

# Shattered Sky Series

# R.E.M.: The Hidden World

### By

# Corrie Fischer

Copyright © 2014 Corrie Fischer

Published by Golgotha Hill Press

Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704

www.corriefischer.wordpress.com

Ebook version created 2014

Revised Version Published 2016

All rights reserved.

No part of this work may be reproduced in any form,

including, but not limited to, electronic, recording,

or photocopy without written consent from the author.

Brief quotations used for review purposes are the only exception.

To request consent for any other purpose,

please send inquires to:

AuthorCorrieFischer@gmail.com

This novel is a work of fiction.

All names, characters, events, and dialogues are completely

fictitious. These are a product of the author's imagination

and any similarities to real individuals or events are entirely coincidental.

Cover design by Elizabeth Mackey.

DEDICATION

To My Mother,

Denise Robinette Myers,

The First Person

Who Believed In Me

CONTENTS

1. Trapped

2. Run

3. Village

4. Alone

5. Trust Me

6. It's Moving

7. Independent Woman

8. Dark Pit

9. Welcome

10. The Catch

11. Stand Strong

12. Hate

13. Pain

14. Tragic

15. Power

16. Beautiful

17. A Sip

18. It's Dead

19. Relax

20. Growling

21. A Professional

22. Waiting

23. Bow Down

24. Lies

25. Your Master

26. Not Again

27. Suffer

28. Truth

About the Author

1. TRAPPED

### Emily

Beep...beep...beep...the sound echoed in the distance. Emily's eyelids fluttered open as light streamed in. White surrounded her. _Am I dead?_

"Hurry, I said now!" A burly voice shouted.

The light was growing brighter. Emily's eyes closed tightly against it as she drew in a deep breath. Releasing it slowly, her eyes opened again.

"Ahh!" She screamed, shifting back. The light was gone. Her body instantly froze as her eyes widened. Spikes surrounded her.

I'm...I'm in a...a cage!

She drew in rapid breaths, eyeing the contraption carefully. Spikes jutted out between small logs bound by leather roping.

How could this...

Pain shot up her left arm. Emily sucked in air. Her eyes drifted toward the purple splotches covering her arm. Wiggling her left fingers, tingles of pain crept up the wounded limb. Looking up, she noticed two tents beyond the wooden bars, one on her right and the other directly in front of her. On her left, rested a massive open field ending along a dense tree line.

"What?!" A burly voice yelled from the tent on the right. "Why go through all the trouble for one girl? Especially at a time like this..."

Emily gulped before craning her neck that direction.

"She may prove worthy of our efforts..." The second voice was gentle, calm.

"She'll prove to be a waste of time!" The man paused. "She's already one of them and you know it..."

The female voice chuckled. "Darling, you should know better than most these things are not set in stone. Well, not yet anyway..." Her voice trailed off and then resumed. "We simply need to show her where the true power lies."

"Fine." Footsteps plodded toward the distant side of the tent.

"One more thing..."

"Yes?" The deep voice nearly growled.

"I have reason to believe her memory is distorted from the...transition. If that's the case..." The woman's voice fell to an inaudible whisper.

_If that's the case, then what?_ Emily suddenly felt nauseous.

"Understood." With the final word, the footsteps drew closer toward the tent's end. Emily's head spun.

Great, he's coming this way. What should I do? What should I do?

At the last second, she closed her eyes and curled into a ball against the cage floor. She listened closely as the sound of crunching leaves slowly faded into the distance. When she could no longer hear them, she released her held breath. "Whew..."

"Wonderful, you're awake."

Emily's eyes snapped open. Standing in front of her was a woman with long, blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. A paper thin, silk dress flowed from her boney neckline down to her knees. The woman's lips curled into a gentle smile.

Why is she smiling?

Emily shook her head as her heart pounded faster. She drew in a deep breath and fought the urge to scream. "Look, why don't you just let me go? There's no need to get the cops involved here. Just release me and I'll be on my way..."

"Darling, I think you're a bit confused."

_No joke, Sherlock...one minute I'm home, safe and sound and now..._ Emily opened her mouth, but just then the woman continued.

"I suppose an apology is in order." The woman walked around to the cage door. "You see, there has been some debate about where your loyalty lies. My men tend to veer on the side of caution. They're a bit skittish, really." She chuckled. "Don't worry though, I can tell you are no enemy of mine." The woman smiled again, as she slowly lifted the latch and opened the door.

Emily hesitantly crawled out as her mind swirled.

Okay, so I was home...I was eating cake...cake...oh yeah...

"Some birthday..."

"What was that?" The woman's brow lifted.

"Oh, nothing..." Emily forced a smile. Suddenly, a jolt of pain shot up her arm. She winced, gripping the dangling arm with her right hand.

"Oh, those no good brutes! I'm so sorry, let's get you straight to the doctor. Right this way...um?" The woman's hand created a half circle in the air.

"Emily. My name is Emily."

"That's a lovely name." The woman's smile widened, exposing all of her pearly white teeth. "You may call me Lucy."

A shiver ran up Emily's spine.

_Don't trust her..._ Her eyes scanned the grassy area and forest beyond. The two tents were the only manmade structures in sight. As her vision fell upon her wounded arm, she released a slight sigh. _It doesn't look like I have a choice..._

## 2. RUN

### Renee

The beat up truck sputtered before coming to a halt. Renee jumped out and was instantly fixated on Sam Kale standing by the church doors. The thirteen year old boy wore slacks and a blue button up shirt.

Glancing her way, a smile spread across his lips. "Renee!" He waved toward her and Renee quickly approached him.

"Hey Sam, what's up?" You look handsome today... Renee's eyes veered down as she kicked around a pebble.

"Have you seen the new trail they're putting in?" Sam pointed past the church parking lot toward the woods beyond.

Renee shook her head, as her eyes followed the line of his finger. She could barely make out the edge of a paved path, disappearing into the woods beyond. "Whoa, they're paving it..." A smile spread across her face. "We should go check it out!"

"Hello, Samuel..." Renee's father interrupted.

Renee spun toward him. "Dad, can Sam and I go check out the new path really quickly?"

"What path?" The man spun toward the paved area fifty feet away.

"Please! Please!" Renee's lips lowered into a pouting face.

Her father pulled back his sleeve, glancing down at his watch. "Well, we do still have twenty minutes till service starts..."

"Oh, thank you!" Renee grabbed Sam's arm and started pulling him away from the steps.

"Just don't wander too far!" Her father's voice grew faint as Renee broke into a jog, half dragging Sam along behind her.

As they approached a yellow machine resting by the path, Renee slowed to a walking pace. "What is that thing?"

"A ride on roller..." Sam smiled.

"Oh, how'd you know that?"

"Uncle Bill brought one out when they paved our driveway. He let me ride on it too." Sam's smile widened.

"Seriously? Your uncle's the best."

"Yeah, he's pretty awesome..." Sam's voice trailed off, as his eyes ventured toward the ground.

Uh oh, not the dad thing again... Renee bit her lip. Taking off at a jog, she yelled back. "Last one to the path's end is a sore loser!"

"Whaa... Hey, no fair!"

Renee could hear Sam's steps drawing closer. She sucked in short, rapid breaths as her feet broke into a sprint.

"I'm...gonna...catch ya!" Sam's words came between heavy breaths. In a matter of seconds, he was at Renee's side, matching her pace. Renee gritted her teeth, pushing further ahead. The distance between them was growing. Renee then noticed the sound of leaves crunching beneath her feet. Hm...guess the path's already gone. Who cares, I'm still in the lead... Her head spun back as a wide smile spread across her open mouth. Sam's eyes were wide as his feet slowed behind her.

"Stop!" The boy's voice was raspy. As Renee spun around, her feet skidded to a halt. "Don't move..." Sam's whispering tone was directly behind her.

"Maybe it...didn't...hear us..." Renee whispered back, breathing heavily. Just then, the massive bear on her left side spun toward them. The animal let out a light growl as it took a step forward. Renee took an automatic step back, snapping a twig beneath her foot. The bear lifted up on its hind legs, roaring loudly.

"Run!" Sam spun to the right, breaking into a sprint. Renee followed the blonde head of hair as her feet pounded, sending leaves flying around her. The loud thudding paws followed close behind them.

"Faster!" Sam's exasperated voice screamed. Renee pushed harder. Her lungs burned as sweat beaded across her face. The thudding grew fainter. Ahead, Sam half tripped, catching his footing at the last second. Renee was gaining on him as a fiery sensation spread through her legs. Sam's wide eyes glanced back toward her. "Don't stop!" The boy screamed as he drove further ahead. Renee sucked in and blew out rapid breaths, forcing her aching legs to drive harder, faster. Sweat poured down her face and chest. Catching up to Sam, she could no longer hear the thudding sound. A buzzing noise echoed against her ears, replacing all sounds. Renee felt her head and world spinning.

## 3. VILLAGE

### Emily

Leaves crunched under her as Emily slowly followed Lucy. The pair walked around the two tents, revealing a cleared, gravel path ahead. Branches overhung it in a perfect arch shape. Emily's brow suddenly lifted, as she barely made out the outlining of a village ahead.

"Wait till you see the city."

City? Right..more like some weird village in the middle of the woods...This lady must not get out much...get out, of course, my phone!

Emily nonchalantly rubbed her good hand across all her jean pockets, but the device was nowhere to be found.

Releasing a sigh, Emily looked up at the village ahead. Her jaw instantly dropped. Mansions of all shapes, styles and sizes filled her vision. One was composed entirely of logs. It simultaneously portrayed the elegance of a modern home and the character of a building far older. Large glass windows sporadically lined its sides and front; its structure jutting out in a variety of angles.

"Wow!"

"Incredible, isn't it? Wait till you see the owner..." Lucy winked as she approached the house.

"That's where the doctor lives?" Emily's eyes grew wide as she scanned the surrounding buildings.

One was composed almost entirely of glass. Its metal connecting beams were the only sign of any other material. She could easily see directly into the home's living room. A massive television stretched across the entire far wall. Blurred images of actors flashed across its screen. Her eyes drifted across the room, landing on long, red hair flowing down the back of the couch. The woman watching television was sitting alone.

Wow...does she have that place all to herself?

As the thought crossed Emily's mind, the woman stood and turned to her right. She then faced Emily's direction and simply stood there with a blank expression for a long moment.

_Is she staring at me?_ Emily felt a chill run up her spine. Her eyes jolted away, shifting her focus to the structure beyond the log cabin.

This one was far smaller than the other mansions surrounding it. Its outer lining consisted of white siding and it stood two stories high. Navy blue shutters outlined its windows. Below, a porch wrapped all the way around its lower level and a lovely bench-like swing rested by a matching blue door. Further from its entrance was a flawless green lawn. The entire area was precisely contained within the bounds of a white picket fence. Outside the wooden barrier, stood two large speakers resting atop tall poles. Their tune carried on methodically. Emily scanned the surrounding area, but no one else was around to hear the music.

_Hm...that's odd...maybe they were placed there for some special occasion and no one remembered to flip the off switch...come to think of it though, everything about this place is odd..._ A shiver ran up Emily's spine.

The massive log cabin's door now stood directly in front of them. Lucy took a step toward it and knocked loudly three times. Emily held her breath as the handle slowly turned and the door creaked open.

## 4. ALONE

Renee

Renee's eyelids slowly blinked open. Twisted, dew covered branches hung over her, glimmering in the light of the morning sun.

Where am I?

She could feel something beneath her throbbing head. "Ow..." She lifted her head as her fingertips traced the back her skull. A jolt of pain shot through her just as they scraped across a giant lump. She retracted her hand as her breathing grew instantly heavy.

_What happened?_ Her heart thumped rapidly. _Calm down Renee, examine your surroundings._ Drawing in a deep breath, she leaned up into a seated position. Giant trees hung over her, their branches interlocking, all reaching toward the sun's nourishing embrace. Spinning toward her prior resting spot, she saw a large pointed rock. _That explains the pain...wait..._

_Sam! The bear!_ Renee's eyes spun, searching the surrounding woods. There was no sign of the boy or the giant animal. _I'm alone...but_ _he was right behind me and then...then what? I...I can't remember._ Renee's lip trembled. _Okay, breathe...just breathe..._ She forced herself to take another deep breath. Trees rested on all sides. Renee felt a chill run up her spine. _What if..._ Her entire body trembled. _Oh God, no...no... Oh God, what have I done? This is all my fault..._

Snap!

Renee leaped to her feet, grabbing a nearby branch. Gripping it like a sword, she walked in a circular pattern, eyeing every tree. A bush on her right rustled loudly. She spun toward it, tightening her grasp, despite the shaking of her limb. Sweat beaded on her brow as her heart pumped faster.

Something leaped out of the bushes. "Ah!" Renee jumped back. Looking down, a small red cardinal looked up at her. Renee released a massive sigh, shaking her head. "A bird, really, Renee? It's a freaking bird..." She rubbed her palm against her face.

The cardinal cocked his head before flying to a nearby branch. He spun atop the surface and faced her directly.

"I guess to you, I'm the scary one, huh?" The little winged creature did not ruffle his feathers, or rapidly scan the forest. Instead, he simply stood and stared at her.

I must be losing it...is he actually looking right at me? There's no way...

The cardinal suddenly released a loud whistle. Then, still staring at her, he lifted one wing in a waving motion.

"Whoa..." _Did he just...wave at me?_ Renee scratched the top of her head.

The cardinal cocked his head once more before flying to another branch nearly ten feet away. He landed softly and again turned toward Renee lifting his wing in a wave-like manner. After his gesture, the bird remained perfectly still. Renee just watched for several minutes. The fellow did not budge. _Does he want me to follow him? Oh goodness, I must be losing it...yep, it's breakdown time...Lock me up, it's off to the loony bin for this one! Then again..._ Renee's eyes shifted across the surrounding forest. _What do I really have to lose?_ Biting her lip, she looked up at the bird directly. He was still in the same spot; his beaded eyes meeting her own.

Drawing in a deep breath, Renee walked toward him. When she was within a few feet of him, the cardinal flapped toward another branch further away and then waited for her.

Renee continued following the bird along the tree line as her thoughts drifted. _Oh, Sam, it's all my fault._ Liquid rushed to the surface of Renee's eyes.

The cardinal remained perfectly still on his chosen branch. He waited until Renee was a mere foot away before flying to another tree.

Renee swallowed hard, holding back the tears. "It was my idea to go down the trail. Goodness, I literally drug him toward it. I'm even the one who wanted to run. Sam just followed like the good friend he is... It all happened so fast. We saw that bear..." Renee shivered. "...and started running then...I don't know. No matter how hard I try, I...I just can't remember." Renee rubbed her temple. "It's like a blank space in time...like my memory just vanished. Perhaps I've just lost my mind..." Renee paused, drawing in a deep breath and releasing it slowly. "This morning I woke up with this giant bump on my head. I can't even recall the last moment I saw Sam. Yesterday we were both running and now...well, now...he's gone." Renee gulped before straightening her posture. Her hands clenched into fists. "No, he's not gone! He must have...he must have just run a different direction. He's probably out here looking for me right now! I have to find him, little guy...I just have to!" Renee looked up at the cardinal who was tilting his head down toward her, the branch he landed on still waivered under his unexpected weight. He quickly set flight again toward another tree.

Silence stretched on for the next several hours, broken only by the wind's intermittent whistling. As a large pile of leaves crunched under her shoes, Renee became instantly aware of her aching feet. "Little guy, I think I need a break..." As she spoke the words, Renee identified a nearby stone. Her body willingly plopped onto its welcoming surface.

The cardinal suddenly swooped toward her and began wildly flapping his wings inches from her face...

"Ugh! What's your problem?!" Renee waved her arms in the air, trying to shoo the bird away.

Then, the surface beneath her started rustling. Between her feet, a wrinkled turtle head birthed itself. The turtle's dark eyes stared straight up toward her with a creased head.

_He looks angry!_ Renee rushed to her feet in an instant. "I'm so sorry!"

_Wait...why am I apologizing to a turtle? It's not like he can actually hear..._ At that very second, the turtle's eyes softened and his lips seemed to move ever so slightly upward in the shape of a smile. _What? No way...That's impossible!_ Renee's eyes widened. _Then again...I have been talking to a bird and following his every direction..._ A scowl formed on her face.

The cardinal started flapping one of his wings in an overtly insistent wave. "Okay, okay, I'm coming." Renee continued onward, hesitantly following her winged guide.

They had walked in silence for several hours when Renee's stomach started grumbling. "Um... little guy, I'm getting really hungry...and tired..." She released a yawn. "I really hope we're close to...well, to wherever it is you're taking me..."

A few minutes later, the small bird stopped on a branch and remained there. Renee walked right up to the tree he was on, but the cardinal did not budge. "Hm..." Her eyes scanned their present surroundings. Ahead, and to her right, rested a gigantic rock formation with a single massive boulder in the center of it. It had to be at least two stories tall. Beyond it, the trees continued on all sides with no sign of human life.

"Oh great, this is _just_ great!" Renee gritted her teeth and spun toward the bird. "Really, little guy? You led me to a giant rock!" She threw her arms in the air toward the boulder. The bird did not flinch. "Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!" Renee's arms crossed over her chest.

The cardinal started chirping continuously, as he swooped down to the forest floor by the boulder. Renee's arms fell to her sides as her brow lifted.

"What is it, little guy? What's over there?"

The cardinal was grabbing the edge of something with his tiny feet, barely revealing a corner section of cloth. Renee rushed toward him. When she was close, the cardinal dropped the thing and flew toward his previously chosen tree branch.

Renee grabbed the cloth's edge, pulling the rest of it out from under a layer of leaves and dirt. "A blanket?" Scratching her head, she turned toward the critter. "Do you actually expect me to stay..."

Out of the corner of her eye, a glimmering object caught her attention. It was a coin lying in the dirt. Renee quickly plucked it up from the ground, spinning it in her hand. A worn fifty cent piece with Kennedy's face stared up at her.

"Sam!" Renee felt her heart skip a beat. "It's the coin his dad gave him before he left. He carries it everywhere...that means...he was here, he's alive! We have to find him!" Dropping the blanket, she gripped the coin tightly and scanned the darkening woods. Her eyes landed on her feathered friend. "Which way do I go?"

The cardinal did not move.

"Look..." She lifted the coin into the air. "This belonged to my friend I was telling you about, Sam. I have to find him!"

The bird remained motionless, spare for his eyes which flickered intermittently back to Renee's face.

_Wait, is he still looking at me or..._ Renee followed the direction of his shifting eyes. _The blanket, are you kidding me? Who cares about the stupid blanket! I need to find Sam! Now, which way to go..._

Releasing a puff of air, Renee stomped toward the left side of the boulder. _Stupid bird! I don't need his help anyway._ Before she could walk around the rock structure, the cardinal was hovering in front of her, flapping his wings and chirping wildly.

"What?!" Renee growled.

The bird flew back to the blanket, lifted the corner and dropped it, continuing his panicky chirp. "Ugh!" Renee plodded toward him. As she lifted the blanket, the bird returned once again to his resting place.

"What do you want from me?!" The bird remained still and Renee released a sigh, rubbing her temple. Her hand froze in motion. _Wait...maybe I'm missing something...what if he's trying to show me a clue? Something to do with this blanket..._

She lifted the material completely up, flipped it over and examined the corners. _There's nothing special about it...it's just a plain, black blanket, nothing more..._ Her eyes drifted back toward the bird. "Little guy, I don't get it, this is just a regular old blanket..." The cardinal's body remained still, but his eyes faced her.

_Did he just wink?_ Renee shook her head and then stared intently. The bird closed his eyes for several seconds, then opened them, and looked straight at her. He repeated this pattern several times.

"You seriously want me to sleep at a time like this?" The words passed through her lips, immediately followed by a massive yawn. The bird let out a lovely whistle. He then ruffled his feathers, lifted one leg, and performed a one-eighty turn of his head, snuggling his face down into the feathers on his back.

_I...I have to find Sam though..._ Renee's eyes shifted around the darkened forest. Branches cast shadows at a variety of angles, as a howling sounded in the distance. She shuddered before releasing another yawn. _Then again...maybe a little rest would do me some good..._ Lifting up the blanket, she shook off the remaining leaves before leaning down into a seated position against the chilled boulder. Wrapping the blanket around her like a cocoon, Renee slowly closed her eyes.

## 5. TRUST ME

### Emily

As the door slid open, Emily felt a knot form in her throat. The man before her stood six feet tall with broad, muscular shoulders. His red polo shirt fit perfectly, accentuating thick biceps. His jaw line was wide and smooth; his hair jet black, much like her own. The man's sparkling blue eyes snapped toward her and Emily gasped.

A loud popping sound instantly echoed over the faint music. Peeling her eyes from the man, Emily spun her head to see fireworks going off. The brilliant lights flashed across the sky.

Wow, talk about a spark...

Lucy cleared her throat before speaking. "Dr. Daevas, I need your assistance with treating my new friend. Her arm is badly wounded." Neither Lucy nor the doctor had turned toward the fireworks.

_Did they not see them? Were they even real..._ Emily shook her head. Looking back up, the sky was a clear, light blue and no remnant of the brilliant light remained. _That was all in my head?_

Emily rubbed her temple with her right hand before realizing the silence stretching between them. As her eyes veered toward the other woman, Lucy motioned her head from Emily to the doctor.

"Oh...yeah, it's hurts...pretty badly." Emily nodded her head, trying to ignore the flush red spreading across her cheeks.

"Well come in; I'll treat you immediately." The doctor's eyes stared through her as he offered a powerful, yet gentle, smile. Emily felt her heart skip a beat. Shifting his gaze to Lucy, "Will you lead her to my back office, please?"

Lucy nodded, but her jaw distinctly tightened.

Is that annoyance...but why?

Emily followed as Lucy stepped through the entranceway into a massive living room. Whole oak logs lined the walls, supported by enormous beams stretching across an elegantly vaulted ceiling.

"This way..." Lucy turned down a hallway with tan carpeting and painted plaster walls. Only its ceiling displayed the same wooden design as the first room. The hallway itself seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Closed doors lined every side. _I wonder what's in there._

Only one door rested open. Glancing inside, Emily saw a completely empty room with a single ladder. The door frame blocked her view of what rested at its peak.

"This way, come on." Lucy demanded. Emily sighed, but continued walking forward. Ahead, a plain wall with a single window pane marked the end of the hallway. _Wow, so it actually has an end._

Lucy approached the last door on the right. "This is it." She pointed her open right hand towards the room.

Emily's eyes narrowed before she forced a polite smile. "After you..."

Lucy sneered, but then slowly stepped through the doorway. "I do hope you'll grow to trust me...in time, of course..."

_Whoa, talk about direct..._ Emily opened and closed her mouth, searching for a response.

A tap sounded on the open door. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything." The doctor's tone was calm, almost cheerful.

_That was fast...hm...so w_ _hy bother having Lucy lead me if he was following right behind us?_ Emily brushed her fingers through her straightened hair.

"I don't think we were properly introduced. My name is Ethan..." The doctor lowered his head in a slight bow. "...and you are?"

"Emily."

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Now, if you don't mind, please take a seat." The man's glistening blue eyes stared at her directly and Emily's mind started drifting off to sea. "So I can examine your arm." He insisted.

Emily instantly felt red rushing to her face. She gulped hard, scanning the room. Beside her rested a large bench with white paper stretched across its surface. _Hm...just like the hospital benches back home...home..._

## 6. IT'S MOVING

### Renee

Renee's eyes shot open. Her left palm lifted to block the sun's blinding glare. Blinking hard, she felt a cold solid surface in her right hand. _The coin! Sam!_ Tossing the blanket to the side, she forced her eyes completely open and scrambled to her feet.

