The Journey Begins

Mr. Benjamin drove up the dark gravel road, turning off the lights of his silver Volvo. Pulling into a small enclose space between some trees, he placed the car in park. He had a clear view to see the front gate of the historical monument along with the guard booth through the trees.

Turning to Fiora he said 'the moment the guard returns to the booth, we will circle around and go over the fence. We need to check things out in The Uthina Amphitheater replica and do some reconnaissance of the place and the area.

"Remember, we came to not be seen, heard or to get caught," he continued but if there is trouble, he took out a taser from the side panel of the vehicle and handed it to her.

I now see why you chose me for the 'reconnaissance mission'. No parent to be strongly against it, she responded after an exhale. It is just for protection, he affirmed. Reaching into a bag that he brought forward from the backseat, he handed her a ski mask as well.

Then he took out one for himself and placed it on his head.

At this point, they saw a light from the security guard heading back to the security booth. I hope its only one guard, Mr. Benjamin uttered as he started opening the car door.

'Let's Go!'

Mr. Benjamin and Fiora circled around the compound by way of a track, passing through the forest, leading them to the left side of the property. Cutting a hole through the fence with some wire cutters, they entered the dimly lit compound and proceeded to the center of the historical monument.

Mr. Benjamin began to mention to Fiora, historical facts about this monument, such as when and how it was built as an exact replica to the existing one in Tunisia. It was built here in hopes of bringing and having sporting entertainment and events from other countries. One might even say that it was the beginning of what we formally call the Olympic Games. Past Amphitheaters use to have gladiator games and other brutal sports.

"Interesting, Fiora responded, sounding intrigued to what her tour guide said!"

They walked around a corner and ended up in the main area of the Amphitheatre. Their standing high above ground was a statue, pointing to the center of the Amphitheatre. A statue of Pytheas with his sword drawn pointed downwards to the semi circular Amphitheatre.

Mr. Benjamin pointed to the statue, motioning for Fiora to follow him up the stairs towards the statue.

'In its day, this place probably looked like a great attraction but now it was in partial ruins. Poorly kept and on the verge of collapsing, stated Mr. Benjamin'

Pytheas of Massalia was the First Greek to Reach Britain and the Arctic in history, Mr. Benjamin mentioned as they walked up to the statue, which stood tall and proud even though moss was seen growing on it. Directly before it, on the ground was an empty clay bowl which seemed to be part of the structure.

Suddenly Fiora saw a light about to enter into the center of the Amphitheatre and she motioned for Mr. Benjamin to get down. They both hid behind the statue as the security guard began making his rounds around the Amphitheatre. The moon had concealed itself behind gray clouds and this cast large shadows everywhere in the coliseum.

After a few minutes, his footsteps were heard getting further and further away until silence was the only sound heard.

"Dodged a bullet there, joke Mr. Benjamin. Lets get going, while the getting's good, he continued."

They decided to leave the Amphitheatre after seeing all that they could that night! After making it back to the vehicle, Mr. Benjamin drove onto the roadway, and drove away into the night.

Mr. Benjamin thanked Fiora for her help after dropping her home, then he headed home himself.

'The week went by quickly for them until Saturday finally arrived!' They had all finished their exams and were finally ready.

Luke sat on the mall's bench with a travel bag at his side, looking at the cars as they past by. The thought of this world, ceasing to exist the way that it currently was, was a great cause for concern.

The child who was playing with their parent, not too far from Luke had all smiles, which brought a smile to Luke's face.

'This is what it is worth fighting for!'

A black Rolls Royce pulled up and stop next to the sidewalk and the door opened. When the door opened, Fiora stepped unto the sidewalk and awaited her bag that was in the trunk. Having received it, she walked up to the main entrance and then she saw Luke sitting on the bench.

Walking over, she stood next to him and asked if anyone else had arrived as yet?

No, he responded.

Contemplating, she asked?

Yes, Luke responded in a serious tone.

Well, I am excited, she answered in response to his statement.

Don't let your excitement get in the way of preservation. It's going to be a difficult journey from here onwards as the journey begins now. The moment he had finished his sentence, Melinda was seen in the distance approaching them.

When she saw Luke, a smile immediately came upon her face.

No sooner had she arrived at Luke and Fiora that Greg appeared from the opposite direction. The four students were now present at the front of the school prepared for what lies ahead.

Suddenly a Black Jeep Wrangler pulled up in front of the mall and the horn blew for the students. When the black tinted window went down, Mr. Benjamin was seen in the drivers seat motioning for them to come, as this was their ride to the cabin.

Having secured their personal things in the back, they entered the jeep and was on their way to the Mr. Benjamin's cabin in the woods.

While on the way, he mentioned to them that under no circumstances should they mention to 'his friend' what their trip will entail or about the gemstones that each of them had in their possession.

His friend, asked Greg?

The owner of this jeep, was the response. She trains certain individuals who are chosen to perform in special divisions in the government. I asked her to train you guys as she trains the others, for the month leading up to 'our departure.'

The well kept cabin rested by a lake in the forest. When they arrived, Mr. Benjamin's silver Volvo was seen parked at the side of the cabin.

Standing at the front of the cabin was an athletic build woman in black clothes. Her short, black, curly hair looked dull under the light from the cabin's porch. Mr. Benjamin parked the jeep next to his vehicle and everyone disembarked.

When they made their way to the front of the cabin, the lovely lady in black asked them one question together:

"Benjamin mentioned to all of you that I will be in charge of your physical and combat training, did he not?"

Yes, everyone responded in unison.

"Now that that is cleared up, enjoy your night because training starts at 4 am tomorrow morning, so rest up!"

Then she walked inside, leaving them to sulk because of what they had just heard and what they have to look forward too tomorrow.