Writing....

If you’re here for a fairytale, adventure story, or some tear-jerking love story, get out. Put down the book and leave. This is not the story for you. There might be bits and pieces of those cliches I spoke of earlier… But this is Gabe and Amelia’s story. And it’s going to get a little strange. “Oh shut up, Gabe,” Amelia whispered, glaring at him. “What? I’m not allowed to voice my opinion? This is a free country, isn’t it?” Gabe said, grinning at his sister’s annoyance. Amelia rolled her eyes. “Yes, Gabe. Congratulations for knowing more then how to strum a guitar,” Amelia said scornfully, turning back to the R-S author section of the library. “Aw, Amy, don’t be like that. I know you love music more then these hunks a’ dead trees,” Gabe knocked his shoulder into Amelia’s. She turned at stared at her brother. “Gabriel. I would greatly appreciate some quiet while I find the book that will save us from getting grounded for two weeks, also putting an F on my perfect record in english class.  Please just be thankful to me by just doing that,” Amelia huffed her bangs out of her eyes and turned back to the books. “Uuugh, fine,” Gabe walked to the closest chair and flopped down, huffing his blond bangs out of his eyes, mirroring his twin. “Finally, I’ve found it!” Amelia pulled a hefty book down, then sat down next to Gabe to skim through before finishing their project tonight. “That’s the size of a baby hippo,” Gabe’s mouth dropped open. “Yeah… it’s a bit large. I’ve gotten through Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix twice though!”  Amelia smiled, and Gabe replied with a blank look. “Oh, never mind,” Amelia muttered, although she had caught Gabe a few nights ago carrying all her Harry Potter books to his room. Amelia laughed a little, remembering. Gabe glanced at her, then went back to staring around the room. Gabe only visited the library when Amelia dragged him there. Reading a book felt too stationary for him. Gabe usually felt like he needed to get up and do something. That’s where he’d always felt apart from his twin sister. Otherwise, they liked almost exactly the same things, weather they’d like to admit it or not. “Alright, Gabe, let’s go,” Amelia stood, shaking his shoulder. Gabe stood, and looked at her for a second. “What?” Amelia asked instantly, furrowing her eyebrows. “Nothing. It’s just… I… appreciate that you volunteered to help me with this project,” Gabe pulled nervously on his shirt, suddenly noticing how wrinkled the plaid pattern was. Amelia looked a little shocked. “Of course. I couldn’t let you be totally helpless. And I needed the extra brownie points from Mrs. Shea,” Amelia shrugged and smiled. Gabe rolled his eyes and punched Amelia’s arm lightly. They laughed quietly as they walked downstairs to the check-out desk. The librarian peered doubtfully at Amelia over her glasses. “This is quite a large book for a young girl to be checking out,” the old woman remarked. Amelia shrugged, and handed over her worn library card. “It’s for an english project,” Amelia stated. “That’s nice, dear,” the librarian put the due date in the middle of the book and handed back the card. Amelia cradled the book in her arms and turned haughtily away. Gabe sighed and followed her out the worn wooden doors. The late March sunshine turned the twins’ hair golden. Amelia pulled a sweatshirt out of her bag as a cold wind picked up, like an after-thought from winter. “Hold,” Amelia said flatly as she shoved the book into Gabe’s hands as she pulled on Gabe’s old sweatshirt that screamed out in neon yellow font: “GO SHARKS!” and showed a hideous yellow shark bearing it’s teeth. “Where did you find that old thing?” Gabe laughed, tossing the book back to Amelia. She caught it in one hand, glaring at Gabe before putting the book in her leather book bag. “I dunno, it was on my floor this morning, and it’s warm,” Amelia said, buckling the silver flaps around the bulky book. “Gaaaaaaaabe!” Gabe and Amelia turned around quickly to see Gabe’s best friend, Jack, running up to them, his brown curly hair flying. “Hey, man!” Gabe replied. “Hi Aim!” Jack called Amelia her old nickname and ruffled her hair. She pulled away, annoyed, but smiling. Then Gabe and Jack did a quick handshake, then launched into talking like they hadn’t seen each other for weeks. Amelia watched them, smiling slightly. Gabe and Jack had been close since second grade, when they decided that listening to music and banging on instruments was their calling. Amelia still dealt with them, trying to focus on her math homework, which she was terrible at,  while these boys played incredibly loud music from the basement. After about five minutes of them having a conversation that consisted mostly of “No way, man!” and “So, anyway,” Amelia hit Gabe gently with her book bag. “We gotta go,” Amelia said, looking apologetically at Jack. “Alright, alright. See you around, Jack,” Gabe clapped his hand to Jack’s shoulder. “Yep!” Jack grinned. Then he suddenly pulled Amelia into a hug. She pulled away, laughing. “What was that for?” Amelia giggled. Jack shrugged and smiled. “You looked like you needed a hug!” his green eyes crinkled up as he laughed. “Well, okay. Bye Jack!” Amelia smiled back and turned to walk up the street. “Bye, Aim! Bye, Gabe!” Amelia looked over her shoulder to see Jack sprinting down the street, almost running into a lamp post. “Oh, and remember, We’re going to visit Aunt June on Friday, ” Amelia said while they sat on the bench, eating a pretzel Gabe bought, waiting for the bus. “Oh. Yeah,” Gabe replied. “Don’t be like that, Aunt June is cool. She’s taking us to that concert thing, remember?” Amelia nudged his shoulder with hers. “A concert? What kind?” Gabe instantly became suspicious of being tricked into some stuffy classical music performance. “I think she said a Jazz band,” Amelia said absent-mindedly, grabbing the last piece of pretzel. “That could be cool,” Gabe nodded. “No matter what, you’re going to act like a gentleman, or else mom will kill you,” Amelia said, standing and brushing the crumbs off her jeans. The headlights of the bus flashed against Amelia’s blond hair. Gabe stood up and stretched. “Yeah, well, I’ll try,” Gabe shrugged, crumpling up the pretzel wrapper and tossing it in the trash can. “Nice throw,” Amelia laughed as it hit the ground right next to the bin. “Oh, shut up,” Gabe retorted and walked over to pick it up. Then, something flashed on the ground in the light from the bus. Gabe knelt down to pick up the wrapper, and look closer. There was a ring, hidden behind the wrapper, with an emerald-like jewel shining in the middle. Gabe picked it up and studied it as he placed the wrapped in the trash. “Gabe! Come on, the bus is waiting!” Amelia called. Gabe jogged over and held up the ring. “Look at this, Amy,” Gabe said, dropping it in her hand and giving their money to the bus driver. “Oh, wow. That looks almost real,” Amelia looked at the ring as they walked to the back of the bus. They sat down just as the bus jerked back, then into a forward motion. “It was seriously on the ground, next to the trash can?” Amelia was still holding the ring, admiring it from all angles. “Yeah, right there, behind the pretzel wrapper,” Gabe replied. “Weird. Could I have it? I mean, unless you want to give it to Steph….” Amelia grinned devilishly. Teasing Gabe about his major crush was her favorite form of revenge on Gabe for teasing her about books. “You are a child. Just have it,” Gabe rolled his eyes. “Technically, I am. And so are you. We’re only 15,” Amelia replied, sticking her tongue out. “I am 10 minutes older, thank you very much,” Gabe pretended to be snooty, sticking his nose in the air. Amelia snorted. “Don’t even try,” she said. Gabe starting laughing, and Amelia couldn’t help but join in. “Mom! We’re home!” Amelia threw the house keys in the ceramic bowl by the door, and kicked off her boots, trading them for her slippers left on the stairs. “Your mother went shopping!” they heard their dad call from his study in the basment. “Shut the front door, Gabe, it’s freezing!” Amelia said, then went upstairs to drop off the her book and bag. Gabe took off his jacket, shut the door and went downstairs. “Hey dad,” Gabe called, then went over to his acoustic guitar. His dad, tall, thin and balding poked his head around the doorway from his study. “Hey, Gabe. How was the library?” Gabe started plucking the strings. He sighed happily. This was his place. “Oh, uh, it was good,” Gabe replied distractedly. “Alright. I’ll leave you two alone,” his dad chuckled and shut his study door. As Gabe strummed, he thought of the ring again. It seemed so strange that such a beautiful item could just be left by a trash can. “Gabe!” Amelia called as she walked downstairs, pulling him out of his thoughts about the ring, now placed on her right ring finger. “Hi,” Gabe murmured, still playing. “Well, um, could you help me with the project a little? I want you to take some of the credit,” Amelia shuffled her feet awkwardly. Gabe looked up. “Sure,” he smiled. Amelia beamed back. “I didn’t think you’d actually want too! Also, you should probably pack for Aunt June’s, since we’re leaving the day after tomorrow. And I don’t think you can bring your guitar, even though I know you really want too,” Amelia started to fire off a new list of things she thought Gabe needed to know as they walked upstairs. Gabe just nodded, like always. “Also, we need to pick up our tickets at the train station,” and as Amelia took a breath, Gabe interrupted. “We’re taking a train?” Gabe asked, annoyed. “What? Trains are a wonderful way to travel! You don’t have to sit close to people you don’t know, and you can watch the lovely countryside! Don’t scoff at it,” Amelia nudged Gabe with her elbow. “Okay, okay. Sounds thrilling,” Gabe replied, rolling his eyes. “You don’t have to be such a buzzkill,” Amelia mimicked his eye roll and sat down at the dining room table with their book. “Oh, right, I’m the buzzkill,” Gabe snorted. “Shut up,” Amelia replied as she turned a page briskly. “I’m home!” the twins heard their mother trill from the door. “Hi, mom,” Amelia and Gabe called. She bounded into the dining room. “Wait. Are you two doing homework? Both of you?” they turned and watched as their mom pretended to faint. “Ha ha, mom. It’s not that big of a deal. I practically had to drag Gabe up here,” Amelia replied, turning back to the book. “Not true! I was very willing to come up here!” Gabe protested. “No fighting, kids,” mom said, and walked to the kitchen. “Do you guys want me to order pizza?” “Yes!” Gabe replied. “Whatever,” Amelia shrugged. “Oh, and I picked up your tickets for the trip on Friday,” their mom walked back in the dining room and pulled out her cell phone. “The train leaves at five o’ clock.” “Okay,” the twins said in unison. Mom walked over to them, sitting on the left side of the dining room table. “I love you guys,” she said, and kissed them each on the head. “Love you too,” they replied. Three hours later, after eating through two pizzas and Amelia working hard on the english project, the twins trudged upstairs. “Thanks for your help, Gabe,” Amelia said seriously. “No problem,” Gabe shrugged. They reached the top of the stairs. “You should probably pack for the trip. Don’t wanna be stressed about it!” Amelia called as she walked down the hallway to her room. Gabe turned left, opposite from Amelia and went to his room. “Damn,” Gabe muttered. His room was an absolute mess. Gabe stepped over piles of clothes, dug through his closet, then finally found his old duffel bag from swim team. He grabbed four shirts and two pairs of jeans from the pile on his right that looked clean, then stuffed in some socks and underwear. “Hey, Gabe?” Amelia’s voice was muffled behind the door. “Come in!” Gabe called, and turned back to his sloppy packing job. “Um, sorry to bother you,” Amelia started, walking through the piles. “But I want to let you know I think this ring is weird. I was wearing it all night and I felt it getting tighter and tighter the whole time. And when I just took it off… Well, look at my finger,” Amelia tapped Gabe on the shoulder and held out her hand. The ring finger on Amelia’s right hand had a bright red marking around it. There were also several scratches all over her finger, like a miniscule cat had clawed her. “That is weird,” Gabe stood up and looked closer. “I know. And now it’s stinging, like if you get hand sanitizer on a cut,” Amelia furrowed her eyebrows. “Go wash it or something. That doesn’t seem good,” Gabe backed up a little bit. “Yeah, I can see that for myself, thanks. But I just wanted to tell you,” Amelia retorted and walked out. “Night!” Amelia quieted her alarm the next morning, groaning. “Too early,” she mumbled, and rolled over. “Oh, Amelia!” Right on time, her mother burst through the door. “No extra time this morning, sunshine,” mom called, opening Amelia’s curtains. Amelia tumbled out of her bed. “Ughhhh,” she groaned. “Also, you’re leaving tomorrow morning for Aunt June’s. She wants more time with you, and I think that’s great. So you and Gabe will miss school,” her mom said, as she walked into the hall. “YES!” Gabe shouted from his bedroom. Amelia pulled her covers over her head. “Oh, Amelia, can I talk to you for a second?” Amelia nodded to her english teacher, Mrs. Shea. “Your project was splendid. And I noticed that your brother really did his work,” Mrs. Shea talked as she organized her desk. “Yes. He actually worked really hard. I was proud of him,” Amelia said. “Impressive. Well, I just wanted to compliment you on your hard work,” Mrs. Shea smiled. “Thank you!” Amelia replied, and walked out. The bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Gabe was waiting for Amelia at the end of the hallway. He put his hand up for a high five. Amelia reached up gave it too him. They grinned. “That went really well, Gabe. Mrs. Shea stopped me and told me. Good work,” Amelia said, and started to walk out. “Thanks, Amy. I felt pretty good about it. Oh, I saw Jack at lunch and he wanted me to give this to you. And he made me swear not to read it…” Gabe tapped on Amelia’s shoulder and handed her a note. “Um, alright,” Amelia unfolded the paper. Dear Amelia. This is a little bit awkward since we’ve know each other since the 2nd grade, and it seems like you look up to me like a second brother. also, it’s really immature that I’m giving you a note, instead of just telling you, but I didn’t want to have to avoid your brother or anything. So, um, here it is: I’m in love with you. It seems really stupid to put it down on paper, or say it out loud, cause ‘love’ sounds so dramatic. But yeah. I don’t expect to date me, or run off into some sunset with me, I just needed to tell you. So… yeah. Jack. Amelia quickly hid the letter in her pocket. “What did it say?” Gabe asked, trying to read over her shoulder. “It was nothing,” Amelia shrugged, pulling the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder. “Okay….” Gabe stared at her as she walked quickly. “Really! It’s fine,” Amelia turned to him and smiled. “Alright,” Gabe shrugged and looked at the ground. Amelia turned away.

I didn’t know exactly how I felt, moving to a little town 15 minutes out of London to live with my Grandad. All I knew was I still felt incredibly numb to the fact that my parents had left each other. It was stupid, mad, to even think. They got along perfectly. Sure, they weren’t the golden couple, but who is? The fact that they just… split up like that though, is insane. But… I wouldn’t really miss my life at home. Silence was all I lived in. Silence at dinner, silence always. No idea if moving in with a 70-year-old British man will change that though. We’ll see. “Adeline!” My Grandad called out of his cottage window as my cab pulled up. “Thank you so much,” I said wearily to the cab driver as I figured out the total. “No problem, Love. You have a good stay,” he smiled warmly at me from the rear-view mirror. “I’ll try,” I smiled back and grabbed my bags as I got out. I turned and was instantly rapped in a hug that was woolen and smelled like a smoking pipe. For some reason, it felt more like home then anything I’d felt before. I teared up and dropped my bags to return the hug. “Hello, Grandad,” I said into his shoulder. He ruffled my mess of red hair and pulled out of the hug to look at me. “Great Scott, Adeline, you’re huge!” “Yeah, some teenagers tend to grow over a span of 10 years,” I reply with a sarcastic grin. “Oh, a sharp tongue like your Gran!” Grandad laughed, “But enough chat, let me help you with those bags!” He grabbed my biggest bag and walked to the house. I ran up to him. “Are you sure you don’t need help with those?” I said quickly. “Ah, don’t worry about me, I’ve been keeping in shape!” Grandad replied, and grinned. I smiled back.   A loud bark came from the house. “You have a dog?” I asked. “Oh yes! My dear Myles. Come and meet him!” Grandad walked quickly up to the door and opened it. A huge Saint Bernard came bounding out of the doorway toward me. I quickly pushed my bags to the side, right as he started sniffing me and licking me all over. “Oh wow, Grandad, he’s beautiful!” His brown and white coat shone in the sun. “Thank you,” He called over his shoulder as he went into the cottage. I picked up my bags again. “Come on, Myles,” I said to him, and nudged him toward the house. I had to control myself from gasping when I got inside. It was the most beautiful, quaint house I’d ever been in.  A small living room with a wide picture window lead into a kitchen with robin’s egg blue wallpaper, on the other side of the living room were double doors leading into a bedroom. Outside of the double doors was a thin metal spiral staircase leading upstairs. The floors where hardwood and the furniture was all completely vintage. “Grandad,” I called to him in his bedroom. “Your house is beautiful!” He poked his head around the doorway and smiled. “Thank you, dear!” I walked over to his room. “Um, Grandad, where’s my room?” He turned around. “Ah, yes, of course!” He pointed to the spiral staircase, where my bag was sitting. “Upstairs!” “Thanks,” I smiled and walked over. I slung my duffel bag over my shoulder and walked up.    My eyes must have been as wide as dinner plates. The room was an attic converted into a bedroom, with one wall slanted up under the roof. The wall opposite was covered in a big window with a window seat.  In the center of the room was a queen sized bed, a night stand, and a desk, pushed all the way back to the walls to leave space in the rest of the room.  I dropped my bags and jumped up and down, grinning. “Everything alright up there, Adeline?” Grandad called up. “Yes! The room is amazing,” I ran over to the railing and told him. “Glad it’s to your liking!” He smiled and went back to his room.  I spotted a chest of drawers near the window and unpacked my clothes there, and my jewelry and make up on the desk.   