The cardinal stood on the same branch, with open eyes, staring down at her. Renee met his gaze directly. "So which way now?"

The cardinal tilted his head, but remained in place. "Well?" Renee pried. "Let's get going. I've gotta find Sam."

The bird's small beak opened, releasing a series of almost musical whistles. As the sound grew louder, echoing across the forest, Renee's mouth gaped open. _How is he doing that?_

As the thought crossed her mind, his beak snapped shut and the sound ceased entirely. Nothing moved. All the rustling of life in the forest stopped, replaced by total silence. Renee's body froze in place, as her eyes drifted across the still woods.

Suddenly, the ground started trembling. The rumble grew harder into a violent shaking. Renee's body shifted with the movement as she struggled to keep her balance. Behind her, the massive boulder rocked wildly.

With a pounding heart, Renee followed her automatic reaction, , instantly jumping and half stumbling away from the shifting rock. Glancing up, she saw the bird calmly perched on his wobbling branch. A loud rattle drew her wide eyes back toward the boulder. Large cracks spread from its center to the outer edges. Crumbling beneath the pressure, it erupted into a cloud of dust. Instantly, the trembling stopped.

Coughing heavily, Renee swatted the floating particles away from her face. Bits of dirt flew into her open eyes, forcing her to blink rapidly. "Ah!" As the cloud gradually cleared, Renee rubbed her eyelids, wiping away the excess moisture and trapped dust.

With her vision returning to normal, Renee glanced up where the boulder had rested. Her jaw gaped open. _Whoa, I've never seen a cave like this..._

Only its walls and ceiling consisted of a brown, stony surface. Red and white floral rugs lined the floor. One crossed into a hallway to the right of the cavern's mouth. Another went straight back into the cave. On the far left side, an intricately carved wooden staircase led to a balcony with black metal railing lining its edges. At the end of the balcony, barely visible from Renee's current position, stood a white door with a glimmering silver handle.

The cardinal flew to the balcony's railing and perched there. He cocked his head and let out a brief whistle.

"You knew this was here, huh?" Renee's lips curled upward. _Wait, Sam didn't though_... _the entrance was completely blocked by the boulder._ Her smile fell. _Then again, this is my only possible lead to finding civilization._ _Maybe I can find some adult help, get Sam, and then we can both go back home._ Renee's brows furrowed. _Do I actually want to go home?_

The bird chirped again, drawing Renee's attention. "Don't worry, I'm coming..." She stepped toward the cave, crunching leaves loudly beneath her shoes.

Entering the cavern, her eyes spun toward the hallway on the right. The red and white rug running down it faded into complete blackness, blocking any view of what rested beyond. _Hm...I wonder what's down there..._

Her heart pounded faster, but she ignored it and turned toward the dark passage. Slowly, she took a step forward. _What is that?_ Renee tried to focus on the distant shape as she walked toward it. _It's...it's moving._ She took another step.

Chirping sounded from the other end of the cavern, causing Renee to look back. The red cardinal still sat atop the railing, flapping his wings wildly. Glancing back down the corridor, the odd shape was gone. Renee squinted her eyes, but saw no sign of it. _That's weird..._ A shiver ran up her spine. As she slowly backed away, the bird's chirping stopped.

Returning to the sunlit area of the cavern, Renee's eyes shifted toward the feathered friend above. "You don't like that hall, do you, little guy?" He released a short whistle. "Yeah, I didn't think so..." Renee smiled. Looking down at her feet, she slowly stepped onto the wooden staircase. She now noticed intricate carvings of animals lining every step. The bottom steps displayed a plethora of small critters, including frogs, lizards, birds, and squirrels. The animals got larger as she ascended. Etched into the middle stairs were dogs, wolves, foxes, deer, and more. As she drew closer toward the top, there were images of giraffes, elephants, hippos, and even whales. Renee paused on the last step. This one had only three images on it. In the center, on a peak, stood a massive tiger. On each of his sides, stood a man and a woman. _Hm...why is a tiger on a higher step than the elephants?_ Renee scratched the back of her head before taking the final step.

Standing in front of the white door, she glanced at the cardinal who was watching her intently. "Well, here goes nothing..." Drawing in a deep breath, she grasped the handle and slowly turned the knob.

## 7. INDEPENDENT WOMAN

### Ms. Morrison

"Now class, line up, recess is over." Ms. Morrison smiled as her pupils scrambled into line at her command.

When the twenty-seven year old teacher first returned to her home town to teach, she was met by an unorganized mess. The children were disrespectful, late to class and often cruel to one another. Her strict and rigid ways did not go over too smoothly at first.

Looking at them now, as they rushed toward her and filed into formation, she couldn't keep herself from smiling. They were now obedient, respectful students who almost always arrived on time. _I'm so proud of them._ A tear started to form in her eye, but was interrupted by the frantic waving of her pupil, Billy.

"Yes, Billy, what is your request?"

The boy's eyes widened as he fidgeted in place. "Ms. Morrison...I needa go to the bathroom."

Ms. Morrison held back a chuckle, maintaining her composure. "Well, why did you not go to the restroom during recess?"

Billy twirled his fingers together, his face now pointed towards the ground. "I don't know..."

Ms. Morrison stood perfectly still, allowing the silence to stretch on a moment. Looking up from Billy, she addressed the entire class. "Okay everyone, in our march we will pass the restrooms and anyone who needs to use the facilities may do so when I say 'release.' Are there any questions?"

"No ma'am!" chirped the voices of fifteen children.

Half turning toward her assistant, Ms. Morrison continued speaking to the class. "Now, Ms. Wilkins will be waiting outside the restrooms. I expect you all to line up properly for her and show her your respect." Turning around, she gave the signal to start the procession back into class, "March."

All of the thirty small feet began pounding on the ground, following in a nearly perfect formation.

***

Back in the classroom, Ms. Morrison reached for her lesson plan. She scanned over the remaining contents for the day. Her eyes drifted toward a small note:

Friday, October 23:

Hacker's Forest field trip

She swallowed hard and closed her eyes. _You can do this. You are a strong, independent woman...Am I though?_

Ms. Morrison bit her lip. _Maybe I should talk to Principal Herbert..._ Memories of their previous interactions filled her mind. The man's stern demeanor had found a kindred spirit in her, after all. _I can't tell him everything of course...but maybe..._ She rubbed her temple. _Safety risks, of course! I can explain the dynamics of a large forest are simply too dangerous for the children...it's logical and relatively factual...perfect!_

The sound of tromping feet and light giggles floated down the hallway. Ms. Morrison watched as the students poured through the door one-by-one, immediately taking their seats, all except for one. As Danny entered the classroom, he walked straight over to the hamster cage and started taunting the critter with a small crumb.

"Danny Whitfield, what do you think you are doing?"

"Nothing, Ms. Morrison" The 3rd grader sneered.

"Well, you have three seconds to return to your seat. One..." Danny did not move. "Two..." _Hm...Perhaps I'll have him sit alone in the corner for the remainder of class..._

Just as her mouth opened again, Danny rushed to his seat.

"Very well, then."

The last of the students trickled in, followed closely by Ms. Wilkins. The assistant's face was flush, as she released a sigh of relief.

"Ms. Wilkins, I must see the principal immediately. Can you complete the lesson plan for the afternoon?"

The color drained from the woman's face, but she forced a weak smile. "Yes..." She eked out with a timid tone.

"Wonderful!" Ms. Morrison's voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned in close, "Do not mention anything about the field trip next week."

Ms. Wilkins' brow lifted slightly, but she nodded her head.

"Now class, will you be respectful and obey Ms. Wilkins for me?"

"Yes ma'am!" chirped fifteen young voices.

Smiling, Ms. Morrison spun and walked calmly into the hall, toward Principal Herbert's office.

## 8. DARK PIT

### Emily

"There...that should help..." Ethan flashed his pearly whites as he finished wrapping the sling around Emily's cast.

"Thank you..." Emily smiled back before scanning the room. "Where'd Lucy go?"

"Who knows..." Ethan shrugged. "She has a habit of disappearing."

_And apparently one for trapping people in cages too..._ "It seems she has a lot of odd habits..." Emily mumbled.

"What was that?"

Emily ignored his question as her own brows furrowed. "So where is this place anyway and how on earth did I even get here?"

"Lucy didn't explain?"

She shook her head.

"Whew..." The doctor let out a puff of air. "Okay, where to start...Well, first off, you're in Luthania. The city itself is magical, really...a place where all your desires become realities..." Ethan paused, rubbing the back of his neck. His mouth opened and closed several times.

"Okay...and _how_ did I get here?"

Letting his hand fall to his side, he drew in a deep breath. "Well...that's the complicated part. You see, there are many different ways to end up here...and..." Again, he paused for several seconds before a smile flashed across his face. "Tell you what, why don't I just show you around? Maybe grab a bite to eat?" His dark brow lifted, as a half smile crossed his face.

_Is he asking me out?_ An image of Kyle flashed through her mind, his shaggy blonde hair and goofy grin instantly pasted in her memory.

"I have a boyfriend!"

" _Okay_...where?" Ethan motioned his head around the empty room and then chuckled.

"Look, I really appreciate your help with my arm and all..." Emily started backing out of the room. "...but I should probably go...um...find Lucy." She was through the doorway and briskly walking down the hall in no time.

"Please, wait, there's so much..."

His words quickly faded and the thudding of her steps was soon the only sound. Stopping, she looked back. There was no sign of the doctor. _Hm...I guess he got the hint..._

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something on her left side. Turning toward it, her eyes drifted straight to a wooden ladder resting on the far side of an empty room.

_Why store a single ladder in an empty room?_ Her eyes glanced down the hall on her left and then her right. She was alone. Slowly, she stepped into the room. She could now see the top of the ladder, nearly three stories up. At its peak rested a balcony that surrounded the entire room. White railing lined the edges. _Hm...so doctor Ethan, what're you hiding up there?_

Walking up to the ladder, Emily felt her heart beating faster. Stretching out her right hand, she allowed her fingertips to run along its surface. _Well, it's definitely real...no question about that..._

Biting her lip, she glanced back again. There was still no sign of life behind her. Reaching up with her good arm, she gripped the first rung tightly. _It feels solid..._ Clinging to it, she placed her feet one and then the other on the lower steps. Leaning her weight into the ladder, she released her hand and quickly grabbed a higher rung. Tediously, she continued moving upward.

As she reached the halfway mark, her speed increased. Reaching for another rung, her grip slipped. _Ah!_ Her heart pounded as her hand flailed, grabbing at the air. Just as her weight started to topple, she grasped the rung, pulling her body close to the ladder. Sweat beaded on her brow as she drew in short, rapid breaths. Glancing down, she swallowed hard. _That was way too close..._ She remained still several seconds while her breathing slowed. Looking up, she counted the beams separating her from the top. _Okay, just eight more to go...come on, Em...you can do this._ Sucking in a deep breath and keeping her eyes on the very next rung, she slowly moved upward. _Six..._ She could feel a burning in her right arm, but she ignored the pain. _Seven...last one..._ As she lifted herself up and over the last rung, her body toppled onto the balcony's floor. She continued lying there a moment, allowing her heartbeat and breathing to slow.

Suddenly a whistle hissed beside her. Forcing her body into an upright, seated position, Emily's eyes widened. Toys surrounded her on all sides. Wooden rocking horses, building blocks, action figures, plastic skates, stuffed animals and BB guns littered the floor. Toy cars zoomed by on a gridded road pattern and an electronic train chimed past her, circling the entire balcony. _Is that real smoke coming from its chimney? How is that possible?_ Emily scratched the top of her head. As her eyes fell on a single doll, she froze in place. It was hand stitched with strings of red yarn coming out of the top for hair. "Dolly?" _It can't be..._

Reaching out, she plucked it up. Taking in a deep breath, she flipped it over, allowing her eyes to slowly drift to the back of its left leg. Partially down, there rested five small stitches in a lime green thread. _'Sorry, sweetheart, green is all I have left...'_ Recalling her mother's words, Emily felt a chill run up her spine.. Lifting her eyes... _a face!_ "Ahh!"

Emily scrambled back, dropping the doll and losing her footing. Time slowed. Her feet shifted beneath her as her body toppled backward. Her eyes could see the inevitable three story drop below, as her arms flailed wildly in the air.

Instantly, a hand wrapped beneath the small of her back. Ethan's face came into focus as he pulled her close, his lips only inches away from her own. His blue eyes gazed into hers as he slowly slipped his hand away and took a step back. "I...I didn't mean to scare you..."

Emily's breathing was still heavy as her head swirled. Looking down, there was no sign of the doll she'd just been holding. Her hand flew up to her chest, as her eyes veered across the floor. It was nowhere in sight.

"I'm sorry, I should probably go..." Ethan took another step back.

"Wait..." _Where's he going to go anyway? This is his house..._ Emily shook her head. "How'd you get up here so fast?"

Ethan smiled brightly. "That's what I was trying to explain earlier...this house, this entire city...its tricks and wonders...they're so incredible, so mind boggling..."

_Did he just say mind boggling?_ Emily's brows furrowed.

"They just have to be experienced..."

Emily's eyes met his own directly. The blue pools were glistening. _He's genuinely enthralled...is that it? Maybe he just doesn't get a lot of visitors...but then..._ "Why all the toys?"

"Excuse me?" Ethan's smile dropped. Emily motioned open palms to the room surrounding them.

Ethan chuckled. Running his fingers through his hair, he looked down toward the floor. "I guess some of us never really grow up..."

_Okay so he's a bit of an immature guy...finally something that makes sense..._ She chuckled. "Fair enough."

"So, want me to show you around Luthania?"

"Eh, why not? When in Rome..."

Ethan's brow lifted.

"It's just a saying..."

"Oh, okay..." Ethan smiled again. "Well, first order of business, let me show you an easier...and _safer_...way down from here." Ethan walked toward a massive, wooden horse jutting out of the wall. Leaning down by its front leg, he pushed in a small knob. The wooden belly popped out and slid up, revealing a dark pit beneath it. Emily eyed the small space. _It can't be more than two feet tall, if even that..._ She gulped. Ethan's head cocked toward her and then back toward the darkness. "I can go first if you want?"

Crossing her arms, Emily nodded. "Yeah...I think that'd be a good idea..."

Ethan shrugged. "Works for me..." He lowered himself into a seated position in front of the pitch black entrance before glancing back with a smile. "See you on the other side." Pushing off the edge, he disappeared into the pit.

Clicks and clacks sounded from the depths, quickly replaced by silence. Emily leaned over the darkness. "Ethan?" She eked. There was no response. "Ethan!" She yelled.

"I'm fine! Come on down!"

Emily stared at the square of blackness as she started pacing. _Sure, right, just come through this incredibly tiny hole fit for a child, no big deal...it's just a dark pit that's narrow beyond all belief...no problem at all!_ As her feet stilled in front of the hole, she held the side of her face.

"Are you coming?" Ethan's voice yelled from below.

"Just a second!" Letting her hand fall, Emily got into position in front of the hole. Her heart thumped faster as sweat permeated beneath her arms. _Just do it, Em...You've got this..._ Drawing in a deep breath, she pushed herself off the edge.

## 9. WELCOME

Renee

"Wow!" Looking through the doorway, Renee saw a staircase with fog resting above each step, leading down toward a valley below. As her eyes followed the path, she saw white, puffy clouds hanging over a crystalline lake. Round huts surrounded the water with an adjacent dock. Some of them hovered over the edge of the wooden platform. Renee squinted to identify supporting beams that stretched out from the water's surface.

Above the lake, three pooled levels of water stacked along a steep hillside. Down the center flowed a roaring stream. It looks like a water slide!

Looking down, Renee lightly placed her right foot on the first step. Her shoe disappeared a few inches into the fog and then met a firm surface below. It's solid!

As Renee made her way down the stairs and toward the village, the cardinal followed behind her, chirping lightly. "Yeah, yeah, little guy, you were right." Renee smiled.

An image Sam flashed through Renee's mind. "I hope someone here can help me find him."

Whistles drifted up toward Renee's ears, from trees on both her sides of the valley below. Wow, there are lots of birds here... To her right, two wolf pups playfully wrestled, growling lightly. Butterflies fluttered through the air, filling the sky with a variety of colors.

As Renee drew close to the first hut, she slowed to a walking pace. Bamboo shoots stretched up nearly ten feet tall, forming the building's walls. At the top, Renee could barely see a mossy material lining the roofs.

Her eyes immediately shifted as a massive blue and black butterfly flew past her. Her neck craned back as she watched as it gracefully ascended higher and higher into the sky. "Wow...it's as big as my head!"

A light chuckle caused Renee's head to snap downward. A woman stood in front of her, by the hut's entrance.

"They're quite incredible." The woman's tone was gentle, as a wide smile spread across her face. Golden blonde hair followed around her heart-shaped face. Her green eyes and olive skin glistened in the sunlight.

Is her skin actually sparkling? Renee's head cocked to the side. No, well...not literally, is it?

"What's your name?"

Renee remained silent, standing in place. The woman cocked her head to the side, mimicking the girl's pose as she chuckled. Renee straightened her posture as red flushed across her cheeks.

"Oh, no, there's no need to be embarrassed..." The woman's eyes scanned Renee from top to bottom, drifting over her bruised head and mud coated clothing. Her smile fell. "You poor thing..."

She actually cares?

The woman took a step toward her as the gentle smile returned. She stretched her arms and open palms out wide. "Come here, child..."

She does...she does care. Liquid surfaced in Renee's eyes. She pushed her weakened legs forward as she fell into the embrace. The woman gently wrapped her arms around her, holding her close. Warmth spread over Renee's body as tears poured from her eyes. The woman did not speak or move; she simply embraced her. Renee's body trembled as thoughts of Sam and her parents filled her mind. Liquid poured down her cheeks, dripping onto the woman's clothing. Renee eked out a small sound, preparing to apologize, but the woman's voice came first. "Sshh...It's okay. It's okay. Let out all that pain." She gently rubbed her hand over Renee's hair. Ah...just like mom always does... The tears poured out and this time Renee didn't try to stop them. Time vanished around her as the woman continued holding her till the final tear slipped down her cheek. Renee sniffled, lifting her hand to wipe her dripping nose. As she released her grip and stepped back, the woman wiped away the liquid trail from Renee's cheek. "There..." Her soft green eyes met Renee's own. "Everything is going to be okay now..."

I believe her. Renee smiled as she rubbed her eyes. The woman smiled back at her. "Welcome to Neveah."

## 10. THE CATCH

### Emily

Darkness surrounded Emily as her body rushed down a smooth surface. It jerked her to the left and then the right. Her heart skipped a beat as her body whipped further to the left. As a growing speckle of light appeared, her bottom plopped onto a rough surface. "Ow!"

Ethan stood beside her, laughing. Emily glared up at him through the curtain of her tangled locks, instantly stopping his chuckles. Clearing his throat, he stretched out an open hand toward her. "Sorry...should've warned you about that..."

"You think?" Emily's brows scrunched together as she waved away his hand. Using her good arm, she pushed herself to her knees before slowly standing up. On her feet, she pulled and pushed her hair back into position, fiddling with statically charged ones near the front.

Ethan's lips curled upward. "I actually know a great stylist...in case you're interested..."

"Oh, really?" Emily nodded her head rapidly.

" _Yeah_..." Ethan's smile dropped.

"So, let me get this straight. First..." She lifted her pointer finger. "...you send me down your slide of doom only to let me plop onto gravel and now you're insulting my hair? Who do you think you are?" Emily's nostrils flared out as her hand clenched into a fist.

"Whoa..." Ethan lifted open palms. "Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot here. I'll admit my understanding of the female mind and its inner workings are limited...to say the least..."

_No joke..._ Emily crossed her arms just below her chest.

"I've just known a few...maybe a handful of women...who enjoy salon pampering...and well, with all the stress of this new and, admittedly, , somewhat strange place, I thought perhaps it could help you relax and enjoy yourself?" Tilting his head down and toward her, Ethan produced a weak half smile.

"Oh..." Emily let her arms fall to her sides. _Maybe he's not so bad after all..._ Just then, her stomach released a loud grumbling.

"How about we just start with some food for now...food is safe, right?" Ethan's lips lifted and lowered multiple times.

Emily chuckled, nodding her head. "Yeah, food sounds great..."

"Okay, right this way..." Ethan's hand motioned a direction as he walked that way.

As she followed him, Emily's eyes wandered across the surrounding scenery. The simplistic white house rested directly in front of her. _Hm...something's different about it..._ She looked at it closely. The navy blue shutters, white picket fence, and green grass all remained the same. _The music is missing!_ The speakers and wooden poles were nowhere in sight. _How on earth...They were right here..._

Spinning her head, she noticed Ethan was several feet ahead of her. She jogged to catch up before resuming her visual scanning. _Hm...everything else seems the same..._ Emily's eyes shifted toward her other side. _The glass house looks the same...Well, no sign of the redhead, but she probably just got bored of watching TV._

Walking further, the crunching of the gravel gave way to clacking against a cobblestone road. As a gust hit her face, Emily swooped away the dried dead ends of her hair. _Maybe a cut would do me some good...I should probably apologize...After all, he was just..._ Lifting her eyes, her focus snapped toward the buildings ahead of them. On her left, stood three townhouses with worn bricks and faded window dressings. _Wow, those must be a century old, at least!_

Further down the road a modern skyscraper towered above the city. Its lobby mimicked the house and was composed almost entirely of glass. Looking through the panes, Emily saw a single desk in the middle of a pure white room. A blonde woman sat there rapidly typing away on a lone computer. There were no decoration, no other people, just her and a single set of elevator doors tucked in the corner of the floor. _Hm...why is she all alone..._

"Hey, Ethan..."

HONK!

Emily leaped to the side as a convertible zipped past her. The car continued flying straight forward at an accelerated speed.

"Watch it!" Emily screamed. _Psh, he didn't even look back...the nerve of some people!_

"Are you alright?" Ethan's expression was solemn as his eyes scanned her up and down.

_Hm...doctor mode looks good on him..._ Emily shook away the thought. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Her eyes shifted from Ethan toward the structure behind him. New bricks, large windows, and balconies lined it from top to bottom. _Whoa...it looks so familiar..._ Emily's brows furrowed as her mind scanned through countless memories. _Hey, yeah, it's just like the postcard Kyle sent me from New York..._ Her eyes fell toward the ground. _Kyle..._

"So I seem to be on a roll today with failed warnings...The cobblestone path is actually intended for both pedestrians and cars..."

"Ah..." Emily's vision shifted over the road beneath her feet. There were no markings, painted lines, or even a difference in material. "So how's a person supposed to know where it's safe to walk?"

"Well, most citizens of Luthania are more considerate. That _gentleman_..." Ethan's jaw tightened. "...He...uh...transferred from another town. Let's just say he's having a little trouble adjusting to our..." Ethan's expression went blank as he stared ahead. Emily shifted, following his gaze. She barely caught a glimpse of a white outfit and black hair disappearing around a corner.

"Who was that?"

"Huh, what?"

"The woman that went around the corner..." Emily pointed. "Who was she?"

Ethan hesitated a moment before finally speaking. "I...uh...I don't know. Anyway, follow me. We're almost to the cafeteria."

"A cafeteria?" Emily lifted a brow, but Ethan didn't respond. _Guess he wasn't asking me out in the first place...that's good though, right? Is it?_ Emily rubbed the back of her neck. She continued following Ethan as he led the way in a city square. He paused and turned toward her, snapping his fingers. "Oh..." A brilliant smile flashed across his face. "In an attempt to avoid further failure...I should warn you, sometimes it gets insanely busy up ahead, so please stay close..."

