Legacies: Infinite Journey

[Triad Industries, ???]

Hours ago…

In a stark white lighted room, a soft and constant hum echoed through the equally white walls and ceiling. Followed by a rhythmic and soft tapping sound of keyboards, these two sounds enhanced the seriousness and calmness of the environment, which was easily seen by its appearance.

The room, where computers processed data non-stop and rows of monitors flickering with incoming information, was a large place occupied by a few scientists in white coats.

As they did their work, the scientist never for a moment talked among themselves but to share their understanding of the new data received.

Their actions, besides work, were limited to standing up occasionally and approaching the large, reinforced glass wall. Beyond it lay the subject of their study, admiring its existence by what it hid behind its fundamental shape.

The work done in the room was rhythmic, flowing perfectly and constantly, unbroken and unbothered by many exterior forces. 

That is, until now…

Blub…

"Hm?" One of the scientists, who was admiring the existence they were studying in a small break of his, noticed a strange movement further ahead by the small line of space available to his eyes as he drank a mug of coffee.

For a short second, the scientist must have thought he was probably seeing things. After all, in the last 10 years he has been working here, he has never seen a day where the existence makes a single fluctuation.

Beep! 

However, that thought was broken as fast as it was created when he listened to the faint sound of one of the computers behind him. A sound programmed to sound when not common data was collected and processed.

Blub… Blub…

Beep! Beep!

"What is happening?" One of the people present in the room, noticing the sounds coming from the computer, approached the monitor displaying the processed data. Looking at what was apparently an irregular input.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! 

"More data incoming." Another one said, a little taken-back by the amount of data appearing.

In no time, the group of scientists gathered around the monitors displaying the received data, with them showing furrowed brows and frowned foreheads as they tried to understand what was happening. 

"Has this ever happened before?" One of the youngest among the group asked.

"Never." One of the senior scientists muttered, his eyes focused on the monitor, trying to understand what was happening.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! 

For a few, but stretching long seconds, the scientists looked frenzily at the flickering screens, their search for an answer to explain what was happening taking their mind. All the while the relentless sequence of sharp, electronic beeps resounded throughout the room, consuming their concentration. 

But, at the end of these seconds, as the beeps became more frequent and agonizing to hear, one of the scientists at the back of the group seemed to notice something. His eyes grasped a certain pattern amidst the seemingly random data, one so familiar that looking at it just seemed to put things in place.

"Get the data of the last T-5. Also, take out the data we have from the last erasure." He said, trying to keep his voice calm, but the words just came out rushing.

Although a little unexpected by the orders, the ones responsible for managing the data acted fast to do what was said. And in no time, the data requested was displayed.

Passing through the scientists in front of him, the one in the back arrived in front of the group. Without saying a word, he pointed to the pattern he observed among the data.

"What does it look like?" He asked his fellow scientists.

Taking a look at it, the group inadvertently looked at the other data displayed in the monitor and noticed something. 

"Dear Lord…" One of them muttered, raising their hand to cover their agape mouth.

The two amounts of data, when put side by side, literally had nothing resembling each other. Actually, they were almost the complete opposite of each other. 

However, that information itself is terrifying. Because they knew what one meant. They knew the events that led to creating that specific data.

And through that knowledge, when looking at the other data in the monitor, an almost perfect contrary image of the latter, their minds worked without their command to give significance to what was shown in the screen, and what was created by their mind terrified them.

"Someone contact the director. NOW!" 

[Scene Break]

"Hm…" Within the dimly-lighted room, with the curtains impending the entrance of sunlight, a soft mutter escaped the lips of the waking girl. A mutter of someone who was trying to find their strengths after a good sleep after two days awake.

"It seems someone is waking up." From a distance, Hope could hear the familiar voice of her boyfriend. With flickering eyelids, she could see him near her desk, smiling at her. "Good morning, sleeping beauty." 

Slowly sitting up on her bed, with the blanket covering her lower body, Hope rubbed her eyes slightly, gaining some more clarity. "Did you… yawn, stay awake all night?" Hope asked, taking a look at the notebook over her desk.

"Why do you ask?" 

"Call it a hunch." Hope said, rolling her eyes.

To that, John smiled. "Call it a correct one, then." He replied.

With a weak smirk, Hope moved on, her legs hung on the edge of the bed for a moment before touching the floor. 

Standing up, the girl walked a few steps to where her boyfriend was. 

