PROPHECY'S BLADE

Chapter 7 - Labyrinth of Deceptions

The trio stood before the swirling portal, its iridescent hues casting an otherworldly glow upon their faces. Fike, his eyes twinkling with amusement, broke the silence with a mischievous grin.

"Brace yourself, guys," he declared, his voice laced with anticipation. "We're entering the portal."

Alex, his brow furrowed in confusion, turned to Fike, his voice filled with concern.

"Is everything fine?" he inquired, his eyes darting between Fike and his father. "Why are we going through a portal?"

Fike couldn't resist a playful jab at Jayden, his laughter echoing through the dimly lit space.

"Jayy," he teased, his voice dripping with mock sympathy, "it looks like you've raised a very innocent boy. You didn't tell him anything, did you?"

Jayden, his expression hardening, defended his actions, his voice firm and unwavering.

"I did what I thought was best for him," he retorted, his gaze unwavering.

Fike, shrugging nonchalantly, seemed unfazed by Jayden's disapproval.

"Yeah, well, whatever," he muttered, his voice laced with indifference.

With a flourish, Fike gestured towards the swirling vortex, his invitation clear.

"Okay, folks," he announced, his voice filled with excitement, "let's take a ride."

Without hesitation, Jayden stepped into the portal, his figure dissolving into the swirling mass of energy. Alex, his heart pounding in his chest, followed suit, his curiosity overpowering his apprehension.

As they floated through the portal, Alex's mind reeled with questions. The unconventional mode of travel only added to the surreal nature of the situation.

"So, we're just gonna float and reach our destination?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

Fike, his grin widening, confirmed Alex's suspicions.

"Yup, that's how it works," he replied, his voice echoing with amusement.

Jayden, his tension palpable, addressed Fike, his voice laced with a hint of warning.

"Don't call me 'Jay' like you know me," he cautioned, his eyes narrowing.

Fike, seemingly unfazed by Jayden's disapproval, ignored his request.

"Okay, Jayden," he began, his voice filled with intrigue, "shall I tell him about everything?"

Alex, his curiosity piqued, turned to his father, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"There's more, Dad?" he asked, his voice trembling with eagerness.

Jayden nodded, his expression grave.

"Hmm," he responded, his voice heavy with unspoken words.

Without further hesitation, Fike dropped a bombshell, shattering the very foundation of Alex's reality.

"Alex," he began, his voice resonating with authority, "this 'world' you're in, none of this is real. It's just a simulation."

Alex, his mind struggling to comprehend the revelation, stammered in disbelief.

"What?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with shock. "How is that even possible? Everything felt so real."

Fike, his eyes twinkling with mischief, added more depth to the revelation.

"Well, if you don't believe me, ask Jayden," he suggested, his voice filled with playful challenge.

Alex, his eyes wide with disbelief, turned to his father, seeking confirmation.

Jayden, his gaze meeting his son's, nodded silently, his expression filled with a mix of sadness and regret.

Tears welled up in Alex's eyes as the truth dawned upon him.

"So, everything I've experienced, none of that was real?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion. "What?"

Fike, his laughter echoing through the portal, attempted to lighten the mood.

"Hey, kid," he teased, his voice laced with amusement, "For example take the kids that bullied you're friend they're real and I just began the story, and you started crying. Haha!"

Alex, wiping away his tears, regained his composure, his voice firm and determined.

"Tell me everything, Mr. Fike," he demanded, his eyes burning with curiosity.

Fike, pleased with Alex's newfound resolve, nodded in approval.

"Now that's how you man up, kid," he praised, his voice filled with admiration. "Let me continue."

With a flourish, Fike gestured towards the portal's exit, signaling  the beginning of a journey filled with revelations. The trio approached their destination, their hearts pounding with anticipation, eager to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead.