Transcendence Book 1: Farafel

[Saber]

Transcendence is a story of a modern day high school student named Terry with a complete lack of motivation for almost anything. He finds the notions of success to be completely frivolous and shirks almost all responsibility. However, he is a natural genius and comes from a wealthy family. He has never had to work toward anything in his life. When his childhood friend suggests he become a writer, she takes him to an old book store where he meets a strange old man. A meeting that inadvertently sends him into a fantasy world and an alien body, possibly forever.

Farafel is the first book in the series. Terry has found himself in the body of the Prince's pet dragon, and must now learn to survive in this strange new world and strange new body. But there is also some nagging sensation telling him that he must protect Prince Axel, no matter what. A hard task to do when his head is the desire of the powerful Duke Verner and his strange command over the powerful creatures of Asterell. Terry fights to save Axel and ensure his place in the throne, all the while searching for a way home.

This is a book I've been writing for years now. rather it's a concept I've been writing for years. The book itself has had several rewrites, but this seems to be the best one so far X3 I only have the first couple chapters done, so here's the first.

[Saber]

Chapter 1
Wanderlust

There are many ways to visit a world?

What is the best way to reach my own?

* * *

There are some things are just meant to happen, I think. Regardless of what you may think about fate and that crap, some things just seem to happen that are beyond anyone’s control. I can honestly say that from personal experience. Who am I, you ask? I’ve been known as many things in my life. Farafel for a while. Demuth after that……Runt was a personal favorite. But if I had to choose an identity I actually believed in, it would be Terrance Albion. He seems like such a distant person now. Not even a part of me anymore…

That’s not a bad start, either. I think I’ll begin by telling you all about Terry and how he was taken from his world and forced into mine.

Terry lived in a strange world filled with mundane routines and dull concrete lives focused only on succeeding in life rather than living it. His parents were doctors, his older sister was a lawyer and he was just another average high-school student. His entire family was successful, but hardly close. He didn’t really see the point in school, it was emotionless; tedious. He had few friends. And all that he did have were focused on the selfsame goals of “success”. A notion he had no interest in. Success was simply another name for survival in that world. Living simply to survive seemed wasteful.

There was one solace in that world for him, though. It lived within books that told him of other worlds with much more to it than survival. They told the tales of gallantry and chivalry; the stories of brave warriors who pressed forward through all odds, not to survive, but to live. He wanted to be a part of a world that was rooted in adventures and mystery. A fleeting hope, he was certain. A hope he would soon regret having.

“Did you study for the exam in Bio?” Terry looked lazily from his lunch at a short girl with black hair and an obvious tomboyish attitude. She probably already knew the answer, but Terry figured she just wanted to hear it.

“Of course not. You’re the Pharmacist, Kel, not me.” Kelandry Flint was a rather brilliant young girl interested in biology and medicines. It was rooted in the fact that her mother was ill and there wasn’t a lot the doctors could do but supply seemingly random drugs with mixed results. She rolled her eyes and sat down next to him. She gave him a playful punch in the shoulder and sighed.

“You’re really just going to flunk out of high-school? Not even bothering?” She had asked this a lot. Terry found it somewhat annoying, but it wasn’t unwelcome. I suppose he figured it meant someone cared about him. He may not have had a close family or a very motivated mind, but he knew he at least had one supportive friend.

“Maybe not; even without trying, I still manage a C average. I suppose that sort of thing runs in the family.” It was a rote response. One he had reflexively given to the question for the passed 3 years. Though it wasn’t any less relevant. If he honestly gave an effort he probably could have skipped several years of school.

“Well what about after Graduation? Do you plan on being a hobo for the rest of your life? Brilliant as you are, I doubt you’ll even consider college.” She grimaced at the cafeteria special she had been given. I believe it was supposed to be a sort of corned beef hash or something. But it looked more like a pile of gray slop.

“Actually, I have considered it. It’s not like my family couldn’t afford it. And you can imagine I’d have plenty of free time after school’s out. I guess it’d just be the next logical step. I just don’t know if I’ll ever really find something I want to do here.” Terry wasn’t really thinking about what he was saying. Speaking his mind was one of the things he had cultivated into a reflex, “Don’t eat that, Kel. It’s disgusting. Have the rest of my sandwich.” Kel smiled with the spoon in her mouth.
“What’s wrong, Terry? Can’t handle not knowing what you’re eating?” Kel held up a spoon full of slop. “It’s simple really. It’s processed fat, artificial flavorings, a gallon or so of bacon grease and probably some beef byproduct with added preservatives. All the crap a teenager likes to eat.”

“…I think knowing is worse than not…” Terry said with a smirk. He handed over his sandwich and wondered what he’d do after school. It’s a rather big question, isn’t it? He thought, I’ve been avoiding the outside world for years. I suppose I could look into a few colleges and see what they’re all about. Checking the clock, Biology would start in a few minutes. He opened his bag to put away his books and was about to get up when Kel said something with a mouthful of turkey.

“I asked if you ever thought about being a writer.” Kel replied when Terry asked what she had said, “I saw all those fantasy novels in your bag. I honestly never noticed you were into that sort of thing, but maybe you could try writing your own?”

