The Son of Paradise

Chapter 1:

Wooooooooo!! a young man screams with excitement as he plummets down a huge hill in the outer suburbs of Silia on his jet board. Millimetres above the ground his board floats gracefully weaving in and out of traffic. Faster and faster he goes, Sorry lady!! he apologises nearly colliding with a pedestrian and her groceries, he does however manage to relieve her of a Silian fraba, a delicious apple shaped fruit that he immediately begins eating with a satisfactory smirk on his face.

New jet board, free breakfast, could this morning be any sweeter….whhooaaa! he yelps as he comes to the bottom of the hill and enters into the marketplace. Swerving through market goers and narrowly avoiding stalls, he continues to eat his fraba with that stupid smirk on his face. I am on fire today he unabashedly remarked. Suddenly a Silian transport freighter, a big truck, reverses from behind a large market stall. The young man too wrapped up in his own efforts, and fraba, doesn’t notice at first. Then with only fractions of a second before impact he sees the transport, Holy flombagoes! he shouted in surprise as he turned as sharply as he could. Turn, turn, turn he said with anguish as his face scraped along the side of the transport. He managed to pull away from the freighter with nothing but a scratched up face. Phew he sighed, before he looked up to see what was in front of him, a huge pile of left over, rotten fruit from yesterday’s markets, frabas and all. Realising there was nothing he could do to avoid it; he let out a simple Oh crud before sailing head first into the pile, frabas everywhere. As he dug his way back out and got his head to the top of the pile he commented Well that went pretty well I thought, though I’m not sure you agree, the man, a patron standing next to the pile covered in rotten fruit said Go to the markets the wife said, get some fresh fruit she says, do yourself a favour kid, don’t get married. The young man laughs when mid chuckle he hears someone calling out his name,

Well if it isn’t Jason Rylell, last time I saw you, you were sitting in a pile of rotten vegetables, what’s with that? the young lady said.

Just mixing it up, keeping it fresh, you know Brianna Jason said with a gleefully sarcastic tone.

Brianna Char, a school friend of Jason’s, they graduated from their final year of school just three months ago. Brianna had spent the last three months studying in the central district of Silia. She was hoping to one day become a Judge of the high court of Silia. Jason on the other hand spent the last three months riding a jet board, diving head first into piles of miscellaneous food items, and occasionally helping out his mother at home.

So Bri, how ya been? How’s the study coming along? You a judge yet, cause that might come in handy if I run into some fresh fruit one day Jason asked giggling at his own joke.

Haha, yes three months and they’ve got me in the high court already, you idiot she said laughing. How’s your Mum?

Yeah she’s ok, still working hard at the factory Jason said. Jason’s mother worked at a clothes factory in the industrial sector of Silia. Long hours, crap pay, but that’s how it is in Silia, there’s the rich and the poor, there’s no in between. Bri only managed to get into the judge program because of a scholarship she was awarded due to her extremely high results in the final year exams.

You want to come over and say hi Jason asked.

Of course, let’s go Bri responded as they began walking to Jason’s house. So Jas, what are going to do with yourself, got any plans? Bri questioned.

Don’t know. Mum said I could get a job at the factory, but I feel like I was meant for something bigger, more important, not that I want to downplay what my Mum does because she is amazing, and the job at the factory and her hard work has provided for both of us for the last six years since he left…. Jason stopped walking for a second, sighed, kicked the ground and kept walking.

You guys still have absolutely no idea where your dad may have gone, and why? Bri asked.

Nope, not a clue, and I’m not sure I even want one anymore Jason said with an uncertain finality in his voice.

Six years ago when Jason was only eleven, he awoke in the middle of the night to his dad standing over his bed with a backpack on, leaning down to give him a kiss on the forehead and whispering, I’m sorry I have to leave Jason, one day you’ll see me again and everything will become clear. I love you son. And with that, he was gone. Jason still half asleep, and his mother at work, it was all too confusing for an eleven year old kid.

