IMMORTAL QUEST
Chapter 1: Whispers of Eternity
The sun broke over Ridgewood High, its rays dancing off the polished windows of the main building. Students filled the quad in noisy waves, their chatter blending with the distant sound of a lawn mower and the occasional bell chime. Scott Hayes stood by the school gates, his fingers gripping the strap of his backpack as he scanned the crowd.
Scott wasn't like the others. At sixteen, his sharp hazel eyes often caught details others missed, and his quiet demeanor made him seem older than his years. But there was something else—something unspoken that made people keep their distance. He didn't mind; he was used to it.
"Scott!"
He turned to see Mia rushing toward him, her auburn curls bouncing with every step. "Do you ever use a clock?" she asked, exasperation clear in her tone.
Scott smirked. "I have one. I just choose to ignore it."
"Come on," she said, grabbing his arm. "Allison's been saving us seats in history, but you know how she gets when we're late."
They navigated through the bustling hallways, Mia expertly weaving through the crowd. She was the kind of person who made friends with everyone, her energy infectious. Scott appreciated that about her, even if he often found himself lost in his thoughts while she talked.
---
History Class
The classroom smelled faintly of chalk and coffee, a combination that seemed to follow Mr. Donovan wherever he went. Scott slipped into a seat next to Derek, his closest friend, while Mia took the spot behind him. Allison, ever punctual, was already jotting down notes at the front of the class.
"Ah, Mr. Hayes," Mr. Donovan said, looking up from his desk. "So kind of you to join us."
Scott mumbled an apology and settled into his seat.
"Today, we're diving into ancient myths," Mr. Donovan announced, writing The Quest for Immortality on the board.
Derek leaned over, whispering, "Sounds like a great excuse for a nap."
Scott ignored him, his attention drawn to Mr. Donovan's words.
"Many cultures have spoken of immortality," the teacher began, pacing the room. "The idea of living forever has fascinated humanity since the dawn of time. But what if it's more than a myth? What if immortals walk among us, hidden in plain sight?"
A ripple of laughter swept through the room, but Scott felt a chill.
"Throughout history, there have been whispers," Mr. Donovan continued. "Warriors who never age, guardians of forbidden knowledge. They were said to protect something—a power beyond comprehension."
Behind Scott, Allison whispered to Theo, "Classic Donovan. He's probably writing his next conspiracy book."
Theo chuckled, but Scott couldn't shake the feeling that Mr. Donovan was speaking directly to him.
---
Lunch Break
The group gathered at their usual spot, a quiet corner of the park just off campus. Derek had a basketball under one arm, tossing it absentmindedly while Mia rummaged through her bag for snacks. Allison was sprawled on the grass, flipping through a magazine, while Theo sat cross-legged beside her, sketching in his notebook.
Malia arrived last, carrying two coffees. "Late-night studying or alien abduction theories?" she teased, handing one to Allison.
Scott was unusually quiet, his mind replaying Mr. Donovan's lecture.
"What's up with you?" Mia asked, nudging him. "You've been weird all day."
"Donovan's class," Scott said finally. "Didn't it seem…off?"
"Everything about Donovan is off," Derek said with a grin. "The guy wears bow ties, for crying out loud."
"I'm serious," Scott insisted. "The way he was talking about immortality—it felt like more than just a lesson."
Before anyone could respond, the wind picked up. A chill ran through the group, the kind of cold that sank deep into the bones.
"Did it just get colder?" Allison asked, sitting up.
Theo glanced around. "Probably just a storm blowing in."
But then they saw it—a cloaked figure standing at the edge of the clearing. Their face was hidden in shadow, but their presence was anything but subtle.
"Who's that?" Malia asked, her voice low.
The figure stepped closer, their movements unnaturally fluid. "You are not safe," they said, their voice like gravel. "They know you've begun to awaken."
"Okay, this is officially creepy," Derek muttered, moving protectively in front of Mia.
Scott stood, his heart racing. "Who are you?"
"No time," the figure replied. "Your journey has begun. Trust no one—not even yourselves."
And just like that, the figure vanished, leaving the group in stunned silence.
---
Later That Night
Scott lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The figure's words echoed in his mind, each syllable heavy with meaning. As he turned over, a faint glow caught his attention.
Sitting on his desk was the medallion—an ancient heirloom passed down through his family. He'd always dismissed it as a trinket, but now it pulsed with a soft, otherworldly light.
He reached for it hesitantly, and the moment his fingers touched the metal, a surge of energy coursed through him.
Visions filled his mind—battles fought across centuries, a hidden realm beyond the mortal world, and six figures standing together against a shadowed force.
Scott gasped, pulling his hand away. The light dimmed, but the weight of what he'd seen lingered.
He wasn't just imagining things.
Something was coming.
And it was only the beginning.