The Timeless Tale

     "From the future? So you've found a way to travel? Please tell us more!" Kera was almost begging.

     Trilluna scrutinised them with a stern gaze, devoid of any hint of a smile. On the contrary, she frowned and growled.

     "So, that's the purpose of your journey?" she said scornfully. "Give up. It's a lost cause."

     "But if you've succeeded, it means there's hope!"

     "Yes, I'm from the future, but believe me, the risks of travelling into the past are far from minor. It's completely unpredictable, and you'll do more harm than good."

     "...Is that what happened to you?" Rhea's concern was palpable.

     Trilluna sighed and settled back into her seat. Bossy and sharp on the outside, a heavy burden seemed to weigh on her shoulders. Like a guilt that the passing of time had never been able to erase. "Because of me, half of my friends have been transported to another dimension. I've been banished by my own kind, and, to be honest, I think I deserved it. My solitude is the price I have to pay for my sins. Don't make the same mistakes I did."

     Rhea knew the feeling of loneliness all too well. During his extended period of seclusion, he had experienced a pain he wouldn't wish on anyone. Being an outcast was tough, but it was better than not existing for anyone.

     "And you never wanted to join Neopia? I'm sure you could find your place there. You could even travel with us if you wanted to!" Rhea didn't want to leave her alone like this.

     "Ugh. I'd rather be alone than with you losers." Her words were harsh, but a faint smile appeared on her face. Rhea couldn't help but feel that a crack had opened in her shell. "If my research goes wrong, no one will ever have to suffer again. That's what I promised myself."

     "As you wish. But don't let guilt get the best of you. I don't think that's what your friends would have wanted." Rhea tried to reassure her as best he could.

     "...Thank you." She seemed to hesitate for a moment before continuing, "I don't really know your motives, but if going back in time is that important to you, then perhaps there's another alternative."

     Kera, who had been somber for a few moments, suddenly seemed to come back to life. His face brightened, and his eyes sparkled with newfound hope.

     "During the war between Meridell and Darigan, a time bubble allowed the past kingdoms to exist in our present. I don't know how they did it, or what technology they used." She paused for a moment to observe the two friends, then resumed. "The only thing I'm certain of is that Lord Darigan must know how it was done."

     *******

     "We don't have to go, Rhea. I would never force you to return to the place where you've suffered so much."

     "Of course, we will. It's your dream, and I won't let you give it up because of me!"

     "We'll find another way! And if nothing else, the present isn't so bad, is it? We'll find a place to live, we'll meet new friends, and we could travel as much as we want!"

     "You're the one who always told me I had to face my fears if I wanted to overcome them. So let me go, and this time I won't let myself be run over by those thugs!"

     "When I said to conquer your fears, I'm not asking you to throw yourself into the Werelupe's den! It's me who's been chasing pipe dreams for far too long now. I'm the one who's been unable to face my fears. Why should you have to go through such hardships because of me?"

     "... Because we're friends? Isn't that reason enough for you?"

     Faced with the Ixi's determined gaze, Kera couldn't fight back. He felt tears welling up in his eyes. After all these years of chasing ghosts, he had become lonelier than anyone. Yet, for the first time since that day when, as a child, he had lost his way in Geraptiku's cave, he had someone by his side he could consider a friend.

     "... Fine. But do not let me out of your sight. I'm saving my strength as much as possible, and if there's the slightest sign that something might go wrong, I'll take us to the future."

     “Deal!”

     Once the agreement had been reached, they headed back towards Lunaria's other two dwellers.

     "So you're heading back to see that good old Korbat?" Trilluna asked with a sneering smirk.

     Kera stared around uncomfortably, and Rhea smiled sadly. "Yes, we'll be leaving soon."

     "Humph, it's about time. I was just about to get used to your company." She backed up her words with a nonchalant shrug and a pout. "Is this farewell then?"

     "More like see you later." Rhea reassured her. "And our offer still stands if you ever feel like going to Neopia with us."

     "Why would I want to see you again?" Her words were as sharp as ever, but her genuine smile couldn't fool anyone. "Kauwee, would you mind bringing them back?"

     "'Ooooh so his name is Kauwee?" Kera commented excitedly.

