Unbound

WORLD ANVIL SUMMERCAMP 2023 PROMPT: A POWERFUL ORGANIZATION IN YOUR WORLD
Our goal with this prompt is to inspire our young creators to explore ideas that focus on heroics and crafting tales that are relevant and positive. They also get to enjoy learning a bit of history in their fiction.
Aug 1st, 2081
On the set of News Now North. A promo for an upcoming interview plays. Join News Now North’s special correspondent Jennifer Adams as she sits down with Horizon, the leader of Unbound - Our superhero team protecting the world from imminent threats. In this captivating interview, we delve deep into the dynamics of this extraordinary group, exploring their heroic endeavors and uncovering the secrets behind their success.
The set is a buzz of activity, as the director counts down in 5,4,3,2,1…
“This is Jennifer Adams from News Now North, bringing you an exclusive interview with Horizon, the remarkable team leader of Unbound, the world’s most powerful superhero team. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of these extraordinary individuals and uncover their unique abilities”.
Images of the United Nations flash across the holo-view showing 2 years ago when the UN took bold steps for global peace and justice. The council assigned 4 regions of Earth to be managed and protected by superheroes. This initiative was a way to bring together some of the world’s most powerful forces for good, as well as providing new opportunities for international cooperation.
The United Nations divided the planet into four distinct regions, with each region being assigned a team of superheroes to protect it from any threats that may arise from within. These teams comprise both established heroes, and newly chartered heroes, and special forces designed specifically for maintaining peace within their boundaries and responding quickly to natural disasters or other emergencies occurring within their jurisdiction.
“Overall, this initiative appears to be promising, although some regions may create programs to subvert this temporary peace”.
“But for now, let’s get back to Horizon”.

“Thanks for having me, Jennifer. I would be happy to answer “most” questions for you and the viewers”.
As the conversation unfolds, our intrepid interviewer dives straight into Horizon’s role within The Unbound, shedding light on how he guides and motivates fellow superheroes to unite their incredible abilities for the greater good. Gain insight into the challenges faced by The Unbound and how their unwavering determination ensures the safety of humanity. But the intrigue doesn’t end there. Our interviewer, known for her tenacity, bravely ventures into uncharted territory by probing Horizon about the enigmatic figure - Mr. Red, a dragon of unknown origin,

and Tia of the Fae Realm.

“Jennifer, instead of me telling you about our mystical teammates, let’s ask Tia herself”.
A holoview image appears of Tia. She appears to be intently looking over a vast room of incredible treasure, items ranging from odd carved stone tablets, to what appears to be SOL-2, the 1st commercial fusion reactor far off in the distance.
“Tia, Jennifer and the viewers would like to know a bit about you and Heat, I’m sorry Mr. Red”.
“Wait, Tia, may I ask what all those things are?” Obvious bewilderment in Jennifer's question.
“Oh, these are the “Mistakes” Red collects. He has been at it for some time,” Tia says with a smile.
“That’s quite impressive. Can you tell us how you and Mr. Red met?” Jennifer’s interviewing skills recovering, and she appears honestly curious.
Tia tells the tale of their 1st encounter, outside a derelict factory.
Within a moment, I had made it through the rift from the fae world and into the mortal one. Every time I make this transition, it always catches me off guard as I realign myself to the orientation of the sun. The warmth that greeted me in those moments is sometimes off-putting. I recalled before when I journeyed to this village that the air was hotter, the sun more radiant, the atmosphere all together more alive than this stillness I felt surrounding me. Shielding my eyes from the glare of the sun and regaining my balance, I looked over the vast landscape and beheld the sight different than expected. An inaudible gasp involuntarily took hold, as my eyes panned slowly, taking in these changes that laid before me.
The once hostile foundry that beat the earth to create metal was now quiet; asleep. The steams that pulsed in the air no longer plumed the skyline, and the noise of the crackling fires and laboring voices no longer rang out in song. This foundry was a chaotic voice of syncopated performance, as they took the earth from the mountains to create for their people.
What laid before me was earth’s retaliation. The grass grew wilder; the earth reclaiming the stone of the foundry, and the stillness that gave breath to a different end.
