Kevin and Theo's Multiverse Misadventure | mariteaux

Page Ten

Kevin and Theo hesitantly followed the gecko far outside Qasala. They still had no assurance this wasn't a trick, a setup, trouble, danger, or merely a local having a laugh at their expense. The climbing, the walking, the tumbling had done a sore number on their legs, spines, paws, and bodies. Theo's eyes were heavy—he couldn't quite pull 19-hour days like he used to.

Thankfully, I do not expect sandstorms to rage tonight, the gecko chirped, marching with purpose into the distance. He turned slightly, giving a flowery bow as he walked. I am Hasan, since I did not introduce myself earlier. At your service.

Kevin.

Theophrastus, of Caerpinwyd.

Yes, lovely city! Hasan continued. Quite the history! You must tell me how two very different men like yourselves met?

Hold it. Theo stepped towards Hasan, his nostrils flaring. You've yet to tell us where you're taking us, and I will not move another step until then.

Hasan stopped in his tracks, his face flattening and his posture stiffening. I am taking you to a portal that leads just outside Caerpinwyd, as you requested. I will be visiting myself in the following days to collect my payment.

Outside Caerpinwyd? Not into the Multiverse?

Heavens no. Hasan looked hesitant to even discuss the topic. I have no desire to visit that...strange void world again. This portal is a direct tunnel to the bogs west of the city. Now, as for my question!

While Theo wondered what some well-to-do merchant would care how he and Kevin met, Kevin was happy to answer. We met at the library! Theo's the librarian back in Apricot Bay.

Apricot Bay? I do not recall such a place in Caerpinwyd.

That's because it's not in Caerpinwyd, it's in another world entirely, Theo interrupted. Kevin was born of Multiverse noise and entered that world of his own accord. I discovered the void independently and wandered across it.

And you do not remember the way back?

It was long ago, and I can't travel as much as I could when I was still young and sprightly. I have a business there now, anyway, as Kevin mentioned. A library.

A well-read rabbit, then?

My first obsession! The topic perked Theo up slightly. I thought that this new world would give me the most exotic books of them all, so I stayed to collect and trade them. That was many, many years ago now, but—you have much time when you're immortal.

You should stay in Neopia sometime, Theophrastus, Hasan suggested, sounding more earnest than before. There are many fascinating books and magical trinkets you cannot get anywhere else. Quite a large selection of strange beasts as well.

We know, we saw the other shopkeepers!

Hasan giggled. Aha, no, petpets! Small and come in many different shapes. Perhaps you will fall in love with one and need to keep it. Perhaps you will bring it home with you?

Ah—I don't think those would survive outside of this world, Hasan.

Oh?

Long story... Theo had grown quite tired of explaining the Multiverse to those who couldn't comprehend it that day.

A monolithic stone torus could be seen through the desert haze over the dunes. Like a lens to Heaven, one face tilted towards the sky, and a set of stairs led up the side angled downwards. Twelve oblique symbols were carved on both sides of the ring, arranged like the numbers on a clock, with a sun peeking over the horizon at the very top.

Hasan stopped in the middle of the ringed shadow the structure cast on the sand. It's known as the Portal of Kiaran, he explained, and it only activates in the presence of the strong willed.

Who's Kiaran? Kevin asked.

Kiaran was an explorer who disappeared through the portal. He has not returned since. As a protective measure, the portal will not open for just anybody—

Does it open for you?

Well, of course—

Splendid.