Heroes of Veridia: Evelyn's Journey

The group exited the salon after Evelyn paid for both of them. Number One drove them to the location the hairdresser gave to them. He pulled up to a pub along the Forge Avenue Street.

Across the street stood Victor's military organization, 'Cyberforge Corps,' displaced atop the doors. Transparent glass advertised robotic parts, while a video showed the public how part of the transformation was done.

Evelyn and the others exit the vehicle. This time, Number One followed them. Looking back at Victor's factory, she said, "I don't remember the last time I've seen this building."

They all walked into the pub with a 'Kevin's Pub' sign displayed in front, gaining curious stares from the people there. The pub was big enough to fit at least thirty people. Leather chairs and wooden tables filled part of the pub with the bar beside it. People were having their breakfasts while others were having a drink.

"It's still early and this place is already filled with people," Vanessa muttered.

Evelyn walked to the bar with the others following closely.

"Is there any Kevin here?" Evelyn questioned.

A bartender approached her as he was preparing a drink for another customer.

"What does Victor's kid want with Kevin?" the bartender asked with a small smile.

"We need his help," Vanessa replied and slammed her hands on the bar, "so hurry up and call him."

The bartender ignored Vanessa and handed the customer's drink to him.

"Rachel sent us," Elena stated.

He eyed the group before placing the cup down. He then entered a room behind him. Moments later, he came out and directed Evelyn and the others into another room.

Upon entering, the bartender closed the door behind them. The room was small. Inside was a single desk with scattered papers and books all over and a chair.

"There's no one here," Vanessa said.

Clara whispered as she pointed up at the ceiling, "There's a trapdoor."

The trapdoor opens slightly. The group became cautious. Elena reached for her sword while Number One reached for his gun. Clara hid behind Vanessa. A man's head emerged from the attic when the trapdoor fully opened.

"You must be Kevin," Evelyn spoke.

"And you're Evelyn," He said and jumped down from the attic, "What do you want?"

Elena approached him and informed him of their purpose for coming to him.

"East Veridia? Why do you want to go there? The Viper doesn't allow outsiders in his region," Kevin informed them.

"The Viper?!" Vanessa questioned.

"People know him as 'King of the East'. If you are seen there, you could get hurt; if you get hurt, Victor will retaliate. When he does, there will be war between us and the East, which is bad for business," Kevin told them it would not be possible since Evelyn would be easily recognized once she set her feet in the East Veridia.

Evelyn smiled as she processed Kevin's words. Upon seeing her expression Vanessa frowned.

"You heard what he said and you're just going to smile," she said.

"I'm just gathering my thoughts," she approached Kevin who was seated in the chair, "I won't be going."

Annoyed, Vanessa approached her, "You said you were going to take revenge for her."

Evelyn placed her hands on Vanessa's shoulder, "Calm down. These guys," she gestured to Number One and Elena, "can accomplish that task. We," she pointed between her and Vanessa, "are just going to get in their way. So, instead of going with them, we will go to the forbidden island for information."

"You need to pass through the East to get to that island," Kevin informed them.

"The Eastern Waterfront is available to everyone," Evelyn told him. She turned to Kevin, "So, can you help us, or do we have to find another way?"

Kevin got up from his seat and asked them to follow him. He pressed a button on his desk, opening a secret door. The door blended in perfectly with the walls that Evelyn and the others did not notice it.

"Why do you have so many doors?" Vanessa muttered.

They followed Kevin into the room. It was pitch black with the only source of light being a shimmering portal in the middle.

"This will take you to Innovara. You will be sent to one of my pubs along Quantum Lane Street. You can use it as a hideout for whatever revenge you guys are planning, but make sure you keep my people away from your problems," Kevin led Number One and Elena into the portal. He returned minutes later.

Evelyn returned to the Vehicle with Vanessa and Clara. She stood outside staring at the empty vehicle before her. Vanessa asked her what was wrong.

"Can any of you drive?" Evelyn asked her.

"You're joking," Vanessa exclaimed.

Evelyn turned to her with a smile and told her that she wasn't joking. "I've always been taking the train to school," she told her.

"Of course, I can drive," Vanessa answered Evelyn's question. She got into the car and pulled away. They met Number Two and Number Three and took the duo with them. The drive from Ironhaven to the Eastern Waterfront was a long journey, hence they stopped to buy food along the way. Since the Azure Port was a place for international trade, anyone could go in and out of there without trouble.

Evelyn changed into an oversized pale green hoodie and joggers which were made of a soft, fleece-like fabric. The hoodie has a drawstring hood, and the joggers are cuffed at the ankles.

The group reached the Azure Port after a four-hour drive. A vast sea could be seen at the Azure Port. The streets were bustling with traders and distributors. The temperature was so hot that you could see the air shimmering above the ground. Evelyn knew her choice of outfit was a bad idea.

They continued their journey till they reached Harborway Street where floating markets could be seen. Electricity-powered lifts linked them to the ground.

They exited the vehicle and headed to the port after parking it safely. "What are we going to do now?" Vanessa wiped a sweat off her face.

"Rent a boat," Evelyn voiced out.

"How?!"

"You ask."

They squeezed through the crowd to the harbor. Inspecting the free boats, a small one caught Evelyn's eye. She told the others.

Vanessa nodded, accepting Evelyn's decision as a small one would make it easy for them to sneak away to the island with no one seeing them.

"How much for this boat?" Evelyn asked the man.

He looked up at her and asked, "Isn't it too hot to be wearing that?" He informed them of the price and Evelyn paid.

The trio got on the boat with Number Two and Number Three. Number Two drove the boat while Number Three stood behind them, arms ready.

"What are we going to do when the sea beasts come at us?" Vanessa questioned.

"You ask a lot of questions," Evelyn told her. She informed her and Clara that Number Three would take care of the beasts. "You could help with your gifts if you can."

The boat rocked on the sea as Number Two navigated out of view of the people in the harbor. He hid their small boat beside a huge ship that was returning to the harbor.

The intense heat was neutralized by the sea breeze, though, only just by a little. It was still burning. Evelyn reached down and splashed some sea water on her face to cool her down.

They were a safe distance away from the harbor which was becoming smaller as they went. The forbidden island came into view. It was surrounded by huge rocks.

"No wonder it's not safe to go there," Clara whispered.

As the group sat in the boat, drained from the heat, they were waiting to reach to island so they could get some rest.

"I should have stayed home," Vanessa sighed.

They enjoyed a swift ride on the boat until they reached the rocky areas. Number Two slowed down as he carefully navigated through.

"I hope we don't see any sea beasts," Clara said.

As soon as she said those words, the sea began to act up, sending huge waves toward the island.

"Hold on!" Number Two said to them. They all this as they were told. Number Two tightened his grip on the steering wheel as the waves carried them across the rocks.

"We are almost there," Vanessa chuckled.

As if it were summoned, a giant eel with blue glowing eyes emerged from the sea and faced the group. Electricity crackled around it. It opened its mouth to reveal its teeth.

"Speak of the devil."