My brow furrowed in questioning disbelief at how long it had been since I made the journey back to the village of Findor, which laid nestled between the Baron twin peaks along the Jarvin mountain pass. How long has it been?
As if answering my silent thoughts, voices of laughter made their way towards me from the tree line my rift had taken me. Pulsing my wings together to hide my fairy form, i moved behind the shrubs in front of me, I waited to see who would cross my path. The voices belong to a small group of children coming back from the woods and making their way across the plains and farmland towards the foundry. H-how are they still here? It looked like this place was abandoned. When- “ Ryan lookout!” Before I could flutter away to safety, an enormous mass fell in my direction. In my panic, I quickly shivered away my fairy form, and as I reached out to assist the child collapsing, my small hands grew to human hands and my once slight frame now knelt behind the dense shrub, my human form complete.
“Watch where you’re going,” I sighed, absorbing his small frame in my hands as I helped him back to his feet while I began standing up.
“Oh- I’m sorry, Ma'am- my friend Peter here pushed me off my bal- wait, where you here the whole time, we didn’t see you when we walked by earlier--” The red headed boy with tanned skin looked up; perplexed by me being there.
“I was gathering some wild berries for the day” with a lavish flick behind my back, a bristled basket full of blueberries and wild berries presented themselves as I brought them towards the child as proof. As I looked around at the group that came before me, three children and what looked like a father figure holding a young girl on his shoulders came to a halt.
“Excuse my son miss- I fear the kids were just horsing around as we made our way-” began the man. “Peter challenged me to a race and I-” “Of course I did, because you’d lose! Peter snapped back; toying with the ginger haired boy named Ryan, as he tagged the young kids shoulder and dashed away. The two began playing cat and mouse, using the group as a shield. “Hey, Peter, Ryan- take this out of the way from Tim and Lillian, they’re smaller than you.” said the older man with a hint of grey in his brown hair. “Excuse the children Ma'am, they mean no offense.” His eyes shifted back over to the two who now darted back towards the foundry. “It’s okay- names Tia” “I’m Lucian, this is my daughter Lillian, and her playmate Ned.” We shook hands, as I made my way from behind the shrubs and began walking idly with the remaining of the group as we headed towards the foundry.
“I don’t believe I’ve seen you in these parts before. Visiting?” “You can say that, I’m here to visit the foundry, but- it looks like its no longer operational” “Oh- no Ma’am, it’s been a few years since any of the fires within that building smelted iron.” “What became of it?” I had to know what happened to my memory of this place, why the sudden peaceful end.
Turning to Lucian for a response, I saw in his blue eyes, an almost pained memory as he reflected on my question. “It was about ten years ago when the foundry lost its flame. I grew up working in the foundry and had made it to the position of Manager before she went under. A lot of different things occurred at once. “
A small sadness seemed to pain the man’s memory, I did not press him for more details at this time, and silently nodded that I understood. We began to walk on the outskirts of the farmland, as sounds of chickens and goats began to prelude the life that was bustling near and in the foundry. Looking at the windows of the foundry, figures of people within moved and filed through the various hallways.
“Boys , can you take Ned and Lillian inside” Lucian picked up Lillian off his shoulders, as the young girl was silently asleep in his arms, the jostling of the transfer not interrupting her sleep. Ryan carried his young sister in his arms, as a yawning Ned took the hand of Peter, as they made their way towards the foundry entrance.
“Well I best be off, have to help tend to the the livestock before nightfall. The foundry is home to a small community that still calls it home. Please, go in and make yourself welcomed” with a silent nod, Lucian made his way towards a farmer in the distance and carried on with the responsibilities of the late afternoon.
Looking over the land , I saw where the villagers of this community had cultivated it, had created a new life in the shadow of their past. On the south border of the foundry the land still exhibited the repercussions of decades of smoke, ash, and sweat, with the railroads leading towards the base of the mountain. A shocking contrast to all the life and greener surrounding it.
As my attention began to shift , I felt an cold shiver run through my veins, something omnipresent seemed to linger in the waste of the land before me. As if decay had found a home, and needed extra provisions to be removed. Something otherworldly.
“Hey Lady, you coming?” Turning to the voice that spoke, it was Peter and Ned holding the door open. I smiled in response and made my way towards them.
