THE JOURNEY
Pentagon Springs Series
©2018 Arnav Koppala
Names, characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locals, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
Kindle Edition
Also available in trade paperback (ISBN: 978-1-7218-1641-5)
Cover Art by Mark Brayer
Layout & pre-press by Lighthouse24
My biggest inspiration for writing this book is my Mom and Dad, who have supported me in every crazy journey that I embarked on.
I would like to dedicate this book to my crazy imagination.
Mom, I love you for inspiring me to do my best and follow my dreams.
Dad, thank you for holding my hand and steering me towards consistency and quality (including eating broccoli).
I would like to thank my family, teachers, friends, and my loving grandmothers for supporting me.
Author’s Note:
Pure Life is an aspiring right of every human in this world. I have decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book to Zbyte Inc. ZByte, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the growing health, social, and environmental issues of individuals, becoming overly dependent on technologies and electronic devices. ZBYTE, Inc. qualifies for exemption as a 501(c) (3) organization.
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Author’s Note
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
About the Author
Back Cover
The skies teamed with multicolored fireworks from long range weapons. In and around the atmosphere of Kalamine X, many spacecrafts hovered in the atmosphere as commanders strategized on survival or conquest.
Kalamine X continued to persevere under a multi-decade military siege. When would they triumph? When could they return to their “normal” lives? The conflict continued to escalate. Despite their best efforts to live peacefully in their galaxy, they required all of their resources to defend themselves and their world. At the heart of the Kalamine X’s command center was a Dad, Mom and a brand new baby. Mom and Dad were the Prime Ministers and chief strategists for Kalamine X. They were a humble and powerful leadership team, who continually strategized for the success of their planet and its people. Many years ago, they had left their occupations in the private sector to assist their world, their corner of the galaxy, which they called home. They were an unlikely team, but were loved by the people of Kalamine X. The skies teamed with a prism of glowing hues from rockets, lasers, explosions, and various spacecraft from across the galaxy. A baby had just arrived, and his name was Jack. There were many decisions to make in the next few, yes, very few days.
They held their brand-new baby as they watched the battle rage from their monitors and windows on the top floor of their skyscraper apartment. They knew their people and planet were in a dire situation. “Get him out of here, now,” said Jack’s mom. She watched the moving lights on the map of their intergalactic and outer galactic atmosphere. She and her husband played a perpetual game of 3D chess for the survival of their world, way of life and home. Jack’s mom and dad must devise a long-term strategy to build the strength of their people’s defenses. They needed a plan to aid in their planet’s survival against the unknown enemy from the outer-dimension of Kalamine X’s galaxy. Jack’s father was in continual contact with Kalamine X’s fleet which continued to orbit above the planet and the special command forces on the ground. It was becoming clear that a plan must be made for Jack. Jack’s parents were experts of formulating and executing decisive strategies for their planet. His mother had taught and designed economic models for the agricultural and educational systems on Kalamine X. His father had designed aircraft and transportation systems. They were elected to lead after being nominated by their Senate, and for years had worked together to keep their world safe. Now they had a new baby. Who could keep their baby safe? It would be a difficult task to find a refuge or sanctuary for their son. They wanted to see him grow up because he was the only child alive in the intergalactic dimension called Kalamine X.
It became clear that the task of finding a new home and raising the baby would need to be given to someone else. Who could they trust with their most precious treasure? It must be Glalie and Peter. Jack’s mom could think of no one better for the job. Glalie was Jack’s aunt because Glalie and Jack’s mother were sisters and best friends. Peter and Glalie were a husband and wife scientist team who had researched, taught, and studied interplanetary travel or wormholes for decades. Jack’s mother gave this “Project J” or “Jack” to Glalie and Peter. Jack’s aunt and uncle would be his caregivers while Kalamine X battled for its survival. The new “research project” would be spearheaded by the baby’s Aunt Glalie and Uncle Peter. If anyone could find a safe-haven of refuge for baby Jack it would be them. Meanwhile, Jack’s parents were busy with other things that they need to do. They needed a way to stop the armada from releasing Sakuta and his Satars. They supported Kendor because with that they could conquer and kill anyone who stands in their way. Sakuta emerged from the black vortex dripping wet in the liquid element eviler than the darkness within Sakuta. His eyes glowed red with fury and his body began to morph. The Guardians of this time weren’t properly introduced to this element for their power dissipated and were passed down to the next generation.
— • —
At the exact same time, the rest of the guardians received the final prophecy. Now this prophecy wasn’t entwisted in codewords or riddled like any other ones. This contained secrets and mysteries that unfolded leading up to the final battle. It included specific details and instructions that had to be handled with caution.
It shouldn’t have been called a prophecy but the future that it told us was more than what any prophecy could ever give. Through all the challenges that Kalamine Y and Kalamine Z would endure as the prophecy converged towards the fulfillment of Kalamine X everyone’s tenacity was under intense pressure.
