The Inverted Evolution: A Time Travel Adventure

By G. Sauvé

Will screwed up. Again.

Trapped in an alternate reality where arthropods—giant talking insects—rule the world and leviathans—colossal giants—are forced to toil in squalor, Will and his friends desperately try to find a way home.

But things are different in this reality. Not only is Avalon NOT evil, but alternate versions of them are determined to keep them from returning to their own reality. To make things worse, Will accidentally shattered Pandora’s Jar and must now bear witness to the ensuing devastation.

It’s a race against time as Will, Jonn, and Kara struggle to save Gaia—Earth—from total annihilation.

Can they fix Will’s mistake? Can they find a way home?

Find out in this epic, high-stakes fifth installment in a brand-new YA series about courage, love, and destiny.

Don’t waste a second! Buy this book today before our reality crumbles and we end up stranded in an alternate reality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: G. Sauvé
• Release date: Feb 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005613662

G. Sauvé

G. Sauvé had an unusual childhood. He grew up in a straw bale house. He was homeschooled. And he didn't have a TV until he was a teenager. No wonder he fell in love with the written word at such a young age. He wrote his first book at fifteen (it sucked), and he now resides in Montréal, where he spends his days writing (much improved) novels and making puns.Pronunciation: G. So-veyWant a FREE book? Visit GSauve.ca.

Book preview

Dedication

To my brother, Gabriel, who taught me it’s okay to be different.

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JJ’s Fate

JJ was dead.

Will Jr. stared at his friend’s lifeless body, too stunned to react. JJ lay perfectly still, mouth agape and rimmed with bile. His eyes were closed, and his chest was still.

What have I done? muttered Will Jr. Hands trembling, he reached for his friend and began shaking him.

Please wake up, he sobbed.

Nothing happened.

Please, he continued. Please…

It was hopeless. JJ was dead.

Heart ablaze with guilt, the teenager released his friend’s corpse and collapsed into a shuddering heap. Powerful sobs shook his frame, but his gaze remained fixed on JJ’s lifeless frame. The sight of it sickened him, yet he was unable to look away. He kept staring. And staring. And staring. Nearly a full minute had passed when something unexpected happened.

The corpse shuddered.

It was small—barely more than a twitch—but it was enough to lure hope to Will Jr.’s heart.

JJ! he cried out. Lunging forward, he tried grabbing his friend’s body, but something stopped him.

JJ’s eyes flew open.

Inhaling deeply, the teenager bolted upright. Stiff as a board, he stared ahead with unseeing eyes. He did not seem aware of his surroundings, but at least he was…

Alive! yelled Will Jr. You’re ALIVE!

JJ did not react. He stared straight ahead for a few seconds, then collapsed.

Is he dead? wondered Will Jr., but JJ’s chest rose and fell to the rhythm of his shallow breathing, proof that he was alive and well. But Will Jr. was still worried.

Wake up, he urged, shaking his friend.

Nothing happened.

Come on, he insisted. WAKE UP!

Still nothing.

Will Jr. kept trying for a while before giving up.

At least, he’s still alive, he thought. But the relief that filled him was soon chased away by shame. How can I be so selfish? he wondered. I almost killed my best friend. I don’t deserve to experience relief.

Will Jr. chastised himself for a while before realizing he had much more pressing issues to attend to. JJ was alive, but his lack of consciousness was worrisome.

What should I do? he wondered.

He looked around, hoping to find something of use, but the tiny treehouse in which he sat was almost entirely bare. A few childhood bobbles were all that remained of their once prized possessions.

Drowned! muttered Will Jr., using his grandfather’s favourite curse. What can…

His voice trailed off when a solution offered itself to him, courtesy of the curse he had just employed.

Jonn.

Not only had he once been a badass soldier, but he was JJ’s father. If anyone knew what to do, it was him.

Will Jr. glanced as his friend. Abandoning him was the last thing he wanted to do, but he didn’t have a choice. Sighing, he dove toward the small doorway that stood to his right. By the time he remembered the ladder that once linked the cabin to the earth was gone, it was already too late. He tumbled through the air for a few seconds before his cat-like reflexes allowed him to right himself. Grunting softly, he landed on the hard-packed earth that stood by the foot of the tree and rolled.

