The Journey of a million stories
Prologue
The world is always changing, yet one thing stays the same and that is stories. This is about a journey for a group of people that had very little in common yet were able to work together to get to a place that is told in so many legends that very few people remember it‘s name, but I’m not here to tell you about a long boring story I’m going to tell you of what happened to a teenage boy and a few of his friends.
Chapter 1 The Journey begins
This story begins with me a sixteen year old guy named Jake and my friend Michael. I was a person who read a lot of fiction. I thought almost anything was possible while Michael thought that I was a bit of an idiot for believing in that until summer of the year 2007. Michael and I where relaxing in a cabin that my next door neighbors owned and were letting us use when there was a knock at the door. I opened it and looked at my friend Aaron who I had invited over earlier that day. “Glad you can make it Aaron” I said. Aaron said “No problem I had nothing better to do today anyway.” I told Aaron to relax with Michael in the other room because I was going to wait bye the door for more guests.
I gave up after an hour and walked back into the TV room where his friends were. When I got into the room I saw creatures that I didn’t recognize so I rubbed my eyes. When I opened my eyes again the creatures were gone so he said “guys did you just see what I saw?” Michael said “what did you see Jake?” Aaron said “I didn’t see anything Jake.” I said “ I thought I saw some weird creatures but it must have been my imagination.” I walked back to the door and sat on the porch looking out at the lake. I fell asleep and dreamed of his friends and himself going on a long journey to a place they had never been before but they were missing two people.
While I was sleeping Michael and Aaron were talking about how they knew him and what they knew about him. Michael started the conversation by saying “Hey Aaron how much do you and Jake hang out?” Aaron said “Just at school really, why?” Michael just shrugged. Aaron asked “When did you and Jake get here?” Michael said “We had only been here three hours when Jake asked you over.” Aaron asked “ How long do you think we’ll be over here for a while?” Michael shrugged and said “I don’t know but I think we will be here a long time.”
When I woke up there was a girl looking me in the face, so I got up and said “Hello I’m Jake and you are?” The girl said “Hi I’m Kelsey.” I laughed softly and got up. Kelsey said “So you’re the guy who I’ve been talking to a lot.” I said “Yeah I guess I am.” I got up and walked into the woods feeling rain fall around him. Kelsey followed me without me realizing it and when I finally stopped she sat next to me. I looked at Kelsey and said “Wow didn’t hear you coming.” Kelsey said “When I don’t want to be heard it takes a wolf’s ears to hear me.” I laughed and looked at the water then said “The water is so much like a mirror just a bit different.” Kelsey shrugged and laid down. I touched the water and a large stand came out of it with six mirrors on it. I whistle and let out a small *wow* as the pictures in the mirrors started to move. The first mirror has a white wolf running through a blizzard from or toward something. The second has a wolf with fur like the stars changing into a teenage girl and walking off. The third has a wolf demon running through a forest smiling. The fourth had a half demon fighting tons of people for their titles. The fifth had a group of people that resembled me and my friends just with altered appearances. The last mirror had a man surrounded by demons and fighting back against them. I looked away from the mirror and saw Kelsey sitting up. I said “Weird mirror” and stood up.
Kelsey stood up and said “So where do we go now?” I said “I’m going back to the cabin to get Michael and Aaron then I’m going to find out where the images in these mirrors are taking place.” I walked back to the cabin and saw the creatures in front of the door. My first thought was whether or not the creatures were following me my second was if my friends were ok so I ran inside. When I got inside I heard a voice say “It is time for you to return with your new allies” I instantly looked for the thing that had made the voice and noticed that Kelsey had followed me inside. I looked at Kelsey and said “You have to get out of here before something worse happens!” Kelsey said “What could possibly be worse than this?” I said “Who knows, but I think something really weird is going on!” I walked to the door leading to the room where my friends should have been in and opened it. When the door was fully opened I felt something pull me inside and let out a small yell when I felt something grab my hand.
The last thing I saw before my life changed and I passed out was Kelsey grabbing my hand and being pulled into the room with me. When I woke up a wolf with brown, black, and golden fur was looking at me and grinning I instantly let out a small yell. I stopped yelling and looked at the wolf then whistled and stood up. The wolf walked up to me and said “Glad you’re back Jake” I said “How do you know my name?” The wolf said “You don’t remember me?” I said “I think I would remember a talking wolf if I had met one before!”
