got up to my feet planting on the polished brown, wooden floor. Though it was bitter cold due to the AC running right under my bed, but I really didn't mind as I quickly got dressed for the day. It was Mid April, 18th of the year 2017 to be more exact. The bus drove past my house as the kids were quiet for it is in the morning still. Quickly combing my ash blonde hair and splashed water on my face. Looking up in the mirror and stared into my sapphire blue eyes while I dried my face off with a faded dark red towel that was still nice and fluffy.
"Asen! Breakfast is ready!" My mom had called out which snapped me out of my staring contest with myself. "Be down in a second!" I called back as I quickly brushed my teeth and went downstairs after I did that. The upstairs is mainly just my room and the bathroom, my parents' room is located downstairs along with their own bathroom and an Guest room with a living room and kitchen/diner room. When I did get downstairs and to the kitchen, Mom had already fixed her breakfast including mine and was waiting for me at the dinner table. "You better hurry, or you're going to be late for school again. You know how Mr. Gero dislikes students who are late for their classes." She half teased and half warned me as I sat down next to her. She had made some blueberry waffle that's still steaming with the warm fluffy texture. "Yeah I know, I promise not to get him... frustrated I'm going to say. Besides its not like there's any other students going to his class." I complained as I picked up my fork and took a bite out of the waffle. She giggled and even gently pinched my shoulder as she took a bite out of hers.
After I had finished eating, I picked up my bag of books and slipped my cellphone into my pocket. Then when I had made sure I had everything, I went out of the house to go to Mr. Gero's 'classroom'. Though his method of teaching is going to all of these wondrous sites that is rumored to be rich in Magic. It was just a fairy tale fantasy, why would a grown up man who is fixated with Science and Magic is beyond me. However, I'll admit his expeditions are really a lot more fun and it gives me more of a hands on experience on just about everything that comes our way.
Walking down Mystic Lane Dr. as the morning sun starts to climb higher in the sky. Checking on my phone to make sure I don't have any messages, not that it really matters when I don't actually have any friends except for Hero and some other strange people. When I meant as in strange, I mean I swear they're another clone of Gero. It just seems that there's so many people obsess on finding this Magic thing. I don't even know what exactly it is other than its some kind of energy. Though come to think of it, I don't think even Gero knows just what Magic is.
Turning around the corner to come upon a old faded brown walnut door that led into the house Gero was currently renting out. Though I truthfully fail to see the point beings that we always go somewhere that seems illegal to most people. Before I could even knock on the door, the door had swung wide open and standing in the door way was Mr. Gero. His grey and black short hair combed backwards and his eyes were as brown and light as sand. The gentle wind had blown on his dark tanned skin and tugged on his rugged linen white shirt. Cracking a smile at me as he put on an Australian brown hat with a leather cord hanging in a loop behind his head. "You're just in time my boy; are you prepared for another adventure?" He asked me. I was a little surprised, but then again when do I ever sit behind a desk and read everything out of a textbook? "What artifact are we looking for this time?" I asked him as he bent over and picked up a satchel of where he had his food and even a sleeping bag in.
"Oh its not just any artifact, its a wonder my boy. We're going to run a little expedition of a possible ancient ruin that's about half a day away from here." He explained as he tossed me a set of keys which I caught with my free hand. "Think you can drive there?" He asked me as he brushed past me. "That really depends on if you don't lead us to another ditch like last time." I teased as I turned to follow him. He was rubbing the back of his neck while we were walking along the street towards a 79' Charger with the body of a dark green metallic color with some some weird symbol yellow spray painted into the front bumper. "I am sure we'll won't have any misfortune on the way, though that's if my theory is correct." He added which caused him to stroke his grey and black goatee. Opening the trunk, we put both of our bags into it and I closed the lid as Gero went to the front passenger seat. I went to the driver's side and closed the door while putting the key into the ignition. The interior was of dark yet cool leather with the steering wheel has a flame like sleeve over it to give it a better grip and not be too hard on my hands. "Alright first we're going to cross the Lumpkin Bridge just North of here. We can go into the woods after about a few miles out and venture into the mountains." Gero explained as we both buckled ourselves up while I turned the key. I nodded to let him know that I understood what he said as I pressed the clutch and shifted the gear from Neutral to 1 while I have my other foot on the brakes and I looked at my side mirrors for any passerby. Not seeing any, I rolled out and shifted to 2 manually heading north.
About ten minutes of driving, we finally got to the Lumpkin Bridge. Though there was some close calls with some other drivers who were in a rush, and I even said some extremities under my breath in frustration. "So what exactly is this wonder then? Maybe some key to this Magic or whatever it is?" I asked as I rolled along with the flow of traffic on the bridge. "Its a possibility, but we'll never know until we've reached it too. It's name has long been forgotten and the manuscript of it is completely faded to the point where it's impossible to read or even decipher it. I'm afraid I can't give out too much information about it for there's still numerous of possibilities of what it could be." He reluctantly explained as if it was difficult enough to give a thorough explanation. By now we had fully crossed the bridge and we could see some forest areas to the Northwest. But there was no sign of any mountains. "Old man I think your theory might be flawed, there's no mountains in these parts." I pointed it out as we were venturing further down the road. He stubbornly shook his head. "It has to be here, the coordinates point to the Northwest of here." Now I shook my head with a smirk on my face. "Well, I don't see any mountains around here, if it's under some invisible wall then it's either really big or just that strong. That's the only explanation I have." His eyes lit up as if an idea had suddenly formed into his head.
