Now or Never
Chapter: 1

You gather around a nice toasty campfire with the rest of trekkers on your mountain climbing adventure. Your guide has you all sit down next to the amazing fire. You warm your hands once you sit down and your guide begins to speak.

So, you want hear a story, huh? Well, I’ll give you one, and you better not interrupt me! HAHA! I’m just messing. Some time ago, in lands not too far from here, there lived a man who wielded a brilliant mind and extremely powerful technologies. He could create just about anything from compact jetpacks to advanced weaponry. He was first a weapons manufacturer, but now lacks a purpose. After uncovering a strange light in the night sky, he will be tossed into a world that would fulfill that yearning for existence but for a cost. This man’s curiosity for answers will lead him to powerful things. Our story begins here with that man, Felix.

*Slow Collected Breathing

Ok, this is it. I've calibrated my systems, packed my provisions, and set the defensive systems on my house. I’m going to find out what it is and where it goes.

*Deep Breath

*Another

*And Another

For the past three weeks, every night, a strange ring of light pops out of the darkness for twenty minutes and twenty-seven seconds, on average. I presume that that thing can move at speeds up to 300 miles per hour but has heightened agility and maneuverability.

“There it is”, Felix spoke to no one but himself. The ring in the sky became visible. It was a mysterious light that would appear daily near the dwelling of Felix. “I have you sighted and locked into my HUD. I’ve seen your patterns of loops, turns, and spins. I will find out what you are tonight or risk failure.” Felix’s speech helped get his mind straight for the task at hand.

Felix’s house, being located off of a high cliff on the western seaboard, made the perfect spot to jump. With one swift spring from his legs, he was off the platform like roof and plummeting through the air. As Felix fell, he checked off all his supplies on his list displayed inside his flight mask.

SUPPLIES CHECK
K-BAR: CHECK
CL4-STOCKED RIFLE: CHECK
M1911 SIDEARM: CHECK
AMMO: CHECK
GUN CLEANING KIT: CHECK
KNIFE SHARPENER: CHECK
MEAL PROVISIONS: CHECK
COMPACT SLEEPING PAD: CHECK
HIGH STRENGTH ROPE: CHECK
FRAG GRENADES: CHECK
STUN GRENADES: CHECK
I-POD NANO: CHECK

SYSTEMS CHECK
POWER SUPPLY: HIGH
JETPACK TEMPERTURE: OK
ELECTRONIC CONNECTIVITY: HIGH
AIR INTAKE STATUS: HIGH
MAIN JETS: NOT ENGAGED
TURBO THRUSTERS: NOT ENGAGED
GPS STATUS: HIGH
STABILIZER STATUS: HIGH/NOT ENGAGED
AUTO-PILOT: NOT ENGAGED
FLIGHT SUIT: HIGH/FLAWLESS
SYNTHETIC MUSCLE SUIT: HIGH/FLAWLESS

WEAPONS CHECK
REAR MOUNTED MINI-GUNS: ONLINE
POD ROCKETS: ONLINE
THERMAL SIGHTS: ONLINE
DROP BOMBS: LIMITED/ONLINE
SKY MINES: LIMIT/ONLINE
ENHANCED AUDIO PICK-UP: SLEEP MODE
ZOOMED OPTICS: INCOMPLETE/OFFLINE

All the systems checked out perfectly. Felix began to activate his pack’s stabilizers to even out his falling. He fired the main jets and initiated chase of the flying object. The HUD targeted the object and highlighted its movements.

“Activating turbo thrusters,” Felix spoke to his computer systems. “That flying object is faster than first anticipated.” His turbo thrusters exploded to life and propelled Felix faster through the sky.

I’m gaining on it. I’m right there.

Just as soon as Felix finished the thought, the flying object flew hard right over the forested area that surrounded Felix’s home. Without missing a beat, Felix knife edged to stay with the object. Again, the object made another hard right but dove straight for the earth. Felix, still keeping the object in his sights, fell to the earth to continue the chase.