Inclining herself a little, Hope closed her eyes as she felt John's lips on hers, a good way to wake up from a good sleep. 

"What kept you awake all night?" She asked after distancing herself, approaching her wardrobe.

"Just a dragon." John said, chuckling at the end. "I couldn't get myself to sleep learning about the existence of such a being, so I spent the night trying to learn more about it." He explained briefly. "And I also had a short talk with Dr. Saltzman and Dorian." 

"About the dragon only?" Hope asked.

"Not entirely." John said. "He wanted to know what I knew and what I thought about the entire situation." 

"And?"

"Nothing that you don't know. Told them that if dragons apparently exist and your family never learned about their real existence, they must've been locked somewhere before their transformation into vampires." John replied.

Closing her wardrobe, Hope walked back to near her bed. "Hm. What else?" She asked.

"The covens are coming." John straightforwardly said. "They can arrive at any moment by now." 

Hearing it, Hope couldn't help but halt her steps to the bathroom. "Do you know which of them are coming?"

"No. But according to Dr. Saltzman, more than he'd like. So maybe a dozen representatives? Maybe more." 

"Just what we needed." Hope said, pursing her lips, her expression getting serene. And in the deep of her eyes, a little of worry was revealed.

But even though it was just a little, it didn't escape the young man's eyes. 

"What?" John asked, slowly and with a light tone in his voice. 

"Some of these witches are probably the same ones that wanted to see you, right?" 

"Possibly." John didn't deny either.

Listening to it, Hope frowned a little. 

"Are you worried about me?" John asked.

Hope shook her head slowly. "Yes, I am worried that they might not treat you well because of me." She spoke out her worries.

To those words, John couldn't help but unconsciously smile. "You are worried about me?" He muttered, reaching for her hands and gently pulling her closer.

"Of course I am. Just because you beat up a dragon doesn't mean I won't worry for you." Hope said with an 'obvious' expression, but at the same time, she had that sweet face, a reflection of her care for him.

After listening to these words, the young man couldn't help but passionately stare up at the young woman's beautiful face, a sudden thought rising in his mind.

"What?" Hope asked, noticing the stare of the young man.

"Nothing, just reminding myself once again how beautiful you are." With a sudden movement of his hand, John caressed Hope's cheek, coping it into his hand. "Just… thinking how lucky I am." 

When these sweet words entered Hope's ears, the young woman couldn't help but smile broadly, her lips forming into a beautiful smile. "You just say what you want, don't you?" 

"Just telling the truth." John said slowly, pulling her closer, letting her lips fall onto his.

When their mouths connected, John put his hands around Hope's waist, leading her to sit on his lap, his hands moving around her frame, roaming from her hips all way over her back, escalating to hold her neck shortly before moving down again, his fingers tracing her back sent shivers across her body, until they reached below her hips.

Sinking his fingers into the fabric, the young man felt the softness beneath her shorts.

But that wasn't enough. For someone who held what laid beneath, this fabric was like a wall, separating him from reaching out to Heaven.

I need more. Was what he thought, feeling the sweet tongue of his girlfriend trying to find space to invade his mouth, with him replying in equal value as his hands moved subtly.

Within a short moment, the young man's hands raised onto Hope's hips again, just above the short's upper line. But they remained there only for a brief moment. Almost instinctively, his fingers sunk on the warmth of her skin and flesh, diving into the piece of cloth that had what he wished.

Those firm, yet supple, buttocks. Feeling that perfect blend of warmth and smooth yet resistance of her skin, with his hands sinking into those plush curves, the walls of restriction hardly raised around the boy's mind simply broke down. The budding excitement simply flowed through his body, intoxicating him, driving him to seek more of the young woman before him.

His left hand was kept in place, caressing and groping the supple cheeks that seemed sculpted to be held by his hands. But his right hand moved upfront, escalating over Hope's toned stomach, his thumb passing over her navel briefly before his hand reached its destiny, groping Hope's left breast, his fingers circling around her slightly hard nipple pressed against her blouse.

"Mmm… John–" Hope inhaled sharply. "That'll leave a hickey." She muttered, feeling his lips placed over her collarbone. 

"And?" He asked nonchalantly, resuming his actions right after.

"You seem–!" Hope interrupted her speech for a second, feeling the sudden pressure of his lips against hers, quickly joining him. 

After a few seconds, Hope couldn't hold on much longer without air, she distanced herself, letting the young man enjoy her other body parts as she caught her breath.