After sitting in the window seat for a few minutes, letting the sun warm my skin, I went downstairs. My Grandad was waiting downstairs with his coat on. “I thought you’d like to go get dinner and I can show you around London!” He smiled. “That sounds great, I’ll go get my shoes and coat,” I ran back upstairs. While I was pulling on my oxfords and jean jacket, someone knocked on the door and Myles barked loudly. I heard the door open. “Hello sir, I was wondering if I could use your telephone, I got a flat tire and my mobile is out of battery,” a young man’s voice said, with a thick Yorkshire accent. “Of course, come in!” I heard Grandad say quickly, then the click of the door shutting. “Oh, Myles, get off the poor boy,” Grandad said absentmindedly. I walked quietly down the stairs and saw the back of a young man with short black hair wearing dark skinny jeans, a leather jacket and leather boots. I took a small step forward and the floorboard creaked, making Myles bark and the boy jump. He turned around quickly and we stared at each other for a second before we remembered how to talk like normal people. I smiled slightly and said, “Oh, Hi, I’m Adeline,” then pulled on my shirt nervously. His dark brown eyes lightened. “I’m Zayn,” He returned, and smiled widely. I studied him again, quickly. He looked about my age, 17 years old. Tan skin, dark brown eyes framed by large black glasses (a la Clark Kent), black hair, full lips, set jaw and a good-sized nose. This Zain guy was hot.   “Zain, huh? That’s a cool name,” I said, just to distract myself from his face. “Thanks. It gets old though when people are constantly spelling your name wrong or saying it wrong. It’s Z-A-Y-N,” Zayn said quickly, as if wanting this to be clear before we said anything else. “Oh, that’s cool. I’ll try and remember,” I gave him a quick half-smile before looking away again. “How long are you in the UK for?” Zayn asked, breaking the silence. “Um.. It’s a bit up in the air. My parents just split up, so I’m living with my Grandpa till thinks straighten out,” I shrugged. “Oh, ah, I’m sorry about that,” he furrowed his eyebrows, looking worried. “It’s okay, I’m over it,” I took a step and sat on the back of the couch. Zayn sat next to me. “It’s still mental though. I don’t understand how someone who can be vow to be together forever can just… fall out of love like that,” Zayn sighed. “It is pretty strange, huh?” I looked at him. He looked up into my eyes. Something clicked in my brain at that moment, and the huge weight I’d been feeling on my chest, heart and stomach just lifted off. Our eyes didn’t even flicker away from each other. I leaned in closer to him and he broke the rest of the distance so much, our noses were touching. “Adeline?” My grandad’s voice sounded like cannon fire in the silence and I fell over the back of the couch. “Oh my God!” “Ah!” “Adeline!” I shrieked, Zayn and Grandad exclaimed, rushing over to me. I sat up quickly. “I’m fine, just a little jumpy, I guess,” I shrugged sheepishly and tugged on my hair. “Alright. Well, young man, the phone’s in the kitchen, right this way,” Grandad stood and lead Zayn in. Zayn looked back over his shoulder and winked at me. I sank onto the couch once he’d turned away. About 30 minutes later, after the car repair service had come and helped Zayn’s car, we were standing in the living room. “Thank you so much, Mr…” “Noble,” My Grandad supplied to Zayn’s questioning look. “Thank you, Mr. Noble for your phone and for being such a saint,” Zayn smiled widely at Grandad. “Of course, Zayn! If you’re ever in trouble nearby again, you know where to come,” Grandad, who had been properly introduced to Zayn, said, walking him to his car. Grandad turned to me. “I’ll go lock up, Amelia, then we’ll go get that dinner!” grandpa bustled away. Zayn quickly pulled me around the other side of the newly fixed car. We crouched down slightly so my Grandad couldn’t see us. “And thank you for being such good company,” he grinned at me. I grabbed the lapel of his leather jacket and pulled him in for a kiss, finally.   “That’s more like it,” Zayn raised one eyebrow slightly, grinning again.  I pulled him in again, for a slower kiss. His lips tasted like honey. Zayn smiled into the kiss and I pulled back to smile at him, right as my grandpa called, “Adeline? Zayn?” We stood up and walked around to him. “We were just checking something,” Zayn said smoothly. “Great! Well, it’s been a pleasure meeting you, Zayn!” Grandad grinned and shook Zayn’s hand. “You too, Mr. Noble!” He said earnestly. Zayn turned to me. “It’s been lovely getting to know you, Amy,” he grinned. “Likewise,” I grinned right back. “Stop by anytime for a visit,” I said. “I will!” Zayn walked close by me, and whispered, “And come find me in London, alright?” I nodded, and he got into his car. “Cheers!” He said out of his rolled down window. Grandad and I waved him off. “Shall we?” Grandad escorted me to his car, a bright red mini cooper. “Oh, grandpa, this car is adorable!” I gushed, running up to it. “Thank you! She’s my pride and joy!” he patted the hood lovingly. I grinned at him and pulled open the door, and found the steering wheel, not the passenger seat. “Oh, right! Other side,” I laughed and went to the correct side. Grandad got in and we drove off. Mostly I saw just damp green and brown countryside as I stared out the mini cooper’s window. “So, Adeline,” Grandad started, and I turned around to face him. “You and that Zayn really seemed to hit it off,” Grandad chuckled. I shrugged and tried not to blush. “I guess! I mean, he was definitely nice,” I smiled quickly. “Mmmhm. Well, are you excited to finally see London? I heard from your mother that you’ve been aching to see it,” Grandad smiled at me. “Yeah, actually, I have. I’ve been reading a ton of books recently that all feature London in some time period, and I’ve been waiting for a while,” I replied. “It’s good to hear that you’re reading a good amount, because I know of many young folk now that hardly read anything except their mobile phones,” Grandad shook his head, and flicked on his turn signal. “It’s true though. And my school was the worst. Hardly anyone did anything but text and go on the computer,” I sighed. “Well, at least I know you’re not one of those types,” Grandad looked and me and smiled again. “Actually, Grandad, I was going to ask if we could possibly buy me a cell- er, mobile phone soon. ‘Cause mine doesn’t work anymore,” I said. “Of course! We could stop somewhere after dinner,” Grandad said. “Could I turn on the radio?” I asked, the silence was buzzing in my ears. “Alright!” Grandad shrugged. I pushed the Power button and fumbled around with the dials and knobs till I found a station playing “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles. I turned up the volume slightly and starting humming along. “You like The Beatles, Adeline?” Grandad looked at me with raised eyebrows. “Yeah! I mean, I don’t know every single song by them or anything, but they’re great!” I replied. “I’m impressed! I loved them when I was younger. Not that much younger, mind you, but your Gran and I danced to The Beatles on some dates,” Grandad smiled. “That’s so sweet. I wish I could have met her,” I said. “Me too, Adeline. I reckon you two would have gotten along famously,” Grandad said, and squeezed my hand quickly. “Do you miss her lots?” I asked, and looked down. “Yes, dear. I know it sounds like a lot of mush, but I think we may have been soul mates, or whatever you want to call it,” Grandad said, and sighed. I took his hand. “I know, where ever she is, Gran thinking about you, Grandad,” I said, and smiled warmly. “Thank you dear, I know. Or she’s laughing her arse off at the two of us being so emotional,” Grandad replied and laughed loudly. I let go of his hand and laughed with him. “Welcome to the great city of London!” Grandad announced as took an exit and suddenly drove into the city. I pressed myself against the window and looked up and around at the lights in the dusk, and cars and people. “Oh, Grandad. It’s amazing,” I said breathlessly, and grinned. “I’m glad it passes the test,” he replied, and grinned back. We drove by so many stores and people dressed beautifully I lost count. “What sort of food shall it be tonight, Adeline?” Grandad said, pulling back my focus. “Mmmm… It may seem really cliche, but I’d love some fish and chips,” I said. “I think we’ll be able to find a place,” Grandad laughed. I rolled my eyes, then smiled, and turned back to the window. Ten minutes later, after parking, Grandad and I were walking around London, the early autumn breeze blowing my hair. I walked quickly, looking at everything, and up at the buildings, feeling like my head was going to pop off from so much movement. Grandad tapped my shoulder, bring me back to earth. “We’re here!” he pulled open the door to a small restaurant with nothing but a long counter and stools to sit on. A tall man with messy black hair stood behind the counter, and smiled at us. “Hullo! Sit down anywhere,” he said, pulling out napkins and shiny metal utensils. We hopped onto stools right in front of him. “Oh, how are you, Harvey?” the man said to Grandad. Grandad smiled widely. “I’m very good, thanks! Jake, this is my granddaughter, Adeline,” Grandad said, and Jake smiled at me. “Nice to meet you, Adeline. What can I get for you two?” Jake said, and pulled out a notepad and pen. “Two orders of original fish, and I’ll have some tea as well,” Grandad said, not even glancing at the menus laid out on the counter.

