Kai is now standing in front of an apartment unit, which listed on the text message. This is going to be his home while he is fulfilling his mission. He also looked at the text message which has the passcode to open the apartment's door. He triumphantly smiled when the door opens.
He stepped inside, and roamed his eyes around the apartment. He whistled under his breath, while looking impressed at the full-furnished unit. He is determined to make himself feel at ease. The apartment was adorned with furnishings that seemed quaint compared to the technology he was accustomed to in 2020. But Kai knew that adapting to his new environment was crucial for the success of his mission.
Taking a deep breath, Kai surveyed the room and began making small adjustments to create a sense of familiarity. He unpacked his belongings, placing cherished memento and personal items on a nearby table. He puts a small photo frame of his sister, Krystal, along with their Aunt. The sight of these familiar objects brought him a sense of comfort and reminded him of his purpose.
He knew that the challenges of the year 2010 awaits him, but he is ready to face them head-on...
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At Marquin University's Cafeteria...
Artemus' eyes scanned the University Cafeteria. The place is jam-packed with students. He is already starving, and his arms are starting to get numb because he's been holding his tray of food for the passed few minutes already.
He breathed a sigh of relief when he noticed an empty table and a chair, but there's a big problem...Steven and his crew are all sitting beside that empty table. Steven is hanging out with his girlfriend, Sabrina, who is the most popular girl in the campus, who is also a bully just like her boyfriend.
She has the face and the body figure that every girls would die for, but there's only one catch. She doesn't have any brains at all, that's why she and Steven are perfectly matched for each other.
Artemus felt his stomach growling again because og hunger. He has to eat now or else he'll be suffering from an ulcer. And one more thing, he needs to attend his next class, which will start in 20 minutes.
"Well, it's now or never." he whispered to himself. He needs to do something or else, he will die of hunger.
He started walking towards Steven and Sabrina's table.
He winced as he heard the bullies laughing out loud as if there's no tomorrow. Victoria's jeering laugh sounds like a screeching tires, and it echoes at the the four corners of the cafeteria.
They suddenly stopped laughing when they saw him.
"What the hell are you doing here, dude? Are you lost?" Steven sarcastically asks, while grinning from ear to ear.
"Yeah, what are you doing here, loser?" Sabrina asked him as well.
"Uh, I saw an empty seat near your table, and I was thinking maybe I can sit there and have a peaceful lunch since I have a class to catch up in twenty minutes." Artemus said it all in one breath. Good thing he didn't stammer in front of them.
"Of course, man! You can sit wherever you want. But I have to ask you a favor in return, though..." Steven said, and there was a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Artemus swallowed an imaginary lump on his throat. He knew in an instant that Steven is going to ask him a favor which got something to do with one of their school projects...
"Are you done with your Humanities paper?' Steven suddenly asked him.
"Yes, I'm done with it." Artemus answered in return.
"That's cool. Look, I've been very busy preparing for the basketball championships. My girlfriend is also busy with her cheerleading activities and because of that, we don't have much time to do other school stuff. And since you are our friend, you'll help us with our Humanities paper, right?" Steven said, in a condescending tone.
Artemus wanted to say no, but he doesn't have any choice but to agree with Steven because he doesn't want to walk around the campus with his face black and blue.
"Alright, I'll do it." he helplessly replied.
Steven let's out a big smile while tapping Artemus' shoulder.
"You're the best, man! Don't worry, once we get the Championship title, we'll invite you to our victory party so that you can hang out with many girls." said Steven.
"There's no need for that, but thank you for your invitation." Artemus politely said, while letting out a fake smile.
After a few minutes, Artemus is now eating his lunch alone, trying his best not to mind Steven, Sabrina and their gang who are creating noises.
"Just be patient... This kind of bullying is nothing compared to the threat in your life. Being here at Marquin University is much safer." he secretly reminded to himself.
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It's already past midnight, but Artemus is still wide awake. He still needs to finish Steven and Sabrina's papers for their Humanities class which is already due for tomorrow. He was lucky because he was able to finish his homework few days ago, and now he can spend more time finishing Steven and Sabrina's papers. He decided to completely make their papers different from each other and from his own work, so that their professor wouldn't notice anything strange.
After a few more minutes, he finally finished everything, and it's now being printed. He will give those papers to Steven and Sabrina first thing in the morning.
