Chapter 4

"Across the Sea of Time"

The next morning, as soon as she woke up, Penelope jolted out of bed. She hastily pulled up her boots, buttoned up her coat and pulled her detective’s cap over her head before rushing into the kitchen and sliding a slice of bread into the toaster. While she waited for her breakfast, she took out the map and marked the names of each passenger in their respective cabins. Then, she began to write a brief description of each one and small summaries of the information they’d given her. The young detective had no time to waste.  

 

 

*Ding* 

 
 

The toast was ready! She took it out from the toaster and munched on it while she quickly continued to write. After she was finished, it was time to hit the road. Another day aboard the S.S Iris awaited her.  

 

 
 

Penelope arrived at the ship once again, on time as always. The crashing waves emitted eerie echoes. Turbulent winds whooshed past her as she held onto her flowery cap. One would think to worry if the winds were to carry the small mammal and blow her away! The sky was significantly darker than it had been the previous day. Up above loomed dark, twisted clusters of culminating clouds as far as the eye could see. Everything felt incredibly tense. Penelope paid the weather no mind. She was eager to speak to the Captain. Her curiosity just grew by the minute. What could the day bring?  

 
 

Suddenly, she felt a droplet of water hit her nose. A few seconds later, another fell on her forehead… It had begun to rain. 

 

 

It wasn’t long before the Captain stood at the entrance of the ship. He called out. 

 
 

“PENELOPE, please get on board!” 

 
 

Hearing his call, the young detective hurried through the droplets of rain as they brushed against her silky brown fur, dampening it until she was inside the vessel. After entering the S.S. Iris, it began to pour. A loud roar of thunder could be heard in the distance. The ship rocked back and forth as waves crashed against it. It was barely felt from the inside. She had made it in with not a moment to spare.  

 
 

“Greetings, Penelope. My apologies for the inconvenience. I ought to have been outside much sooner. I got lost in thought for a moment and lost track of time. It appears the weather has not improved… Please, take a moment to dry off.”  

  

  

Penelope didn’t seem as concerned about it. Ignoring his apology, she continued. 

 
 

“Captain, I’m happy to report yesterday’s interviews are complete.” 

 
 

“Wonderful! That’s very impressive. Not that I'd expect any less from a detective of your caliber. Just knowing those passengers, it’s not easy to get through to them…” 

 
 

“Oh, tell me about it.” 

After going through all those exhausting interviews, she completely understood the Captain’s feelings.  

 
 

“I do my best not to get caught up in it. Every one of us has their respective quirks after all, but having the knowledge that one amongst them was responsible for the events of last week, it’s difficult not to harbor negative feelings. Penelope, I appreciate your commitment to this case.”

 

 
 

“I know what you mean. I’m glad I can help.” 

 
 

“Thank you. You may already be aware, but I have something important to show you today.

Please follow me to the wheelhouse.” 

 
 

He escorted the detective through the vast interior of the vessel once again, passing through its various luxurious locations. After they arrived, the Captain locked the door behind them. 

 
 

“Pardon me. Penelope, this is a very delicate matter. Dangerous even… I wouldn’t want anyone overhearing or interrupting this conversation.” 

 
 

It would be a lie to say Penelope wasn’t nervous. She was not one to let a situation like this occur during work... being locked up in a room like this, it was just odd. Well, there was no turning back now, the door was locked after all. She just had to trust the Captain… 

 
 

From a small drawer, he pulled out a shiny golden pocket watch. Its back was adorned with intricate designs depicting what seemed like an abstract representation of the past, present, and future carefully engraved into the watch. Simple silhouettes of three figures surrounded by various designs indicative of their respective roles. It was beautiful, but why was the captain so secretive about it?  

 
 

Without warning, a large beam of lightning struck the sea. All that could be seen from up on the boat's bridge was a bright blinding light outside in the distance. An eerie shadow was briefly cast upon the Captain as he held the watch up high. 

 

 

Then, it was followed by a loud, bone-chilling roar. 

