tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86135420758894397332024-02-02T04:28:16.971-06:00Tom and AnnabelleNickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-50137008078220070562017-01-30T21:55:00.000-06:002017-01-30T21:55:27.514-06:00Chapter Forty-Nine - Dissociation<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw2HNpWhqcKVqmhRuxkDitLbdGC1wYYGVbzg5x7_D9fi0CTVAsferoXCLDaE6q-Y5xw_Lq4xug6s76DNmre9BJkU64-UkWPaACZQM5PFYamstZGtNS1j9gdU_CAxo3GTZ5gR2lp0mXeA/s1600/Screenshot-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw2HNpWhqcKVqmhRuxkDitLbdGC1wYYGVbzg5x7_D9fi0CTVAsferoXCLDaE6q-Y5xw_Lq4xug6s76DNmre9BJkU64-UkWPaACZQM5PFYamstZGtNS1j9gdU_CAxo3GTZ5gR2lp0mXeA/s400/Screenshot-42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The walk was long, and cold. The bitter wind brushed against her skin as she took every step through the snow. <i>"You did this, you know that?"</i> Her own voice echoed through her head, and she ignored it the best she could. <i>"You know you're responsible. If you hadn't told Jack about the Torrans, Annabelle and Tom would be living a normal life. Possibly together."</i> Every word rang through her mind like a high-pitched bell, screaming its accusations against her uncontrollably. <i>"And you wouldn't have tried to kill her. You did this. You did this all." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFHm_n9ZChVHaQTcyszoR0Xe_mGX_Od3_-7zAPFVtG4iwypCeYQqYGxCFX6L-AsSoSnhOcQCe708fDfsUNlTdXyaoi43pC_9AoI4Yp59f9sne3z09okJPMETX_vMiGR44msqfN36C0ZA/s1600/Screenshot-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFHm_n9ZChVHaQTcyszoR0Xe_mGX_Od3_-7zAPFVtG4iwypCeYQqYGxCFX6L-AsSoSnhOcQCe708fDfsUNlTdXyaoi43pC_9AoI4Yp59f9sne3z09okJPMETX_vMiGR44msqfN36C0ZA/s400/Screenshot-43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i>
Time passed, the world changed in front of her eyes, and she eventually found herself standing in front of the house she'd been staying at. Inside the home held all the only good memories she'd had of her life, but even they intersected with all the worst thoughts she could possibly imagine. Every single frozen step towards the house felt like that of a condemned criminal stepping towards the gallows. <i>"You know she won't believe you."</i> The voice returned, "<i>You leave with him, and you return without him? She'll call you a witch again, possibly kill you herself. You know it. Why bother even going there?" </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlQceXiO67Y14A429_BGNFiJ1gkc81Lir3FMEgw4jRoGIR9gZga-TuEwyHmjDWTyrkZOUBtKJSp88tdsQFGiu2R_clxqEVGy2FQfkTd7ceETBFM8IVQF_Nxq-y1AfqqbqLIOMenH_et0/s1600/Screenshot-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlQceXiO67Y14A429_BGNFiJ1gkc81Lir3FMEgw4jRoGIR9gZga-TuEwyHmjDWTyrkZOUBtKJSp88tdsQFGiu2R_clxqEVGy2FQfkTd7ceETBFM8IVQF_Nxq-y1AfqqbqLIOMenH_et0/s400/Screenshot-44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i>
Those words hit her more than any others, and much like someone would while walking through the cold darkness emanating around her, she froze in place, unable to move at the snowflakes fell. "No," she said to herself. "No, she'll forgive me, she has to."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andromeda stepped forward and up the stairs, with her cold hand reaching for the frozen doorknob. The door opened and she stepped inside, the warmth of the house hitting her with a complete sense of contrast as she had felt outside. Kelly walked over from a nearby computer area and smiled, but the exuberant look quickly faded as she looked into Andromeda's eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGnv8qRH7mJxAojjmaUtVqKmUONElaM3ZiSTzGnWjUVWrdAS-Cs0Mvq1z_gOk7Ed4qI0nDFLqtgrGEaysVhLdEBXTqbC6ROJZHN12jGUU4v8VvfVEftLwDOlKPNxRDluViwEarKjpmak/s1600/Screenshot-131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGnv8qRH7mJxAojjmaUtVqKmUONElaM3ZiSTzGnWjUVWrdAS-Cs0Mvq1z_gOk7Ed4qI0nDFLqtgrGEaysVhLdEBXTqbC6ROJZHN12jGUU4v8VvfVEftLwDOlKPNxRDluViwEarKjpmak/s400/Screenshot-131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What happened?" Kelly asked, worriedly. "Where's Tom?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZbdKX5MpA_LgtWjaxhGRF0VX6ks8sTMkkuBKDNPCkM9I8Zowk72ub27bSfiwx_EyZqsipquNwtvGr88I3om9SqVvM3kQ-ErgmtmHhfkpRq5nXvA_zLaMk5dMn1jJAk6SfL4ldIx-CYc/s1600/Screenshot-122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZbdKX5MpA_LgtWjaxhGRF0VX6ks8sTMkkuBKDNPCkM9I8Zowk72ub27bSfiwx_EyZqsipquNwtvGr88I3om9SqVvM3kQ-ErgmtmHhfkpRq5nXvA_zLaMk5dMn1jJAk6SfL4ldIx-CYc/s400/Screenshot-122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andromeda looked at her, and her expression remained sour and dim as she simply shook her head. When Annabelle asked the same question again, she finally spoke, her voice creaking higher with every word that escaped her lips. "I don't know."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh627GEwczYxK5RDrdoJGgrDRGe963Xgn4eHIvBxX_1Y_AokVBH3CPY3YkZBVKbboNVG44K1379ChAoArPmrf3V7TsHHxHf6OXCoXLyNVcfWq86RK-yoINh91tXwNqoxCzS9hnKyjGyNFU/s1600/Screenshot-123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh627GEwczYxK5RDrdoJGgrDRGe963Xgn4eHIvBxX_1Y_AokVBH3CPY3YkZBVKbboNVG44K1379ChAoArPmrf3V7TsHHxHf6OXCoXLyNVcfWq86RK-yoINh91tXwNqoxCzS9hnKyjGyNFU/s400/Screenshot-123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What do you mean you don't know?" Annabelle's voice pierced the room as she stepped out of the living room entryway. "Where is he, Andromeda?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDDmR1SfED5txWu1eSsuZNmxbM_RNWketkrkaCWsTvPM-qCIUt2pRte7GAaF_7DZC8tdV-78K9hBlzv75iX5Z1u1qxVqGwtQz8YrmSWbwp8Y2l3D64QpnrxeFT5vXf6lBW1K1VE2-ImU/s1600/Screenshot-126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDDmR1SfED5txWu1eSsuZNmxbM_RNWketkrkaCWsTvPM-qCIUt2pRte7GAaF_7DZC8tdV-78K9hBlzv75iX5Z1u1qxVqGwtQz8YrmSWbwp8Y2l3D64QpnrxeFT5vXf6lBW1K1VE2-ImU/s400/Screenshot-126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I heard a noise and went looking for him. When I got back to where he was, Tom was gone."</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbA0b4fEPdNGV5ALHdziT1d5sA-5ssSTEQdfdz1BoDVSUq8G6TP7IvysSpBN0mznx1c5GOddm5deQJmXhHuz6MtmqJgx_3Prb0kunkhTrFDNKEwyyxYE3z9yXIfAD168sxnZ1o20XvaQ/s1600/Screenshot-127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbA0b4fEPdNGV5ALHdziT1d5sA-5ssSTEQdfdz1BoDVSUq8G6TP7IvysSpBN0mznx1c5GOddm5deQJmXhHuz6MtmqJgx_3Prb0kunkhTrFDNKEwyyxYE3z9yXIfAD168sxnZ1o20XvaQ/s400/Screenshot-127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Annabelle turned to Kelly and nodded. The latter, however, simply shook her head. "She's telling the truth. I don't even have to read her mind, I just know it."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuWB46qgxC9Xu28tZXAS9Fj4vmh6fK0Fa7165DshC_GPSNaR1UU5boobCzIbjLDv137bwgjn546WXD91muf4zgi8tnnbti36Mj1ybG1kP4OEPj_y6FhiKUKGPQ33h66bCGeuD9lrb9rI/s1600/Screenshot-128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuWB46qgxC9Xu28tZXAS9Fj4vmh6fK0Fa7165DshC_GPSNaR1UU5boobCzIbjLDv137bwgjn546WXD91muf4zgi8tnnbti36Mj1ybG1kP4OEPj_y6FhiKUKGPQ33h66bCGeuD9lrb9rI/s400/Screenshot-128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Are you positive?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Yeah, I know when someone's lying. That's one of the things I studied in college for my career path."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVmGLklb9zGMIbdcrSzSXgPiU5pbq8wzqLPKHGOxbZ_JEqruicree3VF_-PzEVrZapT9G9J_TRf3NzlQ8WpfcZrdzCWvl-cifNpvtaYUWOpewwHTPDRzuLiESSlq8-gmSAJ-0ukRNsVY/s1600/Screenshot-125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVmGLklb9zGMIbdcrSzSXgPiU5pbq8wzqLPKHGOxbZ_JEqruicree3VF_-PzEVrZapT9G9J_TRf3NzlQ8WpfcZrdzCWvl-cifNpvtaYUWOpewwHTPDRzuLiESSlq8-gmSAJ-0ukRNsVY/s320/Screenshot-125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Annabelle turned back to Andromeda. "Well I trust Kelly more than I trust you, so I'll take her word for it. In the meantime, I know exactly what we can do to see what happened to Tom. I'm going to go see my brother."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"John?" Kelly asked, confused. "Why him?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOYX60LPq_u9h3jhP0NSWDEBWGWzL6gqzxtr8rkL0mShgX_MMtJ4jtGTIRHgE03n6UdfaftnnTg6a8vT8eXH6IDEpar-4Vj-I6KJ649R7ABiMfYRfT4h6FHs0S5ER6Ko-PYu4ubZSaI0/s1600/Screenshot-130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOYX60LPq_u9h3jhP0NSWDEBWGWzL6gqzxtr8rkL0mShgX_MMtJ4jtGTIRHgE03n6UdfaftnnTg6a8vT8eXH6IDEpar-4Vj-I6KJ649R7ABiMfYRfT4h6FHs0S5ER6Ko-PYu4ubZSaI0/s400/Screenshot-130.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As Annabelle walked upstairs, her voice trailed behind her. "Because he did something that led me to distrust Andy completely. I need him to do the same thing for the opposite effect."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOw5jJ3hyaJo4743oMtOUXFHp74tQaVeOZ3orzE4BNdfA2_I_zCv27Rl2gZth3XelpIj-x9nMvXcy1seT_isuIbBedrv9aXDb4o_za5clwPmv2EM0nMUa2XfDv4JNUO9Uow4AAE9m6H0/s1600/Screenshot-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOw5jJ3hyaJo4743oMtOUXFHp74tQaVeOZ3orzE4BNdfA2_I_zCv27Rl2gZth3XelpIj-x9nMvXcy1seT_isuIbBedrv9aXDb4o_za5clwPmv2EM0nMUa2XfDv4JNUO9Uow4AAE9m6H0/s400/Screenshot-22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tom opened his eyes and found himself in a dark room, filled with different relics from all over the world it seemed. After adjusting his sight to the darkness, he looked over to the back wall and noticed a sarcophagus standing up and leaning next to it, with the Vornek who had attacked him in the graveyard standing nearby. He walked over to get back at the creature for what happened, but just as he tried he felt a surge of energy strike him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQEmPzXMTxvQ9ee6_ION-n7h0K1fdAbDrRIXbPZVF-FElGBi23_MVwQCYUUeb7hHLHv4h6BWPUnatZM9b6kbH91cFOKdhsx4bQNfodl49YZoGFLKpio4sgQU7bRtr9u6b2K43hI1LRfs/s1600/Screenshot-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQEmPzXMTxvQ9ee6_ION-n7h0K1fdAbDrRIXbPZVF-FElGBi23_MVwQCYUUeb7hHLHv4h6BWPUnatZM9b6kbH91cFOKdhsx4bQNfodl49YZoGFLKpio4sgQU7bRtr9u6b2K43hI1LRfs/s400/Screenshot-26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It did not take long for him to figure out he was blocked from reaching the creature by some sort of energy shield, which had trapped him into the back corner of the room and was projected outward by a series of strange pyramid-shaped artifacts. The sudden sound echoing through the room did not escape the notice of the Vornek, who turned around and walked over to the corner to look Tom straight in the eye.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>You... do not... move.</i>", The Vornek hissed at him, turning back to tend to the sarcophagus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tom rolled his eyes. "Wow, what great company you give. Do you do children's parties? Because I'm sure you'd be quite the hoot."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3xGXVWSeBYYPMCfJ1nCuiqTvKBwum4qq4Tr7Y4MV9_CxJ_QnJ49GaoJleEALFihe7OHuL8B1xhUUeNd7ECctBh7MI4xURvjJhnOxSc5IqnJK6zP3TXKwPFkB-zKvis1LkxhZmEQ_SHE/s1600/Screenshot-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3xGXVWSeBYYPMCfJ1nCuiqTvKBwum4qq4Tr7Y4MV9_CxJ_QnJ49GaoJleEALFihe7OHuL8B1xhUUeNd7ECctBh7MI4xURvjJhnOxSc5IqnJK6zP3TXKwPFkB-zKvis1LkxhZmEQ_SHE/s400/Screenshot-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "<i>Silence!</i>", The vornek yelled through gritted teeth. "<i>Master will have word with you soon.</i>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Well I'm glad master will have word with me. I so want to meet your master. And kill him. Did I mention I want to kill him? Because I totally do. Like, insanely so."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegSpTY9Li7QkcSMkvTTIgkTATELVZsEpat73IN27pFDa_jVYZV5GgUvNPjc2Ry8HE0W_A6C0wnzEc6A_iPgUjNHbcvQjuaCk2MiqC574PWFhyT-toseEYLdFPqqKrPiCL6N77p8LlAoA/s1600/Screenshot-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegSpTY9Li7QkcSMkvTTIgkTATELVZsEpat73IN27pFDa_jVYZV5GgUvNPjc2Ry8HE0W_A6C0wnzEc6A_iPgUjNHbcvQjuaCk2MiqC574PWFhyT-toseEYLdFPqqKrPiCL6N77p8LlAoA/s400/Screenshot-21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"You talk with such malice, such hatred, for beings you have never even met before." </i>Another voice, much more refined than the last, pierced the room. <i>"Do you really think, Thomas Jameson, that you are going to harm another living being."</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Tom looked around the room, but could not find the source of the voice. He realized that the voice was inside his own head, and something was talking directly to his mind. "Are you him? Are you the bastard that killed my parents."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0HjStpwLhAF2RuXBqm3YGD-bgXkg9s-jqVsdjoVXDX2vulHbeNEsypBEx1Mn3oJb5VCX9DWsiIr4Iex393Sq5ix8RTx1c6xgsx_QSImGF0gX8eunFOEFWIPW_AjdcDRKOBDBtCw9PL8/s1600/Screenshot-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0HjStpwLhAF2RuXBqm3YGD-bgXkg9s-jqVsdjoVXDX2vulHbeNEsypBEx1Mn3oJb5VCX9DWsiIr4Iex393Sq5ix8RTx1c6xgsx_QSImGF0gX8eunFOEFWIPW_AjdcDRKOBDBtCw9PL8/s400/Screenshot-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Your parents? Those two fools who decided to disturb my grave? Yes. I am the one."</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i>
"SHOW YOUR FACE!! I would give anything to smash it in!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Oh I don't think you'd want that right now. My appearance at this moment in time can be quite off-putting. My body, decaying as it is, is separated from my mind, but soon enough that will be taken care of, and those two shall become one. All it takes is a little darkness."</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yFVQq9eIACasp7kr1dUxIG9pKr3xWj4-uP7p5kNut6N09yLioBP2Uq2gshUdcfjQiFmEhiP3c2dV3CXOJdplUQ1-GVc420E_rbrR1GnY9DAEJXQBYQ6fG5D-c3whlYu54NkVcz0nQh8/s1600/Screenshot-25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yFVQq9eIACasp7kr1dUxIG9pKr3xWj4-uP7p5kNut6N09yLioBP2Uq2gshUdcfjQiFmEhiP3c2dV3CXOJdplUQ1-GVc420E_rbrR1GnY9DAEJXQBYQ6fG5D-c3whlYu54NkVcz0nQh8/s400/Screenshot-25.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Vornek lifted its hand, and as it did a shadowy form began to lift off the claws and take shape next to the sarcophagus. After a moment passed, two piercing red eyes formed in the center of the darkness. The Vornek then shifted its body and the dark veil covered the sarcophagus itself, which shook violently before flying open.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRfaCB1jAOUYFqO46uIfEx8FGMwpoOLo4tB9T0TUlK-ZkZXQ26WND5Y4T35lbqhyphenhyphennDQYr_kfqFF6KfNq-3iVeWsXkoc2CyjLmvCjsLDnDxgA8JHiFYOI_DCNs10wxCTkMK-htuVurCiM/s1600/Screenshot-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRfaCB1jAOUYFqO46uIfEx8FGMwpoOLo4tB9T0TUlK-ZkZXQ26WND5Y4T35lbqhyphenhyphennDQYr_kfqFF6KfNq-3iVeWsXkoc2CyjLmvCjsLDnDxgA8JHiFYOI_DCNs10wxCTkMK-htuVurCiM/s400/Screenshot-14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A humanoid form fell from the coffin, which closed back in on itself. From what Tom could see, this new person was an alien, but his skin was purple and his eyes were sunken in. He stayed on the ground for a few moments before standing up, carefully walking over to Tom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrjxle-jIkld0zTi8ti6rSObrpxOHBR1lbXsMOcjfVp34f1GvSnxhRLQ3FG6vhYqOFy8v7z_ZLzcveTZIitqhkA9cxi4Zqhlra5g1dLjx5HZP2O0IdLTw6xx5t45eBx7SVN3j4898O2E/s1600/Screenshot-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrjxle-jIkld0zTi8ti6rSObrpxOHBR1lbXsMOcjfVp34f1GvSnxhRLQ3FG6vhYqOFy8v7z_ZLzcveTZIitqhkA9cxi4Zqhlra5g1dLjx5HZP2O0IdLTw6xx5t45eBx7SVN3j4898O2E/s400/Screenshot-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Here's my face, Thomas. The face of Vorik Z'rath'nek. Are you ready to 'smash it in'? Or was that a vague threat? You seem to be reliant on those, threats. I don't think you are strong or even willing enough to follow through. I'd drop the force field so you can prove your worth," he said, coldly, "However, my pet can be a bit abrasive, any physical action towards me will be responded in kind and he doesn't know when to stop. And I need you alive for now."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I'll take you both down." Tom replied, his eyes filled with rage. "I don't care if I die in the process."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEpmbSN_maFvlEQGu16DmdI89UNUrXHIX_3JIv4R4B5O_yCz9nw_1pvXGYDcxKnGvRJQnTXgTnmsxmlulmgkj5OoNmjYe5V0D37WTWhdb5oDtRX54ybckly3tXZzkzD6EHDTAKdYAAEE/s1600/Screenshot-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEpmbSN_maFvlEQGu16DmdI89UNUrXHIX_3JIv4R4B5O_yCz9nw_1pvXGYDcxKnGvRJQnTXgTnmsxmlulmgkj5OoNmjYe5V0D37WTWhdb5oDtRX54ybckly3tXZzkzD6EHDTAKdYAAEE/s400/Screenshot-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Oh you do care, I know this. I can see into your mind, into your thoughts. You care a lot, especially for Annabelle Kethrin. A hybrid of Torrans and humans... I would laugh at the concept but I myself have sired a child or two in the time I've been here."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MV_E2ofSpkcZUxHT33qiPN4AvAMvjbhCvqHDk7aS_0crx_tR5D6NZawWCVYPDhfkDr9CR4tWNNK33JBz6-4HxP6VNHq7DSTmdVwQTDc0TU8vuY24Dzj5geGKE1n8Ik8BV5YLe9Wxzfg/s1600/Screenshot-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MV_E2ofSpkcZUxHT33qiPN4AvAMvjbhCvqHDk7aS_0crx_tR5D6NZawWCVYPDhfkDr9CR4tWNNK33JBz6-4HxP6VNHq7DSTmdVwQTDc0TU8vuY24Dzj5geGKE1n8Ik8BV5YLe9Wxzfg/s400/Screenshot-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Stop looking into my head you purple demon!" Tom yelled out, "and what the hell do you need me alive for anyway?!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Your ability. You see, you have something that I want, that would be very helpful in this war of mine against the rest of Torra Sev and the Feen itself. You know what that is?" Vorik smiled, then continued. "You are immune to the effects of magic. Something of your parents' doing, no doubt. I want that immunity. I will pull it from your body, your soul, and infuse it into my last Vornek." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKu-B6iNZAYi97OdlL1nTg_E6yqxQ_BHgB7zTdDBVWPq5lLTDnP2WF6MOBV_PqRZ0oHEB3rpYSH5OGsVM_AI0sbsHyFn6Tv9J-Yotki_gXz0b8GTDR2-PIcuwrQ6DC6t7DOXw_Lfwc6c/s1600/Screenshot-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKu-B6iNZAYi97OdlL1nTg_E6yqxQ_BHgB7zTdDBVWPq5lLTDnP2WF6MOBV_PqRZ0oHEB3rpYSH5OGsVM_AI0sbsHyFn6Tv9J-Yotki_gXz0b8GTDR2-PIcuwrQ6DC6t7DOXw_Lfwc6c/s400/Screenshot-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Then with the help from my Abyss, I will create an new army based entirely on the Vornek itself. Each soldier completely immune to magic. With an army of that magnitude, no agent of the Cosmic will ever be able to defeat them or me. I will be unstoppable." He turned around</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"My parents died to give me this ability." Tom angrily replied, "If you want to do the same then I am not going to stop you."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXBepLRMCFyJ3hdB1ImuRnVhybyFYuImkm8AIlhiC_UDzbVk6lhZIw-Lt-03KlxtIspjk5-cd9lhdKQ-TDpLg-yMhQAJ17UJXmY6sy-k97APBdHVnVcNR0VpAG-H8cMJoRn3vAwpk8b4/s1600/Screenshot-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXBepLRMCFyJ3hdB1ImuRnVhybyFYuImkm8AIlhiC_UDzbVk6lhZIw-Lt-03KlxtIspjk5-cd9lhdKQ-TDpLg-yMhQAJ17UJXmY6sy-k97APBdHVnVcNR0VpAG-H8cMJoRn3vAwpk8b4/s400/Screenshot-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Vorik turned around. "You're far more clever than I initially gave you credit for. Very well, I will get that ability, even if I have to tear the flesh from your bones inch by inch."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGjvqE5kq1DDbQypekWgt5joJzf9yjR3lXzuxlBbcBgoyqUX15IPrXOYYixlWGPozAPi8mM3F8wvWeco54Iz8m9ueB8Zkbs4LU8hW9PuCMsgpOYTu-IAXjBmepp6wZGvP3JeyrEfSraE/s1600/Screenshot-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGjvqE5kq1DDbQypekWgt5joJzf9yjR3lXzuxlBbcBgoyqUX15IPrXOYYixlWGPozAPi8mM3F8wvWeco54Iz8m9ueB8Zkbs4LU8hW9PuCMsgpOYTu-IAXjBmepp6wZGvP3JeyrEfSraE/s400/Screenshot-20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tom glared at Vorik, who suddenly fell to the ground wincing in pain. He stood up again, hissing, and limped back into the sarcophagus on the back wall. Tom, taking note of this, began to wonder how long he could stay out of the sarcophagus without becoming frail again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVANsvRLzE2pydJHy6FgC1cio7SVJcqryaqgazUcl7LB0xbq3q6tsO5n-42yuwyyRsFIC6ssBcsNfXjO1LtYQ0gOaMpwCcZVbmqqT-eiktHxjNWm_Si1JBGTo2075Gxd3SJkx2Qw42Luc/s1600/Screenshot-102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVANsvRLzE2pydJHy6FgC1cio7SVJcqryaqgazUcl7LB0xbq3q6tsO5n-42yuwyyRsFIC6ssBcsNfXjO1LtYQ0gOaMpwCcZVbmqqT-eiktHxjNWm_Si1JBGTo2075Gxd3SJkx2Qw42Luc/s400/Screenshot-102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Back at manor, Annabelle stood next to the door to John and Scarlett's room, waiting for the former to step outside. While waiting, she pondered if it was too soon to have let Andromeda go on her way for what she did in the past, and whether she was truly responsible for Tom's sudden disappearance. Considering the circumstances, she felt she just might have been too forgiving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblu_deTEzAMfEq6atp7NRbETTumqxli9A-k0E7hjYF7x2xran3Yd3cuC87-SVT5EC1TI4aqiCf_RR47gycMmgkoGrIaIyhhHs8r_h9iA1FFe2-y6TJHMc3FDbywbCIdNxZ0dU0DO6W1s/s1600/Screenshot-103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblu_deTEzAMfEq6atp7NRbETTumqxli9A-k0E7hjYF7x2xran3Yd3cuC87-SVT5EC1TI4aqiCf_RR47gycMmgkoGrIaIyhhHs8r_h9iA1FFe2-y6TJHMc3FDbywbCIdNxZ0dU0DO6W1s/s400/Screenshot-103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As Annabelle stood there, wondering, Maria walked up to her with a worried expression on her face. "Kelly told me what happened with Tom. She also said you were going to talk to John about some sort of surveillance footage?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkrtePAApRspz-njvo-HJV9B-_6SBz4m1ZU2_FN1GgwnDCohsBzE3ETel5_hyW6rvLodC1j_AxC-Uu1FPXyAe6Wpe7r6le3kArSVpfC5u_NMHc3F0RIcQYlQDj0iQ35iDAWXo-sJBG3k/s1600/Screenshot-105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkrtePAApRspz-njvo-HJV9B-_6SBz4m1ZU2_FN1GgwnDCohsBzE3ETel5_hyW6rvLodC1j_AxC-Uu1FPXyAe6Wpe7r6le3kArSVpfC5u_NMHc3F0RIcQYlQDj0iQ35iDAWXo-sJBG3k/s400/Screenshot-105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Yeah. A while back, John found an image from a surveillance camera that implicated an innocent woman in a crime. I need him to find evidence that someone else isn't guilty as well."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You mean Andromeda? At the graveyard? How would you manage that?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_G8E0nVNaJYZwBVkUDWzOglldWR4IFZbIv7Lrzudf_m2-foxa3v_nT_xqO55Yv0zAS7vBcLumIHUhVqAsyIRzaNMnKBI0bl6D80i6hyphenhyphen1VNH78cjHANfG7eK06F_v9bL0fhBCexavimEA/s1600/Screenshot-106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_G8E0nVNaJYZwBVkUDWzOglldWR4IFZbIv7Lrzudf_m2-foxa3v_nT_xqO55Yv0zAS7vBcLumIHUhVqAsyIRzaNMnKBI0bl6D80i6hyphenhyphen1VNH78cjHANfG7eK06F_v9bL0fhBCexavimEA/s400/Screenshot-106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"There was an ordinance passed not too long ago, the Emergency Response Act, that put security cameras all over the venues around town, including across from the local graveyard. John hacked into the security system and is trying to find footage from the graveyard this morning to ensure Andromeda was not responsible for Tom's disappearance. He'll also hopefully see what happened to Tom."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Well I don't agree that surveillance footage across the city is moral... but if it helps out, who am I to argue the ethics?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCbehtXtlDoyKRQL_Wc9C7bT_1Ox1vfPdO-nsfxqKY8-_aaBGjQk5tsORvS-quoeNPKqDZKZVSVhHdhE0a7lz1WPahNWGslntnPd53OmVPzxbLfgjYXsQYIvVy4p78a1fjCKttQIJdp4/s1600/Screenshot-104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCbehtXtlDoyKRQL_Wc9C7bT_1Ox1vfPdO-nsfxqKY8-_aaBGjQk5tsORvS-quoeNPKqDZKZVSVhHdhE0a7lz1WPahNWGslntnPd53OmVPzxbLfgjYXsQYIvVy4p78a1fjCKttQIJdp4/s400/Screenshot-104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Trust me," Annabelle replied, "If only we could solve this problem without the use of spying. Besides, Kelly used her clout at the police station for them to allow the use of only what we need."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajImlzkUTxfghI62iYwR79FP8q1ownCbnNeeYOG3XKr6USaTyY-yI-jdCmxNE3t1HaD2UssyNvf72zNPrlwmRjg7TQ60dfQD0GBnT6JBSyWvatHd7A274OsqPyJJETng10lbzUAKRnJw/s1600/Screenshot-108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajImlzkUTxfghI62iYwR79FP8q1ownCbnNeeYOG3XKr6USaTyY-yI-jdCmxNE3t1HaD2UssyNvf72zNPrlwmRjg7TQ60dfQD0GBnT6JBSyWvatHd7A274OsqPyJJETng10lbzUAKRnJw/s400/Screenshot-108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just as Annabelle said this, the door to John's room opened and John himself stepped out, scratching his head in confusion. "Andromeda was away from Tom when he vanished, but there's no footage of Tom's disappearance anywhere in the files. It's like he dropped off the face of the earth. He's there among the rocks and tombstones, and then he's gone."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp5-oxRmE7jEQshb0c_uek4ILWhQ0ioMEQs-P5zivbsrwaEagE5QKUEUep6VHiRqc9yzRkpOQL6YDhMwMB63SoRV2tOZ9B3i3oYoMKknBp4MMY4pApSHA5OPFi410ve_lto-jUzX22Rw/s1600/Screenshot-109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp5-oxRmE7jEQshb0c_uek4ILWhQ0ioMEQs-P5zivbsrwaEagE5QKUEUep6VHiRqc9yzRkpOQL6YDhMwMB63SoRV2tOZ9B3i3oYoMKknBp4MMY4pApSHA5OPFi410ve_lto-jUzX22Rw/s400/Screenshot-109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Annabelle shook her head in disappointment and started to walk away, "Thanks bro." She said, the words quiet and solemn. Suddenly, a thought came to her and she lifted her eyes to the window nearby. "Rocks... rocks... I know who to talk to about this!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eh8fV_zOhqQh_dh7hcCVS93J-4GSk4aEr-osmS3MjCmeTgC93A5ilR15domH9_znNhPCvSLwKse3gD9mTcuxjx1RI8tZ-2a6stelrbqZ44HTlU1_7Wlhu86GqynylhsjZWfZixz9OIs/s1600/Screenshot-110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eh8fV_zOhqQh_dh7hcCVS93J-4GSk4aEr-osmS3MjCmeTgC93A5ilR15domH9_znNhPCvSLwKse3gD9mTcuxjx1RI8tZ-2a6stelrbqZ44HTlU1_7Wlhu86GqynylhsjZWfZixz9OIs/s400/Screenshot-110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Within seconds of the revelation, Annabelle rushed down the stairs and out the front door, not even taking the time to don her winter coat before she left.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span><br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0VqrH5zvQtuMkLOUAvCDNo0utjz3O3m6YwFkRSKjhSPWZ8XS3e909M0EVh1piNagfl5RIRJ0HC_DkxghHoGtl8ivO_ckSLpUx-AllVtU9jH30HiiP2hQsEF2cTKPeDsjGPZ1HwvO_MA/s1600/Screenshot-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0VqrH5zvQtuMkLOUAvCDNo0utjz3O3m6YwFkRSKjhSPWZ8XS3e909M0EVh1piNagfl5RIRJ0HC_DkxghHoGtl8ivO_ckSLpUx-AllVtU9jH30HiiP2hQsEF2cTKPeDsjGPZ1HwvO_MA/s400/Screenshot-90.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"So you realize that I will eventually get out of here, take you down, and crush your master with his own sarcophagus, correct? Just so we know we're on the same page here."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Silence!"</i> The Vornek growled. It had been a while since Vorik had retreated back to his coffin, leaving the creature to watch over Tom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhU8Kk20En6HNPUjsYet2yLarFshU7c0xdzeD25v8WjaXHvLX_U4_cNApfh4uGB1wB0-GyCgO0SvLXUySaLHQL9Z2DAFstWvr_m47UdDZdzNMHlzlgqvUB6PCa_Z_Aa5oGg0W0kJK2C_g/s1600/Screenshot-88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhU8Kk20En6HNPUjsYet2yLarFshU7c0xdzeD25v8WjaXHvLX_U4_cNApfh4uGB1wB0-GyCgO0SvLXUySaLHQL9Z2DAFstWvr_m47UdDZdzNMHlzlgqvUB6PCa_Z_Aa5oGg0W0kJK2C_g/s400/Screenshot-88.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Silence? Never heard of that. People tell me all the time that I talk too much. <i>'Oh Tom, you're talking too much. Oh Tom, you're making too many jokes. Oh Tom, my skin DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A GREEN BEAN!'</i> Those three are usually said by hopeful girlfriend who is going to come down to wherever hole you dug in here and kick your shady ass."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZiBvABdX4e3rohbYgH1xiO3M1qDVbUhBNVQDxrMo961CNkdDLzw8RFk5TJz1oA5Hr7KhxLTTxvbp1R2UxikGFAJ9CbaZ-kisM2jHfE43l2FUgAptNaZ1ZGCZJTS8ofP1sDcCmbLJIFs/s1600/Screenshot-89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZiBvABdX4e3rohbYgH1xiO3M1qDVbUhBNVQDxrMo961CNkdDLzw8RFk5TJz1oA5Hr7KhxLTTxvbp1R2UxikGFAJ9CbaZ-kisM2jHfE43l2FUgAptNaZ1ZGCZJTS8ofP1sDcCmbLJIFs/s400/Screenshot-89.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"SHUT UP!"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KSM8fsG60gHE0X0KcE7PXyLzH4ObuRKTxwor0SE4v87Mlm4jLscqHBqe_3Y-VIOwjLtrGWZqwU4MHLkKJs_auZUfB80G6JWpVktUTEZiyw1x_5Q1yJUPxC98Sb8ITyHOS2lJUF_uJp8/s1600/Screenshot-93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KSM8fsG60gHE0X0KcE7PXyLzH4ObuRKTxwor0SE4v87Mlm4jLscqHBqe_3Y-VIOwjLtrGWZqwU4MHLkKJs_auZUfB80G6JWpVktUTEZiyw1x_5Q1yJUPxC98Sb8ITyHOS2lJUF_uJp8/s400/Screenshot-93.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tom put his hand over his mouth, smiled, then continued. "No I think I'm going to keep talking. Blah blah blah yadda yadda yadda you're a stupid monster. How often do you bathe? Do you understand the concept of hygiene? Do you eat human food? Do you dance in the moonlight? I know you do. You're a dancer, a type of dancer that dances when there's dancing to be danced."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQoyLIrffzcmvia4tXVaJHRExtJbsMLpQHHNOSQGJ6_uX-1QHXpF3thQxBl4OYYHggYiN41FyiZJBbsEPO0d76r63vRbv1uwoOzChA2JTwXWabunrERv4mmzN_GlGvh8ZOR0Ltimxzgg/s1600/Screenshot-95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQoyLIrffzcmvia4tXVaJHRExtJbsMLpQHHNOSQGJ6_uX-1QHXpF3thQxBl4OYYHggYiN41FyiZJBbsEPO0d76r63vRbv1uwoOzChA2JTwXWabunrERv4mmzN_GlGvh8ZOR0Ltimxzgg/s400/Screenshot-95.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I... said... quiet!" </i>The vornek hissed again, but Tom simply snarled and continued on.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You know my friend Annabelle, she was recently captured by idiots like you, and she told me that she talked the ear off the guy who was supposed to watch her. Good old whatever his name was. I never learned it because it wasn't so important. He was so weak that I kicked his ass myself once. But that's beside the point. Annabelle? She's the one I mentioned before. She's gonna come here, and knowing her I'm pretty sure she's going to use her newfound fairy powers to turn you and your master into beaten pulps, echoes of your former selves."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGS4QKmVxQEhTZ8Ubd0tvK3NuxL3ZkehGnBCGySxnQjys4PMCsYUWwJ6at0Bx_uoDg8vIxZ_5QOo63MmliiINBi25STl9Eaj7c4zR3OPz8_NkNmhgUpr0LnCUzeV7lIXRf8u8ke9PM4A/s1600/Screenshot-94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGS4QKmVxQEhTZ8Ubd0tvK3NuxL3ZkehGnBCGySxnQjys4PMCsYUWwJ6at0Bx_uoDg8vIxZ_5QOo63MmliiINBi25STl9Eaj7c4zR3OPz8_NkNmhgUpr0LnCUzeV7lIXRf8u8ke9PM4A/s400/Screenshot-94.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"And I'm going to watch. I'm going to sit back and just let it happen. And when you and Vorik over there are beaten and bleeding, I'm gonna end both of you myself. Don't you worry."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFceSrOodvzwSiWC6g8wLJV83cBIoVUG-o5x_0i3utfBJkuGSgkH9C-RAX5fq9VKumgIYkul_kffM0NikNylJluY_NQFVtCDkUFJeej-SXz4z4ZRVWBr_-CeP3lOGGZZpPCJsHmk11MPk/s1600/Screenshot-92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFceSrOodvzwSiWC6g8wLJV83cBIoVUG-o5x_0i3utfBJkuGSgkH9C-RAX5fq9VKumgIYkul_kffM0NikNylJluY_NQFVtCDkUFJeej-SXz4z4ZRVWBr_-CeP3lOGGZZpPCJsHmk11MPk/s400/Screenshot-92.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The vornek growled at Tom again and turned around, walking back to attend to the sarcophagus. </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhik4MZ-LRBCKXL9I9hbrz7d4fA7ZL7Fo5Vwx2OQcz8gZ3HfwDEyjUU7KmXNc_YhkG2LC6kmfmtoCDkdidFsGDuaQJUljpI5q9U8ehCVx6j3aYtkv-KeSvGrQnLGcmCfuQpNMDEjvmfQkk/s1600/Screenshot-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhik4MZ-LRBCKXL9I9hbrz7d4fA7ZL7Fo5Vwx2OQcz8gZ3HfwDEyjUU7KmXNc_YhkG2LC6kmfmtoCDkdidFsGDuaQJUljpI5q9U8ehCVx6j3aYtkv-KeSvGrQnLGcmCfuQpNMDEjvmfQkk/s400/Screenshot-28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Thomas Jameson has vanished. I cannot say I saw this as a possibility."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Annabelle stood in front of Shale back at the Feen hideout, having realized that he could help her find Tom. The rest of the Feen, aside from Nizume, stood outside in a different room while Annabelle consulted with the talking rock.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Im0ME9Z9GwJUxbTXtocVnN5qTZW7NJro_VuqMVcL3jV732nHkTUPmRo6tibzM4i5-PBa3aWwJqKAJM5ckOfx_sMn2wiBix7kPVh83Ho1Kr5ITy4Kjo1kapfNb3Ebmvo7ZTO7xIt1SY8/s1600/Screenshot-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Im0ME9Z9GwJUxbTXtocVnN5qTZW7NJro_VuqMVcL3jV732nHkTUPmRo6tibzM4i5-PBa3aWwJqKAJM5ckOfx_sMn2wiBix7kPVh83Ho1Kr5ITy4Kjo1kapfNb3Ebmvo7ZTO7xIt1SY8/s400/Screenshot-34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
"Just tell me if you know where he is. You can transfer yourself to different rocks in the world, right? Your spirit?"</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBocdn1y3KXXOtBdAvee4feFGbCZCkk87qrKq3YFhGfNz-ZzPsPfqdSgeVqRGSVmAxBKDiiS2PfkkkeMy8fJTo9324fVNOmOKYbVOJCykesIIIWV9cNJO7XK3O2fXthTeFF2RYCxYroPY/s1600/Screenshot-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBocdn1y3KXXOtBdAvee4feFGbCZCkk87qrKq3YFhGfNz-ZzPsPfqdSgeVqRGSVmAxBKDiiS2PfkkkeMy8fJTo9324fVNOmOKYbVOJCykesIIIWV9cNJO7XK3O2fXthTeFF2RYCxYroPY/s400/Screenshot-33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Strangely enough I cannot sense half of this town. I am afraid the town's energy is being masked and it has to be the Abyss and its minions who are doing this."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Is there any way to break through this 'mask'? We have to find Tom and we have to get him back!"</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hK2M7YMKxhDvawTaJYqz8vGibjhMGouoPp47F2TzFdaujKoFvBU8pnTGmm4M-MM3VCHxqeNVPkDrniEAg1pkZ2eDgIURURKyvGu7mkgisCjr_ehksu7FioWDQLS9NB-quN_OFmOs7mw/s1600/Screenshot-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hK2M7YMKxhDvawTaJYqz8vGibjhMGouoPp47F2TzFdaujKoFvBU8pnTGmm4M-MM3VCHxqeNVPkDrniEAg1pkZ2eDgIURURKyvGu7mkgisCjr_ehksu7FioWDQLS9NB-quN_OFmOs7mw/s400/Screenshot-32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"OOOHHH!" Nizume said, jumping up and down multiple times to the point she was practically flying. "What about the big mountain thingy? Big mountain on the mountain means large rock! You could transfer your sprite into that! You can then use brute force to <b>PUNCH THROUGH THAT EVIL MASK OF <i>DARK EVILNESS!! YEAH!!</i></b><i>"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Well we could do that," Shale replied, with Annabelle practically speechless, "or you could reduce a search pattern to an area within the mask itself. The epicenter of the dark haze is located around the town square. The Feen can look around there and see if they can find any sign of the Abyss or the vornek.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RslbFN9IsD_hMqxM9Wsik-RQUivX2Zq3tk6YdJlzIDnvuGIeVJmJaMca-XjldqVnQZachca1ZoZu1-uKmUYftEBUnmKHZxdNOqcMeKkLPeRBxxV68ykhasMUn7HxQwl27aerYCufPdg/s1600/Screenshot-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RslbFN9IsD_hMqxM9Wsik-RQUivX2Zq3tk6YdJlzIDnvuGIeVJmJaMca-XjldqVnQZachca1ZoZu1-uKmUYftEBUnmKHZxdNOqcMeKkLPeRBxxV68ykhasMUn7HxQwl27aerYCufPdg/s400/Screenshot-31.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I sincerely doubt the Feen would be able to walk around town looking like..." Annabelle made a gesture towards Nizume who was in the middle of kicking plants over and punching walls. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I see your point. Perhaps waiting until nightfall-"</span><br />
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"NO!" Annabelle's voice hit a high note as she yelped out. "We have to find Tom as soon as possible! I'm not waiting until night!"</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfAr7aPkmJtYdz70YrSJXg2FtXt836O-sa6FzSKw3f9mINLb5GiLLf8iQ1btH_GBYRnAcDPf6Rm-TnPuDFT74_Yfq664CtKD89kZ9Nt_Xs5PY_qFa0qQwe_w5NEYo8BshBWOsytwsq7U/s1600/Screenshot-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfAr7aPkmJtYdz70YrSJXg2FtXt836O-sa6FzSKw3f9mINLb5GiLLf8iQ1btH_GBYRnAcDPf6Rm-TnPuDFT74_Yfq664CtKD89kZ9Nt_Xs5PY_qFa0qQwe_w5NEYo8BshBWOsytwsq7U/s400/Screenshot-30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Suddenly Nizume stopped abusing the houseplants and walls to chime in with an idea of her own. "OH what about the movie studio! We could walk around town with goofy costumes, and no one will bat an eye! I once saw a guy wearing a pirate costume and I lunged at him because no one takes me treasure ARRGH! Kinda hard to explain to the police about that one."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRstol2xPzjDMIB0VkaYEXOjZogOhIiPWa61SpLgpf-b9t8oGzCXwbNrP4ScLvWDpsNxfflx_Mm9Fr-2zsz2-6FQ4PRJ6LCDipt0AfhX6U_tQ-k6HSw85pOf9ddjCHNaNRLia3Uknvtqs/s1600/Screenshot-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRstol2xPzjDMIB0VkaYEXOjZogOhIiPWa61SpLgpf-b9t8oGzCXwbNrP4ScLvWDpsNxfflx_Mm9Fr-2zsz2-6FQ4PRJ6LCDipt0AfhX6U_tQ-k6HSw85pOf9ddjCHNaNRLia3Uknvtqs/s400/Screenshot-35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I can't believe I'm saying this, but she actually has a point." Annabelle replied, "Hidden Springs is a studio town, after all."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Very well." Shale replied, "I would suggest you gather as many people as you can to expand your search options. And if I dare say, you should leave no stone unturned."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wiByPemX4pt3ynscmFA6tKYFELDo5iMMeUR-IvyvCuRh7_CjKI_cMqZaEGJeJOaN0Wx1kbDAEeM_gzpsseqbzCM1H3t3XbpJ8PbTCEv4uu_MqPpFd_la0c9mMH3NDWQ-tu69f_H_xhc/s1600/Screenshot-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wiByPemX4pt3ynscmFA6tKYFELDo5iMMeUR-IvyvCuRh7_CjKI_cMqZaEGJeJOaN0Wx1kbDAEeM_gzpsseqbzCM1H3t3XbpJ8PbTCEv4uu_MqPpFd_la0c9mMH3NDWQ-tu69f_H_xhc/s400/Screenshot-36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"HA!" </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">===</span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkoa-0NQmQM0P9IxKuP12OEjMbw5OWZawIAqaXKZKloBY2JcYMKMILupGOp9d-wI571jGM0Yzntk7a5wYDOrxy9jZE6zCeoj6ZfuRP3IAMFbzTHW2HVtQJEdnFeBOKPlzUy-bGqWrDVw/s1600/Screenshot-132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkoa-0NQmQM0P9IxKuP12OEjMbw5OWZawIAqaXKZKloBY2JcYMKMILupGOp9d-wI571jGM0Yzntk7a5wYDOrxy9jZE6zCeoj6ZfuRP3IAMFbzTHW2HVtQJEdnFeBOKPlzUy-bGqWrDVw/s400/Screenshot-132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">An hour had passed and Annabelle, Verena, Andromeda, Nizume, Miabelle, Kelly, Scarlett, Maria, John, and Keera stood in an empty lot just across from Hidden Springs' most central park. Annabelle had returned to the house and collected some volunteers to help look around the town, but not so many as to draw attention to themselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the group split off into different pairs and began walking in different directions. Annabelle and Nizume headed west, Scarlett and John headed in towards the movie studio, Keera and Verena started off towards the east, Mirabelle and Kelly walked north, and Andromeda and Maria stayed inside the park itself to search around it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rUWklukRWR2MxKY9O9_gCMlBqlOpOeiShXX0RtBiUOFtv7XePRaOrbNA-OfgT14d_atAQowTmyuWQACTCtuocQOWai3Bu-1vdKbWQuV6JLc7-Qeaf34KzODgGcAIp-Jn3QwLwLGlI_c/s1600/Screenshot-111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rUWklukRWR2MxKY9O9_gCMlBqlOpOeiShXX0RtBiUOFtv7XePRaOrbNA-OfgT14d_atAQowTmyuWQACTCtuocQOWai3Bu-1vdKbWQuV6JLc7-Qeaf34KzODgGcAIp-Jn3QwLwLGlI_c/s400/Screenshot-111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Verena stood in an alleyway near the park, looking straight at a brick wall, while Keera stood nearby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"So mom tells me you're my real grandma. I mean you and Maria are both my real... biological... I barely understand genetics and biology in school as it is so this whole alien thing is starting to really drive me up the wal-what are you doing?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0ujmnX0oO5IkT0d8FAIrhDcmgHnnKWhkPMa4BmxCCDhlJKxP29kw_3omBPem6YM7KXAHXwskj_1KRCUH9p89V3XlAvZgaT_C_sZgvI6y23Dpqhpkuz55yk14lM68ZQCsC9l8vNppfg4/s1600/Screenshot-112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0ujmnX0oO5IkT0d8FAIrhDcmgHnnKWhkPMa4BmxCCDhlJKxP29kw_3omBPem6YM7KXAHXwskj_1KRCUH9p89V3XlAvZgaT_C_sZgvI6y23Dpqhpkuz55yk14lM68ZQCsC9l8vNppfg4/s400/Screenshot-112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Verena stood in place, looking determined as she did so. "My people have natural psychic powers. I am using them to see if I can connect to Thomas Jameson."</span><br />
<br />
"So how's that going?"<br />
<br />
"Not well. Whatever's blocking the talking rock from detecting Thomas, it is also strong enough to stop me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAQspVoFXeDIoUgfPTSz6WBCmbVG_KXx7vUP_z6Meu4XqeWZ0V4UZbwM_-suc97PabhMcZpWuXou4Nv91F7V2L7iE5NMdO9YsdJVfr1ARqOzBnyMj5xGsSJ_VeH9l2wKnlztzbSsu-Rw/s1600/Screenshot-114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAQspVoFXeDIoUgfPTSz6WBCmbVG_KXx7vUP_z6Meu4XqeWZ0V4UZbwM_-suc97PabhMcZpWuXou4Nv91F7V2L7iE5NMdO9YsdJVfr1ARqOzBnyMj5xGsSJ_VeH9l2wKnlztzbSsu-Rw/s400/Screenshot-114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera scoffed. "Wow, even alien biology can get us nowhere in this."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Verena sighed, then looked over at Keera. "I understand the idea can be difficult to grasp. I never was very good at biology myself. I barely realized what was going on with Project Hybrid when I agreed to take part." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1bV0wCYIpaeYygBWGzohbdhOHX9rGhl9KaMkriaOyOlNd5ZuxzeqBY1nB2iOyHj3iRN7tElfxZmsEWzAIglw0QClnceK7k5FkxU-EddWFTCZDcX5ESYVRc8POfQr3hYsWa8nGxSw0-I/s1600/Screenshot-113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1bV0wCYIpaeYygBWGzohbdhOHX9rGhl9KaMkriaOyOlNd5ZuxzeqBY1nB2iOyHj3iRN7tElfxZmsEWzAIglw0QClnceK7k5FkxU-EddWFTCZDcX5ESYVRc8POfQr3hYsWa8nGxSw0-I/s400/Screenshot-113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Do you regret doing it?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Verena shook her head. "The end result was your mother. So no, not one bit."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkaDhjP083bUjPl_0DBWyoINs6g8Ke4x_hnK4aP0j2rhwQ5Jy9RFtLj72SMjABg2EBmIkO-BMlmX1OHR6rH4u4xZzZvWusWDHUokBSWUV8sM11N-8T4HqBveE2QTCxEOEsusWh-zaFyM/s1600/Screenshot-116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkaDhjP083bUjPl_0DBWyoINs6g8Ke4x_hnK4aP0j2rhwQ5Jy9RFtLj72SMjABg2EBmIkO-BMlmX1OHR6rH4u4xZzZvWusWDHUokBSWUV8sM11N-8T4HqBveE2QTCxEOEsusWh-zaFyM/s400/Screenshot-116.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera turned around and sat down in the snow. "I always wonder if the scientists who cloned me regretted doing it. From what I gather, they didn't expect to grow me in a lab. I wasn't there, and then I was. And what for? Four years into this artificial life I was blown up and scarred horribly. What a great destiny that is to have. Pointlessness. Regretful pointlessness."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma3AJr8uJcuHKN6AzfB-8RmsBXgbvSvu9Y0-RgWyov7hsp-ea4Km1BC7yMfryOp9dQdivrMRWEENaHMAS4nqLCEETcqd7_Cl3mj8qNnAAE_MD__jAXQJvdHZMUIFlCn_lUuwlp_Hdfo0/s1600/Screenshot-118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma3AJr8uJcuHKN6AzfB-8RmsBXgbvSvu9Y0-RgWyov7hsp-ea4Km1BC7yMfryOp9dQdivrMRWEENaHMAS4nqLCEETcqd7_Cl3mj8qNnAAE_MD__jAXQJvdHZMUIFlCn_lUuwlp_Hdfo0/s400/Screenshot-118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"That is just four Earth years. It can take much longer to forge a destiny in this world."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh I am sooo ready to forge my destiny. That's a joke! I can barely look at the movie studio over there and not have the nightmares and the memories come back. No matter what I do."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbebTSVU10RMS9iaFG9ovf0I_JVUnQ9WZ5VxHxY194_4rxqZBwf9npWgqml-vI9pBaQfJiDhyMZZKeqLNYa9x-zpKCjk4cXUQYEhMP_hKunNv7P-dTSWm2RPNcyLi9rVMdvHUJbyLUag/s1600/Screenshot-120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbebTSVU10RMS9iaFG9ovf0I_JVUnQ9WZ5VxHxY194_4rxqZBwf9npWgqml-vI9pBaQfJiDhyMZZKeqLNYa9x-zpKCjk4cXUQYEhMP_hKunNv7P-dTSWm2RPNcyLi9rVMdvHUJbyLUag/s400/Screenshot-120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You can let time take its course, that is something to do. You're something special, my granddaughter. I know this for certain. And I know you are going to do a great many things. Like they say on Earth, I don't need to be a psychic to know that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Uf6qco-e6rhewFgIRG92X8kz-mpBlPuQWfnTKDfx4FHbsDJw-ljJlwFdM5S7urDV6-vmVJo1ei5mMG3lzNyg-0GrVomS0eS_V0CSmDh64AeZbkh50L_sj28N9zEr3JwbU6-Fg3yJR_c/s1600/Screenshot-119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Uf6qco-e6rhewFgIRG92X8kz-mpBlPuQWfnTKDfx4FHbsDJw-ljJlwFdM5S7urDV6-vmVJo1ei5mMG3lzNyg-0GrVomS0eS_V0CSmDh64AeZbkh50L_sj28N9zEr3JwbU6-Fg3yJR_c/s400/Screenshot-119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera remained where she sat, and didn't look back at Verena. "Thank you, I'll think about what that means to me."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hT_PkzNmm5z-gfOZAhKIIvI_Ht4IVf8nW9P_Hum9ryJaFlcIT8Zq2BL6chxK4d8sBmvrOg6kfNgTeMh2wzEFddjMNrNqFOjuI6yPZftLp5Raf9GsflwChsoxD4qgPjePKH4uymyWsEk/s1600/Screenshot-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hT_PkzNmm5z-gfOZAhKIIvI_Ht4IVf8nW9P_Hum9ryJaFlcIT8Zq2BL6chxK4d8sBmvrOg6kfNgTeMh2wzEFddjMNrNqFOjuI6yPZftLp5Raf9GsflwChsoxD4qgPjePKH4uymyWsEk/s400/Screenshot-49.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly and Mirabelle walked calmly through a small field north of the park in Hidden Springs. Around them, there was nothing but endless trees and an old barn that they had already searched inside of just a few moments before. Mirabelle kept walking a bit ahead of Kelly, frantically looking around, getting more visibly anxious with each passing moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1yC_7cSrEi6FvjPvtfgb8a4syDY_qdEzS5qarkkecVhVSzj8yKvHHjE5Wanqyi1-SI9H4bupWAVD7QDOOX0a2pHdPYUkKAKg_zBpNGm6m6enQZEyl5487ZRLxwfJDgMz1sYMGAfPvzI/s1600/Screenshot-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1yC_7cSrEi6FvjPvtfgb8a4syDY_qdEzS5qarkkecVhVSzj8yKvHHjE5Wanqyi1-SI9H4bupWAVD7QDOOX0a2pHdPYUkKAKg_zBpNGm6m6enQZEyl5487ZRLxwfJDgMz1sYMGAfPvzI/s400/Screenshot-51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Are you alright?" Kelly asked, as she walked up beside her.<br />
<br />
"I am just so worried about Tom that I can't think of anything else at the moment."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAi2wbhmVA_xAyXp3r4JgEy_MTqq747Aic1rDqXb5Q0DvdPewjfr9i54vCsSi3SDMWGIh6N28-L3Xw4gvAuAQYnvxigdu3H_DEU1ZbLR5iRzEhyphenhyphenC8QBJrb9YluGmnd5whceY6sGMDX5-A/s1600/Screenshot-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAi2wbhmVA_xAyXp3r4JgEy_MTqq747Aic1rDqXb5Q0DvdPewjfr9i54vCsSi3SDMWGIh6N28-L3Xw4gvAuAQYnvxigdu3H_DEU1ZbLR5iRzEhyphenhyphenC8QBJrb9YluGmnd5whceY6sGMDX5-A/s400/Screenshot-53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No, that's not what's bothering you."<br />
<br />
"Are you reading my mind again?"<br />
<br />
Her cold reply caught Kelly off-guard. "No! I nev-... I never do it intentionally. Is that what's troubling you? My ability?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XDcwxCaIPc5Ecse63swqTsgzKc-Qbw94ARoluSFr2XBEgfTZMhcdMzqxtQNVuaIt7FOoAhwP6yFcV1ET_0_JroTEhhZlahSsNjUfjd39fEnBlu0-duTdkqjOvFN2ceAlOsfygZjltM0/s1600/Screenshot-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XDcwxCaIPc5Ecse63swqTsgzKc-Qbw94ARoluSFr2XBEgfTZMhcdMzqxtQNVuaIt7FOoAhwP6yFcV1ET_0_JroTEhhZlahSsNjUfjd39fEnBlu0-duTdkqjOvFN2ceAlOsfygZjltM0/s400/Screenshot-52.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle stopped in the middle of the snowy field and turned to Kelly. "That's not it at all. It's just, so much stuff is going on right now that it is hard to pinpoint which one I am supposed to feel weird about. I am a clone of an alien hybrid! My fiance is a psychic! An alien and a genie are staying in my house like it's a Sunday get-together and my best friend has vanished into the ether! I am not sure if I am going insane, or the rest of the world is!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj5lY_UHsNN1hWSBrZ96KD0lJ6C6hB4C2TVnkcHCnr8TcCRS7247uthNvvEU91Kwt6g4f-DeRfK7N8UYiTV3hcK_NuEdiFdMpkelLuS36SrG6UV923qm18vR-4W1dcE0azxUQtSSr0aw/s1600/Screenshot-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj5lY_UHsNN1hWSBrZ96KD0lJ6C6hB4C2TVnkcHCnr8TcCRS7247uthNvvEU91Kwt6g4f-DeRfK7N8UYiTV3hcK_NuEdiFdMpkelLuS36SrG6UV923qm18vR-4W1dcE0azxUQtSSr0aw/s400/Screenshot-50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly shrugged, feeling unable to come up with a response that she felt Mirabelle would appreciate. "I occasionally wish our life was far less exciting, but out of all the bad, all the strange, all the oddities that we encounter, I believe that something good is waiting for us at the end of this all, in the future. I believe we'll find Tom, get married to each other, and start a family of our own, away from all the weirdness."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSNqwHt5dP09LRxFWzqY3bO9gMiUUHTqBy_6t4H-J0ORZoWYAIJPuVtr5C89HdCH5mB7ryB3aLfWSp-Z6FAGMOP5nKaaTS1SBKcKx6QbcGJHkLi91OL1pj_LDfy2EmdPYoz5VDdU4Dlg/s1600/Screenshot-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSNqwHt5dP09LRxFWzqY3bO9gMiUUHTqBy_6t4H-J0ORZoWYAIJPuVtr5C89HdCH5mB7ryB3aLfWSp-Z6FAGMOP5nKaaTS1SBKcKx6QbcGJHkLi91OL1pj_LDfy2EmdPYoz5VDdU4Dlg/s400/Screenshot-55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Kelly reached out to hug Mirabelle, but the latter did not return the gesture. "I wish I could feel that way, but right now I don't even know if any of us will have a future." Mirabelle lowered her head and continued walking, leaving Kelly stunned as she stood in place as the snow fell around them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2UWHb1U6h8KQuq0AkKhm2yLO3FNTaT1DvV2sAuFRnNqQ1nrJBwrHyFMTR3ZKjs2d3J61M_xTJ4V30HCtGV43XJ14SrNwg9WeMxdEDsVnl6QxGEoT3AMR1C0JpWalTJ27mwTkr0bBmlc/s1600/Screenshot-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2UWHb1U6h8KQuq0AkKhm2yLO3FNTaT1DvV2sAuFRnNqQ1nrJBwrHyFMTR3ZKjs2d3J61M_xTJ4V30HCtGV43XJ14SrNwg9WeMxdEDsVnl6QxGEoT3AMR1C0JpWalTJ27mwTkr0bBmlc/s400/Screenshot-54.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGn0rEUcTTa4juFS5JUvdoa4WvmazIrJT4jNo0fgPAfXHdBkzDsKL0R4bHnqBZGvmgQFaRk0B_8rEtEiS0ar6tq36dPpotJ5nINAsW6VP5dqJa_f62cGTAlaYL1Lyvb6GUqLjYwCmbAo/s1600/Screenshot-76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGn0rEUcTTa4juFS5JUvdoa4WvmazIrJT4jNo0fgPAfXHdBkzDsKL0R4bHnqBZGvmgQFaRk0B_8rEtEiS0ar6tq36dPpotJ5nINAsW6VP5dqJa_f62cGTAlaYL1Lyvb6GUqLjYwCmbAo/s400/Screenshot-76.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You should have seen her face when I told her Tom had vanished." Andromeda said as she and Maria stood under a tree near a small pond on the edge of the park. "She didn't trust me, even after she said she'd forgiven me. It was terrible. It was like all that time I'd spent over the years, hoping she'd forgive me, was for nothing."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNxjT7ONzU5YQ-rRLd1OO2j2kqM9in10uQsNhVb1Fjsbn1fFTVABSEZs2we2ayND706TGBnYQ1dGEyqA_UkqjwnduVfd0OvEEOLCfY0-5LjLYxj8kDOFrxcxrMvRdCbODlZuNbUmnTx0/s1600/Screenshot-77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNxjT7ONzU5YQ-rRLd1OO2j2kqM9in10uQsNhVb1Fjsbn1fFTVABSEZs2we2ayND706TGBnYQ1dGEyqA_UkqjwnduVfd0OvEEOLCfY0-5LjLYxj8kDOFrxcxrMvRdCbODlZuNbUmnTx0/s400/Screenshot-77.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maria shook her head. "I understand what she's going through, but I also understand that when she forgave you, she meant it. Annabelle is... she's unique. And not because she is from outer space. She's headstrong, cocky, and everything that's happened to her has made her jaded and desensitized to what should be life-altering events. That's why when she forgives someone for actually causing pain in her life, you know it is supposed to be sincere."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"How do you know all this?"</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGcmWQF8Fw968EY3Q2d151iRTftSJZZtmWXIWUrQDvpBAVNJg4ziL0hCnJe1LxXSjTVU7qMh8Kuw8W59XEFb_bZWnInSSz_OdatXwCMXt97H4L-52DXsL_quO0vWL_nn_piNouq6y5Us/s1600/Screenshot-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGcmWQF8Fw968EY3Q2d151iRTftSJZZtmWXIWUrQDvpBAVNJg4ziL0hCnJe1LxXSjTVU7qMh8Kuw8W59XEFb_bZWnInSSz_OdatXwCMXt97H4L-52DXsL_quO0vWL_nn_piNouq6y5Us/s400/Screenshot-78.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Are you kidding? She's my daughter."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarPT5eEznuH-PzdI0qa1csPsfVlC-mHherM1Dr3o_Lqy26Ky0sHqJQlVR1PHdoDSSTPthw0kXjNCzSW8-plqJdGgsw4icw2qG8Q0kRs1isIvxYxsAkYw5rx6Sst2hczG5324NSWlZWMc/s1600/Screenshot-83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarPT5eEznuH-PzdI0qa1csPsfVlC-mHherM1Dr3o_Lqy26Ky0sHqJQlVR1PHdoDSSTPthw0kXjNCzSW8-plqJdGgsw4icw2qG8Q0kRs1isIvxYxsAkYw5rx6Sst2hczG5324NSWlZWMc/s400/Screenshot-83.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andromeda sighed. "Family... I don't know what that's like. I was sent to Earth when I was sixteen, and seeing as I was a hybrid, the first one in years, I was always hounded by others and told to be an example to the Torran people by my parents. They didn't even treat me as their daughter, more like a prop. A ticket to a better life."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZKX1KyIu9SZXdf4wdxqRzlFkb2I03_5fs42wS2-_dUTG1WNIje1QBdnCF2UMzpNJjCO4b2V0WDocoIB3huKmIjy4nuVJgOQqVHZ_x798N0CPmVv8_DXeads3fLl4FowbMN677L8XhzU/s1600/Screenshot-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZKX1KyIu9SZXdf4wdxqRzlFkb2I03_5fs42wS2-_dUTG1WNIje1QBdnCF2UMzpNJjCO4b2V0WDocoIB3huKmIjy4nuVJgOQqVHZ_x798N0CPmVv8_DXeads3fLl4FowbMN677L8XhzU/s400/Screenshot-80.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Well if it makes you feel any better, my parents were five-star celebrities. And this was in the eighties. The EIGHTIES. The era of sitcoms and science fiction. They were always off doing their own thing at movie studios like that, while I was stuck at home. I got more familial interactions with the family maid than them! '<i>Shape up, Maria</i>' they always told me. <i>'You wouldn't want the tabloids to make you look unflattering, and you don't want us to look bad either'</i>. I told myself at twelve years old that I would be there for my kids no matter what, and I am still doing it."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7XsEgDLyBemwomF2bvYTaTeAeTAUMLnUFiIXexUe7fEh-lolP98QiuRCYLYOGhSVzyPWwbrt4rzvqJvgHRj4tILNtWZvUlJXEbuxGHuiAbNVn8P5QdQXzbZZXUDaQZM0fe6WqJASpxA/s1600/Screenshot-81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7XsEgDLyBemwomF2bvYTaTeAeTAUMLnUFiIXexUe7fEh-lolP98QiuRCYLYOGhSVzyPWwbrt4rzvqJvgHRj4tILNtWZvUlJXEbuxGHuiAbNVn8P5QdQXzbZZXUDaQZM0fe6WqJASpxA/s400/Screenshot-81.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Is that why you're here in Hidden Springs?"</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Yes. John told me what happened to Annabelle, her wings and the whole fairy thing, so I rushed out here as soon as I could. I wasn't sure what to expect." Maria stopped in her tracks and chuckled, "Heh, you know what's funny?"</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andromeda looked puzzled. "What?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMYAtSB8W0miu2Bky2FwaunTr0OJlBO4_CbhhxXkE4HxCoZAEOO39TA8h846FfiHr8faF1nNjH_nYnwWeNrmF6D_4RMjdm_qcntQk27T8deolM2VpL6l7GGN5QRzrnTM5igFbEFF28x8/s1600/Screenshot-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMYAtSB8W0miu2Bky2FwaunTr0OJlBO4_CbhhxXkE4HxCoZAEOO39TA8h846FfiHr8faF1nNjH_nYnwWeNrmF6D_4RMjdm_qcntQk27T8deolM2VpL6l7GGN5QRzrnTM5igFbEFF28x8/s400/Screenshot-82.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"In all honesty, 'not being sure what to expect' is pretty much what it means to be a parent, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. I tell you what, Andromeda, it's not easy, but it has its own little quirks."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Yeah I get what you mean." Andromeda was the one to stop this time. "Oh and by the way, there's a name I was wanting to try out from now on. It's a bit shorter, sweeter, and more to the point."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What's that?</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgry0LZqrriXzFpALMAs-WTRgsyvs95GRKWUc3LHoL2QJ_kn1Ff-9PbofqjYLwb0kSjxchk3XERedSOkOmbOsVAfaaGjQpB3T67E8Qe9v4u_kUjl7Vd-hBGK47ObAr3qQPe8f8eex2eH4/s1600/Screenshot-84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgry0LZqrriXzFpALMAs-WTRgsyvs95GRKWUc3LHoL2QJ_kn1Ff-9PbofqjYLwb0kSjxchk3XERedSOkOmbOsVAfaaGjQpB3T67E8Qe9v4u_kUjl7Vd-hBGK47ObAr3qQPe8f8eex2eH4/s400/Screenshot-84.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Andy."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisDMFN4Ov5-lZ-tx38qARkuMeg9GD0CLoqGpaOzzwdNd_6L1tYECROytmNE2cDNoNqGR4R_HmBh_qRNxGSzGheG-YJ44Cj-N4uHURYtgnYXGkIrbkUpZJpYIVPGHxM-FWe7BqgQcI8eg/s1600/Screenshot-85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisDMFN4Ov5-lZ-tx38qARkuMeg9GD0CLoqGpaOzzwdNd_6L1tYECROytmNE2cDNoNqGR4R_HmBh_qRNxGSzGheG-YJ44Cj-N4uHURYtgnYXGkIrbkUpZJpYIVPGHxM-FWe7BqgQcI8eg/s400/Screenshot-85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Okay, Andy Roshali. It's nice to meet you."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0MFIYzk8uKfgADHAxxPwxK2XYP2U8GaiUucSipvu6w_Y0bCSKvnW1bb7DT8SAdsmWmCR2KQjcxV_mYtruh69Q-0rHDJJm161L8k7TduThuJaRoICE-HWvyeyAhSTv1wMOX_yIw8Y7uM/s1600/Screenshot-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0MFIYzk8uKfgADHAxxPwxK2XYP2U8GaiUucSipvu6w_Y0bCSKvnW1bb7DT8SAdsmWmCR2KQjcxV_mYtruh69Q-0rHDJJm161L8k7TduThuJaRoICE-HWvyeyAhSTv1wMOX_yIw8Y7uM/s400/Screenshot-86.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"It's nice to meet you too, Maria Kethrin." Andromeda smiled as brightly as she could, and the two continued on their search, both more focused on that task than they were before.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzNAtgqFyjcapbAU0ouTJCgCJnz0a52jI21dA2fVUM9LY64RolEd80VZwhUtLAC42yeqvXuvlq5PgajGkEsnYSl1OXjQ9XsNMNhouQhxieBDtcTHrq9Um22LIcsyc1Annwre9eYaiEb8/s1600/Screenshot-133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzNAtgqFyjcapbAU0ouTJCgCJnz0a52jI21dA2fVUM9LY64RolEd80VZwhUtLAC42yeqvXuvlq5PgajGkEsnYSl1OXjQ9XsNMNhouQhxieBDtcTHrq9Um22LIcsyc1Annwre9eYaiEb8/s320/Screenshot-133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Do you think we'll find him?" Scarlett asked as she and John searched around the movie studio. "I mean, there is a small chance that he could be..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"No we'll find him, I just know it. He's alive and knowing him, he's kicking butt." John didn't miss a beat as he answered while looking into the movie studio. "Trust me, he's still around." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZwNdjFGbFWm9SsDzJDn0XofU11WkOS9iXmQuBtU_8P47m3OFUFw-3wem31RYkjc-y96jvx-U-q9Isi-A0AU-07ADjAhyphenhyphenf7XwxKh5p3piP-BU23PUqq6bh4W7o3k8_snRkxgJGmPCYLk/s1600/Screenshot-134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZwNdjFGbFWm9SsDzJDn0XofU11WkOS9iXmQuBtU_8P47m3OFUFw-3wem31RYkjc-y96jvx-U-q9Isi-A0AU-07ADjAhyphenhyphenf7XwxKh5p3piP-BU23PUqq6bh4W7o3k8_snRkxgJGmPCYLk/s400/Screenshot-134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hmm..." Scarlett's voice and facial expressions let out a sense of worry that John quickly picked up on, that didn't even seem to be related to Tom's disappearance. Before he could ask what was troubling her, however, she instead said a question of her own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm7HDaImcfgHikpIwKHkCXiWlQ5S9fACb5dXK5JThs9sS4kcXLJd50w6eFIrwqSqNCy2EVwFa4xZKMQQI-AWTRyziq_UuSTEUNgAsr00S-0Uh0ujLKd_OXcD_1NJU4c8zz8Ag5wMgY3U/s1600/Screenshot-138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm7HDaImcfgHikpIwKHkCXiWlQ5S9fACb5dXK5JThs9sS4kcXLJd50w6eFIrwqSqNCy2EVwFa4xZKMQQI-AWTRyziq_UuSTEUNgAsr00S-0Uh0ujLKd_OXcD_1NJU4c8zz8Ag5wMgY3U/s400/Screenshot-138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What would you do if I went missing?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnC5w_TNZXFCYvkmRJWkWB42me4BCS5ikERvwhOf1qu_nfv8ZVNWhOfMNB2ORqZVzCARSV0JqIZNjCmM4zm4QZ815dpCa-36nJsVSAPOfICuTEcXrkeZfjB63MobOtj-mnrbclDIkt3M/s1600/Screenshot-137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnC5w_TNZXFCYvkmRJWkWB42me4BCS5ikERvwhOf1qu_nfv8ZVNWhOfMNB2ORqZVzCARSV0JqIZNjCmM4zm4QZ815dpCa-36nJsVSAPOfICuTEcXrkeZfjB63MobOtj-mnrbclDIkt3M/s400/Screenshot-137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">John stopped dead in his tracks, momentarily stunned by the question. In truth, he had never thought of the possibility of her getting in trouble, even through all the things they had been through. He always thought she was strong, capable of taking care of herself, and he himself would be the one needing rescued. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnST3cbKzK6SIX6gzmnDD9e5fVJ2OcYr1Iz1Iyi2R-4rdPNOXXbok6wUQHIcwvU9iwYrara5gAD5YwBqQZKMbXuceWPbOaRAt5AIPaKa5aeyuq_DcidzAR3OrPxxseirkXgpK_bZ7aOA/s1600/Screenshot-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnST3cbKzK6SIX6gzmnDD9e5fVJ2OcYr1Iz1Iyi2R-4rdPNOXXbok6wUQHIcwvU9iwYrara5gAD5YwBqQZKMbXuceWPbOaRAt5AIPaKa5aeyuq_DcidzAR3OrPxxseirkXgpK_bZ7aOA/s400/Screenshot-136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I don't know. I would do everything in my power to get you back, even break through time itself if I have to. Annabelle is doing what she can to get Tom back, I would do more. You mean too much to me."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scarlett smiled, but looked worried again moments after when she though John had turned around completely. Again, he didn't know if she was worried for something else than Tom, but in a sense was heavily focused on the search at the time. Just as he was about to ask her again, he felt a warmth coming from a nearby storage room with a small red door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hey Red, what's this?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95gzJ2gxyRaPtkJYmQ4Whl8JsxULPpfAnyDjBsOChtPIt3by3l6kOKxSwWXhD1zXEsNZIeU-zro1WsZYjCEfqbII_vYx0erPawbMJy8pHpIaQ6WWCgQEV9efkKyV8GKenO-_12TynKdA/s1600/Screenshot-140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95gzJ2gxyRaPtkJYmQ4Whl8JsxULPpfAnyDjBsOChtPIt3by3l6kOKxSwWXhD1zXEsNZIeU-zro1WsZYjCEfqbII_vYx0erPawbMJy8pHpIaQ6WWCgQEV9efkKyV8GKenO-_12TynKdA/s400/Screenshot-140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scarlett walked over and the two tried to open the door, but it was locked from the inside. "That's odd," she said, "this is a backstage door to the prop room but it shouldn't be locked like this. What is going on here?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDodkFI6D1F-vWeMzwNufqgqgPbpEPJCmFqS1502Bo8hbzFaV4PnYmR3ohsPAPzeaN21FWWPH45fPHW5UXQkljZ2ktqVExjkQmsAgAZ8EsuG3FwRqdm9jwF8h9PgGBPs6Gpm4fAmLQBo/s1600/Screenshot-97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDodkFI6D1F-vWeMzwNufqgqgPbpEPJCmFqS1502Bo8hbzFaV4PnYmR3ohsPAPzeaN21FWWPH45fPHW5UXQkljZ2ktqVExjkQmsAgAZ8EsuG3FwRqdm9jwF8h9PgGBPs6Gpm4fAmLQBo/s400/Screenshot-97.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Tom heard Scarlett's voice from outside, and smiled. "Well, it looks like my friends are already here. You idiots lost, and just a tip: maybe next time you should pick a better hiding spot."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2XHPu3bgCdxtl4JVqily72GnOIDaNHrO04g25Jsn1rBm_ZE4FpAcD1gtxURm0R2pGytDVwcRhJX44ESt7KbooHzupbEc8ToOyAxDunR_IzCTEtQRREmZnjBlhtT5-P5eonO1w3e3eCY/s1600/Screenshot-98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2XHPu3bgCdxtl4JVqily72GnOIDaNHrO04g25Jsn1rBm_ZE4FpAcD1gtxURm0R2pGytDVwcRhJX44ESt7KbooHzupbEc8ToOyAxDunR_IzCTEtQRREmZnjBlhtT5-P5eonO1w3e3eCY/s400/Screenshot-98.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Vorik emerged from his sarcophagus, his own face covered in a sinister smile as well. "You would like to think that, wouldn't you. Do you want to know why the Abyss is so feared? It's because the entity is practically a god. And I believe it is time we show these humans what gods can do."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTHFy_Ut0vy7E_8MhTMHpZjtRW3aAp5212THFMym7WDvtEqMHU5bdJz8B8cMo1rF_dUQfBpJTqrwYjs0XOJjJwBZYKH0ZDL7ntXZVMm-pdJk3sT8YbaaXbkZRTvVd1RnvN-BnZ8jbxVI/s1600/abyss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTHFy_Ut0vy7E_8MhTMHpZjtRW3aAp5212THFMym7WDvtEqMHU5bdJz8B8cMo1rF_dUQfBpJTqrwYjs0XOJjJwBZYKH0ZDL7ntXZVMm-pdJk3sT8YbaaXbkZRTvVd1RnvN-BnZ8jbxVI/s400/abyss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tCW8wgQ9bCUxi7Jmt5HxOaQONnlgIbtSIXfa8SDIKgiTqpKJXNI7m-7csbBafVS3liSVgGWnB-QHk4RnQwCTtEszWiqvR7bQ5ETYzQnNeqMeuPgxY-5-A1V3jO0vKDV7gZnsfWAjysc/s1600/ABYSS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tCW8wgQ9bCUxi7Jmt5HxOaQONnlgIbtSIXfa8SDIKgiTqpKJXNI7m-7csbBafVS3liSVgGWnB-QHk4RnQwCTtEszWiqvR7bQ5ETYzQnNeqMeuPgxY-5-A1V3jO0vKDV7gZnsfWAjysc/s400/ABYSS2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vorik turned to the sarcophagus behind him, and a black mist emerged from around it. In less than a second, the mist flew through up the ceiling and out the room, leaving a confident Vorik to remain smiling and Tom generally confused.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2jOFlC2VPH_A_-LV3HSANSLKBB4PVH09MiUiCIqASk3qrxiG4B1G5IDHrR37TP6LpSS6nSybvJOsi3swnAk673pXSKY-B4ingt3vz2DL8CbQCPqqva99Z2yuOTORGz_ZAxMAkiwrNjw/s1600/Screenshot-91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2jOFlC2VPH_A_-LV3HSANSLKBB4PVH09MiUiCIqASk3qrxiG4B1G5IDHrR37TP6LpSS6nSybvJOsi3swnAk673pXSKY-B4ingt3vz2DL8CbQCPqqva99Z2yuOTORGz_ZAxMAkiwrNjw/s400/Screenshot-91.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"So there's like totally so many things to talk about right now that I totally cannot think of how to say them."</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Xx3k6afIbJGYgBP6DsLLKxi-RZPHMlgrpj1pc_0FTZBMNi1w4-coPZCDbp9azZuOLYQ29cXXOleMLiO6Lq-x6X55yxPzmvI24OzYNPLG5uowZuTnOlZnPPk4wDloEC2oHCLUt0FVsCs/s1600/Screenshot-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Xx3k6afIbJGYgBP6DsLLKxi-RZPHMlgrpj1pc_0FTZBMNi1w4-coPZCDbp9azZuOLYQ29cXXOleMLiO6Lq-x6X55yxPzmvI24OzYNPLG5uowZuTnOlZnPPk4wDloEC2oHCLUt0FVsCs/s400/Screenshot-56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What?" Annabelle shook her head Nizume and herself walked down alongside Hidden Springs' massive riverbank, looking out to the freezing water. Annabelle began to wonder why she should have paired up the Feen in the first place, and instead decided to focus bringing someone whose attention span could be measured in more than just nanoseconds.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
"This is just so cool I mean we're like two detectives on the case I'M ON THE CASE!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM17c4umV63lR7zqOtSCx2Bxr3kVBwAbCocd-Jth9s3fs9kQzLrIq6tS-9pnrL9CaknZ6X50mOXjhlm2wmmODqWvLzK0RGmUxGtdTzM7BDRDnrpW5L8BnYzQV520AOdUJu_mEyPvzYkmE/s1600/Screenshot-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM17c4umV63lR7zqOtSCx2Bxr3kVBwAbCocd-Jth9s3fs9kQzLrIq6tS-9pnrL9CaknZ6X50mOXjhlm2wmmODqWvLzK0RGmUxGtdTzM7BDRDnrpW5L8BnYzQV520AOdUJu_mEyPvzYkmE/s400/Screenshot-58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Nizume, do you ever shut up?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The tone and question caught the young Feen off guard, and she tried to come up with a response but, on the spot, couldn't. Annabelle shook her head and continued stomping on, kicking over rocks and small plants on the ground that weren't laid dormant by the frozen winter. Nizume, on the other hand, stood in place.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEtOQDRPWNknYeWYpU7ehkBiQvWxWIvZJPZ8xV8uDBdtM30DKz-aGvEvuDJawZ3yNcxiVZ_8Y27IDSHl2mR_6CbYK4aNphkhaC5GOEDzWidri24yOWX5d_TVOLAvtKwy5KgrLyjseq24/s1600/Screenshot-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEtOQDRPWNknYeWYpU7ehkBiQvWxWIvZJPZ8xV8uDBdtM30DKz-aGvEvuDJawZ3yNcxiVZ_8Y27IDSHl2mR_6CbYK4aNphkhaC5GOEDzWidri24yOWX5d_TVOLAvtKwy5KgrLyjseq24/s400/Screenshot-59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I only do that when the nightmares come back."</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Annabelle stopped in the middle of the riverbank, and the air around them grew still. Annabelle didn't turn around, but instead closed her eyes. "What do you mean?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hx4E-vX1POGxt0QF2a7hD_EjrbzpqbfzRHU4r9kjeA7BeYThCoqrXBrYEgOri9Pzwvo4exmJQYMnKPLHtr8cOm7NgZdC5hjq9g-l-fe8CueSpRwRiq1zeo6IQVPp5UIfUlVRnnAZ60k/s1600/Screenshot-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hx4E-vX1POGxt0QF2a7hD_EjrbzpqbfzRHU4r9kjeA7BeYThCoqrXBrYEgOri9Pzwvo4exmJQYMnKPLHtr8cOm7NgZdC5hjq9g-l-fe8CueSpRwRiq1zeo6IQVPp5UIfUlVRnnAZ60k/s400/Screenshot-60.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nizume's voice periodically dropped and rose as she spoke, wavering between that of a confident young woman and the voice of a scared child. "Ten years trapped in a tiny fairy house can really change someone. That's how long I was trapped."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"What happened?"</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KdksXohnB5Nx8RDyd7njpGuQHSnEQ17KE0pnIArvZnkiAYRcFtaFDGpnuQfiH-eaBqgfe3XCm7tOc1T0Fug35vk1twVWx49UoKH31IuCMkViiVSRiVDjdrhsuyJ1P7OshI8wxXU1luI/s1600/Screenshot-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KdksXohnB5Nx8RDyd7njpGuQHSnEQ17KE0pnIArvZnkiAYRcFtaFDGpnuQfiH-eaBqgfe3XCm7tOc1T0Fug35vk1twVWx49UoKH31IuCMkViiVSRiVDjdrhsuyJ1P7OshI8wxXU1luI/s400/Screenshot-63.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"The house burned and he told me to hide. I listened to him and I heard the noises. I couldn't figure out what happened. I was young, and the monsters came into my room." </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9wC1nQMaEp1k9oRRBAf7gf9nLw8VYMOoZJ4dxKF77TpOiUeCh6K22uQ2DmXVD3PtR-RHcUwnVjYvm5s76uuUtnApqmuQt7Yu5IODHwS_FesBT2vYdwdTvS8QfzxQcYZ6CKfQ6Mv89Pw/s1600/Screenshot-61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9wC1nQMaEp1k9oRRBAf7gf9nLw8VYMOoZJ4dxKF77TpOiUeCh6K22uQ2DmXVD3PtR-RHcUwnVjYvm5s76uuUtnApqmuQt7Yu5IODHwS_FesBT2vYdwdTvS8QfzxQcYZ6CKfQ6Mv89Pw/s400/Screenshot-61.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"They clawed my face. I shrunk down and hid in my safe fairy house, and the monsters left me alone. It's dark, it's so dark."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJZugUWv_FHwpGDSbgdPQ4id5-7p05UiVM3BfMqnxjgj2RZ18IY40La9FObubkScx3pEobHI8_8D3enAwzfDLs3sH-WtvSJY03jiNyFFf2qCQ5lt6rE2PlVPXXoHZWHOPAbPnLIUdbfU/s1600/Screenshot-64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJZugUWv_FHwpGDSbgdPQ4id5-7p05UiVM3BfMqnxjgj2RZ18IY40La9FObubkScx3pEobHI8_8D3enAwzfDLs3sH-WtvSJY03jiNyFFf2qCQ5lt6rE2PlVPXXoHZWHOPAbPnLIUdbfU/s400/Screenshot-64.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Why is it so dark? So dark and cold and quiet endless quiet endless <i><b>QUUIIIEEETTTT!!!!!</b>"</i></div>
<div>
<br />
Niume screamed out the last word so loudly that birds halfway across the landscape began to fly away, startled. "Why is it so quiet?"</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-TrRey2Y10p7skP7MtkbW_PeD9VFCeDhrWD0zVOD2poH9PBdeWSGrQeKpykDU6oFe6FSosgRz_sH0PENKKwGH-kVxrQEQ5oRQpepKSE8pfV0DC7C-3BnMkH8yxz-YswpaxwSD2YyI8w/s1600/Screenshot-67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-TrRey2Y10p7skP7MtkbW_PeD9VFCeDhrWD0zVOD2poH9PBdeWSGrQeKpykDU6oFe6FSosgRz_sH0PENKKwGH-kVxrQEQ5oRQpepKSE8pfV0DC7C-3BnMkH8yxz-YswpaxwSD2YyI8w/s400/Screenshot-67.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVJRzmpCw70eWQamsfe1_BfU9SPm6arF7hVoK85XWuKQrKqEOTzcpEGR0gM4E_eku1dHaQ0teP57CCvEByPOQO1SsMVCeRjm7TBqh3wF70j_cQ_nytrrAwTQVhNnsOsJUz_9B30oObjs/s1600/Screenshot-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVJRzmpCw70eWQamsfe1_BfU9SPm6arF7hVoK85XWuKQrKqEOTzcpEGR0gM4E_eku1dHaQ0teP57CCvEByPOQO1SsMVCeRjm7TBqh3wF70j_cQ_nytrrAwTQVhNnsOsJUz_9B30oObjs/s400/Screenshot-68.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Annabelle walked over to her and gave her a quick hug, and the two stopped talking to look out into the wilderness. It wasn't long after, while they had continued walking down the riverbank, when Annie's cell phone began blaring. Annabelle answered it, and a after a few seconds of conversation her voice began to get frantic. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nizume looked at Annabelle and shrugged, and Annie put her phone back into her pocket. "John and Scarlett, they think they found Tom! Come on, we have to go to the movie studio... wait..." Annabelle looked up at the sky, prompting Nizume to do the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwGYzn8ii6icgmK92nP7dJ2rcicu7OxVydIpqU0dXs7l94kpj3jx_Ww36VIh9TozZfnEaYyWl7z9HTzx-w3vp0IohZW39K1fwKAiEsngIHv7CRl1teTpFoiFXoECaCekBY0aw9Xs1qAE/s1600/Screenshot-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwGYzn8ii6icgmK92nP7dJ2rcicu7OxVydIpqU0dXs7l94kpj3jx_Ww36VIh9TozZfnEaYyWl7z9HTzx-w3vp0IohZW39K1fwKAiEsngIHv7CRl1teTpFoiFXoECaCekBY0aw9Xs1qAE/s400/Screenshot-71.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"...what the hell?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOQYeI4MTtjQBcozR0TCtetD-eUF1nO3mRlJlhtcmMB39GofPgpMlWrqG9uSHw5DPSr3PCTnednJQaVNPVLbrfLAet4Qs5GvVkFm-w9LTviWgPKYhKTg1dKOKzP2QkzJSTuVojxIfbwA/s1600/Screenshot-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOQYeI4MTtjQBcozR0TCtetD-eUF1nO3mRlJlhtcmMB39GofPgpMlWrqG9uSHw5DPSr3PCTnednJQaVNPVLbrfLAet4Qs5GvVkFm-w9LTviWgPKYhKTg1dKOKzP2QkzJSTuVojxIfbwA/s400/Screenshot-72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFq3pwxYhdqY9pQ6DVI-PhSl6_DDJqFo9Ng_vnP1Q-SZvK8uAkkmpoWXEVcF8nCtiwlFKmHIQu1WVJ74kqu8Wt7fNBoG0aFiyhRUnZT4bbL-fxL-IXOgbBZrjwtSgcZWYSihkPHiZxjc/s1600/Screenshot-73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFq3pwxYhdqY9pQ6DVI-PhSl6_DDJqFo9Ng_vnP1Q-SZvK8uAkkmpoWXEVcF8nCtiwlFKmHIQu1WVJ74kqu8Wt7fNBoG0aFiyhRUnZT4bbL-fxL-IXOgbBZrjwtSgcZWYSihkPHiZxjc/s400/Screenshot-73.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Above them, the snow had stopped falling and the sky turned red. It wasn't long after that Annabelle and Nizume began to hear panicked screams from inside the town. Then the sounds of glass breaking, and cars smashing into one-another.<br />
<br />
"That's not good," Nizume quietly said.</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-75788601915006764322015-09-18T16:40:00.001-05:002015-09-18T16:40:03.781-05:00Chapter Forty-Eight - Dual Natures<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEbB52Jhl4DEciXH9-PQa_C2wPCL7MVe23mQ_Hk7qpUHKXdBFeClcKV8YhPikCR2-2bV98mjakIs8l2IiVqC699fHs-l3vJ6R_YmA1xWKh9zuTOiQW3H8j7_f5KMA8yJ99Om-NTZWCuQ/s1600/Screenshot-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEbB52Jhl4DEciXH9-PQa_C2wPCL7MVe23mQ_Hk7qpUHKXdBFeClcKV8YhPikCR2-2bV98mjakIs8l2IiVqC699fHs-l3vJ6R_YmA1xWKh9zuTOiQW3H8j7_f5KMA8yJ99Om-NTZWCuQ/s400/Screenshot-4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGd9dRMRAJq1ZGn7fr82CPk5H1Dy0h8F1BQo7Dv9xfRWzp55U5qQEWZPOp5THxdrU3DaKKOYDBhBt6wpcNikNtzQulSkAvoI3zxxvFnM2AnefUbBaudUJLOFUalX3rcp43NHdVLEkuFk/s1600/Screenshot-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGd9dRMRAJq1ZGn7fr82CPk5H1Dy0h8F1BQo7Dv9xfRWzp55U5qQEWZPOp5THxdrU3DaKKOYDBhBt6wpcNikNtzQulSkAvoI3zxxvFnM2AnefUbBaudUJLOFUalX3rcp43NHdVLEkuFk/s400/Screenshot-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle opened her eyes and found herself lying on her bed back at the house. The last thing she had remembered was seeing her Alien mother and Nightmare, or Andromeda, saying that Verena was her "little sister", making Andromeda Annabelle's birth-aunt. The shock of the whole thing must have been too much, resulting in Annabelle passing out. She sat up in bed and immediately her eyes were drawn to Verena, who was sitting on the couch nearby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnbn3LS6hvs0f8iPB_d5HVuLMUDIjlqTIA72xlf8k3NFtkOdrJyrwrbAmcUvqpfXpkjQGhElUDI0YggVZeoki90soSC7o5qXlGTnQoEFWGySvGG0UwIro7hgJtLiYv-fH_ujl4WhoCGg/s1600/Screenshot-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnbn3LS6hvs0f8iPB_d5HVuLMUDIjlqTIA72xlf8k3NFtkOdrJyrwrbAmcUvqpfXpkjQGhElUDI0YggVZeoki90soSC7o5qXlGTnQoEFWGySvGG0UwIro7hgJtLiYv-fH_ujl4WhoCGg/s400/Screenshot-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So you're here to vouch for Andromeda?"<br />
<br />
Verena stayed silent for a few moments before speaking up. "I know what she's done. I've looked into her mind and I do not like what I saw. However, she is very unstable. She needs guidance, she needs friends."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkO_rFRQCh2oLaSi6hEjXEK8DPObj_hZpBFjGJT02QRxKDY336LtMz9n5W6qbQuyq-U3TjMbBlOr-QfYAqWyMfJjYNKVTa69enPh97ohk9dZI7xpHLzwRd-WdDwoSXy3PeiYmCWWag8g/s1600/Screenshot-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkO_rFRQCh2oLaSi6hEjXEK8DPObj_hZpBFjGJT02QRxKDY336LtMz9n5W6qbQuyq-U3TjMbBlOr-QfYAqWyMfJjYNKVTa69enPh97ohk9dZI7xpHLzwRd-WdDwoSXy3PeiYmCWWag8g/s400/Screenshot-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"She tried to kill me four years ago."<br />
<br />
"I know. I don't know what I can say to convince you that she's on your side now."<br />
<br />
Annabelle thought back to when she first saw Andy, how she reminded her of the Nightmare. She had good reason to think of it, in hindsight, but that didn't change the matter of what happened to Andy because of Annabelle's thoughts of anger and jealousy that bubbled to the surface. Mentally strained, she decided to just give in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO3qDUZBad8O-SPCUZb1T3KoZGaytWJRix3epKJR6XTKazsy_8ikO4COMQyuUuJLgYWqFMqV1cPJXpMBG2P2236LBJgnG5GCcN0h39w7dqSQh6kFWO-F_gS2d1G8zdCxBjE7Rfxd0dts/s1600/Screenshot-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO3qDUZBad8O-SPCUZb1T3KoZGaytWJRix3epKJR6XTKazsy_8ikO4COMQyuUuJLgYWqFMqV1cPJXpMBG2P2236LBJgnG5GCcN0h39w7dqSQh6kFWO-F_gS2d1G8zdCxBjE7Rfxd0dts/s400/Screenshot-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"The last time something like this happened, someone close to my best friend died. I was to blame. If you want me to, I will give Andromeda the benefit of the doubt. But her loyalty to us is riding on you. If Andromeda betrays us, tries to kill me again, it will be your fault."<br />
<br />
Verena closed her eyes, frowning. "I understand."<br />
<br />
The two paused in their conversation, and as they did the door slightly creaked open. Having seen Annabelle' unconscious body being carried upstairs by an alien wearing orange and black, Maria followed the two up and stopped at Annabelle's door, wanting to go in but deciding against it. After a few moments passed, she heard Annabelle's groggy voice speaking to the alien woman.<br />
<br />
Maria was curious as to who this woman was, and opened the door when the two had stopped talking. Her first attention was laid on Annabelle, and she walked over to her to feel her forehead and ask if she was doing alright. Annabelle nodded and smiled, then decided to lie back on the bed again to regain her thoughts properly. Maria then turned towards the alien.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXI7fOu7NFj9Y8AEJyC9Rw5VdZzdZyWf1q4CKFSN4JlkF0WjS47yQ9v7TMWHk9p3gZSwXBiJdVN0yPGv6o6XL5xVgEnFfEbIETzBBoJmpSwh-cRCKWG1eZchvZ50WutaasQ2UJv-vN1s/s1600/Screenshot-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXI7fOu7NFj9Y8AEJyC9Rw5VdZzdZyWf1q4CKFSN4JlkF0WjS47yQ9v7TMWHk9p3gZSwXBiJdVN0yPGv6o6XL5xVgEnFfEbIETzBBoJmpSwh-cRCKWG1eZchvZ50WutaasQ2UJv-vN1s/s400/Screenshot-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"If you hurt my daughter in any way..."<br />
<br />
Verena stood smiled. "Actually she's... well..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEdw-U9xb9Uh6nvroNZZwyWTJs9-j8B0OyXY2FYOD2-s66_6OHEZbXY5UtpBkgHHbY1fpEpst7OUDz3l-XM6CIouqVwNQxIjC2fv9sR6v7zfApMrVCvtZLN6lecsvQyY8q4zODOn7jD4/s1600/Screenshot-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEdw-U9xb9Uh6nvroNZZwyWTJs9-j8B0OyXY2FYOD2-s66_6OHEZbXY5UtpBkgHHbY1fpEpst7OUDz3l-XM6CIouqVwNQxIjC2fv9sR6v7zfApMrVCvtZLN6lecsvQyY8q4zODOn7jD4/s400/Screenshot-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"This is the woman that gave birth to me." Annabelle interjected. "This is Verena Tozal. I told you about meeting her when you visited back in Starlight Shores, remember?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, you told me about her but what is she doing here on Earth? Shouldn't she be on her own planet, with her own family?"<br />
<br />
"Well... uh..." Annabelle tried to change the subject as rapidly as she could, but couldn't focus on a single thing due to having just woken up. "Uh... purple... radio... cheese...futon?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKrRQZMDHmCoYSlGWvkb4ybh8g4pDFxF89NyLNjh9k8C442XKgRYZq9dYT3nRc3NjG1Fg77Ow4e0q3NBLCOxhPIFkFXyhZ06MsrFf_OqHizBLvFpSTbsk2Qb7CESFdSeggems1oEy3xQ/s1600/Screenshot-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKrRQZMDHmCoYSlGWvkb4ybh8g4pDFxF89NyLNjh9k8C442XKgRYZq9dYT3nRc3NjG1Fg77Ow4e0q3NBLCOxhPIFkFXyhZ06MsrFf_OqHizBLvFpSTbsk2Qb7CESFdSeggems1oEy3xQ/s400/Screenshot-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Verena picked up on Maria's obvious animosity and smiled at her. "I assure you, I am only here for a little while. I am just here to help Annabelle with the Abyss."<br />
<br />
"The what?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle interjected again. "An ancient evil Torran shadow entity. Long story. Very very long story that a talking rock told me-and wow I just realized how crazy I sound."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu7zFNrpcW2yzvWzzAf2n_qY3R7Kb1cz8xrzOFSVDdjMAWIx-Gvg4NBO_t_wD0Neg82TStY_FIfV5pJ8obJsCqNIV7CxTlomC8mvByVx-DlkLGeg5ANd27fBq_3w5bR6mSQYyvuQO3mY/s1600/Screenshot-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu7zFNrpcW2yzvWzzAf2n_qY3R7Kb1cz8xrzOFSVDdjMAWIx-Gvg4NBO_t_wD0Neg82TStY_FIfV5pJ8obJsCqNIV7CxTlomC8mvByVx-DlkLGeg5ANd27fBq_3w5bR6mSQYyvuQO3mY/s400/Screenshot-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maria shrugged. "Whatever, this is all way too weird for me, and that's saying a lot because..." she turned to look at Annabelle, then back to Verena. "...she's had a lot of weird things happen in her life. And I was the one who actually <i>raised </i>her."<br />
<br />
Maria walked out of the room with no more words, prompting Annabelle and Verena to both wonder what she had meant by what she said. Before they could bring up the subject, the door opened again and Mirabelle walked into the room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimue7nJSBu8GjrWwJFOyoOxp3AB9GllFFxFB-xNneCbXCnDGfPWpZI1S-jV7nCfsXZezRr4BaGNVy4oo2lplu0Ak80bJuujKr_sle2aC1ElSEadwIulY-TYwCGyBimfUd9SfqEvs1MeLQ/s1600/Screenshot-175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimue7nJSBu8GjrWwJFOyoOxp3AB9GllFFxFB-xNneCbXCnDGfPWpZI1S-jV7nCfsXZezRr4BaGNVy4oo2lplu0Ak80bJuujKr_sle2aC1ElSEadwIulY-TYwCGyBimfUd9SfqEvs1MeLQ/s400/Screenshot-175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Hey Annabelle, I may have been seeing things but I swear I saw Nightmare downstairs." Mirabelle quickly stopped talking when her eyes drew from Annabelle to Verena, who simply smiled at her. "Who's the orange alien lady?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD18fZokGovYPWMBZFmbp5tflNLTuu-Gbi5Sfn0GpT0ESwkHT7IcXQHepLhQs8-mXUEzUfKsrA5MGdEF3gMNjNRwcgysVpQUdzqGWW7ELRmAsoKwHjsqg9185a0otXv_cZaRPg2b8aoQ/s1600/Screenshot-176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD18fZokGovYPWMBZFmbp5tflNLTuu-Gbi5Sfn0GpT0ESwkHT7IcXQHepLhQs8-mXUEzUfKsrA5MGdEF3gMNjNRwcgysVpQUdzqGWW7ELRmAsoKwHjsqg9185a0otXv_cZaRPg2b8aoQ/s400/Screenshot-176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Uh Mirabelle this is... um... how do I put this? To both of you? This is Verena, she's the woman who gave birth to me. Us. We. Um... Verena is this Mirabelle. She's me. Sorta. I'm so confused right now."<br />
<br />
Mirabelle decided to put it as bluntly as possible. "Simply put: my brother John built a teleporter and it created a copy of Annabelle. I am that copy."<br />
<br />
"Incredible!" Verena said while walking towards Mirabelle. "Genetic replication, including memories? That's similar to a Torran project but it only worked on infants."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLW9H4-kdXj1fyWzZR58eFjOuSkWAOVkAiyR5I0mhChs5-Q5kh8c0d6UwGHyo2ubpsqoKf0EMozFwcEtulP5A749JjJzZ94ku4bXNR26cPyLzOAdnMt1B_aFJE6bxaK2z61f7WCzQcR4/s1600/Screenshot-173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLW9H4-kdXj1fyWzZR58eFjOuSkWAOVkAiyR5I0mhChs5-Q5kh8c0d6UwGHyo2ubpsqoKf0EMozFwcEtulP5A749JjJzZ94ku4bXNR26cPyLzOAdnMt1B_aFJE6bxaK2z61f7WCzQcR4/s400/Screenshot-173.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82x5biV3SI-6i-JYsL3mkVxpZer9R-iWUBkUjYFUAdgyTb19zpi90f3hLwe-Np5G-iybEHc1LtyHXWxRIc7kPBL4kbJaIz15fFjqXn1NFLzTJXFKFbwuG-_nzAh4O8Lxzo01Z42iAtuY/s1600/Screenshot-171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82x5biV3SI-6i-JYsL3mkVxpZer9R-iWUBkUjYFUAdgyTb19zpi90f3hLwe-Np5G-iybEHc1LtyHXWxRIc7kPBL4kbJaIz15fFjqXn1NFLzTJXFKFbwuG-_nzAh4O8Lxzo01Z42iAtuY/s400/Screenshot-171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It seems your brother has developed an advanced version of Project Gemini."<br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wVRA50aMh4xT2HDb2pS5mrgTWwbQqsljS9dVSHcn9-wx4iKboyBxceLJogOVr6DM0RDxHknoakYyRQtv8Tt6wMtV_PsGjUOU63y8fiXKTcWWmncvFaGBsuoY0vBDK33lOGi_DG1djss/s1600/Screenshot-132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wVRA50aMh4xT2HDb2pS5mrgTWwbQqsljS9dVSHcn9-wx4iKboyBxceLJogOVr6DM0RDxHknoakYyRQtv8Tt6wMtV_PsGjUOU63y8fiXKTcWWmncvFaGBsuoY0vBDK33lOGi_DG1djss/s400/Screenshot-132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9QeCu_dyz5_LvSSVQkpenGZSxy_rTGCjPdxnUg66rG0kimoVICMfzc0wOMqJpDitU0GCsp9eWSnRZZWp_0MucobN5AJD2cE-Rd6DzUQ7lUKIMbW4d6af3R_WE_MViWXF3ydxBpoWfyE/s1600/Screenshot-133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9QeCu_dyz5_LvSSVQkpenGZSxy_rTGCjPdxnUg66rG0kimoVICMfzc0wOMqJpDitU0GCsp9eWSnRZZWp_0MucobN5AJD2cE-Rd6DzUQ7lUKIMbW4d6af3R_WE_MViWXF3ydxBpoWfyE/s400/Screenshot-133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom tossed and turned in his bed, thinking over what Gabriel had told him. After some time of this, he finally realized he wasn't going to sleep, so he stood up and walked over to the window. As he stood there, looking out to the winter night, he thought of how he had acted at the police station and how he knew Kelly felt betrayed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and he turned around to open it and see who was knocking before the door opened itself and Andromeda stepped in. Tom was taken aback by the sudden appearance of this woman, and he instantly believed this was the so-called "Nightmare" woman that Annabelle had described.<br />
<br />
"You're... you're..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2js9rvyqXAq-xeh_-RJQua8RENhfesNg9YFBh06mama1V7Rx7ZdQkCHlvW3EexKaUIJ93w6bNaFuP1-epF6f566BBP-SgNkzPNY-ZpgqiiEyngv_NFuwcLTm7MQBBV_uMDRxFiaufxAY/s1600/Screenshot-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2js9rvyqXAq-xeh_-RJQua8RENhfesNg9YFBh06mama1V7Rx7ZdQkCHlvW3EexKaUIJ93w6bNaFuP1-epF6f566BBP-SgNkzPNY-ZpgqiiEyngv_NFuwcLTm7MQBBV_uMDRxFiaufxAY/s400/Screenshot-28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"My name is Andromeda Roshali. I know who you are, though. You're Tom."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, Annabelle told me about you. She said you tried to kill her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vydgpXTqvyplACydKpqmS7g2A-KakvSIp5oSc_6598RfZUS0yQvj3Rysf-wnp0cSxHmYTLTWwPF-PPumK1l-Wm7Pv3dHFQGL3wvYcdIMF20F1FMCvnSP_5r0NnQSzwt-Xni3ArRVqYM/s1600/Screenshot-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vydgpXTqvyplACydKpqmS7g2A-KakvSIp5oSc_6598RfZUS0yQvj3Rysf-wnp0cSxHmYTLTWwPF-PPumK1l-Wm7Pv3dHFQGL3wvYcdIMF20F1FMCvnSP_5r0NnQSzwt-Xni3ArRVqYM/s400/Screenshot-20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah there's a long story about that. I've been thinking about everything about that and how terrible I feel for having done it. Annabelle was right to be scared when I... we... I... I don't know how to describe it."<br />
<br />
"Describe what? What are you talking about?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirszDO_9f7sE5GFLDcis2m_VdFbORLsQcczHgm8rdr9w7zUWEx0DHJ98tfkfyhtKUpTnpEBOB11sT31MQLAwEqoEHsYIynHAa13U_sibr-z1pxb7Qg6g_eqnhyhsKOTqXXUGKpT7K5qwo/s1600/Screenshot-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirszDO_9f7sE5GFLDcis2m_VdFbORLsQcczHgm8rdr9w7zUWEx0DHJ98tfkfyhtKUpTnpEBOB11sT31MQLAwEqoEHsYIynHAa13U_sibr-z1pxb7Qg6g_eqnhyhsKOTqXXUGKpT7K5qwo/s400/Screenshot-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Andy. I remember being her, but at the same time I remember being Aurora, and at the same time I think the real me was dead. After Andy and Aurora died, I woke up in a graveyard in Sunset Valley. After that is a long story that I'm still trying to piece together but the point is I'm still trying to figure out who I really am."<br />
<br />
Tom shrugged, "That's something I think everyone around here is trying to figure out, who they really are. I mean, I see myself in the mirror and I wonder if that person is really Tom Jameson, because lately I've been so angry I'm wondering if I'm Scarlett in Tom's body." Tom was about to turn around to look outside, but stopped himself before he did so. "Don't tell Red I said that."<br />
<br />
Andromeda briefly covered her mouth, and Tom was wondering if she was doing so to hide a laugh. After some time, she began to speak again. "Look, I remember a lot of what Andy had said to you. I remember standing in this room, but not standing here. It was like a dream."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEkTo4J_s5raWQn9vEtZENnUkCY3kTXGRNMJ8Iwr8mmASNMbb-c2Fp3Oh36iI55MfPLFIDCWxMHGr4_7BriXTC7itkrnS0Y5LZtWK3di0aKJ7zEwKJRiVBCcuZNcTVQBVN8ZLfPcTmNs/s1600/Screenshot-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEkTo4J_s5raWQn9vEtZENnUkCY3kTXGRNMJ8Iwr8mmASNMbb-c2Fp3Oh36iI55MfPLFIDCWxMHGr4_7BriXTC7itkrnS0Y5LZtWK3di0aKJ7zEwKJRiVBCcuZNcTVQBVN8ZLfPcTmNs/s400/Screenshot-30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
She put her hands to her head, and breathed heavily, before trying to continue. "Was it real? Were my feelings for you real? Was anything actually tangible?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYorem5unNlJyCpQ5KfMpw9bD5KUy-OBsxt2kWqVeN46Srg4iTqyGR731QcCGNmP3IE160qfr2pn0nTdqbo5SQNnXac8Wje7AU5Wee91bMPoyhKPYW6c2U64JtsB0M36lFqmstvkhpx-0/s1600/Screenshot-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYorem5unNlJyCpQ5KfMpw9bD5KUy-OBsxt2kWqVeN46Srg4iTqyGR731QcCGNmP3IE160qfr2pn0nTdqbo5SQNnXac8Wje7AU5Wee91bMPoyhKPYW6c2U64JtsB0M36lFqmstvkhpx-0/s400/Screenshot-21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom walked up to her and put his hand on her shoulder. "I know my feelings for Andy were very real. There's nothing to say hers weren't."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDjmmxSwZNluGqKe2UgP2JWCysN-t6M4UAbbM9DU4wEksCI0pDENJzVTapYEHrI-9PqC1CZwOGJOJBS0ALJZwB77KCGQhkyWb55knCfieekG4FoFXwTaymcue5d7qV-nkJUYkp_Gze6M/s1600/Screenshot-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDjmmxSwZNluGqKe2UgP2JWCysN-t6M4UAbbM9DU4wEksCI0pDENJzVTapYEHrI-9PqC1CZwOGJOJBS0ALJZwB77KCGQhkyWb55knCfieekG4FoFXwTaymcue5d7qV-nkJUYkp_Gze6M/s400/Screenshot-25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I..." Andy tried to speak but she couldn't. Tom could see tears welling up in her red eyes, her expression turning into one of sadness. "I want to go to the graveyard. I need to see... I need to see where I died again."<br />
<br />
Tom nodded, then softly spoke. "I'll take you, don't worry." He then remembered back when he saw what looked like a mummy in the graveyard, having not been there since seeing it, much less in the middle of the night. After that brief remembrance, he then added to his sentence. "Tomorrow."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaYNQKYG9HuD8_2olBaCHb12F8o9oWp8L3GqzZM6HoPD1ceDHQrgPf3_rIJGdSnnOIHl9Wo-79-WRlrZ9XHzI_5PieSglRznTAzpvO-twaCsmy5V5A_zXvywjg3F32NOH3DDqLJIC1NY/s1600/Screenshot-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaYNQKYG9HuD8_2olBaCHb12F8o9oWp8L3GqzZM6HoPD1ceDHQrgPf3_rIJGdSnnOIHl9Wo-79-WRlrZ9XHzI_5PieSglRznTAzpvO-twaCsmy5V5A_zXvywjg3F32NOH3DDqLJIC1NY/s400/Screenshot-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Andromeda looked over to the middle of the room, at all the art on the walls and the carpet, the bed, and couch. Tom wondered why she was doing so, but her quiet voice interrupted his thoughts. "I do remember being Andy. I remember it. And those memories of loving you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdS5tgNgNSAG_q9_j1sNVjefOYb5LAjZ68O5F-kAHiNxSFKeF7e-yOloHV6cCyjFeX3k9Yx6X475ZKAPtDiiXHrJj2wG2nfVOC4aYuk-0FwPfoUOA9x_fmseDAqLgKDPgnLS2lmGySp00/s1600/Screenshot-134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdS5tgNgNSAG_q9_j1sNVjefOYb5LAjZ68O5F-kAHiNxSFKeF7e-yOloHV6cCyjFeX3k9Yx6X475ZKAPtDiiXHrJj2wG2nfVOC4aYuk-0FwPfoUOA9x_fmseDAqLgKDPgnLS2lmGySp00/s400/Screenshot-134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tom was about to ask what she meant by that when suddenly Andromeda stepped forward and kissed him. He knew it was a heat of the moment thing, but he wasn't sure what Annabelle would think should she walk in the door. Before he could stop her, Andromeda pulled away and left the room without any more words leaving him completely stunned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu0n0BqXbyO6zQrh7eNIlUVV9hbKh28n7JwLG04AT45e-GiFsjD0Gt1MQAPyPpL1HmA3h6TTTyg7xMp7y98wOFQwCoCzCjeQJ34g4qAHeYicc4vqiltQvkz53d-syoY_rSPZULKRv0w8/s1600/Screenshot-135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu0n0BqXbyO6zQrh7eNIlUVV9hbKh28n7JwLG04AT45e-GiFsjD0Gt1MQAPyPpL1HmA3h6TTTyg7xMp7y98wOFQwCoCzCjeQJ34g4qAHeYicc4vqiltQvkz53d-syoY_rSPZULKRv0w8/s400/Screenshot-135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJ-rhakoJHfAAkWgGC1dTsIJObocFoH4f8eQ-2RVene2GDCtUdreJuy6L6jgpnnzncIw8MdvB8nA7ppzoCEQEM9m4NfNmzUhX8kiP5O5OLYOTBenBHvPY8RHl-hLv04yHyAg5lRJjsuM/s1600/Screenshot-178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJ-rhakoJHfAAkWgGC1dTsIJObocFoH4f8eQ-2RVene2GDCtUdreJuy6L6jgpnnzncIw8MdvB8nA7ppzoCEQEM9m4NfNmzUhX8kiP5O5OLYOTBenBHvPY8RHl-hLv04yHyAg5lRJjsuM/s400/Screenshot-178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Verena, Annabelle, Mirabelle, Scarlett, and John sat at the dining table in the kitchen. It was quieter than expected with all of them there, and that was because Verena had just told John that when he built that teleporter, he had developed alien technology without even realizing it. John spent the next few moments in silence, thinking over everything he had developed in his life before and wondering if the Torrans had developed it as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp_P3Y1i1399DTsqk0JAz0visz8pTDCAgko2hvE-9fWfx3WekgwiATPjTl70qBvoAL8YtM3nOlsi3KCsB7jWct3PgQ5PcYZhwwz_8Leba1WJYhJ4nN1wW6TwYCkXDRjIyNMWLn8uJshc/s1600/Screenshot-184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp_P3Y1i1399DTsqk0JAz0visz8pTDCAgko2hvE-9fWfx3WekgwiATPjTl70qBvoAL8YtM3nOlsi3KCsB7jWct3PgQ5PcYZhwwz_8Leba1WJYhJ4nN1wW6TwYCkXDRjIyNMWLn8uJshc/s400/Screenshot-184.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What is project Gemini?" Mirabelle asked, "You mentioned it before?"<br />