“Tickets please!” The woman standing by the train called. Amelia nudged Cal with her shoulder and picked up her vintage leather suitcase. They stood and walked to their train. “Tickets?” The woman asked, eyeing the teenagers. Amelia straightened her pale blue skirt. “Here,” Amelia said, handing them to her. “Thank you,” the woman nodded, and ushered them to the door. More men and women dressed in deep red stood inside the train, ready to help. Amelia lead the way, the clack of her heeled oxfords muffled by the carpet. Cal fixed the collar of his tweed jacket and followed her closely. “Can I help you find your seat, Miss?” An elderly man with a straw hat held out his hand to Amelia. “No thank you, Sir,” Amelia smiled politely and then walked on quickly. Amelia looked down at her ticket, and up at the numbers above the doors. “101, 102, 103,” she muttered, counting. “105. Go in, Cal,” Amelia slid open the glass door for him, looking up and down the hallway. After they were inside, and Amelia had locked the door, Cal spoke. “Why are you so paranoid? He can’t find us here,” Cal sat, looking at Amelia. “Shh! Please don’t talk about it. And I am not paranoid, I’m just careful,” Amelia sat down across from her twin, eyes darting around the compartment. “Paranoid,” Cal muttered, rolling his eyes. A knock on their door sent Amelia flying to her feet. “Anything from the lunch cart?” A young woman spoke through the glass, pushing a large tiered cart packed with food. Amelia sighed and sank back into her seat. Cal stood and opened the door. “We’ll have two tuna fish sandwiches please,” Cal flashed a smiled to her as he handed her two dollars. “Thanks, dear,” Cal smiled again and shut the door. “Here, eat this,” Cal tossed the paper wrapped sandwich to Amelia. “I’m not hungry,” Amelia replied, and set it down next to her. “You need to eat soon,” Cal insisted, unwrapping his sandwich. “Who are you, may I ask, my mother?” Amelia snapped. “No. I’m your older brother, and It’s my job to take care of you,” Cal replied calmly. “Older? By 10 minutes!” Amelia scoffed and turned to look out the window. “It still counts,” Cal said, biting into his sandwich. “Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Amelia replied, still staring at the rain splattered window. Cal finished his sandwich, and looked over at Amelia. Her legs were curled under her, her head rested on the window, fast asleep. Cal smiled slightly, then stood. He reached into his suitcase and brought out his notebook. Cal wrote: November 19th, 1944, Day 10: Calhan Case. A and I are on our fifth train this week. A is very anxious from our last encounter with Calhan. I don’t blame her. To put it shortly, it wasn’t good. But we found a ride into a town three hours from him, and now we’re on a train to New York, a day’s trip away. I just wish I could make A feel more secure. We have our mini-pistols, and our own knowledge of self defense, but she still is so frightened. Cal looked up from his writing at Amelia’s finally peaceful face. Eyebrows furrowed, Cal continued writing. Soon we’ll be able to do more research on Calhan and anyone and everyone in his life. He grew up in Brooklyn, and if A feels fine, we’ll be going straight there. It Cal stopped writing and looked up as their compartment door slid open. “Calvin May?” A slim woman dressed in a black dress stood in the doorway with a veil shielding her face. Cal stood. “Who’s asking?” “Dawson,” the woman whispered. Her lips were covered in deep red lipstick. “What does he want?” Cal growled. “To make an alliance with you,” the woman replied. “Who said I’m Calvin May?” Cal took a step forward. “Me,” she said. Cal took another step. “What does Dawson really want?” “To know who you’re after,” the woman whispered and stepped back into the hallway. “Never. Dawson has betrayed me and we’re not working together. Ever,” Cal whispered strongly. “Funny, because he tells me you betrayed him,” the woman chuckled. “Don’t you dare laugh. Dawson is a lying cheat, and I won’t hear another word from him or about him,” Cal walked back into the compartment and slammed the door shut. Amelia jumped up. “What was that?” Cal glanced into the hallway. The woman was gone. “Dawson sent a messenger,” Cal muttered. “No,” Amelia’s eyes widened. “Yes,” Cal put his face in his hands. “How dare he,” Amelia’s eye flashed. “Don’t do anything rash,” Cal looked up to see Amelia standing. “I can’t just sit here while Dawson has a minion on board,” Amelia raged, going to the door. Cal stood and grabbed her arm. “Amelia. I know how you feel, but if we do anything to provoke him, it would not fare well for us. You know that,” Cal glared at her. “Let go of me,” Amelia jerked her arm out of Cal’s grip. “Don’t go out there,” Cal said, staring Amelia down. “You aren’t my boss,” Amelia snapped. Cal stepped back. “Fine. Go out there and see what happens,” Cal sat and crossed his arms. “I will,” Amelia flipped her long, russet colored curly hair over her shoulder and straightened her skirt and sweater. Amelia pulled open the door and slipped down the hallway. “Ah, shit,” Cal ran his hands through his hair and followed her. Amelia glanced over shoulder and saw Cal walking quickly behind her. “Nice of you to join me,” Amelia smirked, and kept walking. “Don’t get used to it. You really shouldn’t be so hot-headed, Amelia,” Cal snapped heatedly. “Well, Cal, I-” Amelia was cut off by loud voices. They had ended up by rows of extra large train compartments, the size of a large bedroom. The door slid open. “Hello, darlings!” a large woman burst out, clearly very drunk. Cal and Amelia stayed silent. “What are you doing out here? Come inside!” She shouted, and, putting her arms around their shoulders, yanked them into a roaring party. There were gold lights all around the room, and a long table piled with food. Golden streamers looped across the ceiling and around the two large windows on the back wall. “This is…” Amelia trailed off, and the heavy drunk woman waddled away. Amelia looked at Cal. “Let’s stay,” Cal suggested. Amelia rolled her eyes. “Fine,” she said, and Cal walked over to the food table. Amelia walked the other way, and they both scoped out the guests. Most of the people present were young women, Amelia’s age, 18-25, dressed in much finery, accompanied by about 10 young men, aged the same, all together. Amelia looked at the men, and she froze as one turned his face to profile. He was tall, thin, but strong-looking. His face had many sharp angles, but was very pleasing to look at. His chocolate brown hair, matching his eyes, was casually parted to the left, and looked like he hardly combed it, along with his rumpled black suit, it gave him an attractive, rugged look. And Amelia knew that look. With her head down, Amelia walked quickly back to Cal. She tapped him on the shoulder. Cal turned quickly. “Cal, Dawson is here,” Amelia whispered, and glanced in his direction, then away. Cal glanced too, and saw him, grinning at someone, dressed in a wrinkled black suit. “Smug bastard,” Cal muttered, glaring. “Don’t stare, Cal!” Amelia said, pulling him behind the table. “He can still see us, Amelia,” Cal retorted. “Shut up, I just needed you to stop drawing attention to us,” Amelia snapped, and turned her back to Dawson. “Can we leave?” Amelia turned her head toward Cal. “Yes,” Cal said, and took her arm. They walked, in step, to the door. “Leaving so soon?” The drunk woman had returned. “We just need to check something in our compartment,” Amelia lied smoothly and smiled gracefully. “Oh, alright deary,” the woman smiled back and stumbled away. Amelia and Cal exited the room. “Don’t you think she’ll find it strange that it will take us so long just to check on something?” Cal asked, halfway back to their compartment. “Will she? She’s so drunk, she’s already forgotten us,” Amelia shrugged. Cal snorted. “It’s true!” Amelia laughed. Cal let go of her arm and opened the compartment door. And sitting right next to the window was the young woman with the veiled face. Amelia stepped back in shock, and Cal stormed forward. “Why are you here?” Cal snapped. The woman’s painted lips parted in a grin. “Dawson wanted to know if you enjoyed his party,” she chuckled. Amelia pushed past Cal to face her. “You can tell that good-for-nothing bastard that we hated his little party. It was tacky and could hardly be considered to be a social gathering,” Amelia glared at her, breathing hard. “Listen, sweetheart,” the woman said, sickly sweet. “I’ve heard about your little history with Dawson. So I think that it would not be wise to be rude,” the woman stood, and walked right up to Amelia. Amelia’s glare became stronger. “How dare you talk to me about Dawson and our… history. That is personal business and you are completely out of line to speak about it,” Amelia raised up on her toes slightly, trying to match the veiled woman’s higher height. “Mmmm. Well thank you for your input, but I really must be going. I don’t want Dawson to get lonely,” she chuckled, and grinned again, flashing her white teeth. Amelia balled her hands into fists. “Get. Out.” The woman smiled quickly at Cal, who stared back blankly, and inched out around Amelia. “See you later, darlings,” she drawled, and slipped out of the compartment. Amelia threw herself onto the plush seat, and stared out the window into the blackness. Cal slowly sat down across from her. “I’m… very sorry, Amelia,” Cal said, running his hands through his hair. Amelia sniffed, still facing the window. “It’s perfectly alright, Calvin. You don’t need to apologize,” Amelia said, swiping her left hand under her eye quickly. “I wish I could make you better, Amelia. I feel like such a terrible brother,” Cal looked at the floor. Amelia turned to face him. “Oh, Cal. Please don’t blame yourself. Dawson is a two-faced bastard and that has nothing to do with you. You can’t protect me from everything,” Amelia reached out and took Cal’s hand. Cal looked up and squeezed Amelia’s hand. “I’ll make things right. Cracking the Calhan case will make us both feel better. I promise,” Cal said strongly, looking at Amelia. “Slow down there, Detective May,” Amelia smiled. Cal smiled back. “We’re both Detective May. We’re a team, and we’ll work this through together,” Cal replied. Amelia nodded and pulled her hand away gently. “Do you mind if I take a rest now though? It’s late, and I’m exhausted,” Amelia took off her hat and stood. Cal nodded. “I’ll let you change,” Cal said, and slipped out the door. Amelia pulled down the shade for the window in their compartment door and changed into her two piece sleeping set. Then she pulled out a blanket and curled up on the plush velvet seat. “You can come back in, Cal!” Amelia called, and he did. “Look away, please,” Cal said shyly, and got down his suitcase. Amelia