Just as Ethan spoke the words, cars rushed in from every side. Convertibles, luxury trucks, and classic restored cars, all of the finest makes and models, filled the streets. Peering inside the passing vehicles, Emily noticed the drivers matched their cars. They all wore expensive sunglasses, designer purses, stylish clothes, and perfect hairstyles. _Wow...every single one of them..._ An image of Emily's beat up bug with its peeling paint and broken tail light flashed across her mind. _Hm...I don't think ole Bugsy would fit in here..._

"So...um..." Emily pursed her lips as she tilted her head from side to side.

"Yes?" Ethan paused in place, turning toward her.

"Well..." Emily bit her lip. "Is everyone here...um...rich?"

Ethan's smile widened. "You're not a great listener, are you?"

Emily shook her head. _He didn't say anything about wealth...did he?_ She struggled to remember. Ethan let the silence stretch for a moment before meeting her eyes with his own.

"When I said this place can fulfill all your desires, I was being completely serious."

Emily's brows furrowed. " _Okay_...so...what's the catch?"

Ethan's eyes glimmered. "There isn't one."

## 11. STAND STRONG

### Renee

N _eveah..._ Renee rubbed her eyes again as her brows furrowed. _I don't remember hearing that name in school..._ Renee opened her mouth, but the woman spoke first.

"You must be starving."

As the thought of food entered her mind, Renee's stomach grumbled loudly. She nodded lightly.

The woman smiled widely, shifting her head to the right. "Follow me." She turned and started walking.

_Wait, Sam!_ "Um...miss...I mean ma'am...er..." Renee bit her lip.

The woman paused, shifting back toward Renee. "Yes?"

"You're right, I'm starving...but well, I have this friend, you see. He was with me in the woods and we were being chased by this huge bear, but then...um..." _Then what?_ Renee scratched the back of her head. "Well, then, I don't know...I'm not sure what happened...I woke up in the middle of the forest and he was just...just..."

The woman leaned over, placing her hands on Renee's shoulders as she met the girl's eyes with her own. "Sweetheart, there's no need to fret..." She smiled as her hands fell back to her sides. "Sam is fine." She turned and started slowly walking.

"But..." Renee's lip trembled. _How'd she know his name? He must be here somewhere!_ Renee's eyes scanned the scenery.

The woman continued walking forward as she spoke again. "You'll see him soon, I promise. For now, follow me."

Renee released a puff of air as her stomach grumbled. "Okay...um...do you have any kind of bird food or treats too?" Renee looked around, suddenly realizing the cardinal no longer flew by her side. _Uh...where'd he go?_ Renee's eyes widened as she scanned the sky. There was no sign of the bird. _He's...he's...gone too. No, no! I can't lose another friend!_ "Little guy!" She screamed.

"Who's little guy?" The woman's brow lifted.

"He's a bird...a cardinal, that is,...bright red fellow..." Renee's hand lifted to block the sun's glaring rays as she continued looking across the sky.

The woman's head shook gently from side to side. "Poor child, do your worries ever cease?" The smile returned to her face. "Stop fretting, just follow." The woman turned for the third time and started walking away.

Renee's brows scrunched together. _Well, my worries would stop if my friends didn't keep disappearing!_ She bit her lip, keeping the thought to herself and jogged to catch up to the woman. Releasing a sigh, she allowed her eyes to wander over the surrounding scenery.

Huts lined the path on Renee's sides. Large green, palm leaves hung over the entrance of one on her left. Beside it stood one twice its height with long bamboo stretching upward of twenty feet. Renee's eyes shifted toward a man exiting the structure. A woven basket was held over his wrinkled face. He smiled and nodded toward Renee before shifting the opposite direction. _He looks so...happy..._

A light growl echoed from Renee's right side, causing her eyes to snap that direction. A wolf pup ran past her as a young boy chased after him, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm gonna get ya!" He giggled as the pair hurried down the path.

_What is it with this place? Everyone seems so...joyful. Hm...maybe there's something in the water..._ Renee rubbed the back of her neck as her eyes drifted toward the ground. _I wish I felt like that..._

"Here we are..." The woman's hand motioned toward a small hut, no more than ten feet around. Reaching toward the beads dangling in front of its entrance, she paused and turned toward Renee.

"Now Renee..."

_Did I tell her my name?_ Renee's brows furrowed.

The woman continued. "I'm going to ask something of you that may seem a little...silly." She smiled.

"Okay..."

"I want you to close your eyes and picture every delicious, healthy food you have ever eaten or wanted to try. Can you do that for me?" The green eyes sparkled.

_Weird but..._ Renee shrugged. "Okay." Slowly, Renee closed her eyes. She envisioned giant strawberries, juicy, round peaches, golden, brown potatoes, and roasted chicken.

"Oh, one other thing..." The woman paused. "Please refrain from thoughts of meats..."

_What? No meat! Is this lady crazy?_ Renee opened her eyes and mouth to object. Her vision fell down toward the woman's feet. A tiger cub frolicked around her legs, chased by a pure white lamb. The tiger cub peered around the woman's left leg as the lamb hurried around her right. Switching directions, the cub caught the lamb off guard, gently pawing at its ear before scampering off. The cub paused, looking back at the unmoving lamb. As the white ball of fur shifted into motion, the tiger rushed off again.

"Neveah is very different from your home land..."

Renee instantly became aware of her dangling jaw. She snapped it shut. _Yeah, different...sure...more like surreal!_

"Try again?" The woman's voice gently encouraged.

Renee nodded, closing her eyes again. _Okay, no meat, no meat..._ Again, she pictured strawberries and peaches. Her mind drifted to a memory of her mother's friend. The vegetarian woman had invited them to try her veggie burgers. _Those were delicious!_ Renee added them to her imagined list. Slices of cheese pizza filled her mind. _Well, that's not healthy though..._ Renee bit her lip. She envisioned corn on the cob, green beans, fried okra, and more. As other foods rushed into her mind, Renee felt her stomach's growling increase. She could suddenly smell the imagined foods tickling at her nose.

"Okay...that should do it. You can open your eyes now."

Renee followed the instructions just as the woman pulled back the string of beads. Looking inside, Renee's eyes widened. The interior of the structure stretched at least thirty feet back. Renee's eyes glanced from the exterior and back in again. _That's...that's impossible!_ Her eyes snapped toward the center of the room. A long table filled the space, topped with every food she had envisioned and more. "Wow..." Renee licked her lips. Her eyes glanced toward the woman.

She smiled brilliantly as her free hand motioned inside the hut. "Go ahead..."

Renee rushed inside, grabbing a plate off the table's far end. She started layering it with food. Grabbing a peach in one hand, she took a massive bite. She instantly froze in place. _Oh, wow! This is the best peach I've ever tasted..._ She slowly chewed the chunk, allowing its sweet nectar to slip down her throat.

Clutching the round object in one hand, Renee finished filling her plate and scanned the room for an empty table. Finding one, she rushed to sit down, prepared to engulf the food. Biting into a strawberry, she had to pause again. _Oh, goodness, even the strawberries taste perfect!_ Renee gently chewed the bite, allowing it to slide into her grumbling stomach. She reached for the corn on the cob and crunched into its yellow surface. The flavor filled her mouth as her jaw slowly lifted and closed. _All this food is incredible! I've never tasted anything like it!_

When her plate was half devoured, Renee leaned back and drew in a deep breath. Her stomach's growling had already ceased moments ago. _Wow, I'm already full..._ Renee's eyes drifted toward the remaining green beans, potatoes and a large section of a veggie burger. A scowl formed on her face.

"What troubles you?" The woman's green eyes were gentle as she approached Renee's side.

"Well..." Renee's eye drifted from the remaining food back toward the woman. "It's just...my parents always tell me to finish my plate...not to waste a single shred..." Renee bit her lip. "I'm just so full though..." Renee dropped her eyes. _'Hun, there are starving children who would gladly slave all day just for the scraps most people throw away. We need to be thankful and appreciate all we have...'_ As the words of Renee's mother rang through her mind, she lifted her fork and opened her mouth, prepared to force the food down.

"Wait..." Even in the dim interior lighting, the woman's eyes sparkled brilliantly. "I am glad you wish to honor the advice of your parents. I am certain they established this rule with the best of intentions. However, here in Neveah, we have a different solution." A wide smile stretched across her face. "Grab your plate...I want to show you something." The woman walked toward the far corner of the room. Renee hastily stood and followed her.

Stopping in front of a large hole in the wall, the woman turned back to her, stretching out her hand. "May I see your plate?" Renee's brow lifted, but she handed it over. The woman took the fork and slowly scrapped off the remaining food through the opening in the wall. From her short stance, Renee could only see trees straight through the gap. _So where's the food going? Just onto the grass below..._ Renee sniffed the air. Only the scent of the room's fresh food met her nose. _Hm...there's no rotting smell._

The woman turned, placing the plate under a waterfall sink where it instantly rinsed. Setting it on top of the stack of clean dishes, she turned back toward Renee, as one corner of her mouth lifted. "Would you like to see where it went?"

_Are you a mind reader?_ Renee nodded.

The woman smiled as she walked toward the hut's exit. Stepping outside, she turned toward the right before disappearing around the next corner. Renee scurried behind her. As she rounded the corner, a set of gradually descending stairs wrapped around to the back of the hut. A white fog hung over each step. _Hm...just like the ones I came down from..._ The woman gracefully descended the steps as a variety of noises tickled Renee's ears. _Is that..._ Renee followed her lead, plopping onto each stair. Rounding the final corner, she froze in place.

Directly in front of her rested a giant trough, filled with food. Above it, Renee could see the hut's gap in the wall. Her eyes quickly shifted back down. Surrounding the trough was a variety of wildlife. Tigers, giraffes, elephants, penguins, wolves, cats, dogs, and more all ate from the same trough. Barks, roars, chirps, grunts, and bleats all rang loudly against Renee's ears. The woman approached one of the giraffes, craning her head back toward him. The animal leaned his face down toward her.

_Is she...whispering to him?_ Renee rubbed the back of her neck. _Maybe I'm not so crazy after all...or at least I'm not the only one._ Renee chuckled to herself, as red blurred across the top of her vision. Her eyes veered up toward the sky as a red bird swooped down. "Little guy!" A wide smile stretched across Renee's face. The cardinal chirped as he came to a gentle landing on Renee's shoulder. Renee craned her neck to face him. "Well, hello there...officially, that is..." Renee giggled.

Another sound resonated above all others. _It sounds like something massive rushing through the air..._ All the animal sounds immediately ceased as their faces turned toward the sky. The cardinal flapped off Renee's shoulder and landed on the woman's arm. She gently pulled him close to her chest, whispering to him. _Oh, boy...I should have known this was all too good to be true...there's always a catch..._ Renee sighed.

"My dear, there is no catch, simply an enemy." The woman's eyes met Renee's own. Renee opened and shut her mouth. _How am I supposed to react to that? She really is a mind reader..._ Renee gulped, allowing her eyes to drift toward the sky.

Discovering the source of the noise, Renee's eyes widened as her heart pounded in her chest. A massive ball of flames flew through the air. It vanished from sight, blocked by the hut's roof. _It was headed straight for the forest..._ Renee gulped as her eyes shifted. All the creatures still looked upward. None of them moved or made a sound.

Again, the same sound echoed through the air. Renee glanced up as another ball of flames drew closer with every second. _It's heading straight for us! Run!_ Renee's feet shifted as her heart pounded. A gentle, yet firm pressure met her arm, forcing her to pause. It was the woman's hand grasping her. Her eyes met Renee's own directly. "Stand strong."

_Stand strong? You really are crazy! We're about to get burned alive!_ Renee's heart raced as she squirmed for freedom. The woman instantly released her grip.

Renee bolted toward the bottom of the hut. Curling into a small ball, she covered her head with her hands. Closing her eyes, she braced for impact. _Oh God, here it comes!_

## 12. HATE

### Emily

A perfume of foods radiated through the cafeteria doors. _Yum..._ Emily sniffed hard as her stomach grumbled louder.

Ethan pulled the black metal handle, motioning with his left hand. "Ladies first..."

Stepping inside, Emily's eyes widened. Trays of food lined the wall on her left and the one straight ahead. Chrome heating fixtures rested above every dish, illuminating spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, casseroles, potatoes, and multiple dessert platters. _Wow...talk about the ultimate buffet!_ Emily felt her mouth watering as she turned toward Ethan. "So, where do I get a plate?"

"Right over here..." Ethan walked to the right corner of the room where a pile of clean dishes were stacked halfway up the wall. Emily grabbed a plate, and fork as her feet scurried toward the food trays. _Hm...some pasta...why not the garlic bread too?_ She shifted down the row. _Oh, mashed potatoes are a must...and some pizza..._ She paused a moment. _Goodness how many calories..._ Her stomach growled again. _Who cares, I'll work it off later...Hmm, hello, chocolate cake!_ She nearly squealed as she placed the gigantic slice on her plate.

Rushing toward the nearest table, she sat down and started engulfing the food. _Hm...so delicious! Oh, some of that..._ Her fork prodded a noodle, lifting it to her mouth and then reaching back for more.

Her mouth suddenly felt dry. Leaving the plate behind, she scurried up to grab a cup with her good arm. Approaching the drink fountain, her fingers flickered from the diet to regular soda options. _Hey, when in Rome...I'm basically on vacation, after all..._ She pushed the button for regular.

Returning to the table, she continued scarfing down food. Half her plate was gone when she heard Ethan's voice. "Hungry, huh?" He chuckled as he sat down with his own platter.

Emily struggled to chew down the massive bite in her mouth, swallowing hard. Reaching for her glass, she took a sip of the sweet soda. _Ah...sugar, how I've missed you..._ Ethan was just watching her. _Did he ask me something...Oh!_ "Yeah, sorry..." She lifted the napkin on the table, wiping her lips. Her eyes shifted to Ethan's untouched food as her mouth twisted. "Am I grossing you out?"

"You couldn't gross me out if you tried." He winked as he lifted his own fork.

_So he is flirting with me now...now, while I'm devouring a small village?_ Emily lifted a half smile. She let it drop as she slowly took another bite.

_Wait, why do I care anyway? Kyle, Emily! Think about Kyle._ Her mind drifted to a memory of their last dinner date. _'Babe, no, you've gotta do it like this...'_ He had slowly lifted the lemon slice to his lips, carefully eyeing it from every angle. At the last second, he bit hard into it, sending juice flying from his mouth. Lifting his lips in a wide smile, he revealed the fruit's yellow skin. _'Tada!'_ She could almost hear him laughing with her the whole way home. _Gosh, I miss him..._

"Where'd you go?"

Emily's eyes snapped up to see Ethan's head tilted toward her. "Oh, I was just zoning off..." They both continued eating in silence. "It's time for a second plate!" Emily leaped up and filled another platter with food.

Just as she sat down again, Ethan stood up. "My turn..." He said, flashing his pearly whites. Emily continued eating at a steady pace as her mind drifted. _Okay, Em, it's thinking cap time...so Ethan said all my desires can be fulfilled here...which sounds pretty great, but is it true?...either way, I'm missing the most important factor...Kyle...okay so, maybe, if I can just get a car, I'll find my way home, get Kyle and then bring him back here...should be simple enough..._ Her eyes drifted toward her empty, filthy plate as her stomach grumbled again. Ethan approached the table with only a small slice of lasagna.

"So, who does the dishes around here anyway?" Emily's brow lifted.

Ethan swallowed his bite before looking up at her. "The night crew..."

"Ah ha!" Emily snapped her fingers. "So there is a catch?"

Ethan shook his head as he finished chewing. "No, not for citizens...The night crew consists of...non-residents..." He lifted his lips before looking down at his platter.

"Non-residents, huh...You mean like me?"

Ethan's fork dropped with a clink as his eyes widened and his jaw set in place. "No, absolutely not! You're nothing like them." His jaw tightened as his eyes drifted away from her.

"How so?" Emily pried, keeping her focus on him.

Ethan met her gaze directly. "You're not our enemy." He released a breath as his muscles relaxed. "You're our guest." The familiar smile flashed over his lips.

Didn't seem that way arriving in a cage...

"But that's not what Lucy's men thought, is it?"

"Most of those brutes are utter fools; pay no mind to them..." Ethan plucked up another bite just as Emily's stomach growled again. _Oh, shut up, you've had enough!_ "If you're still hungry, please don't go without for my sake."

"Oh, no...actually this is the most I've eaten at once in...well, years..."

"Ah, it's the food then...say, how old are you, anyway? If you don't mind me asking, that is..." Ethan took another bite.

"I'm eighteen...today actually..." _What's he mean it's the food...it's not like I've never eaten junk food before..._

"No way! Happy Birthday!" He paused with the last bite mid-air on his fork. "Hm...guess it's not off to a very fun start though, huh?"

Emily shook her head. "So what did you mean about the food?"

"Oh...it's just...unique...takes a little time to adjust." Ethan smiled. "Hey, I've got an idea, how about some shopping time for the birthday girl?"

_Did he say shopping?_ Emily's head leaned toward him. "Where?"

"The mall, of course..." Ethan shrugged his shoulders, chewing his final bite.

"There's a mall here?" Emily's brow lifted. _That does sound like fun...could be informative too..._

Ethan set his fork on top of his plate. "Come on, I'll show you."

Ethan led the way out, holding the door open on their exit. As they resumed their walk down the cobblestone road, Emily's eyes wandered toward a building on her right. _Ha! It looks like a giant egg._ The structure was an off white oblong shape standing two stories high. Emily looked closer, noticing there were no visible windows or openings of any form. _Hm...maybe there's a door around the back...surely it's not just for decoration. Whoa!_

Her eyes ventured to the neighboring building. On the wall closest to her, stood a statue of a raptor. Scratch marks littered the wall where the creature's claws sunk into it. Every scale and wrinkle of the animal was precisely placed. _It looks so real...as though he just paused mid-climb...and his eyes..._ Emily felt a chill crawl up her spine. _He's staring right at me..._ Gulping, she shifted her eyes toward another sculpture at the front of the building.

An enormous tiger stood on its hind legs with a gaping mouth. Glass shards poked around his head and front left paw, bridging the gap between the building's interior and exterior. _Wow, it looks like he just shattered through the wall...how did they manipulate the glass like that?_

Emily's eyes ventured down to the structure's doors, resting between the tiger's hind legs. Black, metal rings circled the animal's paws and disappeared further into the building. _Are those cuffs...and chains?_ Scratching the top of her head, Emily now noticed the exterior paws displayed the same circular metal, only these ones had broken, dangling ends of chains. _Oh so he's trying to break free...but he's still trapped._ Emily's mouth curled downward.

"Hey, Ethan..."

"Yeah?" He paused, turning to follow her line of sight.

"What is that place?"

"Well, the zoo of course...you couldn't tell?" He chuckled before resuming his slow walking pace.

"Hm..." _Eh, it's just a statue after all...not like he's really in pain...still aren't zoos supposed to be fun places for kids?_ Emily shook her head as the plodding of her feet resumed. As the building's final side came into focus, it revealed half of a black plaster horse with crumbling concrete surrounding his stomach. The horse's nostrils flared out and his mouth gaped open. _Goodness, even the horse looks like he's in pain...hm...maybe that's the point, numb people with striking images so the zoo's tiny enclosures suddenly don't seem so bad...wow...that's actually quite brilliant, but also incredibly twisted..._ Emily's scowl deepened.

"Tada!"

Emily spun to see Ethan waving a hand in front of a massive white brick building. Her eyes ventured toward the building's entrance.

"Why are there bars on the doors?"

"Security, of course..." Ethan shrugged, maintaining his smile.

Emily eyed the thick, steel bars. _They have to be at least three inches thick..._ "From what?"

Ethan's lips fell. "I don't want to talk about it...Now, do you want to shop or what?"

Emily's arms crossed over her chest as a crease formed on her brow. "No, not until I get some answers. What are you so afraid of anyway?"

Ethan's face reddened as his jaw tightened. "Look, if you're so curious about the other side, why don't you go cross the boundary yourself..." He waved his hand toward his left side, Emily's right. "Just don't come crying back to me when they..." Veering his eyes toward the ground, he swallowed hard as his biceps flexed automatically.

"What? What are they going to do...put me in a cage?"

Ethan's eyes snapped up. "You'd beg them for such a kindness!" Pulling his eyes from her, he drew in a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "You really want to know?"

Emily let her arms fall to her sides as she nodded. "I have to..."

Ethan gulped, keeping his eyes on the ground. "Their prisons are not made of brick or steel. They go straight for the gold...straight for the mind. They'll taunt you with ideas of hope and love...They'll draw you in, bring you close...and then..." He lifted his eyes to meet hers. "Slowly, one by one, they'll remove every pleasure, every freedom, everything that makes you human...before long..." He swallowed. "You'll be one of them...nothing but an empty, mindless zombie, all the while drifting through life with a false sense of purpose..." He sneered. "Purpose...right!"

"So that's why you hate them..." Emily's right hand reached up to rub her temple. _It still doesn't explain why the bars are so excessively thick though..._ Her eyes shifted toward Ethan who was presently rubbing the back of his neck. _That's probably enough pushing it for now..._

"Okay then..." Emily forced a half smile. "Well, are you going to take this birthday girl shopping or what?"

A small smile stretched across Ethan's lips as his head tilted back. Releasing a puff of air, he lowered it again. "You know, shopping actually sounds wonderful."

"Whoa, never thought I'd hear a man say that!" Emily chuckled.

## 13. PAIN

### Renee

The seconds stretched on as Renee's breath came in short, rapid bursts. Her body trembled, but her hands remained over her head.

Nothing happened. There were no squeals or screams. Everything remained quiet. _My skin doesn't feel on fire..._

Drawing in a deep breath, she slowly removed her hand to open one eye. The woman and animals all remained in place, calmly watching the sky. _I don't understand...the flames were heading straight toward us...I'm sure of it...what...what happened?_

Renee stretched out her curled body and pushed herself to her feet. Standing beside the woman, her brows furrowed deeply. "What was that?"

The woman's emerald eyes glanced toward Renee, as a light smile spread across her lips. Without a word, she turned her attention back toward the sky.

_What kind of answer is that?_ Renee rubbed the back of her neck before craning it back toward the sky. Another fireball was heading their way. Renee gulped. _Stand strong..._ The words echoed through her mind. As the flames drew closer, her heart pounded. Her feet fidgeted in place, willing her to move. Renee gritted her teeth, forcing them to still. Her eyes watched closely, scanning every direction. _Maybe a massive water hose will turn on somewhere extinguishing the flames..._ The ball drew closer with no sigh of defense. The woman and all the creatures remained in place, motionless. Renee's body trembled, but she continued standing. Time slowed around her. The fireball was less than a hundred yards away. Renee gulped.

_Fifty yards now...it's gonna hit!_ Every muscle in Renee's body stiffened. Just then, the ball dissipated, sending sparks of light and fire spreading out across the sky. _It hit an invisible shield! Wow!_ The bits of fire spread out to the sides in the sky, but not a single spark fell down upon them. One by one the flaming sections dissipated into ash.

The clatter around resumed as every animal returned to their meals. Renee stood in place with a dangling jaw as her breathing slowed.

"Do you see now?" The woman's tone was gentle, as her soft eyes met Renee's own. "I would not have asked you to stand strong if there was any doubt about your safety."

_I should have trusted her..._ Renee's eyes shifted toward the ground. _Then again, I barely know her..._ Renee glanced up, into the woman's shining, perfect eyes. Her mind drifted back to the hug upon their meeting. _How would I have reacted to a stranger coated in mud and filth? Definitely not by greeting them with a hug...not her though, she just opened her arms and welcomed me in like a long lost daughter...lost..._ Renee gulped. "I'm sorry for not trusting you."

"Renee, do you remember what I said when you asked about your feathered friend?"

Renee's brows furrowed. "Not to worry?"