The Wolf laughed slightly and then looked up at me and said “You must have lost you’re memory when you left to the other realm.” I looked at him confusedly and said “What other realm?” He said “The realm you just got back from if you don’t believe me look around!” I took his advice and looked around. The first thing I noticed was that the sky was full of birds only found in stories and the landscape was jumbled up. I said “ Where are we?” The wolf said “ We are in the realm of Darakon, or as they call it in the realm of earth the land of myth.” I whistled softly and said “Where are my friends and how do I get back to Earth?” The wolf said “I don’t know where you’re friends are but I to get back to earth you will have to do some weird things and one of them is pass through the elemental gates.” I looked at him confusedly and said “First let’s find my friends.” Before we moved I asked him “What’s your name?” The wolf said “You can call me Wolfy.” I grinned and told him we should start by going north. What I didn’t know was that my new friend Wolfy would save my life more than once in the future.
Chapter 2 : Riley the arctic werewolf
Wolfy and I were walking along the road when I saw something white running ahead of us. Wolfy saw it as well and looked at me questioningly I nodded and we ignored it and continued on. As we walked on I noticed that the land kept getting steeper as if we were walking up a hill and I asked Wolfy about it. Wolfy said “We are heading to the arctic mountains Jake.” I whistled and asked him “Shouldn’t I be using thicker clothing?” Wolfy replied “Probably, but you just need to check your cloak and you’ll probably find what you need.” I wondered what he meant then I finally noticed the cloak flapping in the wind.
I pulled it around myself and continued climbing wondering how the cloak got there then I noticed that white blur again. I kept it to myself this time and kept walking then felt something hit my back and fell flat on my face. A voice said “Don’t move or I will rip your throat out!” I said “Alright.” Wolfy said “ If you hurt him I will destroy you!” I tried to turn my head around but felt something near my throat so I stopped. Wolfy said “Let him go or I will Kill you!” The animal on my back got off of me and I turned around I saw it was a large white wolf and said “Oh Crap!” Wolfy started circling the wolf and said “Who are you?” The Wolf said “ I am Riley and you are?” I got up and said “I’m Jake and this is Wolfy.” Riley said “What are you doing in the mountains?” I said “Searching for my friends, why?” Riley said “I would like to go with you.” Wolfy said “Why?” Riley said “It becomes a bit lonely up here in the mountains and I can help you.” I said “How?” Riley said “I’ve lived in these mountains all of my life and know the layout.” Wolfy looked at me then back at Riley and said “It’s Jake’s decision.” I said “ You can come with us if you want Riley.” We started up the road me deep in thought Riley and Wolfy arguing. As we neared the top of the mountains I heard someone yell “HELP!” I looked down and saw a figure laying on the side of the mountain. I started down to help them not sure if it was one of my friends or not but knowing they needed help. I reached the person and pulled them onto my back then started back up the mountain. When I reached the summit again Wolfy and Riley rushed over.
I looked at both of them then took off my cloak and laid it over the person I helped. I picked up the person from the side of the mountain and carried down the mountain in my arms not looking at them. When we reached the plains I sat down exhausted and pulled my cloak off the person I had saved to find my friend Michael looking sick. I looked him over then laid down and fell asleep. When I woke up Wolfy, Riley and Michael were all looking at me. I said “What’s wrong?”. They said “nothing just making sure you’re ok, Jake.” I got up and said “I’ve never been better.” I looked at the sky and noticed it was night. I asked them “How long have I been asleep?” They said “One day.” I whistled and got up then said “Let’s start moving we have no time to waste.” I started off to the south east until I noticed the others weren’t following me, I yelled to them “WHAT’S WRONG?” They walked up and said “Nothing, just a bit tired.” I said “We’ll rest here for the rest of the night.” They looked at me and said “Good thing we’re resting.”
Riley looked at the sky and said “Guys, I need to go.” Michael asked “Why Riley?” Riley said “Tonight is a full moon and I don’t want to hurt you guys.” I asked “What do you mean you don’t want to hurt us?” Riley said “I change on the full moon and lose control.” Wolfy said “You’re a werewolf, aren’t you Riley?” Riley said “Yes I’m a werewolf but I can usually control it.” I said “What do you mean usually?” Riley held up a silver cross on a chain and said “This controls my werewolf side’s bloodlust.” Michael said “You use a cross?” Riley nodded and said “It disables the curse.” I shrugged and said “Meet up with us in a few days, after the full moon, alright?” Riley nodded and said “I’m going back to the mountains for a few days.” I said “That’s fine just meet up with us after the full moon bud.” Michael said “We’ll see you in a few days my friend.” Wolfy said “We will see you in a few days my cursed brother.” I nodded and started into the woods with my friends Michael and Wolfy.
