105 BackXCivilization

"We travelled forward in time." Finished Lara.

"Huuhh? Time travel?" Silver/Bradford.

"I don't know how but that is what it feels like it." Answered Grylls.

They all looked at their Nokia phones which miraculously survived all the explosion and chaos inside the cave and it shows October 4, 1996 23:13:27.826.

They then all looked up at the same time to see the beautiful clear blue sky. Thin clouds scattered in the horizon. The sun at the top showering the group with its heat rays, indicating it is the middle of the day.

Lara picked a number and dialed it.

*ring* *ring* *ring*

<Croft's estate, this is the butler speaking.>

"Hello Winston, it is me." Introduced Lara while also releasing a huge sigh of relief after hearing the familiar voice.

<Oh dear, Lara is that you?!>

"In the flesh. Hey Winston, care to answer my question, what date is it today and what time?"

<Oh Lara dear, it is 12:56 pm on the 4th of October. *sob* *sob*>

"The year, Winston. And are you crying?" Inquired Lara.

<*sob* *sob* No, I'm not. Just not feeling well on this *sob* old body of mine. It is currently 1998 and the Year of the Tiger. *sob* *sob*>

"So, it's been two years huh. Hope you didn't slander the Croft's finances while I was gone?" Jested Lara. In fact, she doesn't care if she lost all the money, as long as Winston is still alive, then she is all good.

<No, I did no such thing. *sob* I never doubted your return for even a second.>

"Okay, keep the house clean. I'll be home soon."

<I shall expect your return, then. Be careful.>

*click*

Lara looked at the group and announced. "It looks like we have traveled 2 years into the future. It is now 1 pm of October 4, 1998."

"Woah, a whole two years. That is rough." Whistled Bradford.

"Waaaaahhh. The Hunter exam! I almost missed the 1999 exam." Cried Silver in relief.

"Oh No, my family might be worried sick with my absence. I should call them!" Grylls said in turn.

"How about you Bradford? Anyone you should notify of your return?" Asked Lara.

"No, I have lost contact with my family a long time ago. With the money I got with this trip, I'm gonna live my life to the full for a long time." Answered Bradford.

"What about you Silver, why so worried with the 1999 Hunter exam specifically?" Lara can't help but asked.

"I promised myself to met a friend in next year's exam. I don't want to break it." Said Silver with a smile.

"Ok, I'll send two billion as payment for each of you and settle the bill." A few minutes later. "Done. Now let's get out of here. Remember, nothing about this place goes out." Warned Lara.

(1 U.S. Dollar ~ 120 Jennies)

"Roger that!" Grylls/Silver/Bradford.

"Now let's get out of here. Hey Silver, wanna stay with me until the exam starts?" Offered Lara.

"Really??? I wouldn't pass that one!"

The group then, flew towards the nearest town in the union, the Town of Honeywood, to rent an airship back to their homes.

"Wohooooooo! Go Aquila, soar higher!" An excited Silver commanded Aquila so that he could complete one of the task.

"No, please don't Aquila. We should stay near the ground." Begged Bradford from the back of Silver while quivering in fear.

When Aquila reached his peak, Silver made a nasty grin. Het then mentally commanded Aquila to dive straight down.

*swooooshhhh*

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I don't want to die! I don't want to die!" Shrieked Bradford in high pitch.

Then, when Aquila was near the ground, she then swiftly recovered her bearing and returned to 100 meters above ground.

"Hey guys!!! I think Bradford fainted." Shouted Silver on Lara and Grylls in front on top of another Aquila.

<October 14, 1998 10:16:56.371>

"Here we are in the Croft's estate in Saherta." Lara pointed to the mansion behind the opening gate. "Feel at home. You will always be welcome here regardless if I'm here or not."

"Welcome back, Little Lara and you should be, Master Silver." An aging bald man welcomes the Croft and Kurta duo as they arrive via a white sports car.

"Hello Winston, and really, a white sports car?!" Lara jumped off from the car immediately after it stopped and hugged the old man.

"Good to see you too, little Lara." Winston hugged her back while patting her back.

"Let me introduce to you, little Silver. He will be staying here for a while and is to be welcome in Croft's estate whenever he chooses. He has saved my life multiple times over this trip."

"Welcome again, Master Silver, and thank you for bringing our little princess back." Winston bowed to the kid the get off the car.

"There is nothing to be thankful for. Big sis Lara has helped me a lot with my training too." Silver bowed back.

Lara then intoduced the aging man to Silver. "This is is Winston Jeeves Smith. Winston's family has been with the Crofts for generations, and he has been the family butler after his service with the military; just as his father before him. He has been with the family before I was even born. I would trust him with my life."

"Nice to meet you! My name's Silver Uchiha." Silver introduced himself and offered his hand.

"The pleasure is all mine." Winston shook the offered hand. "Would you mind handing over your phone? You wouldn't need it in the mansion." Winston requested his phone that raised Silver's vigilance.

Silver then looked at Lara only to see a smile and nodding head. Trusting Lara's judgement, he then surrendered his phone.