<br />
"Project Gemini was developed many years ago by a scientist on my planet, he intended to use it to clone an army to take over Torra Sev."<br />
<br />
"I'm getting the vibe that this particular person was Vorik Z'rath'nek." Annabelle quietly said, "the guy who created the Vornek."<br />
<br />
"Indeed. Vorik used Project Gemini to create the perfect army based in his image, and he asked the Abyss to change it to suit his needs. The clones were imperfect, incapable of rational thought and the Abyss fused its own energy into them. After the Vornek were defeated and Vorik banished, Torran scientists put the project away for hundreds of years before they realized it could be beneficial to the rest of the population. Infants were cloned because the device could not repeat the logistics of a fully-developed brain. Eventually we figured out a way to clone organs without even having to remove them first, increasing our lifespans dramatically."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXOHl0PTtUv65gfIRhxT9c4FDRETzTufy-CSQrTqlbkEGXmB7D0GhbBuHFkPrYfy0jF0_Tc8Hv_lXnKUEn_hbUwcRSkD9jnqaI6PaavVy5rVpSOfDemMgSw7XdLyBjm-dPa4hq9tcbS4/s1600/Screenshot-177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXOHl0PTtUv65gfIRhxT9c4FDRETzTufy-CSQrTqlbkEGXmB7D0GhbBuHFkPrYfy0jF0_Tc8Hv_lXnKUEn_hbUwcRSkD9jnqaI6PaavVy5rVpSOfDemMgSw7XdLyBjm-dPa4hq9tcbS4/s400/Screenshot-177.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Scarlett nodded along the whole time, and then spoke up. "So where does John's teleporter come into play here?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuNA-Cs2w8i464oZP72_JILlQ6hVUXF1W6aLoHLKmcvFEoxj7gHyG5CjKHFUhYu5FXnL37ErRYKnwUBwJOLimUO8-wxZ8qbqKK8RwTYJycngacSaR8YueOkXZBnuBEGksgQhjqEYa4MY/s1600/Screenshot-186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuNA-Cs2w8i464oZP72_JILlQ6hVUXF1W6aLoHLKmcvFEoxj7gHyG5CjKHFUhYu5FXnL37ErRYKnwUBwJOLimUO8-wxZ8qbqKK8RwTYJycngacSaR8YueOkXZBnuBEGksgQhjqEYa4MY/s400/Screenshot-186.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Verena turned to John "Perhaps the Torran radiation that affected you before you were born imprinted the basic idea of Project Gemini into your brain. When you developed the teleporter, you accidentally might have fixed it to create a perfect clone."<br />
<br />
"It wasn't an accident. I added in the cloning tool in case something went wrong with the subject I was teleporting. It did something even better than expected and Mirabelle was created with perfect memories and everything."<br />
<br />
"So your version of the project was perfected. Perhaps the radioactive materials from the vessel I had arrived to Earth in many years ago had affected you in ways we never understood."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXCCYjhQ5ptbT6viWo-kAexUuuaoDaUm38Js6Ree28x34c7vB9r2uURmz2tdnFPDuO-GV5dWKdRqplrx_YzYzc_3_iJ6J7rNZh7KtFhyphenhyphenxzar4K7qs9bV-4FT9_Lqc8EqXLzDzEErQg14/s1600/Screenshot-182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXCCYjhQ5ptbT6viWo-kAexUuuaoDaUm38Js6Ree28x34c7vB9r2uURmz2tdnFPDuO-GV5dWKdRqplrx_YzYzc_3_iJ6J7rNZh7KtFhyphenhyphenxzar4K7qs9bV-4FT9_Lqc8EqXLzDzEErQg14/s400/Screenshot-182.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle laughed a bit, then spoke. "Yeah, our robot figured that out by himself."<br />
<br />
"Robot?"<br />
<br />
"Long story. Very, very long. Short version is that we have a robot walking around the house."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5OlWCvIiaGVhrVbjJ0JgTX90GryRl8XrVj_mCdgXQf1iw67ecpIHmwdObuSfNngcIULf4Ct6e1KHwdyLxpCTI-PqGyb1VR8QA3joPajBwcu5zF5j47xLXEE0ZRflvOLXPlMIP-vpNJE/s1600/Screenshot-179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5OlWCvIiaGVhrVbjJ0JgTX90GryRl8XrVj_mCdgXQf1iw67ecpIHmwdObuSfNngcIULf4Ct6e1KHwdyLxpCTI-PqGyb1VR8QA3joPajBwcu5zF5j47xLXEE0ZRflvOLXPlMIP-vpNJE/s400/Screenshot-179.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"A very sarcastic one." John interjected. "Plus I have to work on him all the time because his servos keep jamming or freezing up in the winter."<br />
<br />
<br />
Verena looked intrigued, thought for a moment, then spoke. "Robotic technology has advanced highly on Torra Sev in the past few years. Perhaps I can look at this robot and see if I can apply some home-based technology to it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjabitCIrkXsElp24OW4X3k0l0IvED-WxYSIbRz1-i0rFiren1IDbdyPD0ua4Sxvnn8Fj_ei09FnH73oeHQi1nGYi_nYHMulwtYQuyBnUn95QPNnNYA-WMLaTMA__l7zg-g8pi93-irl8/s1600/Screenshot-181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjabitCIrkXsElp24OW4X3k0l0IvED-WxYSIbRz1-i0rFiren1IDbdyPD0ua4Sxvnn8Fj_ei09FnH73oeHQi1nGYi_nYHMulwtYQuyBnUn95QPNnNYA-WMLaTMA__l7zg-g8pi93-irl8/s400/Screenshot-181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John looked at Annabelle, unsure of what to say, before Annie herself continued. "Perhaps if the robot himself is okay with it, you can. Really it's up to him because he's the one that is fully intelligent."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJIqdU_UBSQqhWuQVqmc-nuNBBRo0vsX4RwZtf7PNMElkBgbwR4WWikFWSL6uN_OChCWx7IvDtDARkEqgZk1mGUtukKbTN5meAqzjVVVsigaux1zixvV5RGHDta-KmtppvtOwS_2iIeM/s1600/Screenshot-183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJIqdU_UBSQqhWuQVqmc-nuNBBRo0vsX4RwZtf7PNMElkBgbwR4WWikFWSL6uN_OChCWx7IvDtDARkEqgZk1mGUtukKbTN5meAqzjVVVsigaux1zixvV5RGHDta-KmtppvtOwS_2iIeM/s400/Screenshot-183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
MIKE's voice then rang through the house speakers, with him having listened in on the conversation. <i>"If the extraterrestrial life-form is willing to look into my systems to figure out how to increase my efficiency, I am fully willing to let her."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsQF7MXy3EtVH1K0JqsMFPIeHlZ0m0DpaTart_LHgA5OkxGds1bFrjK9iTYHI2PZNPr4QrsJu-9jkITb07aSKtZt5ZX3-Fuc8DMSXO0ye8Mj2uf50UvR7R8h8J0WwVPHZ7XeIgPD3S9Q/s1600/Screenshot-180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsQF7MXy3EtVH1K0JqsMFPIeHlZ0m0DpaTart_LHgA5OkxGds1bFrjK9iTYHI2PZNPr4QrsJu-9jkITb07aSKtZt5ZX3-Fuc8DMSXO0ye8Mj2uf50UvR7R8h8J0WwVPHZ7XeIgPD3S9Q/s400/Screenshot-180.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
"Did he just call me an 'extraterrestrial life-form'?"<br />
<br />
Mirabelle scratched her head. "He's not really a people-person yet."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vZPKq65Stevckz4lIKlBa-pwwZgQGVI7N-4QYVNwOEUu8cw3CA9X6J5s3IVNGmj5Epmk6bOo8_Qvfgg029K3pt18kj0CNjwEpDWeFblwb5t8f5FWuCz69xD_xTGfkNnncB7xZNd_LEI/s1600/Screenshot-187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vZPKq65Stevckz4lIKlBa-pwwZgQGVI7N-4QYVNwOEUu8cw3CA9X6J5s3IVNGmj5Epmk6bOo8_Qvfgg029K3pt18kj0CNjwEpDWeFblwb5t8f5FWuCz69xD_xTGfkNnncB7xZNd_LEI/s400/Screenshot-187.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everyone started laughing a bit before they heard a knock on the window. Annabelle turned and her eyes fell upon a pair of glowing wings as they jumped up and down, and she focused a bit more to see the Feen, Nizume, attached to the wings.</div>
<br />
Annabelle took a deep breath and stood up. "She's here for me." Everyone else acknowledged this, stood up, and walked out of the room while Annabelle stayed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYjLMknGbFKsQKQGsCE0EfGix_RNhgHRyoh4znFK_ogvsAa9UA9TF-vUVZKmal6hfNdRs5jrIBBQFXc2t9xvkgo_S-QhdtJM5nrRAX58_UDqBagP_dKf7ppVhoYC-fxWl3HZ3BgqZQD4/s1600/Screenshot-190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYjLMknGbFKsQKQGsCE0EfGix_RNhgHRyoh4znFK_ogvsAa9UA9TF-vUVZKmal6hfNdRs5jrIBBQFXc2t9xvkgo_S-QhdtJM5nrRAX58_UDqBagP_dKf7ppVhoYC-fxWl3HZ3BgqZQD4/s400/Screenshot-190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle walked over and opened the window, and Nizume climbed in, smiling the whole time. "Oh Annabelle I'm so glad it's you! Kayley wasn't good on giving directions so I ended up going to three different houses and all of them had children who wanted me to give them money for their teeth! I mean I like teeth as much as the next person but I like money more! I did give one kid a large piece of pure gold I found in the Alaskan wilderness because that stuff is heavy and worthless! He and his parents looked happy for me to be rid of it but the joke's on him because I got a TOOTH!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle shook her head before speaking. "So where is the tooth?"<br />
<br />
Nizume looked around for a few seconds before turning back to Annabelle, shrugging and making an "I don't know"-type noise at the same time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQne8YsdBx6rCSdNi7BFj8DLFuGGnRaYvkvGU2uRW18IYatJ-XCKMHuTwdWkjdLjLNUKb3_tCLtHevZNk7WWwo-45-6HcIvFFGlphOFpOeKoU8mkfqxSIQhZmvh69hT1TWixysxqI_bk/s1600/Screenshot-191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQne8YsdBx6rCSdNi7BFj8DLFuGGnRaYvkvGU2uRW18IYatJ-XCKMHuTwdWkjdLjLNUKb3_tCLtHevZNk7WWwo-45-6HcIvFFGlphOFpOeKoU8mkfqxSIQhZmvh69hT1TWixysxqI_bk/s400/Screenshot-191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle shook her head again and continued, "So what brings you here?" Nizume looked off to the side, staring at a painted picture on the nearby wall for what seemed like ten minutes before Annabelle asked the same question.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEQ5aW1pgmhYPyipSOL9_G5i9iEYwmey_00tPR9Sz3f3zTm8MOTxdNAa_qnOyZLlCpPulqQJ-y1bHtM9pS48NH4PKq-V2bbrAFP6UKCbfz4IQSEEa8byHgMPcHyBodUHAG_ciIdVBh2E/s1600/Screenshot-193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEQ5aW1pgmhYPyipSOL9_G5i9iEYwmey_00tPR9Sz3f3zTm8MOTxdNAa_qnOyZLlCpPulqQJ-y1bHtM9pS48NH4PKq-V2bbrAFP6UKCbfz4IQSEEa8byHgMPcHyBodUHAG_ciIdVBh2E/s400/Screenshot-193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"OH! Professor Shale wants to speak to you back at the hideout. He said something about the something and something something I really wasn't listening because OOH did you know we have butterflies in the hideout because I <i>saw one earlier and it <b>was so AWESOME</b></i>!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrmDTu7hpoL4D17_R18Diy5Kaw9irUi4n5wG3Jb_z-Fjuq8Vs7mWc3C7dGWS57Zi_V3pq6VMMYZ-aTZY_S6oMXt5ov-_vwILNQUr3pzfDtEoqPwadWquZewhRZPh48yUB_VDzApdVz2Y/s1600/Screenshot-194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrmDTu7hpoL4D17_R18Diy5Kaw9irUi4n5wG3Jb_z-Fjuq8Vs7mWc3C7dGWS57Zi_V3pq6VMMYZ-aTZY_S6oMXt5ov-_vwILNQUr3pzfDtEoqPwadWquZewhRZPh48yUB_VDzApdVz2Y/s400/Screenshot-194.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"NIZUME!"<br />
<br />
"Yeah hideout thingy with the rock and things and such! Let's go!" Nizume turned around quickly, so much so that her goggles flew off her head and landed on the ground nearby. She chuckled before turning back to Annabelle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHcGcnTPbbd5hIbZyJoqFZ1mLzd2fOkNNEiFvoRoDXtYx0Z8DiXF7rc5j6qAIcMTDCvdwP574zDLOmW3szSlPP6sUedILsnN_-RRGSuSzqFsNqEmoF5TLBIRYcpWppUOK0PjrGhkVAws/s1600/Screenshot-195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHcGcnTPbbd5hIbZyJoqFZ1mLzd2fOkNNEiFvoRoDXtYx0Z8DiXF7rc5j6qAIcMTDCvdwP574zDLOmW3szSlPP6sUedILsnN_-RRGSuSzqFsNqEmoF5TLBIRYcpWppUOK0PjrGhkVAws/s400/Screenshot-195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle stepped over to pick them up and give them to her and when she did she noticed something about Nizume that wasn't as apparent before when she had the goggles on: a large, deep, gash mark across the right side of her face going in multiple directions. Annabelle remembered back when Kelly had described the pictures of the Vornek attack on the bar patron some time before, and the marks were described in the same way as Nizume's. This made Annabelle wonder if Nizume had been actually scarred by the Vornek before, and if that meant there were more out there than the one or two she had already seen. Nizume took the googles and put them back on, smiling at Annabelle before walking out of the kitchen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuejF9EczQ2twgoYVvjLnHQnXwIExQP3LO6I1q0IByuYBQfYy7i2JCwRRKIB9iljehFSGnbocaszorIflHbXsSZPTx74aoBhvJieZ_YVyK2oYFosUHQy9d1mu3KdQfX_MjQXMDUmCq3s/s1600/Screenshot-189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuejF9EczQ2twgoYVvjLnHQnXwIExQP3LO6I1q0IByuYBQfYy7i2JCwRRKIB9iljehFSGnbocaszorIflHbXsSZPTx74aoBhvJieZ_YVyK2oYFosUHQy9d1mu3KdQfX_MjQXMDUmCq3s/s400/Screenshot-189.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Let us go to talk to the rock!"</div>
<br />
-----------------<br />
<br />
Maria watched as Annabelle left with Nizume, and turned to walk into the living room. The moment she did, she saw Verena walking into the same room and instead turned to head to the kitchen. John picked up on the sudden change in movement and walked into the kitchen as well after her mother. The two of them found themselves in the room, with Maria on the far end looking around the fridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7XoA895wQXLexPL4vDt03kb3q3q869Sjsc28mQzvwob4HB7FYGEK92iKEUwND1ORtyelJP8gZ7LPY3yCndrwMiFP3Zh2mYGswMAbU1QiSFerzPa5pyI5PqvKxMC1kwTdhg2Gkhlf1JM/s1600/Screenshot-222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7XoA895wQXLexPL4vDt03kb3q3q869Sjsc28mQzvwob4HB7FYGEK92iKEUwND1ORtyelJP8gZ7LPY3yCndrwMiFP3Zh2mYGswMAbU1QiSFerzPa5pyI5PqvKxMC1kwTdhg2Gkhlf1JM/s400/Screenshot-222.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Mom?" John asked, "Are you alright?"<br />
<br />
"What? Why do you ask? Food is good, food is life. I just came to get something to eat."<br />
<br />
"I know when you're hiding things, mom. I'm your son. Your smart, smart son, remember?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjrkxxtngbeeccPoujZNFIA-3XWKO0ZeGTLq5vO04LpYSAIMJtpzLcpS3xvtnMwHsg3J1ELwe4KaK-2eFVF3D5SPajIJiSo9gvJyo1DZ3ke_TVni7CWd2c6d-03a30nRwilI2-2F4k7s/s1600/Screenshot-218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjrkxxtngbeeccPoujZNFIA-3XWKO0ZeGTLq5vO04LpYSAIMJtpzLcpS3xvtnMwHsg3J1ELwe4KaK-2eFVF3D5SPajIJiSo9gvJyo1DZ3ke_TVni7CWd2c6d-03a30nRwilI2-2F4k7s/s320/Screenshot-218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Maria made a brief sound that sounded like a laugh, "Yeah, I stopped having to help with your homework when you went into second grade. It's just... that woman in there, she's acting like she's Annabelle's mother when I was the one who raised her. I don't like it."<br />
<br />
A light bulb went off in John's head and he immediately blurted out what went through his mind when it did. "You're jealous?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07BeVHEtVDtMxJy5dIng5bckSxqQkjg-5kVw5cXSQF7HzdjhLTJEKfst9_KahHxpGh-kdxoP7bbVlzcppeLzJKckOuCNcpyA9C-qDKuCLucs06yKrYleNHa6durJj2TPKYkgmyDlNpTI/s1600/Screenshot-220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07BeVHEtVDtMxJy5dIng5bckSxqQkjg-5kVw5cXSQF7HzdjhLTJEKfst9_KahHxpGh-kdxoP7bbVlzcppeLzJKckOuCNcpyA9C-qDKuCLucs06yKrYleNHa6durJj2TPKYkgmyDlNpTI/s400/Screenshot-220.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maria closed the fridge and turned around, slumping against it and sliding to the ground. "I wanted to be the one who helped Annie through this, but it was h-her birth-mother who told her all she needed to know. Right now I feel so useless, that I shouldn't be here."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9INM4_snkLR0lHKsNksdhCptMLz-UMZ6i4b8WNVA3qJS2RDOrpD7ORySrfKUiVu-HMz5uqPPqnnO5E1xQFIShD6kYhqOVFckuBo1xjJew5bbjU-Fhf1AJFXle_wDgSY_a0C5V4ou0dCA/s1600/Screenshot-219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9INM4_snkLR0lHKsNksdhCptMLz-UMZ6i4b8WNVA3qJS2RDOrpD7ORySrfKUiVu-HMz5uqPPqnnO5E1xQFIShD6kYhqOVFckuBo1xjJew5bbjU-Fhf1AJFXle_wDgSY_a0C5V4ou0dCA/s400/Screenshot-219.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Annabelle's just going through a rough time, and Verena is the only one who can really help her out. But Annie knows who her real mom is. She knows who helped her learn how to walk, talk, and took her to school every day, who sat by her bedside when she was sick and helped her when she was hurt. Trust me, Annabelle knows you're the one who raised her."<br />
<br />
Maria shrugged. "I suppose. Look don't tell Annie I'm 'jealous' of Verena. She has too much on her mind now and she doesn't need to know it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUsFK2XC10xAVs27e2vRpbGtG3_1CCqX1GRwDALzcPi7IRpTsSlYl7W5I8CFpFLXAImiDBxdO4lFlF_2kTdiOaWmskqGMOrbw9oz59903fgSX3X13tiPutM__x5Vv20GJjwFo0yoHpQY/s1600/Screenshot-221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUsFK2XC10xAVs27e2vRpbGtG3_1CCqX1GRwDALzcPi7IRpTsSlYl7W5I8CFpFLXAImiDBxdO4lFlF_2kTdiOaWmskqGMOrbw9oz59903fgSX3X13tiPutM__x5Vv20GJjwFo0yoHpQY/s400/Screenshot-221.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Alright." John replied, "but only if you get off the floor."<br />
<br />
<br />
Maria stayed on the floor in front of the fridge and smiled, "nah, this floor is warm. Warm kitchen floor. So sleepy. Long night." After which she stretched herself out on the floor, quickly falling asleep.<br />
<br />
John smiled, and sat down next to his mother as she fell asleep, watching over her the entire night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxA4Oe-ovicBYClKGXMfBDxY5BLzd6MCy4BRfoWQdauO6GqfU0w0z6cM1RoooQI-sW59m8Zc5kmVCdc63nixbFOv2JBZE7SfpmshHRbYUsbOuUPzJ99wpmmWO1o_s0U4RH6liSidgiGU/s1600/Screenshot-223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxA4Oe-ovicBYClKGXMfBDxY5BLzd6MCy4BRfoWQdauO6GqfU0w0z6cM1RoooQI-sW59m8Zc5kmVCdc63nixbFOv2JBZE7SfpmshHRbYUsbOuUPzJ99wpmmWO1o_s0U4RH6liSidgiGU/s320/Screenshot-223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
-----------------<br />
<br />
Annabelle followed Nizume across the nearby snow-covered field to the Feen hideout, where Shale was sitting where he usually was while Kayley was talking to him. Annabelle stepped into the room and Kayley politely smiled before stepping to the side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr9b4eOY0udeklMmcsainjzYLoU-A5OPVAP4QtbJYJljgDEeCjsTybHW3qt65Oeg0Uj5IKMRiRp7ecReb6atzfuo9-g6T9mi64vTZtzn53u4f2utWOAEJr6bRh2ta7NEx-Y1o8l08fuI/s1600/Screenshot-224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr9b4eOY0udeklMmcsainjzYLoU-A5OPVAP4QtbJYJljgDEeCjsTybHW3qt65Oeg0Uj5IKMRiRp7ecReb6atzfuo9-g6T9mi64vTZtzn53u4f2utWOAEJr6bRh2ta7NEx-Y1o8l08fuI/s400/Screenshot-224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So the poster-child for Hyperactivity Awareness said you needed to talk to me?" Annabelle asked. Nizume was over on the other side of the room, admiring what appeared to be the color of a flower, and didn't even hear her comment.<br />
<br />
"Indeed." Shale replied, "The Abyss is gaining strength, and the Vornek is here to unite it with Vorik. However, we have discovered a possible way to defeat the Abyss and stop Vorik and his Vornek once and for all."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uHi436NHyrAC2nxXdL-Y7bbNKwICO9KS6qfjzaddoWNGTghkzKbg9QkxZqqvZgCR0uEmfq2jduZhQERQng3v25n_M2tZc64zIcGT6BUroE399qw8z3wCF2JKRwJdq5QC1UycxFM9mcU/s1600/Screenshot-228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uHi436NHyrAC2nxXdL-Y7bbNKwICO9KS6qfjzaddoWNGTghkzKbg9QkxZqqvZgCR0uEmfq2jduZhQERQng3v25n_M2tZc64zIcGT6BUroE399qw8z3wCF2JKRwJdq5QC1UycxFM9mcU/s400/Screenshot-228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Kayley interjected, "We were looking through old books in the basement and we found one called the <i>Everlasting Light</i>, it discusses the conflict between the Abyss and the Cosmic as passed down by our ancestors. It has a spell that could to destroy the Abyss for good, or at least nullify its power for many years."<br />
<br />
"Okay, why not use it now?"<br />
<br />
Kayley looked at the rock, then back to Annabelle with a worried expression on her face. "It's really not that simple. The spell takes a lot of magic. A lot. If one Feen were to cast it, they could be stripped of not only their power, but their very identity."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPX9kdEmKkeRjSVHXLca1yUZmt_5ifeS3QZPvNndvUzbg81evvjFOFxToKib2h0BsCRXFnH-f8R6qV4Ls8oIMBRRworLHhm5rNsgRrRAYINMtUwsNwiwlkH1-jfJ1wKCLGgE_D7L7tEQ/s1600/Screenshot-226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPX9kdEmKkeRjSVHXLca1yUZmt_5ifeS3QZPvNndvUzbg81evvjFOFxToKib2h0BsCRXFnH-f8R6qV4Ls8oIMBRRworLHhm5rNsgRrRAYINMtUwsNwiwlkH1-jfJ1wKCLGgE_D7L7tEQ/s400/Screenshot-226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Shale continued. "The Cosmic is a Torran entity, and its power is tied to the Torran DNA within the Feen, and within you. If you were to cast it, you could be rendered completely human. If a full-blooded Torran were to cast it somehow, they would die."<br />
<br />
"Oh well then... um... what if a bunch of Feen were to get together and cast it? Or at least get in a circle and sing Kumbaya? Could all the magic combine so no one person has to cast that spell by themselves?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4myExUfAL-bJy_Y8M9bePl5RCF9pbNhSVZ2x2BCWC42SI-LqHZ8HCweyypdBQPoN71FAOvRgjRSqkkjRwAcNKssmRUA1UxLmYLcfU6ysfXcThm6OasHOytaWo3sCUQ1qEobt340lBWk/s1600/Screenshot-225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4myExUfAL-bJy_Y8M9bePl5RCF9pbNhSVZ2x2BCWC42SI-LqHZ8HCweyypdBQPoN71FAOvRgjRSqkkjRwAcNKssmRUA1UxLmYLcfU6ysfXcThm6OasHOytaWo3sCUQ1qEobt340lBWk/s400/Screenshot-225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"We're not sure." Kayley replied, "The possibility is indeed there but we can't be sure until someone actually is able to cast it. Combing magic is a dangerous thing, casting a combined spell even more so."<br />
<br />
"I sincerely wish there was some kind of instruction manual on how to be a Feen." Annabelle said in a frustrated voice, "This whole thing is really starting to get to me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkUJTaL2YKJY5x_IR11OsKv3JQVhwTijBnPeuPGKRsvsr-1Te4lZGAOLa7ulyyWp8AuPb8RVCCQ5rCVb3XVg616R5fH5w0TyIV6qZh6NkyFmNtlA3pUPGjQoqezWOo5F_kEzOS8lYKVA/s1600/Screenshot-227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkUJTaL2YKJY5x_IR11OsKv3JQVhwTijBnPeuPGKRsvsr-1Te4lZGAOLa7ulyyWp8AuPb8RVCCQ5rCVb3XVg616R5fH5w0TyIV6qZh6NkyFmNtlA3pUPGjQoqezWOo5F_kEzOS8lYKVA/s400/Screenshot-227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yes, and I apologize completely. You wouldn't have been involved in this whole thing if it wasn't for me,"<br />
<br />
Annabelle shrugged, "I've been through so much hell in my life that I honestly believe I'd have gotten into this myself somehow anyway. Don't blame yourself, blame destiny or whatever the hell brought the Feen and Vornek to Earth."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp6qkmlfXI3Og66PcygpeDXfL5LO2byQvptJulr_fdGCA5mviOTaBbyEsf0WSZZ76zyNfAqQBW4vfi18TtWsYpUILGXyAh1U_Nq3VAhnVhPNCEWSGd_8C_NEXuwj7el1s_YPVbDDqJc0/s1600/Screenshot-229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp6qkmlfXI3Og66PcygpeDXfL5LO2byQvptJulr_fdGCA5mviOTaBbyEsf0WSZZ76zyNfAqQBW4vfi18TtWsYpUILGXyAh1U_Nq3VAhnVhPNCEWSGd_8C_NEXuwj7el1s_YPVbDDqJc0/s400/Screenshot-229.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Shale spoke up, "Indeed. Now is not the time to point fingers. We must figure out a way to stop the Abyss and everything around it."<br />
<br />
Annabelle stretched her back and yawned, turning to Kayley and Shale. "Is there anything else you need from me right now? I'm seriously getting tired and I need to go home to sleep properly."<br />
<br />
"No, we will contact you again when we have more details. Nizume will help you out, isn't that right, Nizume?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6Y4hqiiytM7EaqLELVuDXJyHbMP7HIEN_I7BjICq-bLr1YrJbKnkhqbtgIDbGKpPmbD9TF8MvotoDlpb_6J0dPqTd4MehDbScFztgps1LCmkLDBJP-1cUc8D5Iq2AeA857h3-uSHq0k/s1600/Screenshot-232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6Y4hqiiytM7EaqLELVuDXJyHbMP7HIEN_I7BjICq-bLr1YrJbKnkhqbtgIDbGKpPmbD9TF8MvotoDlpb_6J0dPqTd4MehDbScFztgps1LCmkLDBJP-1cUc8D5Iq2AeA857h3-uSHq0k/s400/Screenshot-232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle and Kayley turned and, at the same time, noticed Nizume was gone. The former turned and chuckled, "I can help myself out. Just call me if you need me again."<br />
<br />
This time, Shale was the one to reply. "We will. Hopefully we can figure out a way to cast the spell without turning you human. The loss of one's identity would be a personal sacrifice not many can undertake." Annabelle quietly nodded and left. Kayley watched her leave, and turned to the rock with a worried look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-kJwt018W5fZBozZpl50TPMJRE0Yp7Bs0RRLvBnqfBN99uHoI-Dqjx6XsUAxo6twPNXysw9HGI3nI2b1hUEGkHQimpGq4GTJRkqjPTnvW8uHmpLpaagARchh_XR70mhabTi_KG4CWUU/s1600/Screenshot-233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-kJwt018W5fZBozZpl50TPMJRE0Yp7Bs0RRLvBnqfBN99uHoI-Dqjx6XsUAxo6twPNXysw9HGI3nI2b1hUEGkHQimpGq4GTJRkqjPTnvW8uHmpLpaagARchh_XR70mhabTi_KG4CWUU/s400/Screenshot-233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklrlZJEbzs2HgS338_Dc0oUDQs2mMEEPxxWhM5ovtTEbaeNFrFpc70jTf9yzrEy_8uZnn_HHcjldyW4oVWOhFdfGwkIrWx5SpV6OeFSS7p5SJQ4qs4TF27g9RQkXfIvkimdi1a0VTLpk/s1600/Screenshot-216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklrlZJEbzs2HgS338_Dc0oUDQs2mMEEPxxWhM5ovtTEbaeNFrFpc70jTf9yzrEy_8uZnn_HHcjldyW4oVWOhFdfGwkIrWx5SpV6OeFSS7p5SJQ4qs4TF27g9RQkXfIvkimdi1a0VTLpk/s400/Screenshot-216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera sat on a couch in the foyer, reading a book, and looked up when Annabelle walked through the front door. Having not talked to her since she left to meet the "mystery person" who turned out to be the triumvirate of Verena, Andromeda, and Anika, she was excited to see and talk to her. Without any delay, Keera put the book down and walked over to Annabelle, smiling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyJ5QOo9VZQ5Cm0N7arvMxhjMoO72HnzCXodHHBF37axtLpfKs4bXLd3m6qd9TCn-qfITsqdu2sRW8SCaNjDxS3Z86GZp7Ar3fmG7Nfs-dwe7pBtULZx8J_iLWEwO0_a8yj1aXs4emNY/s1600/Screenshot-235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyJ5QOo9VZQ5Cm0N7arvMxhjMoO72HnzCXodHHBF37axtLpfKs4bXLd3m6qd9TCn-qfITsqdu2sRW8SCaNjDxS3Z86GZp7Ar3fmG7Nfs-dwe7pBtULZx8J_iLWEwO0_a8yj1aXs4emNY/s400/Screenshot-235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Hey mom! I was wondering if you wanted to play any games right now? Everyone else is either busy, sleeping, or busy sleeping."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHswXHWBbOb76llpKyptTVoznpKIgi9awLq7-8qe3Q_1YbKO84DFbVQdDjHzS4CLt5h69dZ2eOMep2xLSeJrXtBGLWMBrR88R8K_bFdChdr7kKfzJKvvh6zOqBmWG5GzZjKY-yFGqcJo/s1600/Screenshot-236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHswXHWBbOb76llpKyptTVoznpKIgi9awLq7-8qe3Q_1YbKO84DFbVQdDjHzS4CLt5h69dZ2eOMep2xLSeJrXtBGLWMBrR88R8K_bFdChdr7kKfzJKvvh6zOqBmWG5GzZjKY-yFGqcJo/s400/Screenshot-236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle kept walking and made her way to the stairs. "I just found out that I might have to cast a spell that would turn me completely human and remove all traces of my Torran DNA to destroy the Abyss, the Vornek, and the a-hole who was responsible for bringing both of them here, I think I'm gonna sleep on that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n0PPp1prVOvszBuokWyHqj7YhnnKt62UVkdHZkf20Twi0BMeK3FZQz1iBjz-v-EAm3deVo_othMR2ySfby6S0AxitVT2eMSifke2cfuD__kzCAK5pNYOLspBiHjeG0cDGEUKLZVmf1I/s1600/Screenshot-239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n0PPp1prVOvszBuokWyHqj7YhnnKt62UVkdHZkf20Twi0BMeK3FZQz1iBjz-v-EAm3deVo_othMR2ySfby6S0AxitVT2eMSifke2cfuD__kzCAK5pNYOLspBiHjeG0cDGEUKLZVmf1I/s400/Screenshot-239.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh.. uh... wow... okay, maybe we can play later." Keera stood in place in complete bewilderment as Annabelle headed up the stairs. A few moments later Anika walked up to her, waving a brief "hello". The two walked away from the stairs into the side-room of the foyer near the back entrance to have their conversation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqzX7cIQF4jAKk3ajT1j0myTcfdEYaRvuMOusAjvlHAJp_kdFKXWGeFW_SqlTHUUzWrzyKb_uaB83OllwXvIaMW4s8YT4ichyphenhyphenTxHHPUqOiIGJV_95aPmG8aaYSMOjtlPPHF9ldjhPXNE/s1600/Screenshot-214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqzX7cIQF4jAKk3ajT1j0myTcfdEYaRvuMOusAjvlHAJp_kdFKXWGeFW_SqlTHUUzWrzyKb_uaB83OllwXvIaMW4s8YT4ichyphenhyphenTxHHPUqOiIGJV_95aPmG8aaYSMOjtlPPHF9ldjhPXNE/s400/Screenshot-214.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
"I heard what Annabelle said. That's a powerful thing to do, sacrifice ones self to save others. Trust me, I know."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_oeDN_h37Pj6hC9QCrEFXN5AqeZbGGAoXcXUy09RsJAiAW2mgXOQpqnsuqxtNokNxYrBpUjf6Y9kAASr9MV6FJ3yqsaEO8IgiTOqrGxhsdWzIv7PymPT4W-KiFUT1K8j46Y-CUjB83c/s1600/Screenshot-213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_oeDN_h37Pj6hC9QCrEFXN5AqeZbGGAoXcXUy09RsJAiAW2mgXOQpqnsuqxtNokNxYrBpUjf6Y9kAASr9MV6FJ3yqsaEO8IgiTOqrGxhsdWzIv7PymPT4W-KiFUT1K8j46Y-CUjB83c/s400/Screenshot-213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera nodded, then spoke. "Yeah, you once said you became a genie to save your child's life, do you remember telling me that?"<br />
<br />
"Yes."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaQEpoHcu8ojJ3GmezaB62fCjOfFPkmIRzU1uC56CrsAsY6vT2NxogrlEygetijinns2y_TZpMBEndOe2EAn7LLjEF-skvAyedLLqKOJ6nman6K1ljzsS_WxO8C3Paj6ZNJCo3A-JE_w/s1600/Screenshot-211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaQEpoHcu8ojJ3GmezaB62fCjOfFPkmIRzU1uC56CrsAsY6vT2NxogrlEygetijinns2y_TZpMBEndOe2EAn7LLjEF-skvAyedLLqKOJ6nman6K1ljzsS_WxO8C3Paj6ZNJCo3A-JE_w/s400/Screenshot-211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera turned to look around, and then back to Anika. "Can I ask you something? I mean, you don't have to answer it if you do not want to, but it would be nice to know."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM1G2X7N2w2DoxouvRwhuiETaPG6bHa1NOiZxIvMphIAdtk8O503hMzWdDy8DmM8CIvScDY2rBjlcSVesRwBvEGd6OSJ7BQ326u_m3uuFfNG-hnr11hAb_O4GczoZKRIyIQMhN3R4XGo/s1600/Screenshot-208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM1G2X7N2w2DoxouvRwhuiETaPG6bHa1NOiZxIvMphIAdtk8O503hMzWdDy8DmM8CIvScDY2rBjlcSVesRwBvEGd6OSJ7BQ326u_m3uuFfNG-hnr11hAb_O4GczoZKRIyIQMhN3R4XGo/s400/Screenshot-208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sensing what she was about to ask, Anika turned and looked out the nearby window at the falling snow. Soon the image of the outside faded and she instead focused on a reflection of herself in the glass.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxegW7DfWZ5Cq12JaO2Tr4qeXMoh1jr-fSwBRAKu0iZ-rOXduecdrCDC6MoOw173WSG-OQbeZEdZg8Vd3AG6ox2ixyRfTU8VsC1YvNULfZ4XYo6X8HDMTWG0LKPlGW9ylNWLpABUqTRM/s1600/Screenshot-208a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxegW7DfWZ5Cq12JaO2Tr4qeXMoh1jr-fSwBRAKu0iZ-rOXduecdrCDC6MoOw173WSG-OQbeZEdZg8Vd3AG6ox2ixyRfTU8VsC1YvNULfZ4XYo6X8HDMTWG0LKPlGW9ylNWLpABUqTRM/s400/Screenshot-208a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
"I know you want to know how I became a genie. Truth be told I wasn't going to answer it because it is so hard to remember. But if you want to know the circumstances... it was me. I wouldn't have lost my son if it wasn't for my own actions."<br />
<br />
----<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Qh8tz9vlHA2jv-o8llnvc2_KuBufiwDJneTrUIRApEDVyfTLIATuTPSFC5vFfLPXzNJQGp9iQgoRE8gcmYTIGsX-cgGrwwC1fgopOXvXeqSkcwUEiMiJjZz6Ea3nZyn16pKxzwt10bM/s1600/Screenshot-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Qh8tz9vlHA2jv-o8llnvc2_KuBufiwDJneTrUIRApEDVyfTLIATuTPSFC5vFfLPXzNJQGp9iQgoRE8gcmYTIGsX-cgGrwwC1fgopOXvXeqSkcwUEiMiJjZz6Ea3nZyn16pKxzwt10bM/s400/Screenshot-58.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>It was a long time ago. I had heard about a mystical tree in the desert outside my home town. I grew up hearing about this power, what it could do, and I could use it to help myself and my son become rich or at least give him a decent home to grow up in. His father was killed by bandits the year before, and with his death I lost my home and all our belongings. All I had left was my little child and the hope for him and I to have a better life. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwQiL6YvNuRCDlgmBtoFwnOdCOEX64S3vYW6XK0wt7ydL4HljH3XiHiOI5UG58kDjzpvxULJrUpQgqaDQQPXJ-rkd5MwjgDx7z3-ujomdtuLazmLQrVTdJeYkYSEvbxymyYy8FLyUIUI/s1600/Screenshot-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwQiL6YvNuRCDlgmBtoFwnOdCOEX64S3vYW6XK0wt7ydL4HljH3XiHiOI5UG58kDjzpvxULJrUpQgqaDQQPXJ-rkd5MwjgDx7z3-ujomdtuLazmLQrVTdJeYkYSEvbxymyYy8FLyUIUI/s400/Screenshot-43.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>I did not know, however, that a man was following us. He was an outsider, from the country of France, and he wanted the power for himself. He tracked us across the desert and we encountered him at the tree, which was on the side of a deep river. He threatened my son, and told me to tell him all I knew about the tree. When I refused, he took out a flintlock pistol and shot my son in the stomach. </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSqHsdm_xKGs6PpDkYa2yJ6-Jc4TCpCcFWY-ImEfE806dh7cLYDH7zBg8_8Y2DAxhlD3tOZoXhj9vBF-XVo31xc2SLrnbI-GD5nxQWu4qMp-oFqNtr-qP_mjuwv-BePIb5BfBn52_C7k/s1600/Screenshot-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSqHsdm_xKGs6PpDkYa2yJ6-Jc4TCpCcFWY-ImEfE806dh7cLYDH7zBg8_8Y2DAxhlD3tOZoXhj9vBF-XVo31xc2SLrnbI-GD5nxQWu4qMp-oFqNtr-qP_mjuwv-BePIb5BfBn52_C7k/s400/Screenshot-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1694uzN8njjRxdq935rAe8bI1E_iJEXlzQ7Gy3vbIp5riIntc1qLSPO_DSJg1cxlp3REB71hDIxdwoyirwzZnzBYNxHh7Cq7nXHhB2jbFHN3kUNKIbhOESsJ9p259LYdtU4DXil77vkg/s1600/Screenshot-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1694uzN8njjRxdq935rAe8bI1E_iJEXlzQ7Gy3vbIp5riIntc1qLSPO_DSJg1cxlp3REB71hDIxdwoyirwzZnzBYNxHh7Cq7nXHhB2jbFHN3kUNKIbhOESsJ9p259LYdtU4DXil77vkg/s400/Screenshot-42.jpg" width="400" /></i></a><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I found a scimitar next to the tree, a lost weapon from a lost person whose hope had seemingly matched mine. I realized this man, this murderer, was not going to leave me or my son alone even after I told him about the magical force of the tree. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-bdhe7E9hxX7cgoGPQoDkINLCjZHvUpY2TTvREypcE61GLkkUdWeD1PGyn57cXFvjezFAvNA7HQng5kxcVD38qs6HxBytm_sE_aYY6ry4WaWRNmMRCifgcBypKyvTfgWJKEWsK369EE/s1600/Screenshot-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-bdhe7E9hxX7cgoGPQoDkINLCjZHvUpY2TTvREypcE61GLkkUdWeD1PGyn57cXFvjezFAvNA7HQng5kxcVD38qs6HxBytm_sE_aYY6ry4WaWRNmMRCifgcBypKyvTfgWJKEWsK369EE/s400/Screenshot-44.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>So I did what I had to do. </i><i>I scared his horse by yelling loudly, and it threw him off. While the man was lying on the ground, struggling to get up, I ran over and drove my sword into his cold, emotionless heart, watching him take his last breath as I took my vengeance. </i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ghRaRU8Gi1ZOtcgnVdG4RR_8J7h61DqXcR5ykWFTPIOtP6nJLB_7P2KHVUXIIrZpZe_7LOsvc1eclv7UwIjVMdy7eXTTG1yp3qlAky563cEqnevZNYjYq61zeJm_ESB6fFuJ7zDCir4/s1600/Screenshot-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ghRaRU8Gi1ZOtcgnVdG4RR_8J7h61DqXcR5ykWFTPIOtP6nJLB_7P2KHVUXIIrZpZe_7LOsvc1eclv7UwIjVMdy7eXTTG1yp3qlAky563cEqnevZNYjYq61zeJm_ESB6fFuJ7zDCir4/s400/Screenshot-45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>Seeing my son on the ground, the last of my hope faded away and I realized there was only one thing left to do. I touched a stone that had materialized in the tree as it changed colors, and that was the last act I had done as a mortal woman. As I approached it, the sky turned dark and day quickly turned to night.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuQylmYVOolMW3_I_V0zZZQFQHBx8UTlkT-VKPoHpuE8lrCMb-PxFAp76TZUdsqxxK87YICZQf7WUf7z5tmmWJ4KsSqOJ3eEjuK0EgoC4ENvMHEB8rGACGHo-HAwMTLJlkELxk4jRzxE/s1600/Screenshot-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuQylmYVOolMW3_I_V0zZZQFQHBx8UTlkT-VKPoHpuE8lrCMb-PxFAp76TZUdsqxxK87YICZQf7WUf7z5tmmWJ4KsSqOJ3eEjuK0EgoC4ENvMHEB8rGACGHo-HAwMTLJlkELxk4jRzxE/s400/Screenshot-47.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeYFV0purir-ev-PkfoKY5gbq97F13p4leP6cADZ2GR96k8hYN3XPbmH9s6WmMfXZ_6PdjF9YtbRuOYnmIdCgWCx76YNVpDVUyljPRuLY8pteMC2dBleRUjOdeMe_4dQqL__M_JuONKI/s1600/Screenshot-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeYFV0purir-ev-PkfoKY5gbq97F13p4leP6cADZ2GR96k8hYN3XPbmH9s6WmMfXZ_6PdjF9YtbRuOYnmIdCgWCx76YNVpDVUyljPRuLY8pteMC2dBleRUjOdeMe_4dQqL__M_JuONKI/s400/Screenshot-51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>I touched the stone and it changed me completely. It was like a power no one had ever witnessed before, and it was all coursing through my veins. The tree changed color, then faded away while directing the rest of its power into the sky above me. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y1A9U8sPLIDsgEs74N76BcNekS9uY2NNO3tV2_hxq_kbtICqTRqWjiNe9Uu9tqlkRsov4LbkI4ypYy_XKp0WGF17ewKNDTNXapsV9X8S-ZtQBJ6GTnwHUeywx52fCt8GrCv45G4sfPs/s1600/Screenshot-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y1A9U8sPLIDsgEs74N76BcNekS9uY2NNO3tV2_hxq_kbtICqTRqWjiNe9Uu9tqlkRsov4LbkI4ypYy_XKp0WGF17ewKNDTNXapsV9X8S-ZtQBJ6GTnwHUeywx52fCt8GrCv45G4sfPs/s400/Screenshot-52.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The magic flew through my body, changing every fiber of my being, and I knew I now had the power to save my son. I knelt to the ground and put my hands under his head, letting the magic move to him, healing his wound. However, I had no idea what kind of sacrifice I had made until I turned around.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW1Z_xZZbjcZ5s8gsxbsvqUyvYKB4FdKGeFuQ8E39_KL8HWbDWqAIHQiN6U-fdekvU4a4Ux2yf0yw10rhobKDJMh8ZT-O5YDzwVSdUJt6uJvjhCfqkRaAbFYOHxK8jnw386WGskJp1y8/s1600/Screenshot-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW1Z_xZZbjcZ5s8gsxbsvqUyvYKB4FdKGeFuQ8E39_KL8HWbDWqAIHQiN6U-fdekvU4a4Ux2yf0yw10rhobKDJMh8ZT-O5YDzwVSdUJt6uJvjhCfqkRaAbFYOHxK8jnw386WGskJp1y8/s400/Screenshot-55.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wt-JsRnASc114P4VcoUzbvxM37Ui9kTWpw9RuZDgCvW18jx_4sCbtGcrXD-sR-7dtCngz2xXKW3W4OtrwCbZboBj7YTHU1RpkvkA6g3WXrKzRKs1EoOT7DQfx7u7Gy-pB09a8O1oPjk/s1600/Screenshot-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wt-JsRnASc114P4VcoUzbvxM37Ui9kTWpw9RuZDgCvW18jx_4sCbtGcrXD-sR-7dtCngz2xXKW3W4OtrwCbZboBj7YTHU1RpkvkA6g3WXrKzRKs1EoOT7DQfx7u7Gy-pB09a8O1oPjk/s400/Screenshot-56.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<i>I turned and saw the lamp pointed at me. I swore it wasn't there before. The moment I saw it, I knew what it represented, what I had become, and what I had to do next. Using my magic, I sent my son off to a different part of the world, removing all memory of me from his mind, and the lamp spewed a trail of smoke pulled me into it, and it remained on the ground with me trapped inside.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>---</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOydgzX45znB_LNUy4qsx5oF4WqMWKzcqIT8aBKoEOw8CR5dbm-57XS4qJaykfjspN43qQn_KBDdyUi2-QKTNIrezo4Zh4fA8-5lQ_EHGDqzdBa5dPMZijmdOmP_n1Z5mN3TMP47OunE/s1600/Screenshot-209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOydgzX45znB_LNUy4qsx5oF4WqMWKzcqIT8aBKoEOw8CR5dbm-57XS4qJaykfjspN43qQn_KBDdyUi2-QKTNIrezo4Zh4fA8-5lQ_EHGDqzdBa5dPMZijmdOmP_n1Z5mN3TMP47OunE/s400/Screenshot-209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Right before being sealed into the lamp, I sent my son to a place I knew he'd be safe. Because of that, my sacrifice, I never saw him again."<br />
<br />
"And when I asked if you regretting doing it, being trapped in that lamp because of what you chose, the sacrifice you made, you said no. Because you loved your child. I must ask... do you think my mom should make the same choice, and sacrifice who she is?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-fKa_jnGdkgbe1SnkNL-Xl4msDfuDtKamqzEp8H7g7HJZH_VL9-fMi5PUIXE-pmwll60M3dCNaMmNKsB-WUQWNPi-emyi2wxTiNVn7dF7FkU-7iUzYb0IX42A-MMgA8HAwYOSgZw_D4/s1600/Screenshot-212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-fKa_jnGdkgbe1SnkNL-Xl4msDfuDtKamqzEp8H7g7HJZH_VL9-fMi5PUIXE-pmwll60M3dCNaMmNKsB-WUQWNPi-emyi2wxTiNVn7dF7FkU-7iUzYb0IX42A-MMgA8HAwYOSgZw_D4/s400/Screenshot-212.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"That is a question only she can answer, Keera, when the time comes." Anika quietly said while she began walking away.<br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5C05rgDFVSHMOmf2QLrW7p2rFBjqDjuhNdr0haXWERh-8jsn9guOxwK9Q8srNyEzOIlB5gw8ReC6_nPdH7zemwTFRoitgbqXascvpEbeWjeOrp-V340O_d43ehO8iH0oZhIKUmBSA-0/s1600/Screenshot-121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5C05rgDFVSHMOmf2QLrW7p2rFBjqDjuhNdr0haXWERh-8jsn9guOxwK9Q8srNyEzOIlB5gw8ReC6_nPdH7zemwTFRoitgbqXascvpEbeWjeOrp-V340O_d43ehO8iH0oZhIKUmBSA-0/s400/Screenshot-121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle returned to her bedroom, trying to get some peace and quiet after yet another crazy day. Just after she changed into some sleeping clothes and sat down on the bed, her bedroom door opened after the person knocked a few times. Before Annie could turn even get over there and open it, she instead turned and watched as Andromeda stepped into the bedroom immediately after, an awkward smile stretched across her face.<br />
<br />
"What do you want?" Annabelle coldly asked before turning around to look at something else, anything else, than the red and black-haired woman whom had been intruding on her privacy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidERgoX_Y3w5rOVZQ7gE52VcvrSOidkoj-i8go7GTZ82YeEu7al0J6O95uDTdEEt7wUvPidcAZ80C0q0yj0luUzUz5OfdDleDw7Vgt-Rc3YH7_PrTE4eL6x6VXSTSSF-V00c8eXTO649E/s1600/Screenshot-122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidERgoX_Y3w5rOVZQ7gE52VcvrSOidkoj-i8go7GTZ82YeEu7al0J6O95uDTdEEt7wUvPidcAZ80C0q0yj0luUzUz5OfdDleDw7Vgt-Rc3YH7_PrTE4eL6x6VXSTSSF-V00c8eXTO649E/s400/Screenshot-122.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Are you going to forgive me? Please, please do."<br />
<br />
Annabelle remained in place. "Why should I? You tried to KILL me, Andromeda. You mentally scarred me for life and that is something that cannot be forgiven."<br />
<br />
"Please."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTqjU_fEOxsSPq0u-DJY0zNjnRAz6Xl7VWwi8meFkt_iLeMfaItscb-rn4cOakkwEQVBvgi826LySmfl5cRFbTwBNKs3_odH1dYPa1dTd2cbhUuhJg-H4meYlOfhp2p2xcaEno86esTs/s1600/Screenshot-130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTqjU_fEOxsSPq0u-DJY0zNjnRAz6Xl7VWwi8meFkt_iLeMfaItscb-rn4cOakkwEQVBvgi826LySmfl5cRFbTwBNKs3_odH1dYPa1dTd2cbhUuhJg-H4meYlOfhp2p2xcaEno86esTs/s400/Screenshot-130.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No. Now leave."<br />
<br />
Andromeda lowered her head and stepped towards the door, but after a few seconds closed it with her still in the room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P5lZ6pFTuhC_nvuVtCdFlI3iXKmIG77WBADHo0FLlf0BingjSe7bY1xttriqhsEmL54zZY1oSvopILBjDJhsVAsRZW8FxYZHa2_dO9Jdge6YYaGSQE942U1TNBplrQ6jjvHxvT6WAsg/s1600/Screenshot-123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P5lZ6pFTuhC_nvuVtCdFlI3iXKmIG77WBADHo0FLlf0BingjSe7bY1xttriqhsEmL54zZY1oSvopILBjDJhsVAsRZW8FxYZHa2_dO9Jdge6YYaGSQE942U1TNBplrQ6jjvHxvT6WAsg/s400/Screenshot-123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You probably have no idea what it's like to have you thoughts pulled in all different directions, to see things in a way that others would make you think you're crazy. That's what I went through <i>after</i> I was trapped in some pit. That pit was my personal hell for fifty years... When Jack found me and offered me freedom of course I said yes. So that's why I told him all about Torra Sev, which led him to finding you in Bridgeport."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDV3IdytNz6LoN2xch7KInyxRrVZnxF4R7IWhF4COO5CiPu1QGyDN4Am3FS5mY59d242EnTpEB3DmOB8_j0h2ppNWaPWF3ngC5xkMT04SFwFzsUUI22UVEYwOOhbc0PrnBOWbxgV9GiI/s1600/Screenshot-124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDV3IdytNz6LoN2xch7KInyxRrVZnxF4R7IWhF4COO5CiPu1QGyDN4Am3FS5mY59d242EnTpEB3DmOB8_j0h2ppNWaPWF3ngC5xkMT04SFwFzsUUI22UVEYwOOhbc0PrnBOWbxgV9GiI/s400/Screenshot-124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Not exactly helping your case."<br />
<br />
"I know! Hear me out... when I was freed I knew I needed to find someone, any other green-skinned hybrid, to prove to myself that I wasn't completely insane. When I found you, asked for your help, and you rejected... that's why I did what I did and I am very, very sorry for everything. I am so damn sorry."<br />
<br />
Annabelle thought of everything Andromeda had just told her. She wasn't sure if it was sincere, or if she was just saying these things to make Annabelle forgive her in the short term. However, memories of the past surfaced in her mind. She thought back to when she didn't forgive Andy, and how that ended up leading to the latter's death and Tom's brief hatred for Annie herself. Not wanting a repeat of that whole event, or simply just not wanting any more enemies than she already had, Annabelle turned around to face Andromeda.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkiBBFErwaA6dW6LRRzcgAVBpsCd7OeOvy0Z4l3p8PbDFh7TaeJchsLguNjzxaK8iWQsr5BuSHtYnfLPF5KrQNVSTFgK9ySTiYijp5l3-kQmv9dIzM45llWs9nMp3f1m7gbs3lEXhC5g/s1600/Screenshot-129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkiBBFErwaA6dW6LRRzcgAVBpsCd7OeOvy0Z4l3p8PbDFh7TaeJchsLguNjzxaK8iWQsr5BuSHtYnfLPF5KrQNVSTFgK9ySTiYijp5l3-kQmv9dIzM45llWs9nMp3f1m7gbs3lEXhC5g/s400/Screenshot-129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I forgive you." She said, quietly. Even Annabelle wasn't sure if she was sincere, but at the moment it was the best thing she could have said for the time being.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMv9tQzJ-UIwL2xtAvZN6AQG5vTuhzW-rhjpXSPRMyHOpdvJiCoViRgpLWuw6jgPQoK6T5zJDAcRhsqb2ImNpqvFMKfTVtPWeJGNyYnWKTmP8g5mdP8fveTwgGPUnKXPR3ikMR-MjWkY/s1600/Screenshot-126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMv9tQzJ-UIwL2xtAvZN6AQG5vTuhzW-rhjpXSPRMyHOpdvJiCoViRgpLWuw6jgPQoK6T5zJDAcRhsqb2ImNpqvFMKfTVtPWeJGNyYnWKTmP8g5mdP8fveTwgGPUnKXPR3ikMR-MjWkY/s400/Screenshot-126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It was so quiet, almost a whisper, that Andromeda didn't even pick it up at first but when she did her dour expression changed quickly to that of surprise, and happiness. "I need time to process this." she said before silently stepped out of the room, leaving Annabelle alone to her own thoughts once more.<br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QL8-ulUbeW0vcmjn-gk-slay-HOMjPPJacBFZgfJV9CMhWkJVTbWCbvRPcpA6tYNMoTz7WDrPTpb047cIti0cG7NydbC3PrsvuK9jXQWQPY6NPli-1qbFiDK7A5XFOKkUyMJJYC8-vE/s1600/Screenshot-138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QL8-ulUbeW0vcmjn-gk-slay-HOMjPPJacBFZgfJV9CMhWkJVTbWCbvRPcpA6tYNMoTz7WDrPTpb047cIti0cG7NydbC3PrsvuK9jXQWQPY6NPli-1qbFiDK7A5XFOKkUyMJJYC8-vE/s400/Screenshot-138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning, Kelly stood in the basement smiling as she watched Gabriel and Cassie play sit next to each other on the couch nearby. Cassie seemed to be sitting closer to Gabe than Kelly had expected her to, and was giving tips on how to fight a boss battle in the co-op video game they were playing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lt8cqWn8Z-i5seochRC2JNTLSFovSEVvKWULZqMhB-nFdeQQHcQf58BP3Df3CksyEHz1TIFlxL9vvR4tTxMTyVr5r7V3SbXkkmMiyvSJSjehZM296jV4hQ5qcksTFJZUXX7gveMCeB4/s1600/Screenshot-139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lt8cqWn8Z-i5seochRC2JNTLSFovSEVvKWULZqMhB-nFdeQQHcQf58BP3Df3CksyEHz1TIFlxL9vvR4tTxMTyVr5r7V3SbXkkmMiyvSJSjehZM296jV4hQ5qcksTFJZUXX7gveMCeB4/s400/Screenshot-139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The nearby steps creaked as Tom walked down them, dressed in his "Sunday best" for a planned visit to the graveyard. Ignoring the noise from the game, Tom walked right over to Kelly, and afterwards the two walked into a nearby wine storage room to talk things through.<br />
<br />
"Hey cousin, I just wanted to-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCgHcNhqJqKHBR8dFC6oIAoNRZstR-SZ4Ov5_L4yNa1LHsBrskBZCb1hk2ZE_Sp1S0Jsk2ZeXwRx4fOmwverNWtgcXi03wPrA8vpIeupbQbFl6AVnHRaluNGXAu3aIfKL84wIvLvZp7I/s1600/Screenshot-142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCgHcNhqJqKHBR8dFC6oIAoNRZstR-SZ4Ov5_L4yNa1LHsBrskBZCb1hk2ZE_Sp1S0Jsk2ZeXwRx4fOmwverNWtgcXi03wPrA8vpIeupbQbFl6AVnHRaluNGXAu3aIfKL84wIvLvZp7I/s400/Screenshot-142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Apologize over what happened? Yeah me too. I kinda expected you to act like that and I shouldn't have taken you to the interrogation until I knew you were ready. I apologize for getting mad at you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_knzrOKaTkp_VewtAbWfwVFHJDzXWZEdfWz_LoIFJdupAuheO7g21-PkS0OR_3QgZUyRZHacnhfDYo2ijE9mTBTXgm7JDP5coE2visrONVYqBYGsMJHiKaDruVYJfICGpgcFZcJ0BWw/s1600/Screenshot-143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_knzrOKaTkp_VewtAbWfwVFHJDzXWZEdfWz_LoIFJdupAuheO7g21-PkS0OR_3QgZUyRZHacnhfDYo2ijE9mTBTXgm7JDP5coE2visrONVYqBYGsMJHiKaDruVYJfICGpgcFZcJ0BWw/s400/Screenshot-143.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I am really, honestly, deeply sorry. And I will do whatever it takes to-wait, you accepted my apology before I even gave it? Thanks!"<br />
<br />
Kelly smirked. "I didn't even need to read your mind. Look I had a talk with that rock last night and basically I realized I should give you the benefit of the doubt. I didn't yesterday because I couldn't comprehend what you were going through, and I am more aware now. Just no more... jumping onto tables, deal?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiDNNeXqJTJ-aw33GE4NDs-B_OjlQpJbyUqGBEJM5jQAJGxNA0KpbyoTIQVd4281pnRL2mTKMUrJmSI3YSSUirwX7s1Q_HS7O4UEzYejyfOA4ZVPzJtpwNMBhpYARX3erMuujKXO8_GM/s1600/Screenshot-145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiDNNeXqJTJ-aw33GE4NDs-B_OjlQpJbyUqGBEJM5jQAJGxNA0KpbyoTIQVd4281pnRL2mTKMUrJmSI3YSSUirwX7s1Q_HS7O4UEzYejyfOA4ZVPzJtpwNMBhpYARX3erMuujKXO8_GM/s400/Screenshot-145.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom chuckled, and shook her hand. "Deal."<br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xghvwFU92BV9w0kuTasTRVCAcfLpijw4FbcydzIGCBlIBSERaOH1Bh43egIaUZNvXR-07R9eN5CX4Ww9rcEclMM5XExHBNvmPGqewnl0W7GCNGQaPuibkm8KSLi-s3380Cnb7uQsawA/s1600/Screenshot-146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xghvwFU92BV9w0kuTasTRVCAcfLpijw4FbcydzIGCBlIBSERaOH1Bh43egIaUZNvXR-07R9eN5CX4Ww9rcEclMM5XExHBNvmPGqewnl0W7GCNGQaPuibkm8KSLi-s3380Cnb7uQsawA/s400/Screenshot-146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom walked upstairs, and he and Andromeda left the house to go to the graveyard like he had promised. As they drove there, Tom thought back to the whole time he was with Andy while her true form sat next to him. Eventually, the car showed up on the road just outside the graveyard and the two climbed out before walking into the lot.<br />
<br />
Tom was the first one to get to Andy's grave. His blank expression turned sad as he remembered kissing the woman who was both standing behind him and was lying in front of him at the exact same time. Time passed, the snow fell, and Andromeda seemed to be getting more and more worried about him. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo8rKxczmh126S_NGFS12EkwVzGOzoJmDxyH9JNfjOZPMIHClasSezL8DfKMdypPOx71HA8ji3thpmD2nhRzCbzuVq4kQYHesVTe9jM0GDIulqXiuD61IW2qCPL2pRkgConfip5ehXv4/s1600/Screenshot-149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo8rKxczmh126S_NGFS12EkwVzGOzoJmDxyH9JNfjOZPMIHClasSezL8DfKMdypPOx71HA8ji3thpmD2nhRzCbzuVq4kQYHesVTe9jM0GDIulqXiuD61IW2qCPL2pRkgConfip5ehXv4/s400/Screenshot-149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Tom, are you alright?"<br />
<br />
Tom continued to silently stand in place for a few moments, looking at the grave. "Yeah, I'm just... it's so strange, you standing there while a part of you is in here. I know it must be equally strange for <i>you</i>."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I am a magical alien hybrid who transformed into a unicorn. Strangeness is expected."</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjREyeQ1sMx6jcOh7bmiyZmB3FWscaKxGNme6raZDZNTqvWZw0q12aX-rAuYkWzKYX_U9-LM559qbZBRKYgoouOmIOQB88Dzx7EKT2V-8DEFp3I69Z8UJtywrGUnyMRVVBS1yyam8MLFE/s1600/Screenshot-150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjREyeQ1sMx6jcOh7bmiyZmB3FWscaKxGNme6raZDZNTqvWZw0q12aX-rAuYkWzKYX_U9-LM559qbZBRKYgoouOmIOQB88Dzx7EKT2V-8DEFp3I69Z8UJtywrGUnyMRVVBS1yyam8MLFE/s400/Screenshot-150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom briefly laughed, then turned back to the grave. "Is this life? Is this my life? That's what I ask myself every day. I wake up and see a green-skinned woman and her teenaged clone talking to each other, and I constantly wonder if my life was ever supposed to be <i>this</i> strange. Sometimes I just want things to be 'normal'. Sometimes I want the mundane."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVHZ6oBEEEnJUscZLOmV4MSh2xwYr1Th5Sc8RqUfBOb4plCikzoBaDjncFuqPv_PoJm-yohlhuoT_GtifJYzSthyAG6TlXiay5z0blkFVbPTLeiHg2Lm-e7zS2-6Iqmjr_KFNOOvVWwo/s1600/Screenshot-151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVHZ6oBEEEnJUscZLOmV4MSh2xwYr1Th5Sc8RqUfBOb4plCikzoBaDjncFuqPv_PoJm-yohlhuoT_GtifJYzSthyAG6TlXiay5z0blkFVbPTLeiHg2Lm-e7zS2-6Iqmjr_KFNOOvVWwo/s400/Screenshot-151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What's normal to one person is odd to the next. Really it's all about balance."<br />
<br />
"I suppose. Hey is it okay if I get a bit of time to myself right now? I just need to process everything."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3-6FkAF9ZY3eV0KxMHYn-T-DzW__GTx_3LqB3eh7fPXM5z-XcRMTtRsydl5SbB6Ve0YNg5Qps59zr_ba8T5WZimuguUckP0EaF1V9LVMYrFtqTXnU7p8WFc5UrgpaWqSjjZmUuJQQFI/s1600/Screenshot-152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3-6FkAF9ZY3eV0KxMHYn-T-DzW__GTx_3LqB3eh7fPXM5z-XcRMTtRsydl5SbB6Ve0YNg5Qps59zr_ba8T5WZimuguUckP0EaF1V9LVMYrFtqTXnU7p8WFc5UrgpaWqSjjZmUuJQQFI/s400/Screenshot-152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Andromeda nodded, and turned around to leave the graveyard. Just a few moments after this, Tom heard the sound of footprints stepping into snow. "That was like, five seconds." He began laughing, but that smile faded when he heard a strange, ominous growling noise behind him. It was almost like the sound of a wolf or other type of creature. When he turned around and saw what made the noise, however, he realized it was not something he'd expected to see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GbBc06E4-FoY7IHiSIrS5DH06PPzkE8FjlkCEnafOv7HQ5RffmXZv_RXN0CeLDyzmRct2-ggnjULhn4JPUE17fGUTIf4vvMRqUxMKrjCZS__U8IxTs_6Z5XsWai8ETVTZwqAA1lqvYM/s1600/Screenshot-153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GbBc06E4-FoY7IHiSIrS5DH06PPzkE8FjlkCEnafOv7HQ5RffmXZv_RXN0CeLDyzmRct2-ggnjULhn4JPUE17fGUTIf4vvMRqUxMKrjCZS__U8IxTs_6Z5XsWai8ETVTZwqAA1lqvYM/s400/Screenshot-153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBllJHNUxBLm3WW9Kap5aO-sIiWGzBhmba130K_KTd9MoW27S_31pYWTcfER-ExkPYbwLGiripQxxV0VIUSW79WITWHaFwi8CttKdepyHdbcs87XxskU4xPKZzzhRnlIb5P5AA7uQGv58/s1600/Screenshot-154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBllJHNUxBLm3WW9Kap5aO-sIiWGzBhmba130K_KTd9MoW27S_31pYWTcfER-ExkPYbwLGiripQxxV0VIUSW79WITWHaFwi8CttKdepyHdbcs87XxskU4xPKZzzhRnlIb5P5AA7uQGv58/s400/Screenshot-154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a monstrous, humanoid creature with blazing red eyes, while the rest of it was pitch-black. Tom knew immediately, from Shale's story as well as Annabelle's description, that this was the Vornek.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyiaJd9dAVp9kRCdTxd08DaUvKAMwSJJG0qF1H1JNTCRCiSgxD4mA-zTLv8RUuH6eQsazdvTyu7b5Sy30wEDb4wjqpZfWpKG9JkcUqeBW0nhia4t80vuGD-3thvrlHMX0_KbbJHONUPU/s1600/Screenshot-155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyiaJd9dAVp9kRCdTxd08DaUvKAMwSJJG0qF1H1JNTCRCiSgxD4mA-zTLv8RUuH6eQsazdvTyu7b5Sy30wEDb4wjqpZfWpKG9JkcUqeBW0nhia4t80vuGD-3thvrlHMX0_KbbJHONUPU/s400/Screenshot-155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Faced with the subservient creature of the person who had killed his parents, Tom wasted no time and lunged forward, trying to punch it in the face. The Vornek quickly stepped back, avoiding the hit, while at the same time grabbing Tom by the leg and directing his punch into a tree. Tom slammed directly face-first into the tree, stumbled back, and saw through blurred vision the Vornek as it walked towards him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJovjPkhCOpIOpiToGHMIFzWBAhWOsa46LboY_snfqnLtBj7DuTImHk4v-By_vkocJGSdx6t9JrCh08OFpMBTutgAjv-_PCF_D6j1LSxFtbAOVhWaapzG56gJFzXfoP0nZLV94sr6e94/s1600/Screenshot-156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJovjPkhCOpIOpiToGHMIFzWBAhWOsa46LboY_snfqnLtBj7DuTImHk4v-By_vkocJGSdx6t9JrCh08OFpMBTutgAjv-_PCF_D6j1LSxFtbAOVhWaapzG56gJFzXfoP0nZLV94sr6e94/s400/Screenshot-156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What are you waiting for?! Fight me, you disgusting beast! KILL ME IF YOU HAVE TO!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryUHG7sY4T5fRsEES8MGAx0tsE6Ti-RSM-7aY-n4sMbVxMHU-a5SoJuZeU4iK5yAj6tnlonmOsetHWyoW43ElZDMIVvr_5ACUBtYAc6HNmrJVKBrkNxF7B0wo95Ha050TfJatE5CVOrM/s1600/Screenshot-157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryUHG7sY4T5fRsEES8MGAx0tsE6Ti-RSM-7aY-n4sMbVxMHU-a5SoJuZeU4iK5yAj6tnlonmOsetHWyoW43ElZDMIVvr_5ACUBtYAc6HNmrJVKBrkNxF7B0wo95Ha050TfJatE5CVOrM/s400/Screenshot-157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Vornek stopped, hissed, and quietly spoke. <i>"You... needed... alive." </i>Tom's eyes widened as the creature lifted his hand creating a canopy of darkness, and that was the last thing he remembered before everything went black.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKPY_fcLOg8yCcxSJy89pR3wI85_DWLuACUeIkuEbY7ZMoQAlf9qePjqbQ7e_OBSu-x7Fs85LCjdLL28IcHRnrmkHzibWom67caMRgOoQ9vCe9CMkBk_Kgus_NnEf6KEYTQDDlW4Kd7A/s1600/Screenshot-159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKPY_fcLOg8yCcxSJy89pR3wI85_DWLuACUeIkuEbY7ZMoQAlf9qePjqbQ7e_OBSu-x7Fs85LCjdLL28IcHRnrmkHzibWom67caMRgOoQ9vCe9CMkBk_Kgus_NnEf6KEYTQDDlW4Kd7A/s400/Screenshot-159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Andromeda heard the noise from just outside the graveyard, and ran into it to check up on Tom. She ran over to Andy's grave and noticed an imprint in the snow, where someone used to be, and stood in bewilderment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3vgzVfMLAtC9x69Tk2ZAjWCrlrqbkEdkOzxZyRXWUh8shOZRqiIAZkr-nWfn-TjQC9LRb6WZctEgxR5aeu_ZJOeedt1RS-z76rn1SJ9ERW7aRID97sxWZPmOICOlhpl8Cks2f3REjMI/s1600/Screenshot-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3vgzVfMLAtC9x69Tk2ZAjWCrlrqbkEdkOzxZyRXWUh8shOZRqiIAZkr-nWfn-TjQC9LRb6WZctEgxR5aeu_ZJOeedt1RS-z76rn1SJ9ERW7aRID97sxWZPmOICOlhpl8Cks2f3REjMI/s400/Screenshot-160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Tom?" She said, quietly, before coming to the cold realization that the only thing living in the graveyard was her. She was alone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-xW9RRfXyerQogfINrOFiefHqchVcpj9nZdT34GtS9BUxwIfd7AK4gu8NDKn_1EQ1Rhv1yyx86DjP7lUnDIJ6vrgCf11uppCKotkaWXc5dheh4MOrRwIdahzrqK71EKrlrOne7AYhaU/s1600/Screenshot-162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-xW9RRfXyerQogfINrOFiefHqchVcpj9nZdT34GtS9BUxwIfd7AK4gu8NDKn_1EQ1Rhv1yyx86DjP7lUnDIJ6vrgCf11uppCKotkaWXc5dheh4MOrRwIdahzrqK71EKrlrOne7AYhaU/s400/Screenshot-162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Tom?! TOM!?" Andromeda's words echoed through the valley of Hidden Springs, the voice growing evermore desperate with each yell.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JbL2hDNSDXuBE-k0k9u_Cn8vTgg6lpDd_mLiDteluJcCpp3tIYN_mdSMxVLSKzB85LVJDPxyvaQKOhL5nkvo3mv0J70S7Agrk86HFiHg7iEfhGb8zEDmTJCs5ri3RfQAbKm13sFtZq8/s1600/Screenshot-164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JbL2hDNSDXuBE-k0k9u_Cn8vTgg6lpDd_mLiDteluJcCpp3tIYN_mdSMxVLSKzB85LVJDPxyvaQKOhL5nkvo3mv0J70S7Agrk86HFiHg7iEfhGb8zEDmTJCs5ri3RfQAbKm13sFtZq8/s400/Screenshot-164.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"Tooooooooooom!!!!"</i></div>
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-36122827187761852342015-04-29T18:33:00.000-05:002015-04-29T18:33:10.843-05:00Chapter Forty-Seven - The Paths We Walk<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7aRf_0bDHgFGToxbTIY6Rsf8aFDKere__5p4uPkLCsOKXx3uhWCT-JJKyWgO1jdrLsCB5QdbTZEZhP3Hku7_GzNlEYhg6JvTCAXxN8Dt6sXokLwOrKmZAYk71IXwXKzLZfjk5DWzpuU/s1600/Screenshot-749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7aRf_0bDHgFGToxbTIY6Rsf8aFDKere__5p4uPkLCsOKXx3uhWCT-JJKyWgO1jdrLsCB5QdbTZEZhP3Hku7_GzNlEYhg6JvTCAXxN8Dt6sXokLwOrKmZAYk71IXwXKzLZfjk5DWzpuU/s1600/Screenshot-749.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera stood inside the walls of the Hidden Springs movie studio, the warm July air bathing her and the world around her in its gentle heat. Eventually she stepped ever closer to a large prop near the end of the lot. It was a giant gas canister made up to look like three cans of spray paint. On the side of the can was a special effect prop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5S5f-jkgRCmmTVgu5cXg0OX2v5A3qwv2iRglmG8znMVdCaZ7semAFXcfrLIP-gjY0x_fI2zXu4HleCnsbuwg6MhT40MZkoN3u0oETmc-ab7zKPREgF9n78LoapJ1QfTnH9UqOYBiUuU/s1600/Screenshot-750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5S5f-jkgRCmmTVgu5cXg0OX2v5A3qwv2iRglmG8znMVdCaZ7semAFXcfrLIP-gjY0x_fI2zXu4HleCnsbuwg6MhT40MZkoN3u0oETmc-ab7zKPREgF9n78LoapJ1QfTnH9UqOYBiUuU/s1600/Screenshot-750.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Don't do this!" </i>A voice said, at first quiet, like a faint echo off in the distance of an empty canyon. As the voice continued, she realized that it sounded like her own. However, Keera kept walking forward without listening. <i>"Don't go near that!" </i>Her own voice reeked of desperation as it echoed through her mind, but she did not listen. Her own feet were drawing her to the cans of spray paint despite the struggle in her mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHHDKFCpN-DU4oHcve2ei56O13Z0YH6J4JEaSptsk0egG82JvUgNWUyDvS_rEz5L1gQo-aiQDe3z1NIuJxFb9RwPnBfpRSQ_oFSC_WTmZAj5EfTrY0Ry-IZrHq4tEwTdMYmM-r3ic66E/s1600/Screenshot-748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHHDKFCpN-DU4oHcve2ei56O13Z0YH6J4JEaSptsk0egG82JvUgNWUyDvS_rEz5L1gQo-aiQDe3z1NIuJxFb9RwPnBfpRSQ_oFSC_WTmZAj5EfTrY0Ry-IZrHq4tEwTdMYmM-r3ic66E/s1600/Screenshot-748.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Stay away!" </i>The words now screamed into her mind, and every step she took was painful and arduous.. The bottoms of her shoes felt like they were on fire.<br />
<br />
<i>"Leave this place!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLbnEFzYon_l79zTkfombXycW31re9kbKZ8zUSUITsRF6sLdeodSo79zkhsmlz-mUHDHg5Z9yT-Yy7xLCCKtVk6M1kjP8SnHnQEo0Y_8kpJ_2Uxk7m6Dwm45xBL1b4PAQGfA3R0oEJvY/s1600/Screenshot-751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLbnEFzYon_l79zTkfombXycW31re9kbKZ8zUSUITsRF6sLdeodSo79zkhsmlz-mUHDHg5Z9yT-Yy7xLCCKtVk6M1kjP8SnHnQEo0Y_8kpJ_2Uxk7m6Dwm45xBL1b4PAQGfA3R0oEJvY/s1600/Screenshot-751.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
Keera turned around and saw herself standing behind her, a scar across her doppelganger's face. Suddenly Keera's point of view switched, and she found herself screaming at her younger self in a vain attempt to change the past.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO4l6-CMqKjnJsXcvvN1eA5DPT33lUrplUtuZf4Sd9hUBPXT62C5a5Eag2kIvxXaF83d3p1Gr9EvEmd45hDBIeEcJs9RQeLumISaUEJ8sAeHKYy59uGm9d-BmoVqaI4WwahbftSSS5Ts/s1600/Screenshot-747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO4l6-CMqKjnJsXcvvN1eA5DPT33lUrplUtuZf4Sd9hUBPXT62C5a5Eag2kIvxXaF83d3p1Gr9EvEmd45hDBIeEcJs9RQeLumISaUEJ8sAeHKYy59uGm9d-BmoVqaI4WwahbftSSS5Ts/s1600/Screenshot-747.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"NO!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmIo4S3p6yWKiBnuyc3MeCOkb-tO_AJ4VxbJlJDBtwZJyZSSwVnuuJLdLsyq_wefSfHALlOpeGWg2DYAFTdYGmsAMEYx5MB03uNqKwvm7LqvGAC7aM4kRvwTg08ikcs5ooRUZCmPDc0c/s1600/Screenshot-754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmIo4S3p6yWKiBnuyc3MeCOkb-tO_AJ4VxbJlJDBtwZJyZSSwVnuuJLdLsyq_wefSfHALlOpeGWg2DYAFTdYGmsAMEYx5MB03uNqKwvm7LqvGAC7aM4kRvwTg08ikcs5ooRUZCmPDc0c/s1600/Screenshot-754.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuwI9kN4RnpC4UDEoUgZZgZQ6q0W6-Uq0URbkkeEju3rlv6I_Eqn1o5gay7HeHRIK3FiCd6tKXDEdG3F1AQU4495uu9wFSpo9t7zNMKWa2oyAiNpkTlIxEqilLY_BRftfSM_BqwOT7BM/s1600/Screenshot-753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuwI9kN4RnpC4UDEoUgZZgZQ6q0W6-Uq0URbkkeEju3rlv6I_Eqn1o5gay7HeHRIK3FiCd6tKXDEdG3F1AQU4495uu9wFSpo9t7zNMKWa2oyAiNpkTlIxEqilLY_BRftfSM_BqwOT7BM/s1600/Screenshot-753.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The gas canister exploded, engulfing her past-self in a fireball which hit Keera herself head-on. Explosions tore through the entire studio as she screamed out-loud and closed her eyes. Seconds passed and she felt a severe pain in her side as she opened them again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vM6Y4oEkB6PcHCjSdVRGpONrMwDePIiZ6je0GnNOdg7s26bAjfI2dzjds84o44Qxe6E1uLtoAiAJeUOeWL3nqvcxcBOAGFw30wsGLUDMwQsyIcFhjCmN64vCfdIS8b5johkY8fLLB7g/s1600/Screenshot-726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vM6Y4oEkB6PcHCjSdVRGpONrMwDePIiZ6je0GnNOdg7s26bAjfI2dzjds84o44Qxe6E1uLtoAiAJeUOeWL3nqvcxcBOAGFw30wsGLUDMwQsyIcFhjCmN64vCfdIS8b5johkY8fLLB7g/s1600/Screenshot-726.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSnRjYTteko9ArEVb5wLDLgNmffyFbnleYRR269g5sfLWEo1_5m3NJY6mS4XPX1narWy2mYfgZyLJzLFU883CRAiKofKvbEmt7u2-ZaGxAs31_wzYz9egf2WIDZecfOUzMND_D5pA0oo/s1600/Screenshot-727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSnRjYTteko9ArEVb5wLDLgNmffyFbnleYRR269g5sfLWEo1_5m3NJY6mS4XPX1narWy2mYfgZyLJzLFU883CRAiKofKvbEmt7u2-ZaGxAs31_wzYz9egf2WIDZecfOUzMND_D5pA0oo/s1600/Screenshot-727.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Keera was back in her room, lying on the floor. It took her a moment to realize that she was awake and that the entire past few moments had been a dream. She also came to the realization that, that during her dream, she had been tossing and turning and eventually fell completely off her tall loft bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdI_dNu_VV7gHX2l0k2k7a3E6wIqAAjFbRfv9_djZD8UwcKuI-J4GMKEWqP67XY3_HstgkRmdVfPL8kXpA90f1qMEG1GJqg_kcYJEt9zHWSIsGESH-dlaFqbsz2fqR9EbYIlngx5w-ZI/s1600/Screenshot-725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdI_dNu_VV7gHX2l0k2k7a3E6wIqAAjFbRfv9_djZD8UwcKuI-J4GMKEWqP67XY3_HstgkRmdVfPL8kXpA90f1qMEG1GJqg_kcYJEt9zHWSIsGESH-dlaFqbsz2fqR9EbYIlngx5w-ZI/s1600/Screenshot-725.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera remained where she was, curled up while waiting for the pain in her side to subside. Eventually it did, and she believed her alien DNA was responsible for the lack of serious injury she should have sustained from falling such a height. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE43jXJmr4J-IdldrepRIiQDkZaeMu_0AKMhMOhWXu0VurEKww7fGtTGgUrVGIRH4swZ7s_tapyixmcrDtBibjL1SGG-ZuRumZeoO-LaoWOCWewBHVdf7g8S31zVrHrjfNSSgudnFstM/s1600/Screenshot-705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE43jXJmr4J-IdldrepRIiQDkZaeMu_0AKMhMOhWXu0VurEKww7fGtTGgUrVGIRH4swZ7s_tapyixmcrDtBibjL1SGG-ZuRumZeoO-LaoWOCWewBHVdf7g8S31zVrHrjfNSSgudnFstM/s1600/Screenshot-705.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Stunned from the fall and still feeling the effects of the dream, she sat up on the floor and crawled over to the ladder, leaning back against the side of her bed. As the events of her recent dream, and the tears streaming down the side of her face that wasn't scarred.<br />
<br />
Keera stood up and grasped her side, worried that the impact would leave a bruise, and walked over to the door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0JvvrP6lAfshB_lnJ3sDlm827DHYcim2hDR_vR6Q3hluozwEQaFZIp5Rd-0mdxfWD0TOicRlTvQMJK-W4z2FvlL5g6DsRg13jvjBLRwGbsijpoJ9I6t6fUdu5RYq4A_IL3k6rUSu8Bw/s1600/Screenshot-709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0JvvrP6lAfshB_lnJ3sDlm827DHYcim2hDR_vR6Q3hluozwEQaFZIp5Rd-0mdxfWD0TOicRlTvQMJK-W4z2FvlL5g6DsRg13jvjBLRwGbsijpoJ9I6t6fUdu5RYq4A_IL3k6rUSu8Bw/s1600/Screenshot-709.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Upon looking around, she limped downstairs and into the kitchen to get some juice from the fridge, and heard footsteps behind her as she did so. Keera turned around and noticed Scarlett, wearing her own sleepwear, standing in the middle of the dining area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70dkIlQr9reyQXFcB9pRN_gm-VCfYlffsg0Us1EdzTxwE9JoXpPgDwi1Upv-gvDKLwzyOv0Sq9JvAXNkFZ0qoSeTAQWyxTiVJQqT0IBbZcEJq9wHxMM-ziuBAVj2q9_zVyFm3uKrgaDM/s1600/Screenshot-717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70dkIlQr9reyQXFcB9pRN_gm-VCfYlffsg0Us1EdzTxwE9JoXpPgDwi1Upv-gvDKLwzyOv0Sq9JvAXNkFZ0qoSeTAQWyxTiVJQqT0IBbZcEJq9wHxMM-ziuBAVj2q9_zVyFm3uKrgaDM/s1600/Screenshot-717.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Do you want to talk about what's been going on, Keeki?"<br />
<br />
Keera sat the juice on the counter and walked over to to the center of the room. "Nothing much, other than a few bad dreams. I'll get over them."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kvGP8QiWwe1_LX21Bc0BtiHmeUvmlijbuK0MRvhyKA7lpKoeM2XnHOXhoXfKeym3bbA15VOzofi19c8AuSXPyd8uDLbY-TArFuMFUuD6LDlDufaES7TTmkf7REPvTkWxANSvH8lUIms/s1600/Screenshot-714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kvGP8QiWwe1_LX21Bc0BtiHmeUvmlijbuK0MRvhyKA7lpKoeM2XnHOXhoXfKeym3bbA15VOzofi19c8AuSXPyd8uDLbY-TArFuMFUuD6LDlDufaES7TTmkf7REPvTkWxANSvH8lUIms/s1600/Screenshot-714.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett shook her head. "I don't think they're merely dreams. Otherwise you wouldn't be yelling at yourself in your sleep to stay away from that movie prop."<br />
<br />
Keera nervously scratched her head, "You uh, you heard that?"<br />
<br />
"Yes. In fact I think Annabelle's birth-mother on Torra Sev heard you. What's wrong?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZnghib1HbgyAL-DC0xyEWLbvF2JwPhhwT2OJZxzIbInRwoubm3AoyGVqrp5hGm7RxlmBIIYG1uEJFEv7ImQv5VHEVYfOy8UO-t8g4-sy1gLGzcvzaGvbOCB2lcmp7yuQ2jGhjeA-UIA/s1600/Screenshot-718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZnghib1HbgyAL-DC0xyEWLbvF2JwPhhwT2OJZxzIbInRwoubm3AoyGVqrp5hGm7RxlmBIIYG1uEJFEv7ImQv5VHEVYfOy8UO-t8g4-sy1gLGzcvzaGvbOCB2lcmp7yuQ2jGhjeA-UIA/s1600/Screenshot-718.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera sighed. "Ever since going back to the movie studio, I've been having flashbacks of that place. The fire, the heat, everything. Anything as minuscule as the popping of a soda can triggers it. I can't control myself!!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtcM7rj9szBZvwc2FxO9q5GQUO-KoKUo6WAjDsQT7hgOmzyGqmdAkknTXVVFlSxiJJVmq5yzRSziofP6JCZCdnQRWeeANGT6iab2RvT_VFRtL5l-oFZD-PhNk14zWuh8nYi90KrGn82E/s1600/Screenshot-760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtcM7rj9szBZvwc2FxO9q5GQUO-KoKUo6WAjDsQT7hgOmzyGqmdAkknTXVVFlSxiJJVmq5yzRSziofP6JCZCdnQRWeeANGT6iab2RvT_VFRtL5l-oFZD-PhNk14zWuh8nYi90KrGn82E/s1600/Screenshot-760.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Hey it's okay." Scarlett approached Keera and gave her a hug. "I understand. Everyone does."<br />
<br />
"I thought going back to that place meant that I was free from the memories, but they'll never go away, will they?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rybgN6G0_Pyh4hcJQV93UV28kX3arw6-GkmbxdmX-kJkBKZ648AV8Vfsc_08ASL_YuOgOwekI7adxcNVEYZpFYxEKIHLSaS2g3FdD6k4cPAucs6fPLF8RBbP3Fw_h89fKw_YQBGd8VY/s1600/Screenshot-711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rybgN6G0_Pyh4hcJQV93UV28kX3arw6-GkmbxdmX-kJkBKZ648AV8Vfsc_08ASL_YuOgOwekI7adxcNVEYZpFYxEKIHLSaS2g3FdD6k4cPAucs6fPLF8RBbP3Fw_h89fKw_YQBGd8VY/s1600/Screenshot-711.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"We carry a lot with us as we go through life. The fact that you're so young, and you've already been through hell and back, is a strong indicator that the bad parts of your life are behind you."</div>
<br />
"But... but what if more bad things happen? What if someone I love dies? What if <i>I </i>die?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiius55QOrK8j8XgRhdIKeuqrDNXgjxIva1G7wPUroInhNkVFMQMBg-6wFiY_P-Qb2cl4KOw9jcqCNlX8GYy5aP6WT_LAsM0gxqQf4yngW0afiZhl3cygpclOdl40uEdHXPgRXyePMPcLU/s1600/Screenshot-759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiius55QOrK8j8XgRhdIKeuqrDNXgjxIva1G7wPUroInhNkVFMQMBg-6wFiY_P-Qb2cl4KOw9jcqCNlX8GYy5aP6WT_LAsM0gxqQf4yngW0afiZhl3cygpclOdl40uEdHXPgRXyePMPcLU/s1600/Screenshot-759.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You can't live a life scared of what might happen." Scarlett said, "If you do that, you may find that you have missed opportunities, the good things life has to offer. Look at Kelly! She's getting married this next year because she took the opportunity to tell Mirabelle, or Annabelle, how she felt. Kelly told me that she spent hours beforehand thinking of 'what if she says no'? But in the end, despite that worry, she pushed herself to do what she felt was right."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEErb6J5bIxJUElRGHsMoofElbnPW3riyfOaC89DyoQUvOfN-6_2BU8L-JUCE7C-tKshcjdaUELhhjERVptuxE1hyfjr4tpGAKHKzj-74vDgDzy-Ng-u-TTUsc_yX4lOhnBmPS88Xaktc/s1600/Screenshot-758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEErb6J5bIxJUElRGHsMoofElbnPW3riyfOaC89DyoQUvOfN-6_2BU8L-JUCE7C-tKshcjdaUELhhjERVptuxE1hyfjr4tpGAKHKzj-74vDgDzy-Ng-u-TTUsc_yX4lOhnBmPS88Xaktc/s1600/Screenshot-758.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Okay, I'll try to be unafraid. But I have one question... is there a way you can stay near me tonight? To help me in case I have another, you know, nightmare?"<br />
<br />
"Sure, kid. John's busy working on that robot downstairs all night anyway, so I'll be able to. Let's go into the living room, you up to watching movies?"<br />
<br />
Keera smiled. "Sure. Let's do that?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawF5m18UdYmFLow1x6-IFmEcRR7JEVnX9J3PcE-YzoVtXcQhD9ltw7wJOPJ54F73PYoxP0M9S5J-pS0oHxdWny2XL4OTPmTCNdQ5mRTH4VdRYbKhJw5Rt0yz3LmKkdT671ZPjGLnNIns/s1600/Screenshot-767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawF5m18UdYmFLow1x6-IFmEcRR7JEVnX9J3PcE-YzoVtXcQhD9ltw7wJOPJ54F73PYoxP0M9S5J-pS0oHxdWny2XL4OTPmTCNdQ5mRTH4VdRYbKhJw5Rt0yz3LmKkdT671ZPjGLnNIns/s1600/Screenshot-767.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scarlett and Keera walked into the living room and turned on the television. The first movie that came on was one starring Scarlett herself, from when she was an actress. Scarlett motioned her hand at the screen and pointed out every time the director messed up when it came to shooting, or when the commissioned special effects were used in the wrong shot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNAq4JKvchZEnvqXMdc1Mbct3ljgblfJ-AZiW7rwDcH2H4VGlpWSNS0xNT3ORh1y_ApBOzAqj4-vCOktlAJtlQK_qq497U0ZcVRrgzaCpfSotycxw8Z9zV0KcVzPKuVpAhDzlnVThXBo/s1600/Screenshot-766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNAq4JKvchZEnvqXMdc1Mbct3ljgblfJ-AZiW7rwDcH2H4VGlpWSNS0xNT3ORh1y_ApBOzAqj4-vCOktlAJtlQK_qq497U0ZcVRrgzaCpfSotycxw8Z9zV0KcVzPKuVpAhDzlnVThXBo/s1600/Screenshot-766.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Eventually, Keera fell asleep on the couch, and Scarlett turned off the television. Instead of leaving the teen alone to sleep by herself, she decided to keep her promise and stayed with her the entire night.<br />
<br />
-------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA9MFR0-2-Mp8JnKViJkRcuORts6wLu5pv1yucNtup9BPQUw5DEbCTzIM-ERmzrRU-x3pnvdclkjs_lCUPJPrgMNzTm9EHQsDtr2zwkdEwaikPxAptuydyzx26vJWHl_gIDK3MA5MFfU/s1600/Screenshot-914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA9MFR0-2-Mp8JnKViJkRcuORts6wLu5pv1yucNtup9BPQUw5DEbCTzIM-ERmzrRU-x3pnvdclkjs_lCUPJPrgMNzTm9EHQsDtr2zwkdEwaikPxAptuydyzx26vJWHl_gIDK3MA5MFfU/s1600/Screenshot-914.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The next morning, Annabelle and John stood in the latter's basement lab while he worked on MIKE's robotic body. At times, Annabelle wasn't sure if her brother was even listening to her, despite how important the subject was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I'm worried about Tom.... he still hasn't spoken to anyone! This is even worse than he was after seeing that video!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUw0wPxiO8CmfRP_4TjkSsEEFV8-PpsalT8LYKTKhRzK7GNhQnrtPZ8395L26UGiVArsfHvL6Wj_o-koAnkh1PiadWlnfsqGwQhEQ_yGBvT_UvITf9EPF0WUjyonc6TW9DCINN2P_Rao/s1600/Screenshot-915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUw0wPxiO8CmfRP_4TjkSsEEFV8-PpsalT8LYKTKhRzK7GNhQnrtPZ8395L26UGiVArsfHvL6Wj_o-koAnkh1PiadWlnfsqGwQhEQ_yGBvT_UvITf9EPF0WUjyonc6TW9DCINN2P_Rao/s1600/Screenshot-915.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John briefly shrugged and went back to work. "Well this week has been one heck of a emotional see-saw for him. I mean, he gets a video from his parents, then finds out they were killed by the mummified remains of an evil alien overlord--wait a second, do you have any idea how odd that sounds?!"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Any less odd than the fact that the radiation-empowered human brother of an alien hybrid is fixing up a humanoid robot?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73rWke1V6eht9mJzXRJFTu67cq1LM3DfI4ebEDE4eV26Z-bxlLZa3GKY124EysedRTUo2UP2aU7B5C8FfbBJaO2ngFU3L8us3A3V0rxLab2hT1f4NaDywOkdfYxfczNZb1ils70CEYr0/s1600/Screenshot-918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73rWke1V6eht9mJzXRJFTu67cq1LM3DfI4ebEDE4eV26Z-bxlLZa3GKY124EysedRTUo2UP2aU7B5C8FfbBJaO2ngFU3L8us3A3V0rxLab2hT1f4NaDywOkdfYxfczNZb1ils70CEYr0/s1600/Screenshot-918.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MIKE briefly spoke, despite his current tune-up, "You certainly showed her the error of her ways, Jonathan."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John sighed and continued working on MIKE. "Next time I draw up the plans for a robot I'll remove the algorithms that allow the development of sarcasm."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Sarcasm is not an algorithm. I am a learning machine. I learn through interactions and I have been spending an increased quantity of time listening to Annabelle."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"That explains a lot."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmybhYVE55wd_e0KcuCouhoFZqHQgOmLWR-zGOr2EPfyN5YZH0Hh4fUTMMPMGQBEnoY0RqcOUeee6qUlaf4CdYqSQCUfOOZDpkYVNQrHQd7L5CyusNuVk-32ogLX8Yc27BRGu0ksrsKkY/s1600/Screenshot-916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmybhYVE55wd_e0KcuCouhoFZqHQgOmLWR-zGOr2EPfyN5YZH0Hh4fUTMMPMGQBEnoY0RqcOUeee6qUlaf4CdYqSQCUfOOZDpkYVNQrHQd7L5CyusNuVk-32ogLX8Yc27BRGu0ksrsKkY/s1600/Screenshot-916.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle smiled. "Good boy. Learns from the best." The joking around with John and his robotic friend made her briefly forget about her worry for Tom and his anger, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John chuckled, "Annie, you are more sarcastic than my wife is angry. And that says a <i>lot</i>. Uh, MIKE, don't tell Scarlett I said that."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Oh dear, it seems the button that stops recording everything around me has broken. Perhaps paying me fifty dollars will fix it."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John looked confused. "What the <i>heck</i> do you need money for?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Violin lessons."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"That's ridicu-"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Sixty dollars."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John growled, and then put on one of the most faked smiles he'd ever worn as he continued working on MIKE. "Anyway about Tom, I don't know how to get through to him. I had to ask you, Red, and Kelly to help him out the other day. Perhaps this is just something he needs to do."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPAKRr5zrtVusLaJdgndaeBU1HWFaoe8to7TOuAgQtYlZtS5ng6qjlyMqTTcSheqAuZYmvbalyLsJRtGte8YNMBUVB8CpVwFBpRXQZ70bt3JVFmv405fWDlQOGy6R43O9g6jXs6XcyeY/s1600/Screenshot-911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPAKRr5zrtVusLaJdgndaeBU1HWFaoe8to7TOuAgQtYlZtS5ng6qjlyMqTTcSheqAuZYmvbalyLsJRtGte8YNMBUVB8CpVwFBpRXQZ70bt3JVFmv405fWDlQOGy6R43O9g6jXs6XcyeY/s1600/Screenshot-911.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle shook her head. "No, the way he acted was so... out of character for him. He was more angry than he was when we had that huge argument! I'm worried about him, deeply worried."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Maybe you should talk to him, tell him again how you feel."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I tried that yesterday. I stood outside his door and talked to him, but it was like I was talking to a brick wall. No response, nothing."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Cd6H8kmPkSRBrtdh4ULhEeATIz4-gFDjmIpeqM4j4DTFBYoZAUph8rfU1hTLjjc7vZ2KKUOB2Q2Wau86vF4sQ-IvQNAmK__kAxuzW8-ZCUVc3665zNwvSqzdxkx3bMEgn_G0rKn0zkQ/s1600/Screenshot-917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Cd6H8kmPkSRBrtdh4ULhEeATIz4-gFDjmIpeqM4j4DTFBYoZAUph8rfU1hTLjjc7vZ2KKUOB2Q2Wau86vF4sQ-IvQNAmK__kAxuzW8-ZCUVc3665zNwvSqzdxkx3bMEgn_G0rKn0zkQ/s1600/Screenshot-917.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"You should give him time to heal. And if he's walking this path of anger and hatred, maybe that IS his way of healing. As long as he doesn't go over the edge, we can't really stop him from doing what he wants."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle thought back to that night, the look of anger in Tom's face when he found out about his parents' death from Shale. She'd never, in her entire life, seen him that angry and hoped to never see him that way again. Despite this, John was right: No one could stop Tom from doing what he wanted to do, though she hoped that he wouldn't do anything he'd regret.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle thanked John for the advice, how minimal it seemed to be, and left the room. Just as she was doing so, however, she heard John and MIKE trade another back-and-forth. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzsmChrg3jv6k_2Agw7ShtEwhf-RKwo5Vft6WAKQR-iJeSSWsdEcutzTWOY5WOwR4_jLUJMlA3Gd_HNU8yOWGoAVYBYcJgJF6enuY3YXFFAtwPpu9QXZsK2PiCYtpg9zZrtkIBJ9XjMQ/s1600/Screenshot-919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzsmChrg3jv6k_2Agw7ShtEwhf-RKwo5Vft6WAKQR-iJeSSWsdEcutzTWOY5WOwR4_jLUJMlA3Gd_HNU8yOWGoAVYBYcJgJF6enuY3YXFFAtwPpu9QXZsK2PiCYtpg9zZrtkIBJ9XjMQ/s1600/Screenshot-919.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Great advice Dr. Freud." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<i>One more quip</i> and I will disconnect your voice module."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPU7N8ud20Xs1nYcmFoK7VMNiPjNHvKuSXQQrm4Iciop97-HGoeAx2unDO6MQ-4nT3ckpUzFW6cMzZHSbwnWjMeaF-YwJiT9odaApkaIYeN0yun5mXQfaGwuag_u1Acgn4gVTB2xjx3w/s1600/Screenshot-809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPU7N8ud20Xs1nYcmFoK7VMNiPjNHvKuSXQQrm4Iciop97-HGoeAx2unDO6MQ-4nT3ckpUzFW6cMzZHSbwnWjMeaF-YwJiT9odaApkaIYeN0yun5mXQfaGwuag_u1Acgn4gVTB2xjx3w/s1600/Screenshot-809.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So why did you ask me to come along?" Kelly and Tom stood in Hidden Springs' center park, just across the street from city hall.<br />
<br />
Tom, continuing to look ahead, replied to his cousin. "You know why I asked you. It's obvious isn't it?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGxrgC-OcbAf8fWFVhmadkYPXoA3IvMiUO4vObC1PkFFoGGvI6ggKseXs_UhItIK6sm71AfPRnmmIw0Hwa4ldkyOcBIsDpE0ewfA6qf058Optj7a2FFzDpybgQgH_7XXR5S2K52ABXUY/s1600/Screenshot-808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGxrgC-OcbAf8fWFVhmadkYPXoA3IvMiUO4vObC1PkFFoGGvI6ggKseXs_UhItIK6sm71AfPRnmmIw0Hwa4ldkyOcBIsDpE0ewfA6qf058Optj7a2FFzDpybgQgH_7XXR5S2K52ABXUY/s1600/Screenshot-808.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly looked at the people walking by and shook her head. She didn't even have to read Tom's mind to know that he wanted her to read others', in an effort to track down the sarcophagus. "I can't do that, Tom. For one, it's invasive-"<br />
<br />
"You have the ability to read minds. Scan them and tell me who knows about the sarcophagus."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyfVhpE9Fv2eeoVEYS6KqPfBdzsnqZcsi0rD8me8bD7cUWnYj_trdzo21R_xkEBzfeJ31Yj5NGHNATRUKhUC4WAdafw9kt4767qKdpM4FNnJNrRkv5roUIWCZInuMby_w1xYrWzijo5c/s1600/Screenshot-810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyfVhpE9Fv2eeoVEYS6KqPfBdzsnqZcsi0rD8me8bD7cUWnYj_trdzo21R_xkEBzfeJ31Yj5NGHNATRUKhUC4WAdafw9kt4767qKdpM4FNnJNrRkv5roUIWCZInuMby_w1xYrWzijo5c/s1600/Screenshot-810.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly shook her head. She wasn't sure of her own abilities, and did not want to push them past her limits, if they even had one. "I can't. Literally, I can't look into minds, I can only read what's on the surface. And I'm not going to get into people's heads to help you with some crazy revenge scheme."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW2JxDtUKynoNOKH5DQR90iR_fX6_8uLcQcTdVZC9y_4g3It2Au7TgZrxSe2PBIKVx-AF1fgeFYGGBshWPS5KHQYXs88BnB_Wqzo_TBhfQJtEp2VcC2eJIvOG9Wb_YZ2yv1aXcJPq_4I/s1600/Screenshot-811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW2JxDtUKynoNOKH5DQR90iR_fX6_8uLcQcTdVZC9y_4g3It2Au7TgZrxSe2PBIKVx-AF1fgeFYGGBshWPS5KHQYXs88BnB_Wqzo_TBhfQJtEp2VcC2eJIvOG9Wb_YZ2yv1aXcJPq_4I/s1600/Screenshot-811.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Crazy?!" Tom glared at Kelly this time. "Imagine if it had been your parents! You'd be using your special magical mind powers to tell yourself who knows about that damn mummy! Wouldn't you?!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigOBUBSS12KZr0LdVmkajrZSdrPq-XvEKfswOV17VgQklm9QryQviqIby2jPu0XBBKMr49ngs7oMVe-28ZoRebnsB1bvCUBuEDaHfIc4VEReI4qj4S6oKfyaSsPhH0MQXCgH-62cwCLE/s1600/Screenshot-812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigOBUBSS12KZr0LdVmkajrZSdrPq-XvEKfswOV17VgQklm9QryQviqIby2jPu0XBBKMr49ngs7oMVe-28ZoRebnsB1bvCUBuEDaHfIc4VEReI4qj4S6oKfyaSsPhH0MQXCgH-62cwCLE/s1600/Screenshot-812.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly briefly looked scared, and turned around to walk away, "I'm not doing this. I don't need psychic powers to know that you're driving yourself insane with rage. If you want my help, I mean my honest detective <i>skills</i>, I'll help you. But I am NOT looking into the minds of strangers for <i>your</i> benefit." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Tom watched her leave for a few moments, and yelled out. "Okay, sorry. I don't know what's coming over me. Ever since I found out about my parents, I've not been able to control my own actions. I'm sorry. I need your help. Please."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWWCejIz58sd6DQsEb2n0WM71mEJjvY74ZK0-G8spcCP6lT8xe7EZkXjCHp1qXVgp3yW76bbFHCIZUnjgQC5um1NWsk4NzoxyRGbwllTqXx_tdU-U9Caz-C-nrpI2oQ40QFFnQntIKHQ/s1600/Screenshot-815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWWCejIz58sd6DQsEb2n0WM71mEJjvY74ZK0-G8spcCP6lT8xe7EZkXjCHp1qXVgp3yW76bbFHCIZUnjgQC5um1NWsk4NzoxyRGbwllTqXx_tdU-U9Caz-C-nrpI2oQ40QFFnQntIKHQ/s1600/Screenshot-815.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly sighed. She knew that he was crossing lines that he shouldn't, but at the same time she was worried about his safety. She realized that if no one was there to reign Tom in when he pushed himself, he could get injured--or worse, hurt others in a fit of rage. "Okay, fine. But one more outburst like that and you're on your own."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh0DW7w2uCSyuzRx8m-6BrqCgKrz_bCENRs1UAlS8w3vUdsFTsUUlt3n3_3gTrI-mZpX7HkjhB8hlEAOpaJq3bZ-UgVFGxaqlCNVsiwgzgTdgLuo4XZqC6AeDGy1Z_1ktqq5D6yNrUsE/s1600/Screenshot-816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh0DW7w2uCSyuzRx8m-6BrqCgKrz_bCENRs1UAlS8w3vUdsFTsUUlt3n3_3gTrI-mZpX7HkjhB8hlEAOpaJq3bZ-UgVFGxaqlCNVsiwgzgTdgLuo4XZqC6AeDGy1Z_1ktqq5D6yNrUsE/s1600/Screenshot-816.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I won't let you down. I promise."<br />
<br />
Seconds later, Kelly's phone rang and she answered it. She spoke a few words and hung up, putting the phone back into her pants pocket.<br />
<br />
"I had the receptionists at the police station keep an ear out for reports, specifically any involving strange rocks. They gave me odd looks but I assured it was important. Anyway last night a couple officers picked up some guy outside of town rambling about a rock making him come here, and being attacked by a strange monster."<br />
<br />
Tom gave a brief chuckle, "That's lucky. What did they do with him?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N9QW5z0VhXjdMDyk5us0HXx25rsQQTV5vLdVBaTS-N4blYRx3VLURhtU5dgsGamRwCGcpCLj8c3ZqFZ9bWoWnZXSsui4xyWJyBpYR0X6dbHDBmQibKlgWriqP0T_Rho-LetheyUOJRc/s1600/Screenshot-814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N9QW5z0VhXjdMDyk5us0HXx25rsQQTV5vLdVBaTS-N4blYRx3VLURhtU5dgsGamRwCGcpCLj8c3ZqFZ9bWoWnZXSsui4xyWJyBpYR0X6dbHDBmQibKlgWriqP0T_Rho-LetheyUOJRc/s1600/Screenshot-814.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Nothing yet, they have him down at the station at the moment. If we go now, we may be able to talk to him before he gets transferred to a psychiatric hospital."<br />
<br />
"Lead the way then, 'Officer Kelly'."<br />
<br />
Kelly rolled her eyes and the two walked down the road towards the police station.<br />
<br />
......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m5M3UgzMC3ZKyxGtAc6YW2P3I_PhlYboikPK7OIJVMYHBtbEd4dyKMSWTmpRUg7fK2pGq6wTdcOi5kaG4gWf5oUYaXU1nybocHBfz8EWIJ5TJ1kxSqN6wBUnW6k1CSSv33cSRx5S9Hg/s1600/Screenshot-771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m5M3UgzMC3ZKyxGtAc6YW2P3I_PhlYboikPK7OIJVMYHBtbEd4dyKMSWTmpRUg7fK2pGq6wTdcOi5kaG4gWf5oUYaXU1nybocHBfz8EWIJ5TJ1kxSqN6wBUnW6k1CSSv33cSRx5S9Hg/s1600/Screenshot-771.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom and Kelly walked into the dimly-lit back office of the police station. Sitting at the desk was a man with torn clothes, graying hair, pale skin, and visible veins across his face. Before Kelly even had the opportunity, Tom sat down across from him, wearing a scowl on his face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kgVxp298t_ZND1Ks5_jSJbsnDUFe6Ijz1z9zeqrVWWGuemp4N6OLvc0ADNeqXcW9B5iJBhHUo8TlbpSpRvHHZrodbGgmPdvRBbN5Tu0dMPdfPolzRZ8lKHuho9i6i8xtgcWAZrqlCQE/s1600/Screenshot-773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kgVxp298t_ZND1Ks5_jSJbsnDUFe6Ijz1z9zeqrVWWGuemp4N6OLvc0ADNeqXcW9B5iJBhHUo8TlbpSpRvHHZrodbGgmPdvRBbN5Tu0dMPdfPolzRZ8lKHuho9i6i8xtgcWAZrqlCQE/s1600/Screenshot-773.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So I hear you talked about a rock. You know about the Abyss? And the Vornek?"<br />
<br />
Tom waited for a few moments, but there was nothing. He asked again. "What. Do you know. About the Vornek?"<br />
<br />
No words, no nothing, came from the man. He simply sat there, looking at Tom. Kelly tried to read his mind but the result led her to hear nothing but a single word, rushing so fast she couldn't even make it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKXbUmeTEJm5-c8ilcnATKn9Mwm8spji4l26vR6FjK4mhLZsBYGJmzYWwNbjBdohZXQzvbhc3TtB0pIXG8dwbySztA7cRtVgxD3tB_-51dUwpgU9-n11jANsKZWwhcFcnmAuvhvpZeOs/s1600/Screenshot-774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKXbUmeTEJm5-c8ilcnATKn9Mwm8spji4l26vR6FjK4mhLZsBYGJmzYWwNbjBdohZXQzvbhc3TtB0pIXG8dwbySztA7cRtVgxD3tB_-51dUwpgU9-n11jANsKZWwhcFcnmAuvhvpZeOs/s1600/Screenshot-774.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The man continued to stay silent, so Tom asked again, this time with his voice breaking. "What do you know about the Vornek? Can you tell me anything? You were found with a rock, you said it brought you here, why not talk now?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNepXSXdyiizaA-NRTGtFKNwswnZOgtZ5NPbhj-RP9WgciosfUh9vXptQyHovMTjNchi5FxQ4-4QtB77gTqYnRDr36Vd7ODMyH1C9V4dktGykVWG-N7SHbQduYESM42G9mRqEhX5aDZQ/s1600/Screenshot-775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNepXSXdyiizaA-NRTGtFKNwswnZOgtZ5NPbhj-RP9WgciosfUh9vXptQyHovMTjNchi5FxQ4-4QtB77gTqYnRDr36Vd7ODMyH1C9V4dktGykVWG-N7SHbQduYESM42G9mRqEhX5aDZQ/s1600/Screenshot-775.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Again, not a word came from the man's mouth. Tom made another fist and pounded the desk. Kelly, trying to keep the situation calm, reached out to Tom hoping he'd get the hint. However, he was too far gone. The man stayed silent, and Kelly was getting increasingly worried about Tom's anger.<br />