This thing knows I’m chasing it. That’s interesting.

Both the object and Felix continued their flawless aerial dance. Felix was always just out of reach of the object. It seemed to be hidden within the night’s sky as well, but Felix’s thermal sights showed a piercing red image to make for easier targeting. The object dashed onward giving Felix’s skills a run for their money.

Oddly enough, this flight reminds me of my old job.

Felix had mighty career as a weapons developer. His mind was great, brilliant even. His superiors had him use that mind for weapons creation and development of some of the most technological advances up to date. Felix ended up creating ultimate fuel sources, high powered weapons, flight packs, armored mechanized suits, enhanced body armor, cloaking suits, and countless other weapons and materials.

Felix’s contract had run-up a few years after his inventions made him a success. The job gave him some purpose. This saddened him that his superiors wouldn't re-up the contract. Felix decided that if he couldn't have his job, he would retire. For his extremely early retirement, the company gave him a major kick back. His current home was paid for, any material he wished to have for new inventions would be granted to him, and he had permission to use the sky as his own personal highway. This had been granted due to the fact that the U.S. Military uses his inventions. Once he discovered the ring of light that would appear in the sky, he set out to make his most advanced jet pack. With the new intention, Felix sought out to study the ring of light. An early retirement meant a lot of free time of Felix’s hands. Luckily, he used his spare time to hone his skills in land tactics and aerial combat.

I’m probably boring you with his less than exciting lifestyle, aren't I? Well, back to the main story then.

Their flight continued. With loops, spins, and aerial maneuvers, it seemed to be like an air spectacle. Felix was getting frustrated. He wanted to know what this thing was and how it eluded him for so long. As Felix gave chase, the target dodged and evaded every advance he threw at it.

Like all events, they must come to an end. The object sought for the safety of the light ring. Felix wasn't about to let this opportunity pass him by. He was going to go through the ring with the flying object. The object did something spectacular, something not seen in this world. A streak of light, rainbow colored, began to form around the object. It showed a silhouette of a small creature with wings, a tail, and a petite form. This creature caused an explosion of light blasting it through the ring. The ring was shrinking after the creature penetrated the light.

NO! YOU’RE NOT ESCAPING ME!

“Activate S.T.R.E.A.M.E.R., NOW!” Felix shouted into the HUD’s microphones.

His HUD responded “Are you sure?”

“YES, DO IT NOW!” Felix roared with blasting volume.

Felix’s jets opened and interlocked to form one massive jet engine. The power this jet possessed had enough potential to tow a Super Hornet while retaining the size of a human’s upper back. Felix and his jet pack ripped through the night sky. His target was closing at a steady rate. The ring had to be thirty inches in diameter, and Felix knew he’d be cutting it close. By the skin of his teeth, he made it through.

Felix hadn't simply passed through a ring of light but a portal instead. On the other side of the portal, a whole new world was waiting. He couldn't help but be taken back by the sight to see. The beautiful landscape and the crystal clear air proved to be overwhelming. Felix was snapped back to reality once gravity began working again.

WARNING
JET MALFUNCTION
WARNING

The air intake is damaged and the left wing stabilizer is blown out. Felix was no stranger when it came to malfunctions, but this was different. The jets were propelling him too fast through the air, and he needed to slow down. He deactivated all propulsion systems causing him to glide through the sky. Felix was still too fast, and he needed to make sure his landing would be as cushioned as possible.

“Deploy chutes!” Felix said with an anxious tone, “COME ON, DAMMIT! DEPLOY!” Felix shouted as he soared at high speeds.

The parachutes deployed after a few tense moments. The chutes flew open catching him from his free-fall. They helped plenty to slow Felix down, but weren't enough to prevent a crash landing. Felix had crash landed into a dense forest. He was entangled in vines and was hanging upside down from the tree canopy.

