"Lucius, what are you gonna do now?" Crosby crossed his arms as he looked at his friend who's pulling out it's own hair.
"I don't know either." Lucius looked up at Crosby.
"Hey, if I'm gone, lit me up some candles." His hair is messy as he gives his will.
"Don't worry, buddy. I'll take care of it," Crosby said, patting his shoulders. Crosby had another thought, "How about your mission? Do you know what it's all about?" he questioned. Hearing his friend talked about his mission, Lucius recalled receiving his task just three days ago.
A ringing sound filled the chamber, followed by a computerized voice stating, "Lucius, please accept your new task." Lucius and his teacher exchanged slow glances. They've been screwed. Lucius strolled slowly through the screen and tapped 'accept.' "History Mission: P.R will experience transtemporal travel. As someone who is experienced in time, you are asked to guide and prevent the traveler from affecting everything. Mission grade: SSS grade," the voice reads.
The old man and Lucius were both taken aback when they heard what the panel showed. "Transtemporal travel? They haven't permitted individuals to go unless they're from our academy; what's with this ludicrous change? What if something goes wrong? Are they not worried of the consequences?" Lucius questioned his teacher. "I also have no idea, Lucius, but I know for sure that it won't be simple. Look at your mission grade, it's really high. From what I know, the last highest assignment you obtained is S, right? Looks like your mission will take a long time to complete."
Lucius lowered his head as he pondered, "I wonder who P.R. is. I hope he's experienced so I don't have to be troubled by him freaking out when he traveled." He walked in front of his teacher, "But am I the only one who thinks it's strange? I mean, this is the first time, right? Anyone who's not from the academy has ever traveled," he queried agitatedly. "Yes, this is the first time of transtemporal travel, however the concept of picking someone not from the academy is not new from the school," the old man said after a little pause. Lucius stopped, "What do you mean?"
"In this academy, there are departments that separate the students from receiving their mission. For example, you, Lucius, are in the History Department, while Crosby is in the Philosophy Department." When the old man saw Lucius nod his head, he continued, "Every department had a divinity that we believe is the one making missions to each student, and every mission had every purpose on why it was assigned to be done." The old man took a deep breath before continuing, "A few years ago, in the scope of the Philosophy Department, someone outside were transferred to different lives of people to understand their perspectives that were always doubted by many people. I think one of the topics there is about depression. However, that's only the information I know about it. The most famous mission from a thousand years ago, however, would be in the Literature Department. Another person outside were traveled to different works of novelist that which you all know ended up in a tragedy." the old man sighed as he remembered that story.
Lucius was stunned, "You mean the famous legend? That is really true?" he questioned astonished. "Legends have always been true, Lucius. They just become exaggerated." The old man replied. "That's why people don't believe legends, they're too hyperbolic." Lucius commented while shrugging before sinking into deep thought after learning the legend was true. The legend is quite tragic. He can't believe it's based on actual events. "You must begin your mission immediately, Lucius. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will complete your mission. You will leave after three days." the old man encouraged his student. Lucius nodded and both left at the room. They didn't realize, however, that the fate was already set, which meant that even if he started his mission now or later, his acts were predestined and expected.
~~~
"PRIM! Today is our field trip. I can't wait already!" Elise shakes Prim, making Prim dizzy. "And why is the bus taking so long? It's 5 am in the morning, surely there isn't any traffic." She walked back and forth, clearly enthusiastic. Prim approached Elise before making her stay still. "Calm down, Elise. The bus will be there in any minute. Don't walk around, what if the bus missed you because you keep leaving?" she said while holding Elise's shoulders. Elise nodded and immediately stay still. Prim chuckles when she knew that Elise were afraid of getting abandoned. She remembered that Elise was almost left behind because of being preoccupied on buying food at the convenience store. The two sat down at the bench to wait for the bus together with their classmates when they saw that the bus were already heading towards their way.
"Look, the bus is here!" exclaimed one of their classmates, causing everyone to stand up and enthusiastically take up their bags. After ensuring that they had all of their items, Elise sprang out of her seat and grasped Prim. Because there were too many of them, the school sent three buses to transport them. Prim and Elise headed to Bus 2 and dutifully waited in line until it was their turn to board the bus. "Let's sit over there!" Elise said, pointing to the bus's center lane on the right side. Prim followed Elise's lead and sat at the window before Elise sat beside her. "I can't wait! I wonder what will be the itineraries besides the museum?" Elise excitedly moves at her seat before covering herself with jacket and getting a can of Pringles in her bag. Prim was also covering herself with jacket when she saw what Elise taken. "It's still early, Elise. Don't eat junk foods." she reminded.
