IN ASSOCIATION WITH "MEH" PRODUCTIONS
TIME BEFORE DEATH
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
THIS CHAPTER IS IN NO WAY INVOLVED WITH TALKING POPSICLES!
Chapter 1: Some Assembly Required
I s a b e l
30 years after the Battle with Lathenia, the sphere is spinning again.
I've been watching it for an hour now, questions cycling through my head at a dizzying rate. Who is tampering with Lathenia's sphere? What time period is targeted? And, most importantly, how are we going to fight off this new threat?
I take a deep breath, trying to unscramble my distressed thoughts. It's been 30 long, peaceful years since time has been meddled with, and the Guard is no longer trained to defend the timeline as we know it. Instead, it's focused on hunting down the wren, demons, and other monstrosities that infiltrated our world during the final battle and stabilizing the Earth. If this new menace becomes constant, it could mean danger for the realm.
Then again, I suspect trouble has already taken form. Early this morning, Arkarian was called away on an urgent mission by Dartemis, who appeared horror-struck and uneasy. Arkarian, who was also troubled by Dartemis' timorous behavior, left instantly.
If Dartemis is perturbed, then whatever's going on must be mountainous. I shiver, disquieted by the strange events that are occurring. What could possibly be going on after 30 years of happiness and tranquility?
The raucous beeping of the sphere pulls me from my thoughts. It's starting to slow down; descending from its breakneck pace to a dawdling sluggish speed. I watch it intensely for the next fifteen minutes, until the sphere finally comes to a complete stop. Rapidly, I adjust the magnifications and angles, studying the past.
The holographic sphere displays the image of a land of white crystal and pine trees, sparkling lakes and shining white marble temples. Everything is serene and mystifying. Yet, despite the perfect picture, I can't figure out what time period it is.
Then, realization hits me and I gape at the sphere, utterly stunned.
It's aimed at the year nine thousand five-hundred B.C. Atlantis.
Oh crap.
C o D y
"Hey," a hand reaches out and tenderly grabs my shoulder. I tense, trembling lightly, and turn my head slowly towards the soft voice.
It's Ashlyn Hall. Not that I didn't know that already. I'd recognize her reposeful, delicate voice anywhere. "Yeah?" I ask, looking at her with a glazed expression.
"Can I borrow a pencil?" She whispers politely. I nod, and my hand quickly dives into my bag, rummaging around for a pencil.
Ashlyn Hall has been my 'crush' for 8, long years. Everything about her is so breathtaking-the shiny hair, pure skin, and melodic laugh that when I'm in her presence it makes it difficult to focus. However, her most astonishing feature is easily her eyes-they're so incredibly, remorselessly hazel-always so deceptively calm that I know there's something underneath them. And although I can never truly recall why I'm attracted to her, I know I am.
"Here," I say in an undertone, passing her the pencil.
"Thank you," She replies smoothly. I nod in acknowledgment and turn back towards the front of the classroom. Mr. Adams is lecturing, drawing some sort of graph on the chalkboard, but my thoughts are too turbulent for me to gather anything he's saying.
Last night, I decided to ask Ashlyn out. But now I'm having second thoughts. What if she laughs and sneers? What if she ignores me? What if she accepts out of pity? My mind keeps creating these despairing scenarios, each worse than the last. I'm not her only admirer-most of the school's male population has feelings for Ashlyn, and many of them have asked her on dates themselves. And every one of them, she has turned down.
So why on Earth would she accept my offer? My class at school is semi-moron. Why would she go out with me when she could easily date Derek Collins? But I have to try, right? I'll never know until I do. Besides, if I fail, I'll only have humiliated myself in front of the whole school and be classified as a full, pure idiot. But it's a small price to pay, right?
Finally, the bell rings, signaling the end of the tedious school day. Mr. Adams scowls at the interruption of his lesson but dismisses us without hesitation.
I jump eagerly out of my seat and throw all my belongings into my bag, sprinting towards the door. Ashlyn's already there-she almost seems more excited than me to get out of class-and I carefully follow her, keeping my distance but making sure to never let her wander out of my sight.
She ventures out into the schoolyard, where she is promptly joined by her best friend, Aisyana. The two amble down the path, chattering and laughing as they go. Gulping, I gather my courage and approach.
It takes almost no time for them to notice me. Aisyana glances nervously in my direction and whispers, quickly yet still loud enough for me to hear. "Watch out. Becket's heading your way."
"I see him." Ashlyn says tonelessly. The thought of retreat streaks across my mind, but I shake it off rapidly and quicken my pace, eager to complete my mission.
"Hey, Ashlyn!" I call out as I draw nearer. The two girls stop and turn as I catch up. "Um, are you doing anything this weekend?"
"No, not really," Ashlyn says softly, momentarily glancing downwards. Then she looks up again firmly. "What do you have in mind?"
Her approval excites me-I may just have a chance with this relationship! "Well, the basketball team is playing a really crucial match tomorrow…"
"I love basketball!" She beams, entrancing eyes sparkling.
"Really? So do I! Well, of course I do, since I'm on the team…and, uh, anyway," I continue, mentally slapping myself for making such a silly mistake. "I think we'd-or at least, I would-play better if you were cheering us on…and then, maybe afterwards, we could go catch a movie?"
"Sounds great!" Ashlyn approves, nodding affirmatively.
"Awesome! How 'bout I pick you up at six?" I smile, silently praying I don't somehow screw this up in the final stages. Knowing me, I'll find a way."
Ashlyn darkens. "How about I meet you there? Promise?"
