章節 2: THE LUCY'S CODEX

The first rays of dawn painted the sky, but Zach remained oblivious, lost in the depths of slumber. The birds chirping and the squirrel rustling on his window isn't enough to knock him off his slumber either,maybe he's dreaming of his journey yet to come and he's deeply hypnotized in his sleep he couldn't notice any changes around him.

"Knock, knock!!!" A mischievous little hand dared to disturb the peaceful slumber.

Zach groaned and rolled over, mumbling incoherently, he sat up with a start, his hair a tangled mess. He stumbled out of bed,his movement slow and deliberate. Getting a good standing pose he yawned widely, stretching his arms over his head.

"What is it Junior" he mumbled still sleepy, he staggered to the doorknob and let in his little brother

"Breakfast is ready Shark" his little gap teeth showing, he usually misname things around him like Zach for Shark and Phil for Fill.

He had one day mistaken a setting sun, dubbing it a 'fireball cookie.' which made everyone laugh at his innocence

"Okay, I'm coming, I'll join you guys soon let me brush my teeth first" Zach replied with a little smile on his face

Little Junior rushed down the stairs to take his favorite seat at the "High table" as he usually call the dining table.

"Where's Zach? Phil asked facing the little boy with all smiles, "He said he wanna brush his teeth" Junior said playing with his Captain America action figure

"Oh talk of the devil" Margaret said looking at his handsome baby boy, Her heart swelled with a quiet pride as she watched him descend the grand staircase. Dressed in a crisp, tailored suit, he cut a dashing figure. The fabric, a deep navy blue, seemed to shimmer in the soft light, accentuating his youthful charm. A subtle pattern, barely visible, added a touch of sophistication. His hair, styled with a hint of gel, framed his face perfectly. As he descended each step, his confidence grew, a silent testament to the strong young man he was becoming.

"Hmmm"

The air pulsed with a symphony of scents, each note a promise of culinary delight. A tantalizing aroma, rich and savory, wafted through the room, teasing the nostrils and igniting a primal hunger. It was a medley of sensations, a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy. The pungent scent of garlic, the earthy aroma of herbs, and the sweet, smoky fragrance of roasting meat all intertwined, creating a symphony of smells that was both familiar and utterly intoxicating.

The aroma was a comforting embrace, a warm hug on a cold winter's day. It was a reminder of simpler times, of family gatherings and shared meals. As the tantalizing scent filled the air, it stirred memories of childhood, of holidays spent with loved ones, and of the simple joy of a good meal.

"This aroma is a celestial buffet, whisking me away to a heavenly feast." Zach said jokingly making everyone burst into laughter.

"Let's pray and start today's adventure" Zach added and everyone settled down for breakfast.

Each person's place filled with hot steamy roasted meat, cabbage and garlic, Junior started the chit chat routine of the family. Focusing his little hypnotizing brown eyes at his Big brother, Junior smile and ask "So what are you gonna do first when you're at school Shark?" With all smiles Zach adjusted his seat and lean a little bit forward to the table "Junior" he said "brace yourself. Your big brother's about to embark on a grand storytelling adventure, a saga so epic it'll make the Odyssey seem like a bedtime story. He's got tales of classroom conquests, playground prowess, and lunchroom legends. Prepare to be regaled with minute-by-minute details of his day, from the precise moment he stepped into the classroom to the exact second he bid farewell to his adoring teacher. He'll recount heroic battles against bullies, mind-blowing academic triumphs, and social victories that would make a seasoned diplomat blush. So, grab a snack, settle in, and get ready for a performance that's sure to leave you both entertained and slightly bewildered.

The room erupted in laughter. Junior, his face scrunched up in amusement, giggled uncontrollably. Even the usually stoic granny couldn't resist a chuckle. The sound of laughter filled the room, a warm and comforting sound that brought the family closer together.

The laughter subsided, leaving a comfortable silence. The family, still smiling, turned their attention to their father, who cleared his throat. A knowing twinkle sparkled in his eyes as he spoke. "Well, that was quite a joke, son. I must say, it's good to see you're keeping up the family tradition of witty remarks. I'm sure you'll be a stand-up comedian someday, if your teaching career doesn't pan out." A warm chuckle escaped his lips, and the family shared a moment of shared amusement.

"Now, speaking of school," the father continued, "remember, education is the foundation upon which you'll build your future. It's not just about learning facts and figures; it's about developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love of learning. So, apply yourself diligently, ask questions, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Just don't ask too many questions, or you might end up like your old man, with a head full of useless knowledge." The family burst into another round of laughter, the sound filling the room and warming everyone's present heart.