That was close, he muttered as he righted himself. The last thing I need right now is a twisted ankle.

He glanced at the treehouse one last time and took off running, oblivious to the beauty that surrounded him. The inverted gravity that governed the centre of the Earth had lost its allure, and the glowing trees that were sprinkled throughout Sanctuary no longer drew his admiration. Even the knowledge that the ancient city had been birthed by a race of reptilian aliens failed to distract him. He had only one thing on his mind.

JJ.

Will Jr. reached his grandfather’s house in record time. Not bothering to knock, he pressed his hand to the door and waited for the smooth surface to retreat. Moments later, he was racing past JJ’s mother, ignoring her surprised expression.

Jonn was easy to find. He sat on the living room couch, watching TV. Though most had been destroyed during the downfall of human civilization, a few had survived. This particular one had been retrofitted to broadcast nearly every single show produced throughout human history.

Will? asked Jonn. What are you doing here? Where’s JJ?

He was surprisingly fit for a man of his advanced age, yet Will Jr. could not help comparing him to the Jonn from his father’s memories. His once salt-and-pepper hair was now more salt than pepper, and deep creases had appeared on his forehead.

I need your help, said Will Jr., skidding to a stop before his grandfather.

Jonn frowned.

What— he began, but Will Jr. cut him off.

There’s no time to explain. JJ’s in trouble.

Jonn remained frozen for a second before his instincts kicked in. Leaping to his feet, he tossed the TV remote and peered deep into Will Jr.’s eyes.

How serious is it?

Will Jr. gulped, guilt and regret overwhelming him once more.

Life and death.

Jonn nodded, all business.

Lead the way.

Will Jr. did not waste a second. He took off running, apologizing to JJ’s mother on his way out. She shot him a curious look but did not insist.

Will Jr. led his grandfather to the treehouse. He feared they would be too late, but JJ’s state remained unchanged.

What happened? asked Jonn. His frame was too big to enter the treehouse, yet he had no trouble reaching his unconscious son. Pulling him free of the makeshift dwelling, he hoisted him up and over his shoulder and made his way down the tree. Will Jr. followed, feeling helpless.

What happened? repeated Jonn once they were back on solid ground. JJ lay in his arms, bouncing up and down to the rhythm of his long strides. Will Jr. ran alongside them, doing his best not to let his guilt destroy him.

It’s complicated, he said.

They ran in silence for a while before Will Jr. decided to elaborate.

It’s my fault.

Jonn eyed him but said nothing.

They kept running until they reached the hospital. It looked nothing like the pictures he had seen in history class, but it was well equipped, and the doctors were skilled. Still, Will Jr. worried the physician would be unable to help his friend.

What happened? asked the doctor. She was a middle-aged woman with greying hair and a kind face.

Will Jr. hesitated.

Should he tell her the truth? It would help assuage his guilt, but transferring the burden of knowledge would accomplish nothing. It would only complicate things, and that was the last thing he wanted.

I’m not sure, he lied. We were hanging out, and he started convulsing. He stopped breathing for a while, then inhaled deeply and went limp. I tried waking him, but I couldn’t.

The doctor nodded.

How long ago was this?

I’m not sure, admitted Will Jr.

Fifteen minutes, said Jonn. He kept his gaze on his son, refusing to look at Will Jr.

Very well, said the doctor. I’ll do what I can for him, but I need you to wait—

I’m not leaving, interrupted Jonn.

The doctor hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Fine. You can stay. Turning to Will Jr., she added, You should go. There’s nothing you can do, and it will be a while before we have any answers.

Will Jr. nodded. Glancing at JJ one last time, he shuffled out of the room. Part of him wanted to go home and forget all of this, but he knew that was not an option, so he found a quiet spot and settled in for what would undoubtedly be a very long night.

Images of JJ’s convulsing body played over and over in the teenager’s mind, torturing him for his carelessness. He had not meant for JJ to get hurt, yet he was aware the uncertainty of his friend’s fate was his fault. Why had he told him the truth? Why had he ignored his mother’s warning and kept the existence of the memory organizer secret? Why—

Will!