Artemus let's out a relieved breath while removing his glasses. He stretched out his arms, and he looked at the window. He noticed that the sky is now beginning to grow light, and it will finally be morning n a few more minutes... It's a start of a new day.
He suddenly fell into a deep thought. His mind suddenly traveled back to the memory lane...
He was once a brilliant scientist who was involved in the covert government mission, which is called Operation Nosoi. His breakthrough discovery of a versatile vaccine that could combat any infectious pandemic had inadvertently put his life in grave danger.
The moment his discovery became known, dangerous individuals began to invade his life, seeking to exploit his groundbreaking creation. Realizing an imminent threat, he made a life-changing decision. He chose to travel back in time, specifically to the year 2010, to hide from the spies who were determined to kill him and steal his vaccine. And that's the time he decided that he really needed to get away and forget about his old life.Embracing a new identity, he changed his name from Dr. Jason Akasi to Artemus Elpis. He also enrolled as a student at Marquina University, adopting the persona of a nerdy student to blend in with the crowd. He believed that enduring the bullying and hardships of a student life was a small price to pay compared to the alternative fate that awaited him in the year 2020.Artemus embraced his new life as a student, immersing himself in his studies and navigating the challenges of university life. He endured the taunts and bullying, knowing that it was a necess
"Why now? It's been so long since I've had a dream like this. Why is it resurfacing now?" he wondered aloud.Artemus pondered the significance of the dream, searching for any underlying meaning or connection to his current circumstances. He knew that his decision to hide in the past had brought him relatively safe, but the fear and paranoia still lingered within him.Determined to find answers, Artemus reached for a notepad on his bedside table and began jotting down his thoughts and emotions. He hoped that by unraveling the layers of his subconscious, he could gain a better understanding of his fears and find a way to overcome them.================================================After a few hours.Artemus had spent hours delving into his past, analyzing the events that had led him to this point."The dream... it must be a manifestation of my lingering anxities, a reminder of the dangers I faced before. I must find a way to reconcile my past with the present." he thought aloud, whil
Days stretches into weeks, and Kai is still in his covert mission to locate Dr. Jason Akasi. He is now doing an undercover mission, pretending to be a normal and a regular student at Marquina University. He is trying to blend in with the other students, and so far, he is actually doing a good job at it...Kai woke up early in the morning. He pulled the bedrooms curtains and he let's out a small smile when he saw the bright light which is fully illuminating his whole room. The view of the beautiful, clear blue sky made him feel so much better."I hope I can finally find Dr. Jason Akasi today." Kai whispered to himself.After having a cup of coffee and toasted bread, he quickly went inside the bathroom for a quick shower. After ten minutes, he steps out from the bathroom, and went straight to his closet to pick some clothes to wear for school today.He checked himself in front of the mirror, and he smiled I satisfaction when he saw his reflection. Everything looks good...And once he ma
"I-I'm sorry for troubling you today. And I also want to say thank you for helping me." Artemus thanked the good Samaritan who helped him.The man was about to speak, but he wasn't able to do so when the doctor came back with a tray of painkiller tablet and a glass of water."Here, drink this painkiller tablet so that it can help you ease the pain." the doctor advised him."Yes, doctor. Thank you very much." Artemus thanked the doctor as well.He quickly popped the tablet into his mouth, then afterwards, and then, he drank a glass of water.After a few minutes, the pain was instantly gone, and he feels so much better compared to few moments ago, which he feels like dying already.Artemus thanked the doctor once again, and he made sure to thanked the stranger who helped him as well."I should go to my first class now... Goodbye." he politely said goodbye to the doctor and the stranger. Afterwards, he started walking out from the clinic
Artemus quickly took a shower and got dressed. He didn't have the time to eat or drink something warm, so he just decided to have a late breakfast at the University Cafeteria.While he is cycling his way towards the campus, he suddenly remembers that his first class is Physical Education. He can still has to make a quick stop at the Boys' Locker Room to change into gym clothes.Once he arrives at the University, he parked his bike at the designated spot and quickly went to the Boys' Locker Room to get ready for his Physical Education class. Afterwards, he quickly ran towards the school gymnasium as if he is in the middle of a marathon.And once he reached the gymnasium, his classmates are already doing their warm-up exercises. He heaved a sigh of relief when he realized that their Physical Education Instructor isn't at the gym yet. And it means that he is not yet late, technically.Once Mr. McDowell enters the gymnasium, he started the class
