### PLANET EARTH-0A1 (2004)
A smile lit his features. The year was indeed 2004. With a deliberate movement, his right leg shifted forward. This was his technique to teleport. He materialized behind Loki. Loki was known as "alpha" among his peers. "What's up, variant?" he called out. Playful smirk was on his face.
Loki spun around. Confusion etched his features. He was in meeting at that time. Ink's sudden appearance added to his bewilderment. Loki shoots back "What the heck are you doing?" He continues, "Why weren't you in the meeting?" As he interrogates, he says "What do you mean by 'variant'?"
---
### PRESENT EARTH-0A1
In a dimly lit room Geoff leaned back in his chair. The room was filled with scattered papers and books. Geoff was explaining the complexities of the latest chapter to Keys. Geoff was intently studying Sir Loki's article on the Timeline. It was a recent release that had captivated minds across the globe.
Keys meticulously re-read his notes. A frown crossed his face. "Everything else is fine," he admitted. Keys continued, "But I feel like this concept hasn't been fully explored yet. There might be more models in the future." Geoff nodded thoughtfully.
"The 12th is just the beginning of physics. At a higher level there are many more things to consider" Geoff said.
"Cool, dude. PS5?" Keys interrupted. A hint of mischief was in his voice.
"I'm reading," Geoff replied. He was firm yet playful in his tone.
Keys leaned in. He was eager to change Geoff's mind. "Don't you ever get bored? Just one game?" After a moment's hesitation, Geoff relented. "Alright, let's play."
Game was their focus now. They immersed themselves in it. Laughter and banter filled the room. Keys' phone chimed. It was on the sofa. A notification interrupted their focus.
"Your message came in; check it," Geoff said. He was glued to the screen.
"If I check it I am finished," Keys protested. Breaking the flow of their match was something he was unwilling to do.
Moments later the round concluded. Geoff's shout was of frustration. It echoed through the room. He had lost again. "Have you been playing all day?" he asked. He was incredulous.
"That's not the case; I'm the best," Keys replied. He was grinning.
"That's ridiculous!" Geoff exclaimed. His head shook. Finally, succumbing to curiosity, Keys reached for his phone. He read the incoming message.
**THE MESSAGE**
*Dear Students and Parents*
We trust this message finds you well.
It is our pleasure to announce that the open hall Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) for the First Term Examination Results will occur tomorrow.
**PTM Timings:** 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Encouragement is given to students. They should attend the PTM in regular school uniform. The students should be in company of their parents.
We eagerly anticipate your presence. A meaningful discussion awaits. A special guest also will join us for the students.
Our thanks and best regards.
*OAKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL*
Keys' sudden exclamation cut through the air. It was similar to an abrupt gust of wind. "Gosh!"
Geoff halted in his actions curiosity sparked. "What went wrong?"
Showing an air of despair Keys described his predicament. "A PTM (Parent-Teacher Meeting) is due tomorrow. It is an open hall."
Geoff's response contained the tint of a puzzle. "Is there an issue?"
Keys replied with a pessimistic tone. "An open hall. I am due for insults."
Geoff extended comfort. "Don't worry pal. I will be there by your side. We will face it together."
## OAKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Inside Oakwood High School Keys was seated. He was in the sun-dappled school garden. He felt an anticipation of Geoff and Sylvie's arrival. It tugged at his thoughts. Around him students were there with their parents. Laughter and chatter drifted through the air harmoniously. However a moment was pierced by an unwelcome bunch of boys. Their words were sharp as daggers.
"Hey, Topper Buddy where are your parents?" One jeered. This caused others to laugh. Anxiety flickered within Keys. Regardless he steeled himself against their taunts. "Maybe he didn't tell them about the meeting!" another chimed in. Laughter rang out again. It filled space with disdain.
An announcement echoed through school's halls. It reverberated like a bell of clarity amidst chaos. "The PTM will start in five minutes. Please arrange yourselves in the hall." Boys continued their relentless ribbing. Mocking chants swirled about him like a tempest. "Let's go; we have our parents" they hollered. Their laughter faded as they moved toward hall. Keys was left simply standing there.
"Lame kids. Who wants to fight with them anyway? I've dealt with this before," he thought. With that came a shard of confidence. He rose from his seat determined to head to hall. Dwelling on the taunts was not an option. Instead focus was on Geoff and Sylvie. He wondered where they might be as he traversed the familiar corridor.