“Great. Well I better cut myself loose if I expect to get anywhere.” Felix spoke a loud.

Ok, let’s recap. I flew through a portal at night. Now, it’s the afternoon. This forest is different from the one surrounding my house. Where the hell am I?

After the thought, Felix reached for his K-BAR and began to cut the vines that suspended him in the air. As the final vines snapped from Felix’s weight, he flipped and landed softly on his feet. He began his march through the dense forest.

I wish I’d brought my machete. I’d be easier to cut a path through this dense foliage.

An hour and forty three minutes of hiking had lead Felix to what looked like a large tree engulfed by a house. The house stood out a hundred yards from the tree line.

Felix made his way to the door but had been stopped by a pack of wooden animals that had been trailing him. He couldn't believe his eyes. Five dog like creatures made of freaking wood! As soon as Felix recovered from the initial shock, one of the wooden dogs took a lunge at him. Felix simply rolled out of the way. He wasn't impressed.

“So that’s how it’s going to be. BRING IT ON!” Felix barked at his wooden foes.

Two of the wooden dogs charged at Felix with open jaws and sharp claws. Felix took his K-BAR and dug it deep into one of the charging dogs. He grasped the other around the head and with one twist broke the wooden neck of the creature killing it instantly. The first dog to attack went for a crippling strike at the back of Felix’s leg. Felix jumped into the air and took hold of the branch above him. He climbed on to the branch only to jump back down crushing the wooden dog. The last two began to circle Felix for an opening. One stood in front of Felix and the other behind him. The one behind him charged in expecting to make the kill. Felix spun around and round house kicked the animal in the jaw. It snapped completely off. Once Felix spun back to the front one, it had pounced onto him. Felix immediately ripped the animal off his body and threw it into a nearby tree. The impact broke the wooden creature’s spine.

“You know what? I’m going to keep a kill counter for this.” Felix stated triumphantly. With that said, Felix's HUD recorded five kills.

After his display of flawless combat, he faced towards the cozy home. Felix walked up the dirt path leading to the door. It had a green color and looked to have a lot of weight. He knocked on the door.

*KNOCK

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP!”

Right after the first knock, a fearful scream escaped the house and rocketed to Felix’s ears. He cupped his hands over his ears trying to keep the piercing squeal away. The shriek stopped after a few seconds of ringing out. Again, Felix knocked on the heavy door.

“…….Who’s th-th-there?” spoke a frightened, almost inaudible, feminine voice.

Felix gave a confused look at the green door and whoever was behind, “Hello?”

The door creaked open slowly. It became ajar with a small rabbit in the door way. The bunny turned around and chirped as if it were talking to someone. The door shut but only to be re-opened after the door chain was undone. The door swung open revealing a cowering, small, winged horse. Felix’s primary thoughts were of a petite woman after hearing the voice, but seeing a small horse was different, extremely different. The small creature looked up at Felix with large, light blue eyes. The creature shut her eyes in sudden fear from seeing Felix’s form. The small horse dropped as far as could possibly go to the floor covering her head with her hooves. Felix dropped down to one knee hoping to show he wasn’t a threat. He reached out his hand to gently touch the creature and hopefully shake her from her initial fear. Immediately, the bunny jumped up on Felix’s arm, looking fierce, giving a blood curdling glare.

“I’m not here to harm anyone or anything, little friend. You’re hostility isn’t required.” Felix gently spoke to the protective rabbit. He removed his flight mask with a hiss.

Removing my flight mask might help ease the situation.

Felix’s flight mask had been crafted to mimic the armor plating of a beetle. Imagine a sheen black mask smooth and clean. Felix removed the flight mask placing it on his holster. The rabbit stood on Felix’s arm with an intention to attack.

I need to get this rabbit to chill if I wish to continue.

“Please, my little friend, I need help from both of you. I am not here to cause strife.” Felix explained to the fierce critter on his arm.