Terry suddenly felt slightly embarrassed. His secret desire to escape his world wasn’t a rare one, but he found he was reluctant to reveal it to anyone. His parents seemed to find them superfluous, wishing he’d focus more on his studies. As such he didn’t enjoy the disapproval. He looked away.

“I don’t know what you mean…” At that moment the bell rang for class. Terry left Kel at the table, her face a little disappointed.

* * *

Terry rolled down the street on his skateboard with the ease of someone who’s done it since he was born. Not a bad assessment, since that’s all he really did after school. He did it more for the speed it grants than the flashy tricks he could perform, though, so he never really learned anything complicated. The only reason he knew any tricks at all were because Kel taught them to him. It was the only thing he actually enjoyed learning. Also the only thing he had trouble learning. Deep in thought about this, he didn’t notice Kel riding up beside him.

“Heya, stranger.” She said in a rather emotionless voice. This was her way of telling him that he had been avoiding her since lunch, whether he was aware of it or not. He looked at her sheepishly. He shrugged and turned back. She just smiled and they both rode down to the park where they usually enjoy an afternoon run in the half-pipe.

“About those books—“ Terry started, sitting under a tree while Kel sat down with a couple water bottles.

“Don’t bother. I think I understand. It’s not something your parents approve of, is it?” Terry didn’t reply. She knew him too well. Ever since he was 6, in fact. He met her in that very park one day after sneaking out of his house. Not they’d have noticed, anyway. He thought.

Kel raised her right pinky into the air as she slid next to him “Remember?” He did. It was midnight and he found her in the jungle-gym crying. She had run away from home, too. They sat and talked for hours about everything but their parents. She had a drunk for a father and a very headstrong mother. Neither of which cooperated well together. They soon divorced and her mother fell ill. On that night, after everything they talked about, Kel held out her pinky and proclaimed “Let’s not let anyone tell us what to do or how we live, except us! Pinky swear?” From then on they became best friends. First chance he got, he asked to transfer into her school and they were together ever since.

“Pinky swear,” Terry replied. Kel smiled and sat back against the tree. She started laughing.

“Isn’t that the stupidest thing? A pinky swear is the best thing we could come up with to fix our lives for what they were?” Terry looked at her. Her expression was one of detached nostalgia. But he knew that that swear was the most important thing to her. It wasn’t a promise to each other, but a promise to themselves. A promise that they’d always support the other, no matter what happened. I…truly wish I could have kept that promise…

“A writer? It’s not really a stable career, you know. There’s no guarantee that anyone would buy anything I write.” He said. He took a swig of the water bottle she gave him. He didn’t look at Kel but just stared off into the distance. He wondered if he could write anything. He hasn’t had any experience in that sort of thing. The most he could do was take bits and pieces of everything he’s read.

“Mavbe, maybe not. What’s life when you limit your risks?” She teased, “think about it, though. You’re a brilliant person and you have a great imagination. Who’s to say you won’t sell? Besides, you’re probably set for life as it is…” She looked away for a second. Terry didn’t understand what it meant. Even I’m still not sure, but it only lasted for a second. “Since I found out you’re into it, there’s an old fantasy book shop around the corner from my house. Wanna go check it out later?”

Terry felt the wave of embarrassment again, but stowed it. It did sound like a lot of fun. Especially with Kel around. “Yeah, I think we should. Who knows? I might find something I can write about.” They spent the rest of the afternoon gazing at the clouds.

* * *

The “old fantasy bookshop” was just that. It looked ancient, almost as if it were going to fall apart. The style seemed very old, almost as if it came from some 15th century architect. The wood was cracked and warped and the door didn’t seem to close all the way. It was odd how it stood out in contrast to the concrete shops next to it. The glass was blurred and foggy and some of it was cracked.

“This is it?” Terry asked skeptically. He didn’t think anything of value could be found here. Kel only nodded. Terry appraised the building again, looking a little closer, “how old is this shop? It looks like it’s been here for centuries, but I don’t think the city is that old.

“I don’t think it is. A lot of places started antiquating their images. I think it’s just for atmosphere. See? ‘Ye Olde Bookshoppe’ even the name of the shop is some crappy novelty. I came here once out of curiosity. All of their books are hand written. It’s really strange. Most of the books don’t even seem to have authors. And the shop keeper is some crazy old guy.” She smiled, “He really likes to make you think you’re in some fantasy novel. It’s a lot of fun if you relax.”

Terry was worried he might enjoy it a little too much. But he decided to go in, anyway. No one will tell me how to live except me…Immediately entering the shop there was a strong scent; it was sort of a varnish like smell. Whatever it was, it made the store smell old, only adding to the atmosphere. The shop was rather small, too. There were rows of bookshelves not really evenly spaced, but all of them were pretty close to each other. The books seemed almost thrown on the shelves, in no particular order. There were even piles of books scattered about the floor. The only break in the old style of the building was a rather modern cash register and a credit card swipe. There was also a door on the far wall with a carved wooden sign that said “Authorized Personelle onlye”.

“That’s going a little too far, I think. It seems tacky.” Terry commented gesturing at the sign.