"Actually, that just might be possible." He stated as he started to gently bite on his index knuckle. "Pull over right here." He pointed at a patch of concrete that was basically a loop around on the side. Shaking my head while turning the wheel and the car was getting rather bumpy. Just to be safe, I rode the Charger all the way to the grass and came to a stop right on the patch of concrete. "We're starting here I take it?" I asked him as I turned the keys counterclockwise and rolled the windows up to a crack so that some air can circulate in the car. He gave me a grin as he opened the door. "We started the moment we started to come here my boy!" Smiling as he stepped out and closed the door while I pump the trunk and stepped out of the car after making sure both doors were locked. Gero had grabbed his satchel and tossed me my bag which I luckily caught while I tuck the car keys into my back pocket with my wallet. He took out a map as he closed the trunk and looked at it intensely.
"Okay, we just go through here in the forest across the road, and just head to Northwest as much as possible." He stated as I sling my bag on my right shoulder and slipped my left arm through the other strap. I got up beside him and had a glimpse of the map before he folded it up and stuck it inside a side pouch of his satchel. Motioning for me to follow, we crossed the road and entered the forest. The oak trees were in full bloom and there was even a grotto, but that wasn't possible until we aimlessly climb roughly towards Northwest by relying on the sun and my time on my phone. The air was very moist, and it was really starting to feel rather hot yet really comfortable. Maybe its because we've been through the rainforests in Columbia a couple months ago searching for a mythic beast called the Basilisk.
"Alright, let's take a quick break here where it seems rather peaceful." Gero insisted as he rested his old bones on top of a large, smooth rock. We have been climbing for about two hours now, and it seems like we haven't even scratched the surface of the journey we have taken. I wanted to tease Mr. Gero for the fun of it, but looking at myself I was rather slightly fatigued myself. So I decided to take shelter under a very old, gnarled cherry blossom tree. "Why is there a cherry blossom all the way over here in America?" I asked Gero as I was inspecting it's texture on the bark. He looked up at me and looked into every inch of the tree without moving much. "Honestly I don't really know. It has to be at least a century old for being as large as this. Some foreigner probably planted a seed of the tree a long time ago." He explained yet another of his theories. Then his eye squinted at me as if he was trying to search something on me. "What is it? Do I have a marker on my face or something?" I joked and half asked him. His eyes went wide for a moment and his face went red and he turned away. "U-um we sh- should go ahead and climb some more!" He fumbled over his words which i thought was rather strange. Curious, I turned to whatever he was staring at, and I saw a figure of something running away behind a tree and vanish. Before I knew what had happened, Gero had snatched my arm and pulled me to my feet and we started to climb upwards once again.
The sun had started to set on the horizon, and both of us were rather exhausted for having to climb for a total of six hours worth. Though according to Mr. Gero, we're very close where the mountains are. "Can we possibly take a little rest? It's almost dark and if it's very close then we should get some rest so that we can see better." I half complained and half suggested while I was resting my back against an oak tree. Gero looked back at me who was just as tired as I was. He shook his head and pointed ahead of us. "We can make it before dark, just a little further and we'll be there I promise. Then we can rest." He instructed, which I had to agree with him. We can seek shelter in the ruins and basically kill two birds with one stone. Gathering the little remaining strength of my aching muscles, we pressed on once more. It felt like my mind had flipped a switch and I didn't feel as exhausted and tired as before, but maybe ten or twenty minutes had passed when Gero had finally collapsed to his knees.
"What's wrong Mr. Gero?" I asked him in concern as I took a couple steps ahead of him. His breathing was rather heavy and he was sweating like a pig. He stubbornly shook his head. "We need... to find somewhere safe to sleep..." He weakly instructed. I nodded in agreement and went forward to find somewhere decent enough to rest, only to come face planted to something hard and very active like electricity was flowing. A pulse of white light surge in a wide circle, and like glass something like a wall shattered into huge pieces and looming before us was the large ruins that we've been looking for. Both of us was in awe and rather shocked at the sight before us. Gero had suddenly shot up to his feet and seemed to forget that he was tired. "This... this is it! This is the ruins of the Khalarians! The fabled sacred temple that is rumored to be linked with the mystical energy of Magic!" He exclaimed in overwhelmed joy.
For once, I really was beginning to believe that there might be such a thing as Magic. But I wasn't entirely convinced just yet. "What was that just now?" I asked Gero as I looked at where the 'wall' used to be before it broke into pieces which lays shattered on the courtyard's stone floor. My question made Gero stroke his goatee again as he hummed to himself. "Perhaps it's a barrier of some type placed here to ward off any unwanted visitors. Most likely powered and created by magic. But for what purpose?" He asked himself. "Well that was a very weak barrier then for it to break so easily." I pointed out as I stretched my aching muscles. "It's probably drained from it's full power if it's been here as long as it's been dated, though it was mainly just a legend until now." He stated as he took his first step into the courtyard that is linked with the temple looming before us. A cold shiver went down my spine and for some reason it felt like we were being watched by something... unknown.