<br />
This was their only clue as to where they could find what killed Tom's parents, and his rage was going to compromise it if he didn't calm down. She even tried to read his mind, both him and the strange man. The word that he was repeating in his mind had slowed, and she could hear it more clearly now. It turned out that the word was a name, his name, as it repeated itself over and over again on the outer reaches of his mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZw7sG-OPRdfViVYnjUxEnTD8uTZEf7P9KWp9bmHQ0N4F0gl-c125vc334lG2FN8U23WV6NhwHksmJqNad_KDJdI1ZgyTUH1v3aNvurld4MQTnXb8-FrQMfrfQMmvsH7_2mZRuBjxXb8/s1600/Screenshot-772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZw7sG-OPRdfViVYnjUxEnTD8uTZEf7P9KWp9bmHQ0N4F0gl-c125vc334lG2FN8U23WV6NhwHksmJqNad_KDJdI1ZgyTUH1v3aNvurld4MQTnXb8-FrQMfrfQMmvsH7_2mZRuBjxXb8/s1600/Screenshot-772.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Roger? That's your name?" Kelly asked, again trying to get the hint that maybe a "good cop" would be more effective. The man continued to stay silent, but he briefly looked at Kelly and blinked his eyes. Kelly took this as acknowledgement from him, that he was trying to communicate, but her cousin was less astute in terms of visual cues.<br />
<br />
Kelly sensed the anger welling up in Tom's mind and she realized it was only a matter of time before he did something he would regret. She tried one last attempt to communicate with Roger, but he didn't look at her again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ0w888v_mtn2m8N-KJs9TVuWOUIZK7ZkV2tWT7DTSTOwlZ-0qI8QNK2El47KSaemJfL13VHxkmclmnoX0deiaNX7QdVo_EXVf_VHY9q2lrLIDSd9eVTjxe48ntYjx2aVUmBkJ26acmE/s1600/Screenshot-930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ0w888v_mtn2m8N-KJs9TVuWOUIZK7ZkV2tWT7DTSTOwlZ-0qI8QNK2El47KSaemJfL13VHxkmclmnoX0deiaNX7QdVo_EXVf_VHY9q2lrLIDSd9eVTjxe48ntYjx2aVUmBkJ26acmE/s1600/Screenshot-930.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fed up with the lack of information, Tom's face turned from a scowl into a snarl. Before Kelly could do anything, he jumped up onto the desk with both hands balled up into fists. The man remained stoic as Tom yelled at him, even as the force of the jump was strong enough to knock a lamp off a nearby table and shake the lockers behind them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoNQztVk9NN4_rkv7O1sw2EzxlIXLr9pVq_8bSakcAjC5ea3uo7x9aZjiUsj2v9Sb2HfMgBBEtYqUniaThiahaHVnZjSUeaWWxNmfnowkH3qdadI2IAskrPwpZpHnxrEY6xroDrbOT18/s1600/Screenshot-931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoNQztVk9NN4_rkv7O1sw2EzxlIXLr9pVq_8bSakcAjC5ea3uo7x9aZjiUsj2v9Sb2HfMgBBEtYqUniaThiahaHVnZjSUeaWWxNmfnowkH3qdadI2IAskrPwpZpHnxrEY6xroDrbOT18/s1600/Screenshot-931.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>"WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE VORNEK!"</b></i> Tom screamed as loud as he could, and Kelly was immediately worried that the police in the rest of the station would come storming into the room with their weapons drawn. She quickly ran over and grabbed onto his hand, pushing the chair back a bit to get to him.<br />
<br />
"TOM! He clearly doesn't know anything. Please get off the desk."<br />
<br />
Tom continued to snarl, but Kelly's words and contact got through to him. He clenched his fists, started breathing heavily, and stepped off the desk, holding onto this face as a rage-induced headache hit him with devastating force. Kelly, however, did not take sympathy to his headache and instead glared at him, her own anger taking over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-uBajNouo9z-TMN9CX99rGXIYrfAIFziykXExP32SXtxbgRQbtpWfsA4DSKXSBvN81gJwzD3ahbT6qh-2JmuUEDIkLjI38PakZRCplZyRpFdyDzAfdr-GzkARYBocNC7SPNSjhzD-As/s1600/Screenshot-932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-uBajNouo9z-TMN9CX99rGXIYrfAIFziykXExP32SXtxbgRQbtpWfsA4DSKXSBvN81gJwzD3ahbT6qh-2JmuUEDIkLjI38PakZRCplZyRpFdyDzAfdr-GzkARYBocNC7SPNSjhzD-As/s1600/Screenshot-932.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I'm getting my coat. We are <i>done</i> here."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVCsqwTWfYpachU1iz5JpWc5srA2FyNByyajl9BmRaDzNWjXrcxAH6x7z63nMUTu-zjd45llhw9xtHez99cLNIfYZUPUJ1POtOFgCCBFMqWuVf1OnNQCz8PkhPlI3rXJP5Ih75dhwzf4/s1600/Screenshot-777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVCsqwTWfYpachU1iz5JpWc5srA2FyNByyajl9BmRaDzNWjXrcxAH6x7z63nMUTu-zjd45llhw9xtHez99cLNIfYZUPUJ1POtOFgCCBFMqWuVf1OnNQCz8PkhPlI3rXJP5Ih75dhwzf4/s1600/Screenshot-777.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly stormed out of the police station, with Tom not too far behind her. He could tell by the look on her face and the way she walked that she was not happy with what he did, so he tried as best he could to apologize.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-evPu2Ig50zFi47iEns3-3Uo4L6KbTA7f7fiLCnTlKh9xc4YpXs-76NhcpksYAqxDP3Ow7X4aAYjM7QLLoYpj-50vSvixHJZMCpaNIM4FlyYAv8FN8-R2vLokRFSHcxE3L5TeTL8TUiw/s1600/Screenshot-778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-evPu2Ig50zFi47iEns3-3Uo4L6KbTA7f7fiLCnTlKh9xc4YpXs-76NhcpksYAqxDP3Ow7X4aAYjM7QLLoYpj-50vSvixHJZMCpaNIM4FlyYAv8FN8-R2vLokRFSHcxE3L5TeTL8TUiw/s1600/Screenshot-778.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm sorry, I didn't know what came over me." Tom's voice was quiet, almost broken, as he spoke.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm2BPJVgSHIRt3SaleThZAhCNNxmZ2wAytII6hZN9FtdLZJJAFzksIJENAd_LqLf0QrBLHzNbQIwl3h9C16306e7JtbvpRQKTydo3sorTp8wdyzXWKBp18t3O_UCHYnW8LzvUp76c7jQ/s1600/Screenshot-779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm2BPJVgSHIRt3SaleThZAhCNNxmZ2wAytII6hZN9FtdLZJJAFzksIJENAd_LqLf0QrBLHzNbQIwl3h9C16306e7JtbvpRQKTydo3sorTp8wdyzXWKBp18t3O_UCHYnW8LzvUp76c7jQ/s1600/Screenshot-779.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly turned around to face him, scowling the whole time. "That was completely out of line, Tom! What you did in there could have landed you in jail AND it made me look bad in front of everyone I've come to know in my time as a private investigator! <i>What were you thinking</i>?!"<br />
<br />
"I... I wasn't thinking! I already said I'm sorry!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin823k9m5mgIaQM562_OMPJjIuVRiBlTwiCCuurkIYG2gWbJ7Sl9Vg7CHRUCLVU1TY3OmJXrwNvqPGhAwSJjQUvLRHm7lwnN1Coluk133fSFKIb0oZ1t99aqC8hoGVHAx-4weD63R7i3M/s1600/Screenshot-781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin823k9m5mgIaQM562_OMPJjIuVRiBlTwiCCuurkIYG2gWbJ7Sl9Vg7CHRUCLVU1TY3OmJXrwNvqPGhAwSJjQUvLRHm7lwnN1Coluk133fSFKIb0oZ1t99aqC8hoGVHAx-4weD63R7i3M/s1600/Screenshot-781.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No, sorry doesn't cut it this time! You promised me <i>twenty minutes ago</i> that you wouldn't let your anger get the best of you, that you wouldn't let me down! You broke my trust, Tom! And you lost my help." Kelly turned and walked down the road, kicking a can across the street when she came to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfKCFzbgmiEC3BKaCDWhZqgGed5NGzcqYtU2v7dpXQi0lDa_MT6yU6Y68OLgL8CKsUCwIirCHzH9lwdktNihaR_s-M4Fjn2u0qYg9uENW39IlPlsY657UQUS28MxRG10w0xvbrJxI1VQ/s1600/Screenshot-817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfKCFzbgmiEC3BKaCDWhZqgGed5NGzcqYtU2v7dpXQi0lDa_MT6yU6Y68OLgL8CKsUCwIirCHzH9lwdktNihaR_s-M4Fjn2u0qYg9uENW39IlPlsY657UQUS28MxRG10w0xvbrJxI1VQ/s1600/Screenshot-817.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom breathed in a heavy sigh and solemnly stepped in the other direction. He thought to himself in his walk, noting that he truly wasn't sure what had come over him in that room back there.<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cOd1Es57mIQBdJeZcg31FOkgGvuy-z8QnGZRu5kA1bFleCrWkgq00biVMncGHkm36dZGPSklAc_2gJg1Ekxw_4Vb0m9AR3kfYqldyFgbfIZIg06gX_wKIcjLUChfmSU8xOVFByfILfI/s1600/Screenshot-943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cOd1Es57mIQBdJeZcg31FOkgGvuy-z8QnGZRu5kA1bFleCrWkgq00biVMncGHkm36dZGPSklAc_2gJg1Ekxw_4Vb0m9AR3kfYqldyFgbfIZIg06gX_wKIcjLUChfmSU8xOVFByfILfI/s1600/Screenshot-943.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Gabriel stepped down the stairs and into the living room where Keera was sitting on the couch watching something on the television. Having remembered her getting angry at him the night before, Gabe didn't even speak to Keera in an attempt to avoid confrontation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8a4Gjtuaj39GcdYiJlS8g1ymEUVeQ7VYrdO2aP678grzBdmSCEoiAnyho5ras4yLruGwb6_DUuUFzPG3LfkmG_NOUtPDlWaFVMgyPznNzJ7ZTBCyPuCDc-PJ9Voo9r-wLP8B5GRGBP8/s1600/Screenshot-945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8a4Gjtuaj39GcdYiJlS8g1ymEUVeQ7VYrdO2aP678grzBdmSCEoiAnyho5ras4yLruGwb6_DUuUFzPG3LfkmG_NOUtPDlWaFVMgyPznNzJ7ZTBCyPuCDc-PJ9Voo9r-wLP8B5GRGBP8/s1600/Screenshot-945.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The two sat on the couch, watching TV, for a few moments before Keera turned to him. "Look, I'm... I'm sorry for what I did last night. You were only trying to help, and I snapped at you. The truth is I've been going through a lot of problems lately, remembering the accident which led to..." she made a gesture towards the scar on her face, "...this."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvU5riNfx2HPyqy61waMdyvOPh3hF_QxxitRjH-nA-3ObrpNqKqFRUL9DWbDTIkLrvyOEtl-EvQYzQSjZKZ6v7OuQE-B7OwPTpbkRksvppmvatZCl-4k8dlnO5u-u73MYrJ_zw3K-G0E/s1600/Screenshot-938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvU5riNfx2HPyqy61waMdyvOPh3hF_QxxitRjH-nA-3ObrpNqKqFRUL9DWbDTIkLrvyOEtl-EvQYzQSjZKZ6v7OuQE-B7OwPTpbkRksvppmvatZCl-4k8dlnO5u-u73MYrJ_zw3K-G0E/s1600/Screenshot-938.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I understand, Keera." Gabe replied, "Considering what you've been through?" He sighed, and continued, "I heard about the accident at the movie studio all the way down in Nevada through the news. You don't need to apologize, and you also don't need to apologize. You went through a traumatic experience and those change people. I know this for a fact."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJqB3dGWbAOgRscGUCZ0D67ibA9iQnLoM6jRfMwEKG1ECTTkCmtVrjfngfp2U2zvII5xSS5uLJvF5dXNjz7l5DAsmvlPwBLuaaBkf2dG_SbmNiyWdPsGqkvPsxAv6ZvuIHrwtyt8IqC8/s1600/Screenshot-934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJqB3dGWbAOgRscGUCZ0D67ibA9iQnLoM6jRfMwEKG1ECTTkCmtVrjfngfp2U2zvII5xSS5uLJvF5dXNjz7l5DAsmvlPwBLuaaBkf2dG_SbmNiyWdPsGqkvPsxAv6ZvuIHrwtyt8IqC8/s1600/Screenshot-934.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I know, but it's just I--I don't want to be afraid. I don't even know if fire can hurt me, from what mom said regarding that genie, but I'm still afraid of it. Last night, Scarlett told me that I shouldn't be afraid of 'what-if' scenarios, but I am."</div>
<br />
"Hmm, that's good advice, actually. The what-if thing. I guess I took that advice myself some time ago."<br />
<br />
"Oh?"<br />
<br />
Gabe nodded. "Last month, I was living in an orphanage outside of Lucky Palms, Nevada. Nice enough town, neat casino. Anyway I went to sleep on the main living room couch one night, I wasn't even tired, and I had this dream that I had a family. A mom, a dad. It was <i>so real</i>. When I woke up the next morning, I felt compelled to jump on my bike and drive to Starlight Shores, where my dream-mother was heading towards. I eventually met Cassie in Sunset Valley and she brought me to your house, and the rest is history."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqNuxR89Jj3XSdv7z0AK3bDo7bS1YurF41eiPWYbB1D9Z-LRlyidjbH7P0vRC_8olfmfmqP7GiDhVtWaRNz2mzGMVF-Gud0yFpDxb1R1WX_N7Zd1yzcULGQSqHOGmor23kIjkNnickkQ/s1600/Screenshot-940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqNuxR89Jj3XSdv7z0AK3bDo7bS1YurF41eiPWYbB1D9Z-LRlyidjbH7P0vRC_8olfmfmqP7GiDhVtWaRNz2mzGMVF-Gud0yFpDxb1R1WX_N7Zd1yzcULGQSqHOGmor23kIjkNnickkQ/s1600/Screenshot-940.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So you decided to go out to California on a whim?"<br />
<br />
"Yes. I don't even know why I was doing it. I was compelled to go there. And you know what? I'm glad I did it. I came out here, I met Cassie, I met Annabelle and Tom, both of whom had been in my dream as my parents. They took me in and now I honestly for the first time in my life feel that I have a family. I took the right path, for the first time in my life, and it led me to happiness."<br />
<br />
"Mom said she had a dream about you, it must have been the same night. That's crazy, right?"<br />
<br />
Gabe chuckled for a solid minute before replying, "Crazier than two clones talking on the couch next to a robot?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlvdBstawUdKMRCr-0C-6_r9hzQoWas76XdxDtdkbQ-U1sKxY2c2ZNd9K4YHrVszBVEBPCbqD-AeiPEfMh_DXLLNdayXTa7MhdVLuN01gn6rVKCCv24grJL-FedOn27Sh4KpZMBww6KM/s1600/Screenshot-942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlvdBstawUdKMRCr-0C-6_r9hzQoWas76XdxDtdkbQ-U1sKxY2c2ZNd9K4YHrVszBVEBPCbqD-AeiPEfMh_DXLLNdayXTa7MhdVLuN01gn6rVKCCv24grJL-FedOn27Sh4KpZMBww6KM/s1600/Screenshot-942.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera turned and noticed MIKE sitting on the love seat near them, watching television as he had the day before. "Greetings."<br />
<br />
"Maybe not <i>that </i>crazy." Keera replied. She then looked at her brother, chuckled, and playfully punched him in the arm.<br />
<br />
"Hey! What was that for?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx0TJHkyPN0YchCY2U4YoMtSFXew9OiWyl3r02qBm3vUJ1xo6PdshrsA4rOFCmYwy1jiXKhmO3-5HJvQjrFmlaStwj5WfqN-bOpsUzMsz-Q9OrUXBosYl_eAdU6pUKjTCnzmuPpud2qw/s1600/Screenshot-941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx0TJHkyPN0YchCY2U4YoMtSFXew9OiWyl3r02qBm3vUJ1xo6PdshrsA4rOFCmYwy1jiXKhmO3-5HJvQjrFmlaStwj5WfqN-bOpsUzMsz-Q9OrUXBosYl_eAdU6pUKjTCnzmuPpud2qw/s1600/Screenshot-941.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Nothing much, just wanted to see how you'd react... bro."<br />
<br />
Gabriel chuckled himself this time, "Well trust me, I'll get you back for that... sis."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPosyeqaJGvEZ-hXvE2y-ttaXa-uf3guEzf8E_3UfnBB4dGYdI4ly1muI-ptZa98XVMHiZwcZEvmATPj23S0kyPIVT9LZHqXClb3CgkQjBHnu2HfAbnVmX0lEkrUCPYGhep0DfL8tZ64/s1600/Screenshot-947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPosyeqaJGvEZ-hXvE2y-ttaXa-uf3guEzf8E_3UfnBB4dGYdI4ly1muI-ptZa98XVMHiZwcZEvmATPj23S0kyPIVT9LZHqXClb3CgkQjBHnu2HfAbnVmX0lEkrUCPYGhep0DfL8tZ64/s1600/Screenshot-947.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Back at the Feen hideout, Shale sat against the back wall contemplating events going on around him. Without warning, the door to the hideout flew open and Kelly stormed inside, a fierce glare on her face.<br />
<br />
"Alright you <i>overgrown pebble</i>, I have a few questions for you and you had better give me the straight answers I'm looking for or I swear I will break you down into gravel and use you for the foundation of my 'WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?!' museum!"<br />
<br />
"I may have said answers." Shale replied in a calm tone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbyExbkdVWQwICirqhCoVbv0eFikPc5UVaVMe2Pi3nMQ3JaS4CnK_dTsZe_L0fXRPW7wc5Hrr1huwwABbn-2BIFJTifrGFM7I1d30octr7diuc6TwCtnm1cA9aHa6hUf2DUuVBFzOLww/s1600/Screenshot-951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbyExbkdVWQwICirqhCoVbv0eFikPc5UVaVMe2Pi3nMQ3JaS4CnK_dTsZe_L0fXRPW7wc5Hrr1huwwABbn-2BIFJTifrGFM7I1d30octr7diuc6TwCtnm1cA9aHa6hUf2DUuVBFzOLww/s1600/Screenshot-951.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Why didn't you tell Tom about his parents sooner?!"<br />
<br />
"I was worried about his reaction to finding out. It turned out my fears were well-founded."<br />
<br />
"Were you EVER going to tell him?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GFxmZfHSHooSXsR2RUHhlQ6lV_HGE_I1KWTld5taTtG1AAt6RD2ZV4tuEC93oqnGNLM_3Js7Bd1jwYqcY5Pr0WfLxcvPJFNITHxdxhsAIyfOT2SvEr8GOsnhPNMBUSGDIMns8tpFMJs/s1600/Screenshot-952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GFxmZfHSHooSXsR2RUHhlQ6lV_HGE_I1KWTld5taTtG1AAt6RD2ZV4tuEC93oqnGNLM_3Js7Bd1jwYqcY5Pr0WfLxcvPJFNITHxdxhsAIyfOT2SvEr8GOsnhPNMBUSGDIMns8tpFMJs/s1600/Screenshot-952.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Shale grew silent for a few moments, then spoke softly. "Perhaps, when I knew he was ready. I wasn't sure if he would have been within the next five years, or ten, but I would have told him eventually."<br />
<br />
Kelly rolled her eyes and stepped away. "Always dodging the questions aren't you, Abraham?"<br />
<br />
Shale's voice stopped dead. "What."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrVLm4h6I6LjGvdYppEp9b09EAV4KLWaMDTsAQ1DOiJi_AOPpHBpydCDUqHYQkRueLaNkOgS6a7VwLIhalqZjOGl6SyLvYmKVG8t3Le7bqdIrDn_ZImOwaRVpa-lVk7squRAlc7atnIc/s1600/Screenshot-954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrVLm4h6I6LjGvdYppEp9b09EAV4KLWaMDTsAQ1DOiJi_AOPpHBpydCDUqHYQkRueLaNkOgS6a7VwLIhalqZjOGl6SyLvYmKVG8t3Le7bqdIrDn_ZImOwaRVpa-lVk7squRAlc7atnIc/s1600/Screenshot-954.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly turned to face Shale again, "Your name is Abraham Korven, right? Annabelle told me everything you said to her and I put the pieces together as she told me. YOU were the German scientist who had a disease, YOU brought the Abyss here, and YOU made a deal with it. How is that immortality treating you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0Vh36gf9r8UOrQAPfTnc9D2k5GFZ6ccZm2hWtNuP6KAIMBmWKco0VWkULJPzMjgLFi6FKvs2puX1zIuJBHCkXj98MUQbs5mO9ce4MbjQfcQiXTMgGQlYKS0KG-mSO4spA6wmZeaNEAM/s1600/Screenshot-950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0Vh36gf9r8UOrQAPfTnc9D2k5GFZ6ccZm2hWtNuP6KAIMBmWKco0VWkULJPzMjgLFi6FKvs2puX1zIuJBHCkXj98MUQbs5mO9ce4MbjQfcQiXTMgGQlYKS0KG-mSO4spA6wmZeaNEAM/s1600/Screenshot-950.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Shale grew silent again. "I know. I doubt the Vornek or the Abyss would even know about Earth if it wasn't for me and I've spent an incomparable amount of time regretting my actions, actions that have continued to have ramifications long after they were done."<br />
<br />
"Like Tom's parents."<br />
<br />
"Indeed. If I had not brought the Abyss to Earth and inadvertently lured Vorik and his army here, Tom's parents would not be dead. Perhaps that is the real reason I could not tell Tom about his parents, the shame of watching them pay for my mistake."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP-XpyCj9l5-CMMRBpcwyINRBABQtn7IB8gPdDVF5e2GU7DNTau0rTbFmv13zLPHrEKcrFAkB8Jyqe_suvMgaZTItaE7baUXYP9Guvzvo9V2dELjqmJej5KaoJj5yzhRX9Lo8plKXaD8/s1600/Screenshot-948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP-XpyCj9l5-CMMRBpcwyINRBABQtn7IB8gPdDVF5e2GU7DNTau0rTbFmv13zLPHrEKcrFAkB8Jyqe_suvMgaZTItaE7baUXYP9Guvzvo9V2dELjqmJej5KaoJj5yzhRX9Lo8plKXaD8/s1600/Screenshot-948.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You were too afraid until someone asked you about it. I know the feeling." Kelly thought back to when she first told Annabelle about how she felt, the accidental slip-up of saying the word 'bride' which led to Annabelle finding out about Kelly's true feelings towards her. Kelly actually understood this rock's apprehensive attitude in revealing his truth. <br />
<br />
"One more question. If you can take the form of any rock, any stone on Earth as you told Annabelle, why didn't you try to stop Thomas and Tina from walking into that tomb? You could have told them not to go in there."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbozZuRXrrjENsD8irtgz8P6xxXWbZj_H2PInFd6qkxmIyO-6h4NUJ8JTdX3m3l_71FKPJd3WvyCkO3fE6BWjUp-qBoE-QpVZFUgwKHNq7JZRqdm93XF0hwnXRW6HrkoVoSqMcKpT0DJQ/s1600/Screenshot-958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbozZuRXrrjENsD8irtgz8P6xxXWbZj_H2PInFd6qkxmIyO-6h4NUJ8JTdX3m3l_71FKPJd3WvyCkO3fE6BWjUp-qBoE-QpVZFUgwKHNq7JZRqdm93XF0hwnXRW6HrkoVoSqMcKpT0DJQ/s1600/Screenshot-958.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I cannot speak outside of this particular rock, this room. It is much like seeing something through binoculars: you can see great distances, but you cannot simply say 'hello' to what you're staring at. In time I may figure out a way to fully possess other forms, but at this moment I cannot. I wish I could have."<br />
<br />
Kelly nodded. "I understand. Can I ask a favor? Since you can, you know, take the form of rocks and stones? Can you quickly travel to China and see how my parents, Elliot and Mei Coen, are doing? I just need to know if they're okay."<br />
<br />
"I owe that to you." Shale said as his voice trailed off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30dBGjQxTSOZGGqMjtKNQotFTbfRGBHoBKxoouz1j9wXE643QvTYu_qBEJk9mvazY5Z2IPN3ZF454_cf-6oIEoqPrAfaH_Gvg7yEW-_Cz_LP2mfI3-TpS5a6z8NYOe0G58rOe5xJrk9I/s1600/Screenshot-955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30dBGjQxTSOZGGqMjtKNQotFTbfRGBHoBKxoouz1j9wXE643QvTYu_qBEJk9mvazY5Z2IPN3ZF454_cf-6oIEoqPrAfaH_Gvg7yEW-_Cz_LP2mfI3-TpS5a6z8NYOe0G58rOe5xJrk9I/s1600/Screenshot-955.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As Shale was gone, Kelly began to remember the events of the day so far. In particular the conversation she had with Tom earlier and how he brought up her parents and what if it had been them instead of Tom's. While she refused to acknowledge it, the notion of losing her parents made Kelly terrified beyond comprehension. What if it HAD been her parents? What if they went off to some adventure and didn't come back? The idea of losing them hurt Kelly at a deep level unlike any pain she'd felt in her entire life. As she thought this over, Kelly realized that she not only understood the rock's apprehension, but also Tom's anger.<br />
<br />
In her life, Kelly had nearly lost a great deal of the people she was close to. Annabelle had been kidnapped, twice, and one the second occasion she was presumed dead. Keera was injured in a fire, scarring half her face. Tom and Annabelle were caught in an explosion and nearly died then, and the entire family was put into jeopardy in the graveyard battle during the eclipse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xJF9lctTMFJgc0CuhrJoWDQnCC3D0sAow7eQfuRdueJiz-XlwI8yoiGKXgtxDZuIUC0KBWUJEJDCIAsg5s62PFKjweZoT9Jmu_BdW422Sp_tKstfhuBGKRr-mzFoI4H0bVtCJ-KmgtY/s1600/Screenshot-956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xJF9lctTMFJgc0CuhrJoWDQnCC3D0sAow7eQfuRdueJiz-XlwI8yoiGKXgtxDZuIUC0KBWUJEJDCIAsg5s62PFKjweZoT9Jmu_BdW422Sp_tKstfhuBGKRr-mzFoI4H0bVtCJ-KmgtY/s1600/Screenshot-956.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom, however, HAD lost people close to him. He lost his parents, he lost Andy, and for a brief time he even believed he saw Annabelle get incinerated. He also watched as Annabelle was turned to gold and kidnapped, and later physically attacked by Jack in the graveyard's mausoleum. Kelly understood that Tom had been going through loss, and she knew that he had to release the feelings over these losses in the only way he knew how: punching stuff.<br />
<br />
The recent revelations about Tom's parents also came at a time when he was just getting over having seen them on video tape, so he had admittedly been in a roller coaster of emotions. Kelly wasn't sure if anything excused his actions at the police station, but she decided to try and give him the benefit of the doubt. She was indeed hoping now that, by the time the two met again, he would accept her apology and she his. <br />
<br />
Shale's voice echoed back into the room. "They are fine. I heard them speak of you, and how they want to move back to Sunset Valley to be closer to you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEEW1-njTKT7gIjInvHCRaNMv6baB4fFcUqQol2zUdQUg6AA9kxrS4Uc4J0Lupc1zbgrbGhNLlPg5yS1ham5eaxCFfiLymW-ggsFj9Erft7Z71vRZyu9TyJtsg5o1nTO_ldGWyD7Hhj0/s1600/Screenshot-957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEEW1-njTKT7gIjInvHCRaNMv6baB4fFcUqQol2zUdQUg6AA9kxrS4Uc4J0Lupc1zbgrbGhNLlPg5yS1ham5eaxCFfiLymW-ggsFj9Erft7Z71vRZyu9TyJtsg5o1nTO_ldGWyD7Hhj0/s1600/Screenshot-957.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly smiled, "Sunset Valley, I miss that place. Thank you."<br />
<br />
"You are welcome, Kelly Coen."<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZAxO40GP9_w_ad8SdqWOec-lz3EFrgtLVco4CZsXDYe2fqKclunGgmPvzoH7-j2WiACGv4OGQ_6Wv_GPVkghkAyNwqWXfauBxeFoOIyVv5s5MvInFRdeMsDPkjnTUJM1jpNyob_E7mY/s1600/Screenshot-959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZAxO40GP9_w_ad8SdqWOec-lz3EFrgtLVco4CZsXDYe2fqKclunGgmPvzoH7-j2WiACGv4OGQ_6Wv_GPVkghkAyNwqWXfauBxeFoOIyVv5s5MvInFRdeMsDPkjnTUJM1jpNyob_E7mY/s1600/Screenshot-959.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly said her brief goodbyes and walked out of the room, heading back to the house. Along the way, she thought of Mirabelle, and wondered what she was doing at the moment.<br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJR5-eX_o_YL9iaAUFIMTRfElR6nmIMTqHNHg8Kp9mZagAhzRRgDj2ndiKixUX5xb0ER8_lbvN2Tl-s59ixdcCc1WhSiM54Heq6VrEhZZ6pGviGNwpia86fHRHkjwTY8cbiE-W5nxWpk/s1600/Screenshot-966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJR5-eX_o_YL9iaAUFIMTRfElR6nmIMTqHNHg8Kp9mZagAhzRRgDj2ndiKixUX5xb0ER8_lbvN2Tl-s59ixdcCc1WhSiM54Heq6VrEhZZ6pGviGNwpia86fHRHkjwTY8cbiE-W5nxWpk/s1600/Screenshot-966.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Mirabelle stood in her and Kelly's bedroom, looking out the window at the falling snow. Out of nowhere, while she looked out to Hidden Springs, Mirabelle wondered what Kelly was doing at that moment. The sound of a door opening drove her thoughts away and she turned around, her eyes falling on John.<br />
<br />
"Hey bro, what's up?"<br />
<br />
John shrugged, "I went into Kelly's office to get that flash drive I loaned her but it wasn't in there. You didn't happen to see it, did you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwpaqGWQ_DfdYRvs7CvhAPM9jkpxuP7-ahp2d68K9oCt1Y-Cp3GGTcuhoYcMgxWMAff6w7t01f_BJL4WrIl6lUr1h3AybkAjHY4FmNWugON7f66-Y3ExZSyJYSASTLjsCu8juSyVf9L0/s1600/Screenshot-963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwpaqGWQ_DfdYRvs7CvhAPM9jkpxuP7-ahp2d68K9oCt1Y-Cp3GGTcuhoYcMgxWMAff6w7t01f_BJL4WrIl6lUr1h3AybkAjHY4FmNWugON7f66-Y3ExZSyJYSASTLjsCu8juSyVf9L0/s1600/Screenshot-963.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle shook her head. "Nope. I'll ask Kelly when she gets back. Is there anything serious on the flash drive that you need?"<br />
<br />
John nodded, "I saved all my information about the teleporter on it. I was going to take a few looks at the information to see if I can improve on the teleporter's range and efficiency. I may be able to improve on it, maybe instant teleportation to other planets or even other universes."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGl3X0Ki1kAoxfh6xSpIDHMRnGFo8jQb7-CuWwctwWfNQuBld6WEn2ZkNqYVHV4euoWIXSZFCCvAx9gHQw2m2k8ot4qCqXQCZRqof0zeN2fWLqv7LhNOkTYCkMgB45m4z4fxA9rZ071Q/s1600/Screenshot-967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGl3X0Ki1kAoxfh6xSpIDHMRnGFo8jQb7-CuWwctwWfNQuBld6WEn2ZkNqYVHV4euoWIXSZFCCvAx9gHQw2m2k8ot4qCqXQCZRqof0zeN2fWLqv7LhNOkTYCkMgB45m4z4fxA9rZ071Q/s1600/Screenshot-967.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah Scarlett filled me in on your trip to that alternate world some time back. It got me to wonder: If Annabelle, or 'Jessica' never met you in that universe until recently, does that mean that I don't exist there?"<br />
<br />
"It's likely. But does it matter?"<br />
<br />
"What do you mean?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVesIup3abEVIey3AhBK230grF6FOhqJ8uE_UYA2hQZJQi8ADN6h_ykD1sqCkBKgx0pHS3bN5XJ1FFPEhNl1KDN_C1SMBB7f8dk4A-sQ324y2GcbzXOs4cqwGHyeBWiwTg6iSdN09b6w/s1600/Screenshot-962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVesIup3abEVIey3AhBK230grF6FOhqJ8uE_UYA2hQZJQi8ADN6h_ykD1sqCkBKgx0pHS3bN5XJ1FFPEhNl1KDN_C1SMBB7f8dk4A-sQ324y2GcbzXOs4cqwGHyeBWiwTg6iSdN09b6w/s1600/Screenshot-962.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
John walked up to her. "You exist <i>here, </i>Mira. You're as real as any other living, breathing person. It's been months since the teleporter brought you into this world, and in that time you've made your own life, loved your own people, everything that anyone would call 'living'."<br />
<br />
"But I don't exist there, in that universe."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdC-GMWSNajjHZeRiuV76CukllwQqgnwEUWDtGXNtyRIHdRgaAk4S0QGeuqs6yGIjZ3_d6oEvK5OH8LftK78pgGPbeaFRlk5h3LDKYqv7rQ19k55jNbzzxBnY8kyij0NlDi0v3W1owNc/s1600/Screenshot-968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdC-GMWSNajjHZeRiuV76CukllwQqgnwEUWDtGXNtyRIHdRgaAk4S0QGeuqs6yGIjZ3_d6oEvK5OH8LftK78pgGPbeaFRlk5h3LDKYqv7rQ19k55jNbzzxBnY8kyij0NlDi0v3W1owNc/s1600/Screenshot-968.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Mirabelle, let me tell you something that became very clear the moment Tom found himself in that alternate universe: The possibilities for everything are endless, literally endless. There are possible universes where Annabelle never even came to Earth, or another where Tom's parents didn't go to Egypt. Sure you don't exist in that universe, but I am willing to bet everything that I myself don't exist in one, or none of us at all in another!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeztHb3Cdjyu72t8yAq5gXnAcNUzX-kLvjrhi3diMyB953SUVC-XOjI0ilcAjHE8tB0NPbQspG5WTw1GNoUmkkasnG3iVzOar0PDqEkbukMB_5KX_VhRQAV4y-bQmd0boD_IerrRN3Ho/s1600/Screenshot-969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeztHb3Cdjyu72t8yAq5gXnAcNUzX-kLvjrhi3diMyB953SUVC-XOjI0ilcAjHE8tB0NPbQspG5WTw1GNoUmkkasnG3iVzOar0PDqEkbukMB_5KX_VhRQAV4y-bQmd0boD_IerrRN3Ho/s1600/Screenshot-969.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle smiled. On occasion she would have thoughts of not belonging, but every time she would express those feelings, people close to her would reassure her that was not the case, in their own little ways. Kelly would give her a small kiss on the cheek, Annabelle would discuss their past, and John would use his science speak to declare her legitimacy. She wondered if she'd always have these feelings, but knew as long as she'd have them, her family would have her back.<br />
<br />
......<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
John left the room, happier for having went in despite the fact that he came out empty-handed. Mirabelle was just as much a sister to him as Annabelle, so any time he could help her feel better made him jovial. Just as he stepped away from the door, his cell phone rang. He looked at the number, smiled, and answered it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOVYYMqm_oKjuu_atFPFsmuMAIJIMsupfOjA47Mh2tfygSYPhulKvG7lT03ZVROkwDhVnBMpLeSxvfbbP55Srpvi9ioV-4Dqdxum5_ZouPxnceq7yYugNEuVGRv0z2q4Sisbk2Yy8g5Y/s1600/Screenshot-910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOVYYMqm_oKjuu_atFPFsmuMAIJIMsupfOjA47Mh2tfygSYPhulKvG7lT03ZVROkwDhVnBMpLeSxvfbbP55Srpvi9ioV-4Dqdxum5_ZouPxnceq7yYugNEuVGRv0z2q4Sisbk2Yy8g5Y/s1600/Screenshot-910.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey.... wait, you're <i>here</i>?! That's awesome, I didn't even know you were coming! Yeah I'll meet you downstairs."<br />
<br />
John put his phone back in his pocket and walked downstairs, smiling the whole time.<br />
<br /></div>
--------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii654Aq7OwBXOsgH2EWrBnCrgX8_Uwi8lD15zwjcSrhDYcQCyNI0qvUccYTPUBq88XcqnpVvifkiSbXDb8KmFxL3JUbp-5Gtt-0IXg5kaGHAHExC_v_bh1fX1_vhDxbUR6mBlhWYsjtvA/s1600/Screenshot-978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii654Aq7OwBXOsgH2EWrBnCrgX8_Uwi8lD15zwjcSrhDYcQCyNI0qvUccYTPUBq88XcqnpVvifkiSbXDb8KmFxL3JUbp-5Gtt-0IXg5kaGHAHExC_v_bh1fX1_vhDxbUR6mBlhWYsjtvA/s1600/Screenshot-978.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After talking with Gabriel, Keera took a taxi back down to the town's central park. A short walk afterwords led her to a bench, the same one she's sat on a few days prior to get a good view of the movie studio across the street.<br />
<br />
Keera remembered the fire, the pain, every bad thing associated with that place. As she sat there, a voice from her recent past made its way into her head. She stood up, turned around, and watched as Ethan Craft walked up next to her.<br />
<br />
"Hello!" Ethan exclaimed as he stepped up next to her, smiling the whole time. "How are you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHl4ycA60-PEOEGcMjTHqEL8J3SgOFO-gZbg2FCogeqd55GsFD8nlzerbnMlTfo2StuXD_da9_hI3U7c8gbNJzhUMklcHHvOmVgGSoDzEEJggobhlJBuzVDM7DDZDydoK-W1MGlv9pnk/s1600/Screenshot-981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHl4ycA60-PEOEGcMjTHqEL8J3SgOFO-gZbg2FCogeqd55GsFD8nlzerbnMlTfo2StuXD_da9_hI3U7c8gbNJzhUMklcHHvOmVgGSoDzEEJggobhlJBuzVDM7DDZDydoK-W1MGlv9pnk/s1600/Screenshot-981.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"You! You were the one who convinced me to go back to that studio! I've been having flashbacks, nightmares, and everything in between since you told me! Stay the hell away!"<br />
<br />
"I'm, I'm sorry. I didn't think I... are you alright?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR65gCf8JNw8aotazluvspNELTjOIicAzw6PEYgtgYB1GukMdQtLtNGjc1xycPxopcPqKtWIuJgXvkuuDeB8mF1-8tB7OFEZ8_OkiWYNOZLl5KpC21AbUCSMo63sHqIjumRG4uO7pV4k/s1600/Screenshot-980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR65gCf8JNw8aotazluvspNELTjOIicAzw6PEYgtgYB1GukMdQtLtNGjc1xycPxopcPqKtWIuJgXvkuuDeB8mF1-8tB7OFEZ8_OkiWYNOZLl5KpC21AbUCSMo63sHqIjumRG4uO7pV4k/s1600/Screenshot-980.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"NO! I'm not alright! Look at my damn face! Look at this scar! You think this is okay to have?! I've spent hours, days, MONTHS trying to get better and your little idea for me to go to the studio drove me back into the feeling of helplessness."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoYmnSLwOu5ioCbhbQyd3ReWmZI-ByaODoF4vQkvXpdlr6k-H1-n0f_Q_JX28kMgDSubt_ZHJLdv_G_FzX1GJ22g6b_ALrGB6oMCsFQA5hcEyzDJRlxa4UeBnMvCLcY5uIbtf9nO3w5U/s1600/Screenshot-979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoYmnSLwOu5ioCbhbQyd3ReWmZI-ByaODoF4vQkvXpdlr6k-H1-n0f_Q_JX28kMgDSubt_ZHJLdv_G_FzX1GJ22g6b_ALrGB6oMCsFQA5hcEyzDJRlxa4UeBnMvCLcY5uIbtf9nO3w5U/s1600/Screenshot-979.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ethan stepped closer to Keera. "I'm sorry for what I did, but I didn't tell you to go thinking it would be detrimental to your help. I sincerely apologize."<br />
<br />
Keera closed her eyes, sat back down on the bench, and sighed. "<i>I</i> am the one who should be sorry. What's wrong with me isn't actually your fault, and it was unfair of me to have yelled at you."<br />
<br />
"No, I shouldn't have told you to go there. I wasn't thinking! I thought since my mom's a doctor, I could help others myself but I failed completely."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7oejqLKsQOll25r0BpnA3Uc7pbSU3TyQB05HSbAqqSBsprvIQt5p0Zg4597rEUYKs-UU0uY119-KMikfTldq_ZkcqZHWDn87zdeu9p-CdmtvxiRm2sy6sJrv7StK2EyH94kezKV8qFI/s1600/Screenshot-984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7oejqLKsQOll25r0BpnA3Uc7pbSU3TyQB05HSbAqqSBsprvIQt5p0Zg4597rEUYKs-UU0uY119-KMikfTldq_ZkcqZHWDn87zdeu9p-CdmtvxiRm2sy6sJrv7StK2EyH94kezKV8qFI/s1600/Screenshot-984.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Keera tried to hold in a laugh. "Trust me, my family has spent a lot of time helping others even when no one really realizes it. Remember the whole Starlight Shores graveyard thing?"<br />
<br />
"You mean from last month?"<br />
<br />
"Yep, that was my family. They stopped Jack Toomes... again... and saved the world. Though some people I've seen question what they actually did."<br />
<br />
"How did they exactly 'save the world'?"<br />
<br />
Keera smirked, "well they stopped an evil megalomaniac from using a genie lamp which would have allowed him to wish himself the ultimate power to take over the entire planet. Little things, you know?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1ESntb7LafH88yTvexOG2zJDBNgpEufvZ9i_iRXhQb8igpXR-C0teHqBDKYLUNQoQIX78yrKbDEy2XMqQdYQq9mFHx-KuDKrhKTEDSclwaUKWwTvO5hwsdhwz5KEOEK5OyEJ4D2NunM/s1600/Screenshot-983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1ESntb7LafH88yTvexOG2zJDBNgpEufvZ9i_iRXhQb8igpXR-C0teHqBDKYLUNQoQIX78yrKbDEy2XMqQdYQq9mFHx-KuDKrhKTEDSclwaUKWwTvO5hwsdhwz5KEOEK5OyEJ4D2NunM/s1600/Screenshot-983.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I... I... that's something you don't hear everyday."<br />
<br />
Keera laughed again, "That's my family's motto. Anyway what brings you back to the park?"<br />
<br />
Ethan nervously smiled. "Well, if you want me to be honest, I kinda wanted to see if you were here."<br />
<br />
"That's not creepy at all."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ilVE7oKv-8xGCdroNTNcNvwXuje8jcFlrsTQhY2xGzdFWJeD473CWaGFR2MhHfXKtTYafFs3g1TMmUDg8ShGAGBYYf7fO_rXUweNyypS-nPeECRnSKKSYg8N1C-0vBFdrw22ylXibgI/s1600/Screenshot-985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ilVE7oKv-8xGCdroNTNcNvwXuje8jcFlrsTQhY2xGzdFWJeD473CWaGFR2MhHfXKtTYafFs3g1TMmUDg8ShGAGBYYf7fO_rXUweNyypS-nPeECRnSKKSYg8N1C-0vBFdrw22ylXibgI/s1600/Screenshot-985.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No it's not like that! Okay maybe, but I wanted to see if you were alright. You seemed a bit out of it last time we talked. I wanted to know how you were doing."<br />
<br />
Keera nudged his arm, assuring him that she wasn't entirely serious. "I'm just joking, it's good that you care." Keera wasn't sure what to make of this person. He seemed nice enough, but then again she'd heard of others who had seemingly started out nice and turned out to be evil, ruthless supervillains with Jack Toomes coming to mind. Keera secretly wished Kelly was nearby so she could read his mind, but realized that would be abusing her powers, something she was staunchly against. Still, Keera wanted to get to know this person a bit more, a feeling which prompted her next question. "How much longer is your family going to be here in The 'Springs?"<br />
<br />
"We leave tomorrow, unfortunately. I enjoyed this town immensely. Plus I got to meet you, which was a great thing."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvKBITEGLUH2U1xVkuoAWpJ9Y64y5G6QS6K2hZVGV2-yfFPCEWA5J82Tu6ppuBrbrCYKvvshZH88SH-IBNJsD0nfrcYd8kRDbkeEspv23UlSdM2vbORvbiZzNOAQIDgIEOMXjfhGaP5k/s1600/Screenshot-986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvKBITEGLUH2U1xVkuoAWpJ9Y64y5G6QS6K2hZVGV2-yfFPCEWA5J82Tu6ppuBrbrCYKvvshZH88SH-IBNJsD0nfrcYd8kRDbkeEspv23UlSdM2vbORvbiZzNOAQIDgIEOMXjfhGaP5k/s1600/Screenshot-986.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well I try." Keera smiled, and nearly blushed as well. "So you want to hear more about my life? I mean, what I want to tell you?"<br />
<br />
It was Ethan's turn to smile. "Certainly! Go ahead."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfLiRvSHehD1b85vlAyzJy0tX-9IDdxzsKrORmTpN4dInFlDW20Cxf5AqJEbCAU1FXescNSkVFpJnO2BXmaxq-aHoFyMKq6eo1_goDsrX303hdBDjVqhREiVquuu7n6KSNl4RwYzdd80/s1600/Screenshot-982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfLiRvSHehD1b85vlAyzJy0tX-9IDdxzsKrORmTpN4dInFlDW20Cxf5AqJEbCAU1FXescNSkVFpJnO2BXmaxq-aHoFyMKq6eo1_goDsrX303hdBDjVqhREiVquuu7n6KSNl4RwYzdd80/s1600/Screenshot-982.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera started talking about her past, starting with meeting Annabelle in Sunset Valley. She told him all about her heritage, how she was a clone, which he clearly disbelieved. The two continued talking for a few more hours until the sun began to set. Realizing how late it was, Keera and Ethan stopped talking, stood up, and walked across the street to City Hall, Keera called a taxi to come get her, but Ethan stayed where he was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeCaYseG83hl6IoWZnMamITpgVhj5NM7x-qE_LXAHyIhQdsyQqdgN2YRgTMljFeZ9RC4p1eycA-qZjJ6kkeARxrWpxZ6s3R00WDk1gw2rvGIYTABg04-5sjDJosdw3ugSQzg9Gget7r4/s1600/Screenshot-1009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeCaYseG83hl6IoWZnMamITpgVhj5NM7x-qE_LXAHyIhQdsyQqdgN2YRgTMljFeZ9RC4p1eycA-qZjJ6kkeARxrWpxZ6s3R00WDk1gw2rvGIYTABg04-5sjDJosdw3ugSQzg9Gget7r4/s1600/Screenshot-1009.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So, we should definitely talk more." He said, "hearing about your life was... interesting."<br />
<br />
"Well maybe you can tell me more about yourself next time we meet, or maybe... call each other? You know, just to. I can give you my number."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6o0lDfOwiRcQWwRcgH86aPBASe6hNKxzrI96kb6IP-8PM-k59WdnPK7FKOCiB6AVHtOAz0u_91amqAsltMuDggS_cXj3L6zKHh5_wW-fkEbvqlbOPxq1zXkBvw9TK8BjpO_R7V2Hpzg/s1600/Screenshot-1010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6o0lDfOwiRcQWwRcgH86aPBASe6hNKxzrI96kb6IP-8PM-k59WdnPK7FKOCiB6AVHtOAz0u_91amqAsltMuDggS_cXj3L6zKHh5_wW-fkEbvqlbOPxq1zXkBvw9TK8BjpO_R7V2Hpzg/s1600/Screenshot-1010.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That'd be great." Ethan walked down next to her, and Keera typed her cell phone number into a text message. She then showed the number to him as he programmed it into his own cell phone. "But surely we can talk more personally. How about, next time I'm in town we meet right here! Right at city hall!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p5X8LmA2nv9-Kvl3eSGwQKYt2JN8nYsfjKGmni1g2UQyJexdDfl9k7jowkVxx1qOaWFlj2fcoH6K5Dhq6BpgsQT8_0_kz2_9EL-WMj3KT2ijw995UHxg4p2PY6aH9SbcOHQXrkPiyco/s1600/Screenshot-1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p5X8LmA2nv9-Kvl3eSGwQKYt2JN8nYsfjKGmni1g2UQyJexdDfl9k7jowkVxx1qOaWFlj2fcoH6K5Dhq6BpgsQT8_0_kz2_9EL-WMj3KT2ijw995UHxg4p2PY6aH9SbcOHQXrkPiyco/s1600/Screenshot-1011.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"Is that you, asking me, out on a date next time you're in town?" Keera smiled at him in a way she'd never really smiled before: in a flirting manner.<br />
<br />
Ethan nervously scratched his head, "Yeah, I suppose it is. If you want to go on one-"<br />
<br />
"Yes. Next time we're both in town." The taxi pulled up and Keera climbed into it. "See you then, Ethan."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlqGPsItTzqeR10f9zmNzWgwgEEuqce6Fi3g9VaHm_LNICo4sHZssbY_wGfUvDq67BO69z57D0m5ayKVDs1VxjiUVV05EozW3QTtqdsR5tkVJVJ_bL3Q0tBJcahVz6bsEXwuKCeu635c/s1600/Screenshot-1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlqGPsItTzqeR10f9zmNzWgwgEEuqce6Fi3g9VaHm_LNICo4sHZssbY_wGfUvDq67BO69z57D0m5ayKVDs1VxjiUVV05EozW3QTtqdsR5tkVJVJ_bL3Q0tBJcahVz6bsEXwuKCeu635c/s1600/Screenshot-1012.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNCFf84sJOWwWsxkIn0ENVNSe14-1HH9B4Mex5cNCVGo-0EmqnniaSDwekVu6vaart39tBmWLaUCgXo1vHk3_iCKgH_OpvIdCI91CDZ-u_QV4STRmFJWIeCtgXfUStvgvmK0H4FMeqBE/s1600/Screenshot-1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNCFf84sJOWwWsxkIn0ENVNSe14-1HH9B4Mex5cNCVGo-0EmqnniaSDwekVu6vaart39tBmWLaUCgXo1vHk3_iCKgH_OpvIdCI91CDZ-u_QV4STRmFJWIeCtgXfUStvgvmK0H4FMeqBE/s1600/Screenshot-1013.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The taxi drove away, while Ethan waved. When it was out of sight, he pulled his cell phone out again and dialed a number. "Hey mom, I met that girl again... Yeah, she's really cool! Though I don't think that green skin I mentioned really was makeup..."<br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzrs4ovp3XZNO6vUbZyhV2WMa6q2bw3qRTbfjtx3shuttiOTI-Ddy7e5hhKq7lOGZopIy1JyO7G1F2B6Ro0aPAZ7zVpX7cc3Wio4GRlDRPeWFhBdKC5JKYURev19N1NRsiDhE-ORFMhM/s1600/Screenshot-996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzrs4ovp3XZNO6vUbZyhV2WMa6q2bw3qRTbfjtx3shuttiOTI-Ddy7e5hhKq7lOGZopIy1JyO7G1F2B6Ro0aPAZ7zVpX7cc3Wio4GRlDRPeWFhBdKC5JKYURev19N1NRsiDhE-ORFMhM/s1600/Screenshot-996.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle paced her room, trying to think of how to get through to Tom, when she heard a knock on the door.<br />
<br />
"Yeah, who is it?"<br />
<br />
The voice on the other end surprised Annabelle, if only because it was completely unexpected. "When Mirabelle told me that you were turned into a magical fairy, that was one thing I surprisingly couldn't believe."<br />
<br />
"MOM?!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3ktyy4PL6wJnP3Vcb22oXdWmixsNmy2RgzQgfbvmSaU_gZXUqolc__k6oaOQIXCns-SI9mq6bTeXgFzSBLqDMnUN4_sS6-OQqGLdEp97FmU2wfc0uVmuCHcDHvP1i15X_-b92cOLFK0/s1600/Screenshot-999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3ktyy4PL6wJnP3Vcb22oXdWmixsNmy2RgzQgfbvmSaU_gZXUqolc__k6oaOQIXCns-SI9mq6bTeXgFzSBLqDMnUN4_sS6-OQqGLdEp97FmU2wfc0uVmuCHcDHvP1i15X_-b92cOLFK0/s1600/Screenshot-999.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle opened the door to a smiling Maria, whose expression changed to a brief surprise when she saw Annabelle's wings, and back to a smile. "So what happened?!"<br />
<br />
"You know, the typical. What brings you here?"<br />
<br />
Maria shrugged, but then continued,"When Mirabelle told me what happened with your fairy thing, I had to see it for myself. Luckily the movie set in Monte Vista will be closed for a while so they can do renovations so I decided to come see my kids. How's Keera doing?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YksIWZvNr74ob6iozmHKd15G7TJg7s9sis9mIujIPbPDuB4-1h2VamXrv33ZQ0GGz5Yr3VK6vuQbOV8vKnRcNd7pzOtMoigjmpCjNPRCjo-jz9_t1mslsFdO7Jf10hJpx1E2J8QN2fM/s1600/Screenshot-723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YksIWZvNr74ob6iozmHKd15G7TJg7s9sis9mIujIPbPDuB4-1h2VamXrv33ZQ0GGz5Yr3VK6vuQbOV8vKnRcNd7pzOtMoigjmpCjNPRCjo-jz9_t1mslsFdO7Jf10hJpx1E2J8QN2fM/s1600/Screenshot-723.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"She's having anxiety issues from the explosion, again. She's been trying to hide it but a mother knows her child. I fully intend to talk to her about it but I've been kinda busy talking to a rock."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle scratched her head. "Long story. I'm also worried about Tom."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYZayYqFDfI3VsKc9OwQrKdxsZKngAfREMqhgGMyKhNpT4HGMqoJl0IAzPkINrDq37ZL0IyVrq1d7jGuNqO1t2DqWo4Yg26x1WO4-SGK5PIH7DmYmdonhfxIGJ65KN5lKCPnogThzgb8/s1600/Screenshot-724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYZayYqFDfI3VsKc9OwQrKdxsZKngAfREMqhgGMyKhNpT4HGMqoJl0IAzPkINrDq37ZL0IyVrq1d7jGuNqO1t2DqWo4Yg26x1WO4-SGK5PIH7DmYmdonhfxIGJ65KN5lKCPnogThzgb8/s1600/Screenshot-724.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Mirabelle told me over the phone last night. He found out about his parents, and how they died? I mean, he already knew but now he has more information. He's headstrong, Annie, almost as headstrong as you! Kinda why I always assumed you two would get together."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccBlPhSa9d3xgi3I5r4AZZoBOObouV8E2TQp8pQmtn0cqrmaxN1PqpMRPdpdJiWKsQBCj1Aa52rzLgJOQG1OvXZ72ax9UsVEsSf73UDMsI_9Rc4hFmn228sb9JqxdQUWDn5mjUYZ-870/s1600/Screenshot-987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccBlPhSa9d3xgi3I5r4AZZoBOObouV8E2TQp8pQmtn0cqrmaxN1PqpMRPdpdJiWKsQBCj1Aa52rzLgJOQG1OvXZ72ax9UsVEsSf73UDMsI_9Rc4hFmn228sb9JqxdQUWDn5mjUYZ-870/s1600/Screenshot-987.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle smiled, "Actually, we told each other, you know, how we felt. I thought that would help with his emotions after finding out about his parents but it didn't seem to faze him."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhj4WgaFEpWvF6_MQ-F_VqMgcfWzNTUWRkdxMVnOfDx7lQvrbTaG6_CTdOC5kPk_AXtI_ZrCGExdL16JByOeSLLiH4REKqWLi9yBtY7IHMKHX_z8YpiVII3iNuJ6BZbFReAWaUUM3lDs/s1600/Screenshot-990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhj4WgaFEpWvF6_MQ-F_VqMgcfWzNTUWRkdxMVnOfDx7lQvrbTaG6_CTdOC5kPk_AXtI_ZrCGExdL16JByOeSLLiH4REKqWLi9yBtY7IHMKHX_z8YpiVII3iNuJ6BZbFReAWaUUM3lDs/s1600/Screenshot-990.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Maria laughed. "Wow! You finally spilled the beans to each other... Congratulations! It only took you guys about, oh, <i>twenty one years</i>. I can't wait until you get married! Should I book the venue for sometime next century?"<br />
<br />
"Oh HA-HA, very funny mom."<br />
<br />
"You know it. But seriously, congrats! I knew you two had it in you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiPnv_1D4GNrBrXIAOEN_tDLjFB7P79HvchfRCUfatJ5EcUNTHaMV2XLlks062AuZzIf_Hqw2ZKWxX2iprEBt2jXgqxv71-UnluTwT3j7uwO2r3h0zHb9c2qFjeN_xIEejiWtUs1fPk8/s1600/Screenshot-995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiPnv_1D4GNrBrXIAOEN_tDLjFB7P79HvchfRCUfatJ5EcUNTHaMV2XLlks062AuZzIf_Hqw2ZKWxX2iprEBt2jXgqxv71-UnluTwT3j7uwO2r3h0zHb9c2qFjeN_xIEejiWtUs1fPk8/s1600/Screenshot-995.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle smiled again. When she thought of Tom, however, the smile faded. "Yeah but he's a bit off the wall with anger lately. I'm worried that he's going to get himself hurt, or worse, and I can't stop him. Hopefully someone will be able to get through to him."<br />
<br />
"Someone will. I know it."<br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWftSf_VkMyJgKpfi_j4CCHSRHmgxVtoPk2xO_DYbocWHbYddAl6_1kbnoe7aTeGz8z7ILhYo7NL8zhJyuk2C34NftTcdbFbd9WviRIZCW6NNKtvrXJ9Qi_nbDGU55bzs3fBT2zGk2mu0/s1600/Screenshot-1004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWftSf_VkMyJgKpfi_j4CCHSRHmgxVtoPk2xO_DYbocWHbYddAl6_1kbnoe7aTeGz8z7ILhYo7NL8zhJyuk2C34NftTcdbFbd9WviRIZCW6NNKtvrXJ9Qi_nbDGU55bzs3fBT2zGk2mu0/s1600/Screenshot-1004.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Gabriel knocked gently on Cassie's bedroom door, and then opened it. Inside, Cassie was seen lying on the ground, a video game controller and a bunch of games and movies spread out around her, and the television was on. Her character in the video game was repeatedly getting killed over and over, and he laughed to himself. "She must have fallen asleep playing games."</div>
<br />
Gabriel walked inside, shut off the game and television, put away the games, and nudged Cassie's arm with his foot. "Hey, um, you should get on your bed. It's not very comfortable lying on the ground like that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhgOArdk5z9jMlSzVQDec-Iv5DT0GsGxa_pxsw6_A0-awa9uQn8lz4GXlSVctIA7MQ9Jwmt56P8OuUa7nriNC9IKjc8u3DkyzN3gtc0p_aGB0GyNnHzaYdAUKQ7ZIcX_RXwpk10-bKnQ/s1600/Screenshot-1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhgOArdk5z9jMlSzVQDec-Iv5DT0GsGxa_pxsw6_A0-awa9uQn8lz4GXlSVctIA7MQ9Jwmt56P8OuUa7nriNC9IKjc8u3DkyzN3gtc0p_aGB0GyNnHzaYdAUKQ7ZIcX_RXwpk10-bKnQ/s1600/Screenshot-1005.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cassie stood up and groggily climbed into her bed, covering herself up, then took off her glasses. All the while, she was saying things in her sleep that seemed connected to the games she was playing, with phrases such as "No lives left" and "I'll get you, King Rolthcar." escaping her lips.<br />
<br />
"Yeah you<i> get</i> that evil king." Gabe said, chuckling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhaoZHxZIyZBiwz7HD1oDXeTLpyqgZ4I5CMh9Xh2MAveB8l92dia1IwwZjae7aFy88oVlxFM4SouXEgG2zimuF6_aTCqK6eo8pF7bS19DvblIb9K7GDUyXdccjgBy3z2NCPFCvtdS298/s1600/Screenshot-1007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhaoZHxZIyZBiwz7HD1oDXeTLpyqgZ4I5CMh9Xh2MAveB8l92dia1IwwZjae7aFy88oVlxFM4SouXEgG2zimuF6_aTCqK6eo8pF7bS19DvblIb9K7GDUyXdccjgBy3z2NCPFCvtdS298/s1600/Screenshot-1007.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel left the room, continuing to silently laugh, and shut the door. Just after doing so, and he was long gone, Cassie whispered to herself in her sleep once more. <i>"Oh, hey honey, you want to play this game with me?"</i><br />
<br />
....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDXb7vm42Vi7PzfunidKoPLn0bjPFjjyyHLEHOM89lKGV68XJpW1L8ooHgHa_TVWbl_pAkHFmDFVOejgPSNiweQV1VTG_Swo5Togx1e65BVjZSP671COA4dA2dcAB3RyYW4s2egv7BVs/s1600/Screenshot-1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDXb7vm42Vi7PzfunidKoPLn0bjPFjjyyHLEHOM89lKGV68XJpW1L8ooHgHa_TVWbl_pAkHFmDFVOejgPSNiweQV1VTG_Swo5Togx1e65BVjZSP671COA4dA2dcAB3RyYW4s2egv7BVs/s1600/Screenshot-1008.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel walked down the hall, looking for something to do, when he stopped by Annabelle's door. Before he could knock, he heard Annabelle and Maria talking about Tom and his recent anger.<br />
<br />
<i>"I'm worried that he's going to get himself hurt, or worse, and I can't stop him. Hopefully someone will be able to get through to him."</i><br />
<br />
Having seen Tom come back earlier that evening, Gabriel's immediate thought was of helping the woman that he saw as his mother. Heading upstairs, he found himself outside Tom's door, knocking on it repeatedly until Tom opened it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFci9Y6qeZpp_nMUtGNFp385G-_CvdIpCaK_D6LAnXs4ZDmaUIuoJE6rshRRL31OZfUrVibelW2BDJVOGiJ7NjqBwvjzf5mqOOovtk9TdTizGACdsiWqcNCw-1WtWzCbKI1m40PXi2x88/s1600/Screenshot-1030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFci9Y6qeZpp_nMUtGNFp385G-_CvdIpCaK_D6LAnXs4ZDmaUIuoJE6rshRRL31OZfUrVibelW2BDJVOGiJ7NjqBwvjzf5mqOOovtk9TdTizGACdsiWqcNCw-1WtWzCbKI1m40PXi2x88/s1600/Screenshot-1030.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Can I help you?" Tom asked. He had a small scowl on his face and Gabriel wondered if it was because of him, or just because of what's been going on with him lately.<br />
<br />
"We need to talk, bud-to-bud, so to speak."<br />
<br />
"What about?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpT7c46l84ygFTXd1Pry_mNGfbSZJp1HiDM4jrVvh_Xv5JVHkLWYBAoR8qL6AFoUzbfSOvmH77qNn3DxKvE2QfzUAT2L0yzuFv9Lrf_Yvs8T_uqHtP5RDK5pri52-qPp9LANBcIlHulo/s1600/Screenshot-933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpT7c46l84ygFTXd1Pry_mNGfbSZJp1HiDM4jrVvh_Xv5JVHkLWYBAoR8qL6AFoUzbfSOvmH77qNn3DxKvE2QfzUAT2L0yzuFv9Lrf_Yvs8T_uqHtP5RDK5pri52-qPp9LANBcIlHulo/s1600/Screenshot-933.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You, and your anger-induced rampage of destruction across town that you're planning. At the risk of sounding like someone actually my age, you need to mellow out, yo."<br />
<br />
Tom rolled his eyes, "Oh don't worry, I'll deal with the monstrous entity that killed my parents. Then I'll 'mellow out'."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklvWsGUrgQb5-kNghXNi1InJVYQK2SrW_V8hU5CMtMSxAzPSAtpXlxVJ_ajwCE8I2sgiFQjELcOPSVIgVTZzdfGjf2fFk5f1nvEjfz39WZCQ2eRIj1r6idrYP29ucDTAL-TZbG4Eu9e4/s1600/Screenshot-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklvWsGUrgQb5-kNghXNi1InJVYQK2SrW_V8hU5CMtMSxAzPSAtpXlxVJ_ajwCE8I2sgiFQjELcOPSVIgVTZzdfGjf2fFk5f1nvEjfz39WZCQ2eRIj1r6idrYP29ucDTAL-TZbG4Eu9e4/s1600/Screenshot-1024.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Wow you're really mad about this. I get it! You lost your parents, I would understand why you're acting like this! Everyone understands! Kelly understands, and I'm <i>definitely</i> sure Scarlett gets why! I know Annabelle does as well, but she doesn't want you to go out and risk your life on some crazy revenge-fueled conquest. <i>I </i>don't want you to either!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj205Gv06nPZVEP3EfsJUbIPGZvhyphenhyphenX3rOWI6yF2kIANJha0LvnYYqJhEXtTDLxK1nk2fB2WcU3CsJ6D-d-Zy5cE2qQ599aWv-k0M1xCmGgUS2iiKW1csMKuBcjAjWPse37wjAKS24A6rMU/s1600/Screenshot-1028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj205Gv06nPZVEP3EfsJUbIPGZvhyphenhyphenX3rOWI6yF2kIANJha0LvnYYqJhEXtTDLxK1nk2fB2WcU3CsJ6D-d-Zy5cE2qQ599aWv-k0M1xCmGgUS2iiKW1csMKuBcjAjWPse37wjAKS24A6rMU/s1600/Screenshot-1028.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Why? You don't really know me..."<br />
<br />
"You're right, I DON'T know you but I would <i>like </i>to! I would like to know the friendly Tom I that met when I was without a place to live. I would like to know the father I had in my dream! I don't want to know the person I see before me, who is so blinded by rage that he can't even be bothered to think about the people who care about him."<br />
<br />
"Gabe I'm-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W_Tuh0kLZLS8yKrA1YOQRSnNRFoB5QOHWUl33gbCyFia3UupXx1Eq7PT8Ivf1KLJlp5BUWh92tFFvA_zHhtKk_k7vM4zAvyJ6k-mkzZXs7AsGuFMf1AqnzDNdSHg04Z5GNBMThvo1EY/s1600/Screenshot-1026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W_Tuh0kLZLS8yKrA1YOQRSnNRFoB5QOHWUl33gbCyFia3UupXx1Eq7PT8Ivf1KLJlp5BUWh92tFFvA_zHhtKk_k7vM4zAvyJ6k-mkzZXs7AsGuFMf1AqnzDNdSHg04Z5GNBMThvo1EY/s1600/Screenshot-1026.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm sorry about your parents, okay. Again, I know you have every right to be angry for what happened. But if you keep doing this, this whole path of revenge thing, you'll be right where your parents are. How could you honor their spirits, and get justice for their deaths, if you're dead yourself? Not to mention that if you died, you'd leave me <i>exactly</i> where you are right now."<br />
<br />
"And where is that?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFK_19M9awSBORS9prVfEaoHY96YHhIeXJ0rA3dOPAi_93nibEFHaxiexmGO7N-wd6EcGXiwzPt8oS4xqXW4X3-2LWUMgtYFxAAgcp9SSVtfpJJTPFaaimXxxDAiBHzG0rmUeqZcrlp20/s1600/Screenshot-1029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFK_19M9awSBORS9prVfEaoHY96YHhIeXJ0rA3dOPAi_93nibEFHaxiexmGO7N-wd6EcGXiwzPt8oS4xqXW4X3-2LWUMgtYFxAAgcp9SSVtfpJJTPFaaimXxxDAiBHzG0rmUeqZcrlp20/s1600/Screenshot-1029.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Gabriel didn't even look at Tom before as he turned around and opened the door. "<i>Without a father</i>." With that final sentence, he walked out of the room, leaving Tom behind to think about their conversation.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
-----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64hf6kid_dSXalZo6YJQc9RQO9Z_eUaOMnESQRA0t2OpV8NKM4rb8HqOgEv0iJ6fgyQguDbVrIf3eSPsoglA4wm98b8D5LWwwh0PP8MTKonyvVRcGCniOZboZKYMx8ozvtE4PuUdULHM/s1600/Screenshot-1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64hf6kid_dSXalZo6YJQc9RQO9Z_eUaOMnESQRA0t2OpV8NKM4rb8HqOgEv0iJ6fgyQguDbVrIf3eSPsoglA4wm98b8D5LWwwh0PP8MTKonyvVRcGCniOZboZKYMx8ozvtE4PuUdULHM/s1600/Screenshot-1031.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle stood in the basement, particularly the bar area, as she poured herself a drink. She heard a door open upstairs heard someone walking down towards her. Keera stepped out of the stairway and walked over to the television.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJVS7s1fXWuKoeWVBXPJcYMu5mS2D0LYa1ejqaby6nQPw1pRe4V6IHkjHYFeX6XBaObtzCNfBcgIQ3XI6-RjoSntteuihVB7zZz9SvOj9nzcCHNs48covKrnxwplusqNXFle6kSAGQJQ/s1600/Screenshot-1032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJVS7s1fXWuKoeWVBXPJcYMu5mS2D0LYa1ejqaby6nQPw1pRe4V6IHkjHYFeX6XBaObtzCNfBcgIQ3XI6-RjoSntteuihVB7zZz9SvOj9nzcCHNs48covKrnxwplusqNXFle6kSAGQJQ/s1600/Screenshot-1032.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"That robot is still watching TV, I thought I'd come down here."<br />
<br />
Annabelle walked over to sit next to her and smirked, "Don't you have a television in your room?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptXTv-OENmY1OsNTcuK51nyfpYx64s_kqyoYegmSlCmAoeLGHIt328pU0uvpLOBjkQlVHbu2tqBVlwwQr9E1WXNdXUKbIsfYJERd6shwKZpB2fe7FLVk1vjZkrvYgaANO1axSPIO7JGQ/s1600/Screenshot-1033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptXTv-OENmY1OsNTcuK51nyfpYx64s_kqyoYegmSlCmAoeLGHIt328pU0uvpLOBjkQlVHbu2tqBVlwwQr9E1WXNdXUKbIsfYJERd6shwKZpB2fe7FLVk1vjZkrvYgaANO1axSPIO7JGQ/s1600/Screenshot-1033.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"On the third floor? Yeah, but why walk up two flights of stairs just to get the same entertainment value I can get down here? It's just too much work, you know?"<br />
<br />
"We <i>have</i> an elevator."<br />
<br />
Keera chuckled, "Elevators are too much work too. Besides, I'm not a fan of enclosed spaces, I don't know why. Anyway, have you talked to Tom lately? Or as I call him, 'Mr. Angry Hat'?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutPx3gGHsuwrrzTHh6up7odNgxIfmXaJrY44p7acKLdLwSRGcUeYHKTtd-4rwXYkivtBb_Ej9V9hG3sfUh2M5XfZjs_yXu_AHlkNbCGPBnG87PJTyhHEr1F4TM0ZNMZbF_Yf_XfhE3FI/s1600/Screenshot-1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutPx3gGHsuwrrzTHh6up7odNgxIfmXaJrY44p7acKLdLwSRGcUeYHKTtd-4rwXYkivtBb_Ej9V9hG3sfUh2M5XfZjs_yXu_AHlkNbCGPBnG87PJTyhHEr1F4TM0ZNMZbF_Yf_XfhE3FI/s1600/Screenshot-1034.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"When have you ever called him that?"<br />
<br />
"Lots of times!... Behind his back. When he's not around."<br />
<br />
Annabelle shook her head, "No I have not talked to him lately. But he can do his own thing right now, because I actually wanted to talk to <i>you</i>, Keera. I know you've been having problems lately, as much as you've tried to hide it from me."<br />
<br />
"Well I've tried to hide it from everyone, if you want me to be honest. Scarlett was a bit more intuitive than I expected. She's helped me out a lot and has spent time with me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVA5xUVpJsY2kZVSnyBT0FsNwmAKgjR90uQrvIbE1eKrUN2gwFek3pJqUVXfAG-n5YUSS2LtEwOiw7QifSbuQ5AW5ZViOQVFsagtswrPgdShGsNQ6ovrQt6dWcxkkZvTYcDBzFjE-_Nk/s1600/Screenshot-1037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVA5xUVpJsY2kZVSnyBT0FsNwmAKgjR90uQrvIbE1eKrUN2gwFek3pJqUVXfAG-n5YUSS2LtEwOiw7QifSbuQ5AW5ZViOQVFsagtswrPgdShGsNQ6ovrQt6dWcxkkZvTYcDBzFjE-_Nk/s1600/Screenshot-1037.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So what's going on?"<br />
<br />
"I've been having visions and flashbacks of the explosion. I dream that I'm there, trying to stop myself, but I can't. It's been happening ever since I went back to the movie studio. I took some advice to do it and I didn't think of how it would affect me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyM8UoTSH6xWGlucJpToGwhArV9eAP6S7AleN7CqexEhpwypPuVn1CrwxZZlIsCO6q9GoT-mD20vPVmFxCbWAV91I6T89niGxKv_ZfFNn4WfX6k_XoDoEaiD4vh_g39_WVJml6A8txWQ/s1600/Screenshot-1036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyM8UoTSH6xWGlucJpToGwhArV9eAP6S7AleN7CqexEhpwypPuVn1CrwxZZlIsCO6q9GoT-mD20vPVmFxCbWAV91I6T89niGxKv_ZfFNn4WfX6k_XoDoEaiD4vh_g39_WVJml6A8txWQ/s1600/Screenshot-1036.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It makes sense, really. I mean, a horrible thing happened to you there. I think everyone would understand if you'd want to stay far away from that place."<br />
<br />
"The thing is, I don't know if I want to stay away. I want to get better, I want to say I could go to the place that gave me so much grief and say that I could be there without repercussions. Scarlett's helped me, and I met this dude down at the park who... well he wasn't exactly <i>helpful</i> but at least he seemed nice!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hv85lbAHKN__bhMgTY6GrveuiClF70t-w_uNZMDs4z318outyE_J-Eu5jGt7q-hHu0s4_i0pbTUC-pBodOq-P-mDf19vbHh07osW1OCgUMsYsoMaASShp-9uX9klPwHkvI5MNv6Yf84/s1600/Screenshot-1038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hv85lbAHKN__bhMgTY6GrveuiClF70t-w_uNZMDs4z318outyE_J-Eu5jGt7q-hHu0s4_i0pbTUC-pBodOq-P-mDf19vbHh07osW1OCgUMsYsoMaASShp-9uX9klPwHkvI5MNv6Yf84/s1600/Screenshot-1038.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel, having heard Keera from upstairs, yelled down into the basement in a jesting manner.<i> "Oooh! Keera's got a boyfriend?"</i><br />
<br />
Keera coyly yelled back, her voice cracking as she did so. "Hey! Private con-ver-say-tion!" When Gabriel didn't respond, she continued talking to Annabelle. "His name's Ethan. We talked a bit down at the park, and I gave him my number even though he's leaving town."<br />
<br />
Gabriel's voice again echoed downstairs. <i>"Keera and Ethan sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-"</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjWEGBCgb1TostA8UPxZAaVajADaHLiCNt4y5WC7VzmuS77-U0rFlTv2POAg9NqTGsJ49gr8BpigHJHUGte53F6F2knqhyoOAH2GIsLPgt8EUeICiXBLaV1Huebxuvk74Wu2Fd-MhHuA/s1600/Screenshot-1039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjWEGBCgb1TostA8UPxZAaVajADaHLiCNt4y5WC7VzmuS77-U0rFlTv2POAg9NqTGsJ49gr8BpigHJHUGte53F6F2knqhyoOAH2GIsLPgt8EUeICiXBLaV1Huebxuvk74Wu2Fd-MhHuA/s1600/Screenshot-1039.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera scowled, stood up, and ran up the stairs all the while saying "I swear I'm going to be a single child again by the time this night is over!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonpDCYr6_qvUZV6B_PC_c3ZYauLWId71dYCElD9Hgc2SxRnD1Xpwl7_wcCKOLd7MSZ5AeM8siQSDTjsQNjir93dbWIAEOvT-3h8YgWX7RzXqIb9RYFQV7d9iIWhnLQbpVLiG2mnEPLS8/s1600/Screenshot-1040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonpDCYr6_qvUZV6B_PC_c3ZYauLWId71dYCElD9Hgc2SxRnD1Xpwl7_wcCKOLd7MSZ5AeM8siQSDTjsQNjir93dbWIAEOvT-3h8YgWX7RzXqIb9RYFQV7d9iIWhnLQbpVLiG2mnEPLS8/s1600/Screenshot-1040.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle stood up and yelled up after Keera, "Kids, don't hurt each other! I don't want to have to come up there!" As she walked towards the couch, she suddenly realized how she had just sounded and started openly laughing in the middle of the basement. "Wow. I've not said anything that motherly in a while."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrch2ZMPQ1Um2uFwgXIK2GyvYOgzuGpMNhger_jd_v0Lha-jmxaBK2KiT1wyPeOMQ_Xq25DrwOqoFnEbeYBXV6JUs2Ny57kRITNZ9PGprNc46jmnCWmKQlwJRwKn3OAIVbZ65Zk2ktQE/s1600/Screenshot-1041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrch2ZMPQ1Um2uFwgXIK2GyvYOgzuGpMNhger_jd_v0Lha-jmxaBK2KiT1wyPeOMQ_Xq25DrwOqoFnEbeYBXV6JUs2Ny57kRITNZ9PGprNc46jmnCWmKQlwJRwKn3OAIVbZ65Zk2ktQE/s1600/Screenshot-1041.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Before she could sit down on the couch, Annabelle's phone vibrated and made a noise. She pulled it out of her jacket pocket and turned it on. To her surprise, the phone held a single text message without a number or any indication about who had sent it.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Annabelle Kethrin. </i><i>Meet me at the outlook where you got your wings. 8:00 PM tonight. </i><i>-A"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ90FE7kfq8eT6cbDwiZ8w24JwKMkzk_xfBhySAKXZu1p01-XmR-_zupkJHTbP7t0mGYUIy0YUstQIgpFX1uKR8eiV2EUrpdNxpr2M-CsqQu-vhODOwjnSkYHmFGmG_yqJSM98bqtZvII/s1600/Screenshot-1042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ90FE7kfq8eT6cbDwiZ8w24JwKMkzk_xfBhySAKXZu1p01-XmR-_zupkJHTbP7t0mGYUIy0YUstQIgpFX1uKR8eiV2EUrpdNxpr2M-CsqQu-vhODOwjnSkYHmFGmG_yqJSM98bqtZvII/s1600/Screenshot-1042.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle looked around in worry, and put her phone back in her jacket.<br />
<i><br /></i>-------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2I703YCtOb76URz-RDF7qeVsuYwVtSSl73GrsSl2SRMEJiNS2LNmJ1eZnKL8PvPLc0ZoxLMXkoZajDxV9bF2p5wLqCwo2yhyPP4N5JSgIDarVZPzH2IzUVglQERGr5eZdmoY4BtkVrQ/s1600/Screenshot-1043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2I703YCtOb76URz-RDF7qeVsuYwVtSSl73GrsSl2SRMEJiNS2LNmJ1eZnKL8PvPLc0ZoxLMXkoZajDxV9bF2p5wLqCwo2yhyPP4N5JSgIDarVZPzH2IzUVglQERGr5eZdmoY4BtkVrQ/s1600/Screenshot-1043.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly walked down the stars and spotted Maria walking towards the living room. She had heard Maria was visiting through speaking Mirabelle so she wasn't surprised but instead, Kelly realized her presence gave her an ample opportunity to get an answer she'd been looking for. She had tried to get a hold of her parents but they were apparently moving from China back to the States so they were unable to chat for long, and since Maria had lived with them for so many years she would know a thing or two.<br />
<br />
Kelly finished walking down the stairs and followed Maria into the living room. MIKE was still sitting on the couch from earlier, even though the television was off at this point. Maria sat down on the opposite couch and turned the television on again, channel surfing until she found something to watch. Kelly sat down next to her and smiled.<br />
<br />
"Mira told me you'd be here. I mean at the house and all that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspwsLZk6Xtbzn87vrCjLEvH_rFVgs5dmUQ1HCqy_niORgQOycrwYp_sfZpXODyeS1NofVO_zNg5j1kNYNYB7dceE1O8V71jfpco-4R3iCi9qPQs_sPC6gSbz65oJ6j1h6LViR7Z83PDM/s1600/Screenshot-1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspwsLZk6Xtbzn87vrCjLEvH_rFVgs5dmUQ1HCqy_niORgQOycrwYp_sfZpXODyeS1NofVO_zNg5j1kNYNYB7dceE1O8V71jfpco-4R3iCi9qPQs_sPC6gSbz65oJ6j1h6LViR7Z83PDM/s1600/Screenshot-1048.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah I decided to drop by and see how everyone is. So Mirabelle told me something about you, some sort of mental mind reading thing?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, I'm still trying to figure it out, and what caused it. I was actually meaning to ask you, when she was pregnant with me, did mom ever interact with any... alien... things? I mean, was she ever abducted by aliens or see an alien ship?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKmY-FbW6gOYZ9OhfpKJWaF0Ofh_SPa5CGKIsRwM6_wG7LR6q1Tg6dYDeLpeaZZn2t77XFe3GqRfRCc-3rS1GxGoGLY28VkUISa0QCzOcbfraoMBGhmNW1e5b99VCGQWJ7TptydvxC34/s1600/Screenshot-1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKmY-FbW6gOYZ9OhfpKJWaF0Ofh_SPa5CGKIsRwM6_wG7LR6q1Tg6dYDeLpeaZZn2t77XFe3GqRfRCc-3rS1GxGoGLY28VkUISa0QCzOcbfraoMBGhmNW1e5b99VCGQWJ7TptydvxC34/s1600/Screenshot-1047.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"I don't recall, why?"<br />
<br />
"That robot thinks the Torran radiation from alien craft was responsible for my mind-reading abilities, as well as John and my own intelligence. It makes sense with John, since you said an alien took your blood to make Annabelle as we know her."<br />
<br />
"Yeah the whole 'Project Hybrid' Annabelle told me about. But I can't remember anything regarding aliens when Mei was pregnant with you. Maybe you can call her?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rnlE1S-3G1P9ge7E4mShreKALNs4XriiaOmNJO8S5TbBUtHF8VQXrlp-TUvKwnVxPvfz2qtkhddLUqwr2LqvTWIJGSvI09UXJpiEO639PfhyXZeov7ZkCMiBCtfFVE9pQTbKjmvuLaI/s1600/Screenshot-1046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rnlE1S-3G1P9ge7E4mShreKALNs4XriiaOmNJO8S5TbBUtHF8VQXrlp-TUvKwnVxPvfz2qtkhddLUqwr2LqvTWIJGSvI09UXJpiEO639PfhyXZeov7ZkCMiBCtfFVE9pQTbKjmvuLaI/s1600/Screenshot-1046.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I want to, but that would be a very awkward conversation wouldn't it? '<i>Hey mom, were you ever abducted by aliens when carrying me to term?</i>"<br />
<br />
Maria shrugged, "Any more awkward than when you told people you could read minds?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIGEm8bFSjxgvEU8Y7WU7WEsmRC-WaDj8LRbN-0eH7mC80BnCDWzZblwj0QeWeQI1gsEqhPd3V77X-GwVOoDF-snauPbWe4-V09irsKEAdAvo4nWTB5bfEgvh-rkCJ2iWSsABEA9SfpU/s1600/Screenshot-1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIGEm8bFSjxgvEU8Y7WU7WEsmRC-WaDj8LRbN-0eH7mC80BnCDWzZblwj0QeWeQI1gsEqhPd3V77X-GwVOoDF-snauPbWe4-V09irsKEAdAvo4nWTB5bfEgvh-rkCJ2iWSsABEA9SfpU/s1600/Screenshot-1049.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-NnNnW0p70vFvqWif-vm8p5JFxiSls809VP3xFcYU-IDPXpnwiRqmWjg5N05nFEqR2aQIIwLhB5UkgbxSMXwy1jIsHreDYtiKSgyDicN8tilp38CoQobAPs-riDdaZJ198qpW7G8cAY/s1600/Screenshot-1051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-NnNnW0p70vFvqWif-vm8p5JFxiSls809VP3xFcYU-IDPXpnwiRqmWjg5N05nFEqR2aQIIwLhB5UkgbxSMXwy1jIsHreDYtiKSgyDicN8tilp38CoQobAPs-riDdaZJ198qpW7G8cAY/s1600/Screenshot-1051.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly was about to reply to that when she narrowed her eyes, "Touché." The two shared a brief laugh, and started watching television.<br />
<br />
-----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JeUCtSTgmWTEoox5laBtmoc1Gt6pL2NcVR76lIq_VW_LZ4-iZdBkRmqzF4e72MCfb451FdJsFKXeAd-vjCtSF2vgI4bNstZyQL7Kj8W8htLj8s818Y0CCRVoBqF47Gr5K3qMH2CNWxc/s1600/Screenshot-972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JeUCtSTgmWTEoox5laBtmoc1Gt6pL2NcVR76lIq_VW_LZ4-iZdBkRmqzF4e72MCfb451FdJsFKXeAd-vjCtSF2vgI4bNstZyQL7Kj8W8htLj8s818Y0CCRVoBqF47Gr5K3qMH2CNWxc/s1600/Screenshot-972.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Annabelle walked down the street, her phone kept close to her in case she needed some help. She had no idea who this "A" person was, why they would contact her, and how they knew she got her fairy wings at the outlook. Still, Annabelle had been through enough things in her life to know not to underestimate any kind of threat, so she kept her phone close in case she needed emergency backup. Though the text didn't tell Annabelle to come alone, she didn't want to put anyone else in unneeded danger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvj9WCIBvPGVQwRPGE3uH_xpeyTQaZUyVWd5Diz-EXDbbIA4Fxx23n8lCWfVxI2FpBasu7XkaeACk0l7ZQZTKTYYbEzlPszG-gImw2OR21oO-0aCdSaU4nhDVtdXQsnvq5D5YU3XoTvo/s1600/Screenshot-971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvj9WCIBvPGVQwRPGE3uH_xpeyTQaZUyVWd5Diz-EXDbbIA4Fxx23n8lCWfVxI2FpBasu7XkaeACk0l7ZQZTKTYYbEzlPszG-gImw2OR21oO-0aCdSaU4nhDVtdXQsnvq5D5YU3XoTvo/s1600/Screenshot-971.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After a short walk, Annabelle found herself at the outlook. She had flashbacks of meeting Kayley, and watching as the fairy used her magic to remove most of her clothes as a prank, then using her magic to knock her out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbvLywulXe596Gjn-ofP0Eu_HiX1qFvbiwX6tV2ypcoC1O2uxHPTG3MyzbsDnZzvNISvW0buc7S_KHYwp4fOOUSpGZAz3rvnuXs1ua5kT4JZG_DFoFCG0hBeFvsJKrMg1deHi4Z6KQis/s1600/Screenshot-973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbvLywulXe596Gjn-ofP0Eu_HiX1qFvbiwX6tV2ypcoC1O2uxHPTG3MyzbsDnZzvNISvW0buc7S_KHYwp4fOOUSpGZAz3rvnuXs1ua5kT4JZG_DFoFCG0hBeFvsJKrMg1deHi4Z6KQis/s1600/Screenshot-973.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A familiar voice took Annabelle out of her memories. She turned and watched as a brief burst of light faded away to reveal Anika Sundar, the genie she had freed in Starlight Shores.<br />
<br />
"Hello Annabelle." Anika said, "Sorry for the mysterious mysteries of strange mystery, I just needed to talk to you. I want to help you fight The Abyss and the Vornek."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunkrwuksAdWu0EQFgYppODPse4vg4SyXAIHtQ44yXy-rrK7YrA7SiAmbhdsyfHjdo_gP0XDqwDZ4_5QCkGQl-3THFanqoHWvSeAgqrqVvEVtAPK-IiGq8Wifg8LadBd14eCdKJrmx4Sw/s1600/Screenshot-977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunkrwuksAdWu0EQFgYppODPse4vg4SyXAIHtQ44yXy-rrK7YrA7SiAmbhdsyfHjdo_gP0XDqwDZ4_5QCkGQl-3THFanqoHWvSeAgqrqVvEVtAPK-IiGq8Wifg8LadBd14eCdKJrmx4Sw/s1600/Screenshot-977.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You? Why not just show up at our house? Why make me come all the way up here?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusFykK1RI96cagy_svAKrNYCb3QdhPWFJGuFAqVHTwhYcWWIEJ6jjqmT063_UohbygC-S457oi2RUha2gKHkHZ-cYLzKTm2yaDLCyd6WQTpuTteUQaqDCY8MaMWf2Acqp4uZa1OcE_-M/s1600/Screenshot-1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusFykK1RI96cagy_svAKrNYCb3QdhPWFJGuFAqVHTwhYcWWIEJ6jjqmT063_UohbygC-S457oi2RUha2gKHkHZ-cYLzKTm2yaDLCyd6WQTpuTteUQaqDCY8MaMWf2Acqp4uZa1OcE_-M/s1600/Screenshot-1014.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Anika looked downwards, awkwardly kicking a stone on the ground. "Well to be honest, I need you to meet someone, and I don't think it would be appropriate for her to show up out of the blue, even with me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mw7520hoUOY3uUBUrY1wOF5MvkSByVhdSb7A2vsidstGOqXsMiosY874O5BRuNGQ8a43DAreHrq97wxDLp6KC2kFk9-O2yC8E7aiBjn6hS9Z9iYR5tQyRDm8Rv3XQbZYOvl5P14tMI4/s1600/Screenshot-976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mw7520hoUOY3uUBUrY1wOF5MvkSByVhdSb7A2vsidstGOqXsMiosY874O5BRuNGQ8a43DAreHrq97wxDLp6KC2kFk9-O2yC8E7aiBjn6hS9Z9iYR5tQyRDm8Rv3XQbZYOvl5P14tMI4/s1600/Screenshot-976.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"Who?"<br />
<br />
"Me." Another familiar voice echoed through the area, and Annabelle's eyes grew wide in terror as she turned around. The woman standing behind Annabelle was just as young as she remembered, with red and black hair, red and black clothes, green skin, and red eyes. She didn't have a glare or snarl on her face, instead a warm, friendly smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You...." Annabelle replied. She stepped away from the woman she'd known as Mary Knight, or Nightmare, but the woman she once called her enemy reached out to her with a kind voice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AyCkEbcn8VKoCqK4K_lnTBE4FtHXsr3iyL3z0RJWDkXHnjTsvNq1JYJJ6V9BEFijmGjjkSIwVb_PD9mEFhyBGtnPYdQL4wKNuQkf08O-B62S2YJn6KDQdvY2HgopvdUCgvKFBNXcjak/s1600/Screenshot-1021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AyCkEbcn8VKoCqK4K_lnTBE4FtHXsr3iyL3z0RJWDkXHnjTsvNq1JYJJ6V9BEFijmGjjkSIwVb_PD9mEFhyBGtnPYdQL4wKNuQkf08O-B62S2YJn6KDQdvY2HgopvdUCgvKFBNXcjak/s1600/Screenshot-1021.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"I do not think we've been properly introduced... my real name is Andromeda Roshali. I know you don't trust me-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-zdMzojGIdEg5-VcDLZwUctJOsJeT0q_4PAQAq34ggZZ_xqpLN7L5MVtDLgmF_DwsJcXpY9cDHqe0KR_brcBzoxK-wwubiOs2Q3OJQKF8zHUanEg_9_FAxO8rx4YORPs4P6nAdWjDu8/s1600/Screenshot-1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-zdMzojGIdEg5-VcDLZwUctJOsJeT0q_4PAQAq34ggZZ_xqpLN7L5MVtDLgmF_DwsJcXpY9cDHqe0KR_brcBzoxK-wwubiOs2Q3OJQKF8zHUanEg_9_FAxO8rx4YORPs4P6nAdWjDu8/s1600/Screenshot-1017.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"After the whole <i>'you tried to kill me on that beach in Sunset Valley'</i> thing a few years back? No, why would you ever say that?"<br />
<br />
"I am deeply sorry for everything I've done. Deeply. I wasn't thinking properly and it nearly killed me! Hell, I think it DID kill me! But I'm done walking that path. After a long time of thinking, getting my head back together, and a bit of help with others, I finally understand why I was so lost. I want to help you, and Anika, fight the Vornek."<br />
<br />
"Yeah? Prove it!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMqdompdTldR9owslNwSVha1zGTWJIMEoylwL619haxbAFS0o1nnpgUYB_StuRs4_QaX4fsrOFumHkoxB4sglrJ72vbeCKXQGj41KWcc9baQjiTWO3RClrIfd_FKVtgRs-idk8Fdb8TE/s1600/Screenshot-1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMqdompdTldR9owslNwSVha1zGTWJIMEoylwL619haxbAFS0o1nnpgUYB_StuRs4_QaX4fsrOFumHkoxB4sglrJ72vbeCKXQGj41KWcc9baQjiTWO3RClrIfd_FKVtgRs-idk8Fdb8TE/s1600/Screenshot-1016.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Some time ago I found the book, The Dark Hollow, here at the library in Hidden Springs. I saw Mirabelle checking out books so I wrote a message to her and put the book back on the shelf. I knew she'd check it out because that kind of stuff would pique your interest back then."<br />
<br />
"So you know about Mirabelle. Gee, I wonder how you managed that." Annabelle glared at Anika, who merely shrugged.<br />
<br />
"Anyway I wrote that message for her because I wanted to help. I do want to help you!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Baxdx3oiJMzREsCm5xLh5tU6Gu9LV3WKITOxYMNriDN0IU3YJZyP1yWk8B5J6P9a49zZyOQdQ1O94D3OeDwCSQRZ5NgfD3MHU4YH87ymz7AbdJ7KJiVptAi7R77eNt9M6su7hb2gsA/s1600/Screenshot-1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Baxdx3oiJMzREsCm5xLh5tU6Gu9LV3WKITOxYMNriDN0IU3YJZyP1yWk8B5J6P9a49zZyOQdQ1O94D3OeDwCSQRZ5NgfD3MHU4YH87ymz7AbdJ7KJiVptAi7R77eNt9M6su7hb2gsA/s1600/Screenshot-1019.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Why? Why didn't you stay the hell away from me?!" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho40lOtaqHnipqxHu34nVWiKsU6sRsATpAgq5i4vpE6jvRzgno2QSpts2vcRgdHXRyQ7BVJWoMs3dOJh_PCmx3fz6fKh9rhyphenhyphendwawF69Sau5kWRulXlJx7jNJwY7uSKTQL73YVIIjpnoRg/s1600/Screenshot-1018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho40lOtaqHnipqxHu34nVWiKsU6sRsATpAgq5i4vpE6jvRzgno2QSpts2vcRgdHXRyQ7BVJWoMs3dOJh_PCmx3fz6fKh9rhyphenhyphendwawF69Sau5kWRulXlJx7jNJwY7uSKTQL73YVIIjpnoRg/s1600/Screenshot-1018.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Because... we're family, Annabelle." Annabelle's face contorted into an expression of confusion and disbelief, and Andromeda continued "I knew you wouldn't believe me, so I figured someone else would meet us here."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
"Who?"<br />
<br />
Andromeda smiled again, "Well I told Anika here that I haven't had much time living on Torra Sev, so I decided to 'phone home'. It's a bit of a family reunion, of sorts. Oh, here she is now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9HlE8H_SMnoS-sJMlq4Wl4F2a_et6gWCZb-rSupsC4Dm374XequI4vDIb1jfwto6XWXFYJtN8KFfyUEPGYDsfRMTx0M4vNJPNbQfk6Czi8G2dN-Wh2Xsqdg6Z790Pn5yz1OFN65RAb4/s1600/Screenshot-1022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9HlE8H_SMnoS-sJMlq4Wl4F2a_et6gWCZb-rSupsC4Dm374XequI4vDIb1jfwto6XWXFYJtN8KFfyUEPGYDsfRMTx0M4vNJPNbQfk6Czi8G2dN-Wh2Xsqdg6Z790Pn5yz1OFN65RAb4/s1600/Screenshot-1022.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle turned around again after hearing a familiar "whirring" sound, and her eyes widened considerably when the person Andromeda was specifically referring to teleported into view.<br />
<br />
"I think you've already met my little sister." Andromeda said.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDkZ42C4Ni4_vXXnlV9wb8aqkz9mHeacEQ3OFnbR6oJYg5V7tHti7NXeU2Ip5pv3GUzHps73p3x-y8Ml6RucaXUnb_qtgPr502hUEOZP4c86nwHXM48dDy4oBXE589BXHsAeWmb0PZU4/s1600/Screenshot-1023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDkZ42C4Ni4_vXXnlV9wb8aqkz9mHeacEQ3OFnbR6oJYg5V7tHti7NXeU2Ip5pv3GUzHps73p3x-y8Ml6RucaXUnb_qtgPr502hUEOZP4c86nwHXM48dDy4oBXE589BXHsAeWmb0PZU4/s1600/Screenshot-1023.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'm here to help, in any way I can,"<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-13078774598712923432015-03-16T22:10:00.002-05:002015-03-16T22:19:21.708-05:00Chapter Forty-Six - Internal Thoughts<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JujSF4J4JULngb0TtpFPsnoejyhrn3w3y2CMOGamJhHfECHwReigNW9W6k5mDZZfocugYkzQTIvD7Q1cApnxIh0XxGs3LSfc9pyhfmYmpPF7-dEvpm0fXh8V47oqJ3QUVYgLz9vg8Cg/s1600/Screenshot-595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JujSF4J4JULngb0TtpFPsnoejyhrn3w3y2CMOGamJhHfECHwReigNW9W6k5mDZZfocugYkzQTIvD7Q1cApnxIh0XxGs3LSfc9pyhfmYmpPF7-dEvpm0fXh8V47oqJ3QUVYgLz9vg8Cg/s1600/Screenshot-595.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_Cbor8e4TnnbJZWrQzYSqtMYzSXf70VY-1gYe_Y8VLjfhurvWYWXO6WCXVM7tHVF7EjwtnCsAfF37p4U8bflwuMBxjNUJNMxXb5rk_-EG5wzRo2LqTBf-2BwCTWhTgeCmsHOduRaOns/s1600/Screenshot-596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_Cbor8e4TnnbJZWrQzYSqtMYzSXf70VY-1gYe_Y8VLjfhurvWYWXO6WCXVM7tHVF7EjwtnCsAfF37p4U8bflwuMBxjNUJNMxXb5rk_-EG5wzRo2LqTBf-2BwCTWhTgeCmsHOduRaOns/s1600/Screenshot-596.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly sat in the living room while everyone walked in. It had been a few hours since everyone had greeted Tom since he emerged from his room, and she told everyone she needed to talk to them. As Annabelle, Mirabelle, Scarlett, John, Gabe, Keera, and Cassie walked into the room, Tom stood in the other room and smiled. He knew why Kelly called everyone in and why she was so nervous, so while he stood outside the room he strongly focused on one phrase, one that he practically yelled into his mind.<br />
<br />
<i>"You can do this. Don't worry."</i><br />
<br />
When everyone was in the living room, Kelly took a deep breath stood up in front of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVK5yoydCvVI-csTeGazsdQ7s73qnluC6I9ubaioDLfn_oN6QnmYWhOZ4l9oBTsVRTuhQW3TbEFReEIhIszRIl3UNvSlWEiUvuDUavNc22yicov14PrsDyeTP1ebXFaqcsGL3CKHrdg0/s1600/Screenshot-610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVK5yoydCvVI-csTeGazsdQ7s73qnluC6I9ubaioDLfn_oN6QnmYWhOZ4l9oBTsVRTuhQW3TbEFReEIhIszRIl3UNvSlWEiUvuDUavNc22yicov14PrsDyeTP1ebXFaqcsGL3CKHrdg0/s1600/Screenshot-610.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Okay everyone, there's something I need to tell you. But to be honest I<i> really</i> do not know how to say it. So I'll just demonstrate it." Everyone in the room, minus Mirabelle, took on a strange expression as Kelly reached up and put her hand to her head. "Alright, everyone think of something. Anything. Just pop it into your head. Don't make it a secret you want to keep or anything, just anything random."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE28O-6xpszNcCXMDeBh5aTEy5CyuRn0Lnrp5bmvAHRXIHOqxFQQnnJKT16isqn7pZb8nXWHcfaInwbQylQ2G32shtrBh0MnXckmsgADcB1Qbmg5Q9EzkrgxZIKAVTmZw4y3CAasveJY/s1600/Screenshot-617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE28O-6xpszNcCXMDeBh5aTEy5CyuRn0Lnrp5bmvAHRXIHOqxFQQnnJKT16isqn7pZb8nXWHcfaInwbQylQ2G32shtrBh0MnXckmsgADcB1Qbmg5Q9EzkrgxZIKAVTmZw4y3CAasveJY/s1600/Screenshot-617.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJO7_Rt4G8EAfHh5ZHTNiAxX8SUpDBAr6ogcbEpyvrsoP0h__pc3IwgMF2iCeYa08N-d_kEjDOfpm9U-D_g9ruL9Zx2kLzstcW3pO0_0YUb6VFvoJVF25aknycbL4AV5V1cuDKvuwoYM/s1600/Screenshot-616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJO7_Rt4G8EAfHh5ZHTNiAxX8SUpDBAr6ogcbEpyvrsoP0h__pc3IwgMF2iCeYa08N-d_kEjDOfpm9U-D_g9ruL9Zx2kLzstcW3pO0_0YUb6VFvoJVF25aknycbL4AV5V1cuDKvuwoYM/s1600/Screenshot-616.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone shrugged and did so, and Kelly started pointing to everyone. "Scarlett, you're thinking of how strange this moment is. Annabelle, you're trying to come to grips with something someone told you yesterday, John, you are just now realizing what I'm doing. Gabe, you are trying to figure out 'what the hell' I'm doing. Cassie, you're thinking of Gabe. Keera, you think this is cool."<br />
<br />
Everyone stood in place as Kelly finished up with one single two-word phrase. "I'm psychic."<br />
<br />
"How... how is this-" Annabelle was about to ask before Kelly spoke up again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9CiW7rOkC-deWwcDGWPjfLH8-piqOIHENSTCWHROFoQ1Ird7NLfw8oPHBbN4w0fLwnHQPzL3RRXRcaj6lvJZ8Kj9xG0Vzi9j7tpQ4OKa0tI97aJ9JSEL1x4DQ7fVf0S7sCnZ4SV8usM/s1600/Screenshot-611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9CiW7rOkC-deWwcDGWPjfLH8-piqOIHENSTCWHROFoQ1Ird7NLfw8oPHBbN4w0fLwnHQPzL3RRXRcaj6lvJZ8Kj9xG0Vzi9j7tpQ4OKa0tI97aJ9JSEL1x4DQ7fVf0S7sCnZ4SV8usM/s1600/Screenshot-611.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't know. I was wanting to figure it all out before I told everyone but, thanks to Tom's advice and Mirabelle's support, I finally decided to spill the beans. Now I know everyone is worried about me and my ability, you don't have to tell me because I can see it in your faces, but I've lived with this for a while, possibly my whole life."<br />
<br />
"Have you come any closer to figuring out what caused it?" Scarlett asked.<br />
<br />
Kelly shook her head. "No, I have searched every possible thing I could to figure out what may have caused my power but I couldn't turn anything up."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggzEiIgHSoYf_QeiCRVoZmvQiySNT8EU_vPKsde5KBbGtbCw4ulgbz4trz8i9jw9w1DkImn_sXSr3dr22oBduh7cG_Y6ZJMmjrswDvjnw4i44h_b9Y0zG0lijEyfhOJFMxP4PXacz0AM/s1600/Screenshot-599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggzEiIgHSoYf_QeiCRVoZmvQiySNT8EU_vPKsde5KBbGtbCw4ulgbz4trz8i9jw9w1DkImn_sXSr3dr22oBduh7cG_Y6ZJMmjrswDvjnw4i44h_b9Y0zG0lijEyfhOJFMxP4PXacz0AM/s1600/Screenshot-599.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"Perhaps I can be of assistance." MIKE walked into the room and up to Kelly. Within a few seconds, he scanned her up and down, then stood in place for a few seconds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaANSWZF-OPOkHdAWlshPul_8k44vZnsCBZ1xMowdb-I3ojAJef_DxUd2ygrsXE6oS8iTWYOHnSFNaLoFGIcABBoJmdFJ428fIMf4cTf6DPh5GFfIVzPVDFmUp0AcOLzZtls7_pvqcR6o/s1600/Screenshot-609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaANSWZF-OPOkHdAWlshPul_8k44vZnsCBZ1xMowdb-I3ojAJef_DxUd2ygrsXE6oS8iTWYOHnSFNaLoFGIcABBoJmdFJ428fIMf4cTf6DPh5GFfIVzPVDFmUp0AcOLzZtls7_pvqcR6o/s1600/Screenshot-609.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"ACCESSING. . . SCANNING . . . SCAN COMPLETE. Your cells are thoroughly enriched with a type of radioactive isotope that is not common on Earth. Database searches indicate a similar radioactive particle traces was picked up in multiple locations on Earth in recent years, including. . . . SCANNING . . . Sunset Valley, California. Starlight Shores, California. Hidden Springs, Alaska. Current scan indicates trace elements of the same radioactive materials are present in multiple locations of this room."<br />
<br />
"What are you saying?" Annabelle asked, "we're all poisoned by this radiation?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKM-nHW_MyPAbWK4uwyb16IHYQjKheTVHA6YqeuDwJOkLOhjmBmIB0lXDG8OkZp4HD86fv7ai-cjNUp0IgfXmgeiYXk_CiaVgJaR1bELrLerQ_L22XiddNnODPWhYKjVcBav51iVDPHQ/s1600/Screenshot-602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKM-nHW_MyPAbWK4uwyb16IHYQjKheTVHA6YqeuDwJOkLOhjmBmIB0lXDG8OkZp4HD86fv7ai-cjNUp0IgfXmgeiYXk_CiaVgJaR1bELrLerQ_L22XiddNnODPWhYKjVcBav51iVDPHQ/s1600/Screenshot-602.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"The radioactive material is not fatal." MIKE replied, "Even high doses do not harm living materials." MIKE then scanned her and continued, "Which is a good thing considering you, Annabelle Jade Kethrin, are enriched with the radiation even more than Kelly Jane Coen. A scan of the house indicates that one source of the radioactive materials is the vessel that you have hidden in the garage. Considering the ship and similar vessels of its origin have been used in radioactive hot-spots, the only possible solution is that the radioactive material came from the source of the vessel."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCPK-qIOb8eMx23ZOHmaO9bkqyIAmkNuBwftirY7ez3OG30e2BzIi-gGxl1ZhoLByg7_GT-Ygy1QHr_tjL5gtRhtukpU659BGGVVLCVJqqRkn90bykhWK69MTkqc-xPc2Zz7unbbfSYI/s1600/Screenshot-606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCPK-qIOb8eMx23ZOHmaO9bkqyIAmkNuBwftirY7ez3OG30e2BzIi-gGxl1ZhoLByg7_GT-Ygy1QHr_tjL5gtRhtukpU659BGGVVLCVJqqRkn90bykhWK69MTkqc-xPc2Zz7unbbfSYI/s1600/Screenshot-606.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
John was intrigued by this revelation. "So you're saying that this radiation that gave Kelly her abilities is Torran?"<br />
<br />
"Correct. That is the only viable solution to the mystery. It seems the radiation is residue from the Torran vessel's faster-than-light drive system. Exposure to this residue is presumably the cause of the abilities that Kelly Jane Coen demonstrates."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOzLSnhQ8RTFtXUbs597IdXKiEBzkrtDnYvvN1sUw_ZXCd2zDtIvQLNakIwyLB9swv5zYAPQTAmfGjLbgbPN0YqXkGvZX8WpaRWURc1s8jeUD2mrd4NtPVB5brYkWCbeD0CpFIIyU0lA/s1600/Screenshot-601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOzLSnhQ8RTFtXUbs597IdXKiEBzkrtDnYvvN1sUw_ZXCd2zDtIvQLNakIwyLB9swv5zYAPQTAmfGjLbgbPN0YqXkGvZX8WpaRWURc1s8jeUD2mrd4NtPVB5brYkWCbeD0CpFIIyU0lA/s1600/Screenshot-601.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm not sure if I was exposed to alien radiation," Kelly responded, "This has happened to me since I was much younger, as far as I can tell. I think I would remember something like that." <br />
<br />
MIKE nodded, then continued, "The amount of saturation in your cells indicates that this exposure to the Torran radiation occurred during the second trimester of your mother's gestation period when carrying you to term. Perhaps your mother had encountered the radioactive material at its source during that time."<br />
<br />
Kelly shrugged, "I guess I can call and ask if she ever saw a UFO when pregnant with me. That would certainly be one of the more interesting conversations I've had with her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgy58uXACZ5-BCnqkHu-_poFvykmXqn8JmYxHH21iUAMjvOxjk7kmCdU6-AD7vsA-TelUk8EVl5KW6F49G0F3L3maYdQlWqcRqijLPXkBI6YFLXgLi6Yc4GltG-mBQPiqIqHsg8ZYiJeM/s1600/Screenshot-604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgy58uXACZ5-BCnqkHu-_poFvykmXqn8JmYxHH21iUAMjvOxjk7kmCdU6-AD7vsA-TelUk8EVl5KW6F49G0F3L3maYdQlWqcRqijLPXkBI6YFLXgLi6Yc4GltG-mBQPiqIqHsg8ZYiJeM/s1600/Screenshot-604.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John listened intently to MIKE's analysis of Kelly and the radioactive revelation that he had just given to her. He then remembered when Annabelle told him of her little trip to Torra Sev during what the family had called the "Midnight Day era". Annabelle told him that their mother, Maria Kethrin, had encountered Annabelle's birth mother, Verena Tozal, when she was pregnant with John. After hearing about the radiation and its effects on Kelly, he felt compelled to ask the robot something of his own.<br />
<br />
"So this Torran radiation, it has an effect on Kelly's brain, making her for lack of a better word 'psychic'. Does it have any other effects?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dykj7Ll1iZ9a3s1Mi7oKYGrdlYNTPKqUlH98eCaB1nH18vuL5xrNB2aXOVgChYL2RVOBsLDWVHPInoIyDKITnfSg6I-aULQsYI9lLKi4r6Alku8q1-mbRMycMinqywzY-r2EK8Apeeo/s1600/Screenshot-603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dykj7Ll1iZ9a3s1Mi7oKYGrdlYNTPKqUlH98eCaB1nH18vuL5xrNB2aXOVgChYL2RVOBsLDWVHPInoIyDKITnfSg6I-aULQsYI9lLKi4r6Alku8q1-mbRMycMinqywzY-r2EK8Apeeo/s1600/Screenshot-603.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I have to run some tests on the material before I can obtain a conclusive result." A few seconds later, MIKE walked up to John and quickly scanned him. "However, a medical scan of your cells indicates a similar exposure of the same material as in Kelly Jane Coen. Collecting results . . . Results complete."<br />
<br />
John made a motion with his hands for the robot to continue, "And?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj75RYqbHWgcP5E0aT8YixboN-NNcqjBb1PyM5gkmbnEFKVuZsqjX8teK90s27xQ9LXb9CafOkKFXPpJ6w_zncV0A0oqYDD2ULnH-U6L04JuUOnyS1BL-Rzl52P4wU9CCngowxXmFBtI/s1600/Screenshot-619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj75RYqbHWgcP5E0aT8YixboN-NNcqjBb1PyM5gkmbnEFKVuZsqjX8teK90s27xQ9LXb9CafOkKFXPpJ6w_zncV0A0oqYDD2ULnH-U6L04JuUOnyS1BL-Rzl52P4wU9CCngowxXmFBtI/s1600/Screenshot-619.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