turned to look at the wall. “Sometimes, Your shy qualities surprise me, Cal. In almost every situation you’re so headstrong and confident. But then sometimes you’re as shy as a kitten, and I have to be the lion. Although, mostly I am the fiercest of the two of us,” Amelia laughed. “You can turn around now. And yes, you are most definitely the lioness of our pack,” Cal smiled. Amelia rolled her eyes. “We should really sleep. God knows what they’re going to put us through tomorrow,” Amelia settled in on the seat, after tossing Cal an extra blanket. Cal walked over and turned off the light. “Good night, Lioness,” He said, and stretched out on the seat across from her. “Good night, meek kitten,” Amelia laughed, and closed her eyes. Cal shot up on his seat early in the morning at a tapping sound on the window. In the morning dark, and he turned quickly and saw it was a large bug on the outside. He rolled his eyes, and looked over at Amelia. She was fast asleep, with her hair splayed out everywhere. Cal picked up his wrist watch from the floor and it read 4:12, am. He was surprised, and tried to go back to sleep, but the tapping on the window had made him alert and awake. Cal stood up quietly and slipped on a sweater over his cotton pajamas, and put on his leather loafers. Cal slipped out the door into the hall. Cal was half way down the hallway, walking the opposite direction from the party area, when all the lights swiftly went out. Cal froze, and walked slowly out of the middle of the hall. Cal felt the cold glass window and stopped and turned back to face the hallway. A footstep, muffled, but there, drew Cal’s attention to the left. “Who’s there?” Cal called out. Another footstep. “Don’t joke with me. Who’s there?” Cal snapped. Another footstep. And Cal heard breathing. “Who the hell is in this hallway with me?” One more footstep. “I am armed, if you don’t tell me who you are, I’ll have to defend myself,” Cal frantically searched his pockets for something, anything to use as a weapon. A small pair of scissors were wedged into his breast pocket. Cal slowly pulled them out. “Hello?” “Hello, old friend!” A flashlight popped on, and Dawson stood across the hall from Cal, grinning. Cal quickly shoved the scissors in his pocket. “Armed, huh?” Dawson chuckled. “Shut up, Dawson. What are you doing here?” Cal snapped, and stepped toward him threateningly. “Going to New York City, just as you, Cal!” Dawson smiled innocently. “Don’t lie to me. I don’t have the time. Why are you going to New York?” Cal took another step. “My, you’re getting wonderful at this interrogation thing,” Dawson said, and barely hid a smile. Cal yanked the flashlight out of his hand and pointed it at Dawson. “Enough! Answer my question, Dawson,” Cal flashed the light in his eyes. Dawson put up a hand to shield himself. “Stop that. It’s irritating. But if you really must know….. I’m simply taking a trip. Just to have fun. I haven’t had fun in a while,” Dawson spoke slowly, finally serious. Cal brought the flashlight down. “Oh,” Cal was shocked. Dawson nodded slightly. “I know it might be hard to believe since… well, since I’ve been such a bastard. But… Cal. I want you to know that I am so sorry for what I did too you and… Amelia. Nether of you deserved that. No one deserves what you got. I am just… I’m so sorry,” Dawson’s voice cracked, and he looked at the floor. Cal stepped forward and put a hand on Dawson shoulder. “I sincerely accept your apology, Dawson,” Cal said. Dawson smiled slightly. “God, Cal, you sound like my grandma,” Dawson said, and smiled at Cal. Cal laughed and took his hand off of Dawson’s shoulder. “I really mean it, though,” Cal replied. “Thank-” Dawson stopped. The lights flickered back on. Dawson and Cal’s heads snapped to the right, as a dark figure slipped out of sight. They turned back to each other. “Did you see that?” they said in unison. Cal nodded. “We should go investigate! Like old times. Please?” Dawson said. “Alright. But just for a few minutes. I don’t want Amelia to wake up and be worried about me,” Cal said, looking back in the direction of their compartment. “We won’t stay out long. Give me that flash light,” Dawson grabbed it back and tapped Cal’s shoulder. “Come on!” The young men walked slowly down the hallway, into the dining hall. All the lights were off. Dawson flipped on his flashlight. The door at the opposite end of the hall slammed shut just as the light came on, and a dim figure was outlined. “Quick!” Cal said, and ran to the door. They burst through it, coming to another section of compartments. The figure slipped into one just as they entered. Cal caught the dining hall door before it slammed shut, and opened and closed it again. Dawson turned off his flashlight. Cal quickly held up a finger to his lips. “What was that for?” Dawson whispered. “To make that person think we left,” Cal breathed back. Cal lead the way slowly down the hall, heading for the last compartment. Right before they reached the door, Cal crouched down, and Dawson followed. Cal crawled forward and tried to look under the door. He could see some one’s feet, wearing shiny black dress shoes. Also on the floor were newspaper cuttings, scraps of articles of some kind. Dawson tapped his shoulder and gave him a questioning look. Cal shrugged, and turned back to the door. A whisper leaked out. “Many people on board, Sir,” a light, wispy voice mumbled. “Correct, Mallory,” a deep voice whispered back. Cal looked closer for a second pair of shoes, but he could see none. “And the boy and his clone scare me greatly. They have a power about them,” the first voice breathed. “Yes. We might have to deal with that. But don’t worry your little head. We’ll arrive soon, and we will be rid of this retched mortals,” the deep voice returned. Cal felt a shiver down his spine. “Oh, but Sir, I could make them all go away so easily. Or turn them into forest animals,” Cal had to push his ear against the door to hear this wisp of a voice. “I know, Mallory, but we mustn’t talk now. We have much business to attend too,” the second voice echoed in Cal’s ears, then everything went silent. Cal blinked and the dark shoes, and paper cuttings, were gone. Cal jumped to his feet to look in the window. The compartment was completely empty. Cal glanced at the window inside the compartment and saw a strange, pale face glimmer there for just a moment. Dawson tapped Cal on the shoulder, and which him flying back a few steps. Cal was breathing hard. “What is going on, Cal?” Dawson’s eyebrows were furrowed. “I have no idea, Dawson. This is the strangest thing I’ve ever seen,” Cal shook his head, clearing the image of the glimmering face. “What? What happened?” Dawson asked, slightly annoyed. “Well… I heard these voices. One was high-pitched, and wispy, like a child’s. The other was deep, and almost threatening. They spoke about people on the train, and… called someone ‘mortals’,” Cal shook his head again, and looked up at Dawson. “That sounds… Cal, did you see that?” Dawson’s voice suddenly dropped to a whisper. Cal looked in the direction Dawson was pointing. “No… What did you see?” Cal turned back to Dawson. “A small figure, it looked almost silver colored. It peeked it’s head out, then went back,” Dawson still stared at the doorway, looking shaken and pale. “It’s gonna be alright, Dawson. Let’s just go back to our compartments. You can apologize to Amelia,” Cal put a hand on Dawson’s shoulder. He looked at Cal and nodded. They turned and walked down the hallway, back through the dining hall, and up to Cal and Amelia’s compartment. Early morning light was now streaming through the windows. Cal knocked and called, “Amelia?” in a lowered voice. There were some shuffling noises and a loud thump. “Amelia?” Dawson called, a little louder. “Y-yes?” The compartment door slid open, and there was Amelia, half-asleep. “Oh, I’m sorry,” Dawson automatically turned away. Amelia quickly fixed her waist length curly mop of hair. “What are you doing here?” Amelia snapped and glared at Dawson. “Cal and I were investigating something,” Dawson replied quietly. Her golden-brown eyes flashed. “You and Cal?” Amelia turned to Cal. “Explain. Now,” she said, threateningly. “Dawson approched me. I didn’t want to see him, but he apologized. He’s dreadfully sorry, Amelia. Truly,” Cal looked into Amelia’s eyes. Amelia turned to Dawson. “Let me hear this ‘apology’,” her voice dripped with sarcasm. Dawson glanced at Cal. Cal nodded and stepped around Amelia, into the compartment, sliding the door closed. Dawson took Amelia’s hand gently. “Amelia May. I treated you in a way no human being should be treated. I was cold, and unfair and horrible and… I am just so sorry. So sorry. Please… forgive me?” Dawson took Amelia’s hand and they faced each other. Amelia stared into Dawson’s eyes. “I… forgive you,” Amelia said, and her large eyes filled with tears. Dawson pulled her into a close embrace. “I swear, I’ll never hurt you again. Oh, Amelia, thank you,” Dawson kissed her head. Amelia pulled out of his arms and looked at him for a moment. Then she threw her arms around Dawson’s neck and kissed him. Dawson wrapped his arms around Amelia’s waist and kissed her back with everything he had. “Amelia, Daw-” Cal stepped out of the compartment to see them locked together. “I’ll just leave, then,” Cal chuckled to himself and went back inside. Dawson and Amelia pulled apart. “I’ve missed you. So much,” Amelia said, wiping away stray tears. “Not as much as I’ve missed you. Every night I go back to thinking about us together, and how amazing you were to me,” Dawson linked his hand with Amelia’s and smiled widely. “We were pretty swell together, huh?” Amelia grinned. “Can we get that back?” Dawson said. “Of course. We may not be 15, and naive about love, but that may help us. I would love to try again,” Amelia said, and kissed his cheek. Dawson put his hands on Amelia’s waist and picked her up off her feet. Amelia laughed and cried “Dawson! Put me down, you idiot!” Dawson lowered her to the floor, grinning. “I’m just…. I’m just so happy. You make me so happy, Amelia!” Dawson spun in a circle and kissed her. “Ditto, darling,” Amelia said, and kissed him back. Cal walked out again. “Is it safe?” He said, and smiled. Amelia rolled her eyes. “Yes, of course,” she replied. Cal walked up to them. “I’m beyond happy that you two have worked things out, but we’ll be in New York in about 20 minutes, and Amelia and I need to get organized for our investigation,” Cal looked apologetically at Dawson. “It’s no problem. I need to get my things ready anyway,” Dawson replied, and shrugged. Then he turned to Amelia. “Can we have lunch after you two do a little snooping around?” Dawson smiled. Amelia glanced at Cal, then away. “Of course. Unless we have to start chasing