We walked to the middle where a stone bone dry fountain sits under the evening sky. Gero was absolutely fascinated with the architecture of this place and was acting like a five year old in a toy store. Though I was mainly curious about this Magic business now, especially after that barrier collapsed. Perhaps it was just plain coincidence, or it could have been just dumb luck. "Come on old man, let's go inside so that way we'll know what we're getting into." I suggested with a thrill in my voice. He looked at me and had that twinkle in his eyes. "I see, you must be very eager on Magic now eh?" He teased and gave me a nudge on the ribs. I smirked as I clapped his shoulder and together we went across the rest of the way to a set of stone double doors that have been weathered down by wind and rain. For once, it felt like we have finally synched one another and not be at odds with each other. Together we pushed on the right side of the door. It didn't budge at first, but after giving it a second push at the right spot the door had pushed open. Dust had fallen from the hinges and the inside was sucking up the air like a vacuum tearing through our clothes and hair. Gero held on to his hat as we took a couple steps into the dark chamber.
It was dark except for the little light the setting sun has left. It was very dusty as there was like a thick layer of it on the floor that it looks pretty much close to sand. Letting out a soft whistle of my lips, it echoed throughout the entire temple. "Man, think there's even a single living being in here?" I asked Gero as I shrugged my bag off and took out a flashlight to light the way. Relying on the single beam of light, we could see just an empty chamber with three stone walls with strange symbols on it. Gero was absolutely fascinated about the symbols, and was brushing along the wall as if he was searching for something. "What in blazes are you looking for?" I asked him knowing full well what exactly he was searching for. He finally found a ledge sticking out of the stone wall in the center that had a symbol in the center and gave it a push. However, no matter how much he pushed or how he did it, it wouldn't budge an inch. "Lad! Come and help me push this! This has to be the key to unlocking a door!" He groaned as he started to drip with sweat and even his face was red. I nodded as I placed the flashlight right between my teeth and bit down on it as I walked up to his side and reached for the ledge. But right when just the tip of my fingers touched the symbol, it flashed a pulse of white light throughout the room. I could hear stone grinding and sliding against stone behind the walls as the ledge slide into the wall and dust was falling from the ceiling.
Both of us backed up in astonishment as a slab of stone slid upwards to reveal a set of stairs leading down. I was thrilled and excited, but I couldn't shake this feeling in my gut that we're doing something wrong. Gero was laughing out of joy and I could sense that he was relieved for some reason. "Come on now my boy! This is the first time in all of my search and expeditions that I've witnessed the power of Magic first hand!" He admitted as he brought out a flashlight and flipped it on while I hurried and grabbed my bag. We went down the flight of stairs, cautious for any traps that might have been set to ward off unwanted visitors. Though I did spot a couple symbols engraved into the stone steps, but they didn't do anything when I traced them with my hand. Maybe their Magic energy went out? I didn't know at the time, and just kept on walking along with Mr. Gero who was beyond control of his overwhelmed anxiety.
At the bottom of where the stairs had come to a stop, there was another chamber except it was really large that could probably house 100 people and some. Mr. Gero was already inspecting everything in this room. Which it did in fact had statues of creatures I've never seen before and even the walls were different with the designs. But whatever it was had faded to the point of almost unreadable. While Mr. Gero was inspecting the statues, my interest was into this arch way that doesn't lead to anywhere except a stone wall. Figuring that this was harmless beings that it was just a dead end to the right side of the chamber, I just wanted to find something spectacular to further prove that there was indeed Magic. "I wouldn't wonder around too long boy, you never know when you might trigger something like a trap." He warned. I smirked at him and just kept walking towards the arch way. "You're just being too paranoid old man." I teased and as I said that; I felt something sink under my next step. I didn't know what I just stepped on, and the room suddenly lit up brightly with blue flames. Confused on what's happening, I turned back to Mr. Gero and I just saw an armored hand shooting out from the arch way and clawed into my back. I fell to my knees as a wave of boiling agony and pain washed over my bodies. Then out of the corner of my eye, the hand reached for me again and this time it snatched me in its grasp. I could hear Gero's panicked voice calling out my mind as I was suddenly pulled into the arch way and was bathe in a bright and tingling light.
Withering in pain as i tried to see what's going on, but all I saw was a giant mechanic being with large unattached arms that has large bullets shaped for a large rifle caliber circling in the wrist where energies of light emits from the palms. It's metallic head was of a blade like row of teeth that practically breaths blue flame and it's eyes glows a bright red like a laser. In a weird voice that sounded almost human spoke in my head. "Help... the Realm... Eden..." It was deep and ancient, almost as if it was speaking through a dried throat with no water or anything. Then I finally passed out from the pain and I didn't know just how much my world was flipped upside down.