The woman's gentle smile spread across her lips as she nodded. "Indeed...I understand Neveah must seem very strange to you. The customs here are all so new. Would you like me to explain what happened a moment ago?"

Renee lifted her eyes as a wide smile pasted on her face. "Yes, please! Where'd that thing come from and what was that in the sky that blocked it? Was it a shield?"

The woman chuckled lightly. "Let's go somewhere quiet to discuss it. Follow me."

Renee instantly realized the animal noises were growing louder by the second. _Hm...I wonder if they're talking amongst themselves...'Yeah, George, did you see that last one? It's the biggest fireball I've ever seen!' 'Yes, it's a good thing our shield blocked it!'_ Renee giggled at the imagined conversation.

The woman was already strolling toward a nearby path. Renee jogged to catch up to her. "Wait!" Yelling the word, every animal turned toward her. Renee bit her lip as red rushed to the surface of her cheeks.

"What is it, my dear?" The woman waved her hand toward the animals. Their heads all turned various directions as their racket resumed.

"Sam! I still haven't seen Sam." Renee's eyes flickered from the ground, back toward the woman's eyes.

"You wish to trust me, do you not?"

"Yeah..." Renee mumbled.

"Good, then rest your racing mind and have faith. You will see Sam soon, I promise."

_She promised._ Renee smiled, nodding her head. "Okay."

"Now..." The woman's head motioned toward the noisy animals. "Let's get out of here. Come on." She stepped onto the dirt path amongst neighboring trees.

As they walked down the trail, further from the village and into the woods, Renee's mind drifted over memories of Sam. She could almost see him climbing monkey bars with her, passing hours swinging in the park, and running under her favorite tree, swinging sticks like swords. The images took a dark turn as she envisioned him sitting in the hospital. _'Hold my hand?'_ He'd whispered to her as the nurse brought out a saw. She'd grabbed his open palm willingly, watching with wide eyes as the stranger in white sawed the cast off his leg. Not long after, as they walked home from school, he'd convinced her to jog. _'Come on, I haven't run in sooo long! It'll be fun.' 'Okay...'_ She'd finally given in. She could remember the feeling of her feet pounding against the pavement as Sam smiled widely beside her. _That was such a great day!_

Renee suddenly felt the urge to run again. She let her feet fly into motion against the dirt trail, zipping past the walking woman. She pushed harder, faster. Her breathing came with ease as her heart barely pumped faster. _Wow, this is easy!_ Renee smiled to herself as her feet flew along the path. A faint noise echoed from behind her. _What's she saying? She must be way back there!_ Renee pushed on, further ahead. Suddenly, the woman's steps sounded right behind her.

"Stop!" Panic resonated in the typically calm voice. Renee glanced back at her. The woman's arms stretched out toward her. Grasping Renee's hand, she jerked her to a stop. Dirt and rocks flew beneath her feet as Renee's spinning body was drug to the ground.

Red flashed across Renee's vision as she screamed. "What the heck!" Her eyes snapped toward the woman now sprawled in front of her. The shining emeralds glistened with liquid. Below, the corners of the woman's mouth lowered into a frown. Renee drew several deep breaths as her eyes wandered over the fallen woman's clothing. Her outfit was still perfectly white with no sign of dirt or blood anywhere. As a single tear dripped down her cheek, the woman lifted a pointing finger. Following the indicated direction, Renee twisted her seated torso around to look behind herself. Five feet beyond her resting body was an enormous drop off. The cliff stretched at least ninety feet above the lake and waterfall below.

"Sometimes a little pain in the present is necessary to prevent a tragic fall in the future." The woman's voice was soft as her eyes shifted away. "Still, I am sorry for causing you pain..."

Renee's mouth gaped open. "Sorry? You saved my life!" Her head shook lightly from side to side. "I'm the one who should be apologizing to you, not the other way around." Renee leaped to her feet, wrapping her arms around the woman's neck. "Thank you!" The woman's free arm embraced Renee.

Renee released her grip and stepped back, giving the woman space to stand. The woman's smile returned as she looked at the girl. "You have a good heart, Renee."

Renee's eyes veered toward the ground. _How can she say that when I just yelled at her for trying to save me?_ "Thank you..." She mumbled.

The woman's finger gently lifted the girl's chin. "I mean it. Never lose the beauty you hold in here." Drawing her finger away, she pointed toward her own chest.

Renee smiled. Her eyes then shifted behind the woman. Realizing the open trail ceased several yards back, her lips fell. _That's the second time wandering from the path has gotten me in trouble...mental note: stay on the trail next time!_ Her eyes drifted back toward the woman. "So...how about you lead this time...and I'll actually follow." Renee smiled weakly.

The woman chuckled softly. "Yes, I believe that's a wise choice." Turning to her left, she slowly made her way through the crowded trees. Renee cautiously followed as her eyes flickered from her feet back to the woman ahead.

"Watch your step, the path gets rather steep here." The woman's own pace slowed.

Glancing ahead, Renee saw the trail dropped off at a steep fifty degree angle. A knot formed in her throat. She swallowed hard against it. "How are we gonna make it down?"

"Like this..." The woman proceeded down the trail by initially supporting herself against a tree. Then, while still clinging to a branch with her right hand, she stretched out her left arm and reached for another tree trunk further down the hill. Her feet followed the transition accordingly. Her eyes glanced back up at Renee. "Just go slow...nice and steady."

Renee attempted the same method. Placing her right foot firmly against one trunk, she stretched out her arm to another. Grabbing it, she shifted her left foot toward the tree's base.

"There, you've got it." The woman smiled up at her before continuing down the hill.

They continued on for several minutes in silence, shifting one foot and then the other slowly down the hillside. "So...I'm a bit confused...why didn't we just talk at the top instead of scaling a mini mountain?"

The woman chuckled below. "Do not fear a slow and challenging journey. These are usually the kind that lead you exactly where you need to be..." She glanced up with a smile before taking the next step.

_Well, that didn't answer my question at all...but where do I need to be anyway? Hm..._ Renee's lips twisted as she cautiously shifted toward the next trunk. Silence filled the next several minutes, interrupted only by the crunching leaves beneath their feet.

"We're getting close." The woman's voice lightly echoed up toward Renee.

_Thank God!_ Renee kept the thought to herself as she methodically continued down the hill. Glancing up, she saw the path leveled off ahead. As her foot finally met the solid, flat surface, she felt tempted to bend down and kiss the ground. Recalling a lesson on the microbiology of dirt, she shuddered. _Maybe not such a great idea..._ Renee's attention shifted toward the woman still walking ahead. "So, are we here? Can we talk now?"

"Almost..." The woman continued forward slowly.

_Oh, I wish she liked running..._ Renee's mind ventured back toward the edge of the cliff. _On second thought, walking is good...yeah, I'm cool with walking._ Renee's eyes wandered over various trees before she spotted a small opening ahead. There, a stone bench rested on a grassy plain. As they kept walking, Renee could see a pool of water. _It must be one of the lake's three tiered levels..._ A smile stretched across her face.

"Would you like to take a swim before our discussion?" The woman turned toward Renee with a sparkle in her eyes.

_I do love swimming...but...I want answers too...and to see Sam...oh, Sam I wish you were here now._ Renee sighed, closing her eyes.

"Open your eyes." The woman's voice was gentle.

Renee's eyelids lifted as her vision drifted past the water's edge. Someone was standing in the middle of the water. _Is that?_ The face turned toward her. "Sam!"

## 14. TRAGIC

### Ms. Morrison

Ms. Morrison made her way through the halls of the old school. Almost nothing had changed since she attended there herself so many years ago. The same gray lockers still surrounded its sides. Their metal exteriors bore the marks of years of abuse. Glancing at them, Ms. Morrison felt her stomach churn. _What if he denies my request?_ Sweat beaded on her palms as her heart raced. _I haven't been this afraid since..._

The door swung open, nearly smacking her in the face. "Oh, Ms. Morrison, I am so sorry. Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you." Wiping her face, she drew in a deep breath. "Actually, sir, I have something important to discuss with you. Do you have a few moments?" Her tone waivered, as she forced the breath in and out of her lungs.

Oh dear, I know that tone." The principal scanned the woman's face. "I think I can spare a few moments, come on in." He held the door open for her and took a step back, allowing her more space to pass him.

Stepping through the doorway, Ms. Morrison glanced down. Her hands trembled wildly. _Oh, stop it..._ She willed them to obey, but they continued shaking.

"Please, take a seat..." A gentle smile stretched across the principal's face as he sat down across from her.

The oak desk separating them seemed a mile long. The small office started closing in all around her. _Just breathe...just breathe..._ Straightening her posture, Ms. Morrison's eyes met the man's own. "Well, sir, I'll get straight to the point. I would like to request the cancellation of next week's field trip." _There...that wasn't so bad..._

"Why?" Principal Herbert's brow lifted.

"It's simply too dangerous. This is the infamous Hacker's Forest, after all. In light of what happened several years ago, I do not feel it is a safe place for my class."

"Oh yes, it was certainly a tragic event..." The principal paused, leaning back in his chair. "I was told you knew the child...Is that correct?"

_Maybe this wasn't such a good idea...but now I'm stuck..._ Ms. Morrison gulped, averting her gaze. "Yes...we...we were friends." _Yes, leave it at that...he doesn't need to know everything..._

"I am sorry to hear it, Ms. Morrison. I wish you would have come to me regarding this sooner..."

"I tried! I meant to...I mean..." She shook her head. _Great, now I look like a rude bumbling fool._ She lowered her head. "I'm sorry, sir, please continue..."

"There's no need for an apology. I can understand both the personal and logical reasons for your request. Unfortunately, I have already sent out all the permission forms and assistant requests. There have been no complaints or comments from parents expressing any form of worry. Instead, the response has been extremely positive. We have several volunteers offering to assist with the journey, including Danny's father, Mr. Whitfield. I hope his presence, that of a police officer, will help ease your discomfort."

Ms. Morrison did not respond. She averted her gaze, allowing her eyes to drift toward a small tiger figurine resting on a nearby shelf.

The principal's chair creaked as he leaned forward. "If you would like to sit this one out; I would have no issue approving the time off request..." He paused. "Though...it has been over a decade since that tragic loss. It might do you some good to visit the forest again...see how much it's changed." He smiled gently. "I will support you either way." The principal's fingers intertwined with each other as he held them to his chest.

_Perhaps he's right...maybe I need to push past this. After all, if something happened and I was not there..._ Lifting her head back up, she met the man's eyes directly. "I cannot allow my class to go without my guidance. I will lead the field trip." She stood to her feet and approached the door. Her hands still trembled.

"One more thing..." The principal's voice caused her to halt. "Please do not refer to it with the old name. It is the Elder Woods now."

"Yes, sir."

***

The day arrived. It was the morning of the field trip. As Ms. Morrison parked her car in her assigned slot, she felt a knot forming in her throat. She glanced down at the shifter, eying the reverse option. _It's not too late...I could still call in sick..._ She gulped. _No. It's not worth destroying a perfect record..._

Glancing up, she noticed the edge of a child's sleeve peeking out from behind the left corner of the building. Smoke billowed from around the building's edge. Her eyes drifted down toward her clock. _6:13a.m....no child should be out here at this time...hm..._

Stepping out of the car, she slammed the door, sending a loud bang echoing across the parking lot. The sleeve shifted quickly. Ms. Morrison jogged closer, rounding the corner in no time.

"What do you think you're doing with that, young man?" She pointed to the cigarette in the child's hand as he bent over, putting it out on the pavement.

"Uh, nothing Ms. Morrison...wow you certainly look nice today." The boy, Alex, lifted himself into an upright position with the smoldering object still trapped between his fingers. He smiled weakly.

"Hand that to me." The boy offered it willingly and Ms. Morrison grabbed it. "You get one warning and one alone. I will not report it this time. However, if I ever catch you anywhere on this property or off engaging in cigarette smoking again, you will not only be suspended, but I will personally call your mother. Now, get inside..." Her finger stretched out, pointing toward the doors of the school.

"Yes ma'am." Alex eked before running that direction.

"These students do need me..." Ms. Morrison released a sigh as her eyes drifted toward the burning object in her hand. Looking up, she scanned the area. _Hm...no one's around..._ With shaking hands, she drew the cigarette to her lips, inhaling hard. Smoke bellowed from her mouth as she coughed repeatedly. "Ugh..." _How do people enjoy these things?_

"Ms. Morrison? I wouldn't have pinned you for a closet smoker..." The voice was that of Principal Herbert.

"Oh, no..." Clearing her throat, she straightened her posture. "I mean I'm not...a closet smoker, that is. I'm just...still a tad nervous about the field trip..." She leaned over to put the thing out before tossing it in a nearby trash can.

"Ms. Morrison, there will be numerous volunteers, including Danny's father, Officer Whitfield. I assure you, all will be fine." Principal Herbert produced a weak smile.

## 15. POWER

### Emily

Stepping inside the mall, Emily's jaw dropped. Tilting her head back, she counted the balconies leading up to the vaulted ceiling. "Wow, ten stories!"

"Incredible, isn't it?"

Emily's eyes ventured all over, scanning from one shop to another. "You could say that..."

"So, where would you like to go first?"

Emily's scanning stopped on a particular store. _All my desires...wonder if that's inclusive of purses?_ "This way..." As she spoke, her feet shifted toward it.

"Whoa, hold up..."

Emily paused, turning toward him with downward lips and glistening eyes. "Why?"

Ethan chuckled. "Oh goodness, don't give me the puppy stare...It's far too pitifully cute..." He winked, causing Emily's brows to crease. "Uh oh, think I liked the puppy look better..."

Emily just glared at him as her foot tapped against the tile floor. _Does he have a point to make?_

"Okay, okay...Look..." Ethan pointed toward the store's interior and Emily's eyes followed the line of his finger. "There! Did you see that?"

"What, the woman walking in?"

"Yes...well, not exactly...See that little white box in the corner..."

Emily's eyes squinted toward it, just as the box flashed a green light. "Oh, okay, yeah..."

"You saw it blink green, right?"

Emily nodded.

"That means it scanned and recognized her as a citizen so..."

"Whoa, what?" Emily's eyes snapped toward Ethan. His face was blank. "It scanned her?"

"Yeah..." Ethan flipped over his right wrist and pointed with his other hand. "See, this mark here..." Emily eyed the raised numbers jutting up just below the man's palm. _How did I not notice that?_ She nodded.

"Well, it's my chip, my identifier...if you will..."

Emily's brow lifted higher.

"Hm...how to explain it..." Ethan rubbed his chin. His eyes snapped up. "Oh! Back home, you carried an ID card, right?"

"Yeah, I mean I have a driver's license, of course..." Emily shifted her left arm in its sling.

"Well, here in Luthania, we have implanted chips to prove our citizenship. As long as we follow the regulations, we can use them to..."

"Regulations?" _I don't like the sound of that..._

"Well, of course, how else could we ensure civil behavior?" Ethan's head cocked to the side.

Okay, that's a good point...

Ethan ran his finger through his hair, slicking it back. "Anyway, we're getting way, way off track here. My point is...since you're not a citizen...yet..." He winked. "You'll need to hold my hand."

Emily took a step back. "What? Why?"

Ethan pointed back toward the white box. "It indicates to the system that you're a welcome guest...my guest..." He smiled as his eyes ventured toward the targeted shop. "Of course, if it makes you uncomfortable, we can always forget the daily limit of five _free_ items..." His eyes sheepishly lifted toward her. "Per store, that is..."

_Dang it, I couldn't even afford one of those purses...ugh! He's got me hooked and he knows it..._ Emily's eyes veered from the store back toward Ethan. _Well, it's not like holding hands means anything...for goodness sake, business partners shake hands all the time, right?_ An image of Kyle flashed through her mind again. Emily gritted her teeth, pushing it to the back of her mind.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" She stretched out her right hand toward his before pulling it back. _Hm...right hand, right hand...that angle won't work at all..._

Ethan chuckled and then held out his left palm. "It doesn't matter which hand you hold."

"Oh..." Slipping her hand into his, she felt a tingling sensation run up her arm and spread throughout her body. _Whoa...that's new...I feel...stronger...no, it's not just strength...I feel...powerful! Yes, that's it! I feel power!_

As they stepped into the store, the energy intensified with every second. Emily forced her hand to fall away from his, instantly stopping the sensation. Her heart pounded rapidly as she drew in a deep breath. _Whoa...what...what was that?_ Her eyes lifted toward Ethan.

The young man was smiling, but his eyes were drifting across the various shelves. "What about this one?" He pointed toward a bright yellow purse.

Emily wrinkled her nose and shook her head from side to side.

"Okay...what about this one? It's a neutral, right?" Ethan's hand hovered over a plain black purse with shimmering silver highlights.

"Neutral is a relative term..." Emily's eyes caught on a bright red bag. She plucked it up and turned it over.

"How so? Neutral colors go with anything." Ethan motioned from his black jeans to the red polo above.

Emily scanned the outfit as her eyes lingered over the man's thick biceps and wide shoulders. She peeled her eyes away, focusing on the stitching of the purse in her hand. "That's not always the case..."

"Really?" Ethan's brow lifted.

"Yes, really..." Emily glanced at him before setting down the purse and grabbing a darker burgundy version of the same design.

"Prove it."

"Excuse me?" Emily turned toward him, still clutching the bag.

"You heard me." Ethan smiled, grabbing the black purse and holding it in front of him.

_Alright, pretty boy...challenge accepted..._ "Fine." Emily put the other bag on the shelf and walked toward him. "Hang on to that..." Her eyes pointed toward the black purse in his right hand as she grabbed his free one. The explosive sensation shot up her arm again as she pulled him out of the store. Her eyes scanned over the shops as she kept her grip on him. The energy kept growing, spreading through her. _I could get used to this..._ Her eyes landed on a mannequin on the mall's far side. "This way..." Her feet rushed toward it, as she pulled him behind her. Ethan kept up with her pace easily. Emily smiled.

Rushing through the shop's entrance, her eyes froze on a brown hooded sweater. White lines on it formed two stick figures expressing a joke about farts. Her mind drifted to a distant memory:

"Why do you wear that stupid thing anyway? It's so immature..."

"Hey now, don't insult Bob and Bill...these guys are my buddies." There was Kyle's goofy smile.

"Oh, really? They have names, huh?"

"Of course, this one's Bob..." He pointed to the one on the left side. "...and this is Bill."

"Uh, huh...and what have Bob and Bill ever done for you?" Her body shivered automatically against the October wind.

"Well, they actually owe me one...and I think it's time they pay up..." Kyle smiled as he pulled the hoodie off over his head. "Put your arms up."

"What, no, no way, I'm not wearing that!"

Kyle pulled it back toward him as his lips lowered. "Hey now, you're gonna hurt their feelings..."

Emily sighed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, okay, fine..." She lifted her arms. Kyle slipped over the cloth, instantly blocking the wind's chill.

"There, better?"

Emily tucked down her nose, sniffing it. "Well, it doesn't smell like farts at least..." She giggled.

"Come here, you..." Kyle wrapped his hand behind her neck and gently pulled her close, softly kissing her lips. "I love you, Emily."

"Hello, Emily...Emily?" Ethan's hand waved in front of her face.

Her eyes shifted toward him. "Oh, sorry..." She shook her head, realizing her hand was free from his..

"Where'd you go?" Ethan's brow lifted.

Emily forced a smile. "In the store, obviously..." Emily waved her arm toward the clothes in front of her.

Ethan frowned.

Emily veered her eyes away, scanning the racks. "Ah ha...here we go..." She grabbed a navy blue dress and disappeared into a fitting room. _Hm...this is a bit more difficult with a cast..._ Five minutes later, she stepped out of the room and walked straight toward Ethan. She pulled on the purse, but he kept his grip on it. Meeting his gaze, pools of blue stared back at her. His lips curled up.

"Think you can take it from me?"

Emily let go and stepped back. "I'm not going to try..."

"Too bad..." Ethan shrugged, extending it to her.

_Too bad? What?_ Emily's brows creased, but she slowly grabbed the bag. Clearing her throat, she held it up against the dress. "Anyway...you still think all neutrals match?"

"Nope..." Ethan's eyes scanned her up and down. "I'd say you've proven your point quite nicely..."

Emily turned away from him, toward a mirror on the wall. The dress flattered her thin yet curvy form. _Wow...I look good..._

"Say, what do you think about me picking our next stop?" Ethan's reflection smiled from behind her.

_Oh dear, what's it going to be...guns, video games, or hunting gear..._ Emily bit her lip.

"Please?" The handsome reflection lifted his hands in a prayer motion.

Emily sighed. "Okay...just let me get out of this thing first..."

"You can wear it out..."

_You'd like that, wouldn't you?_ "Nah, I'm more of a jeans girl." With that, Emily disappeared into the fitting room. Returning in her dark washed jeans and black shirt, she noticed Ethan was already standing by the store's entrance.

"You ready?"

His eyes shifted toward her as he reached out his palm. "Yeah."

_Great, here goes this again..._ Emily gulped as she grabbed it. The tingling stretched up her arm. The second they were out of the shop, she dropped her grip and the feeling faded.

Ethan's eyes ventured toward her. "Have I upset you?"

"What makes you think that?"

"Well I just...never mind...it's nothing. Come on, we're going straight to the top now." Ethan smiled as he pointed up toward the ceiling. He started walking down the mall's main passageway toward a giant twirling ramp composed of concrete. _Hm...a ramp, really? What happened to escalators or stairs even?_ Emily scratched the top of her head. _Maybe they got plans for a parking garage mixed up with the mall plans._ She chuckled to herself.

"Something funny?" Ethan lifted a brow and half smile as he started walking up the thing.

"Nah..." Emily paused. "Well, I mean, it's just odd, isn't it? A ramp...who puts a ramp in a mall?"

Ethan shrugged. "Never really thought about it...good exercise at least..." He smiled.

"Yeah, that's true." Emily followed his steps, noticing the concrete surface stretched at least fifteen feet wide. _They must get some serious traffic here..._ A couple crossed on her side and three men walked further ahead of them, leaving plenty of space. _Well, maybe on the weekends..._

"Hey, what time is it?"

Ethan shrugged.

"You don't wear a watch?"

"Why would I?"

"What about a phone...anything with the time?" Emily pried.

Ethan glanced her way and shook his head.

"What? Who doesn't have a phone?" _Come to think of it, I haven't seen a single phone or watch since entering this place..._ Emily rubbed her temple.

Ethan paused and turned toward her, placing his hands on her shoulders. The tingling sensation radiated through her. "Em, it's okay, just let go." The energy was growing stronger.

_Tell him to let go...let go...let go..._ She drew in a deep breath. Ethan's hand traced along her right arm, drifting down till her hand was in his own. "That's right, just let go and follow me..." He gently tugged her forward. Her feet willingly walked forward as the smell of perfumes drifted past her nose. The sensation filled her as a smile stretched across her face.

Crossing the ninth floor, she barely noticed the narrowing path, causing her to bump into Ethan. As they walked further, onto the tenth level, Ethan pulled his hand from hers. Emily nearly stumbled, catching her footing at the last second. _Whew! Is that what drinking feels like?_ Shaking her head, she eyed the new surroundings.

Tinted glass covered every section where the storefronts rested below. Doors lined the hall with small black boxes resting outside each one. _Hm...some kind of card key entry?_

As they approached the third door down, Ethan reached into his pocket, producing a square plastic card. Pausing, he turned toward Emily with a wide smile. "This is my favorite part of the mall..." Swiping his card, the door clicked open.

## 16. BEAUTIFUL

### Renee

Renee's legs flew across the grass toward the water's edge. Splashing into it, droplets splattered across her face, drenching her curly locks. She shook her hair, sending them flying through the air as she laughed.