 

 

CRACK...KA-DUUUM… 

 

 

“Now, listen carefully… You must promise not to tell anyone what I’m about to share with you. I believe I can trust in you Penelope…”  

 
 

“Captain, Sir, I promise won’t tell a soul,” Replied the detective. She never took the responsibility of keeping a secret lightly. No matter how insignificant it was, she always guaranteed it was safely guarded. 

 

 

“Very well then...” 

 
 

Penelope could sense he was about to share something incredibly important with her. It may be something that would have never seen the light of day if it weren’t for the current circumstance. She turned her full attention towards the man. 

 

 
 

“This here is no ordinary pocket watch. It is an artifact known as the Aureate of eons. It was discovered by a legendary deep-sea explorer, Caspian Seashine… He was my grandfather. This watch was a gift. I was but a young pup turning ten years old. He told me to keep it safe. He already knew that one day I would need it. I believe that day has finally arrived.” 

 
 

“I see,” replied the detective. She just didn’t understand. What was so special about this fancy watch? Sentimental value? She could care less about the captain’s family history. Why would he tell her this? She decided to continue listening, perhaps there was more to the story.  

 
 

“It’s only a legend, … but I believe this watch is capable of time travel. The sole reason I have not dared to use it myself is fear. The fear of unfathomable, otherworldly beasts known as Timekeepers. It is common knowledge that one should not meet their past nor their future self… This is for good reason. Legend says that is exactly how these beasts are created. It is only safe to visit locations you’ve not been to before. I was present on the ship last week…but you, Penelope, were not. You can go back in time safely! Penelope, you possess so much power at this exact moment. Can’t you see? You can find out who committed the crime and perhaps, even stop it entirely!” 

 
 

Had the captain gone mad!?! Penelope couldn’t believe it. She signed up for a mission for this madman!? TIME TRAVEL!!???! OTHERWORLDLY BEASTS!? STOPPING A MURDER?  

 
 

“Please Detective, I humbly beg, turn back the hands of the clock! Just turn them both to 3 and solve this mystery. I cannot bear to live without Marigold. I cannot bear to lose her memory any longer! Oh Penelope, I would do anything to get her back… I need answers. My dear sister, she deserves so much better than to be forgotten... “ 

 

 

Yep, Penelope could confirm he was totally mad! Everything he said sounded totally absurd to her. Why would he believe such a thing was even possible? She knew nothing would happen but clearly the Captain wouldn’t be convinced unless she tried. She decided to play along.  

 
 

With her small paws, the detective turned the hands of the clock… but nothing happened! ‘This is so awkward’ she thought to herself… so much for all that. It was ridiculous for anyone to believe in legends in the first place. Perhaps it was a sign she should just leave this awful investigation and call it quits. It wouldn’t surprise her if it was the Captain’s fault all along! This was the final straw. 

 

 

Suddenly, millions of small squares full of light and color appeared around her. They were moving, zooming, their motions were so quick. The entire surrounding area became filled with them. She could do nothing but idly stand in place watching it all pass by. Was Penelope traveling through time!? 

 
 

 It wasn’t long before she could feel herself starting to get dizzy. Then it all just stopped.  

Penelope had just experienced everything the world had to offer… its past, present and future all at the very same time. Each small square captured a mere fraction of life itself. A specific moment in the history of the universe could fit in the palm of her hand.  

 

 

Now she was standing there, once again in the very same spot in the wheelhouse. The same place where the captain had given her the watch. The same place where the thunder roared. The same place where she was questioning the legend she had just been told. What once had been the past, became the present. The present became the future.  

 

 

The captain was no longer standing in front of her. The weather outside was bright, beautiful and sunny! It was a picture-perfect summer day. She had arrived at the exact day the S.S. Iris had been set to embark. It was only a matter of time before the passengers boarded the vessel.  

 
 

Recovering from the shock, Penelope headed out straight for the lobby. She had no time to lose! With this opportunity, she could study each of the suspects in real time, she could catch the action as it took place. It was a dream come true! This was not typical at all for her job, so she was feeling more than excited. The captain was right all along! 

 

 

As she made her way to the lobby, she was stopped by something incredibly peculiar... and inexplicably odd. She was at the pool lounge when it suddenly appeared Infront of her. 