Their first spurt was not bad at all. Their first runner is fairly fast, and passes the baton to the next runner without any problems.Artemus is now feeling anxious and nervous while he is waiting for the next runner to pass the baton to him. He has so many questions in his head right now.What if her fails to get the baton? What if he drops it? What if he started falling down?His train of thoughts stopped in a halt when he heard their second runner's voice."Artemus, here!" Jennifer calls out for his attention.As soon as Artemus got the baton from her, he started running like crazy A few seconds later he could see Kai waiting for him and he needs to successfully pass the baton to him.But Artemus unintentionally slowed down when he suddenly felt a sharp pain on his leg as if someone stabbed him But he still forced himself to run however the pain on his thighs got worse.The next thing he knew he collapses unto the ground while gri
"Look man, can't you give us a break? It wouldn't hurt you if we can have a breather, right?" Artemus cajoled at Kai. "You're just wasting your breath complaining! Look at Nick and Jennifer, they're doing pretty well. They're already running around the track." Kai informed him. Artemus is getting annoyed at each passing minute because Kai is obviously torturing him which is really unfair! At the same time, Nick and Jennifer stopped running, and went towards Kai and Artemus to become their referee... "Guys, you need to chill for a little bit!" Jennifer reminded them. “Why don’t we take a break first to cool off your heads, huh?” Nick added. The tension between Kai and Artemus is so intense that they need to be separated for a little bit. Kai took a deep breath before speaking again. “Okay. Let’s go and have a 15-minute break. I’m just gonna get us s
After a few minutes."Okay, guys, get into your positions!" their PE instructor quickly announces, as soon as he made sure that all of the students have gathered around. Artemus shared glances with his other classmates, as they give each other encouraging looks. There are also other students who are giving their doubtful stares..."Okay, just pretend that there is no one around watching you, Artemus. You have to concentrate. And don't worry, we can all do this." Kai gave him a last piece of advice, while giving her a pat on his shoulder. “Okay. No one else is around. No one is watching you... Only you and your teammates are around." Artemus tries to encourage himself.A few minutes later, their Instructor raised the toy pistol that will be used as a starter. Artemus took a deep breath, while calming himself... He is going to be the first runner, and then she will pass the baton to Jennifer."On your mark... Ready. Set
Jason nodded in return, thinking that Clarissa still has the right to know what happened to Edward and Victoria. "Don't worry too much about them.As far as I know,Edward is now the official choreographer in the entertainment industry ,and Victoria is now a dance instructor at a prestigious dance school.But let's not waste anymore time, Clarissa. This time let's talk about us." Jason abruptly changes the subject. Clarissa bit her lip, while looking at Jason. He is right.They need to talk about them, and put a closure between them so that they can finally move on with their lives... "You're right. We need to talk about the two of us. Tell me right now that you have someone special, or you're engaged, or if you're already married." Clarissa felt the pain in her heart after saying all of those things. Jason's brows met in a frown while looking at Clarissa with a puzzled expression on his face
Back at the hotel..."I can't believe he ignored me just like that! And it actually hurts like hell!" Clarissa continued on crying like a banshee while drinking wine with Jessica."I can totally understand your feelings, Clarissa. You know what, you can cry and drink all you want for tonight but starting tomorrow, you'll start moving on with your life, okay?" said Jessica."That's easier said than done, Jess! You just don't have any idea how I kept him in my heart for the passed years! Oh, maybe I'll die loving him!" Clarissa continues to wail her heart out.Eventhough Clarissa tried to stay professional throughout the show, but she hurting deep inside.Jason really changed, and he became like a stone... With no emotions.Jason didn't bother to talk to her from the beginning until the end of the show. Jessica was about to say something but she wasn't able to do
Clarissa is currently doing the new choreography for her job. She was contracted by a famous male pop singer to choreograph dance moves for the artist's latest music video."Clarissa, we got some mails!" her Manager, Jessica suddenly appeared at the practice room. She laid the letters on the nearby table.Thanks, Jessie." Clarissa thanked her.She decided to take a break for a few minutes because she has been dancing for three hours. She looked at the letters one by one.Some of them are from her fans, and some of them are from her students and her co-workers.One particular letter suddenly caught her attention.It was sent from Tokyo, Japan. She quickly opened the letter to read it."Clarissa, are you alright?" Jessica asked her.Clarissa was in utter shock after she read the letter. She wasn't able to speak for a few minutes. But once she recovers from her
Two Years Later.New York, New York.Clarissa almost jumped out from her seat when she felt something cold from her cheeks. She quickly glances back, and she rolled her eyes heavenward when she saw Aiden, her classmate at the New York Dance School chuckling, while holding cold cans of soda."Aiden, don't scare me like that! You almost gave me a heart attack!" she smilingly reprimanded him."Sorry about that, sweetheart." Aiden apologized, while still chuckling."That was really funny to you, huh?" Clarissa sarcastically spat at him."Alright, peace. Take this as my peace offering." Aiden tries to console her, as he gives her one can of soda."Thanks." Clarissa thanked him.She popped open the soda can and drank the refreshing drink. Afterwards, she turned her attention back to Aiden."By the way, what are you doing here?" she curiously asks him.