Approaching Sam, she slung her soaked sleeves around him. "Oh, Sam!" Tears surfaced in her eyes as she embraced him. Releasing him and leaning back, she tried using the wet material to wipe her eyes. "Sam, that bear...I didn't know if you...if you..." She sniffled as her smile widened. She gripped him again. "I'm just so glad you're okay!"

Sam gently pushed her back, holding her arm in his hand as his brown eyes met her own. "It's good to see you too, Renee. I missed ya." He smiled.

Renee blushed. "Goodness..." She lifted a drenched sleeve, chuckling. "...I must look like a soaked rag doll..."

"You look beautiful."

Her laughter stopped as her eyes snapped up. _Did he actually say that?_ Sam chuckled, as red spread across his cheeks. Letting his hand fall to his side, he turned, slowly wading through the water. "Last one to the rope swing is a sore loser!" He screamed as he splashed through the water toward a rock ledge.

"No fair!" Renee rushed up behind him. When she reached the ledge, Sam was already standing with the rope gripped in his hand. Smiling, he took a step back, and swung over the edge. His body plopped with a splash, sending droplets flying everywhere.

Renee shook her curly locks out of her face as she climbed up and grabbed the rope. Swinging wide, she released the rope and balled up her legs just before falling into the water.

Rising to the surface, she sucked in a deep breath.

"Nice one!" Sam laughed. The boy started sloshing back toward the edge.

"Hey, Sam..."

"Yeah?" He turned back toward Renee.

"How'd you find the cave anyway?"

Sam's brow lifted. "What cave?"

"You know..." Renee's head bopped in the air. "The one that leads to Neveah." She chuckled. Sam's expression was blank. Renee's smile fell. "How did you get here?"

Sam shrugged. "I just woke up here."

Renee raised a brow. "When?"

"Yesterday morning...Is the interrogation over now?" Sam chuckled. When Renee didn't respond, the boy started moving toward the ledge.

"Huh..." Renee remained still. _Wait...that doesn't make any sense...we were both running at the same pace. How could he have possibly been a day's walk ahead of me...unless the cardinal was leading me in circles? Still, it doesn't explain the boulder or the cave at all...and the..._ Sam splashed into the water beside her.

As he rose up, Renee rushed to his side. "If you weren't at the cave, how did this..." She dug into her pocket, but nothing was there.. Her hand rushed into the one on her other side. "Oh, no...no...no!" Her eyes looked through the water's surface to the rocky bed resting by her feet.

"What's wrong?" Sam's brow furrowed.

"Your coin! Your prized fifty cent piece...I've...I've..." Renee bit her lip, scanning through the water. "I think I've lost it."

Sam laughed. "That's what you're worried about?" Renee's eyes snapped up toward him with a frown. "Renee, look around..." Sam's arms stretched out wide as he turned in a circle. "We're in the middle of a crystal clear lukewarm lake in the middle of fall, surrounded by hills, trees, trails and limitless food..." Sam paused as Renee's lips twisted. "Who needs an old coin? We're in paradise!" Sam's smile stretched wider. "...and I bet Miria didn't even show you the best parts yet!"

"Who's Miria?" Renee's head cocked to the side.

"Uh, Miria..." Sam pointed to his right toward the stone bench on the lake's far side. The woman who had been leading Renee, sat there. _Wow, I didn't even ask her name..._

Renee bit her lip. "Oh yeah, Miria, duh..."

"Yeah, well, did she show you the lake's top tier?" Sam pointed up toward the lake's two upper levels.

Renee gulped. "Uh, no, not yet..."

"Come on, I'll show ya!"

## 17. A SIP

Emily

Ethan walked through the door first, leaving it open behind him. Emily stood on the precipice, looking inside. The wall straight ahead was composed entirely of glass. A giant plasma screen hung on the right side, over a fireplace. The carpet below was a pure, white shag. Framed artwork delicately covered the other walls.

Emily's eyes veered toward a painting dangling over the leather couch. It portrayed a young woman lounging in darkness. In the upper corner, farthest from the woman's face, was a single light bulb. _Is the light flickering?_

"You're welcome to come in..." Ethan motioned toward the room with one hand. In his other, he held a wine bottle, dripping condensation. Emily's eyes shifted toward the coffee table where a bucket with a sea of glassy ice rested. _The ice is still cubed like it was just set out..._

"Is there someone else here?" Emily's eyes glanced from one side of the room to the other.

Ethan's head cocked to the side. "Well, there would be if you'd step inside...currently, it's just me." He shrugged as he smiled.

Emily didn't budge.

"Do you drink wine?" He lifted the bottle.

"I'm eighteen..."

"Ah...I see...Well..." Ethan grabbed a silver object and dug it into the top of the bottle.

Pop!

Emily's eyes widened at the sound, as foam poured from the open bottle. Ethan grabbed a glass from the table and quickly poured the gushing substance into it. Lifting another, he followed the same procedure, filling it just shy of the brim. "As I was saying...things are a little different here in Luthania...including the drinking age."

"Really?" Emily's brow lifted.

"Yeah, anyone can drink here." Ethan smiled. "Of course, in my lounge, they have to walk through the front door first..." He winked.

Emily bit her lip, eyeing the glass, but remained in place.

"Tell you what...I'll just leave this here..." He set the glass back down on the table. "...and I'll go grab some firewood." Ethan disappeared around the corner to the right, leaving Emily standing in the doorway alone.

She stared at the still sloshing liquid, recalling all the times friends had offered her alcohol. She had always instantly refused. _This is different though, isn't it? I'm an adult now, after all...Plus it's not illegal here..._ She took a step forward. _Of course, I don't want to lose control or puke everywhere..._ She sat down on the couch, the leather squishing beneath her weight. She stared at the glass. _Well, maybe just a sip...where's the harm in that?_ Her fingers stretched out toward it and then retracted. _What if I like it?_ She gulped.

"Wow, she enters!" Ethan smiled brightly, carrying several logs in his hands. Placing them in the fireplace, he reached inside it and pulled a metal rod. He then crumbled paper, lighting it and placing it beneath the logs. They instantly caught.

_Hm...I've never seen a fire ignite so easily..._ Emily's eyes shifted back toward the wine on the table.

Ethan stood, clutched up his glass, and sat on the far side of the couch. "Ah..." He leaned back into the leather material, taking a slow sip from his glass. "You know, that's probably healed..."

"Huh?"

"Your arm..." He took a longer drink and swallowed. "It's probably healed."

Emily's eyes shifted toward him. "That's impossible...it's only been a day..."

"Wanna bet?" Ethan's blue eyes sparkled.

"Bet what? I don't have any money..." Emily's eyes shifted around the room. "...and it doesn't seem like you'd need it anyway."

Ethan nodded. "That's true...but you have been staring down that wine for the last five minutes..." He chuckled and Emily blushed. "So, how about this...if I take off the cast and your arm is completely healed, then you take a sip...just one sip. If you don't like it, I won't mention it again."

"Okay...and what if you're wrong?"

"I won't be." Ethan flashed pearly whites as he leaned up.

"Psh, okay...well, when you _are_ wrong, how about we go downstairs and you have to put on the dress of my choosing, deal?" _This is gonna be hilarious!_ Emily smiled, picturing the broad man in a tiny, pink gown.

"Deal." Ethan hopped up, disappeared around the corner and returned with an odd pair of scissors.

Emily gulped. "Will it hurt?"

Ethan's eyes met her own. "No, but you'll have to trust me...and stay very still..." Sitting down beside her, he gently lifted the sling over her head, placing it on the table. He proceeded to slowly place the snips under the end of her cast. He methodically snipped further and further up the cast.

_Well, it certainly beats having a cast sawed off like they did to..._ Emily gulped hard as liquid surfaced in her eyes. Ethan's eyes were down, completely focused on the snips. _Em, now is not the time to think about him...just block it, block it..._ Emily drew in a deep breath, forcing back the tears.

"You okay?" Ethan's eyes stayed down as he snipped again.

"Yeah, all good here..." Emily forced a smile.

After a final snip, Ethan cautiously pulled away the white mold, freeing her arm. "How does it feel?"

Emily looked down and gritted her teeth, stretching her arm out. There was no pain. Her eyes widened as she curled and spread each of her fingers. Further up her forearm, she saw no sign of the purple. _Wow...even the bruising is gone..._

"Hhh..." Her eyes drifted toward Ethan and then back toward her arm. "How?"

Ethan smiled, plopping the snips back on the table with a clink as he grabbed his glass. "In the mall, every time I touched your hand, you felt...um...a sensation, right?"

_Yeah, you can say that again!_ Emily nodded.

"Well, that was from me...um...how to explain this one..." Ethan rubbed his temple before taking another sip of wine. "Ah! Okay, so you've probably seen a blood transfusion back home, right?"

Emily nodded as her brow lifted. _Where's he going with this?_ She leaned in closer.

"Good...okay, so think of what I did as a transfusion of energy..." He lifted an open palm. "Stay with me. So, in Luthania, the most loyal of followers are granted certain...abilities...These gifts, much like the lounge we're sitting in, are coveted prizes earned through time and devotion..." Ethan's eyes lifted toward her. "Am I losing you?"

"No..." Emily shook her head from side to side. "...at least I don't think so...but how does this energy have anything to do with my broken arm?"

"Ah, right...Well, energy makes up all things...This table, my glass..." He lifted the glass "...even the very cells in your body..." Ethan paused, taking another sip. "The gist of it is that every time I touched you, I was sending energy...or strength...or..."

"Power..." Emily mumbled.

Ethan smiled. "Power, yes, that's a good way to describe it...I was basically giving some of my power to you, sending signals for capillary formation to nourish macrophages and fibroblasts..." Ethan paused, biting his lip. "Short version is it accelerates the healing process exponentially."

_Macro-phi-what? I really should have paid more attention in Biology..._ Emily's eyes flickered from her arm back to Ethan. _Hold up a minute..._ "Why didn't I feel the sensation before though...in your office when you bandaged my arm or even when you caught me on that balcony? Thanks for that, by the way..."

"It was my pleasure." He winked and then took another drink of wine. "...and you didn't experience it because it's voluntary. I had to be sure you weren't from Nev..." Ethan paused, his eyes drifted down as he swished the liquid in his cup. "...from the other side."

"Where Lucy's men thought I was from..." _The reason they trapped me like a wild animal..._ Emily bit her lip.

Ethan nodded, lifting his eyes with a smile. "So...about that bet..."

"Yeah..." Emily blushed as she picked the glass up off the table. "A deal's a deal..." She lifted it slowly toward her lips.

## 18. IT'S DEAD

Renee

Renee pulled herself onto the rock ledge by the dangling rope. Standing up beside Sam, she scrunched the ends of her soaking wet hair, allowing the excess liquid to drip out. Sam's eyes were focused on the opposing shore line. Renee followed his line of sight toward the now empty stone bench. _Hm...Miria's gone..._ "Where'd she go?"

Sam shrugged. "Who knows? I was just gonna motion that we were going up. I'm sure she'll be back soon." He stepped from the rock onto the muddy bank's edge. "Come on, this way." He took a step into the tree line. Renee followed.

"It's a bit of a climb..."

Renee's eyes lifted to see trees scattered across steep hill. _Oh boy, this is even worse than the other side...and this time we're going up..._ Renee let out a puff of air.

"Complaining already?" Sam smiled, lifting a brow at her, before turning to approach the first tree. The boy lifted one foot up onto a tree trunk as his hand reached for a neighboring branch. Renee followed the procedure as they slowly inched their way upward.

Renee continually shifted one leg and then the other. "Whew, a bit of a climb, huh?" She half chuckled through rapid breath. _That's odd...I didn't even feel it when I was running earlier...hm..._

"It's not that bad." Sam smiled down at her as mud slung from his shifting boot. "Oh, sorry about that."

Renee barely dodged the falling sludge. "No. worries..."

"Don't worry though, we're almost there. Besides, it'll be worth it, I promise." Sam shifted up toward the next trunk.

"It better be..." Renee mumbled as she pulled her weak leg up again.

Reaching the top level ground, Renee half leaned over with her hands on her thighs. She drew in several deep breaths, as the burning in her lungs slowly faded.

"Come on! You've got to see this!" Sam's voice rang out clearly. _He isn't even breathing heavy at all._ Renee gritted her teeth, straightening her posture. As she looked up, her eyes scanned the landscape. A field stretched out in front of her, its tall grass waving in the wind. In the center, stood one lone tree with bare branches. _That's odd...it's only the beginning of fall..._ Her eyes drifted around the surrounding trees, which all displayed a variety of green, red, yellow and brown leaves.

Sam was running toward the secluded tree, yelling something. _What's he saying?_ Renee ignored the fire in her legs as she broke into a jog to catch up.

As she reached his side, her eyes flickered from the tree to Sam. "Please...don't tell me..." Her breathing was still heavy. "We came up here...for a dead tree..."

"It's not dead." Sam smiled.

Renee glanced from the twisted, dark branches back to Sam. "Uh, yeah...it's dead."

"Uh, no .it's not." Sam shook his head. "Look towards the top, right there..." His finger pointed. "See it?"

"See what?"

Sam's eyes shifted from her toward the tree top. He took a couple steps to his right. "Come, stand here." Renee walked toward his side as Sam pointed again. "Right there, on the top branch..."

"Huh...is it...a bud?"

"Yep, look closer..."

"It almost looks...ready to blossom...in the middle of fall..." Renee scratched her head. "How is that possible?"

Sam shrugged. "I'm not sure how, but...Miria called it the mythical tree of Neveah. She said it never changes throughout the seasons...and something about it being a symbol. What was it?" Sam rubbed his temple and then snapped his fingers. "Oh yeah, it's meant to give hope to travelers crossing in cold seasons...to show them even in the darkest, coldest of winters, spring is always just around the corner. It's encouragement for them to keep pushing on, even when they feel they can't go any further." Sam smiled.

"Wow, Sam...that's quite lovely..."

Sam lifted open palms. "Hey, they're her words, not mine. Now, come on, I'll show you why we really came up here!" The boy took off at a jogging pace back toward the water. Renee followed, managing to keep a better pace on flat ground. She was by his side in no time as they both slowed to a stop.

"Whoa..." Renee's mouth opened as she looked toward the rapidly flowing water. "Sam, are you sure this is..."

The boy was already leaping into the water. The flowing tide sucked him under and Renee felt her heart skip a beat. His head popped up as he screamed. "Woo!" In an instant, his body disappeared over the first edge.

Looking past the ledge, down to the lake nearly a hundred feet below, Renee felt a knot form in her throat. She swallowed hard as her head spun. _Nope...no way, not happening..._ Her feet took an automatic step back.

Sam appeared as a speckle at the lake's far end. "Come on! It's fun!" He screamed over the torrent of rushing water.

_He's insane...there's no way...no, I'm not doing this...I'll just walk down._ Renee turned around. She was facing the mythical tree directly now. _It's encouragement for them to keep pushing on, even when they feel they can't go any further..._ Sam's words echoed in her mind. _Ah, man..._ Renee bit her lip as Sam yelled something from below. _Just do it, Renee...Do it for Sam!_ She gulped. Spinning around, she sprinted toward the ledge and leaped forward.

Hovering over the water for a split second, her eyes widened as her heart raced. _What have I done?_ It was too late. Water rushed over head. Rising back up, she gasped. The current pulled her body hard as she screamed. Her arms and legs flailed as she toppled over the first tier. The pressure jerked her down the next one.

Reaching the final layer, Renee sprung up into a standing position, flinging her wet arms up in the air. "I did it!" A wide smile spread across her face from one ear to the other.

"Nice!" Sam slapped one of her hands in a high five. They both laughed.

"Whew!" Renee slung her hair from side to side.

"Wanna go again?" Sam smiled.

Renee shook her head. "I think once was enough for now..."

"I'm actually shocked you did it at all."

"Trust me; it was on the fence..."

"So what made you jump?"

"You..." Renee's hand flew up to cover her mouth.

"You two have enough fun for one day?" This voice was distant. Renee spun to see Miria standing on shore, holding two fluffy white towels. _Whew, off the hook..._

"Yeah!" Renee called back, swimming toward the water's edge. Sam followed behind her without a word. Stepping onto the shore, Renee turned toward Miria. "Why didn't you swim with us?" Renee's eyes drifted over the woman. _What's different about her?_ Her lips twisted. _She isn't smiling...but why?_ "What's wrong?"

Miria managed a weak smile as she stretched a towel toward Renee and then one toward Sam. "Oh, nothing, I'm just a little preoccupied. There are just some matters I need to discuss with our leader."

"You mean The Protector?" Sam was rubbing the towel across his hair.

"Yes, Sam, you seem to be adjusting to citizenship rapidly." Miria's lips lifted into a full smile. "Would you mind showing Renee the lines and taking her to April for some dry clothes?"

Sam's smile fell, but he nodded.

"After, you can introduce her to Ellhion, if you wish..."

Sam's face snapped up as a bright smile spread across his lips. "Okay!"

Renee lifted a brow. "Who's Ellhion?"

"Oh, you'll see, come on..." Sam started running toward the beams supporting Neveah's dock.

"But..." _I haven't even dried off yet..._ Renee sighed, breaking into a sprint after the boy. Sam rushed beneath the beams, disappearing around the next corner.

"Wait up!" Renee yelled. She rounded the edge, catching a glimpse of Sam vanishing between trees. Renee pushed her aching legs harder.

Sam slowed to a jog, giving her a chance to catch up. Once she was at his side, Renee fell into a steady jogging pace. "Sheesh, Sam...what happened? You're...running...like a cheetah!"

"Or like a tiger!" Sam laughed as they ran further into the woods.

Huh? Cheetahs are faster than tigers...aren't they?

Sam's pace slowed to a walk as they reached a large opening in the trees. Renee's eyes drifted across the massive field. Line after line spanned across it, with dangling clothes tossing about in the wind.

"Think you can wear boy's clothes?" Sam hurried to a spot amongst the lines. He unclipped the clothes pins holding the pants and shirt in place.

"I guess...I thought we were supposed to see someone about getting me clothes though?"

"Yeah, April...we can do that later. If these work, that is..." Sam held up the pants in front of Renee. "They should fit." He stretched out the pants and shirt to Renee.

She grabbed them, piling them in a stack on top of the towel. "Why later though? Why not go see April first..." She glanced down at the khaki pants with a scowl.

"Oh, come on, it won't kill you to wear khakis..."

"I'm not so sure..."

Sam pointed toward a distant grouping of trees. "You can change over there."

"Fine..." Renee grumbled, walking toward the area.

Once she was shielded by the trees, Renee peeled off her wet jeans, pulling up the tan dry material. _Uh...it had to be khakis...just had to be..._ She shifted the pants one way and then the other, trying to get a good fit. No matter how she adjusted them, they hung too low in the center and squeezed too tightly on her stomach. "Ugh!" She threw her hands down. Sighing, she pulled off the drenched shirt. Dabbing herself with the towel, she then pulled the dry one over her head. _Well...at least the shirt fits..._

Walking back into the clearing, she pulled down on the clothing around her thighs and then lifted the waist up higher again. _It's useless!_ She scowled, as her eyes drifted toward Sam who was hanging up his drenched apparel. Turning toward her, a laugh burst from his lips.

Renee glared at him.

He forced back the laughter. "I mean, it's not that bad, really..." His nostrils flared, as his lips twisted up and then down again.

"Not...another...word." Renee said through gritted teeth. Sam's face was getting red as his mouth opened. "Eh...no, just no." She warned. The boy lost it, as laughter streamed from his mouth.

## 19. RELAX

Emily

The sweet taste of berries slid down Emily's throat. "Wow, it's delicious!"

"I figured you'd like it..." Ethan smiled as he leaned further back and took another sip.

Emily's eyes flickered toward the glass wall behind him. She stood and walked toward it, taking another small sip in the process. Looking down on the city, her eyes wandered toward a concrete structure with a wire fence surrounding it. "What's that?" She pointed with her left index finger, taking a longer drink of the wine. _I thought alcohol was supposed to taste bad...but this is so sweet!_ She smiled.

Ethan was by her side in a moment, looking down at the building. "Oh, that...it's our...prison."

Emily felt a new tingling through her body, as her head felt lighter. "Ooohhh..." Emily wobbled in place. _Whew, this stuff must be strong..._

"Do you know how beautiful you are?"

Emily turned to see Ethan staring at her. "Uh...I think I...uh...needa sit down..." She stumbled toward the couch, squishing into its leather surface. _Wow...the lights...they're so bright..._

Click!

Emily's eyes spun to see Ethan standing by the now closed door.

"Hey...uh...what're you...whatcha doin?" Emily's head spun as she laughed automatically.

Ethan smiled as he moseyed toward the couch. "Figured we could use a little privacy..." Sitting down beside her, he placed his glass on the table and turned toward her. His blue eyes glistened as his fingertips traced a line from her chin, down her neck. Emily's eyes closed. _Oh, Kyle...careful though...we're waiting...you know that..._

His fingers moved lower. _Not Kyle!_ Emily's eyes snapped open. "Whoa..." She pushed herself back on the couch, shifting away from his hand. "Ethan?" The room spun around her. _What..._ "What's goin...on?"

Ethan leaned in toward her. "Just relax...let go...just let go..." The tone was soothing. Emily felt her eyelids flickering closed as her heart pounded. Soft lips gently touched her cheek, then her neck. _No!_ "No!" She forced her eyes open, leaping up off the leather surface. The floor shifted beneath her. Her head throbbed as her body trembled. _Not right...not right...no..._ Emily stumbled toward the door. Ethan blocked it.

"Lemme outta!" The words fumbled from her brain to her lips.

"I just want to show you something..." Ethan's hand reached down as he unbuttoned his pants and pulled down the zipper.

_He's gonna...no...he's gonna try...NO!_ Emily's heart raced as her breaths came in short, rapid bursts. The room suddenly became clear, as her eyes widened. Without thought, she lifted her leg and kneed him hard between his legs. Ethan screamed, toppling to the floor. _Get out, get out!_

Emily shoved her way past him, flinging open the door. Her feet pounded against the tile floor, as she flew down the hallway toward the ramp. Rushing down the concrete surface, she shifted to the left and then the right, dodging the passing shoppers. As she avoided one on her left, she collided with another on her right. The blurred face snapped up at her with a glare, but her feet only moved faster still.

"Get her!" A voice from above shouted.

Emily glanced up, catching a glimpse of a red faced Ethan pointing down at her. Feeling pressure on her right arm, Emily spun to see a shopper gripping her. She flung the arm free, pushing the woman down against the concrete. Her heart pounded harder as her feet drove on. A man further down the ramp was walking up, glaring at her. Emily faked a move to the left and then barely slipped past him on the right.

Reaching the main floor, Emily's eyes searched for the exit. _There!_ Her feet sprung toward it as people approached her from every side. There were men and women of all different ages, races and styles shifting toward her. Only one feature was the same amongst every, single one. _They're all glaring at me..._ She glanced into a store, as her legs flew through the walking crowd. A woman stood there, shifting through a clothing rack with a blank expression. In another shop, a man placed a hat on his head with the same look etched into his face. _Were any of the shoppers smiling before?_ Emily tried to recall their faces, but only Ethan's smile produced itself in her mind. Her body shivered. _What is this place?_

The doors stood directly in front of her now, as a single set of footsteps pounded loudly behind her. Sucking in rapid breaths, Emily glanced back. _Ethan!_ The man pushed through the walking crowd on the ramp, his glaring eyes meeting Emily's own for an instant. She spun back, grabbing the door's handle, and rushing through the opening.

Her feet skidded to a stop.

"Well, hello, Emily." The voice belonged to a smiling Lucy, who presently stood in the center of a half circle of large brutish men.