“Thank you. You’re Peter right? And Ned.“ Peter nodded while Ned began to lead us into the hustle and bustle of the foundry. As we made our way down an adjacent hallway, it lead to what looked like a community room.
This large industrial space housed different booths for people to sell their wares. The small market and stands seemed pretty busy at this hour. I looked for some time, the waning afternoon sunlight began to make its descent for the evening.
“Mom!” Ned exclaimed, as Peter and Ned made their way to a small stand which consisted of jewelry and other metal items for sale. A women who was seated behind her wears, stood up as she picked up Ned into her arms.
“Did you two enjoy your day with Mr. Lucian and his family?” the mother asked, rustling Peters hair and looking over their tired demeanors.
“Looks like you boys had too much fun “ she smiled, looking up at Tia who was approaching.
“This is Tia, we found her on the outskirts as we were making our way back” Peter yawned, taking his mothers chair.
“Hello” I smiled, extending my hand to greet her.
“ I’ve just arrived earlier today. yours sons were helpful in showing me the way in. Are these all yours?” I looked over the wears and different metals, bent and shined to form beautiful jewelry across her table.
“Not all of them” Ned beamed. “ I’ve helped with some of the rings” “Indeed he has , those ones near the front are Neds handy work . My name is Rosa , I craft in metal jewelry. Welcome.”
My eyes drifted over to Neds contribution among his mother’s works, while they were plain rings with limited design, the metal was elegant in its form.
“I wager he’ll out skill me in a few years time” his mother boasted, keeping a watchful eye as others walked past her stand. Shortly after a loud whistle erupted in the distance, Indicating the close of another work day within the market. At this time sellers who sought fit to close their shops, began to finish their last transactions of the day, before lowering the tarps to their stands.
“I’m afraid that’s closing time for today, Peter, help Ned with those would you” his mother nodded over, as Ned began moving in the trunk which housed her wares.
“ I best leave you to your task at hand. Thank you Peter, Ned, and Rosa. As a parting gift, please take these berries I’ve found”
“Oh, Thank you” Rosa smiled, seeing the smiles crept across Ned and Peter’s faces with delight. “Yum!” Ned exclaimed, reaching in, helping himself to a small portion. “Hope to see you again” Peter waved.
Over the course of an hour, I had been able to discern that the living barracks was converted into family housing over the years for the small community. They had expanded off of the foundry to include more space for their markets and farming. But overall the foundry seemed to be the source of the town. But one thing seemed off, the southern parts of the compound seemed to still be in disuse, abandoned over the years.
As I began heading further into the southern section of the foundry, an odd feeling began to creep over my senses again. It was the same sensation I had felt gazing out at this region from outside. The otherworldly presence seemed almost tangible. I reached out with my senses and opened the door for the foundry. Cauldrons and ovens lined the room, missing was the industrial fire that once permeated the space, most now covered in soot from time. It was a graveyard. Doesn’t seem like anyone's been here since it’s closed.
Looking out across the windows lining the southern wall, I looked at the dead earth that festered all around this facility. What happened here...I need to get answers. Only way to do that is to go back to the fae world.
Turning around, I began to make my way out of the foundry and head back towards the rift to the tree line where I had arrived before. Looking around the tree line and brush in the darkness, I made sure I had not been followed before approaching my rift in the tree ahead of me. Far in the distance, the windows of the community barracks were the only life around in the darkness. Reaching out, I placed my hand on the Rift, but it seemed to move and shift out of my touch. That's Odd. I reached out again, and in a shimmer, it seemed like I kept missing my mark.
“Why have you come?”