"You seem a little… eager this morning…" She muttered weakly, feeling her boyfriend groping her behind.

"Let's just say I want to enjoy my girlfriend." John said, retreating his lips from her neck. But his hands continued working slowly. "Is there some problem with that?" He asked, cheekily.

"None." Hope said, her fingers circling on the back of John's head, her arms still locked around his neck. "But, as the voice of reason here, let's stop before we lose time and arrive late at class." She said, giving a peck on his lips.

Meanwhile, Hope's words led the boy to stay silent. But not for the obvious reason, but because she brought up a topic that reminded him of something else. A matter he told himself yesterday to bring up to her.

And although no apparent shift in his expression, Hope noticed something different at her boyfriend. "What is in your mind?" She asked slowly, her fingers waving through his hair.

"Are you sure that you didn't develop some telepathy after we started to share mental connections?" John asked, with a light tone of voice. 

"You let out more on your expression than you believe." Hope said, smiling.

"Just when you are around." He replied in a low voice.

Hope's smile broadened with those words. "Then? What is on your mind?" She asked again, looking up as she laid her body on his, her chest pressing against his as John's hand moved to her back.

"I want to talk to you about something." John said.

These words also made Hope remember something. Something he told her yesterday before all the mess. "Is this related to what you told me yesterday? That you would tell me something later." She asked.

"Related." John said. "I never told you about what I talked with Caroline, didn't I?" 

"No, but you certainly seemed a little changed from that." Hope said, taking a more serious stance as it seemed the conversation was taking this path. "What did you talk about?" 

"Lots of things. I was curious, principally, about her story in this town. When I learned just how many things happened here, I couldn't hold my curious nerd side." John said, getting a small smile from Hope. "But at the end, she asked me something that I couldn't help but contemplate." He said, getting a little reminiscent of that moment.

"And what was it?" Hope asked, her fingers still playing with John's hair.

"She asked me why I was restricting myself. What was stopping me from going after what I wanted." John said.

Hope, listening to these words, used her hands to slightly push herself against John's chest, giving her a better view of him. "And why of these things?" She asked, softly and patient. Willing to wait for him to answer.

But John didn't need too much time to think of an answer. He already knew it. "Things changed." He said, simply. "Recently, I noticed that certain things have changed, including me. These changes led me to seek other things, want them. However, I couldn't have them by now, so I restricted myself from pursuing them now." John calmly explained, gently sweeping her hair aside as he added a last bit to his words. "I was getting restricted by myself– I was trying to follow a certain path the past self of me set, but the actual me didn't wish for as much." 

"And what was this path?" Hope asked.

"This school." He initiated. "There were certain reasons I decided to enroll into this school. End my studies, magic, girls…" John stole a kiss from Hope in a quick movement, the action making the girl shake her head and smile at the young man's antics.

"But the main one was that I thought I needed a little bit of normality before heading out into the world. To see what this big planet has to offer for someone like me. But by now, after spending more than one month in this school, I noticed something. I am tired of this normality. Waking up to go to classes I already know everything about. Going to the cafeteria to eat lunch among the noisy chattering of students who seem to try to reach out to some normality. And even sitting on the benches to watch the PE Class going on. I am a little tired of this normality." After the elaboration, John let out a sigh he didn't know he was holding as all his words left his lips with constancy, not pausing at any moment.

And Hope, during all this time, silently listened to all that he said. But her silence lasted only a little after the end of his speech.

"And me? Our relationship fits within this normality?" 

"No." John replied, his answer coming quickly, but his tone still calm. "Every moment with you is what makes these would-be dull moments good. Every moment is a colorful of emotions amidst the black and white of this routine. And without you, everything simply goes blank." 

"Then, if we are together basically all day, what is the problem in continuing with this colorful routine?" Hope asked, but didn't let him answer. "You can simply continue following the same routine, but doing what you wish. At the classes, you can ignore the teachers and do what you want. Eat in other places. In PE, if you wish, just go out and do what you want. Why does it seem that what you are about to do can't be achieved in these moments?" She asked, now letting the silence sink in, waiting for an answer.

"Because what I want can't be achieved in a classroom. Because I want to be a little greedy about it." John said, his words followed by a mild silence. The only sound in the background was their rhythmic breaths and the dull steps of the students on the corridor outside.