"Sounds great. See you there!" I turn to leave, then, as an afterthought, call out "Wear something sexy!"
Ashlyn smiles and laughs, while Aisyana elbows her humorously. They wave, then turn a corner and walk out of my sight.
I inhale deeply and slap myself, making sure that wasn't a dream. The stinging pain now in my cheek tells me it was real. "YES!" I cheer, punching the air. I got a date with Ashlyn! Nothing could ruin this day! Nothing at all!
Well, only if some extremely powerful, demented evil being has rose from the dead and killed my mentor, Ethan, and Dillon while vowing to take over the world. But, come on, what are the chances of that?
A s h l y n
Once we round the corner, I turn towards Aisyana, smiling widely, and give her a thumbs-up. "Score!"
"Nicely done," Aisyana grins. Then the jubilation leaves her face and she pouts. "But…you turned down Vince Brensiz and agreed to a date with Cody? Cody Becket? CODY-THE JERK WHO KNOCKED DOWN MY LEGO TOWER IN KINDERGARTEN! WHY'D YOU AGREE TO GO OUT WITH HIM?"
"Calm down, Aisyana," I sooth, backing away a little. "That was an accident, remember? He's not a jerk at all. He's sweet."
"But Vince is so HOT!" Aisyana counters, still bitter about her plastic tower.
"Cody's cute too!" I protest, recalling Cody's dark tousled hair that fell disarmingly into his face and his gleaming, playful, mischievous eyes, so deep blue that they're almost purple. The first time I ever saw him (8 years ago) I turned so scarlet the teacher thought I was choking on my lunch and proceeded to give me the Heimlich. It wasn't pleasant.
"Yeah, but Vince is hot. Cody is cute. There's a difference, you know." Aisyana informs as we pass by another corner. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a familiar figure leaning against the wall but am too preoccupied with our conversation to observe entirely.
"So there you are," the figure said in a rich tone. Aisyana and I whirl around to face him.
"Derek!" I gasp, somewhat fearfully. Aisyana only gulps quietly and stares.
He pushes off the wall and approaches us. He's taller than I am, which means he towers ominously over Aisyana, who appears to shrink back in terror.
"What kept you?" He asks, misty green eyes examining us thoroughly.
"A boy," I reply, summoning confidence to add to my tone. I notice Derek tense. "We made arrangements."
At this, Derek visibly hardens. "I'm going to leave now." Aisyana squeaks, turning to depart. Derek, however, stops her by reaching out and taking hold of her shoulder firmly. Aisyana winces.
"No, you have to hear this too," he says sternly, then lowers his voice to a faint whisper. "You two have a mission tomorrow night."
"What?" Aisyana and I burst out simultaneously, causing passing citizens to eye us suspiciously. Derek glares, warning us severely to keep quite.
"You heard me," he says, still managing to keep his voice stunningly exuberant. "A mission. To Atlantis. I'll be going as well."
"What's our job?" I question, my voice light so that none can accidentally-or purposely- overhear.
Derek shakes his head in response. "The Goddess hasn't told me. But I know it's important. We can't afford to fail this. I've got to go-Keziah wanted a word. See you later." He then walks into a dimly lit alley and vanishes, using his wings to return to the Order's new base.
"A mission on such short notices," Aisyana sighs, shaking her head. "I can't believe it."
I shrug. "It should be easy-remember, the Guard isn't training its apprentices to defend time anymore, just to take down the remaining demons. It'll be simple."
"I hope you're right," Aisyana exhales.
"That would be nothing new," I smirk. Aisyana glares, and then sticks out her tongue in a childish manor. I can't help laughing.
"I guess you're right," She grins. "It will be easy!"
I nod, yet still, I have a nagging suspicion that it won't be as effortless as we predict.
TIME BEFORE DEATH
MORE THANKS TO HANNAH
FOR HER AMAZING, MAGICAL EDITING SKILLS
DON'T YOU ALL JUST LOVE HER?
THANKS TO HANNAH, ALL THE EL CRAPY MISTAKES WERE FIXED!
AND A BIG, SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL MY WONDERFUL REVIEWERS!
PLUS ALLIE, WHO IS PRONE TO EXAGGERATION!
STAY AWESOME PEOPLE!
Author's Ramblings: Shouldn't it be Authoress' Ramblings, 'cause I'm 100 female? Ah well, no point in changing it now. So, onto the Ramblings: Cody's section seemed wrong to me. Rushed, and not as detailed as I would have liked. Ah well. Nothing's perfect. Isabel's wasn't too awesome either. About that immature phrase at the end of her part-some things never change, right Hannah?
Ashlyn's part, however, I'm rather happy with. Okay, it's still rushed, but I felt like I did good. I love Aisyana-she's my favorite character now
Flames will, as always, be used to power my super-duper flame thrower! So bring 'em on!
Lastly, I was also wondering if you amazing reviewers prefer short chapters and quick updates or longer, more detailed chapters with a longer waiting time?
Oh, and I forgot to mention this last time…THE SUMMARY IS A JOKE, PEOPLE! Yes, a joke! For laughs! For fun! For sugar! Get it?
INSPIRATION OF THIS CHAPTER:
Allie's writing-which is awesome.
"Say Yeah! Motto Miracle Night!" by Morning Musume-that song's addicting I tell you.
"Blue" by Utada Hikaru.
DISCLAIMER:
Guardians of Time is C Marianne Curley. Characters are used without permission, but with respect and love. If you steal my work, characters, or plot-line, I will come after you with a large, pointy stick and Allie. Who, believe me, is FAR worse…
Emi over and out.