My breathe held, as I turned back around behind me. Locking eyes, a tall man in a red suit with a golden monocle was eyeing me. His arms were crossed in front of his chest, as his right hand held up his pipe. His head tilted slightly, and once again, he asked. “Why have you come here?” “I-I-I’m Tia, I’ve come to visit the-” “The foundry, yes yes , I know that. But why?” At this point, for some reason I no longer felt in danger, as the man before me was not a man at all. But a red dragon in human form. “YOU! You’re a-” I began. “Will you please…” he sputtered as he glanced all around, making sure no one was in sight of this scene. Quickly I composed myself, as I straightened out my shirt, and made my way towards him. “I could ask you the same question.” A small laugh emulated from his lips, as he blew out rings of smoke, and twirled his brown mustache. “I have come to cleanse this mountain, but” his eyes wandered to the south” it takes time.” Following his eye line, Tia smiled, now knowing her questions could be answered. “How long have you been cleansing the foundry and the mountain?” I asked, taking my place beside him. “It’s been a long time since one from the fae world have journeyed to this region of the world. But if you must know, this foundry in its final years began to dig too deep and smelt metals that were tainted in dark magic. The mortal realm was only affected by it through the landscape, but in the fae wild, well, that’s another story for another time. I’ve been here since then. Doing my best to cleanse the land with my magic, and to heal the mountain . “
Tia had heard only of stories of vile creatures that were summoned in that manner. Clearly this was the fall out of what had occurred years ago. Tia nodded, knowing not to pry a dragon of its secrets too soon. “Why settle here Mr…” Tia began questioning, not knowing how to address him in the mortal world. “Mr. Red will suffice.” Tia began again “ Why settle here Mr. Red, when there are other mountains, other fae wilds out there?” “You are a curious one Tia. Much like why you’ve been drawn back here, I myself am here to see that this place gets resolved. And who knows, maybe leave this community in a better place. Over the years I’ve been known to visit Findor, so the locals will know me, but the real question is still, why are you here?”
With that Red turned and faced Tia, his eyes flashing. My head began to swim, as old memories of this place flashed through my thoughts. Images of fire, images of people crying, smoke, and a dark shadow looming. None of the images making sense, but seem to all reside within Findor.
“To be honest, I know I've visited this place once before, when it was alive and working. But, that’s all. I just seemed to be drawn here again.” “In time, your memories will surface, for you were here and helped me defeat the fae creature that sought to take over this part of the fae wild. But that’s all I will tell you. In time, more memories will surface, but for now, I need your help cleansing the southern half. Let us go, and get a drink, and discuss our plans.” Red grabbed my arm as he began to guide me back to the foundry.
In the morning I came to, waking up in one of the barracks that was converted into an Inn. I made my way downstairs to the common area. Red was already awake, drinking his tea and smoking his pipe. Looking over the table, a small map of the land and the mountain laid strewn across, with markings and notes.
“Ah Tia, please take a seat. I think I’ve come up with a plan, but I'll need your help.” Still groggy, I sat down, pouring myself a cup of tea, and looking over what was laid in front of me. “First, we’ll have to clean the foundry. Well- “ looking at Tia, “ I could do that. I’ll just need you to stand guard at the doors and make sure no one comes in. “ As I began taking a sip of my tea, I coughed back, understanding what he was insinuating, my eyes wide with his request. “Yes- exactly” he eyed back. Out of paranoia, I glanced back over my shoulders, just to make sure our conversation was private. No one else was paying any attention to us. Having a mortal turned is worse for them than me showing them mercy, Mr. Red is right, although it doesn't lessen the pain.
Gathering his supplies and rolling up the maps” Let’s go”.
We cut our way across the market hall from the inn, as locals began their set up for another days of trade and work. On the outskirts, we began to weave our way through the jungle of stands towards the staircase that would lead us in the direction of the foundry. As we began to make our way, we came upon a familiar section of the market as my eyes caught ahold of Peter, Ryan, and Ned. The three were sitting outside of Rosa’s jewelry stand playing a game of jack’s. I caught the attention of Peter, as he began to stand up waving, bringing Ryan and Ned’s attention with him.
“Ah, Master Peter, Good Morning to you all” Red said , his golden eyes looking over the metal wears across Rosa’s table, as she began arranging her pieces into place. “Hi Red” the three said in unison, dismissing their game of jacks and now greeting us as we approach.
“Rosa, wonderful works, as always.”
“You’re always so kind Mr. Red” Rosa nodded, seemingly
“Lots to do today, we best be off” Red nodded towards me . I said my goodbyes and followed suit towards the staircase. I really hope they don’t follow us. Climbing the stairs and making our way down the hallways, we soon found ourselves in front of the foundry doors.
“I’ll go in, you keep watch” I nodded as Red disappeared behind the door. I knew what he was up to, as a slight tremor shook the floor. I faced away, Redd busied himself with blowing all the soot and dust off the foundry in his dragon from. With a small hand gesture, I outlined the door with a small spell to retract any noise coming from the space.