The voice yanked him from his reverie. Looking around, he spotted a woman running toward him.

It was his mother.

What happened? asked Kara, skidding to a stop before him. Are you all right?

Will Jr. sighed.

I’m fine. He hesitated for a moment then added, It’s JJ.

What happened?

Will Jr. hesitated, but he knew he could not hide the truth from his mother.

I messed up, he said, tears welling in his eyes. I-I’m sorry.

Sensing her son’s desperation, Kara pulled him into a tight hug. The sensation of her warm body was soothing, but Will Jr. rejected the comfort. He did not deserve it.

What happened? asked Kara once the hug ended. Taking a seat next to her son, she turned to him and waited for an explanation.

It took a while, but Will Jr. finally found the courage to tell her the truth. He admitted having broken his promise and explained what happened to JJ. He nearly broke down more than once but somehow managed to keep it together long enough to bring his mother up to speed.

A heavy silence followed the teenager’s explanation.

You shouldn’t blame yourself, said Kara. You did what you thought was right.

Will Jr. frowned.

You’re not angry?

Kara shook her head.

JJ is your best friend. I should never have asked you to keep the truth from him.

Will Jr. could hardly believe it. He had thought his mother would be angry, but she was taking the blame in a foolish attempt at stealing the shame that filled him. It was a noble act, but he could not allow it.

It’s my fault, he said.

Kara sighed but said nothing. They sat in silence for a while before JJ’s mother came bursting into the waiting room.

Grace was a beautiful woman. Unlike most, she was unravaged by time. Her skin was smooth and youthful, her hair long and silky. She was the envy of every middle-aged woman in Sanctuary.

Where is he? she demanded. Will Jr. had no idea how she knew of her son’s illness, but it did not matter. He watched, silent, as she was escorted out of the waiting room. Seeing her caused a fresh wave of guilt to wash over him, but it also intrigued him. There was something different about JJ’s mother, something he had never noticed.

Grace was more than his best friend’s mother, more than his grandfather’s wife. She was the woman who had taken care of his father. It seemed like a lifetime ago, but it had been mere days since he had relived his father’s first set of memories. Though much had happened since then, he had no trouble recalling the image of Grace’s younger self. Eyes closed, he watched her surprise his father on his fifteenth birthday, relived the moment where she gave him his mother’s ring. Without her, none of this would have happened. Will Sr. would never have known the truth about his mother, and he would have spent the rest of his youth at the orphanage.

We have company, said Kara, interrupting Will Jr. mid-memory.

Sighing, he opened his eyes and scanned the waiting room. A middle-aged couple was moving toward them, heads bowed and hands linked.

Jonn and Grace.

Will Jr. felt a pang of guilt at the sight of his best friend’s parents. Jonn’s jaw was tense, proof that the grief he displayed was a mask for the rage that bubbled beneath. Grace appeared genuinely distraught, but she maintained her composure.

What did the doctor say? asked Kara once the couple reached them.

He’s in a coma, said Grace, taking a seat. They don’t know if he’ll wake up.

Jonn grunted, his way of saying he did not trust the doctor.

Is there anything I can do? asked Kara.

Grace smiled gratefully.

No, she said. There’s nothing any of us can do.

That’s not true, muttered Jonn. Will can tell us what the drowned happened.

He glared at Will Jr., his gaze so piercing the teenager had to look away. His grandfather had always been kind and gentle—the complete opposite of the man he had seen in his father’s memories—but the Jonn that now stood before him was reminiscent of the badass soldier Will Sr. had known.

I-I’m sorry, stuttered Will Jr. I didn’t mean to… His voice trailed off, smothered by a sob.

It’s not Will’s fault, chastised Grace, slapping her husband’s arm.

Maybe. Maybe not, he said, but he’s the only one who knows what happened.

He was right. JJ’s parents deserved to know what had happened, but he could not bring himself to tell them. Luckily, Kara knew enough to bring Jonn and Grace up to speed.

A heavy silence followed Kara’s explanation.

