(Writers note: Edited Version 1)
I -…I made it…it’s actually real…I can’t believe it
As her hand supports her against the broken bark of the tree, a tear sheds, creating a glistening stream down the mud on her cheek.
I have to keep going. “Remember Nyla, the temple. You could forget everything else just please, not that!
Panning her eyes from the ground to the peaks of the mountains, stuck in awe, struck by the celestial beauty it resembles, she quickly comes to. Recollecting herself, continues along her course to approach a run down bridge, so battered and old you could smell the settled scents of the wet bark accompanied with wild flowers she’d never seen before.
Approaching the bridge, enthralled by the bewildering beauties, she takes a moment surveying the scene
To think that a place this beautiful could exist, how has no one ever stumbled upon it? It felt…disturbingly easy to get here, even though I’d never even known it even existed till then. The memory just felt so vivid…but…I don’t know.
Yet again her eyes start seeking to the peaks, she notices a sensation resembling…familiarity, as if she’d been there before
Wh- why do I feel like I know…
Dropping her attention from the peaks, panning to the forest life east of her
…The bridge…there should be another one further down the ravine
Continuing her journey through the Ravine forest she’s stumbles upon a lightly petaled, bloomed flower the color of midnight blue. Once in her perspective, captivating her, closing the distance to find a resembling flower with an almost neon glow to it. Walking to the flower she takes a moment to engross herself
What is this place? It’s like some fairytale land…it’s literally glowing but…hm?
Noticing another similar glare from the corner of her peripheral, she stands over the flower in front of her panning her attention to the glow, astonished to what she bares witness
These flowers, all of them…glow? They’re flaring like fireworks, i- in patterns like the piano my sister played…I don’t understand how…it’s just like it…through every flare of a flower I can hear each note…
As she the flowers continued the tap and dance, Nyla allows her self to fall into a trance, yet again completely captivated by the forest, she lets the moment play until she hears a particular note from a distance, bringing her to break the trance in her curiosity. She turns towards its direction to notice a tree with the same midnight blue flower, glowing brighter than the last ones, she walks towards it
Was this one tr-
Before she could finish, her eyes had been brought to the view of what was behind the tree. A sea of flowers that all shared a neon glow resembling the flower, creating a pathway through the alignment of their fixtures
Did they…are the flowers guiding me?
Thinking back to the image of the temple “Oddly enough there’s something about it that’s telling me to go…I guess I’ll follow it”
As she walks along the path, Nyla starts to fall into a slight trance thinking back to the melodies she cherished so much, unknowingly to herself, she starts following the melodies, falling further into the trance, she starts to delve into her head.
“None of this is making sense. Makes less sense really…I got here actually thinking I’d find some answers to this. Now it’s just more questions. Then none of this is really telling or helping me remember anything else useful….ugh…I just wish that day never happened…none of it… Wait, how long have I been walking? There’s no more light but…I still hear it…this way
Following the notes of the melody she approaches a field empty of everything but flowers with a woman centered turning as their gazes meet each other’s. Nyla notes to herself her luscious earthly green hair, with a robe of sorts weaved of the same flowers she’d seen throughout the forest. Stuck in a petrifying awe as the woman’s beauty imprisoned Nyla in her mind with her thoughts
“Everything about her…is just beautiful, there’s no way this can be real…I must be drea-“
Your eyes do not deceive. Although I do wish mine were. I question how it is you found me, let alone my home. Although considering you have done so in the first place, it deserves recognition. I assume you also come with concerns of you’re own?
…huh? I mean yes I’m sorry, but I wasn’t exactly looking for a person but a place…a temple, that’s…been clouding my memories for quite some time now. The memories ultimately brought me here…If this is your home, can you help me find it?
I see…you seek out of curiosity. An exceptional one you are
As she continues to speak she turns casting open a piece of space behind her
Although, the temple you seek is not of this land, not anymore. Through a set of peculiar experiences it has been made to exist else where. You may call me mother. I shall take you if you wish, but do understand. Involvement past this point cannot be substituted for anything. I sit in content that you’ll find what you need but, what you’ll come to know will only perpetuate the times that follow. Do you still wish to proceed?
