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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 : Into the Past Chapter 2 : Locating the Tenth Planet Chapter 3 : The World of No Return Chapter 4 : The Compromise Chapter 5 : Return to Earth Chapter 6 : Formation of the Island Chapter 7 : Birth of the Monsters Chapter 8 : The Human Inhabitants Chapter 9 : Sage Creel Chapter 10 : The Lightning Palace Chapter 11 : Creating the Deity Chapter 12 : Deity’s First Strike Chapter 13 : Stopping Deity Chapter 14 : Restoring Sage Chapter 15 : Back to the Origins Chapter 16 : Return to the Island Chapter 17 : Four Years Later Chapter 18 : Preparation Chapter 19 : The Jackal Arrives Chapter 20 : The Master Ideya Chapter 21 : The Eternal Corridor Chapter 22 : Back to the Future Chapter 23 : The New Future
Chapter 1 : Into the Past Veronica Creel is the daughter of Synan and Zoe. She has an older brother, Sage, and a younger brother Kail. Unlike Sage and Kail, Veronica was born with psychic powers. Since as long as Veronica could remember, the world was ruled by an evil trickster from beyond, who referred to himself as The Jackal. Veronica came up with the idea that she could use her psychic powers to transport herself into the past, to a time before The Jackal has ever taken over the world. Veronica and her family have been in hiding in the Sahara Desert. It is one of the few places in which The Jackal has not explored. Veronica’s plan was that she would go into the past and find a way to prevent the world from being taken over. Veronica climbs the sand dunes to the top of the highest one. The sun shining over the desert is unbearably hot. Veronica’s dark brown hair blows in the wind. She climbs to her feet and stands stretched in the air, arms toward the sky. Kail watches from below the dunes. Veronica soon transforms--it seems as if she is engulfed--in a pure black shadowy form. The shadowy figure floats into the air a few feet and then vanishes in a flick of light. Kail knew about Veronica’s plan, and he knew what she was doing. He knew that Veronica had decided to go into the past, to try to save the future. Veronica appears in an area that seems much the same as the one she had left. Veronica looks around, and discovers that Kail is no longer at the bottom of the hill. The dark shadow had disappeared, and Veronica now stands once again at the top of the tallest sand dune, her hair flying in the wind. Veronica had to think. Veronica remembers that her parents both had lived in Vatican City. A very small place in Michigan that didn’t even show up on any maps, nonetheless ever heard of by anybody. She remembers Synan telling her that that is the area in which Jackal had entered the world. Veronica decided that is where she should go. Veronica once again took the shadowy form with bright purple eyes. She floated up into the sky and dashed off toward the west. Her shadowy form flew through the clouds at an amazing speed. She traveled mostly through the clouds as not to be seen by any humans in this form. She was afraid to scare anybody. She was afraid herself. Flying through the clouds, it quickly got dark. The sky was turning black as Veronica pressed on toward Vatican City. By the time she had finally arrived, it was black outside. There were few lights still on throughout the entire city. She stopped near the outskirts of the city and landed, taking the shadowy form back into her body. She decided to explore; to find something she could use as a clue as to what to do next. Walking along the side of the road, she passed by many houses as she neared the main city. She sensed the presence of Synan and Zoe nearby. She couldn’t understand at first what it meant. The senses drew her to two houses, side- by-side. Veronica concluded that the people she sensed were Synan and Zoe as children. Synan Creel and Zoe Aidenn. Veronica walked into the main city. It was quiet, with few lights on and an occasional car driving by. Veronica stopped by a local library. The library seemed to be open still. The sign over the door read “The Book Temple.” Veronica entered. Chapter 2 : Locating the Tenth Planet Inside the library, there were few lights remaining on. It seemed as though it was nearing closing time for the library. Veronica walked to the center and noticed a girl, about twelve years old, organizing books. Veronica spoke to the girl. “Excuse me.” Veronica says slowly, breaking the dead silence. “Yes?” the girl replied. “I would like to study some geography books here.” Veronica said. “Go right ahead. Closing time is in an hour. My name is Sarah. Sarah Croft.” “Thank you.” Veronica started searching the library for books about the world of 1999. She would also need information about the undiscovered ‘Planet X.’ Veronica remembers Sarah from the future. Veronica picks up a book. Opening it, she uses her psychic powers to flip through the pages rapidly, absorbing the information on each page. Returning the book, she picks up another book It is labeled “The Science of Space.” Veronica proceeds to absorb the information from the book. She determined that Planet X seems to be just outside of Pluto’s orbit, causing the planet’s orbit to seem a bit awkward. Having all the information she required, Veronica starts going through other informational books, gaining every bit of information about the world of this time. Sarah noticed how Veronica goes through the books. “Hey!” Sarah yells. “What are you doing?” Veronica looks back, startled. Sarah had left a while ago and then all of a sudden she is standing right here by Veronica, her blue eyes shining with curiosity. Veronica replies, “Reading?” “You have a very strange way of reading. Are you a witch, or a psychic?” Sarah asks. “Neither of those things. Forget what you saw, Sarah.” “What’s your name?” “Veronica Creel.” “Creel? It seems that I’ve heard that name before. Somebody at school. Maybe it was you?” “I don’t know. Maybe a relative?” Veronica replies, trying not to sound suspicious. “Well, Veronica. It’s closing time. You’re going to have to leave.” “All right.” Veronica responds, starting for the door. Sarah watches her, strangely curious of her actions. Veronica exits the library and walks outside of the city walls. She now has all the information she should need to begin her plan to stop Jackal. Taking her shadowy form, Veronica travels into the air and then jets into the sky, like a demon into the heavens. Veronica, in her shadowy form, doesn’t require food, oxygen, or water. She pauses in outer space, by the moon. Veronica determines the direction of Planet X and jets off into that direction. On her trip through outer space, she begins to think more of her plan. She plans to take a piece of Planet X, about three miles in diameter, and hover it above Vatican City to monitor its progress. She finally gets to the ninth planet, Pluto, after what seemed to be days. Landing on the planet as a shadowy monster, she looks around to find any sign of Planet X. In the far distance, Veronica sees a light that is flashing a purple-blue or a blue-purple. Veronica hovers cautiously into the direction of this light. She soon discovers that it is actually a planet. A strange planet. The ground appears to be a purple color, with blue water. Veronica has found Planet X, and is the first to do so in this time era. Chapter 3 : The World of No Return Veronica begins to be slowly pulled into the gravity of Planet X. She eventually starts flying to the planet, hurling in the hundreds of miles per hour right into the surface. The tries to fight the planet’s gravity but fails. She flies directly into the courtyard of a castle, leaving a huge gaping hole in the ground. Veronica rolls over, dazed, and looks into the sky. Her shadowy form has left her. Veronica tries with all her power to stand. She grabs all the loose rocks and stones around her. All different colors, most of them a dark purple or dark brown. One of them is a lighter, clear purple rock. Straining with all her might to stand, a sudden golden-yellow flame appears around her body and she is suddenly fully energized. She now has a little bit more power than before. She looks at the clear-purple rock glowing in her hand. She assumes that this rock is the source of this new power. Veronica looks around the courtyard. The walls are in a square- shape around a large tower in the center. There are four towers in each of the corners. She enters the center tower. The circular room is completely empty, with a staircase circling upward in the tower toward the top, where it goes higher than the ceiling of this large room and ends suddenly. With her new-found golden strength, Veronica flies up toward the top of the staircase. At the top of the stairs, there is a door that goes into a room above the one she was just in. She slowly pushes the door open and walks inside. Inside the room are bright lights and blood- red carpet. There is a person in here who appears to be a king of some sort. He is dressed in the darkest robes and wearing a very reflective golden crown, lined with jewels of all sorts. The face inside the robes is shadowed, only the glowing yellow eyes visible. Chapter 4 : The Compromise The king-like figure notices Veronica’s entrance. As Veronica takes a second look at the creature, it begins to speak. “Ah, so you are the object that was hurled into my castle. My name is Atis. I am the king of The World of No Return. What is your name, stranger?” Veronica, now weary by the pull of this planet’s gravity, even in her super-powered form, tries to speak. “I am Veronica Creel. I have come from the future on a mission to save my planet from a very powerful monster called The Jackal.” “The Jackal?!” the king says, startled. “So, I guess that he WILL eventually conquer the universe.” “Well, If it is okay with you, I would like to use a three-mile section of this planet to monitor the Earth from the sky.” “Ah, yes. You can have your demands. We at the World of No Return know that if Jackal has conquered your planet that he will eventually make his way here. Take what you need and try to save the universe!” “Thank you, Atis.” “I will have your Land of No Return ready by tomorrow morning. That should only be about ten hours away.” “Ten hours?!” Veronica yells. “Yes. The night is half over as it is. Well, I see that you have discovered a Dark Stone. That gives its bearer a golden-flame strength. Unfortunately, as a human, the golden-flame form, or Mega form, will not help you against the gravity of this planet. I will give you a Stone of Shining. That will boost you up to the next level.” The king throws a clear cyan-colored stone. On contact, the flame around Veronica flashes a blue color and Veronica is powered up with even more strength. That should last her through her ten-hour wait. Chapter 5 : Return to Earth Twelve hours later, Veronica is traveling through outer space back toward Earth; riding on her new possession, The Land of No Return. This island as it is is barren. There is a canyon, a small forest, and a huge volcano in its center, with a rock structure branching from its side. There is also a small