after some villain,” Amelia laughed and squeezed Dawson’s hand. “Let’s meet at Sardi’s at 3 o’clock,” Dawson replied, and flashed a grin at the twins before walking away, whistling. Amelia practically danced into the compartment. Cal smiled, and followed her. “Oh, Cal. This is amazing. We’re going to find out more on this case, You have your best friend back, and I’ve got my man back,” Amelia floated down onto her seat. Cal chuckled. “Don’t get too excited, now. I don’t know how much they’ll be able to give us on Calhan’s background.” Amelia rolled her eyes and pulled down her suitcase. “Please don’t be such a pain, Cal. Also, can you leave so I can change?” Amelia opened the door for Cal. “I’m not being a pain, I’m thinking realistically!” Cal called out as Amelia shut the door on him and pulled down the window shade. Cal huffed out a breath and leaned against the window. Down the hall, out of the corner of his eye, Cal saw a shadow move across the doorway. Cal knocked on the compartment door. “I’ll be back in a minute, Amelia,” Cal said quickly and raced down the hallway without waiting for her response. Cal raced down the hall, through another door, and into another section of compartments, where they held the party. Ahead, Cal heard a door slide shut. Cal walked quickly and quietly down to the compartment he guessed was the one. As before, he crouched down and looked through the space between the door and the floor. A pair of black, shiny, high heeled woman’s shoes rested on the floor across from men’s black, shiny dress shoes. “Soon we will be in New York City. There is hardly any time to plan. Along with that tall, skinny boy and the girl who shares his face… this trip is making me very worried,” a woman’s voice whispered. “Soon, my sweet, we will be in the city, and we will make a plan. Also, if you wish, Mallory can get rid of those clones,” a man’s deep voice replied quietly. “Oh, please, mistress, let me do it!” a third voice, high-pitched and wispy, pleaded. “We shall see, Mallory. Now, we need to gather our things and proceed into the city,” the woman’s voice spoke slowly, with a laugh in it, and Cal started to recognize it. The woman in black. Cal quickly jumped to his feet and sprinted back to his compartment. Amelia was waiting inside, dressed in a white skirt, flared at the knee, covered in red polka dots. With stockings, and red shoes and a red sweater to match. “Cal, you should really get dressed,” Amelia laughed at his cotton pajamas and pulled a mirror and hair pins out of her red leather purse. “Amelia, listen to me,” Cal gasped to catch his breath. “That woman that Dawson sent here earlier? She’s… I don’t know exactly what she’s doing but she’s not really with Dawson. She and a man and some kind of child are plotting something, and talking about…. talking about getting rid of us,” Cal’s chest moved rapidly up and down as he stared at Amelia’s pale face. “W-what? When did this happen?” Amelia stammered, and sank onto the velvet seat. “Just now. I was chasing a shadow figure, and it lead me to a compartment where this woman and a man and a child were talking. About some kind of plan having to do with New York and then they talked about us, and the child said she wanted to get rid of us. Amelia, what do we do?” Cal sat down across from her, frazzled. Amelia stood. “We’re not going to cower like poor scared mice. If they come to get rid of us, they don’t know what they’re getting themselves into. We can take them. But not dressed like that. Get your clothes on and prepare yourself for the day, Cal, please,” Amelia rolled her eyes at his outfit again and dug through his clothes. “Wear this, this, and that,” Amelia threw brown dress pants, a white button down shirt, and a tweed jacket at Cal. “And your brown hat, of course,” Amelia sat calmly back down and went back to pulling her long corkscrew curls out of her eyes. “Amelia, this is serious!” Cal stood, dropping the clothes to the floor. Amelia looked up from the mirror. “I am well aware of that, Calvin. But there is nothing to do but wait,” Amelia shrugged and turned back to the mirror. Cal sighed. “Let me get changed alone, then?” “Of course,” Amelia picked up her purse and left. Amelia now waited in the hall. She dug through her purse to find her mascara. “Well don’t you look… bright this morning,” a woman’s scornful voice made Amelia jump. It was the woman in black. “What exactly do you want?” Amelia said coldly. “Just wanted you to know that Dawson won’t be meeting for lunch today. Or any day for that matter,” the woman chuckled. “Oh, really? Well maybe you should know that Dawson said he’s done with you, and whatever relationship you two had,” Amelia spat out the lie. The woman looked mildly shocked. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she rolled her eyes at Amelia. “Actually I do. Dawson and I are going to go on a date, and everything is going to be amazing. And you, of all people, will not get in my way,” Amelia closed her compact with a snap and glared at the woman. The woman smirked. “What a brave little lioness!” she cried sarcastically. “Don’t taunt me, you vile woman. Who are you, anyway?” Amelia snapped. “I’m Clara,” she announced, with a toss of her hair. “And I’ve been Dawson’s personal assistant for about two years now,” she grinned at Amelia. “How nice for you,” Amelia replied, and pulled out her make-up and compact again. “I’m also a one thousand-year-old witch,” Clara said casually, and grinned as Amelia slowly looked up from her mirror. “Well… that’s…” Amelia trailed off as Cal walked out of their compartment. “Oh, hello, Calvin,” Clara said, and smiled at him. “Um, hello,” Cal replied, and glanced at Amelia. She looked at him with wide eyes, then Cal looked back at Clara, who was now standing very close to him. “How are you this morning?” Clara purred, gazing up at him. Cal inched away from her. “I’m swell, but Amelia and I really must get ready to leave, as we’ll be arriving soon,” Cal faked a smile and grabbed Amelia’s arm. “Nice seeing you again, Clara,” Amelia sugar coated her sarcasm as Cal yanked her into the compartment. Clara smiled at them as Cal shut the door and pulled down the window shade. Cal and Amelia waited in silence until they heard her footsteps retreating down the hall. Cal sighed with relief. “What happened out there? Did she say anything strange to you?” Cal asked Amelia quickly. “Well, um, nothing seemed… very strange. Although she did say she was a 1000 year old witch,” Amelia mumbled, and turned to get her suitcase. “She said what?!” “Cal, be quiet!” Amelia covered his mouth. “We can’t panic. Yes, it’s bad. But we cannot panic,” Amelia took her hand off Cal’s mouth.

C-l-i-c-k. The library door closed slowly behind me. I took a tentative step forward and a puff of dust covered my shoe. Another step and both shoes were now light grey. I walked quickly toward a section of books and hid. I turned and took my first look around. Imagine the biggest, most grand ballroom you can think of. Now add dark green carpet with small white flowers. On top of that carpet put a thousand of the tallest book shelves in the world, stretching to the heavens like trees. Scattered around these shelves, like flowers, are chairs and sofas and reading lamps. Turn to your right. Think of windows so tall and so wide you can see forever. That’s the library. Except that now, it’s more depressing then beautiful. It’s completely abandoned. Three-inch-thick layers of dust coat the books, shelves, carpet and furniture. The magnificent chandeliers are missing many light bulbs and are covered in spider-webs. I was staring at the closest chandelier when a dark shadow caught my eye. I whipped my head to the left, then heard a sharp bang to my far right. A second bang. Books where being flung off the shelves. I took two slow steps back, further behind the books hiding me. The laces on my left boot where untied slightly and I tripped, falling backward, landing with a hard thump. The books stopped banging to the floor. I froze, blinking dust out of my eyes. “Sage,” a voice whispered. “H-hello?” I mumbled back. “Why have you entered the library?” “I… I was looking for a place to hide,” I decided to be truthful. Although to whom, I had no idea. “From what?” “The Shadows.” Oh. Well then, Welcome to my home,” the voice softened, and the chandeliers flickered to life. A slim woman in a long golden dress appeared in front of me. “Mistress Cane?” I scrambled to my feet and backed away from her. “Yes,” the woman raised one eyebrow, examining me. “How did you find me?” I just stared back, in disbelief. “Hello, Sage. It’s been quite a while,” she smiled grimly. “We can never be truly apart, Sage. We are one,” she glided toward me, one hand extended. “No,” I side-stepped away from her. Mistress Cane turned to face me, and my back was now pressed against a book shelf. “No?” “Where were you when I needed you? You were always acting like you were my guardian angel, or my savior from God. But then I needed a guardian, you left. You glided away like I was nothing. Less then a Shadow,” I snarled at her. “Never! It wasn’t my place to fight for you,” she sniffed indignantly. “It was your place to help me. All I had was one Stone, a bow and one arrow. Did you think I would survive?” “You did.” I swallowed. “Hardly. Only because they took Rory,” I glared into her eyes, knowing it would hurt her. “They… took him? To their sanctuary?” “Yes. I was half-dead, and they stole him from me. From… us,” I admitted, since we shared the same feelings for Rory. A golden tear dripped down Mistress’s face. “If you hadn’t left, he could be with me right now!” I screamed, hating her tears, because I felt my own boiling behind my eyes. “I am so sorry, Sage. More then you could understand,” Mistress Cane sank to the ground, and became solid. “Good. I hope every feeling I had that day is pouring into you right now. Suffer as much as I did. Cry!” I collapsed to the ground across from her, weeping. “Rory,” we sobbed in unison. “I hate you!” we yelled at each other. Mistress Cane started to look younger with each tear. Three loud bangs silenced us. “Sage?” A loud call echoed through the library. Mistress Cane flickered, and dissolved inside of me. The old feeling, like my stomach being coated in ice, made me gasp. “Sage?” My name echoed across the room again. I got shakily to my feet. “R-Rory?” I called quietly. “Sage?” “Rory!” I called, and felt Mistress Cane become warmer. I sprinted around the book shelf in front of me and looked around the empty, open space. “Rory!” I shouted. My Rory, five inches taller then me, lanky, with tousled black hair, piercing grey eyes, and a smattering of freckles appeared in front of me. “Sage,” he said, sighing with happiness, a grin lighting up his face. I