Here we are, Chateau de’ Shack, Le one bedroom abode, or as I like to call it, home Jason chuckled as he and Bri arrived at his doorstep. Jason and his mother’s home was a tiny one bedroom house with a dirt garden and no fences. It had a rusty corrugated iron roof, thin dirty walls with windows that didn’t lock. It was surrounded by houses that were very similar, a theme that carried throughout Silia’s outer suburbs. The one saving grace was that it was perched upon a hill to which they could see all the way to the central district, where buildings rose to the clouds, and glistened in the glow of the evening lights.

Hey hey I’m home Jason announced. And unfortunately I’ve been brought home by law enforcement again he snickered.

Oh dear what have you done this time? his mother’s voice bellowed from the kitchen. As she finished up the dishes and began walking to meet them in the hallway she was thinking, what in blazes has he done this time. Immediately she began getting ready to give him a serve, but as she turned the corner she was pleasantly surprised, Oh hi Brianna she said with an excited tone as Jason laughed, once again on his own.

Hi Mrs Rylell Bri said cheerfully.

Don’t call me that, makes me feel old and wrinkly, call me Madeline she said.

Sure thing

So Maddy what’s for dinner? Jason cheekily asked.

Well myself and Bri are having yarak pie, not sure what you’re having, may I suggest a size nine boot Madeline replied.

A boot, what am I going to do with…..oh, hahaha good one mum Jason said.

You will stay for dinner won’t you Bri Madeline asked.

I would love to

Right, well, set the table then you two, the pie will be up in five, and the boot will be up somewhere else if you don’t get a wriggle on Madeline said with an understated chuckle.

All right, yarak pie time Madeline announced.

Ooo baby my favourite, and please tell me there’s fraba crumble for dessert? Jason asked hopingly.

Are you telling me you didn’t get your fill of fraba today Jas Bri commented with a smile. With a suspiciously quizzical look on her face Madeline said,

What did you do?

Just made some fraba stew Jason replied as he and Bri shot into laughter.

So Mrs…I mean Madeline, how is the factory going? Bri asked.

Same old, same old, though I have heard some rumblings of a phalium shortage. Phalium was a mineral deposit which Silia used to power all of the electrical grids that keep the city functioning. What would we do if we ran out of phalium Bri said knowing there was no answer that could be given.

Ahh let the Torin’s worry about that, that’s why they live in a luxurious building all to themselves while the rest of us scrounge around the outskirts like ants picking at a yarak pie Jason said with a certain distaste for the Silian bloodline.

It’s funny you mention them Jas, because guess who I became friends with over the past few months Bri said.

Oh gim gim berries who was it? Jason asked rather sarcastically.

Xandor Torin Bri announced.

Holy flombagoes…you mean you became friends with the next leader of the Silian people, Prince spoiled pants himself Jason enthusiastically commented.

Yes and he is very nice, we’ve actually been dating for the last few months Bri said blushing. Though surprising who the dates were with, going on dates was not surprising to Jason at all because Brianna was very beautiful. Long black hair, slender build, and delicate features with piercing green eyes that looked right through you. She was always immaculate in her dress and presentation as well.

Well I think that’s lovely Brianna, do I smell a wedding in the future? Madeline asked. Bri simply continued to blush further.

More importantly has he shown you anything cool with his abilities? Jason asked excitingly.

Well actually he did make me a jet bike just with some waving of his hands, it was….unbelievable Bri said with a glint in her eye.

Ok I have to admit that does sound pretty awesome, can you ask him to make me one? Please!! Jason asked with puppy dog eyes. Bri responded,

He’s not a bike factory you know.

All right fine, just make it a jet board instead Jason said. Bri just shook her head with a small smirk on her face.

Alright we’re finished eating, we’ll wash up and then we are going to go for a walk Jason said.

Ok then Madeline responded.