blue cave on one side, and a river filled with lava. The island is floating slowly toward the Earth. Veronica will have to wait patiently to continue her plan. Chapter 6 : Formation of the Island After six weeks, The Land of No Return finally reaches the Earth’s atmosphere. Veronica, back in her normal form without any powers or magic flames, steers the island to enter the atmosphere above Vatican City. It is once again night time over the city. Veronica needs to go to work quickly and prepare the island. With her psychic powers, Veronica fills the canyon with water and creates a bridge over it, she puts a bridge over the lava river, and creates Elemental Barriers. One on the front of the volcano as the Barrier of Fire; one on the blue cave as the Barrier of Water; one on the rock structure as the Barrier of Earth; one on a smaller floating island on a temple as the Barrier of Thunder. At the north end of the island, Veronica creates a moat of lava surrounding an island, where she forms a castle that resembles the one she saw on Planet X. It is now time to breathe life into this island. With her powers, Veronica begins to create monsters to rule over the island and defend it. Chapter 7 : Birth of the Monsters Veronica first creates monkey-like creatures with large eyes. These will be called Monk, and they will inhabit the forests and be the guardians of it; and they shall not allow passers-by to reach the castle. Veronica then creates a red oval-shaped monster belted with eyes, and she called them the Prisems. They will be the protectors of the Water Barrier. And their focus? Veronica created a diamond- shaped monster to be called Crystal. They will live inside the blue cave, and it will now be named Crystal Cave. This will attract the Prisems, as when these monsters are combined, they will become Emerald, a completely new monster. The volcano will be the attraction of Emeralds. It will be called Emerald’s Crater. Veronica created Koda, a gray dragon-like soldier who will be the guardians of the volcano. Veronica then created Mr. I, who will be the guardians of the Fire Barrier. Veronica created the lightning birds, Skyber and Skybree, whom will be the guardians of the Thunder Barrier. They will reside at the tops of the rock towers rising from the volcano. For the lake, Veronica created monsters that were like electricity in glass balls. They were called Orb. Thus, the lake was called Orb Lake. Also for the lake were created Jelly-Fly, whom will be looked up to for its amazing healing ability. Also will be the tadpole monster Octa, and it’s octopus evolved form Octo. As a major attraction for the rock structure, Veronica created two one-of-a-kind monsters, named Myst and Clawz. Veronica created a monster that will follow explorers and threaten them to a life as a monster. This monster will be called Twilite. Veronica created a super-monster who will be the combined form of Monk, Mr. I, Emerald, and Spyke. The monster’s name is Wizeman. Spyke was a monster orbited by spiky eyeballs. Veronica created Ico to be Wizeman’s loyal assistant. Wizeman’s quarters would be in the castle, and he would be the lord of The Land of No Return. Thus, the castle was called Wizeman’s Fortress. Chapter 8 : The Human Inhabitants With all of the monsters completed, Veronica would now need some humans to serve her on The Land of No Return. Veronica enters Wizeman’s Fortress and goes into the meeting room. Using her psychic power, she teleports into the room several humans. She teleports in Sarah from the Book Temple, and some people from the future: Joseph and James. Joseph is a master of illusion. The three humans are startled with their new surrounding. Sarah speaks, “Veronica! I knew it, you ARE a witch!” Veronica gives Sarah a long blank stare. “Right. Anyway, I have brought you three here for specific purposes. Sarah, you will build a Book Temple where you will write books of power for uses by Lord Wizeman and myself. Joseph, you will inhabit the rocky structure, hereby known as Illusion’s Maze inside of Illusion Cave. James, you will become a guardian of The Land of No Return. Here is a Dark Stone.” Veronica tosses a Dark Stone to James. “Thanks, but, how do I use it?” James asks, staring into the shimmering purple stone. “I will teach you,” says Veronica, “as well as I will teach Sarah how to write the magical books.” Veronica continues. “Sarah, I will create your Book Temple and teleport you there now.” Sarah starts to fade and disappear. “Joseph. Your illusion funhouse is already set up. It comes with a cloaking machine and lots of fun tricks. Check it out!” Joseph fades and disappears. “James. I suspect you will have a job to do shortly.” Veronica tosses James a walky-talky. The radio starts speaking: “We have a 24-14 crisis here.Spyke-012334 requesting backup.” Veronica smirks at James. “That is Syrus. He just arrived on The Land of No Return.” “I don’t know how to use the Dark Stone!” James screams. “It is triggered by anger. Go and settle Syrus. That should activate your powers.” Veronica laughs and teleports James to the guardhouse of The Land of No Return. Chapter 9 : Sage Creel Veronica looks over to Lord Wizeman. “Wizeman. Do you think you can handle things here? I’m going to return to the future for a moment. I’ll be right back.” Wizeman nods and speaks in five voices at once, “Yes. I’m sure nothing will get too out-of- hand while you’re gone.” “Good. I knew I could count on you, Wizeman.” Veronica takes her shadowy form and flashes away in a flick of light. She appears up in the sky above a