“Whoa, did you feel that” a small voice said echoed off of one of the corridors. My heart began to flutter, realizing it was the voice of Ryan. Trying not get into a tizz, I quickly moved down the hallway, to intercept them around the turn.
“Oh- Hi!” Peter smiled, seeing me come around the corner, all three goofing off on their way up.
“Hi boys, what brings you up to the foundry today?”
“It’s always a blast seeing Mr. Red arrive, its been a while since we’ve seen him. I was going to ask if he had any more advice on the metal work I've been practicing. Every time he’s in town, he helps me learn a little more. Wish we had more material and metals really, to get more invested into it. “
“I-I-’m glad Mr. Red’s been helping you out Peter, did he show you how to make those rings?” With that question Peter’s eyes light up. “He did!”
“Well they turned out nicely. I’m sure you would want to make them presentable for when we come back later wouldn’t you-” With that Ryan began to move past Tia, heading towards the foundry door.
“Ah Ryan, you wouldn’t want to disturb Mr. Red at this time, he’s currently cleaning.” Ryan began to shrug off the suggestion as he placed his hand on the door.
“Maybe we can help, I've never been in here. Not allowed to without adult supervision. But you’re here Tia, and so is Mr. Red, so that’s like-” Just as Ryan began to jostle the knob, the door began to swing open, as Mr. Redd stood in the frame, towering over the young Boy.
“I believe you need permission before entering this zone Ryan” Mr. Red said, as he brushed off the lapels of his suit and began to ignite his pipe.
No response was given, as the three boys and Tia looked past Mr. Red, and at the spotless foundry behind him. “Doesn’t look like we need anymore help boys” Tia said, as the four of them head to the railing in front, taking in the immaculate space.
“Boy- won’t the workers be surprised by this” Peter gasped.
Tia looked outside at the land surrounding the room, green grass began to overtake the dark sooted earth. The boys were so transfixed on the cleanliness, Tia was the only one to see it. But while the life of the grass began to move forward, it did stop and fade a few yards. Tia looked back at Mr. Red surprised by the range his magic had worked.
“Mr. Red, You’ve outdone yourself” “Almost the best, but I will need your help later. But for now, this will work.”
Everyone descended down the steps and onto the ground level of the foundry. The devices and tools used within the foundry, seemed to almost glisten, as if new. Mr. Red made his way over to one of the stations bringing with him the three young boys.
“Now here’s the deal. If you three want to create stuff from metal, this workstation is designated for you as long as I’m present. “
Tia placed her hand upon the station, and with a tap of her fingers ore of silver, iron, and a bit of gold appeared. “Today for your first lesson of many, Tia has brought in some metal for you all to work with.” Mr. Red gestured behind the boys, to Tia and the materials that had appeared on the work table.
“But here is the deal. I get to keep your first mistake. “
Peter, Ned, and Ryan looked at each other, their excitement bridled by their new found amusement at learning something new. Peter was in awe of the metals and equipment that was before him, a new oppurtunity to harness his abilities. They all looked at Mr. Red, and with a shake of his hand, they all agreed. As the boys began dishing out their metals they wanted to craft with, Mr. Red pulled two stones out of his pocket, and began to light the small forge. Upon further investigation, Tia had noticed that Red had used his magic to make this workstation suitable for crafting finer things, trinkets, jewelry while the other workstations geared more for mass production.
Tia took a seat as the hours passed and went by. Mr. Red showed Peter and Ryan how to properly melt the metals, how to cool them, and then how to bend and shape them. With Ned being to young to handle the equipment, he spent his time listening and playing with Tia. As the distant horn blew to indicate the end of the day. Mr. Red and the two, stored their works for the day. And cleaned up their workstation.
“Alright boys, lets get you back to your parents before they get worried you'll miss a meal”
They all exited the foundry, closing the door behind them. Watching Peter and Ned wander back over to Rosa’s stand, and Ryan heading outside

, Tia turned to Red. ‘How did you do that”
“It’s because you’re here now. Follow me. “ Instead of heading back to the foundry like I thought, Red brought me outside, and as the sun began to set in the distance, we once more made our way to the south, towards the barren land next to the mining tracks. Just like the night before, the magic that was palatable still ranked as we approached closer.