Jason and Bri walked through the streets around Jason’s neighbourhood, moonlight illuminating the less than intoxicating scenery. As they walked and chatted about everything that that has happened over the past months, Bri looked at Jason in the moonlight and remembered why she had a crush on him in school. Dark wavy hair, toned body, tanned skin and deep blue eyes that look at the world with wonder. Those eyes made her and anyone else who looked at them feel like anything was possible, like life could be anything if you just had a bit of wonder.

So Bri you’ve been staring at my eyes for a really long time, do I have eye goop or something? Jason asked. Bri smiled and responded,

No doofus, I was just looking at your monobrow.

Ha ha ha Jason sarcastically laughed. A voice from behind them appeared,

Well well well, if it isn’t fraba face and dino butt. They both turned to see a short blonde haired man with a less than athletic body standing there supremely impressed with his insults.

How’s it going Shando? Jason said. Shando Vora was a local who graduated a few years earlier than Jason and Brianna. He was known as a bit of a hustler, and wouldn’t mind getting dirty to make a few quick bucks. Despite this, Jason actually liked him and the two had become reasonable friends over the years.

Dino butt, I can’t believe you are still calling me that you little mole rat Bri said with annoyance. Well when someone gets bitten several times on the butt by Hyperion bees and their butt swells up like a balloon, and then they trip over in the school cafeteria and their skirts flies over their head, that’s not something you forget too easily Shando said with a slightly evil but mainly disgusting smirk.

That’s it Bri shouted as she chased Shando down the street for a short period before grabbing him, throwing him on the ground and sitting on his head.

How do you like this dino butt now mole rat? Bri said with great satisfaction.

Actually it’s been a while since a girl has touched me, so yeah it’s pretty great Shando muffled from beneath.

So Bri what are up to tomorrow? Jason asked with cheeky suspicion.

Why? Bri hesitantly responded. Grinning like an idiot Jason enquired,

Well I was thinking, any chance you could give me a tour of Prince fancy pants’ freakishly huge and very shiny royal establishment?

Hmm well I am meeting him for a lunch date tomorrow, I’ll ask and let you know Bri responded. Oo oo can I come too? And also can you get your butt off my delicate features? Shando piped in.

Chapter 2:

Well shut my wind hole!! That is…. Jason exclaimed as the enormity of the Torin Royal Palace stood over him like a tidal wave swallowing a guppy.

I never thought I’d see the day, you speechless, hah, all it took was plonking you in front of the largest and most expensive building on the planet Bri remarked to Jason.

So shiny, the ever witty Shando commented as the three friends stood at the gates laced with silver and gold. Five cylindrical bullet shaped spires rose from the ground, three hundred metres high and one kilometre wide, all adorned in silver and gold, glistening from every angle. The palace over looked the royal square, that was always bustling with Silians, and littered with statues of members from the Torin bloodline. It was truly a sight to behold, and not one people from the outer suburbs would normally be able to see.

Hey Bri!! a smooth voice from beyond the gate called out.

Hey Xan!! Bri replied.

Jason, Shando, this is Prince Xandor Brianna said smiling as she introduced the pair to the prince. The pleasure is all mine your royal magnificence of excellence and magnificence Shando said as he did what can only be described as courtesy bow with a possible handshake. Raising an eyebrow Jason piped in,

How’s it going? to which the prince replied,

It’s really nice to meet you guys, Brianna has told me so much about you Jason,

And what about me? Shando asked as he awkwardly arose from his bow thing.

Umm yeah, yeah she said told me heaps about you Shampo Xandor answered tentatively. Bri and Jason chuckled before Jason said,

Alright, well the gates are lovely and all but can we see the inside now?

Follow me the prince replied.

Walking through the front entrance, and the plethora of security, the group made it to the main foyer. Winding stairs at every angle, everything made of metal but all seemed so alive with movement in all directions. Staircases changing, statues moving, even the walls seemed to move with your eyes, it was incredible. After what must have seemed an eternity, Jason and Shando finally closed their mouths before Jason remarked,

This is the most amazing thing I have ever seen, how is everything so alive?