Emily was surrounded. _I'm trapped!_ Her body spun automatically, as she grabbed the door handle and rushed back in the mall. Her eyes ventured over the scene. Most of the shoppers had dispersed into various stores. Ethan was presently trapped behind a line of slowly moving old women. She heard him scream something, but Emily's attention veered toward a ball cap on her right. She plucked it off the slow moving head and fitted it over her skull, tucking in the ends of her hair. Keeping her face down, she forced her feet to slow as she walked down the right side of the corridor.

"Get out of my way!" Ethan's voice shouted from the other side of the passage. His steps grew fainter as he flew toward the door.

Emily released a small sigh as she continued her slowed pace, forcing her breathing to calm. _Okay, what now? Think, Em, think...Ethan said something about a boundary...maybe if I can just get outside and cross that...but how?_ Her eyes shifted over the shops, searching the halls for any sign of an exit.

***

Outside, Ethan skidded to a stop in front of Lucy and her brutes. His breathing was heavy, as his veins popped out across his neck and chest. "Where'd she go?" He screamed.

"Calm yourself, my darling. She's right where we want her...It's only a matter of time now. Lucy smiled, eyeing her nails. A second later, an alarm screeched loudly from inside the mall. "See?"

## 20. GROWLING

### Renee

"You about done?" Renee's free hand rested on her hip, as she watched Sam's laughter slowly fade away.

"Whew...yeah...I think I'm good now." Sam rubbed his watery eyes as he straightened his posture. His eyes shifted toward the damp materials in Renee's hand. "Here, let me hang those...I think I owe ya one."

Sighing, Renee stretched out the soaked clothes. Grabbing them, Sam's eyes shifted toward the sky. "Almost sunset...we better hurry..." He clutched several clothes pins, hanging the material along an empty space of the line.

"What's so special about this Ellhion guy anyway?"

Sam's head turned toward her with a half smile. "Guess you'll just have to see..." He secured the final pin. "Come on..." The boy took off at a sprinting pace into the woods.

Renee hung her head back. _Ugh...not more running..._ Releasing a puff of air, she forced her legs to follow Sam's pace. As they continued forward, Renee's eyes drifted toward the sky. Pinks and reds peeked back at her through the tangled web of dangling branches. "Getting...late..." She yelled.

"We're almost there!" Sam's voice rang out from ahead.

_I hope so..._ Renee's entire body ached.

Another ten minutes passed before Sam slowed to a walking pace. "Here it is!"

_Finally!_ Renee stopped, half leaning over. She rubbed her burning thighs, allowing her breathing to slow. Glancing up, she saw Sam was walking straight toward a large cavern. _Ellhion lives in a cave? Sure, that makes sense...who wouldn't want to live in a damp rocky place?_ Renee grimaced. "Um...Sam...are you...sure this...is the place?"

"Sshh..." Sam lifted a finger over his lips. "He might be sleeping..." He whispered. His eyes scanned over her leaning form. "Just...wait here a minute."

Renee straightened her back as her breathing slowly returned to normal. _Well maybe it's different on the inside like the one that led me here...hm..._ Her eyes wandered toward the cave. Its rocky outer structure was at least two stories high. Its opening faced toward the east, away from the setting sun, causing blackness to fill its interior.

Sam stopped ten feet from the black gap. "Ellhion..." He mumbled.

Inside, a dark, massive shaped shifted and shook. Renee's eyes widened. _It's huge...and definitely not human..._ She gulped. A loud growl echoed from inside the chamber. _Bear!_ The image of the animal chasing them filled Renee's mind. Her body trembled as chills ran up her spine. "Sam!" She yelled.

The boy turned toward her with a raised brow just as the creature entered the light behind him. A gigantic white fury head shook as it took another step toward Sam. _It's a...a..._ "Tiger..." Renee breathed the word as her body froze. Three feet separated Sam from the furry beast.

Sam started turning toward it. Renee felt her heart jump into her throat, but her feet remained still. _Oh, God!_

As Sam fully faced the animal, a wide smile stretched across his face. _He's smiling...what? Why is he smiling.?_ Renee's mouth gaped open. The tiger released a light growl toward the boy. _Run, Sam! Run!_ Sam didn't move.

"Oh, it's been great! How was your day?" Sam was facing the Siberian tiger.

_He's...talking to it..._ Renee shook her head. Nothing changed.

The tiger released a series of light growls as its large paw lifted in the air. _It's going to strike!_ The paw came down gently against Sam's shoulder. Sam wrapped his free arm around the furry body. _They're hugging? They're actually hugging...this can't be real..._ Renee rubbed her eyes. The tiger's head was facing her now, as his paw slid away from Sam.

"Oh, yes, how rude of me..." Sam glanced Renee's direction, waving his hand toward her before turning his attention back to the tiger. "This is my friend, Renee....and Renee..." His eyes scanned the area, landing on the motionless girl. Sam's brows furrowed as he waved to her again.

Renee remained in her spot, shaking her head from side to side.

Sam's head turned toward the tiger. "Uh...one moment...I'll be right back." He jogged toward Renee, quickly crossing the fifty foot space. The boy's mouth opened to speak, but Renee jutted in first.

"Are you crazy?" She whispered through gritted teeth.

Sam's head bobbed backward as he rubbed his chin. "Did I say something? I thought I was being perfectly polite..." His eyes focused on the forest floor.

"Look at me." Renee snapped. Her wide eyes stared into his. "Sam, you've been talking to a vicious, growling tiger. You do realize that, right?" She scanned his calm features, glancing behind him to ensure the animal did not move. _Oh dear, he really has lost it...maybe something with the bear triggered him..._ She gulped.

"Growling?" Sam's brow lifted as he raised an open palm. "Hold up, you can't hear him?"

"Oh, I can hear every grumble perfectly...and you know what I think? I think he's tenderizing the meat for dinner!"

Sam chuckled. "You're messing with me, right? Besides, everyone knows meat isn't part of the Neveah diet."

"What're you..." Renee's words faded as her memory drifted back toward the cub and lamb playing at Miria's feet. _...and she asked me to exclude meat from my imagined foods...maybe he's right?_ Renee rubbed the back of her neck. _No, this is definitely different though...this is a full grown tiger! It could eat us both in one single bite without even straining!_

Sam's smile fell. "You're serious..." His eyes met Renee's own. "You really can't hear what he's saying?"

_Whoa, what he's saying?_ "You mean growling?"

Sam bit his lip. "That's really all you hear? You can't understand him?"

Renee shook her head as a growl roared from behind Sam.

Sam turned toward the animal. "What was that?" A series of growls responded. "Oh..." Sam's eyes drifted toward the ground. "Ellhion says you can't understand because you're not a citizen."

"Maybe I can't understand because he's really just a growling beast!" Renee let out a puff of air. "What does that even mean anyway? Being a..." Renee lifted her fingers into air quotes. "Neveah citizen."

"It..." Another growl sounded. The tiger was turning around, walking back inside his cave. Sam turned his attention that direction. "Oh, no, please don't go..." His eyes shifted toward Renee. "Great, now you've hurt his feelings." Lowering his voice to a whisper he continued. "Will you come apologize for that at least?"

"Oh, you want to apologize to it now?" Renee's eyes widened as her body stiffened.

"As a matter of fact, I do...and you should stop acting like it's so ridiculous. The animals here are unlike any you've seen before..." Sam released a sigh. "I figured you of all people would understand..."

An image of a waving red cardinal flashed through Renee's mind. "Little Guy..." She mumbled.

"Little guy?"

"He's a cardinal...he led me to the cavern which brought me here..." _What if he is right?_ Renee bit her lip. _Then I have been incredibly rude..._

"You mean Winston?"

"Winston?" Renee rubbed her temple. "Wait, you can talk to him too?"

Sam's lips curled slightly. "Of course...he's Neveah's best scout...and let me tell you, that little bird has quite an attitude..." Sam chuckled as his eyes drifted. "Ah...spunky little fellow...." Snapping them back up, his eyes met Renee's own. "Tell you what, humor me by apologizing to Ellhion; then we can find Winston and I'll translate for him, to you. You can ask him any question about the journey, something only you and he would know. Would that prove to you that I can talk to them?"

Renee's eyes flickered from Sam, back toward the cave entrance behind him. _He certainly seems confident..._ "Okay..."

"Thank you! Come on..." Sam grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the cavern. Standing in front of it, Sam motioned his head inside.

Renee cleared her throat, eyeing the dark shape lying inside. "Ellhion?" She eked out. A light growl echoed from inside. Renee's eyes shifted toward Sam. "What'd he say?"

"Oh, nothing important...go ahead..." Sam smiled.

_I really hope you're right about this..._ Renee gulped and then straightened her posture. "Ellhion...Sam explained everything...and well, I didn't mean what I said...I mean...I did..." _Oh, that's not what I meant to say..._ Renee shook her head. "Anyway...the point is...I was wrong. I...I just wanted to say...I'm sorry."

The dark shape shifted inside the cave, standing to its feet. The tiger slowly approached the cave's entrance. Renee felt her heart pounding rapidly. A minute later, the animal stood face to face with Renee. On all fours, his head still rested nearly a foot above Renee's own. _He's huge!_ Her eyes drifted toward the animal's own. The dark orbs glistened slightly as he met her stare. _He's not going to hurt me..._ Renee's heart slowed to a steady rhythm. The tiger continued staring in silence, as liquid seeped in his eyes. _What is it? What are you trying to tell me?_ The tiger's head lowered and rose in a nod. Turning toward Sam, he released a series of light growls.

Renee watched as Sam's smile fell. "What is it?"

"We need to see Miria."

"What? What about Ellhion...and Winston?"

"It'll have to wait...come on." Sam turned and broke into an immediate jog. Renee rushed after him, glancing back. The tiger stared at her from the disappearing cavern with the same expression. _What were you trying to tell me?_

Sam flew through the woods, picking up the pace by the second. Renee struggled to keep up. Her legs trembled wildly as her lungs burned. When she could stand it no longer, she slowed to a walking pace. "Sam!"

The boy spun around and then stopped. Renee walked up toward him. "What's the rush? Can't we just walk for once..."

When she was at his side, Sam moved forward at a fast walk. "I have to talk to Miria." The boy's eyes faced forward.

"About what?"

"I can't tell you." He didn't even glance her way.

Renee stopped in place. "Why not?"

Rubbing his temple, Sam turned toward her. "Look, Ellhion was very specific. Miria can explain what she chooses, but that's not up to me to decide..."

"Since when do others dictate what we share with each other?" Renee's eyes drifted toward the ground. "You're my best friend, Sam..."

Sam turned toward her. "I'm sorry, Renee. I have to follow Ellhion's orders."

Renee's eyes snapped up. "Why? What's so special about Ellhion?" _Other than him being a massive talking tiger..._ Renee shook the thought away.

"He's second in command; The Protector alone outranks him. Besides..." Sam's words faded as he shook his head. "Look, if you can handle it, I'd like to jog more..."

Renee opened her mouth, but Sam was already jogging ahead. "Ugh!" She gritted her teeth. Letting out a puff of air, she followed the quickened pace. The duo ran in silence the next several minutes.

As they approached the hut where Renee first met Miria, Sam slowed. Standing in front of it, he tapped on its outer edge. "It's Sam...I have an important message for Miria."

"Yes, come in..." Miria's voice called from inside.

Sam rushed inside with Renee following closely behind him. "I have urgent news to discuss with you."

Miria nodded. The three of them stood there in an extended silence. Sam glanced from Renee back to Miria. "Alone."

Miria turned toward Renee with gentle eyes. "Would you mind..."

"I'm going, I'm going!" Renee spun around and exited the hut. Outside, she started pacing. _I can't believe it...he'll tell some lady he just met...but not me? Not his best friend of seven years! Ugh!_ Whispering echoed from inside the hut. Renee leaned against the side wall, straining to hear. _It's useless..._ Releasing a puff of air, she allowed her body to slide along the wall into a seated position. Her eyes drifted toward her outstretched legs. A bundle of excess material was scrunched up between her thighs. She tried shifting, but the material still looked weird. _Uh! Stupid khakis!_ She pulled her legs in to an Indian style pose. _That's a little better at least..._

Sam emerged from the hut followed by Miria. Both were frowning deeply. Renee jumped to her feet.

Miria forced a weak smile. "Have you seen the dock yet, Renee?"

_What? Who cares about a stupid dock! What's going on here?_ Renee bit her lip. "No..." She managed a neutral tone.

"Well, let's take a walk then." Miria's lips lifted. As her eyes scanned over Renee, her lips fell again. She shot a glance Sam's direction.

"My bad..." The boy rubbed the back of his neck.

"Boys..." Miria chuckled lightly. "Come on, my dear. Let's get you some fresh, appropriately sized pants first."

_Oh, forget the pants!_ Renee opened her mouth. Meeting Miria's eyes, she just released a sigh. _She's not gonna budge..._ "Okay..."

## 21. A PROFESSIONAL

Ms. Morrison

Standing in front of her classroom door, Ms. Morrison drew in a deep breath.

"Good morning."

Ms. Morrison leaped back, clutching her chest.

"Sorry, I did not mean to frighten you." Ms. Wilkins' expression was gentle as always.

"You're fine. I seem to have a case of the morning jitters, probably had too much coffee this morning..." Ms. Morrison managed a smile. _Well done...now just replay that ten thousand times and you'll make it through the day._ She drew in and released a deep breath.

Making her way to her desk, she watched as her students trickled in, one by one. Glancing up at the clock, she realized it was 8:30 a.m.. _Time for roll call..._ Gripping a checklist, her eyes scanned the sea of young faces as she called out each name. Danny Whitfield was the only child not present. Ms. Morrison placed an "X" by his name.

Setting down the clipboard, she turned to face the waiting students. "Now, class, we will review the specific rules of the field trip while on the bus ride. In the mean time, I expect you all to behave respectfully. If any of you dishonor me, Ms. Wilkins or any of the adult volunteers, you will be forced to wait with a volunteer on the bus while the rest of us conduct the field trip. Am I understood?"

A multitude of voices chimed. "Yes, Ms. Morrison."

"Line up." As the words crossed her lips, the children rushed toward the door. Just at that moment, Danny rushed into the classroom, attempting to sneak into the line.

"Danny? What do you think you are doing?"

"I have a note." Danny stretched out the piece of paper. She grabbed it, reading it silently to herself.

Ms. Morrison,

I apologize that my son will likely be late to class today. I have received an emergency call from the police department. Despite my previous request, I must go in and will be unable to go along on the school field trip. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sincerely,

Officer Whitfield

Ms. Morrison's stomach churned as her heart raced in her chest. _Compose yourself....you're a professional._ For several seconds, she stood still, staring at the note. She turned her gaze toward Danny as she spoke. "Very well then, line up."

## 22. WAITING

Emily

Looking into a jewelry store on her right, Emily's eyes drifted past the front counter toward a long hallway with a door near the back. _Just stay calm, act cool...stay calm...act cool..._ Emily drew in a deep breath and walked toward the store's entrance. Crossing over the threshold, a screeching alarm immediately sounded off. _The security boxes!_ Emily cursed in her mind, gritting her teeth. Every person in the store turned toward her with blank, unblinking stares. One by one, they linked their arms together and moved toward her. Emily took a step back, her eyes shifting from her front to each side. Around her, the main passage was growing more empty with each second. Every person slowly, but steadily, walked into the nearest store. Goosebumps spread across Emily's skin as her heart raced. She took another step back as the line drew closer.

They all took a final step, stopping just inside the store's entrance. A loud clinking sound joined that of the screeching alarm and bars lowered, creating a barrier between Emily and the line of people. Emily spun around as the clinking sound spread, echoing throughout the mall. Bars were lowering across every store. As they fell into position against the tile floor, the alarm's screeching simultaneously ceased, instantly replaced by silence.

Emily took another step back, spinning her body, looking from one store to another. Unblinking eyes stared out at her, but there was no one else in the mall's now open corridors.

Emily stood alone.

Her heart pounded as the hairs on her neck stood. _Oh God, what are they waiting for?_ The eyes still stared, their bodies unmoving behind the large bars. A loud motor burst to life from the far end of the hallway. Emily spun toward it as the entire wall separated into panels. The sound of scraping metal echoed toward her. _Oh God..._

A roar, echoing with the sound of a million hollow screams, burst from behind the shifting wall. Emily froze. Her eyes widened as she held her breath. The wall slowly creaked open, revealing a gigantic creature. Chills ran from Emily's spine down to her toes, as a gasp escaped between her lips.

The being stood ten feet high on all fours. Leathery rotting patches of various colors held together by stitches composed the thing's skin. _It's sections...pieces of...human flesh!_ Emily's entire body trembled, as her eyes lifted toward the creature's head.

Five blank, blackened pits existed in the place of eyes with a set of nostril slits below. Stringy, black tentacles flowed from the back of its skull down around its mouth. There, hundreds of razor sharp teeth crowded together, jutting in every direction. Drool flowed from the top to the bottom as the creature released another massive roar.

_Run...run!_ Emily's eyes frantically searched the corridor, landing on the ramp straight ahead. _It narrows at the top!_ Her feet flew toward it as her heart raced.

Passing the third floor, the concrete beneath her shook. She dared to glance back. The creature stepped onto the ramp as it breathed in deep, sniffing the air. The thing's feet plopped clumsily from one side of the ramp to the other as it made its way up.

It's blind!

A snarl escaped the giant mouth and Emily's eyes shifted back toward the ramp in front of her. Her feet pushed harder, faster as the ground shook violently beneath her. Leveling with the sixth floor, an array of scents drifted across her nose. _Perfumes!_ Emily turned down the hall, sprinting toward the smell. She could hear the pounding steps continuing behind her.

Approaching the perfume store, Emily skidded to a stop, leaning close against the barred entrance. She forced herself to draw in and release long, slow breaths. The pounding of her heart refused to slow.

She now noticed two sets of eyes staring at her through their barricade of steel. Unlike the others, they displayed an expression. _They're...excited?_ Emily's stomach swirled as her eyes shifted toward the creature.

It stood in place, just off the ramp, as it sniffed hard. Its massive toothy mouth swung in the air as its nostrils flared out. The thing slowly took a step forward and then another, shifting from one side of the hall to the other.

Emily remained motionless as it drew closer. Sweat covered her forehead as she dared to draw in a shallow, slow breath. The head snapped her direction. It walked closer still until a mere five feet spanned the space between Emily and the monster.

Stopping, it released a massive, toothy roar. Spit coated Emily's face. A slight whine escaped through her lips and the roar instantly stopped. The jaws shifted down toward her as Emily's body leaped to her side.

The creature's face slammed into the gate. Emily's feet pounded against the tile. Reaching a solid wall at the corridor's end, she spun back around. The creature's wide body spanned more than half of the hall in front of her. She could barely see the ramp behind its massive form. There's no way past him... Emily gulped as her eyes shifted. Barred stores lined both sides. There's no way out...this is it. Her body trembled as tears welled in her eyes. I'm going to die...

## 23. BOW DOWN

Renee

Miria silently led the way to a nearby hut. Renee followed as her stomach started doing back flips. _What could possibly be so bad that they're both avoiding telling_ me? She gulped.

"Here we are..." Miria pushed away the large leaves blocking the hut's entrance, as she stepped inside.

"Miria, how nice to see..." The light airy voice cut short. Renee stepped in behind Miria to see an older woman with curly white hair. A smile spread across the woman's face as her eyes landed on Renee. "Oh, hello there, what's your name?" Her wrinkled hand landed on her chest. "I'm April."

"I'm Renee..." She forced a smile.

"Well, it's wonderful to meet ya, Renee. Aren't you just as cute as a button..." April's smile widened. A silence stretched between them as April's eyes shifted from Miria back to Renee.

"Uh...Miria brought me here to get some different pants..." Renee grabbed the edges of the oversized khakis and fanned them out.

"Oh yes..." Miria's eyes snapped forward. "April, would you be so kind as to find the girl a more appropriate size?"

"Why, it'd be my pleasure! Why don't ya just scurry on out and get some fresh air. Renee and I can handle this."

"Yes..." Miria shook her head. "Yes, of course..." She turned toward Renee with a weak smile. "I'll be right outside waiting for you." Miria proceeded to slip through the hut's giant leaves, disappearing beyond them.

April walked toward a small table on the left side of the hut. As the woman's hands shifted through items resting there, Renee allowed her eyes to drift around the structure. On the back wall, boxed shelves were filled with neatly stacked clothes. Small numbers were etched into the top of each wooden compartment.

"Oh, where did I put that?" April's rustling grew louder as she moved one item and then another. "Ah ha!" The woman spun around, gripping a small rope with black tic marks lined along its surface. "Okay, sweetie, lift ya arms up like this..." The elderly woman's hand flung straight up in the air.

Renee resisted the urge to chuckle, following the motioned instructions.

April took a step toward the girl. "Perfect, now I'm gonna wrap this 'round to measure your waist..." She stretched the string around Renee's stomach. Gripping a specific notch, she pulled it free and turned toward the shelf. "Okay...sixty-eight...where's sixty-eight..."

Sixty-eight? What kind of sizes are these? Renee scratched her head. She opened her mouth and then immediately closed it. No, the fewer questions I ask here, the sooner I can get back to Miria...

"Oh, here it is!" The woman reached toward the highest shelf, pulling down a pair of white pants. Spinning toward Renee, she stretched them out toward the girl. "Here, these should be a better fit."

"Thank you..." Renee smiled, gripping the pants. Thank God they're not khakis.

"Well, I'll get out of ya hair now, so you can change..." April pushed aside of section of bamboo on the right wall, revealing a second room. Walking in, she smiled back before closing the door behind her. Renee changed at hyper speed. She was just securing the button on the white pants when April's voice rang out from the other room.

"Oh, you can leave those khakis on the table in there..."

"Okay..." Renee called back. Folding the old pants, she placed them on the table and spun toward the exit. Finally, time for some answers...

Stepping outside, her eyes instantly landed on Miria. The woman smiled. "Oh, those look much better. How do they feel?"

"Great...now, will you please tell me what's going on?"

"Walk with me." Miria smiled as she strolled toward the dock. "Do you remember when the fireballs came down and I explained there was no catch to Neveah, simply an enemy?"

Renee nodded.

"Well, there is a city not far from here that is quite...different...from Neveah. Its citizens thrive on greed. They feed off of fear and hate. The majority of them are simply misguided souls, though their leader...She is pure evil...She desires nothing more than to see The Protector forced to bow down before her, so she can claim rule over this land and all others..." Miria paused.

"So, why not kill her?" Renee shrugged.

"I am afraid it's not that simple. Her time will come. In the meantime, she is free to..." Miria's eyes drifted down as she paused. "Well, this actually leads to the first difficult news...She has once again declared war against Neveah. We go into battle at first light."

"Citizens of Neveah fight?" Renee's face scrunched. The first difficult news...there's more?

The corner of Miria's lip lifted. "Yes, we are fierce warriors when necessary." The corner fell. "We always prefer to solve our problems without violence. There are simply some circumstances when we have no option, but to fight for what we believe in, to fight for what we love." Miria paused just as they reached the dock's end. Turning toward Renee, she met her eyes directly.

"Renee, the other news affects you directly."

Renee gulped. Here we go...

"Ellhion spoke the truth about the reason you could not understand him. You are not a citizen of Neveah, not yet at least..."

Renee released her held breath. Oh, that's it? Surely we can get past that... "Well, how do I become one?"

"Oh, my dear..." Miria's eyes glistened with surfacing liquid. "It doesn't work like that...you still have far too much to accomplish back home. When the time is right, you must return."

"What? What about Sam?" Renee's eyes widened.

Miria shook her head. "Sam is here to stay."