Chapter3: Hunter the girl who is also a wolf
Wolfy, Michael, and I were walking through the edge of the woods when we heard howling. The three of us instantly got ready for anything to attack. Wolfy was the only one with any real protection but me and Michael instantly searched the forest floor for anything we could use because we only had pocket knives. I grabbed a long stick and used my knife to sharpen the end of it while Michael cut down a branch and bent it back then tied it with his shoelaces to make a bow. I looked at my freshly but crudely made spear while, Michael looked at his knew bow then started making arrows out of small branches. I stood next to Wolfy thinking I was ready for anything, but boy was I wrong. The first thing I noticed was that Wolfy’s hackles were raised so I instantly got ready with my spear and guarded Michael. Wolfy looked at us and said “Do you two smell anything”? Michael and I both shook our heads to say we didn’t. Wolfy said “You two must not be changing to fit the realm yet.” We looked at him confused. Wolfy said “Your bodies’ aren’t suited for the realm yet but they will start to change based on your abilities.” I looked at him and said “Why will our bodies change?” Michael said “Why do our bodies have to change?” Wolfy said “You both bring up good questions but I can only answer Jake’s.” He looked at me and said “Your bodies are stronger here and have hidden abilities suppressed in you realm that are released here.” I whistled and said “I have more questions but I guess they will have to wait because I think we have company.” I held my makeshift spear in front of me as wolves jumped into the clearing and started circling us. Michael got his bow ready and said “How do we get out of this?” Wolfy and I shrugged then got ready to fight for our lives. Michael and I looked at Wolfy waiting for him to say if the wolves were going to attack us. Wolfy surprised us both by sitting down and saying “Put away your weapons they aren’t going to attack.” I laid my spear on the ground and Michael did the same with his bow and arrows. Wolfy looked at the wolves and said “Please have the alpha of your pack step forward.” He repeated this in barks and growls and I looked at him wondering why I could almost understand him. A wolf who’s pelt looked as if it was pulled out of the night sky stepped forward and said “I’m Hunter and this is my pack’s territory, Why are you here?” Wolfy said “I’m Wolfy and these are my friends Jake and Michael, we were just trying to find our other friends who disappeared.” I nodded and said “Did you happen to see a girl with blonde hair, or a tall guy with brown hair and glasses?” Michael said “The guy may have been hurt.” Wolfy and I both looked at him slightly confused. Michael said “I’ll explain in a bit.” Hunter said “Yeah we met a teenage boy yesterday, he had a small gash on his head and a pair of glasses next to him.” I asked “Was he taller than me and Michael?” Hunter replied “He was about the same height as you maybe a few inches taller.” Michael asked “Can you take us to him?” Hunter replied “Yes but you will have to let someone else take your weapons.” I handed my spear to one of the wolves and Michael did the same with his bow and quiver of arrows. The wolves looked at Michael and myself strangely then started ahead of Hunter, Michael, Wolfy, and myself. I raised an eyebrow questioningly at Hunter and she shook her head saying “I’ll explain when we get back to the den.” So we started out for Hunter’s pack’s den witch turned out to be a large cave complex. Wolfy and Hunter led the way talking about something me and Michael didn’t understand so we just followed them quietly. Hunter stopped outside the den and looked at Michael and me. Hunter said “Be careful some of the back doesn’t think you should be here but they won’t attack you unless you do something to really set them off.” I said “That’s fine with me Hunter.” Michael said “Don’t worry we won’t do anything irrational or stupid.” Wolfy said “I’ll watch them like I would a group of pups.” Hunter nodded and said “Good.” then walked inside. Wolfy looked at me and Michael as if saying “don’t do anything stupid you two” then walked inside the cave. Michael and I followed him slowly. The first thing I noticed when we got inside the cave was that our weapons were at the back of the cave surrounded by wolves, so I didn’t even go near them. Michael drew my attention to the height and length of the cave then we agreed no human could ever carve something so perfect or large. Wolfy and Hunter dragged Michael and me through another part of the cave to my a large chamber with nothing in it other than our friend Aaron who was looking pale and had a gash in the middle of his forehead. Michael and I instantly rushed over to him and checked for a pulse. Aaron’s pulse was weak but Michael said “He’ll live that cut isn’t to serious and he’s just unconscious.” I figured he would know being that he had been a scout just a year ago. I ripped a few strips of cloth from my shirt for bandages. Michael said “Thanks Jake, I’m probably going to need these if any of us becomes injured or if Aaron’s injury becomes worse . I said “We have to find Kelsey soon otherwise she might be attacked by some of the creatures in this realm of existence.” Michael said “There’s one problem with what you want to do and that is WE DON’T KNOW WHERE SHE IS!!!” I scratched my neck and said “That’s true but I think she ended up in the South or the West.” Michael said “What makes you so sure?” I said “Because were in the East right now and we found Aaron here. I was in the North when I found you and I woke up in the Center of the four regions of this plane of existence.” Hunter said from the doorway “Jake, Michael, Wolfy are you three in there?” Michael and I looked at Wolfy who said “We’ll be right out Hunter.” Michael said “What the heck is going on anyway?” Wolfy replied “We are going to stay here for a few days until Hunter’s friend comes back from the southern region.” I said “That’s fine with me and walked out to Hunter.” Michael looked at Wolfy and said “Jake’s adapting to all of this really quickly, do you know why Wolfy?” Wolfy replied “I don’t know why Jake is adapting so easily but I think it might be better if you start adapting to because you’ll probably be here until a rift back to your plane of existence is opened.” So Michael and I waited for Hunter’s friend to come back to the cave.
