The Intrepid Three, page 3
Without wasting another moment, the groggy adolescent slid out of bed and walked to the bathroom to start his morning routine. As he entered the small space, his CommX8 display appeared on every window and mirror. The device tracked Walter’s movements in the house and auto-populated updates for each awaiting task. He suddenly noticed the I’m brushing my teeth icon appear on every surface around him. Before sending out this update, he reflexively selected the type of toothbrush and toothpaste he was using. Walter knew if enough Immerxians saw, commented, or rated his VEX, a minute-by-minute update of daily life and thoughts, he could receive minimal, very minimal, compensation from the company he endorsed.
Compensation for VEXs, an Immerxian acronym for Virtual EXperience, was not common for Walter. In the past year, he received twenty cryptx, Immerxian cryptocurrency, into his bank account from various companies. Walter was not deterred by the minuscule amount, as this was the Immerxian’s way of life. His loving parents, Wendy and Wayne, encouraged Walter and his three younger siblings, Wallie, Whitney, and Wade, to share their earnings to help offset the high cost of living in Immerxia.
Wayne and Wendy Johnson co-owned Vision Optix. Wayne was the practice’s optometrist and Wendy worked as the optician. The business had a steady supply of patients due to Immerxians’ twenty-four seven attention to screens, which created enormous eyestrain.
Despite the Johnson’s success, the family still worked hard to keep each other comfortable in this expensive world. Every year, Walter’s parents bought their three children the newest CommX devices. To make money, people needed to share, and share a lot. To maximize the capability to share, the latest technology was required. And technology was expensive. In Immerxia, people needed to spend money to make money.
Thirty-five VEXs later and no richer, Walter was ready for school. He quickly shared Off to my first day of junior year and selected his brand of backpack, hat, T-shirt, pants, and most importantly, shoes, in the dropdown menu. Walter didn’t even bother to tell his parents that he was leaving, since he knew they would get his VEX before he even closed the door.
Once outside, each student that passed was a chorus of dings, bings, and rings as their clothes, school supplies, and CommX8s continuously alerted them of their peers’ every movement. All around the children, there was a barrage of personal content displayed on every window in the neighborhood. Inhabitants freely shared their active screens, hoping to make extra cryptx from the passersby.
Walter suddenly saw that his shoes were glowing bright green. His sneakers were customized to light up when he received a geotag from one of his two best friends. The location of his friends scrolled around the outer sole of his shoe. Instead of walking to the bus, Walter darted ten houses down to Brian Watson’s. In the driveway, Brian was leaning against a new blue car, an affordable Offbeat. He wore his shades down and showed a big grin. The car was no Xtender, the hottest car on the market, but it was the nicest ride any other junior in Immerxia owned.
Unlike Walter, Brian was a master at making cryptx off his VEXs. He had a knack for photography, original captions, and gaining access to top-of-the-line products, not to mention he was extremely popular.
“What took you so long to get here? I didn’t want to VEX about my new car before you saw it. Now, I’m just waiting for Pete, and then I can share it with everyone.”
“No way!” As if on cue, Pete Carrington, the remaining member of the trio, appeared around the corner. Brian and Pete were different in every aspect. Brian was muscular, athletic, and a straight-A student, while Pete was stout, a theatre kid uninterested in grades. While the two friends couldn’t be more dissimilar, Walter had been best friends with both for ten years. He was the glue that kept the triad together, especially since Walter, the median of the three, could relate to both Brian and Pete.
“Alright, let’s get on the road. I need to stop for a quick charge on the way to school. The car’s battery came close to empty,” Brian hurriedly stated. The boys quickly piled into the car. Walter graciously sat in the back and breathed in the new car smell. He was thankful to avoid the crowded school bus.
“Brian, don’t you think we’ll be late for first period math?” Walter asked over the wind of the open windows. “Nah, I can get us there on time,” Brian responded as he pushed down the accelerator. “Do you think Mrs. Anderson would even notice if we came into class a few minutes late? She’ll be glued to her CommX8 VEXing about the latest calculators and trying to make a few extra cryptx,” Pete said with a snarky tone. All three boys laughed.
Many teachers, just as much as their students, spent most of the day on their electronic devices trying to make money from VEXs. Their classes were spent flippantly scrolling through lists of purchasable prerecorded lessons. Truthfully, educators in Immerxia didn’t do much teaching. They were more like proctors. Once class started, a teacher’s main role was to take attendance, press play to start the unoriginal lecture, and administer a few quizzes and tests each term. The hardest part of an educator’s day was if a child interrupted the thoughtless routine with a question; they much preferred the students scroll silently on their electronic devices rather than speak up in the classroom.
As Brian pulled up to the charging center, Pete asked, “Did you guys hear the CommX9 is about to be released? I think it’s really going to help boost my earnings. It’s got ten cameras strategically placed to optimize VEX quality. Supposedly, one of the cameras can even produce 4-D images. It’s like you’re actually in the picture.”
