~Narrator's POV~

"Hey, sis." Caleb knocked on the cabin door, and subconsciously locked it, after entering the room he shared with his elder twin sister on their parents' cruise where a party was held in order to celebrate the success their firm was having. On board was all the shareholders of Waters & Waters limited, as well as representatives from several venture partners; all of them were social elites and business tycoons so they were naturally very wealthy. Everybody was exceedingly happy to be invited to this party, so even though the weather wasn't agreeable at all, their spirits were not dampened and they went ahead with the celebrations and champagne and the sailors who gave warnings were dismissed, much to the young Caleb's dismay.

"Hey, come on in." Kalyn was curled in her bed and, leaning against a stack of pillows and cushions, was reading. It was one of her favorite things to do. "Well, I can't believe you could escape the attention to spend time with me when you're supposed to be showered with praise and compliments." W&W Ltd.'s founder was Caleb Waters Sr. and his children, and possibly successors as well, upon his imminent retirement, Caleb Jr. and Kaye-Lynn (who was informally addressed and abbreviated as Kalyn) were expected to be socializing.

"Your disbelief cannot possibly beat mine. This feeling of awe I am presently experiencing derives from the fact that my sister is currently rereading, for the three hundred and ninety fourth time the Chronicles of Narnia, when she should be out on the deck, enjoying her drink and having a blast." Caleb joked, using a very clipped accent.

"Don't tease me, brother. This is the perfect book to read on a cruise, especially when it's impossible to have a blast on the deck. Look at the sky; a storm's brewing. I have no idea why they wouldn't listen to the sailors." Kalyn sighed and placed The Voyage of the Dawn Treader on the nightstand. "You love Narnia as much as I do anyway. You're just hiding it, and I would never conceal my love for Narnia. Don't you ever wish you could be in Narnia?"

"So you're telling me you don't enjoy the company of a group of adoring boys?" Caleb teased. "Allow me to share with you the fruits of the success of my firm, Miss Waters; I trust that you will be pleased by the amount of effort I have put into decorating the office lavatories." He mocked, in a sing-song voice, some of the businessmen's futile attempts at wooing his sister.

"It's not all I care about!" Kalyn giggled and shook her head. "You're one to speak. Surely one of these fine ladies out there can meet up to your standards?"

Before Caleb could answer, the night sky roared and a lightning bolt struck the waters. (A/n: pun intended.) Some muffled screams could be heard, but the laughter was louder.

"You do realize that they're all fairly older than me. The youngest woman out there is 7 years my senior." Caleb scowled at both the weather and the repellent aspect of having to date one of these tycoon's daughters who were way too old for him. "Anyway, to answer your question, of course I wish I could freely transport myself to Narnia and fro. I got very upset when I couldn't reach the magical land through my wardrobe when I was 9."

"Well, here's a painting of a beach." Kalyn pointed at the wall. "Maybe it'd come to life."

As if her words had been heard, the boat tipped over by a giant wave. More screams were heard and the dissonant clashes of objects falling over made the crew panic.

"What's going on?" Caleb shouted so that his voice would be audible over the sounds of the waves crashing against the wood used to build the ship.

The water that seeped through the cracks in the door was the answer to his question. Kalyn stumbled and fell back onto her bed. "Caleb! Open the door so that we can swim!"

Caleb did as he was told and rushed to the cabin door but the lock wouldn't open. They were locked in and no matter how hard he had tugged at the knob, his efforts were to no avail. He cursed madly, as Kalyn rummaged through the cabinets but there were no safety jackets in sight. She banged on the door and yelled. "Help us! We're stuck!"

Water began to flood the room and things were getting out of control faster than anybody would have thought. Kalyn had reached for her phone but she had lost her balance when the entire boat was hurled into the bottom of the ocean, sinking away as her breath did. She blindly tried to grab hold of floating objects but her lungs had given out and she had passed out into blackness.

Caleb's eyes opened to a picturesque world. The skies couldn't have been bluer and whatever he was lying on, it was soft. He helped himself up and looked around to see sands, with rocks and little pools of salt water, and seaweed, and the smell of the sea and long miles of bluish-green waves breaking for ever and ever on the beach. He had felt peaceful at heart, and was relieved to see his sister lying next to him. His heart skipped a beat when the memory of a shipwreck flooded his mind but the tranquil scenery quickly restored serenity to his mind. He was no longer dressed in a tux as he was on at the boat party, instead he wore a lounge shirt and utilitarian pants and waterproof boots and though his outfit was pretty much reminiscent of fashion of the previous century he had felt comfortable wearing these clothes. Kalyn's was similar, though in a more feminine sense as the shirt had floral patterns plaid on and weaved into it.

Caleb began to suspect if they had died in the shipwreck, or if they were the only two survivors of it. Either that or they had been abducted. Surely they couldn't have been that lucky to end up on a beautiful beach. He hadn't wanted to wake his sister, who still appeared to be resting, but when he turned to see a large creature – a lion, he soon identified – moving their way, he stumbled to his feet and shook Kalyn. She stirred but the lion was always deft, though unhurried, in its movement and was nearing the two. It was very unusual that a lion would be found on sands and not in jungles, so Caleb had found it queer.