“Well what did you want me to put on there? ‘Ye Shall not Pass’?” Terry jumped back in surprise as a rather odd man spoke to him from behind barely an inch away from his ear. Kel just giggled, the old man turned toward her with a smile “Welcome back, fair maiden! Have you come to reconsider my offer? It’s a very good book! I should know, after all, I wrote it.”

“You wrote all these books?” Kel asked amazed. Terry looked around. While the shop was rather messy, the books themselves were in pretty good condition. Each one seemed to be cared for and revered as a work of art rather than a source of income. The piles were only there due to lack of space.

“Oh goodness, no. Many of them, yes, but others were written by fellow enthusiastic explorers of other worlds. Each story you read is another reality, you realize.” He said with a generous smile barely visible through his rather wizard-like beard. He also wore a rather wizard-like robe, colored a light brown with rather wizard-like intricate patterns. It seemed like it belonged in a museum.

“Well, yeah, but none of it’s real. It’s all just fiction and stuff. The real world’s much more vicious than these ones.” Terry said offhandedly. The man backed away with a disappointed expression. Terry felt as if he said something wrong.

“Oh my, you are a rather ignorant fellow aren’t you? There are an infinite number of worlds out there, within all possibility. There are many ways to visit them, but books are bar far the safest and most efficient. It gives you a rather limited view, but that’s solved with other books, really. A true writer doesn’t just think of a character and wonder what sort of plot twists and climaxes can happen to him, no. A true writer has been to his world and lived in their shoes. Only then can you bring a world to life.” As he spoke the man made dramatic gestures and expressions, making a rather big show of what he was saying. Terry considered what he was saying, nonetheless. A true writer…? He thought. He picked up the nearest book. He flipped through the pages without really reading them. He’d never tried to write a story before. Most literature classes glaze over the formula. Rising action, climax, falling action. Though no book he’d ever enjoyed seem to follow that particular formula. Things just don’t work that way naturally.

“Assuming these books actually take me to other realities, what other paths can I take to get there?” He said suddenly closing the book, “These books lead to other worlds, but none of them are mine. How would I be able to find a world of my own?”

The man smiled the same generous smile he gave the Kel a minute ago,”That’s up to you to find out. However, a very good place to start does wonders. I’ll make you a deal.” The man strode directly through the door and called out to them from the inside the back room, “I will give you this.” He returned with a large tome in his arms, “This is something I once worked on with my twin brother, Mernil. But, he moved on to the other side. I can’t seem to finish it, myself. I believe it’s missing something. Perhaps you can add it in, young writer?” He handed the book to Terry. He was rather dumbfounded by the man. Is he just giving me this book? It sounds like a keepsake from his brother, yet he seems to want to give it away… He looked at the book. The title was rather straightforward. “Historical Records and Useful Stories of Asterell”

“Just like that? You don’t want me to pay for it or anything?” Terry asked skeptically. He felt it was as valuable as anything in his home. He couldn’t believe the man would just give it away. Perhaps it was simply because it was an opportunity to live in a way he would enjoy that made it valuable to him, but he had to know.

“Just like that. I don’t imagine you’ll keep it very long. After all, all books need a shelf. Return to me when you’re finished with it and I’ll return it to its proper place here.” The man said.

“That’s very kind of you, mister…” Kel began; she seemed interested in returning, especially since she’s inquiring his name. She always was able to make friends with anyone.

“I am Remlin.” He replied, smiling at the odd looks Kel and Terry exchanged, “Our mother was rather eccentric. Now, I’m sorry I couldn’t leave you with anything Madame Kelandry, but I have to close the shop early today. I’m expecting a rather important and potentially time-consuming call. I will see you tomorrow?”

“Oh, certainly! This place is wonderful.” Kel said with a grin. She nudged Terry in the ribs.

“Oh! Um…yeah, I could come back. I might have some questions for you later.” Terry said distractedly, looking at the book, he wandered out of the store. Kel just rolled her eyes and let him go.

“Thank you and farewell, Master Remlin” She said with a giggle and a curtsy. She followed Terry out of the store. Catching up she smacked him playfully on the shoulder again, “See? It didn’t kill you, did it? And he was nice enough to give you a free book!”

“I wonder how much of what he said was true and how much of it was just for show…” Terry thought aloud. Kel frowned.

“Who’s to say he lied? He seems to believe in what he said pretty fervently.” That much was true. Behind the flashy gestures, the passion in Remlin’s words were undoubtedly genuine.

“Yes, but Remlin and Mernil? They’re obviously just scrambled versions of Merlin. It sort of ruins the illusion if it’s such a tacky effort.” Terry said flipping through the first pages of the book. They detailed how Asterell held many of the stereotypical mythical monsters and how they all lived in a grudging harmony with the people there. It was a rather basic background. And the book was more a collection of stories rather than one large one.

“He did say his mother was eccentric…” Kel said in a last line of defense. Terry had stopped thinking about the names already and she knew that. He was buried deep in his new book by the time she stopped. He looked up and realized he had been lead home. He looked at Kel with a question, “You probably would have gotten lost without me. I don’t live too far from you anyway. Have a good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Before he could say anything she rolled off on her board.