The Coming Darkness

by

JamesPicard_007

Chapter 3

Fourside

Allen waited in the hallway. The museum was dreadfully quiet even for after hours. Allen looked up at the nearby clock which read eleven thirty-eight. Allen then looked to his side at the door leading into the office of Director Farkas. Voices could be heard from inside and although he could hear them more clearly if he had wished Allen just waited.

Beside him was a large duffel bag that contained the meteorite that the museum scientists had asked for. Allen noticed that the voices inside had stopped and low footsteps had replaced them. The doorknob began to turn and the door opened slightly. Dr. Ovits poked his head out and asked Allen inside.

Allen picked up the duffel bag and walked inside the office. Everybody from the previous meeting was there. Director Farkas offered Allen a seat which he gracefully accepted.

“Let’s get down to business, Mr. Black. Have you procured the meteorite?” Farkas asked.

“Do you have my five hundred thousand dollars?” Allen asked.

“Five hundred thousand dollars? What five hundred thousand dollars? I do not remember such a sum being promised to you.”

“We have a contractional agreement. If I can bring you the meteorite before twelve A.M. Sunday then you would give me five hundred thousand dollars. It is now eleven forty Saturday night. I still have nineteen minutes to give you the meteorite and still be able to fulfill our contractional agreement.”

“I do not remember agreeing to such an outrageous fee. It would seem that you are trying to blackmail me.”

“Oh? I have here in my pocket a signed contract agreeing to those terms with your signature. Certainly you would not want me to take this to a court of law?”

“What good would that do you? You are a mercenary. Lying is part of your trade.”

Allen reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black object. The scientists recoiled in horror as Allen pushed a switch on the side. Immediately Director Farkas’ voice sounded from the object. It was a recording of the meeting from the previous night.

“I think that coupled with a signed contract and a strict verbal agreement the courts will be inclined to rule in my favor. Anyways I can just hand over this meteorite to say the museum in Summers.”

“Wait! Director Farkas! Please give the man his money. We need to get our hands on that meteorite.” Dr. Ovits pleaded.

“If anything I’m sure that the museum would like to avoid such a public spectacle.”

“Argh. Do you take cash or credit?”

“Credit will be just fine.”

Winters

A light snowfall filled the air. The sky was covered in the veil of night. The residents slumbered silently. At the Snow Wood Boarding School most of the lights were out. Only a few students were out and about. Down at the gates a slight crackle filled the air. Then an explosion boomed through the air and a brilliant flash of light.

Ness and Paula exited through the portal and into the Winters landscape. The sudden chill rushed through their bodies. Ness approached the gate and pressed the intercom button. A student answered and Ness explained they were there to see Jeff. The gate lock clicked and the gate swung open.

Ness and Paula rushed inside to get out of the cold. Maxwell greeted them inside the lobby and walked them to Jeff’s room. They knocked on the door and Jeff greeted them. He invited them inside and placed a pot of water on a miniature stove. Paula explained the situation to Jeff while they waited on the tea water.

“So you’re trying to find this mysterious gentleman from your dream?” Jeff asked.

“Yes. He will be instrumental in whatever event is about to take place.” Paula answered.

“I believe I can see what you are trying to do.”

“What would that be?” Ness asked.

“You are trying to control or at least shape events of the future.” Jeff replied.

“Wha?”

“In the future there will be a splitting point. A point in time where two different possible futures are possible. This gentleman you are trying to find will have an incredibly important part in this battle.”

“Could you clarify that a little bit?”

“Let’s say that this guy will be the deciding factor in all of this. If he were to make a certain choice than the future could turn for the good. However if he were to make another choice then the future could turn for evil.”

“This guy could be that important in all of this? He could literally change the entire course of the future?”

“Yes. I must concur with Paula on this. It is critical that we find this guy.”

“We need to get Poo in on this. It’s critical that we all get back together.”

At this time the pot behind Jeff began to whistle shrilly. Jeff poured everybody a cup of tea. After having tea and cookies Jeff packed himself a bag and left with Ness and Paula to Dalaam.

Middle of the Ocean

The boat rocked in the darkness of the light. A slight wind blew over the deck. In the darkness a black robe flapped in the night. A figure stood on the deck watching the ocean. The ship was heading towards Summers and the first of his goals. Zarus smiled to himself as soon it would begin.