badly destroyed Vatican City. The Land of No Return is below her, crashed into the ground. “Well, at least I know I changed the future...somewhat. I need to get back to the Sahara, or better... I can teleport what I want to me!” Veronica teleports her older brother Sage to Vatican City. The Jackal senses the energy used for this and notices Veronica hovering above Sage. Veronica lands. “Sage! I need your help!” Veronica yells desperately. “What is it?” Sage asks. Veronica notices The Jackal coming toward them, throwing razor-sharp cards in their direction. “I’ll explain later! Let’s go!” Just before about a hundred cards slice right through them, they both disappear. “Hmm...” Jackal says, “That was weird.” Sage and Veronica appear back at Wizeman’s Fortress. “So, what’s going on, Veronica?” Sage asks. “I’ve made an important discovery!” Veronica says. “I got this Stone of Shining and when it combined with my psychic ability, it increased them. I now have a full understanding of everything that has, is, and will happen. I have located the Deity Stone!” “What’s that?” Sage asks. “I’ll start you out with a Stone of Shining. You’ll then slowly move up until you’re strong enough to use the Deity Stone. That will get you powerful enough. That will help us stop Jackal in the final fight!” Veronica says. “Man, you’re crazy!” Sage mocks. “Shut up, Sage! I have a training course set up in the basement of this castle. Go there. Meanwhile, I need to make a visit to Lightning Palace and etch some information about this island into the walls.” Veronica says. “Why don’t you just use your psychic?” Sage asks. “I don’t know. It seems better if it’s hand-written. Now go.” “Whatever, Veronica.” Sage says, leaving the room. Wizeman talks. “He’s right, you know. With your psychic power you can do almost anything with this island.” Veronica looks at Wizeman dumbly. “You think I don’t know that? I like to do things the hard way....... Kail’s here. He must’ve followed me with his time machine!” Chapter 10 : The Lightning Palace Veronica turns into a shadowy form and flies out the window and down toward the forest. She stops in an intersection of pathways and looks around. It is very dark here. Veronica hears talking coming from down one pathway, and soon the sound of footsteps running. ‘Here comes Kail,’ Veronica thought to herself. A shadowy figure runs out from the pathway and steers past Veronica and continues running. “That Kail. He can run but he can’t hide.” Veronica says quietly and begins to follow him. Just then, another shadowy figure runs out from the same pathway and tackles Veronica to the ground. The figure gets up quickly and talks. “Kail! Why did you stop?” Veronica replies, “Kail? What do you want with Kail? You should watch where you’re going!” The figure, now clearly known that it is Syrus, talks, “Sorry. Did you see a boy run past just now?” Veronica replies, “I don’t know. Who are you looking for?” “Kail.” “Oh, yeah. He just went by here. My name is Veronica Creel. What’s yours?” “Creel? Are you related to Synan?” “Oh, so you know Synan. You’re Syrus, right?” “Yeah.” “So Synan is here. Kail is probably afraid Synan will ruin his plan.” “What is his plan?” “Kail is here to find Sage. Did he tell you that?” “I don’t remember.” “Anyway, he’s heading to the castle.” “Oh really.” “Yep. Well, I’d like to stay and talk, but I have things to do. See you later, Syrus!” Veronica turns and runs down a pathway. She hears Syrus yell “Wait!” after her. Veronica runs to the entrance of a temple and summons a Linking Book that Sarah had just finished writing. Veronica opens the book. On the first page of the book is a window- like panel that has an animation of an angle circling the Book Temple. Veronica brings her hand close to the book and golden sparkles appear. She is sucked into the page and appears at the Book Temple. Veronica stands in the center of the Book Temple. It is a golden-yellow, circular building with arches. In each arch is a pedestal containing Mystery Books. Mystery Books sometimes act as Linking Books that teleport you to random locations. They may also teleport monsters to you. Veronica walks to the desk, where Sarah is writing. “Sarah. Give me the Lightning Key and a Linking Book to Sky Island.” “Right away, Veronica.” Sarah takes out a shiny yellow key with a lightning-bolt symbol on the handle. She also hands Veronica a purple-leather Linking Book that reads “Skyber’s Fortress.” Veronica takes the key and opens the book. “Let’s see if it works.” Veronica presses the panel and links to Skyber’s Fortress. She turns into a shadowy figure and flies up to Sky Island, a small floating island that orbits the mouth of the volcano. Veronica unlocks the Thunder Barrier and enters. The walls are already written on. Veronica adds a few extra lines by using her powers. When finished, Veronica exits the temple and locks the door, tossing the Lightning Key down to Skyber’s Fortress. Veronica looks down at the Book Temple. Synan and Zoe are down there. Zoe is reading the introduction book of the Book Temple. Veronica chuckles, still in her shadowy form, and flies down to the castle. Chapter 11 : Creating the Deity Veronica walks down the stairs of Wizeman’s Fortress into the basement, where the Deity Training Room is located. Sage is down there experimenting with the Stone of Shining. “Sage! How far are you?” Veronica asks. “Veronica, I can go PAST the blue-flame stage! Look!” Sage powers up higher and the blue flame turns purple. “Good job, Sage. Keep practicing! I have an idea. I’m going to summon