1. A Familiar Face

In my interpretation of the story, our protagonist John Carter would be reunited with an old face—an ageless Martian named Tars Tarkas, formerly known as his best friend. They would meet amidst a skirmish between the Tharks and a rival tribe, marking their reunion with the familiar camaraderie of battle. But the joyous reunion would be bittersweet, as Tars Tarkas mournfully informs Carter of Dejah Thoris's disappearance.

The news would hit our protagonist hard, causing his warrior heart to hum with worry and determination. Vowing to bring her back, the duo, along with a group of trusty allies, would set out on the beginning of a brand new adventure fraught with danger and uncertainty.

2. Dejah's Solitude

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, Princess Dejah would not be in the clutches of an enemy, but rather, she would be alone. Trapped in a celestial palace floating beyond the reach of any Martian tribe, she would rely on her strength and intellect to survive. From designing intricate traps to reading ancient tomes to find an escape, Dejah's abilities would be put to the test in numerous ways.

While trying to find an escape route, Dejah would come across a curious artifact—a talisman that allowed her to project her consciousness across time and space. Using this precious item, she would get a glimpse of her beloved earthman, bolstering her spirit and strengthening her resolve to return to him.

3. Struggles and Battles

Back on the surface, our heroes would encounter deadly beasts and cunning foes, testing their mettle and camaraderie at every turn. Battling for supremacy in the arid deserts of Barsoom, the plights they face would deepen their understanding of each other and the world around them. From ferocious multi-limbed Martian creatures to navigating complicated tribal politics, the struggles they face would only heighten their desperate search for the princess.

But amongst the hardships, they'd find moments of humor and camaraderie. Even in the face of adversity, their bond would strengthen. A subplot featuring Tars Tarkas and an endearing insectoid Martian pet would provide a few light-hearted moments amidst the dire scenario.

4. The Talisman's Potential

As Dejah dive deeper into her solitary journey, the talisman's full potential would become evident. Not only could she witness events happening across the Martian plains, but she would also be able to interact tactfully with her physical surroundings. The talisman would become instrumental in her escape, unveiling some long-lost facts about ancient Martian culture along the way.

However, the talisman would come with a steep price. Each use would drain Dejah of her own life-force, leaving her markedly weaker. The decision to use it, therefore, would weigh heavily on her, intensifying the drama and tension.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this fanfic introduce any new characters? Yes, other than the main trio, several new characters have been added to emphasize on the intricate tribal politics and to give depth to the Martians' world.

2. How crucial is the talisman to the narrative? The talisman is essential as it is the connection between Dejah and the outside world. It serves a crucial role in the unfolding drama and climax of the story.

3. Does the storyline adhere to the original book’s universe? Yes, while adding new elements and characters, the narrative stays true to the spirit of the original book's universe and respects the established lore.

It's a joy to breathe life into the timeless characters of Edgar Rice Burroughs and explore their adventures further. Hoping that fans of 'A Princess of Mars' find satisfaction and thrill in this take on the beloved characters' journey.

References

[1] Edgar Rice Burroughs. “A Princess of Mars.�Project Gutenberg. www.gutenberg.org/files/62/62-h/62-h.htm

[2] Beam Piper, H. "John Carter: A Princess of Mars." www.goodreads.com/book/show/28259.A_Princess_of_Mars

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