Brian retorted jokingly, “You’re going to need the CommX20 to catch up with me.” Brian jabbed Pete in the shoulder with his elbow after he unbuckled his seatbelt.
Before Pete could retaliate, Brian smoothly exited the car and started fiddling with the charging port. “Ah, man, this keypad is not working. Guess I'll pay inside with my CommX.” Never missing an opportunity to grab a bite, Pete clumsily jumped out of the car and headed inside to grab some snacks.
Walter looked up from his device and realized he was alone. He was about to continue his unproductive scrolling when he saw something shoot past the windshield. Walter saw a spectral figure streak into the trees behind the charging center.
Walter had the bright idea to try to capture some images of the unique creature. While the phantom resembled a human, it was transparent, white, and its image flickered in and out of focus. Walter blinked hard twice, checking his vision. Wait ’til people see this. I might actually be able to bring in some cryptx today, Walter thought as he stepped out of the car with his device at the ready.
Walter slowly walked into the woods, in hopes of not spooking his prize, as the form flitted through the trees. Just as he was about to snap a picture, Walter’s implausible subject disappeared toward downtown Immerxia. With Pete and Brian nowhere in sight, Walter decided there was enough time to chase this once-in-a-lifetime VEX. The form darted behind buildings down Main Street, always a block ahead of Walter. This sequence continued for seven blocks to the local library.
The Xitus Library was an old brick building that rarely welcomed visitors. Books were a relic in this world filled with technology. The last time Walter set foot in the library was his kindergarten field trip to see a book in real life. Now, the only people to set foot in the library were antique collectors—and apparently ghosts.
As Walter approached the seemingly deserted building, the phantom passed through the revolving library door, which did not even move an inch. Walter ran up the steps and burst into the building, instantly recognizing that the indoor setting was even better for his epic picture.
The teen carefully scanned for the VEX of the century as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. His vision focused with the help of the streams of light that snuck through the old two-story stained glass windows lining the entire perimeter of the Xitus Library. At least thirty twenty-foot glass masterpieces were in sight from the entryway. They spanned from the worn floor beams to the lofted ceiling trusses. Dust floated and swirled in the pale light, giving the dingy building an enchanted quality. The charmed atmosphere was mesmerizing.
Walter started to discern the vast open area full of archived books and antiquated desks but not a single electronic screen. He wasn’t even sure if the building was equipped with basic electricity. Suddenly, Walter saw a burst of light to the right, and he jerked his head in that direction. The figure he followed to the end of town vanished behind the circulation desk.
Squinting his eyes, Walter noticed someone behind the desk. “What in the world was that?” Walter blurted. The presence leaned forward on the desk as if to get a better look at the boy. Walter peered back at the most interesting and indescribable being he had ever seen. Unlike most people, the figure possessed no distinguishing characteristics—no overt indication of gender, race, or nationality. All qualities seemed to be ambiguous to Walter. The boy was staring at what seemed like an optical illusion. In a moment, the librarian resembled any person; in another, no one at all.
“Hello, Walter. Sorry to ruin your VEX.”
As Immerxians grew further distracted from truth, the unending battle continued between the Murk and the Lumen in Animus. The Murks’ numbers were undeniably larger than the Lumens’, and Animus had never seemed darker. The sheer numbers and darkness placed the Murk at an obvious advantage. The Lumen deployed to fight banded together to create pockets of bright resistance. The waves of darkness from the Murk crashed into the weakening Lumen. Unexpectedly, the Murk halted their assault. A bright light in the distance captured all the creature’s attention. There could only be one explanation: something was being added to the story.
4
IMMERXIA MONDAY 8:49 A.M.
Confused, Walter asked, “How do you know my name? I’ve never met you before.”
Chuckling, the figure responded, “I know much more than your name. I know that your favorite food is a pokit, but you only like them savory. I know your little brother Wade is your favorite sibling. I know Brian and Pete are wondering where you disappeared to this morning. But most importantly, I know this conversation will push you to question the vain lifestyle of Immerxians.”
Walter froze, not comprehending how a stranger could know such intimate details about him. Sure, anyone could have guessed his favorite food was a pokit, the most VEX’d about Immerxian specialty entrée, but not even the CommX algorithm could have discerned the other details.
The larger-than-life personality continued speaking while exiting the circulation desk toward the boy. Trying to glean more information about the perplexing librarian, Walter scanned the being’s attire. The outfit consisted of plain white sneakers, blue jeans, and a button-down shirt embroidered with a pattern of tiny Xitus Library logos. Fittingly, the emblems closely resembled the numerous stained glass windows adorning the walls. Unconcerned with the boy’s growing wariness, the librarian stated, “Walter, you are set apart from your classmates. You are the best of them. I should know.”
“Who are you? Do you track my VEXs or something?” Walter said, sounding increasingly nervous. A long silence ensued as they stared at each other. “Fine, at least tell me your name,” Walter relented to break the quiet.
“Over time, I’ve been called many things, but my description has stayed the same. I find it is best to describe myself when someone meets me in person for the first time. I am the first light. Being the preeminent light, I am the author of all good things. Really, I am the most important author of all time. I create, continue, and complete the good text.”
