Chapter 8 - Shadows and Secrets: Journey to the Unknown part 2

The following morning, Henry and Alexia entered Asher's chamber. There, they found him engrossed in perusing a newspaper.

In a gentle tone, Alexia greeted, "Good morning."

A broad smile graced Asher's lips. "Good morning to you both as well."

Curiosity piqued, Henry inquired, "What holds your attention in that newspaper?"

Asher's response carried a tinge of melancholy. "I'm reading about yesterday's contest."

Seeking to offer solace, Alexia reassured, "Asher, don't dwell on your loss. You put forth your best effort, and that's what matters."

Henry concurred, adding, "Indeed, she's right. Allow yourself to relax, buddy."

Turning to Henry, Asher inquired, "Do you know where Dark Blizzard vanished after our match? The newspaper mentions his sudden disappearance."

Henry's brow furrowed. "Truthfully, I'm as clueless as you are. He seemed to vanish into thin air."

Alexia interjected, excitement dancing in her eyes. "I've stumbled upon something interesting."

Curiosity piqued, Henry prodded, "What is it?"...

With a conspiratorial grin, she divulged, "Last night, an elderly man spoke of an ancient library within the town. He claimed it's shrouded in hauntings, deterring anyone from visiting. Yet, within its confines, there might be answers about Neverland."

Asher exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Wow, I had a feeling that we might find something there."

Henry cautioned, "Don't let your excitement cloud your judgment. Your health should be our main concern."

Asher retorted, "I assure you, I'm fine."

Turning to Asher, Alexia countered, "No, you're not."

"I am."

"No, you're not."

"I am."

"No, you're not."

Finally, Asher conceded with a sigh, "Alright, alright. I'm not feeling well right now."

Alexia chuckled softly, replying, "Haha, fair enough."

Henry joined the conversation, saying, "That's the spirit. Alright, Asher, take a rest and recover. Alexia and I will search for the library."

A few days had passed, and it was now the 22nd of May. Three months had elapsed since the disaster in Mist Haven, and Asher had made a full recovery. Today marked the day they would finally head to the library.

Having been discharged from the infirmary, Asher set out for the town's central coffee shop. The plan was for him to go alone, as Alexia and Henry had arranged to meet him there.

Navigating the narrow streets of Frost Holm with a steady stride, Asher finally arrived at the coffee shop. Alexia and Henry were waiting for him by the entrance. Standing beside them was another young woman in her mid-twenties.

Asher greeted them, saying, "Good morning, how are you guys?" They both responded in kind, returning his morning greeting.

Alexia took a moment to introduce the girl to Asher, saying, "Hey Asher, I'd like you to meet Emily Wilson. She's the one who knows how to get to the library."

Asher extended his hand towards Emily and shook hers, offering a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you," he said.

Henry interjected with a sense of purpose, "Alright, let's make our way to the library."

Asher's face lit up with excitement as he replied, "Absolutely, let's get going!"

Eagerly following Emily's lead, they left behind the comfort of Frost Holm and ventured into the wild embrace of the forest. Alexia's curiosity bubbled over, prompting her to inquire, "Where exactly is this library? All I see is an endless sea of trees."

Emily's voice remained reassuring, "Just trust me and keep following. We're almost there."

As their steps carried them deeper into the woods, the dense foliage gave way to a surprising clearing. Emily's composed voice broke the hush, "We're here."

Baffled by the apparent emptiness, Asher questioned, "Here? I can barely see anything."

Emily gestured towards a solitary tree and approached it with purpose. She knelt, revealing an unassuming underground door. The sound of bats erupting from the opening startled them, leaving the group momentarily shaken.

"Not what I was expecting," Asher admitted, a nervous chuckle escaping him.

Alexia's surprise echoed, "I couldn't have predicted this either."

Emily rallied them, "Let's not waste any more time. Come on, let's go inside."

Stepping up to the door, they were greeted by a set of wooden stairs leading downward. Henry, the inquisitive soul, couldn't resist asking, "How did you even stumble upon this hidden place?"

Emily's explanation flowed effortlessly, "My father used to be a guardian of this library. I accompanied him here numerous times. But it's been sealed away for years."

"Alright, let's venture inside," Henry agreed.

With a lamp from Emily's bag casting its warm glow, they embarked on their descent. The stairs groaned underfoot, bearing the weight of years of solitude. At last, they reached the library, awash in a gentle luminescence reminiscent of moonlight.

A collective gasp swept through them as they marvelled at the enchanting sight.

"Why are the walls glowing like this?" Asher's curiosity was uncontainable.

Emily's voice carried a touch of wonder, "These are Nebulite Gems. They radiate light, and they're astonishingly rare."

Asher mused aloud, "No wonder these gems are unfamiliar to me."

Henry offered a plan, "Let's focus on finding books about Neverland. We'll read them later, by day's end."

Everyone concurred, their sense of purpose renewed.

The library, once a bastion of knowledge, now stood frozen in time. Dusty bookshelves and delicate spiderwebs woven through the air created an atmosphere of quiet reverence. A table and chairs stood nearby, inviting them to explore the mysteries of the place.

As time slipped by, each of them amassed two books. Placing their finds on the table, they embarked on their journey through the written word. An hour passed, marked by intense concentration and anticipation, yet the sought-after information remained elusive. Asher, poised to delve into his second book, stumbled upon an intriguing title: "Another Dimension Far Away."

With excitement brimming, he exclaimed, "Check this out!"

Others gathered, sharing in his enthusiasm. Deciding to leave the library for now, they stepped outside, only to find themselves greeted by the blanket of night.

"It's nighttime already?" Asher's surprise was palpable.

Henry echoed his sentiment, "That's quite unusual."

Emily's voice carried a sense of mystery, "People say the library bends time. It's one of its many enigmatic qualities."

Satisfied with their findings, they extended their gratitude to Emily and made their way back to Alexia's abode. Following a hearty dinner, their reading session began. Seated in a circle, it was Henry who assumed the role of storyteller. The chosen book, "Another Dimension Far Away," promised answers, and as Henry read, their curiosity deepened...

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