Renee's mouth gaped open. She's got to be crazy! There's no way I'm leaving without my best friend! Nope, not happening. "No, no way...if I go, he goes. If he stays, I stay."

Miria's hand stretched out toward Renee's shoulder. "Renee, you have a good heart and a strong will...but when that time arrives, it will be beyond the control of you, Sam or even me."

She's serious...she can't be...it's not right! Renee's head spun. "How long..."

"What?" Miria's gentle eyes met her own.

"How long do I have...here?"

"It's impossible to say..."

Okay, think Renee, think...the battle! Commotion will be going on all around...I can grab Sam and lead him back to the cave and then home. It's perfect! Renee straightened her posture. "Well, I'd like to help tomorrow...in the fight, that is..."

"Renee..." Miria closed her mouth as her eyes drifted off. Looking back up, she continued. "If you genuinely wish to help, you may."

"I do!" Renee nodded her head.

"Very well...For now, you should probably get some rest. I set up a bed for you in my hut. Right this way..." Miria led the way from the dock.

Standing in front of Miria's hut, Renee's eyes drifted toward the darkened sky above. Stars filled the space above her. Wow, it's beautiful! Wait, the sky and... "Oh, Miria..."

"Yes?" The woman turned toward her.

"Tomorrow before I go..." Renee cleared her throat. "...into battle...before I go into battle..." She chuckled lightly. "Would you mind translating a message to Little Guy...er...Winston, for me?"

"It would be my pleasure." Miria smiled.

## 24. LIES

Emily

The creature shook its toothy head before turning toward Emily with a growl. Its massive feet took one slow step toward her. It paused; sniffing the air, then slowly took another step. The seconds stretched on as sweat, drool and tears dripped down Emily's face. Her shaking legs buckled beneath her as she fell to her knees.

The monster now stood less than three feet away. The stench and wind of its heavy breath brushed against her face in waves. Emily stared blankly forward as the thing lifted itself onto two legs and its mouth opened wide.

"God help me." She whispered.

"God?" Laughter echoed down the hall. _Lucy?_ At the sound of the voice, the monster's mouth closed and its head turned back. "Drop!" The creature let out a light growl before falling on all fours, lowering its head against the tile floor.

Emily glanced up to see Lucy, Ethan and two other men approaching her from the ramp.

"There...now where was I?" Lucy's voice chimed. "Oh yes, God..." Lucy chuckled again. "I'm afraid he has no power here...it's out of his jurisdiction, so to say...I'm the only one who can help you now."

At the sound of the woman's words, Emily gritted her teeth. Pressing her arm against the tile, she pushed herself to her feet. "Ahh..." Pain shot through every limb as her body trembled, but still she remained standing. Lifting her face toward the woman, her eyes were instantly drawn to Lucy's own. Where green eyes once rested, a dark reddish glow now filled them. She glanced toward Ethan and the other two men whose eyes all displayed the same red tone.

"Now, oh, this is my favorite part..." Lucy squealed as a smile spread across her face. "It's time for a choice, my dear. Either, renounce this so called God of yours and pledge loyalty to me...or..." Lucy's eyes and smile widened. "...Well, let's just say then the real fun starts..."

_God, what do I do? I know you say not to deny you...but...I'm not ready to die..._ Emily gulped.

"Well?" Lucy's head cocked to the side as she lifted her palms like two sides of a scale. "What's it gonna be?"

Emily's eyes drifted toward the faces staring from behind bars. Their blank eyes looked at her with sealed lips. _You're already dead inside, aren't you?_

"I'm waiting..." Lucy's foot tapped against the tile.

Emily straightened her back as her eyes met Lucy's directly. "I will never serve you."

Lucy's smile fell before the corner of her lip lifted slightly back up. Beside her, the creature's head shifted up as it released a light growl. Looking at it, Lucy shouted. "Oh, shut up!" The being lowered its face back against the floor. Lucy's gaze shifted back toward Emily, as she scanned the girl up and down. "Brave, aren't you?" Lucy twirled a strand of her blonde hair between her fingertips. "We'll see how long that lasts..." Releasing the lock, Lucy snapped her fingers. The two nameless men each walked toward one of Emily's sides, grabbing her arms. Lucy started walking down the long corridor as the men followed her. Ethan watched through gritted teeth as they drug Emily past him. His feet then moved with loud thuds directly behind her.

***

The brutes tugged Emily forward as Lucy silently led the group down the mall's ramp, out the door and through the city.

Gravel crunched beneath Emily's feet as the gap between Lucy and the men grew. She felt breath on her neck as Ethan's voice whispered in her ear. "You should have given yourself to me when you had the chance...I would have been gentle..." He drew in a deep breath, sniffing the tips of her hair. Grabbing several strands, he pulled them back hard. "That time's long gone now." He tossed the hair free, leaning back away from her.

Goosebumps spread across Emily's trembling body as she lowered her head toward the ground. God, please...please, help me...give me a sign, anything...I'm begging you, Lord... The gravel path was giving way to grass, causing Emily to lift her eyes. The two familiar tents now stood directly in front of their path.

As they came to a halt, Emily's attention immediately veered to her left, where a line of warriors shifted around, performing various tasks.

She watched as a man covered in metal-plated armor attached a sword to his hip. Beside him, a group of men dressed in polo shirts and jeans chatted amongst themselves. One was adjusting a black bulletproof vest over his chest. Several more tinkered with various weapons, loading and cocking guns, throwing knifes at trees, and adjusting scopes on rifles. Emily's eyes ventured further down the line, before stopping dead in their tracks. The creature from the mall! How'd they get it down here so fast? The monster presently paced from side to side.

On the creature's far side, stood several people covered in black from head to toe, their concealed faces pointing toward a hilltop on the opposite side. Emily followed their line of sight, noticing only the sun's rays against the grassy incline. Her eyes shifted back over the sea of fighters as she gasped. Was that...Kyle? She gulped, eyeing the crowd closely.

"Ethan, bring a couple boards from the storage tent."

"Me?"

Lucy spun to face the man. "Yes, now!" She snapped her fingers repeatedly as the man grumbled under his breath, walking away.

Emily's eyes shifted from the distraction, back toward the crowd. Please don't be...please, anything but... Her vision landed on the familiar face. Kyle...Oh, Kyle...no...no... Tears spilled over the edges of Emily's eyes as her head hung toward the ground.

"Not so brave now, huh?" Lucy chuckled as she approached Emily, lifting the girl's chin with her finger. She pulled her hand away, letting Emily's head fall down. "You know...I can make all that pain go away...make it vanish in an instant!" Lucy flicked her fingers out from a balled shape. "Poof!" She smiled. "It only takes three little words...I renounce God. That's it."

Emily lifted her eyes toward Lucy with a glare. "Never!"

"Very well, have it your way..." Lucy smirked as she started pacing. "It's a shame to miss out on such a gutsy spirit though...I could use a spunky girl by my side when I take over Neveah..." Lucy sighed.

Just then, Ethan rounded the corner of Emily's vision carrying two massive boards. Laying them in front of Emily's feet, he glanced up at her with a wide smile. Emily gulped. Ethan shifted his eyes from her, positioning the boards in a cross shape before binding them together with a thick rope. Emily's heart pounded faster. A cross...they're going to hang me on a... She felt a knot forming in her throat.

"Hm..." Lucy's eyes scanned her up and down. As Emily's eyes met the glowing red orbs, Lucy's head spun from side to side. "So...where's that God of yours now?" Her lips stretched into a wide grin. "Last chance, Emily...Say the words while you still can..."

Emily's eyes shifted from Lucy, to the cross below and back up again. Oh God...please! God, where are you? Emily screamed within the boundaries of her mind, shutting her eyes tightly. Opening them, she was greeted by Lucy's staring face.

"Come on, why suffer for a worthless God that can't even save you? Is that the kind of leader you want to follow?" Lucy's brow lifted. "I thought you were stronger than that, Emily...better than that!"

"Lies..." Emily mumbled.

"What was that?" Lucy cocked her head toward the girl.

"Lies!" Emily screamed and then spat on the ground toward Lucy. Lucy's eyes widened as she took a delicate step back.

"Oh, you just made the worst...and final mistake of your life!"

## 25. YOUR MASTER

Renee

Nestling onto the hut's bed, Renee blinked and sunlight instantly streamed in through the gaps in bamboo. What? It can't be morning already...I didn't even sleep...Did I?

Her eyes wandered over the hut's interior. The bed across the room was empty. Miria's gone...what if she realized my plan and they left without me! She flew up out of the bed and ran through the leafy entrance. As her eyes glanced around the scenery, she released a sigh. Good, they didn't leave yet...whew!

Women, men, children and animals all shifted around the huts. A man on her right secured an armored breastplate. Two women rushed past her carrying several swords in their hands. A boy on her left leaned over, whispering to a small piglet. A man straight ahead shifted a metal shield on a lion's back. The animal growled lightly as the man pushed it closer toward the animal's neck. Renee's eyes kept scanning. As a giraffe walked past her line of vision, she spotted Miria and Sam, chatting.

She ran toward them. "Hey, why didn't you guys wake me? Is there still time for my message to Winston?"

"Fret not, my dear...Luthania may be able to declare war by threatening the outer realms, but we still have a major advantage." Miria's voice was calm.

Renee's brows furrowed. "What advantage?"

Miria continued. "Just as the fireball could not penetrate within the city, neither can the citizens of Luthania enter our lands. The battle will take place on neutral ground, on our terms. In regards to your question..." Miria lifted her face toward the sky, as she let out a long whistle.

Renee's eyes shifted toward the sky as the cardinal drifted down toward them. He landed gracefully on Miria's shoulder, chirping loudly. "Someone has a message for you..." Miria attention shifted from her shoulder to Renee, as the bird's eyes followed. "He's been busy scouting out the enemy territory, but he's glad to see you."

"Oh..." Duh, Sam said he's their best scout...of course he'd be busy...should've thought of that... "Well, I'll make this quick. Winston, I just wanted to thank you, properly, for leading me here and helping me find Sam." Renee's eyes veered toward the boy who was staring at the ground. He's in a hurry, Renee...oh yeah... She shifted her focus back to the bird. "I...I don't know how much longer I'll be staying...so I just wanted you to know how truly grateful I am..."

The cardinal bowed his head and then chirped into Miria's ear. "He says you are very welcome and that he greatly enjoyed your company..." The bird continued. "He wishes you nothing but the best and hopes to see you back in Neveah again."

If only I could just stay in the first place... Before Renee could dwell on the thought, the cardinal flapped his wings and landed on her shoulder. He gently rubbed his feathered head against her neck before flying up into the sky.

Aw... "Goodbye...Little Guy..." Renee mumbled the last two words as she watched him ascend. As the bird lifted higher into the air, he chirped again. Renee turned toward Miria. "What'd he say?"

Miria's head tilted slightly to the side. "Never allow fear to become your master."

"Hm..." Never allow fear to become your master...I like that...

"Now...it's time to get you battle ready..." Miria leaned over, grabbing an armor chest plate from a large stack. She stretched it out toward Renee and then pulled it back. Her eyes met Renee's own. "You do not have to do this."

"What? Fight?"

Miria just stared at her for a long moment. Uh oh, she probably heard my mental plan yesterday...Wait, but she's still giving me the choice to go anyway? Renee's brow lifted.

"Time is a precious gift. It should not be wasted fighting destiny..." Miria handed over the metal plate. Renee gripped it. Nearly dropping it, she shifted to better hold the weight.

Miria turned and started walking toward the white foggy steps that had led Renee here. As Renee watched her leave, her vision landed on a boy sitting on the stairs. He gently caressed a wolf pup in his hands, whispering into the animal's ear. His eyes glistened as he held the pup closer to his chest. Is...the wolf shivering? She squinted, confirming her thoughts. As the boy lifted his head up, Renee watched his lips move. She could almost hear the words somehow. 'It'll be okay. I won't let them get anywhere near you.' Renee's own lips trembled. He's not worried about himself at all...only his friend... She gulped hard, as her eyes drifted over the scenery. What kind of friend would take someone away from this paradise? Liquid surfaced in her eyes.

"Need some help with that?" Sam's voice rang out from beside her. Renee pushed back the tears as she spun toward him.

She followed the line of his pointing finger toward the chest plate in her hands. "Oh, yeah, if you've got a minute..."

"Of course...Here, let me show you how this works...." His voice was gentle as he plucked the armor from her hands. "...you just undo these latches here...then put your arms through here." He held up the metal plate in front of Renee. She stretched out her arms as Sam slid it over her and then secured its latches. "There, now you're ready..." Sam smiled.

"Sam..."

"Not quite ready..." Miria approached them, carrying a sheathed sword with a dangling belt. "Here's the final piece." She laid the sword across her hands and stretched it out towards Renee.

I hadn't actually planned on fighting...guess it's too late now... Renee gulped as she gripped the extended weapon. Securing it around her waist, she drew in a deep breath.

Roars suddenly sounded loudly in front of them. Both Miria and Sam turned toward the noise. I wish I understood... Renee's eyes fell toward the ground.

"It's time. Follow me, and no matter what, you two stay close together." Miria's eyes shifted from Renee to Sam. With a final nod, she spun and started walking toward the woods. Renee hustled behind her as all the armored men, women, children and animals formed a massive line plodding into the trees. The group proceeded deeper and deeper into the forest as Renee's head spun. What am I doing? I'm no warrior. What if I die? What if we all die? Maybe I should just run...No, I can't leave Sam...leave Sam...I'll have to eventually anyway...

"Sam..." Renee's eyes turned toward the boy walking beside her.

Sam's eyes met her own. "I know...I know...It'll all be okay." His free hand slipped into her's. Renee gripped it tightly. How can he be so sure?

The noise of plodding feet and hooves drove on for nearly an hour. As they approached the top of a hill, they all shifted into a long line along its edge. It's almost time... Renee squeezed Sam's hand tighter. This could be it...We could actually die here...Oh, what do I say...what can I say... Renee turned toward the boy. "Sam, no matter what...you will forever be my best friend and..." Renee gulped. "I love you."

Sam's eyes twinkled in the sunlight as a smile stretched over his face. "I love you too, Renee."

Roars echoed in front of them, drawing all eyes forward. Sam's smile melted as Ellhion paced, growling one direction and then another.

What's he saying? Probably best not to ruin the moment by asking...

Renee's eyes drifted toward the battlefield below. On the opposing line, some warriors displayed modern attire and weaponry, while others held swords and shields. Her eyes drifted further, toward a man holding a wooden club and beyond, to a group dressed in all black. Toward the end of the row, stood a massive creature. What is that thing? Its head was filled with razor sharp teeth and black pits for eyes. Renee shivered.

As Ellhion released a final roar, Miria and several others stepped forward.

So much for epic last words... Renee leaned close, whispering in Sam's ear. "What's happening? Should we step forward too?"

"No, Ellhion asked the Guardians to lead the charge." Sam's jaw tightened as his own eyes wandered over the battlefield. He pulled free from Renee's grip, tightening both hands around his sword.

Oh, God...this is it...we're actually going into war... Renee's heart pounded wildly in her chest as sweat beaded across her face. Renee's eyes scanned the faces on either side of her. Clenched jaws and straightened forms met her view. Am I the only one who's afraid?

Cheering echoed from the enemy's side, drawing Renee's attention. She watched as multiple crosses were lifted up into the air. Are those...people...there are people strapped to them...oh, God! Renee's head spun as her heart thumped faster. One of the Luthanian warriors lined up beside each cross, holding a torch in their hands. I can't watch this... Renee closed her tightly.

A moment later, the cheering and all other sounds ceased completely. Only the sound of a single set of hooves broke the buzzing silence. "The Protector!" Several voices rang out from their side of the battlefield. Renee peeked open her eyes, instantly blinded by a pure white light.

## 26. NOT AGAIN

Ms. Morrison

The bus brakes squealed as they came to a halt in front of the trail entrance. Ms. Morrison's eyes drifted toward a wooden sign displaying 'Elder Woods.' Her heart raced as sweat beaded on her brow.

Stepping off the bus, her vision wandered over the towering trees around her. She forced herself to draw in a slow, deep breath. You can do this...you can do this...

"Ms. Morrison?" Her assistant's tone was soft.

Ms. Morrison shook her head. Stay focused! She turned back toward the yellow vehicle. "Now, class, exit the bus and line up behind me. Remember, there will be an adult volunteer walking behind every fifth one of you." As she stated the words, the children and volunteers began pouring out of the bus.

The next several minutes passed in a haze as she worked to get everyone aligned in their appropriate positions. The adults struggled with the placement as much as the children. When they were all organized, Ms. Morrison turned to address the class. "Now children, I expect you to listen to any instructions the volunteers may give. Ms. Wilkins will follow up behind the last child and I will lead in the front." Her eyes glanced over to see her assistant waving from her proper position. "Also class, be certain to notice any signs of life in this forest. You will be expected to write a one page essay documenting your experience." At the last statement, several sighs and grumbles were released. "What was that? Did you say you wanted it to be a two page essay?" The whines stopped as all their small heads shook from side to side. "Very well, it will remain at one page. Now, class, do you understand all these instructions?"

"Yes, Ms. Morrison." The young voices chimed in unison.

"Very well then, everyone get ready." Ms. Morrison's eyes caught movement halfway down the line as Danny rushed out of place, toward the back.

"Danny, come here." The boy froze in place before slowly approaching her. "You will be walking directly behind me on this trip." Ms. Morrison pointed to the spot beside her. The child hesitantly obeyed, hanging his head as he did so.

The group slowly shifted through the woods, following the paved path with every step. Ms. Morrison kept a pasted smile on her face. It's just a forest...nothing more...focus...just stay focused... She forced air in and out of her lungs.

As her eyes drifted toward a small plant with red tipped leaves, she stopped, turning back toward the class. "Now everyone, pay close attention. This plant here..." She pointed at it. "...is poison ivy. If you touch it, you will break out in a rash all over your body. Please stay as far away from this kind of plant as possible." She then marched onward, listening as the plodding steps followed behind her. Glancing back, she noticed a bend in the line as every child cautiously avoided the small plant. Perhaps this won't be so bad after all. They continued forward at a steady pace, intermittently stopping as Ms. Morrison identified more plants.

Her eyes ventured ahead where a massive tree had fallen over, completely blocking the trail. It's too tall for the children to climb over safely...hm...

Her eyes scanned the area for a way around the thing. To the left, a large, mud puddle rested by the tree's roots. To the right, there was a slight incline, but approximately twenty feet ahead she spotted the top of the fallen tree.

She spun toward the group. "Okay, everyone, there is a tree blocking our path here. I will lead the way up the hill and around this blockage. Please follow closely to your nearest adult volunteer and let us know if you have any difficulties making it up the hill. We are here to help." Several of the students broke into whispering amongst themselves.

Reaching the hill's peak, Ms. Morrison froze in place. Her eyes drifted toward a valley below where warriors lined up on opposing sides. There were men, women, children and a variety of creatures standing amongst them. On the left side, several animals were clad in armor. Toward the front of these, stood a massive white tiger. On the right, horrifying creatures waited alongside their human counterparts. As her eyes continued scanning, Ms. Morrison's heart skipped a beat. On the right, several crosses were lifted into the air. Her focus was on the farthest one where a young woman with black hair hung from ropes.

Children and adult volunteers, alike, rushed up to the edge where Ms. Morrison stood. Several of their voices echoed behind her. "What is it?" "I don't see anything." "What's Ms. Morrison looking at?"

Ms. Morrison's eyes remained glued on the scene below. A being now stood beside the girl strapped to the cross. With a torch in his hand, he began lowering it toward her. The movement seemed to occur over several minutes. Still trapped in place, a thought escaped her in the form of a whisper, "not again."

## 27. SUFFER

Emily

"Ethan, bind her!" Lucy hissed as she resumed her pacing.

"With pleasure..." Ethan smiled as he walked toward Emily. Emily squirmed against the two brutes holding her arms. Her heart raced as her head snapped toward the wrist on her left side. Her teeth sunk in deep, causing the man to scream. He cursed, slapping Emily hard against the cheek. Her spinning head lifted to see a black oozing substance trickling down his wrists. In an instant, her body was being forced against the wooden boards. Emily kicked in the air, hitting Ethan in the shoulder. The man pinned down her legs with his weight, as he wrapped a thick rope around her feet. With her legs securely bound, Emily twisted her wrists and spat every direction.

"Let me kill 'er now!" One of the brutes screamed.

"Patience, Samil... I want this one to suffer." Lucy's eyes ventured toward Emily's squirming body, as Ethan secured the binding on her left hand. Emily tried to lift her right hand, but the pressure was too great. Ethan quickly worked his way toward it, tightening the rope with all his strength.

Lucy walked around the cross, eying the bindings. She nodded and the brutes shifted back into place, each on one side of Emily's arms. "Oh, hold on..." Lucy's gaze ventured toward Ethan. "Want to have a little fun with it first?" Lucy's nose wrinkled as she chuckled.

_God, no, please...death...anything...anything but that..._ Tears rolled freely down Emily's face as she uselessly tugged for freedom.

A wide smile crossed Ethan's face as he started rolling up his sleeves. "Would I ever..."

Just then, a roar echoed across the horizon. Lucy's eyes snapped toward the sound with a glare. "Darling, I'm afraid our friends have arrived a little early..." She glanced at Ethan who was scowling. "Don't worry, after we're through with them, you'll get first pick...and probably one far more tempting than this rag of a girl." Lucy chuckled and then turned toward the other two brutes. "Hoist her and the others up!"

The men screamed the instructions down the line and then followed her orders, shoving the heavy cross up and into a hole in the ground. As it lifted into the air, cheers suddenly erupted from their side of the battlefield. Emily screamed as the pressure of her weight dug the ropes deep into her wrists. Other screams echoed on her right and left sides. Looking over, Emily saw several other crosses rising into the air.

"Ah...music to my ears..." Lucy's smile widened. "Kade, bring me a torch and some kindling...and tell the others to get in position...It's almost play time!"

"Yes ma'am!" The brute scurried away, hastily returning with a lit torch in one hand and brush in the other. He lifted the items toward Lucy. She grabbed the torch from him. The man continued standing there with the kindling stretched out for her.

"Put it around the cross, you fool!" Lucy snapped.

The man followed her orders, spreading the brush widely around Emily's feet, giggling as he did so.

Lucy turned toward Ethan. "Would you like to do the honors?" The man's smile returned as he stretched out his arm and plucked the torch from her. Ethan walked to the side of Emily's cross; staring up at her as he slowly brought the licking flame closer and closer to her legs.

_So this is how it ends..._ The tears continued pouring down Emily's cheeks as her head hung low. _Look up..._ The thought came out of nowhere. Emily forced her weak head to lift up toward the hillside. _Sam?_ Her mouth gaped open. Beside the boy, stood a girl with brown curly hair. _That's...that's impossible..._ Her eyes shifted as a red cardinal swept across the battlefield. _Never allow fear to become your master..._ Emily's head and spinning world came to a halt. Memories flooded through her mind. _It wasn't real...it was all a..._ Emily gulped. _God, be with me..._

With all her strength, she pulled her hands inward. Screaming, she pushed through the pain as the ropes started unwrapping and breaking. She could see herself falling straight forward toward the ground and the flaming torch below. Suddenly, everything went black.

## 28. TRUTH

Renee Emily Morrison

"Renee Emily Morrison!"

Emily sucked in a deep breath as she rose up into a seated position. Her head spun as her heart pounded. White surrounded her.

Beep...beep...beep...

The sound was close this time. Emily looked down to see a thin gown covering her body. I'm in the hospital...what? What happened? More importantly, was that really me, a younger version of me, standing on the hillside? Memories of her time in Neveah flooded Emily's mind. Yes, yes it was, I remember now!