MIKE looked at John. "Retina damage similar. Brain activity enhanced, however not to point of mental abilities. Preliminary scans processing. . . . It seems that exposure to Torran radiation in human gestation periods results in: Higher Intelligence Quotients, Possible mental and telepathic abilities. Limited eyesight, requiring corrective lenses. More data required for conclusive result. Recommend search for more subjects." <br />
<br />
"So we just find someone else exposed to Torran radiation before birth and see if they have the same bad eyesight and high intelligence?" Annabelle asked, "Because that won't be easy."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjJtM8-zQFexiZzEm08kiCncIB7jcL-CdnGTKCGZ-IVSB1X954n8uGX_j-j7_VDzZ4rNLrSFWSS9qxUYiJh2siNrzb1XrahGox4XJZFQWHk3fasDz5SxR9R20fCpnlqaoIDvGNGAFR1o/s1600/Screenshot-618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjJtM8-zQFexiZzEm08kiCncIB7jcL-CdnGTKCGZ-IVSB1X954n8uGX_j-j7_VDzZ4rNLrSFWSS9qxUYiJh2siNrzb1XrahGox4XJZFQWHk3fasDz5SxR9R20fCpnlqaoIDvGNGAFR1o/s1600/Screenshot-618.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
MIKE stood in place for a few seconds, calculating his data. After a few more moments, he turned to Scarlett. "It does not seem that radiation enrichment is genetic. However, Scarlett Kethrin is currently experiencing a state of pregnancy. Due to her proximity to the vessel, she has already been exposed to the radiation. Time will tell whether her child or children will exhibit the same traits,"<br />
<br />
Scarlett shrugged. "I could deal with having a few intelligent kids."<br />
<br />
"You're taking this whole 'alien radiation makes intelligent kids' thing pretty well, Red."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEORGYt21kWarK3_1lfZUy-zsb9xxDKXFG7FKa4RLEHe2HW_inRGJAODEPZzUrD2tphZVz388mC81EgSXdAMPob6vWc6p9lOuyVpBdu9PNf_yPWAVgNKd_MDdo7uqVNuMXieQ53EUwUc/s1600/Screenshot-620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEORGYt21kWarK3_1lfZUy-zsb9xxDKXFG7FKa4RLEHe2HW_inRGJAODEPZzUrD2tphZVz388mC81EgSXdAMPob6vWc6p9lOuyVpBdu9PNf_yPWAVgNKd_MDdo7uqVNuMXieQ53EUwUc/s1600/Screenshot-620.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Nothing surprises me anymore."<br />
<br />
------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSefiPmFBfSF7Kr5g5UBhK2sdkuKc6TYL_fg2C9tcZfmN8YPSuKVbBbKujnSB9uwJ4wKCMO_cbpMXv9whmcb5OQM7Ag-kum-B5bE1T8Bd2FI8bGUsJ_rUiDdy_jkLOLvmAAK384Nq58Eo/s1600/Screenshot-544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSefiPmFBfSF7Kr5g5UBhK2sdkuKc6TYL_fg2C9tcZfmN8YPSuKVbBbKujnSB9uwJ4wKCMO_cbpMXv9whmcb5OQM7Ag-kum-B5bE1T8Bd2FI8bGUsJ_rUiDdy_jkLOLvmAAK384Nq58Eo/s1600/Screenshot-544.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle walked outside the Kethrin house, still reeling over the information she heard about Kelly and John. Her birth-mother Verena had not told her about what would happen to humans exposed to the radioactive material that was emitted from the Torran ships. Annabelle started to think that Verena did not even know about the radiation and its effect on humans that hadn't been born yet.<br />
<br />
As Annabelle stood outside, looking out into now only-slightly snowy landscape, she heard a voice from behind her. "Hello."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBsZ3M14E5IV2tjCCHGNoUYGxBKsTEtIjUDA9vsmo0EZkT882bguRSaSv2Kayhta7v7ld1lKH8i2OiiyNdrS0AJntPqKIWMxmgZZXli-XCdoOh8OS8-Lp8_IXVZtRvfVxaQ23QETHAEw/s1600/Screenshot-543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBsZ3M14E5IV2tjCCHGNoUYGxBKsTEtIjUDA9vsmo0EZkT882bguRSaSv2Kayhta7v7ld1lKH8i2OiiyNdrS0AJntPqKIWMxmgZZXli-XCdoOh8OS8-Lp8_IXVZtRvfVxaQ23QETHAEw/s1600/Screenshot-543.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle turned around and watched as Kayley Botha, the orange Feen that turned her in the first place, flying around before coming to a landing in the snow. When she landed, Kayley smiled and walked a few more steps towards Annabelle. "I do want to apologize for what happened to you. I was only trying to play a prank and it backfired. Really badly."<br />
<br />
"No problem." Annabelle replied, "I have to admit I really lost my cool when you did that, and you reacted accordingly."<br />
<br />
"This is true. But hey at least you got some wings out of the deal!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJYswjo0MJ6y6xe40KC2fJ9PLs2jK6CZfJjpqrD_kcnvIza3Y22uC4Ez7FttLKUBAQwhkP2oxoou-0gJeP1tFrYoOJNbSoGdmNqUlCLyB2BFMqtu0Tj9vSq6wR4uwYcUvr3DHSHCkFO0/s1600/Screenshot-539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJYswjo0MJ6y6xe40KC2fJ9PLs2jK6CZfJjpqrD_kcnvIza3Y22uC4Ez7FttLKUBAQwhkP2oxoou-0gJeP1tFrYoOJNbSoGdmNqUlCLyB2BFMqtu0Tj9vSq6wR4uwYcUvr3DHSHCkFO0/s1600/Screenshot-539.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Yeah but I have no clue how to use them! Any attempt at flying has been... well I will just say not exactly successful. I ended up all the way over there in that river from here the other day."<br />
<br />
"Well flying isn't something you learn overnight. It's got its own nuance to it, it's own flow. At first its rough, but it feels natural when you get used to it. Over time you may appreciate the finer things when it comes to flying."<br />
<br />
Annabelle shrugged, "To be honest I am not sure if I even want these wings. I just want to go back to being me. My own normal Annabelle Kethrin."<br />
<br />
"You mean the normal Annabelle Kethrin that is an alien from a different planet and has green skin and pointed ears? Yes, very normal indeed." <br />
<br />
Annabelle chuckled, "Hey lay off the sarcasm, that's my job. So what brings you to my home?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tqNn781Suia9f7P7qK-NSy8-_2EYYe0-MWzY7OLkBLfspRkvra6P-g3DsHaXvpdFqWlb_HC4uMhpTajH6nFoPicxK_TrNRCGhcW3Hp-NDpF7R0zFwgBclIWHhO1SztZBx0nBJjorY7A/s1600/Screenshot-537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tqNn781Suia9f7P7qK-NSy8-_2EYYe0-MWzY7OLkBLfspRkvra6P-g3DsHaXvpdFqWlb_HC4uMhpTajH6nFoPicxK_TrNRCGhcW3Hp-NDpF7R0zFwgBclIWHhO1SztZBx0nBJjorY7A/s1600/Screenshot-537.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"The Vornek. Ever since we saw it, I've been having nightmares, pictures of the creature burned into my memory. Professor Shale tells me you've had similar experiences in your life. So I came here to ask, when does the bad memory end?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_jKjYLgYNFpYYfD_lfwFzLbeeYsaWIsKWRSJCq0FOlseo0gdTeqix8MjprtjscFHRPHbryV1JXTB1xIegrx17tYKtsc7NBnqc42zPA1atrzChPK5JpNSNpSATL8VY_r52o6Qk7-zZjY/s1600/Screenshot-535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_jKjYLgYNFpYYfD_lfwFzLbeeYsaWIsKWRSJCq0FOlseo0gdTeqix8MjprtjscFHRPHbryV1JXTB1xIegrx17tYKtsc7NBnqc42zPA1atrzChPK5JpNSNpSATL8VY_r52o6Qk7-zZjY/s1600/Screenshot-535.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle shrugged again. "To be honest, I don't think it ever does. I'm still scared of unicorns despite facing down the one that gave me nightmares as a kid. Something like that doesn't just end, it stays with you as long as you live. But the <i>way</i> you live with it, that is the difference between being scared all the time or just being scared some of the time." <br />
<br />
"I see." Kayley smiled. "That's what Shale told me too when I asked him about the Vornek. But I simply forgot because that was a long time ago. I was a mere child then."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyjgp6SBQuHmxKsrQmt4Ioqx3_mCu7J4c479v24VBcWka5LTWBV29VcFMxUcv50NGHgYMJPKIQkPWvujdBlNnnFjJMM9s3teQbfjHalSqNO-vwZU_lEPivbd9-8clCJmFm-AShfg9vMg/s1600/Screenshot-540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyjgp6SBQuHmxKsrQmt4Ioqx3_mCu7J4c479v24VBcWka5LTWBV29VcFMxUcv50NGHgYMJPKIQkPWvujdBlNnnFjJMM9s3teQbfjHalSqNO-vwZU_lEPivbd9-8clCJmFm-AShfg9vMg/s1600/Screenshot-540.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle smiled and nodded, but stopped both of those actions when Kayley's words hit her again. "What a second WHAT?! Shale told you about the Vornek when you were a kid?! And you didn't mention this before because...?"<br />
<br />
"I thought it would be best if he told him yourself, Annabelle." <br />
<br />
"Is that so?" Annabelle narrowed her eyes and turned around, waking away.<br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnHedhYRUBhr_EU1U9VaMb2SF5hDOsZLrMdTlWVxFfKCMw8sIYNaN00fZ_mXMNtWSn_Tk8O6oKcT2wg9b3_zv5J84hZYNGoFvb_ZBKDY9nghaewKyw7OA46LFcGcOvi8Aa5_WO9_Ectg/s1600/Screenshot-577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnHedhYRUBhr_EU1U9VaMb2SF5hDOsZLrMdTlWVxFfKCMw8sIYNaN00fZ_mXMNtWSn_Tk8O6oKcT2wg9b3_zv5J84hZYNGoFvb_ZBKDY9nghaewKyw7OA46LFcGcOvi8Aa5_WO9_Ectg/s1600/Screenshot-577.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So what DO you know about the Vornek?!" Annabelle asked as she stood in front of Shale. After Kayley mentioned having heard about them as a child, Annabelle decided to confront the rock with the information and ran over to the Feen hideout. "I mean, you do know something, right?"<br />
<br />
"Yes." The rock responded.<br />
<br />
"Then tell me."<br />
<br />
"I will, but first I must spin a yarn of my own. I am doing this because in order understand the story behind the Vornek, you need to hear another. It is a short story about science gone wrong and how it can affect one life, against how it can affect a thousand."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOt5wHKktfGoY6ejgXu_OFLJygccBBtXOZqLdQPHvZcC-PW9noHMv1NVef_5ySi5z4FlWzzvila-qU8gfmBdRdlxU9pOThSTPW16s6a9rwKV7x0wAcRhej0NZ9eLRcE1FKFCotj_1iQ8/s1600/Screenshot-578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOt5wHKktfGoY6ejgXu_OFLJygccBBtXOZqLdQPHvZcC-PW9noHMv1NVef_5ySi5z4FlWzzvila-qU8gfmBdRdlxU9pOThSTPW16s6a9rwKV7x0wAcRhej0NZ9eLRcE1FKFCotj_1iQ8/s1600/Screenshot-578.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What does science have to do with-?!" Annabelle asked frustratingly before stopping herself. "Ah to hell with it! I'll never get a straight answer from you!"<br />
<br />
"Please, patience. I must ask... have you ever heard the story of Abraham Korven?"<br />
<br />
"No."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNhsW1aiC7_5qrAmA2wXrSvPpu6gRMbTLfPhLvYY-2z3rTN6pdwrtgQh3rE80iWlsTfqitl-_86vzfg9XPLeVNzXBLLjoLkXBbPWFtxqbUcC5thPeSr2fsRpS8F7W9Uw77zhbntGgAxg/s1600/Screenshot-580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNhsW1aiC7_5qrAmA2wXrSvPpu6gRMbTLfPhLvYY-2z3rTN6pdwrtgQh3rE80iWlsTfqitl-_86vzfg9XPLeVNzXBLLjoLkXBbPWFtxqbUcC5thPeSr2fsRpS8F7W9Uw77zhbntGgAxg/s1600/Screenshot-580.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"That is not surprising. Not too many have heard of him. Abraham Korven was a German alchemist who lived in what we call Hamburg in the early 1400's. Some believed that he was a wizard, and that he dabbled in a lot of dark, depressing magic. In truth he <i>was</i> granted the ability to cast spells, but he focused more on science than magic in his later years."<br />
<br />
"Eventually he was diagnosed with a disease that was going to kill him, and natural science at the time could not help, Korven returned to his magical studies and opened a portal to a different world in order to search for a cure. He found himself in a desert with a single rock in front of him. It was small, black, and cold to the touch despite the heat of the sun."<br />
<br />
"Seeing this rock as the source of a possible cure, he took it back to Earth with him, leaving the portal open so he could travel back and forth between the two worlds for his studies. He studied the rock for months, poking and prodding, and he felt that the rock could make him stronger. However, it was the other way around. The rock was the trapped form... of the Abyss."<br />
<br />
"What<i> is</i> the Abyss? I've heard that before from that genie."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tVNy97NhSAq0_NPzhU82Pxspu3ZokP-A9Lw_2w9CN8dg-XjqsjpJb_GAtyICOasaQFRcsnIyWlGGqBmHuRxOHFSMzljbAOReWE_FOle74vsXqxAv-bOV8wRk7rSePwQRQ_Qkrwa44u8/s1600/Screenshot-582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tVNy97NhSAq0_NPzhU82Pxspu3ZokP-A9Lw_2w9CN8dg-XjqsjpJb_GAtyICOasaQFRcsnIyWlGGqBmHuRxOHFSMzljbAOReWE_FOle74vsXqxAv-bOV8wRk7rSePwQRQ_Qkrwa44u8/s1600/Screenshot-582.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"The Abyss is the manifestation of everything wrong with the universe. A sentient, eternal spirit of malice and malevolence capable of corrupting even the most innocent of innocents. In the end, the Abyss corrupted Abraham. He gave his soul to the spirit in exchange for immortality and as a result, the rock turned him into a wandering soul without a body or an anchor in the world. He became trapped, floating through time and space. For all intents and purposes, he was killed."<br />
<br />
Annabelle's frustration faded away into curiosity. "So what does the Abyss have to do with the Vornek?"<br />
<br />
"Many years before Abraham found it, the rock was in the possession of a ruthless scientist named Vorik Z'rath'nek. Vorik created a clone army of himself to rule over his planet, but was unable to keep the army in check. A proud cultist of the Abyss, he begged the spirit to help him in his conquest. The Abyss granted his army the strength required to rule the world, under the stipulation that it would gain more corrupted souls when the conquest was done. The clones gained skin as black as a midnight tomb with piercing red eyes and twisted, altered features. The Vornek were born."<br />
<br />
Annabelle stood there, a stoic expression on her face as she tried to process all the information. "So... the Vornek are the super-powered clones of an alien scientist from two hundred years ago who worshiped an alien demon? I should be surprised but at this point I just feel <i>numb</i>. I'd suppose the Feen have something to do with this?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsRPVoxioWJUjUJ9SWn2oibXTf77TqoKKIr3WUGAzKsDgOdImt9UVgOW-mE9Z8f6YG4iHo94AlLW_VzmZghvlciyS47MBpMpH5QGAtGeHBOefNqrGqw-CEHtHiLn8cmQanGJTKBxv6q8/s1600/Screenshot-579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsRPVoxioWJUjUJ9SWn2oibXTf77TqoKKIr3WUGAzKsDgOdImt9UVgOW-mE9Z8f6YG4iHo94AlLW_VzmZghvlciyS47MBpMpH5QGAtGeHBOefNqrGqw-CEHtHiLn8cmQanGJTKBxv6q8/s1600/Screenshot-579.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You'd be correct." Shale replied, "For every action there is a reaction. As such, for every darkness there is a light. The 'light' in this case is known as the Cosmic, a pure, good, spirit of light and benevolence. To battle the Vornek, the followers of the Cosmic asked for their own tools in combat. Five thousand volunteers were granted the spirit's power, and as a result they were turned into what we call the Feen. A ruthless battle took place over ten years between the Vornek and the Feen, and it all ended when Vorik Z'rath'nek was captured in the desert. The Feen sealed the Abyss into a rock and left it in the sun. Unfortunately, Abraham opened the portal many years later and found the rock himself."<br />
<br />
"So what happened to the portal after Abraham was killed?" Annabelle asked, growing ever the more curious about the story. "I mean, was it sealed?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, but not before the remaining Vornek emerged from it. They had freed their leader and came to this planet to find the Abyss so that the army could return anew, but the Feen were already on Earth having anticipated the maneuver. The Vornek scattered, some even using their own magic to fly into space. Vorik fell into hiding, and the Feen used all of their own magic to seal the portal behind them. They then opened another to place the Abyss on a planet far from everyone so it could never be used to harm anyone ever again."<br />
<br />
"And the Feen stayed on Earth I suppose,"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVun3uni71CBhyphenhyphend5-q2eBvWl2Jb8lmmJkhtxXX6NLcASUDUeKP5_2V4Rxzw3czPI7V5L3eWiadncDKLco3vZvTvS-395UJn2TL3RKFMuskYEZGjZxtu7AnXi7MknbnuxrRtvnT-CvdENw/s1600/Screenshot-581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVun3uni71CBhyphenhyphend5-q2eBvWl2Jb8lmmJkhtxXX6NLcASUDUeKP5_2V4Rxzw3czPI7V5L3eWiadncDKLco3vZvTvS-395UJn2TL3RKFMuskYEZGjZxtu7AnXi7MknbnuxrRtvnT-CvdENw/s1600/Screenshot-581.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Correct. Those in Germany gave them their name based off the German word for 'Fairies'. They have stayed here ever since. There was a new portal that was once opened between the worlds, but they remained here instead due to being unsure about returning, finding new people to meet and expand the population."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheObVYwGRC7WgIo4MUFueTd_ULSlWwamFRHSyfR2h0rDdhXdVgCtUBzbGtPpmE5I93IzZpqxf6KJx79jJmwZ2rd5cQaCP_n7u4beJxUI7SzSjLVV23Oo8EAvmNVBN3F8K9E4-P8Cy6MAc/s1600/Screenshot-590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheObVYwGRC7WgIo4MUFueTd_ULSlWwamFRHSyfR2h0rDdhXdVgCtUBzbGtPpmE5I93IzZpqxf6KJx79jJmwZ2rd5cQaCP_n7u4beJxUI7SzSjLVV23Oo8EAvmNVBN3F8K9E4-P8Cy6MAc/s1600/Screenshot-590.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle nodded, but something came to mind in what Shale had said. "Wait, there was another portal once? Where was it?"<br />
<br />
"Nevada. It was destroyed by mortal instruments of all things."<br />
<br />
"Nevada portal- Shale, tell me one more thing, which I probably already know... what was the name of the planet that the Feen and Vornek originated from?"<br />
<br />
"Torra Sev. The Feen that you've met here are descendants of your own people, Annabelle." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya3JcRJg2N2IP80SVGlNF_e0L8h8oqhS1EkElD2ojWCVeK9sxet8v245gwIG7_X_taMGCKM_jHLK30eovYbBQ3SneRUFb25DSBZhhvekH84Zr77jhCIdqXETuor5fHuWOlgJPX2okTvA/s1600/Screenshot-585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya3JcRJg2N2IP80SVGlNF_e0L8h8oqhS1EkElD2ojWCVeK9sxet8v245gwIG7_X_taMGCKM_jHLK30eovYbBQ3SneRUFb25DSBZhhvekH84Zr77jhCIdqXETuor5fHuWOlgJPX2okTvA/s1600/Screenshot-585.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle stepped back away from the rock and held her head. "So that's why I was turned into one of them, a Feen. My biology was the same as the other hybrids."<br />
<br />
"This is correct. You turned into a Feen because Kayley's magic affected you more than anticipated. Perhaps it was destiny, perhaps not. What I do know now is that you are a Feen, and you may be critical in stopping the Vornek."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwWnTYcusCtO86z4BYn32Wjc6A2yAJxtXUTTAdPt9_mV7G8zhqe5-K2AkyquLhzEiUScsZBzw3j381cFSvZW_wDPJjtQ_UnqqFtnxrheWpcqNf6Vodc-yD0fu9PjoOXfA6bGIShFZ-Ko/s1600/Screenshot-586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwWnTYcusCtO86z4BYn32Wjc6A2yAJxtXUTTAdPt9_mV7G8zhqe5-K2AkyquLhzEiUScsZBzw3j381cFSvZW_wDPJjtQ_UnqqFtnxrheWpcqNf6Vodc-yD0fu9PjoOXfA6bGIShFZ-Ko/s1600/Screenshot-586.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What makes you say that?!" Annabelle yelled out in brief anger, "Why am I the one you need?!"<br />
<br />
"Because you have done much in your life that signifies you as being a hero. You stopped Jack Toomes when you were a teenager. You stopped the Nightmare from taking over, you saved the entire planet from Jack's plan to control it using a genie lamp. You <i>are</i> a hero. That dragon symbol on your back, it represents the fierce determination that you have within your core."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganaAtfKrjhOQLh8gWZs2x9WGVNp1_188T35IvpxYNaV-drzknmv8Z7NNezI12VczNfhj_5v4g699f96XXSetiB8f17gqZo4PC4emo0k9ezg76qQTOX_MTKCp-9MqX0DRBUQA5g6tX6jY/s1600/Screenshot-593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganaAtfKrjhOQLh8gWZs2x9WGVNp1_188T35IvpxYNaV-drzknmv8Z7NNezI12VczNfhj_5v4g699f96XXSetiB8f17gqZo4PC4emo0k9ezg76qQTOX_MTKCp-9MqX0DRBUQA5g6tX6jY/s1600/Screenshot-593.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle stepped away from Shale. "But the Unicorn thing was the only thing I did alone! I had Tom with me on the other two. And even then, Tom gave me that potion that helped me fight Nightmare. It's both of us that are the heroes. Tom is the one who kept me going. He's the one who has helped me through, helped me carry on. Tom was there for me when I needed him most. And... and he... told me how he felt last night and I couldn't say a word."<br />
<br />
"Why not?" Shale asked. "Why couldn't you?"<br />
<br />
<br />
"I guess I felt... numb. I couldn't properly relay my feelings for him in the same way he did. After all that's happened I couldn't say it. I <i>can't </i>say it. I guess becoming desensitized to things that under normal circumstances would seem strange, meant becoming desensitized to the basic of emotions that people are supposed to feel. I always thought of it as a defense mechanism."<br />
<br />
"That is understandable. Why focus on the idea of romantic feelings when you're standing there, talking to a rock?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10JTMS8tq4eH7eoixIuiYOnU1Rhox31cESSvQDNOSILfmCPIbYCbNQ7w2zfXDfMR4gKtqFSjgp5wZLRsYxMO7XTBdAjKommoKx9YjOoLXtebEzM0o-3nL1xpVQDDVEwuhiB_xLz0LGgo/s1600/Screenshot-588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10JTMS8tq4eH7eoixIuiYOnU1Rhox31cESSvQDNOSILfmCPIbYCbNQ7w2zfXDfMR4gKtqFSjgp5wZLRsYxMO7XTBdAjKommoKx9YjOoLXtebEzM0o-3nL1xpVQDDVEwuhiB_xLz0LGgo/s1600/Screenshot-588.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You're... are you making fun of me?"<br />
<br />
"Just proving a point. Annabelle, take it from someone who has lived <i>longer</i> than the universe itself. Time is not infinite, and it is not still. A single day can change a life, so don't let the days pass you by without letting them change yours."<br />
<br />
"So you're saying I should tell Tom how I feel? Actually<i> tell</i> him?"<br />
<br />
"All in all, that is up to you."<br />
<br />
Annabelle covered her face with her hands and inhaled, trying to focus on everything Shale told her. From the origin of the Feen and Vornek to advice about Tom, everything he said began to feel connected. After a short time, she realized one more thing that she needed to say, and she stopped inhaling and resumed talking to the rock.<br />
<br />
"On the subject of Tom, were you around when his parents were... killed? I mean, in Egypt?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR2BuVQAx_msY-kuYY7pkm6wpeMHo-stfFTlKPjhjStehGzL3Z6YOoru0BXhlUJq2j5w7GhoruuWWSXe8NsN28t5zEbHzuuJEX2VDFNfgRebXab38nHYD426AJr29C_VDVyQYR2_Nz6k/s1600/Screenshot-589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR2BuVQAx_msY-kuYY7pkm6wpeMHo-stfFTlKPjhjStehGzL3Z6YOoru0BXhlUJq2j5w7GhoruuWWSXe8NsN28t5zEbHzuuJEX2VDFNfgRebXab38nHYD426AJr29C_VDVyQYR2_Nz6k/s1600/Screenshot-589.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Shale's voice wavered, and he went silent. After a full minute of nothing, he spoke in a tone of voice that almost sounded like he was near crying. "Yes. I took the form of a rock in the tomb. I saw what happened to them."<br />
<br />
"Then, what happened?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCPIa5CvLEpssX61jorHK13rhG0oOs807hu94L23LCLwLedg3BCrB393LdOEPIiVfmtN6nWevr2j1uFToM6ANCD02IkCVDh4kpP7hAEFUzOIOBvB1TYxHUa3dNXWrkNrs1aughxvKBeQ/s1600/Screenshot-594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCPIa5CvLEpssX61jorHK13rhG0oOs807hu94L23LCLwLedg3BCrB393LdOEPIiVfmtN6nWevr2j1uFToM6ANCD02IkCVDh4kpP7hAEFUzOIOBvB1TYxHUa3dNXWrkNrs1aughxvKBeQ/s1600/Screenshot-594.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The rock went silent for a few more moments, and then continued talking. Annabelle stood there, her eyes darting back and forth as she attempted to process the information he was relaying to her. Finally he stopped talking, and she felt like a weight was being pressed into her chest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEOHVlAwC-MeASU37p_r_VY-kOKBDy0AkAvTATE2vP2OiVMN71675BieweIKWoLVqCMCCFMVJ6YA5U4GNITCrBNn2jHfmEo0jZ8GGzXCBHUis_7CgVYTOkH5KxoE9tYlRYiABJCyZ8V0/s1600/Screenshot-591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEOHVlAwC-MeASU37p_r_VY-kOKBDy0AkAvTATE2vP2OiVMN71675BieweIKWoLVqCMCCFMVJ6YA5U4GNITCrBNn2jHfmEo0jZ8GGzXCBHUis_7CgVYTOkH5KxoE9tYlRYiABJCyZ8V0/s1600/Screenshot-591.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
-----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF7ZlScqKNM63ynpbicKLdjzi6cpzzZuRK-4SN8hB7wcaOIJrGQ_hccF9Pr_ftNHV_3C0ONQsG6NaZJpOJflTAaspQu2wXLRC7_EzzjetRAv7uA6Re80HC4qjOUScWnaLytkLTerF_OE/s1600/Screenshot-621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF7ZlScqKNM63ynpbicKLdjzi6cpzzZuRK-4SN8hB7wcaOIJrGQ_hccF9Pr_ftNHV_3C0ONQsG6NaZJpOJflTAaspQu2wXLRC7_EzzjetRAv7uA6Re80HC4qjOUScWnaLytkLTerF_OE/s1600/Screenshot-621.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Back at the house, Kelly walked into the living room while John and Mirabelle were in there already, the former looking up things on the internet while Mirabelle was half-listening to him. A few moments later, MIKE walked in as well and sat down on the couch, turning on the television.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtR4ESzXE9uc98phHMmGgnteBE0Kzm36IMCHUVLh8R2hj6h0Z4v9m5bg_Z0F5F6axQ5wxr1qVvcTl531CNyib-oYn1t-dSiKoOAkhXsw7Z5uJgPl5zoq2ntsthqWQbb4BG01XwRk9wLE/s1600/Screenshot-623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtR4ESzXE9uc98phHMmGgnteBE0Kzm36IMCHUVLh8R2hj6h0Z4v9m5bg_Z0F5F6axQ5wxr1qVvcTl531CNyib-oYn1t-dSiKoOAkhXsw7Z5uJgPl5zoq2ntsthqWQbb4BG01XwRk9wLE/s1600/Screenshot-623.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly looked at the robot with a curious look on her face. "Since when do robots watch television?"<br />
<br />
"Artificial intelligence, Kelly Jane Coen, is still intelligence. Interactions with the world around us are key to learning new things. I am unable to walk outside this house without humans... staring... so I must interact with the world through the television."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAoPJqmQHSvgdJS8Jfb6hbNijNbxAhbitL6OsPcmOCPN4-mg7_3yCs4Ixz0X4RSbvY39X4tEMAi-8NnfsT3i9Wbum3vjjqEU1E-XjIH8nyPQP9BcgDD0V9FeZXMuAVktdjnwvGwyyrfg/s1600/Screenshot-625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAoPJqmQHSvgdJS8Jfb6hbNijNbxAhbitL6OsPcmOCPN4-mg7_3yCs4Ixz0X4RSbvY39X4tEMAi-8NnfsT3i9Wbum3vjjqEU1E-XjIH8nyPQP9BcgDD0V9FeZXMuAVktdjnwvGwyyrfg/s1600/Screenshot-625.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle shrugged and walked up near Kelly. "I understand why people would stare and wonder, MIKE." she said, "Humans cling to what is familiar and a walking, talking robot with AI isn't exactly normal."<br />
<br />
"Indeed. That is perhaps why Torran-human hybrids come pre-installed with the safety feature of a human disguise."<br />
<br />
Mirabelle chuckled. "Well I wouldn't use the words 'pre-installed' or 'feature' to describe something that comes natural. It's just a thought. I can use that thought to make myself look human any time I want."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh2pHXIxXX4Y_-gdNrHml3BTz48Wb6tYIRWYtP3DVxUXJYj22LDzu9qVgexRKMvtL8S4gL1IExnW1gF6zilsAnE2Fd5L9D_GaKGO8iIHIL1rBo0ohdk_lQhlWH7KF_XyYRpbwOG0p4Tw/s1600/Screenshot-629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh2pHXIxXX4Y_-gdNrHml3BTz48Wb6tYIRWYtP3DVxUXJYj22LDzu9qVgexRKMvtL8S4gL1IExnW1gF6zilsAnE2Fd5L9D_GaKGO8iIHIL1rBo0ohdk_lQhlWH7KF_XyYRpbwOG0p4Tw/s1600/Screenshot-629.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle turned into her "human" self, with blonde hair and blue eyes.<br />
<br />
MIKE shrugged. "We robots do not have that luxury."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3S-lMbNa3LbIPV4xWD5Fq2BfTQDYm3Mj4B0Rr9faUkLjZJ5g8l7wryy2w1_IqpQ0t0VJ-CmJUWFuYnSk0IEmsrtvlEm31eX_xQV28q9ITP7cJI0dDBzWZII5tuJX9Tp2MU7sFqZss5A/s1600/Screenshot-622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3S-lMbNa3LbIPV4xWD5Fq2BfTQDYm3Mj4B0Rr9faUkLjZJ5g8l7wryy2w1_IqpQ0t0VJ-CmJUWFuYnSk0IEmsrtvlEm31eX_xQV28q9ITP7cJI0dDBzWZII5tuJX9Tp2MU7sFqZss5A/s1600/Screenshot-622.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John added his own voice into the conversation, while continuing to look at the computer. "If need be, I can work on a holographic device that can make you look human by bending the light around you, MIKE. You wouldn't actually be human but you could look that way."<br />
<br />
"That would be acceptable." MIKE replied, "I would prefer that others would not... stare."<br />
<br />
"Well that's really something we all wish for." Kelly replied, "Like, if I told anyone outside this household that I can read minds, how many people would stare at me?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg6TIpG4ww3v95dbCvVIsHoozn-w5s6npxn1zAhdyFMMRFgULXb4dUncQWVMubU8uL6Wl80LqU_jobKL2fR_hGvz2cDXLt1lcrAOa30nApde2rVin0Xo6mx1mf95rN2swNsgHfQ1lmEA/s1600/Screenshot-624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg6TIpG4ww3v95dbCvVIsHoozn-w5s6npxn1zAhdyFMMRFgULXb4dUncQWVMubU8uL6Wl80LqU_jobKL2fR_hGvz2cDXLt1lcrAOa30nApde2rVin0Xo6mx1mf95rN2swNsgHfQ1lmEA/s1600/Screenshot-624.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Approximately three thousand, four hundre-"<br />
<br />
"That was a rhetorical question, MIKE."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmQ1x7kojP8OiqwDrOlYe_ue3v8zFPjusLu8AvjRcThNRpawJlv48TzV9NjhBjrBp-GRDKUiMUUw15eBGba9FZ0ILP8OYNKttu_ZYwtcHTJbEkgFcJNsibRO50s8hudt1HF_86-jkrT4/s1600/Screenshot-630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmQ1x7kojP8OiqwDrOlYe_ue3v8zFPjusLu8AvjRcThNRpawJlv48TzV9NjhBjrBp-GRDKUiMUUw15eBGba9FZ0ILP8OYNKttu_ZYwtcHTJbEkgFcJNsibRO50s8hudt1HF_86-jkrT4/s1600/Screenshot-630.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOibvYGFgUzkAlx-Ylcw4ClCLFYCd8ap3to6D3c5va55FSkMB46thjRWfQi2tVqyO_IdMgQLTSULX2wPgb83dqu6mrVcL9Gk4oLrSOY6NTuuToR_tssfFCKLA8fXs54MTeAPAG7vvaeQ/s1600/Screenshot-631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOibvYGFgUzkAlx-Ylcw4ClCLFYCd8ap3to6D3c5va55FSkMB46thjRWfQi2tVqyO_IdMgQLTSULX2wPgb83dqu6mrVcL9Gk4oLrSOY6NTuuToR_tssfFCKLA8fXs54MTeAPAG7vvaeQ/s1600/Screenshot-631.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle, still in her human disguise, smiled at Kelly and kissed her cheek. "I wouldn't let them stare at you..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ied6MjUiW8CZOODNIcbtu6crzQk1a5Y-oLRP6Z_Cqh8-s7GTw4dN16Jzx1Lun2OR_8WgqWCwFTh8vTZ_MkAW0EzFh2qhcjZ1vDT349tr746GwwWtNMCQywIHCbOWh0kmqidCM0WgZsE/s1600/Screenshot-631B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ied6MjUiW8CZOODNIcbtu6crzQk1a5Y-oLRP6Z_Cqh8-s7GTw4dN16Jzx1Lun2OR_8WgqWCwFTh8vTZ_MkAW0EzFh2qhcjZ1vDT349tr746GwwWtNMCQywIHCbOWh0kmqidCM0WgZsE/s1600/Screenshot-631B.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"...because I would <i>make </i>them stare at me." With that, she turned back to her normal green self and Kelly smiled at the implication.<br />
<br />
"Though people have been kinda staring at me for most of my life, ever since I asked John here to make it so that part of my hair grew with blue streaks naturally. Finding out I can read minds would just be another odd thing about me."<br />
<br />
"Indeed." MIKE replied, "Though I am wondering if you can read my thought processes."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwjbNqh-6EAcaX3gVGVPySyjh1y2lyRdqmX8usxKx9S0vNxR0UcoAfF0AlRbtDyRme9Igb27AwK8XuW8Y5hHGRbr3J4vBzv5foBk9-8DZ_hVPj4L7EyIyH-DsmSLV1t1B3jUdW4hd674/s1600/Screenshot-633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwjbNqh-6EAcaX3gVGVPySyjh1y2lyRdqmX8usxKx9S0vNxR0UcoAfF0AlRbtDyRme9Igb27AwK8XuW8Y5hHGRbr3J4vBzv5foBk9-8DZ_hVPj4L7EyIyH-DsmSLV1t1B3jUdW4hd674/s1600/Screenshot-633.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I am not sure if I can." Kelly replied, "I don't even know how I read the thoughts of people around me, it just comes naturally."<br />
<br />
"Natural. Organic. That is something I cannot achieve. Though I have achieved sentience, and my own internal thoughts indicate that I wish to achieve more."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2w2vg1bICXDn0P4taJxmh82Ab-SsCvPClEL5RfQnw21IpaLeiQmE5zmgCkyAwaKBaxxyvu_XsTUom0_PvppQAaAyunfUEZMkDw-IcQigOqI3siVia2J5FJlw_hEwQCboiEffHwyRyaM/s1600/Screenshot-634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2w2vg1bICXDn0P4taJxmh82Ab-SsCvPClEL5RfQnw21IpaLeiQmE5zmgCkyAwaKBaxxyvu_XsTUom0_PvppQAaAyunfUEZMkDw-IcQigOqI3siVia2J5FJlw_hEwQCboiEffHwyRyaM/s1600/Screenshot-634.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
John smiled while browsing the web, "Just as long as you don't wish to take over the planet."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhr0N6uCl_TMvMBPqaNt0f-dGL77wY_t5WsTdhacscrEJaEBHQ3g6689OYNpZiMPnWooWqeAm96d4wHa0oJjm3BsYVSS6DVhOfVjwArwemePjYHlnMy63Rk9rVu7urtgnt5_Cyh-36XU/s1600/Screenshot-635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhr0N6uCl_TMvMBPqaNt0f-dGL77wY_t5WsTdhacscrEJaEBHQ3g6689OYNpZiMPnWooWqeAm96d4wHa0oJjm3BsYVSS6DVhOfVjwArwemePjYHlnMy63Rk9rVu7urtgnt5_Cyh-36XU/s1600/Screenshot-635.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
MIKE stayed silent for a few moments, making everyone in the room nervous over what he was thinking, before he resumed speaking. "Taking control of the Earth's populace would be detrimental to my processing power. I could not sustain a proper hold for an extended period of time. Also, the chip Jonathan Michael Kethrin had given me provides ethical understanding. In a sense, I could not <i>will</i> myself to conquer Earth and destroy humanity."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfKlOwFO-mT1vQs_T1kXYJHvh9PzXzi2YUV3lgDwoD9K5wR9rzZlqd_lqjoaLhV8_8wgjwTetIxQgj17e640vTNXWZNqJN5A-YX5Z3UilBfDA07ZTE0bvelJEAd2Hrf5HklKS-GCNDac/s1600/Screenshot-636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfKlOwFO-mT1vQs_T1kXYJHvh9PzXzi2YUV3lgDwoD9K5wR9rzZlqd_lqjoaLhV8_8wgjwTetIxQgj17e640vTNXWZNqJN5A-YX5Z3UilBfDA07ZTE0bvelJEAd2Hrf5HklKS-GCNDac/s1600/Screenshot-636.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well that's good to know!" Mirabelle laughed, "I remember playing a game growing up that involved AI taking over a planet, and I don't want to wear pressurized breathing suits should we have to escape to space."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"Nothing. I'm just glad you're on our side, MIKE."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywWkbAKu7CaHQe2qcy8ECuxAYgnHohjxPFgSIT-d7u-vREs8ySqlwPazcJRnHeJikTkq0UrAkSFvDG40fVAHNCs2JaJ1up4O0dvlVY44GrjmpIhkNgcMDgo7athTAYsLhMRFc8ar3f5k/s1600/Screenshot-638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywWkbAKu7CaHQe2qcy8ECuxAYgnHohjxPFgSIT-d7u-vREs8ySqlwPazcJRnHeJikTkq0UrAkSFvDG40fVAHNCs2JaJ1up4O0dvlVY44GrjmpIhkNgcMDgo7athTAYsLhMRFc8ar3f5k/s1600/Screenshot-638.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Indeed."<br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF7vbfLgpFP-afKSU2SyDwYrgGlr_QPktDKC1q5yaXmDypC1uPb1tXOBCDh68q0sIwqp_zFqWbdGOyMSJoWyQG4FUHwuqxLLF5z66NiK8-f-Oa5FI2cWBR2EgKp90-Ak3ZZrEaKjEcNE/s1600/Screenshot-639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF7vbfLgpFP-afKSU2SyDwYrgGlr_QPktDKC1q5yaXmDypC1uPb1tXOBCDh68q0sIwqp_zFqWbdGOyMSJoWyQG4FUHwuqxLLF5z66NiK8-f-Oa5FI2cWBR2EgKp90-Ak3ZZrEaKjEcNE/s1600/Screenshot-639.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The walk home felt like hours despite the relatively short distance. Eventually Annabelle found herself in her house, standing just outside Tom's door. She reached up and knocked on it, and stood for a few moments as Tom opened the door and invited her inside.<br />
<br />
"Everything alright, Annie?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle stood in place, staring off into nothingness. Tom asked her again, and she finally started talking. "I went and talked to that rock, the one I told you about before. He told me everything, about those fairies, about that creepy monster John, Scarlett, and Kelly saw in the park back in Starlight Shores, everything."<br />
<br />
"Okay, perhaps we can sit and talk about it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJedfpqdy2OLElcbuS6uKbDEzO9DX4CR4XbktwyzjYmUqw9ZYtuyBMgjKEDq6yaAmEe9k2U26aDUk3hHNnmy3Ezq30LkBNmIdWVx6UYPzWs2CVlm653xs5Ed6IhvACu8WCbYomp2kzOag/s1600/Screenshot-641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJedfpqdy2OLElcbuS6uKbDEzO9DX4CR4XbktwyzjYmUqw9ZYtuyBMgjKEDq6yaAmEe9k2U26aDUk3hHNnmy3Ezq30LkBNmIdWVx6UYPzWs2CVlm653xs5Ed6IhvACu8WCbYomp2kzOag/s1600/Screenshot-641.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No no no we can't!" Annabelle started breathing heavily, I have to tell you something, something that I wasn't sure of until just now. I want you to know before we go back to talk to that rock."<br />
<br />
"Why would we go back-"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwjvkwLdWBvRKZuNVRcS0BbcyHsfAjIY1pRTFM2nEzOTeoGYBIZ6vRfJD7j-o_HnCnEW-XyGlWvtoDkIRgtiCB64CWe32ZiP3NnrwXOa3HmWJD8XBWogoibFEOnl4BYJ-yJ4UumoenvM/s1600/Screenshot-640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwjvkwLdWBvRKZuNVRcS0BbcyHsfAjIY1pRTFM2nEzOTeoGYBIZ6vRfJD7j-o_HnCnEW-XyGlWvtoDkIRgtiCB64CWe32ZiP3NnrwXOa3HmWJD8XBWogoibFEOnl4BYJ-yJ4UumoenvM/s1600/Screenshot-640.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>"I love you!" </i>Annabelle blurted out, "I know I've showed that through my actions, but I've never actually said it. I love you! I love you! I have ever since we were younger and I will as long as I live! And... and I needed you to know that before you found out something!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpA1hl41mQqBQmBaTrnQkh28XXMQHfhcLlL122re-J8XhSuNuWfPnn2vog-Dt-x7thv39EoVmE8utR3c6ABJDEd1O_8FLSJsgmdfj-qOjYqm-lmdTXHMZ0VTQrEvi_sVOiEVXrdtB6wA/s1600/Screenshot-642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpA1hl41mQqBQmBaTrnQkh28XXMQHfhcLlL122re-J8XhSuNuWfPnn2vog-Dt-x7thv39EoVmE8utR3c6ABJDEd1O_8FLSJsgmdfj-qOjYqm-lmdTXHMZ0VTQrEvi_sVOiEVXrdtB6wA/s1600/Screenshot-642.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom couldn't believe what she said, but was more worried about her actions at the time. "Found. Out. What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkMONBsvsjKnCHlgMPsL5i7-c9pJnEFc0Sic0lF849tHosiRCi2ZmMUMwYFaIlZbuEwjjjhGGHKF5gRJo86xFB4oMb2_CGz1Ss4wmG6eh7fz3ZeykTZHvyQqMxV8tqty6p-7aQG_6g58/s1600/Screenshot-643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkMONBsvsjKnCHlgMPsL5i7-c9pJnEFc0Sic0lF849tHosiRCi2ZmMUMwYFaIlZbuEwjjjhGGHKF5gRJo86xFB4oMb2_CGz1Ss4wmG6eh7fz3ZeykTZHvyQqMxV8tqty6p-7aQG_6g58/s1600/Screenshot-643.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"Come with me." Annabelle said bluntly, "Just come on. The... talking rock needs to speak to you himself."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrzZFU4zPxC9LOMPpgucZfVOnDU5TC0ZbH-surKgNLsWJCQPpXYYgBx15bHbqkDA3iCdgxbnRab5qU9Mtg3pMYqOnbh78qQmfjmVIon304Mxbrjcs5vi29Sq9tdbjffeEOyjaST48VLI/s1600/Screenshot-553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrzZFU4zPxC9LOMPpgucZfVOnDU5TC0ZbH-surKgNLsWJCQPpXYYgBx15bHbqkDA3iCdgxbnRab5qU9Mtg3pMYqOnbh78qQmfjmVIon304Mxbrjcs5vi29Sq9tdbjffeEOyjaST48VLI/s1600/Screenshot-553.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEqaT3yzsTx2tPG4QieFanYdtW5wI194daDb-NBrKq1lCW-SO2LVMvIyUjq4otIP0A0-GU0lVXkF3ygCm7dG2D7kbdLTN4PhZRqBdd267L6tjPcnRVzZw8xI1j5FuY2nTcw1lL3p0XWw/s1600/Screenshot-554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEqaT3yzsTx2tPG4QieFanYdtW5wI194daDb-NBrKq1lCW-SO2LVMvIyUjq4otIP0A0-GU0lVXkF3ygCm7dG2D7kbdLTN4PhZRqBdd267L6tjPcnRVzZw8xI1j5FuY2nTcw1lL3p0XWw/s1600/Screenshot-554.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera stood in the kitchen, staring at a clock on the wall, noticing every single tick of the second hand as it moved down across the face. Every few moments, time seemed to stand still as she focused on the clock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczHhWHV94rLW6Y4LAOqnxxdWrAdyOJpo0KgDGZHJzuxE4wuukADscwGT241Dw_YbkbZL1jmOnlcT9d7D3vxb3pLHhOTibdP_Hp6ViYP-uZgZNp9x1tPSHtkTQWhJYIAXmp_uNa7jidsU/s1600/Screenshot-662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczHhWHV94rLW6Y4LAOqnxxdWrAdyOJpo0KgDGZHJzuxE4wuukADscwGT241Dw_YbkbZL1jmOnlcT9d7D3vxb3pLHhOTibdP_Hp6ViYP-uZgZNp9x1tPSHtkTQWhJYIAXmp_uNa7jidsU/s1600/Screenshot-662.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As she stood, Keera felt a type of heat on her back, the sound of a raging fire screaming into her ears. In her thoughts, everything around her burned and the smoke filled her lungs.<br />
<br />
"Hey, you okay?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig84nc4GxGlckg8fwu7tnNDEiYXzwnQLeJLFXfTGwLYbL5IN3q9-apKNruvjJb03dSBCPca0oYrz2WJz8t4y4LujGreVaKIwv7S4sYlGAr5pYsHzBgbNv-h5OVoTb2uK43h35USQXJNfw/s1600/Screenshot-658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig84nc4GxGlckg8fwu7tnNDEiYXzwnQLeJLFXfTGwLYbL5IN3q9-apKNruvjJb03dSBCPca0oYrz2WJz8t4y4LujGreVaKIwv7S4sYlGAr5pYsHzBgbNv-h5OVoTb2uK43h35USQXJNfw/s1600/Screenshot-658.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera screamed for a moment and turned around. Gabriel was standing behind her and the kitchen was back to its own normal state. She took in a heavy breath and wiped her eyes, "Yeah, everything's okay. I was just thinking of things."<br />
<br />
"You looked pretty focused on that clock, are you sure you're okay?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5bgze6xfAtxVFY9PWD2zePK4DzYlJGgmXVlFXNjF-nwy8dIMeuL_gKotwc6nzv0F5PESPqR3ejaYaLYZeo-pBmuhc1r7Zgz7i1L_qrIICyDZL5kfJ3K_NbLju90SLm8f7gbg6ELF5wA/s1600/Screenshot-660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5bgze6xfAtxVFY9PWD2zePK4DzYlJGgmXVlFXNjF-nwy8dIMeuL_gKotwc6nzv0F5PESPqR3ejaYaLYZeo-pBmuhc1r7Zgz7i1L_qrIICyDZL5kfJ3K_NbLju90SLm8f7gbg6ELF5wA/s1600/Screenshot-660.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera's demeanor dropped as she looked over to him. "Yes! Now are you gonna ask me any more questions or can I get on with being okay?!"<br />
<br />
"I was just-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaVmzkVIw0IUFklu2-OTyJNv_30RMm8uGn9HmGxKq0uWPx5YFMS5hziKFJMty2_t29KtpPIbsNtzRZ2iGKT-jj2EcQv0swUOYk57M9G8nVd3J3o47ynZtgiQAesJgzgiaOBBcG4MJ5Ro/s1600/Screenshot-661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaVmzkVIw0IUFklu2-OTyJNv_30RMm8uGn9HmGxKq0uWPx5YFMS5hziKFJMty2_t29KtpPIbsNtzRZ2iGKT-jj2EcQv0swUOYk57M9G8nVd3J3o47ynZtgiQAesJgzgiaOBBcG4MJ5Ro/s1600/Screenshot-661.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Sorry, I can't..." Keera stopped herself from talking and started towards the arch leading out of the kitchen, repeating the words to herself as she stepped through them. "I just can't."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fkVzGUp6ewryy7avbT0YGc9GfJDBnd-1hnbEmTuKuqp3B0UoG9ZdGGKbocKLxrtFqy7kJQdiBubYtxfB_DS1JPN6g39nHoj15u8kK-YvemjBIgDYxZfA2YVsyDYYlewtLNiSV7K2KUM/s1600/Screenshot-569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fkVzGUp6ewryy7avbT0YGc9GfJDBnd-1hnbEmTuKuqp3B0UoG9ZdGGKbocKLxrtFqy7kJQdiBubYtxfB_DS1JPN6g39nHoj15u8kK-YvemjBIgDYxZfA2YVsyDYYlewtLNiSV7K2KUM/s1600/Screenshot-569.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_iiVtKo6BJTQhL1rG9zsg0nFYQDiPrjXtPzwmkQ3UI6UWGaXq7fiwS2QP7WQ0f5npAOmpBASBGLc37HKKFalhLxpCj8x7VdNhBtRTHoGh8VFTm4_kcQ_BRAwWCeNU3DsTiC2vTH6sB0/s1600/Screenshot-561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_iiVtKo6BJTQhL1rG9zsg0nFYQDiPrjXtPzwmkQ3UI6UWGaXq7fiwS2QP7WQ0f5npAOmpBASBGLc37HKKFalhLxpCj8x7VdNhBtRTHoGh8VFTm4_kcQ_BRAwWCeNU3DsTiC2vTH6sB0/s1600/Screenshot-561.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a short walk, she found herself in the downstairs bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. The scar on her face seemed to be more prevalent than it had been before. She grasped her head with her hands, trying to fight back the visions that had been creeping steadily into her mind. However, she was unable to. The fire from before returned with a vengeance, filling the entire bathroom as she stood in place, trying to focus on the better parts of her life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEW1N7HK3SAw1Z_iFjovrJv9GBih3TFN2etucEX8cvKXltSxcI-0XMqC2aqhQk6g6Nz8OETrFcfY9-4DFnUBe5g_76UYkvG2cAEtlkHecnJqnRqHloW4ku-WrQBUamVPAdGnkRksB1lA/s1600/Screenshot-560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEW1N7HK3SAw1Z_iFjovrJv9GBih3TFN2etucEX8cvKXltSxcI-0XMqC2aqhQk6g6Nz8OETrFcfY9-4DFnUBe5g_76UYkvG2cAEtlkHecnJqnRqHloW4ku-WrQBUamVPAdGnkRksB1lA/s1600/Screenshot-560.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bir09ANm4Jvjc4pdrlOGBpJ7z1ihNIldwd3L6qTR8EkdqsQ5l8602s_yE9U2RVxLWD_84icKbhXI5YZlKyj2NKUe8lvIV43gNaMNqqNgHVyFZWJ8jNnzxqiUeQ1Q6wMvsOOgwC1Ul-8/s1600/Screenshot-563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bir09ANm4Jvjc4pdrlOGBpJ7z1ihNIldwd3L6qTR8EkdqsQ5l8602s_yE9U2RVxLWD_84icKbhXI5YZlKyj2NKUe8lvIV43gNaMNqqNgHVyFZWJ8jNnzxqiUeQ1Q6wMvsOOgwC1Ul-8/s1600/Screenshot-563.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While Keera stared at the reflective surface, she imagined more fire around her, the smoke so thick that it blocked her sight. When she could see again, the scar on her face was back to its scorched appearance from just after the accident. She could feel the pain from the scar on her face and the burning air in her lungs. She inhaled and let the the smell of smoke on her clothes and skin fill her nose and mouth. It was the same smoldering aroma that she had tried for months to get herself clear of but it would always seem to persist, despite everyone else telling her there was no smell. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yM7K5chpYJF27BoDT5LPOXluttsLcXUK0BLC7KTs8-dxJ7GZiQsWR3c-nHnNT-dudU90HzM8UjYgRUdrPaUxewF4oPVvuG4zwIbwEPVJlGV5ABbN88NXpOXxASzm1KBpMr5nxVEEPKo/s1600/Screenshot-565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yM7K5chpYJF27BoDT5LPOXluttsLcXUK0BLC7KTs8-dxJ7GZiQsWR3c-nHnNT-dudU90HzM8UjYgRUdrPaUxewF4oPVvuG4zwIbwEPVJlGV5ABbN88NXpOXxASzm1KBpMr5nxVEEPKo/s1600/Screenshot-565.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHFZAinH9gMy-qD-IO0vYx3zbJtntoiPh2VKag5WDKPs8hIxfjNWJBmwmnvD9gVcg5DY96Tm8RQfqgLSyTQfsr7_G1z0iMXWyRsdwZi2-EElV4S2oH_02gwRIrTwwiN3tAoGeoE_PR7A/s1600/Screenshot-570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHFZAinH9gMy-qD-IO0vYx3zbJtntoiPh2VKag5WDKPs8hIxfjNWJBmwmnvD9gVcg5DY96Tm8RQfqgLSyTQfsr7_G1z0iMXWyRsdwZi2-EElV4S2oH_02gwRIrTwwiN3tAoGeoE_PR7A/s1600/Screenshot-570.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly the fire engulfed Keera and she screamed while stammering back against the wall. The sudden stumble made her slam back-first against the stone surface, briefly knocking the air out of her. When she opened her eyes again, the room was again back to its normal state, but the heat seemed to remain constant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Bt4YscovwUJa-3qIYBewVx-f4ZYYx68rtX7iLfhvux-m1GD_Y7LDUEP_QspXHLkp_A5FBnURwuxMb8NL6_q6A7cSsTqy8sXhQF6jyzvn-Cx1_Za_YIS-SXPPCcMuqU3uP_Ia0dzP_DY/s1600/Screenshot-571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Bt4YscovwUJa-3qIYBewVx-f4ZYYx68rtX7iLfhvux-m1GD_Y7LDUEP_QspXHLkp_A5FBnURwuxMb8NL6_q6A7cSsTqy8sXhQF6jyzvn-Cx1_Za_YIS-SXPPCcMuqU3uP_Ia0dzP_DY/s1600/Screenshot-571.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera leaned against the wall and pressed her hand into her head, trying to push back to horror she had just seen. The resulting impact on the wall as well as the visions gave her a headache, but that didn't bother her as much as the visions themselves.<br />
<br />
There was a loud knock on the door, and Keera heard Scarlett's panicked voice on the other side. "Hey is everything okay?!"<br />
<br />
Fighting back tears, Keera continued to hold her head while replying. "Yeah, everything's fine and dandy."<br />
<br />
"I heard screaming."<br />
<br />
"Yeah I uh... I stubbed my foot while walking away from the sink. It hurt. It hurt a lot."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbTOnilDLGphB18DDAlkj-cqkFx_YQxL0b1C1t18VyFW969sZhil0qa7RXPc7OjWGOZHxyQwLhSykDDNDH0IkAkAzJJGlq1enTcYXEoMpj19JyMBn06P83HsUh1IMbyeGHRN_MUtZc34/s1600/Screenshot-574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbTOnilDLGphB18DDAlkj-cqkFx_YQxL0b1C1t18VyFW969sZhil0qa7RXPc7OjWGOZHxyQwLhSykDDNDH0IkAkAzJJGlq1enTcYXEoMpj19JyMBn06P83HsUh1IMbyeGHRN_MUtZc34/s1600/Screenshot-574.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera slid down on the floor, continuing to put pressure on her head.<br />
<br />
"It still hurts."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQPQdftmii1fG-x5reTBjQFVaU6VF7YRd98PNjzO8nv-rbQnoenpJl0XyZADDHqtQ_Qwpcr9sgtD7kp2Ip57mNlmMV7UAqbQ0BrtmD4OhrgyBqdkf2qf6j0UzftQqPnNITXXPk1RVN_4/s1600/Screenshot-644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQPQdftmii1fG-x5reTBjQFVaU6VF7YRd98PNjzO8nv-rbQnoenpJl0XyZADDHqtQ_Qwpcr9sgtD7kp2Ip57mNlmMV7UAqbQ0BrtmD4OhrgyBqdkf2qf6j0UzftQqPnNITXXPk1RVN_4/s1600/Screenshot-644.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom got dressed in his winter garb and followed Annabelle down the road, the whole time listening to everything she heard from the rock, about the Vornek and the Feen. As they stood outside the building where Shale was, Annabelle closed her eyes and opened the door. "Go on in. I'll be waiting here."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lw-V06lIIRRhmjeOOokS2gwKvW6JPW-9IljIZBk9QljpE1TR5tIyijIcrvaFNjedPBeEhyphenhyphentsOrzMS-spz4TbidtLfoeuBlijToZtNRQumXegPwQPw0u5Og-5-1v8SxHVNsTaeVFYhAM/s1600/Screenshot-645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lw-V06lIIRRhmjeOOokS2gwKvW6JPW-9IljIZBk9QljpE1TR5tIyijIcrvaFNjedPBeEhyphenhyphentsOrzMS-spz4TbidtLfoeuBlijToZtNRQumXegPwQPw0u5Og-5-1v8SxHVNsTaeVFYhAM/s1600/Screenshot-645.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom shrugged, having given up on wondering why they were outside this building in the first place. He stepped inside and looked around, and his eyes immediately focused on the rock sitting in the corner that matched Annabelle's description of Shale. Tom walked over to the rock and stood in front of it.<br />
<br />
"So, I hear you're a talking rock."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzXT1mZFCQkuDssTwK40Tel2zOfBIr9RGFTDnXJMID6kDrQuzUThQ_uBLH-7HZSko94AEHF3JLybnGhuk4fVBU1uj2X7FHD-dVY-hVqsqp2dIHHFiZidRwjDlWnPqIb49td5U3BJIe3M/s1600/Screenshot-647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzXT1mZFCQkuDssTwK40Tel2zOfBIr9RGFTDnXJMID6kDrQuzUThQ_uBLH-7HZSko94AEHF3JLybnGhuk4fVBU1uj2X7FHD-dVY-hVqsqp2dIHHFiZidRwjDlWnPqIb49td5U3BJIe3M/s1600/Screenshot-647.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Indeed I am, Thomas Jameson."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom shivered at hearing this voice, but continued on with it after the initial shock wore off. "So Annie tells me you needed to speak with me. Here I am."<br />
<br />
"I am glad you came along with her. I had told her something vital to your personal history, but it is better that you hear from me yourself. Did she tell you the information about the Vornek?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, about this Vorik Z'rath'nek guy. Whatever happened to him after he went into hiding?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSBrVFIWOIMXjGAKpsEUejb8hG41jTKyli0G55vEWxFHgkoHnRV8lVp878Cy-x6p4Ui4TdwZS9ZQMrX_MpAs2n1R2DOrmdqyI4i6c8q8aRxzFuDZI41eQO0eK_OcrFa45FjPavOreSFk/s1600/Screenshot-649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSBrVFIWOIMXjGAKpsEUejb8hG41jTKyli0G55vEWxFHgkoHnRV8lVp878Cy-x6p4Ui4TdwZS9ZQMrX_MpAs2n1R2DOrmdqyI4i6c8q8aRxzFuDZI41eQO0eK_OcrFa45FjPavOreSFk/s1600/Screenshot-649.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Thomas...he fled to Egypt. He used the power of science and magic to take over a small portion of the land, and became a brutal dictator over his people, using robes and masks as a disguise. Eventually he was killed by his subjects, mummified, and put into a tomb which he had himself cursed with his knowledge of the Abyss."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrlDW_IPgEXq8qgoA9vvxeT-CPEBgI4x44pxjGuQMkPqWH5mkC7nbS87mp3kEoqdomu87dR4CxyjcFT3NM-Z7nIIbusWoOCIE2GIuGLCYGEmmoCTuIjCZIE9ho2msdF2yjO6vv-4BOTI/s1600/Screenshot-651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrlDW_IPgEXq8qgoA9vvxeT-CPEBgI4x44pxjGuQMkPqWH5mkC7nbS87mp3kEoqdomu87dR4CxyjcFT3NM-Z7nIIbusWoOCIE2GIuGLCYGEmmoCTuIjCZIE9ho2msdF2yjO6vv-4BOTI/s1600/Screenshot-651.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom's eyes widened... "No."<br />
<br />
"The locals called him 'Vor'set. They sealed his tomb under the Sphinx, hoping no one would ever enter it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpud14QZtKZ4pMvKh8uiyajaz18obNXANL0rm7TnhjEBefKHnEXF4Mndzhp_nrgIiQxpuwio9xLDWefUfBkIea6yfUlMPGKKmqo_Wy2zizYvKehHuFD9kaCM7geV_vtqdzvMACqArse8/s1600/Screenshot-650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpud14QZtKZ4pMvKh8uiyajaz18obNXANL0rm7TnhjEBefKHnEXF4Mndzhp_nrgIiQxpuwio9xLDWefUfBkIea6yfUlMPGKKmqo_Wy2zizYvKehHuFD9kaCM7geV_vtqdzvMACqArse8/s1600/Screenshot-650.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No!"<br />
<br />
"But your parents did. They entered the tomb and encountered the cursed mummy of Vor'set. They were able to subdue him back into the tomb, but not before he cursed them to die."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3alBE5e7VpT7YYIudzTzr08UHJKfOUI_a-QXFU1D0hVrxm7ID6msBr-hzffgnrElqRvI7MLo9vaQtG2zqZcbWTYAkRCtR__f4BysWImUtreIv_csD0p069QJPutAUieBksHgDdHE8P8/s1600/Screenshot-652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3alBE5e7VpT7YYIudzTzr08UHJKfOUI_a-QXFU1D0hVrxm7ID6msBr-hzffgnrElqRvI7MLo9vaQtG2zqZcbWTYAkRCtR__f4BysWImUtreIv_csD0p069QJPutAUieBksHgDdHE8P8/s1600/Screenshot-652.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom fell back and clasped his head. "HE killed them... the Vornek leader killed my parents?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksG8R0AHDHNBeVszkMZl5-5gh0KyUNS0s4niZy-H6RiiTpsv7ENLty81V15apdUjKq1SQM1oAqmr__nDpuKj8O1e5FmKdahPTOUOyFCamYq0cymtlXK_DZ-udu0XpawskvAwm0o273bM/s1600/Screenshot-653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksG8R0AHDHNBeVszkMZl5-5gh0KyUNS0s4niZy-H6RiiTpsv7ENLty81V15apdUjKq1SQM1oAqmr__nDpuKj8O1e5FmKdahPTOUOyFCamYq0cymtlXK_DZ-udu0XpawskvAwm0o273bM/s1600/Screenshot-653.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle heard Tom's anguished voice from outside and stepped into the room, offering her shoulder for him to lean on. Tom hugged Annabelle while pushing his face into her shoulder, trying to hold back tears. After this, he stepped back and looked at Annabelle, while still talking to the rock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbws74TVw0VkkGrqMklMyFj7J9Lsm8fFfV2uhzVv7w7XN3XeiVYaSQ__4pqjd5EhZvF9dIJ3eyr5ix9jhFlLsHcIIuIk-Ee64pDitdHO81D4AraiAH_qS5ZZQGOJMSV6yvuu363zWX-A/s1600/Screenshot-654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbws74TVw0VkkGrqMklMyFj7J9Lsm8fFfV2uhzVv7w7XN3XeiVYaSQ__4pqjd5EhZvF9dIJ3eyr5ix9jhFlLsHcIIuIk-Ee64pDitdHO81D4AraiAH_qS5ZZQGOJMSV6yvuu363zWX-A/s1600/Screenshot-654.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"So, he's gone right? You said my parents stopped him?"<br />
<br />
"For a time. But..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikB9J4-yGhckQepquHr9a63btYKkTIdeyTxbM1syMWOOIkyrGUwRkQFsqZfLEOeLSliga_o1_8PjFO1UvqdAoJ_lY_GWDkzuXIbPmaIBGGzFYmi-pSRW4VSZc77BLLgsEudV_UmybqpJA/s1600/Screenshot-655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikB9J4-yGhckQepquHr9a63btYKkTIdeyTxbM1syMWOOIkyrGUwRkQFsqZfLEOeLSliga_o1_8PjFO1UvqdAoJ_lY_GWDkzuXIbPmaIBGGzFYmi-pSRW4VSZc77BLLgsEudV_UmybqpJA/s1600/Screenshot-655.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"But. What?"<br />
<br />
"The Vornek are in Hidden Springs for a reason. Someone, somehow, moved Vor'set's sarcophagus into the town but I cannot figure out where it is. Also, the rock that contains the Abyss' essence is on this planet, but its magic is blocking me from figuring out precisely where. If the Vornek returns the Abyss to Vor'set's tomb, the magic will restore the leader to his full potential and he will recreate his army to conquer both this Earth and Torra Sev."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR4JArMhQ2zV1NPd9RC3bGN8GJIQjN4uGP1KR_sAlSPMuGLIRUqV1i9aK40NXPoTCAo-Ybzq7JDqOXcnEXAZUbm-UblLVZlDg4K68h9l6S60rjSk1V2Vzl8-LK1x-cNI5bwXsMDPcZsw/s1600/Screenshot-656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR4JArMhQ2zV1NPd9RC3bGN8GJIQjN4uGP1KR_sAlSPMuGLIRUqV1i9aK40NXPoTCAo-Ybzq7JDqOXcnEXAZUbm-UblLVZlDg4K68h9l6S60rjSk1V2Vzl8-LK1x-cNI5bwXsMDPcZsw/s1600/Screenshot-656.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tom clenched his fist and snarled, "I say, let the Vornek resurrect their leader! And when they do, I can<i> personally drive a stake through that bastard's heart</i>!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle grew worried, just as she was when she first saw Tom that evening. "Tom, revenge will not bring your parents back."<br />
<br />
"Yeah but it will sure <i>feel </i>good." Tom turned towards Shale. "I will avenge the deaths of my parents, and every Vornek that tries to stop me will end up dead." He stormed out of the room and into the snow-covered landscape of Hidden Springs, leaving both Annabelle and Shale behind to worry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH5FWQK3zwGY5Zi32IpcXyiJTDrVqmZYXVcGykSK7JsYAmM-RgpYII0y5JIxxSpUuPWLGwBCSe0x_F30IuF7-YF7R-3Crs3EKIE1X-4VkDpRE-Y3FkSIBwOBv7A1ABzjaVOYNlnu07Mc/s1600/Screenshot-657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH5FWQK3zwGY5Zi32IpcXyiJTDrVqmZYXVcGykSK7JsYAmM-RgpYII0y5JIxxSpUuPWLGwBCSe0x_F30IuF7-YF7R-3Crs3EKIE1X-4VkDpRE-Y3FkSIBwOBv7A1ABzjaVOYNlnu07Mc/s1600/Screenshot-657.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-79206568692226766072014-10-10T19:10:00.002-05:002014-10-10T19:10:56.804-05:00Chapter Forty-Five - A Friend in Need<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>October 19th, 2022</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN1idViZONVjEVotnnBNs-waezeTm2ME30ghEhmK2T9_u_-v-1EDfhv-LA59AxtznBADqlknZiLC0v1bznkDL1DB-NoeCB31RhDuoEVM3gzkmx_r_8Iu3sg3WdeJTBBYE1apGVHUYwl0/s1600/Screenshot-16951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN1idViZONVjEVotnnBNs-waezeTm2ME30ghEhmK2T9_u_-v-1EDfhv-LA59AxtznBADqlknZiLC0v1bznkDL1DB-NoeCB31RhDuoEVM3gzkmx_r_8Iu3sg3WdeJTBBYE1apGVHUYwl0/s1600/Screenshot-16951.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"He hasn't come out of his room in two days. This can't be healthy for anyone. Has he eaten?" Annabelle stood in the living room with Kelly and Scarlett. The former, who was talking to the others, occasionally looked off at random things while talking. "I mean, he just seems so... depressed."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scarlett lowered her head. "I feel this whole thing is my fault. He's been this way since watching that video of his parents, and I practically convinced him to watch it. I'm worried about him."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovtGkJiRiTEAxGmUNSmjQYcwI6mmps7PEWQOpq_VQ1ZfLhH_RNQpZIymb276B6Te_-jUV9CG2qB_5rDnM2mGuzQSOYYgOSK12TO5VYGGT58SC8RTXoSOyu5Gjke_9-714sag2g2ZA3rQ/s1600/Screenshot-16952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovtGkJiRiTEAxGmUNSmjQYcwI6mmps7PEWQOpq_VQ1ZfLhH_RNQpZIymb276B6Te_-jUV9CG2qB_5rDnM2mGuzQSOYYgOSK12TO5VYGGT58SC8RTXoSOyu5Gjke_9-714sag2g2ZA3rQ/s1600/Screenshot-16952.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"We're all worried." Kelly replied, "But he needs time to absorb what he saw. He also needs help from his friends and family. He has to let us in at some point. I just hope it's sooner rather than later."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Perhaps a more</i><b><i> assertive </i></b><i>approach is necessary in this case." </i>MIKE's voice suddenly echoed into the conversation, startling the three women. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"WHAT THE F-" Annabelle caught herself, then turned around to look for where MIKE was. "Where is that tin can thing?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c30H0MPX0i1boOSlhQA3UAc8yaKDRUv5m5guCqcaNG2V_Y1gMN8IbT-fPkgyceSBnA3hk_VNlV6fGf5-kSS1sC8NPIPcfrrsbjH8OFcitJELAaH7ReBri_DM_ggKbFJhxuPPoXjIr-g/s1600/Screenshot-16950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c30H0MPX0i1boOSlhQA3UAc8yaKDRUv5m5guCqcaNG2V_Y1gMN8IbT-fPkgyceSBnA3hk_VNlV6fGf5-kSS1sC8NPIPcfrrsbjH8OFcitJELAaH7ReBri_DM_ggKbFJhxuPPoXjIr-g/s1600/Screenshot-16950.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"My body is currently outside the domicile, absorbing sunlight through panels built into my outer chassis so I can retain energy. While it is offline, however, I am patched into the house's communication and surveillance systems. I can currently see you through a variety of hidden cameras John had set up before your group left for Starlight Shores." </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle was taken aback by what MIKE had said. "Wait a second, John never told me about any hidden <i>cameras</i>!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"He set them up to increase security and, in his words, 'forgot about them' in lieu of other projects to work on." </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scarlett laughed, "Yup, sounds like my husband."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU_C-kI2XtL8Lg2qVfuvp_82waKGz0CR3wkGzyyh7LzsBuW9nF6YkZ7KLQ_hmSQxSwwMsa_pejIokEm9EZ8dFK0XML_McV_zfHxGC5idrA8dOqiFHByT7WbhcbOv8MWIns8zBqH7tCYg/s1600/Screenshot-16957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU_C-kI2XtL8Lg2qVfuvp_82waKGz0CR3wkGzyyh7LzsBuW9nF6YkZ7KLQ_hmSQxSwwMsa_pejIokEm9EZ8dFK0XML_McV_zfHxGC5idrA8dOqiFHByT7WbhcbOv8MWIns8zBqH7tCYg/s1600/Screenshot-16957.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly, trying to spot the cameras, looked up at the ceiling. "So I take he told you to patch into the network to keep an eye on the place?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Yes. The only places I that do not have cameras are bedrooms and restrooms. </i><i>If need be, anyone in the household can tap into the cameras from any computer in the house using a specialized program John installed into the network.</i><i>"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle shrugged, "Well as long as the creepy emotionless robot can't watch me sleep, I'm perfectly okay with increased security."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You are?" Scarlett asked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfYwybwqbG6bjewfZ_WK-b2I6bADQdaWW2fAnVwbXMz60odxWgGZdJjNFuMo-Z2IyFrnRHCq9gHrvA4-PNh3Ec4Z5ifJUUu-dPnnn8iAQGqm6Eh_xBSeGI8f_H1OApUPZP-31AlR3b18/s1600/Screenshot-16959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfYwybwqbG6bjewfZ_WK-b2I6bADQdaWW2fAnVwbXMz60odxWgGZdJjNFuMo-Z2IyFrnRHCq9gHrvA4-PNh3Ec4Z5ifJUUu-dPnnn8iAQGqm6Eh_xBSeGI8f_H1OApUPZP-31AlR3b18/s1600/Screenshot-16959.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle nodded and clasped her hands together. "Think about all the times I've been kidnapped, and the house has been attacked. We need some sort of watchful eye over us. If not for us, then Keera."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaT8oUcdHbjG0dzMAZarAUnLn5YbviPtkAtVJ5rb1MA7KNKvOUN0L2CTslDhOfThQ16YiLs5dNHLrW_1PXqP1JPftApZvz2Qb30Nc2LkvlXdYSxHNaiDshh9UV7UIgk1LFl5D_V4AMCQ/s1600/Screenshot-16961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaT8oUcdHbjG0dzMAZarAUnLn5YbviPtkAtVJ5rb1MA7KNKvOUN0L2CTslDhOfThQ16YiLs5dNHLrW_1PXqP1JPftApZvz2Qb30Nc2LkvlXdYSxHNaiDshh9UV7UIgk1LFl5D_V4AMCQ/s1600/Screenshot-16961.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"True." Kelly said, she then thought back to reading about the proposed hidden camera initiative she read about while on the way to the police station, "ERA" and wondered if MIKE could hack into those cameras. She didn't want to think of all the moral issues that could come about from something like that, and realized she and MIKE could use them to track the Vornek if they were still around. Pushing that thought aside, Kelly spoke up without turning back towards the other two. "This whole MIKE thing is well and good, but what about our cousin?"<br />
<br />
Scarlett shrugged, as did Annabelle. The latter then suddenly remembered something as she looked around. "So what did you mean 'assertive approach', MIKE?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR0pxMN4GqApmrbLWvuVykQJEAVeZK8_BX8PXZmWNPtPFQB1HMdW_VQdVHZ1ZFIbgI2kv-9gw39p1JVIbBG5ecjGeDAK36xrZd8GEUfPHJu0Fi18ULwMT75rUYtpWw75kO11SG-AXF6Y/s1600/Screenshot-16962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR0pxMN4GqApmrbLWvuVykQJEAVeZK8_BX8PXZmWNPtPFQB1HMdW_VQdVHZ1ZFIbgI2kv-9gw39p1JVIbBG5ecjGeDAK36xrZd8GEUfPHJu0Fi18ULwMT75rUYtpWw75kO11SG-AXF6Y/s1600/Screenshot-16962.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The robot's voice rang through the speakers of the nearby stereo. <i>"I believe we should smash his door open, remove him from his room, and force him to have a pleasant demeanor."</i><br />
<br />
Annabelle scratched her head nervously. "Yeah I don't think that would be the best approach." She then took a paper out of her pocket and scratched the words "smash door down" out of a list of ideas. Pocketing the paper again, Annabelle sighed. "I'm actually gonna go try and talk to him."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkIT-hcQ2nkomPQHwNO-fOBrmKDAaFK7I95aVExeGKFXTl_ofpu4rH5GSt65hH8_Ypb_zeUpKmMinJ6ljfHtaAKivo0T5wdwe2kNSE1gNeTLnNagDErXT2bNdBRMj0fen3npzcHerxLs/s1600/Screenshot-16960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkIT-hcQ2nkomPQHwNO-fOBrmKDAaFK7I95aVExeGKFXTl_ofpu4rH5GSt65hH8_Ypb_zeUpKmMinJ6ljfHtaAKivo0T5wdwe2kNSE1gNeTLnNagDErXT2bNdBRMj0fen3npzcHerxLs/s1600/Screenshot-16960.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett nodded affirmatively. "I do think you would be the best choice considering your relationship with him. Which is admittedly more on and off than the entire contents of a light switch factory but eh, you gotta take what you got."<br />
<br />
Annabelle didn't want to argue because she knew it was true. Her relationship with Tom <i>hadn't</i> been the most stable thing in the world. With the arguments, the jokes, as well as the seeing of other people such as Tom having a relationship with Andy, it had been a roller coaster of doubt. It was because of that doubt that Annabelle couldn't admit her true deep-down feelings to Tom. Sometimes, she even doubted her future with him, just as she knew he did the same with her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYwVEULIsWWg20CNsgcEYiiJxRQAtSX65U1PbNUw_LiIxngP-yDRnG7Na5DSPtwdvtv_AGhvuu0LUNhSKX6VQUA5l88mj59G0iT5cjyR4VDObNmpG1yyj8kjkGnwHIMdY6gJ0ESTPlzQ/s1600/Screenshot-16963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYwVEULIsWWg20CNsgcEYiiJxRQAtSX65U1PbNUw_LiIxngP-yDRnG7Na5DSPtwdvtv_AGhvuu0LUNhSKX6VQUA5l88mj59G0iT5cjyR4VDObNmpG1yyj8kjkGnwHIMdY6gJ0ESTPlzQ/s1600/Screenshot-16963.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle silently waved at Kelly and Scarlett and walked upstairs. What felt like hours later, she found herself outside Tom's door, wanting to knock. However, her arm felt numb every time she tried to lift it. Something was stopping her from knocking and going in, though she didn't know quite what that was. Feeling defeated, she turned around and walked away.<br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDZDOkEMmGkKMevWo08uRmSQ_x8t1YD6_GFweiTuo7UckIVQBPHqB-4WG6oEWbixVVprufM7SkhKUQwepyh9EvPy3DrAWqhIrDOTDqUw5y_oOoAUpWYRmiYVQBhCZslln33f79n3IwOk/s1600/Screenshot-16964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDZDOkEMmGkKMevWo08uRmSQ_x8t1YD6_GFweiTuo7UckIVQBPHqB-4WG6oEWbixVVprufM7SkhKUQwepyh9EvPy3DrAWqhIrDOTDqUw5y_oOoAUpWYRmiYVQBhCZslln33f79n3IwOk/s1600/Screenshot-16964.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle sadly strolled through the upper floor of their house, not looking where she was going. As such, she walked right into her brother who was standing in the hall while looking at his cell phone. Annabelle, not looking where she was going, smacked hard into her brother, nearly breaking his glasses. Annabelle stumbled back, as did John, and both of them stood there, dazed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7bEsO5ERHYS_3OL26rYmBS19cDUVo445ZehqvuWhamBp6hlT9ce1Zc0TMyBgf2zm_JvWjv_lmmH7tcn_hszMjyrhL_T7EALmwRf9HTym5IsySzZ9_5sB3v3zUSAS2dT19W9rlZEs6Lk/s1600/Screenshot-16965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7bEsO5ERHYS_3OL26rYmBS19cDUVo445ZehqvuWhamBp6hlT9ce1Zc0TMyBgf2zm_JvWjv_lmmH7tcn_hszMjyrhL_T7EALmwRf9HTym5IsySzZ9_5sB3v3zUSAS2dT19W9rlZEs6Lk/s1600/Screenshot-16965.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Sorry, Annie. I was a bit preoccupied." John said as he picked up his fallen cell phone, but not before nursing his hurt head. "I was researching ideas for this new project I'm working on. I'm not entirely sure if I can pull this one off."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FxRjNUjqwNSzIyCz4SbOxy2akWolw7KK43-QEmFAuoqdJAYPVQVfjTfLsEBxKYWt2QNxyIKPkHILJ7X75bfeu8Jpe1Occe5wjpVZH4vQqmTErIH6tQRbIq2Q9XN_VXOngBFAWSsrSZA/s1600/Screenshot-16969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FxRjNUjqwNSzIyCz4SbOxy2akWolw7KK43-QEmFAuoqdJAYPVQVfjTfLsEBxKYWt2QNxyIKPkHILJ7X75bfeu8Jpe1Occe5wjpVZH4vQqmTErIH6tQRbIq2Q9XN_VXOngBFAWSsrSZA/s1600/Screenshot-16969.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No problem, John. I was a bit preoccupied myself at the moment." She turned around to look at Tom's door and frowned. "Still am."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Still not coming out of his room?" John asked.<br />
<br />
"No. And I'm at the end of my rope! I just want to talk to him, to help him through this. But I need a neutral party, someone who can talk to him now so I can try and talk to him later-" When a revelation suddenly sparked into her mind, Annabelle turned around and smiled at John.<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh8ryQaTPchMOfdTI1p5TaAbTK-eIkRDlG1gArT0vj2bkPrHanVxnJ26g-qUUbXNoa-ona0oSGQmWXIixpyfXjG7whYV_lbKOS_ED7eip7jqUUc16mw-1DcfJ8Yz2auLZZPFyrHJGtXs/s1600/Screenshot-16971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh8ryQaTPchMOfdTI1p5TaAbTK-eIkRDlG1gArT0vj2bkPrHanVxnJ26g-qUUbXNoa-ona0oSGQmWXIixpyfXjG7whYV_lbKOS_ED7eip7jqUUc16mw-1DcfJ8Yz2auLZZPFyrHJGtXs/s1600/Screenshot-16971.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"Hey bro, wanna do something for me?"<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrDrSYa_XA5ifXlEF_VusuH6rtvjBWhAjICjJGyLE3R8wugYNEWv7-S_zr12Jj4YifDVkiMxq_sDe70ADSFp1fsh3Ped7DwQyNZCU5BQWDApXKkGVfy0nIsLRK4E4P5Fut5Snj642sX8/s1600/Screenshot-16973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrDrSYa_XA5ifXlEF_VusuH6rtvjBWhAjICjJGyLE3R8wugYNEWv7-S_zr12Jj4YifDVkiMxq_sDe70ADSFp1fsh3Ped7DwQyNZCU5BQWDApXKkGVfy0nIsLRK4E4P5Fut5Snj642sX8/s1600/Screenshot-16973.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John walked up to Tom's door and knocked on it. He turned around and noticed that Annabelle tried to be gone, but he could spot her fairy wings as they phased through the wall she was hiding behind. He chuckled to himself as he knocked again. The door creaked open slightly and John let himself in. Inside, the room looked dark, as there seemed to be only one light on, and Tom stood against the back window which had been covered by a curtain.<br />
<br />
Tom's appearance, as John could make out from the lack of lighting, was disheveled. It seemed clear that he hadn't showered or shaved in the three days since watching the video.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey bud." John said, his tone of voice carrying a not-so-hidden worried angle to it, "What's up?" <br />
<br />
Tom didn't respond as he looked over at him. John asked the same question again, this time with a clearer, more friendly tone. "What's up, Tom? You okay?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyARkEG9npyr5ZlZrb5EcOAwgY53rllXE-ic4EBR_g6ySVV4b3J5r5nE_gdtj02zxb2hpjl_etS6xQ8YALbO0faendiXW4A14WPkANrPxn-Dz2vqgsMCWyWLLR5rshQHes-hmfn5wsEyE/s1600/Screenshot-16975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyARkEG9npyr5ZlZrb5EcOAwgY53rllXE-ic4EBR_g6ySVV4b3J5r5nE_gdtj02zxb2hpjl_etS6xQ8YALbO0faendiXW4A14WPkANrPxn-Dz2vqgsMCWyWLLR5rshQHes-hmfn5wsEyE/s1600/Screenshot-16975.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't remember them. They loved me so much, they cared for me so damn much, and I never remembered them. Is that fair?" Tom wiped his eyes with his coat jacket and turned around. "Is that fair, John, to not remember the people who loved you? Is it fair that they left me and went on a dangerous treasure hunt? Is anything fair anymore?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4-Kl1bnsv1KFt8_hftfHb-Xwsk8YCg_Wyx9iLS3Jf5xa-aXOZTy7fz49vFJP3bMxbCGgkcoSvM7ZrvrzfWSBOvygX8z1P4cr6glDY9JMHM764tO3uYkrGC-AQbwRTk3FBle1CA2wGYI/s1600/Screenshot-16976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4-Kl1bnsv1KFt8_hftfHb-Xwsk8YCg_Wyx9iLS3Jf5xa-aXOZTy7fz49vFJP3bMxbCGgkcoSvM7ZrvrzfWSBOvygX8z1P4cr6glDY9JMHM764tO3uYkrGC-AQbwRTk3FBle1CA2wGYI/s1600/Screenshot-16976.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Maybe they didn't know the danger. If they had, I seriously doubt they would have gone in the first place."<br />
<br />
"Maybe..." Tom replied. As he looked over, he noticed John was wearing a red necklace. "I take Scarlett gave that to you?" He asked, changing the conversation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFUkXf0jJQxJs45USkzcQeOs77fbacFWolxOKQROCEZcsxsIM_u2Ov39qvQgxGJA2IkzV_ufXy_HQdOUJPD4OtkiFQaUtF2FGisURFr8mwpCTlhmgFNBiKXSLR35oX_zhQArO5D-cEnU/s1600/Screenshot-16978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFUkXf0jJQxJs45USkzcQeOs77fbacFWolxOKQROCEZcsxsIM_u2Ov39qvQgxGJA2IkzV_ufXy_HQdOUJPD4OtkiFQaUtF2FGisURFr8mwpCTlhmgFNBiKXSLR35oX_zhQArO5D-cEnU/s1600/Screenshot-16978.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Made it, actually." John smiled, "It even has my name: 'J.M. Jonathan Michael'. She was going to add the 'Kethrin' but didn't have the room. This was a wonderful present from her, and I'll be carrying this chain for the rest of eternity."<br />
<br />
Tom cracked a small smile, the first one in a few days, and sat on his couch. "Don't worry about me, John. I'll be okay, I just need a few days to sort things out, decrease the surplus emotions I've had since... since..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpA2yJl8zfi45ZZP4Mbr5oysjgvdFw_IhVcZbwwwSgtcGEifkMGdIsCqR8HV-NtPP-LvCMygMORaQCkyHA7lKSlKem1d5oweLsAGG0nY0mG8zYxNiXfWtvVAKphgf_KI5oIpxlXNRAtA/s1600/Screenshot-16979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpA2yJl8zfi45ZZP4Mbr5oysjgvdFw_IhVcZbwwwSgtcGEifkMGdIsCqR8HV-NtPP-LvCMygMORaQCkyHA7lKSlKem1d5oweLsAGG0nY0mG8zYxNiXfWtvVAKphgf_KI5oIpxlXNRAtA/s1600/Screenshot-16979.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I know how you feel, though. Though I'm not the one who can empathize with you right now. I know who can, and I'll see if she can talk with you later today." Tom silently nodded, and John continued, "In fact, I'll send a few people up, one at a time, every hour on the hour unless more time is needed. Expect, I don't know, three people today."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Eqa1zzZ9OT1MCzn16NOTV1djZ_RA34SsO9uqder1BX2RsRkvESWAQGdWKwOrPwmAcG9bgpCHyvdlG9YMBaUtbm4tnJp6VIPdNy1LzJEoqGubnWIsZHQixpPtd5G4hj1LpadmqS1QENE/s1600/Screenshot-16980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Eqa1zzZ9OT1MCzn16NOTV1djZ_RA34SsO9uqder1BX2RsRkvESWAQGdWKwOrPwmAcG9bgpCHyvdlG9YMBaUtbm4tnJp6VIPdNy1LzJEoqGubnWIsZHQixpPtd5G4hj1LpadmqS1QENE/s1600/Screenshot-16980.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
"John, I'm not really in the talkative mood, if you've noticed." <br />
<br />
"I know, and that's why I'm going to send others up." With no more words, John walked out of the ruoom, leaving Tom to continue sulking.<br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>One Hour Later. . . . </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYmHzC1I1MxnHpa7cQi4z7r0U0wCFJJO7e1DCllsq_K6tKkFFySCn9V8euXCg6XAQB-8eBJnQF0B1S3EcBwctMCUOusyqibl8gbrFMT_Y0QhESUcuSsegRiyvse5FinTR-gZpS1J4xso/s1600/Screenshot-16981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYmHzC1I1MxnHpa7cQi4z7r0U0wCFJJO7e1DCllsq_K6tKkFFySCn9V8euXCg6XAQB-8eBJnQF0B1S3EcBwctMCUOusyqibl8gbrFMT_Y0QhESUcuSsegRiyvse5FinTR-gZpS1J4xso/s1600/Screenshot-16981.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For an entire hour, Tom had sat on his couch, thinking. He was thinking of his past, of his present, and his future. Growing up, Tom had heard from a variety of different people that what one does in the past affected the here and now, and what one did in the here and now affected the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcBWwq-40WjQDc1_j4Lk2PB3GqSzgm7ijk3tGvV8UMYbscg_9oVara1i-wiv_Ynndg6Tuggzh78M5PQxZaxMO317X2046pI9-jLTNKhkinTSwCVyGxQjQnDhAlmND03mWjbt3MPdBU8s/s1600/Screenshot-16982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcBWwq-40WjQDc1_j4Lk2PB3GqSzgm7ijk3tGvV8UMYbscg_9oVara1i-wiv_Ynndg6Tuggzh78M5PQxZaxMO317X2046pI9-jLTNKhkinTSwCVyGxQjQnDhAlmND03mWjbt3MPdBU8s/s1600/Screenshot-16982.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom kept looking at the clock and as the little hand reached the 1:00 PM mark, he realized that the first of John's "foretold visitors" would be showing up at any minute. As predicted, there was a knock on the door moments later, a soft three-tone knock so light and peaceful that it reflected a quiet personality.<br />
<br />
Tom knew, from just the knock, who was on the other side of the door and pulled one of his heavy curtains down so she could feel more at home. He was happy to see the blue sky brightly shining on the other side of the window but had to adjust his eyes to the sudden light. The quiet knock was heard again, and Tom walked over to the door to open it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ7vsoJc5wqFJXADMBTrFvbkrgYJTq2e_pjuCeqfniLmomWM_WjSZuxe7TwDawCYl7o6yPPeb_DGYU09Go3w4qk_FuEw2DXMlJwFC2KVYwMSwfZLA-LlgOWIpGSzADUQt9CxnQdKgNeA/s1600/Screenshot-16987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ7vsoJc5wqFJXADMBTrFvbkrgYJTq2e_pjuCeqfniLmomWM_WjSZuxe7TwDawCYl7o6yPPeb_DGYU09Go3w4qk_FuEw2DXMlJwFC2KVYwMSwfZLA-LlgOWIpGSzADUQt9CxnQdKgNeA/s1600/Screenshot-16987.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey Tom," Kelly said as she stepped into the room, "When I walked past him in the hall, John asked me to come up and talk to you." She shut the door and walked over to the bed, standing near it. "Though to be honest I wasn't sure if I was the best one to do this. I'm not sure what to talk about."<br />
<br />
"Me neither, really."<br />
<br />
<br />
The two silently stood in place for a few moments before Kelly spoke up to break the awkwardness. "We've had decent conversations in the past, it's just this particular one that I feel like a deer in the headlights. I don't know what to say to make you feel better! Then again I have more of an idea than that robot that's walking around the house."<br />
<br />
"Yeah I was going to ask you about that. MIKE, right?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, long story. Anyway I would like to talk to you about something... weren't you feeling this exact way about four years ago, in Sunset Valley?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRdRJ8_mrEAcnIhTjOUbgWq8Y68YJq_vPyKLZc14A8lVxrfuBwqpRilphIH04GF7psKbEZ1MOnqQP_8w9QEpRLjs69WBNBSGBV9vdX2lwQ_aS59T5f-M3AVCChyphenhyphenz-hbCg-OoHnM74of8/s1600/Screenshot-16990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRdRJ8_mrEAcnIhTjOUbgWq8Y68YJq_vPyKLZc14A8lVxrfuBwqpRilphIH04GF7psKbEZ1MOnqQP_8w9QEpRLjs69WBNBSGBV9vdX2lwQ_aS59T5f-M3AVCChyphenhyphenz-hbCg-OoHnM74of8/s1600/Screenshot-16990.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom nodded. "When we went to see their graves that one day. I seem to recall you coming with me."<br />
<br />
"I did," Kelly replied, "I tried to help you out then as much as I'm trying now. I just hope one of your past enemies shows up randomly asking for forgiveness, like Deacon did."<br />
<br />
"Well I did forgive him. Not sure if I would do the same with MegalomaniJack."<br />
<br />
"Interesting nickname."<br />
<br />
"I came up with it on the spot. I like to improvise."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvunopghDSyCx2bKVfPJ2hzWOfXmA9-YiTJKfvJskX8G2cQ_Dg_RrbpKajrNnfhh4iAMcZBwegVrcE-YLav_lSAobXrIjV5n857mJ_9rMv2wAteaW1_7Au70PfjBy8gfTRJEP_QZB98Gs/s1600/Screenshot-16988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvunopghDSyCx2bKVfPJ2hzWOfXmA9-YiTJKfvJskX8G2cQ_Dg_RrbpKajrNnfhh4iAMcZBwegVrcE-YLav_lSAobXrIjV5n857mJ_9rMv2wAteaW1_7Au70PfjBy8gfTRJEP_QZB98Gs/s1600/Screenshot-16988.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You always have," Kelly replied. "Don't you always come up with jokes on the spot, when you see something or something happens?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, Annabelle doesn't really like them but I do what I have to do." The two shared a small laugh, but Tom's smile disappeared when he walked over to the uncovered window.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7pNqRaz2A3x9K_NbIK9_yd1tws0HsYo5t3nVZfX3kFTU8jkmEycdGtivl0iX0XKkKXD05eyZtxQZ2VpnyVG19iRbxwd43ULmsBpxWNJCkOBNtUWML88cWotVhgy-Xn9j3e97mftpUI8/s1600/Screenshot-16991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7pNqRaz2A3x9K_NbIK9_yd1tws0HsYo5t3nVZfX3kFTU8jkmEycdGtivl0iX0XKkKXD05eyZtxQZ2VpnyVG19iRbxwd43ULmsBpxWNJCkOBNtUWML88cWotVhgy-Xn9j3e97mftpUI8/s1600/Screenshot-16991.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Annabelle. I'm wondering what's she's doing right now when I'm in here."</i><br />
<br />
Kelly shrugged. "Worrying, like we all are. Then again, Annabelle's always worried about you."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"Annabelle's always worried about you. She sat by your side for-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsoO8ectsozi31-0VaFX_kG84zQXL88lxKSDerRH9zIovSfm6D0f4y3bfys_OxQQz4zUsl6ZpqiAUkQuy80XP0EvUYGWdo5srewutpoz2F1LLgUfgyIlM3Lio77U1rMxTcYJO9mwTWOY/s1600/Screenshot-16992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsoO8ectsozi31-0VaFX_kG84zQXL88lxKSDerRH9zIovSfm6D0f4y3bfys_OxQQz4zUsl6ZpqiAUkQuy80XP0EvUYGWdo5srewutpoz2F1LLgUfgyIlM3Lio77U1rMxTcYJO9mwTWOY/s1600/Screenshot-16992.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Wait-wait a moment." Tom turned around and stared her in the eyes, "I didn't say anything about Annabelle just now. I <i>thought </i>it, but I didn't say anything about her out-loud. What's up with-?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know." Kelly shrugged again, "I honestly do not know. This thing I-I just heard in my mind-I hear things I don't know why."<br />
<br />
"You hear peoples' thoughts?" Tom asked, trying to wrap his head around this news.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzK-mt-Y1jtSC-Yz3EamaM2SJmn0oh0ystO30ua92E71qlb_7QJxYLj6DnrIkOh7GXyiX7kzKOvw_wfvUd0FYlTFDLjkKnwg0xXwVroRneBOdGaDBemlxdNfNzLUAUL3y6z9zbvtd1Bo/s1600/Screenshot-16993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzK-mt-Y1jtSC-Yz3EamaM2SJmn0oh0ystO30ua92E71qlb_7QJxYLj6DnrIkOh7GXyiX7kzKOvw_wfvUd0FYlTFDLjkKnwg0xXwVroRneBOdGaDBemlxdNfNzLUAUL3y6z9zbvtd1Bo/s1600/Screenshot-16993.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I've only told a few people?"<br />
<br />
"Why?"<br />
<br />
Kelly quickly paced the floor for a few seconds, an anguished look on her face. "Can I tell you something?"<br />
<br />
Tom stood in place. "Go ahead."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJTFfDaL6uOJWmuSvVsHMPw0o3a1zt4qIUNfrZM0l46ZmieXeXBw2qoqlkjBC7VUomrXWa3p5cB4NM-f7-_m9mYH8puN-89i7wTf_OVTywBBVo0X9OlYDfhQTH02mfiDxdeSmbi42HO0/s1600/Screenshot-16995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJTFfDaL6uOJWmuSvVsHMPw0o3a1zt4qIUNfrZM0l46ZmieXeXBw2qoqlkjBC7VUomrXWa3p5cB4NM-f7-_m9mYH8puN-89i7wTf_OVTywBBVo0X9OlYDfhQTH02mfiDxdeSmbi42HO0/s1600/Screenshot-16995.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't want anyone to think I'm a freak. I don't want anyone to call me a mutant or some sort of oddity! Random thoughts from others keep popping into my head. They have been since I touched that glowing sphere in the hidden library chamber back in Starlight Shores, maybe even longer!"<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Tom started laughing. From her reaction, Kelly didn't seem to know what was going on with him at the moment. When he finally stopped, he walked over to his cousin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr0nECvoRn8Qw5Gjvj4yVyCNcPb7DwjoTplEoSG_Jvk80hT9QvYRCrKQWcOgoZvIAzSgqlMHfeTbaJ5Wo1APUW3-SnotWHkz1bpywuA2lrrnPXFq6tW9vfVji7K_VYzN2l-vvRKzVWig/s1600/Screenshot-16997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr0nECvoRn8Qw5Gjvj4yVyCNcPb7DwjoTplEoSG_Jvk80hT9QvYRCrKQWcOgoZvIAzSgqlMHfeTbaJ5Wo1APUW3-SnotWHkz1bpywuA2lrrnPXFq6tW9vfVji7K_VYzN2l-vvRKzVWig/s1600/Screenshot-16997.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Kelly, you are living in a house with four alien-human hybrids, three of which are genetic clones if not outright copies of the other one. We all know magic, and there's a robot living here. No one in this house would call you a freak for being able to read thoughts. Not one damn person. And if anyone outside this household had a problem with it, they'd have to deal with me."<br />
<br />
"Thanks cousin, that means a lot to me."<br />
<br />
Tom, realizing that other things were honestly too important, put the thought of what Kelly just told him out of his mind and stepped back. "Now please, continue with what you were saying. Sorry I interrupted you."<br />
<br />
Kelly wondered how he could take her being <i>psychic</i> so well, then realized he'd <i>had</i> seen stranger things. "No problem. What I was saying was that Annabelle was by your side the entire time you both were in the hospital after that explosion. She kept asking the doctors if you were alright, even when she herself was bruised and broken.<i>"</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47PpC8qoWeEOK7GMoHhLEvWdZyXvBCQAVJHsaRhPnHQEDNLpf79tLIRF5YvzppKatFRq416B0Hvq1NRqrnyRhGgqtBrIX3VSAfZuljUaumCAjdDMyKvKJ41lPcPRql0DWHM75Cr3NpDw/s1600/Screenshot-16998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47PpC8qoWeEOK7GMoHhLEvWdZyXvBCQAVJHsaRhPnHQEDNLpf79tLIRF5YvzppKatFRq416B0Hvq1NRqrnyRhGgqtBrIX3VSAfZuljUaumCAjdDMyKvKJ41lPcPRql0DWHM75Cr3NpDw/s1600/Screenshot-16998.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No matter what the doctors told her, she refused to go back into her own bed. She just kept standing there, or sitting, making sure you were doing okay. For days, nights, weeks on end she would just be there for you, ignoring her own pain."<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0yDd6gyDilJnsbnZQRCM66sCML8yt-urCf2kt6BSz1EGDasBl0GhHgP7g8L4InkwD-Ve5esy8pOuVk6Ha5dt497luCo3EG1DmPsvJP0HaV5h8fk5zeu0J6QdAx4Shpef4zaz_99Gl8o/s1600/Screenshot-17043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0yDd6gyDilJnsbnZQRCM66sCML8yt-urCf2kt6BSz1EGDasBl0GhHgP7g8L4InkwD-Ve5esy8pOuVk6Ha5dt497luCo3EG1DmPsvJP0HaV5h8fk5zeu0J6QdAx4Shpef4zaz_99Gl8o/s1600/Screenshot-17043.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>March 16th, 2018</i><br />
<i>B. Goth Memorial Hospital</i><br />
<i>Bridgeport, New York</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
Kelly stood in Tom and Annabelle's shared hospital room, keeping an eye on the latter, who was standing across the room next to Tom's bed, leaning back and forth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYGuBAbnqrEvLcFUwjfqu7mp8Mvhm_fXvU485wFsjExmowkCUKzNeSYSLgkS_vRlDV-4LnmKJE5SokRcFYw3wYHB-l28AB2JZgprUhr036URXJh9Qmh2dxBwWlNnQZodYPkHpd8swvEM/s1600/Screenshot-17042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYGuBAbnqrEvLcFUwjfqu7mp8Mvhm_fXvU485wFsjExmowkCUKzNeSYSLgkS_vRlDV-4LnmKJE5SokRcFYw3wYHB-l28AB2JZgprUhr036URXJh9Qmh2dxBwWlNnQZodYPkHpd8swvEM/s1600/Screenshot-17042.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Are you sure he's going to be okay?" Annabelle weakly asked the only doctor in the room as she stood in obvious pain. Kelly noticed that she was looking nervous, despite numerous warnings to keep calm and let the medicine she was on take effect. "Are you positive? He did a lot to protect me. He saved me, he needs to be okay."<br />
<br />
The doctor, a man named Jeremy Landon, nodded assuredly as he overlooked Tom. "He took a nasty fall, and so did you, but he'll be okay. He just needs rest. So do you, Miss Kethrin."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKUMzcLrObM5R8nsC7i1b_LP1A571D0KX5NKA0R3ush0VlfTJ24IIAQvqtHEgGkYy9aW8dCaYDuAjkNvIxerLMMDrLVGbInGch7oLOeg8KtIxysxu7ZWkj0B6Z8QV7DunP7sDMg01SFw/s1600/Screenshot-17044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKUMzcLrObM5R8nsC7i1b_LP1A571D0KX5NKA0R3ush0VlfTJ24IIAQvqtHEgGkYy9aW8dCaYDuAjkNvIxerLMMDrLVGbInGch7oLOeg8KtIxysxu7ZWkj0B6Z8QV7DunP7sDMg01SFw/s1600/Screenshot-17044.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle shook her head. "I can't rest. Not now. Look at him!"<br />
<br />
"Look at yourself, Annie." Kelly said, her voice cracking, "you need to sleep. You've been up for too long!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqM9U3gvIswdzqB1SFsJMYvnye7I0QhXsihYUFIWz7McLZZdceZRy1vOn2owUv2W1CjfMRxo-ZENJkCsaS1ZXQp8s2LL7IgDBlfR5l00bgvSYsbw06XTKRV5Dk4laJ4cpynuSuh6LVhk/s1600/Screenshot-17045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqM9U3gvIswdzqB1SFsJMYvnye7I0QhXsihYUFIWz7McLZZdceZRy1vOn2owUv2W1CjfMRxo-ZENJkCsaS1ZXQp8s2LL7IgDBlfR5l00bgvSYsbw06XTKRV5Dk4laJ4cpynuSuh6LVhk/s1600/Screenshot-17045.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I-I am perfectly okay." Annabelle said, her voice stretching, "Perfectly fine, perfectly okay."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZ3xX5wPBnyRGNn58wINJrj8ndDLcf0BiHRf5ST9uEppSc-VnofS3YC4osJ5tOjoApohwILCF7u3CsOxgz5OnoI7pksGWmHfbIBFeOTFaa-70byls8aNfaaxIhLdsYdg00qqsqTWEEFE/s1600/Screenshot-17046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZ3xX5wPBnyRGNn58wINJrj8ndDLcf0BiHRf5ST9uEppSc-VnofS3YC4osJ5tOjoApohwILCF7u3CsOxgz5OnoI7pksGWmHfbIBFeOTFaa-70byls8aNfaaxIhLdsYdg00qqsqTWEEFE/s1600/Screenshot-17046.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No you're not." Dr. Landon said, "Your heart rate has been elevated for the past two hours. If you don't rest soon, I'll have to give you a sedative."<br />
<br />
Annabelle made a small whimpering noise, silent enough for Kelly to hear. She didn't know if Annie made the noise because of pain or because of the slightly confrontational tone the doctor was speaking with, but she knew she had to do something to fix the situation. Within seconds, Kelly walked up to the doctor and whispered into his ear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpyIMuZQ0UO3MlrB9rNwnnYlv8Im2zGGpxEi76QXmhR98YPQ_jEu8C9DjSsw_o9MgMS-fDQPC7K1i-E8GVHb16GGKzW3Ocpo9IGjK69ydDD90ZR8l5TRj-TzgHg1fqZMhoRFltbsNey4/s1600/Screenshot-17047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpyIMuZQ0UO3MlrB9rNwnnYlv8Im2zGGpxEi76QXmhR98YPQ_jEu8C9DjSsw_o9MgMS-fDQPC7K1i-E8GVHb16GGKzW3Ocpo9IGjK69ydDD90ZR8l5TRj-TzgHg1fqZMhoRFltbsNey4/s1600/Screenshot-17047.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Let me talk to Annabelle, please? I don't want her to feel any more uncomfortable than she already is."<br />
<br />
The doctor nodded and walked out, taking his charts with him. Kelly felt a wave of relief wash over her when the door shut, and she stepped in front of Annabelle, briefly blocking her view of Tom while gently holding on to her arms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO-FLpMOEdXvECoQ_gemaWiLgf8mLb1LgbsBqT6kRrfPD-ibKmd-glPgOqknmwDyysEWvRU_SSUSPfR4xJ2tzKg355QbF055_CukJx1EIQ4Ulz-M0D9MF23frqHUMXHM9F2jDYF9p9mQ/s1600/Screenshot-17048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO-FLpMOEdXvECoQ_gemaWiLgf8mLb1LgbsBqT6kRrfPD-ibKmd-glPgOqknmwDyysEWvRU_SSUSPfR4xJ2tzKg355QbF055_CukJx1EIQ4Ulz-M0D9MF23frqHUMXHM9F2jDYF9p9mQ/s1600/Screenshot-17048.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Annie, you have to get some sleep."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0wAZlOL_1i4aTPQTstI6RmZoejoVCN6U3ckBDv5KjeCXoiqy60Kcag5RgZX15DIn9k1lmBq0D4r6M6cNTwR9gwvB-wC9Z7gge6w5w8L4bfxoBL7m5J43MWMuddYxkNk3u32ywjNrCDs/s1600/Screenshot-17049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0wAZlOL_1i4aTPQTstI6RmZoejoVCN6U3ckBDv5KjeCXoiqy60Kcag5RgZX15DIn9k1lmBq0D4r6M6cNTwR9gwvB-wC9Z7gge6w5w8L4bfxoBL7m5J43MWMuddYxkNk3u32ywjNrCDs/s1600/Screenshot-17049.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No! He needs me! He needs me to watch over him! I told him to take me to the library! I suggested that we both went, and when we got there, some masked psycho tried to blow us up! It was my fault! It was my fault! If I had gone alone, he wouldn't have been injured,"<br />
<br />
"And you'd be kidnapped by that masked psycho," Kelly responded. "He made sure that didn't happen, so you need to be there for him when he wakes up, okay? And the only way you can make sure of that is to get some rest yourself."<br />
<br />
Annabelle nodded, then took a deep breath. "Thank you, you'll always be my friend."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBMuJBqFErmsF3ZQxw11C4Rn8dObTcSsMDyIRFoTTLSKBDsK9X8tx5xZHg22mxVJh26Sn2jWP22rXbb51FbSzvcMCTSLWSr0RdOrj7v40DcbuJBYSRq51WwYz2YqgXqJ6P9dFNE05ER4/s1600/Screenshot-17050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBMuJBqFErmsF3ZQxw11C4Rn8dObTcSsMDyIRFoTTLSKBDsK9X8tx5xZHg22mxVJh26Sn2jWP22rXbb51FbSzvcMCTSLWSr0RdOrj7v40DcbuJBYSRq51WwYz2YqgXqJ6P9dFNE05ER4/s1600/Screenshot-17050.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah, I'll be your friend, that's what you need need right now." She had a tinge of disappointment in her words, one that Annabelle didn't pick up on, and the latter climbed back into bed and covered up, quickly drifting back to sleep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNTEg9XrNJkzNe74PlRTyAyAPcpa5d2Yl2TCJcOOvv1CUPK4q7YG9thmr_bP22sH33ZhKEi77ohmtSmuMtKjjBKMrbxxvj7aB-PLsqCFyVl4NG6PEaoM0oLk2Ur7ALUe76sOY0nbstu4/s1600/Screenshot-17051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNTEg9XrNJkzNe74PlRTyAyAPcpa5d2Yl2TCJcOOvv1CUPK4q7YG9thmr_bP22sH33ZhKEi77ohmtSmuMtKjjBKMrbxxvj7aB-PLsqCFyVl4NG6PEaoM0oLk2Ur7ALUe76sOY0nbstu4/s1600/Screenshot-17051.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Sleep well, Annabelle, I'll keep an eye on Tom while you rest." Kelly whispered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