Clarissa is lying on her bed while staring at the ticket for NO Border's concert tomorrow. Part of her brain is telling her not to go so that she can forget about Jason, but her heart is telling her a different thing. Her heart is telling her to go to the concert, and see Jason one last time.She wearily sighed. Looks like she won't be able to sleep tonight...======================The night of the concert came.Clarissa is sitting in one of the many chairs inside the Grand Dome. She's happy to see that the place is packed with people, and she is so proud for NO Borders.She's 100% sure that the concert will be successful.Clarissa snaps out from her reverie when when the lights suddenly went out, and the concert is about to start.After a few seconds all of the members of NO Borders appeared onstage...Her heart is overwhelmed with so much e
Jason eyes immediately searched for Clarissa as soon as he steps onstage. He anxiously looks for her and he couldn't see her from the crowd of dancers..."Alright, guys! Gather up! I have a very important and serious announcement to make." their choreographer suddenly called for their attention.As soon as everyone has gathered, Jun spoke again."As you all know, the NO Borders' concert will start tomorrow, and this will be our last rehearsals. For the passed few days we had a problem and because of that our Big Boss decided to --- permanently remove ai Clarissa as one of the back-up dancers.That's why we decided that for Jason's partner for his solo performance, she will be replaced by Victoria." he pronounced.Everyone was obviously shocked after they heard the announcement."Is it because of the scandal?" Edward bravely asked Jun.Somehow, he was still worried about Clarissa.
Victoria wasn't able to answer because she was taken back by Jason's calm demeanor."Everyone, please calm down. For the meantime we need to concentrate on the rehearsals first. We only have a week before the concert starts, that's why we can't afford to waste anymore time." Nick calmed everyone down."Nick is right. That's why I want you all to do series of warm ups and afterwards, we'll start with the rehearsals, okay?" their choreographer announced as well.All of them didn't have a choice but to follow their choreographer's orders.Meanwhile, Clarissa secretly watches Jason. It was obvious on his face that she is affected by the scandal that appeared on the newspaper, and she feels like it's all her fault...She decided to talk to Jason later and apologize to him...=========================Clarissa is standing by the door, which was NO Borders' private room. Her heart is
At a certain fastfood restaurant..."I'm really going into a monster-mode right now! Even if Edward doesn't say anything, he still cares about that bitch!" Victoria angrily muttered, as she slams her fists on the table.The other customers at the restaurant stared at her in surprise, but she doesn't give a damn about them. She is now raging in anger because she knows that her boyfriend still cares for his ex-girlfriend. She needs to do something that will destroy Clarissa!"---I just need to dig up some dirt or scandal to any members of the NO Borders, and I know our magazine will sell like hotcakes, again... I'm just waiting for a big break."Victoria snaps out from her reverie when she heard the old man's voice, who was sitting at the nearby table. He was talking to someone over the phone. She decided to listen to the old man."----I've been monitoring them for a month, and I followed th
Every female dancer starts to get excited after they heard Jun's announcement.Being able to be picked is a huge advantage and they can have an exposure...On the one hand, Clarissa is not too hopeful because it is obvious that Victoria will be chosen. As a professional dancer, she will not harbor any resentment towards Victoria if ever she was picked. She can clearly admit that she is the best dancer in their group.Meanwhile, Victoria gave out a big smile to everyone because she's absolutely sure that she will be personally picked by their choreographer."And now, I'm going to formally announce the dancer who will dance with Jason for his solo performance... We decided to pick Clarissa this time, and it was an unanimous decision." Jun suddenly announced.Clarissa held her breath in shock after they called her name. She can't believe that she was chosen! It was obvious that everyone is expecti