“What is this ..magic?” Tia questioned, referring to the sensation this land is giving. ‘It is, but that kind of magic that rests here from long ago. The last time you were here, you weren’t alone. I was with you. “ Tia looked over the rotten wood on the track and stared at Red.
“What do you mean?”
“ I was here with you during the battle

. A summoned monster fell here, we sacrificed some of our magic to kill it. Because of that, our magic is here in these ruins. “ Red gestured to all of the barren land. “Because of that, to cleanse this land, both you and I had to be here at the same time in order to do it. I only found this out a few years ago, but had no way of tracing you. So I had hoped in time that the magic of this land and the battle that was here once before, would call to you, and it did.
Will you do me the honors?” With that Red held out his hand to Tia. “Lets purge this magic and cleanse Findor once and for all.”
I reached out my hand to his, and in our human forms, a light breeze began to muster, as our forms dimly shimmered as we knelt to the ground. Placing our hands, on the earth and in unison, we began the ritual or cleansing. The grass began to come alive, the patches that were once dead began to burst with a new seedling of life. Small tears began to drop from my eyes, as the memories of this place began to reveal themselves.
With the cleansing finished, I took my hand from Reds, and silently sobbed, as the reality of what took place here, and the battle that raged on the fae side of this mortal land left me drained. At which point, Red, still kneeling beside, took me in his arms, and carried me back to the foundry.
A week had passed since the cleansing of Findor. The community awoke to a new life that had seeded its landscape and brought back joy and production into their lives. Those who ran the foundry before, found themselves with new work, some going back to reconstruct the railways for the mines in the following weeks. Others, heading into the foundry to find their new workstations prepped and ready through the watchful eye and guidance of Mr. Red.
Rosa, Peter’s mom, found herself a station to harness her work, while giving permission for Mr. Red to take Peter under his wing as an apprentice.
Over the course of a few months, Peter had begun to twist metals and form new shapes and designs. Having been working with Mr. Red, Mr. Red kept an office, displaying Peter’s first mistakes at jewelry and Ryan’s first mistakes at watch making.
A treasure trove of progress for the town of Findor. While the foundry was now fully operational, the town itself still prided itself on its farming trade, leaving the foundry to those who create and abandoning the mass production of weaponry it was known to have built before. I stayed a while, helping Red, and the community find its path, and ways to avoid the mortal world from digging to deep or meddling in practices no longer needed. I was surprised at how quickly Red made a name for himself, guiding Findor on a better path. Relived with the progress they had made, I made my way back to the Fae rift on the outskirts of the woods. Mr. Red and Peter accompanied me to say goodbye.
Turning to Peter, Mr. red said “ Now Peter, you have learned a lot in my care, you are now eighteen, and at a point where you can help guide your people in the future. I will also be saying goodbye; for now. “
At this, the grown Peter stood holding a decorative Egg in his hands, surprised to hear that Mr. Red would be leaving too. “But it’s too late to head out now, it’ll be dark soon” Peter interjected, trying to prevent his teacher from leaving.
“We have others who know where to find us. Rest assured Peter, this will not be for too long” Mr. Red smiled, twirling his mustache between his fingers before reaching into his suit pocket for his pipe. It was a decorative long pipe, metal, with intricate filigree wrapped around its golden handle. The first time over these years which I had noticed. I smiled, and approached Peter with a big hug. “Good bye for now Peter”
“Good Bye.. Master Faberge; train your brothers well” and with that, Mr. Red and I made our way to the Rift, and disappeared.
The cast of the show and Jennifer, were silent, this will be the greatest news cast in history.
Horizon with a small smirk, thanks Tia. “I’ll be back to base soon”, he waves to Tia as her Holo Image fades. And that is why even with my abilities to manipulate Space/Time it will always amaze me at what he has gifted us, knowledge from all the incredible creators throughout time and the will to make this a better place. We are indeed blessed. True power is the ability to grant others the ability to achieve their goals. And well having a Dragon on the team is cool.
Then the chyron streamed across the holoviewer, Next–The Lost King……

Type

Superhero Team