Would they give into the diverse circumstances that kept escalating or persevere as the Guardians take a ritual that summons the relics that miserably failed. If that hardship was not defeating enough, the liquid element, Kendor that encompassed pure dark and light reached the dark and light demon Sakuta and Atakus.
No sooner than this happened, everything turns into a huge chaotic catastrophic event as havoc is wreaked on the planet resulting in Kalamine X imploding. Losing hope of reaching their destination and things looking dim with everything pointing towards destruction something occurred which changed the course.
Suddenly, just when despair started to take its toll the birth of the new guardians regenerate and resets the entire timeline and restores some sense of order out of chaos and prevents indefinite annihilation from occurring. The prophecy starts to come together when the relics are invoked and called forth. The guardians pressed forward and sealed the relics away.
Then the KUN is activated paving the way as the intensity increases that Kalamine X will be restored. Only the increased anticipation kept perpetuating all the details as the prophecy itself contained
all the elements. Not completely out of the woods yet, Sakuta and Atukas were separated on opposite ends of the cosmos.
Among the quadrillions of crystals that were already linked to Cypress Dementia, seven more unique enhanced crystals were also dispersed that caused it to be activated. This would come from Jack, Austin, Justin, and the host of the rest of the guardians. The portal that led the earth, the Legendary Star of Magic, was sealed away or so they thought.
However, this was not the case that actually happened. Kendor seeps through just before the closing of the portal and affects earth years ago. All kinds of cosmic confusion erupt as the galactical spirals form as Kalamine X was finally reached fulfilling the prophecy.
Shaken out of my state of oblivion like a shockwave pulsating through me, I was thrust into survival mode trying to understand my obscurity. Searching for some clue of resolve, I was in a bubble of confusion trying to come to terms with isolation. The feeling of being destitute pierced through my soul like a fiery dart trying to find solace from separation. I did not know whether what I was feeling was separation anxiety or despair. The agony from my torment left me paralyzed knowing that I was alone and displaced.
I was disconnected searching for some hint that all my thoughts were wrongfully inadequate. I longed to experience gaining back my sense of belonging. In this moment, I was hoping for the integral part of my life to be restored to unity and those that I had been surrounded by. It could only come from my tenacity to dig for the clues that I would not be alone for long. The pain was getting the best of me. Then there came light.
There was a slight glimmer of hope. My body responded to the light as if the shockwave jolted me, as if speaking to me letting me know that if I could just get closer to the light that I might be able to break free from the notion that I was somehow helpless. That is the only thing I can see at this minute. I squint my eyes trying to see past this blinding mirage. I blink trying to stir my vision into focus and I see nothing. I recall there was more people. Justin? Apprehended like a lightning bolt of electricity running through me, I awoke out of paranoia.
Millions of questions moving, spinning, and swarming all around my subconscious mind kept circulating around my brain nonstop. One question just seemed much more important at that moment though. Where am I? How did I get here? Where is everyone else? But wait, that is more than one question. Exhausted from the heat coming from the light, the sweat is protruding down the side of my face because this is unfamiliar. The peace that I needed had to be within reach if I could just answer the question about my whereabouts.
Let’s start with where in the world is everyone? I look around. I see light everywhere. I keep squinting harder to see what was out there. In the distance, I think I see a black dot. Wait, is that the same black dot that—I walk closer and closer and the dot starts to grow. Could this be the vision that Justin was referring to when he time traveled? Recalling vividly that Justin mentioned a black dot in the distance and as he walked towards it, it grew. My anticipation got the best of me as I continued to decipher through the thoughts that were running through my head.
A rush of hope tingles in my body like a knowing on the inside that this black dot is the same black dot that Justin saw and sets my mind at ease like biting into a warm toasty bread on a winter night. Continuing to inch my way closer to the dot, I steady myself. I look down to see traces of footprints ever so faintly. Exasberated and taking a deep breath, I take a step closer and realize there has got to be sign of life here. Finally, someone I know is here. I look to the black dot and see these weird looking eyeglasses.
There goes my hope for finding anyone in this horrible mess. I look back at the glasses and something does not feel right. The glasses were silver and rectangular like almost 3D. They had golden embroidery running down the sides of the glasses, along with exquisite lenses. They were black as the night sky, with small blue lights around the edges. They even came equipped with a pink and red hybrid rose to top it all off. It would not hurt to try them on; right?
Hesitant, I reached towards the ground to grab the glasses and was quickly taken aback. Just then, something brushed my feet. I stopped in my tracks. I turn around and use my protective shield right away. The solid air wall enclosed around me protected me from outside forces. My instincts take over, and I start to expand my barrier slowly. I realize, straightaway, that is not going to help. For all I know, I could be on a completely barren planet with nobody here to save me. I could not allow fear to keep me held captive. If that happened, I would be all alone, with no one to save me and stranded clinging to life forever.