Myst here. Myst is more powerful than I am even, and I’m almost to the purple-flame stage. Veronica meditates for a moment. “Done. I have contacted Myst and told him to come. You will fight him, and it will make you stronger.” Sage continues trying to increase his powers and fight the robots Veronica created for him to train against. After about an hour, Myst finally arrives in the room. Myst looks like a cat-like monster with large claws and blue eyes. Myst’s color is a very light pink, or opal. “Myst. What took you so long?” Veronica asks. “My apologies, V-girl. I was on my way out of the Illusion Maze when I saw it!” “Saw what?” Veronica asks, challenging Myst. Of course Veronica already knows what Myst is going to say. “I saw Synan and Zoe. They had a little girl with them.” Myst says. “Elsie. Synan and Zoe are getting closer and closer to the castle. Myst! You will train against Sage. When Sage’s flame turns into a purple-orange color, give him the Deity Stone. Veronica watches as Sage and Myst spar. Veronica senses the presence of Synan, Zoe, and Syrus outside. ‘The time is getting closer. The time when I will meet my child parents face-to-face.’ Veronica thought. A half-an-hour goes by and Sage’s flame finally turns a purple-orange color. “Myst!” Veronica yells, “Sage is ready. Give him the Deity Stone!” “Yes.” Myst says, taking the stone. Myst puts the stone on a necklace and puts it around Sage’s neck. Sage is suddenly powered up, and the flame turns pure white. “Yes... Sage is finally going to become Deity! Amazing! No human should be able to use the stone and not be destroyed! Sage is truly amazing! I shall alert Lord Wizeman right away. Myst! Your job is complete.” Myst vanishes into a cloud of fog and floats away. Veronica turns into her shadowy form and flies through the floor. Chapter 12 : Deity’s First Strike Veronica flies up through the top floor behind Wizeman, and in her shadow form flies over Wizeman’s head and turns back into a human. It appeared as if she came out of the Dark Stone on Wizeman’s forehead. Veronica looks at Synan and Zoe, then back at Wizeman. “Wizeman! You have no time to battle these weaklings!” Veronica said, regretting it. She knew that at this age, Synan and Zoe WERE pretty much helpless. “What do you mean, Veronica?” Wizeman responds. “Sage is ready. Give him the command to destroy Earth, or he’ll destroy the entire universe!” Veronica yells. She knows that Wizeman won’t give the command. Veronica doesn’t really want to destroy the Earth. Veronica hears Synan and Zoe whispering. Though she can’t hear them, she knows what they’re saying. “So, Wizeman. Give Sage his orders quickly!” Veronica warns. “But I have to fight these kids first!” “I hope you know what you’re doing, Wizeman!” “You’d better. I know what I’m doing.” Veronica turns into a shadow again and sinks through the floor. Veronica flies through the wall and stands by the volcano and looks at the castle. The ground begins to rumble fiercely, and the castle cracks and begins to crumble. Synan and Zoe make it out of the castle and stand by the lava moat and watch. Sage is up in the air above the ruins of the castle. The sky is dark. Sage has a bright white flame around his body. Veronica walks up next to Synan and Zoe. “Looks like Wizeman made the wrong decision. Our universe is at stake now.” “I’m assuming that is not a good thing.” Zoe says. “No. Sage will turn into Deity and destroy the entire universe.” Veronica continues. Synan and Zoe begin talking amongst themselves. As they do so, Veronica looks back. She sees Syrus and Kail up on the volcano, watching. Veronica looks back at Synan and Zoe. “I suggest you run, kids. I’m assuming it will be less painful if you’re further away.” With that, Synan and Zoe begin running. Veronica looks back again, and Kail tries to hide. “Syrus and Kail! I suggest you run, too!” “Dang!” Kail yells, “She caught me.” “You knew I would,” Veronica says, “Now get going. Now!” Syrus and Kail jump down from the volcano and start running after Synan and Zoe. Veronica looks back up at Sage, waiting. “So, Sage. Think you’re going to turn into Deity now, do you? I don’t think so. You’re not going anywhere. Not yet.” Chapter 13 : Stopping Deity It has been about an hour since Sage had started his transformation. He still hasn’t become Deity yet. It is not in his power to complete the transformation. James appears as a Mega-monster and fires a blast of energy at Sage. Veronica flies up and deflects it. “James!” “What are you doing?!” James says. “Sage lacks the ability to complete transformation. When you return, tell the kids that you angered Deity even more, okay? Don’t tell them. Keep it a secret.” Veronica says. “All right.” James says, and teleports back to the Book Temple. “Sage. That was the last distraction. Run out of energy or something already.” Sage finally runs out of energy, and falls, not completing the transformation. Chapter 14 : Restore Sage Sage has been out of energy for a few hours. Synan links in next to Veronica and runs over to the ruins of the castle. “Veronica,” Synan says. “How did Deity get stopped?” “I stopped him.” Veronica lies. “You did not!” “Did too.” “But Deity is way more powerful than you are.” “Well, I still beat him.” Synan walks over to Sage and pulls up Sage’s sleeve, revealing a mark on Sage’s shoulder--the same mark that Synan and Kail have. “What do you know about Sage?” Synan asks. “Well,” Veronica says, “Sage was captured from the future and Kail came back to rescue him.” “I saw Kail in the other dimension.” “Well, he’s