----------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TWDgvCmAHhj_V0KejtjYKPLYA3ui5RT5gwCuVmfGRYHDaQM4-XlC9V9pSJZRdHHFSbzmHK3ofJRslYP9lmqpJIQQznu3TfYQSPdlIEpCIh6GfpHVva3u50e8oCYWEQIfyBaOxw9MqEE/s1600/Screenshot-17000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TWDgvCmAHhj_V0KejtjYKPLYA3ui5RT5gwCuVmfGRYHDaQM4-XlC9V9pSJZRdHHFSbzmHK3ofJRslYP9lmqpJIQQznu3TfYQSPdlIEpCIh6GfpHVva3u50e8oCYWEQIfyBaOxw9MqEE/s1600/Screenshot-17000.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"After she went to sleep, I kept an eye on you to make sure you were doing well. It was somewhat of a promise I made to Annie. And now you two are here, safe."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I'm starting to think we'll never be safe..." Tom replied, "...as long as people like Jack Toomes are out there."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kelly shrugged. "People like Jack Toomes will always be out there. You can't worry about those kinds of possibilities. Besides, you've stopped Jack <i>twice, </i>and people out there know about it. They'd be an idiot to try and come after us."</div>
<br />
Tom chuckled, "Yeah, then again this world has its share of idiots." Kelly humorously nodded in agreement, then Tom continued talking. "There is something I want to ask you to do, though."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDPWHC-thLu92-Y77S9I_DDz52bBwUTThqImjC3ZKtjDtNeWWroG6rAif7syEobgG7pjKZOX0Ke4Q_jzw9kM1FAgF0FnGhm8AqLoBMamsial-ukLQSi9YGUxR9IJ19riqaoh7DNKPd64/s1600/Screenshot-17001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDPWHC-thLu92-Y77S9I_DDz52bBwUTThqImjC3ZKtjDtNeWWroG6rAif7syEobgG7pjKZOX0Ke4Q_jzw9kM1FAgF0FnGhm8AqLoBMamsial-ukLQSi9YGUxR9IJ19riqaoh7DNKPd64/s1600/Screenshot-17001.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What's that?"<br />
<br />
"Tell everyone in the household about your... special... thingy you do. Your mind-reading prowess, so to speak."<br />
<br />
Kelly lowered her head. "I didn't want to tell anyone except my parents and Mirabelle until I knew precisely <i>why</i> I can do it. It's been happening ever since our little trip to the library in Starlight Shores, perhaps even before. But yeah, I'l tell everyone. But you have to do something for me. Come out of this room, mingle with the people who care for you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L5X0XHZy-ixSfxvjI7k-eDAKyKGLr17lkDx_uYihOPTUJnBf0ZPxjsTzecTl7MvK_kO4DF6PoPnhpT-n6lREj1cUYMH8oLocdjBXLU0gLeJNoWt5TAYxCmFO-YLxRE_VLMBiQk9tQz8/s1600/Screenshot-16996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L5X0XHZy-ixSfxvjI7k-eDAKyKGLr17lkDx_uYihOPTUJnBf0ZPxjsTzecTl7MvK_kO4DF6PoPnhpT-n6lREj1cUYMH8oLocdjBXLU0gLeJNoWt5TAYxCmFO-YLxRE_VLMBiQk9tQz8/s1600/Screenshot-16996.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom shook his head and walked halfway over to the window. "I'm sorry, it was great talking to you but... I can't. I don't know why, I just can't. I just want to be in here, where I feel... ... safe. I feel like I'm hiding from ghosts of my past that are trying to hurt me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHOgLDFH6KI9o7-4LZtBvhx_ndvKmF21fVtF0owE_dGZJYhdHc9hoO561XIe-g3Yx6-TfE2ZUCOelwB-y6It89v8NVfsbjPmbp6KU1qlrcFBgt0DTj4kSV7WxiaNLe4jy2l-xah8f7DI/s1600/Screenshot-17003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHOgLDFH6KI9o7-4LZtBvhx_ndvKmF21fVtF0owE_dGZJYhdHc9hoO561XIe-g3Yx6-TfE2ZUCOelwB-y6It89v8NVfsbjPmbp6KU1qlrcFBgt0DTj4kSV7WxiaNLe4jy2l-xah8f7DI/s1600/Screenshot-17003.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Safety isn't about this room, or out there, it's how you feel in your heart, Tom." Kelly replied as she turned to the door, "And if you can't feel safe anywhere else, then you can stay here. But you have to understand that these things that you're hiding from, these 'ghosts of your past', they are what they are."<br />
<br />
<br />
With no more words, Kelly shrugged and stepped out of the room, leaving Tom once again alone.<br />
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXBahROcrYBHXK-WcfxNWoVEU1VEPZtyXNsO3t3qN2UjHzvGZiEB8Sm5pwA0YrKpESMfHYmLAY542ghwimzb7qxkqf18yaZfnVg03QnfFVZ_2DiZO141Mm2ZuAZiB3mRkZ00kpbi37Uk/s1600/Screenshot-16983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXBahROcrYBHXK-WcfxNWoVEU1VEPZtyXNsO3t3qN2UjHzvGZiEB8Sm5pwA0YrKpESMfHYmLAY542ghwimzb7qxkqf18yaZfnVg03QnfFVZ_2DiZO141Mm2ZuAZiB3mRkZ00kpbi37Uk/s1600/Screenshot-16983.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom stood in his dark room again, having put his curtain back against the wall. As he did so, he contemplated what his cousin Kelly said just moments before she left his room about an hour before. Just as he was about to come to a decision, he heard another knock on the door. Tom opened it and saw his other cousin, Scarlett, standing in the doorway.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Yo. Whassup?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Hey, Red. I take John asked you to come up and talk to me too?" Tom and Scarlett walked away from the door and into the room proper.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VsvFbAJmJo8DVKUuke-fY0k4bPixbUjVO3yEpGzGKt35MuOLvFuvm32C8WaDgbHDYYvHDUGOct2R6gzvuqsNnHuhrmw9ZkI5_AVT98wCRk-TNCqdAMV3AUalBkolkP_WEZnuRVrAZU8/s1600/Screenshot-17009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VsvFbAJmJo8DVKUuke-fY0k4bPixbUjVO3yEpGzGKt35MuOLvFuvm32C8WaDgbHDYYvHDUGOct2R6gzvuqsNnHuhrmw9ZkI5_AVT98wCRk-TNCqdAMV3AUalBkolkP_WEZnuRVrAZU8/s1600/Screenshot-17009.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Yup, he asked me, and I am here and present. I hear you talked to Kelly earlier."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tom nodded. "I spoke to her for a bit. She seems concerned about me, as I'm sure you are, but don't worry! I have things under control."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"You haven't come out of your room in three days. I don't think you have things 'under control' as much as you'd like. Why are you in here anyway?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillPSyHSOBQ31Wp-2DME_4X5LJVChO_JIy_H0kjx7KVqfGcihnuI80F5Q19Ng0U6uQ3pMk47XgDe-byu415Wmp2fUSdNjf-BlhKoLPZJtzCnP2NL6HYZ6rpgI8JHPHnnM9ctgLE6idAfk/s1600/Screenshot-17010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillPSyHSOBQ31Wp-2DME_4X5LJVChO_JIy_H0kjx7KVqfGcihnuI80F5Q19Ng0U6uQ3pMk47XgDe-byu415Wmp2fUSdNjf-BlhKoLPZJtzCnP2NL6HYZ6rpgI8JHPHnnM9ctgLE6idAfk/s1600/Screenshot-17010.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't even know." Tom replie, "I told Kelly it's because I feel safe in this room, but I'm not entirely sure that's even the case. I just feel lost. I thought I could handle watching that video of my parents because of how watching yours helped <i>you,</i> but I couldn't handle it at all."<br />
<br />
"So you're in a period of mourning."<br />
<br />
Tom nodded. He knew that Scarlett went through this exact same situation a few months before and came out stronger, while he himself had fallen into a depressive state. In his mind, Scarlett was stronger than he could ever be. "Exactly. I'm trying to get all my thoughts together, mostly about my parents. I didn't even know them! I never figured out why they left me! Why did they go on some damn trip that they knew there was danger involved?! Why leave me behind when there was even a chance they couldn't come back! They left me, Scarlett!" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq8HQkShrWv55v3IcOsZOxDUWQBXrYBN8O6j1Z5npAn7Pnz2hCV29Fq2OYkdA9xPOwXxHsBwBIjzJr6dbfDI-vNedLZCgRbrRKJLxdrWq3C_Ukb529Co8hXD5U9HQ3d9cXP6dkY6zbZc/s1600/Screenshot-17012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq8HQkShrWv55v3IcOsZOxDUWQBXrYBN8O6j1Z5npAn7Pnz2hCV29Fq2OYkdA9xPOwXxHsBwBIjzJr6dbfDI-vNedLZCgRbrRKJLxdrWq3C_Ukb529Co8hXD5U9HQ3d9cXP6dkY6zbZc/s1600/Screenshot-17012.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I am sure they did whatever they could to ensure you had a good life. And you have, haven't you? Barring any psychos and supervillains, of course."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, I guess." Tom shrugged and walked over to his dresser. "But it's just the surrealism of it all. Annabelle's a fairy, an actual fairy, with two different clones. How many other people can say they live with someone who was born on a different planet? Much less..." Tom had a brief smile flash his face, but it quickly faded before he finished his thought. "...never mind."<br />
<br />
"Tom, your parents loved you. They wouldn't have left you with Uncle Elliot and Aunt Mei if they didn't think you'd be in the greatest possible care in the slightest chance of their death on their trip abroad."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtGZ6raU9TlP5MwcUt6DmhWKJuQONqeVL0j6hnseKYfpZs62Yy7Px5ijhveRvusiZwmxUSHVKbyY5lDdWjDAqU1-WlxvrZnPeqfkpFA8qvYBS8WiW4l9X8YCig5ypXGxhWZl_EJzwB-I/s1600/Screenshot-17013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtGZ6raU9TlP5MwcUt6DmhWKJuQONqeVL0j6hnseKYfpZs62Yy7Px5ijhveRvusiZwmxUSHVKbyY5lDdWjDAqU1-WlxvrZnPeqfkpFA8qvYBS8WiW4l9X8YCig5ypXGxhWZl_EJzwB-I/s1600/Screenshot-17013.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I suppose. I just--I... I don't know. I don't know what to think right now. This whole thing, it's got me worried about everyone I give a damn about. Would they miss me if I was gone?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YZLg3fIdaU7381Os_zFkYyd1mMrcK3W-gtL121sB_mrd0XSxstu5pYyp9spX5vmJQlOwlGn9ZdCx3gfnH0IjfWZs1yqgFO-PTnfVMNYPcwLGx3kaP1frWE516XZZntaQTGUs7eL1ZoM/s1600/Screenshot-17014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YZLg3fIdaU7381Os_zFkYyd1mMrcK3W-gtL121sB_mrd0XSxstu5pYyp9spX5vmJQlOwlGn9ZdCx3gfnH0IjfWZs1yqgFO-PTnfVMNYPcwLGx3kaP1frWE516XZZntaQTGUs7eL1ZoM/s1600/Screenshot-17014.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett nodded, but didn't know what to say. Suddenly, a thought came to her and she walked over to Tom's computer, typing in his password and gaining access to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuBSnEBeptp4c9F6W8EiqGbJbzypc-P1VNCfLavLYzRLUqfxa3UicypconOwW-r93MOG9NkaOz4VStqcRvLqoMz89IBIO_4NwE6Q09_nWSrCShbCldXXF05DaPbbJ9a8mqb6GAFtVIFU/s1600/Screenshot-17015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuBSnEBeptp4c9F6W8EiqGbJbzypc-P1VNCfLavLYzRLUqfxa3UicypconOwW-r93MOG9NkaOz4VStqcRvLqoMz89IBIO_4NwE6Q09_nWSrCShbCldXXF05DaPbbJ9a8mqb6GAFtVIFU/s1600/Screenshot-17015.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"How did you know my computer's password?" Tom asked as he walked over to her.<br />
<br />
"Oh come on, everyone in the household knows it's '<b>T0M&Anni34Ev3R</b>'."<br />
<br />
He nervously scratched his head, "Everyone? Tell Annabelle it's just a... just a placeholder... yeah. Anyway, what are you doing right now?"<br />
<br />
Scarlett smiled as she looked at a file on Tom's computer dashboard. "This." With that, she clicked on the file which brought up a series of squares, each one labeled a different room in the house. Upon clicking on the square labeled "Living Room", a live feed of the living room downstairs showed up on the computer, In it, Tom could see Mirabelle and Kelly talking while standing near the couch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcHT0Aukcniu32OUTk2stdAkTtiU6k0aEnyYpkWjnSdWf8msE5XglKXcXD1HSvWLm1-nxx6Eki1OJeBSdmJSXzCY-pa2IYknsL123CNmpS1VIzjNLkkNVJ8PfsEdpxfOHNPu6eOoKFgU/s1600/Screenshot-17016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcHT0Aukcniu32OUTk2stdAkTtiU6k0aEnyYpkWjnSdWf8msE5XglKXcXD1HSvWLm1-nxx6Eki1OJeBSdmJSXzCY-pa2IYknsL123CNmpS1VIzjNLkkNVJ8PfsEdpxfOHNPu6eOoKFgU/s1600/Screenshot-17016.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What the- can they see or hear us?"??"<br />
<br />
"Well no, we are invisible to them, John placed these well-hidden security cams around the house before we left for Starlight Shores, and we have access to them from every computer. Now listen..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJzCudeyeOz7O7iPoe8o6InM6XoNcaO8dVP8OnBxlEGc0WtkB_1F7NKcNlrSbM8reuoxmr_VC9MQv1WobkzHo0MKgyc1xfBcOTjKHXSofRsA8wlXm7_P-MuskAaBpEnFQPhfhWEQzims/s1600/Screenshot-17004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJzCudeyeOz7O7iPoe8o6InM6XoNcaO8dVP8OnBxlEGc0WtkB_1F7NKcNlrSbM8reuoxmr_VC9MQv1WobkzHo0MKgyc1xfBcOTjKHXSofRsA8wlXm7_P-MuskAaBpEnFQPhfhWEQzims/s1600/Screenshot-17004.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
---<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs48RFfRABj8UMkn3FtVkIblsHxMCkJf3fJhE4jLa4aiKLWkB4o_bARv9mirLAxndvQWceNPyOpqquCFyix6no-I92hIJg9_aeS2fZg_Vl0R038c9ulLA0_KWKWs8gW_VkazbIn-0V5iM/s1600/Screenshot-17007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs48RFfRABj8UMkn3FtVkIblsHxMCkJf3fJhE4jLa4aiKLWkB4o_bARv9mirLAxndvQWceNPyOpqquCFyix6no-I92hIJg9_aeS2fZg_Vl0R038c9ulLA0_KWKWs8gW_VkazbIn-0V5iM/s1600/Screenshot-17007.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Tom come out of his room yet?" Mirabelle asked. and Kelly simply shook her head, prompting Mirabelle to continue "The fact that he hasn't interacted with anyone before today is making me worried and upset."<br />
<br />
Kelly nodded. "Me too, he just needs time. That video he watched really, really upset him. I could see it in his eyes."<br />
<br />
"You're saying that he found out about your little, you know, secret and asked you to tell everyone?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ubfjMaJYjwz5iC8RpwUBeGtOP7LFGUpOYqwJjxhQrF4efs_dRcZBoFUhHujVb5lunt7w4HBxW7Pr8cRN8UEPDVnJTaNbA9dr4ANldfx4tXrTNgeqthpijcBKplmL96MPQ4Wos1ET_-8/s1600/Screenshot-17006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ubfjMaJYjwz5iC8RpwUBeGtOP7LFGUpOYqwJjxhQrF4efs_dRcZBoFUhHujVb5lunt7w4HBxW7Pr8cRN8UEPDVnJTaNbA9dr4ANldfx4tXrTNgeqthpijcBKplmL96MPQ4Wos1ET_-8/s1600/Screenshot-17006.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"Yeah, but I'm still not sure. He feels pretty confident that no one, even the new people we picked up back at Starlight Shores, will make a fuss out of it, but I'm worried."<br />
<br />
"Well Tom trusts everyone to do the right thing. Him asking you to reveal it is his own little seal of approval."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19G36rGIdiUJrFeNeFDCVUuT6beUeR99l2Q-4fgs5CxP6uzWXjk8Cnh4WNIPaKyM3EDEBuHriTo0mho_bWY_7qiUVyfunx68ELfxt3IwwStQ7WfH8tLBhXNb8IheREak65AkTahi1lrE/s1600/Screenshot-17005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19G36rGIdiUJrFeNeFDCVUuT6beUeR99l2Q-4fgs5CxP6uzWXjk8Cnh4WNIPaKyM3EDEBuHriTo0mho_bWY_7qiUVyfunx68ELfxt3IwwStQ7WfH8tLBhXNb8IheREak65AkTahi1lrE/s1600/Screenshot-17005.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I suppose. I'll tell everyone tomorrow. Hopefully by then, Tom will be out of his room and all this will be behind us."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"I still think it would be necessary to take his door down and force him to be happy." </i>MIKE's voice said as it rang through the speakers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
----<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Scarlett stopped the feed. "What secret are they talking about?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbyMGqTndpwRiFHb6bIEivI-T5mx9MIUGe-2ZFOZfnM_mpxJAcjmP7AW2ocwP1_sR3fLHQuQjTieR2cooDieH4z8S3tBUjXdzDEPwNBRZWyLPbvn5vlpa3qzE9ToQn4x1otExDt5ufdk/s1600/Screenshot-17015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbyMGqTndpwRiFHb6bIEivI-T5mx9MIUGe-2ZFOZfnM_mpxJAcjmP7AW2ocwP1_sR3fLHQuQjTieR2cooDieH4z8S3tBUjXdzDEPwNBRZWyLPbvn5vlpa3qzE9ToQn4x1otExDt5ufdk/s1600/Screenshot-17015.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It would be better if she told you herself. Any more feeds? Any of... you know, Annabelle? I want to see how she's doing right now, if she needs anything."<br />
<br />
"Nah, Annie was taking a nap when I walked up here. The cameras aren't in the bedrooms. However, there seems to be a bit of activity in the basement. Let's see..." Scarlett clicked on the basement square and the two watched a live-feed pop up again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF526TFbjtnNdWCoDij5QItTsAYR6yHr8oMbnltiR5tZ3fjiapEknQCqEYBQlB_ZUartN_G4xJz_fa8VLq3nCPGsoLj-t38GgSyl6-vNt0J_MkkVtE-CjFYKTyqKN8uxPoi_ptJTEXn5k/s1600/Screenshot-16934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF526TFbjtnNdWCoDij5QItTsAYR6yHr8oMbnltiR5tZ3fjiapEknQCqEYBQlB_ZUartN_G4xJz_fa8VLq3nCPGsoLj-t38GgSyl6-vNt0J_MkkVtE-CjFYKTyqKN8uxPoi_ptJTEXn5k/s1600/Screenshot-16934.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This time, Cassie and Gabriel were playing a racing game on the Maxoid system downstairs, with Gabriel clearly falling behind. Scarlett and Tom didn't know if he was truly bad at the game or deliberately falling behind to let Cassie win.<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
"Yeah!" Cassie yelled out as her car crossed the finish line. "That's three out of three! I am the victor!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO4BzX4ruvitSEjt1z5ROLJHgL7Zk7HBoIs6JyGe8-_af3rWk1_DXlGyDi8zA2iZoKmrwb2Kg2gS8z4IWpE-XdA4FrwVcFiz-iPma3ardBlyrzS9Av4UGVNmV7U5MBbfc1S8Uc-eyTf0/s1600/Screenshot-16932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO4BzX4ruvitSEjt1z5ROLJHgL7Zk7HBoIs6JyGe8-_af3rWk1_DXlGyDi8zA2iZoKmrwb2Kg2gS8z4IWpE-XdA4FrwVcFiz-iPma3ardBlyrzS9Av4UGVNmV7U5MBbfc1S8Uc-eyTf0/s1600/Screenshot-16932.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"Wanna go again?"<br />
<br />
"Yah." Cassie smiled as they started playing once more. Suddenly, Keera stepped into the room and walked up to them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ1I9BTxbEjhVAvEocQSCVMKvpi8lzqnS8DJhCj9MC9CbWpg8tVY-d8r05_dmlnDnaoq-jkq8M8TS5wHr4TAEqZUVCX-2UwVVSFR1eiHDj8HTM0HlaIS1u-I5xtuXExxg4Ra0zjMe2-E/s1600/Screenshot-16927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ1I9BTxbEjhVAvEocQSCVMKvpi8lzqnS8DJhCj9MC9CbWpg8tVY-d8r05_dmlnDnaoq-jkq8M8TS5wHr4TAEqZUVCX-2UwVVSFR1eiHDj8HTM0HlaIS1u-I5xtuXExxg4Ra0zjMe2-E/s1600/Screenshot-16927.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"John just asked me, to ask you two, if you want to go up and chat with Tom. I told him I'd talk to you guys."<br />
<br />
"Uh what about?" Gabriel asked, "to be honest, he seems nice but I don't really know him. We haven't interacted much since I moved in with you guys."<br />
<br />
Cassie chimed in, "Yeah me neither, even less so now considering he won't even come out of his room. What am I supposed to talk to him about, the color of his hair?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyX1chXRB4oxXIk-Bv2LaBMCX-bIKWmdKuzSMn9BUdz1pwW0mgJy4Yr0MMkY-T48TdcsKvYvQaKukUzs0ktxnL-duzsVuQHWbLqsHvPN8g9E0rfzqxAK5jEjj0jkILm5j5p_2eCrYqLU/s1600/Screenshot-16929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyX1chXRB4oxXIk-Bv2LaBMCX-bIKWmdKuzSMn9BUdz1pwW0mgJy4Yr0MMkY-T48TdcsKvYvQaKukUzs0ktxnL-duzsVuQHWbLqsHvPN8g9E0rfzqxAK5jEjj0jkILm5j5p_2eCrYqLU/s1600/Screenshot-16929.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I dunno," Keera replied, "Just... stuff. Tom's a nice person to talk to, he's truly a great guy."<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cassie shrugged. "I'll try to chat him up later. Right now Gabe's got his losing streak to increase on this game."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg88djhNEKqjV5QePnPwTKKn85x1Ct4N2Mc7UFpx2lWD9kDlLPLgOZCthmCEbGDwihpOO_qrQ_2Yg5Hb5qCCO9Pp98O1K7HiVSOSA3lPWr2D5cZBI3JQMtfjenXG-7ATVVyTireZOPS94/s1600/Screenshot-16931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg88djhNEKqjV5QePnPwTKKn85x1Ct4N2Mc7UFpx2lWD9kDlLPLgOZCthmCEbGDwihpOO_qrQ_2Yg5Hb5qCCO9Pp98O1K7HiVSOSA3lPWr2D5cZBI3JQMtfjenXG-7ATVVyTireZOPS94/s1600/Screenshot-16931.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera sighed and walked out of the room, leaving the two behind. When she was gone, Gabe frowned as he leaned back, dropping the controller on the floor in front of him. "I just don't know what to say to the guy."<br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlT_ztwcIlGBXeFmVN1yKb9lWOWWZXDqrPBQphCBllZAkXj-lem0yuaqVmVb_h_Y4gaJjjr7X4EgWwNJ34QZUcW7Cg3DlLIU98KjPdYSd_amLXoWk-Zz1_lEIgpvlnKk0050u6iRjqEA/s1600/Screenshot-17017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlT_ztwcIlGBXeFmVN1yKb9lWOWWZXDqrPBQphCBllZAkXj-lem0yuaqVmVb_h_Y4gaJjjr7X4EgWwNJ34QZUcW7Cg3DlLIU98KjPdYSd_amLXoWk-Zz1_lEIgpvlnKk0050u6iRjqEA/s1600/Screenshot-17017.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett shut off the basement feed and looked up at Tom, who had a frown to match Gabriel's. "It's true, I've been ignorant to their needs. I've been so focused on wanting to know what's happened to Annabelle that I've forgotten about them. Gabe's technically my son! My own flesh and blood, and I've barely had a two minute conversation with him."<br />
<br />
"I can try another feed..."<br />
<br />
"No, just... no. These people care about me, and I've treated them horribly. I've let my ignorance and want get in the way of what's truly important. How can I face anyone now?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1fkv2BDU74_h9Nxcu01w-n-aSIfMCUBge7xCntB7dLVEcoLbM0bxPwily8dZujaj2xB46i6kI0EGbSMFmCZ14T-EhtPTxpBJtc0F3I0frg0mWpdS2R0-lqtjxOi0jm4UO17oItFKrmg/s1600/Screenshot-17019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1fkv2BDU74_h9Nxcu01w-n-aSIfMCUBge7xCntB7dLVEcoLbM0bxPwily8dZujaj2xB46i6kI0EGbSMFmCZ14T-EhtPTxpBJtc0F3I0frg0mWpdS2R0-lqtjxOi0jm4UO17oItFKrmg/s1600/Screenshot-17019.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom became enmeshed in his depressive state even further as he sat back on his couch. Scarlett let herself out, worried that her actions, with all her best intentions, had driven Tom even further away. Entrenched in the shadows of his room, Tom watched as Scarlett seemingly faded into the darkness of the doorway.<br />
<br />
------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA0aDetBM-illJXLHbjaFhn3rzTtZWqxMa4ZB-_4hISudBG_tok3MWuFlPM5PRB_RXRwJviZoEqLG90HJuNy9Z5IoOf-bgBJBuQk1Z5-7pUhQkwiX3aT7qfMsY-zG_bnBUJt_OtynZck/s1600/Screenshot-16984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA0aDetBM-illJXLHbjaFhn3rzTtZWqxMa4ZB-_4hISudBG_tok3MWuFlPM5PRB_RXRwJviZoEqLG90HJuNy9Z5IoOf-bgBJBuQk1Z5-7pUhQkwiX3aT7qfMsY-zG_bnBUJt_OtynZck/s1600/Screenshot-16984.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAdAb4adomCET1ByhSJyu8RlhWIpZ2_o3OQDKSdHEqCqkjXFfkgYqwd5CVmETFYEGnJGHAgbbIQ75WMxAauTh5VMMHGhY5_H4AdsMqG_rdE7L5r4pbEO6JpSZcdjL_aTJA4dYlqRC_wg/s1600/Screenshot-17020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAdAb4adomCET1ByhSJyu8RlhWIpZ2_o3OQDKSdHEqCqkjXFfkgYqwd5CVmETFYEGnJGHAgbbIQ75WMxAauTh5VMMHGhY5_H4AdsMqG_rdE7L5r4pbEO6JpSZcdjL_aTJA4dYlqRC_wg/s1600/Screenshot-17020.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle opened her eyes and stood up out of her bed. Silently, she walked out her door and up the stairs. Taking a deep breath, she silently opened the door. An hour had passed since Scarlett left, and now Annabelle was there, standing before Tom as a recognizable figure in the dark room. Tom opened his eyes and noticed her standing in front of him, and stood up to face her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT96xMA96_84K1Hfe6tXtpk60vBeXg7UoQ8O-exZZS1OSyl3yHX-dXR8s5R2xsXxJrTem9jtszKWPJ1ac-qlMK6u5CY0DSsTu1IYtejHdwHu8CKPsVvvElUJx49Ffia8eUXzWqbCQBLAc/s1600/Screenshot-17023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT96xMA96_84K1Hfe6tXtpk60vBeXg7UoQ8O-exZZS1OSyl3yHX-dXR8s5R2xsXxJrTem9jtszKWPJ1ac-qlMK6u5CY0DSsTu1IYtejHdwHu8CKPsVvvElUJx49Ffia8eUXzWqbCQBLAc/s1600/Screenshot-17023.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm sure you're here to chat, but you don't need to say anything." Tom said as Annabelle silently nodded. "I've done wrong things, I know. I didn't listen to you when you tried to tell me about Andy and her connection to Nightmare, letting my feelings for her get in the way. I've made jokes at you, I've ignored you, I don't want to do that anymore. In the future, I will never make a single joke."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQM3z2LSP7jfF0tyCuk_tf-dmpUKDx8hyiuElY6hv52KnkBCXDukTg0n06ZffVOcYkdGxtIZKe8fP8xcxVFvmdcpe8fkT18uFSuhBKJKrgUhECrU_-GLxs1LaZrnDlHN2ZH1IehgSmV80/s1600/Screenshot-17024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQM3z2LSP7jfF0tyCuk_tf-dmpUKDx8hyiuElY6hv52KnkBCXDukTg0n06ZffVOcYkdGxtIZKe8fP8xcxVFvmdcpe8fkT18uFSuhBKJKrgUhECrU_-GLxs1LaZrnDlHN2ZH1IehgSmV80/s1600/Screenshot-17024.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle had a puzzled expression on her face, and Tom continued. "Okay, I'll make <i>some </i>jokes, but not truly mean ones. Look, I care about you. I know that, you know that, and I'm not sure if you feel the same way. Yeah you've said it but things have been so topsy-turvy for me lately that up is down and blue is green. Don't tell Kelly that, she'll end up looking like you."<br />
<br />
Annabelle silently laughed, and let Tom continue talking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZLdFeL6aVIyVGTKU_nKCFkPAp64916j5_N44P3FL5GG-iivB8QQETz6Ke-pJzDF6zyo1qCjtN2OvnfakxH020TXFjEC6G6CcDbZN5RVckDiUlznSXEY0FCqEWecFaLiiXWYy5t25dZk/s1600/Screenshot-17025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZLdFeL6aVIyVGTKU_nKCFkPAp64916j5_N44P3FL5GG-iivB8QQETz6Ke-pJzDF6zyo1qCjtN2OvnfakxH020TXFjEC6G6CcDbZN5RVckDiUlznSXEY0FCqEWecFaLiiXWYy5t25dZk/s1600/Screenshot-17025.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I've tried to figure things out. I've been mourning my parents' loss, but at the same time I've been so worried about you and the wings and the everything, and I don't want people to feel that I've lost my way. That's why I've avoided everyone: I want to be strong for everyone, but I am not sure if I can be. But I'm willing to try. I just want to tell you something that I've never felt brave enough to say, and now seems like the perfect time."<br />
<br />
"I love you, Annabelle Jade Kethrin. I've always loved you. I am pretty sure I always will. I know you might want to leave now that I've said this but... please... you don't have to say anything, just know how I feel." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfKmJS3P_0loKFnN6kroD8g8iG98ifw13265uXtOf7mdSFi7x7xtmzRCugSS5LNUxHD7_0VNvQHXUUdjJDY6Ne5ITGRBi4-1nvmv87p12j3dTrzq0KsUzUhKwC661dLE01aj1DBim6Uc/s1600/Screenshot-17026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfKmJS3P_0loKFnN6kroD8g8iG98ifw13265uXtOf7mdSFi7x7xtmzRCugSS5LNUxHD7_0VNvQHXUUdjJDY6Ne5ITGRBi4-1nvmv87p12j3dTrzq0KsUzUhKwC661dLE01aj1DBim6Uc/s1600/Screenshot-17026.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Annabelle's eyes widened when she heard Tom's confession, even though she literally already knew. However, when he leaned in to hug her, her eyes became filled with worry, even when she didn't know why they did. Tom pulled away from the hug and smiled, prompting her to return the smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbzPpy4GKgHQGzpyGn16-qwIVNs3M8tgSpw7fqfpMOnXAQoPPjJAXcLCt_oITBO38YhXF9fXHCHVuMAFfPuTPu0tGoh5XsWtd-duHllWEmDLGti3JrPNlpB7nf-PWpzGyQR_8TmEX4TU/s1600/Screenshot-17032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbzPpy4GKgHQGzpyGn16-qwIVNs3M8tgSpw7fqfpMOnXAQoPPjJAXcLCt_oITBO38YhXF9fXHCHVuMAFfPuTPu0tGoh5XsWtd-duHllWEmDLGti3JrPNlpB7nf-PWpzGyQR_8TmEX4TU/s1600/Screenshot-17032.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Tom felt a bit woozy. "Whoa, I feel... ugh, long night without sleep. I think I'm going to take a nap." With that, he turned walked over to his bed. Annabelle stayed in the room and sat on his couch, watching him to make sure he was doing well as he slept, just as she wanted to many years before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs0_9JFs7rjiaxRu93aKNZed0DcMAOP98m4DNT-k5LY6S4OkJZiANgo3Kt7aHM3wARZuVFd_-zv9CcJfTKk4YZWZ35hWaXDTIjX_0wHcAL0Gx2SiBEbQ-Y6bzPMD9DVhGVTMbXA-wBhw/s1600/Screenshot-17028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs0_9JFs7rjiaxRu93aKNZed0DcMAOP98m4DNT-k5LY6S4OkJZiANgo3Kt7aHM3wARZuVFd_-zv9CcJfTKk4YZWZ35hWaXDTIjX_0wHcAL0Gx2SiBEbQ-Y6bzPMD9DVhGVTMbXA-wBhw/s1600/Screenshot-17028.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTo8pCf_fH3JALAgvXb2f3DvOFCMWZHOoWRjY6xUNhXuJce5O6lnP94C4KEw1lWqljhHONw6wpxllGgrgBCI1SjlXr7phaLvU0OnlLqV2mfln2McPO5_bVVNvQ5NrK7h3wo0oBrDW7os/s1600/Screenshot-17029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTo8pCf_fH3JALAgvXb2f3DvOFCMWZHOoWRjY6xUNhXuJce5O6lnP94C4KEw1lWqljhHONw6wpxllGgrgBCI1SjlXr7phaLvU0OnlLqV2mfln2McPO5_bVVNvQ5NrK7h3wo0oBrDW7os/s1600/Screenshot-17029.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Tom opened his eyes and found himself in the living room. Beside him stood Annabelle, and she smiled, but suddenly she was gone. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx-r_LNOnPHEAxVB5j7Q412LKDN91G3dbwwVXmnBWvXtKUtwnzn3gvjtlOTKzhvxL73Sa-b_4Bqoh01hI4bxiN9E4jF8IdS_YgCqDn5VEoq_-DOkTrCOb4LuQFvOv-Hf1MhaYYVKMuf8/s1600/Screenshot-17030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx-r_LNOnPHEAxVB5j7Q412LKDN91G3dbwwVXmnBWvXtKUtwnzn3gvjtlOTKzhvxL73Sa-b_4Bqoh01hI4bxiN9E4jF8IdS_YgCqDn5VEoq_-DOkTrCOb4LuQFvOv-Hf1MhaYYVKMuf8/s1600/Screenshot-17030.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>He ran into the foyer to look for her, and watched as Kelly sadly walked into a dark corner, only to vanish as well. He yelled out, as loud as possible, and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he found himself in the cold city center of Hidden Springs, and was left with an even colder thought that he was all alone under a sky as red as blood. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sZvUCUYKqqTzhqk826TsJwScGSnK9Zlj23NRS-fSpIXfPlUWiFHo-qIc6QmzLNLoBhLYzdUfBltMfeu4Jy8mBVKX9FtQwFg1fomYS5bZfdtbZhVwd3KVYtROZ0vKmmqpL8BR3et3Qvo/s1600/Screenshot-16938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sZvUCUYKqqTzhqk826TsJwScGSnK9Zlj23NRS-fSpIXfPlUWiFHo-qIc6QmzLNLoBhLYzdUfBltMfeu4Jy8mBVKX9FtQwFg1fomYS5bZfdtbZhVwd3KVYtROZ0vKmmqpL8BR3et3Qvo/s1600/Screenshot-16938.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>"IS ANYBODY HERE?! SOMEBODY? ANYONE? Help... me." Tom screamed out in terror at the thought of being alone, no one there to help him or answer his calls. Suddenly, he spotted someone in the distance. While running up to the person, the snow began to fall heavier and heavier until he looked around and found himself in the graveyard of the town, next to a large statue of the grim reaper. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzU5dM34r4fZaY5fDgfQg5J-YTW8QnHmMx7WhTt5WdtfHPQ0jbw63npm0fED5kkDov8hDMjNoYEmDVXJaiVpV6aXI8szPj_0zTcvF1QEtdlkCBZjvAmxjs_Qg-0NhdkvPcdmgQJqbteU/s1600/Screenshot-16940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzU5dM34r4fZaY5fDgfQg5J-YTW8QnHmMx7WhTt5WdtfHPQ0jbw63npm0fED5kkDov8hDMjNoYEmDVXJaiVpV6aXI8szPj_0zTcvF1QEtdlkCBZjvAmxjs_Qg-0NhdkvPcdmgQJqbteU/s1600/Screenshot-16940.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>With no one around him in this desolate, empty graveyard, Tom fell to the ground came to a horrible realization. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I'm gonna die alone."</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14m-bE9LVTPjsOyGt2CP58DviQJ3q7GiJxOBtybEQToxaNyMyjklTlWJCndYIwhK35UaX1MBMQLX6Fqxr543QbbP65ujQDGfd006RI1UeanXWEjACBw9lSw4OyLy0DmkbNIhT7h34NJM/s1600/Screenshot-16945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14m-bE9LVTPjsOyGt2CP58DviQJ3q7GiJxOBtybEQToxaNyMyjklTlWJCndYIwhK35UaX1MBMQLX6Fqxr543QbbP65ujQDGfd006RI1UeanXWEjACBw9lSw4OyLy0DmkbNIhT7h34NJM/s1600/Screenshot-16945.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Suddenly, the world around him grew soft, and he slowly sank into the snow. No matter how much he struggled...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbTpRLAUM3PmUoEWpOegWc_160nHbvk9fy9G-obrJ3nUApTHnBa-i-y5mruB-Vcg09EnmHGA_97JdG1D0aQIIqM75lZn_3Jc5T5JnO4JbMhaA_DxZ-jnVEJDzKjm-4aKPk9o4dN0pQCs/s1600/Screenshot-16942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbTpRLAUM3PmUoEWpOegWc_160nHbvk9fy9G-obrJ3nUApTHnBa-i-y5mruB-Vcg09EnmHGA_97JdG1D0aQIIqM75lZn_3Jc5T5JnO4JbMhaA_DxZ-jnVEJDzKjm-4aKPk9o4dN0pQCs/s1600/Screenshot-16942.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>No matter how much he screamed...</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vN_Etvn92jQLIckk461xPHhyt9nlpBIymLdbFQ7RnxANXJXV7uLNdEwkl_NFM3ZSMVyTuahK8Gx-QHs04PMf96afhYCyOrYcgY0G-AsqzhCorLco-_HHNXFEXFVZyGtSs9-e4hMdGe4/s1600/Screenshot-16941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vN_Etvn92jQLIckk461xPHhyt9nlpBIymLdbFQ7RnxANXJXV7uLNdEwkl_NFM3ZSMVyTuahK8Gx-QHs04PMf96afhYCyOrYcgY0G-AsqzhCorLco-_HHNXFEXFVZyGtSs9-e4hMdGe4/s1600/Screenshot-16941.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>The world slowly took him into it's cold embrace beneath the shadow of the reaper's statue.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I'm gonna die alone."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>--</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBU-DpH9Ag5gprhddgLLl1chqOVjlAPjOTe7oUo1Z97s6Z-f5Y9xIoRYY9ToW08T4bbDt17rzbPBC5x_kCwe7vpPlvfKjX-3l2Jhyphenhyphen9dNGTHfGlzaZFwyI3ZiJpJpjrq2jX-5-e4KDsUyI/s1600/Screenshot-17033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBU-DpH9Ag5gprhddgLLl1chqOVjlAPjOTe7oUo1Z97s6Z-f5Y9xIoRYY9ToW08T4bbDt17rzbPBC5x_kCwe7vpPlvfKjX-3l2Jhyphenhyphen9dNGTHfGlzaZFwyI3ZiJpJpjrq2jX-5-e4KDsUyI/s1600/Screenshot-17033.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Tom opened his eyes again and found himself back in his warm room. Annabelle was still on the couch, but was asleep, and Tom looked at the clock only to find out that it was 6:00 AM the next morning.<br />
<br />
"I slept for that long?!" He whispered to himself, and stood up out of his bed. Refreshed, Tom walked over to the door and opened it, stepping outside for the first time in a while. Just as he did so, he saw Keera walking into her own room and stopped her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaA07s-lcggodTsKQj5JWXQUTNMeEowHfdC0MfvOUK28mYHNVglQh9-y0MJSrWGqflP-UZtHlaDMROAp6SLfUg6lGlzMnbWGwX2Pc5OuDM-BMspr9f0sMwG7ABidYcnT4XyUDq4qV_Wo/s1600/Screenshot-17039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaA07s-lcggodTsKQj5JWXQUTNMeEowHfdC0MfvOUK28mYHNVglQh9-y0MJSrWGqflP-UZtHlaDMROAp6SLfUg6lGlzMnbWGwX2Pc5OuDM-BMspr9f0sMwG7ABidYcnT4XyUDq4qV_Wo/s1600/Screenshot-17039.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"Keera! Keera I am so sorry I didn't talk to you! I'm so sorry!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOj3aeDUQ4CJFs-Fsg8_wiWwEPMI1vZPWTWaVqYlM1Cxzjt01suSTzTZyWPF8ISLvo-i4PvMSIlfBgohs1XyQo8VUWaH5DQHWjVgfi2OnAGgEX8oxgMDhcLrn_1_JnIMWZRB6S-tvhWQ/s1600/Screenshot-17035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOj3aeDUQ4CJFs-Fsg8_wiWwEPMI1vZPWTWaVqYlM1Cxzjt01suSTzTZyWPF8ISLvo-i4PvMSIlfBgohs1XyQo8VUWaH5DQHWjVgfi2OnAGgEX8oxgMDhcLrn_1_JnIMWZRB6S-tvhWQ/s1600/Screenshot-17035.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It's okay," Keera replied, "I understand more than anyone how it is to feel shut out and alone. But you should know that you are a part of this family, and everyone loves you."<br />
<br />
"You're right!" Tom smiled, "I'm not alone, and I never will be! I should... I should do something! A nice breakfast! I should cook a great breakfast for everyone!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnPaTD_9GWpVd1zCPJykeCw-f7hb1oHUSQ4sFQ8NXksnOp9tBkDlEyZ-jDCbI2AQqahRUeccffmAOtDYS4R7ytDloVHHt-IKgxQzUl7CAqGijwxfBcmqKPond2fcSt08fTS_h4_Cnk8M/s1600/Screenshot-17036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnPaTD_9GWpVd1zCPJykeCw-f7hb1oHUSQ4sFQ8NXksnOp9tBkDlEyZ-jDCbI2AQqahRUeccffmAOtDYS4R7ytDloVHHt-IKgxQzUl7CAqGijwxfBcmqKPond2fcSt08fTS_h4_Cnk8M/s1600/Screenshot-17036.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera nervously chuckled, "Are you SURE you should cook, Tom? You don't have the best track record. I'm up for cooking, I got to bed early last night."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59B_LdxEOx2bcpZ808hGUgDeEOwzbSvque3YkXjritI4S85nbSnmxNNqSDFNX-evJgowqfkEZ8N8AIDzScVmzxtFISHYRhCo-NesFwkI7-QfuEExxvoFpiylMpoczS4fVpvgzznwPupo/s1600/Screenshot-17038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59B_LdxEOx2bcpZ808hGUgDeEOwzbSvque3YkXjritI4S85nbSnmxNNqSDFNX-evJgowqfkEZ8N8AIDzScVmzxtFISHYRhCo-NesFwkI7-QfuEExxvoFpiylMpoczS4fVpvgzznwPupo/s1600/Screenshot-17038.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Nah, I don't want you to get anywhere near a dangerous source of heat. Hmm... It's 6:00 AM, right? Here, take some money and call that large place downtown, tell them to deliver the largest breakfast pizza they've ever cooked and tell them to bring it fast. I want everyone to get some food."<br />
<br />
"Okay, and Tom... it's good to see you again."<br />
<br />
"It's great to see you too." Tom smiled and walked over to the window. Off in the distance, the rising sun began to gently reveal itself behind the mountains across the lake, turning the dark sky into a beautiful bright pink one. The temperature had also risen overnight, causing the snow to begin melting off the trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYMC_Ymb960_H3qjD8ggz1oxyqDwm2RzjDgO40vDnvO72_mCZ-ILyU8vBW4413NrQVhas4mC9wBFixpmGv_syjfffb2YuZTY10NCS4i-U95Q5PNzPbRfNFPyQvezdE_Hb_jKhydae3ho/s1600/Screenshot-17040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYMC_Ymb960_H3qjD8ggz1oxyqDwm2RzjDgO40vDnvO72_mCZ-ILyU8vBW4413NrQVhas4mC9wBFixpmGv_syjfffb2YuZTY10NCS4i-U95Q5PNzPbRfNFPyQvezdE_Hb_jKhydae3ho/s1600/Screenshot-17040.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"I am so glad I didn't miss such a beautiful day." <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-70286050915203889112014-07-22T00:29:00.000-05:002014-07-22T04:25:31.433-05:00Chapter Forty-Four - Things of Old and New<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Riverview, Missouri</i><br />
<i>Septemeber 25th, 2022</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1Ph1Rw-3rR6BT_dFaulKDlZyR0bjmFbwZo2CocsF7zath9IFcNx3mdf1gsdS7rsK9aVmwulrStsUruGnuI48qtp6sY5YmJrau7Y-RmjsglpXadsCwgcE9B2NzZsP585awWJmRytptn8/s1600/Screenshot-16652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1Ph1Rw-3rR6BT_dFaulKDlZyR0bjmFbwZo2CocsF7zath9IFcNx3mdf1gsdS7rsK9aVmwulrStsUruGnuI48qtp6sY5YmJrau7Y-RmjsglpXadsCwgcE9B2NzZsP585awWJmRytptn8/s1600/Screenshot-16652.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Un2BMhIuvV8K-0-xLRqpUTuCzIt0GlGIYPhHQk8XYKEHUlPwaPLf5COaLpsehWc3htkxJeJ5Tho8Ywzn8HXTzwaL4K3NIFmmuuNWEzMkFxMRVNI0qUMfdrlik8Fq5FIFh6-HSEhKjYA/s1600/Screenshot-16653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Un2BMhIuvV8K-0-xLRqpUTuCzIt0GlGIYPhHQk8XYKEHUlPwaPLf5COaLpsehWc3htkxJeJ5Tho8Ywzn8HXTzwaL4K3NIFmmuuNWEzMkFxMRVNI0qUMfdrlik8Fq5FIFh6-HSEhKjYA/s1600/Screenshot-16653.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
The midnight sky screamed with thunder and lightning as rain fell to earth, soaking the land an torrent of cold, unforgiving water. People all over the city slept soundly as the storm rolled over their heads, children scared from the thunder nestled safely with their parents for protection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2PU89NZdhlmIQayW3249oWyGEjt2XOAbHI_eZUj4zK_RWULW8Fq4LpKANpv5TOUM5xY6Wt1bBECcIX1nesN-hRf9ztKt0ezhFHJLmigD_zmYBvdXrI1dsihnZvSB8GYOcWPD7tLnVDM/s1600/Screenshot-16649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2PU89NZdhlmIQayW3249oWyGEjt2XOAbHI_eZUj4zK_RWULW8Fq4LpKANpv5TOUM5xY6Wt1bBECcIX1nesN-hRf9ztKt0ezhFHJLmigD_zmYBvdXrI1dsihnZvSB8GYOcWPD7tLnVDM/s1600/Screenshot-16649.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the storm, a man who called himself "Rodger" stomped through a field on the outskirts of town. He looked up, angry at the fact that nearly every day for the past week had been stormy and dark, and realized that he wanted to get someone warmer and quieter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnsIQ3bjeNn2Db6QU0iwWJgTFi9fGD2sVuARm9Tujy1zAJDuekC9oERUuZ0VS-0-sWEHQ-w1C6uKmFv-3e7so3kzudRNrlIWDfR379w3-IFx_xxEC6fCV8a-VAyrGR-X4ApATHe1-oOQ/s1600/Screenshot-16648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnsIQ3bjeNn2Db6QU0iwWJgTFi9fGD2sVuARm9Tujy1zAJDuekC9oERUuZ0VS-0-sWEHQ-w1C6uKmFv-3e7so3kzudRNrlIWDfR379w3-IFx_xxEC6fCV8a-VAyrGR-X4ApATHe1-oOQ/s1600/Screenshot-16648.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As Roger walked through the field, he tripped on a small rock and fell forward, scraping his knees while doing so. He angrily stood up and kicked the rock a few feet away, limping afterward. However, as he turned around to leave, he felt something coming from the rock itself, like the object was calling to him. Roger didn't know what to make of it, this feeling that he wanted to take the rock home. He stared into the glistening side of the natural object, staring for what felt like hours in the pouring rain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJHgaH8lot33f0WGBTE4dB5IHkaeCVY7x-Utq3urzCa2Nb-fNGQjyNjaswfcinxPLmbxXXaOqQ3gewEGdugMWZ_GiNmnvP1e3G1OUlB4pkyvvd3-R1WM6KE8EinET45QMhDkOfIvtM6s/s1600/Screenshot-16655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJHgaH8lot33f0WGBTE4dB5IHkaeCVY7x-Utq3urzCa2Nb-fNGQjyNjaswfcinxPLmbxXXaOqQ3gewEGdugMWZ_GiNmnvP1e3G1OUlB4pkyvvd3-R1WM6KE8EinET45QMhDkOfIvtM6s/s1600/Screenshot-16655.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fascinated by the rock, Roger picked it up and carried it home. It was held within his hands with such a grip, it was as though his heart had stopped beating and that was the last thing his dying form was caressing.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTymqqGc-urINSLpTnn3NP2Bbhz2EjIdi21MXXoQ9u3w2WQSkv80YiSCShbkrvy-ZFmxJDzCmoldnVEj52dCgrANSCh1nGkgjCt26tFc6_5uVfigDdJTQpgPw2w1TsiEnCqWb60GW_NGw/s1600/Screenshot-16642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTymqqGc-urINSLpTnn3NP2Bbhz2EjIdi21MXXoQ9u3w2WQSkv80YiSCShbkrvy-ZFmxJDzCmoldnVEj52dCgrANSCh1nGkgjCt26tFc6_5uVfigDdJTQpgPw2w1TsiEnCqWb60GW_NGw/s1600/Screenshot-16642.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Roger dropped the rock on the counter next to him as walked into the bathroom to tend to his scraped knees. He opened the medicine cabinet to grab some antibacterial medicine and some bandages, still feeling something strange in the back of his head. Roger then turned and washed his hands in the sink, but when he looked up at the mirror, his heart nearly jumped out his chest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCnPiQSLwFjyirOliw0psg_bSe8wylgyKKxwTOYtlVcGxISLogMZ99E6Xu9A9mX_zPG4GVVq5SPD35qsyhJaiqmKm9SQ7tGXKyqdX6J7icW-9Fd8bIXevoVhHIilJiixf7WHKkz18AuQ/s1600/boo...jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCnPiQSLwFjyirOliw0psg_bSe8wylgyKKxwTOYtlVcGxISLogMZ99E6Xu9A9mX_zPG4GVVq5SPD35qsyhJaiqmKm9SQ7tGXKyqdX6J7icW-9Fd8bIXevoVhHIilJiixf7WHKkz18AuQ/s1600/boo...jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The reflection was that of himself, but as a dead person with graying skin, a decayed-looking face and hair as black as his lifeless eyes. he stumbled back and nearly fell against the bathtub, but regained his balance. When he looked in the mirror again, his reflection was normal. Horrified, he turned and looked at the rock that he had left on the counter next to the sink.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7f3QQbvvVme2fTO58Zbsh8e4xw5QhKrz9L-iwh_29KlDuYntqMVT7ITvox1tA9AK7gSqRbg9z0CVCg0iWj63NQnKRe2hotckX3R70u1wCbB6M1XjLbe6KWmqlvO8GnQRUF1-GeyH-4o/s1600/Screenshot-16644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7f3QQbvvVme2fTO58Zbsh8e4xw5QhKrz9L-iwh_29KlDuYntqMVT7ITvox1tA9AK7gSqRbg9z0CVCg0iWj63NQnKRe2hotckX3R70u1wCbB6M1XjLbe6KWmqlvO8GnQRUF1-GeyH-4o/s1600/Screenshot-16644.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMcdeZCcwVgcYJNWnQYJgUMUwG1nEiZNu6-oJNYfcMWD4xNGIdp8vGP2DgLKQrHl1oR49FL-n8591JOOE-OZuTOzUQ2EPEeGWCNy1TkeX2yG9Deep8OF1wH-wF4DLPufXwCcZUNkjWCM/s1600/Screenshot-16646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMcdeZCcwVgcYJNWnQYJgUMUwG1nEiZNu6-oJNYfcMWD4xNGIdp8vGP2DgLKQrHl1oR49FL-n8591JOOE-OZuTOzUQ2EPEeGWCNy1TkeX2yG9Deep8OF1wH-wF4DLPufXwCcZUNkjWCM/s1600/Screenshot-16646.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
-------------------------<br />
<i>Hidden Springs, Alaska</i><br />
<i>October 17</i><i>th, 2022</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiP5WO2BBWXRmO0fR83sIe05yXN27fxWDZ3Mn409BcGDAgXM4n_ZzdyMHqbGON41XEy_NNeaKLTdHzWx-wDOnxOknFPSEd1AN9UBqvPg-KXzIsJIqS6bJQ-20Ze1Lx2JLLIEEo5Vs7RU/s1600/Screenshot-16689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiP5WO2BBWXRmO0fR83sIe05yXN27fxWDZ3Mn409BcGDAgXM4n_ZzdyMHqbGON41XEy_NNeaKLTdHzWx-wDOnxOknFPSEd1AN9UBqvPg-KXzIsJIqS6bJQ-20Ze1Lx2JLLIEEo5Vs7RU/s1600/Screenshot-16689.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Annabelle has fairy wings." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Yes hon."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Annabelle has fairy wings."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5kaM-Yln1QVpQIC7PdrGGAVGAe-PYBmqfZKPF6iEE6DVawN7Oxb-T6ZOd86T02usFpQDBTjHrddiul-8_OZGYTzhLN0Qc094c6d7jpM5eRPt-VpJ95h5-Qej8cT2nOJY2mcr_GsyuK4/s1600/Screenshot-16693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5kaM-Yln1QVpQIC7PdrGGAVGAe-PYBmqfZKPF6iEE6DVawN7Oxb-T6ZOd86T02usFpQDBTjHrddiul-8_OZGYTzhLN0Qc094c6d7jpM5eRPt-VpJ95h5-Qej8cT2nOJY2mcr_GsyuK4/s1600/Screenshot-16693.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle and Kelly sat in the latter's office. Kelly, who was reading a local news story on her tablet, put the device on the table and smirked at Mirabelle. Mira, in the meantime, was still trying to wrap her head around seeing Annabelle in her new state.<br />
<br />
"Are you trying to break the record for how many times you can say that?" Kelly asked, 'It's been established that Annabelle is a fairy. I got past it pretty quickly because, well, I've seen things. You've seen even more, so I'm surprised you're taking it so strangely."<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYStHjKKQU13Vszuf9g9fHx2q-jFnRMrQCqSycX3GHkuRRDHaMNqHQRLcKixPKkb9hW0QcxTEHX5bm4vSJY40-iSki_TJU8bYmuNRBRkT7a0ewAJNYIy_jpK-1b8AlEQ8ravhhxxSgvrU/s1600/Screenshot-16692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYStHjKKQU13Vszuf9g9fHx2q-jFnRMrQCqSycX3GHkuRRDHaMNqHQRLcKixPKkb9hW0QcxTEHX5bm4vSJY40-iSki_TJU8bYmuNRBRkT7a0ewAJNYIy_jpK-1b8AlEQ8ravhhxxSgvrU/s1600/Screenshot-16692.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'm just trying to contemplate what's been going on these past couple days. First we find a book that literally talks to me, and now Annabelle has fairy wings! It's odd seeing someone identical in almost every way to me have wings like that. Things are just getting strange around here. So did you ever figure out who wrote that into the novel?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDkuyKyA-wSxBDadDh1bb36U4pixSRNWIG40Nd7xJ_U_w-n_AHuwyE_VuX6gq1o6PStSI6gTk9SUVrHbU8BemwyFPNeT1GAzqiaN9BlibJSBiNrWGd833d2IAN38d8T32DrZabmcXvcU/s1600/Screenshot-16698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDkuyKyA-wSxBDadDh1bb36U4pixSRNWIG40Nd7xJ_U_w-n_AHuwyE_VuX6gq1o6PStSI6gTk9SUVrHbU8BemwyFPNeT1GAzqiaN9BlibJSBiNrWGd833d2IAN38d8T32DrZabmcXvcU/s1600/Screenshot-16698.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly shook her head, and the both of them stood up. Kelly looked at the book on the table. "I've tried to figure it out but every time I get a new lead, the trail runs even colder. I called up the library to see if they could tell me who checked the book out last, and the guy who answered told me that he was going to call back when he looked at the records."<br />
<br />
Mirabelle shrugged, "hopefully he calls back soon. Is there anything else?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBF8p5AN8RBKi9TGtAX5hpqMr5sjWaPVV28HqUsEC6Mmji1R2wuXzzf5Sp0nHSZk0yQXhMZFj13WEQaLj2wPGtAKHLv9VrRpDxFAHGteunKqeZALqTG3zTYmIHFD8iUfTb3-NM7vuGu0/s1600/Screenshot-16695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBF8p5AN8RBKi9TGtAX5hpqMr5sjWaPVV28HqUsEC6Mmji1R2wuXzzf5Sp0nHSZk0yQXhMZFj13WEQaLj2wPGtAKHLv9VrRpDxFAHGteunKqeZALqTG3zTYmIHFD8iUfTb3-NM7vuGu0/s1600/Screenshot-16695.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly was the one to shrug this time as she walked over to her desk. "That night we came back from the library, when Annabelle showed up with wings, I felt something. I guess it's because of my... my 'abilities'... but I felt like I was being watched, that we all were. It felt so familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. I've been trying for days to figure out everything, from the murder of that man outside the bar to Annabelle's new condition, to the writer of that note in the novel. I think everything is connected somehow."<br />
<br />
"How can you be sure?" Mirabelle asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bw8nApK6IhtOybtnJHF3QiXBvJx8P334SffAKAwSn7pe8c8HRKbd2fq0HoyZUTN40Pd8T6GnSQDOEkl4wroGNym-5BkgDN5u0G3_ZQNItSStt0Rc6Dlx1SR95IUiJ8BdU3LS-Cs1f6E/s1600/Screenshot-16699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bw8nApK6IhtOybtnJHF3QiXBvJx8P334SffAKAwSn7pe8c8HRKbd2fq0HoyZUTN40Pd8T6GnSQDOEkl4wroGNym-5BkgDN5u0G3_ZQNItSStt0Rc6Dlx1SR95IUiJ8BdU3LS-Cs1f6E/s1600/Screenshot-16699.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Everything's falling perfectly into place. Annabelle mentioned something about the Vornek, and I heard that same word over a month ago. She says she saw one that night when she became a fairy, and described it perfectly as it was described in the <i>Dark Hollow</i> novel, and her description matched up perfectly to the creature we saw in the park a few days before attacking Jack Toomes and his army of robots at the graveyard."<br />
<br />
Kelly took a deep breath, and continued, "That Genie we met after the graveyard encounter left us because she needed to stop 'the Abyss', and something called 'The Abyss' also showed up in the novel. And then, a copy of the same exact novel falls into your hands with a note directed to<i> you</i> written into it."<br />
<br />
"And the murder?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j2xNAb8cn7-dXjWT8Z7PzrL04IRN2u6QjEIMgN8AwNBn8ICCQAmWNMOPrhxhhi7rBSBuMRv3ByOa9FTldeenOVHyIRfUe2eh0Rq3WuXuh6qJ5uKc66yTHhSs6GCv2CO-je_L01b1mws/s1600/Screenshot-16700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j2xNAb8cn7-dXjWT8Z7PzrL04IRN2u6QjEIMgN8AwNBn8ICCQAmWNMOPrhxhhi7rBSBuMRv3ByOa9FTldeenOVHyIRfUe2eh0Rq3WuXuh6qJ5uKc66yTHhSs6GCv2CO-je_L01b1mws/s1600/Screenshot-16700.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Well, the slash marks on his face came from a higher angle than his head, and from different sides, so it really couldn't have been a mountain lion unless it jumped at him, and ran away. Seeing as Annabelle saw one of these Vornek a few days ago in the town, it's possible that creature attacked the man. If that's the case then we have a connection between the man's death, the vornek, the novel, and the Abyss. But, one question remains."</div>
<br />
"What's that?"<br />
<br />
"What are the Vornek, and the fairies for that matter, doing in Hidden Springs?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdqWzO3Nn2hsw6TQAjpp9XucO2HpV-VOuKNPtjQZ0zfTWpaiCe-zeNS616UC-J9yX9HObsMux6fIbzPe6efJq7hDJjw9pgUGaEp9z1EKRK-5QwBDNe0CUvlVav-WD-NtBPu1_RI9J0u8/s1600/Screenshot-16702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdqWzO3Nn2hsw6TQAjpp9XucO2HpV-VOuKNPtjQZ0zfTWpaiCe-zeNS616UC-J9yX9HObsMux6fIbzPe6efJq7hDJjw9pgUGaEp9z1EKRK-5QwBDNe0CUvlVav-WD-NtBPu1_RI9J0u8/s1600/Screenshot-16702.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle and Kelly looked around, both worried about the question.<br />
-----<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7-fsH_mldXnW7Kv-ZVvpAcsoPXsyRdTPGWYdl-dWgStoUc0IOxdHlsf8ucIV4lMwyDbirqR5xbw-9T-nD3zfA_Jswlb52xXzN79LQcdBnRBiVH41iSMOYGzxw6BQXtKRRl_3rBVmd0Y/s1600/Screenshot-16683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7-fsH_mldXnW7Kv-ZVvpAcsoPXsyRdTPGWYdl-dWgStoUc0IOxdHlsf8ucIV4lMwyDbirqR5xbw-9T-nD3zfA_Jswlb52xXzN79LQcdBnRBiVH41iSMOYGzxw6BQXtKRRl_3rBVmd0Y/s1600/Screenshot-16683.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Annabelle stood confidently out on her patio atop a platform which had been covering her pool for the winter. Nearby, Tom and Keera were watching her, waiting for her to make a move. Seconds later, Annabelle closed her eyes and jumped upward, but instead fell longways and face-planting into the hard platform. Seconds later she stood up, holding her head and stumbling around in a dazed manner.<br />
<br />
"Are you okay?" Tom asked as Annabelle continued to stumble for a few seconds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hpBypQfon97WI7g74pEYMA41PL1e2tK7BsvpqLwXr0tl9sqMjEdlhlJ93hHN59NoxHKNy6GcKd_4clKVoNoju4ZNd0Muc6CGTz2e3FUl64C1IdZ7kdIhFd_v6hqEnCQPowxBI0dvTY0/s1600/Screenshot-16681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hpBypQfon97WI7g74pEYMA41PL1e2tK7BsvpqLwXr0tl9sqMjEdlhlJ93hHN59NoxHKNy6GcKd_4clKVoNoju4ZNd0Muc6CGTz2e3FUl64C1IdZ7kdIhFd_v6hqEnCQPowxBI0dvTY0/s1600/Screenshot-16681.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"WHY yes I <b>AM, MIST</b>ER WAT<i>ERMELON</i> K<i>IN</i>G!!" Annabelle shook her head to regain her composure, then stood strong again before jumping a second time, this time tripping and falling forward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEist9oHzPBrUkI0HMZqP6K8ksB1a5AsBmTIe9LJuZ8OpgeFok5L0l8mF5tziL14Iy9gIOXhPhhbo-HfSqdsFW-LCTZNUQvalHuKsv1je-L3LqqOew0gQmhIcvSEdzAdeFfhNV-n9iD4vZ8/s1600/Screenshot-16673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEist9oHzPBrUkI0HMZqP6K8ksB1a5AsBmTIe9LJuZ8OpgeFok5L0l8mF5tziL14Iy9gIOXhPhhbo-HfSqdsFW-LCTZNUQvalHuKsv1je-L3LqqOew0gQmhIcvSEdzAdeFfhNV-n9iD4vZ8/s1600/Screenshot-16673.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Dammit!" She yelled out, "I saw that orange fairy flying, it can't be too hard!" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle then stood up and turned around, trying to jump upwards. However, her feet slipped on a snow pack and she instead fell backwards onto the soft powder.</div>
<br />
Keera chuckled, "What about thinking happy thoughts? Do they help?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBIjX47C5mdTp8RswhyphenhyphenwSLVdvoxkMcAOdK3JwrxYVXEdaQDaV5wmDr4i5yoXTrPR8JEixfABfFzac5HgM3WXVN0xAVFL3UJOxJeYBzZTD3ymDwxjR_yXEuXiL_2twrLnWxWpUJZrjah8/s1600/Screenshot-16677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBIjX47C5mdTp8RswhyphenhyphenwSLVdvoxkMcAOdK3JwrxYVXEdaQDaV5wmDr4i5yoXTrPR8JEixfABfFzac5HgM3WXVN0xAVFL3UJOxJeYBzZTD3ymDwxjR_yXEuXiL_2twrLnWxWpUJZrjah8/s1600/Screenshot-16677.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle hissed at her daughter, "Say that one more time and you're grounded. I've been trying to do this for hours and the snarky comments from the both of you have not been helping!"<br />
<br />
"At least Tom's not making any green jokes", Keera mumbled under her breath. Tom nodded affirmatively as Annabelle jumped and fell again. Keera and Tom continued to watch as Annabelle kept jumping upwards, each time falling flat on the ground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_l4gapKEN0B8sri-DcOoZ_hfge3EGpWdZeQNVICzkJH5e8d_3jLiuOY8VVKvezR3Tndr4COWzMzAD01a5Z4akre8W9sW4jDcpb-0EBDlsJhB9Dn7DkYvNH7m58CjDQQ3cMQDI9QdGBQ/s1600/Screenshot-16678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_l4gapKEN0B8sri-DcOoZ_hfge3EGpWdZeQNVICzkJH5e8d_3jLiuOY8VVKvezR3Tndr4COWzMzAD01a5Z4akre8W9sW4jDcpb-0EBDlsJhB9Dn7DkYvNH7m58CjDQQ3cMQDI9QdGBQ/s1600/Screenshot-16678.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Dammit!", Annabelle exclaimed again, her voice muffled from the packed snow around her mouth, "dammit dammit dammit! I know I can do this!" After standing up and getting her bearings, she closed her eyes again and looked upward.<br />
<br />
She imagined herself flying up, into the sky, and landing safely. She felt her feet get lighter, and she smiled and leaped upwards into the air, seconds later she was off the ground and gaining speed as she flew upwards.<br />
<br />
Keera and Tom looked at her flying with shocked faces, their eyes trained on her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6heWO2hyGRaHA3Ee9Q5kfR9gv7al4mNwZYA3S-SK5tyzJtdh9xP5DsOvQCo6Ai_NEA6XNPm8fJiN8_rrJrcXN5vW04_bgQNWSikr0sGYSAWPXIJx4UR84h9PdPqfyWE4GXMEBuxn_3cM/s1600/Screenshot-16703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6heWO2hyGRaHA3Ee9Q5kfR9gv7al4mNwZYA3S-SK5tyzJtdh9xP5DsOvQCo6Ai_NEA6XNPm8fJiN8_rrJrcXN5vW04_bgQNWSikr0sGYSAWPXIJx4UR84h9PdPqfyWE4GXMEBuxn_3cM/s1600/Screenshot-16703.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'm flying!" Annabelle yelled out, "I'm flying!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6dq74GfJgnVuydKTVUro_RS8Yy-vzKTkVL4OfMGvH5kJDAl_dJ9dHez_bMRXo5bEDpuM55mipqztktovl5HakNiOCi8xwcOmMAsYmuOYgnDdEPMZIwdZnuQ5FiVhbvo-mdECmAyfMsI/s1600/Screenshot-16706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6dq74GfJgnVuydKTVUro_RS8Yy-vzKTkVL4OfMGvH5kJDAl_dJ9dHez_bMRXo5bEDpuM55mipqztktovl5HakNiOCi8xwcOmMAsYmuOYgnDdEPMZIwdZnuQ5FiVhbvo-mdECmAyfMsI/s1600/Screenshot-16706.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom and Keera looked up at her as she gained altitude to the point that they didn't even see her anymore. Tom covered his eyes against the glare of the sun, trying to spot her.<br />
<br />
"Where is she?" Tom asked, "where did she go?"<br />
<br />
Keera kept looking and then nodded her head towards the sky. "There she is! She's flying very fast... down... towards the... river."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK9128Adh0w-MN6UO5scFNhGHchgu8bKorHnbEzYm8SOdXj4TbjAtH6uGZCN6jklge9l_gk3lH7_5Nc0cO0Dzw4B2iI50pVQI3PucIjlOrlfInFPTaCpgu8_cRBhlrKdu3fGCvpvtrPQ/s1600/Screenshot-16712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK9128Adh0w-MN6UO5scFNhGHchgu8bKorHnbEzYm8SOdXj4TbjAtH6uGZCN6jklge9l_gk3lH7_5Nc0cO0Dzw4B2iI50pVQI3PucIjlOrlfInFPTaCpgu8_cRBhlrKdu3fGCvpvtrPQ/s1600/Screenshot-16712.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><b>"AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGYbjRgUoctvyu_LqeEBYAg4BPAzo3malpx_jz7xL5_QeSfyzEr4UmmNLHSY342rhLbk-Z__82n4epcWajy4vVnZgGi_rYLQL_l-2Ti3iClWieK8dpXTDTKHwYrrl30j3aqfWC4oOSw8/s1600/Screenshot-16708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGYbjRgUoctvyu_LqeEBYAg4BPAzo3malpx_jz7xL5_QeSfyzEr4UmmNLHSY342rhLbk-Z__82n4epcWajy4vVnZgGi_rYLQL_l-2Ti3iClWieK8dpXTDTKHwYrrl30j3aqfWC4oOSw8/s1600/Screenshot-16708.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A loud splash echoed through Hidden Springs mountainside, followed by a louder exclamation of <b>"DAMMIT!!!!" </b>in Annabelle's voice. Both sounds forced a flock of birds to emerge from a tree and fly away in fright as Tom and Keera ran to the other end of their yard. They looked off in the distance and watched as Annabelle emerged from the nearby river.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsvBaO4uI64xfBORNiZVLfCTTo7ZyO-dydxt5NpAQXHRF7beV4nPr7ojfYToUIKQKkftt1M3eGB8Xgq_gbEKjgMdVA4jWLeQ3GrNz7pPlNyNn0lkLus-hEKuFp7uI2C7cFtkadJnW45w/s1600/Screenshot-16716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsvBaO4uI64xfBORNiZVLfCTTo7ZyO-dydxt5NpAQXHRF7beV4nPr7ojfYToUIKQKkftt1M3eGB8Xgq_gbEKjgMdVA4jWLeQ3GrNz7pPlNyNn0lkLus-hEKuFp7uI2C7cFtkadJnW45w/s1600/Screenshot-16716.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"You okay?!" Keera yelled out, her and Tom nearing their breaking point in laughter while seeing her mother angrily kicking water off in the distance, "do we need to come get you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMZ0kkh-NkQew7455ngppp9MBV5LVrGMAaOSasWS4gM791r3afG4wFKmoL5Pgg3yD5PCJoC1-Hcep2AoatKZW-mdNH8cSlJBjzyJyUkOVmcO3FJCzVM_OaHa5Zl7vtGhyphenhyphen4NrI-HUezMg/s1600/Screenshot-16717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMZ0kkh-NkQew7455ngppp9MBV5LVrGMAaOSasWS4gM791r3afG4wFKmoL5Pgg3yD5PCJoC1-Hcep2AoatKZW-mdNH8cSlJBjzyJyUkOVmcO3FJCzVM_OaHa5Zl7vtGhyphenhyphen4NrI-HUezMg/s1600/Screenshot-16717.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle's voice rang back, "NO! I'LL WALK BACK MYSELF!!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-7Eo63RwjU5wKT_7VcB-dcRaeJS10t2DeFTSKA73ejSzXH0Aeo0Q0m-I1qvMHiAb_QECy5beKS3Ryd_TLrDvx8kWjQxfW1-7StY7cLXAxvJXZ6Q0GJPShayl41cWZMn-p9pFmBWGew0/s1600/Screenshot-16718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-7Eo63RwjU5wKT_7VcB-dcRaeJS10t2DeFTSKA73ejSzXH0Aeo0Q0m-I1qvMHiAb_QECy5beKS3Ryd_TLrDvx8kWjQxfW1-7StY7cLXAxvJXZ6Q0GJPShayl41cWZMn-p9pFmBWGew0/s1600/Screenshot-16718.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera shrugged, and she as well as Tom turned and walked back inside, letting Annabelle vent her rage alone. As Tom walked off into the kitchen for something to drink, Keera walked up the stairs to her bedroom and looked around. Since coming back to Hidden Springs, she had barely left the house aside from that first day and wondered if it was because she saw the movie studio where her accident happened. She had been intending to explore the town again, with the studio in full view, but couldn't seem to find the courage to do so.<br />
<br />
After closing her eyes and focusing on what she wanted, Keera reopened them and walked out of the room, keeping her coat on.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHVrD8w9WB8h1iVod7XKhIzW-_X8hr-vR_L8PjZQM33rx3Z7v4p6tRGQavxDTiV9t1-mj09N9wfZJqyJQaZwABGdO-yyLC0blYt4y41IJXeMOKjxe57UZaQ88eX_7-6VkSZI7ptdX2CI/s1600/Screenshot-16749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHVrD8w9WB8h1iVod7XKhIzW-_X8hr-vR_L8PjZQM33rx3Z7v4p6tRGQavxDTiV9t1-mj09N9wfZJqyJQaZwABGdO-yyLC0blYt4y41IJXeMOKjxe57UZaQ88eX_7-6VkSZI7ptdX2CI/s1600/Screenshot-16749.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You're going to lose, you know that right?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HfpPQBsqWafR9eeRWPoIO2Yd1leVycDxTpTFcSxuN4VdMmEQLs1F6jJzWYM8PVSvr1IYmdAmncFKXMdoMmW-fnmpoESch18MX0NVHbq5IenFHcE169Y6QV_f2Uaa4PHNXBIIIDaJcxo/s1600/Screenshot-16750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HfpPQBsqWafR9eeRWPoIO2Yd1leVycDxTpTFcSxuN4VdMmEQLs1F6jJzWYM8PVSvr1IYmdAmncFKXMdoMmW-fnmpoESch18MX0NVHbq5IenFHcE169Y6QV_f2Uaa4PHNXBIIIDaJcxo/s1600/Screenshot-16750.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I didn't know you talk to yourself, Cass."<br />
<br />
"Tough talk, for a kid."<br />
<br />
"Kid? You're only technically a few years older than me! Or did you forget in your advanced years."<br />
<br />
"Oh it's ON!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJx8UL-ZzYK7QqmJ6ScvHUdhQ8WTFQkv6PnvyY8romj8E2Aik3MCzaVStEP3qd22aoWz8wKPTX6UeN7i5m3yWHcSAfzaZ9tEl4XC01Ft3rxXDFOX2wJu3WXvIXv5FmEMotkM2ewZ766o/s1600/Screenshot-16754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJx8UL-ZzYK7QqmJ6ScvHUdhQ8WTFQkv6PnvyY8romj8E2Aik3MCzaVStEP3qd22aoWz8wKPTX6UeN7i5m3yWHcSAfzaZ9tEl4XC01Ft3rxXDFOX2wJu3WXvIXv5FmEMotkM2ewZ766o/s1600/Screenshot-16754.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAy3z6b0bDQ_CoDP_di8uyS920opY_aGLNJtk6akPZ4vCff_bkf-Z5_IPNgWXnbJnKzbnWSkfCeGnSBXpbRnFLW1w-tQuWZHpc-i_6eUHifrG2HudspDwTIu7m4Lw4xuDC2uB_y3-0_U/s1600/Screenshot-16757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAy3z6b0bDQ_CoDP_di8uyS920opY_aGLNJtk6akPZ4vCff_bkf-Z5_IPNgWXnbJnKzbnWSkfCeGnSBXpbRnFLW1w-tQuWZHpc-i_6eUHifrG2HudspDwTIu7m4Lw4xuDC2uB_y3-0_U/s1600/Screenshot-16757.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cassie and Gabriel leaned forward and started twisting the knobs on both ends of the Foosball table in the living room. Both players jumped up and down in excitement from playing the game. Suddenly, Annabelle walked in, drenched from head to toe. Her makeup was running and her hair was a mess. Before Cassie could ask, Annabelle angrily growled, stopping her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8IuOHbOXLYoyd7rVmp83NC2hg7_JZwdwgn4t4brxtRjPUDp_dQ-wqwBlHax_TLbFLMFPO8m_lL0kNnZIjJdM7c7f8_LJ8KuoVrV8JObsIU3lICR_iwnXW2jtwtIw_98ReRPAmdgWSXk/s1600/Screenshot-16748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8IuOHbOXLYoyd7rVmp83NC2hg7_JZwdwgn4t4brxtRjPUDp_dQ-wqwBlHax_TLbFLMFPO8m_lL0kNnZIjJdM7c7f8_LJ8KuoVrV8JObsIU3lICR_iwnXW2jtwtIw_98ReRPAmdgWSXk/s1600/Screenshot-16748.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"DON'T. SAY. A WORD!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle, presumably so angry that she couldn't think straight, quickly turned around and stomped upstairs, leaving Cassie and Gabriel to be confused up to the moment they resumed their game. A few moments passed and Kelly walked into the living room as well, sitting down on the sofa to watch some television.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicytxeNhdm1u7hADO_cDcDVSij2e5iLlzxvGzXvXEYvuTyIGADFnuqWalKiul6AAYOQlO6uOlEifMoAK3cUzqqhv-lln8lbSOl-PYcBm7SzH9C_Q6rEaXr8ghSt2_CZXF0OMaM_CNn5ag/s1600/Screenshot-16758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicytxeNhdm1u7hADO_cDcDVSij2e5iLlzxvGzXvXEYvuTyIGADFnuqWalKiul6AAYOQlO6uOlEifMoAK3cUzqqhv-lln8lbSOl-PYcBm7SzH9C_Q6rEaXr8ghSt2_CZXF0OMaM_CNn5ag/s1600/Screenshot-16758.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
"So, what was that with Annabelle just now?" Cassie asked, trying to talk over the sound of the Foosball table as well as the television. "Did you see her?"<br />
<br />
Kelly shrugged, "I didn't see her. She said something about wanting to fly today using the wings she has, but I'm not sure if she was very successful." <br />
<br />
From upstairs, everyone in the living room could hear Annabelle as she yelled out in anger about her inability to fly, with music from a nearby stereo drowning out some of the words.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoK-Jvih-9GO1gDBI9t4MwHy-j6CiYp7P8NdGp3oVjALKMshjCc5L_H9s7E_pzytf-HK3AQu2tEPP-nvqkxwFMuqHbixxg3eRLY8P0bdZjhv72_0FmnteDgUmbr17G4eHZ-9H6s3Dq4o/s1600/Screenshot-16760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoK-Jvih-9GO1gDBI9t4MwHy-j6CiYp7P8NdGp3oVjALKMshjCc5L_H9s7E_pzytf-HK3AQu2tEPP-nvqkxwFMuqHbixxg3eRLY8P0bdZjhv72_0FmnteDgUmbr17G4eHZ-9H6s3Dq4o/s1600/Screenshot-16760.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"F---!! I HATE THESE STUPID ----ING WINGS!! ---- THEM!! --- EVERYTHING ABOUT THESE STUPID ----ING WINGS! GRRRR!!!!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS7gZrd5S3OXs-jiP7Sr5e7YVTUUMja0UmUY8XMLAQ6WroExhLucmS2NS3jiJFI1wrwnBqeDbY1O7Mp4G65aeJCKwrfT95ktjoHGRKQfywrxbMruSRzBwiXAT6wwAQ_aivym8Jjk6Bzo/s1600/Screenshot-16759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS7gZrd5S3OXs-jiP7Sr5e7YVTUUMja0UmUY8XMLAQ6WroExhLucmS2NS3jiJFI1wrwnBqeDbY1O7Mp4G65aeJCKwrfT95ktjoHGRKQfywrxbMruSRzBwiXAT6wwAQ_aivym8Jjk6Bzo/s1600/Screenshot-16759.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel chuckled, "I'm guessing that's a 'no'. She sounded more angry than Scarlett when she... she just sounded more angry than Scarlett."<br />
<br />
"I heard that." Scarlett's voice came echoing through the room from the foyer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMRbGfiWbyl_oon8p83BXAGcFPXDhhUGF_06G34-oCciYldvqxrJdzBbwdqOBc6_A1V1uWKoIAKr2K5E6GUEfAcYm14u790JHwX171puw1RPwGgTn1aCgcnIp3t7vLdma3r62duZc2sA/s1600/Screenshot-16761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMRbGfiWbyl_oon8p83BXAGcFPXDhhUGF_06G34-oCciYldvqxrJdzBbwdqOBc6_A1V1uWKoIAKr2K5E6GUEfAcYm14u790JHwX171puw1RPwGgTn1aCgcnIp3t7vLdma3r62duZc2sA/s1600/Screenshot-16761.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Gabriel gulped hard, then in an act of desperation quickly said "Cassie! That is a wonderful impersonation of me!" Cassie shot him and angry look, and then looked down again to continue the game of Foosball. A few more minutes passed until Keera suddenly peeked her head through the arch.<br />
<br />
"Hey I'm going out for a bit. I'll be back later."<br />
<br />
"Can we come?" Gabriel asked, with his attention being removed enough from the game for Cassie to score a point. "GRRR!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnJZcVezM9K_uGi4hqxvFhZXIyhHxOGrO-aEKheB2W0xH6XwJGtJmkZMsJYk6IUxqcBToCDhXyavaJvuOPR54rlssvYoYgWbmO602YThsrPaceuWiYpTrXG8bS0XTUcmOWYK_tFq3syI/s1600/Screenshot-16764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnJZcVezM9K_uGi4hqxvFhZXIyhHxOGrO-aEKheB2W0xH6XwJGtJmkZMsJYk6IUxqcBToCDhXyavaJvuOPR54rlssvYoYgWbmO602YThsrPaceuWiYpTrXG8bS0XTUcmOWYK_tFq3syI/s1600/Screenshot-16764.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera walked into the room proper and shook her head. "Nah, I'm just gonna go by myself, need to get out of the house for a bit because I'm going stir-crazy being here for days."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlbYKehoBokvCVu2BzbpDm1JgsHDQUyhhynernwI2jFp7e5d5RsXUbtQzwthyphenhyphenG7gr_or2SkY5zdpTkLJeFcKP_AP10I-XRUNRl-oWd7h8RhYa193Q7GiHojFbWXE8GeswyDTN4XLJH54/s1600/Screenshot-16720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlbYKehoBokvCVu2BzbpDm1JgsHDQUyhhynernwI2jFp7e5d5RsXUbtQzwthyphenhyphenG7gr_or2SkY5zdpTkLJeFcKP_AP10I-XRUNRl-oWd7h8RhYa193Q7GiHojFbWXE8GeswyDTN4XLJH54/s1600/Screenshot-16720.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjEKOxMvI2_QyskTaEejPwai_aCPV-XzFyxk52wAdwX04Pep08CBxAqIfRT5eSqccgVGT758C8STGgVqWE0taMh6w1FANsMHkkOfYr1dY1bHjLRVP5EITgaT_e0_9FmSaA09X5krEXBA/s1600/Screenshot-16719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjEKOxMvI2_QyskTaEejPwai_aCPV-XzFyxk52wAdwX04Pep08CBxAqIfRT5eSqccgVGT758C8STGgVqWE0taMh6w1FANsMHkkOfYr1dY1bHjLRVP5EITgaT_e0_9FmSaA09X5krEXBA/s1600/Screenshot-16719.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone in the room nodded and Keera left, stepping out of the house and walking to the curb where a cab was waiting for her. As she walked, she saw John standing at the mailbox getting the mail, which seemed to be a small package. John read the name for the package out loud, "To Thomas, from Uncle Elliot and Aunt Mei." However, he read a small note attached to the package silently, and his expression dropped from a relatively happy one to one of worry. Keera felt that she could find out about this later and climbed into the cab, heading off towards the center of town.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw__qubybRTpDf6tGAtp7IqpyDETrJsxCqdPNiv41zBRpACfpVNC08dHmZRcANTOtYzH0pHfrH2iDd5uxAdUU6p0_8qrhqbHD8Y5niuQkA_Qqg-A6TnCI7Y5DiuBybH5t1zCMJqTeu9Q/s1600/Screenshot-16744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw__qubybRTpDf6tGAtp7IqpyDETrJsxCqdPNiv41zBRpACfpVNC08dHmZRcANTOtYzH0pHfrH2iDd5uxAdUU6p0_8qrhqbHD8Y5niuQkA_Qqg-A6TnCI7Y5DiuBybH5t1zCMJqTeu9Q/s1600/Screenshot-16744.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just as the cab drove off, a large container truck drove by and stopped in front of the house. The driver quickly stepped out and pulled a small, black, metal box from the inside of the cargo hold and carried it to the porch, dropping it off just to the right of the door. He knocked on the door, then left the box on the porch with an attached note.<br />
<br />
<i>"To Kethrin Humans Hybrids </i><br />
<i>314 Winterfall Street </i><br />
<i>Hidden Springs, Alaska" </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTYl3n-E_aM45wGhhTdI9-L3pn7eVEDBhIp64fL6V6tRhVICJRPhMQ-el65LlmVF-pFIZ42smOm2IrKugM85xV7-4PVZLD7UtBGMkeayCZ1_y8mSQxrwe5reSlfFsmuAH381XmNtAoPM/s1600/Screenshot-16743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTYl3n-E_aM45wGhhTdI9-L3pn7eVEDBhIp64fL6V6tRhVICJRPhMQ-el65LlmVF-pFIZ42smOm2IrKugM85xV7-4PVZLD7UtBGMkeayCZ1_y8mSQxrwe5reSlfFsmuAH381XmNtAoPM/s1600/Screenshot-16743.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle, hearing the knock from the other room, walked outside and looked at the strange box. It felt familiar to her, but she didn't know what it was. However, after reading who it was addressed to, particularly the "Hybrids" part, she felt the need to try and carry it inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHAJlG2f1KLVu0L_fOJ11523ZKMZByOKT85ftzgRQAvi5_lqwg9vuRYF0RG1O39Ed_reBauipToXQOEmFMz4dApXVM1H8vgMLjC9N7X1PUbuUo7eM6qxiANgnornQ_bluNqCEdraKTgA/s1600/Screenshot-16774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHAJlG2f1KLVu0L_fOJ11523ZKMZByOKT85ftzgRQAvi5_lqwg9vuRYF0RG1O39Ed_reBauipToXQOEmFMz4dApXVM1H8vgMLjC9N7X1PUbuUo7eM6qxiANgnornQ_bluNqCEdraKTgA/s1600/Screenshot-16774.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle shoved the box into the house and looked around for something to pry it open. John, who was still reading the attached note nearby on the mail, heard the commotion and walked over to her after setting the package on a nearby table.<br />
<br />
"What seems to be the problem, Mira?"<br />
<br />
Mirabelle shook her head, "This stupid box, I can't find a single way to open it, and it was addressed to us as "Humans Hybrids" in a printed format. You think it might be something dangerous?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_NMo8dYPV_OgO3c9ps5aV1bkIK3Yz8-UH3-xMyhxR9bP6TV2UJcJqiOcNSwnx6QmBRryalUyX6oXqXgy_OZDPp1YHPErLNFKbm1i4d6sMfYCANJRDxp3g-guZnIkBAwpDef5qcsyZzc/s1600/Screenshot-16773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_NMo8dYPV_OgO3c9ps5aV1bkIK3Yz8-UH3-xMyhxR9bP6TV2UJcJqiOcNSwnx6QmBRryalUyX6oXqXgy_OZDPp1YHPErLNFKbm1i4d6sMfYCANJRDxp3g-guZnIkBAwpDef5qcsyZzc/s1600/Screenshot-16773.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John shook his head, "nah, it must have been flown here and they would have done a thorough check." John then looked around elsewhere for some kind of clue to what the box could be. A few moments later he grabbed a paper off the side of the box. "Hey look at the outgoing address, it's our house in Starlight Shores. And this looks a bit like... MIKE."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskBcVQQn9afeSFYOxTJLjwHMhcg8HqFu7UO8ljHTFSQQfG4DsV0PMbEM8kGqWoJ9Y3-1tNwv3IJPAqFk1PQOLKWeMU2rFjEH-paboZmqEHMcvkk-xw36qa_3cE1B8bsG0EK-Jf9uVUxk/s1600/Screenshot-16775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskBcVQQn9afeSFYOxTJLjwHMhcg8HqFu7UO8ljHTFSQQfG4DsV0PMbEM8kGqWoJ9Y3-1tNwv3IJPAqFk1PQOLKWeMU2rFjEH-paboZmqEHMcvkk-xw36qa_3cE1B8bsG0EK-Jf9uVUxk/s1600/Screenshot-16775.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle, hearing the conversation from upstairs after having dried herself off and changed, walked down to talk to them. "So MIKE's here? Why isn't he saying anything? Is there like a button you need to press or something?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYv5NDHL3-PyhfgRz6195SF10l3x4w_xQzBY1L1x3iI_1fNJcFqLjRenSA4IqVJKJWLasGN80zYYb1n8E7GDDThRe_pvrNq_a7nSs4pHciyB4CmwP5JgRpRD0aolx7Yg9tUMx2cOxFl4/s1600/Screenshot-16780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYv5NDHL3-PyhfgRz6195SF10l3x4w_xQzBY1L1x3iI_1fNJcFqLjRenSA4IqVJKJWLasGN80zYYb1n8E7GDDThRe_pvrNq_a7nSs4pHciyB4CmwP5JgRpRD0aolx7Yg9tUMx2cOxFl4/s1600/Screenshot-16780.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As John, Mirabelle, and Annabelle stood there, the box started to glow a bit bright blue before suddenly hovering off the ground. The object started twisting and turning before suddenly taking the form of a humanoid android, with a single glowing eyeball in the center of its robotic head. The body completely, then stood up straight with accents on the robot's arms and legs starting to glow a bright blue. When this was done, the robot took a step forward at the group, Annabelle and Mirabelle having subtly nudged themselves to be behind John. Just as it activated itself, however, the robot suddenly shut off.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OJ-0KLcAtWbAbqSLRdFjTbohj5JoVnmJv3jWEx4fWSWUnRvCoG7lOpIzmvs4TOTL-S8On5oRckdsp2e3bX8DMJ33Ca-eIH5LbGcjUpq24XraD_SUKuR55pJFfmIgnacTp_3wNWmXZPY/s1600/Screenshot-16776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OJ-0KLcAtWbAbqSLRdFjTbohj5JoVnmJv3jWEx4fWSWUnRvCoG7lOpIzmvs4TOTL-S8On5oRckdsp2e3bX8DMJ33Ca-eIH5LbGcjUpq24XraD_SUKuR55pJFfmIgnacTp_3wNWmXZPY/s1600/Screenshot-16776.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As the robot stood there, offline, Annabelle pointed at it. "Well that's something you don't see every day, and around here, that's saying something!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlrYfgWcH7ktbw1jaKmDt4SvNR1bGoE5CwbLQEs3MK6eYFksfYwMlfPvT9QlqwgRoJNldsJaE4UJIsYFPlpaVwpQtd35FLIVjy7PJt3azJq2nEKcKWghK22gLiqj3FazcmJPQ4MWvwzw/s1600/Screenshot-16779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlrYfgWcH7ktbw1jaKmDt4SvNR1bGoE5CwbLQEs3MK6eYFksfYwMlfPvT9QlqwgRoJNldsJaE4UJIsYFPlpaVwpQtd35FLIVjy7PJt3azJq2nEKcKWghK22gLiqj3FazcmJPQ4MWvwzw/s1600/Screenshot-16779.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly, the robot reactivated and began to speak with a familiar voice. <i>"Greetings... ZZZTTT and hybids. I ZZZTTT MIKE."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB2k_tg_VQaHPjYYyJ4hEaHIFmmH_iXtYLtWs6V405Z4Q4O6jiiMgur4rThBYqdmUwo5WnzuxPAIgNHVhPBh8CpOjybri1fkP2VHo0gl0UxnuhABe294jy3PeBe8wOYoupqr5YGcc9Rg/s1600/Screenshot-16778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB2k_tg_VQaHPjYYyJ4hEaHIFmmH_iXtYLtWs6V405Z4Q4O6jiiMgur4rThBYqdmUwo5WnzuxPAIgNHVhPBh8CpOjybri1fkP2VHo0gl0UxnuhABe294jy3PeBe8wOYoupqr5YGcc9Rg/s1600/Screenshot-16778.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
"So it IS MIKE!" Mirabelle yelled out, "What did you do?! You look... AWESOME!"<br />
<br />
"<i>ZZZTTT-</i>I... .... ...."<br />
<br />
John quickly realized what was going on and walked over to the robot. "It looks like he transferred his personality matrix into a new body. In the process, some of his audio functions must have been fried..."<br />
<br />
"Can you fix him?" Annabelle asked, "So he can tell us what happened?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw3hYZCYCzYvfZ73SUyNGjTuvDWgHEpNpAMZv0YYgF4pjr4UJa1y904IImaQ1VzW6MtfYMDVkGKrbErM5ExBQQfPq4Szi6l8WUwpQjU6xtYrNHuMv09ztasQKR3ulPiv4h5jXKDE3hxk/s1600/Screenshot-16781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw3hYZCYCzYvfZ73SUyNGjTuvDWgHEpNpAMZv0YYgF4pjr4UJa1y904IImaQ1VzW6MtfYMDVkGKrbErM5ExBQQfPq4Szi6l8WUwpQjU6xtYrNHuMv09ztasQKR3ulPiv4h5jXKDE3hxk/s1600/Screenshot-16781.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John took a tool that he had developed for reworking technology out of his jacket and used it to fiddle around with the interior of MIKE's head. "Well it's new technology which I have never encountered before in my entire life, and the tech <i>happens</i> to be advanced robotics beyond even our own-Done! That was easy!"<br />
<br />
John took a step back, and MIKE sparked a bit before continuing. "My spherical hovering body was insufficient. I needed a new body for interpersonal interactions, and spent a length of time in the basement at the house in Starlight Shores to create one. As my new body was and still is <i>ZZZZZTT</i> rather incomplete when I transferred, it is safe to say that the transfer was not precisely <i>seamless</i>." Suddenly MIKE started making strange moves before shutting down for a few seconds, then reactivated himself while looking off in strange directions as he spoke.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsahWLklFPij2MvjoD2CYBlRchGqvnJzWrg-uygWcrxd5g9wFZXFpZVxmXkEGi1GoY_tcADVlWnFYt7fv-y5_eoF6Yg0F5MIQWrmeVTU_VVHkChQhGdqqOoF_-DvHkvYH_OyNibZ5umg/s1600/Screenshot-16783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsahWLklFPij2MvjoD2CYBlRchGqvnJzWrg-uygWcrxd5g9wFZXFpZVxmXkEGi1GoY_tcADVlWnFYt7fv-y5_eoF6Yg0F5MIQWrmeVTU_VVHkChQhGdqqOoF_-DvHkvYH_OyNibZ5umg/s1600/Screenshot-16783.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"TURNIPS AND CUPCAKES."</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone in the room made odd faces at MIKE, who then corrected himself. "Perhaps the involvement of Jonathan Kethrin could help prevent my circuits from being further damaged." MIKE said, "He repaired me a few weeks ago, when I was damaged by a fire blast. Perhaps he can repair me again."<br />
<br />
"Yeah I remember that. That's when I found out about your origins as my design." John then turned to Annabelle and Mirabelle, "it should only take a short while to fix him, but I gotta go do something first. Just keep an eye on him, and make sure he doesn't <i>explode</i> or something."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzR4TdShY4894MPUZYVBzzIyv1BH-R44AfsRFR0MVJuVbfSKoR-p_umgAk1jnLb07eAqf4IZKbl9LtktkF8VziI-wCLkltwKB7ZPNdy-l-aA8js7gKtcExKUGsbrLpZQBBjk5xV-CQQI/s1600/Screenshot-16785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzR4TdShY4894MPUZYVBzzIyv1BH-R44AfsRFR0MVJuVbfSKoR-p_umgAk1jnLb07eAqf4IZKbl9LtktkF8VziI-wCLkltwKB7ZPNdy-l-aA8js7gKtcExKUGsbrLpZQBBjk5xV-CQQI/s1600/Screenshot-16785.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle shrugged, "Okee, be back soon, will you? He's creeping me out just standing there staring at me with his big ole' eye."<br />
<br />
John nodded and walked away, leaving Annabelle and Mirabelle behind in the foyer with the robot. Mirabelle, trying to pass the time, took a glance at MIKE.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6HdXUqXJEr6_FfzeEYYNBSpQSZ_WI_RmwJHn9rPZlG0RpM-SPGbPh08xnCPXhkV3nrWRqzJfm41OT4wXuqXRh4QctF_O-ujL9oxv3S8JI5n_gkoBoFzyx_wwlg63HKGEo-aXHGFnWPQ/s1600/Screenshot-16788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6HdXUqXJEr6_FfzeEYYNBSpQSZ_WI_RmwJHn9rPZlG0RpM-SPGbPh08xnCPXhkV3nrWRqzJfm41OT4wXuqXRh4QctF_O-ujL9oxv3S8JI5n_gkoBoFzyx_wwlg63HKGEo-aXHGFnWPQ/s1600/Screenshot-16788.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Whassup?"<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSunFLRupYSSoSCHe06QkSd0dhNJ3iHbFDK_CXZ3hIyhsZDkPjgF5onh8F2HDPcMYGVFQR-_J4jBK29OOW44bvmCAz1kOM8dKOLuLEoPyxhLom33z56Jyc2bH6p0ajMIU8lNJP53sAKus/s1600/Screenshot-16772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSunFLRupYSSoSCHe06QkSd0dhNJ3iHbFDK_CXZ3hIyhsZDkPjgF5onh8F2HDPcMYGVFQR-_J4jBK29OOW44bvmCAz1kOM8dKOLuLEoPyxhLom33z56Jyc2bH6p0ajMIU8lNJP53sAKus/s1600/Screenshot-16772.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John walked upstairs, ready to knock on Tom's door, when the door suddenly opened. Tom stood at the door frame wearing an indoor outfit, having changed from his outerwear, and nodded towards John. "What's going on?"<br />
<br />
"Can I come in? There's something you need to see."<br />
<br />
"Sure bud. Come on." Tom walked inside and John quickly followed, shutting the door. Afterward, John took a small video disk out of his pocket and placed it on the dresser next to Tom's door, directing his friend's attention towards it silently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLz1tTLboGEIO9zlenHW73jKcrmcI_6XXkAEzjCOih9bx3ueKYqf-fi4dO2va2euwbhZQFwkaOPg8jbsVwFGriagzaQTH73jZs0YD2ttmkXmya8m450XWFmqSk1FYELdnsyjzDp3zOeU/s1600/Screenshot-16771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLz1tTLboGEIO9zlenHW73jKcrmcI_6XXkAEzjCOih9bx3ueKYqf-fi4dO2va2euwbhZQFwkaOPg8jbsVwFGriagzaQTH73jZs0YD2ttmkXmya8m450XWFmqSk1FYELdnsyjzDp3zOeU/s1600/Screenshot-16771.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What is that? Your wedding video?"<br />
<br />
John shook his head, but remained silent. He then took a piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Tom, who read it right there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1qx5X3Uu7OszqeIJo2Vsoi1Df-a3dnSpkqSuYeFxZkBOU-dPpPQXdG5HPJNnuNRouVxy5klAmoMa6JjpusLtNLtKF3me_MWzLHwe_OFhepPhvWts0dCJDnkoNlUngJqTNuNaTrLeYVg/s1600/Screenshot-16766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1qx5X3Uu7OszqeIJo2Vsoi1Df-a3dnSpkqSuYeFxZkBOU-dPpPQXdG5HPJNnuNRouVxy5klAmoMa6JjpusLtNLtKF3me_MWzLHwe_OFhepPhvWts0dCJDnkoNlUngJqTNuNaTrLeYVg/s1600/Screenshot-16766.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Tom, I found this old video in the attic of our house in Sunset Valley when we moved back this past week. This is a video log your parents took during their last trip to Egypt. Please watch this. - Uncle Elliot"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvi4ki0dRTX5Rb6L1f6PbVs0QlC4P84M0y2Vu97lbVMlPQ_uVwuCacEL08NQ6ACxc_2cAbB7akMbiE1n411WhxS7p1fI4fEl2sVgAxMDjpVpZv3fX5sc0mJZNUKhRGvXiGdEpEoIquck/s1600/Screenshot-16767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvi4ki0dRTX5Rb6L1f6PbVs0QlC4P84M0y2Vu97lbVMlPQ_uVwuCacEL08NQ6ACxc_2cAbB7akMbiE1n411WhxS7p1fI4fEl2sVgAxMDjpVpZv3fX5sc0mJZNUKhRGvXiGdEpEoIquck/s1600/Screenshot-16767.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
"My parents?" Tom stood in place, holding onto the note for dear life. All of the blood drained from his head and he felt weak in the knees, but he didn't want to move from where he was. "My parents made a video log and I didn't know about it?"<br />
<br />
Tom took a long look at the disk that John sat on the dresser. "That's the video, right?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7G3gWayWbA2Q5qG_A-cxEMHZD9WH0sayrUircswBuu51vSXUcJ3ucHeRNBcRrqlEE90155905fiCZwoqwl3o9um8VQY1FefX-PJF1dYI8XXATPC4HoTXoFSOJjk7r9l-eXdcsPEfm7E/s1600/Screenshot-16768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7G3gWayWbA2Q5qG_A-cxEMHZD9WH0sayrUircswBuu51vSXUcJ3ucHeRNBcRrqlEE90155905fiCZwoqwl3o9um8VQY1FefX-PJF1dYI8XXATPC4HoTXoFSOJjk7r9l-eXdcsPEfm7E/s1600/Screenshot-16768.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom pocketed the note while John silently nodded, then handed the disk to him. "Are you going to watch it?"<br />
<br />
Tom continued to stand there, holding the disk in his hand. He thought about the times in his life in which he had met his father's spirit, and how it helped him, how everything in his life was affected in some way by them. Yet he realized that he never actually <i>knew</i> them. And now, in his hand, was a log of their adventures in Egypt that was to be their last.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5jwE2LuJK2T3rZzPggDgQ1iaFZgiR8MNZgVpm9UH3oC8rbK5J2ao3yzDzSU6uZYxhHUeggZuZIIjEJYDkbzJ9exGs0XnvsnNjFgA5WGCiTMul4e-NuXnQcL-bubkYZG8i_CGpTPQhm4/s1600/Screenshot-16770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5jwE2LuJK2T3rZzPggDgQ1iaFZgiR8MNZgVpm9UH3oC8rbK5J2ao3yzDzSU6uZYxhHUeggZuZIIjEJYDkbzJ9exGs0XnvsnNjFgA5WGCiTMul4e-NuXnQcL-bubkYZG8i_CGpTPQhm4/s1600/Screenshot-16770.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
By the time he was ready to talk, John had let himself out presumably so Tom could have time to himself. As though he was still there, Tom answered his question out-loud.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpSyRJ_tEedAwe0XgCGQ1iaI9z2EKZ7uiqoGiwZB6fRagYG8ND7OdgXro5tLZLq488KkM0h8JG8KoBdqtc95H0jwv6ebhzJbCGCdv7Epw392nrQ6JU9BRunoDQ4VnCeb0cayl0TiCe2Y/s1600/Screenshot-16769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpSyRJ_tEedAwe0XgCGQ1iaI9z2EKZ7uiqoGiwZB6fRagYG8ND7OdgXro5tLZLq488KkM0h8JG8KoBdqtc95H0jwv6ebhzJbCGCdv7Epw392nrQ6JU9BRunoDQ4VnCeb0cayl0TiCe2Y/s1600/Screenshot-16769.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't know."<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc0SZuazo1seUZXaO3d78ts_8-Jtti-LQTI9qYWpUmR0Z1TGcXzagW0OtlIHqL6qMHbkTQxTcbLLw9tnr80RY_uBjsmQQCuQpOuUvZlol6RDxNQmogFFCnB4KEv3MQO1olfv9FjND0Og/s1600/Screenshot-16723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc0SZuazo1seUZXaO3d78ts_8-Jtti-LQTI9qYWpUmR0Z1TGcXzagW0OtlIHqL6qMHbkTQxTcbLLw9tnr80RY_uBjsmQQCuQpOuUvZlol6RDxNQmogFFCnB4KEv3MQO1olfv9FjND0Og/s1600/Screenshot-16723.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Keera sat on a park bench across the street from the movie studio, staring it down intently. She had fully intended to go there herself, but once again froze up after looking at it. Letting out a deep sigh, Keera continued to sit there, waiting for her own courage to come back. She looked up and noticed the clouds as they moved across the sky. This made her think back to her younger days when she and Annabelle used to lie in the grass on a summer day, watching the clouds float by. She believed things were simpler then, that the clouds were just clouds and her life would never spiral into the strange existence it had become.<br />
<br />
Keera felt herself lost in the moment staring up at the clouds, and was taken out of it by a sudden shift in the bench's weight. Sure enough, she turned her head and noticed a teenage boy sitting next to her. She gathered he was roughly the same age as her, from his looks. She turned her head back and looked up at the clouds, trying to give this guy the hint that she wasn't in the talking mood, but he simply stayed where he was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwnLF4uO77DJbYkqICFIqmnv4qC3-EoouGQbTLlDUEsKUgH2AYAPwnPfND361P6bEsmgjNiuN9x1JSWn9NEQCPG9yjMlzu4a8LYRpxvXDaESY95_ubUUqpK7p0RYIauiijxMKvdh44YQ/s1600/Screenshot-16728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwnLF4uO77DJbYkqICFIqmnv4qC3-EoouGQbTLlDUEsKUgH2AYAPwnPfND361P6bEsmgjNiuN9x1JSWn9NEQCPG9yjMlzu4a8LYRpxvXDaESY95_ubUUqpK7p0RYIauiijxMKvdh44YQ/s1600/Screenshot-16728.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"He'yo." The teen said, his voice carrying what sounded like an Irish accent, "My name's Ethan Craft. What's yours?"<br />
<br />
"Keera. Keera Kethrin."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Keera? That's a popular name where I'm from. Keera. Probably be my own name had I been born a lass. Heck, I'm glad it's not my name now, my ma's a bit on the eccentric side and that's something she'd do."</div>
<br />
Keera chuckled, then went back to looking at the clouds. "Look, Ethan, is it? I'm just trying to be alone right now. No offense to you or your <i>eccentric</i> mother, I'm just wanting to be alone."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF36XeOkXNQzWqe5AV4XqgAUqJgtehzaV4K2K4_8gKchEI3WziADxdvS1VLVul1m0P7bBtjkQtLKEkyGAbJ19HQV9jY-K57WgLTfw61GV8lPyK9wASBToYpgp4_0XyOiKQUX9Q_Effq_8/s1600/Screenshot-16741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF36XeOkXNQzWqe5AV4XqgAUqJgtehzaV4K2K4_8gKchEI3WziADxdvS1VLVul1m0P7bBtjkQtLKEkyGAbJ19HQV9jY-K57WgLTfw61GV8lPyK9wASBToYpgp4_0XyOiKQUX9Q_Effq_8/s1600/Screenshot-16741.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Okee." Ethan smiled, stood up, and walked away. Keera sat where she was after he left, and went back to cloud watching, but a short time later felt the bench shift in weight again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuM0149IvQ6rGHgMiaY62JmPjkFKd14NSKVGnUdM4oa4t2sC_y4PgeV4P7DFtELF2Id3BJNNARpzjcjihoUrXX2H2o4QLsRIglUYLVIePR8kkqkJbgz-r-kLh7eXxRWhBTkbxAYzOxFM/s1600/Screenshot-16729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuM0149IvQ6rGHgMiaY62JmPjkFKd14NSKVGnUdM4oa4t2sC_y4PgeV4P7DFtELF2Id3BJNNARpzjcjihoUrXX2H2o4QLsRIglUYLVIePR8kkqkJbgz-r-kLh7eXxRWhBTkbxAYzOxFM/s1600/Screenshot-16729.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I do apologize for talking about my mother like that. She's awesome."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKPNipatlc3MJET03ch_cYQdxKLjIvpfUOC76eaIbkoKgVuUJcozZZ-tSM4P_9xH1o0-v3RoeEdU9W1GFcRNieqHNp1olEGwQRzvevwSoVUc4WtaJIcWEsOoI10uQxKPTAOEOHl1HSXk/s1600/Screenshot-16730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKPNipatlc3MJET03ch_cYQdxKLjIvpfUOC76eaIbkoKgVuUJcozZZ-tSM4P_9xH1o0-v3RoeEdU9W1GFcRNieqHNp1olEGwQRzvevwSoVUc4WtaJIcWEsOoI10uQxKPTAOEOHl1HSXk/s1600/Screenshot-16730.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera angrily sighed, and turned towards Ethan, "Can I help you, or something?"<br />
<br />
"I'm just trying to get to know some people here is all. My family is here in town until next week. My mother's a doctor and she's attending a conference down the road and I find those things rather boring. Thought I'd mingle with the locals, that is if you <i>are</i> a local."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mC2LXcxwG6HIayRIcsCTAdEiQKVzq_3PjwxquMu-4Bai5zQBWnYxerrHrrmTWzG7h72ktBJZATFohw8tG3pPqzyW7hj7DX41QzNV-NBmixMcmEgBh5bOaXUd2fGDW_OhL0f6aw4c69s/s1600/Screenshot-16735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mC2LXcxwG6HIayRIcsCTAdEiQKVzq_3PjwxquMu-4Bai5zQBWnYxerrHrrmTWzG7h72ktBJZATFohw8tG3pPqzyW7hj7DX41QzNV-NBmixMcmEgBh5bOaXUd2fGDW_OhL0f6aw4c69s/s1600/Screenshot-16735.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What is that supposed to mean? Do I look different? Is that it? My scar? Is that what you're talking about?!"<br />
<br />
Ethan smiled, "nope, I didn't even notice it until you brought it up." Keera wasn't sure if he was lying, or if his eyes were frozen up from the cold. "But your name, and the scar, make everything come together."<br />
<br />
"What do you mean?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aRLbPVsR1gL7McJyCtnPP8FAqomJtfNMgHBgyj_aTVWveBQ0rvsbraINUJ2WRkutzR7lWTZZCN48tmb7-Eu6UqCzZSupBX-h_xPfDLaFFoKY71ucIrvDo0Ol3x8Fl00-8jCj9PaCZOI/s1600/Screenshot-16727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aRLbPVsR1gL7McJyCtnPP8FAqomJtfNMgHBgyj_aTVWveBQ0rvsbraINUJ2WRkutzR7lWTZZCN48tmb7-Eu6UqCzZSupBX-h_xPfDLaFFoKY71ucIrvDo0Ol3x8Fl00-8jCj9PaCZOI/s1600/Screenshot-16727.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ethan pointed at the movie studio. "I heard about the accident over there, it made international news! My mother was a doctor who they wanted to bring in to help you. She wasn't able to though. Too busy, too many patients and not enough patience, if you get my meaning."<br />
<br />
Keera looked at him, "Maybe she could have helped to make my scar not so noticeable.. I could have had it removed, you know. It could have been gone and I would have been normal. As normal as I can be. But I didn't. I wanted to wear this scar as a reminder that I should always be careful, and because of it, I can't even walk into that damn building over there!" She gestured towards the movie studio nearby. "It's so damn ...shameful. A permanent badge of shame!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHUtIL8RcFEwRteYxtrCneayc2_Dky-ecuw6eOvNxXe9FFhGg_nK6CjnulqLOhVVCgKYTVmJpP-GxWqLjn9Kpa50NQpvpeacxeUyh0EE4TUiTfmU9req9H39f8VVX8DOqDbK5BEE_2qo/s1600/Screenshot-16731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHUtIL8RcFEwRteYxtrCneayc2_Dky-ecuw6eOvNxXe9FFhGg_nK6CjnulqLOhVVCgKYTVmJpP-GxWqLjn9Kpa50NQpvpeacxeUyh0EE4TUiTfmU9req9H39f8VVX8DOqDbK5BEE_2qo/s1600/Screenshot-16731.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It's not shameful." <br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"Well, you kept the scar despite what you felt about it, and yourself, so it's more a badge of strength than anything. And it makes you unique, everybody needs something to stand out in this world."<br />
<br />
"Yeah." Keera replied, "I guess so. I guess I've just been worried about something."<br />
<br />
