Beyond The Portal

The six friends slowly opened their eyes, finding themselves in a futuristic room filled with sleek screens, holographic displays, and strange technology.

Chloe bounced up, her freckles scrunching as she examined the room. "Wow, this place is amazing!" she exclaimed.

"What's amazing?" Andrew asked, his curly hair messy, his eyes still half-closed as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"The room, the technology... everything!" Chloe replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

Maya sat up first, her blonde hair tied in a messy ponytail, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and caution. "I know, right? It's like a futuristic lab!"

Ethan yawned, his brown hair tousled, his eyes bleary. "I'm so stiff," he yawned. "What time is it?"

Ben grinned, his dark hair perfectly styled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Time for training, my friends!"

Madison stretched, her red hair blazing like a wildfire, her long limbs unfolding as she arched her back. "Do we have to? Can't we just sleep in?"

"We need to learn how to use our powers and get back home ASAP," Maya said, her voice steady.

"I'm loving this tech, though!" Ben said, playing with a holographic screen.

Andrew smiled shyly, "I think we should focus on mastering our abilities first."

Madison rolled her eyes, "Yeah, because that's exactly what we need, more lectures from Andrew."

Ethan chuckled, "Hey, someone's got to keep us in check."

Instructor Lyra entered, her powers similar to Chloe's, a warm smile on her face. "Good morning, young ones! I've brought your training attire." She handed each of them a comfortable pair of trousers and a breathable top. "These will suit your needs for our training sessions." Please get dressed; we have a lot to cover today." and she left the room.

Wow, thanks!" Chloe said, taking the dress. "How did you know our sizes?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Ethan echoed her question, "Yeah, how did you know?"

Instructor Lyra smiled. "As soon as you entered the Elementia, your details were automatically inputted into our system. We have advanced technology that can scan and analyze your physical characteristics, including size and measurements."

The friends exchanged impressed glances.

"Wow, that's amazing!" Maya said.

Instructor Lyra nodded. "Yes, our technology is quite advanced. Now, please get dressed and meet me downstairs by the elevator on your left. We don't want to keep Arkeon waiting."

As she turned to leave, Chloe called out, "Instructor Lyra?"

"Yes ?" Lyra replied, turning back.

"What can we expect from our training today?" Chloe asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Instructor Lyra smiled. "Ah, that's for me to know and you to find out. But trust me, it will be an enlightening experience."

With that, she floated out of the room, leaving the friends to get dressed and wonder what lay ahead.

As soon as the door closed, the friends burst into discussion taking their clothes, their faces lighting up with gratitude, as they began to dress, their movements relaxed, their banter easy, as they prepared for their day ahead.

A privacy screen slipped out forming a curtian around each of their beds.

Maya slipped behind her screen,her voice muffled as she changed into her trousers and top. "I can't believe we're actually doing this!"

Andrew's screen rattled slightly as he struggled to get his shirt on. "Believe it, Maya! We're in this together!"

Chloe's screen fluttered as she quickly changed, her excitement palpable. "I'm so ready for this! Let's do it!"

Madison's screen creaked as she stretched, her long limbs flexing. "I'm ready to kick some butt!"

Ben's screen shook with his laughter. "You go, Madison! We've got this!"

Ethan's screen groaned as he yawned, his voice still sleepy. "Do we have to? Can't we just go back to bed?"

Madison laughed so hardly as she held her stomach and said "I definitely said this earlier"

The friends emerged from their screens, dressed and ready, their banter continuing as they prepared for their training session.

"I can't believe we're stuck here!" Madison exclaimed.

"We'll figure it out," Maya said reassuringly. "We just need to work together."

"And master our powers," Andrew added.

"Which reminds me," Chloe said, "how do we even do that?"

Ben grinned mischievously. "I say we experiment and see what happens!"

Andrew chuckled. "Yeah, because that always ends well."

Maya smiled. "Let's focus on learning from the instructors first. We can experiment later."

Ethan nodded in agreement. "Maya's right. We don't want to risk hurting ourselves or others."

"I thought you wanted to sleep in", Andrew teased him as they all laugh.

Madison sighed. "But I'm still eager to get back home."

The friends continued discussing their plan of action, determined to work together and master their powers as they stepped out of their room walking to the left and headed for the elevator.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Mrs. Thompson woke up with a start, her heart racing and her mind foggy. As she sat up in bed, the events of the previous night came flooding back - the mysterious message, the ominous warning... 'We're watching you.'

Her hands trembled as she threw off the covers and got out of bed. She felt a sense of dread wash over her, her mind consumed by thoughts of Maya's safety. Where was her daughter and her friends? What was happening?

The sense of unease lingered, refusing to let her shake off the feeling that something was terribly wrong. She got dressed quickly,with a sense of trepidation, she headed downstairs to start the day, her heart heavy with worry.

Her fingers flew across her phone's keyboard as she typed out a message in the group chat. "Good morning, everyone. I need to share something with you all. I received a message last night... 'We're watching you.' I'm getting worried sick. Has anyone else received anything similar?"I don't know what it means or who sent it, but I have a bad feeling." "Our children are missing and also Ben's grandparents too.

She hit send and waited anxiously for responses. Almost immediately, her phone buzzed with incoming messages.

Miss Helen: "Oh no, that's terrifying! I haven't received anything, but I've been trying to call the principal all morning and no one is answering,What if it's all connected to each other?

Rogers: "I'm getting worried too. This message feels sinister. We need to figure out what's going on."

Mrs. Brown: "I think we need to take this to the police. It's been more than 48 hours since they all went missing, and now this creepy message? We need to get them involved."

Mr. Jenkins: "I agree with Mrs. Brown. This is getting too strange. We need to get the authorities involved."

Mrs. Thompson: "You're right. I'll go to the police station right now and show them the message. Maybe they can trace it or something."

Mrs Brown: "We need to do something. We can't just sit around and wait." If anyone hears anything, please share immediately."

Mrs. Thompson's heart raced as she read the messages. This was getting worse by the minute.

The group chat erupted with a flurry of messages, all the parents sharing their concerns and fears. Mrs. Thompson's anxiety grew with each passing moment. Something was very wrong, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Meanwhile, in a secluded, dimly lit location, a hooded figure, his face obscured by a mask as he stands before an elderly couple, who seems to be Ben's grandparents that have been missing their faces etched with worry.

"Mr. and Mrs. Adams," The figure began, his voice low and menacing. "I'm sure you're aware why you're here."

The grandmother's eyes narrowed. "We demand to know what you've done with our grandson, Ben!"

The figure chuckled, the sound sending shivers down their spines. "Ah, Ben. A brilliant young mind. But I'm afraid he's not the reason you're here. It's his mother's research that interests me."

The grandfather's eyes flashed with anger. "What do you mean and ehat research are you talking about?" And what's the meaning of this creature attack?"

The figure's mask glinted in the faint light. "Ah, the creature attack... a mere demonstration of power. And as for the research... let's just say I'm eager to acquire a certain book. One that holds the key to unlocking great power."

The grandmother's voice was firm. "We don't know what you are talking about".

The figure's laughter sent chills down their spines. "Don't play dumb, Mrs. Adams. I know your daughter used it in her research. And I will stop at nothing to get it."

The grandparents exchanged a terrified glance, their minds racing with the implications. Who was this masked man, and what did he want with their family?