Chapter 4: Rokan the wolf demon arrives and joins the travelers
Michael, Wolfy, and I were sitting outside of Hunter’s den when we heard something nearing through the forest. Wolfy instantly crouched low and was ready to spring while I pulled out the wooden sword I was making from one of the branches I’d cut off a tree near the den. I got ready to attack whatever came through the trees as Michael pulled out his bow and a his arrows. Michael fit an arrow to the string of his bow muttering that we needed better weapons if we were going to live in this plane. I was ready for anything except to see Kelsey walking alongside a someone I thought was just a teenage girl at first glance then I noticed her claws and teeth. I looked at Michael and said “Get Hunter we may need her help.” Michael said “Alright, I don’t think our weapons will do much good anyway.” I agreed wholeheartedly as he ran inside and the girls started coming closer. Michael came back out a few minutes later following Hunter with an arrow knocked on his bow. Hunter noticed the girl that was next to Kelsey and said “Welcome back Rokan, I thought you would have been back sooner with how the south is mostly deserted.” Rokan said “I would have been back earlier but I had to help this girl along.” Rokan then pointed at Kelsey. Kelsey looked at Michael and me then laughed at how shabby our clothing looked compared to hers. I put my wooden sword back in the makeshift scabbard on my back then smiled at her and leaned on the wall. Michael put his bow on his shoulder and put his arrow back in the quiver on his other shoulder. Wolfy calmed down and smiled at Rokan and Kelsey. Rokan looked at Michael and me then back at Hunter. Hunter shrugged and said “They came into the woods and were looking for their friends so I brought them here.” Rokan laughed and said “So then I’m not the only one who picked up a stray.” I looked at Rokan confused and said “Why is everyone calling us strays?” Rokan laughed and said “You aren’t from around here and I doubt you have a home that’s why I’m calling you a stray.” I muttered under my breath while Michael said “But we do have homes and we want to get back to them.” Aaron said “I like this place but I would still prefer to go home myself.” I said “I think I’m going to live here because there isn’t anything for me back home unless all three of you guys go.” Kelsey said “I don’t know if I want to stay here or go back home.” I whistled to myself and said “Well why don’t we check this place out before we say whether or not were going to go home?” Everyone else said “Fine.” I looked at Rokan and grinned. Rokan shook her head and said “You four are going to get yourselves in trouble without someone who knows the layout of this world really well so I guess I’ll go with you.” I laughed and said “If you ever come to our world we’ll repay the favor.” Wolfy looked at me reproachfully and said “I thought I was supposed to guide you around Jake.” I rubbed his head and said “I want you to go back and look for Riley I have a feeling he is tied into all of this somehow.” Wolfy said “Alright but call me if you need help.” I said “We will.” then I looked at Hunter and said “Would you and your pack help Wolfy, Hunter?” She smiled and said “Alright but I’m leaving some of my pack behind to watch your way out of the forest.” I grinned again and said “Thanks.” Michael looked at me like I was crazy but said “Let’s go.” I nodded and started along the road my makeshift sword in one hand my pocket knife in the other. Michael, Kelsey, Aaron, and Rokan caught up to me after a few minutes of walking. I smiled at all four of them and said “I guess this is just another part of our long journey.” My friends all said “Well then what are we waiting for?” I said “I’m waiting for you guys to get a couple of weapons.” Rokan and Michael laughed being that Rokan had her claws and a sword to protect her while Michael had his bow and I had my sword and pocket knife. Aaron pulled a long branch off one of the trees and knocked all the smaller limbs on it then used it like a staff. Kelsey pulled out a knife and a razorblade then looked at me like I was an idiot for forgetting she had them. I said “Alright now we can go” and started running along the path. The others caught up to me and Rokan passed all of us pretty easily but she didn’t go to far ahead. I said “It feels like we’re lighter here.” Rokan laughed and said “You probably are.” I grinned at my friends and we all slowed down so we could walk along the path and talk.
Chapter 5 the travelers tell their stories
I looked at my friends and Rokan then said “We’ve all been through a lot since we were at the cabin I’m renting so why don’t you guys tell me what happened to you.”
