Chapter 3: Preparation for the journey
The birds outside whistled a beautiful tune to the sun rising on Saturday morning.
The Ritz Mall was the only mall in ScarBridge and it was a beautiful sight to behold. It was a medium size mall that housed many delectable stores, that caters to all the needs of the townsfolks. One can acquire products under various categories such as fashion, fast - food, hair accessories, groceries and even household products.
A large marble water fountain, greeted persons who came to visit the mall. In the marble fountain, one could view thousands of coins which were tossed in, in hopes of making peoples wishes come true.
There were even marble statues of a family running next to a seating area for mall customers. As it was currently midday on Saturday, the mall was pretty busy with patrons moving back and forth through the mall. Some grown ups while the others were students as the school semester was finally over.
Luke and Melinda exited the taxi and headed for the entrance, bypassing the crowd of persons who was liming at the front of the mall.
When they entered the mall, Greg was seen entering from the side entrance at the exact moment that they entered. He gave a small wave of acknowledgement to them, the moment he saw them.
As the three of them up met up, Fiora was seen on the upper balcony motioning them to come upstairs as she stood close to where Mr. Benjamin was sitting. It was clear that she had arrived very early.
When they went upstairs, Mr. Benjamin was seated at a table on the outskirts of the malls cafeteria. He motioned for the students to sit at the table.
"And how was the mock exams, he asked with interest?"
Most of the group had already completed seventy five percent of their exams. Great, they responded in a unison response to his question.
After further formalities he got directly into the reason that they were there.
Moving a folder from his bag on the ground, he placed the folder on the table and took out papers from a folder. He handed out the papers to three of them.
"What is this, Greg asked? Are you asking us to sign Liability Waivers?"
Nothing so dramatic, Mr. Benjamin responded.
These are forms for your parents, telling them that their is a historic road trip which takes place for one month. If they accept it, then let them sign it. Hopefully you guys would be convincing enough in getting them to sign it.
Mr. Benjamin turned and looked at Fiona however she understood why he didn't hand her a waiver, due to him knowing that she does not live with her parents and does not have to ask anyone for permission.
Luke, Greg and Melinda took a minute to go over the forms that were placed in their hands.
Now, let's talk about what I have found, Mr. Benjamin said to them.
Listening, Luke stated with excitement. Everyone lean in closer to Mr. Benjamin, to await what he had say.
'As I have said before, the Perigean Blue Moon is in five weeks so we have some time. In order to prepare for anything, I propose we train at a cabin of mines for the month before. I called a friend who would help us, train.'
What kind of training are you referring too?
Physical and Mental, Mr. Benjamin answered with a serious look on his face indicating that it might be a bit trying on us.
I have also ordered the things that we would need for the journey.
Five gold coins for each of us.
The flowers needed which were not available here and a few other things which would arrive by next week.
Though I do not believe that this journey would lead us actually through time, I cannot deny that some thing magical is at work here so it's possible that we might be sent to another location or place on earth.
Any idea where we might be sent too, Fiona asked?
No, I do not, responded Mr. Benjamin. Oh, I almost forget, he continued. The Uthina Amphitheater replica is a historical monument which is located in England and would be four hour drive from my cabin where we will be staying. Thus we would be able to arrive on time with the rising of the blue moon.
Sounds good, Luke responded. Do we need to bring anything with us?
Just clothes for travel, answered Mr. Benjamin. We can meet at the front of the mall, next week Saturday.
Then it sounds like everything is set, Luke announced with excitement as he rose to his feet. We will meet here next week.
Thank you for all that you have done to get us prepared, Luke stated.
Thank you as well, Melinda joined in.
Thanks, Greg added.
Great job, Fiona input to the conversation.
As they were about to disperse, Mr. Benjamin asked for assistance from Fiona, to check out the historical monument, today. She remained while the others left.
Luke and Melinda stood outside the mall basking in the afternoon sun after being in the air conditioned mall. Melinda turned to Luke and asked about the "Physical and Mental" training that Mr. Benjamin spoke about.
"Do you know what he means?"
If I were to guess, Luke responded then it would be training to toughen us up. Physical and mental training to brave the dangers to come.
I will get stronger, Luke said.
And so will I, Melinda added.
Greg walked out the same way that he had entered the mall, from the side entrance. When the door closed, he heard faint gasping of breath coming from around the corner. Greg slowly walked around the corner to see what was taking place.
Two guys were standing with their back to the corner while a bigger guy was beating up a much smaller individual who was curled up on the ground. The one on the ground looked like a young student, no older than Greg.
'The one thing Greg hated above everything else, was strong individuals who took advantage of others who were weaker than them!'
That is why he always trained to be strong himself.
"You guys got nothing better to do that beat up someone who isn't even a challenge to you? Leave him alone, Greg said harshly!"
Surprised, the three individuals turned around to face Greg.
One quickly pulled out a switch knife and placed it in his right hand. The he said "if you want to live till tomorrow, I suggest that you mind your business!"
"Beating up bullies.... Is my business," Greg responded with a serious tone, walking closer to the knife wielder who was shocked at this brazen individual.
You asked for it, the other guy said, quickly charging Greg with a right punch.
His punch was clear seen as it made its way towards Greg. 'Like a butterfly on its way forward!'
Greg grabbed his fist and pushed back on it, dislocating it from the joint. Then Greg brought his foot up to the guys face which caused him to fly backwards, with an imprint of a boot on his face.
After this had taken place, Greg was now, in reach of the knife wielder. Realizing what had actually happened, he finally attacked with the knife in front of his fallen comrade. All they saw was the knife wielder receiving a stamp to his chest and flying a few feet backwards as the knife flew up in the air and the wielder hitting the concrete wall some distance behind them.
Now it was just Greg and the leader who remained as the knife came down from above and Greg grabbed it from the air.
Holding it in his hand, he looked at the leader and asked, pick up your friends and leave.
The leader quickly ran to the one who was by the wall and picked him up as the other slowly stood on his own and hobbled to the leader of the group.
Greg stood looking at the switch blade in his hand as he looked down at the unconscious young man on the ground.
With a serious tone, the leader said, 'you'll be seeing us... real soon!'
Suddenly the blade flew in front of the leader's eyes and stuck in the concrete. When the leader turned to face Greg, there was an intense anger in his eyes.
Greg looked at him and said, 'I better not see you again, else only God would be able to deliver you out of my hands... You can bet your life on it!'
The anger that burned made the leader truly believe his words as they left Greg who had begun picking up the individual.
Greg moved him and propped him up on a nearby wall and waiting for an ambulance that he called, to arrive. When Greg heard the medical team say that he would be ok, Greg was relieved as he left the area and headed for home.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Kerron_Masters
Kerron_Masters The Uthina Amphitheater replica is actually located in Tunisia.
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