"Kalyn, wake up, come on!" Caleb pleaded and tugged at Kalyn's arm fiercely, dragging her away from the lion but he dropped her hand, astonished, when the lion spoke.

"Fear not, child." It spoke in a calm and soothing manner that seemed to have banished all Caleb's fears. Suddenly he felt safe even in such close distance to a carnivore. The lion did not give off an ominous sense of danger as all Caleb felt was uncertainty and confusion.

"You've got to be kidding me." Caleb shook his head. "I'm definitely dead." Now he had come to know that he couldn't possibly die again, so there was really nothing he should be afraid of.

At this point, Kalyn sat up and instinctively backed away from the lion but she abruptly stopped in her tracks and spoke hoarsely, "Aslan?"

"Kalyn, I think we really are dead." Caleb had not yet fully recovered from the shock of seeing a talking animal, let along how it somehow just so happened that Kalyn had just been reading a book that involves a character fitting the exact same description with the creature before his eyes. A noble mane it had, with a majestic halo faintly glowing.

"Your lives on Earth have ended, as you have served your purposes in Earth. Now, you shall lead another life, serving another purpose, here in Narnia." Aslan explained.

"Narnia is real." Kalyn gasped delightfully as if she was a child instead of an 18 year old. Indeed, she was born again. She felt revitalized and energized and ready for an adventure.

"How can we know if this really is happening?" Caleb questioned incredulously.

"You can never know. You can only believe." Aslan's words of wisdom always involved equivocation.

"So now we're here because you've given us a mission, is that right?" Kalyn felt sure of herself.

"A Son of Adam and a Daughter of Eve must be brought from another realm to Narnia to fulfill the Ancient Prophecy to truly break Narnia free from the curse the White Witch had casted. If Narnia is to prosper, each King must marry someone who is not from Narnia, and make her his Queen. You are the destiny of Narnia." Aslan continued.

"Why us then? And not the Pevensies?" Caleb doubted.

"They have another purpose here in Narnia just as you have yours, Caleb, my child. What you do have in common with them, however, is that you've always had faith in Narnia. Now all you need is a little faith in yourself." Aslan reassured the twins.

"But we've got no clue at all what we're supposed to do." Caleb was not a fan of laissez-faire instructions. Life's too short; be direct!

"I have watched after you in your lives on Earth. The two of you made excellent scholars." As Aslan spoke, Caleb thought of his unfinished degree in Nautical Studies before his father transferred him to Business Administration. "So before you is a brilliant opportunity to learn and grow. It is not all about books and knowledge, but maturity and wisdom that you will gain." Aslan went on. "Wherever you seek protection, it will be given, for you are my children, and you will be guarded. Now, it is time for you to make for the woods." Aslan, with a light howl, sent Caleb and Kalyn into the forest before vanishing.

"Here we are. Any clue what we should do next?" Caleb knew he could always count on his sister.

"Find shelter, perhaps? Aslan always leaves us a way to figure out whatever's going on and I trust him." Kalyn shrugged and smiled easily. They did not have 21st century technology to aid them in their conquest but that didn't bother her.

"So far I've only comprehended the part where we're supposed to help the King find a Queen who's not Narnian." Caleb stated.

"Nor Telmarine." Kalyn added. "It's likely Aslan was referring to King Caspian X. After all, he did unify these two lands."

"You have a point." Caleb nodded thoughtfully. "We might as well go on a voyage. I mean, look at our outfits. And Aslan said to put our knowledge from our past lives into what lies ahead of us."

"You're right." Kalyn agreed. "Should we go find some food? We could collect some –"

"Hush. Hear the rustling?" Caleb frowned. "That's funny. There's no wind."

"The trees are magical, you know," Kalyn was not suspicious.

"No, no, listen." Caleb insisted, but all Kalyn heard was a thick thud as she watched her brother fall to the ground, lying on his back. A small creature stood on top of him. It wasn't a squirrel or a bird – it was a mouse.

Normally Kalyn would have deemed it impossible for a tiny mouse to bodily tackle a 6 feet tall human to the ground, and she was right – several other mice surrounded Caleb. Kalyn opened her mouth but no words came out as when she was about to speak she was interrupted.

"Choose your last words carefully!" One of the mice spoke in an authoritative manner that made it seem the mightier being even when compared to a man. It held out a tiny sword which would have been mistaken as a needle if not looked at closely. The mouse was also wearing a hat that fitted his size. He was the very animal form of a knight.

"You are a mouse." Caleb blinked twice before remembering that he was now situated in a magical land where beasts could be as intellectual as he was.

The mouse sighed. "I was hoping for something a little more original. Pick up your dagger." The mouse ushered.

"Uh, no, thanks." Caleb frowned. As much as he would need food he'd prefer fruits and nuts to a mouse. Since when was he equipped with a knife? He glanced at his belt and saw, indeed, a blade. He could never comprehend Aslan and His magic.