Xandor replied, My father has spent a lifetime harnessing his connection to the planet through the essence of metal in the realm of Silia, and can do things I can only dream of.

But you can make a kick arse jet board though, right? Jason asked with a strange look on his face. The prince laughed, Sure thing, two jets or three?

Oh I can see this is the start of a beautiful friendship Jason said.

Alright guys follow me, I’ll show where I spend most of my time Xandor said as he led the gang up one of the ever changing staircases.

This way, just down this hallway Xandor said with an air of excitement.

This is it, my favourite place in the whole palace. As they walked into this enormous room they immediately knew why it was the prince’s favourite. It was filled with every kind of fun you could think of, jet board park, giant viewing screens, pools with slides and amusement rides, all overlooking the entire city through the outside wall which was completely see through, it was breathtaking.

I call first go on the jet board park! Jason squealed with glee.

Bombs away! Shando yelled as he launched into the pool.

I don’t think I have ever seen Shando move so fast in my life, and even more disturbingly remove his clothes even faster, going to take a while to remove that image from my mind Bri said with a brisk shake of the head.

Hey Bri come have a look at the view from here Xandor said. Bri made her way over to Xandor at the edge of the room overlooking the central district.

It’s beautiful isn’t it? Xandor asked looking longingly into Brianna’s eyes.

Yes it’s incredible Bri replied.

It still doesn’t compare to you though Xandor said as he went to hold Brianna’s hand. Bri blushed, held Xandor's hand but her mind was full of confusion. Looking at Xandor, this tall, nice, athletic, blonde hair and blue eyed prince wants her, but she can’t help but look over at this crazy guy riding a jet board with a smile from ear to ear. For now she pushed those thoughts aside and just continued to enjoy the prince’s company, and the spectacular view.

All this boarding is making me thirsty, any chance of a delicious royal beverage? Jason asked.

Sure thing, if head out into the hallway and go four doors down on your left there is a kitchen with a full time butler waiting, he can whip you up anything you want Xandor replied.

Wow, just wow, how do you not weigh two hundred kilos Jason joked with a small chuckle.

Oo oo wait for me Shando cried out.

As the pair made their way down the hallway they heard a strong voice having a heated discussion behind a large door that was slightly ajar. Being nosey teenagers, and particularly as these teenage boys are, they gently peered through to listen in.

Your eminency the phalium is at critically low levels, and very soon we will have to start shutting off power to outer suburbs and soon after the inner suburbs and central district, we must move the mission forward a stern yet elegant voice said. The voice in fact belonged to the general in charge of the Silian army, General Arturo, a slender yet muscular man with great intelligence. The man he was speaking to is none other than Grievol Torin, the leader of Silia and Xandor’s father. Grievol, a large man, tall and wide, long white beard and white hair, with a deep voice responds,

I agree general, we shall move the expedition beyond Silia's barrier in search of phalium to three days from now, we have no choice and must risk whatever awaits us outside this city, though there is one more concern I have.

What is it your highness? Arturo asks. Grievol looks him in the eyes and with a dark overtone says, It’s the bloodlines, I have thought my whole life that we are the only remaining bloodline on the planet, and thus all of Corlans essences resides within our family, but what if by some miracle other bloodlines survived, and I am not as powerful as I thought, this would be most displeasing, and make me look weak to my people, I could not allow this.

Don’t worry sir I will do whatever is necessary to maintain your control over Silia and perhaps this planet the general responded with assurance. Jason and Shando reverse slowly from the door and begin to make their way to the kitchen,

Well that was interesting Jason said with no great resonance.

Yeah I think Xandor's Dad is one fraba short of a bush Shando commented.

Yes I think its best we keep this to ourselves for now Jason replied. Shando nodded in agreement as the two waltzed into the kitchen,

I’ll take a triple shot of whatever you’ve got Jeeves Jason said to the butler having no idea what his name actually is.