     "I have no idea, really. But he is a Kau, and all he ever says is 'weeee,' so I made up a nickname." She stroked the Baby Kau's hair as he closed his eyes and rubbed against her hand in appreciation. "I've been calling him that for months now, and he seems to like it!"

     "Weeee!!!" Kauwee replied cheerfully. The other three burst out laughing. The little Kau galloped enthusiastically around the three friends, inadvertently jostling them from time to time.

     "Good luck in your quest. And if you succeed, don't forget that every journey has consequences. You want to see your loved ones again, that's a worthy purpose, but what are you willing to sacrifice to succeed? The day will come when you'll have to make a choice, so don't rush blindly into it."

     They both nodded, "Thank you for everything Trilluna, and good luck in your own quest. You deserve to be happy."

     "Well, I'll see you later then." Trilluna retorted and waved goodbye.

      *******

     The ride back was more pleasant than the first one. Having already experienced a trip in a bubble made the journey less startling, and Rhea found himself delighted. Gradually, the marble at the bottom of the galaxy grew larger, morphing into an apple, then a melon, and finally, a balloon. It continued to expand until he could no longer discern its edges. Witnessing Neopia getting closer, rather than further away, added to his sense of comfort. The levitation and rocking, he found, were not as unpleasant as he anticipated.

     As the islands became more distinct, the floating citadel of Darigan appeared among them. Rhea took a deep breath, closing his eyes momentarily. Despite his efforts to maintain a steady heart rate, anxiety returned, gnawing at him. Drops of sweat chilled his temples, and the hairs on the nape of his neck prickled up. The clutch tightened in his chest, and tears welled up in his eyes. "No, no, no, not now. You've changed; you can get through this," he repeated in his mind, opening his eyes and focusing on his surroundings. Kauwee was spinning around inside his bubble, and Kera was observing the landscape with childlike eyes. "You are not alone. You're not alone anymore."

     Barely catching his breath, they touched the ground. Kauwee brushed against their legs and greeted them with a friendly "Weee."

     "Thanks again for the ride, little Kau," Keraiem said, scratching the baby's ears.

     "Get home safe, Kauwee! See you soon," Rhea added, stroking his head. The baby flew back into his bubble, smiling and twirling in mid-air.

     "Well then. Let's go?" Rhea suggested, attempting to appear serene and detached, though he trembled deep down.

     "Only if you're ready," Kera replied softly.

     Rhea nodded before continuing, "The easiest way is probably to go through the dungeons and break into Lord Darigan's office. If we go through the main entrance, the guards will see us and recognise us straight away. I'm sure Graymin hasn't given up on the idea of stealing your powers, and we won't give him the chance to get his hands on you again. Does that suit you?"

     "Fine by me. But how do we get into the dungeons without going through the entrance?"

     "There's a back door on the right-hand side of the building. I used to sneak in there regularly to watch the stars during my patrols, but the other guards hardly ever go there."

     Keraiem nodded, and their operation began. They worked their way along the walls until they reached the door Rhea had described. The hinges were rusty, and ivy had grown around the handle. Keraiem pulled a dagger from his belt and cut away the roots embedded in the joints of the door. He knelt on the floor and proceeded to unlock the door. He slid his blade between the lock and the panel and struck the handle with a sharp blow. The lock popped with a loud "clack" and the door swung open with a creak.

     As they walked through the darkness, not a sound could be heard. The night had fallen, and the whole Citadel seemed to be asleep. Yet, as they moved forward in silence, a murmur began to echo.

     "We have what you're looking for."

     Another voice followed, "We can help you," and a final one whispered, "Come meet us."

     The voices all seemed to originate from the same place. Without consulting each other, the two friends followed these intriguing voices. They were deep and resonant, almost hypnotic, leading them down one corridor, then another. They walked without thinking until they reached an isolated room, locked by thick bars. Inside, a faerie, a Skeith, and a Gelert were lounging on a sofa.

     "Are you the ones who called us?" Kera asked. "How do you know what we're looking for?"

     "We've been watching you for a long time, Keraiem," replied one of the three voice callers. "We know a way to return Neopia to its former state."

To be continued…