"Pick it up! I will not fight an unarmed man." The mouse stated firmly.

"Which is why I might live longer I choose not to cross blades with you. Even if I'm well equipped, you and your pack are probably gonna disarm me anyway." Caleb tried to reason with the sentient creature.

"I said I would not fight you. I didn't say I'd let you live." The mouse shook its head.

"Hey! Stop! Don't hurt him!" Kalyn interfered. "We mean you no harm."

"Ha! An unarmed lady I will not fight either. But the trust of a noble mouse is to be earned!" It had no intention of letting Caleb get back on his feet, though Caleb took this chance and grabbed hold of the mouse's tail, hoping that would free him. He was wrong. The mouse immediately sliced his palm with his sword.

"Unhand the tail!" This was not a serious injury but as Caleb didn't see this coming, he hissed in pain and withdrew his hand. "Aslan the Great gave me this tail and no one, I repeat, no one, touches the tail. Period. Exclamation mark!"

Kalyn knelt down to the mice's level. "Reepicheep?" She had no trouble identifying one of her favorite characters – everything that she had read was no longer fictional; it was all real, and as unbelievable as it was to her, she didn't mind it a single bit. She found it easier to adjust to Narnia than Caleb did even though they had just been here for an hour. She opened her heart to believe that anything could happen.

"Good lady, pray tell, how have you come to know of my name?" Reepicheep was dignified and smiled.

Kalyn pursed her lips. "I'll tell you when you free my brother." She glanced at Caleb.

As soon as Caleb dusted himself off, Kalyn began to explain how their arrival to Narnia was more or less accidental, or even coincidental, but definitely destined.

"Maybe we could be of help then. I believe it is my duty to lead you to the council. Then they'll decide how you will be of help." Reepicheep offered.

"Well that's very sweet of you." Kalyn graciously took the offer.

"I must say I am very flattered, Lady…?"

"Kalyn. And he's Caleb."

"Lady Kalyn. With the greatest respect, I do believe 'courageous', 'courteous', or 'chivalrous' might more befit a Knight of Narnia."

"Well, my apologies, Sir Reepicheep. Kindly guide us then." Kalyn smiled.

"The Lord Chancellor will be pleased to have two new well-read advisors." The mouse beside Reep spoke up. It was then known to the newcomers that it was Peepiceek, Reep's second in command.

"The Lord Chancellor? You mean as in Doctor Cornelius?" Caleb asked.

"Indeed. The tutor to King Caspian the Tenth of Narnia." Peepiceek grinned. "His Majesty is one of the best Kings Narnia has ever had, after High King Peter and King Edmund."

"So he unified Narnia and Telmar and now he's about to go on a voyage, am I right?" Caleb recited.

Reepicheep seemed genuinely impressed, but did not inquire how they came to know so much about Narnia. Reep presumed that they were here under Aslan's inspiration and guidance. "You are correct. I have never underestimated you, Sir Caleb. Perhaps you are an extraordinary architect?"

"Not me. Kalyn." Caleb smiled pompously at his sister, and was also very happy that he and the mice could be on good terms in spite of a previous hiccup.

"Ah, well, that's splendid!" Peepiceek clasped his paws together in mirth.

"King Nain of Archenland and company, Your Majesty." A messenger curtly notified Caspian of his ally's arrival. Caspian rose to receive them, as did his council. After a shortened chain of formal greetings came the introductions.

"Caspian, my friend, allow me to present to you, my cousin, Lady Marina." Nain beamed.

"Your Majesty." Marina curtsied. Marina was educated by the best tutors in Archenland there are. As part of the pact Caspian and Nain had made, she would be staying in Narnia over the course of two years, exchanging knowledge with esteemed architects of Narnia, where she would help design a royal flagship, the Dawn Treader, one of the finest ships in the Narnian Navy, so that when the voyage commences, Archenland could be included as one of the journey's stops and by then, she would submit a report to the Archenland Council that records all she would learn during her stay.

Doctor Cornelius the Lord Chancellor was delighted to have an apprentice so bright and enthusiastic about architecture, and their merry conversations did not end until the feast at dinnertime. He also came to know that Marina was in some ways like Caspian. Marina's mother had died during childbirth, and her father died shortly after. Marina was therefore cared after by her uncle and aunt, Nain's parents. Because she and Caspian were so much alike, it had once crossed Cornelius' mind that she might make a good match for Caspian, but the thought was soon erased since marriage was not on their minds; they were so young, and though Cornelius might not seem a romantic person, he did understand that Caspian would like to marry for love and so would Marina.

Regardless, Marina was an accomplished young lady who was also friendly and open minded and was eager to make conversation too with the Talking Beasts as they were only seen in Narnia and hardly ever in Archenland. Designing a navy ship was something she had never done before, so she was enthralled and certain that she would enjoy her stay here.

A/n: Please review! This is my first ever story...so I'm not sure if you'll like it but I do hope you will! Forgive my mistakes please, and please do tell me how I can improve in the reviews below.