Ahh man, how am I supposed to go on living like this after being exposed to the high life Jason moaned as he returned home in the early evening after spending the day at the Torin palace. Here’s an idea, grab the ladder head up into the attic and give it a clean out, I’m sure you’ll feel like you’re living the high life in no time Jason’s mother said as she laughed her way into the kitchen. Yes yes very amusing Maddy, but I’ve got nothing better to do, sadly Jason replied with a half-smile and cocked eyebrow. Jason made his way to the back of the house to grab the ladder, a very questionable piece of construction that thankfully only had to make it one level into the attic. Alright if you don’t see me again I’ll be stuck in the attic because the ladder fell apart under my feet Jason shouted to his mum as he scampered into the attic as briskly as he could.

At least there will be no excuse for the attic not being spotless Maddy replied, highly amused by her quip.

As Jason entered the attic he realised he hadn’t been up here since his dad left, which also might explain why there was two inches of dust covering everything. There was all sorts of junk up there, boxes filled with all kinds of novelties, and toys from Jason’s child hood. He began delving through the piles of stuff, sorting the best he could. An hour or two had passed when Jason was almost ready to call it a night, when a particular box caught his eye; it read ‘The Son of Paradise’. Very strange Jason thought as he immediately grabbed the box and with a slight hesitation continued to open it. At first it seemed like just a random assortment of papers and maps until Jason began reading and studying. From what he could tell, his father had been researching his past and someone or somewhere called Janei. It was all a bit puzzling for Jason so he grabbed all of its contents and rushed down to ask his mother. Forgetting the ladder, Ahhh!! Jason yelled as he went straight through the first step, and the second, and began tumbling to the ground head first. Closing his eyes and preparing himself for a painful impact, but the impact never came, Jason opened his eyes only to realise he had somehow, remarkably landed on his feet, with all the contents of box in place. An occurrence that should have warranted more thought from Jason but he was still far too preoccupied by what he had discovered in the attic.

Hey mum take a look at this Jason said enthusiastically.

What do you have there? No wait first of all is the attic clean? she asked.

It’s a work in progress, but look at this, do you know what this is? I found it behind a bunch of junk nestled in the corner, its labelled ‘The Son of Paradise’, and it has a whole bunch of research in it with dads writing on it Jason said speaking faster and faster.

I’m not sure what that is, looks like junk, just throw it out Madeline said in a short, sharp tone. What?! What are you talking about, it might tell us something about why dad left and where he went, it says something about someone or somewhere called Janei, do you who or where this is? Jason said with great insistence. Jason’s mother went quiet; she sat down at the table and softly began to speak,

I was hoping this would never come up, and quite frankly I thought I’d gotten rid of that box, but I guess there’s no avoiding it now as I know what you are like when you want to know something, so here goes. As you know your father never knew his real family, he was given up for adoption as a very young baby. This always bothered him, as like you he always felt that there was something bigger for him, something he was meant to be a part of, so he began researching. He found that his real parents weren’t ever really citizens of Silia, and that they mysteriously came and went from the records, as if they never existed. The only clue he got was a name they left at the orphanage ‘Janei’. Your father began researching anything to do with Janei. It took him months, but in the old city library he finally found a book that spoke of a beautiful place, a paradise hidden from the outside world, and filled with life, sounded like a story, a fairy tale, and that place was called Janei. Obsessed, your father searched for anything that related to Janei, or would give him a clue to his past, and his family. I pleaded with him to stop, that he had a family here that loved him, and needed him but it was like he was possessed. It was only days before he disappeared that we had another heated discussion, by this stage he was not the same man I fell in love with, he was rambling about a prophecy, and kept calling himself the son of paradise. I only saw him one last time after this and… Jason’s mother broke down crying, distraught. Jason wrapped his arms around his mum and said,