Hope, contemplating John's words, focused her attention on his golden eyes. "Then, what do you want?" She asked.

"I want to enjoy my time with you at the same time I want to take a better look at this world. I want to spend my days studying magic or seeing new horizons, but come back at night to share with you what I saw and sleep in your embrace. I want to do… what I want to do." With a certain slow pace, John said what he wanted and what he desired. However, unconsciously, as he told these words, his hold over Hope intensified, ever if so slightly. And when noticing it, he quickly released his strength. 

But Hope, although not feeling a single pain from it, felt the touch over her skin intensify, and noticed the hold and release of strength over her, leading her to take a quick look at it before resuming her eyes back to him.

"So that's what you want?" Hope asked, simply.

"Yes." John said, smiling lightly. "I am quite greedy, aren't I?"

"Yeah, but that's a good thing. Everyone must be greedy about something." Hope said, raising her hand to caress John's cheek. "I don't see any problem with what you said, I just wanted to know where it came from. And I liked it." She said, laying her head on his chest, feeling his warmth that calmed her. "We'll settle everything. If you wish to see the world, I will support it. But remember, you must come back to me everyday. I already got accustomed to sharing a bed with you." She said, a little chastising. However, her words were nothing more than a materialized form of her love and kindness for him.

And John felt that. He felt everything she felt and couldn't help but smile with every passing second. "Thanks." He said, burying his face on the top of her head, her hair tickling his nose slightly. "I love you." He said, a little muffled, but his words were successfully transmitted to her.

"Me too." Hope said. "I love you too." She said, burying her head on his chest, enjoying his embrace that circled her.

However, the silent comfortable moment didn't last as John opened his mouth. "I have something more to say." 

"Is it urgent?" Hope asked.

John, hearing it, shook his head slightly. "Not at the moment."

"Then let's just stay like this for a little longer." Hope said, nudging her face against his chest.

The young man couldn't help but smile slightly when listening to this. "Okay." John said, letting Hope get into his embrace as he also enjoyed her warm embrace and her love.

…

[Josie's PoV]

The main room of the school was mildly, and eerily so, quiet despite dozens of students present.

Everyone was on edge, their eyes darting at the slightest sound, searching for its source.

Some were tense, some were nervous, and some… were a little expectative.

It seemed John's actions yesterday rocked everyone's world view. And mine too.

I think that's what a normal person would feel when in the presence of something magical or supernatural for the first time. Your world view crumbles down entirely. And maybe that was actually worse for us, as we all think we know the ins and outs of the world since we live in the 'hidden' side of it.

But then, a Dragon the size, or bigger, of a blue whale appears. A shape-shifting and fire-breathing dragon that flew on the skies.

And to add on to that, my classmate seemed to be the incarnation of some god or something as he fought said dragon with pure physical strength and basic magic. Summoning lightning and flying in the sky as well.

Honestly, I think this hit me harder than I expected. It seems everyone is still processing John's existence—just like me.

I mean, okay, I knew John's abilities were a little extraordinary. But I didn't expect they had such great power behind them.

The battle yesterday… It seemed like I was watching a movie, like Superman Vs. Godzilla. Or something that way.

And that's the reason why everyone is acting like walking on ice. Because the events of yesterday affected not only mine, but everyone's world view. And, very possibly, theirs was much more affected than mine. After all, although I don't remember much, I remember some talks of Dad and Mom about Hell and other things, and sincerely, considering few read the books of Mystic Falls History and only passed through the basics of the supernatural, they weren't ready to see what happened yesterday.

And it seemed they were much less prepared to face personally the one responsible, if the vampires' reaction was anything to go by, followed by the werewolves and the witches noticing their reactions. 

Thud. 

A step. One not loud nor quite, just the right amount of sound the one behind it would make considering his size.

However, John's step acted as a catalyst to silence the entire room, with all eyes moving to his direction, staring at his every movement as he continued to walk steadily across the main hall, ignoring everyone's stares. 

Hope, by his side, looked at everyone observing John with many different emotions. But after a brief look back at them, she continued to accompany him. But I could see a little of agitation and nervousness in her eyes as she took a look at John, who continued to walk normally. Well, that is, until he stopped in front of me, waving his hand.

"Hi." He said, with that good-natured smile he had every time he greeted someone.

"Hi." I greeted back, trying to act normally. Something the people around were starting to attempt after the brief silence. "Hi, Hope." 

"How have you been, Josie?" She asked with a soft low voice. 