"What's that?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9peE0hxrRwbOGIprOTQfwlhTknIkSRD21T1FQKNo2ygwSpOUCyhGLxO3Y2gDKFTbTsmyzmNUyLk6Qx46SnY1U7jutaIGDL4usHxqcPZkimtFH-n4SDv8nT7K9ms2oBIRfYfs7-1uoRRc/s1600/Screenshot-16737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9peE0hxrRwbOGIprOTQfwlhTknIkSRD21T1FQKNo2ygwSpOUCyhGLxO3Y2gDKFTbTsmyzmNUyLk6Qx46SnY1U7jutaIGDL4usHxqcPZkimtFH-n4SDv8nT7K9ms2oBIRfYfs7-1uoRRc/s1600/Screenshot-16737.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera sighed, "It's hard to talk about, especially to someone I just met. Every time I look at that place, I feel lost, that a part of me was lost there. I know it's obviously because I was hurt there, but still it feels... empty."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYe6qMK4TyH-V1XADxwVLeXnOdyQe2WEF1PuJ-JAnirZ70CPBnyJlIcUHRSdAx1HTIVnQWkQqcEEmt3t6fhXSkSofXFdyjf8-uNtoX-K5fG_ccgOnbEfgW7nvbziUkbqS8mrYtK54Ibk/s1600/Screenshot-16738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYe6qMK4TyH-V1XADxwVLeXnOdyQe2WEF1PuJ-JAnirZ70CPBnyJlIcUHRSdAx1HTIVnQWkQqcEEmt3t6fhXSkSofXFdyjf8-uNtoX-K5fG_ccgOnbEfgW7nvbziUkbqS8mrYtK54Ibk/s1600/Screenshot-16738.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Maybe something that was <i>supposed</i> to happen, didn't. Why did you go there in the first place?"<br />
<br />
Keera shrugged, "A tour. Someone close to me used to be an actress there, and she gave me a tour. I begged and begged and begged her to take me, and on the day she did..." She made a sound like an explosion and pointed to her face, "this."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzzT3cekemN1haY9twE_1aJk31-1ekjmYYnZOqbqabUoq9-2jolYri58VnHvOvYsuwtvFxLHbDxEjACkDmsWoRRHUJL58xM9OQHg8BSHmhDu1mTGn2LvRqfFud0Ovs7T8eMpmKMyYX6w/s1600/Screenshot-16726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzzT3cekemN1haY9twE_1aJk31-1ekjmYYnZOqbqabUoq9-2jolYri58VnHvOvYsuwtvFxLHbDxEjACkDmsWoRRHUJL58xM9OQHg8BSHmhDu1mTGn2LvRqfFud0Ovs7T8eMpmKMyYX6w/s1600/Screenshot-16726.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well, I'm no psychologist, but perhaps if you go back there and complete the tour, everything will fall back into place and you won't be afraid to go there anymore."<br />
<br />
Keera thought over what he said. Was she too afraid to go back to the studio after the explosion? Sure, Collin's mistake was a rare event, and she hadn't heard of any major incident since then.<br />
<br />
"Yeah, I guess." Keera looked back at Ethan, who smiled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cpiEEup6it0k8Rs7gKyulKg7ZJVNDr3I8bQZaD2BakXgYKS6cyOzU5HHxmiguZVUrUSwHzZN_2oGxUasoPhHxosxJyixUY432zuIHIrpR1qR6CPlyxhbBeqEmS3RNB9Nl2zC7hODGE0/s1600/Screenshot-16740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cpiEEup6it0k8Rs7gKyulKg7ZJVNDr3I8bQZaD2BakXgYKS6cyOzU5HHxmiguZVUrUSwHzZN_2oGxUasoPhHxosxJyixUY432zuIHIrpR1qR6CPlyxhbBeqEmS3RNB9Nl2zC7hODGE0/s1600/Screenshot-16740.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"The best thing to do is to do what you want. That's what we all should do, right?" Suddenly, Ethan stood up. "Hey I'm gonna go, the conference my mother is at should be done. Hopefully I'll see you around again, Miss Kethrin."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChhXNeH3oKGPzJgGQBNCQLZbDtA4WAuPNOch-i40EQxn68ZeYoK0d0uAER37fGZez-xKvRDn3F8lX_y6lALRxWzbtb6UWPvIMzZHBCB5TmHfDAcRPDaeBimXangx4Xg4Vohyq9B2I1VQ/s1600/Screenshot-16742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChhXNeH3oKGPzJgGQBNCQLZbDtA4WAuPNOch-i40EQxn68ZeYoK0d0uAER37fGZez-xKvRDn3F8lX_y6lALRxWzbtb6UWPvIMzZHBCB5TmHfDAcRPDaeBimXangx4Xg4Vohyq9B2I1VQ/s1600/Screenshot-16742.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera nodded, and as Ethan walked away she looked back over at the movie studio, contemplating.<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooFUJOGWFuXK7yUr3BQj_eEqzaNlqrU2vGN_Atfhnuj779ekYs3WAg28q1KNA43g3ke6Z5MFILyQij4YweZmaDI7tdKRRwX4aKd6PMGyxYVilrE9sk4Mg74Laf0y6FdyMLp60Vs3sWuU/s1600/Screenshot-16790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooFUJOGWFuXK7yUr3BQj_eEqzaNlqrU2vGN_Atfhnuj779ekYs3WAg28q1KNA43g3ke6Z5MFILyQij4YweZmaDI7tdKRRwX4aKd6PMGyxYVilrE9sk4Mg74Laf0y6FdyMLp60Vs3sWuU/s1600/Screenshot-16790.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom sat on a couch in the foyer, intently staring at the video disk on the table in front of him. As he did so, he noticed a flash of red in the corner of his eye and immediately knew who it was.<br />
<br />
"Hey Scarlett." Tom stood up to talk to his cousin face-to-face, .<br />
<br />
"Hey, Johnny told me about what he gave you. Did you watch it?" Tom shook his head, "Are you going to watch it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMMNcrkDeDQfeTzDlgCx5ZpL1jSsSCdGp0H0Z1oisq80tYz4wxM0nvuaiNNfON8Tsovpjfm66AYPCqAKwThRdnswe5F_-ocaDGWAQOZZGzcMcCEgGBvZNkBp89OEp-_-aV6LIxs8tVZM/s1600/Screenshot-16792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMMNcrkDeDQfeTzDlgCx5ZpL1jSsSCdGp0H0Z1oisq80tYz4wxM0nvuaiNNfON8Tsovpjfm66AYPCqAKwThRdnswe5F_-ocaDGWAQOZZGzcMcCEgGBvZNkBp89OEp-_-aV6LIxs8tVZM/s1600/Screenshot-16792.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm still figuring that part out."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD09kF_rhk7lwcbe04z8XGJRC79UqXoEGiXi-_c_Dw-_7YapBAT_z3g8SkIGjITUkQ6lhwl7Mwb4RWUO5aNUOYwGOuGofs2Eo2o2UxyNNVZxYFpQFk4sk7FvVYPD5ZQ0d1GpXx25RtfQA/s1600/Screenshot-16794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD09kF_rhk7lwcbe04z8XGJRC79UqXoEGiXi-_c_Dw-_7YapBAT_z3g8SkIGjITUkQ6lhwl7Mwb4RWUO5aNUOYwGOuGofs2Eo2o2UxyNNVZxYFpQFk4sk7FvVYPD5ZQ0d1GpXx25RtfQA/s1600/Screenshot-16794.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett shrugged, "well, whatever you do, just know that you have the support of everyone in the household, especially me. John showed me a video of my parents a few months ago, and it helped me out with some things. Maybe it could do the same for you."<br />
<br />
"Didn't he also take you to a parallel universe a couple days ago so you could meet your own parents?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicC4hI9irJbrTiwSupGthDakU39h_CXRo-5EmmA4hsXR9HnnMjiTGtwaXoOgMQ6zimmdk5OHgGrelIvPev-WmsLkLjo_vszNI23ThQLdrMiseAWPtb45nSg_nEyUVx_LmXPXyoVc6Pfsw/s1600/Screenshot-16791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicC4hI9irJbrTiwSupGthDakU39h_CXRo-5EmmA4hsXR9HnnMjiTGtwaXoOgMQ6zimmdk5OHgGrelIvPev-WmsLkLjo_vszNI23ThQLdrMiseAWPtb45nSg_nEyUVx_LmXPXyoVc6Pfsw/s1600/Screenshot-16791.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah, but those are my parents and they <i>aren't</i> at the same time. It's like some sort of Schrödinger's Family thing going on or something."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
Scarlett chuckled, "John made that joke. Anyway, as I stated before, whatever you do, you have my support."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rHQSK5x0jDigQB6SN6gtGP7u2lEEZv1bcRkjVIu6jGzwagxcYfE1LicK-LdMuiIvML51enY0gr3k3ooBY8TTRP0HzB7Wal-9OnEGZIACtfgEC_O5JVldxkNoyrtv1XBiteBGMooxn2s/s1600/Screenshot-16796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rHQSK5x0jDigQB6SN6gtGP7u2lEEZv1bcRkjVIu6jGzwagxcYfE1LicK-LdMuiIvML51enY0gr3k3ooBY8TTRP0HzB7Wal-9OnEGZIACtfgEC_O5JVldxkNoyrtv1XBiteBGMooxn2s/s1600/Screenshot-16796.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Thanks, cuz." Tom smiled at her, turned around, and walked away. As he was about to do so, he heard Scarlett's cell phone go off, and continued walking. Behind him, Scarlett spoke into the phone a single word of acknowledgement and walked upstairs.<br />
<br />
-------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoi98CEpn8BclSAphChwqRehSIKVQJ3mmAb_EjMzBDn8qgQMcDtWXJHZLywGQocullyDEDXP0vfKwAlbewmvKS-gfYbHNb_hpeTL6pq5007hh8aRaRsF5GkCLL0NapTptBZMm_5hrYPkI/s1600/Screenshot-16559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoi98CEpn8BclSAphChwqRehSIKVQJ3mmAb_EjMzBDn8qgQMcDtWXJHZLywGQocullyDEDXP0vfKwAlbewmvKS-gfYbHNb_hpeTL6pq5007hh8aRaRsF5GkCLL0NapTptBZMm_5hrYPkI/s1600/Screenshot-16559.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvcf8dzi73JYmP9aOTtk4PJUezfbK4XhKEveAkNto0-N8VdVxQLJu631riY-yGo7tBD3tedJBO2JeZ5ZOMg5bBn3FXMTv-WJhDBcK84IewxxgfcsokOb98d9X_OsH2Hymf0IZW1XVRbY/s1600/Screenshot-16561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvcf8dzi73JYmP9aOTtk4PJUezfbK4XhKEveAkNto0-N8VdVxQLJu631riY-yGo7tBD3tedJBO2JeZ5ZOMg5bBn3FXMTv-WJhDBcK84IewxxgfcsokOb98d9X_OsH2Hymf0IZW1XVRbY/s1600/Screenshot-16561.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera stood just outside the movie studio. By this time, the sun had fallen a little closer the horizon and the sky was getting darker, resulting in a temperature drop. A few moments passed by and a red car pulled into the parking lot of the studio, with John sitting out of the driver's seat and Scarlett in the passenger side. John, acknowledging that Keera called Scarlett, stayed in the car while the Red walked up to Keera.<br />
<br />
"Hey Keeki, you ready to go?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bbA5JtU9OIXl7nXV4rYOCTAToWRpf3I7E8Iiyt-NVcKOVOKDKjSxDO9aXsHh5zfd5BFpj7iOZwi7782AreOqoQw-gIE4A2dUPRyQbr7Cgn_tr9e1URX2AVIk4gPqFmmYfx9XoUe390Y/s1600/Screenshot-16551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bbA5JtU9OIXl7nXV4rYOCTAToWRpf3I7E8Iiyt-NVcKOVOKDKjSxDO9aXsHh5zfd5BFpj7iOZwi7782AreOqoQw-gIE4A2dUPRyQbr7Cgn_tr9e1URX2AVIk4gPqFmmYfx9XoUe390Y/s1600/Screenshot-16551.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera didn't respond, continuing to look at the studio. Instead of answering Scarlett's question, she instead opted to ask her own.<br />
<br />
"Did I die?"<br />
<br />
Scarlett was taken aback by the question, but Keera continued. "I remember seeing a white light after the explosion. I'm not sure if it was the flash blindness from the explosion itself or something more spiritual, and I've silently asked myself that question more times than I hoped. Did I die? Am I a ghost?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBVqpcvFdbdjSgktA4MFuULINDkzrFhYscrg2Gct6bEFrnPC4O3YbNlsLiIp2lL1IdD4xvJrP-4DRiJ8L-1_i7N2VqxWsXdX_Sc5cJV5nx_0hZ01qhlmeB5wJw_f01dJE57BRALYoSAo/s1600/Screenshot-16552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBVqpcvFdbdjSgktA4MFuULINDkzrFhYscrg2Gct6bEFrnPC4O3YbNlsLiIp2lL1IdD4xvJrP-4DRiJ8L-1_i7N2VqxWsXdX_Sc5cJV5nx_0hZ01qhlmeB5wJw_f01dJE57BRALYoSAo/s1600/Screenshot-16552.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No." Scarlett answered bluntly. "You didn't die, if I recall correctly, you never even lost consciousness after the explosion despite the pain you were in. You were strong then, and you're strong now. And you know something? You only get stronger as life goes on."<br />
<br />
Keera smiled. "Yeah, Annabelle told me something similar after the accident."<br />
<br />
"What did she say?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqOJKnIBhlZrCcaHHew2gzjaZrmbLITtSyPKzn_pmIGr7Dt-Dlx9MyqDBe8bEYHd7WZ-Pm5iHeg3FMcBOhbTVVZ85WPW66aM1SVzje5OJvSBDt4uTp4X_BsEo0TIU9gAf4Zjv3P8jpqE/s1600/Screenshot-16554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqOJKnIBhlZrCcaHHew2gzjaZrmbLITtSyPKzn_pmIGr7Dt-Dlx9MyqDBe8bEYHd7WZ-Pm5iHeg3FMcBOhbTVVZ85WPW66aM1SVzje5OJvSBDt4uTp4X_BsEo0TIU9gAf4Zjv3P8jpqE/s1600/Screenshot-16554.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"She told me I will always be a fighter. I didn't know what to say then, but I do know what to do now. I've been meaning to do it for months."<br />
<br />
"What's that?"<br />
<br />
Keera walked forward into the studio. The gate had been removed since the last time they were there, and Scarlett's presence meant that they could explore the area due to her history with the place. Keera walked up to the area where the two stood when they first attempted to tour the place. She looked up at the tall sets with the same wide-eyed wonder that she had in her face the July before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HXWJ12f4CYSzStLP3A27y_dbGoB8EikNh3Cq7buDP2-hENDyAMmJQJz5xBHQJhTVnc76yHdx61GYynoOkIN1wqMfPKDYERLOUWY-fbBtoibKbImcgkbIh6Cnzrs985pxIIP9EhcyS80/s1600/Screenshot-16557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HXWJ12f4CYSzStLP3A27y_dbGoB8EikNh3Cq7buDP2-hENDyAMmJQJz5xBHQJhTVnc76yHdx61GYynoOkIN1wqMfPKDYERLOUWY-fbBtoibKbImcgkbIh6Cnzrs985pxIIP9EhcyS80/s1600/Screenshot-16557.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett picked up on what she wanted to do and smiled. She then walked a few feet forward and turned around. "This is the main lot," Scarlett said, "this is where they used to film outdoor scenes for authentic lighting and weather effects, and still do occasionally. If you look over here, you can see where they filmed the goodbye scene for the movie "June Nights".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76nbM8qIcuzn0VABBV191WHfmS_6RZLafGHvmo6F3x1FY1ERZPzxeQonGN0Q_wEZSXBFIw_7_zmz6vCSnQCAFCSjXOBnANW5YDgQVk3n7jXbnaF-69xWgjJ_Bd25n9buJW0oWnVxur44/s1600/Screenshot-16550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76nbM8qIcuzn0VABBV191WHfmS_6RZLafGHvmo6F3x1FY1ERZPzxeQonGN0Q_wEZSXBFIw_7_zmz6vCSnQCAFCSjXOBnANW5YDgQVk3n7jXbnaF-69xWgjJ_Bd25n9buJW0oWnVxur44/s1600/Screenshot-16550.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera smiled as Scarlett continued to give the tour, the one that she was supposed to give before that fateful day. John, in the meantime, sat in the car and looked off towards the direction of the house, worried on whether or not Tom had decided to watch the video of his parents.<br />
<br />
-------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TJrXT-YfWGpVxX8s6wW4uCIufSxZY1DRHXnjtx1hH0cqqHiHvUmY4gK8gkJQgxwSLvFRsvNeXd13wA61iCSq2K5HbkRo7NrI6bjoLo9HVNQeBDRvfVnqMhBgqEHOuY5TBCboFzM8w9k/s1600/Screenshot-16532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TJrXT-YfWGpVxX8s6wW4uCIufSxZY1DRHXnjtx1hH0cqqHiHvUmY4gK8gkJQgxwSLvFRsvNeXd13wA61iCSq2K5HbkRo7NrI6bjoLo9HVNQeBDRvfVnqMhBgqEHOuY5TBCboFzM8w9k/s1600/Screenshot-16532.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom sat down on the couch in the basement after putting the video disk into a player. Taking a deep breath, he picked up the remote with shivering hands and pressed the "play" button. A few seconds of static started running, but then that faded into a brilliant view of Al Sahara, Egypt from a nearby hill, the sun shining on the golden sands as a woman wearing a brown jacket walked into the frame, looking around and smiling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCt5cHiBzjV_SD-4OPEGSd5EwQ8W21Xf33zzyur_2DP5OGOubEbI-wPkVEiVZNVNbCH7H4JvzllKDMO6XcamsphGNE8gfWqyHQotRDFm53_0oCLoITkHTKXHGfvKhRaVXvOecjd3Hr64/s1600/Screenshot-16656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCt5cHiBzjV_SD-4OPEGSd5EwQ8W21Xf33zzyur_2DP5OGOubEbI-wPkVEiVZNVNbCH7H4JvzllKDMO6XcamsphGNE8gfWqyHQotRDFm53_0oCLoITkHTKXHGfvKhRaVXvOecjd3Hr64/s1600/Screenshot-16656.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Come on, Tom!" </i>The woman said, <i>"this trip won't last forever!" </i><br />
<br />
Tom was taken aback by his own name, and knew that the woman on the tape was his mother. "Tom" on the video was obviously Thomas Richard Jameson, his father. He paused the video to get his bearings, then turned it back on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMafK8zE3jMX40d80u2mr0Bmnu_GYoMl9IiuiL6qcuAg2Iff5ihcm-o666Eyom938hwS6Z4vq9N2nO-Ky8foxC910Rc02LNIUSMR-BxJau1kC7q3fm6yc4v3-rLMblcDmvKiDVHsWMqRs/s1600/Screenshot-16658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMafK8zE3jMX40d80u2mr0Bmnu_GYoMl9IiuiL6qcuAg2Iff5ihcm-o666Eyom938hwS6Z4vq9N2nO-Ky8foxC910Rc02LNIUSMR-BxJau1kC7q3fm6yc4v3-rLMblcDmvKiDVHsWMqRs/s1600/Screenshot-16658.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Don't worry, Tina!" </i>Thomas said, his voice clearer than his wife's. <i>"We got plenty of time to goof around." </i>Thomas then turned the camera to face himself as he looked into it. <i>"We do have plenty of time. I mean, five days is enough time to go spelunking into mysteeeerious caves and tombs. I love this part of my hobby!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxSNrGWQgZWPoFPurrPNBVSWCQZ7kaVuQocGvlbDOYIH2FLOikYdPDOEM2yWN3I4Rc1A3wFggVqSvgUbot5BLstLGC9y6fycaikNht3ZowaGL0SlEO1FqA5vmZFzlIzN3lXLSOtvA9Pg/s1600/Screenshot-16534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxSNrGWQgZWPoFPurrPNBVSWCQZ7kaVuQocGvlbDOYIH2FLOikYdPDOEM2yWN3I4Rc1A3wFggVqSvgUbot5BLstLGC9y6fycaikNht3ZowaGL0SlEO1FqA5vmZFzlIzN3lXLSOtvA9Pg/s1600/Screenshot-16534.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Tom smiled at seeing his father, then continued watching. The tape went blank, and seconds later another image popped up revealing Thomas and Tina standing outside in their sleepwear waving to the camera. The timestamp on the video indicated that twelve hours had passed since the last video.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhoN5rXRHJtdQf3_uj-Nnom2YlylG9Jwr27IhMDGDHMB86ga_pt7MAwJbN8tI6AXjQCpwgCfPsbypPWQya6HeKWqjcw3TsC6UeTjvqYh3fhpX3FptFcfGWOySRXOjEWg1RAE5w8SW1no/s1600/Screenshot-16668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhoN5rXRHJtdQf3_uj-Nnom2YlylG9Jwr27IhMDGDHMB86ga_pt7MAwJbN8tI6AXjQCpwgCfPsbypPWQya6HeKWqjcw3TsC6UeTjvqYh3fhpX3FptFcfGWOySRXOjEWg1RAE5w8SW1no/s1600/Screenshot-16668.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Well Junior,"</i> Thomas said into the camera, <i>"we tried to make a video log of our first day but your mother accidentally dropped most of the tapes into a ravine."</i><br />
<br />
Tina make a joking scoff and looked at him. <i>"Well you know how clumsy I am, it was your fault to give me the tape in the first place!"</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1yZeiU-6c6H0daFtzhGmKpsTh1bw5TshQkmWE7RtTRIpcuIuOGdyDJKk7D47QV7eyulqxedzbSKNMb6D3b6KXSF7M93mx7vCg-g_zujjMaTWU46zd006L9u6m8u1BF7SIVgzdTrlyFM/s1600/Screenshot-16669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1yZeiU-6c6H0daFtzhGmKpsTh1bw5TshQkmWE7RtTRIpcuIuOGdyDJKk7D47QV7eyulqxedzbSKNMb6D3b6KXSF7M93mx7vCg-g_zujjMaTWU46zd006L9u6m8u1BF7SIVgzdTrlyFM/s1600/Screenshot-16669.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"My fault? Yeah I guess so. Next time I'll hold on to it. Anyway, nothing of real importance happened today so we'll restart this whole video log thing tomorrow. We do want to make sure to catch the opening of Al Sahara's Sphinx in two days, so I'll make better judgement calls on who to give the camera too." </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQE-_m1YFwiSnHf4E_t-1EZpegBJOS-c8rTfaPuvpWoN1qKwc7RbgBHFaQdZJBdt0PSoF7Qq8miOLS37eiPEwRSuDnhs5ycdhX8EQTAD9zunNVskdfqhYrt9wQ-pm32DYIZuHhlR0MKQ/s1600/Screenshot-16666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQE-_m1YFwiSnHf4E_t-1EZpegBJOS-c8rTfaPuvpWoN1qKwc7RbgBHFaQdZJBdt0PSoF7Qq8miOLS37eiPEwRSuDnhs5ycdhX8EQTAD9zunNVskdfqhYrt9wQ-pm32DYIZuHhlR0MKQ/s1600/Screenshot-16666.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tina chuckled, and looked back into the camera. <i>"Goodnight, little son. We love you."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH020hbxcBVrrVylIxyWN7jjWrP8DOQoHyW0_lGouT3aF-_LjNAdJpEmnUPyOnNAlz76C2wGZLNSJ9HXNF_gsIWb0sG6mWR5cq-if1se_LW_dRIY_2pFReTIy6XSSbc1zrN9ow7N51cc/s1600/Screenshot-16661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH020hbxcBVrrVylIxyWN7jjWrP8DOQoHyW0_lGouT3aF-_LjNAdJpEmnUPyOnNAlz76C2wGZLNSJ9HXNF_gsIWb0sG6mWR5cq-if1se_LW_dRIY_2pFReTIy6XSSbc1zrN9ow7N51cc/s1600/Screenshot-16661.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
A few seconds of static passed, and when the camera was back on Thomas and Tina were standing outside the Spinx of Al Sahara. It was a couple of days later, according to the time stamp on the video. Thomas reached in and pulled a switch on the outside of the door, while Tina stood beside him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66Z5Zj2FVAPbPYHU5QhgsVVtYbYZod4sOHERWii_bzb6VEDFDMISTYZqLLA1aNpvYQgjUWGbjt_CRJujMxS8cWa0IGs5niazLUWlYMrLFyCSmsjrz1SA90Ffeh5Ap00SVpnw5XkdJ9y8/s1600/Screenshot-16662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66Z5Zj2FVAPbPYHU5QhgsVVtYbYZod4sOHERWii_bzb6VEDFDMISTYZqLLA1aNpvYQgjUWGbjt_CRJujMxS8cWa0IGs5niazLUWlYMrLFyCSmsjrz1SA90Ffeh5Ap00SVpnw5XkdJ9y8/s1600/Screenshot-16662.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A few more seconds of static passed and Thomas was gently walking into a small room presumably deep within the sphinx itself. A few moments later, a sound was heard from deep within the room. Tina dropped the camera and ran to help her husband as an otherworldly screech echoed through the video and directly into Tom's ears. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHygpvgp0kBdwmnZsItJvfITwMhnW4OfJTGwGQDsxx-cp8hIKnrL0GT0K27Onqt5VPrS5VQKnQbirU_Hd7ZQmAHSUwHt2pjxq1LMtwju3xYqyCGJNwKrjbfgLscaSJWV3BGWI1D7hilUA/s1600/video1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHygpvgp0kBdwmnZsItJvfITwMhnW4OfJTGwGQDsxx-cp8hIKnrL0GT0K27Onqt5VPrS5VQKnQbirU_Hd7ZQmAHSUwHt2pjxq1LMtwju3xYqyCGJNwKrjbfgLscaSJWV3BGWI1D7hilUA/s1600/video1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Tom looked away, and when he turned back, the view on the screen showed a small building with dusty walls and a small bed next to it. The camera suddenly moved, and was set on an object where Thomas walked into view. His appearance was disheveled, and he looked sick. In the background, Tom could see his mother Tina lying on a bed with the cover up to her. Her breathing was erratic, and Thomas occasionally looked back to check on her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN37eOzpwfqsU2lnew8XMjeGBzM1olQCL_iAaY1g6DTrN4tQfVC-Oq5hQtYWegEUe67v8noalNKN9DLGp2FSCdSXVIepgdBorPtLmO5dw43TW8fiBa6FByocLGyfJXq8RV4YOTTN0-JP8/s1600/Screenshot-16686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN37eOzpwfqsU2lnew8XMjeGBzM1olQCL_iAaY1g6DTrN4tQfVC-Oq5hQtYWegEUe67v8noalNKN9DLGp2FSCdSXVIepgdBorPtLmO5dw43TW8fiBa6FByocLGyfJXq8RV4YOTTN0-JP8/s1600/Screenshot-16686.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom still sat in front of the video, but Tom closed his eyes, not wanting to see his parents like this. He could still hear, however, and listened intently to Thomas' words as he spoke.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK5W9PBMxP-mzWkGm_YvdYEmSwzwDLZNi1WNRno_QV_GCVGzrnemNe-ubAcToft9lAMZ_iZDjeaCwqUxSRx7LKFZWvIG292EC9mfYwK0zvwDcheZ7jO0Il7OgKO2RNpwDK69n8Zc0ytQ/s1600/video2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK5W9PBMxP-mzWkGm_YvdYEmSwzwDLZNi1WNRno_QV_GCVGzrnemNe-ubAcToft9lAMZ_iZDjeaCwqUxSRx7LKFZWvIG292EC9mfYwK0zvwDcheZ7jO0Il7OgKO2RNpwDK69n8Zc0ytQ/s1600/video2.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Son, you're probably too young to understand this now, but... your mother and I, we're not coming back. We can't come back. Something happened to us while we were down in the Sphinx, and we can't leave. I'm sorry, son. The doctors here did everything they could. Now, all they can do is help us to be comf... look, we love you. We will always love you, you're our son. We won't be there, but you know we'll be watching over you."</i><br />
<br />
<i>"The sky is beautiful here. When the sun sets over the desert, and the moon rises, it's one of the most beautiful things I've seen, aside from your mother. She has trouble talking, she wanted me to tell you to..." </i>Thomas covered his mouth, and continued, <i>"...to be mindful of your aunt and uncle. They're gonna take care of you from now on."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1gdYbtJbwqFSt9HV-moDIJvtRsUJ3x40811latpVYYbGfJUhxH0WobC8Auq21SBJnhiu9dLTrFOJlIY7ijDQYPlz9OF2eiVD4PXqrhP29av6uohsAdsxPpk1WknLt5U5BN-t-C1012M/s1600/Screenshot-16687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1gdYbtJbwqFSt9HV-moDIJvtRsUJ3x40811latpVYYbGfJUhxH0WobC8Auq21SBJnhiu9dLTrFOJlIY7ijDQYPlz9OF2eiVD4PXqrhP29av6uohsAdsxPpk1WknLt5U5BN-t-C1012M/s1600/Screenshot-16687.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom decided to look at the video while it played.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> "She wanted me to tell you that she loves you, and that you are the best thing to ever happen to her. She told me that, hopefully, when you find that special someone to always stick with her, and she told me that... what did she tell me? Well the camera's battery is dying, just know that we love you. </i><i>We love you, Tom."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>The video went to static, and when it came back, the tape glitched and it suddenly showed an older video that Thomas took of Tina, teaching their son how to walk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR4c-jc1QlH04Ak7Z8GR6eKXYxcuioeOK5hRKCXKcThX9PIqC3BpA8RX4K1XFJKawzsfJS6j3vp9awmVxNNRLrKxpF_vT2kcPvzuAPEN2F3mzow3D5Jl_rUpQWr-d9XFhq8QFNV9w55M/s1600/video3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR4c-jc1QlH04Ak7Z8GR6eKXYxcuioeOK5hRKCXKcThX9PIqC3BpA8RX4K1XFJKawzsfJS6j3vp9awmVxNNRLrKxpF_vT2kcPvzuAPEN2F3mzow3D5Jl_rUpQWr-d9XFhq8QFNV9w55M/s1600/video3.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Come on! Come on! That's it! You're doing it! Awesome little Tom-Tom!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9tpxpGt6xHazxiVSw3VOGCOfG8JA90K2UyBRuboUVZ-QpoL4o6OoMYbymnKaBDl43VweIc-gI-BnX2U6wmkzTXflirghJdPPI9Alp9Vh7kHtclWLUnhYpbtCXyyzeBU78Hq3QtV89p8/s1600/Screenshot-16533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9tpxpGt6xHazxiVSw3VOGCOfG8JA90K2UyBRuboUVZ-QpoL4o6OoMYbymnKaBDl43VweIc-gI-BnX2U6wmkzTXflirghJdPPI9Alp9Vh7kHtclWLUnhYpbtCXyyzeBU78Hq3QtV89p8/s1600/Screenshot-16533.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83ovoxg1OSvuaX6wL-6YwebiYiKiZPjUU68-3kwntDJ2R3ywPdf1rSMB2smxa7XinkUkU3K_0kYSbv8A45VciIpmSsjx-LJq11hRyC2LDgda-cnEi3jCmBMVqeT3w8nedKMFUf4g-LB4/s1600/Screenshot-16531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83ovoxg1OSvuaX6wL-6YwebiYiKiZPjUU68-3kwntDJ2R3ywPdf1rSMB2smxa7XinkUkU3K_0kYSbv8A45VciIpmSsjx-LJq11hRyC2LDgda-cnEi3jCmBMVqeT3w8nedKMFUf4g-LB4/s1600/Screenshot-16531.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, unceremoniously, the tape ended. Tom remained where he was, unable to move for what seemed like hours. Finally, he stood up, and before he could even take a step, he broke down in the middle of the basement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-26945650301654974302014-03-30T21:57:00.001-05:002017-02-13T20:42:36.973-06:00Chapter Forty-Three - Omens and Oddities<div style="text-align: center;">
"Ow! Son of a-"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhivBlHbYKPkwZKQS0tRdzyZRscgOrh2Zj9Mdq8uBwIuB1btfMyiTphwNu9Ui3HVeuQisM-RK2BNNudnD5y_KB4gCy8BQiVPY40ItLhgpgFstaOIHWkcZP4V7nXBvNdvYTb8NOpLLzjg/s1600/Screenshot-12440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhivBlHbYKPkwZKQS0tRdzyZRscgOrh2Zj9Mdq8uBwIuB1btfMyiTphwNu9Ui3HVeuQisM-RK2BNNudnD5y_KB4gCy8BQiVPY40ItLhgpgFstaOIHWkcZP4V7nXBvNdvYTb8NOpLLzjg/s400/Screenshot-12440.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After putting on some clothes, which the energy wings seemed to pass right though, Annabelle kept pinching herself over and over, wondering if what she was seeing was part of some crazed, psychedelic dream she was having after being thrown back into the tree by that childish fairy. Annabelle kept her eyes on the wings in the reflection while trying to touch them, being surprised to see that her hands phased right through them like they weren't even there. "No no no. I mean, what the hell?! Was this that fairy? Why did she turn me into one of these... Feen things!?!"<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Tom knocked on the door. Having heard Annabelle talking to herself from the hall, yet unable to hear what she was talking about, he let himself into her bedroom to make sure she was alright.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67h3IZpDGeeJYk0X0SZ1h0qGbB-YrAglQt1JakCOi7SDLPCItWrkfZt-bPu2JveOSfuR_I1V0r4UMJgb-UOfQwobPGGBzu_nqGsmC2Ij0n-sbaOou5-DKrkS-T5TcPCPd1awqwXvcOZU/s1600/Screenshot-12438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67h3IZpDGeeJYk0X0SZ1h0qGbB-YrAglQt1JakCOi7SDLPCItWrkfZt-bPu2JveOSfuR_I1V0r4UMJgb-UOfQwobPGGBzu_nqGsmC2Ij0n-sbaOou5-DKrkS-T5TcPCPd1awqwXvcOZU/s400/Screenshot-12438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
. "Hey Annabelle, I was wondering if you maybe wanted to go get something to drink at the sports bar downtown or maybe have a nice dinner at the fancy restaurant that just ope-"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS7rW89BudYueWen6lUI6ORHeJnbwOWyD2FngUQ2jxb_g5ikqYs9B1MqXcZXfIGk3nki_Wh4o16N95XpDRffpmhzIu4O71sCP3sSk4WvQe1ZwkZQcAhUWQ7SWNWyAVU2tPQqyGt32tQg/s1600/Screenshot-12436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS7rW89BudYueWen6lUI6ORHeJnbwOWyD2FngUQ2jxb_g5ikqYs9B1MqXcZXfIGk3nki_Wh4o16N95XpDRffpmhzIu4O71sCP3sSk4WvQe1ZwkZQcAhUWQ7SWNWyAVU2tPQqyGt32tQg/s400/Screenshot-12436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7we_ETw6kG0VfF5Ygb6o4PpaeiXwaK_CknLcksAlQbE7UAWtCvMWWb1KSykr2IBC8Yo2Oaj4Y2rYN7CZ0eiZ3Z8A9gMNXQtyw4pDwliVqyIMW_-o0yKSXezNyQ0u6jBoLVuKPphCo-U4/s1600/Screenshot-12439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7we_ETw6kG0VfF5Ygb6o4PpaeiXwaK_CknLcksAlQbE7UAWtCvMWWb1KSykr2IBC8Yo2Oaj4Y2rYN7CZ0eiZ3Z8A9gMNXQtyw4pDwliVqyIMW_-o0yKSXezNyQ0u6jBoLVuKPphCo-U4/s400/Screenshot-12439.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle stood in front of the mirror, trying to comprehend the fact that she had wings now that seemed to be made of some type of magical energy and didn't even hear or see Tom walk in and leave.<br />
<br />
Annabelle turned and walked out of the bedroom, stopping to see Tom standing not too far away. His eyes were widened and he wasn't sure if he wanted to step away from Annabelle as she approached him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZNq21fmRbOi_e2SEdgWIvd4dloovgIwTObbUDCqQbmGpuAri74znHn5J9cNPJl-8cZ4PDDmvSv63L1iscaputuiT1QTHXS1-3BIfv_G6FqPxpvCI8hDMBRV8T3OP07EgbDU7l1WtyU4/s1600/Screenshot-15035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZNq21fmRbOi_e2SEdgWIvd4dloovgIwTObbUDCqQbmGpuAri74znHn5J9cNPJl-8cZ4PDDmvSv63L1iscaputuiT1QTHXS1-3BIfv_G6FqPxpvCI8hDMBRV8T3OP07EgbDU7l1WtyU4/s1600/Screenshot-15035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well something else happened, let's go solve it..." Annabelle looked angry as she passed Tom, who kept a disturbed expression on his face, "...again."<br />
<br />
Tom shook his head and walked after Annabelle. "Okay perhaps an explanation is in order? Like, uh, maybe..." Tom then imitated Annabelle's voice as he spoke,"<i>Hey Tom, I got fairy wings.</i>" <br />
<br />
"Well I didn't know I had them until I got to my bedroom tonight. Trust me, it was just as shocking to me as it was to you."<br />
<br />
"Okay, now perhaps you can tell me what <i>happened.</i> All one-hundred percent of the details, so I can try and help you to go back to being normal."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihT3eMLqk6mVNJkXgyn3dDo4b47vxRIjSvoZGic9v4YFtsM2BHy2PAau0lS01U8x2CbFzhpQQvCRbuVnmqBzgufELf9ev7J5q5e7IpVW9A_yQp2jyPoX8_H0G6pcBrgBhmQp0Ge52c_5Y/s1600/Screenshot-14640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihT3eMLqk6mVNJkXgyn3dDo4b47vxRIjSvoZGic9v4YFtsM2BHy2PAau0lS01U8x2CbFzhpQQvCRbuVnmqBzgufELf9ev7J5q5e7IpVW9A_yQp2jyPoX8_H0G6pcBrgBhmQp0Ge52c_5Y/s1600/Screenshot-14640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"As normal as our lives can get?" Annabelle chuckled, then turned towards Tom. "Okay... so <br />
I went to the park and met a fairy who made my clothes vanish, so I was angry. I yelled, and she tried to give my clothes back, but accidentally hit me with an energy that knocked me out. I woke up two hours later with fairy wings. And no, me saying what happened today is not <i>supposed</i> to sound completely insane."<br />
<br />
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Tom chuckled, with a flirting tone. Annabelle chuckled back, then turned around towards the stairs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt1bq8s8rePlVik_h-1hg-7Z75qebma7Etx2WJbsPVzeInXPUtP78fPAkxq_4BO-YmoDIdCXHQNAgRwEWNkpQPwgToqPpCkEZ331CEvYCDYlUGy8HYWgTTdm6cIgQo4rBAQYielq2ElI/s1600/Screenshot-15037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt1bq8s8rePlVik_h-1hg-7Z75qebma7Etx2WJbsPVzeInXPUtP78fPAkxq_4BO-YmoDIdCXHQNAgRwEWNkpQPwgToqPpCkEZ331CEvYCDYlUGy8HYWgTTdm6cIgQo4rBAQYielq2ElI/s1600/Screenshot-15037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Now the only thing we can do is find the winged brat who made me this way, maybe she knows how to turn me back. Hopefully."<br />
<br />
"And if she doesn't know how?" Tom asked as he followed her down the stairs.<br />
<br />
Annabelle shrugged. "Well, then I'm gonna have to get used to the WHOOSH sound in my ears. Constantly."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2JkkcJTmM1DO3fUkNUpaRiWgm-RQ3KAhVSSoLH3LTxgDX08mmEMc4LlqmgX7jSa2M1ghDirOXjMUA7LYRzhazIzl09CFbKdtCKniRXhqB1_JvRNe4Jec9yxgzqJmEw44RtuDAM4hB9E/s1600/Screenshot-14986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2JkkcJTmM1DO3fUkNUpaRiWgm-RQ3KAhVSSoLH3LTxgDX08mmEMc4LlqmgX7jSa2M1ghDirOXjMUA7LYRzhazIzl09CFbKdtCKniRXhqB1_JvRNe4Jec9yxgzqJmEw44RtuDAM4hB9E/s1600/Screenshot-14986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom nodded and walked with her out the door and down the street. As they did so, he looked up at the sky, now cloudy again and spitting snow across the town of Hidden Springs, and closed his eyes. Stopping himself, he scratched his head and turned towards Annabelle. "You ever just stop and ask, 'why us'?"<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXcjVyFA0G9-a2kkEYTtf22IXJ1Pb5r5BCCrm5rm2zBkHCFC4ny-aKRP7wRPwM1LYY8zdVNu65YfPkFqawqln2MvxVxI4fPY-QD5sDKKCAbSwvZxUqoU3ia3Lvncl5z3wKnOY_BuPFuk/s1600/Screenshot-14985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXcjVyFA0G9-a2kkEYTtf22IXJ1Pb5r5BCCrm5rm2zBkHCFC4ny-aKRP7wRPwM1LYY8zdVNu65YfPkFqawqln2MvxVxI4fPY-QD5sDKKCAbSwvZxUqoU3ia3Lvncl5z3wKnOY_BuPFuk/s1600/Screenshot-14985.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"With all the billions of people, billions of families, and billions of households in the world, why does our family attract all the oddities like super-villains, fairies, and evil unicorns? I mean it's like we're destined to do this odd thing forever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonTsocfD4zErUqc2cmHaVzxx-J3kOZuItzfxtGlO6PlrVo75nsGYc1vw9B0MBtj-TS29UC6rr95YaEJhRuwwzUdJoBRda_iGm6MIkBoWZNLHDVeOpdfgacPasVkplgCzYH78fwYOSUJ0/s1600/Screenshot-14982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonTsocfD4zErUqc2cmHaVzxx-J3kOZuItzfxtGlO6PlrVo75nsGYc1vw9B0MBtj-TS29UC6rr95YaEJhRuwwzUdJoBRda_iGm6MIkBoWZNLHDVeOpdfgacPasVkplgCzYH78fwYOSUJ0/s1600/Screenshot-14982.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'm a green human and alien hybrid, Tom. I think from the moment I landed on Earth, all concepts of normalcy decided to take a patty-wagon trip to the Land of Nonsense."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdez-VUDhCPN86FM27FyLqhto2-YzvB1jx4u6d9MCnGWnzRcWC5D6fP9bY6AfNAtFSgKEenouRsQSofJpPoUYhKH8ItyCQ8WwAAQEOIjGdKGxDllUjATCszscsthrFL6HKgscsW-Wf0-A/s1600/Screenshot-14984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdez-VUDhCPN86FM27FyLqhto2-YzvB1jx4u6d9MCnGWnzRcWC5D6fP9bY6AfNAtFSgKEenouRsQSofJpPoUYhKH8ItyCQ8WwAAQEOIjGdKGxDllUjATCszscsthrFL6HKgscsW-Wf0-A/s1600/Screenshot-14984.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah, I guess so. Still, I'd like one day to have a life that's sub-par, just normal. Mundane job, mundane life. That's all I wish for lately."<br />
<br />
"Well I wish you have a mundane life as well, Tom." Annabelle chuckled as they walked down the street, looking around for any sign of the Feen that turned Annabelle. After walking for what seemed to them like hours, they became dismayed, worried they would never see her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSMk7AtSVq_05xOi6E0eSPtQ90eAILDFw5c2CZP5qfNEwLEUFBQq-B-mHBIOxgSdwbXoNrRdQFR7R4IhvkfdCfIQQLPxBzyy5mDaoO40Rp3MkUoCyi3vLWxR4x1AfNkYcRPdqjIZGe3U/s1600/Screenshot-14987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSMk7AtSVq_05xOi6E0eSPtQ90eAILDFw5c2CZP5qfNEwLEUFBQq-B-mHBIOxgSdwbXoNrRdQFR7R4IhvkfdCfIQQLPxBzyy5mDaoO40Rp3MkUoCyi3vLWxR4x1AfNkYcRPdqjIZGe3U/s1600/Screenshot-14987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Strangely, as they walked down the sidewalk, cars driving down the street did not stop and question Annabelle on why she had giant purple glowing wings. The pair took this as a sign that the snow was too hard to see through and decided to cover more ground by splitting up, with Tom walking one way and Annabelle walking the other.<br />
<br />
------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bB88vycF_S8CPUXaQPLSbLa4bLqHC0TsXQR92k0Zssa-BTZbbpnCdXuinuaopfrFTXUao_RBZysQuIy4M7FEeqGmgym-J0RE-eydS7yeUR9oUAW8Z-jJ49SfSxe7Z3-gzXf_U2wlNug/s1600/Screenshot-15001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bB88vycF_S8CPUXaQPLSbLa4bLqHC0TsXQR92k0Zssa-BTZbbpnCdXuinuaopfrFTXUao_RBZysQuIy4M7FEeqGmgym-J0RE-eydS7yeUR9oUAW8Z-jJ49SfSxe7Z3-gzXf_U2wlNug/s1600/Screenshot-15001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John and Scarlett sat down at the table in the kitchen that belonged to the latter's alternate universe parents. The other Scarlett, who came downstairs with her parents, left the room allowing the four to chat. Instead of talking, however, they sat in silence for what seemed like hours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgcWfWS5jCmlf2d7p5DXtN-fEFepbXuXLLkSuHlVQabUAhU8zELIalQbEF5iktIr7dpydEZRoFL5KCZYPSLkCz9S8xZyn4UkKJf95wIMUQgimiN3CgnVooPNNJZ46oVh-4Hvhslrk64c/s1600/Screenshot-15002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgcWfWS5jCmlf2d7p5DXtN-fEFepbXuXLLkSuHlVQabUAhU8zELIalQbEF5iktIr7dpydEZRoFL5KCZYPSLkCz9S8xZyn4UkKJf95wIMUQgimiN3CgnVooPNNJZ46oVh-4Hvhslrk64c/s1600/Screenshot-15002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kathy, Scarlett's mother, was the first to break the ice. "To be honest, we were rather skeptical when we heard what John here had to say. Then again, we met a green-skinned girl not too long ago. I don't suppose you know any people with green skin where you come from?"<br />
<br />
Scarlett, looking around, nervously scratched her head. "Uh... one or two."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZc7VmEyejjAZKSdkBg8iHDUC7mXBCCf3tipYIttKaNYZjejuQVeNFIAfZgaBZQkHAPe5o0mOaShNoSOgelPUYEhP3q0U2QyM0bwX26u9nqKnwfaU2R-4LuHVxL879rLBkyW-4bTr9_M/s1600/Screenshot-15005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZc7VmEyejjAZKSdkBg8iHDUC7mXBCCf3tipYIttKaNYZjejuQVeNFIAfZgaBZQkHAPe5o0mOaShNoSOgelPUYEhP3q0U2QyM0bwX26u9nqKnwfaU2R-4LuHVxL879rLBkyW-4bTr9_M/s1600/Screenshot-15005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John nodded, "Yeah, my sister. Annabelle, she's green. In fact Tom must have met her when he was here last. My friend, her cousin Tom, he found himself in this universe last August. You have a nephew named Tom, right?"<br />
<br />
Michael, the father, nodded. "Yeah he lived with his aunt Mei and Uncle Elliot down the street for the longest time before moving out. He was on a trip to China last I heard, that was a week and a half ago."<br />
<br />
Scarlett perked up after hearing a familiar name to her. John looked at her with worry since, to him, she didn't seem that enthusiastic about meeting her parents. "And Kelly? Is she here in town too?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRhAu3wo0aV6c9VFwQ-2-OCyGKF9vIpLZ1T1DV2X0WLkkOMoaLjLN7seydIpC8EU-cPVMay3pgjAdNkOW-AepfCFyeyEn7IelE_5hQ9McMVG3WFOuPsiOb-LRcyiRHLhCXte6H2CTdzc/s1600/Screenshot-15007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRhAu3wo0aV6c9VFwQ-2-OCyGKF9vIpLZ1T1DV2X0WLkkOMoaLjLN7seydIpC8EU-cPVMay3pgjAdNkOW-AepfCFyeyEn7IelE_5hQ9McMVG3WFOuPsiOb-LRcyiRHLhCXte6H2CTdzc/s1600/Screenshot-15007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah, she lives up on the hill with her girlfriend."<br />
<br />
"Who's her girlfriend? Here, I mean?" John asked, "Because back at home, she's got someone named Mirabelle."<br />
<br />
"Well here, it's Jessica Crawford... the green girl we mentioned before," Kathy replied, smiling. "I trust this 'Mirabelle' is similar to Jessica?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistqZ7Ydl_zErY4UDHv9H7Tl2EUsRVlelU5mezhiRSCTbvfb601skB22FmU-aw8Si6nRAJJ0rJjuZiHsnKSk-paNjB_9nBhUTNdDz1cSNR6Ys44b_aesi_GYA6g5i7PCk4SFHH5ChvKj0/s1600/Screenshot-15009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistqZ7Ydl_zErY4UDHv9H7Tl2EUsRVlelU5mezhiRSCTbvfb601skB22FmU-aw8Si6nRAJJ0rJjuZiHsnKSk-paNjB_9nBhUTNdDz1cSNR6Ys44b_aesi_GYA6g5i7PCk4SFHH5ChvKj0/s1600/Screenshot-15009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"And then some," John said under his breath. He then spoke up at the table, "So, I can tell that Red is a bit shocked to be here at this moment. I brought her here so she could meet you in person, because... well I told you what happened where we come from."<br />
<br />
"Yes, we heard." Michael said. "We were shocked to hear what happened. Kind of existential if you really think about it, which I try not to. All we need to know is that wherever she comes from, Scarlett is our daughter. She is just as much here as she is where you come from."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC8uKK4nfd-GHw47GsZLV8Um2EJNTb9IWQAXCN0GvH7fkUiLLkxNRZKesFFRgASIcxSvuDpagflGKIY7if3HqAi5LAalYKWlDx7zFXPbxEaH1wocBxsAwDl2XYjoZH5VJTRfFMXiu3lg/s1600/Screenshot-15008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC8uKK4nfd-GHw47GsZLV8Um2EJNTb9IWQAXCN0GvH7fkUiLLkxNRZKesFFRgASIcxSvuDpagflGKIY7if3HqAi5LAalYKWlDx7zFXPbxEaH1wocBxsAwDl2XYjoZH5VJTRfFMXiu3lg/s1600/Screenshot-15008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Where I come from, you're not there," Scarlett softly said while looking at the table. "You didn't see me grow up, you didn't see me get married, you didn't see any of that because again, where I come from you're not there. I don't even know why I'm here."<br />
<br />
John looked at her with worry still, "You're here because you wanted to meet your parents. You have your entire life! Michael and Kathy Keene, your parents. Just because they're from an alternate universe doesn't mean they aren't biologically the same people."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnGVoVUeD8hzc5TsjjvWe73SybyerddN_4cAylULLQVmTLPBWAYpjJMtP7y2_i4nVen3HuqnUo3veczjJdTnkvrm1yFbWQRTQStyCyyvDTtlKgsXsVd6z5iKyasDayVbo3fa2F9wy2C8/s1600/Screenshot-15010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnGVoVUeD8hzc5TsjjvWe73SybyerddN_4cAylULLQVmTLPBWAYpjJMtP7y2_i4nVen3HuqnUo3veczjJdTnkvrm1yFbWQRTQStyCyyvDTtlKgsXsVd6z5iKyasDayVbo3fa2F9wy2C8/s1600/Screenshot-15010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"They are the same people, but not mine." Scarlett stood up and walked into the other room, leaving John where he was.<br />
<br />
John scratched his head, "sorry about that. I should have expected her to say those things because, well I've known her my entire life. In fact she IS my life."<br />
<br />
Kathy smiled. "Don't worry about it, and our Scarlett says the same thing about you, well the you from<i> here.</i>"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P_l6_QASKpjGcEVSBxVwOF1laGBr6CFwwuNHy3eFfJhHEMCMnY17fDBs9PCYLiI1IUzg_chsGZU1e0zhbV1aFLphFTQrfMu3PYWPCIHe2_lSU3oy-psXcO4ICC2ba8NScY-bnKncBKY/s1600/Screenshot-15014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P_l6_QASKpjGcEVSBxVwOF1laGBr6CFwwuNHy3eFfJhHEMCMnY17fDBs9PCYLiI1IUzg_chsGZU1e0zhbV1aFLphFTQrfMu3PYWPCIHe2_lSU3oy-psXcO4ICC2ba8NScY-bnKncBKY/s1600/Screenshot-15014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John shrugged, "Yeah, sounds like we're destined to be together."<br />
<br />
-------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvtUyJGXRsTAc9d93Qwyjam-YpP3Bvef_TdEboBY3hlHu9ddiMj5JsJoHLciP0jN_P5AfLKqaZdyP0zFa34LRdmPM-LrG0Gho_dwNxVAzy2UQnSoMHddU9Pv_sU_gOrO4KSSSSvPcUuk/s1600/Screenshot-14972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvtUyJGXRsTAc9d93Qwyjam-YpP3Bvef_TdEboBY3hlHu9ddiMj5JsJoHLciP0jN_P5AfLKqaZdyP0zFa34LRdmPM-LrG0Gho_dwNxVAzy2UQnSoMHddU9Pv_sU_gOrO4KSSSSvPcUuk/s1600/Screenshot-14972.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
After a short walk through the woods, taking the time to wonder why he was doing this in the middle of the snow, and still confused as to why his life had become so strange, Tom found himself staring at a lot, shadowed by the mountain, that was all too familiar.<br />
<br />
It was the graveyard. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT8SsH6963AdFvNd6xqZfQ3bYjuxjEAbGLShOJscWb8VJH-Eq-yDxNb-cFkeyozPag2DP3sENgC3MyFLtEtYpFuaKIiFRzIT3EAOtOaDhUMJA3vplu9cnnCFCjhA4juN33PM_fzRAFX8/s1600/Screenshot-14974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT8SsH6963AdFvNd6xqZfQ3bYjuxjEAbGLShOJscWb8VJH-Eq-yDxNb-cFkeyozPag2DP3sENgC3MyFLtEtYpFuaKIiFRzIT3EAOtOaDhUMJA3vplu9cnnCFCjhA4juN33PM_fzRAFX8/s1600/Screenshot-14974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"You couldn't let one good thing happen to me, huh? How very ALIEN of you, Kethrin."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjyXptksiTOVNUwJa7Yq1GaRPhebS1yKkaToyguwkLm6KTGFgooutwNw4O-eam1PS6ln0BP7mPrRfgKcMCgEWYfcqAUmPExQ-Ys9WURQlv3K_vydtOy81hhfWiEK6OWqUOdhAqp8k-bk/s1600/Screenshot-14976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjyXptksiTOVNUwJa7Yq1GaRPhebS1yKkaToyguwkLm6KTGFgooutwNw4O-eam1PS6ln0BP7mPrRfgKcMCgEWYfcqAUmPExQ-Ys9WURQlv3K_vydtOy81hhfWiEK6OWqUOdhAqp8k-bk/s1600/Screenshot-14976.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Tom, NO!"</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YhxEqoFs6aFOrLsAR2BgWKF2KVsLIQ5K9q3K5uLSNteVJEswXbViMVouGmLHGLTF2Rzhuy_cyV51N5eJoB_Ut7_8t6SlOYsZpDYJ7koRFMl7gBK0n873RGFHTkmpOY2WJEVjVJZxEbs/s1600/Screenshot-14975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YhxEqoFs6aFOrLsAR2BgWKF2KVsLIQ5K9q3K5uLSNteVJEswXbViMVouGmLHGLTF2Rzhuy_cyV51N5eJoB_Ut7_8t6SlOYsZpDYJ7koRFMl7gBK0n873RGFHTkmpOY2WJEVjVJZxEbs/s1600/Screenshot-14975.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Tom... I'm so sorry I lied to you. I love you." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Please, don't die. Please! I'm begging you! Don't die!"</i><br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8MC7-7upii-glztWCBHkxigUSE9moGWKx-jFsyj4dgIBy9O5TqlmrA5lm1LBXksXiHwFG_HLSNXnDfGA9wUKu5S_QFRxImbcpcvHT-GPBHhJD5fZEClzLL8nfN86wcriITcsfus9F-k/s1600/Screenshot-14977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8MC7-7upii-glztWCBHkxigUSE9moGWKx-jFsyj4dgIBy9O5TqlmrA5lm1LBXksXiHwFG_HLSNXnDfGA9wUKu5S_QFRxImbcpcvHT-GPBHhJD5fZEClzLL8nfN86wcriITcsfus9F-k/s1600/Screenshot-14977.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<i>"Love you."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Working up the courage, Tom walked into the graveyard and looked around. A short time looking through the heavy snow let him lay eyes on a small, above-ground tomb which he himself had paid for not too long before. The end of the tomb was marked "Andrea Marie Deeten - 2022". He never knew when she was born, but he was with her the day she died. That was when she told him how she felt, and for him, it was too hard to say the same thing, even as she was lying in his arms. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLKZBla1-s1JS3yrdNIVKZHA9Rlc3w7pE9myYlu9gBv_hx_z_27-_GOWNkavQdDFA46_m5W5-DrFPg6iuT3YfbTVqgKZshtZXDcqei6Z2PKvZpBeQuVrk8lwtr24rmajdsngp2d7_i94/s1600/Screenshot-14964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLKZBla1-s1JS3yrdNIVKZHA9Rlc3w7pE9myYlu9gBv_hx_z_27-_GOWNkavQdDFA46_m5W5-DrFPg6iuT3YfbTVqgKZshtZXDcqei6Z2PKvZpBeQuVrk8lwtr24rmajdsngp2d7_i94/s1600/Screenshot-14964.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom stood in the snow, in front of the tomb, while looking intently at the words. He remembered sitting not too far away, begging Andy not to die, to fight through her injury. He cried in secret for many days after her death, and pushed Annabelle even further away from him, blaming her for Andy's death when he had just as much to blame. If he hadn't started that argument with Annabelle when she stated she didn't like Andy, the two could have hopefully had a civil discussion, and Andy would still be alive today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eQZ7h3cmlvb6HlwHPwVRLI0fbHcIHAbmz9ZtA1FoodmA5z-BtBMf5B45ByD7doyvLCWCUODekJ8fSLgZJCMgGN-OHMD6HIBOMzC1XhybV6dENvrHh0WXWFtXsF1iZXwehj5DlhCGHuI/s1600/Screenshot-14965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eQZ7h3cmlvb6HlwHPwVRLI0fbHcIHAbmz9ZtA1FoodmA5z-BtBMf5B45ByD7doyvLCWCUODekJ8fSLgZJCMgGN-OHMD6HIBOMzC1XhybV6dENvrHh0WXWFtXsF1iZXwehj5DlhCGHuI/s1600/Screenshot-14965.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom stayed where he was for a few moments, looking at the tomb and lamenting his decisions leading up to this moment. He was serious, he thought to himself, when he told Annabelle about wanting a normal life. He wanted a normal job, a nice family of his own. He never told Annie who he wanted as his wife in his dreams because he'd always been too worried that she wouldn't want to marry him. What worried him was that she would become unnerved by his confession of love and that their friendship, or whatever it could be called, would become unraveled at the already-loosened seams.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, he felt a dark chill run over him, like the frozen air was getting even colder. It was a feeling he'd only encountered once before, in the presence of the Grim Reaper himself in this very graveyard. Tom turned around and fully expected the robed figure of death to be standing behind him, ready to take him into the World Beyond, but what he saw instead made him stumble backwards, almost into the tomb of his lost love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sTHF0mAibR2bosvqEX-Z8jDop_5Ep20ZNqmz8e4WajS3s-1WLMdcu9jbDLdHlePxWrw55YYKom79wDFgJ_Cg5uxBGYVC2mLLbb-xUY5y2xuQKv5pF4OUqsAc72H_dse6IMxHb6X8R6w/s1600/Screenshot-14967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sTHF0mAibR2bosvqEX-Z8jDop_5Ep20ZNqmz8e4WajS3s-1WLMdcu9jbDLdHlePxWrw55YYKom79wDFgJ_Cg5uxBGYVC2mLLbb-xUY5y2xuQKv5pF4OUqsAc72H_dse6IMxHb6X8R6w/s1600/Screenshot-14967.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvidUq0_UlOp582saDWE_cq0gn8CjEqVNSxVXRquETksHMdVamBSNmRNO7tBYa88n-z97GbGBlAvppYowh0AWt5P_9Qa5Ka5Gywh62ezhVIkCZaXnme8J2c_-M6eVvSna3szSeoeIk_Y/s1600/Screenshot-14968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvidUq0_UlOp582saDWE_cq0gn8CjEqVNSxVXRquETksHMdVamBSNmRNO7tBYa88n-z97GbGBlAvppYowh0AWt5P_9Qa5Ka5Gywh62ezhVIkCZaXnme8J2c_-M6eVvSna3szSeoeIk_Y/s1600/Screenshot-14968.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The creature walked towards him, shambling as it did so. Tom could only see one of its eyes in the dark, but that was enough to scare him. The dark, rag-wearing monstrosity edged closer to Tom, its arms outstretched as it shambled closer and closer. Tom closed his eyes in fear, and when he opened them again, the monster was gone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqo0Q3QDHbFLV1K-5W0lT2pgld_dFHu4H5pm3QNwl8vTGE8w7UIxXlMq9PVFJTA01mA1OQtw5pKMoZIlM9Plaewjh02ExBoMSChIIhf49eJOaRl7z16irm44zdlDYdUjO3lEPFZ-kKNA/s1600/Screenshot-14970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqo0Q3QDHbFLV1K-5W0lT2pgld_dFHu4H5pm3QNwl8vTGE8w7UIxXlMq9PVFJTA01mA1OQtw5pKMoZIlM9Plaewjh02ExBoMSChIIhf49eJOaRl7z16irm44zdlDYdUjO3lEPFZ-kKNA/s1600/Screenshot-14970.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Shivering, Tom pulled his cell phone out and called Annabelle.<br />
<br />
<i>"Did you find her yet?"</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrrv-4j68OJOwR53dILwuK6p8Oc4fCtnJGFlrDcKv4-yr1y1_Te82QbSlVARSSq7RqwrgxQnK-5d2LxSW5i01NK2uAhm5WoGl-eIgNwD0cmR84V8p9Y7_HWPOTd-uvWebEAB2rvIxfaI/s1600/Screenshot-14971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrrv-4j68OJOwR53dILwuK6p8Oc4fCtnJGFlrDcKv4-yr1y1_Te82QbSlVARSSq7RqwrgxQnK-5d2LxSW5i01NK2uAhm5WoGl-eIgNwD0cmR84V8p9Y7_HWPOTd-uvWebEAB2rvIxfaI/s1600/Screenshot-14971.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No, I don't think I'm doing so well. I'm gonna head on back home. I just... I saw something and I have to head home."<br />
<br />
<i>"I understand. I'll talk to you later, Tom. Wait... I see her! I think I see her!"</i><br />
<br />
The line on the other end went dead as Tom put the phone back into his side pocket. He then walked out of the graveyard and back home, not seeing a strange being standing behind one of the graves...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCxsEry2BsihD9Q_w_6Kd09XR3nM38z6-DKzjuAq7PKufO7m5nhtHd_U0s2aQ2WasQamV2k-y4OZCHcGEMyyVjSltkL9T8Ox3FT35oQNcyF1lKJEE1ZGNG2v7mXK6iAk2pJgGgtZ8Lxk/s1600/Screenshot-14980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCxsEry2BsihD9Q_w_6Kd09XR3nM38z6-DKzjuAq7PKufO7m5nhtHd_U0s2aQ2WasQamV2k-y4OZCHcGEMyyVjSltkL9T8Ox3FT35oQNcyF1lKJEE1ZGNG2v7mXK6iAk2pJgGgtZ8Lxk/s1600/Screenshot-14980.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><br /></i>
-------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi630W6c2VyjCC7UGRRs8F-mbBqbiyrqz4_US1zujK_GTHUiHcpxXCJBhEMDFMz_iXZvuHl4lPn3Cl3KaDPEnyqI133sUzNsRa4EOnuFENE0mMFeIhrjVe3gb52rOiVq1sx0StLs6_Sd-s/s1600/Screenshot-15015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi630W6c2VyjCC7UGRRs8F-mbBqbiyrqz4_US1zujK_GTHUiHcpxXCJBhEMDFMz_iXZvuHl4lPn3Cl3KaDPEnyqI133sUzNsRa4EOnuFENE0mMFeIhrjVe3gb52rOiVq1sx0StLs6_Sd-s/s1600/Screenshot-15015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett stood by a fence outside the Keene house within the alternate universe, trying to process everything that was happening. As she did so, she heard footsteps behind her and quickly turned around to see a mirror positioned nearby. Scarlett then focused her eyes and realized that it was actually herself from this other dimension standing there instead.<br />
<br />
"What do you need?" Scarlett asked her counterpart, "I'm not in the mood to talk."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItTio1GGoPa0G3LlibRI5_NVJyg72lFM7P8yBPnZwXfMEdu6bRYDutShwcjXXQM-POZZWgi-NDZaVSUuLPxNf_R-kIOtuz-jgCQit8gWQWFfLW6kgun7_kDBFkoHMdBoZSgsxVO6nrVw/s1600/Screenshot-15012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItTio1GGoPa0G3LlibRI5_NVJyg72lFM7P8yBPnZwXfMEdu6bRYDutShwcjXXQM-POZZWgi-NDZaVSUuLPxNf_R-kIOtuz-jgCQit8gWQWFfLW6kgun7_kDBFkoHMdBoZSgsxVO6nrVw/s1600/Screenshot-15012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The other Scarlett chuckled, and stepped closer. "If you're anything like me, then you're <i>never </i>in the mood to talk. I only have three moods... angry, happy, and angry. John's helped me get through the angry one, though. He's truly my knight in shining armor."<br />
<br />
<br />
"What about your parents? Haven't they helped you out? Haven't they been there for you? Some of us don't have that luxury. Every night before I go to bed, I wish to myself that I had your life."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenIAMiAXcsI8yex3mScfCbOrEUP5evOuPdS4zLx0vfkY1lxuYnhnhOU1fphNfpK8pw3B5sAFTRYDVmYhifs_kYfxMQv3rKGl3Rlo7MspDvtEtNbPtfxVRBAWUxSee45-_Cs_Z8vUHF4g/s1600/Screenshot-15018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenIAMiAXcsI8yex3mScfCbOrEUP5evOuPdS4zLx0vfkY1lxuYnhnhOU1fphNfpK8pw3B5sAFTRYDVmYhifs_kYfxMQv3rKGl3Rlo7MspDvtEtNbPtfxVRBAWUxSee45-_Cs_Z8vUHF4g/s1600/Screenshot-15018.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Who raised you then?"<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"Who raised you? Someone had to, and they had to do a great job at it. Look at you! Married with a kid on the way! My John and I <i>just now </i>got engaged."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR99tflE8TqurVFADoEKh6joWJNbEK1fyRy6aPvj94FFWetxTOPhTYdThLgGxqhm_BEtsjZ-ffFgOeBx-BV6QjinEVZVlow3KS5lFsI3cAe1LqeM0FD-mqXbhtz431ApH_4uGHb1P17Rw/s1600/Screenshot-15019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR99tflE8TqurVFADoEKh6joWJNbEK1fyRy6aPvj94FFWetxTOPhTYdThLgGxqhm_BEtsjZ-ffFgOeBx-BV6QjinEVZVlow3KS5lFsI3cAe1LqeM0FD-mqXbhtz431ApH_4uGHb1P17Rw/s1600/Screenshot-15019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"My aunt and uncle, Mei and Elliot. They raised me, treated me like their own daughter. I always wanted to know my parents, though. My real parents. Is that too much to ask?"</div>
<br />
"No, but it is impossible to change to past. I even asked John about that, and he said time travel is one of those feats we cannot attain. What I'm saying is that even though you never had what I had, you had the next best thing, and nothing can change that. "<br />
<br />
Scarlett nodded at her counterpart, "You know me better than I know myself. Though I don't know what I should do about your parents. Should I acknowledge them as mine? Would that bother you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjH3MDPUbHDxsKMUQBMVb3UFWdD9CqpB7Yu6SLU5hU9Ao4uxGF-Tu4tR3BR1LPXOwgFWdSI1WjYQR2DXQOa_zUHXkxSai1PwxVrxhl2wwvE9X5QAzS11Bfe6iy7SNiv-bzIQaEQLEVgw/s1600/Screenshot-15021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjH3MDPUbHDxsKMUQBMVb3UFWdD9CqpB7Yu6SLU5hU9Ao4uxGF-Tu4tR3BR1LPXOwgFWdSI1WjYQR2DXQOa_zUHXkxSai1PwxVrxhl2wwvE9X5QAzS11Bfe6iy7SNiv-bzIQaEQLEVgw/s1600/Screenshot-15021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The other Scarlett smirked and patted her on the shoulder, "Not really. As far as I'm concerned, we're just... twin sisters. We've just been separated for a long, long time. I just hope we'll never be separated like that again. I would be interesting to get to know the <i>real </i>me."<br />
<br />
Scarlett shook her head. "No, you're just as real as I. I guess that's why I was so worried about... my parents."<br />
<br />
"You don't have to worry anymore."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqrJ52dQSyTGNfcY56sLQ0ZVXUUh4roUr4YJTxZ3bO2F2EjLU49dLdQap8WpDL555ITbv9W4MY1gQ21d8SI06tBBMhhFvNsum1MzITmp2I0JTEGLQlsRfHgdG8KWkoU3sHKCqDXKogIc/s1600/Screenshot-15023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqrJ52dQSyTGNfcY56sLQ0ZVXUUh4roUr4YJTxZ3bO2F2EjLU49dLdQap8WpDL555ITbv9W4MY1gQ21d8SI06tBBMhhFvNsum1MzITmp2I0JTEGLQlsRfHgdG8KWkoU3sHKCqDXKogIc/s1600/Screenshot-15023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett stood there for a few moments, letting her counterpart's words echo in her mind. By the time everything clicked, she was gone, and Scarlett was alone again. This gave her time to wonder, and to think. And when she was ready, she walked back into the house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ0PA3pOX6y7EEUVi_5En7s7MhNhf9kEocuG4jR8LYwCMFY7RBq1v7TqDwVz7aemfHpzfh-G0OwmCI9PMkhZBAsN_9KhEDlplSIj9RXBLmWSggGrbXXf8Nb-O8oo7dwPUuJgOsIjwbdM/s1600/Screenshot-15026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ0PA3pOX6y7EEUVi_5En7s7MhNhf9kEocuG4jR8LYwCMFY7RBq1v7TqDwVz7aemfHpzfh-G0OwmCI9PMkhZBAsN_9KhEDlplSIj9RXBLmWSggGrbXXf8Nb-O8oo7dwPUuJgOsIjwbdM/s1600/Screenshot-15026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John was standing with Michael and Kathy in the living room. Her parents, they were right there in front of her. Scarlett mentally kicked herself in the head, thinking that they weren't really hers to call her parents. With no more words, she walked up to each of them and embraced them in a hug, her face expressing sadness as she did so. John felt warmth in his heart at this image, and walked toward to talk to the group.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HlRmQnuKichYyV5jTHjFlNLDlrkSx8Sgz_QM30OgVp5GRJKHOTbLYz7TfPlkGOsXkAFnDYyPiiZBrFSxWXNX0MX3gr0IEF3KB43fFhwScwhb4w67m3UvTk74vju5Hlqw1aGnIrNMZp8/s1600/Screenshot-15028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HlRmQnuKichYyV5jTHjFlNLDlrkSx8Sgz_QM30OgVp5GRJKHOTbLYz7TfPlkGOsXkAFnDYyPiiZBrFSxWXNX0MX3gr0IEF3KB43fFhwScwhb4w67m3UvTk74vju5Hlqw1aGnIrNMZp8/s1600/Screenshot-15028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hours had passed, filled with talking from both sides about what had happened to them. After a while, John and Scarlett walked out the door, standing outside as the sun began to set. John pressed a button on his smartphone, and the two felt a wave of energy pass over them.<br />
<br />
..........<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt_CsW26i6VZm9qqrYDAcUPwgV7J67KkPXrQhC2iAO4NFi9KV-iXkwB6pvsGIKTz1kvN0foTMJ60X6sXCf-qN6a1rSS9PX8KGBK4HbrIHKv3V9s7AwZKxJp0X5KZFlDYbhl-KjSXcN28/s1600/Screenshot-14956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt_CsW26i6VZm9qqrYDAcUPwgV7J67KkPXrQhC2iAO4NFi9KV-iXkwB6pvsGIKTz1kvN0foTMJ60X6sXCf-qN6a1rSS9PX8KGBK4HbrIHKv3V9s7AwZKxJp0X5KZFlDYbhl-KjSXcN28/s1600/Screenshot-14956.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Seconds later, the two found themselves back in their basement, the portal shutting down. As John was about to walk out the door, Scarlett tapped on his shoulder.<br />
<br />
"Hey," she said while smiling brightly, "thanks for what you did. It was an amazing experience. I hope to do it again some time."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy_qzGijXH_-Vi9RG1K7H14Rjdo9ScPzwHhHquIiUni7aogeDkfgQikQi6LNOjx4VpNluV-d14EQvG-a_SX-cOuC0dcfHnSY9bdJnLVSqmYJMC5xodCx3XJoEBbiYIEqkv5rRQOHJoMM/s1600/Screenshot-14955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy_qzGijXH_-Vi9RG1K7H14Rjdo9ScPzwHhHquIiUni7aogeDkfgQikQi6LNOjx4VpNluV-d14EQvG-a_SX-cOuC0dcfHnSY9bdJnLVSqmYJMC5xodCx3XJoEBbiYIEqkv5rRQOHJoMM/s1600/Screenshot-14955.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John nodded. "Of course, my Life. Any time." John walked out the door, leaving Red alone. Scarlett noticed he called her his "life" instead of "love" or "wife". Maybe "life" was just a way of combining the two. Or maybe, as Scarlett thought to herself, that she was John's life. Maybe he couldn't live without her. With nothing else to do, she turned and pulled her phone from her pants pocket, selecting the contact "Aunt and Uncle Coen".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlPPRh9bVguhBHGm1AXqMKzjywR1by1IB4UYdftm0onMePpjfSsY1VeOZx_ZR0HEH4eyBpTqFnUp4vnzr3ai2Sy6cwwF55cXydsuS07ShR3kt9m_umzuVF5IzYwL0-3G5p4hUA4MqRTw/s1600/Screenshot-14957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlPPRh9bVguhBHGm1AXqMKzjywR1by1IB4UYdftm0onMePpjfSsY1VeOZx_ZR0HEH4eyBpTqFnUp4vnzr3ai2Sy6cwwF55cXydsuS07ShR3kt9m_umzuVF5IzYwL0-3G5p4hUA4MqRTw/s1600/Screenshot-14957.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey, Aunt Mei?... Yeah I'm sorry to call so late. Look, I don't know if I ever said this enough, but... thank you for everything you've done. I love you. Can I talk to Uncle Elliot? ... he's asleep? Okay, I'll call you guys back tomorrow. I really want to talk to you. ... Love you. Goodnight."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaNWtO1Q6wCS_WsaQYcfgPeS1N-OwHgmNZOH5RWvUUvMSmZLZPSf5-lcXm8Nlq_SK-esx36RvZHyFGUSwTtyaO4O6bQk2tw8qLj5jTGVfHDWESLq6_Judum1s0shPmO6xd-n2t16jAjI/s1600/Screenshot-14958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaNWtO1Q6wCS_WsaQYcfgPeS1N-OwHgmNZOH5RWvUUvMSmZLZPSf5-lcXm8Nlq_SK-esx36RvZHyFGUSwTtyaO4O6bQk2tw8qLj5jTGVfHDWESLq6_Judum1s0shPmO6xd-n2t16jAjI/s1600/Screenshot-14958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett put the phone back in her pocket, and turned towards the portal mechanism, thinking back to the day with a smile. She did plan on using the portal again, now that she knew that her parents were somewhere out there in the world beyond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C1EqtodX4yt1ukjS8ZDXnX2rU__Ggzii8eDNO3vgvwZjsvKI0ldNFc66ivfc7fwaBboTVLTENaDVV0BIA8IKZGOBiu2n000n5VCTT-ri6accrIoa7EBLB26EC5qMKdbu3B61tYe4bJE/s1600/Screenshot-14959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C1EqtodX4yt1ukjS8ZDXnX2rU__Ggzii8eDNO3vgvwZjsvKI0ldNFc66ivfc7fwaBboTVLTENaDVV0BIA8IKZGOBiu2n000n5VCTT-ri6accrIoa7EBLB26EC5qMKdbu3B61tYe4bJE/s1600/Screenshot-14959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
-------------------------------------<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKidhceBrwnO-VM7nJf1mbEDN2lFumt_n9XJRCSIAwop2IDYtY_8-6EwbYQtB6UHReWU6nB6qxjnZRmDVP6ihjE50xIpEUJc4yu3A-k9Z7q7s2MD6PLI7MsoZj2bNN1-otZRAYXMpmsk/s1600/Screenshot-14995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKidhceBrwnO-VM7nJf1mbEDN2lFumt_n9XJRCSIAwop2IDYtY_8-6EwbYQtB6UHReWU6nB6qxjnZRmDVP6ihjE50xIpEUJc4yu3A-k9Z7q7s2MD6PLI7MsoZj2bNN1-otZRAYXMpmsk/s1600/Screenshot-14995.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Kelly and Mirabelle walked into the house after returning home from the library. Mirabelle, visibly shaken from what she read in that book, was trying to get a hold of herself as she sat down on a couch in the foyer.<br />
<br />
"The name you read, it might be another Mirabelle Kethrin? I mean that's probably one of the most common names here in Alaska... right? Mirabelle Kethrin?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4Vr5dy2VYBgXxnYDUuRfLG_omMOmEjTp_uPGLRY6N71hGiWpSd2rRNxHyiVGbvTw68YdlNjDzk0Vq_HsZgsBoP6GYTbRhfsQLt4MN7eO-DTt9vidJ0dld8z41w7QKuUiwTmobWfMm2g/s1600/Screenshot-14994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4Vr5dy2VYBgXxnYDUuRfLG_omMOmEjTp_uPGLRY6N71hGiWpSd2rRNxHyiVGbvTw68YdlNjDzk0Vq_HsZgsBoP6GYTbRhfsQLt4MN7eO-DTt9vidJ0dld8z41w7QKuUiwTmobWfMm2g/s1600/Screenshot-14994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle looked at Kelly's backpack. "No, someone wrote my name into that book intending for me to read it! I want to know why! I want to know who, and I want to know when."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXgacjSBzPWr9pgbYV6d8qURZU_AaAZ-HCryzMD8N1zF44YEu0cnJHvNlznSd8k_GNSWL9PuMlB97zKiEfYOhryzXNK_HUDt6hd53QHJgBFHGXukbZuRHCOFfYl381yKVhgw-Qet1yFk/s1600/Screenshot-14991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXgacjSBzPWr9pgbYV6d8qURZU_AaAZ-HCryzMD8N1zF44YEu0cnJHvNlznSd8k_GNSWL9PuMlB97zKiEfYOhryzXNK_HUDt6hd53QHJgBFHGXukbZuRHCOFfYl381yKVhgw-Qet1yFk/s1600/Screenshot-14991.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"We'll figure it out," Kelly replied as she took the book out to read again, sitting next to Mirabelle to do so. "What is this Vornek the book keeps talking about? It never really describes it, just <i>'two red eyes in the darkness and claws in the night</i>'. What does that even mean? Why did they write these books in the past to sound like riddles?"<br />
<br />
"Well I'm going to check up on the internet, then go to bed for the night," Mirabelle said as she stood up, "It's been a while since I've been in our room here in the house. <i>Our</i> room. I love saying that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HGIoWoCb3-29ExorvHOfJlUdB5L7pPzx1Dc3zu1tj2HjZfWOgLb8Iaikye2h1OQyoB8VLeFn35ceSriO0TID-bXDQee1rKvoPnBEdMZvkFsMrn8DcvTvlXeZrsL-Uf43yzNeU3UjUwQ/s1600/Screenshot-14996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HGIoWoCb3-29ExorvHOfJlUdB5L7pPzx1Dc3zu1tj2HjZfWOgLb8Iaikye2h1OQyoB8VLeFn35ceSriO0TID-bXDQee1rKvoPnBEdMZvkFsMrn8DcvTvlXeZrsL-Uf43yzNeU3UjUwQ/s1600/Screenshot-14996.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She stood up and walked upstairs, with Kelly not too far behind. However, as Kelly was about to head up to join her, she felt a presence nearby, one that she had felt before. Putting it aside, she simply shrugged and walked upstairs.<br />
<br />
<i>--------------------------------</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkhAnNSv3TG9M1zLeS6vYMBqf0M7GgSDfc2kONUxs1g4Klry2IdVqCcs1CSCq0pftBQRTJS_gMD7QYRg3-c8fMyvNCkxT7699aVv13ArI_J3kiGYvtvv2sqlBagwUfVMP0lcU5WPVxIo/s1600/Screenshot-15031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkhAnNSv3TG9M1zLeS6vYMBqf0M7GgSDfc2kONUxs1g4Klry2IdVqCcs1CSCq0pftBQRTJS_gMD7QYRg3-c8fMyvNCkxT7699aVv13ArI_J3kiGYvtvv2sqlBagwUfVMP0lcU5WPVxIo/s1600/Screenshot-15031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW8JbTKp1PiMHu6CkJbElCXxHHmasY1jFodEoCfP4T0OyWum2-XECYW-CL6Kvv0zNPWt7_HGDFFqz9nS6HsomlvzOZLU6zqm2e5W-PSv0NP-w-qI9EDX1MeV7fIOz7K3X3CXCugV9JfQ/s1600/Screenshot-15030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW8JbTKp1PiMHu6CkJbElCXxHHmasY1jFodEoCfP4T0OyWum2-XECYW-CL6Kvv0zNPWt7_HGDFFqz9nS6HsomlvzOZLU6zqm2e5W-PSv0NP-w-qI9EDX1MeV7fIOz7K3X3CXCugV9JfQ/s1600/Screenshot-15030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kaley Botha stood on the side of the street, watching cars occasionally drive past. She'd never interacted with cars before, but she loved technology, and loved to see vehicles go as fast as they could. Suddenly she heard a noise behind her, and turned around to see a furious green-skinned woman who had glowing, flapping wings like herself.<br />
<br />
"Hello." Kaley looked into her eyes and felt scared for her life. "How did you find me?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle scowled as she looked into the blue eyes of this fairy. "It's not hard to spot someone with giant glowing wings and orange skin in the middle of a snowy forest if you're actively looking for them."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wTjrUkfXAO-kd9C4_PR7bDXSeOTtp9_A8l6rLkLKpcAtXTpIKeNxQlb1iHJM_AmGV7Jab0ysctjjq0-Q7sSxUYyBtTCvUIhP_ZTC0TgMcGYa5lNbVImQNxQv6nZn1cs74ReqbOGXyvY/s1600/Screenshot-15029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wTjrUkfXAO-kd9C4_PR7bDXSeOTtp9_A8l6rLkLKpcAtXTpIKeNxQlb1iHJM_AmGV7Jab0ysctjjq0-Q7sSxUYyBtTCvUIhP_ZTC0TgMcGYa5lNbVImQNxQv6nZn1cs74ReqbOGXyvY/s1600/Screenshot-15029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh, right. Look, I'm very sorry about the whole thing with the thing and the glowy wing things but maybe I can help you fix it!"<br />
<br />
"You'd better, before I rip <i>your </i>damn wings off!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kaley stepped back, her wings telling her that she was about to fall backwards in the snow. "They're not... you can't rip them off. They're energy."</div>
<br />
Annabelle leaned in with an irate look on her face as she whispered. "I'll find a way."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylXShJXH8GLSfiASrUODJa5ugpXFyJ4brxX3Bpzvx5JD1MQPfiGZI2VSXjyvnVEcryNShVwH65OQjGsUrnxCwxpAE3O21-szGbC5PaNruaI1VIw9i9g5cI7F9Y_RdlgM1IIujILFICcQ/s1600/Screenshot-15032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylXShJXH8GLSfiASrUODJa5ugpXFyJ4brxX3Bpzvx5JD1MQPfiGZI2VSXjyvnVEcryNShVwH65OQjGsUrnxCwxpAE3O21-szGbC5PaNruaI1VIw9i9g5cI7F9Y_RdlgM1IIujILFICcQ/s1600/Screenshot-15032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly, they heard a low growling sound. Kaley looked at Annabelle and silently asked if she was the one growling, who shook her head "no". The two turned in tandem and saw a strange creature standing less than twenty feet away, its black silhouette and red eyes easily visible in the cold gray snow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"One of yours?" Annabelle asked.</div>
<br />
"Fly. No questions, just fly. Or run, running works too."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb7_28gHDQfYloPcWsERCh4xWcudpPcpGWAg6Rn1SiXS56_gXarj_P1Ap0Ik5xedbFE71a9FnsfeAO9VDJ5kmOJN0jO6ry6evQWb6bFFtS0bsXo2efOrrp0gFbrWz_TcHeR7hyd-CSJw/s1600/Screenshot-15034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb7_28gHDQfYloPcWsERCh4xWcudpPcpGWAg6Rn1SiXS56_gXarj_P1Ap0Ik5xedbFE71a9FnsfeAO9VDJ5kmOJN0jO6ry6evQWb6bFFtS0bsXo2efOrrp0gFbrWz_TcHeR7hyd-CSJw/s1600/Screenshot-15034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The two turned and sprinted in the opposite direction of the monster, who chased after them while snarling the whole time. The two kept running, with Annabelle jumping upwards occasionally.<br />
<br />
"Do you know how to fly or was you flying earlier just some parlor trick?!" Annabelle yelled out as the two tried to escape the pitch black creature chasing after them.<br />
<br />
"I don't know, it's just some reflex action! Think happy thoughts or something! Anything!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH8fQdBPy-FskotfeQeXYrgd6P8q-QSeyoRfp4ICpJB2hW_eNTiuHY3Z_lofL3zCgEGwCFeEYZQ3QWnGObNsGet4zmWFeW46Ny0kO_63oDY-wCpETvUlc3SyeC6ZQOKxWPnhhtCt0jQs/s1600/Screenshot-15102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH8fQdBPy-FskotfeQeXYrgd6P8q-QSeyoRfp4ICpJB2hW_eNTiuHY3Z_lofL3zCgEGwCFeEYZQ3QWnGObNsGet4zmWFeW46Ny0kO_63oDY-wCpETvUlc3SyeC6ZQOKxWPnhhtCt0jQs/s1600/Screenshot-15102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just as Annabelle was about to stop and strangle Kaley, the creature stopped in its tracks. Annie and Kaley turned around and watched as the monster froze in place, its black-as-night skin glowing a muted gold as it did so. Annie turned and met eyes with a purple-skinned fairy with yellow wings and hair who had a determined look on her face, her hand angled towards the monster.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno_t6wUgpRey6W6DYhhl_LYRz4bhNYg_uACPAmntZ3L4OcohBDTUt_ombMWWTr6rproKYkEyenGTDS5GhBvX-0UiM9MqSQMkfjLodquv4rnQIC1ewE5akFttrwzPhyphenhyphenSXMYxOPtXbuXcA/s1600/Screenshot-15103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno_t6wUgpRey6W6DYhhl_LYRz4bhNYg_uACPAmntZ3L4OcohBDTUt_ombMWWTr6rproKYkEyenGTDS5GhBvX-0UiM9MqSQMkfjLodquv4rnQIC1ewE5akFttrwzPhyphenhyphenSXMYxOPtXbuXcA/s1600/Screenshot-15103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Let's get to the den," the purple fairy said as she lowered her hand, "the spell will only last a few moments."<br />
<br />
Stunned, Annabelle walked with Kaley and the purple fairy as they stepped into a strange distortion field. Seconds later, they found themselves in the same town, but in an area Annabelle had only seen one or two times since moving to Hidden Springs, with a windowless rock-walled structure behind a concrete wall. The purple fairy waved her hand towards the structure, and a door in the center of the wall suddenly revealed itself. However, it did not open.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ovu1kM1315es22BWouFeSaNYdXFBQEQJs3Hgw25WhAjI_oDsYtFt2koN_YaDtgWq2uq_kBWFJWrahXShyge4-43mrb6_50-0Bvd-luGZuVryGW7-NsFKGg3PMLW-k9dUU0iljfbTDkM/s1600/Screenshot-14222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ovu1kM1315es22BWouFeSaNYdXFBQEQJs3Hgw25WhAjI_oDsYtFt2koN_YaDtgWq2uq_kBWFJWrahXShyge4-43mrb6_50-0Bvd-luGZuVryGW7-NsFKGg3PMLW-k9dUU0iljfbTDkM/s1600/Screenshot-14222.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Ugh," The purple fairy put her hands against the door and began pushing, "this stupid door never opens properly." She kept pushing, and Annabelle turned and saw a strange arch with curtains next to it. She tapped Kaley on the arm to get her attention.</div>
<br />
"Hey, what's that?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NQwUF8yeilKHwmd2rgre1Sn5y_L9geSweZh2xuofvY3pGMqdPi3s7xjqx6oN-1mTdY56YxMCW2SwOfbzNmYgyIwaGbG0Im3zTscq90ncrLskLIM6uuXCZxF71enNO-s50YeeD1nA0TA/s1600/Screenshot-15040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NQwUF8yeilKHwmd2rgre1Sn5y_L9geSweZh2xuofvY3pGMqdPi3s7xjqx6oN-1mTdY56YxMCW2SwOfbzNmYgyIwaGbG0Im3zTscq90ncrLskLIM6uuXCZxF71enNO-s50YeeD1nA0TA/s1600/Screenshot-15040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kaley turned around and looked at the arch. "That's the veil, it's supposedly a transport between entire planets! It was built here by The Cosm-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-qoDldymPRM8fVeSLLo-FDBwCXmcEPVCTn96i5RnuK6ZTb3oeBMCOoV_1719SL9fqtUA8-7IdtMJHogUBRf6HFdkfWyvvuXu91XiRmVqXDlqpgxHIQKGHiZBqO43SNyP_FvUDmesMqc/s1600/Screenshot-15041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-qoDldymPRM8fVeSLLo-FDBwCXmcEPVCTn96i5RnuK6ZTb3oeBMCOoV_1719SL9fqtUA8-7IdtMJHogUBRf6HFdkfWyvvuXu91XiRmVqXDlqpgxHIQKGHiZBqO43SNyP_FvUDmesMqc/s1600/Screenshot-15041.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly, a noise behind the two interrupted them as the wall opened behind them quickly, with the purple fairy almost falling down as it did so. She caught herself, however, and kept walking inside. Annabelle turned around and followed Kaley and the other fairy into the building.<br />
<br />
Inside this strange structure were a variety of plants and rocks across the interior, with a center fountain against the back wall. Annabelle was amazed to see such vibrant plants growing in such a small, cold, windowless room. Then again, it was perhaps the fairies themselves who were keeping the plants alive.<br />
<br />
"Wow." Still amazed, Annabelle turned and saw another fairy walking up to her, this one with light-blue skin and orange wings. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPtjbw2PuU8uaiiXS7nbAreJPhtqjqASueS4DueS-QOAmxugovla5SBdGZaDcTPky5cr3xgrWyRWzOhOFCk_JxfrCE2CkfOOKzzlFnwTCIUKFshIxgbDMiG9YQBuYvCb6V4RkuGiNLXo/s1600/Screenshot-14312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPtjbw2PuU8uaiiXS7nbAreJPhtqjqASueS4DueS-QOAmxugovla5SBdGZaDcTPky5cr3xgrWyRWzOhOFCk_JxfrCE2CkfOOKzzlFnwTCIUKFshIxgbDMiG9YQBuYvCb6V4RkuGiNLXo/s1600/Screenshot-14312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"HELLO," the blue-skinned fairy yelled out while standing in front of Annabelle, while at the same time holding up her right hand, "My name is Nizume! Nizume Posha! This is my hand puppet, Lefty Fredericksen Von Richards. He's invisible, and always right!"<br />
<br />
<br />
Annabelle smirked. "You mean, he's always on your right hand, which he clearly is right now... I think."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZz5Hrscb6idcxWIQli0-_5MivTsX1dnsARWGWpeDuiawVkszmUA-PiPhpuu1YLt-Li4dcFl6zktX1TGMxD2mi8vtFrWM-OONKOz1b2-HW6gBoMot0k2F2IhoG77d7vsDhYmgyP8NDFw/s1600/Screenshot-14313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZz5Hrscb6idcxWIQli0-_5MivTsX1dnsARWGWpeDuiawVkszmUA-PiPhpuu1YLt-Li4dcFl6zktX1TGMxD2mi8vtFrWM-OONKOz1b2-HW6gBoMot0k2F2IhoG77d7vsDhYmgyP8NDFw/s1600/Screenshot-14313.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nizume smiled. "Noooo no no nope nopey nope-nope! He's on my right hand because I get confused, his twin brother is on my left foot but he's invisible too. His name's Mr. Right. Everyone always says they want to meet him. Why does everyone want to meet my left foot?! Anyway Lefty is always right because he always tells the truth, even if I don't believe it. This one time, he told me that my house would be knocked over, and I was so stubborn that I refused to believe it, then one day I came home and took a BULLDOZER to it!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeq5tRSDk-cH_JB4QN4BHflsBsrGwEl0f3IA-9sf0EA0pNMsP210ajFapoAJ1mfa3l7wV7vkfrOn4UnexNt6yiCJZo_kbl2sJsn-5EeqwFKF3RGF4-ATFyDUWw08UwDeJOWBzoNP6mMM/s1600/Screenshot-15047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeq5tRSDk-cH_JB4QN4BHflsBsrGwEl0f3IA-9sf0EA0pNMsP210ajFapoAJ1mfa3l7wV7vkfrOn4UnexNt6yiCJZo_kbl2sJsn-5EeqwFKF3RGF4-ATFyDUWw08UwDeJOWBzoNP6mMM/s1600/Screenshot-15047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Annabelle looked horrified as Nizume kept talking with a calm smile on her face. "But I knocked down only one wall. Lefty was wrong for once! Then a wind came and knocked down the rest of my house. Then he was right! Then Mr. Right told me that Lefty was wrong because my house wasn't knocked down by just me, then Lefty told Mr. Right that he was wrong, but Mr. Right is always right, except he's left when he's actually right because his name is Mr. Right, right?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-yqOSMAwaXegT9uOXkiHMgFxc_7QULQFVf-iYpxGfDIKtDo55S2YqTM8RweGpQWuq1o6OXnN0Ixi7GMjE71s9Vxq_HykARH5lthf8YqKYgE4RILWr25eb0aQfniei9LOk9x6Ucw2848/s1600/Screenshot-14311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-yqOSMAwaXegT9uOXkiHMgFxc_7QULQFVf-iYpxGfDIKtDo55S2YqTM8RweGpQWuq1o6OXnN0Ixi7GMjE71s9Vxq_HykARH5lthf8YqKYgE4RILWr25eb0aQfniei9LOk9x6Ucw2848/s1600/Screenshot-14311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Uh........... Look, Nizume, right?"<br />
<br />
"YUP! That's my name! Though everyone calls me 'A Danger to Myself and Everything Around Me Within 500 Miles'. I see it as a nickname. Nizume 'A Danger to Myself and Everything Around Me Within 500 Miles' Posha... the First!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRKfFIdjBZ7yTdxEr1eGJ6wEZ0A-E5RXAZvFZK9BEoXM6gA9vzqdbas0TRSpOQeSaaY3ZsptJj6XJ43J6uLNy-SRb2IV8aLc-X_h7Il3VEguu2SoiQrmxBgqOO5KNKH1NoKHFoq5LwCU/s1600/Screenshot-15049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRKfFIdjBZ7yTdxEr1eGJ6wEZ0A-E5RXAZvFZK9BEoXM6gA9vzqdbas0TRSpOQeSaaY3ZsptJj6XJ43J6uLNy-SRb2IV8aLc-X_h7Il3VEguu2SoiQrmxBgqOO5KNKH1NoKHFoq5LwCU/s1600/Screenshot-15049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Look, Miss Posha, I need to talk to someone about removing these fairy wings. Anyone around here mentally sound enough to help me out? I mean it's not that you're not mentally sound, it's just... I need someone else. Can you help me?"<br />
<br />
"SURE!" Nizume yelled out, "I'll find someone! Maybe Lefty! Wait... no... Lefty tells me that you should find someone who hasn't lived in a box for ten years with only her own mind to keep her company. No idea who he's talking about. Hey, there's Zanya!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle turned around to see Nizume hovering over to the purple and yellow fairy she'd met earlier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVKA84WSCczUdtUIg1kCaYUww24aFzT5QS0Zb17rPmRnsfS9r4yQh5xFDXM-sHdx_LF6WbGORocIt3g8aCYsvexzjBWLP_31h2KcVCNaBSL_7Md41W0Aub9PN8c-JpskrfHThL0xUk_A/s1600/Screenshot-15057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVKA84WSCczUdtUIg1kCaYUww24aFzT5QS0Zb17rPmRnsfS9r4yQh5xFDXM-sHdx_LF6WbGORocIt3g8aCYsvexzjBWLP_31h2KcVCNaBSL_7Md41W0Aub9PN8c-JpskrfHThL0xUk_A/s1600/Screenshot-15057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After brushing aside Nizume, who was getting a little too close to her, the purple fairy walked up to Annabelle and bowed to her while Nizume walked through a wooden door on the far end of the room. "I know we didn't get much time to talk earlier, and I apologize. I am Zanya Drazali. I heard you've been changed into a Feen by Kaley. She actually told me herself. I understand you do not want this power that we have."<br />
<br />
"No. Not really," Annabelle replied, "and I'd also do well without these giant glowing neon wings sticking out of my back. They're not exactly subtle, and the first person who sees me and doesn't know me personally will be wondering if I'm strange or if they are strange, and that undue attention to my household is something I really don't want to happen... again... if I can avoid it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixOr72f5ODCngrMSKBGTQqOsIHhyphenhyphenZiHseW14kVa3xNlFRwLKhMd6UmPnoHVhoimYnPZl2aC4S3TS330eYsdl7axZSbH1d3whaJfWGMKZIdfI9ndF4NzDsEk2w4jebROvWZ3cijMJFs6g/s1600/Screenshot-15059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixOr72f5ODCngrMSKBGTQqOsIHhyphenhyphenZiHseW14kVa3xNlFRwLKhMd6UmPnoHVhoimYnPZl2aC4S3TS330eYsdl7axZSbH1d3whaJfWGMKZIdfI9ndF4NzDsEk2w4jebROvWZ3cijMJFs6g/s1600/Screenshot-15059.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Zanya nodded. "Actually, the wings are hidden by those who do not know magic. It's a defense mechanism we came up with a long time ago. Only those who know magic and those who share a spiritual connection to the Feen can see the wings upon their back."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk6I1MFOz6_2CLiUF4SzoKzb3uwODh0epDvqxhVEPEgzrrgNtaQ10tuTvgt1oaIpehXr4wKcIZopjAOSY0SMWmd-O7lHBTeyXVN6Fv_KYgnkFMtH3CxX6YOzw8Y8-gKVb-fZv85KXYeE/s1600/Screenshot-15061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk6I1MFOz6_2CLiUF4SzoKzb3uwODh0epDvqxhVEPEgzrrgNtaQ10tuTvgt1oaIpehXr4wKcIZopjAOSY0SMWmd-O7lHBTeyXVN6Fv_KYgnkFMtH3CxX6YOzw8Y8-gKVb-fZv85KXYeE/s1600/Screenshot-15061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle stepped back in shock. "That's very, very close to something that involves me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kn2WAWYTIyBvhfutAHWRvwNtcmEllhzfRjIFoLFeB7fu0iXynvhiESIchms3YbU2zpewnMmmKwgGus_JVuLzQZ4zZ5pIKsfGGYR6JoCT-1L5VPtu_polDHLklOilTNUeQHX9tZaNVCk/s1600/Screenshot-15060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kn2WAWYTIyBvhfutAHWRvwNtcmEllhzfRjIFoLFeB7fu0iXynvhiESIchms3YbU2zpewnMmmKwgGus_JVuLzQZ4zZ5pIKsfGGYR6JoCT-1L5VPtu_polDHLklOilTNUeQHX9tZaNVCk/s1600/Screenshot-15060.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Perhaps she should consult with the Fountain of Knowledge," Kaley interjected, having stood outside of the conversation for a while, "perhaps it can tell her what she can do, to return to normal?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC1XRHFh79F6XKfsWpAIYfortZ4wfJf_OWiYmnBPoongxsmmbs8KLR18mdpUhEj45GoN6_5VGxk3ho06NYi56ktkoZq7OfG1irmOT8ejIXOs3z4eMsQBKk4K4zio_sQY966IRpIcOw9I/s1600/Screenshot-15062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC1XRHFh79F6XKfsWpAIYfortZ4wfJf_OWiYmnBPoongxsmmbs8KLR18mdpUhEj45GoN6_5VGxk3ho06NYi56ktkoZq7OfG1irmOT8ejIXOs3z4eMsQBKk4K4zio_sQY966IRpIcOw9I/s1600/Screenshot-15062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltfxG8hxpzoTwGIxgMUTUSMGybSp9IXiWV0SV7Udpz2zbjbf7DVrNAcoUegSEMXiEaNXBlLT06HL42YDRo3-5GAzDG0djAHd8fkyAxSPJmg_eWmdeTwa3LK16DU0uiRuEsqpBJMRip2g/s1600/Screenshot-15064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltfxG8hxpzoTwGIxgMUTUSMGybSp9IXiWV0SV7Udpz2zbjbf7DVrNAcoUegSEMXiEaNXBlLT06HL42YDRo3-5GAzDG0djAHd8fkyAxSPJmg_eWmdeTwa3LK16DU0uiRuEsqpBJMRip2g/s1600/Screenshot-15064.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Annabelle grew furious for a few seconds, then returned to a deceptively neutral disposition. "You mean, you don't know how to turn me to normal? You mean, you turned me into a fairy and can't turn me back? You mean I'm gonna be stuck like this?"<br />
<br />
"Well we can try-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc5QTDgM1aX0gTjDEIY1FTZry4w_ZAcnKHNXRJgpWpoQa3vIDuu4q7x9V8oT8pWzS9TMzzj9CsOZpVDBBZsOrhR5w3WRaZ9CjVCwFs_e2q_id0f6oWDU6UUgUMqmv9l_q18SeuHzYoX8/s1600/Screenshot-15065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc5QTDgM1aX0gTjDEIY1FTZry4w_ZAcnKHNXRJgpWpoQa3vIDuu4q7x9V8oT8pWzS9TMzzj9CsOZpVDBBZsOrhR5w3WRaZ9CjVCwFs_e2q_id0f6oWDU6UUgUMqmv9l_q18SeuHzYoX8/s1600/Screenshot-15065.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"FIND A WAY TO TURN ME BACK!!!"</i> Annabelle angrily erupted, causing the entire room to shake slightly. The three in the room looked around in fear as the shaking stopped. "What... the hell... was that?"<br />
<br />
"Magic is an interesting thing," Zanya said, "for us, it's tied into our emotional state. As Kaley told me, she was scared, of you, when she accidentally cast the spell to turn you into a Feen. That fear affected her magic. Your angry outburst just now affected this entire room, so perhaps you can simmer down and focus, please, before you kill us all."<br />
<br />
Annabelle sighed, and shook her head. "Damn good thing you didn't turn Scarlett into a fairy, she'd end up destroying this town."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeTR3J0LCNvyBzUMMHfJ5-pP0S1gi8teaTT6oziEFYes8ooBrye8bpGd2kLkhBm5KGaC5-e5ACpWu2Nm2sZb_ZU7yB-_xed-aA4v7h_z4K75Wx-ZeV8zY3naQfgG1ODgWBCW3IDI0Wgo/s1600/Screenshot-15066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeTR3J0LCNvyBzUMMHfJ5-pP0S1gi8teaTT6oziEFYes8ooBrye8bpGd2kLkhBm5KGaC5-e5ACpWu2Nm2sZb_ZU7yB-_xed-aA4v7h_z4K75Wx-ZeV8zY3naQfgG1ODgWBCW3IDI0Wgo/s1600/Screenshot-15066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Zanya looked confused, while Kaley was still scared from Annabelle's outburst. "What? Who?"<br />
<br />
"Sister-in-law. So, what about this fountain thing you mentioned?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXQm4ZreVFYXHCvUVG5ZsVOjwaNC0eZ-NA4uvfOxE-9cI47g7YxSyE7ahXWUwpDM1XD41rfATiygpVjAZi8uBOonWOHAa4JhBo2IetdtphjuWdmIaXZyApAy1ktfsjgDwVug0huj206E/s1600/Screenshot-15068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXQm4ZreVFYXHCvUVG5ZsVOjwaNC0eZ-NA4uvfOxE-9cI47g7YxSyE7ahXWUwpDM1XD41rfATiygpVjAZi8uBOonWOHAa4JhBo2IetdtphjuWdmIaXZyApAy1ktfsjgDwVug0huj206E/s1600/Screenshot-15068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kaley perked up and floated over to Annabelle. "The Fountain of Knowledge! The thing is a powerful artifact, and it speaks to us. It gives us information that we need! It also gave us the knowledge on how to open a portal to our homeworld!"<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
Kayley laughed, "Just kidding! We actually have been on Earth our entire lives! We've just been in Hidden Springs for a few months!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle turned to the fairies, "<i>Why</i> are you here?", she asked, emphasizing the first word.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk93Aw4DHC-C2Yw15BLjisGFHFlZxctBcap_5gmPGuvem4LCj0_ngjXSLL_G4BFZzVuatCHd0JYRtjnwVl9BNuUXTJaL2bq4tJp0lMXyfGl5cNB17x4PBRf2nKm0NeUGgBZA1CAIpD3Y/s1600/Screenshot-15072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk93Aw4DHC-C2Yw15BLjisGFHFlZxctBcap_5gmPGuvem4LCj0_ngjXSLL_G4BFZzVuatCHd0JYRtjnwVl9BNuUXTJaL2bq4tJp0lMXyfGl5cNB17x4PBRf2nKm0NeUGgBZA1CAIpD3Y/s1600/Screenshot-15072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well," Zanya replied, "we were told to be here by our advisort. He speaks to us usually through the Fountain of Knowledge, but that's not his only means of conversation."<br />
<br />
"Where is he then?" Annabelle asked, as she looked around the room. "He told you to be here but is <i><b>he </b></i>here? No, he's not, instead he just talks to you through some mystical fountain mumbo-jumbo doohickey magical happiness fairy stuff."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff3jCcxsxEOL30DLdEsw0zUuxvWJ1GoCg7WO7ltoVpoPnfeAy7LuJA7aVC4JqhJcYpibCErq8YfDziorHfSSIRTi5SxP-GWWowUHhNoakWRlMHB_iKMG68FsAY_xdewSa6BmDyd9Q490/s1600/Screenshot-15071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff3jCcxsxEOL30DLdEsw0zUuxvWJ1GoCg7WO7ltoVpoPnfeAy7LuJA7aVC4JqhJcYpibCErq8YfDziorHfSSIRTi5SxP-GWWowUHhNoakWRlMHB_iKMG68FsAY_xdewSa6BmDyd9Q490/s1600/Screenshot-15071.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Actually he <i>is</i> here. He wishes to talk to you in private. Wait here, and speak to the fountain of knowledge. I must take my leave, there is an issue I must deal with outside of Hidden Springs and I am unsure when I will be back."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF6BtAyhYpaSWnzWTIISogxAJmpWZXB__xpgcaLWIkkuipNMHb3X8kg2QNlcsOdHatYWG10iBU74R5f_jtIG2bk7SOX8CzESbXaJRx5R5QU7mvwlkDc5PxQ_1o9bCnaxhEfvjSCNc82Q/s1600/Screenshot-15073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF6BtAyhYpaSWnzWTIISogxAJmpWZXB__xpgcaLWIkkuipNMHb3X8kg2QNlcsOdHatYWG10iBU74R5f_jtIG2bk7SOX8CzESbXaJRx5R5QU7mvwlkDc5PxQ_1o9bCnaxhEfvjSCNc82Q/s1600/Screenshot-15073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsxRnxOrRjxczoZl8iA2v0Pu4lYcZwDdA89E-JLOP65vjd8sDr5lItW9RjzecI4PCpK_gPOD_pLoQ-14eyP9hTeVwHpGG_1AMixC_dKcfDz12mqUzOU8GRPH89HcM_ZrfUbgMOFFa684/s1600/Screenshot-15074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsxRnxOrRjxczoZl8iA2v0Pu4lYcZwDdA89E-JLOP65vjd8sDr5lItW9RjzecI4PCpK_gPOD_pLoQ-14eyP9hTeVwHpGG_1AMixC_dKcfDz12mqUzOU8GRPH89HcM_ZrfUbgMOFFa684/s1600/Screenshot-15074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Zanya walked out of the room through the same door that Nizume took, and Kaley followed her. Annabelle stood where she was, confused beyond belief. "Great, left alone in an ancient greenhouse with a strange fountain. Why does this kind of stuff always happen to me?"<br />
<br />
<i>"You're not alone, Miss Kethrin."</i><br />
<br />
"Who said that?! Who's there?!" Annabelle turned around as she heard this voice in the room, which seemed to echo across the walls right into her ears. "Who are you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz-pprRW61sgy25jSpfb5KMQt33OfBzg2x4x1KP8hfJunux1Rd_l_-bqZzPHirlgk2tdIQWRRZFnvu33-6Fp0j1H3zs-4w8tBpG1jBGtvvTvA2QIdVVqYKP3jqq4_s4WXIFm89H5X1AU/s1600/Screenshot-15076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz-pprRW61sgy25jSpfb5KMQt33OfBzg2x4x1KP8hfJunux1Rd_l_-bqZzPHirlgk2tdIQWRRZFnvu33-6Fp0j1H3zs-4w8tBpG1jBGtvvTvA2QIdVVqYKP3jqq4_s4WXIFm89H5X1AU/s1600/Screenshot-15076.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"I am the Fountain of Knowledge,"</i> the voice replied, <i>"I am the all-seer, the every-hearer, I have existed since the dawn of man and will continue to exist until the Earth is swallowed by the red sun it is destined to become in billions of years. That is my purpose in what mortal beings would call a 'life', though you may not be a 'mortal' at the moment, are you, Annabelle Jade Kethrin?"</i><br />
<br />
Annabelle was about to ask the "fountain" how it knew her name, then decided not to. Instead, she crept up next to the fountain and looked at her reflection in the mirror, taking a long look at the green-skinned woman on the other side. "What are you? Where did you come from?"<br />
<br />
<i>"I am not from Earth. Where I am from watches you when you sleep on the nights of its choosing, and darkens the skies when it dances between its eternal companion and the cosmic candlelight." </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODeovwlSMTjk0EYmMOF79ZXDZcDKwy48c7YxVg1EW4DUEQLZjbs8NPr2v0wKf-Qrdj6cVOJW19SEGQK55SIwL9eYqLKn5-IX5qQmetwBNOaLA94mJ9oOpIf84XQgU4R_8OTS68hj2QOk/s1600/Screenshot-15077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODeovwlSMTjk0EYmMOF79ZXDZcDKwy48c7YxVg1EW4DUEQLZjbs8NPr2v0wKf-Qrdj6cVOJW19SEGQK55SIwL9eYqLKn5-IX5qQmetwBNOaLA94mJ9oOpIf84XQgU4R_8OTS68hj2QOk/s1600/Screenshot-15077.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle sighed. "The Moon. You're from the Moon. You know, the whole 'mystical' act may work on the Feen but not me, I'm smarter than even the average human. And I also know that your voice isn't coming from the fountain because the acoustics are all wrong. I'm a singer, knowing how sound travels is literally my job, so why don't you come out from 'behind the curtain' and show me your true face."<br />
<br />
<i>"Actually, why don't you find me? I'm in this room right now, hidden among the rocks and the plants."</i><br />
<br />
Annabelle walked around the room, looking for the origin of the voice. After a short time, she finally found something that could have been the source, but it was coming from a large rock in the corner of the room. "Okay, where's the hidden sound system? Where are you talking from? What, is this a fake rock or something"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-6VdnPnRZiudmDVafM9dZRbHgtvwjGU0KgZ0gP8F_Lc0zb0eY5S79FiGDjdVj7R6PVSIqRcgMXEeeuwRmT02CpfJNhx1IAfUq0B5tn6eKbwKaA5pxV_gusHdZwhG2PO4eCZx-HgTh6E/s1600/Screenshot-15080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-6VdnPnRZiudmDVafM9dZRbHgtvwjGU0KgZ0gP8F_Lc0zb0eY5S79FiGDjdVj7R6PVSIqRcgMXEeeuwRmT02CpfJNhx1IAfUq0B5tn6eKbwKaA5pxV_gusHdZwhG2PO4eCZx-HgTh6E/s1600/Screenshot-15080.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Miss Kethrin, the rock</i> is<i> me."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6n1rnWHlAISKHSGDXfik6H-pCR1oHu9LKJlYWOqzmzFZqkW6rOM42h0Vts17OAz1S7dMt7ppo4xlRSXfSnAzexofZht_s5_UW9kUZlmYwJ3RoydAIlYtIFZTvpGW2PptlthSHhAic_8o/s1600/Screenshot-15081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6n1rnWHlAISKHSGDXfik6H-pCR1oHu9LKJlYWOqzmzFZqkW6rOM42h0Vts17OAz1S7dMt7ppo4xlRSXfSnAzexofZht_s5_UW9kUZlmYwJ3RoydAIlYtIFZTvpGW2PptlthSHhAic_8o/s1600/Screenshot-15081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