I’m sorry, whispered Will Jr. after a while. I never should have let JJ hold the memory organizer.

It’s not your fault, said Grace.

Yes, it is, disagreed Jonn. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him.

Will Jr. wanted to protest, but he knew his grandfather was right. Still, the words cut deep, wounding him worse than the guilt ever could.

No one spoke for the longest time. Will Jr. sat in his chair, still as a statue. Jonn paced back and forth. Kara and Grace exchanged small talk. Finally, after a few hours, the doctor came to see them and revealed JJ’s condition had stabilized. Promising to notify them the moment something changed, she urged them to return home. Grace and Jonn complied, but Will Jr. refused to leave. He would not rest until JJ emerged from his coma, even if that meant he had to live in the hospital for the next few weeks.

You must rest, insisted Kara when he revealed his desire to stay.

I can rest here, argued Will Jr.

But—

I’m not leaving.

Kara sighed.

Fine, she said. Then I’m staying too.

Will Jr. smiled wearily.

No, he said. You’re not.

She raised an eyebrow.

I’m not?

Will Jr. shook his head.

You’re going home. You need to rest.

She chuckled.

I’m a robot, remember? I don’t need to rest.

It was true, but it did not change the fact that Will Jr. wanted to be alone.

Please, he said. I need time to think, to process.

Kara hesitated but nodded.

Okay, she said. I’ll leave. But promise me you’ll at least try to sleep.

I’ll try.

Kara nodded.

I’ll return in the morning with something to eat. She stood, placed a gentle kiss upon her son’s forehead, and strolled out of the waiting room.

Will Jr. sunk back into his seat and sighed. Now that he was alone, he could finally process things. Though he still blamed himself for what happened, he knew there was nothing he could have done to prevent it. The guilt eventually faded, leaving only worry. Will Jr. could not imagine his life without JJ. They had been best friends since birth. They were family, both in blood and bond. Will Jr. would be lost without JJ.

The night was long, but morning eventually came. Soon after, Kara appeared, carrying a platter of food. Though appetizing, the supplies failed to ignite the teenager’s excitement. This was in part due to the worry that still plagued him, but the main reason for his lack of interest stemmed from the presence of the short individual that trailed behind his mother.

Kidd, said Will Jr. What are you doing here?

I thought he might be able to help, said Kara. She took a seat next to her son and offered him a warm croissant. Though he wasn’t interested in food, the sight of the cream-cheese and jam-filled pastry was impossible to resist. Grabbing it, he stuffed it into his mouth and began chewing.

Your mother told me what happened, said Kidd. I must admit I’m perplexed. The memory organizer should not have worked on JJ. Whatever happened, it was a fluke.

Can you fix it? asked Will Jr. once the last shreds of the tasty treat had been ingested. Can you help JJ?

I don’t know, admitted Kidd, but I’ll do all I can.

What are we waiting for? asked Will Jr. He leapt to his feet and rushed out of the waiting room. Moments later, they were entering JJ’s room. He looked peaceful, as if he were sleeping, but Will Jr. knew better.

Please help him, begged Will Jr.

Kidd did not respond. Retrieving a strange-looking device from his pocket, he began scanning the unconscious teenager’s body. Every few seconds, the device emitted a soft beep, but Will Jr. had no idea if that was a good or a bad thing. It was not until Kidd completed his examination that he finally got an answer.

He’s in a coma, he confirmed, but I believe I know how to wake him.

Will Jr.’s heart leapt with excitement.

What are you waiting for? he asked. Do it.

It’s not that simple, said Kidd. To wake him, I must shock his system, but the only way to do this is with a serum.

So? asked Will Jr. What’s the problem?

The problem, said Kidd, is I’m missing one of the ingredients.

Get more.

It’s not that simple, repeated Kidd. The plant I need is very rare, and it only grows in one place.

Where?

The surface.

Will Jr. gulped.

T-The surface?

Kidd nodded.

The surface was known for its many dangers. Few were those brave enough to venture beyond the centre of the Earth. Those who did were never seen again. There were rumours of vicious predators and hideous monsters, but few believed them. Still, the prospect of venturing beyond Sanctuary terrified Will Jr.