“Really? What text?” The boy was beginning to wonder about the speaker’s sanity.
“I’m sure you’ve experienced my work. I authored everything from science and math to art and music. There’s not a person in any world that has not lived my stories. My collection is really quite beautiful, if I do say so myself. Most people find my writing profound, except for those who choose to dismiss me as the author. Over the years, some of these people have tried to hijack or mar what I have written, but my voice endures,” the author stated confidently.
“What’s the title of one of your books?” Walter asked skeptically. This conversation was turning from weird to bizarre. He shifted his feet uncomfortably.
Needless to say, the foreign apparition was no longer at the forefront of his mind, and neither were the electronics that kept him tethered to Immerxian reality. Unbeknownst to him, Walter’s shoes were repeatedly flashing green from the geotags sent by his friends trying to locate him.
“I wrote Goodness,” the writer insisted.
Walter instinctively followed the being to a large wooden table with stacks of leather-bound books. “Okay. Well, what do I call you then?” the curious teen reasonably asked, feeling like his questions were leading nowhere.
“What would you like to call me?” the host replied.
“What have other people called you?” Walter asked, wanting a direct answer.
“That’s unimportant. It matters what you want to call me,” the odd librarian stated.
“I guess . . . I will call you Author, since you say you’ve written so much,” Walter hesitantly said.
Laughing with enthusiasm, Author responded, “Good choice! I like it! Now, if you’ll have a seat, I can tell you why you’re here.”
Walter gingerly slid into the seat across from Author and questioned, “Why I’m here? What do you mean?”
“You may not realize it, but the necessity for our meeting originated long ago. We all have choices, Walter. Even though I planned for your arrival, you’ve chosen to stay.” Walter’s face grew more confused with every passing word.
Walter scratched his head and stated, “The more you talk, the more questions I have.”
As Walter squirmed in his chair, Author said, “Walter, you are one of my chosen.”
Secretly searching for the nearest exit, Walter inquired, “Chosen for what?” The teenager had never seen himself as a leader or exceptional at anything.
Author gave him a benevolent smile. “You were chosen because of your ability. The ability to change everything.”
“What special ability do I have? To change what? Everything? If you really knew me, you’d know I was average, and there is nothing unique about me. Brian’s who you want. He’s the smartest guy I know. Or, what about Pete? He can play any role you want,” Walter suggested while he finalized his plan to escape from the incomprehensible situation.
“I hope Brian and Pete will play a part in all this too, but here is where you shine beyond your friends. I know you feel average most of the time, but you’re far from that. You are designed to coauthor unbelievable wonders.” Walter was suddenly distracted by an exquisite pen that appeared in the speaker’s now outstretched hand.
Author continued undeterred by the mysterious materialization. “This world, and the others, need you. Immerxia is full of confusion because of the excess of information and inability to discern the truth. To most people, truth is now irrelevant. Veracity no longer is determined by fact but rather the whims of the loud and outrageous. You know this to be true because you have the capacity to see through all the commotion and chaos. This gift grants you the ability to materialize change for those that are still lost in the deception.”
Walter abruptly rose from his chair, which toppled backward. “I don’t know about all of this. I’m sure we have our problems here, but I don’t think I’m the one to save us. Maybe run this by the next person who walks in here. I think it was a mistake for me to come in here today.”
“No, my boy. There are no mistakes in my writing. No edits are necessary,” Author proudly spoke.
At that very moment, Walter’s CommX8 buzzed and caused him to jump, as if it was a planned disruption. Author, on the other hand, didn’t budge or bat an eye. Nothing seemed to phase Author. The presence slowly rose from the chair and paused for the persistent buzzing of Walter’s CommX8 to end before speaking again.
Once the racket stopped, Author continued, “I know this short chapter is ending, but I look forward to the next time we meet. You will discover that there is much more to you and this story than you could ever imagine. Much will happen before we meet again, and I’ll be here to answer your questions.”
Without another word, Walter turned and briskly walked out of the library, leaving Author standing alone at the table. Running down the stairs, Walter nearly face-planted while digging his CommX8 out of his pocket. There were ten missed messages.
Just as much as Walter had been bewildered, he was now elated to see not only had his best friends been searching for him, but so had Stacey, his unreciprocated childhood crush. Walter hoped this year would be the year that Stacey caught similar feelings for him.
His heart skipped a beat as he read Stacey’s message. Hey! Where are you? I got here early to save you a seat next to me in first period.
On my way. Save my seat, Walter clumsily responded as he sprinted back toward the charging station, knowing his friends were still waiting for him.
Stepping from Immerxia into Animus, the Switcher’s façade dissipated, leaving only an evil essence. While walking behind the ranks of the Murk, it was unaffected by the ongoing battle in Animus. Reaching a locus to Euporia, the Switcher parted the thin atmosphere. A large hand, gold watch, and French-cuffed wrist began to appear in Euporia as the Switcher emerged.