After a good few moments of quiet battling, the rabbit jumped down letting Felix move freely. Felix out stretched his arm and gently touched the quivering yellow ball of fluff. She shot her head up looking face to face with Felix. A few moments passed with nothing, but the gentle touch continuing in silence. Felix decided it was time to break the flow of silence.

“My name is Felix. What’s your name?” He spoke to break some of the fear from the creature.

“My name’s Fluttershy…..” The small creature spoke behind her mane like a shy child. Her voice was so delicate it could not reach Felix's ears.

“I’m sorry. I couldn't make out what you said.”

“My name’s Fluttershy.” Felix still couldn't make it out.

Again, he asked but still got that too quiet and delicate voice. The rabbit intervened this time breaking the deadlock. The rabbit went into the cozy looking home and retrieved a customized notepad. It had some calligraphy etchings to show whose property it was. Felix read the name Fluttershy.

Her name is Fluttershy. Why am I not surprised by this?

“Nice to meet you, Fluttershy.” Felix stated “I hope I hadn't frightened you…… Did I scare you?”

She looked down, nodding, confirming a yes. Felix went from a knee to crossed leg sitting position.

“Why? Why did you kill the timber wolves? Why not run away?” Fluttershy looked a little hurt.

Not knowing what to say, Felix sat and looked to the dirt. “I’m sorry. I wouldn't have killed ‘em if not given a reason to.”

The memories washed back over Felix as if it were yesterday. One day, Felix had gone hunting with a few of his friends in Wisconsin. While they were sitting in their blind waiting for something to shot, Drew, one of Felix’s friends, had gotten sick. Two of the men in the group grabbed Drew and took him back to the cabin where they were staying. Felix and Scott, another friend and being the remaining two of the group, stayed back and broke down their set up. Scott went back to the truck leaving Felix to carry the rest of the equipment. As Felix was returning to the truck, he heard wails for help and the snarling of dogs. Wolves were the only thing he could think of. Felix dropped his bundle and grabbed his hunting rifle. He ran towards the truck. Once he reached the vehicle, he jumped into the flatbed. There had been eight wolves all standing around Scott. Each one was ready to strike. Felix immediately opened fire blasting one of the wolves away. Two wolves began bark and trying to snap at Felix, but the height advantage of the truck was winning that battle. Felix drew back on the bolt of his rifle and shot again killing another wolf. He primed his rifle again and fired. Three wolves lay dead. Felix was running out of bullets. He had used some to shoot the ground to startle the wolves and drive them back. After two more shots and two more dead, Felix was out of ammo. Three wolves remained. Felix’s adrenaline was still coursing through his veins driving the idea to jump down and strike. Felix drew his hunting knife ready to defend his friend. Felix walked into a pocket created by the presence of the remaining wolves. The action caused the wolves to surround him. One wolf pounced blasting Felix to his back. The wolf appeared to have pinned Felix on the ground. He rolled the punctured animal off of him. Felix sprang to his feet ready for the next one. The next wolf charged in snarling. Felix waited for it to approach. Felix had left his rifle strapped to his back. He removed it and held it as a club. All that time in high school playing baseball was finally paying off. The wolf was in range. Felix let his arms fly crashing the rifle into the side of the wolf’s skull. The beast died once the rifle stock impacted, caving in the skull, and crushing the brain inside. The last wolf didn’t do anything but stare. The stare between Felix and the Wolf felt like an eternity. After a few seconds, the wolf simply turned and walked away. Felix remembered Scott. As Felix pivoted to see Scott, he turned ghost white. Scott was slumped over on the driver’s side door. A massive laceration had severed his leg’s main artery. Scott lost too much blood. He was gone. Felix’s heroic actions were in vain.

“Scott?” Felix called out with a whimper.

No answer.

With a blood drained face, Felix vomited from the panic.

One of Felix’s best friends was dead.

Author's Note

So, hear it is! As said in the description, this is my first fanfic. I'll do my best to make it worth reading.