Coming this far I don’t think I could turn back. Everything somehow feels like it led me here, I won’t let it all go to none and waste away.
Then we proceed, Follow me.
-The end
BZZZZZT!!!
Causing abrupt panick in the facility as the alarm rings, it’s recognized as a alarm never used before.
General, we’re picking some strange reading on the radar. We have a object entering the atmosphere at 12 kilometers a second and risi-
As the alarms suddenly stop, all reading presume as normal as if nothing happened.
Sergeant!? Update? Why have the Sirens stopped?
I-…it’s gone…it was about to land on top of us and suddenly it’s now showing u-…
Sergeant, send all nearby squads to Delta camping grounds immediately.
Hmm? Uuh….yes, right away Sir!
taking the mic for the intercoms and personal Communication Devices (PCDs)
All available squadrons report to Delta camp stat, per request of General Sigis
As the facility vacays the sergeant waits pondering to himself before leaving the facility himself.
I still don’t get it. What ever that thing was couldn’t be real. It just randomly shows up and then no trace…what the hell? Maybe I’m just over thinking it. Who knows maybe it was some crazy dark matter incident…
In route to the camp, The sergeant gets a call from General Sigis
Sergeant, did I not make myself clear when I said immediately!?
My apologies Gene-
Cut out the Apologies and replace it with Footsteps and get here on the double. This ain’t the time to dilly daddle!
Sigis abruptly ending the call, The sergeant takes a second, recognizing the haste Sigis just portrayed
Now this really doesn’t make sense…even the General is out of character…
Picking up the pace, the sergeant approaches the exit leading to delta camp, dropping his pace upon arrival to witness Five humanoid beings standing in center of the armed attended forces
What…what the hell is going on?? Where’s the General??
Calm it Serg, don’t want to rile them up and we don’t know what’s happening for real. They were here when we arrived. Sigis noted to send you to his office upon you’re arrival, so now that you know, get to moving.
Gee, Thanks for the info Bale. I’ll be on but please, do your best to keep the the others in check
Nodding in confirmation followed with a thumbs up, the sergeant then takes haste to reaching the office. Entering the facility that hosts it
What the hell…this make no sense…those things weren’t human but they resembled us so much…and why are they just letting them just sit there? If they were there…ugh! My head hurts… huh? Even Security in here as been increased…with them fully equipped at that.
Approaching the office, The sergeant is let in by the standing guards, entering in to bare witness to a being of the same resemblance of the prior creatures. Upon Arrival Sigis begins with the concerns
Sergeant, as I’m sure you can see, we have ourselves a set of interesting guests. Allow me to fill you in.
As the General continues speaking pacing around to the front of his desk
This is indeed an alien you see. The-
Sir…you’re joking right? This is completely unpr-
Sergeant!
…Sir!…
Once again, allow me to fill you in. They are aliens. They’re here in search of help. Their planet is currently being attacked and are asking for either a place of refuge or forces to help alongside them.
Huh? Aliens are asking for help, with an alien invasion?
Correct and part of the now looming issue is that we are now tied in this regardless. The creatures attacking are also looking for them, which makes earth a likely target…do you see where I’m going Sergeant?
Gen…Sigis you can’t be serious?
I unfortunately am. The specifics they’ve given us about the situation point towards a few days before we have another visitor. They won’t be able to clear the area in time with their current equipment so it’s the only option we have. So from here I introduce you to Xeta of the Kylons. Feel free to introduce yourself
“This is insane…how does this even happen?” …Xeta of the Kylons, I am Sergeant Jax. What are our plans from here General?
The end
“…huh? Where am I even…? “
Lifting her head from the chilling sensation of the ground. Taking a survey of her surroundings, assessing the situation
“The rooms practically empty…though there’s one light and no noticeable cameras” “Ugh, last thing I remember is…wait!” “Where’s Alex!? Damnit, what the hell happened!? Okay Laya, take a second, think, breathe…”
Recalling the screeching sound of tires partnered alongside a pitch black viewing
“Why’s my memory so foggy? Come on Laya!…think!”
Pondering, remembering her stashed combat knife stored in a compartment in the sole of her boot.