"Don't you ever scare me like that again! Do you understand me?" Emily's mother rose from her seat, reaching out for a hug. Emily managed a half hug before gently pushing Merlot back.

"Mom, do you have a pen and something to write on...a napkin...anything?"

"Well, I think so..." Sitting back down, Merlot dug through her purse and produced a pen, followed by an empty envelope.

"Thank you." Emily grabbed the items, jotting down scribbled notes. I cannot forget again...not like last time...freaking therapists...they were wrong...they were all wrong...it was real and I have to remember it...I just have to...

Emily quickly wrote out several names, including Lucy, Ethan, Neveah, Luthania, Winston and Sam. As she wrote the name "Sam," tears filled her eyes. Her mind drifted toward a memory of the day she was rescued from Hacker's forest:

"Renee, you're a lucky girl, falling into that pit saved your life..." The words of the rescue worker echoed through her brain.

"What about Sam?" She had to ask the question several times before her father had finally explained.

"Sweetie, Sam...he went the other way...and that bear...it was just too fast. I'm so sorry..."

Emily's body shuddered as the memory faded away. Of course, Neveah must be real though...how could anyone forget a place and then dream it up a second time? That's just ludicrous! It's gotta be real...It has to be...I just know it! That means Sam is actually there and in a much better place...and I can finally stop feeling guilty for what happened!

A doctor rounded the corner, walking into the room. Emily quickly folded the envelope, tucking it beneath the gown into her brassier.

"Emily, what on earth..." Before her mother could finish the objection, the doctor spoke.

"Hello, Renee..."

"I prefer to be called Emily now." She had started going by her middle name after the death of Sam.

"Very well, Emily, I am Dr. Heinstein. You were involved in a car accident. You suffered a grade three, severe concussion." The doctor flipped through a chart in his hand. "All brain functions appear normal. Hm..." He paused, flipping another page. "Considering this is your second major head injury, you are one very lucky young lady."

"A car accident?" Emily rubbed the back of her head as her fingers drifted over a large knot.

"You don't remember, sweetie?" Merlot's voice was gentle. Emily shook her head. Her mother turned toward the man draped in white. "Would you mind giving us a minute?"

"Absolutely..." The doctor made a slight bow and then exited the room.

"What's the last thing you remember?" Merlot's eyes met those of her daughter.

"Cake..." Emily looked down at the gown, fiddling with the tube sticking out of her arm. "You and dad were there...and Kyle brought out the birthday cake and set it in front of me. Then..." Then what? Emily's lips twisted.

"You asked about the triple chocolate ice cream..." Merlot's eyes got glossy. "I couldn't believe I'd forgotten it..."

"Mom, don't cry... It's not your..." Memories drifted back into Emily's mind. "Wait...I told you not to worry about it, but then Kyle...he insisted on going. He said, 'If ice cream is what the birthday girl wants, then ice cream she shall get!' I didn't want him to go alone. We both got in the car. His light was green, but then something...blue..." Emily rubbed her temple.

Merlot wiped her eyes. "It was a blue van that hit you two."

You two... "Mom, where's Kyle?"

Merlot's eyes lifted toward her daughter. "The doctor said you'd both been rushed here, but since I'm not a relative, they wouldn't give me his room number or any details."

"I have to find him!" Emily yanked hard on the tube connected to her arm.

"Sweetie, stop, what're you doing?"

Pulling out the IV needle, she tossed away the covers.

"Emily, sweetheart, you can't just..."

"I have to..." Emily leaped to her feet. She side stepped her rising mother and rushed into the hallway beyond. Her eyes shifted left and landed on a nurses' station ten feet ahead. A lone heavy- set nurse sat there shifting through piles of paperwork. They won't give information to non-relatives, huh? We'll see about that...

Emily walked directly up to the nurse. The woman's eyes lifted to meet Emily's own. "Have you ever loved someone so much, you'd rather die a thousand deaths than see them hurt for even an instant?"

The nurse's widened eyes glanced from Emily back toward the rapidly approaching Merlot. She leaned forward and whispered. "What do you need, sweetie?"

"The room number for the love of my life, Kyle Johnson." Another set of footsteps clicked rapidly behind Emily. "Please."

The nurse looked her in the eyes before glancing past her again. She rapidly typed against her keyboard, scanning the screen. The nurse raised her voice. "Miss, I'm sorry, I simply cannot give out that kind of information." Writing something on a sticky note, she spun the paper toward Emily. A single number rested there.

327 Emily nodded her head as the nurse crumbled the page and tossed it in the trash. Acting time! "Ma'am...please..." She silently mouthed the words 'thank you' just before Dr. Heinstein and Merlot approached her sides.

"Emily, sweetie..."

"What's going on here?" The doctor demanded.

Emily spun around with a scowl, pointing toward the woman behind the counter. "This nurse won't give me my boyfriend's room number!"

"Miss, calm down..." The doctor lifted open palms. "She is only following hospital procedures. Besides, you need to return to your room and get some rest. You've been through a very traumatic experience and..."

"Am I under some kind of hold?" Emily crossed her arms over chest.

"Well, no, but..."

"Good, then I'm checking myself out. I'm eighteen and I'm legally an adult now, so that shouldn't be an issue."

"Um, sweetie..." Merlot interjected.

"What, mom?" Emily spun toward the woman who currently stood behind her.

"You might want to put these on..." Her mother stretched out jeans and a black shirt. Emily instantly felt a breeze on her backside, as red rushed across her face.

"Oh...thanks..." Grabbing the clothing with one hand, she used the other to hold the back of the gown together. "I'll...uh...be right back..." She slowly strolled back toward her hospital room.

Emily could hear the doctor's voice echoing behind her. "Ma'am, it is my professional opinion that she should remain at least another day for observation."

Her mother's voice followed. "Well, if she were allowed to see her boyfriend, even for a moment..."

"It's simply not possible at this time. If he was..." The doctor's voice faded to a whisper.

If he was what? Emily stepped into the room and quickly disappeared into its separate restroom. Changing, she caught a glimpse of something below her hand. She finished pulling the shirt down and then examined the area closely. Her eyes widened as she spotted a circular red burn on her wrist. Lifting her other hand, she found the same type of marking. The ropes...while on the cross...Wait, so my injuries from Luthania transferred back here...that means...Kyle...he was there and might be in danger. I have to find him!

Buttoning her jeans, she flung open the restroom door, and rushed into the hallway. Her mother and Dr. Heinstein's heads snapped toward her. Emily veered toward the right, away from them. She could hear the plodding of rushing steps behind her.

"Miss, please wait..."

Releasing a sigh, she turned toward the voice. "Sir, with all due respect, I feel fine so I'm leaving now..."

"Miss, you don't understand. I've been reviewing your chart and have some critical information to discuss with you."

Can it be more critical than my boyfriend's possible imprisonment in a dreamland with an evil psychotic... Emily let the thought fall away. "I'll make an appointment." She spun back around. Spotting the elevators on the hall's far side, she started walking toward them.

"Miss, please, it'll only take a moment of your time."

Is he following me? Emily turned to see the doctor walking directly behind her. She increased her pace. As she reached the elevator, her eyes veered up to see that floor two was highlighted above its doors. Great, if I go up, doctor annoying will get suspicious...guess it's down first... She pushed in the down button repeatedly.

"Ms. Morrison, in my fourteen years of practice, I have never seen a case as extreme as your own."

Emily's brow lifted as the elevator doors opened. She stepped inside and the doctor quickly followed. As the metal doors sealed the duo in, she turned toward the older man. "Okay, I'm listening..."

"You want me to explain it now...in here?"

Emily nodded as she pushed the first floor button.

"Very well...We conducted a series of tests while you were still unresponsive. The results showed that you were experiencing extremely elevated levels of a particular sleep cycle referred to as Rapid Eye Movement, or REM for short..."

"Like my initials?" _...and the band...oh, the band jokes...ugh..._ Emily sighed.

"Well, yes, I suppose..." The doctor paused and then quickly resumed. "Anyway, the REM cycle is the only one in which individuals dream. Your severely abnormal levels could imply..." Again the doctor paused. "Well, the possibilities are endless, but our time is not, so I'll get to the point. Do you remember anything from your dreams or even recall having any?" The doctor's eyes met Emily's own.

_The possibilities are endless...you just don't even know...but of course, if I admit the truth, he could just as easily lock me up in the mental ward for 'safe keeping' while Kyle remains trapped in..._ "Nope, none that I can recall." Emily shook her head as the elevator doors slid open.

The doctor's face fell. "Well, if you remember anything...anything at all...please, give me a call." He stretched out a business card.

Grabbing it, she stepped through the doors into the hallway. "Will do." She flashed a smile at the doctor before slowly walking away.

"There you are!" Merlot's voice rang out from Emily's left side.

_Great...just great..._ Emily released a puff of air.

The woman scurried toward her. "Your father has been in and out of the chapel all day, praying for you..."

"Thanks, mom, I'm really thankful, I am...it's just..." Emily's eyes were looking past her mother, searching for a staircase.

"Well come on then, let's go show him how well you're doing..." Her mother gently tugged on Emily's arm.

_Come up with an excuse...something...anything..._ "Oh, bummer..." Emily freed her arm, snapping her fingers.

"What?" Merlot's eyes scanned her daughter.

"I left my cell upstairs. Let me just run up and get it real quick..." She started walking away, her face still looking at her mother. "I'll meet you in the chapel in five..."

"Oh...okay..." Merlot's lips twisted.

_She's not buying it...but she's not stopping me either...I should have just told her the truth, but there'd be way too much to explain...no, I need to get to Kyle first and as quickly as possible._ Emily picked up the pace as her eyes scanned the hall. Her vision landed on a neon sign that read 'stairwell.' _Finally!_ Emily rushed toward it.

"No running in the halls." A voice yelled from a nearby nursing station.

Emily glanced that way, forcing her legs to slow. "Sorry." She moved at a speed walker's pace, quickly pulling open the white door. As it closed behind her, she jogged up the steps. _Wait, maybe he woke up already too...he could be up there waiting for me right now!_ A smile spread across her lips as her feet shifted faster. She flew past an elderly hooded woman, nearly bumping into her. "Oh, I'm so sorry..." Emily lifted open palms before resuming her rapid pace.

As she reached the third floor, her heart pounded wildly. Gripping the handle, Emily paused, drawing in short rapid breaths. _The last thing I want is to draw attention...just breathe, Em...breathe..._ She remained in place, as the burning in her lungs slowly faded. Running her fingers through her straightened hair, she adjusted the locks along her part line. _Okay, good enough..._ She gently tugged the handle and stepped into the third floor hallway. She walked slowly as her eyes drifted over passing doctors, nurses and patients. _Hopefully, Dr. Heinstein doesn't work on this floor..._ Her vision snapped toward a hallway on her right side. The sign dangling there read 'Rooms 320-331.' _Kyle!_ Her steps quickened as she rounded the corner down the long, white path.

Her eyes scanned the numbers above each door as she passed them. _320...321...322...323..._ She spotted the '327' label ahead, on the hall's left side. Her feet shifted faster toward it. A nurse glanced her way and Emily forced herself to slow. Standing in front of the solid door, Emily pulled the handle and rushed into the room.

Her body froze. _No..._

Kyle lay directly in front of her, with a blood soaked bandage wrapped around his head. His eyes were closed and his body motionless. A methodical beeping echoed from a machine beside him.

Emily's legs shifted toward him. Her hand stretched out to caress the bandaged face. "Oh, Kyle..." Liquid seeped to the surface in her eyes. "Kyle...please...wake up..." He didn't move. Tears spilled from her eyes, as she fell to her knees beside him. Images of Lucy, Ethan and the cross filled her mind as her body trembled. _No...no...no!_ Her stained face lifted up, as her hands grasped Kyle's shoulders. She gently shook him, pleading,. "wake up!"

"Emily..."

Freeing the motionless man, her eyes spun back to see her father, Simon, standing in the doorway. He walked toward her, stretching out his arms. Emily stood and fell into the embrace.

"I'm so sorry..."

After a long moment, Emily pulled back, meeting his eyes with her own. "Is he gonna be okay?"

Her father looked down at her with glossy eyes. "I don't know..."

Emily took a step back as she sniffled and wiped away the tears streaming down her cheeks. Her eyes drifted back toward the motionless man. "He will be..." Her voice lowered to a whisper. "...with my help."

"What was that?" Her father's brow lifted.

Emily shook her head. "Nothing..." She bit her lip. _Think, Em, think...Okay, so I had concussions both times...the fall sent me to Neveah...and the car accident to Luthania so...why the different places each time and how can I replicate the conditions without killing myself...I need help...someone I can trust with anything..._ An image of her best friend rushed into Emily's mind. "Dad, have you seen Carrie?"

Simon rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, she left the hospital about twenty minutes ago, mumbling some nonsense about a barking dog or something..."

_A dog? Oh, barking....bark!_ "Thanks, dad!" Emily leaned in for a quick hug and then spun, rushing toward the door.

"Hey!"

Emily paused. "Yeah?"

Her father's lips lifted into a slight smile. "I love you, kiddo."

"I love you too, dad."

***

Hopping out of her bug, Emily's eyes scanned the hillside. A red haired girl faced away from her, toward a large Oak tree at the hill's peak. _Ah, the ole reliable Oak..._ Emily jogged up the grassy hill. As the redhead turned around, her mouth gaped open. "Emily!" She screamed. Dropping the knife in her hand, she ran down the hill with her arms stretched out wide.

They embraced and Emily quickly pushed the girl back. "Carrie, I have so much to tell you...so much to explain..."

Emily recalled all the events of her first venture to Neveah and her second one to Luthania. Pacing beneath the large oak, she finished the tale. "...and then I woke up in the hospital."

Carrie sat silently beneath the tree with her eyes on the ground.

"Look, I know how this must sound, but I swear it's the truth..."

"Emily, Sam is dead."

"You think I don't know that?" Emily snapped, as her mind raced. _How can I prove this to her?_ Her eyes widened. "Look, Carrie...look at these marks on my wrists..." She stretched out her hands, flipping them over to display the circular pattern.

"Whoa...what happened?"

"They're from the cross! Carrie, don't you see? These... marks..." She pointed with one hand. "They're physical proof..."

"What if you got them in the accident?" Carrie's lips twisted.

_She's reaching and she knows it..._ "How? You know I hate bracelets...so how do I have burn marks wrapping all the way around my wrists?"

Carrie's eyes widened as she stood to her feet. "Em, if you're right, do you know what this means?"

"Yeah..." Emily's eyes drifted toward the ground. "It means Kyle is trapped in Luthania. It means..." She drew in a deep breath.

"I have to go after him."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

### Corrie Fischer

I am a beautiful, disastrous mess. I have an addiction to chocolate and novels. If I could create a hermit shell for my form, I'd likely never be removed from it. I have never been a popular person, nor do I care to be. I am an oddball, a drifter, and a philosopher. I enjoy contemplating ideas about life, death, demons, angels, and God. I follow Jesus, but I have no false ideas about my own righteousness. Remember, I admitted that I'm a mess. It's true and it's exactly why I need God in my life. I don't always get things right. I have cursed, yelled, and made some horrible decisions. I am human and that's okay. If you want to read something written by a robotic, smiling doll then you have the wrong author. If you want something raw, real, and sometimes broken, then check out my work.

For more information:

Visit: www.corriefischer.wordpress.com

Follow Corrie on Twitter @CorrieFischer13, Goodreads, and Facebook.

Email Corrie at: AuthorCorrieFischer@gmail.com

Novels by Corrie Fischer:

Shattered Sky Series:

R.E.M.: The Hidden World (Book 1)

Perception (Book 2)

Deception (Book 3)

Revelations Series:

The Messenger: The Beginning of the End (Book 1)

Finally, if you enjoyed this work, please write an honest review. Your opinions are sincerely valued.

# PERCEPTION

Shattered Sky Series, Book 2

Available Now

## 1. RESPECT

Emily paced in front of the oak tree. "Okay, let's review the facts. One, I know Kyle is trapped in Luthania. Two, both times it took a concussion to send me there. Three..."

"Em, slow down a minute." Carrie lifted open palms from her standing position.

"Why?"

Carrie bit her lip. "Maybe we should...I don't know...do a little research or something..."

"Research on what...dream land called Luthania with psycho ruler and gigantic creature?" Emily shook her head, resuming her pacing. "Now, where was I? Oh yeah, three, Kyle entered the land through head trauma and a coma...hm..."

Carrie stepped in front of her, forcing Emily to pause. "Look, Em, I know how you get when it comes to Kyle."

"How I get?" Emily raised a brow.

"Yeah." Carrie's lips twisted. "Every time his goofy tail gets himself in trouble, you go running after him."

Emily's eyes widened as her arms crossed over her chest. "Oh yeah, when?"

"All the time!" Carrie chuckled. "Like last winter, when you ran out on our algebra test because his car broke down and he was..." Carrie's fingers formed air quotes. "'stranded in the cold.'"

"It was ten degrees outside!"

Carrie scowled. "Oh, what about my birthday?"

"That was different." Emily's arms fell to her sides. "You know how sorry I am about that...if I'd known..."

Carrie lifted an open palm. "I know, and it's okay, I'm over it. My point is, maybe you should take a step back and breathe a moment before you dive in head first again."

"Head first..." _That's it! It's as simple as..._ Emily's eyes scanned the grass surrounding her.

"Uh oh..."

Emily's vision landed on a large, dead branch. Bending over, she used both hands to lift it off the ground. Behind her, she could hear Carrie releasing a massive sigh. _She just doesn't understand; how can I help her understand?_ Emily bit her lip as she heaved the tree limb back up the hill toward her friend.

"Oh dear, Em...Em, look at me."

Emily lowered the branch onto the ground and straightened her posture. "This is my ticket back." She pointed down.

Carrie released a puff of air. "Did you not hear anything I just said?"

"Yep." Emily flung the remaining bits of bark off her hands. "Now, I need you to knock me out."

"What? I knew I saw the crazy in your eyes, but this..." Carrie shook her head. "This is way too far!"

"I'm doing this...with or without your help." She paused, meeting the girl's eyes with her own. "Carrie, I love him. I know it's crazy and it doesn't make any sense, but I truly believe this is the only way to save him and if I don't at least try..." She pointed east, toward the hospital. "If I just let him lie there and rot..." Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'll never forgive myself, ever."

Carrie drew in a deep breath and released a massive sigh. Her head shook from side to side. "You are crazy."

Emily nodded.

"Ugh..." Carrie rubbed her temple. "Okay, okay, I'll help."

A wide smile stretched across Emily's face as she gripped Carrie in a tight embrace. "Thank you!"

Carrie's body stiffened. "Yeah, yeah, enough hugging."

Emily released the girl and turned toward the branch. Lifting it, she stretched it out to Carrie. "Here, hold this."

"Okay..." Carrie grabbed it, repositioning the weight between her arms.

"Now, I'll get in position here." Emily lowered to her knees and then placed her hands on the ground in front of her. "Gravity should do half the work...so..." Emily drew in a deep breath. _This really is insane._ She shook the thought away. "When I say go, I want you to slam that branch down against the back of my head as hard as you can."

"Whoa, hold up a second..."

Emily's head turned upward as bits of bark fell against her face. She shifted her eyes back toward the ground. "Why, what's wrong?"

"Beyond my obvious concerns for your brain, which does exist somewhere within that thick skull of yours, can't I go to jail for this? Assault, possibly attempted manslaughter, that sort of thing?"

_She has a valid point._ Emily bit her lip. _Then again..._ "Do you see anyone around?"

"Huh?"

"Just look, is there anyone at all within eyesight?" There was silence. "Carrie?"

"No, I don't see anyone."

"Perfect, then after I'm out, I want you to run, run as fast as you can. If anything happens, they'll find me here and it'll look like the branch simply fell..."

"Okay."

_I'm losing her...it's now or never..._ Emily aligned her head with the ground and closed her eyes, ignoring her racing heart. _This is it!_ "Okay, go!" There was no pain, no motion, nothing. Emily heard a loud thud beside her.

"I can't do it...I just...I can't..."

Emily leaned back and then stood up to see Carrie's hands covering her face. The branch rested on the ground beside her.

"I'm sorry, Em. I...I can't do it..." Her head shook wildly from side to side.

"Carrie, please, I'm begging you..."

The girl's hand flew down to her sides. "No!"

Emily rubbed the back of her neck. _Time for plan B...This is gonna sting..._ "I should've known better." Emily's voice dropped to a whisper. "You always let your soft spot get the best of you..."

"Wha...what're you saying?"

Emily's eyes snapped up as her jaw set in place. "I'm saying you're weak, always have been!"

"No...no, you don't mean that..." Carrie's head shook from side to side.

"Look at this face." Emily pointed, making the best scowl she could manage. "Does it look like I'm joking to you?"

"I'm not playing this game, Em! I know you..."

"You sure about that...Ms. chicken..." _Yep, I went there...what now?_

Red rushed to the surface of Carrie's face as her teeth grinded together. Her hands clutched into fists. "Maybe I don't want to go through life with the blood of my best friend on my hands! We know how well that's worked out for you!" Carrie sucked in air, as her hand flung over her mouth.

_Sam!_ The air drained from Emily's lungs as her head spun. Her body half leaned over as tears welled up in the surface of her eyes.

"Em, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that..."

"Yes, you did..." Emily mumbled. Her eyes veered up, passing Carrie, and looking at the large oak beyond her. She drew in rapid breaths as her heart pounded faster. Her vision locked on the tree's lowest branch. _It's exactly why I can't fail again...no matter what..._

Emily's feet took off, rushing straight toward it. A buzzing encompassed all sounds. Carrie's open, screaming mouth flashed by in a blur. At the last second, Emily lowered her eyes toward the ground. Tree roots filled her vision before blackness took over.

Her eyelids slowly lifted as her head spun. _Where am I?_ Above her rested a blue sky sprinkled with white puffy clouds. _It's beautiful..._ She turned to see Kyle's smiling face beside her. His blue green eyes sparkled in the sun's glimmering rays.

"You are the most beautiful woman in the world."

Red flushed across Emily's face as her eyes veered away from his.. "Kyle, there's so much I need to tell you..."

Kyle's smile remained in place. "Your beauty can't disguise that fire in your cheeks..." He chuckled lightly.

_I need to tell you...tell you..._ "Hey, don't make fun of that, it's my worst imperfection." Her smile fell as she automatically concealed her red face. _Wait...there's something..._

Kyle gently pulled her hand away as he lifted her chin. For a long moment, he simply stared into her eyes. "I think..." He paused, biting his lower lip before allowing his wide smile to return. "...it is the most perfect of all your imperfections." Leaning over, he gently kissed her left cheek. "One for you..." He shifted, kissing her forehead. "One for respect..." His brow lifted and Emily giggled. "And..." His lips gently met her own, lingering there for just a second before lifting away from her. "One for me..."

Emily sighed. "Respect..." _Something important..._

Kyle's brows furrowed as he leaned back. "...of course, always." He paused, scanning her features. "...is that a bad thing now?"

Emily's head shook. "No...well, yes...I don't know..." _What is it?_

"Ah, I see...you just want a piece of this muscle, huh?" He lifted his bicep, flexing. Emily didn't laugh. Kyle's lips lowered as he gently turned her chin toward him. "I know, trust me...I know!" He chuckled. "I want you too, but it's better this way. The night I take you will be the most glorious night of our lives...and...I wanna to do it right..." He gently lifted her left hand, allowing his thumb to caress her finger. "...with a ring here and a promise, for forever."

A smile stretched across Emily's face. "I love you." _Oh, Luthania!_

Emily's body suddenly shook wildly. _What's happening?_ Kyle's face and the blue sky all faded around her as pain rushed through her body, up to her head.