Reverie was abruptly interrupted. The physics teacher a figure of strict authority, grasped his blazer collar from behind. "Hey Keys where are your parents?" she inquired. There was a hint of amusement in her tone. Stepping back he explained that he had come alone. That response seemed to amuse her even more. "Oh dear you can't sit with them in the hall," she teased. An inflection of mock seriousness was in her voice. "You'll need to wait in the principal's office until meeting ends."
Stunned Keys protested. "Why I can't, I sit there every year?" The teacher shot back. "New rule lame kid." As squabble began voice broke through tension. It was like sunlight piercing clouds. "Hey ma'am can you tell me where hall is?"
At that moment Keys recognized his path. It led to the principal's office. He started walking in that direction. The teacher shifted their focus to new voice. "Of course sir. Whose parents are you?" Loki appeared. He dressed in casual but confident manner. His answer came with respect. "I am Loki. Father of Sylvie. My apologies sir. Your mask makes it difficult to understand you."
His eyes started to search the surroundings. They met Keys. "Is that Keys?" he inquired. Keys was surprised and stepped forward. " Morning Mr. Loki," Keys greeted. The teacher was still bemused. They told Key to go to the principal's office. She instructed not to disturb Mr. Loki.
"Why do he need to go to principal's office?" Loki questioned. He was worried his features showing concern. "He needs to be part of a meeting."
"I lack parents," interjected Keys. His voice had softened. Now it showed mix of resignation and defiance.
"Yes, guardian or parents are a must," the teacher continued. As if that explanation finalized everything.
Loki's expression changed his brow furrowing. He made an announcement. "I am his guardian." Confusion hung in the air until Loki explained further. "Keys is my friend's son."
His demeanor fluctuated, the teacher relented. "All right then, Keys will guide you to school hall."
Keys and Loki began moving towards the hall. Their steps were cautious. They conversed, the rhythm of their words removing awkwardness. It was like a cloud had lifted. Keys asked a question, curiosity evident in his voice. "How do you know my parents?"
"I am a friend to your father," Loki replied. This time warmth and a hint of nostalgia was in his words.
Keys felt hope tugging at his heart. "But how? Is he alive? Are they, my mom and dad, still alive?"
Finally they reached hall. Loki clapped hand on Keys' shoulder. "I'll explain everything after meeting. Go take seat. I need to be in front."
"But where is Sylvie?" Keys questioned. He scanned the room for friend.
Loki gestured toward stage. A playful smirk on his face. "You can see her on stage, dumbass."
As meeting stretched parents shared stories and insights about their children. They asked questions posed by teachers about home activities and hobbies. After, a short quiz followed. During that test teachers' eyes frequently fell on Keys. He found himself the subject of scrutiny. Even as he zealously tried to answer each question posed. From vantage point, Loki observed Keys' responses with satisfaction. He nodded at logic and sense that flowed from boy's earnest efforts.
In those tense transformative hours, a bond began to knit itself between them. A fragile thread was woven through shared history and hidden connections.
The Physics teacher took her place at the front of the hall. A hush fell over students. She began her questioning with warm-up problems. Most of the class tackled these with ease. Their confident voices rose in unison.
But when she turned her gaze to Keys, atmosphere shifted. A palpable silence surrounded him. He sat frozen. The spark of understanding seemed to have dimmed.
The teacher's voice cut through tension. She fired question after question at him. Each one was more rapid. Keys fumbled for words. His brow furrowed in concentration. But the answers eluded him.
A ripple of giggles emerged from rows of students. There was collective amusement at the escalating drama. Finally, the teacher's patience was waning. She pointedly declared Keys was the only student to fail her subject.
The words hung in air. They were met by a wave of quiet laughter. This was the kind of laughter that travels like breeze through crowd. It was a moment to linger in hall. It remained long after quiz had concluded. It was a peculiar blend of feelings, embarrassment and indifference. These feelings settled over Keys like a heavy cloak.
After the dust of quiz settled it was time for rankings to be revealed. The principal stepped forward. His demeanor was all business. He called students up one by one. This process started from tenth place. Anticipation in air was thick. Everyone knew results already. The ritual was part of the show though.
Ranks began to descend. Excitement grew. It echoed like persistent drumbeat. Top three rankings had been reached. Principal gestured invitingly towards Mr. Loki. He called him to stage. Mr. Loki rose with a confident smile. The mantle of triumph was resting comfortably on his shoulders. He was ready to address his peers. He would weave his own tales of success soon. He would do this amidst background of whispered laughter. Unresolved tension was present too.
To be continued...