“Considering they tied my hands behind my back it actually helps”
Freeing herself from her restraints, pacing the edges of the room to see if anything that stands out, pondering to herself her surveillance
“There nothing in here that’s jogging any memories…ugh…what the hel-“
Bringing her eyes to a piece of shelving in the dimly lit, opposing corner, noticing a white spec wedge behind it. Walking over to see what it is, coming to find it’s a note from Alex.
“Sorry Laya, we’re short on time so I’ll be quick. You’ll probably need a second to gather yourself when you wake up, I did to. It’s not much but we’re now they at one of the gangs hideout bases. They gassed us during our meeting with them and we ultimately got brought here, though what for I’m unsure. Everything else is still foggy but I hope this helps jog something for you”
“ Damnit…then it’s safe to assume they saw her out the restraints and took her elsewhere but, where are you Alex?…Wait! There’s no door but she left a note as well…if we both were here, then where’s the entrance?”
Inspecting the floor for any cracks, whilst tracing her hand along the wall across from the shelving for balance, finding a crack. Kicking in the door, peering her face inside hosting a smile after her sigh of relief.
Hmph! Wasn’t too bad. Now to find Alex.
Treading through the pathway, processing her situation
They took all our stuff…considering we’re at their hideout I’ll probably need something to defend myself with…but first I definitely need to find this exit! How do they even travel through tunnels this narrow…? Luckily it seems like it’s a single route for it though. I just keep going, I should be able to find her and we can get out of here.
Approaching the end of the tunnel she comes to a old classroom filled with dust and construction debris, surveying the room before entering
“The abandoned high school…makes sense. Could’ve cleaned up a bit though….Is there a trail I can follow? Come on Alex please tell you thought of that!”
Exiting the class, crouched, strolling through the hallways
“All the doors are closed. Are all the rooms vacant. Is Alex in one of th- footsteps!”
Hiding being a turned over garbage can, peeking around as two masked people cross the halls ahead of her. Weaving her way through the debris as a nimble cat. Turning the corner the masked members came from, once they hit the end of the hallway.
“Now where would I put a captive? Some place they they can’t get out…but where is that in a school?”
Crouching along the wall as she surveys the rooms
“Most of them are closed still, but is so, which one makes the most sense to hold someone in…? The center! Most of those rooms should have limited entries like the other spot. I’ll search those a-“
Just as Laya peers her head around the corner, she’s met with a flaring lighting. Instantly retracting, back paces back to the nearest classroom with no lighting and sneaks in
“I’m assuming they know I’m gone now. Considering that guard had a weapon, he’s probably a guard for Alex. I should be close. Does this class have another exit?”
Treading through the classroom over the rubble, struggling to avoid causing any noises, she pauses takes her jacket off to cushion and absorb the steps and her boots to rid of the hard soles. Continuing her path, approaching a door that leads to the next class room. She enters
“I think I’m past him now”
Closing the door behind her still crouched, she peers her head over the edge of the classroom window to the hallway. She notices a door across the hall with a make-shift lock and no door knob.
“That has to be it. He’s down by the other end of the hall so I should be okay. I can go out this room’s door and see if I can get in.”
Letting the armed guard reach the end to ensure its clear. Slowly opening the door and jetting out to the locked room. Fidgeting with the lock, she’s hears footsteps around the corner again. As she retracts from the door to retreat, she notices she’s cornered as the masked guards turn down her hall and the armed guard is making way back with her now in his sights. Yelling, demanding she surrender. Laya let’s them close in. With the unarmed guards reaching her first, taking one captive with her knife.
To get me you’d have to shoot your buddy, and you! Don’t move or my knife does.
Squared off for an instant, the captured guard dips their head attempting to free himself. Laya follows his leads as he goes towards the door with shots now trailing them. Trailing behind the guard still as a shield, she leaps into a neighboring classroom. As she waits for the armed guard to close in, she takes the back entrance to the next classroom, tumbling out the door once the guards approach the window, tossing her knife at the guard, the blade lunged in his thigh, bleeding out. She attempts to to attempt to leave and to loop around giving chase, when she turns the corner
BAM!!
a loud bang is heard to the guards, with tumbling school wares following
“I’m happy for him, I really am, but…I just don’t want him to go!”