Is there no other way? he asked.

Kidd shook his head.

Fine, muttered Will Jr. I’ll get you your missing ingredient.

The corners of Kidd’s mouth twitched, and his eyes twinkled, almost as if he had always known he would volunteer. Kara’s reaction was less enthusiastic.

No way, she said. I won’t let you risk your life.

Will Jr. tried to protest, but Kidd beat him to it.

Retrieving the plant should be easy enough, he said. It grows quite rampantly in certain areas. As long as we select the right elevator, the journey should be quite short and relatively risk-free.

But— began Kara, but Will Jr. cut her off.

Mom, he said. "It’s my fault JJ is in a coma. I need to do this. Please."

Kara seemed torn between her duty as a mother and her willingness to help her son assuage the guilt that plagued him, but she eventually admitted defeat.

Fine, she said. But you’re not going alone.

He won’t be alone, said a familiar voice. I’ll accompany him.

Will Jr. turned to find his grandfather standing in the doorway.

The Surface

The elevator shuddered to life, its ancient gears groaning in discontent. The platform was massive—big enough to house a hundred people—and made entirely of metal. Though it was Will Jr.’s first time leaving the centre of the Earth, he felt completely safe.

Jonn stood an armlength away, his stance wide and steady. His expression was grim, but Will Jr. could tell he had a lot on his mind. At first, he thought it was due to the uncertainty of his son’s state, but there was more than worry in those steely eyes of his.

I’m sorry, said Will Jr. I didn’t mean for JJ to get hurt.

Jonn sighed, and his shoulders slumped.

I know. I shouldn’t have blamed you for what happened. I was angry. I needed someone to blame, and you were the nearest target. I’m sorry for what I said.

Will Jr. was not expecting an apology, but he welcomed it with open arms, grateful to be reunited with the gentle, loving man he had grown accustomed to knowing. He did not like the other Jonn, the badass soldier from his father’s memories.

It’s not your fault, said Will Jr. As appreciative as he was for his grandfather’s kind words, the truth was he still blamed himself for what had happened. Were it not for him, JJ would not be in a hospital bed, fighting for his life.

They travelled in silence for a while before Will Jr.’s focus turned from his friend’s fate to his own. He was on his way to the surface, the most dangerous place known to man.

You’ve been to the surface, right? he asked.

Jonn nodded.

Is there anything I should know? Anything I should prepare for?

His grandfather frowned.

Prepare for? What do you mean?

Will Jr. hesitated. He did not want to sound like a coward, but he was terrified. There were many tales of people venturing to the surface and vanishing without a trace. Of all the people who had visited the old world since the Great Cataclysm, Jonn was the only one to return. He sometimes told tales of vicious beasts and bloodthirsty humans, but the truth was no one really knew what dangers lurked on the surface. Only Jonn knew the truth, and he had been less than forthcoming with the details.

Never mind, muttered Will Jr., ignoring the rising sense of panic that grew within.

Jonn’s lips curled into a smile. He knew his grandson was terrified, but he said nothing. Will Jr. would soon discover the truth. Why ruin it?

The journey continued in silence until the elevator suddenly dropped. Though it travelled toward the surface, the inverted gravity that governed the centre of the Earth made it seem as though they were travelling downward. As such, the sudden drop caused Will Jr. and his grandfather to float toward the ceiling of the metallic tube.

What’s happening? demanded Will Jr., panicked.

Jonn smiled.

Don’t worry, he said. It’s normal.

Normal? croaked Will Jr. How can this be normal?

His grandfather chuckled.

Just enjoy the ride. It’s perfectly safe.

It did not seem perfectly safe, but Jonn had no reason to lie, so Will Jr. did his best to enjoy the experience. It took a while, but he finally grew accustomed to the weightlessness.

It did not last long.

The elevator skidded to an abrupt halt. Given the speed at which it had been travelling, the sudden stop should have been impossible, but there was no denying the elevator was now perfectly still. Floating at its centre, Will Jr. glanced at his grandfather, eyes wide with confusion.

What’s happening? he asked.