took a long stride into his arms. “How?” I mumbled into his warm flannel shirt, splattering it with tears. “The Shadows were keeping me in a gigantic labyrinth. It took me that two years to figure it out, without my teleport or Stones for help. But once I stepped across the exit, my teleport and weapons worked perfectly. I thought of your face, and it brought me here. But why are you crying?” Rory grabbed my shoulders and pushed me away so he could see my face. “Because Mistress Cane found me, and I told her about losing you. It was awful reliving that day. She saw everything in my mind and it bounced back to me, more clear then ever,” I burst into sobs again. Rory pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me. “Don’t cry, Beautiful. I’m here now. And I’m never leaving again,” he mumbled into my hair. I pulled out of the hug. I looked into his eyes, dark grey, like an oncoming storm. Rory tucked a dark red curl behind my right ear and stared back into my eyes. “I love you,” we said in unison. I gave him a small half-smile before running my hand along his face. “Come here,” he mumbled softly and pulled me into a forceful kiss. I curled my hand against his chest and leaned into him. We paused for a breath and grinned at each other. Rory moved his hands to my waist and I wrapped my hands around his neck. His lips quickly found mine and we kissed for what felt like years. Then, in the bottom of the library, there was a low rumble. The shelves started to shake, and the chandeliers made quiet tinkling noises, like wind chimes. Rory and I reluctantly pulled apart, our hands intertwined. An earsplitting roar emits from under our feet. Rory and I turn and look at each other. “Shadow Master,” we breathe, trying to be quiet. I reach into my pocket and pull out my satchel of Stones. I take out my favorite, a dark grey with white speckles, and focus on it’s energy. The Stone grows larger, flashes bright white, then turns into a black dagger with a dark grey stone handle. Rory’s has turned into a small silver axe with a emerald handle. (It’s around the same shade of my eyes, as my handle is the shade of his.) We lock eyes, and clasp hands. As one, we turn toward the library doors. “Come and fight!” Rory and I shout. The gigantic double doors fly open, and a jet of fire lights up an armchair. I squeeze Rory’s hand, then run to the other end of the library, to the second entrance. Those doors are already open, and six Shadows are standing in a line in front of the doors. “Well, we meet again,” I say, eyeing them coldly. One of them bares a mouth full of stone teeth. “Pretty,” I say, pulling my dagger out. All of them tense up. I prepare for the attack. The Shadow on my far right pounced first. I turned on my heel and slashed it’s chest. I knelt and rolled over my shoulder as it exploded into purple flames. “Come and get it,” I flashed a devilish grin to the other Shadows. They surged forward and I jumped to my feet, running away, into the books. I wove through all the shelves, confusing them. The group ended up in the center of one section of books, and I jumped from a sofa into the middle of their group. My Stone morphed into a long stone staff, and I started cracking them across the head with it. Three Shadows lunged forward with palms full of purple fire, and threw them at me. I ducked just in time, though two fire balls grazed my arms, leaving my cargo jacket burned through and my skin stinging. I stood up and ran toward the Shadows. I pinned one to the ground and drove my staff through it’s stomach. As it struggled, I jumped up and pulled my staff out just as it burst into flame. Two other Shadows crept up behind me as the Stone morphed back into a dagger, and I slashed their necks with one long swipe. More flame, this time singeing my boots. I looked around for the last two Shadows. One had ducked down behind a sofa. I got a better grip on my dagger and crept over to it. I leaped over the couch and stabbed it in the back. The small sofa and the carpet around it were smoking when the last Shadow got it’s hands around my neck. It pulled me back to the center of the section, while I was desperately trying to break free. “Sage Callahan,” the Shadow said, in the same voice as all the others, deep, hoarse, like it’s been screaming for hours. I tried to bite it’s arm, but my teeth sunk through, and left me a mouth full of smoke. “What?” I yelled, coughing. “You are a brave warrior. The Shadow Master would like an audience with you to discuss joining his ranks,” the Shadow replied, letting go of my neck only to tie my wrist together so fast I couldn’t react. The Shadow walked around to face me. I spat at his feet. “Never,” I snarled. “I think you will regret that choice, Sage Callahan,” the Shadow knelt on one knee, looking me straight in the face. “No one says ‘no’ to the Shadow Master,” he said, glaring. “Well I do,” I replied, glaring back. Our eyes are locked, then I noticed movement behind the Shadow’s left shoulder. Rory is walking quietly towards us. I quickly focus back on the Shadow. “Are we just going to sit here all day?” I asked coldly. The Shadow opens his mouth to reply, then notices the axe that’s just sliced through his torso. I smirked. The Shadow fell backward, and Rory yanked his axe out before the flames engulfed it. “Get me out?” I twitch my shoulder forward, getting Rory’s attention. “Of course,” he says, and cuts through the Shadow bonds on my wrists. I stretch my arms, and stand as Rory hands me my dagger. I face him, and smile. Rory grabs my hand, and strokes his thumb on mine. “You alright?” he murmurs, his eyebrows furrowed with worry. “I’m perfect. I just killed 5 Shadows, I have you back, and Mistress Cane as well,” I say, and smile again, before pulling Rory into a hug. “Okay, good,” Rory nods down at me. “I want to leave this library. It freaks me out,” I pull away and look around. “Sounds like a good idea. The Shadow Master is here and I doubt we have much more time before he sends more bodyguards to come get us,” Rory rolled his eyes, and pulled out his teleport. “We should go to the Orphanage. Please?” I tugged on Rory’s arm, looking at the teleport. “Hold on,” Rory says, and I clench his arm. There’s a horribly unattached, free falling feeling. The kind that makes the pit of your stomach ache. Then, we’re standing in the middle of a snowstorm, on an empty, dirty city street. In front of us is the Manor. It’s huge, and built entirely of dark black and grey stone, splattered with dirt and old snow. Two large turrets stick out lopsidedly from the left and right. A 30 foot high stone fence closes the school in, topped with iron spikes. “Home,” I sighed. Rory smiles and hands me my watch. I strapped it on quickly and ran up to the entrance at the gate. The small screen flickered to life. “I.D. token, please,” a woman with her hair coiled in a tight bun spoke formally. I brought my wrist up to the screen, and it flashed bright green. “Token accepted,” the woman nodded, the screen faded to black, and the gates swung open. “Come on, Rory!” I tilted my head to the entrance. Rory just stood there, shuffling his feet. “You go ahead, Sage. I’ll just… I’ll catch up with you later,” he called to me faintly. I walked up to him in three long strides. “Rory. What are you talking about? We’re home. It’s been three years! Don’t you want to see something nice and familiar?” I was shocked. “I… What if… I’m scared, Sage,” Rory said, and looked down at his shoes. “Scared? Of what?” I almost laughed. “Mrs. Belldown,” Rory whispered, and sounded like he did when we were kids. It sent a chill down my spine. “She can’t do anything to us now. We know how to fight, and we’re 18. Adults,” I reminded him, speaking strongly. “Come on, Rory. We’re going home,” I grabbed his hand and we walked through the gate. Bertha, the maid who had been there my whole life, greeted us at the door with squeals of delight. “Sage! Rory! All grown up!” Bertha stretched out her fat little arms pulled us into a rib-crushing hug. I laughed and pulled away, leaving Rory to get hugged alone. “I’ve missed you, Bertha!” “Oh, I’ve missed you too, dear,” Bertha replied to me, finally letting Rory go. Rory walked next me as Bertha lead us to the parlor, and fetched us tea. “Oh sit down! Tell me everything about your adventures!” Bertha pushed us onto a threadbare love seat and grinned. “There’s uh… Not that much to report,” I said, and Rory cleared his throat and blinked nervously. Our Shadow fighting must be kept a secret. “I’m sure there is! You don’t have to keep anything from old Bertha,” she chuckled and sat across from us. “Well,” I started, when the door swung open. Bertha jumped to her feet. “Mrs. Belldown!” Mrs. Belldown. Tall, slender, fiercely beautiful, with dark eyebrows and eyes, skin the color of snow. I’ve always felt so opposite next to her. Standing 5’4 to her 5’11, having a little extra fat on my stomach and thighs. Along with my tan skin covered in freckles, bright blue eyes and dark red, curly hair. “Sage,” Mrs. Belldown looked me over before giving me a small, but strong hug. “Hello… Mother,” I forced the words out. It’s not hard to believe that I’m adopted, while Mrs. Belldown (I can hardly call her mother) never stopped acting like I was her flesh and blood daughter. When I was 12, I bribed Bertha into telling me Mrs. Belldown found me, alone in an alleyway when I was 5 years old. Otherwise I would have just wondered where I got my looks from, especially my hair. Then Rory and I stood. “You’ve been gone so long. What have you been doing?” Mrs. Belldown has always spoken in a strange way, sounding slow and dreamy, yet you still feel like you’re being ordered to speak by an army captain. “Rory and I have just been traveling the country. Exploring. There’s really nothing to tell,” I shrugged, trying to sound casual. Mrs. Belldown took a step back, and looked at Rory, as if he just arrived. “Ah. Yes. Rory Jackson,” she drawled, eyeing him coldly. “H-Hello, Mrs. Belldown,” Rory muttered, looking at the floor. “Bertha, Would you escort Mr. Jackson to the second sitting room? I would like to have a conversation with my daughter,” Mrs. Belldown snapped at Bertha, then looked slowly at me. “Yes Ma’am!” Bertha cried, and yanked Rory out of the room, closing the door quickly behind them. “Sage. Please, sit,” Mrs. Belldown gestured formally to the love seat. I slowly sat back down. Mrs. Belldown walked to the armchair Bertha was using as she spoke. “It’s been two years, Sage. I have heard no word from you. None at all,” she sat down rigidly, like a queen. “I’m sorry, Mother. I’ve never been in a place where I could send a message,” I couldn’t look her in the eye. “Seems like you and Rory have been awfully busy,” Mrs. Belldown purses her lips. “We have,” I