Hey baby girl, we finally did it!
We?
Yeah! Without you helping me prep I’d have never got the role…I honestly couldn’t thank you enough…babe?
Hmm! Oh no I’m sorry I was lis-
I know…and no I’m sorry…I know it sucks. I knew you were a bit reluctant about this cause of the distance and I still pushed for it…
No! It’s okay it is…it’s your dream you’re supposed to go after it I’m just a bit of the clingy type. I was just hoping ya know…?
I, uh yeah…and so I took some time to make some calls. I thought that maybe they’d be willing to work something out.
Like what…!? Babe yo…you didn’t have to do that…
You don’t even know what it is yet…phst
Still! Don’t give it up for me…please…
…I Wasn’t. I told you I couldn’t thank you enough didn’t I?
Huh…? What did you do?
Here’s your plane ticket, you can pay me back once you’re settled in a mansion
Hah!? Babe what did you do??
Since you were so involved in my progress I expressed it to them
Then why a ticket and not a thank you letter?
Because you’ll be helping direct the movie
HUH! Babe what!? How’d you even manage something like that?
Still looking for our journal?
Huh!? I thought you said we lost it!?
We did, kinda I forgot I sent it in for them to take a look at your work and never went to pick it up…hehe
You…I love you…thank you so much
Ah, no need, just make sure you always get my good angle Kay?
Kay!
Earthquakes no longer feel so foreign to my body, or so I thought. As I sit here anxiety rising, my hands tremble even stronger than my body. Terrified for what could become of me my head swivels, trying to make sense of my surroundings. I can recognize nothing around me with the damage done This war had seemed over The dust settles The last few walls crumble, letting in the cast of light A light so bright, not even my shadow could exist in its presence Then as the glimmers of light settles into my eyes I understand I look around to see nothing, had truly changed although Earthquakes truly no longer feel so foreign to my body
inhales exhales
Oh, How the times have changed, though you’re just as I remember. The creek of wood with each step, watching my reflection cast itself to the water. Still carrying the grassy scent of the near shorelines in your breeze. Being here…takes me back…watching the skyline at my feet was always calming yet totally mesmerizing. To imagine the starry sky at my feet…what if I could actually reach in and hold a star from it? I knew couldn’t but the idea alone never left my mind. If you could hold on to something so beautiful so effortlessly, could I? They way you use to take shades and shapes always had me captivated…waves crashing against each other splashing rain so beautiful you’d mistake it for fairy dust. Looking in the water I wonder would I still be able to see the plant life as I did then. Over all of this though, I wonder so long how could something be so much and nothing at the same time. Then I realized you’re not actually the skyline just as I’m not all the stuff I act as on tv, but wanting to be a part of and share the experience and beauty of the world is what makes it all possible I suppose?
“Ugh it’s so hot out, but at least it’s sunny…”
Cason!
Oh, hey Jessica, What’s up?
Have you heard?! Michelle’s coming to town for the weekend! She’ll be in tomorrow till Sunday
Oh that’s sounds fun! Got anything planned for when she gets here?
Mm-mmn that’s why I came to you! Don’t act like you didn’t have the sweats for her back in high school tee-he!
Mmh! shhh! do you really have to be that loud about it?! We’re in a cafe you know!
Hah! Relaax no one heard…I think…but never mind that! She told me she’d be back tomorrow and I thought you’d want to see while she was here. You’ve been so anti social I was hoping this might help you get out the house a bit…
…”I actually would really like to see her”…what time does she fly in?
She’ll be in at…let me check…5
Hmm? On a Friday… we could go to the pier
That’s actually not a bad spot Cason, you’re getting better at this!
Yeah yeah he-he…
Don’t tell you’re nervous already?!
Hmm?! No! I’m excited to be honest, my friends and a day at the pier…couldn’t ask for a better way to spend the time
Hmh, You better not chicken out then! I’m watching you!
Don’t worry. We meet her when she gets back then head there for the day?
Yup! How bout Saturday?
Oh! I actually won’t be able to…
Huh! Why not?!
I’m leaving to go visit some family. Didn’t expect for the surprise visit but I have some tome before than so It just makes sense you know?