Jonn chuckled again.

Gravity is different on the surface, he explained. Everything in the centre of the Earth is pulled outward, but things on the surface are pulled inward. We’re at the exact spot where the two gravities meet.

Will Jr. vaguely recalled his teacher telling him about the inverted gravity that kept everything on the surface from floating into space—another concept that was difficult for him to fathom—but he had forgotten all about it. Until now.

How long before… he began, but his voice trailed off when the elevator started moving again. Groaning from the effort, it continued its journey. Unaffected by its movement, its occupants remained afloat until the ceiling gently bumped into them. Dragging them along, the elevator journeyed on, gaining speed with each passing second. Soon, the intensity of the pressure became so intense the mere act of breathing was a strain. Panicked, Will Jr. glanced at his grandfather, but Jonn remained calm. His eyes were closed, and a subtle smile curled his lips.

I guess we’re safe, thought the teenager. But that did not stop him from remaining trapped in a state of near-hysteria for the remainder of the trip.

The pressure gradually diminished until breathing was no longer a struggle. Standing was now an option, but Will Jr. remained prone until the elevator slowed to a halt. Moments later, the doors slid open, revealing a building identical to the one they had entered to gain access to the elevator.

Come on, said Jonn, stepping out of the elevator. To Will Jr., it seemed as though the world was upside down, but since gravity was inverted on the surface, the ceiling was now the floor and the floor the ceiling. Still, it was with a certain degree of caution that he stood.

It did not take long for his mind to grow accustomed to the shift in perspective. Once out of the elevator, the world looked no different than it had at the centre of the Earth. Even the exits were the same.

Come on, repeated Jonn. He was halfway to the nearest exit, and Will Jr. had to run just to catch up. He reached him just as he arrived at the exit.

Are you ready? asked Jonn.

Will Jr. nodded hesitantly. He had often dreamed of setting foot on the surface, but he never thought it would actually happen. Until now.

Smiling, Jonn activated the massive door. It split down the middle and retreated into the wall, revealing the world beyond. Determined to take it in as a whole, Will Jr. kept his gaze on the ground until he was out of the building. What he found when he looked up was so amazing he nearly cried.

It was night, and a vast sky stretched above him. For anyone who grew up on the surface, such a display of splendour was unimpressive, but Will Jr. was fascinated by what he saw. The stars shone so brightly they seemed to light up the entire sky. The moon was full. The various shades of black, grey, and blue that made up the never-ending tapestry ignited within the teenager a sense of wonder the likes of which he had never experienced. Though he had often seen the night sky via his father’s memories, this was the first time he saw it with his own eyes, and it was magnificent.

Not bad, right? said Jonn.

Will Jr. nodded, still transfixed. But, as beautiful as it was, he knew he could not stand here all night, staring at the sky. They had a mission to complete.

Tearing his gaze from the firmament, he scanned the landscape. Though mostly bathed in shadows, the moon shone with enough brilliance to reveal the presence of a city. Ravaged by time and nature, the buildings were mere skeletons of the imposing beasts they had once been. Streets had long since been overrun by vegetation, and the occasional nocturnal bird flew by overhead. Scattered throughout the ancient city were vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Most had been destroyed by nature, but a few remained unharmed.

I can’t believe people used to drive around in those things, thought Will Jr. Once again, his father’s memories had allowed him to see vehicles in action, but the prospect of riding in one was still foreign to him.

The teenager stared for a while longer before his sense of duty caused him to focus on the mission.

What was the name of the plant Kidd wanted us to get? he asked.

"Allium," said Jonn.

Isn’t that garlic? asked Will Jr. He had never actually tasted it, but Grace bemoaned not being able to serve garlic bread whenever she made her world-famous lasagna.

It is, said Jonn, only this one grows wild. I remember finding some once. We shouldn’t have much trouble locating it.

Then what are we waiting for? asked Will Jr.

Jonn smiled. He liked it when his grandson was impulsive. It reminded him of himself when he was young.

Follow me, he said. He led Will Jr. along a series of narrow streets until they reached a wooded area. It must have been a park once because the trees were massive and there were no buildings.