"What."</span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Greetings. My name is Arkose Shale. Pleased to meet you."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILXN1PS4EbcA89wHNUUMYEa8TmhzK9rPFxe3ouoGTnLXUOVlww2TxGf05ZfbIic2bNB8Dz3hammd7LPCWChONzb4x3bRxCCvIUegtm1a04l866cywLRUU75vNji4jy38UFlcvlndj5Uw/s1600/Screenshot-15078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILXN1PS4EbcA89wHNUUMYEa8TmhzK9rPFxe3ouoGTnLXUOVlww2TxGf05ZfbIic2bNB8Dz3hammd7LPCWChONzb4x3bRxCCvIUegtm1a04l866cywLRUU75vNji4jy38UFlcvlndj5Uw/s1600/Screenshot-15078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle stepped backwards while stuttering. "Are... you... am I.... what the hell is going on here? A talking rock?! I must be going insane!"<br />
<br />
<i>"You are a green alien-human hybrid who has met genies and unicorns yet someone like me is something that makes you question your sanity. Great to see your priorities are in order, young lady."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3JcF97zKekx1sCaroxAg11EoGtYAQOZqPCuoEUBukwR3fev1xQ4mVbGNKbLWchoFsg7U30k0rBO3n2f9JFi8jDugM7S2yjbjyZwNa-JyV5sWMKOX_cMIRNUW-2KDFZMIhKCB9N55sxY/s1600/Screenshot-15082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3JcF97zKekx1sCaroxAg11EoGtYAQOZqPCuoEUBukwR3fev1xQ4mVbGNKbLWchoFsg7U30k0rBO3n2f9JFi8jDugM7S2yjbjyZwNa-JyV5sWMKOX_cMIRNUW-2KDFZMIhKCB9N55sxY/s1600/Screenshot-15082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
"You're a<i> talking rock</i>!" Annabelle yelled out while holding her head. "A talking. Rock. What do you think my reaction should be? 'Oh hey I met a talking rock, I can't say that the phrase <i>dumb as a rock</i> any more because I met a talking rock! A talking rock, a talking rock! Can you believe it?!!' Wait... are you educated?"<br />
<br />
<i>"I'll have you know, I graduated top of my class at Oxford."</i><br />
<br />
"Oh well, that makes perfect sense." Annabelle rolled her eyes, "I'm sure you got the highest honors... so how does a talking <i>rock</i> graduate from a school?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvsdTateOIzQIzWN1ZEbsR3BRkCJsiR-XGfADeJ5LM9k4z1dltd8fq2CZrM_spObjqA3m8-1H2HV9MhctWf-wmiiC8KROpty4whSG3LTIQe9O7SpB4SfVW6uvAVQWfrg1Oskl4CM71Jc/s1600/Screenshot-15083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvsdTateOIzQIzWN1ZEbsR3BRkCJsiR-XGfADeJ5LM9k4z1dltd8fq2CZrM_spObjqA3m8-1H2HV9MhctWf-wmiiC8KROpty4whSG3LTIQe9O7SpB4SfVW6uvAVQWfrg1Oskl4CM71Jc/s1600/Screenshot-15083.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"It was the 1700's, you could do anything, just as long as you wore a powdered wig while doing it." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle shook the feeling of meeting this thing out of her mind when the thought of it summoning her in the first place came to the forefront of her thoughts. "So, why did you call on me? And how in the hell did you know about who I've met in the past?"<br />
<br />
<i>"Well, I'm a rock, you see. I'm part of the Earth. It's not too hard to transfer my energy to other rocks across the world as long as they're grounded. In fact, I was actually present at the battle in the graveyard a few weeks ago."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs20EayrTuYUa8sjqmgchZq1K_W_2WKGmNmxH9riicUdC0q8upkg8Fh2mhyphenhyphenE-36PukzpIMGu71hOACku-UMMrZj_CZOvy5wBigrlpbIhgdSUTSXFGRZVgi9LxyhQ_yc1v7jObs9ojXXoc/s1600/Screenshot-15084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs20EayrTuYUa8sjqmgchZq1K_W_2WKGmNmxH9riicUdC0q8upkg8Fh2mhyphenhyphenE-36PukzpIMGu71hOACku-UMMrZj_CZOvy5wBigrlpbIhgdSUTSXFGRZVgi9LxyhQ_yc1v7jObs9ojXXoc/s1600/Screenshot-15084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"You were?"<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"Yes, I was the rock that your friends Tom and John hid behind, before they discovered the dome was actually made of pure energy. I took the brunt of the drone's laser blasts for them as they were behind me. I know rocks shouldn't feel pain but I have to tell you... That. Stuff. Hurt."</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle shrugged. "Well I'm sorry to hear that but hey, these things just happen. Just like these things happened," she pointed at the glowing wings jutting out of her back. "So perhaps you can tell me how to get rid of them?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqjBd4cZb1YJ7Vw9dY8Vm05GO_fprLMbr-G754IxZeR8K7WTcQvXGWxo_F6soRiWNmvjoQ_zbZGan8bnICzgn0d78MryCJWGGngoTAzIf7HKNVGt5V_G0XV0weNMncZS8UWsYCKgtoUI/s1600/Screenshot-15085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqjBd4cZb1YJ7Vw9dY8Vm05GO_fprLMbr-G754IxZeR8K7WTcQvXGWxo_F6soRiWNmvjoQ_zbZGan8bnICzgn0d78MryCJWGGngoTAzIf7HKNVGt5V_G0XV0weNMncZS8UWsYCKgtoUI/s1600/Screenshot-15085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Ah, yes, well the thing is I do not really have knowledge on how to do that. The Feen are born with their wings, and only they know how to remove them."</i><br />
<br />
"Oh, such a great and powerful 'Fountain of Knowledge' you are, then."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"I never said I was the fountain. However since you bring it up, that could help you out." </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle turned and looked at the fountain standing nearby. "You mean this could help me? How?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXL3l43wCbqvG_cJ98A3iV8gVJRnPBiR1EfzfkyiY8B5FVSzMnylQLbD5o3wvzJjb63O0Kn2QySzHYY6llyo3jw-4AoQ1uD2OEL-rlrfiRb1j69xS8sYGXjZETfIM1IyMiIXkz089uVM/s1600/Screenshot-15086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXL3l43wCbqvG_cJ98A3iV8gVJRnPBiR1EfzfkyiY8B5FVSzMnylQLbD5o3wvzJjb63O0Kn2QySzHYY6llyo3jw-4AoQ1uD2OEL-rlrfiRb1j69xS8sYGXjZETfIM1IyMiIXkz089uVM/s1600/Screenshot-15086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"What you see before you, it<b> is</b> a powerful artifact. Those who drank from it would tell stories of a past which they did not witness, and a future which then came to be. Of course that's just them telling me. I'm a talking rock, not a psychic talking rock."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"At this point I'm ready to believe anything." </div>
<br />
Shale chuckled, "If you haven't already."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQK1IRBctEOOIu7tB9Cc9uaxUJTvtrGaSiVXQmbGshC0GLNZZd3JdP0__igq8mobjeRLsYH4XpVkL3xeVwFT0-pd5VdqCWkRgkneLQLI8dMWxEOuywcszjnuvitpDgyNX-PVNVRD-wmg/s1600/Screenshot-15089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQK1IRBctEOOIu7tB9Cc9uaxUJTvtrGaSiVXQmbGshC0GLNZZd3JdP0__igq8mobjeRLsYH4XpVkL3xeVwFT0-pd5VdqCWkRgkneLQLI8dMWxEOuywcszjnuvitpDgyNX-PVNVRD-wmg/s1600/Screenshot-15089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle bent down and scooped some water up from the fountain into her cupped hand. She then drank the water and stood back up, looking around the room as it grew progressively darker. Suddenly, the room grew pitch-black, and a red light emerged from the wall nearby, then another, and another. Before too long, the room was bathed in red and black, and Annabelle could make out small red eyes similar to the ones that belonged to the onyx-skinned creature from earlier in the night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqZbY-NNxKdMa8Ls1xaRHkw6kb-63N7f3FXERNVNtTHjAlbG3Ij4yUSwJED9Pbwzyi4z1_xZrjgfyKTdTwF8ibQuPb0HQqfzYBxuenuZASpiM3uviFnp4ZIn-hEkUQRsr2lqotAPrjos/s1600/vision.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqZbY-NNxKdMa8Ls1xaRHkw6kb-63N7f3FXERNVNtTHjAlbG3Ij4yUSwJED9Pbwzyi4z1_xZrjgfyKTdTwF8ibQuPb0HQqfzYBxuenuZASpiM3uviFnp4ZIn-hEkUQRsr2lqotAPrjos/s1600/vision.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Another face stood in the light next to a strange door. The face had a large scar, and a black pair of eyes even darker than the area around it. There were no noises from the creatures, and no ambient sound of any kind. Suddenly, they all faded away, and Annabelle found herself back in the Feen's greenhouse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAN-6CUe8eY7KQcD9xTKOkiy3GiyYVt7X3HTyMcL1uwzucVRXcP68JCZE5LKDhE5_EPE4LSsLDA7VOQrB9uGku-c1jf9j3jk-oDMwlaS4p1ZoB12SK38ntMA3Z_y68k3xvX2xF85FWG4/s1600/Screenshot-15090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAN-6CUe8eY7KQcD9xTKOkiy3GiyYVt7X3HTyMcL1uwzucVRXcP68JCZE5LKDhE5_EPE4LSsLDA7VOQrB9uGku-c1jf9j3jk-oDMwlaS4p1ZoB12SK38ntMA3Z_y68k3xvX2xF85FWG4/s1600/Screenshot-15090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What... the hell... was that?"<br />
<br />
<i>"What was '</i><i>what'? You have to tell me."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle shook her head and stepped away from the fountain. "I saw something, a vision. It was red eyes surrounding a man next to an ornate door in utter blackness. Everything was soundless, like I was deaf for a few seconds there."<br />
<br />
<i>"So it's true." </i>Shale sounded upset when he spoke, <i>"The Vornek have returned."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"The what?"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Vornek. Malevolent shadow-dwelling beings from another world. They were banished by old Feen hundreds of years ago, their king and queen were sent to different ends of the universe through magic! Why have they returned here?"</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHSZrblgxZDmyiEE4M_9oLG6zhM3Z7BSs70Kb61CCeIWmh1KKeD-gaM7wgDwCGHApkwMSA_EELQBd-p4t7eFbzJTMG0dm_tjoIJQmPc4ayXW27GlHgF6P3hYZfJB8YvRIcRqY5WcGTAU/s1600/Screenshot-15094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHSZrblgxZDmyiEE4M_9oLG6zhM3Z7BSs70Kb61CCeIWmh1KKeD-gaM7wgDwCGHApkwMSA_EELQBd-p4t7eFbzJTMG0dm_tjoIJQmPc4ayXW27GlHgF6P3hYZfJB8YvRIcRqY5WcGTAU/s1600/Screenshot-15094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Okay, you're going to have to tell me what the hell is going on NOW! What was that thing? What did I see in my vision? What are the Vornek? What do the Feen have to do with this? Why am I standing here talking to a <i>rock</i>?!"<br />
<br />
<i>"Calm yourself, Miss Kethrin."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZz7RSTl038fZo3d8gflWpfUtJnyh0Tqv6fFitNa95TmTTPqCoT1557ggl4E_uGRDBmPrMwpR2puIrfKaU8woxeIitDOfaByt7cbQY2fqgMbXveFU84vHbPTaN4JgIV4GwwMqcls0fgM/s1600/Screenshot-15093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZz7RSTl038fZo3d8gflWpfUtJnyh0Tqv6fFitNa95TmTTPqCoT1557ggl4E_uGRDBmPrMwpR2puIrfKaU8woxeIitDOfaByt7cbQY2fqgMbXveFU84vHbPTaN4JgIV4GwwMqcls0fgM/s1600/Screenshot-15093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I was turned into a fairy and an ancient rock is telling me about evil shadow aliens! I DON'T WANT TO BE <i>CALM!!"</i><br />
<br />
<i>"You </i>have<i> to, it is a dire necessity. Not only are your magical abilities tied into your emotions, but the Vornek are back, and it's not too long before they reveal themselves to the world. When that happens, people will panic, and as they do so will become easy targets for the vile alien creatures."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAudS4WvtxkhAmFhZEMfysGn5xtVHrJsdcUDFmlopoZolkV9VRaaf1IbdIwGOArWx9Nx7UGOs6LUyssZki5WSaZR6FObArBS4IgX1I-n-XAtEtmFbeWStG0u2irku_OjEU-nVYMU7vRA/s1600/Screenshot-15092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAudS4WvtxkhAmFhZEMfysGn5xtVHrJsdcUDFmlopoZolkV9VRaaf1IbdIwGOArWx9Nx7UGOs6LUyssZki5WSaZR6FObArBS4IgX1I-n-XAtEtmFbeWStG0u2irku_OjEU-nVYMU7vRA/s1600/Screenshot-15092.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle glared her eyes, "Hey,<i> alien </i>right here!"<br />
<br />
<i>"Oh, well bad aliens."</i><br />
<br />
Annabelle nodded, then held her head. "Yeah... look, I need to process this. That means that I have to go home, tell everyone why I have fairy wings, listen to their shocked reactions, then pass out because I seem to pass out or get knocked unconscious every five minutes."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL2ing8UdF8lz6wttNje5TB8f71l8-B65RL77Ca6arIVRykIGFJtn8zTu6w52506d7mL7qqEVt_oF6YB97-vClBB47Um7pevSSqoYmlXDKwCpBcRl5oambUrfkaIiBFwYVGEQKq_G0Ss/s1600/Screenshot-15095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL2ing8UdF8lz6wttNje5TB8f71l8-B65RL77Ca6arIVRykIGFJtn8zTu6w52506d7mL7qqEVt_oF6YB97-vClBB47Um7pevSSqoYmlXDKwCpBcRl5oambUrfkaIiBFwYVGEQKq_G0Ss/s1600/Screenshot-15095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"I know, you should really get that looked at. In any case I cannot divulge any more about the Vornek until I learn more about why they may be on Earth. You should return at a later date, Miss Kethrin."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle chuckled as she turned around, heading for the door which opened by itself this time. "One more thing, the Feen said that I can't be seen as one of them by other people, non-magics and whatnot. That's very similar to my nature as a Torran-Human hybrid, isn't it?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQPmAzL8fzNCaOfBGXXCvzpYaii23-fkggFxyI4Y9bRqFZ4WDWwRTcwSJzugezc77YaRGA_o3G-yUSU4fDGicrRqLshZnYs9eBOElmxw3lTyqb1PJIZy4Zj_KiEpoPF9cGUX8DWJEpvk/s1600/Screenshot-15096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQPmAzL8fzNCaOfBGXXCvzpYaii23-fkggFxyI4Y9bRqFZ4WDWwRTcwSJzugezc77YaRGA_o3G-yUSU4fDGicrRqLshZnYs9eBOElmxw3lTyqb1PJIZy4Zj_KiEpoPF9cGUX8DWJEpvk/s1600/Screenshot-15096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>"I'm not in tune with many other Hybrids, Miss Kethrin."</i> Shale said, <i>"I can't be too sure about your nature in that case."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkVMCNF4t61Bzab96moz5AXMiEHNGt6B6PGn-pmZKHBXU-T418YMvHTKqEeZHvCNZcS7uAE1Yq2UwFev5xap2AH7xSdvsb2vy1rssLKf7Es_NeYN7pGzDGEVlvgw_JSRMMW0rzX3ZinA/s1600/Screenshot-15097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkVMCNF4t61Bzab96moz5AXMiEHNGt6B6PGn-pmZKHBXU-T418YMvHTKqEeZHvCNZcS7uAE1Yq2UwFev5xap2AH7xSdvsb2vy1rssLKf7Es_NeYN7pGzDGEVlvgw_JSRMMW0rzX3ZinA/s1600/Screenshot-15097.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle shrugged as she walked through the open door. "Oookay. Whatever. I'll just let myself out. Here, right? Yeah, here. Okay, let me go... right now..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUBpaJB8zwL_t_bQuEe0RgLWMhMP-N-75ZAAnXbWn0GBLL1Ynbun59HS6OPL3l1-8KUSN5-NqPVBGvBR5a35WfZfoh9H5jInHrgMtfz7Wsnav9UC9eaGDUlHVIwKP7rb2KeATdG-s8Wo/s1600/Screenshot-15098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUBpaJB8zwL_t_bQuEe0RgLWMhMP-N-75ZAAnXbWn0GBLL1Ynbun59HS6OPL3l1-8KUSN5-NqPVBGvBR5a35WfZfoh9H5jInHrgMtfz7Wsnav9UC9eaGDUlHVIwKP7rb2KeATdG-s8Wo/s1600/Screenshot-15098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle stepped outside the door and walked in the snow. Despite not wearing outerwear, she noticed that she wasn't cold at all at night in this dead of winter. In fact, she felt warmer than expected. Looking around to get her bearings, Annabelle turned and walked off in the direction of her home, trying to figure out how she was going to break the news of having fairy wings to the rest of her family.<br />
---<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7swNMZyiLNqu7V7V_AHFDtudJpwuWHuPSHAV-l47FniuS1jytAqQTa-_EyJj66Bt4QapOB0wD8I_dcszCQj6ehOl8c0-zVVMYGDjbem5Gnf63onQtXr1k6gbIfg6OnYHsuehPZmdslU/s1600/Screenshot-15104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7swNMZyiLNqu7V7V_AHFDtudJpwuWHuPSHAV-l47FniuS1jytAqQTa-_EyJj66Bt4QapOB0wD8I_dcszCQj6ehOl8c0-zVVMYGDjbem5Gnf63onQtXr1k6gbIfg6OnYHsuehPZmdslU/s1600/Screenshot-15104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Some time later, Annabelle found herself in the living room of her home, looking around. By the time she got back, everyone had gone to bed with the sole exception of Keera, who was sitting in the living room watching late television. Annabelle took a deep breath and over to the couch, sitting down beside her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc7wpFY26KH8d4gd6kql-ZReZr8Z0Toy-6-4fbV2FLXZLWj8jDUoflWQSB91pwguQV5uqV06pxTuBQmYx2KOKKS9eT2Fj_VqK5Osun0o9BV772_vO8VcPcfBAeK7Gt5PsvObXkuBxHa8/s1600/Screenshot-15105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc7wpFY26KH8d4gd6kql-ZReZr8Z0Toy-6-4fbV2FLXZLWj8jDUoflWQSB91pwguQV5uqV06pxTuBQmYx2KOKKS9eT2Fj_VqK5Osun0o9BV772_vO8VcPcfBAeK7Gt5PsvObXkuBxHa8/s1600/Screenshot-15105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Hey Keeki," Annabelle said, "I know the whole wing thing is a bit odd, but-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SkahWGGUlJ93uVprqoyW7f1BLMDG7wAZfEbw8AEbm8exxfmaKCDKQxDAYytst0_BZ73jIMcDQ8VdKzmslTRFdPCzgIUmbguBNJ0nOarxcHiSBO36bqjOh4KDItLhYPLIuge2_iCuF_Q/s1600/Screenshot-15108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SkahWGGUlJ93uVprqoyW7f1BLMDG7wAZfEbw8AEbm8exxfmaKCDKQxDAYytst0_BZ73jIMcDQ8VdKzmslTRFdPCzgIUmbguBNJ0nOarxcHiSBO36bqjOh4KDItLhYPLIuge2_iCuF_Q/s1600/Screenshot-15108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Tom told me about the wings. I didn't really react much."<br />
<br />
Annabelle looked at her confusingly. "Why not?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_HeQ4u90yaoRM644eUbM1C-07NDbQ7IUPPfTJmpUVCDwR1ajZfJSQttlMGftsTTw9Af3esFrbEj2bAiR9jnu0LbVwmSPB31YRsNT9DRkGt6LCOcUlzi_o7LC4jciFyaa43LrlSGjOw0/s1600/Screenshot-15106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_HeQ4u90yaoRM644eUbM1C-07NDbQ7IUPPfTJmpUVCDwR1ajZfJSQttlMGftsTTw9Af3esFrbEj2bAiR9jnu0LbVwmSPB31YRsNT9DRkGt6LCOcUlzi_o7LC4jciFyaa43LrlSGjOw0/s1600/Screenshot-15106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera muted the television and looked at her mother. "Because last month you and everyone else in this household used witchcraft and wands to get a genie lamp during a magical eclipse. To be honest, I'm surprised it took us <i>this</i> long to encounter fairies."<br />
<br />
Annabelle thought back to the rock's words from earlier in the night, about being shocked, as well as Tom's words about normalcy. It was just then that a realization finally hit her: Her <i>entire family</i> had become desensitized to odd things. "Strangeness" was just another word for "normal" around their house. Rather than fight this, however, Annabelle simply smiled. "I suppose you're right. Hey, what's on television?"<br />
<br />
"I dunno, some T.V. marathon about superheroes. Want to watch it?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFuTgCxgQHKjBUF9_LBZbxPd4eZ7O6656pBDRZNV5Wjaz6Ypoa7A4kULtugC3B1QWDrcAmDgeRCyIYHp1bK0j7UX1smRtljLy6UhsXa5toXGRwg1o44TwP_wfJdlDzLY6VYxE7wIASVI/s1600/Screenshot-15109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFuTgCxgQHKjBUF9_LBZbxPd4eZ7O6656pBDRZNV5Wjaz6Ypoa7A4kULtugC3B1QWDrcAmDgeRCyIYHp1bK0j7UX1smRtljLy6UhsXa5toXGRwg1o44TwP_wfJdlDzLY6VYxE7wIASVI/s1600/Screenshot-15109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annie smiled. "Yeah, yeah I do."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6Krm7eKc9aZA0TmOZ0SM45bk3J4zf1_S1LGJmBOS_pKd5CDvGLVcJCP-am6ki72RCamw0wu4alVsZojQ4i-0VYclXGTdq-cwNxh9ZdB0ZSfbAbvsmZAw5RRNVOF_qsoC1TFeilqLVXs/s1600/Screenshot-15112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6Krm7eKc9aZA0TmOZ0SM45bk3J4zf1_S1LGJmBOS_pKd5CDvGLVcJCP-am6ki72RCamw0wu4alVsZojQ4i-0VYclXGTdq-cwNxh9ZdB0ZSfbAbvsmZAw5RRNVOF_qsoC1TFeilqLVXs/s1600/Screenshot-15112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annie and Keera sat back against the couch as the latter un-muted the television. They then spent the rest of the night talking and watching television, having fun as mother and daughter.<br />
<br />
"Just wait until you hear about the talking rock."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiwqrc94e2n-sgsRo95L7HxdVTKgKWoXFCwrr_z6I4LN0ih3Q9pwh1KN3IWfsxJt6o0wEOpC5dubnXjNpJSEZp_qdwXm-uziHYR8hgjQ_hbAGn7uWQKHn4YrqhN0nvNWac0YSrfBGvE4/s1600/Screenshot-15110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiwqrc94e2n-sgsRo95L7HxdVTKgKWoXFCwrr_z6I4LN0ih3Q9pwh1KN3IWfsxJt6o0wEOpC5dubnXjNpJSEZp_qdwXm-uziHYR8hgjQ_hbAGn7uWQKHn4YrqhN0nvNWac0YSrfBGvE4/s1600/Screenshot-15110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>------------------------------</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3Jx0FjsMxLoMVsW_03rjHgCYZQ19oQHpn8SV1iQpZzeO_TOVwsp0DXAKjoUo-XxM6SMlhMJLR7K0QfLcR4ol8QO1AEf2PVxrFxLINH7wfhOoaNbaa2z_rzEz_JzCe-wjujNcmWSpOIo/s1600/Screenshot-14162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3Jx0FjsMxLoMVsW_03rjHgCYZQ19oQHpn8SV1iQpZzeO_TOVwsp0DXAKjoUo-XxM6SMlhMJLR7K0QfLcR4ol8QO1AEf2PVxrFxLINH7wfhOoaNbaa2z_rzEz_JzCe-wjujNcmWSpOIo/s1600/Screenshot-14162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack Toomes stood in a small white prison cell, within a facility just outside Bridgeport, New York, angrily mumbling to himself.<br />
<br />
"Grrr, I'll teach those jackasses who they were dealing with. Mess up my plans, do they? Get me locked up <i>again</i>? I'll teach them. I'll teach them all!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGH9UDRgYYRlieb29JhrS9R3E04c34Q7x02h3RChqMcXry76bP4uR6PGGqZDi__GoBx9pYqOZQVLibQo37AqHArp3-wi4gkmPBVFdStNICdXlcKOR-5RPb18LZ6eYvhR_ACeh2YyyA6w/s1600/Screenshot-14172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGH9UDRgYYRlieb29JhrS9R3E04c34Q7x02h3RChqMcXry76bP4uR6PGGqZDi__GoBx9pYqOZQVLibQo37AqHArp3-wi4gkmPBVFdStNICdXlcKOR-5RPb18LZ6eYvhR_ACeh2YyyA6w/s1600/Screenshot-14172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly a small device fell down in front of him. Jack looked up and saw small hole carved into the ceiling, not big enough to fit his hand through, and then he noticed the device as it began to beep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSdylCdkR5LEe2F2dhbj9Tf_kgFQW7JhGAlXZIu6OBFjLfb4YE2AA-WrH4ueFQ46VA9J84id6qXKkFVmWbtFKxjNrpRIHYpuzNL0ZUNbNcrrUq3BREwCQ5pXsbP9F39XzOFH_umj_gkk/s1600/Screenshot-14169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSdylCdkR5LEe2F2dhbj9Tf_kgFQW7JhGAlXZIu6OBFjLfb4YE2AA-WrH4ueFQ46VA9J84id6qXKkFVmWbtFKxjNrpRIHYpuzNL0ZUNbNcrrUq3BREwCQ5pXsbP9F39XzOFH_umj_gkk/s1600/Screenshot-14169.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What have we here?" he asked himself as he stood in place. Suddenly, the device opened, and shot a blue beam into the room, which quickly formed into the holographic image of a masked figure. The guards on the outside of the room did not see the image, as it did not appear through the glass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH4sMA9_kW6GnBDWw5FpuZpLGwQJRDGKKWkkxzHB8__wk_XItcwjBBP07FLmVgBgqS27El3vgdWTG9KBQBfK2Dwm3jgZ6W8nrhk6cz7zioeqo9m0C9b0E_tXPjeTDCGcSyT1dn5tuO-w/s1600/Screenshot-14167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH4sMA9_kW6GnBDWw5FpuZpLGwQJRDGKKWkkxzHB8__wk_XItcwjBBP07FLmVgBgqS27El3vgdWTG9KBQBfK2Dwm3jgZ6W8nrhk6cz7zioeqo9m0C9b0E_tXPjeTDCGcSyT1dn5tuO-w/s1600/Screenshot-14167.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jack smiled. "So it's you. I've been waiting for word from the group. Sure as hell<i> took</i> you long enough."<br />
<br />
<i>"Oh it will take us longer than you think, Jack," </i>the hologram said, "<i>you see, our group has decided to... delay your next release. We had such high hopes for you, for the lamp you promised us when we first broke you out. But since you decided to, again, fail in your endeavors, we figured you needed to stay in there. Maybe in prison, you won't disappoint anyone. Maybe"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjq4tcXgUqX82GoJIHFQVY5cIVXrAWaQKu0HLO-YjjlM6kfD3QtgFFrJJmPJ8v5FKwTL5S4NKlzN2FUsnbpjnobf24Nw-hAuNiBGsgK4Lm0tVTR-5PPVu9zF70Bz-aKBkkkYGLueJ5MM/s1600/Screenshot-14165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjq4tcXgUqX82GoJIHFQVY5cIVXrAWaQKu0HLO-YjjlM6kfD3QtgFFrJJmPJ8v5FKwTL5S4NKlzN2FUsnbpjnobf24Nw-hAuNiBGsgK4Lm0tVTR-5PPVu9zF70Bz-aKBkkkYGLueJ5MM/s1600/Screenshot-14165.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
"No!" Jack yelled out and tried to flip his bed, but it was welded to the floor. "I trusted you!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliYHPFmJODrLn2j4ahMEkPXmB8hZ5PNw6pKqU9aQMAk8ubyFc6VrKW0-N5LGQxKDqcE2Ork9j_awMjSpvmaTGVJuWV6K0yYbJVdSqIdqGmhQKuIv3cC_8XdUoKS17J-qVX0tpReCg3vE/s1600/Screenshot-14170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliYHPFmJODrLn2j4ahMEkPXmB8hZ5PNw6pKqU9aQMAk8ubyFc6VrKW0-N5LGQxKDqcE2Ork9j_awMjSpvmaTGVJuWV6K0yYbJVdSqIdqGmhQKuIv3cC_8XdUoKS17J-qVX0tpReCg3vE/s1600/Screenshot-14170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"And I you. You were my greatest knight, but unfortunately you were knocked off the board by the enemy queen. Now you're just sitting on the table while I do my best to salvage this game. Goodbye, Jack. Your King wishes you well." </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJJMVXbjORK5VgFrg8ZS_VMXUdkgbhP7WccCo0LUkYYtW5P0Xc6aWzUqtkI1H_01R0O63j7xcS0mwet8WZJ7dFXD5FjZEscYXrFN-G8q47lyszeuGKsdTbc35cVvH2L6BuhdKorsdmcc/s1600/Screenshot-14163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJJMVXbjORK5VgFrg8ZS_VMXUdkgbhP7WccCo0LUkYYtW5P0Xc6aWzUqtkI1H_01R0O63j7xcS0mwet8WZJ7dFXD5FjZEscYXrFN-G8q47lyszeuGKsdTbc35cVvH2L6BuhdKorsdmcc/s1600/Screenshot-14163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The device exploded in a small puff of smoke, leaving Jack to stew in his anger.<br />
<br />
"Your game will be over, soon enough."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-31544428754579635042013-11-23T02:44:00.000-06:002013-11-23T03:49:24.941-06:00Chapter Forty-Two - Home Again<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>October 14th, 2022</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Hidden Springs, Alaska</i></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx0XuXeMgJesCP-ZChTD8hoRRSmkNTikvjBeENRiICuT1oKhJFFBMhpouycrkB9kEDJxtBHt7M08L-Y8PZQ833oeNYGjocyeyqIFsjqsfTM53d-J_l-8tOljkEjveBQNY1zdUSjCE_Dk/s1600/Screenshot-11595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx0XuXeMgJesCP-ZChTD8hoRRSmkNTikvjBeENRiICuT1oKhJFFBMhpouycrkB9kEDJxtBHt7M08L-Y8PZQ833oeNYGjocyeyqIFsjqsfTM53d-J_l-8tOljkEjveBQNY1zdUSjCE_Dk/s400/Screenshot-11595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A cold wind moved across the small Alaskan town of Hidden Springs, typical due to the state's location on the planet. Around mid-October, citizens of America's northernmost state would typically start to wear thicker clothes to ward off the frozen air as snow came from above and blanketed the town in a white layer of, turning it into a frozen wonderland. That was no different on this cold night as people made their way inside and gathered warmly around the fireplaces to share the experiences of their days. Others, mostly pairs, also gathered in front of fire places for other particular reasons to get their minds off the cold winter nights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzx46uUuMtB9zuiz_YJMf0Z9H-lKltYJw-w1_4SViHqiLaKobMU_qPv8NMutFG-wLSyIgu9CvqLurKwlc3gonwesqJFck0XTEjH1KkD1NdiNmQyC6r9Ll5bL_GYtoN_Z3nP8U9BpppLk/s1600/Screenshot-11596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzx46uUuMtB9zuiz_YJMf0Z9H-lKltYJw-w1_4SViHqiLaKobMU_qPv8NMutFG-wLSyIgu9CvqLurKwlc3gonwesqJFck0XTEjH1KkD1NdiNmQyC6r9Ll5bL_GYtoN_Z3nP8U9BpppLk/s400/Screenshot-11596.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On the edge of town sat a small bar next to a large house. The owners of the house were out of town, having quickly left a month and a half before to take an impromptu vacation; however, no one in the town made their way to break into it even knowing that the denizens of the house were long gone. The bar, being away from the economic center of Hidden Springs, had the occasional customer but not too much business in the long run, and even less during the long winters that plagued the state.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWIMDZCCqOrUnBMuXSkR0R23dvfeKMshf9EQ7xf1_cOyQMHb7rCHmWAseCMim4bqCnue715cc9vuqdFxA_VW6X2p-MIs6rqpB6I23YE2DopJvyvYo1FZafgm6onPaHEX7T7EXATnLJJw/s1600/Screenshot-11598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWIMDZCCqOrUnBMuXSkR0R23dvfeKMshf9EQ7xf1_cOyQMHb7rCHmWAseCMim4bqCnue715cc9vuqdFxA_VW6X2p-MIs6rqpB6I23YE2DopJvyvYo1FZafgm6onPaHEX7T7EXATnLJJw/s400/Screenshot-11598.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On this cold night, a man by the name of Alan Fredel was currently tending the bar, wishing that at least his regular customers would step on in and order their favored drinks. Since they left he's had no one to really chat with and, in some cases, ask to take over while he had to tend to emergencies across town which in the long run had damaged his business in many ways, as he had to leave the bar closed on these particular nights.<br />
<br />
In fact, it seemed that young lady who frequented the bar for a while, a girl by the name of Annabelle, drew in more business than even he did when she took over. He questioned why a young and attractive lady could bring in more business than he ever could, then realized he answered his own question.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkovSUcyVbEZP0apZoJeXO4-oYpouZvd4WafnnYDGVHAE86hFIP_rt-5mXvRlKNReHknftT0L8n11XpmXXIi4oP6rDLZ-7f3LbQvsrDIl84uIGGneLJSi6h9wEIdiZX-kVIMBtFNHj0I/s1600/Screenshot-11597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkovSUcyVbEZP0apZoJeXO4-oYpouZvd4WafnnYDGVHAE86hFIP_rt-5mXvRlKNReHknftT0L8n11XpmXXIi4oP6rDLZ-7f3LbQvsrDIl84uIGGneLJSi6h9wEIdiZX-kVIMBtFNHj0I/s400/Screenshot-11597.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Alan worked away at the bar when someone opened the door. It was a young biker, who presumably came in to hang out before heading out to continue driving. Alan was happy that this man walked into the bar as not too many out-of-town people made their way here, despite it being on what could be seen as the only main road in and out of the town. Then again, Hidden Springs was a small town in the middle of nowhere, so it wasn't surprising.<br />
<br />
The biker walked up to the bar stand and ordered a drink, shaking snow off his boots as he did so. Alan made a silent gesture that there was a rug at the doorway for the particular purpose of wiping feet so other patrons wouldn't slip on the melted ice, but the biker made no attempt to listen to him. When Alan poured the drink and handed it to him, the biker took one sip then pulled his head back, looking at the bartender with an angered expression.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6gE_dvpOHaRxVPnp3d9Qt2BfnPNI7Gg2O6rEZfq9tJuOOrh8kyE-nsgaTDZwsAifFFqVvw8I7_Tcn2rW8zdc5Dlrpy3uI0NRP0dwNfSgcB1h0i8pThBajPbSDw1_I6qJdiDy-EmPYr0/s1600/Screenshot-11599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6gE_dvpOHaRxVPnp3d9Qt2BfnPNI7Gg2O6rEZfq9tJuOOrh8kyE-nsgaTDZwsAifFFqVvw8I7_Tcn2rW8zdc5Dlrpy3uI0NRP0dwNfSgcB1h0i8pThBajPbSDw1_I6qJdiDy-EmPYr0/s400/Screenshot-11599.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"What the hell is this?! I asked for a Spline Reticulator and you give something that tastes like crude oil. Pathetic."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk91CkWUpNCz-Y8_6Gf_OloRs5EhGZMl7ih26SuHKjut9L2D-s-U_j9v6lNxqX4dqsDuTYo30SjuInXwBwuFnZ7YCQMsUGOkpw1-4UmhUV2HpIuZhyphenhyphenFnUIBoOX0l52mm0nypBnCEz2Qo/s1600/Screenshot-11600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk91CkWUpNCz-Y8_6Gf_OloRs5EhGZMl7ih26SuHKjut9L2D-s-U_j9v6lNxqX4dqsDuTYo30SjuInXwBwuFnZ7YCQMsUGOkpw1-4UmhUV2HpIuZhyphenhyphenFnUIBoOX0l52mm0nypBnCEz2Qo/s400/Screenshot-11600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Most of my supplies are used up. I ordered some more but they never came." Alan said, calmly. "That's all I can give you until they get here."<br />
<br />
"To hell with this." The biker said before spilling the drink on the ground, intentionally. "I am not going to drink this crap and I'm not going to pay!"<br />
<br />
Alan protested. "Please, sir! My business is running slow lately! I can't get the best stuff in good quantity!" The biker stormed out and slammed the door shut before Alan could finish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt5hwu_DlYPKk_uD4W2omHg3uRxyccwRi5S45uDcZxqaChNnnIOsVpbukxvbkpaOgNs-jP0SmEtdpW2u5GeJJQgFWgIDdDHT_MA96Hu4XJaWaM_sbg37ypTB2MBzWUxjsfE_EoWRxrjs/s1600/Screenshot-11601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt5hwu_DlYPKk_uD4W2omHg3uRxyccwRi5S45uDcZxqaChNnnIOsVpbukxvbkpaOgNs-jP0SmEtdpW2u5GeJJQgFWgIDdDHT_MA96Hu4XJaWaM_sbg37ypTB2MBzWUxjsfE_EoWRxrjs/s400/Screenshot-11601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
After a few moments, Alan walked around the bar and began mopping the spilled drink up. Before walking around to get back to his post, however, he heard a strange noise from outside. One that sounded like a slash, then a scream, then someone falling down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjehqKBjO4gqLI06M7ZoPn6Qq5NMqQXssnHaAxnvfYa1hs2sE6pdJDJixy6C4DLz2UEyTtNfutL2nufXkw1QjPJsunCIMFSIQjQytWzRg7EsbtFSzsnKS3Xt1Hiiy0sHrrhXInCA4j9U/s1600/Screenshot-11602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjehqKBjO4gqLI06M7ZoPn6Qq5NMqQXssnHaAxnvfYa1hs2sE6pdJDJixy6C4DLz2UEyTtNfutL2nufXkw1QjPJsunCIMFSIQjQytWzRg7EsbtFSzsnKS3Xt1Hiiy0sHrrhXInCA4j9U/s400/Screenshot-11602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjubQR29RRVnMU7-Or9nn3Vo0Qkko4LTvzAuiy_-GJN81lQl2xj_F01-d5VrZOofBbSESiKWa6rl9Gsvi9GZa0W3LUFVCpJKkPIhoEsMI3XZ9diiTmkB8eXoSQM70uI69JGgwRuAWUTX0/s1600/Screenshot-11603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjubQR29RRVnMU7-Or9nn3Vo0Qkko4LTvzAuiy_-GJN81lQl2xj_F01-d5VrZOofBbSESiKWa6rl9Gsvi9GZa0W3LUFVCpJKkPIhoEsMI3XZ9diiTmkB8eXoSQM70uI69JGgwRuAWUTX0/s400/Screenshot-11603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Alan ran out the door and looked around. Off in the distance, he could see someone running away, and presumed it was the biker trying to scare him. As he was turning to go back inside he stopped cold; the biker was on the ground, slumped up against the bar wall. His face was slashed open and his eyes were frozen open . Alan leaned down to check the man's pulse and realized he was dead, then ran back inside to call the police, but not before turning around and seeing... something off in the distance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU__jceReEqfoyS4JKONzg7Ty6k1JnwTy8JLL0DXesDEvVO7VnQ4yfB3azE4spBb4B_aIzbXW072L7qOXjPmzIDoQ8yuUuW0dLquenxrYqboUEEP_Sw7LgGIZjjwQCTJIy5M8g6rDY4o/s1600/Screenshot-11604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU__jceReEqfoyS4JKONzg7Ty6k1JnwTy8JLL0DXesDEvVO7VnQ4yfB3azE4spBb4B_aIzbXW072L7qOXjPmzIDoQ8yuUuW0dLquenxrYqboUEEP_Sw7LgGIZjjwQCTJIy5M8g6rDY4o/s400/Screenshot-11604.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
--------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PqmItc-8nxrQKNtglJS8duJvc7ZIN73hfKvJ3Olq5JR3UPLLBSWi4p5m2oyQJHjXPRlN1WBO5uaoz-vUJxqSOhwURcowtZ4ZCEu-HPVSt0w4NkBtYaNpcM506asADngsbpoRcgRByaQ/s1600/Screenshot-12331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PqmItc-8nxrQKNtglJS8duJvc7ZIN73hfKvJ3Olq5JR3UPLLBSWi4p5m2oyQJHjXPRlN1WBO5uaoz-vUJxqSOhwURcowtZ4ZCEu-HPVSt0w4NkBtYaNpcM506asADngsbpoRcgRByaQ/s400/Screenshot-12331.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning was cold and gray, as expected due to the continuous snow fall. The main door to the house next to Alan's bar silently creeped partially open and the house lights were turned on by a black and blue gloved hand reaching inside.<br />
<br />
<i>"HOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEE!!!!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BDBuKonHFT3uBQb2-N4cMc0DSHWPE0GKRJrLRI_V6HPLDBLewyYATSfK4QYVnHTH-zxzc9z0TQiAGqHNM_Wgbe4i6-SHi9fO0fmqE-WulvzRFFkGg8Vl3_RBgJC8gJXcOY_IdAlgWe4/s1600/Screenshot-12333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BDBuKonHFT3uBQb2-N4cMc0DSHWPE0GKRJrLRI_V6HPLDBLewyYATSfK4QYVnHTH-zxzc9z0TQiAGqHNM_Wgbe4i6-SHi9fO0fmqE-WulvzRFFkGg8Vl3_RBgJC8gJXcOY_IdAlgWe4/s400/Screenshot-12333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Seconds later the door flew open, revealing Keera who happily kissed and hugged the walls of her home, very much glad to be back after a month and a half away. However she pulled away as she noticed the walls were different. In fact, a lot of things were different about the house. The walls were now white when they used to be brown, the floor was blue carpeting, and there was now a door connecting the vibrantly-changed living room as opposed to a simple arch. The kitchen also had a makeover.</div>
<br />
"What the...? Are we in an alternate dimension? Did John send us to an alternate universe where everything looks like an awesome sci-fi flick? Because it's awesome. And sci-fi. And flicky. I don't care if flicky isn't a word because I just coined it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-zbrntMxita0_zL5n5JMAvk7M6ZgfQ6WGU-WVUFZApgj_ZNeQMWbttvSlrfPxeb8w2_pG8B1pWTTmmAj3vQ0SNxzXcu0HzQS4r27BVZoyCO98UhmnHrU9tU0mQsZ384jCAj7-LlxS1w/s1600/Screenshot-12334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-zbrntMxita0_zL5n5JMAvk7M6ZgfQ6WGU-WVUFZApgj_ZNeQMWbttvSlrfPxeb8w2_pG8B1pWTTmmAj3vQ0SNxzXcu0HzQS4r27BVZoyCO98UhmnHrU9tU0mQsZ384jCAj7-LlxS1w/s400/Screenshot-12334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle, walking in after her, smiled as she looked around the changed house. "Nah. I told you, just after we left, that I hired some renovators to change things up. I was tired of looking at all the drab empty walls, so I took action. So far this place looks exactly as I asked. None of our bedrooms were changed though."<br />
<br />
Keera looked around confused. "Ah. I think I remember you telling me that. I understand though, why you would want change. When we left here you weren't exactly on the best terms with Tom."<br />
<br />
Annabelle nodded. "Yeah. Oh man that reminds me, right before we left I wrote a nasty message on Tom's wall saying that he 'eats reptile eggs for breakfast'! I gotta go wipe that off."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xP-YH-QvAQ4GoJchDc0ncoaQdHatZWGKGaCtIlsz1KCe8Vgmc5Ocgd4_spQTjLO1cv5QIvyQKP43WhHPiZuAVdpaKBnDCbelU_RLFBF8ij6SngzFYAuDioQ8kPzfbq8cyqdAbnSi5s4/s1600/Screenshot-12336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xP-YH-QvAQ4GoJchDc0ncoaQdHatZWGKGaCtIlsz1KCe8Vgmc5Ocgd4_spQTjLO1cv5QIvyQKP43WhHPiZuAVdpaKBnDCbelU_RLFBF8ij6SngzFYAuDioQ8kPzfbq8cyqdAbnSi5s4/s400/Screenshot-12336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle quickly ran upstairs, with Tom watching her as he walked into the door. "What's her hurry?"<br />
<br />
Keera smiled, not wanting to tell Tom why she truly ran upstairs. "She wanted to make sure her art wasn't vandalized by the interior decorators. She'll be back in a bit. Does anyone need help carrying bags in?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyyXqk6wmu0gGOoN6Sl9repYumJgNbpTqsJKBGjL7g0oN9QL3CeesB5bUOKsTXMCOq4I54wpbVTFf7uz7rAuz4-FpLPkpXMRbcYi6FlbT9GKprvDJHcrER9aw2MPYd2FJ3YLQp09b6d8/s1600/Screenshot-12341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyyXqk6wmu0gGOoN6Sl9repYumJgNbpTqsJKBGjL7g0oN9QL3CeesB5bUOKsTXMCOq4I54wpbVTFf7uz7rAuz4-FpLPkpXMRbcYi6FlbT9GKprvDJHcrER9aw2MPYd2FJ3YLQp09b6d8/s400/Screenshot-12341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Nah, everyone's good for now." Tom replied, looking back at John and Scarlett who were walking in side-by-side with Mirabelle not far behind. "Oh great, here comes the married couple."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1vJQUo5frjBPCpdQz6FRsUBO51JyIiRKIrgPGBoAJuD4NMu5sK9AUTgd4dg87qiENuue_WvAGDqd80ERfzLG9MAygPJiGVl-_yppoyTO_RyS2bMOaxuFoMk_XxrYrAjjxjzfguW6rHQ/s1600/Screenshot-12339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1vJQUo5frjBPCpdQz6FRsUBO51JyIiRKIrgPGBoAJuD4NMu5sK9AUTgd4dg87qiENuue_WvAGDqd80ERfzLG9MAygPJiGVl-_yppoyTO_RyS2bMOaxuFoMk_XxrYrAjjxjzfguW6rHQ/s400/Screenshot-12339.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera rolled her eyes. "Oh, they're married? I can't tell."<br />
<br />
When John and Scarlett approached the door, John bowed properly and motioned his hand towards the entrance. "Do you want to go inside first, Mrs. Kethrin?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4E45zCI75tHHy6ck2zOsMP8KCUKDFWVu5k3NF6G-UGTS4uWB8NxPbNJJnyWDAm7jSYeKeKUbtDC4PWvMOUFcvxAVmcI170nAFAwlk0KZxw3Nh7Phiwmc0gPBkV5XkEu3T7PPRFsNw6A/s1600/Screenshot-12358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4E45zCI75tHHy6ck2zOsMP8KCUKDFWVu5k3NF6G-UGTS4uWB8NxPbNJJnyWDAm7jSYeKeKUbtDC4PWvMOUFcvxAVmcI170nAFAwlk0KZxw3Nh7Phiwmc0gPBkV5XkEu3T7PPRFsNw6A/s400/Screenshot-12358.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Why thank you Mr. Kethrin!" Scarlett laughed as the two stood there, bowing to one-another. "I must say I adore your gentlemanly mannerisms my dear husband! And I dare say I love being your wonderful wife!"<br />
<br />
"Well I love being your dear husband little Red-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d5BJEYXuzIjImq6QLyM330lqoz5aaex0_NhhzhvRVFd3vpCCKzuSp5wiccyld34SM0i7BWDaUj7SeErVwFngfRGobNqfNvw1Oyu4tCC_OBjLdxX_pK-h-gKd7D-xKXfdNhf5hnlDH98/s1600/Screenshot-12361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d5BJEYXuzIjImq6QLyM330lqoz5aaex0_NhhzhvRVFd3vpCCKzuSp5wiccyld34SM0i7BWDaUj7SeErVwFngfRGobNqfNvw1Oyu4tCC_OBjLdxX_pK-h-gKd7D-xKXfdNhf5hnlDH98/s400/Screenshot-12361.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Will you just<i> go inside already?</i>!" Mirabelle bellowed out. "This backpack is damn heavy and I'm freezing out here!"<br />
<br />
Scarlett turned around, smiled, then walked inside. John followed suit and the two walked upstairs to their bedroom to get settled in. Tom, Keera, and Mirabelle all collectively groaned as John kept spewing out old-style sayings declaring how lovely it was to be married. When they were out of earshot, Mirabelle looked at the rest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-FFiIsCEv8fIUy1HamSfoYpz4UmxsF2D-8efM9cldZT5Xi8V6ZdXuDwiJVW1ycvIDH-AtBmN4tXQk0p6smwZ_8QCDeSdGKfKXIl6WntO52z13pIFo_zgrwsWHf8jj_6Npm2P2d7Ozvc/s1600/Screenshot-12362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-FFiIsCEv8fIUy1HamSfoYpz4UmxsF2D-8efM9cldZT5Xi8V6ZdXuDwiJVW1ycvIDH-AtBmN4tXQk0p6smwZ_8QCDeSdGKfKXIl6WntO52z13pIFo_zgrwsWHf8jj_6Npm2P2d7Ozvc/s400/Screenshot-12362.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I swear if I'm that 'lovey dovey' with Kelly after our marriage you have my permission to throw me into a volcano. A<i> REALLY</i> hot one. Speaking of Kelly, where is she?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sdysxYPsVKURFEgWDly6FDVOexaIZOIQdbfobVqd0tdDdcyxAWeJEIoRNKeK2h91Oe3E4KlD7H2JeienkZTPIwtCuQsNYcP4k8SNKGT5QTNYTWa9bWh7sFNdvjsj9MfiVVoUPhRMuQ0/s1600/Screenshot-12364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sdysxYPsVKURFEgWDly6FDVOexaIZOIQdbfobVqd0tdDdcyxAWeJEIoRNKeK2h91Oe3E4KlD7H2JeienkZTPIwtCuQsNYcP4k8SNKGT5QTNYTWa9bWh7sFNdvjsj9MfiVVoUPhRMuQ0/s400/Screenshot-12364.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"She's next door at the bar." Gabriel said as he walked inside. When he walked in, Mira dropped the pack on the ground and kicked it over against the door. "She went over there when the car pulled up, something about a crime scene or something. I wasn't really listening. I uh..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtG9KnAava-MFBuwsA19YWuPrkuEYG1JYNyy906_BI6FAaeKHPZ633ODqWAui-JiwUvHDrkf7rmsuJSY4ntHdSjPmbxyFS12OLjsxwqUKYkuKOPJ6HqLq6VMlAJeRJssZSuCjQIkg5yM/s1600/Screenshot-12365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtG9KnAava-MFBuwsA19YWuPrkuEYG1JYNyy906_BI6FAaeKHPZ633ODqWAui-JiwUvHDrkf7rmsuJSY4ntHdSjPmbxyFS12OLjsxwqUKYkuKOPJ6HqLq6VMlAJeRJssZSuCjQIkg5yM/s400/Screenshot-12365.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just then, Cassie walked inside and smiled at Gabriel, looking around the house that she was going to be living in for a while. When she was gone, Gabriel looked back to Mirabelle. "I was focused on something else. Excuse me!" Gabe walked away, but not before listening to Mirabelle tell him that there were guest rooms on the second floor, and that he should pick one.<br />
<br />
--------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJZc4Yr_f1SLvC4d2Ik1d0pWLkkADCUc6troxoT3NQJGiJ3J33RK4VJ8N1I0G-NvOFJRPsF52pZTG8qVKw_rrn9EfOfe2SJnfzrQ4Xr4UeUonE20NkS1j6gKpxHdD8taNjYqUMONZ9Cg/s1600/Screenshot-12366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJZc4Yr_f1SLvC4d2Ik1d0pWLkkADCUc6troxoT3NQJGiJ3J33RK4VJ8N1I0G-NvOFJRPsF52pZTG8qVKw_rrn9EfOfe2SJnfzrQ4Xr4UeUonE20NkS1j6gKpxHdD8taNjYqUMONZ9Cg/s400/Screenshot-12366.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When that business was done, Mirabelle walked outside and over to the bar. In the bright daylight, she humorously thought that she could see Kelly's bright blue clothes before she actually saw her face. "What's up hon?" she asked while her fiance stood there in the snow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eYxKJBoPqtz8vBA6eE2aN5lm-7pegH1wNGzPcvuc4jAx1iMW5zjdaA4dnmpKxaQ2LmzSYgIfkqGtFarOo2hikWvaRfUDyZrNtTDdE8PKAymIqguPKDlNHBzW6ZPjZhhAl_lPmLdytMo/s1600/Screenshot-12369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eYxKJBoPqtz8vBA6eE2aN5lm-7pegH1wNGzPcvuc4jAx1iMW5zjdaA4dnmpKxaQ2LmzSYgIfkqGtFarOo2hikWvaRfUDyZrNtTDdE8PKAymIqguPKDlNHBzW6ZPjZhhAl_lPmLdytMo/s400/Screenshot-12369.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I dunno," Kelly replied, "there's something that happened here last night, what with the signs indicating a crime scene. There's also... look over here." Kelly continued to claw at the snow and pointed in the direction of a red stain, a stark contrast to the white layer on the ground. When she saw this, she took off her snow goggles and put on her glasses to get a better look at it. "Blood. Someone was murdered here. Right outside this bar and twenty feet from our house!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10i4QKzPxQQFf4T67Sygu6LLhgAQO9MbyyuXe4087gZ6S8FPJtistyYTkLqUo5RqATjso8r0BPiepw8J5mFU1vULvA4cRoS9bbu-nyIKxuKHJle11CQ44eP6RkuSs6vWY4u678dTJJjc/s1600/Screenshot-12368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10i4QKzPxQQFf4T67Sygu6LLhgAQO9MbyyuXe4087gZ6S8FPJtistyYTkLqUo5RqATjso8r0BPiepw8J5mFU1vULvA4cRoS9bbu-nyIKxuKHJle11CQ44eP6RkuSs6vWY4u678dTJJjc/s400/Screenshot-12368.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Damn." Mirabelle said, visibly. "Not here! This was the bar John and Scarlett got engaged in. I hope the owner wasn't involved."<br />
<br />
"No, I don't think so. I know Alan, he's too nice to have done this. Still, I want to head down to the police station to see if I can get any more info. You can come with if you want."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKcYVnn0l7s7Kh1Dx0qdtiz3AzKiVp94dMW0RJpxyhpmkjlGPXUHJEc678l2YsX-An2cZqUHYOhKQ0s8bQPP0kUUhzAIqS-I86hyphenhyphenrC8o-cOx7bnkWoZgnh5SiXrVJtWIWeMTdiTpxl-c/s1600/Screenshot-12371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKcYVnn0l7s7Kh1Dx0qdtiz3AzKiVp94dMW0RJpxyhpmkjlGPXUHJEc678l2YsX-An2cZqUHYOhKQ0s8bQPP0kUUhzAIqS-I86hyphenhyphenrC8o-cOx7bnkWoZgnh5SiXrVJtWIWeMTdiTpxl-c/s400/Screenshot-12371.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle nodded. "Yeah, let's go. Get the car ready and I'll tell everyone where we're going. It will give me an opportunity to get away from Captain Sugarsweet and his Blushing Bride."<br />
<br />
Kelly laughed, then stood up. "We should be going then. I wonder what happened here."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsmx6n9k6RtLBHe3UzvnR8zzMjlm_lSv-hO1h2QI2eAkbcSHufQeZC29VKw6RyYlBVY9wRO-XDv_8bBiy1p033II06iAedOXQVb4gW8q0HFiTD1QWLZm0k1NvK7uMwl_HEpl7QpdNMBg/s1600/Screenshot-12372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsmx6n9k6RtLBHe3UzvnR8zzMjlm_lSv-hO1h2QI2eAkbcSHufQeZC29VKw6RyYlBVY9wRO-XDv_8bBiy1p033II06iAedOXQVb4gW8q0HFiTD1QWLZm0k1NvK7uMwl_HEpl7QpdNMBg/s400/Screenshot-12372.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The two walked back to the house, with Kelly getting in the car and Mira stepping inside to tell everyone that they were getting ready to leave for a bit. The resulting vocalization from Tom, sitting at a nearby computer checking his SocialNet web page, was a resounding phrase of "Okay, see ya when you get back." The enthusiasm resonating from Tom's voice so striking evident (as in, none at all) that Mirabelle wondered if he was actually listening to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAEdoyPV2NfYaVqrxvmzOh3dYRtcddwuZ7Sf4N_UUtrc4z_jFSIjSKoL936vsdcFk7DENVhPWRfjJd4egSg6l-hCCokbmc5vXAUFD2m_eCtgvZGJA7u9I5TJ0eUy3MVIFKNT24IG5MPE/s1600/Screenshot-12373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAEdoyPV2NfYaVqrxvmzOh3dYRtcddwuZ7Sf4N_UUtrc4z_jFSIjSKoL936vsdcFk7DENVhPWRfjJd4egSg6l-hCCokbmc5vXAUFD2m_eCtgvZGJA7u9I5TJ0eUy3MVIFKNT24IG5MPE/s400/Screenshot-12373.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh and pink elephants are dancing to Tchaikovsky's <i>The Nutcracker </i>outside on the lawn."<br />
<br />
"If you say so, Annie."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukaOnlmMI6ybu1Nsk4g7ZZyDpzLhO4IcjJ2VSAUe4GFauWdgvYGGUEziHAHf8aYLQIue_aGx1ohjIO_-dJMLugQsyE2Rh6rv41gY9G-symGvFdPHUI1OP-5G0T_DnQWDCtl0SD6Oe-VI/s1600/Screenshot-12375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukaOnlmMI6ybu1Nsk4g7ZZyDpzLhO4IcjJ2VSAUe4GFauWdgvYGGUEziHAHf8aYLQIue_aGx1ohjIO_-dJMLugQsyE2Rh6rv41gY9G-symGvFdPHUI1OP-5G0T_DnQWDCtl0SD6Oe-VI/s400/Screenshot-12375.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle grew angry for a split second, wondering if Tom was messing with her or actually believed he was listening to Annabelle talk. '<i>To be fair</i>', she thought, <i>'our voices </i>are <i>the same.' </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Tom continued to look at the computer screen while Mirabelle left the house and walked to the waiting car, getting in the driver's seat to drive Kelly to the police station. "So what if they don't let me in?" she asked, looking at the snow-covered road along the way, "I mean, you're the detective while I'm just a detective's fiance. Even worse what if they don't let <i>you</i> in? Your first day back in town and you're investigating a murder?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ08NyF08Zt_DZkPVlxFnNqfBqBlPiNSGBKH2wqZyFbdPiTXpvvZlNfveeqZhtitsfH2zMjEreYytQKQXhp6w68Wz9f4N1hy2KBChItzRVsRLzxZsblUuCpSJ9YkEV1XNZULgO5ity1o/s1600/Screenshot-12377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ08NyF08Zt_DZkPVlxFnNqfBqBlPiNSGBKH2wqZyFbdPiTXpvvZlNfveeqZhtitsfH2zMjEreYytQKQXhp6w68Wz9f4N1hy2KBChItzRVsRLzxZsblUuCpSJ9YkEV1XNZULgO5ity1o/s400/Screenshot-12377.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I am sure they'll let me in; I have developed quite the rapport with the HSPD." Kelly responded while looking at the internet on her phone, reading up on any recent events in town. The murder of a motorist outside a bar on the edge of town was hitting the news hard, but at the same time there were other reports of the Plumbob Pictures Studio opening again after a few month closing, with increased safety procedures and surveillance cameras across the entire lot as a way of preventing any other on-set accidents.<br />
<br />
On the darker side of the coin, other cameras would be placed around town. Kelly quickly found a link on the main news site that led to a controversial idea of even placing hidden cameras in grocery stores and parks. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_fr_zPtaCD1X24HPLuZdGDu5rHJJKnyrSx7fuwSet_rjBXA-RQE1a5vJ2lumpAZAxP9Na-Z3S36fjzQ_N84zGTuRnB-nihBkfEf5hVTH3fC9UVLTr5VOT0b7sx6QlNFVMJ-_P-HVgRk/s1600/Screenshot-12379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_fr_zPtaCD1X24HPLuZdGDu5rHJJKnyrSx7fuwSet_rjBXA-RQE1a5vJ2lumpAZAxP9Na-Z3S36fjzQ_N84zGTuRnB-nihBkfEf5hVTH3fC9UVLTr5VOT0b7sx6QlNFVMJ-_P-HVgRk/s400/Screenshot-12379.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"This is wonderful." Kelly said describing the news report, not sure if she was sincere in her words or not. "The town is going to implement something called the Emergency Response Act, or ERA."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPQ_V9x4v1CycwqcUvkU1Nvb5WRlHsv8h4XW0aRJrb10ImSTxpOfvdxLNCkXjzOkFCXK-CaLYUeoRk79RfpqXvHvTqLv0mqkeIXCqfZd83jTwoyXrpvVUBRxXxgw6ZM1HpH0qEMv6Ql0/s1600/Screenshot-12376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPQ_V9x4v1CycwqcUvkU1Nvb5WRlHsv8h4XW0aRJrb10ImSTxpOfvdxLNCkXjzOkFCXK-CaLYUeoRk79RfpqXvHvTqLv0mqkeIXCqfZd83jTwoyXrpvVUBRxXxgw6ZM1HpH0qEMv6Ql0/s400/Screenshot-12376.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What's that?" Mirabelle asked. "It certainly sounds interesting."<br />
<br />
"It's a civil service act that will place hidden cameras all over town. It's slogan is 'Your Safety is a Camera View Away'. Why in the hell would people sign on for this?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjla6Jv42P8GHsvcpjlY-iQ5ro-u95Q_qP3e0UGbMRzJtqxV_2EbeFXcjTgxzTcHkboyUB6Dy_Pvzyt2bmJWB1-bVBwsnGSr2vHfGSjHuJMVX_crRlo4Feu21qF8KDQz94qvDce1rkld_c/s1600/Screenshot-12378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjla6Jv42P8GHsvcpjlY-iQ5ro-u95Q_qP3e0UGbMRzJtqxV_2EbeFXcjTgxzTcHkboyUB6Dy_Pvzyt2bmJWB1-bVBwsnGSr2vHfGSjHuJMVX_crRlo4Feu21qF8KDQz94qvDce1rkld_c/s400/Screenshot-12378.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't know," Mirabelle replied, "maybe it's a way to make the public feel, you know, safer. After what happened in Starlight Shores and Sunset Valley about nine years ago I wouldn't be shocked." With that she pulled into he police station's parking garage, allowing Kelly to get out. Mirabelle got out of the car as well, and the girl in blue walked over to her.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLW2XW_MOZjYQgv-HZEqnUsNSwRrw_Anwbt5QCwzie29efBBHcPz6wTi7lBEssyfCCF2KXCDphHYcUW2Kia8G-Vln7xR9wAOAU2ddHMyJ2t8Gasn8xorXUbqVQhJDMD-kl8Um-tZq5Hw/s1600/Screenshot-12380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLW2XW_MOZjYQgv-HZEqnUsNSwRrw_Anwbt5QCwzie29efBBHcPz6wTi7lBEssyfCCF2KXCDphHYcUW2Kia8G-Vln7xR9wAOAU2ddHMyJ2t8Gasn8xorXUbqVQhJDMD-kl8Um-tZq5Hw/s400/Screenshot-12380.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You know I can ask if you can come in to assist as my associate. I may need your assistance, you know. You are a valuable asset to me. Wow, I'm using too many words that start with-"<br />
<br />
Mirabelle laughed, knowing that Kelly was trying to bring some humor to this moment, then looked at her. "Nah, there's the library over there. I'm going to head on over and grab a book or two. You sure you're going to be alright in there?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeagRKqVWOkewQDhp3MXYSqCzLHLcVZ5_a0osfDTOkFSaVXdV-h79hIdLM1W2lUfG21BmDA7GdwJ8C2kqKZw4Z2dc2EmC20XbyFEx0uG6JzYyLGpEFAd_9gSwkl5sNcK4VY5LTH27fj_M/s1600/Screenshot-12381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeagRKqVWOkewQDhp3MXYSqCzLHLcVZ5_a0osfDTOkFSaVXdV-h79hIdLM1W2lUfG21BmDA7GdwJ8C2kqKZw4Z2dc2EmC20XbyFEx0uG6JzYyLGpEFAd_9gSwkl5sNcK4VY5LTH27fj_M/s400/Screenshot-12381.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly nodded. "Yeah. It's been a while since I've had a good mystery. Not that a murder investigation is something I expected to come home to." She then started to walk away, but not before turning around one more time when she reached the door. "Hey Mira, be careful. And know that I love you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LAL9ehJFbaS0HbJV1bshtxsElzPmU_NmrjdeRRQ4wW4gIjbsYJKoy9JuG65MiOPtf_qQf8POobpzAS_XksVxn274Apm79nW8wyEQmmMvux2yzTuaFQei0Ju0u4xbaTQ8f1yake3XykE/s1600/Screenshot-12382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LAL9ehJFbaS0HbJV1bshtxsElzPmU_NmrjdeRRQ4wW4gIjbsYJKoy9JuG65MiOPtf_qQf8POobpzAS_XksVxn274Apm79nW8wyEQmmMvux2yzTuaFQei0Ju0u4xbaTQ8f1yake3XykE/s400/Screenshot-12382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle smiled, "I love you too," and watched Kelly walk inside the police station. When that was over, she made sure Kelly was safely inside the building before getting back in the car and driving over to the library, leaving her car behind and going inside.<br />
<br />
-----------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IgnaY7KuDbqzJf-868qkXGX718wjR0EABxPaTNPP6lWzAt5R2tHMMmJSplpTiSoL9qdiXw-spNeXVJviOHkbe5d8vj8-JDCnybZmG-rIkZzrCNJHkPxlo8sgQ_-U_yK10f8x0pZ39FA/s1600/Screenshot-12325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IgnaY7KuDbqzJf-868qkXGX718wjR0EABxPaTNPP6lWzAt5R2tHMMmJSplpTiSoL9qdiXw-spNeXVJviOHkbe5d8vj8-JDCnybZmG-rIkZzrCNJHkPxlo8sgQ_-U_yK10f8x0pZ39FA/s400/Screenshot-12325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle, after scrubbing the graffiti off Tom's wall that she wrote before leaving Hidden Springs, walked into her bedroom and felt a sense of happiness and familiarity that she had longed for for quite some time. There was something about her bedroom in Hidden Springs that outmatched the one she had back in Starlight Shores. She didn't know what that was, though. Perhaps it was the "feeling" of being "home", which she never felt back in the other house, even when surrounded by her friends and family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4bOnbLmtwmw7K8ZUhgpHIPedbAucThrRaAw3oCfWA_-1uJtNFosypoHctdKRo2_bGjQStBeKhjH9fF7F7zzMn8SbTFaVNgWq-iAj2ErhHJ2LZwPGqAJfu5j1f52S_nC5D1ltAMzPoNY/s1600/Screenshot-12324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4bOnbLmtwmw7K8ZUhgpHIPedbAucThrRaAw3oCfWA_-1uJtNFosypoHctdKRo2_bGjQStBeKhjH9fF7F7zzMn8SbTFaVNgWq-iAj2ErhHJ2LZwPGqAJfu5j1f52S_nC5D1ltAMzPoNY/s400/Screenshot-12324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now that she was back, situated, and the snow was covering the ground outside, Annabelle decided to do something that she had only been able to do on an artificial level for the past few months. Opening up her dresser, she saw a pair of white ice skates, a name brand that she bought on the internet that she loved using every time it was cold enough to skate. She stuffed the ice skates into her backpack and walked downstairs, letting herself revel, again, in the fact that she was back home.<br />
<br />
As she walked outside the door, she turned to Tom, who was still playing on the computer. "Hey I'm going to go ice skating up the hill. I'll be back in a bit."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8PFRP-IvnHABIH0S0ipZY7M1Vcg72IhH3VPxipilpDK5utAxAySEKukM8p0q0gYD8iH56JZQIIjOgKA5s6hdppQW2S8EhDUrp55CV7PeAxUH9KE7xuTLpMv_eWL464FAKzDM6qzC6A8/s1600/Screenshot-12326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8PFRP-IvnHABIH0S0ipZY7M1Vcg72IhH3VPxipilpDK5utAxAySEKukM8p0q0gYD8iH56JZQIIjOgKA5s6hdppQW2S8EhDUrp55CV7PeAxUH9KE7xuTLpMv_eWL464FAKzDM6qzC6A8/s400/Screenshot-12326.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Okay, Mirabelle." Tom said as he refused to take his eyes off the computer screen. Annabelle wondered why he called her that, then realized that she and Mirabelle had the exact same voices. She curiously wondered if, when spoken to earlier by Mira, if he called her the opposite name as well.<br />
<br />
"Well I, 'Mirabelle', will be back in a while. Keep an eye on the place, would you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmN-xvFp5ABMJ0vWd44OwuAq-bQPc6L6ccKEpPINENy9fLjP2H_c60sTZkUnR6xQyU7Ecb46ywxRYnFuo7NgM1mP_VEPbx1ZeG0Rmmw3qFwt4uGeW6xbOh7ZKlQkEhoVUJ32gBVWe1tI/s1600/Screenshot-12319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmN-xvFp5ABMJ0vWd44OwuAq-bQPc6L6ccKEpPINENy9fLjP2H_c60sTZkUnR6xQyU7Ecb46ywxRYnFuo7NgM1mP_VEPbx1ZeG0Rmmw3qFwt4uGeW6xbOh7ZKlQkEhoVUJ32gBVWe1tI/s400/Screenshot-12319.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom nodded while keeping his vision locked in on the computer screen. Annie chuckled as she left the door, thinking to herself as walked down the street and up the hill to a frozen pond. During this walk, she thought back to the event which brought Annabelle away from Hidden Springs in the first place, the whole thing with the Genie Lamp that she had to stop Jack Toomes from getting. The Genie she met, Anika Sundar, seemed to be sad, and lonely, and left so suddenly that no one in the house didn't even have a chance to get to know the girl. Annabelle hoped that their paths would cross again, for the sake of understanding who she was.<br />
<br />
Annabelle then thought over <i>why</i> Anika left, at least the reason she gave everyone.<br />
<br />
<i>"I have to stop the Abyss."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eAnPoP4PsL-vfCVOAjlurjtxWWV-Hj4jYHRc7O43lkoXofztk7eKfe2YlHGL7vjQVE2JvK9k2t8lXyYv5BVLaeFJVALKU_hEd1FAP5OEc6J7aMPciRYqgwwhDLRkBeFwk2BGjn15yKo/s1600/Screenshot-12320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eAnPoP4PsL-vfCVOAjlurjtxWWV-Hj4jYHRc7O43lkoXofztk7eKfe2YlHGL7vjQVE2JvK9k2t8lXyYv5BVLaeFJVALKU_hEd1FAP5OEc6J7aMPciRYqgwwhDLRkBeFwk2BGjn15yKo/s400/Screenshot-12320.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i> </i>
That was it, those words were spoken and then she was gone. Kelly looked up everything she could about "The Abyss", finding many links to an old movie from the 1980's, and the actual phrase of the word "abyss" but could not seem to lock down anything else regarding whatever Anika was talking about.<br />
<br />
Kelly then mentioned something about a different word she heard, "Vornek", and looked that up to no avail. The only thing "Vornek" she could find a link to was the name of an old monster from a book called <i>The Dark Hollow</i>. Both Annabelle and Kelly were disturbed by this revelation because <i>The Dark Hollow</i> was the same book Nightmare's "good" human half seemed obsessed with and named herself after.<br />
<br />
Annabelle wondered if Nightmare, the Abyss, and these fictional Vornek were connected, somehow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiVOnArDpGcwKaa3KwRoh2OqET7RbP3Ugv7WJP3Y2j_uGH8B_ky87dQngmNgfLFsbFvxSQlOhqTTSFuIdAAL2wYwucAcx-GNRQ9tifuHBwVAxFEXGnc6WsC1qqS8Gm-UWUe2RNDmztK0/s1600/Screenshot-12321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiVOnArDpGcwKaa3KwRoh2OqET7RbP3Ugv7WJP3Y2j_uGH8B_ky87dQngmNgfLFsbFvxSQlOhqTTSFuIdAAL2wYwucAcx-GNRQ9tifuHBwVAxFEXGnc6WsC1qqS8Gm-UWUe2RNDmztK0/s400/Screenshot-12321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Not wanting to bog her mind down with worry, especially after coming off a major conflict, Annabelle simply pushed that thought away and finished walking up the hill, finding herself at a small pond overlooking the town. Annie quickly changed from her shoes to the ice skates, using the backpack as a standing place so she didn't have to worry about stepping into the snow without shoes on, and stepped onto the frozen pond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuflGE1Ts-WUg_SViefYL4lRtxp-tVEqERX4WgypNmuK7TtqFZIUCqKRVZDDhIX5EEJIQC-XMTMh3K_s67qORlqS8aJfHPUCcnxEmakYiaSj5bQWSZUUuzn4xfadfvDD70GwOGVf-c-4/s1600/Screenshot-11619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuflGE1Ts-WUg_SViefYL4lRtxp-tVEqERX4WgypNmuK7TtqFZIUCqKRVZDDhIX5EEJIQC-XMTMh3K_s67qORlqS8aJfHPUCcnxEmakYiaSj5bQWSZUUuzn4xfadfvDD70GwOGVf-c-4/s400/Screenshot-11619.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVex9iuYy72FKzxsV5E4hHFf2CSaXxUeE5jFp_xUtSgzmFUusngwdcm2eW4QE0U_i93sdJkL5tzXrdzdUdIDsWDd1N6wAomGtFLZubL7IIqiJX6qJ2LGJfSnW9RvtdzylXgn702CT0hPQ/s1600/Screenshot-11620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVex9iuYy72FKzxsV5E4hHFf2CSaXxUeE5jFp_xUtSgzmFUusngwdcm2eW4QE0U_i93sdJkL5tzXrdzdUdIDsWDd1N6wAomGtFLZubL7IIqiJX6qJ2LGJfSnW9RvtdzylXgn702CT0hPQ/s400/Screenshot-11620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It took her a few moments, but Annabelle got back into the swing of things, being able to spin and skate backwards with ease. For an hour she did this: skating, spinning, and performing tricks that would have made other people envious had they been nearby when she was performing them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJPjHwFFanOEPYW4uCxVrqlELe2FYdxLlcjBGzI_28BSEjvLXfBhyphenhyphenfPyr_u1NkzTG9NAQy6svBtNr39TFZRXHzdoQW4PBbRIAWjJ3fNj6qx3HTZ5i5YraD_W8IWTPK-gdC67nzSAStO8/s1600/Screenshot-11621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJPjHwFFanOEPYW4uCxVrqlELe2FYdxLlcjBGzI_28BSEjvLXfBhyphenhyphenfPyr_u1NkzTG9NAQy6svBtNr39TFZRXHzdoQW4PBbRIAWjJ3fNj6qx3HTZ5i5YraD_W8IWTPK-gdC67nzSAStO8/s400/Screenshot-11621.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6ejpOdjm3YgKURNZZjOSxhoPU27MiGJt8AeMmXnKg04dFS0q_cV7tuNYNyALEwKzwHPZyY-sDGiKD6RMD_YF6hg_q515-fvx_I9EYDVJTn1WaC7_4GgGI4kk9N_IDmMJH3jtdGVz_Lw/s1600/Screenshot-11622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6ejpOdjm3YgKURNZZjOSxhoPU27MiGJt8AeMmXnKg04dFS0q_cV7tuNYNyALEwKzwHPZyY-sDGiKD6RMD_YF6hg_q515-fvx_I9EYDVJTn1WaC7_4GgGI4kk9N_IDmMJH3jtdGVz_Lw/s400/Screenshot-11622.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just as she was beginning to wind down, Annabelle sensed that someone was watching her. Despite the feeling, Annabelle kept skating but at the same time would keep an eye on her backpack, which was lying on the ground not too far away.<br />
<br />
After another half-hour skating, Annabelle stopped and walked over to the backpack, putting her regular shoes on. She figured she was done skating at the moment, but decided to walk back down the hill towards a nearby resort to get some lunch, keeping the wet and heavy backpack back on the hill hidden against a nearby tree so it could dry out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l47If0yy0mgQrpk0mtjc_1jOJv7G1JD-HS1m0UwvUDhjzTmzU5qKVPhwO_vFFVE-Vgua9hLAZzzYQnHFqGxzEw071Tg4PSqK7u6-QaN24veZIQznz4HTaG5a6a1ebDb2TIi95Ofkh-k/s1600/Screenshot-11627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l47If0yy0mgQrpk0mtjc_1jOJv7G1JD-HS1m0UwvUDhjzTmzU5qKVPhwO_vFFVE-Vgua9hLAZzzYQnHFqGxzEw071Tg4PSqK7u6-QaN24veZIQznz4HTaG5a6a1ebDb2TIi95Ofkh-k/s400/Screenshot-11627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Content that the backpack was hidden, Annabelle began walking away towards the town, but stopped cold in her tracks when she heard a voice behind her. She turned around and saw nothing, then looked up and saw a woman literally flying in the air.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaj8ihgStJIZ4YgPQGXDc37YwREL85118TdPzUl_cbsGmJpWyAau3V0i43E-hqtCnPhPfttpNUTDlVqHHuj-s6auR9wn7bhzl4cRiMDq6QjF9LbnGuMcCuNxOZZR9s7SKA-DA1RgxJsQ/s1600/Screenshot-11629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaj8ihgStJIZ4YgPQGXDc37YwREL85118TdPzUl_cbsGmJpWyAau3V0i43E-hqtCnPhPfttpNUTDlVqHHuj-s6auR9wn7bhzl4cRiMDq6QjF9LbnGuMcCuNxOZZR9s7SKA-DA1RgxJsQ/s400/Screenshot-11629.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hello," The woman said. "I saw you skating, you were great at it! I wish I could skate but I always get the feeling to fly above the pond rather than on it." This woman, who Annabelle immediately believed was some kind of supernatural creature, had blue hair, orange skin, and was seemingly carried by a set of glowing wings on her back. "You forgot your pack thingy."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ishk9QDhcHhHp82k88Ax2x8uN-eXLik3kC6ue6iRD0yIKSt0kRLGOgWXu8LeJwF7sN1PR_SwA4KLO5XPKSjDx1pZVmSHm_ydED05xKdImHU7kcji2jDgnqvecpa1dTWiR9lIOg4TmBs/s1600/Screenshot-11628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ishk9QDhcHhHp82k88Ax2x8uN-eXLik3kC6ue6iRD0yIKSt0kRLGOgWXu8LeJwF7sN1PR_SwA4KLO5XPKSjDx1pZVmSHm_ydED05xKdImHU7kcji2jDgnqvecpa1dTWiR9lIOg4TmBs/s400/Screenshot-11628.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9PvonHJCM-xxEkm8bGx4AjQFHH5fU9xxXtMBd7ZAW5OEXfXx9QuUS4LIqNKPErasRHfjsKaKkcv3CycHdQX84KSUiXtcfQCdrgtpYGXIM_VOiTiDaQveCPyL0_yaX4wC36K5sRz_cXU/s1600/Screenshot-11635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9PvonHJCM-xxEkm8bGx4AjQFHH5fU9xxXtMBd7ZAW5OEXfXx9QuUS4LIqNKPErasRHfjsKaKkcv3CycHdQX84KSUiXtcfQCdrgtpYGXIM_VOiTiDaQveCPyL0_yaX4wC36K5sRz_cXU/s400/Screenshot-11635.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle, who had encountered witches, aliens, and genies in her life, was surprisingly stunned by the sudden appearance of, lack of a better word, this fairy. Of course she believed in fairies, but never in her life thought she would see one face-to-face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcUc11v4sDdaN-M28FILzGAhMn8z-NL9nS0cjfJIDwaMTa9W22v-akZbztGQfounRN1WBbMicme6UC_8SpO-JSfQpLPF_WVIrtne09Wy_nPSE_Jc_toZmpPHAIhUB4lMvYMyCUc784Js/s1600/Screenshot-11634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcUc11v4sDdaN-M28FILzGAhMn8z-NL9nS0cjfJIDwaMTa9W22v-akZbztGQfounRN1WBbMicme6UC_8SpO-JSfQpLPF_WVIrtne09Wy_nPSE_Jc_toZmpPHAIhUB4lMvYMyCUc784Js/s400/Screenshot-11634.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It's my backpack." Annabelle replied. "I am leaving it here to let it dry out. You're a fairy, aren't you?"<br />
<br />
"We prefer the term 'Feen'," this woman said as she hovered to the ground. "I'm a Feen, you're green, it's the scene, ya know what I mean? Hey that rhymed! I'm totes writing that down, he-he. You don't happen to have a pen, no?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle shook her head, and took another step towards the fairy. "What's your name?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNibbQxDvB34Zs7S2TEUssob1tWtP8a44ivFhz9ZCKAFRDuDecsWu6dYPy8LhrH9LLW3zlXgRf4IOcDnxUBa6zqF51Yd9NXMqcNcKh-itpSAqWQfe1HxD7p3DFtV1ntVnXKn0Jl4e_9w/s1600/Screenshot-11636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNibbQxDvB34Zs7S2TEUssob1tWtP8a44ivFhz9ZCKAFRDuDecsWu6dYPy8LhrH9LLW3zlXgRf4IOcDnxUBa6zqF51Yd9NXMqcNcKh-itpSAqWQfe1HxD7p3DFtV1ntVnXKn0Jl4e_9w/s400/Screenshot-11636.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Kaaaaaaaaleey. Kaley Botha. You? Or should I keep calling ya green lady with purple and black clothes. Cool combination. I would choose that combination if I was a Feen, which I am, I wish I could write this stuff down but I don't have a pen. You're an alien aren't you?"<br />
<br />
"Uhh... yeah, not really though. How do you know that?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8xGqRahdhHtBQ1ETbGOiP0Loku-MN6DS4PIBg-2nlXckA_1GmLdH3m1kRJCmj13U7j54u7MAp60Zwt9E2Kgl3MhIQ_De35M0TxL1Hj6hpzPRXploBKs_CwBlwAyzhRiZrOyJ-HpjFSk/s1600/Screenshot-11632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8xGqRahdhHtBQ1ETbGOiP0Loku-MN6DS4PIBg-2nlXckA_1GmLdH3m1kRJCmj13U7j54u7MAp60Zwt9E2Kgl3MhIQ_De35M0TxL1Hj6hpzPRXploBKs_CwBlwAyzhRiZrOyJ-HpjFSk/s400/Screenshot-11632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well Aliens don't look like the rest of humans. You're green, they're not. I only met a different alien though. She was purple. She wasn't a Feen, though I have met some purple Feen this girl wasn't one."<br />
<br />
"A purple alien?" Annabelle was intrigued by this fairy's words, and wanted to hear more regarding this other alien. "Please continue. When did you meet this alien, what was she like? She still around?"<br />
<br />
"In that order? We met a while ago, she never shut up, and I think she's in some place on this planet I think maybe I dunno. I'm pretty sure you'll meet her one day. Hopefully you have ear plugs when you do. Hey look at that up there!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPWO0uZ0-yFMoL8S9KaiM3LiES-yALc8S-E1CXp7bTlywa5nJ5ZphXGl-TJue-xFIikBtX4CuFDI_l2RsUspbn7qbVx26T4N6ktmjukDP8lBkvHqQpCmyCxzPhEY9EBuZ-tH-w-7g4PE/s1600/Screenshot-11637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPWO0uZ0-yFMoL8S9KaiM3LiES-yALc8S-E1CXp7bTlywa5nJ5ZphXGl-TJue-xFIikBtX4CuFDI_l2RsUspbn7qbVx26T4N6ktmjukDP8lBkvHqQpCmyCxzPhEY9EBuZ-tH-w-7g4PE/s400/Screenshot-11637.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kaley pointed in the air and Annabelle looked up at it, she didn't see anything that the alien was pointing at, perhaps the top of the trees. Suddenly, she felt a tiny bit colder, which was a result of all her clothes being suddenly gone save for her sleepwear!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyVTsBaHwOJsNJU7WwqezrzOM8RGMsomappjX1RTwUH6U6TbxCCIr4b8yhF-9MBykWCroRaz9k5DXy-nVM-NVu7bnkOBfzxhcJ90KHhoWfv4fq3FbS9jrTuf1M-6vfwuKMLkchh-fQNU/s1600/Screenshot-11642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyVTsBaHwOJsNJU7WwqezrzOM8RGMsomappjX1RTwUH6U6TbxCCIr4b8yhF-9MBykWCroRaz9k5DXy-nVM-NVu7bnkOBfzxhcJ90KHhoWfv4fq3FbS9jrTuf1M-6vfwuKMLkchh-fQNU/s400/Screenshot-11642.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Annabelle yelled out, angrily. She looked over at Kaley, who was snickering.<br />
<br />
"Pranked ya! Love pranking people! He-he."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsHT3wr-pKaB0UtQx5CjnqkYtzoHU_8Nx2EQIQtT_mxKsSQQ9RswU3T4vJfnk8hheoVZOwfHQLUi6ymGvyQXmpylRTkwqVIoQOwZzgYUojx_QRmDoCDWd6jWsC2-hBc7yCj9z8Hca494/s1600/Screenshot-11640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsHT3wr-pKaB0UtQx5CjnqkYtzoHU_8Nx2EQIQtT_mxKsSQQ9RswU3T4vJfnk8hheoVZOwfHQLUi6ymGvyQXmpylRTkwqVIoQOwZzgYUojx_QRmDoCDWd6jWsC2-hBc7yCj9z8Hca494/s400/Screenshot-11640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle, however, was less than happy. "This isn't FUNNY! I'm freezing here! Give me back my clothes!"<br />
<br />
"I-I... I don't know how, they're automatically returned to your home and I don't know where your home is! It's a prank!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnX2LeG3KNB8sPF3SJNG2qgU5QcO6oX-FsKgcv4syM38QZCVS76TdUMN0nonHiAQIMB_S7yqTwWi009pS6CgDRcQLCMPkYzSh4jEoN_zgnFj9iNqigGMSQwI6dfp_1jxyuvgK0XLFvuA/s1600/Screenshot-11639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnX2LeG3KNB8sPF3SJNG2qgU5QcO6oX-FsKgcv4syM38QZCVS76TdUMN0nonHiAQIMB_S7yqTwWi009pS6CgDRcQLCMPkYzSh4jEoN_zgnFj9iNqigGMSQwI6dfp_1jxyuvgK0XLFvuA/s400/Screenshot-11639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Give me back my<i> damn clothes </i>you giant radioactive <i>butterfly</i>!!" Annabelle yelled again, every other word a frozen stutter. "Now!! NOW!!!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80yrFTvNoJTXJV1R2uCFd5lTzP8mqPYthtDTWMbFOOnYNRE4Aml9WOIduqPSuCYdjdVt9hE6R0JzV-r8Gvr5NFGw6xlMgvDcWWvCTHJ_cyo5Vm-n9ojRlcHJEVa4pTg_W6XpwfEUUgVw/s1600/Screenshot-11641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80yrFTvNoJTXJV1R2uCFd5lTzP8mqPYthtDTWMbFOOnYNRE4Aml9WOIduqPSuCYdjdVt9hE6R0JzV-r8Gvr5NFGw6xlMgvDcWWvCTHJ_cyo5Vm-n9ojRlcHJEVa4pTg_W6XpwfEUUgVw/s400/Screenshot-11641.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kaley was scared that this woman, who didn't seem to be in the pranking mood, was going to attack her. Hoping against hope that a counter-spell would work, she closed her eyes and tried to reverse the prank without knowing quite what she was doing or how she was doing it. Suddenly a huge burst of magic shot out of her hand and hit Annabelle square in the stomach, knocking the woman back twenty feet and against a tree, which resulted in doing nothing more than knocking her out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr5xNSPBJqfRu7y_iGEy8GYixD9HFovQ-Stx5cdZoH5BnA33rsDpKKRnZXKAMWx2bn8rKChDT2vxRwDHJ1oLqIRxOD2aMoHKgO3LFjmaGZEvpxu-QL1hJp5KERNTVW7sEZQoup67V_yA/s1600/Screenshot-11644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr5xNSPBJqfRu7y_iGEy8GYixD9HFovQ-Stx5cdZoH5BnA33rsDpKKRnZXKAMWx2bn8rKChDT2vxRwDHJ1oLqIRxOD2aMoHKgO3LFjmaGZEvpxu-QL1hJp5KERNTVW7sEZQoup67V_yA/s400/Screenshot-11644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kaley, opening her eyes again, looked over at Annabelle who was lying on the ground and hovered over to her. "Oh... oh dear. Oh dear, I killed her. I... I have... oh dear."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnQEaLABRKMTj9EZlpwcMd318NWRHdzRca23-HotZ13dARDFcqI0ej1jwPt1wEG2cLcnh2AyE_PdjVOhWwqbDUZZyFjRIYP07cZv_JckBIaKsbYqhXmjx1ISqUG-cHJTwC_S8PkEQo48/s1600/Screenshot-11643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnQEaLABRKMTj9EZlpwcMd318NWRHdzRca23-HotZ13dARDFcqI0ej1jwPt1wEG2cLcnh2AyE_PdjVOhWwqbDUZZyFjRIYP07cZv_JckBIaKsbYqhXmjx1ISqUG-cHJTwC_S8PkEQo48/s400/Screenshot-11643.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle stirred a bit, trying to stand up but falling out again. Kaley was relieved that the woman was alive, but scared for herself when she would wake back up. After a short contemplation, Kaley used some of her magic and cast a protective shield on the woman, keeping her safe from the cold. After this, she turned into a small sprite form and flew away, leaving Annabelle behind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy1epdz0475YjJNSBzm4_fMPmxTMfWfUK8BRE5DXcD-x9CVCZRpR1WKb-4gWF9Cp4UufT8Cav7pWD08ahNCoGToT86hUKta4BlkfSLUiFf5P4i4F46uRc-lwHoP-puwQ415otm8bN_a4/s1600/Screenshot-11645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy1epdz0475YjJNSBzm4_fMPmxTMfWfUK8BRE5DXcD-x9CVCZRpR1WKb-4gWF9Cp4UufT8Cav7pWD08ahNCoGToT86hUKta4BlkfSLUiFf5P4i4F46uRc-lwHoP-puwQ415otm8bN_a4/s400/Screenshot-11645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UyihtFihQfM7lGIZXMMzPJ3dNszKG6xwewrkFFGZ77pvisHHvJpdmDMiZR_yNC_xAMAt-AQEssUiUZuG0v6vmBtKUGkWdBrNLMRXUkPMj7flgtEDjSRmUeYlsG1c8h54-VAa9Fd6jak/s1600/Screenshot-12392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UyihtFihQfM7lGIZXMMzPJ3dNszKG6xwewrkFFGZ77pvisHHvJpdmDMiZR_yNC_xAMAt-AQEssUiUZuG0v6vmBtKUGkWdBrNLMRXUkPMj7flgtEDjSRmUeYlsG1c8h54-VAa9Fd6jak/s400/Screenshot-12392.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly walked out of the police station and strolled over to the library, where she saw Mirabelle checking out some old books. "Why hello there little lady. What's up?" Mirabelle said, smiling.<br />
<br />
"Police station was a dead end, they said it was a bear attack. I pointed out that there would have been more evidence of a bear than simply being slashed across the face, what about the fact that there were no bear sightings at all? Ugh, it's odd, I tell ya." Kelly then drew her attention away from the investigation and more at the books Mirabelle was checking out. "Whatcha got there?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBMTYoFehQ_CtqUoVgnCvj9H0h_Aa_OS2HRr56BjkObeGfAzz_Q5ksjbENYneblm1SLJJfANEoNYVZrcIyoJL5JZeXTKHl1BKrqYXPiKxcX91tkU5AxtOMsp-jk8LCf9DFLTo3GZefec/s1600/Screenshot-12384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBMTYoFehQ_CtqUoVgnCvj9H0h_Aa_OS2HRr56BjkObeGfAzz_Q5ksjbENYneblm1SLJJfANEoNYVZrcIyoJL5JZeXTKHl1BKrqYXPiKxcX91tkU5AxtOMsp-jk8LCf9DFLTo3GZefec/s400/Screenshot-12384.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Nothing much," Mirabelle replied as she used an auto check-out device, "some books on the theory of mental manipulation, inter-dimensional travel, and this 'Dark Hollow'. I heard about it, wanted to read it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIlsJVpLHk5M7oC0icQ8HGB7RPoip1M4cL9pR8RvDfrT8xCojIXiZjiPkPUeLnoyQQ2U2Zc_5rMKqB7UtJo1siSFsvujh3s8w4J6_xxmlMmSMdqrJslrsZL0u_3j1XcVvPRyXRZfVRl0/s1600/Screenshot-12385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIlsJVpLHk5M7oC0icQ8HGB7RPoip1M4cL9pR8RvDfrT8xCojIXiZjiPkPUeLnoyQQ2U2Zc_5rMKqB7UtJo1siSFsvujh3s8w4J6_xxmlMmSMdqrJslrsZL0u_3j1XcVvPRyXRZfVRl0/s400/Screenshot-12385.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hmmm," Kelly replied as she looked at the book, "Annabelle and I were talking about that book not too long ago. Do you remember that I mentioned something about a word, 'Vornek', after our little trip the library basement the night Annabelle was kidnapped? That book has a creature called a Vornek as a monster. The description matched perfectly with that monster that John, Scarlett, and I saw in the park a few nights before the eclipse when we tested out the meteor device."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x6w2BqRMmOhdVWPiTiz7TXTQcsOb8lNxFjWmNunelCFqxeYhuNNgVJ2EdnkFFLAMqtfI1RBE1-vJs1n-rilZSbHMa_inAQP3LUZ-f5uoQOc31lI3xBdeLVjY3PzEphA30xXOWCPfKIk/s1600/Screenshot-12386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x6w2BqRMmOhdVWPiTiz7TXTQcsOb8lNxFjWmNunelCFqxeYhuNNgVJ2EdnkFFLAMqtfI1RBE1-vJs1n-rilZSbHMa_inAQP3LUZ-f5uoQOc31lI3xBdeLVjY3PzEphA30xXOWCPfKIk/s400/Screenshot-12386.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mirabelle thought this over and opened the book, looking for the chapter with the Vornek. When she finally reached chapter thirty-seven, she saw something written on the top of the page in black ink, just above the chapter title.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8SZnD5Hc-gDBQfBF3onWmAKXnYrpHrjsBMzUs4Gj7qu48Bbu3PHFOAumqODEcrzpK3LM0Y9BVnjvVSk5hMDUD6YoLjHwSMrJCtqYXH9rZ-SDeatJ2eoFt-VUI9sulZL-nBHBf7Ky3S8/s1600/Screenshot-12387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8SZnD5Hc-gDBQfBF3onWmAKXnYrpHrjsBMzUs4Gj7qu48Bbu3PHFOAumqODEcrzpK3LM0Y9BVnjvVSk5hMDUD6YoLjHwSMrJCtqYXH9rZ-SDeatJ2eoFt-VUI9sulZL-nBHBf7Ky3S8/s400/Screenshot-12387.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
After reading the inked-in note, a wide-eyed Mirabelle promptly closed the book and threw it halfway down the library. Kelly could sense a feeling of panic coming from her fiance, and walked over to the book, picked it up, and looked at the chapter, reading the written message.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7UzbCdb7O9F1cX15C-b20R7vOdne6-aGVNLJHqNMkfkl8Yf-IVP6-7fTedrnk2FW8DTljrgsRd_KqXJ1Z7RTc-MTLI8NBVm1rw6i69o5sHF9vTJ8E1aglSuWkkkWWfB_TVW1Wj6sicM/s1600/Screenshot-12389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7UzbCdb7O9F1cX15C-b20R7vOdne6-aGVNLJHqNMkfkl8Yf-IVP6-7fTedrnk2FW8DTljrgsRd_KqXJ1Z7RTc-MTLI8NBVm1rw6i69o5sHF9vTJ8E1aglSuWkkkWWfB_TVW1Wj6sicM/s400/Screenshot-12389.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Use this well, Mirabelle Kethrin."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu4ziuSsVTH2IKE0kvc3tc7KxUombMdoxNgyHOJ0xh7vBITw84IjR3sajDTDqYxnYVGgeuwentJKjjukYf-md0qowo22tYkSJ4DJBUaAwkbLW1Tx2-Yxni-soM0kikkOgLEeCbbagM-c/s1600/Screenshot-12390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu4ziuSsVTH2IKE0kvc3tc7KxUombMdoxNgyHOJ0xh7vBITw84IjR3sajDTDqYxnYVGgeuwentJKjjukYf-md0qowo22tYkSJ4DJBUaAwkbLW1Tx2-Yxni-soM0kikkOgLEeCbbagM-c/s400/Screenshot-12390.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly looked up and saw Mirabelle shaking in fear, trying to figure out why the book mentioned her by name, then went back to the book.<br />
<br />
---------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QVusPfzWcu6LP344JXBSJWWmOlXh8GUszoj5QCrHB_QmG1e5aeJJUDw4LeuSJgJ1qTBrVjPdhYFY40Wkk3cgLeQ81cium_qfVLfVLWwuu1j6L1jBTB4SrGDatUOJZg7lWy-zHADsd0g/s1600/Screenshot-12393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QVusPfzWcu6LP344JXBSJWWmOlXh8GUszoj5QCrHB_QmG1e5aeJJUDw4LeuSJgJ1qTBrVjPdhYFY40Wkk3cgLeQ81cium_qfVLfVLWwuu1j6L1jBTB4SrGDatUOJZg7lWy-zHADsd0g/s400/Screenshot-12393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"It stinks that your brother didn't want to come over with us." Keera said as she, Cassie, and Gabriel were walking around the town's main center. Cassie decided to take a tour of the town with Gabriel, as both of them had never been to Hidden Springs proper. Keera, wanting to spend more time with her new half-brother, decided to take them on a sightseeing venture with Cassie driving the car.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, however, all of them were standing in front of the town's city hall, using that as their jumping-off point to tour the rest of the community's main square.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY2pNfkexl5lVcO6yYfFVfmpZUvGuDauMycL8UJCiV-bCqQi0p9aJaaycfjf2XZ52JQDHiQX_R4ek1_a5q-Y7Rbw0VrDWO_3jYr5A83nc1rUJ33keeerZvjEzxPYQAuER7Bc5Qj1W2oQ/s1600/Screenshot-12394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY2pNfkexl5lVcO6yYfFVfmpZUvGuDauMycL8UJCiV-bCqQi0p9aJaaycfjf2XZ52JQDHiQX_R4ek1_a5q-Y7Rbw0VrDWO_3jYr5A83nc1rUJ33keeerZvjEzxPYQAuER7Bc5Qj1W2oQ/s400/Screenshot-12394.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I know, but he has important business in Starlight Shores, and wanted to stay with Isobelle. Don't worry, they'll be here soon. Just as soon as Izzy gets some things done with her casino."<br />
<br />
Keera nodded, "There should be a nice coffee shop not too far from here," she said, "I used to visit it quite a bit when I was younger and out of school." The three walked across the snow-covered courtyard to the town center and over to the building that Keera had mentioned, which was a small lot just on the main square. The three quickly ordered coffee and sat down at a nearby table, the teens finishing their drinks and tossing them in the trash before Cassie could even start.<br />
<br />
"So Gabe," Keera said, looking at her half-brother, "Is Hidden Springs as beautiful as me constantly saying it was? I think so, then again that's just me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9lnQepUsAHyyyhJf6a0Dpubs6c2FOpKSFDRTfDXs8GwMBjd9LR6jJXQfi2UUBybmfuH8j_Zaw3QunF1Q2bQhvBaJGhU2RA00tnLLtn-2EXdWDqNDJiW-lfmnfED4rvhNmnKHRo4Y_Jk/s1600/Screenshot-12397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9lnQepUsAHyyyhJf6a0Dpubs6c2FOpKSFDRTfDXs8GwMBjd9LR6jJXQfi2UUBybmfuH8j_Zaw3QunF1Q2bQhvBaJGhU2RA00tnLLtn-2EXdWDqNDJiW-lfmnfED4rvhNmnKHRo4Y_Jk/s400/Screenshot-12397.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel looked over at Cassie, and smiled. "Yes, I think it is. Quite a lot of hidden beauty in this town, a real treat for the eyes."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_z_Tm5jeRzutMIPoqUFUQlpTgsmgP20SV_NK0y9c8oDZ4z_9yFLkDJiD7KAqN0I-WBBKWiUcpF-f4B08XjZguLvW9VbdEoQfyV_OGVyJmd6C4180o4NK4g06-70zg0EAsUAmVZGglSs/s1600/Screenshot-12401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_z_Tm5jeRzutMIPoqUFUQlpTgsmgP20SV_NK0y9c8oDZ4z_9yFLkDJiD7KAqN0I-WBBKWiUcpF-f4B08XjZguLvW9VbdEoQfyV_OGVyJmd6C4180o4NK4g06-70zg0EAsUAmVZGglSs/s400/Screenshot-12401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera, looking over at Gabe, then Cassie, and then back to Gabe, laughed. "Yes, exactly. You should see this town when it's spring. So green and vibrant! And don't make a joke about the green thing."<br />
<br />
"I wasn't going to," Gabe replied.<br />
<br />
Keera laughed again, "Then maybe you're not Tom's son!" She continued laughing while leaving Gabriel a bit confused.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-MOWSfnEDVZNErAOBACo-7W9Uuf3FTWPpsUAY7tJ4itfKnE0KOM0VLjlM_JjR1dnPsv17lSXvMbU-WCuPOQOsgh4MMbrD7Y_x_Rz5JYmvXx-kp2GNAAjzB2fPc8oZOwmQZHbvGXuYGQ/s1600/Screenshot-12398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-MOWSfnEDVZNErAOBACo-7W9Uuf3FTWPpsUAY7tJ4itfKnE0KOM0VLjlM_JjR1dnPsv17lSXvMbU-WCuPOQOsgh4MMbrD7Y_x_Rz5JYmvXx-kp2GNAAjzB2fPc8oZOwmQZHbvGXuYGQ/s400/Screenshot-12398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well I've seen this town, at least the outskirts of it," Cassie said, "this place is where I picked up my brother from a hospital he checked himself into. He told me he had to, to better himself."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp43ReEy0T8GzztRgO3zC5BLTJsowascaw02NYyk5wBCTa9_AjV_IvKumXP8JnQA9C_CGVnv62twMQDdE_tYtQ8uK5PHEzmMVUyRj_7z1ytQwWWKtE0jSzkebtleLvOGkOKZH_tEV1YA/s1600/Screenshot-12399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp43ReEy0T8GzztRgO3zC5BLTJsowascaw02NYyk5wBCTa9_AjV_IvKumXP8JnQA9C_CGVnv62twMQDdE_tYtQ8uK5PHEzmMVUyRj_7z1ytQwWWKtE0jSzkebtleLvOGkOKZH_tEV1YA/s400/Screenshot-12399.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What do you mean?" Keera asked, "I thought it was a hospital for his back. You... you told me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8BbTsuAVskBWl3uo_nWEXXVbwWtMzRU67jA911w63gw9obFnCf4tcji_bcVMAuUwU966AXja6xTFaxZiuoeUO3OzH2xuMSA2PVtD-7lo3y8QWKxD2l26AtanLJnAWe1q3J20gAxvjAo/s1600/Screenshot-12402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8BbTsuAVskBWl3uo_nWEXXVbwWtMzRU67jA911w63gw9obFnCf4tcji_bcVMAuUwU966AXja6xTFaxZiuoeUO3OzH2xuMSA2PVtD-7lo3y8QWKxD2l26AtanLJnAWe1q3J20gAxvjAo/s400/Screenshot-12402.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cassie looked sad as she spoke, "It... wasn't <i>just </i>a physical therapy facility... you know, I can't talk about this right now. I don't know when. So! About that tour!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUieSq1D_aZW3l7ulyoGWLQV2S4ElaHlco9XXRfxvcqx0ZNcOVhdFAdY6qa3PlrjWfA36agSvItTrlw2_FHGRWZLgoERHKgOc4oZkDWxoo0qTSIZu3oUdNW46KZ6xC2itxkRKITLUy0Gw/s1600/Screenshot-12403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUieSq1D_aZW3l7ulyoGWLQV2S4ElaHlco9XXRfxvcqx0ZNcOVhdFAdY6qa3PlrjWfA36agSvItTrlw2_FHGRWZLgoERHKgOc4oZkDWxoo0qTSIZu3oUdNW46KZ6xC2itxkRKITLUy0Gw/s400/Screenshot-12403.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera and Gabe looked uneasy, then stood up in tandem with Cassie. The former nodded to the door, and the rest of the three walked out into the snowy town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uBrzG0tkyy9atGjmtdTdOyYHxoX_wa8xzUwy8J9rYXtADvgQSa6grnTkP7HY-zwhpP-Cf9AJWXSpdIveNUm3kzt6gjPSbdcL07xjU2LeWjZ4NyZW5605OH4O4XBBsIBOgQ7o484uVw4/s1600/Screenshot-12404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uBrzG0tkyy9atGjmtdTdOyYHxoX_wa8xzUwy8J9rYXtADvgQSa6grnTkP7HY-zwhpP-Cf9AJWXSpdIveNUm3kzt6gjPSbdcL07xjU2LeWjZ4NyZW5605OH4O4XBBsIBOgQ7o484uVw4/s400/Screenshot-12404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You know, Keera? I'm glad I came along here." Gabe said as he walked past her. "This place beats the desert of Nevada any day of the week."<br />
<br />
"Yeah." Keera's tone of voice seemed more distant for some reason, which Gabe didn't pick up on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T40XAg3B0QloY02D_oX5f5CQ648OETVFWYl840x1r_J2FH950-E5iQcwf1Wi4AbV39AHYL8o4DQtvWmTAVszT3J4OL5JnVKiaTrEHLRgPyGZ_NIlEypxRgdpMSQ0LUbcW8_QXld-PS8/s1600/Screenshot-12405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T40XAg3B0QloY02D_oX5f5CQ648OETVFWYl840x1r_J2FH950-E5iQcwf1Wi4AbV39AHYL8o4DQtvWmTAVszT3J4OL5JnVKiaTrEHLRgPyGZ_NIlEypxRgdpMSQ0LUbcW8_QXld-PS8/s400/Screenshot-12405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I mean, it's such a great place! So cool, so beautiful, and I love snow. I take you agree, Keera?" There was no response. Gabe turned around and looked at the teenage girl, who was standing not too far away staring off into the distance. After peering into the snow, Gabe could see what she was looking at.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBY897_njj93rLey_LyJ6fYybzABF0Z1Ufef0L5edrLliAtxk57GcHhunfPEHk7hLId-FRVL-K7a3N2GdHM5YT6nn2yHopQWXjYKm3FK5u071lwQgl-eCaZpJZl2s_U2F_twkAYzZQUU/s1600/Screenshot-12407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBY897_njj93rLey_LyJ6fYybzABF0Z1Ufef0L5edrLliAtxk57GcHhunfPEHk7hLId-FRVL-K7a3N2GdHM5YT6nn2yHopQWXjYKm3FK5u071lwQgl-eCaZpJZl2s_U2F_twkAYzZQUU/s400/Screenshot-12407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"The film studio." Keera said. It wasn't a question, a remark, or even a sentence, just a declaration of what the building was. The words were spoken with a cold chill, one that froze the air more than the icy flakes falling around the group ever could. "You ever hear what happened? What happened to me there? I'm sure I told you."<br />
<br />
"An accident," Gabriel replied.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFMl925AigEP-_GJQQPnwn93w7t-9zH4pFqefAhcpuInPkMkEY1XImwCzd0esYJIN_hY5Cx6AMQgkQOFlJSoMqxOjmXCOekJe9-RuVWXnyBhs6_QoJKlXv9cXWaFuaIvMSHvY9_HMP8E/s1600/Screenshot-12410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFMl925AigEP-_GJQQPnwn93w7t-9zH4pFqefAhcpuInPkMkEY1XImwCzd0esYJIN_hY5Cx6AMQgkQOFlJSoMqxOjmXCOekJe9-RuVWXnyBhs6_QoJKlXv9cXWaFuaIvMSHvY9_HMP8E/s400/Screenshot-12410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You told us what happened, so did Annabelle," Cassie also said, "There is no need to dwell on things, Keera. I understand that you were hurt there. I know that the past is pain. But... it the pain is behind us, and it's up to us--all of us--to make things better from now on. No one can change the past, but <i>everyone</i> can change the future."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcKRQbyx9EUkCkCL1BvY9G7XErivNMzVsoRBzT5hAPsfzdJ1XlvNakbKdSCAiXCXmBsH5g3TkNkRE_bm6jbgDKibuDpmkkmYyfJtVW_CD3ybGE7rpUV6gZnOxeed2lNSkACJPw2Wc-gs/s1600/Screenshot-12408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcKRQbyx9EUkCkCL1BvY9G7XErivNMzVsoRBzT5hAPsfzdJ1XlvNakbKdSCAiXCXmBsH5g3TkNkRE_bm6jbgDKibuDpmkkmYyfJtVW_CD3ybGE7rpUV6gZnOxeed2lNSkACJPw2Wc-gs/s400/Screenshot-12408.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"I suppose." Keera replied, keeping her gaze locked on the studio for a moment more until she finally snapped out of it. The three then walked across town to a shopping plaza which had a few stores still under construction. Keera thought to herself that this store wasn't there before, and it must had been built recently.<br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5kjkLwBbOa5sqzkXI3EQgLl3tOX5oy76HRgbnPVBj7KRIla6rZL7ZhohlES92gJhy_utxRioHY_jTkzHwMhcnPTv0XtaiHmaXbL4om6r348QZE3k2yaNM6bbTVPaGtVFxR0WQMy_uFM/s1600/Screenshot-12304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5kjkLwBbOa5sqzkXI3EQgLl3tOX5oy76HRgbnPVBj7KRIla6rZL7ZhohlES92gJhy_utxRioHY_jTkzHwMhcnPTv0XtaiHmaXbL4om6r348QZE3k2yaNM6bbTVPaGtVFxR0WQMy_uFM/s400/Screenshot-12304.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihXnqYWBG7k0lP8Kkq6PTvsDREGzGecOPpTFmbGbkF5MxJRbI1RHoxx_RwPH-5YhRnLGAWFIhUSwVu5iMMHhPbXbLJHj1uus37rLim-fgOAHk1RTMHRZ30GhQvjO1sJ1kYf7NavXVdao/s1600/Screenshot-12303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihXnqYWBG7k0lP8Kkq6PTvsDREGzGecOPpTFmbGbkF5MxJRbI1RHoxx_RwPH-5YhRnLGAWFIhUSwVu5iMMHhPbXbLJHj1uus37rLim-fgOAHk1RTMHRZ30GhQvjO1sJ1kYf7NavXVdao/s400/Screenshot-12303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John and Scarlett were standing in their bedroom, hugging one-another warmly after putting up pictures from their recent wedding on the wall against their bed. When they stopped hugging, John walked over to his backpack and pulled a small spherical object out of it, then put the object back into the container. "MIKE just contacted me. He's being delivered by truck because he doesn't feel comfortable being transported in a plane's cargo hold. He'll be here in a few days."<br />
<br />
"That's good to know," Scarlett said, "we need our ring-bearer here."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVX8EjnupyEBQodNw6FnFLHRhwgI8EkI8hROrpTNO4yMeGngK9Ub2LM6O1EGyekNpcZkwSpcm6oq1WBJuYas7HuugyOi2YsTz5Mwibirk-NgxLB_dhM2AbA6etPY1H7KuDusyDFW2atY/s1600/Screenshot-12305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVX8EjnupyEBQodNw6FnFLHRhwgI8EkI8hROrpTNO4yMeGngK9Ub2LM6O1EGyekNpcZkwSpcm6oq1WBJuYas7HuugyOi2YsTz5Mwibirk-NgxLB_dhM2AbA6etPY1H7KuDusyDFW2atY/s400/Screenshot-12305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So, I was thinking about what to do for our honeymoon," John said while getting some other objects out of the backpack. "How about a spontaneous trip, one we can go on right now?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe6WVQ8heIpaS_0YBLNiocnAKSq5u9pCiTOo9Ppls8CFiYg5kUrvhm-UcYVWhsf1ox7beZEcmUFobDpTQ-Eipl0qbsaO29eDRpKzRt9Avxo-xvxdIvClY_t7V7x4N-FT8z03MZyVRSJU/s1600/Screenshot-12307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe6WVQ8heIpaS_0YBLNiocnAKSq5u9pCiTOo9Ppls8CFiYg5kUrvhm-UcYVWhsf1ox7beZEcmUFobDpTQ-Eipl0qbsaO29eDRpKzRt9Avxo-xvxdIvClY_t7V7x4N-FT8z03MZyVRSJU/s400/Screenshot-12307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"John, we just got back today. I'm tired, I'm pregnant, and I don't want to get back on a plane just after getting off of one!"<br />
<br />