"I know, I know. I just want to embrace it since it'll be in my stomach soon, Huehue," Elise giggled. A series of claps could be heard on the bus, and it quickly drew the attention of all the passengers. "All right, fellas! The bus is departing soon! Buckle your seatbelts!" Prim and Elise heeded their professor's command. "Our first itinerary for today is an Art Museum! This museum is made primarily of upside-down constructions that are ideal for photographing! I hope you all bring cameras today so you can have your own memories of the day! This museum also has amazing 3D paintings that you may shoot from a specific angle to give you the illusion that you're part of it!" The first itinerary has wowed the majority of the students, particularly those who are talented photographers. Not only that, but they are eager to share the images on social media.
"Our second itinerary would be another museum, but this time it would be a car museum! This museum features different cars that were utilized in different periods of our country's history, with a special emphasis on the car of each president of our country which implies that those cars are antique!" Some of the students, particularly the boys, were interested in automobiles, however the girls were not. Looking at their professor, he must have a fondness for cars, especially antique ones. Passionate people tend to accumulate objects such as vintage items towards their hobby.
"And finally, the National Museum! This museum contains nearly everything: the history of our country, as well as prominent people who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, such as musicians, painters, literary authors, and even the Presidents. I wouldn't say much more about it because I want you to explore it all on your own, especially with the help of your tour guide. You wouldn't want to get lost, would you?"
All of the students just look at him before returning to their previous activities. Some were already resting, some were listening to music, whilst others were conversing with and eating with their peers. After ensuring that their professor had nothing else to say, Prim looked to her left, where she saw Elise was already sleeping. She put on her earphones and looked out the window; the sky was still dark, but with each passing of the bus in different places, Prim could see people lighting up their houses and some opening up their businesses. She closed her eyes, lulled to sleep by the piano music playing through her earphones. The bus came to a stop slowly, and Prim opened her eyes to see what was going on. There was a slight traffic in the road because of the people near the roadway. She peeked out the window and noticed they were in a marketplace. Prim softly closed her eyes after realizing there was no problem and fell into a deep slumber.
~~~
Lucius and his teacher stood in front of the podium, which has an antique portal in the center, which is commonly seen in videogames. The portal appears to be old and on the verge of collapsing at any moment. However, the master and apprentice did not appear concerned and simply began talking in front of it. "Be safe, my student; I'm not sure if this will be our final meeting, but I hope this isn't." The old man smiled faintly and patted his shoulders. He was devastated because no one had ever returned from their mission after reaching 400, but he still believes that his student can do it. He can only hope that whatever The Finders' objective is, it will be beneficial to the world.
"Don't worry, Teacher. I'll be alright. And what do you mean this will be our final meeting? We'll meet again, I promise." Lucius grinned and hugged his teacher one more time before turning around and stepping onto the podium. Lucius's smile vanished as soon as he turned around, and he bit his lips firmly. As he rose, he clenched his hand and a determined expression flashed across his face. He came to a halt in front of the gateway as the wind whipped his hair. He turned around and waved at his teacher. The old man waved back, causing Lucius to smile. He returned to the doorway and entered it without hesitation.
~~~
Prim, who was a light sleeper, was startled awake when she heard her classmates conversing loudly while grooving to the music. She didn't know how long she had been asleep, but she noticed that the sky was gradually turning blue. Prim discovered she'd only slept for around 30 minutes. Given the colors of orange that are slowly creeping into the horizon, the sun is about to rise.
Prim turned to her left when she sensed Elise shifting. She noticed her gently opening her eyes before their gazes met. When Elise discovered she had slept without realizing it, she looked out the window and was taken aback to see sunlight streaming through the window. "How long had I been sleeping?" she inquired of Prim. Prim looked at her watch and said, "You've been sleeping for an hour." "Are we there yet?" Elise inquired, opening her Pringles, "I checked the map earlier before I went asleep and saw the distance is only an hour." She ate one chip and noted, "My sleep is just about right around time, and this Pringle is really nice. Good thing I have another one."
Prim took a chip and ate it before responding, "We've already arrived; look, the museum is only straight across." After stating it, the professor also stand up and announced at the bus, "Get ready students! We'll be arriving at the first itinerary, Art Museum! Pack your bags and camera and fix yourselves up!" He looked at the student beside him, "You still have eye boogers."
"And you wipe your saliva." He continued as he pointed another one. They entered the Art Museum, and when the guards saw the entire class, they swiftly opened the entrance and bowed to them. Not just Prim, but also their peers, were made apprehensive by the treatment. "I mean, they don't have to do that, but it makes me feel significant, I, a commoner and a peasant," Elise asserted.
"Well, everyone is important, and if you want them to feel what they made you feel, you can bow to them as well," Prim replied and returned their politeness. "You and your philosophical words again." Elise commented.
