Nataliya walked down the Hall of Time in somber silence; her fingertips brushed the stone wall beside her. It was smooth- like a rock worn away by the water.

Beside her walked an Elder, in fact, he was The Elder, the first watchman of the Hall and Time. As they strode on, he observed Nataliya.

She was a pretty thing with long, golden brown hair sweeping down her back. Her eyes were the color of sapphires, her skin a light bronze. But beneath her beautiful exterior, he saw a fire of determination. She was made to be a warrior, a keeper, a time- saver, and The Elder knew it.

Images floated through the Hall that depicted the past, present, and future world. Some of the scenes portrayed unimaginable horrors: war, murder, sickness, and death. A tear streaked down her cheek, but an appalling sense of curiosity refused to let her turn away from them.

Finally, Nataliya looked at The Elder.

“Why does this happen?” she asked.

The Elder replied gravely, “Child, this happens when no one cares. No one cares how their actions affect Time itself! No one cares how they could ruin this earth- their earth- with their foolish choices. No one cares, and this happens.”

She remained silent for a moment, pondering.

“Can this be fixed?”

“Only one who deeply cares may fix Time and make all well again.” With this statement, The Elder stared into Nataliya’s eyes, probing into her most private thoughts and feelings, into her very self.

Nodding in satisfaction, he released her from his hypnotizing stare and walked on.

“You will have much to learn,” he began, “but the Elders will help you.”

“Help me what?”

Again he looked straight into her eyes. His voice changed, became deeper, more ominous.

“You are the Timekeeper. You must heal Time before it unravels, plunging the universe into darkness for all eternity. You are our only hope,” he answered.

She studied the images while she absorbed his words. They stunned her, scared her. Just then, a particularly awful battle floated by; Nataliya snatched it and closed her fist around it. The image dissipated in a stream of air, and she unclenched her hand.

“I will not let this happen. I am the Timekeeper, and I accept my duty.”

Her eyes flashed with fierce determination as The Elder handed her the Key to Time. Then, she disappeared in an explosion of light.

The Elder stood for a moment before leaving. As he walked away, a grim smile spread across his lips. The darkness wouldn’t stand a chance, for Time had its savior; time now had its Keeper.

– Olivia Connolly