 

 

A short, fluffy, two toned pastel colored creature stood right before her very eyes. It possessed a round body, translucent horns and a shark like tail filled with what seemed like… confetti? It leaned towards her curiously. 

 
 

 The various confetti like particles seemed to be suspended in a sort of strange, glowing aquamarine substance. The creature had a small dog-like face, yet it was totally unidentifiable as any species. It was like nothing she had ever seen before. The more she tried to understand it, the more confused she felt!  

 
 

“Hello! Hola, Bonjour, Guten Tag!” it then gleefully exclaimed.  

 
 

 Penelope remained totally speechless for a good few seconds. The creature stared at her with big, wide eyes and a playful grin. It was off-putting but at the same time almost endearing.  

 
 

“Um, hi...?” 

 
 

“Can it be… are you my SPECIAL GUEST?!? I wish I knew you’d be here today. Oh, I could’ve prepared something super exciting… like a welcome party!” 

 

 

Penelope was startled, what the heck was going on!?! Was she hallucinating? Perhaps this was one of the various side effects of time travel.... She had never experienced anything like this before. This just couldn’t be real. She refused to believe it.  

 
 

“Hmm… I guess maybe not everyone likes welcome parties.” He said, giving a big frown. The bright teal color of his horns and tail shifted to a slightly deeper shade of blue. 

 
 

“Are you ok…?” Penelope asked the creature. She was only curious about the physical change.  

 

 

“I’m just playing hehe. I’m totally A-okay! I tend to change color based on how I’m feeling! I can’t control it. SOOO anyway, what’s your name?”, he said as he started hovering up into the air. At this point, it didn’t even shock Penelope. Of course he could float like that... 

 

“Why would I ever tell you my name?”  

 
 

“Let me guess… Is it umm… Miss grumpy dumpy? Chocolate bunny? Oh, WAIT, I KNOW!!! It’s detective danger, cause you wanna be all cool and mysterious. I get it.” They said while giggling to themselves.  

  

Penelope was not amused. She realized it would be a much better idea to tell it her name instead of possibly being referred to as one of those atrocious nicknames.  

 

 

 “No! It isn’t any of those. Not even close. It’s Penelope. Private investigator Penelope Walker to be precise.”  

 

 

“Wow...your name is so pretty! I already knew you were a detective. Well, my name is Albie, but you can call me Albie! My friends like to call me Albie too. I also go by Albie, Albie, Albie and Albie!” 

 

 

“Thank you, I guess? But what…? Who are you even supposed to be?” 

 
 

“Umm, wow!!! And I thought I was the one having issues with their listening skills!! Well, I’ll repeat it again, I’m Albie!!! I’ll even spell it out for ya, A-L-B-” 

 
 

Penelope’s patience was quickly thinning. If she heard his name one more time, she was going to explode! She just couldn’t take it any longer. Of course she had heard his name at this point! He repeated it a million times already for crying out loud. 

 
 

“Can you please SHUT UP?!?” 

she shouted out instinctively. Penelope had completely run out of patience.   

 
 

The creature went silent immediately. It was so startled by her abrasive tone; it jumped in shock and its colors shifted a few hues. For a split second, he looked eerily distorted. He then slowly turned its gaze away from the rabbit, head tilted downward looking absolutely defeated. 

 
 

Penelope could not help but feel ashamed after realizing she had lost her usual cool composure. It was also surprisingly difficult not to feel sorry for the specimen. It was uncharacteristic for emotional responses to warrant any reaction from her, but somehow this thing… this thing was different. It was terrifying almost. 

 

She felt bad seeing it act this way, a sense of dread built up inside of her. Before it got any worse, she decided to apologize for her sudden outburst. This was not something she typically ever did.   

 

“Sorry…! I didn’t mean to scare you. I just meant to ask, what are you?“ 

 
 

The creature slowly glanced back at her, their horns and tail glowing a much darker blue than before. Gradually, they went back to their regular bright teal. Then he looked up again with those bright eyes and a cheeky grin as if nothing had happened.   

 
 

“Oh, well that’s easy! I’m a timekeeper, silly.”