nodded. “Doing what exactly?” I clenched my hand into a fist. “Traveling. And… dealing with a few Shadows.” “Shadows?” Mrs. Belldown gasped. “Don’t sound so shocked, Mother, they’re everywhere now,” I sighed. “But you were fighting them?” she leaned forward, staring at me. “Yes. Rory and I… were fighting them,” I couldn’t tell her we still are. “But you’re home now. For good,” Mrs. Belldown relaxed back and nodded. I raised an eyebrow. “We’re just back for a visit, mother,” I said, realizing how much I didn’t want to be here. Mrs. Belldown stood. “No. You’re here to stay,” she shook her head and glared at me. “No, mother! I have a life now. You’re not part of it,” I stood as well, staring her down. “Mistress Cane is still with you. And she is a part of me,” Mrs. Belldown’s eyes flashed with pride. “Actually, mother, Mistress Cane is a part of me, now. You don’t have anyone spying on me anymore,” I crossed my arms. “That’s impossible. I created her!” Mrs. Belldown shrieked, her voice sounding… less human. “Created her? What are you talking about?” I took a step away from her. “I am Mistress Cane’s master! I am always one with her!” Mrs. Belldown screamed, taking a step toward me. “She can’t be created by a human. Mistresses are created by the Others,” I said, taking two more steps back. “Exactly, Sage.” The voice that came from Mrs. Belldown was somehow deep and shrill, also like gears grinding together, giving you a headache. Before my eyes, Mrs. Belldown became an Other. Her torso grew three feet taller. She sprouted six more legs, and her hands turned into purple Shadow fire. “Mother?” I gasped. “No, Sage,” the Other spoke, sounding so terrible. It took three steps toward me, and I pulled out my Stone and quickly morphed it into a dagger. “You cannot fight me, Sage. Although you have fought bravely against my brethren,” the Other growled. “Don’t worry, I have backup,” I smirked, then opened my watch and called. “RORY!” The door to the parlor banged open, and then was Rory, with his silver and emerald axe. “Oh, perfect,” Rory rolled his eyes. “Shut up and help me,” I ordered, as the Other lunged at me. I brought my dagger up at an angle above my face and stabbed it’s shoulder. I pulled it out with both hands and pushed the Other to the floor. “Rory! Go!” I knelt down as Rory jumped over me, chopping his axe through the Other’s neck. The Other screamed, and threw Rory off. He landed next to me, catching his axe before it flew over our heads. Rory and I turned and looked at each other for a moment, before jumping up and preparing for the next attack. The Other scuttled on it’s eight legs across the ceiling, to the door, blocking it completely. “Time to die, warriors,” the Other grinned wickedly at us, and pounced. Rory and I clicked into our linked fighting mode. We knew each other’s strategy instantly. I morphed my dagger into a bow and a sheath of arrows, quickly shooting each of the Other’s legs. It screamed in agony and fell to the ground. Rory sprinted forward with his Stone now as four-foot long staff, capped on both ends in shining green emerald. Rory ran to the back of the Other as it started to stand, pulling arrows out of it’s legs. Rory raised the staff above his head and swung it down on the Other’s back. The Other screamed and turned to face Rory. I tossed my Stone up in the air and caught it as a broad sword. “Hey!” I called to the Other. It turned away from Rory and hissed at me. “Don’t touch him,” I said, pulling the sword out of it’s sheath. “Or you’ll do what, weakling?” “Kill you,” I said simply, and sprinted forward. The Other reared on it’s hind legs and charged me. My sword clashed against it’s rock hard forearms. Then it grabbed me around the waist, and tried to throw me over it’s shoulder. I twisted in it’s hands and stabbed it in a weak place, between it’s shoulder blades. As it dropped me, I sliced off one of it’s legs. I landed on one knee, then scrambled to my feet as the Other rocked back and forth, becoming unconscious from it’s injuries. Finally, it crashed to the ground, sending up a wave of dust. As it cleared, Rory and I coughed and looked at each other. Rory quickly pulled me into a hug. “Well done,” we said to each other. “Rory! Sage!” Bertha burst into the room, calling for us. She screamed when she saw the Other on the floor. “But where is Mrs. Belldown?” Rory and I glanced at each other. “That is Mrs. Belldown,” Rory said shakily. “What? No!” Bertha took several steps back. “Yes,” I said. “I’ve worked here.. and for her, for 25 years!” “I’m so sorry, Bertha,” I walked over to her quickly, and put a hand on her shoulder. “Who will take care of the orphanage now?” Bertha sniffed back tears. Rory walked over as well. “Why don’t you do it?” He suggested. Bertha’s eyes widened. “M-me?” She stammered. I patted her shoulder. “Yeah! You’ve been working here long enough, and the children love you so much,” I nodded. Bertha blushed. “Oh, Sage dear, you’re too kind,” she beamed. Bertha pulled me into a quick hug. I saw Rory glance at the Other, who just twitched. “Bertha, dear, we need to finish with this creature. Go make sure the kids stay upstairs, would you?” I pulled away and asked her. “Yes, of course!” Bertha bustled away. Once she was upstairs, I turned to Rory. “I can do a banishing spell. Do you think that will work?” “That should do it. I’ll run and get you a tea bag. What kind?” “Just some herbal tea,” I replied, rolling up my sleeves, preparing for the spell. Rory ran to the kitchen. The Other’s eyes fluttered open. It groaned in pain. “Don’t even think about moving,” I threatened, pulling out my dagger. The Other just blinked it’s entirely black eyes. “Herbal tea!” Rory burst in. “No!” the Other suddenly shrieked, recognizing the spell ingredients. I nodded. Rory pulled out a rope, and tied up the Other. I cut a small hole in the tea bag with my dagger. I walked over to the Other and poured small tea leaves over it’s face. “You are a wretched child,” the Other snarled. “I know,” I shrugged. I put the tea bag down, and morphed my dagger back into a small gray stone. I walked up to the Other slowly, then whipped out my hand and pulled out one of it’s eyelashes. It yelled out in pain. I scooped up some dust from the floor where the Other fell, and put the dust and the eye lash in a small empty sugar bowl. “Power of the stone, merge these small items,” I whispered, and ground them together. I picked up the tea bag and added leaves to the bowl, and the Other’s face. “Rory, will you get that kettle from the fireplace?” Rory brought back the kettle, which had gone cold. I thought of a large bonfire, then blew on the kettle. It warmed in my hands. “Sage, have you been practicing? Your magic is getting really splendid,” Rory smiled at me. “Yes, I have,” I replied, grinning back. “You two are hopelessly love sick. And stupid,” the Other growled. “Oh, shut up,” I said, and added the hot water to the bowl. “Warmth, pieces of the body, natural items,” I whispered as the tea leaves and dust absorbed the water. I nodded, and Rory walked over to the other, holding it’s hands behind it’s back. “Drink this potion, and be banished, never to return,” I said to the Other. It closed it’s mouth tight. I concentrated on it’s jaw muscles. The Other’s mouth slowly opened. “Never return,” I repeated, and slowly poured the mixture down it’s throat. The Other’s mouth closed quickly when the potion was all gone. “You witch!” it spat at me. I waited. The Other began to thrash around, trying to break the bindings. Then, it’s movements slowed, before the Other froze completely. The Other began to cave in on it’s self, like it was made of paper. It slowly crumbled into a small ball of dust. I blew on it, and it sank into the ground. “That’s correct,” I nodded. Rory turned and looked at me, wide eyed. “You’re… a witch?” “That was my test. And I passed!” I grinned. “Sage, that’s amazing,” Rory sounded stunned. “Rory, are you alright?” I sat closer to him. “Yeah! It’s just… shocking, I guess,” Rory shrugged, then smiled at me. I kissed him. “Thank you for not feeling weird about it,” I said. “Of course, Sage. I’d never discourage you,” Rory held my hand. We kissed again. Someone knocked on the door, and we stood. “Sage? Rory?” Bertha’s voice was muffled through the door. “Oh, come in, Bertha. The Other is gone,” I called. Bertha shuffled through the door. “Thank you. So much,” Bertha sniffled. Rory and I walked up to her quickly. “Of course!” Rory gushed. “Contact us right away if there are any more problems,” I pleaded. “I will. You two are saints,” Bertha gave us a watery smile. I held Bertha’s hand for a moment, and smiled at her. “Sage, I think we should go,” Rory was glancing at his watch. I nodded, and pulled away from Bertha. “Have a safe trip,” Bertha said, walking us to the door. Rory and I nodded, and walked to the front yard. Rory offered his arm, and I held on tight. The same free-falling feeling, and my breath was taken away. Then, we were in the middle of a rolling green field. “Rory, where are we?” “I’m not sure. It just… pulled me here,” Rory took my hand, and looked around. “Why?” I stepped away from him and looked the opposite direction. A loud crack sounded behind us, like a branch had been broken in half. We whipped around, and a lion cub stood at the edge of a huge forest. “A lion?” Rory whispered. I nodded. Rory grabbed my hand again, and we walked slowly toward the golden animal, about the size of a full grown sheep. I stared into the cub’s liquid gold eyes, and tried to talk to it. What are you doing here? Did you call for us? Help. I shivered. The cub’s voice felt like a cold breeze in my mind. What can we do? Make the bad things leave my father alone. I was now unlinked from Rory, standing three feet away from the cub. We can try. What do the bad things look like? Tall, like man. And dark, hard to see sometimes. I turned to Rory quickly. “There are Shadows hurting the lions,” I said. “Are you talking to him?” Rory asked. “Yes,” I nodded, and turned back to the cub. Those things are called Shadows. They’re very bad. Have you tried to hurt the Shadows? Yes. I pounced on one.  I scratched one with my claws. But they just kept walking around. I furrowed my eyebrows. Okay. We’ll come help you know. If lions could smile, this cub did. It came up to me and nuzzled it’s head on my hand. “These Shadows are not getting injured. The cub told me he clawed one of them and it kept walking,” I told Rory. “That can’t be good. Do you think the Shadow master is here?” “It’s definitely possible.” Rory cringed. Can you lead us to your family? I asked the cub. Yes. The cub turned and walked quickly through the forest. Rory and I jogged to catch up. The forest was so full of magic, I had to focus hard on not accidentally performing a spell.