here on this island right now.” Veronica says. “He is? Where is he?” “I last saw him near Emerald’s Crater. I told him that you were in the Warp Room near there.” “All right.” Synan says as he locates a Linking Book from within the rubble and links. “Time to execute the next phase in my plan... Getting these little parents OFF of the island! I can’t finish my plan with them here!” Veronica summons a Jelly-Fly to begin healing Sage. Meanwhile, Veronica gets up and walks toward Orb Lake. She is headed toward the forest. Chapter 14 : Capture Zoe Veronica enters Monk Forest and hides in the bushes. She sees Synan running through the forest, trying to catch up with Kail. Sarah links in behind him. “Synan,” Sarah says, out of breath, “You have to come back with me.. Now!” Synan and Sarah link back to the temple. Zoe is missing. She left to follow Synan. Zoe will be here soon. Sure enough, Veronica sees Zoe wander into the forest out from Monk Garden. Veronica comes out of hiding and confronts Zoe. “Zoe. Are you looking for Synan?” “Yes... why?” “I think I can help you. Follow me.” Veronica leads the way through the forest. Syrus is standing at the same intersection in which they first met. “Veronica! What are you doing here?” Syrus asks. “What are YOU doing here?” Veronica replies. “I’m waiting for Synan. I have yet to get a good monster battle in.” “Oh really.” Veronica says. “You’ll have to wait a while.” Veronica continues leading Zoe down through the pathways. They go down a path that leads into the side of the volcano. Veronica pulls a secret switch in the mountain and a door opens up. Veronica leads Zoe inside. Veronica and Zoe stand on two sides of a round cylinder-shaped rock in the middle. Veronica teleports James here. Chapter 15 : Back to the Origins Synan and Kail come in through the secret passage. It is now time to return them all back to where they belong. “I will now return Synan, Zoe, James, and Syrus back to Earth. I will return Kail to the future.” Veronica pretends to erase their minds and teleports them back to where they belong. Veronica teleports to the Book Temple to get Sarah. “Sarah. Come back down to Earth!” Veronica and Sarah teleport back to Earth. They enter the Ideya Shop where a shady old man sold Ideya Captures to Synan, Zoe, and Syrus. They wait in the corner. Synan and Zoe enter and have a short conversation with the old man, and then go to reading the newspapers. All the articles contain things about The Land of No Return. Zoe says, “Looks like people will believe our story after all.” Veronica elbows Sarah. Sarah walks forward. “You bet they will. I’m Sarah Croft, book writer of Vatican City.” Sarah says, shaking Synan’s hand. “Sarah...” Synan says quietly, his memory partly erased. “I have written a story about you two. I have all the descriptive facts about you.” Veronica reads Zoe’s mind. She knows Zoe already likes Synan. “Yes, she does, Zoe.” Veronica says. “What? Can you read my thoughts?” Zoe asks. “Yes, Zoe. I know you like Synan. I’ve always known. You liked him since first grade.” “Zoe?” Synan says. “No! Stop it! Its not true!” Zoe yells. “Please, Zoe. Stop it.” Veronica says. “Make me then.” “Ahem... allow me to introduce myself. I am Veronica. I know everything there is to know about everything, including your little secrets about Synan.” “Oh, my. I have to go. A future boy is returning again. He’s after Sage.” “Kail, right?” Synan says. “How did you... oh wait, I forgot to brainwash you. Well, I really have to go!” Veronica vanishes in a flick of light. Kail wasn’t really returning. Veronica had to go see Syrus. Veronica and Sarah are in Syrus’s apartment. James is here. “Welcome back, Syrus and James.” Sarah talks. “Hello. I am Sarah Croft. I know all about your adventures on The Land of No Return, and I’m willing to write a book about it.” “And I’m Veronica Creel.” Veronica says. “So, Syrus. Did you finish Cain’s Quest yet?” “No, not yet.” “Well, finish it. How much do you want to bet that Veronica wrote the game’s script?” “Maybe later.” Syrus says. “Well, if you need to confess your stupidity to me, I work in town now. My Book Shop is at 3346 Fourth Street, right here in Vatican City. Stop by if you want to visit sometime, okay Syrus?” “Okay.” Syrus says. Veronica and Sarah vanish and appear in her book shop. Veronica says, “Syrus likes you, Sarah.” Chapter 16 : Return to the Island Veronica leaves Vatican City and flies back up to The Land of No Return, in her human form. She gets up to the guard towers and lands. Spyke is here, disguised as a guard. Veronica talks to Spyke. “Spyke. From now on, we aren’t taking any more visitors. We are running out of time. The Jackal will arrive in five years.” “Yes, Veronica. What do you want me to do?” Spyke asks, obediently. “You will stay here and guard the entrance to the island. In four years, I will give you further instructions.” Veronica says, flying away from the guard towers. Veronica flies over the volcano and into Wizeman’s Fortress. Wizeman is here. “Wizeman,” says Veronica, “I have finally gotten the kids off of the island. We have five years until The Jackal arrives. We need to begin training NOW!” Veronica yells. “Yes, I know Veronica. Sage is down- stairs training. I suggest you do the same.” Wizeman says. “Yeah.” Veronica says. Veronica powers up to her blue-flame form, and then the flame turns purple. “Time to get going.” Veronica turns into a shadowy form and sinks through the floor, into the training room. Myst and Sage are here. Chapter 17 : Four Years Later Four and a half years