It’s ok mum I’ll never leave you, I’ll always be there for you

The following day after a very agitated night’s sleep, Jason began to pour through more of his dads research. He came across a small leather bound book with some cryptic and not so cryptic dot points. A few points in and Jason saw something that stood out to him, the word ‘Farnos’, he had seen this somewhere before but couldn’t remember where, suddenly it struck him, he saw it written on board in the room where he and Shando overheard Xandor’s dad talking to the general. He continued to read on, Farnos was mentioned several times before one sentence caught his attention, Find Narvo at the Willishank, this must be someone who knows something about his dad Jason thought. His mind racing a thousand miles an hour, Jason wonders, who, where, why, and then he blurts out,

I’ve got to get on that mission

Chapter 3:

It’s the morning before the secret mission is set to leave, and after a day of snooping around the royal precinct and the central district, Jason still has no idea where the mission is departing from, or worse yet how he is going to sneak aboard. This has left him with only one course of action; he must bring his friends, and more importantly the prince in on his plans. In other words something Jason rarely likes to do, ask for help.

Alright mum have a great day at the factory, I’m off to catch up with my friends Jason shouted as went for the front door.

Maybe you could catch up with the employment office as well Jason’s mum replied.

Doors closed, too late, can’t hear you, bye! Jason said as he leapt onto his jet board and took off down the street. His first port of call was Shando’s house.

Seriously dude, I know you have your own place now but maybe give it a sweep from time to time Jason remarked as he pulled up to Shando’s house. A small run down shack similar to Jason’s but filled and covered in junk. Mostly Shando would say, ‘I can sell that’, or ‘that’ll be worth some money someday’, but to most others it was junk.

I considered it once, for a very brief moment, but then realised I couldn’t find the broom, and also I don’t like sweeping Shando laughed after his response to Jason.

What are you up to? I mean I can see you are really busy making sure no one steals all your crap, but I may have something more exciting a foot, interested? Jason asked with an inquisitive smirk. Hmm what’s in it for me?

Well maybe some adventure, some fun, some girls, and of course what you really want to know, maybe some coin, what do you say?

Well a did have a busy day of trying to sell my junk to some rich folk from the central district lined up, but I suppose I can do that tomorrow, I’m in! Shando said.

My man! Alright next stop Brianna’s place Jason said once again jumping onto his jet board leaving a puff of dust behind as Shando hopped onto his scooter to follow suit.

Brianna was no longer living at home with her parents; she was leaving in an apartment in the central district while she studied. A fairly sub-standard building for the central district, but still utter luxury compared to the outer suburbs from where she came.

Wow this is a nice place Bri Jason said as he entered her apartment.

Yeah I love what you’ve done with the place, but you know there is one thing it’s missing Shando said to Bri.

Oh yeah, what’s that? Bri very hesitantly asked.

More junk Shando laughed.

I’ll keep that in mind she said sarcastically.

Alright not that this conversation isn’t thrilling, but I have something that I need your help with Jason interrupted.

Jason Rylell asking for help, Shando can you just go to the window and check the world isn’t ending Bri said in amazement.

Yeah yeah, I’m becoming a mature adult, or some crap like that Jason chuckled in response.

Yep or something alright Shando chimed in.

Ok so what is it? Bri asked. Jason sat down and began to divulge all that he had learned about his father, his past and his whereabouts, and everything he and Shando overheard between Grievol and General Arturo at the Torin Palace.

So you see I have to get on that mission, I have to find out where my dad is and if he is still alive Jason said with pleading emotion to his friends in a hope they would agree to help him get aboard the mission, and more precisely to Bri in a hope she would get Xandor to help.

Ok Bri said.

Really? Jason replied.

Yeah I know how much your father leaving hurt you, even though you never show it, and as crazy as this plan sounds, I know you are going to try and most likely get yourself hurt whether we help you or not, so yeah ill help anyway I can Bri empathetically responded.

Looks like it’s going to be a while before I can sell more crap to rich folk, let’s do it! Shando said. Jason just smiled back at his friends, thinking how lucky he is to have such great friends, but also thinking, ‘This is crazy, we might actually pull this off’.

"Alright weirdo you can stop