Yeah, so that means you gotta get that kiss before you leave haha!
Jess!!
whispers sorry…
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow!
Cason! You’re here before me? That’s a shocker! You must really want that kiss huh?
Drop the kiss jess, I’m just tryna make the most of the time. Who knows maybe she gets here early
I guess you could say that bu-oh you’re actually right…there’s Michelle!
Heyy Michelle!!
Jessi, Casey!!! It’s so good to see you guys!
It’s good to see you too Michelle
How’d you manage to get here so early? This fortune teller of here actually called it
Oh! They said there was a storm that we would’ve run into but was avoidable if we were able to to leave early. Checked if everyone who booked was there cleared the flight, and here I am!
Well now that you’re here, let’s get you settled and then we’ll head to the pier for your first day back home!
That’s would be lovely!
Give me one second and I’ll back out and ready to go!
Don’t worry, take your time, you got here early.
What’s ups Cason? Nervous? You been pretty quiet tehee!
No, but I sure once we get to the pier you were gonna leave us so it would be a date, am I right?
Uuh…maybe…How’d you know?
How wouldn’t I know? You have me make the plan and it’s just us three.
Well look here Sherlock pants! Can you blame me I’m just helping hehe
If you weren’t my best friend I’d shove you for pulling this
What?!?!
I’m back, sorry I took so long
You’re good Michelle
Um…you okay Jessi?
Just peachy, we can go
The pier look so beautiful today, clear water in the horizon the suns even reflecting on it. How did it so much better than what I remember? Um Casey, where’s Jessi?
She probably went to grab a snack or something…you already know how she is haha “one of these days Jess, one of these days…”
So how’ve you been Casey? It’s been a while and you seem taller too! Finally started eating your share?
Haha I’ve been trying to, been working out some to try and keep my body up to speed
You’re even working out now?! What’s been up while I was away?
Yeah haha, I just thought being in better shape would be better overall…what about you? How’s school been?
Ugh, a workload and a half but it’s been nice. Meet lots of new people, the new scenery is nice for some time but then you get a bit home sick
Yeah, I can get that. Why I decided to take a break junior year. You should do it more often, it helps, trust me haha! Wanna go grab something to eat on me?
Oh, Cason you don’t have to, you know that! You always spoil me and Jessi
Don’t sweat it Michelle, I want to for the moment and time. You’re back visiting, you should be relaxing and taking it easy.
…fine but don’t overdo it! You hear me?!
I hear you Michelle! I won’t, I promise!
So I see hot dogs, burgers, and popcorn. What’s your pick?
Mmm Popcorn?
Popcorn it is…hey there’s Jess, I told you she’d be getting a snack
Jessi!
Oh! hey guys, how’s the dat-I mean…day going for you guys?
It’s great! The piers so beautiful I could just swim in it haha!
How bout you take one hehe?
I know my limits there
Hahahah-oh…it’s starting to get cloudy, think it might rain?
We might have to head back for the night, Are you coming back with us Casey?
N-
Nah he’s gotta trip to visit some family so he’s busy getting ready for that
I could’ve told her myself you know…
Yeah but didn’t I make it easier! Hush up! hehe
Oh! We’ll see you off then! How are you getting there?
No need to fret it, it’ll be early in the morning. No need to be up at that early
Then could you call before you leave?
…sure. I’ll call in the morning sometime before 11.
Okay! Don’t forget!
I won’t geez haha, for now let’s head back to avoid this rain.
Cool! Talk to you later Cason
See you Casey
See you guys, and thank you!
Huh, why’d he say thank you?
Mm mm”Casey what kind of stunt was that? Tryna rat me out to Michelle?” Let’s just head back, we can ask him tomorrow
Yeah, no need to worry then
Heyy Michelle, you up?
Mmm
What time is it…?
Uuh…11:30…
Okay..wait! Didn’t Cason say he’d call by 11?
Uh..yeah actually. Did he call you?
No, you?
Mm-mn
Imma call this goof ball
Hello?
Hello is Cason available?
Oh, is this Jessica?
Yeah
I’m sorry, is his friend Michelle still with you as well? We need tell you something…