The entire class spent their time on their first itinerary taking pictures and wandering around the museum. They could also see other people in the museum, but this did not dampen the students' enthusiasm. Their cameras and phones were almost completely depleted of storage space. Cameron, a college student carrying a camera, walks tiredly after his classmate, Veronica. He clicked the camera and stared at the picture, which showed Veronica posed as a mermaid. When she heard her friend's objection, she frowned and said, "Just take it! This is actually the last one! No, the second to last one after I take a photo at that angel," pointing to the wall with angel wings. Cameron looked where she was pointing and sighed hard as he noticed a large crowd gathered at that section of the wall. When Veronica noticed his face, she furrowed her brows and questioned,
"Why? Are you complaining?"
Cameron immediately shook his head. "Good," Veronica said, nodding. "Then take me a picture again here." she continued.
Prim was strolling when she overheard the girl's words and shook her head. She felt sorry for the guy and can only wish him the best of luck. Elise was standing next to her, carrying a camera and looking around for something to photograph. "You know," Elise said abruptly. "I observed that our itineraries for today are entirely museums," She remarked. "I mean, why? I know this is an educational trip, but why can't they take us to an amusement park? If it sounds silly for a college student, then why not a 3D movie? I haven't gone there yet."
Their first itinerary came to an end, and they moved on to the second. The second museum was only a short distance away, so it didn't take long for them to arrive. The difference between the first and second museum is that the second is quieter and more hushed. There are only a few individuals in the area, most of whom are standing in front of the cars. The entire class was in awe as they entered the museum due to the amazing architecture. Vintage automobiles were displayed and spread across the space, and everyone also caught a sight of more automobiles on the second floor.
In a quiet whisper, Elise exclaimed, "Prim! I didn't know car museums are like this! It's wonderful, I suddenly want to enter on every car and drive them. Grr." In the end, Elise hold herself and just took a picture of them. They were now scattered while approaching the cars that caught their interest. When they passed the staff, they instantly bowed to them, and they reciprocated the gesture. The entire class was no longer perplexed because it was the same as what happened on the first tour. "They are so well-mannered; I want to hug them," one of their classmates said.
Prim and Elise stopped in front of a cabriolet, a horse-drawn vehicle. Elise took out her camera to take pictures, while Prim read the car's description to learn more about the cabriolet. However, a man in the crowd was advancing without looking in its way. Despite his haste, the other people didn't seem to notice him. When he got up close to Prim, he was looking at his watch and ran into her. Prim was startled because she hadn't realized someone was approaching her. She turned to face the man, who immediately bowed and apologized for bumping her. Prim, on the other hand, was struck by the man's hostile eyes. Because of his respectful gesture and stance, his eyes stood out and caught Prim's attention.
~~~
The second itinerary concluded, and they arrived at the final destination, the National Museum. When they got off the bus, they were once again taken aback by its size. It cannot be compared to the previous two museums because this one is much larger. "Okay, students! This is where you can write about your report. There would be tour guides in every section of the museum so everyone could go to the places where you want to make from. You can go now!" their professor says as they enter the museum. Many of their classmates were separated from one another due to differences in the topics they wanted to study. Even though they want to be together, they also want to enjoy the topic they want to make, especially since they want to learn more about it. Prim and Elise were just good instances. Prim will explore the arts and music history section, while Elise will tour the architecture section.
Prim arrived at the arts and music section, and she was taken aback by how crowded it was. She was proud to see them marveling at the history of each painting and composition in the museum. Prim refused to accompany those people and went to a much quieter location. She saw a painting of a Fleur-de-lis, which is used by French royalty, and it came to represent the divine right of the French monarch to rule. She entered a hall and saw pictures of famous painters, their backgrounds, and their famous works. Prim walked a little further before arriving at the musicians. Prim was overjoyed to see familiar names and works. She encountered Liszt's most famous work, The Piano Sonata in B Major.
She was staring at his picture and composition when she heard someone speak beside her, "A pianist, conductor, and philanthropist. The greatest piano virtuoso of all time. He's not only talented, but also very handsome, I might add." Prim turned around to see a man peering at Liszt's portrait, scrutinizing its face. He had his hands up to his chin. Prim didn't respond to the man's observation and returned her gaze to Liszt, but she bolted when she realized something. She took a slow glance at the man beside her and was taken aback to see his face. She returned her gaze to Liszt's face before turning to face the man beside her. "F-franz Liszt? W-why do you look like him?" she stuttered as she pointed her finger at him. He looked at her without saying anything, and she could see his eyes slowly turning hostile. Even though it's very distant and swift, she managed to catch a glimpse of it. The resemblance is astonishing. That feeling is very familiar; it's how the man looked at her earlier in the car museum.