Well, I didn't need to think much to answer her question. "Good. Although I am eager to have a session with Ms. Tigg after recent events." 

"What a surprise, hm?" John chuckled lightly. 

"Don't even mention." I said, pursuing my lips. "I thought you couldn't surprise me much more. But then I guess you acting all Superman changed my point." 

"I should have used my Heat Vision or Cold Breath to improve that image of yours." He said, laughing very lightly. 

"Right, haha…" I laughed dryly, thinking he was joking. But then I noticed his serious expression and Hope's serious expression, and I suddenly got it. "You are kidding, right?" 

"It's easier than you expect." He said, puffing out a small cloud of cold breath and with his eyes getting slightly red. "I am sure there are spells that can recreate that." He added.

When I was about to reply to that, a gust of wind blew us slightly as MG appeared by John's side, looking at the lingering remains of cold breath in the air. "Dude, are you sure you are not Kryptonian?!" MG asked, fascinated by what he saw.

That reaction was kind of expected from MG, and I mean not only his nerd fascination, but also his proximity with John. He was one of the few who interacted daily with him. Although John was on good terms with most, he didn't interact with many. The ones around him right now, me, Hope and MG were basically half of who he interacted with daily.

"I can assure you that. Born on Earth, raised on Earth." John said, casually. "At least I have my Lois Lane here. Although she is more of a Wonder Woman." He said, pushing Hope closer to him by passing his arm over her shoulders.

"Haha." To that, Hope smiled dryly, but I could see the faint glow of satisfaction in her eyes.

But taking a look at them, their small moment of happiness got a small reaction within me, making me feel a little something in my heart.

…I wanted something like that as well. 

"Well, I will see you all later at lunch?" John asked.

MG, hearing it, tilted his head. "Man, we have class together in the morning."

"Yes, but I won't go. Have some matters to take care of." John explained, briefly. But it seems everyone would know what it is.

"Is it related to the dragon?" I asked. Although my voice was not loud, it attracted a certain attention from everyone around.

"Yeah." John just agreed, not giving more info. "Then, see you guys tomorrow?"

"Okay." I nodded, with MG doing the same. 

"See you later." Hope waved at us, and then the couple departed.

As they walked away, I looked at their backs, with multiple pairs of eyes in the room doing the same. All of us were gazing at the figure that seemed huger than yesterday, but remained the same. And I noticed that even more when I heard some sighs escaping from between a few students' lips. 

…

[3rd Person PoV]

"Are you okay?" Hope asked, looking up slightly to stare at the expression of his boyfriend.

"I am. Not the first time I am stared at by many." John said, a little dismissively.

However, his response didn't seem to satisfy Hope. "You know that's not what I meant. What did you feel?" She asked, her meaning obvious now.

"Still fine." John said. "Also not the first time I feel… certain emotions directed at me. Although it's the first time I feel so many and so intense at once." He replied, pushing the door to the school backyards open. The earthy smell of damp soil and drying leaves hit his nostrils with certain strength. 

"Okay." Hope relented, seeing that John seemed really fine. "Now, changing the topic. Do you think it is wise to show more of your abilities to everyone considering the covens might arrive at any moment." She asked, referring to his display from a few moments ago.

"I did that knowing it wouldn't matter much. I mean, I am able to fly, throw lightning, wield magic, one or two things more won't make much of a difference in the covens' mind of whatever they might think." John said, rather nonchalantly. "Honestly, although I am a little wary of them, I am overall uncaring of the arrival of the covens." He added, keeping his tone.

Hope didn't find that strange, actually. "I think it's fair, considering everything. But please, don't try to get on the bad side of any witches. A witch's wrath is insidious and obscure, they won't act in the open. And although I know you can take a dragon head on, don't worry unnecessarily, okay?" Hope said, her voice laced with worry for him.

And John, knowing her, nodded his head as an affectionate smile bloomed on his expression. "Okay." He said,inclining his body forward a little, claiming Hope's lips for a brief moment before breaking the kiss. "Now, go to class, I have a dragon to talk to. See you at lunch, okay?"

"Hm, okay." Hope nodded, smiling sweetly as she saw John fly towards the woods, not moving faster than a normal person.

As for the young man himself, he calmly indulged in the slight coldness of the morning, feeling the slight breeze that swung the drying leaves hit his face as thoughts clouded his mind. Time to compare a few pieces of knowledge.