later, Veronica is now a very powerful fighter. Sage is still a million times more powerful, however. Myst has also improved a lot. Veronica talks with Wizeman. “Wizeman. I think now is the time. The Jackal will be here in six months, and we still don’t have what it takes to defeat him.” Veronica says, worried. “Veronica. Jackal is immortal. It doesn’t matter how powerful you are, he’ll slowly wear you down.” “Yes, I know, but being more powerful anyway should help a great deal in defending against his attacks. It should buy us lots of time.” “Yes,” Wizeman says, “But how will you actually go about saving the world? Your powers aren’t great enough to imprison an immortal!” “Imprison.... Wizeman, you have given me a great idea!” Veronica yells. She forms a black glowing marble in her hands. It is the Master Ideya Capture. Unlike the red Ideyas, the Master Ideya will capture anything without failure. “If I can capture Jackal with this thing, then we can banish him to the Gap between dimensions. I might need the help of Synan and Zoe. I’ll be back.” Veronica takes the form of the shadow and exits the castle and travels down to Earth. Veronica first goes into the Book Temple. Sarah Croft is inside. She is now sixteen years old, and making tons of money from selling books about The Land of No Return. Synan and Zoe, both fifteen, are here also. “Synan, Zoe,” Veronica says, “you have to help me.” “What is it?” Synan asks. Veronica looks around. “It may sound crazy to you two, but I am your daughter.” “What?!” Synan and Zoe yell together. “I came from the future. In my time, the world has been taken over by The Jackal. You two met him, he lives in the other dimension. I devised a plan to come back into the past and try to prevent Jackal from getting a chance to take over.” Veronica continues, “I have come to the year 1999. It is now halfway through 2003, and Jackal will arrive in six months. I need your help.” Veronica pulls out the Master Ideya and talks, “This is a Master Ideya. It will capture ANYTHING without the slightest chance of failure. While Sage and I distract Jackal, you two will try to sneak up on him and throw this marble at him. If he sees it coming he’ll block it.” “So, what do we do now?” Zoe asks. “Right now, you must come with me to The Land of No Return. You will stay there for six months and prepare for Jackal to arrive.” “Okay.” Synan and Zoe say simultaneously. Veronica teleports the three of them, and Sarah, to The Land of No Return’s Book Temple. Chapter 18 : Preparation “Sarah,” Veronica says, “You will prepare a series of Linking Books and spread them around the island. Here is where I want them.” Veronica says, handing a list to Sarah. “Synan and Zoe,” Veronica says, “You will stay here in the Book Temple. I will give you both Stones of Shining. The Stone of Shining is much easier to work than the Dark Stone. Synan had a Dark Stone but never found out how it was used. The Dark Stone is activated by anger.” “Oh.” Synan says, receiving the Stone of Shining. Veronica gives a Stone of Shining to Zoe also. Immediately Zoe gets a blue flame around her body; Synan’s flame turns yellow for a second, and then blue. “Well, Sarah. Get on it.” Veronica says. Sarah grabs a handful of Linking Books and teleports away through another one. “Synan, Zoe. I have to go to the castle and train. You two stay here and practice your new powers. I will send James over to watch you two.” “Already here!” James yells, falling from the sky. “Well, look, it’s Synan and Zoe.” James is now sixteen years old, and looks more muscular than the last time they met. Veronica turns into her shadowy form and flies away toward the castle. In the sky, Veronica can see Sarah linking to the various places, leaving Linking Books behind. Chapter 19 : The Jackal Arrives Synan and Zoe have been training with James, and are both now at the purple-flame stage of power. Sarah has been watching. Veronica appears. “The time has come. Jackal is due to arrive shortly.” Veronica says. Synan looks over, “Is he coming through the Warp Ring?” “No,” Veronica says, “I would also assume that is where he’s coming from, but no. He has been waiting just outside in the Gap. Waiting for a tear in this dimension. The tear is going to happen... now!” Up in the sky, a giant fissure is torn out of the stars. Inside are flashing purple lights and strange patterns. Out from the fissure comes Jackal, the evil trickster from beyond. Jackal has the head and hat of a trickster, no body, and he has hands and feet hovering there. Attached at his back is a large yellow cape with orange designs on it. “Well, well, well.” Jackal says, “I didn’t expect there to be a welcoming crew waiting for me. Ahem... I am The Jackal, an evil trickster from the Dream World! I have come to invade the real world.” Veronica and Sage power up, Sage to a purple-orange flame and Veronica to a bright purple. Veronica signals to Synan and Zoe. Zoe pulls out the Master Ideya to make sure she has it, and quickly puts it away. Synan takes a Linking Book from the desk, and they link. “Now, Sage!” Veronica yells. Sage’s flame turns white, and he begins his transformation. Veronica begins battling Jackal while Sage finishes transforming into the mighty Deity. Synan and Zoe link to Monk Forest. Jackal senses the power of the link, and looks over in that direction, only to be punched by Veronica. Synan and Zoe link from the forest to the castle, again confusing Jackal. Jackal, not paying attention, is attacked again. Synan and Zoe link to the guardhouses of The Land of No Return, once