Fan Fiction |
by Jenny Tran
The flight was long and dreary but with Kevin’s company, Alex barely felt the dragging hours that flew by. They were off the plane and ushered to the pickup section where a cab sat waiting for them. A driver held up their names on a hasty written out sign “That was smart of you to call a cab ahead of times.” Alex commented as she waved to the man.
“I didn’t…” Kevin said but by the time he looked over, Alex had already approached the car. The driver helped them load in the luggages. He started the car and began driving before they told him where they were going.
Alex seemed relaxed and awake despite the long trip, she looked around and pointed at the beautiful scenery “Look, I can almost see the ocean!!” she pointed when they were traveling down a curvy road against the mountains.
Kevin noticed the driver’s side grin, “Where are you taking us?”
“Where you should be, of course.” He answered with a thick accent.
Nudging Kevin, she asked, “What’s wrong?”
He turned to her stunned “Aren’t you surprised by all this? I didn’t order a cab and he knows exactly where to take us…” his eyes widened when they pulled up to the grand castle. The outside of it was broken and chipped but it was still magnificently built.
“It’s gigantic!!” Alex exclaimed “My very own castle…”
“Yes, it’s yours.” The driver said mysteriously making her turn to Kevin for help. He waved for her to exit the car as the driver took out their luggages. He quickly drove off before they had a chance to pay him.
“How bizarre.” Kevin said while he watched the car disappear into the distance “Did you notice how fast he drove off? And there are no cars along the road…” he faded after he turned to find Alex pushing on the door “I think you have to pull it.”
She turned down at the handle and noticed it had an imprint of a hand. Placing her fingers over it, she realized it was a replica of her own hand. Pushing the handle down as it groaned open. Her eyes traveled around the giant space inside, the outside did not justice for the interior. It was a like a storybook, vibrant colors and velvet materials laced the walls. There were no windows but a giant candle chandelier hung high above the ceiling. They were lit and it brightened the entire room from wall to wall “Kevin!! You have to see this!”
“I see it.” He replied from the door. Pulling in her bags of luggages, the door suddenly slammed shut causing him to jump forward “I think we’re trapped.”
“It’s destiny.” Alex nodded.
“That’s my line.” He snickered while walking around to look at the magnificent decorations. The giant stairway was amazingly large, with three different directions from the center of the steps.
“I was being sarcastic.” Alex replied with a laugh. Grazing the velvet drapes, she realized it was not dusty. It was cleaned like as if the castle were expecting guests “You think they have cable television in here?” Kevin threw her an exasperated look “What? I get bored easily.” She said in her defense.
“That should be the least of your problems Alex. We have to find that traitor and stop evil. I doubt television would even be on your mind after terror strikes.”
Alex smiled “You sound like a horrible commercial for a movie.”
“How could you stay so calm?” Kevin asked slyly.
“Because I still think this is a hoax.” She replied dryly while he raised his brows at her “But just to prove a point, I came here with you. Anyways, I don’t scare easily.” She turned casually towards the stairs and found a person standing there. Alex let out a loud yelp before covering her mouth.
“If you’re here for the treasure, it’s mine.” He warned while slipping down the stairs in a steady movement. His hand rested in his pocket holding onto his gun with care.
Kevin came over to where Alex stood “What treasure?”
Christian turned his head suspiciously “Don’t play games. I’m sure that lying monk took a nice amount from you to give you another copy of that map.”
“Map? Like this one?” Alex pulled it from her hand purse and showed it to him.
He quickly shielded his eyes “NO! Don’t show it to me! I know what it looks like!”
Kevin shrugged his shoulders strangely at Alex, who folded the paper and dared to move closer to the obviously armed guy “What do you see?”
Christian whipped his hand down “Nothing! Now get out before I have to kill you.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.” Kevin stood at the door, he tried the latch but it wouldn’t give “We’re trapped.” Christian didn’t believe it as he walked over and tried too, surely it was locked. But there was no tiny switch or knob showing that it was locked “You’re one of the destined seven.” Kevin said.
“What?” he spun around, unsure of what he just heard.
“Which one are you?” Kevin pulled out a piece of paper he photocopied from the old legends and curses book.
“The righteous man that turned to greed.” Alex replied without thinking. Her friend looked at her oddly “Put the pieces together. Treasure and a gun.” She nodded towards Christian casually.
He was confused “What are you two rambling about? And how did you lock this door?” he asked in a demanding voice.
“It’s not locked, we’re trapped.” Alex said sarcastically “Look, just sit tight, by the next morning, we will be able to get out of here.” She said casually.
“Why tomorrow morning?” Kevin asked.
“Because I said so.” She shrugged.
“Who are you people?” Christian asked.
Alex smiled as she bounced over to him “I’m Alexis but everyone calls me Alex. That’s my goofy sidekick Kevin. What’s your name?”
“Why should I tell you?” he turned away coldly.
“And they call ME snobby.” She moved her body towards Kevin.
“When do you think the rest will come?” Kevin wondered out loud.
Alex shrugged “I don’t know. I’m just the chosen one.”