"This is where we’ll find the Allium, said Jonn. Let’s split up. We’ll have a better chance of locating it."

Will Jr. nodded. Though he had never seen the plant before, Kidd had described it to them, and he was confident he would recognize it if he found it. Luckily, it only took a few minutes before he came across the very thing he was looking for.

An entire section of the forest was overflowing with the plant. They were packed so tight you could not take a step without squishing at least a few.

Grandpa! called Will Jr. I found it.

Coming! came Jonn’s voice from a short distance away. The sounds of snapping branches and disturbed leaves filled the air as the former soldier made his way toward his grandson. By the time he reached him, Will Jr. had picked a dozen plants.

Kidd didn’t say if he needed the leaves or the bulbs, so I picked both, he explained. Do you think this is enough?

Jonn eyed the dozen tiny bulbs that lay in the teenager’s left hand and that handful of leaves that stood in his right and nodded.

We should head back, he said. You never know what could be lurking in the shadows.

Will Jr. did not like the sound of that, but he was too happy to care. He had done it; he had found the plant that would heal JJ. Though he still felt responsible for what had happened, he no longer felt as though he was about to lose his friend. Of course, there was no guarantee the serum would work, but he was optimistic.

The journey home seemed to last only a fraction of the time the initial trip had taken, but that was probably because he now knew what to expect. Still, he was grateful when he stepped out of the elevator, Allium clutched within his fists.

Let’s go, said Jonn, leading the way. They travelled the short distance that stood between them and the hospital and found Kidd, Grace, and Kara gathered around JJ’s bed, waiting for them.

How did it go? asked Grace as soon as she spotted them.

Will Jr. revealed the prize, beaming.

A wave of relief washed over everyone, erasing the tension in a single swipe. As luck would have it, Kidd had already prepared the serum, so all he had to do was blend the Allium leaves into a paste and add a few pinches to the soup-like concoction. The rest of the Allium went to Grace, who promised to make garlic bread for everyone as soon as JJ was up and about.

Getting JJ to ingest the serum was easy. Waiting around for him to wake up was pure torture.

How long? asked Will Jr. after a few minutes.

I’m not sure, admitted Kidd. I suspect it will take at least a few hours before the serum reverses the effect of the memory organizer.

They waited a few more minutes before Kidd excused himself. Jonn and Grace followed suit soon after, but not before making Will Jr. promise to notify them as soon as their son woke up. Kara also left, but only after giving Will Jr. the small wooden chest containing the memory organizer.

Where did you find it? he asked, staring at the small box.

"I went to the cabin while you and Jonn were getting the Allium, she explained. I didn’t want it falling into inexperienced hands. She winked. Plus, I suspected you would want to relive your father’s fifth set of memories while you wait for your friend to wake up."

Will Jr. smiled.

Thanks, Mom. You’re the best.

She smiled.

I know.

Will Jr. laughed. It felt good after all the recent stress. Now that JJ was on his way to a full recovery, his focus had once again become figuring out what had happened to his father after he unwittingly teleported himself and his friends outside Atlantis.

Try not to spend too much time plugged into that thing, said Kara, gesturing at the memory organizer. It would be nice if you were present when JJ wakes up.

Will Jr. nodded.

I’ll do my best.

Kara smiled.

I know you will.

Will Jr. waited until his mother was gone before retrieving the memory organizer. The sight of it reminded him of the fear in JJ’s eyes when it had attached itself to his wrist, but he would make sure it went nowhere near his friend.

Inserting the fifth memory disc into the device, he activated it and watched as it came to life. Moments later, the memory organizer was attached to his wrist, and a white glow was travelling up his arm. Will Jr. smiled as his father’s memories invaded his mind, and the world faded into darkness.

Memory 1

The world is gone. In its place stands… nothing.

I have witnessed total darkness before, but this is different. It’s more than the mere absence of light; it’s the lack of life itself. My friends are gone. So are my senses. In fact, my entire body is missing. All that remains is my consciousness.

Am I dead? I wonder.

I focus on my last memory. The first thing I see is Kara’s face. She’s smiling, but her joy evaporates