again leaving Jackal vulnerable. Synan and Zoe finally link to Skyber’s Fortress. Jackal is tricked once again, and by now is getting the idea that he should be ignoring the forces. Jackal, Veronica, and Deity fight fiercely in a powerful battle. From Skyber’s Fortress, there is a zip cord connecting back down to the Book Temple. Zoe grabs the cord and slides down, the Master Ideya in her pocket. Reaching the floor of the Book Temple, Zoe reaches for the Master Ideya and readies it. Jackal is still preoccupied with Veronica and Deity. Zoe pulls her arm back and throws the marble forward. The marble hits Jackal, but he doesn’t notice it. The black marble bounces off of Jackal and the white star shines brightly. Jackal feels the energy of the Ideya and jerks around quickly. Jackal flies to the side, dodging the white rays of the Master Ideya. The rays curve and follow Jackal. Jackal flies away, and the beams of light follow him. Zoe catches the marble and walks after Jackal with it. Jackal screams and flies over Skyber’s Fortress, where Synan grabs his foot. Being able to spare that body part, Jackal continues flying. The white beam taps the foot and sucks it in. The rest of Jackal’s body parts and his cape are then sucked quickly toward the marble, with more force than the gravity on The World of No Return. Jackal’s figure is consumed with a glowing white light and he is sealed within the dark glow of the marble. Veronica and Deity catch up to Zoe, and Deity returns to being Sage again. Chapter 20 : The Master Ideya “You did it, Zoe!” Veronica yells. “You have captured Jackal! Now, we have to be careful and not jerk the marble quickly. It will, as any Ideya does, release Jackal from itself. Give it here.” Zoe hands the marble to Veronica, and Veronica places it inside of a white box filled with black velvet. “We have to get rid of this marble, but we can’t destroy it. If the Spirit Capsule deep inside the marble is corrupted, Jackal can return. I have an idea.” Veronica says, leading Synan, Zoe, and Sage into the Book Temple. “Sarah!” Veronica yells, “Get us a book to the Warp Ring!” “Right away!” Sarah responds, handing a purple book to Veronica that reads ‘Warp Ring.’ “Sage, stay here. We won’t be gone long.” Veronica says. Veronica, Synan, and Zoe link through the book. They are back in the Warp Room. It is a square-shaped room with a small square hole in the ceiling, where the faint red light from the volcano shines through. The Warp Ring is here--a large, stone ring with a film portal in its center. The three enter. Chapter 21 : The Eternal Corridor Synan, Zoe, and Veronica are in the Eternal Corridor. Each room has six spinning tunnels going in each direction, and a tunnel in the floor and ceiling. Each tunnel leads to an exact replica of the room they are in. Thus, called the Eternal Corridor, in the Gap between Dimensions. Veronica, Synan, and Zoe stand around the tunnel in the floor. Veronica takes out the Master Ideya and holds it over the tunnel, and then drops it. It falls quickly downward. “The marble will fall for the rest of eternity. Let’s return.” Veronica says, and Synan and Zoe follow her back to their dimension. Veronica turns around and powers up to her purple-flame form and fires an energy blast at the Warp Ring. “No longer will anything be able to come or leave this dimension through the Warp Ring, and the Star Stone shall never be completed.” Veronica says. There is a Linking Book here. Synan, Zoe, and Veronica link back to the Book Temple. Chapter 22 : Back to the Future Synan, Zoe, James, Sarah, Veronica, and Sage stand in the center of the Book Temple. There is also a new person there, a man that none of them have seen before. It is Joseph, the Master of Illusion. Veronica speaks, “We have put a stop to Jackal and saved the future. Synan, Zoe, I will leave these memories in your head. Do me a favor: when you have your first son, his name is to be Sage Creel. Your daughter will be me, Veronica Creel. Your youngest son will be Kail Creel.” “Alright.” Synan says. “Now, I need to return to my own time. Here in the past, I was unable to gain any more years. I am still a thirteen-year-old, and Sage is fifteen.” Veronica says, “Synan, Zoe, Sarah. You need to go back home. James, Sage, Joseph. You will return to the future with me.” Veronica puts her arms into the air and does a psychic teleportation and returns everyone to where they’re supposed to be. Chapter 23 : The New Future Veronica and Sage appear in the sky above Vatican City in the year 2020. The Land of No Return is still floating in the sky nearby, still running smoothly under orders of Lord Wizeman III. Vatican City is not destroyed, in fact its better than it was in 1999. Sage and Veronica land in the city and walk around. They soon find Kail wandering the city. Kail shows them where Synan and Zoe live. Veronica and Sage enter. “Veronica! Sage!!” Zoe screams as they enter. “Welcome back! I see you were successful at your mission, eh?” “Umm, duh!” Veronica says, sarcastically. Sarah is here in the living room. She gets up and speaks. “Veronica, Sage, Kail. You three had an amazing adventure, and I’m sure you have a whole story to tell. I will write a book all about it. It will be called The Book of Veronica, as she is the main hero.” The world of 2020 is finally saved. Veronica Laura Creel has prevented Jackal’s attack, just like she set out to do.
LNR Universe : Welcome to Our World! ~Take a trip into outer space, to the world where monsters rule... The Land of No Return!~
Copyright © 2002 Cerone J. Kircle