“Don’t joke about that!” he scolded making her roll her eyes.
Suddenly the door made a thundering noise and entered two people. Kevin’s eyes softened at the sight of the smiling female “Goodie, more people!” Alex rushed over to greet them “I’m Alex and you are?” she looked at the girl, who in turned looked over at the man next to her.
“I’m Kyle. This is Ann, she’s mute.” He explained shortly.
“Hi Ann!!” Alex yelled. The girl grinned as she made a few signs with her hands “Oh, she’s trying to tell me something! I’m good at this game.” Clasping her hands together as she tapped her chin “Uh…ear…something with ear…me. What about me?”
“She’s saying that she’s not deaf, you don’t have to scream.” Kevin shook his head with a laugh. He had learned sign language in college.
Ann touched her nose and pointed at Kevin making Alex break out into giggles “She said you stink!”
“No, she said I’m right on the nose.” Kevin snickered at his friend before approaching the two “I’m Kevin by the way.” Ann smiled with a welcoming nod.
“I had no idea the monk was so greedy. Selling all these maps to people.” Christian was in shock.
Alex turned to him with a teasing head “You’re still on that? Let me give you an overview-"
“Alex.” Kevin shook his head at her.
“Oh don’t be a party pooper. He’s gotta know some time. Anyways, it’ll kill time.” Alex motioned for Christian to join them, he was sitting by the staircase. He shook his head making Alex approached him. Taking a seat next to him, she began explaining the legend that was read to her. Repeating it made it funnier. After she finished, she began laughing “Isn’t that ridiculous?”
Christian looked up “So that means, there are two more people coming? Together we will kill the evil creatures and save the world?”
“You can’t be serious.” Alex was in disbelief “You actually believe me? Anyways, it’s three more people. Kevin isn’t one of the destined seven but I think if you beg him, he’ll take over for you.”
He laughed while getting up “No, of course I don’t believe in this nonsense.”
“I said the same thing! Good, we’re on the same boat. How about you Kyle? And Ann too.” Alex was curious to know.
“I was told there would be a Nobel Peace prize award ceremony here. I was invited as a winner.” He couldn’t help feeling tricked. Ann made a few gestures “She was called here to teach a class on Chinese history.”
“And you were told there would be a treasure here?” Alex pointed at Christian, who nodded “Interesting…”
Kevin turned to her curiously “What did you figure out?”
“That we were all tricked to come here.” Alex said nonchalantly.
“I think the crazy girl has a point.” Kyle nodded.
“Who you calling crazy?” she said defensively when the door opened and appeared Mila and two other people, which she recognized with ease “Oh, now I’ve seen it all. That’s your crazy woman!” she pointed to Mila.
Kyle turned to the three “Apparently, whatever you are here for does not exist.”
“Darn! I was looking forward to blowing up this castle!” Mila exclaimed.
“Who let you out?” Kevin smiled as he pictured the bewildered look on Alex’s face.
“My commanding officer came in to see me. He said there would be a bomb training session here and asked if I wanted to come. Of course, who would be stupid enough not to jump at the chance?” she asked matter-of-factly.
“Of course.” Alex snorted, “So, what’s your story Tammy?”
“Bird catching convention.” She shook her head foolishly.
“How about you Jerry?” Alex went down the line “A blind man’s convention perhaps? Or a singles night for the blind and deaf?”
“Alex!” Kevin cried in shock as he nodded towards Ann.
“Sorry.” Alex crossed her arms stubbornly.
“Actually, I was told by a wise monk that I was destined to come here to meet six other people where we would fight against evil and save the world. But that’s just a bunch of nonsense, right?” at his words, thunder broke out in the sky as the clouds moved away covering the sunlight. They could not tell but sky was forming, ready for it’s curse.
“What was that?” Tammy looked frightened as she clung to the closest person to her, which was Mila.
“It’s called thunder, now get off my arm before I have to bite it.” Mila warned. Tammy quickly obliged as she moved away.
Suddenly the candles began flickering causing the room to be dim and light up “Welcome my guests.” A deep voice announced from the stairway. A male dressed in an 18th century suit. His cuffs ruffled at the neck and arms, his hair was perfectly combed to the back. He seemed to glide down the stairs “I have been waiting for you to arrive.”
Christian yanked his gun out as he pointed to the eerie figure “What the hell are you? Let us out now.” He threatened.
“Childish toys. You cannot destroy me for I am only a messenger here to show you around so that you may get acquainted with your new home…or coffin.” He added with a wicked grin.
Mila smiled “Okay, are any of you girls turned on by that man or is it just me?”
Tammy stepped further away from Mila while Ann smiled calmly. Alex winced with disgust “It’s just you.”
The figure laughed merrily “Now, now there is time for small talk later. Would you all join me in the dining room?”
Alex was the first to follow as she patted Christian’s hand “You might want to put away that gun now.” He twisted the trigger around his fingers and placed the gun back into his pocket in one swift movement.
“Show off.” Mila muttered while she quickly followed Alex. Jerry was the last to follow with Tammy’s help.