"NO!"
Jerking up, Jake woke up. Tears still streaming down his face, he stretched his arms forward, trying to dissuade the Secretary from blowing himself up. Only after realising that he was still wearing soft pajamas did he return to the fact that he was back in the 'modern' age.
Sweat pouring from his forehead, he panted softly. W-w-what, w-what was that? Armandrill, Soldier 149, even Mr. Secretary, they were all so real. What happened here, are they still alive, what is happening to me? A myriad thoughts flew through his mind, each more jumbled than the last. Jake could not figure out what was going on. The time spent at the campfire, the food eaten at the canteen, even that beautiful soldier, they felt all so real.
Just as he felt all too lost on what had exactly occurred, it dawned on him:
The Book had caused this.
Hope rising, he called out "Book, Book, I know you are there. Come out and tell me what happened." Feeling no response from the Book, he attempted once again, only for the book to remain silent. Anger rising, he threatened "If you don't come out now, I'll, I'll jump out of the window. Yeah, that's what I'll do, jump out. That will make you come out, yes it will." Feeling no response again, Jake stood up from the bed, steeled himself, and started walking towards the balcony near his window. Just as he had reached the window sill, having placed one foot on the ledge, a small burst of light appeared behind.
The Book had materialised, sitting on top of his table.
Rushing back carefully, he opened the book, hoping to find answers within, only to have his hopes dashed:
Task Force: 145 Alpha, 145 Bravo, 145 Charlie
Mission: To surveil planet F-135T in Underweiden galaxy, and find out causes of increased activity between the plant-like lifeforms present (Cover - Transportation of equipment and resources from Underweiden galaxy to Andromeda galaxy)
Status: Traces of a sleeper cell for the Apostle of Yesterday was found, leading to extermination of them. Cell was eradicated, along with the Eldar Treant Glasron. Planet was secured for procurement of additional supplies for the Foundation
Casualty: Total annihilation of Task Force 145 Alpha, 145 Bravo, and 145 Charlie
Reading this report, Jake staggered back slowly, until he fell back onto his bed. He finally realised that what happened was real. Even though he knew what happened was already set in stone, he still felt like punching himself, for he still believed that he could have changed their ending.
He laid in bed for a couple of more hours, before his rumbling stomach forced him downstairs to get some food inside himself. After the tasteless breakfast, he headed to old Edward's place, for training and to clear his mind.
Changing clothes, he headed out, back into his garden, where he practiced Prathee Sanrak as per the usual allotted time, before jumping over the garden wall, and into the old mans garden.
With his back behind Jake, he was watering his plants, but stopped as soon as Jake came. Pouting, Jake asked "How did you know it was me?" Without turning, Edward answered "Your footsteps, and more importantly, your Qi, gave you away. Come, let us battle to our hearts content."
Without warning, Edward launched his attack at Jake, who countered back in response, but not before getting roundhouse kicked in his chest. Rubbing himself, he winced slightly, before quipping back "It's weak, old man." No words were spoken, but a stronger punch soon headed his way. Enjoying the thrill, Jake let all distracting thoughts fade away, completely focused on the fight.
After an hour, both parties stopped, one still composed, the other panting and drowning on his own puddle of sweat. After a couple of minutes, Jake stood up wearily, and asked Edward an important question that was bugging his mind:
"I want to improve my fighting skills. How do I do that?"