And—stop. I had better stop or else, I will lose hope forever until the end of time. Dang it, I did it again. These lights are driving me insane. The light is pulsating so brightly and my eyes are hurting like having my pupils dilated. The last thing I need is to lose what little sight I have left. I do not know why, but I kept gravitating back to the glasses.
There was just something telling about these glasses drawing me nearer to grab them. The glasses felt warm in my hand and I put them on. The sides felt lukewarm against my skin. They hummed to life as small blue diagrams, charts, and maps were projected onto the lenses of the futuristic glasses. I did not have to adjust them to fit my face. They quickly clasped against my face, as if they were meant to be there.
I look around. I see nothing, except barren land, and a dark blue sky with quintessential energy streaking like lightning on a stormy night. Each time the energy struck the sky, the light grew brighter. It was like a barren desert, dry. It was humid. There did not appear to be any sign of life. Was or was there not life here was really the question of all questions. The terrain was rugged as if I were in a drought. I was already hot and parched and there was no water. I could not see anyone or anything. I really was alone. Flash!
Out the corner of my eye, I see a multitude of lights pulsating. What a crazy guy I was because I forgot to turn around. I was speechless as a great city stood right in front of me with all its glory, as it casts no sign of shadow anywhere. The whole city was bright with white lights. It was a fluorescent light illuminating in the blue sky. Tiny specks of light whizzed around the place zipping from one place to another. They seemed to be moving at the same pace to the same destination at the same time. That is strange.
Off in the distance, I see tall contoured structures and all of them illuminating the same kind of light. It just seemed to look like one big building. There were so many buildings with cool designs and different kinds of architecture that I believed was impossible until now. In the center of the great masses of buildings, stood the biggest mansion-palace-castle that any human has ever seen. The white brilliance pulsated as if everything was interconnected and intertwined into one big masterpiece.
The buildings were separate from the house. They were all different in size but brought definition to the house itself. Shooting out of the central chateau was a rich blue beam of quintessence reaching up into the sky; shooting the quintessence all the way to the great wall creating a quintessential barrier. It was like comparing it to a grand light show. I realize, that the only possible explanation that this place could be is Kalamine Y.
My hypothesis was accurate because of all the light. The place of the good. Wait a minute the rest of them could be inside Kalamine Y. So that would explain why I was here by myself; huh? I know the teleporter beam teleported me, but what about everybody else? Everything is in order. Everything is moving at the same pace. It has to be Kalamine Y because it is just so clean. This has to be it. I allow my thinking to somehow be right.
I start sprinting as fast as I could. With every inhale and exhale I took, the faster my legs started moving. I was in a race to look for the others. I knew that I couldn’t be alone. The only sound there was came from my feet hitting the ground. I was running as fast as I could but still it was like I was running in place. The city was still at the same distance as before. No matter how I tried to run, the city stayed at the same distance. This
reminded me of a treadmill.
I looked down and started walking, and the ground was moving beneath me. I know I am moving but why am I not—so then why was I not able to reach the—before I had a chance to keep thinking about how I was not getting anywhere, I am at the gates of the great Kalamine Y. This is unlike anything that I could have ever imagined seeing before.
The whole place reminded me of a myth my mom used to tell me. It was about a city called El Dorado with everything from the future and lights everywhere. I never thought that this was the city that she was talking about. El Dorado never was discovered, and no one knew because it was never on earth. Kalamine Y resembled El Dorado from its pictures and drawings.
This looked like a place of influence as I stood there in awe. There was great wealth here. It was illuminating with its fluorescent white lights, as if the whole city was one big disco ball. The smaller buildings were taller than the Burj Khalisa. The magnificence of Kalamine Y is very prominent, as you can see the works of art from the architecture of the buildings.
Her description did not have anything on the actual live visual that was before me itself, but it sure came close. Completely mesmerized and captivated by this view, my thoughts got the best of me. Wait a minute. How does she know about Kalamine Y? Does she know about it, or was she talking about something else?
And what about the—STATE YOUR NAME AND YOUR BUSINESS PLEASE? A voice boomed out of nowhere. Uh……what was I supposed to do? Then came the question again more abruptly. It was a deep, stern male voice like a drill sergeant. This didn’t seem normal but magic changed my life so……I say it. My name is Cameron Beaumont.
The voice came again. What business do you have here? I am here to find the rest of my friends, wherever they may be. I whispered this to myself. I take a step towards the door and I start to feel funny. It was probably nothing, so I keep on walking till I am close enough to touch the doors. I reached out to grab the handles. The more I tried, the more something wouldn’t let me grab ahold of them. I just went through this trying to get here when I was running and now this.
The Journey Page 1