With his gloomy eyes filled with tears due to uncontrollable laughter, Phil manage to say some word "Let's just eat guys, I don't think I can hold up if you continue your Sit down comedies" and another laughter erupted again. Margaret trying to calm herself gulped down a cup of water and sighed, she then face Zach and ask " I hope you've got all your stuffs ready?" She asked Zach, who was busy battling with his meat, with a mouthful of food, he manage to mumble out some words to reply his mother "I've got everything ready, except!" He paused and look at his father I need a new show dad and a bat for my baseball training.

Growing up baseball has been Zach's favorite game and he wish to be the best at it. Watching pro players doing magic on the T.V always make him eager to show his talents and dedication to the whole world too.

Charles having a little tingling headache because of the question, trying to hide his hurtful tears, he smile at Zach and said " I'm gonna get you a new show tomorrow, but I ain't got much money for a bat" Zach is evidently sad he wouldn't get a bat, then Phil chipped in "You can check out the attic, my dad used to keep his stuffs there"

A smile showed on his face, he hurriedly leave his food and dashed to the attic hoping to find what he wanted.

The attic, a forgotten realm, a realm of shadows and secrets. A place where time seemed to slow, suspended in the cobwebbed corners and the layers of dust that clung to forgotten treasures. The slanted beams cast long, dancing shadows across the floor, a silent ballet of light and dark.

The air was thick with the scent of old paper and forgotten dreams. A forgotten trunk, its leather cracked and worn, stood sentinel in the corner, its contents a mystery waiting to be unraveled. A faded photograph, a child's drawing, a love letter, each item a whisper from the past, a story waiting to be told.

The attic was a place of quiet contemplation, a sanctuary from the noise of the world below. It was a place to lose oneself in thought, to dream, to imagine. A place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred, and the impossible became possible. And a secret place for Zach

A safe haven for his silent tears and uncontrolled excitement. After standing for a while scrutinizing the attic, he began his mission turning everything within his reach upside down. After several attempts and a lot of minutes wasted he gave up searching for the bat and rest his head on the little bed in the attic.

"Argh, how I'm I gonna get a bat now " this motherf***ing bat isn't showing up, what I'm I gonna do now. He groaned in frustration flinging his hand in anger, throwing punches at the other side of the bed.

He heard a faint creak somewhere in the attic but couldn't pinpoint the source. He listened intently, hoping to catch the sound again. He waited for a few minutes, but nothing happened. He began to doubt himself, wondering if he had imagined the sound.

He placed his hand on the other side of the bed again and a secret shelf came to view. On the upper case was a strange book, bigger than an ordinary book used in the schools, it seems like a codex but a really terrifying one . The worn, leather-bound book seems like a relic of forgotten times. Its cover, etched with strange Greek symbols, held a sinister allure. A tarnished silver seal, stamped with an unknown emblem, added to its mysterious aura.

Zach's breath caught in his throat as he laid eyes on the ancient book. Its thick, leather-bound cover, etched with strange, serpentine script, pulsed with a dark energy. A tarnished silver seal, bearing an enigmatic symbol, was affixed to the spine. A shiver ran down his spine as he reached out to touch it. Keeping a safe distance between him and the book, he stretched out his hand like a fireman scared of a rampage fire. He reached for the tip of the cover, carrying the book like a heavy rock, he drop it on the little bed to check the content out. The signs on the book are not the usual ABC'S he learnt in school, and he's confused on reading it, but he still wants to check whatever is inside it out. Forgetting his primary mission and distracted by a book he forgot he had people waiting for him.

"Zach!!!" Phil shouted "Did you get it yet? Phil added

His voice getting more closer, seems he's coming up to the attic.

"I wouldn't want him to see this, I gotta hide it " Zach tremble finding a safe and hidden place to hide the book. Phil entered and found Zach all sweaty, "Did you find it boy " he asked looking at the confused boy, sweaty and fidgeting. "I couldn't find it granny " Zach said wiping off some sweat on his face " Maybe another time I'll check it out again" he said and grab Phil's hand "let's go back to the table ".

The Family finished eating and they all set out for their daily work routine, Charles headed to the farm, Margaret went to check out her nursery, Phil with his dreams, Junior at his workplace the T.V, and Zach to his relaxation spot "The Hill". He smiled and hurried out for his usual views.

Sitting on a smooth rock, his mind was flooded with the thought of whatever is in the book he just found, he's eager to find it out