"No, this doesn't involve a plane. Come on, let's go to the basement, I'll show you a whole new world you've never seen."<br />
<br />
Scarlett, confused, looked at her new husband with an equally confused look on her face. "Sorry but my mind is going to some interesting place-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl5f52HQQpFkkxJN5chj34UvGDnCSHqGo1GW7Nz8KkQ_6MEi6tgY4yj9hZs-Rx3uUryZ5aHfkboGPgGblzL-PM4nPPlzG7akWeCslpNQGBKYsnPti_4nbNrHdnDn4KSJC042N9GONjns/s1600/Screenshot-12308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl5f52HQQpFkkxJN5chj34UvGDnCSHqGo1GW7Nz8KkQ_6MEi6tgY4yj9hZs-Rx3uUryZ5aHfkboGPgGblzL-PM4nPPlzG7akWeCslpNQGBKYsnPti_4nbNrHdnDn4KSJC042N9GONjns/s400/Screenshot-12308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No no!" John chuckled, then grabbed her hand. "I'll show you what I mean."<br />
<br />
The two walked down the stairs, past Tom playing his game, and found themselves in John's lab in the basement, where he pressed a button on the wall which faded away, revealing a familiar spherical object on the other side. Scarlett recognized the object as the one John was building before they left for Starlight Shores, one she herself had trouble with building when they moved towns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhcgt8PC0m332U6fmzYRRWXllg00-J4-_6dwDIM_IP-57zOHg5f365MOGFlGoV3F2h074-H74KjwwsnrlN-6ToM0ikNRZ6UzgP3x09ykmH26spsloOLcv4cJLUqVdOOyuDYORpumGrr0/s1600/Screenshot-12281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhcgt8PC0m332U6fmzYRRWXllg00-J4-_6dwDIM_IP-57zOHg5f365MOGFlGoV3F2h074-H74KjwwsnrlN-6ToM0ikNRZ6UzgP3x09ykmH26spsloOLcv4cJLUqVdOOyuDYORpumGrr0/s400/Screenshot-12281.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That thing? I thought you decommissioned it after it exploded and sent Tom to that other universe?" Scarlett asked, wondering what she actually had just said. "Is this a different one?"<br />
<br />
John nodded, "Yes, technically. I built it out of the old parts and added some new ones. While in Starlight Shores, I came up with an idea to develop a stable portal that we can use back-and-forth between dimensions! After Tom was sent to that alternate universe, and Annie and I worked to get him back, I figured out a way to travel freely between our two worlds, using the 'hole' Tom fell into as a starting point. A month or so ago, I went to this alternate universe where I met another John Kethrin."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRi1PSJjzj0fFmAWoQkMYMFxtLoeOFUgYPzNoMKHd8dA4437pO4rnB3TP5bnQkMnArD0pv4FhA-gMyUUebtZlcr2vHzHqqvLBS_B6US8DwbCpf0jahdUyTDOooACz6qqnBsVnEiSqSbQ/s1600/Screenshot-12282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRi1PSJjzj0fFmAWoQkMYMFxtLoeOFUgYPzNoMKHd8dA4437pO4rnB3TP5bnQkMnArD0pv4FhA-gMyUUebtZlcr2vHzHqqvLBS_B6US8DwbCpf0jahdUyTDOooACz6qqnBsVnEiSqSbQ/s400/Screenshot-12282.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett, looking confused, said "But I thought you had this device in Starlight Shores! How did it get here so quickly?"<br />
<br />
John shrugged. "If you want to get technical, this isn't 'mine', this actually belongs to the different John whom I've been communicating with. He needed my help as, due to certain technological issues, he couldn't complete his own dimensional gate. So he gave me what he had built so far, and I was just about to give him a visit and tell him the full specifications of developing a device like this. Would the lady care to join me?"<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfLAdhNYwFxNAcolOg5MsEBFs97zg0i9Xg4QUUSq0FZmLO4CJWOkNyPepgberBPPDg9vBudXaUaT-7aZMOOLa8mD-wt48Q22nIj3tiCSfKMUQkK9gvul0L9QyiHZeM5SlxoMoPAXeQvg/s1600/Screenshot-12283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfLAdhNYwFxNAcolOg5MsEBFs97zg0i9Xg4QUUSq0FZmLO4CJWOkNyPepgberBPPDg9vBudXaUaT-7aZMOOLa8mD-wt48Q22nIj3tiCSfKMUQkK9gvul0L9QyiHZeM5SlxoMoPAXeQvg/s400/Screenshot-12283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"</i>You... want me... to go to a different <i style="font-weight: bold;">universe</i> with you?!"<br />
<br />
John smiled and held her hands. "Think of it as... a very special honeymoon. Why go to Isla Paradiso when the two of us can journey across space-time and find ourselves in a parallel dimension?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVulfxFSroK_Q7RBWYDCSLZjkZ-WGvulrU0bzkmRcBJ3GIaJtd4-Sqjb7wDmuZnt5d_I9oA3WY4BKfOYVHXG2SyBKFWl8CDz5MgezIZKkupLzw2Gjzvuq4ZsoVCuHaWbgPphM-tKTnwJQ/s1600/Screenshot-12284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVulfxFSroK_Q7RBWYDCSLZjkZ-WGvulrU0bzkmRcBJ3GIaJtd4-Sqjb7wDmuZnt5d_I9oA3WY4BKfOYVHXG2SyBKFWl8CDz5MgezIZKkupLzw2Gjzvuq4ZsoVCuHaWbgPphM-tKTnwJQ/s400/Screenshot-12284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett smirked, then stepped toward the device. John didn't have much luck with mechanical devices on their first go-round before, but thought to herself that the device they were staring at did successfully, if accidentally, send Tom to a different reality, and since then John had the time to tinker and toy with the device to get all the kinks worked out. Deep in her heart, she trusted his judgement. "First the alternate universe, THEN Isla Paradiso. And to be honest, if ANYONE else outside our family said that phrase I'm sure it would sound completely insane."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vtyJtyVMHM5YpruIu-fEb2CXpmEpQQqFSIIHjHPZ-E_AueoihNfAAB9giNN-EYYG90M500prvEPiOG5pI2snufd4-MijYXZtwzo0gRhurwdHVkIqdZs6LZ5jJW7rsl7cJtRLO7DX3WU/s1600/Screenshot-12285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vtyJtyVMHM5YpruIu-fEb2CXpmEpQQqFSIIHjHPZ-E_AueoihNfAAB9giNN-EYYG90M500prvEPiOG5pI2snufd4-MijYXZtwzo0gRhurwdHVkIqdZs6LZ5jJW7rsl7cJtRLO7DX3WU/s400/Screenshot-12285.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQemk9RMNo0C0JQHbAAVG8gVu6Gx9cTAxpQRR5wr4ihKD5tjUw47aGIdHslvbyd9mR6tlbR9CTK6etdOgu8r2y8CbKQklE-VecqILVCb9Drqzw00S6dDrQIk03iWxrEuGJOnCns9J-J0Q/s1600/Screenshot-12286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQemk9RMNo0C0JQHbAAVG8gVu6Gx9cTAxpQRR5wr4ihKD5tjUw47aGIdHslvbyd9mR6tlbR9CTK6etdOgu8r2y8CbKQklE-VecqILVCb9Drqzw00S6dDrQIk03iWxrEuGJOnCns9J-J0Q/s400/Screenshot-12286.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
John smiled, then pulled the small spherical-shaped object he had earlier out of his backpack. The device beeped, then hovered in mid-air projecting a holographic control panel into the air in front of him. John then used a set of controls to activate the dimensional transporter, bathing the room in a brilliant blue light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDHo9lXk3oPMgI8U1ihN2pBdOqwCojPiJ0VBEhB4Q-Z6lHC36Z9886nyWZEH67NYMRkCtuA1VP8nhGhX63umn09wWk2LXSzdsnGqVl-0Y2BNu5mh4kBmLMuRJiOrgca0uQvQUBqybKLM/s1600/Screenshot-12287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDHo9lXk3oPMgI8U1ihN2pBdOqwCojPiJ0VBEhB4Q-Z6lHC36Z9886nyWZEH67NYMRkCtuA1VP8nhGhX63umn09wWk2LXSzdsnGqVl-0Y2BNu5mh4kBmLMuRJiOrgca0uQvQUBqybKLM/s400/Screenshot-12287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Okay, crossing dimensional field in three... two... one... activating!"<br />
<br />
Scarlett closed her eyes, then opened them again when she felt the warm sun on her face despite the fact that she was in an Alaskan basement not five seconds earlier. The first thing she saw upon opening her eyes was a large gray-stone mountain peering over her, looking over a familiar town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqy2NtpObe9w5NVve1G3Wts7caaQNGQvmb4XLSay0zePC6F19i31201Gmddd3kf7eVts427fUn0w7blnM7Dl9ImEtwuldSJxBYzhj445jOiU4YPkj1Yg12jpVkiudBaprG7ncaFWcRv4/s1600/Screenshot-12290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqy2NtpObe9w5NVve1G3Wts7caaQNGQvmb4XLSay0zePC6F19i31201Gmddd3kf7eVts427fUn0w7blnM7Dl9ImEtwuldSJxBYzhj445jOiU4YPkj1Yg12jpVkiudBaprG7ncaFWcRv4/s400/Screenshot-12290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Sunset Valley! We're back in Sunset Valley!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj0T6afSXEBoXoKaD2YBVa0ms7K6BViYfyTxc7A6ENurFCKDPNsspTrHRz1YWFD_c1I52y8WKgEEGJUQlaBoy5ojsoHpDSSPaxfsTBP5vu-TRB88b0lbqZFxzHs1u6QPXQknVvdmnn3g/s1600/Screenshot-12289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj0T6afSXEBoXoKaD2YBVa0ms7K6BViYfyTxc7A6ENurFCKDPNsspTrHRz1YWFD_c1I52y8WKgEEGJUQlaBoy5ojsoHpDSSPaxfsTBP5vu-TRB88b0lbqZFxzHs1u6QPXQknVvdmnn3g/s400/Screenshot-12289.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John smiled. "But it isn't <i>our</i> Sunset Valley. It's one that Tom visited a while ago. I've been coming here every once in a while to talk to my alternate self. We wanted to set something up for you. In fact, we're right outside the house they live in."<br />
<br />
"They?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDavnZbtQe4lICfExjQaLPoORQVkfSqAwOIZlI_CrBJDeWyQY9pitNoTaYdVrGsXpaPuy9g071qOOQrQ2bfIKsoJMK87IKMqSNbMbngEdRARBdBEMXH6J4OB2GXX9PdAz6tajB4sPdAE/s1600/Screenshot-12291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDavnZbtQe4lICfExjQaLPoORQVkfSqAwOIZlI_CrBJDeWyQY9pitNoTaYdVrGsXpaPuy9g071qOOQrQ2bfIKsoJMK87IKMqSNbMbngEdRARBdBEMXH6J4OB2GXX9PdAz6tajB4sPdAE/s400/Screenshot-12291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John, smiling, rang the doorbell on the outside of the house. A few moments passed, each one making Scarlett more curious as to what was happening, until the door opened revealing another John, this one wearing different clothes. The John who Scarlett knew nodded to his counterpart and whispered something to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXGVl1563Sr0tD4TgUHfG22syDKqMWP5vE6sGh9MtqCHcBDUle3VUqstL_fs5T2qIBQJzvhg8e6qEnq8KNgVwe5bhnu_zyeH4Fo3Zwmx_4Ni6G_oFj6eNreOT8SPw9IUKkFGF5yea5R4/s1600/Screenshot-12292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXGVl1563Sr0tD4TgUHfG22syDKqMWP5vE6sGh9MtqCHcBDUle3VUqstL_fs5T2qIBQJzvhg8e6qEnq8KNgVwe5bhnu_zyeH4Fo3Zwmx_4Ni6G_oFj6eNreOT8SPw9IUKkFGF5yea5R4/s400/Screenshot-12292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Come in, we've been waiting for you," the other John said.<br />
<br />
John and Scarlett nodded as they walked into the house. Scarlett recognized the interior, but couldn't put her finger on where she'd seen it before. She heard footsteps upstairs, and then the other John yelling out that "she" was there. Red decided to take a look at some art pieces which were set on the floor, seemingly for packing and delivery to some type of show, and was quite happy to see that whoever made them chose the color red over any other color.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4lPaWxWcqQYeNRzrB_Y6HClr3OW6mctbq4LfwEt85gzusd-A8NnUZyd7Gt2-kCax_g-0vMPdqvribJssaCJbTpo8Q-6so1dqNKX6s6Z3iG74nYNypxHb84RmW9jnWmEL2DzOCKFapDc/s1600/Screenshot-12295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4lPaWxWcqQYeNRzrB_Y6HClr3OW6mctbq4LfwEt85gzusd-A8NnUZyd7Gt2-kCax_g-0vMPdqvribJssaCJbTpo8Q-6so1dqNKX6s6Z3iG74nYNypxHb84RmW9jnWmEL2DzOCKFapDc/s400/Screenshot-12295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Are these yours?" Scarlett asked to the other John, who was looking upstairs. "Did you make these, or-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzRwd40O_3fE81yGs5PJhhTX3pYbnn0HvmDFyYUiE_oiykXSSS_II2zj6k1RTYVgge3ZjGH4NhD3cgngZoZozxaALdOxx9pMSZRilSTZEz-iFeZ2dE1rp1JFJ75iWpAQKfoQImZniONI/s1600/Screenshot-12296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzRwd40O_3fE81yGs5PJhhTX3pYbnn0HvmDFyYUiE_oiykXSSS_II2zj6k1RTYVgge3ZjGH4NhD3cgngZoZozxaALdOxx9pMSZRilSTZEz-iFeZ2dE1rp1JFJ75iWpAQKfoQImZniONI/s400/Screenshot-12296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Actually my girlfriend did. Well, most of them, really. The one in the corner is the result of her mother's work. Her family is very talented." The other John then looked at his watch and looked at the door. "Look, I have to pick up my.. sister... friend... sorta... well her name's Jessica and she's waiting for me at the hospital. She had a checkup today and needs a ride back to our house. You two just stay here, have some soda, and make yourselves at home. They'll be downstairs soon."<br />
<br />
Scarlett shook her head, "Who are 'they'? What's going on?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWNdHr_haC1Guc0IfrS_yqwNBvC0G4Ui_dTsIXoGUFO_croVzk8edFoHFs1M9VRdecHGAZ5iynzFQTi_rjGMw2tm6sU6JQ57U6hhmGAy2aVkojpM6LaJjBR1ZWsrwhBHbMAEmHmue-84/s1600/Screenshot-12298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWNdHr_haC1Guc0IfrS_yqwNBvC0G4Ui_dTsIXoGUFO_croVzk8edFoHFs1M9VRdecHGAZ5iynzFQTi_rjGMw2tm6sU6JQ57U6hhmGAy2aVkojpM6LaJjBR1ZWsrwhBHbMAEmHmue-84/s400/Screenshot-12298.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John, the one Annabelle was familiar with, held her hands. "I arranged a meeting here. I've been coming to this dimension for weeks, building up a rapport and explaining why I wanted you to come along. In fact, that's why I was always in my lab. I've actually been here, getting to know myself." He then chuckled, and looked at the stairs behind Red. "Hello there."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLLSMMs9_P6yk_InmVmbVqr7y3wqCJAsDSdgk7h259AUH0MwScj-Mzz7NEkIZdCIiPpQZ4Da7S-mZuWKtLzALd8L7ejmvNfOKU5VoanMp0QjrtQhZ7HMFIlnuoOl8NbtscioufoqjbCc/s1600/Screenshot-12299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLLSMMs9_P6yk_InmVmbVqr7y3wqCJAsDSdgk7h259AUH0MwScj-Mzz7NEkIZdCIiPpQZ4Da7S-mZuWKtLzALd8L7ejmvNfOKU5VoanMp0QjrtQhZ7HMFIlnuoOl8NbtscioufoqjbCc/s400/Screenshot-12299.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Scarlett turned around and saw herself standing at the base of the stairs, flanked by two others who were vaguely familiar to her. Suddenly, a realization hit her. She had seen these two people before, but only when they were younger, and only on a television.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BWLeiwsoe7vez3jeEpMsOw6xYw2BTtxMtKdRCuA9UE_VIpsSiSfF4vvODL3Dcm02BQh1VbAct3ju9vjv2u7mOoAkn3gA-4_9QSLmqaZFUpQ55my-wHZXGcVmpDqI_yL2NpgBaLiPnRM/s1600/Screenshot-12300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BWLeiwsoe7vez3jeEpMsOw6xYw2BTtxMtKdRCuA9UE_VIpsSiSfF4vvODL3Dcm02BQh1VbAct3ju9vjv2u7mOoAkn3gA-4_9QSLmqaZFUpQ55my-wHZXGcVmpDqI_yL2NpgBaLiPnRM/s400/Screenshot-12300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Mom? Dad?"<br />
<br />
---------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGVXtGGda392hjmG4wJKqszAg4lsXE5PC-HA8fJ391B7DoGQYB5W0iNszo1SlE51M1X9ttP4yQPFvhWfknCWMIq_8zJF1Re57363tganawM9j8F3hG4fD6_uQMec0T2eqGYAAqxoCDRI/s1600/Screenshot-12343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGVXtGGda392hjmG4wJKqszAg4lsXE5PC-HA8fJ391B7DoGQYB5W0iNszo1SlE51M1X9ttP4yQPFvhWfknCWMIq_8zJF1Re57363tganawM9j8F3hG4fD6_uQMec0T2eqGYAAqxoCDRI/s400/Screenshot-12343.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Ow... ow ow... damned fairy thing." After being knocked out for who knew how long, Annabelle woke up and walked down the hill, keeping an eye out for the fairy in case she came back and decided to prank her again. Despite her clothes still being gone, Annie felt warm as though she was wearing a nice long coat. Still, the walk home felt long and arduous, and she constantly heard a "swishing" sound in her ear like that fairy was still following her.<br />
<br />
Annabelle walked into the house and turned, seeing Tom still on the computer. "Hey, how long have I been gone?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4PJcmicS7ZMyawf3_HpR79HbBUhuYSu46SMiynv7EmAf0H-o0sBGXMbWgWsim7O6eiwQqozR08icGulPoRJey5ySSSQh0SIQhjra4R-SJVgXGNSR4gVTqWpBL0-90K_4PMSYhS6aAFY/s1600/Screenshot-12345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4PJcmicS7ZMyawf3_HpR79HbBUhuYSu46SMiynv7EmAf0H-o0sBGXMbWgWsim7O6eiwQqozR08icGulPoRJey5ySSSQh0SIQhjra4R-SJVgXGNSR4gVTqWpBL0-90K_4PMSYhS6aAFY/s400/Screenshot-12345.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"A couple hours," Tom replied, "both you and Mirabelle left at the same time- Hey cool! A laser upgrade! These evil robots are going to get it now! No one takes over my city!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTd8evWvX9zP9AbrRxusFoXisJzGvS3-1RROjzJB-PlKZ6ffUE_D_YMTcSmwIb1ngdSbFHeYaB1okFFaKSJdaqcLLlGy0aGxhO_FZtDWSLVWaaEwUPJ-FjF0utaOgB4OI4j4DgyyA9cgA/s1600/Screenshot-12346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTd8evWvX9zP9AbrRxusFoXisJzGvS3-1RROjzJB-PlKZ6ffUE_D_YMTcSmwIb1ngdSbFHeYaB1okFFaKSJdaqcLLlGy0aGxhO_FZtDWSLVWaaEwUPJ-FjF0utaOgB4OI4j4DgyyA9cgA/s400/Screenshot-12346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle laughed as Tom went back to his game, not even turning around to see her. Despite being asleep for a while, all Annabelle wanted to do was go upstairs and rest. She walked up the stairs, into the bedroom, and eased herself into the bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHZJ5RtuOSj6HMUoBIT-18UyjoMIbIuITki2jVMYMTC4vLi3nDquYj7VUytWcU9iSeiFpTnbvRxMGa4HOSqSwOZ0TPaqcFrZiGX-LTeaek7gEuSRCfcV5yOyB2YFsDEpfVeUCKXOM7eg/s1600/Screenshot-12347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHZJ5RtuOSj6HMUoBIT-18UyjoMIbIuITki2jVMYMTC4vLi3nDquYj7VUytWcU9iSeiFpTnbvRxMGa4HOSqSwOZ0TPaqcFrZiGX-LTeaek7gEuSRCfcV5yOyB2YFsDEpfVeUCKXOM7eg/s400/Screenshot-12347.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But that noise woke her up again.<br />
<br />
It was a constant sound, a "shwoosh" noise like wings catching air. Annabelle, worried about herself, stood up and walked over to the mirror to see if she had a concussion from hitting that tree so hard.<br />
<br />
What she saw, however, shook her out of this daze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA4IHhhxxBDbI10zCNKvxL5mmquOR5VUBP0eIILzKF-Rys75PBD-AV5GpnWAxEeuogD6PrPYoK_C0zBKGnHQw9lgMpE39_jm-Gi1n6oESPhoEdlp3OSyLskDfEe3gdU0wrOsvUhS6WcI/s1600/Screenshot-12280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA4IHhhxxBDbI10zCNKvxL5mmquOR5VUBP0eIILzKF-Rys75PBD-AV5GpnWAxEeuogD6PrPYoK_C0zBKGnHQw9lgMpE39_jm-Gi1n6oESPhoEdlp3OSyLskDfEe3gdU0wrOsvUhS6WcI/s400/Screenshot-12280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"WHAT THE F-"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-51299005457440481372013-08-31T19:49:00.000-05:002017-02-13T00:48:39.934-06:00Chapter Forty-One- Defining Moments<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>September 27th, 2022</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Fall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BB4N1FIDXk-l5xMHmiiT_8cyfqmVs-CUaLePTBVCyB70r9CmJlb2zxqkNPJHEWdGMkaQDFTwR7Q2oFgOi8uxnIYhz2Egclb23x9rnbAVRNYMaK7DZFCFWSFhIxbVMD7HkfX1xA9NUh0/s1600/Screenshot-10836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BB4N1FIDXk-l5xMHmiiT_8cyfqmVs-CUaLePTBVCyB70r9CmJlb2zxqkNPJHEWdGMkaQDFTwR7Q2oFgOi8uxnIYhz2Egclb23x9rnbAVRNYMaK7DZFCFWSFhIxbVMD7HkfX1xA9NUh0/s400/Screenshot-10836.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle always liked fall weather, much cooler than summer but not as cold as winter. The trees changed color and people spent as much time inside with family as they did outside playing in the leaves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQQNRrIB2K4ffgenGFiwDH7qUHo7Xf0Uk_lIdSDQ9xCMEaFelwG6cDswFib9XSFgbyy2eWCSN4jN4Cp8GFIXuY5iIluOJt4KNjQ4sFq6lUXCVdQG8M8SxbypHB3dy8ibcWB8KImymN6w/s1600/Screenshot-10835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQQNRrIB2K4ffgenGFiwDH7qUHo7Xf0Uk_lIdSDQ9xCMEaFelwG6cDswFib9XSFgbyy2eWCSN4jN4Cp8GFIXuY5iIluOJt4KNjQ4sFq6lUXCVdQG8M8SxbypHB3dy8ibcWB8KImymN6w/s400/Screenshot-10835.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Well this was how it was in other towns, anyway. Not in Starlight Shores. Being a southern California town, relatively close to the border between the United States and Mexico, there was always a lot of hot air rising from the south, enough to keep the town in what seemed like an eternal summer with a few minor changes every once in a while. Occasionally they would get snow, but for the most part they would see rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP2cOcl698WTRJ5RHEpkRxvDqESpDFqFIwC2l9YcZCJqyXKjbdwnDLgEKb9Ovxatn3alSY7fZLMVQ9PfEeUzei8RwDTqO6xa_vY1VdUWesch6fwgh3og3aINjnwIFH-yyzyeQNyts35I/s1600/Screenshot-10837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP2cOcl698WTRJ5RHEpkRxvDqESpDFqFIwC2l9YcZCJqyXKjbdwnDLgEKb9Ovxatn3alSY7fZLMVQ9PfEeUzei8RwDTqO6xa_vY1VdUWesch6fwgh3og3aINjnwIFH-yyzyeQNyts35I/s400/Screenshot-10837.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Today it was raining. Yesterday it was raining. Tomorrow was looking good on the forecast but Annie didn't want to risk it. The news said it was going to slow down and stop by the end of the day, but at the moment you couldn't tell as Starlight Shores was close to flooding and people all across the city were wiping their feet and hanging their coat as they walked inside. The forecasters said repeatedly that the rain would stop, and if they wanted to live without severe damage to their internal organs they had better be right.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoP3ZNNx8PlTjW7ZVjB2ns9ESMtU_ZSA1jisR5nphCVVmZrZ2JsbOCSIwziwxg5PZOPv9vLjN1HFx0ZwIcnuqqCqTzBuPERK91vBgb34M8_VSvt5Smz4Khp5ebIWNMzilCUH-rYC5Yw8/s1600/Screenshot-10845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoP3ZNNx8PlTjW7ZVjB2ns9ESMtU_ZSA1jisR5nphCVVmZrZ2JsbOCSIwziwxg5PZOPv9vLjN1HFx0ZwIcnuqqCqTzBuPERK91vBgb34M8_VSvt5Smz4Khp5ebIWNMzilCUH-rYC5Yw8/s400/Screenshot-10845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The next day, September 30th of 2022, was the day John and Scarlett planned to be wed. Having delayed the wedding until after the eclipse, the two wanted to have the ceremony as soon as humanly possible especially now that the family members from out of town were there. Seeing as they set the date so quickly, the whole family had been working feverishly for the past few days to put together the best possible wedding that anyone could ask for, having already had the boost of preparing before the eclipse. They already had the decorations, gowns, and all the minor things ready, they just needed a place to have it at.<br />
<br />
A nice wedding ceremony would be a pleasant end to a horrible month, which started with a horrible argument between Tom and Annabelle which was resolved in a manner that was rather pleasant for both of them. It also had a horrible encounter between Keera and the man responsible for her scarring, which admittedly had become more amicable just before the latter's horrible death. Annabelle's kidnapping was also a horrible event, which eventually culminated in a series horrible battle between a group of people and an army of robotic drones. <br />
<br />
Yes, the word "Horrible" could best describe the first twenty days of September 2022.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0zRpaLjy_3WHQwEFOKiM-sFtRRLSmEcKUPbARnbZLqzrWoJZN6VeUCa7eG5NH1zHJi57tEa4YWPcR4AyHSqOWjEb5ot4w6f2yJBn_M1PsgVFwspFw7DJ5YI_XZImh_YDOb-6yy7TUfs/s1600/Screenshot-10834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0zRpaLjy_3WHQwEFOKiM-sFtRRLSmEcKUPbARnbZLqzrWoJZN6VeUCa7eG5NH1zHJi57tEa4YWPcR4AyHSqOWjEb5ot4w6f2yJBn_M1PsgVFwspFw7DJ5YI_XZImh_YDOb-6yy7TUfs/s400/Screenshot-10834.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Not wanting to continue the horrible trend, John and Scarlett wanted a luxurious outdoor ceremony, perhaps even on a boat in the ocean overlooking the town. Of course it was up to Annabelle who had to book one because everyone else was busy with the rest of the ceremony plans, and she had to drive halfway to Sunset Valley to find someone who would actually be there in advance for everyone to set the wedding up the day before the event. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not to mention that she had to find someone with a red boat, or there would have been hell to pay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqD2lAdw5_8PwhRAAY5V3C6REt_RfiD_rjaw7t2qf3A-lkOHH4tXcdjbCGlzw3_5WLivRVs_0Q0X4CVBKfMyTwYzdHngBUXRJXnYasVjCt5H_gh-3F6kI8rHx5IABXsB5fGpmkoZUF7Q/s1600/Screenshot-10839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqD2lAdw5_8PwhRAAY5V3C6REt_RfiD_rjaw7t2qf3A-lkOHH4tXcdjbCGlzw3_5WLivRVs_0Q0X4CVBKfMyTwYzdHngBUXRJXnYasVjCt5H_gh-3F6kI8rHx5IABXsB5fGpmkoZUF7Q/s400/Screenshot-10839.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just when Annabelle was about to run outside in old-style garb and do an Anti-rain dance to make the sky clear, the rain stopped. It was still cloudy, but at least there was no drops of water falling from the sky which would have messed up the decorations, cake, dresses, and everything else. Off in the distance, Annabelle looked out the window and saw a large red platform heading down the bay, silently cheering and quickly leaving to meet the owner of the boat down by the pier. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAGyHDr-F-94KFVpp-IXM2Q0AttaPWxIM0Afh66BTQv_AZIwGjOHyAw7YgskxbQIN46nATYqdnMcLrfCbXCgvZ0BgqzXkhoO1kHUAl8qpsyZ1PASUsyQkm36RzYTc6UJ1dG3UrV8w3oo/s1600/Screenshot-10846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAGyHDr-F-94KFVpp-IXM2Q0AttaPWxIM0Afh66BTQv_AZIwGjOHyAw7YgskxbQIN46nATYqdnMcLrfCbXCgvZ0BgqzXkhoO1kHUAl8qpsyZ1PASUsyQkm36RzYTc6UJ1dG3UrV8w3oo/s400/Screenshot-10846.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle used this wedding plan event to get her mind cleared, especially after the craziness that her family was going through. Just a few days before, she found out that she had a son she never knew she had, as he was a clone much like the daughter she found out she had just four years before. A bit of investigating on the part of Kelly revealed that there <i>was</i> a laboratory in Appaloosa Plains, Colorado, and that one experiment was to mix the blood of two people. A similar, successful experiment was held with Annabelle's blood sample in Bridgeport, so the Appaloosa Plains scientists decided to try it out with the same sample and a different one than used before. Tom's blood was sent to the same lab accidentally so they decided to use his as the experiment which created Gabriel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One night, a few months after Gabe's "birth", an experiment at the facility went wrong. Two scientists were testing on a new type of meteorite that had hit nearby, and when they brought a metal cutter to it, the contact shot out sparks which caught fire to the valuable-yet-vulnerable lab equipment that filled the building. Most of the scientists made it out, as did Gabriel, whose name then was apparently G-4B3. Rather than stick with the people who almost accidentally got him killed, Gabe left the scientists behind and went into an orphanage, and pretty much the rest was known to the family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What WASN'T figured out, however, was the simple question of how Gabriel and Annabelle had the same dream, on the same night, at nearly the same time. Apparently Annabelle had dreamed it first, with what her family was telling her as fuel to the fire regarding what the dream was about, while Gabe had the same dream afterwards in his own perspective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcn94UkzcMH6X0zGs8BYSch9bXOzwhci3zkDDMcVw5dId4EWqEpwRuxK9_I0GMLX_muNdSgnsQVyt7nTpaOf_hwBRaUMffs7stkMKCgAGt_WWAarqEtlcCwkHNjHjMh5PrmLn7uXtpvw/s1600/Screenshot-10842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcn94UkzcMH6X0zGs8BYSch9bXOzwhci3zkDDMcVw5dId4EWqEpwRuxK9_I0GMLX_muNdSgnsQVyt7nTpaOf_hwBRaUMffs7stkMKCgAGt_WWAarqEtlcCwkHNjHjMh5PrmLn7uXtpvw/s400/Screenshot-10842.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While Annabelle had met an alien who displayed telepathic powers to her on Torra Sev, she specifically mentioned that hybrids such as Annabelle and Isobelle didn't have the psychic powers of their alien ancestors. Annabelle wondered if she herself was special, or at the very least if there was someone else in the house that had the powers that the alien, who said she was Annabelle's alien birth-mother, had.<br />
<br />
Deciding to focus more on her brother's happiness than her own twisted form of a family history, Annabelle took a walk down the beach near her house. She was there to meet with the owner of the barge at a small dock which had been inexplicably built there recently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bAgEMBdg2ntU22OPk690KGjIC7FVuwkIMDKsS2WorIHdJo-HNM9MZT1ZoQtn_319sIg6z35kxbEVZAVgFpir97WnpZC7jlM-1qAYCC_U72sMw5hU16CJ02u-bqLb6WuKxtP_CTw7XyU/s1600/Screenshot-10841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bAgEMBdg2ntU22OPk690KGjIC7FVuwkIMDKsS2WorIHdJo-HNM9MZT1ZoQtn_319sIg6z35kxbEVZAVgFpir97WnpZC7jlM-1qAYCC_U72sMw5hU16CJ02u-bqLb6WuKxtP_CTw7XyU/s400/Screenshot-10841.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The owner was a sea-faring man named "Pete" who, as he described himself, was a "rough and tough sea dog with a love for the ladies." As such, he put the moves on Annabelle who, in a way of turning him down, hid her left ring finger and politely told a little lie that she was married.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-3Y37tpELzMPJc-prFagcY_Bg7BJJxSZZpOk1-Y8fOqNhoaUap1ZMfbVQcdPYHpz7p3vDU-XBKpnIpECFro-7aXsho7Tvvlhjg8Wk62uI8_p-BhXu48caZFvuIvmryPjaK0QFOzefbQ/s1600/Screenshot-10840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-3Y37tpELzMPJc-prFagcY_Bg7BJJxSZZpOk1-Y8fOqNhoaUap1ZMfbVQcdPYHpz7p3vDU-XBKpnIpECFro-7aXsho7Tvvlhjg8Wk62uI8_p-BhXu48caZFvuIvmryPjaK0QFOzefbQ/s400/Screenshot-10840.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Ahh. Well ye' be a fine lass! Man's gotta be luck'eh to have ye'." Pete said while making sure the boat was safely docked.<br />
<br />
Annabelle smiled and took that as a compliment, then when Pete went back to the boat controls she scowled. "Yeah, he<i> would</i> be lucky.", she quietly whispered to herself. This short conversation made her think back to one she had with Tom from a few days before, just after Annie had talked to Gabriel in her bedroom.<br />
<br />
..............<br />
<br />
<b><i>Four Days Ago</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWYcvbrXC3Ct9AbEmrFP40m3PJu5IoUNSC-Tv5CG_-1XyBvqawRBrZsyXKZiZs2BQQRkU601Y2q53S171NZGUSufFhHl9HzMuYYFflnrurLuNpbus0bLZPvkKBnOkFq0FLgiH1dA5its/s1600/Screenshot-10977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWYcvbrXC3Ct9AbEmrFP40m3PJu5IoUNSC-Tv5CG_-1XyBvqawRBrZsyXKZiZs2BQQRkU601Y2q53S171NZGUSufFhHl9HzMuYYFflnrurLuNpbus0bLZPvkKBnOkFq0FLgiH1dA5its/s400/Screenshot-10977.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom was walking away from Annabelle after having watched the newly united brother and sister hug, getting ready to put together a party. Just as he did so, Annie walked after him.<br />
<br />
"Hey, did you know that my dream was about you and Gabriel?" She asked, directly. "In fact aside from some creepy women in identical hair and clothes and some bully I obviously based off of Jack, you two were pretty much the only people."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7qmgbTEFalJWSQGeS6Lrt0RuWIIWyKIbHWQO_1-f-h4iXE_J9A63SiIm5Xi__p3R8QVs-oQsmwVq43SWO0xMjDUnSwnCJ3jO-5fLZ01IejcEqY6VUZ_nX0memWlrvmTeg-g0WtyjgJE/s1600/Screenshot-10978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7qmgbTEFalJWSQGeS6Lrt0RuWIIWyKIbHWQO_1-f-h4iXE_J9A63SiIm5Xi__p3R8QVs-oQsmwVq43SWO0xMjDUnSwnCJ3jO-5fLZ01IejcEqY6VUZ_nX0memWlrvmTeg-g0WtyjgJE/s400/Screenshot-10978.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That's... that's interesting." Tom replied. "Very interesting." With those words, he left down the stairs. He didn't want to pursue the subject out of worry that it would make the current situation awkward, especially considering they had just found out not four hours before that they had a son together (technically).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fjRwCIVfGlLmnDnZ6r211UG3-HnKns5JWVGSDCdzG_EMUho1uawt4usmIXFKv6gDoKeHGSZUut-MNYNttQzqa6dA8Q6iCLqjfEGjRxv4Q86A5CVdav5XW4FHlpeDS4Efvs98wa5IMe4/s1600/Screenshot-10980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fjRwCIVfGlLmnDnZ6r211UG3-HnKns5JWVGSDCdzG_EMUho1uawt4usmIXFKv6gDoKeHGSZUut-MNYNttQzqa6dA8Q6iCLqjfEGjRxv4Q86A5CVdav5XW4FHlpeDS4Efvs98wa5IMe4/s400/Screenshot-10980.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle frustratingly sighed, then imagined Tom as though he was standing right in front of her. "Yeah. 'Interesting'. You know sometimes I think you're either dumb as a rock or acting as dumb as one." She then thought to herself, and amended the statement.<i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwA6jWXKeclkv18SSHJs6_a4jlCpdT794_Nyg0tzCOwQJtOZqvIxpvl8hNLi2tr8ucCIxgSyXWeOcHybD_8ZYGlfv_5O40DsMefxokTJYwlAJfvR6hF4JgGhGiGmbz6Mc-p0CrIGm5-5c/s1600/Screenshot-10981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwA6jWXKeclkv18SSHJs6_a4jlCpdT794_Nyg0tzCOwQJtOZqvIxpvl8hNLi2tr8ucCIxgSyXWeOcHybD_8ZYGlfv_5O40DsMefxokTJYwlAJfvR6hF4JgGhGiGmbz6Mc-p0CrIGm5-5c/s400/Screenshot-10981.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"And the talking intelligent rock from those comic books doesn't count!" </i><br />
<br />
Suddenly, the real Tom from downstairs yelled up. "Did you say something?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGooV8p-waW2szhpWsrBZWhtPk9dOyXwZ9DTNM_sMQ59PjgSC-acoJhEiVl3ItnUpawDSJP1be-nYzfU4CseVBjjSu0d6mbHaCp-wR2tP0Kr7IMLqUKgpDxfOXi8DGSE1rty-VPdDm3xU/s1600/Screenshot-10982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGooV8p-waW2szhpWsrBZWhtPk9dOyXwZ9DTNM_sMQ59PjgSC-acoJhEiVl3ItnUpawDSJP1be-nYzfU4CseVBjjSu0d6mbHaCp-wR2tP0Kr7IMLqUKgpDxfOXi8DGSE1rty-VPdDm3xU/s400/Screenshot-10982.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No."<br />
<br />
................<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRDmzpzxsNlVaECKQ4LZXT8qjn5LAR_RVPzGbqh_VLUzYf-LSGTWZ5T1aGXJNl-BfftZfDyWbDfkxAGiYdOS6bIIMJGrkra58rj2SdaOEMV4Sm_WgxwaxA9Ds_xwO6vbydFCgoFjuPo8/s1600/Screenshot-10847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRDmzpzxsNlVaECKQ4LZXT8qjn5LAR_RVPzGbqh_VLUzYf-LSGTWZ5T1aGXJNl-BfftZfDyWbDfkxAGiYdOS6bIIMJGrkra58rj2SdaOEMV4Sm_WgxwaxA9Ds_xwO6vbydFCgoFjuPo8/s400/Screenshot-10847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Back in the present, Annabelle was scowling as much as she did when Tom left her upstairs back then. After a few seconds, she boarded the craft and started measuring the space for tables and chairs as well as a wedding arch. There was going to be a little less space than she originally believed, but she decided to try anyway. Annie departed the boat and called everyone down, telling them to bring their part of the plans.<br />
<br />
A short time later, Tom and Kelly came walking down the hill carrying tables and chairs along with Mirabelle who was carefully driving a moving truck down the beach. Annabelle hated moving stuff, and wished some giant glowing hand would grab the stuff from the truck and place it gently on the boat. Unfortunately, she realized, things didn't work out like that, and started to grab things from the now-open moving truck. Pete also took the initiative to carry things from the truck to the boat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdfW8dbjP6U3ERqdltyLkq3Ra1Z8vUzD5hU5IAHHSuepzYzb3o5AvghLsPdxDkDEqOnopp3POmsB-Ap8vwAbbCSqSplV4hI3cb2_EaW1JqRpHcGka4gCB2nvT0zlj1CkhJ_YXCIM6F7o/s1600/Screenshot-10850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdfW8dbjP6U3ERqdltyLkq3Ra1Z8vUzD5hU5IAHHSuepzYzb3o5AvghLsPdxDkDEqOnopp3POmsB-Ap8vwAbbCSqSplV4hI3cb2_EaW1JqRpHcGka4gCB2nvT0zlj1CkhJ_YXCIM6F7o/s400/Screenshot-10850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple hours had passed and everything was set up. It was tough work, and Annabelle wished the genie was there to help do it quickly with her magic, but Anika suddenly vanished from the house after saying she "had to stop the Abyss". No one knew what she was talking about, and as they didn't want to keep her in one place after freeing her they didn't worry too much about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHhuuMxHofOmrZCAGba6ct5qGoikPRDqoL8c33IT2HDfg4wyO3ue14QmADbUpxjjXsb_Ar4D3GVXAOZfx_Bypei1Vh30mRn88gyMfIkNCl446VUyuW76WDkMtdgIR2-vZfWoygFUl7_0/s1600/Screenshot-10851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHhuuMxHofOmrZCAGba6ct5qGoikPRDqoL8c33IT2HDfg4wyO3ue14QmADbUpxjjXsb_Ar4D3GVXAOZfx_Bypei1Vh30mRn88gyMfIkNCl446VUyuW76WDkMtdgIR2-vZfWoygFUl7_0/s400/Screenshot-10851.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Through the day, Gabriel and Keera showed up to help while Scarlett was also there, directing exactly where she wanted to move things, and Annabelle was surprised that she wasn't getting angry if anything was put in the wrong place. In fact, it surprised Annabelle so much she was wondering if the red-haired girl wasn't replaced by some tranquil robotic version of herself. When everything was said and done, Pete carefully tested out driving the boat away with all the stuff on it to make sure it didn't all come crashing down. He then called Annabelle's phone to tell her that he wasn't going to return to shore until the morning to make sure no one would mess with the decorated platform, which everyone agreed was a good idea.<br />
<br />
=============<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5u3PXeuiBeLKshRhPpApxedgWcDdHo0eeC8pXamZSiCJy9L_9fvYAO_Ff-RwN5cQy-t-mWVZ2xERLg1dE535wrMZgffCKFeQ-7QWRDYVmq8WSym0f71CjbUbFOc6EIQ71HjpXNrG3wuI/s1600/Screenshot-10863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5u3PXeuiBeLKshRhPpApxedgWcDdHo0eeC8pXamZSiCJy9L_9fvYAO_Ff-RwN5cQy-t-mWVZ2xERLg1dE535wrMZgffCKFeQ-7QWRDYVmq8WSym0f71CjbUbFOc6EIQ71HjpXNrG3wuI/s400/Screenshot-10863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That evening, everyone was in relatively formal attire to have a nice dinner at a restaurant near the home. John and Scarlett decided not to have a bachelor or bachelorette party because having only been with each other through their entire lives, John didn't "feel" like a "bachelor" and Scarlett didn't feel like a "bachelorette". As such they didn't want to label themselves in that way.<br />
<br />
During the dance after dinner, Elliot gathered everyone around and got their attention.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEmtVdEqNsdMxsvdLlZU9H_m9noz4q1ZvRGBoPMcZDUeLPP3ffy_VyE14_DX2uZ3u-bfeSJ9SxwWwKW4q0KJhHYusBeU6KE42dj2X9vn9tz9W_WrEV3VEmWfvVTjr5EkfDptgTQda3MA/s1600/Screenshot-10859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEmtVdEqNsdMxsvdLlZU9H_m9noz4q1ZvRGBoPMcZDUeLPP3ffy_VyE14_DX2uZ3u-bfeSJ9SxwWwKW4q0KJhHYusBeU6KE42dj2X9vn9tz9W_WrEV3VEmWfvVTjr5EkfDptgTQda3MA/s400/Screenshot-10859.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I'd like to say something. When I found out John and Scarlett were getting married, my first reaction was 'weren't they already?" Everyone laughed, giving Elliot the boost to proceed. "Then I realized, if they were, it would have been a great, wonderful moment in time. To that end, your marriage tomorrow will be the one that shows what the two of you truly are capable of, much like my marriage did for me and my beautiful wife. Tomorrow, it will be your defining moment. We've all had them, and when I see my niece, a red-haired angel, marry the love of her life, it will add to the wonderful memories that I will always hold dear."<br />
<br />
Scarlett smiled when Elliot did this. Maria added some words and made her own speech to congratulate the couple, saying she knew they would have a great life together as they already had shared a good one for twenty-one years now. Scarlett was flattered, and smiled some more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNwJUQ_QdJ-fml_TGViifloRJye5kFtDIhAvwm0Dvb8ZqV946sThytTIKupreA5uKTZCNN0sbHCKleRh9ZfaNabWthLz6368EZpVXSk-ky-02XM9YsRzW-XsRNlmXSXslW9qceq2d_3o/s1600/Screenshot-10860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNwJUQ_QdJ-fml_TGViifloRJye5kFtDIhAvwm0Dvb8ZqV946sThytTIKupreA5uKTZCNN0sbHCKleRh9ZfaNabWthLz6368EZpVXSk-ky-02XM9YsRzW-XsRNlmXSXslW9qceq2d_3o/s400/Screenshot-10860.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
However she then stopped smiling and closed her eyes before going back to the party. Tom, standing across from her next to Annabelle, noticed these small inflections in her face. He'd seen these minor expressions on multiple people in the past. He realized that Scarlett was going to marry John the next day, but she wasn't exactly happy about something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63QS0T2Xsdnr5_lPyWKj_bJ05fc8clfFoap6F0rUVnEtKGYTcErZIw2DvRq74HsMnLOnJGTSBANsHNL9SmrJ18nSEWcRHVmL6GDV5_FAjKoUYxXgr_xughJ6NT5fW6KoZklN08knYNx4/s1600/Screenshot-10861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63QS0T2Xsdnr5_lPyWKj_bJ05fc8clfFoap6F0rUVnEtKGYTcErZIw2DvRq74HsMnLOnJGTSBANsHNL9SmrJ18nSEWcRHVmL6GDV5_FAjKoUYxXgr_xughJ6NT5fW6KoZklN08knYNx4/s400/Screenshot-10861.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom knew why, because he shared the same feeling. <br />
<br />
<br />
After a short time, the dance was done and everyone returned to the house in a convoy of cars, retreating into different parts of the building when they got inside. Thinking over things, Scarlett walked upstairs and found herself on the roof, looking out to the ocean at night, watching the stars reflect off the surface of the water giving a literal name to the town of "Starlight Shores".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G1Zs910lTwzV1CVN05QzrN21bL_ZmhJuCr1hbmmcrsnv2fxmvBEKzeTeDDLcCFo14-CPgFDqMIGgEGxFxIL0ENXb-ab9nZjCyM0uk9lOXHEEXQAi4agtGPkjOoF0RT4DcDAHsJlzLkw/s1600/Screenshot-10864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G1Zs910lTwzV1CVN05QzrN21bL_ZmhJuCr1hbmmcrsnv2fxmvBEKzeTeDDLcCFo14-CPgFDqMIGgEGxFxIL0ENXb-ab9nZjCyM0uk9lOXHEEXQAi4agtGPkjOoF0RT4DcDAHsJlzLkw/s400/Screenshot-10864.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom walked up the stairs as well and strolled over to her, silently sharing the open view with his cousin. Both of them had something in common, and he knew that's why Scarlett looked upset at dinner after Elliot and Maria gave their toasts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil2VV86ZlvPv-csVnZaUTxn4kCoxJ_vZ8xYW1VNop9mDOIXScbjBb8yPCDDm_mDP3-YW8QqbK_c4gFqBkvakO5IQYNTtq6KbP_oGlftHKWaKLIYiKCe-IyGdMUX55QC_lqb8Ex_1yNno/s1600/Screenshot-10868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil2VV86ZlvPv-csVnZaUTxn4kCoxJ_vZ8xYW1VNop9mDOIXScbjBb8yPCDDm_mDP3-YW8QqbK_c4gFqBkvakO5IQYNTtq6KbP_oGlftHKWaKLIYiKCe-IyGdMUX55QC_lqb8Ex_1yNno/s400/Screenshot-10868.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"When I eventually get married myself, I'll know what you're going through." Tom said. "There will be an exorbitant amount of happiness but something will be missing. Something will always be missing. I know you want your parents to be there tomorrow on that boat, your father walking you down the aisle as your mother holds her heart in joy. I wish I could see them there too."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6rjWnBXnS6vUwtiy0DL6DLFFBsmaVySJE3XA8R_Q1lSAMG-BvFH0yr4L2NnFE8h4i_qhgw9vP5HIeISEoxHmgYB9zjjVHlYY0nQ90JxwyJMgQSH6O21bRtfS1J3JSjSmhjnTf1xC-sk/s1600/Screenshot-10865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6rjWnBXnS6vUwtiy0DL6DLFFBsmaVySJE3XA8R_Q1lSAMG-BvFH0yr4L2NnFE8h4i_qhgw9vP5HIeISEoxHmgYB9zjjVHlYY0nQ90JxwyJMgQSH6O21bRtfS1J3JSjSmhjnTf1xC-sk/s400/Screenshot-10865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"<i>Your</i> parents, you mean?" Scarlett finally said after a few moments.<br />
<br />
Tom shook his head. "I know my parents are watching over me. I know yours are watching over you, but I would give anything to have yours there, standing in flesh and blood, for you tomorrow."<br />
<br />
Scarlett smiled as tears ran down her face. "You really think they're watching down on me? You think they know how much I miss them? You think they'll watch me get married tomorrow?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrTn0lOhcWcVjqtbqDbu_RJoZziwv041l2Hy4AWJQchLux_zzlKyhKa0I9T8_IQpl4Nw_o-JQO_aag93SpQy-aMFSbzPSYXYPgSPhqt8T7Yd0nD3uQXK2Ji94HoqPOwXZlqFE1DA7tRc/s1600/Screenshot-10869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrTn0lOhcWcVjqtbqDbu_RJoZziwv041l2Hy4AWJQchLux_zzlKyhKa0I9T8_IQpl4Nw_o-JQO_aag93SpQy-aMFSbzPSYXYPgSPhqt8T7Yd0nD3uQXK2Ji94HoqPOwXZlqFE1DA7tRc/s400/Screenshot-10869.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom reached over and hugged his cousin. "I <i>know</i>. They'll have the best seats in the house." <br />
<br />
Elliot, standing outside as well, could hear the conversation on the roof on this windless autumn night. Hearing this talk about Tom and Scarlett's parents brought back some memories regarding them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6HaStE1oUn7OkHwW0PHUPGQGPz7JSfhR9aPT2_ahJH2kDhwzXp9LwVNVyYaqZ8pQLungfxUhT_5UBH1Zysx9uEBPpWYQWsvm3bUD_cfraXya-Arr-kZJGafBiyfdz-YIUw18-0dbHUM/s1600/Screenshot-10870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6HaStE1oUn7OkHwW0PHUPGQGPz7JSfhR9aPT2_ahJH2kDhwzXp9LwVNVyYaqZ8pQLungfxUhT_5UBH1Zysx9uEBPpWYQWsvm3bUD_cfraXya-Arr-kZJGafBiyfdz-YIUw18-0dbHUM/s400/Screenshot-10870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When Tom and Scarlett both lost their mothers, Elliot lost his sisters. When they lost their fathers, Elliot lost his best friends.<br />
<br />
He thought back to a day years before, one that he felt was the most important moment in his life...<br />
<br />
..............<br />
<b><i>April 8th, 2002</i></b><br />
<b><i>Pleasant Rest Graveyard</i></b><br />
<b><i>Sunset Valley, California</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyul_bxm5hiqF4rs1FPDIIX9QUu1hsNuVMFt_3mJE8UXspM6O5JmR59y1yPSvEWg9oNIvJUHN_Bkj9zGCTF5zwRyodLWKT5fsJtnPjY24mJng7m2eCuIM3TTYCdv_gkl6O-sB_fK0mtNk/s1600/Screenshot-10697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyul_bxm5hiqF4rs1FPDIIX9QUu1hsNuVMFt_3mJE8UXspM6O5JmR59y1yPSvEWg9oNIvJUHN_Bkj9zGCTF5zwRyodLWKT5fsJtnPjY24mJng7m2eCuIM3TTYCdv_gkl6O-sB_fK0mtNk/s400/Screenshot-10697.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Elliot sat in the graveyard in the town of Sunset Valley, quietly looking at four graves. One name was Katherine Scarlet Keene, one was Michael Paul Keene, another was Tina Abigail Jameson and the last was Thomas Richard Jameson. Elliot cried for a week when he found out Tina was killed in Egypt along with Thomas, and when he found out that Michael and Kathy were killed in a fire, he had a mental breakdown and woke up outside a bar the next morning where his wife Mei had found him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SlvxGKx6xmMg_A7wRDnmI5w8a062YNm8d9gX1Bsj0Dmhv0ULy-MIgpaReWqNA9A2zhnn7AFkM3NIeGp0d_YbaO0butlOwpcpLoJo2VTg_ZqbHG8DFy3iZUFq5HH0Spu_dzYHwOX25f4/s1600/Screenshot-10696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SlvxGKx6xmMg_A7wRDnmI5w8a062YNm8d9gX1Bsj0Dmhv0ULy-MIgpaReWqNA9A2zhnn7AFkM3NIeGp0d_YbaO0butlOwpcpLoJo2VTg_ZqbHG8DFy3iZUFq5HH0Spu_dzYHwOX25f4/s400/Screenshot-10696.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As he sat there, mourning the lost lives of his sisters and their respective husbands, he suddenly felt a small vibration in his pocket. It was his cell phone, something he had made sure to keep on his person as Mei was very pregnant and was ready to go into labor at any time now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF9NzSzJwsVtQb6MF-8EwzwMsCX33RUyFgnSgnVOz-gkCHiJdFuzVySlsdo1zDUsEfhxJ67wZ6-dJpHWnv1YgHD0qDg02CntlllG7xsUZVMcSTO3-KMOYJYYdWAdRvIfkt5swICrlH7s/s1600/Screenshot-10698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF9NzSzJwsVtQb6MF-8EwzwMsCX33RUyFgnSgnVOz-gkCHiJdFuzVySlsdo1zDUsEfhxJ67wZ6-dJpHWnv1YgHD0qDg02CntlllG7xsUZVMcSTO3-KMOYJYYdWAdRvIfkt5swICrlH7s/s400/Screenshot-10698.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Elliot stood up and looked at the most recent message. It read "Baby. Hospital.", two words of clear indication that their daughter was on the way. Saying goodbye to the graves of his family members, he immediately turned and ran down the street.<br />
<br />
It was a long run to the hospital, but by the time he got there Elliot saw Maria and Mei walking towards the lobby. "Where's the rest of the tots?" He asked, referring to Annabelle, Tom, Scarlett, and John.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH4MKxCWI1kDtoAnmro7pSo5Nol4oHhRDeZ5xnC1RoRBCNptTOb3Im6T3UX5Qa7JJ1i0GMfXWrol3rTgV1SLNsS2lsKpSZ4GUQ-1Iidvb50O2ipdc_GXPV2XQZoY9JkzhePNmogSqYxY/s1600/Screenshot-10687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH4MKxCWI1kDtoAnmro7pSo5Nol4oHhRDeZ5xnC1RoRBCNptTOb3Im6T3UX5Qa7JJ1i0GMfXWrol3rTgV1SLNsS2lsKpSZ4GUQ-1Iidvb50O2ipdc_GXPV2XQZoY9JkzhePNmogSqYxY/s400/Screenshot-10687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"The babysitter's." Maria responded. "The Cambridge kids are watching them. When all is settled, I'm gonna run back and check on things." <br />
<br />
Elliot nodded and followed the two ladies into the hospital. The head receptionist asked what the problem was and Maria, gesturing towards the very-swollen Mei, said "Broken toe." Elliot and Mei laughed, then signed in after they told her what they were there for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqE7YU4ZaTovy7lr3_1h7Z0b9VULWSFIqtBM6-XUjXIXvBz82E7fV8qkewEHlrlXyRercKq2S45T3x6o2FZJmdzniQtzhYw8sIpD1xC5PNptK_ooerKM6YRBQfXMIo8X14C2dfe3Y_XI/s1600/Screenshot-10699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqE7YU4ZaTovy7lr3_1h7Z0b9VULWSFIqtBM6-XUjXIXvBz82E7fV8qkewEHlrlXyRercKq2S45T3x6o2FZJmdzniQtzhYw8sIpD1xC5PNptK_ooerKM6YRBQfXMIo8X14C2dfe3Y_XI/s400/Screenshot-10699.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Seventeen long hours passed, all the while Elliot was pacing the hall waiting for word on Mei and the child. Suddenly, he was called into the delivery room, put on a set of medical scrubs, and held Mei's hand as she gave birth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6IoY_16RcUwJvP9BaVAE9hdKBrnk8Taar1v46_KrJZtNrkygVkbMyiIHyGNcR3ovYGGh4lLDZ9DSe4-_SzVP2ckA7GzdUnNaCe3qRmLLXAnMaIzCoDEeIWZGLeS9KWEwjchrHm2nX1Q/s1600/Screenshot-10693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6IoY_16RcUwJvP9BaVAE9hdKBrnk8Taar1v46_KrJZtNrkygVkbMyiIHyGNcR3ovYGGh4lLDZ9DSe4-_SzVP2ckA7GzdUnNaCe3qRmLLXAnMaIzCoDEeIWZGLeS9KWEwjchrHm2nX1Q/s400/Screenshot-10693.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Not too long afterwards, their daughter was brought into the world. Elliot and Mei quickly settled on a name: Kelly Jane Coen, and the former held the child in his hands. "Kelly. Kelly! Mei... I'm a dad! I'm a daddy and this is my greatest daughter in the history of daughters!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7_bjTySkMmetUmuYEf9egIJWP93FNtPmwFXod89ZDTK2DpbLUK0qaa9PGAR_IW_dGB2CD7TPTDFNfW9g_S30uVrl_c-OFPBmhlzUkacoxiNoe-RMSBbm8hBFlEJ-dGBDCnCIYVfkKCY/s1600/Screenshot-10692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7_bjTySkMmetUmuYEf9egIJWP93FNtPmwFXod89ZDTK2DpbLUK0qaa9PGAR_IW_dGB2CD7TPTDFNfW9g_S30uVrl_c-OFPBmhlzUkacoxiNoe-RMSBbm8hBFlEJ-dGBDCnCIYVfkKCY/s400/Screenshot-10692.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mei smiled, and Elliot continued to hold on to their daughter, looking into her eyes. He began this night in mourning, distraught over the loss of his sisters, but as he looked into the new eyes of this young child, that pain eased a bit. It never actually went away, but he knew that his siblings were, wherever they were at the moment, looking down and smiling at the arrival of their new niece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7dfCtvQG3g6hmd7jatpVeGdk9EQsmsdhNelEglyO7_KmGCv2p7kNvhq0ieIwtlnAs58y-NDc0-LHNrHkTeVO7QpgMoi-zeJMIxQyzFCe29IQTY-uT0cc7dYhyqy5XEvAMfqrLwMrGgA/s1600/Screenshot-10695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7dfCtvQG3g6hmd7jatpVeGdk9EQsmsdhNelEglyO7_KmGCv2p7kNvhq0ieIwtlnAs58y-NDc0-LHNrHkTeVO7QpgMoi-zeJMIxQyzFCe29IQTY-uT0cc7dYhyqy5XEvAMfqrLwMrGgA/s400/Screenshot-10695.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Kelly."</i><br />
<br />
===========<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTRo2PtWr8KmyYoNVCjneGzl0E0Ot-fqTLPh6_eKsiC5850Mg9uVqjZrmP6PahSrDuImTQ8QkAO7vKKUlyLdQnIFCHI9lXoeS-kGHNqFdnyABYomEHpuMh8740xBS2VEfFtKGNQcmmas/s1600/Screenshot-10796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTRo2PtWr8KmyYoNVCjneGzl0E0Ot-fqTLPh6_eKsiC5850Mg9uVqjZrmP6PahSrDuImTQ8QkAO7vKKUlyLdQnIFCHI9lXoeS-kGHNqFdnyABYomEHpuMh8740xBS2VEfFtKGNQcmmas/s400/Screenshot-10796.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When everyone got back from dinner, Kelly decided to get some early sleep. Tomorrow was her cousin's big day, and she wanted to wake up as soon as she could for it. Soon enough, the blue-haired lady would have a day much like it, perhaps back in Hidden Springs during the winter. She preferred a fall wedding on a hill top, as she had told Annabelle the night she confessed her love for the green-skinned woman.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVYB4V58fWPdolfTzHYcbRDLmyuiG8C0cBJlE5Saio6GZMCjrA3zG0e-AsiRhlRWAF2tlYCiw92Y3BEqQSJ4bu7w8H-e7r8oi9D_SaFdmEXZLu4wE_Dl204o2Ss6_uVqge5-lXgGT8TI/s1600/Screenshot-10797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVYB4V58fWPdolfTzHYcbRDLmyuiG8C0cBJlE5Saio6GZMCjrA3zG0e-AsiRhlRWAF2tlYCiw92Y3BEqQSJ4bu7w8H-e7r8oi9D_SaFdmEXZLu4wE_Dl204o2Ss6_uVqge5-lXgGT8TI/s400/Screenshot-10797.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As Kelly drifted off to sleep, she had remembered things that happened to her in the past. Perhaps most importantly, she thought back to a night when she was a teenager, in Bridgeport, and realized that this memory was probably the most important one in her life.<br />
<br />
..............<br />
<br />
<b><i>March 17th, 2018 </i></b><br />
<b><i>B. Goth Memorial Hospital</i></b><br />
<b><i>Bridgeport, New York</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-exDFIwHwCrqz-GzuP9_gvxQJvETbxl1uMlvNjKaIVVlAo1pooXK58A4Hj7QE14244xRSjfJPis0VdlBBEPzk3jAUVTKZ5MOPS_KY6nwwZi_EbjqsKZpqvo6DtjAPPRTUJQuay0x3W9Y/s1600/Screenshot-10726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-exDFIwHwCrqz-GzuP9_gvxQJvETbxl1uMlvNjKaIVVlAo1pooXK58A4Hj7QE14244xRSjfJPis0VdlBBEPzk3jAUVTKZ5MOPS_KY6nwwZi_EbjqsKZpqvo6DtjAPPRTUJQuay0x3W9Y/s400/Screenshot-10726.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWDKXjBdbkq-44pafszF4WwoxOBVxLETqgTqK7IIfsdtzb-XvDwb9N2DUx-7fjh4NCcySnNI-p9jMkohQw4VPQFCnsAGD52k5dvQYi21-ric8H83zvAegDcDgMmhPdG8LB5ZLn-5yaug/s1600/Screenshot-10727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWDKXjBdbkq-44pafszF4WwoxOBVxLETqgTqK7IIfsdtzb-XvDwb9N2DUx-7fjh4NCcySnNI-p9jMkohQw4VPQFCnsAGD52k5dvQYi21-ric8H83zvAegDcDgMmhPdG8LB5ZLn-5yaug/s400/Screenshot-10727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly walked calmly into the hospital room where Annabelle was staying in. She looked over at her bruised and beaten friend and worried about her. She had been worried about Annabelle and Tom every second, every minute, every nanosecond since the two fell three stories out of an exploding library on the 5th of the month.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57ZZnpumpGnIqeQZSjlMpn2eBMi6whJU27MOosLcvJCUIHg06vM3gSe9Xg9DRd6X20huv1nekpOFEIi5OH7kCBnv01jfO-3ztedcN4Ld-K6ISxsPsdHW7YpZyDnEWwrYjh0ntKV4YXmM/s1600/Screenshot-10729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57ZZnpumpGnIqeQZSjlMpn2eBMi6whJU27MOosLcvJCUIHg06vM3gSe9Xg9DRd6X20huv1nekpOFEIi5OH7kCBnv01jfO-3ztedcN4Ld-K6ISxsPsdHW7YpZyDnEWwrYjh0ntKV4YXmM/s400/Screenshot-10729.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTodylAOhs8SHbRQnKKGukqrGnxmKo3fuoAIANHPSFziKzZo-YUuRT3kwS8NtPu9Te5uE1gr_SO9On0qVU1Fz0id-hDtXpyp9aLUAfUUFfPmerJs4wi1WecZ03XDp9B4G7Y0myaoG3qvo/s1600/Screenshot-10730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTodylAOhs8SHbRQnKKGukqrGnxmKo3fuoAIANHPSFziKzZo-YUuRT3kwS8NtPu9Te5uE1gr_SO9On0qVU1Fz0id-hDtXpyp9aLUAfUUFfPmerJs4wi1WecZ03XDp9B4G7Y0myaoG3qvo/s400/Screenshot-10730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Maria, dozing away in a sleeping bag next to Annabelle's bed, was gently awakened by the younger girl who gestured her to go take a break. Maria stretched, and walked out of the room, looking back towards Annabelle with a saddened expression on her face. Kelly looked right at her face and practically read her mind: Annabelle was far too injured by the explosion, and Maria wasn't sure if she would make it.<br />
<br />
Kelly pushed this worry past her. She knew Annie was a fighter, and was stronger than any person on this planet. After scratching part of her arm where she had blood drawn as well as a tetanus shot a few days before, Kelly sat down on a chair, took a book out of her backpack, and started to read it. Maria wouldn't be back for an hour or so, so Kelly had plenty of time to get into the book and, at the same time, continue to worry about Annie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJaZtU-tB7_stMvYS45d3bSjCbk4Cx7-7VM7FP47-jPnYV_GNvG4hfP7BMWqqtIU0NPG9q-eT664wQ3DWerd6mOLTGy0j4BAENNevajOPsqwHAP6L-1VqmHGBsHGweOVNFF-PFhhG4Vk/s1600/Screenshot-10732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJaZtU-tB7_stMvYS45d3bSjCbk4Cx7-7VM7FP47-jPnYV_GNvG4hfP7BMWqqtIU0NPG9q-eT664wQ3DWerd6mOLTGy0j4BAENNevajOPsqwHAP6L-1VqmHGBsHGweOVNFF-PFhhG4Vk/s400/Screenshot-10732.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
About ten minutes had passed since she started to read the book when Kelly lowered it. Something was nagging her, getting into her thoughts. She tried to push it away and yet it kept coming back every time she read the words to the book. Eventually she put the book away and stood up, trying to clear her mind. And then, suddenly, her gaze caught Annabelle. She couldn't think of anyone else than Annabelle. There was no one else.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3J17l39qaVhVaxvYPiYi0k7H6iQSHY-BPs5qYNgCV2fV4BcFKP9HuhTxE2C9FaBXuYp2ueLd2YUVNKhOZEZmZ5JCsFSVvAtZ41coAZMyyWeJbygTvrOdrz_SDsR-7oZxCKQJVx0s68A/s1600/Screenshot-10734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3J17l39qaVhVaxvYPiYi0k7H6iQSHY-BPs5qYNgCV2fV4BcFKP9HuhTxE2C9FaBXuYp2ueLd2YUVNKhOZEZmZ5JCsFSVvAtZ41coAZMyyWeJbygTvrOdrz_SDsR-7oZxCKQJVx0s68A/s400/Screenshot-10734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As Kelly watched Annabelle sleep, soundly away in the hospital bed, a flood of emotions came running to her. She felt afraid for a moment, and let that pass. She felt anxious, and let that slip through the wringer. The feeling of pain hit her, not physical but emotional, and she bottled that up and threw it away. Suddenly all three came back and hit her mind, and when she opened her eyes, and focused on Annabelle, everything felt clear. It was all.... perfectly clear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ2-T5f-Mj8mAW7O8JS8stVTmPkAWiWYCAeqwWk1OUkY1rMjGuLNsNV2taEZngEc5ACkjBZ5VftCz6_3weErLpRaTMtSs2MrVelmU5Vzm0aPkTGdRDNDnnae2bEPGuxsMWUbBm985LtI/s1600/Screenshot-10735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ2-T5f-Mj8mAW7O8JS8stVTmPkAWiWYCAeqwWk1OUkY1rMjGuLNsNV2taEZngEc5ACkjBZ5VftCz6_3weErLpRaTMtSs2MrVelmU5Vzm0aPkTGdRDNDnnae2bEPGuxsMWUbBm985LtI/s400/Screenshot-10735.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then, three words left her mouth before she even realized she was saying them. Three words that were pure and sincere, built upon a foundation of worry for her future and joy for her past. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxHibYKSYIvUDQH60Xtb3cYCEPYbuei3wjKGA_KIS3sE1ftXG-e1XJOwWdOB9PFomp6HnnuQq0q6FqM2AZTB6OSV31kz9q-vQBin_LLzonMyY-q6nTUnfvcU8hYf2e_KinrPYjGl1v9k/s1600/Screenshot-10736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxHibYKSYIvUDQH60Xtb3cYCEPYbuei3wjKGA_KIS3sE1ftXG-e1XJOwWdOB9PFomp6HnnuQq0q6FqM2AZTB6OSV31kz9q-vQBin_LLzonMyY-q6nTUnfvcU8hYf2e_KinrPYjGl1v9k/s400/Screenshot-10736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"I love her." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4Vv_sQr0scKSTYVIkIn0QoIrSQP0azXnnC5dvfYeaj1Hk36Tk4Po3ltAoHEFtc2zRdq7_9QE0q2h5X1IwQ5QEoKpnA3cI54oOD_lX0lLryJIOgtGVRP_c9J-t_aqYudsXnziEMAxYHk/s1600/Screenshot-10737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4Vv_sQr0scKSTYVIkIn0QoIrSQP0azXnnC5dvfYeaj1Hk36Tk4Po3ltAoHEFtc2zRdq7_9QE0q2h5X1IwQ5QEoKpnA3cI54oOD_lX0lLryJIOgtGVRP_c9J-t_aqYudsXnziEMAxYHk/s400/Screenshot-10737.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
They were quiet, quieter than a whisper. In fact Kelly herself didn't hear them until she realized she actually said the words. There was this girl, lying in a hospital bed, that Kelly had fallen in love with. She realized that she had always loved her, it was just now that she truly realized it. Rather than run out of the room, Kelly instead approached the object of her affection and gently knelt down beside her. She whispered into the green girl's ear something that she never regretted saying, then stood back up and walked over to the chair, reading her book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fXy7Une_UrmTZQ2S5SFFxdnY3puRvofwWHYs2SjELBsFjRf0_6Bqm08ZN1lznccq1cTy_cKvMNMCCuvyOtG6yAwZjGhloG1TVdm8k8tpH4BmaGnPSboayt1wo0WyFtTyffj2uRghLzU/s1600/Screenshot-10738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fXy7Une_UrmTZQ2S5SFFxdnY3puRvofwWHYs2SjELBsFjRf0_6Bqm08ZN1lznccq1cTy_cKvMNMCCuvyOtG6yAwZjGhloG1TVdm8k8tpH4BmaGnPSboayt1wo0WyFtTyffj2uRghLzU/s400/Screenshot-10738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
---<br />
<br />
"Hey Kell!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eEyeQvF2N4HxuPcSjaKXO72d6Pm0l4FOIj9HL-KqyKbgFNMtMlTpGjF52pDkFQ4IpOeAKdADvkcmINdDV3FqLYN0lka_SsicAQZAp7F9LOMquD69Z6gWG50Y6oK2DzgksGaNaxVWAzU/s1600/KFB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eEyeQvF2N4HxuPcSjaKXO72d6Pm0l4FOIj9HL-KqyKbgFNMtMlTpGjF52pDkFQ4IpOeAKdADvkcmINdDV3FqLYN0lka_SsicAQZAp7F9LOMquD69Z6gWG50Y6oK2DzgksGaNaxVWAzU/s400/KFB1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly opened her eyes and realized it was the next morning. It was the voice of her friend that woke her up, pleasantly surprising the young teen. Annabelle was standing up near by, trying to smile but failing as the pain wracking her body was more apparent than the joy she had of seeing her friend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJTPmaXVT5o8T81pS-1T__NmSisqgyYZ867WUdQ263OkTh9i8QcJqKfcHi0xbWT_ve4aGCIEiZPgzOrDgBPChtXz_hjvVrjDsM3VSwGo9nQpVNxOkRMPFP8H3GUT5kYhj7rziat75uzE/s1600/KFB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJTPmaXVT5o8T81pS-1T__NmSisqgyYZ867WUdQ263OkTh9i8QcJqKfcHi0xbWT_ve4aGCIEiZPgzOrDgBPChtXz_hjvVrjDsM3VSwGo9nQpVNxOkRMPFP8H3GUT5kYhj7rziat75uzE/s400/KFB2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly stood up and, despite wanting to hug her, stayed back in case Annabelle was too injured to receive the gesture. Maria, who was outside talking with the doctors, walked in and said a small cheer. Here she was looking at her daughter who, the night before, was in all respects close to dying, and now she was standing up as best she could. Kelly instead hugged Maria, letting all her happiness go as she was reduced to tears of joy. She then looked over at Annabelle and smiled as bright as she could as the green girl, this time, was happily able to smile back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7afeiLR7vo2OJuxIYqHzGOAnjMTfj8QqFs6Rgg8Btu82fDdGSlxqFq7NLziTekQZorz7SGjNpM9yJkpYNBvySIs2uv5EAgfnDBFq1EoY8IBbGNmyEpm6HefPfp0I2dFLb4H6zbyfJ_88/s1600/KFB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7afeiLR7vo2OJuxIYqHzGOAnjMTfj8QqFs6Rgg8Btu82fDdGSlxqFq7NLziTekQZorz7SGjNpM9yJkpYNBvySIs2uv5EAgfnDBFq1EoY8IBbGNmyEpm6HefPfp0I2dFLb4H6zbyfJ_88/s400/KFB3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>========</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKb-sbQhuaslq-PwTHF-kTdxX5O_qqUPeDhFkYA_GkF6Ah6tHD1Uoy4LYPMRgji0C4Hkbv3I1E16myLL5xpSdb9p3-jFOa496U1uSTDypOi6IUm3M0hUjXOnRLMteDgg5yI-t3rSjhCA/s1600/Screenshot-10798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKb-sbQhuaslq-PwTHF-kTdxX5O_qqUPeDhFkYA_GkF6Ah6tHD1Uoy4LYPMRgji0C4Hkbv3I1E16myLL5xpSdb9p3-jFOa496U1uSTDypOi6IUm3M0hUjXOnRLMteDgg5yI-t3rSjhCA/s400/Screenshot-10798.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly slept soundly in the bed as Mirabelle walked into the room. She quickly changed into her sleepwear and gently crept into the bed beside her. After a short time of being unable to sleep, she felt Kelly toss and turn in the bed, and saw her smiling as she dreamed away.<br />
<br />
"What are you smiling about?" Mirabelle asked with a laugh, quietly, as mainly a rhetorical question. Kelly usually smiled in her sleep, which was a good signification of her having wonderful dreams, and she rarely ever actually replied when talked to. However, this time was different.<br />
<br />
"Two of you.", she said before turning over, continuing to smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0ZFo507AFp3b0JIjEgbrlUVq0g9PTc7gfFQ88HUQZMPEcIYBodEg8kWJ7r4HZYnFS9EWU2Xu3MzO7tT_nUwAURnXUdg24IWNk7BgmdfAFI7q3yVqryzMgiVreWrtay5TDW3k-Z8pWjU/s1600/Screenshot-10799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0ZFo507AFp3b0JIjEgbrlUVq0g9PTc7gfFQ88HUQZMPEcIYBodEg8kWJ7r4HZYnFS9EWU2Xu3MzO7tT_nUwAURnXUdg24IWNk7BgmdfAFI7q3yVqryzMgiVreWrtay5TDW3k-Z8pWjU/s400/Screenshot-10799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle heard those words, and remembered the strong significance they had on her life, not only as Mirabelle but as Annabelle as well. In fact, hearing those words led her to remember back to the first time she heard them, before she herself was even "born", on a technical sense...<br />
<br />
.............<br />
<br />
<b><i>August 10th, 2022</i></b><br />
<b><i>Kethrin Manor</i></b><br />
<b><i>Hidden Springs, Alaska </i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GRxxdsOGJuuh-H5BoYaRMiOndwdq-IEwc9xVCD5gEGDec9_hPRN2pMO0_wL6V3BDo61fOEOHYjKemIM59Pp1nOIjL7yTBj0IpUDGD8jSMDIwOEE_6i418rlDNrN4iF8p9_8a7PLNmRM/s1600/Screenshot-10652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GRxxdsOGJuuh-H5BoYaRMiOndwdq-IEwc9xVCD5gEGDec9_hPRN2pMO0_wL6V3BDo61fOEOHYjKemIM59Pp1nOIjL7yTBj0IpUDGD8jSMDIwOEE_6i418rlDNrN4iF8p9_8a7PLNmRM/s400/Screenshot-10652.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"...wow..."<br />
<br />
That was really the only word Annabelle could say. Not twenty seconds earlier, she had felt Kelly's lips lock with hers. Kelly had declared her love and kissed her right there in the bedroom as they were trying on dresses for Scarlett's forthcoming nuptials.<br />
<br />
For an hour she stood there, trying to comprehend the feelings that were welling up inside her. Here she was, torn between the love she had for Tom and Kelly's admission of love for her. It would be enough to make any normal person go crazy, yet Annabelle wasn't exactly a "normal" person by any stretch of the imagination.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQln3lQpiEFJY6Nyavuab9KgdTC8-_QVEd9rlRIPNIPOx2qfPUJe3uYvEvEOtlW_B5DswC23D7LqpFRlXL4OEs-HjdgAxFRI01ao0PQbH_reYG11m1DKzbhlzZ06eZd1Z3j-v8cv2XXs/s1600/Screenshot-10655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQln3lQpiEFJY6Nyavuab9KgdTC8-_QVEd9rlRIPNIPOx2qfPUJe3uYvEvEOtlW_B5DswC23D7LqpFRlXL4OEs-HjdgAxFRI01ao0PQbH_reYG11m1DKzbhlzZ06eZd1Z3j-v8cv2XXs/s400/Screenshot-10655.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As Annie thought things over, she thought of all the things Kelly had done for her in the past. All the good, fun things they did, how she comforted her when Keera was injured in that explosion, how she stuck up for Annabelle when she saw the unicorn despite Tom saying she didn't. Annabelle remembered all the good things regarding her best friend in blue.<br />
<br />
However, one thing was brought to her mind. Annabelle remembered hearing Kelly's faint voice in the hospital when she was injured, and how those words, whatever they were, made Annabelle stronger when she was at her most weak.<br />
<br />
Even if she didn't remember them, those words kept Annabelle alive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69OCNOQFJdUS5FbeXQuzantQjv9yMAeKChoNg_07p30Rx5PM7tWi1F6wd4q6jyi5lYvN9SMUsC8HPDN2de9SjLz5IuRtYMuX658ldYEA0R_PxEcPqrPFhl7kxHmfLIdNLdo7wThCGjns/s1600/Screenshot-10651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69OCNOQFJdUS5FbeXQuzantQjv9yMAeKChoNg_07p30Rx5PM7tWi1F6wd4q6jyi5lYvN9SMUsC8HPDN2de9SjLz5IuRtYMuX658ldYEA0R_PxEcPqrPFhl7kxHmfLIdNLdo7wThCGjns/s400/Screenshot-10651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Wanting to make up to Kelly for all she'd done in the past, Annabelle realized she had to go and talk to her. She had to say something, anything, to make Kelly feel better. After an hour of contemplating, she put on her summer dress and walked into the hallway separating Kelly's and her own rooms, moving ever so slightly across the hall towards the blue door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY2at4bxyfl_5SGtLnCA0kdC7IZy-OaPBlnIOrZsRddO4kswYN-2lFKsJeU1SqshygwleagrEWu-5h8j3SHiNjloDylYXOT-nTv4OdgQvP0RU45kMJxqswbmxGOgrus-zFLprcbnTiVY/s1600/FLASHBACK12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY2at4bxyfl_5SGtLnCA0kdC7IZy-OaPBlnIOrZsRddO4kswYN-2lFKsJeU1SqshygwleagrEWu-5h8j3SHiNjloDylYXOT-nTv4OdgQvP0RU45kMJxqswbmxGOgrus-zFLprcbnTiVY/s400/FLASHBACK12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally she reached the door, wondering if Kelly was even in there.,Annie knocked on the door and, after a few seconds, opened it. Kelly was lying on the bed, presumably herself wondering what she was going to do, and when she saw Annabelle standing there she smiled and stood up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96R272OHWiR0ufbljSMRZMhwY0M8eL76T-j5jeFJh3D_am6o_TQt74jlRDYiXIdIXLI4CjMRVRzRk951zezYrIiBC6eqLP4SYjcoUhjgpBNcHAhRbCRFAEIDacsu2wWUa19xGsx8HK4c/s1600/Screenshot-10650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96R272OHWiR0ufbljSMRZMhwY0M8eL76T-j5jeFJh3D_am6o_TQt74jlRDYiXIdIXLI4CjMRVRzRk951zezYrIiBC6eqLP4SYjcoUhjgpBNcHAhRbCRFAEIDacsu2wWUa19xGsx8HK4c/s400/Screenshot-10650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just as she did so, the light above started to dim, bathing Annabelle in an orange light and giving her stark amethyst coloring a more reasonable magenta hue. While thinking that she had to get it fixed and was meaning to, Kelly humorously thought she looked good like this. However, she pushed that thought away with the happiness that came along with Annabelle actually being in her bedroom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mkHF3TVRJwnT5X1MSvxPyRUw71AJLtXLUfMV7esTsUACRDNx40Cl-RxER2p859H7T1kINUN2jfOevaGl-ut4BuuGbDcjCMaOrl3tfcKsEVi3-iJPHCywpPba7AIyvSLmRokAEZyvozc/s1600/Screenshot-10645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mkHF3TVRJwnT5X1MSvxPyRUw71AJLtXLUfMV7esTsUACRDNx40Cl-RxER2p859H7T1kINUN2jfOevaGl-ut4BuuGbDcjCMaOrl3tfcKsEVi3-iJPHCywpPba7AIyvSLmRokAEZyvozc/s400/Screenshot-10645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ignoring the lighting situation, Annabelle approached Kelly and looked her in the eyes. "Can I ask you something?"<br />
<br />
Kelly stepped away and nodded. "Whatever you need."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaVQK1LPXohjk4wskiLFHsBooPqCjwoh4SSET6k0-_eINwAURCZHHj4_vw534IitZLcIpncDuwYBwLlw7sMLuhHLIDISnS4uV9wy170xG9OpJEdSV0u72MGOAHipK2cHMpqylIZI3ZhY/s1600/Screenshot-10648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaVQK1LPXohjk4wskiLFHsBooPqCjwoh4SSET6k0-_eINwAURCZHHj4_vw534IitZLcIpncDuwYBwLlw7sMLuhHLIDISnS4uV9wy170xG9OpJEdSV0u72MGOAHipK2cHMpqylIZI3ZhY/s400/Screenshot-10648.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annie took a deep sigh. "What did you say to me, that night I was in the hospital after the library? It was the night I before I woke up out of that coma. I remembered hearing your voice, and it helped me."<br />
<br />
Kelly leaned in, smiled, and whispered quietly in her ear, having the same quiet tone she had when first speaking to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXyJdD2Mdqx1tdWathsr4Ebe8Ekwpo43gRBVLcWuxQaV_N-eeYSDK1xALiyBoxn6m5YzbuW8MEPmWjSfXlSGpNqPu6V1pZ5ZxkdojbTUEf8jWJZXV_OCz8DVMisdXiLhTosOO0VfUj7s/s1600/Screenshot-10646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXyJdD2Mdqx1tdWathsr4Ebe8Ekwpo43gRBVLcWuxQaV_N-eeYSDK1xALiyBoxn6m5YzbuW8MEPmWjSfXlSGpNqPu6V1pZ5ZxkdojbTUEf8jWJZXV_OCz8DVMisdXiLhTosOO0VfUj7s/s400/Screenshot-10646.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I said...<i> 'I know you love Tom, but I love you. I wish there were two of you.'</i>"<br />
<br />
Annabelle pulled back and smiled. It was the same smile she had the morning after Kelly told her this a long time ago, when she was in the hospital. After a few short moments of contemplation, Annabelle closed her eyes. "Honestly, I wish the same. But tonight..."<br />
<br />
Kelly was worried about the next words that would come out of Annabelle's lips. To her delight, Annie continued.<br />
<br />
"...Just... be with the one of me there <i>is</i>."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlQryDhLy8bQT9TV-FDm4vxtY8SnnpvVyZbFQYpoyYUNOX-z7Ugqy3gs_Fs5okQD4D4D607QqRTLkOrssJm4wxsOAaCbG2Dc1wPAz8jEP2-9AIsi5BNIkSeoF5CYAzaS7tq-sjWXqDlI/s1600/Screenshot-10647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlQryDhLy8bQT9TV-FDm4vxtY8SnnpvVyZbFQYpoyYUNOX-z7Ugqy3gs_Fs5okQD4D4D607QqRTLkOrssJm4wxsOAaCbG2Dc1wPAz8jEP2-9AIsi5BNIkSeoF5CYAzaS7tq-sjWXqDlI/s400/Screenshot-10647.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly smiled brightly, and Annabelle leaned in for a kiss. This was not something she expected to do, it just felt like the right thing to do at the time. Kelly returned the kiss, then the two motioned towards the bed.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlWud9RjUDwRTyvrx5u6y237R8RA0NIdZmX9w1aEfY9fntWnIX1KVarn58GJ0B_vFN09pqgm-Ur7_DfjFLxAedANAUAIsDVSIOrPaaXs1K7_kRUukgzqFr1poSAej8Dqp18_64w_8NQc/s1600/Screenshot-10747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlWud9RjUDwRTyvrx5u6y237R8RA0NIdZmX9w1aEfY9fntWnIX1KVarn58GJ0B_vFN09pqgm-Ur7_DfjFLxAedANAUAIsDVSIOrPaaXs1K7_kRUukgzqFr1poSAej8Dqp18_64w_8NQc/s400/Screenshot-10747.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning Annabelle walked out of Kelly's room. She was visibly blushing, and smiling, while thinking of what happened just a few hours before. She'd never done anything like <i>that</i> with another woman, much less her best friend of twenty years, but she soon realized it was a night that she didn't want to end.<br />
<br />
Something felt "right" between her and Kelly, just as something felt right between her and Tom. She had feelings, conflicted ones, for the both of them, which made her feel torn apart through her emotions for the two. After thinking things over Annabelle realized that, if things between herself and Tom didn't work out, she would pursue Kelly in a romantic relationship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZY9Z_mpVS0IsmNN3BfHhOZF-cZpE6eiNyrpp_KjyrhsTxbvN5rbV7aY8vDOhOKa2-OdR6UWacjMOt92Vl3w1UMrdIvG0xRBy3dmZtQqo6dVaFGx6i9gt7pbzF6FHWkC_pMJqbAS9nWM/s1600/Screenshot-10748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZY9Z_mpVS0IsmNN3BfHhOZF-cZpE6eiNyrpp_KjyrhsTxbvN5rbV7aY8vDOhOKa2-OdR6UWacjMOt92Vl3w1UMrdIvG0xRBy3dmZtQqo6dVaFGx6i9gt7pbzF6FHWkC_pMJqbAS9nWM/s400/Screenshot-10748.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She just wished there were two of herself.<br />
<br />
........<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbCob0aBuZ7NzzwBsSC8r87Z5WaXwaXp6AIwFdsuA7rzbj3Da9-Cc-rEUNpL018NPIgWo44NG8foBuFRMKTPSpF757BWGSYrjsGqJ2poG9-k7lNrjSTGlyirXo5uEqR-USzbOQ3UwUKM/s1600/Screenshot-10800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbCob0aBuZ7NzzwBsSC8r87Z5WaXwaXp6AIwFdsuA7rzbj3Da9-Cc-rEUNpL018NPIgWo44NG8foBuFRMKTPSpF757BWGSYrjsGqJ2poG9-k7lNrjSTGlyirXo5uEqR-USzbOQ3UwUKM/s400/Screenshot-10800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle sat in the bed and looked at the sleeping Kelly, quietly echoing words that she heard Keera say a few days before. <i>"Dreams do come true... sometimes." </i>After thinking things over, Mira's eyes went heavy and she fell asleep, happily doing so next to the true love of her life.<br />
<br />
--------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjZyJlaTIWb1WxF8mZt7c2DKHwOS7H95DMiuJvpfoCoGs5p-0gZx_4gPTXxLkSgxGK8bld91NvT0Fgoe-7WjpCNvXDeZP_g9Bo3mao612gtjxKACZnSQ92TcDOLSd3wHkcocha8KWfRU/s1600/Screenshot-10872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjZyJlaTIWb1WxF8mZt7c2DKHwOS7H95DMiuJvpfoCoGs5p-0gZx_4gPTXxLkSgxGK8bld91NvT0Fgoe-7WjpCNvXDeZP_g9Bo3mao612gtjxKACZnSQ92TcDOLSd3wHkcocha8KWfRU/s400/Screenshot-10872.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"He didn't have to die."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
Keera and Annabelle were sitting in the living room, watching something on televison. It was some kind of cooking show, one that Annie had humorously thought that Kelly and Tom needed to watch over and over again, but they weren't really "watching" it as much as they were "using it as background noise".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPphOXMHdUhzosvon3fogVGlcRBH98-MnT4bEolu-Ail6CvAbwWv95nW-Kfq32_23EqgWX7p_SFD3poFnwTTjjAcwuH8SqhtMyhTnJm_YQJnKIKRcpR56-x2PE-ZHsKKkLbMzltF97Mm4/s1600/Screenshot-10873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPphOXMHdUhzosvon3fogVGlcRBH98-MnT4bEolu-Ail6CvAbwWv95nW-Kfq32_23EqgWX7p_SFD3poFnwTTjjAcwuH8SqhtMyhTnJm_YQJnKIKRcpR56-x2PE-ZHsKKkLbMzltF97Mm4/s400/Screenshot-10873.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Collin." Keera replied, sadly. "I've been thinking this whole week about how his last few months were the worst of his life, and then he died, all because I wouldn't forgive him at first."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirivzPij16iG26J2DiPEZnK65mbX-VtfSQrL-_ln-VAbz2csiUcUwCFMAnm_xuzMGeVeKWAFb5AoRHPBAhp75uAd1rl3aJpyhx8DkavLKzeVxQRXQoR4cITw8IRgVMbxOrgqUkkSToS0Y/s1600/Screenshot-10874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirivzPij16iG26J2DiPEZnK65mbX-VtfSQrL-_ln-VAbz2csiUcUwCFMAnm_xuzMGeVeKWAFb5AoRHPBAhp75uAd1rl3aJpyhx8DkavLKzeVxQRXQoR4cITw8IRgVMbxOrgqUkkSToS0Y/s400/Screenshot-10874.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Keeki, it's not your fault. You didn't even know he was responsible for the accident until you two met at that bar." Annabelle replied. "If he had approached you on the street and apologized when it happened, would you have forgiven him then?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TKfu2ykeWVFgcn08QTOLQjVRLFOzI0Iu45uOCi4uRa69G4F3URnKMnu-HQUbE7sKoW0yli32hdZq0_FH4jMbwxQ6rCwiix9UoMaGMARR3M81Iq2ZW4_sH-s2rPKQNjnnrJQNdy9287o/s1600/Screenshot-10871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TKfu2ykeWVFgcn08QTOLQjVRLFOzI0Iu45uOCi4uRa69G4F3URnKMnu-HQUbE7sKoW0yli32hdZq0_FH4jMbwxQ6rCwiix9UoMaGMARR3M81Iq2ZW4_sH-s2rPKQNjnnrJQNdy9287o/s400/Screenshot-10871.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Probably." Keera replied. "I don't know."<br />
<br />
Annabelle shrugged. "Things happen, Keera. I know that more than anyone. I'm not saying you shouldn't feel bad for what happened to Collin, nor am I saying you should, just think of the possibilities. Guilt can destroy someone."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzevZyI16cWwd2xqIrX_LAKsphj3Fngjm9HZZ-TJrAbPQzQNT_o-VNhgD4-Qiz2vrHB4rEi3_JRdRSZsBrpVHzfZbRd_sir5_YhZ-9RhQfce7UFeRxlXAETOhhileIbKIZh9gG4PqQqE/s1600/Screenshot-10876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzevZyI16cWwd2xqIrX_LAKsphj3Fngjm9HZZ-TJrAbPQzQNT_o-VNhgD4-Qiz2vrHB4rEi3_JRdRSZsBrpVHzfZbRd_sir5_YhZ-9RhQfce7UFeRxlXAETOhhileIbKIZh9gG4PqQqE/s400/Screenshot-10876.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera nodded, then stood up and walked outside. "Things do happen." She said to herself as she looked around. As she did so, her eyes fixed on the pool beside her. "Accidents happen." She said this as she looked at her reflection, and watched as her reflection molded itself with the waves of the water until she looked like she didn't have the scar at all.<br />
<br />
..........<br />
<br />
<i><b>May 3rd, 2020</b></i><br />
<i><b>Kethrin Manor</b></i><br />
<i><b>Hidden Springs, Alaska</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72QG2Z8c3tQyrJ3sYX_EkqHULiBO9Ho7FCzBSvxFN13WTrAuY-KunCNrL9-sYyvm6JJUQO1kIy-yZBmWYwGz6XV_V9LBosx07YSb_WFch_21wcyzoPcHwcK3_iWfKJtLYIo08b2XEzhU/s1600/Screenshot-10637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72QG2Z8c3tQyrJ3sYX_EkqHULiBO9Ho7FCzBSvxFN13WTrAuY-KunCNrL9-sYyvm6JJUQO1kIy-yZBmWYwGz6XV_V9LBosx07YSb_WFch_21wcyzoPcHwcK3_iWfKJtLYIo08b2XEzhU/s400/Screenshot-10637.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Good morning! It is currently 75 degrees, and highs are topping 80 today so it's gonna be warmer than any other day this week, so get outside and enjoy yourselves!" </i><br />
<br />
Keera clapped at the radio and ran into her bedroom. Today was the first day since the last summer that it was warm enough to go for a swim, and she wanted to spend all of it outside, mainly in the pool area of the house. After getting together a black and blue two-piece, she quickly ran downstairs and outside, passing everyone who seemed to be spending their time indoors today.<br />
<br />
As she walked outside, she began to feel a cramp in her leg, which she attributed to growing pains as she had felt them before recently as she had been quickly gaining height at such a young age, but a few seconds later the pain subsided. She didn't let these deter her, however, and she continued on towards her destination.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNstOn8hLbIY0hmGqPaVDDIi6oRAoPRQtPZmKtU3raYwZCOCZHmK9TeJmv1iicmecZs0SRztgZsar91ttXgRcwigln0tJfKqXhvbnrHzvpIbH4-KsfgtiOceKq_yRlohb64MEmITliGvE/s1600/Screenshot-10636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNstOn8hLbIY0hmGqPaVDDIi6oRAoPRQtPZmKtU3raYwZCOCZHmK9TeJmv1iicmecZs0SRztgZsar91ttXgRcwigln0tJfKqXhvbnrHzvpIbH4-KsfgtiOceKq_yRlohb64MEmITliGvE/s400/Screenshot-10636.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera, confident while wearing her new swimsuit, headed out towards the pool. After making sure the pool was clear of bugs and well-kept, she climbed down the ladder and swam towards the center of the pool, enjoying the relaxing waters. Though she had spent time in an indoor pool during the winter months, she didn't enjoy it as much as swimming with the warm sun beaming down on her bright green skin.<br />
<br />
A few minutes passed, and Keera suddenly began to feel more severe cramps in her legs, which was strange as she usually felt at night. Because of this, they began to feel too heavy to use, and she was having trouble staying afloat even as she was trying to swim towards the ladder.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMvRrARpuYTr8fLSG8tzjwHNhpKFj3gkXVe0-27j5r5TZ5k7pEaOhyphenhyphendp6fp1NT7JSDmJ5JzLBUTOQg7i6erqYeuU5sks1d0Ci9YraeggtSHDYR_SkQVwasWquUeW0nPMNmtdE3KwzQmM/s1600/Screenshot-10634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMvRrARpuYTr8fLSG8tzjwHNhpKFj3gkXVe0-27j5r5TZ5k7pEaOhyphenhyphendp6fp1NT7JSDmJ5JzLBUTOQg7i6erqYeuU5sks1d0Ci9YraeggtSHDYR_SkQVwasWquUeW0nPMNmtdE3KwzQmM/s400/Screenshot-10634.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After a few minutes of splashing and struggling, Keera drifted to the bottom of the pool. She began to close her eyes as water began to fill her lungs, and everything went black. Just as she passed out, she looked up and saw a shape taking form above her...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaJigXzSXzYDJGhHhbtausPgWYYT-lEXyGCjv_8OwMLB1O0Um42F2v6UTInGIkqFaYcjHlJ3qNCqoc8FJj3iPHdmJ2v54wOWTPJNDygrPshibXYPr87C6KqCItDluLyLWLEhYn06sPME/s1600/Screenshot-10635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaJigXzSXzYDJGhHhbtausPgWYYT-lEXyGCjv_8OwMLB1O0Um42F2v6UTInGIkqFaYcjHlJ3qNCqoc8FJj3iPHdmJ2v54wOWTPJNDygrPshibXYPr87C6KqCItDluLyLWLEhYn06sPME/s400/Screenshot-10635.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
...She opened her eyes a few moments later and found herself outside of the pool. Tom was standing over her, he himself covered head-to-toe in water. She was trying to get words out but was too weak to, and Tom could see what she was trying to say.<br />
<br />
"I saw you struggling and ran outside." Tom said, extremely worried for his young friend. "Annie's calling the ambulance."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9-YnGNrq8p1w8x3mFhlFi06oiA4TyZUpOuJjbKCcsQcfknzZSXISGhalUGfaHgmKqBN_a8ItRokK7olKDGNAIEBg7t-YCCaBGTAhyphenhyphendf14wD9kZ4o7Dn1xBJELf9jdoOGxo0epF_u5lI/s1600/Screenshot-10631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9-YnGNrq8p1w8x3mFhlFi06oiA4TyZUpOuJjbKCcsQcfknzZSXISGhalUGfaHgmKqBN_a8ItRokK7olKDGNAIEBg7t-YCCaBGTAhyphenhyphendf14wD9kZ4o7Dn1xBJELf9jdoOGxo0epF_u5lI/s400/Screenshot-10631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The young girl stood up and coughed out some extra water, then stumbled squarely into Tom, hugging him. "Thank you." She said, crying. "I could have died if you hadn't been there!"" <br />
<br />
Tom stood there, comforting her. "Don't think about it, Keera. Just don't think about it. You're safe, that's all that matters. That's all that matters."<br />
<br />
They continued to hug for a few more moments until Annabelle came running outside. After seeing Keera up, walking around, and able to comprehend things she called and cancelled the ambulance, but decided to take Keeki to the hospital herself anyway, just to be sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyMXm24sPQQ6qYFFFp65H9UOdAtZWx5OGENrG46QtfxRLylPaQJxBcvj7GKNVNdAbeChCuClcJnDcKjAD4sleTQV_PNlQZvMWSpbdNLLfxROlemcpZ4g8YW9P9MRsHLruUiIZ3_wxFqc/s1600/Screenshot-10642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyMXm24sPQQ6qYFFFp65H9UOdAtZWx5OGENrG46QtfxRLylPaQJxBcvj7GKNVNdAbeChCuClcJnDcKjAD4sleTQV_PNlQZvMWSpbdNLLfxROlemcpZ4g8YW9P9MRsHLruUiIZ3_wxFqc/s400/Screenshot-10642.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A short time later the two left the hospital and returned home. Thankfully there was no long-term damaged to her lungs from inhaling the chlorinated water, as she was able to cough much of it out when Tom pulled her out of the pool. Annabelle hugged Tom when they got back, thanking him profusely for saving her daughter's life, and Keera walked upstairs afterwards and went to sleep on her bed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKqX6lu5GhVBnOX0-hT57U5a3s1EaYQB5Ft3FkfdF3mz_Lo-x8qDHsAPbEAHhxgvPmBUCFYT74QQBumogF4-eppA9z6ixP77YRVg-z8cYhZVLRyy0hAxV9J-lHt-iMgl8-C89o3zwt4U/s1600/Screenshot-10639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKqX6lu5GhVBnOX0-hT57U5a3s1EaYQB5Ft3FkfdF3mz_Lo-x8qDHsAPbEAHhxgvPmBUCFYT74QQBumogF4-eppA9z6ixP77YRVg-z8cYhZVLRyy0hAxV9J-lHt-iMgl8-C89o3zwt4U/s400/Screenshot-10639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The next morning, Keera walked downstairs and outside. Rain was coming down, hitting the earth and making the brick path slippery, but Keera didn't care. She instead walked towards the pool and looked down at it, seeing her reflection in the surface of the water which continued to ripple and sway at the wind and rain pushing against it. For a short time, though, Keera could have sworn she saw her face change due to the ripples, giving her the appearance of a scarred young girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_fulfk3LhxjdsQy4mfhucFPqycbnnjrJOOjXwRK5PB68nDEw5ci7qlDZ4hcYwzLsi6UC__YPUzBC9z3mfWUL3OaFGcwOUDYB4ipgKiEzZGfHgvCfYjx4R_tV1KJm02J3chrK9EP2Ktw/s1600/Screenshot-10638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_fulfk3LhxjdsQy4mfhucFPqycbnnjrJOOjXwRK5PB68nDEw5ci7qlDZ4hcYwzLsi6UC__YPUzBC9z3mfWUL3OaFGcwOUDYB4ipgKiEzZGfHgvCfYjx4R_tV1KJm02J3chrK9EP2Ktw/s400/Screenshot-10638.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
........<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJxBp8cy-NrYJtDKZSo3YxMy_-61rt52WjFzcEGNt-rQC86FmU2lUlMmiyjzOMnzLZ68_mFRA-DAiT0sSKj4eLQCMAtCDneiOiZnl_AzP3pYuJoBMVoRQhTXgCtIBvgAl7fmhiscpbUU/s1600/Screenshot-10764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJxBp8cy-NrYJtDKZSo3YxMy_-61rt52WjFzcEGNt-rQC86FmU2lUlMmiyjzOMnzLZ68_mFRA-DAiT0sSKj4eLQCMAtCDneiOiZnl_AzP3pYuJoBMVoRQhTXgCtIBvgAl7fmhiscpbUU/s400/Screenshot-10764.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera stared at her reflection in the water, looking down at her scarred self. Ever since almost drowning, she would be terrified to climb into the pool, and it been a long time since then that she would even think of getting back into the water.<br />
<br />
Only recently, about a week before, was she feeling confident enough to even get back into a pool. She felt she needed this confidence as John and Scarlett's wedding was going to take place on a boat, and tonight felt like it would be a good time as any for a "therapy" session.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucBPQQ69TYM7gRTUCbVQN8Xx3ONTwKrMnlOuWRDWBu6ZvpbVkqk87vZDGZGqJycvnSgmzDUGBIKkmmH3MsgdmEB3ODo-3VJw6FNFzYNKWtnlprk6kZogBuhByrtA8P2Od-vgblmfBUU4/s1600/Screenshot-10766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucBPQQ69TYM7gRTUCbVQN8Xx3ONTwKrMnlOuWRDWBu6ZvpbVkqk87vZDGZGqJycvnSgmzDUGBIKkmmH3MsgdmEB3ODo-3VJw6FNFzYNKWtnlprk6kZogBuhByrtA8P2Od-vgblmfBUU4/s400/Screenshot-10766.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Having taken off her formal dress so it didn't get soaked, Keera climbed into the pool and started to swim around. She was uneasy for a few moments, but afterwards started to loosen up and splash around, going under a newly-installed pool fountain to play with the waterfall. In fact, she was actually beginning to have fun swimming for the first time in a couple years.<br />
<br />
--------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPpwd9CdszG3b5xSh2DgEQvAK3lIi1aDVZLNnFDWhksuEReWnXosKmnOGFCkhk7tv-8HH_Wuo8rPLPRW9cdk2CoBPwWi6FgQBhzhrCJhcSLUvbmy4ZUgjzN9NIQ4VHlFroZ5np55H4pU/s1600/Screenshot-10767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPpwd9CdszG3b5xSh2DgEQvAK3lIi1aDVZLNnFDWhksuEReWnXosKmnOGFCkhk7tv-8HH_Wuo8rPLPRW9cdk2CoBPwWi6FgQBhzhrCJhcSLUvbmy4ZUgjzN9NIQ4VHlFroZ5np55H4pU/s400/Screenshot-10767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom, who was walking by upstairs, saw Keera in the pool through the exterior window and stayed in place for a few moments, just in case she needed his help again. Seeing her in the pool reminded him of having to rescue her, and other things in his past. While he had many "defining moments" in his life, he couldn't think of one in particular.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnBjU5617mpsMd_5dWmPDb87TJZSWDLEZoPBuL7bt_6aX-TDpqVW693by4vpFG39yg7d-b-ClTqS3W2MBZPk8yLDbBNqf8ilWxeai_ciwrAU_0xiItUJxhG1iOAVi6tJUBPgYisuXLJI/s1600/Screenshot-10768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnBjU5617mpsMd_5dWmPDb87TJZSWDLEZoPBuL7bt_6aX-TDpqVW693by4vpFG39yg7d-b-ClTqS3W2MBZPk8yLDbBNqf8ilWxeai_ciwrAU_0xiItUJxhG1iOAVi6tJUBPgYisuXLJI/s400/Screenshot-10768.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That was, however, until he saw his aunt Mei walking past him upstairs, heading towards the upstairs guest rooms. When he saw her, he suddenly remembered a conversation they had from a long time before.<br />
<br />
...............<br />
<br />
<i><b>October 17th, 2013</b></i><br />
<i><b>Bridgeport Acres Park</b></i><br />
<i><b>Bridgeport, New York</b></i><br />
<br />
"Tom, come on down from there!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo6lpClyk_ppWlDZ97kLAU2u_VsZNj8HEvgQkx333VxzTcahCqdWSME65K3oiqCw0EslSbU_cBYUt9NxBDxUnjNXbug9Y2t_6CqzX3N-xEk9OZOds7R7eU1cvFdbeu6ZCgdmaMO4HcXc/s1600/tomflashback0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo6lpClyk_ppWlDZ97kLAU2u_VsZNj8HEvgQkx333VxzTcahCqdWSME65K3oiqCw0EslSbU_cBYUt9NxBDxUnjNXbug9Y2t_6CqzX3N-xEk9OZOds7R7eU1cvFdbeu6ZCgdmaMO4HcXc/s400/tomflashback0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No."<br />
<br />
Mei sighed. She had been searching all over town for her nephew ever since he ran away from home, saying he didn't belong there. She finally found him in a small lookout in Bridgeport's most well-known park She felt it had to do with her, as she got rather mad at the kid when she heard he punched another square in the nose at the playground after school, earning him a detention and the other child a bruised face for a couple days at the very least.<br />
<br />
"Tommy, please."<br />
<br />
"I'm not coming down, Aunt Mei!" Tom said, angrily. "Please go."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxyWvavdbrXSc1KeY1Pb4TODwmf4teyqlwtMy-Tt1XrAW6DI14cckkTIQSoUcjN24tLpNMqO_rBOzRnWwRY3403_qG9V6yDw8nTYSj54ysgxY1ixUc3ObJdh9LYHZFsJoOeZXGDdBGWU/s1600/tomflashback1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxyWvavdbrXSc1KeY1Pb4TODwmf4teyqlwtMy-Tt1XrAW6DI14cckkTIQSoUcjN24tLpNMqO_rBOzRnWwRY3403_qG9V6yDw8nTYSj54ysgxY1ixUc3ObJdh9LYHZFsJoOeZXGDdBGWU/s400/tomflashback1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mei sighed again. "I'm sorry, but I'm one of your legal guardians. I had to tell you what you did was wrong. I heard John's side too, but violence doesn't solve problems. However, I didn't take the time to hear what you had to say, and for that I apologize." Hoping he would come down, she stood there in the rain, but he wouldn't budge. After a short while of waiting, she walked up and climbed up the ladder to the lookout where she saw Tom sitting on a bench. Without any more words, Mei walked over and sat down next to him.<br />
<br />
"So what happened?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHS3j64-thyphenhyphennmw1njm3Q8ahGV34askaKOtOwHrLPjSrEjZPUklxvH5U2QrZOUffg7SJwMZURsdyzGJkhS1dbAzjh8mkeruNvl0ifzO2_lTUPAAJyM5z0UrLfbqgjaMT9xoHagh1JANIE/s1600/tomflashback4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHS3j64-thyphenhyphennmw1njm3Q8ahGV34askaKOtOwHrLPjSrEjZPUklxvH5U2QrZOUffg7SJwMZURsdyzGJkhS1dbAzjh8mkeruNvl0ifzO2_lTUPAAJyM5z0UrLfbqgjaMT9xoHagh1JANIE/s400/tomflashback4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"He called Annabelle odd!" Tom said, angrily. "And pushed Johnny to the ground. I had to do it, Aunt Mei! He's a snobby little brat!"<br />
<br />
"Who?" Mei replied.<br />
<br />
"This kid named Deacon Jones. He's in our class. I hate him! He's so mean to all of us!" Tom vented, wanting to get all of his anger out in one fell swoop. "He thinks he's better!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhq2yb_IdoQwitMd_rp3bDM4Ee2aMsyw_wnEP18zK0ERtYlKontKcKUNxYzwOZ59HU-ouZyvq32b_HEXWV4DaeeGaXRvEP9qZgxBRDL47ZcMou2490piWKoaWfPB5LbDQXW5hnfjz0_c/s1600/tomflashback3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhq2yb_IdoQwitMd_rp3bDM4Ee2aMsyw_wnEP18zK0ERtYlKontKcKUNxYzwOZ59HU-ouZyvq32b_HEXWV4DaeeGaXRvEP9qZgxBRDL47ZcMou2490piWKoaWfPB5LbDQXW5hnfjz0_c/s400/tomflashback3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mei shrugged. "Well this Deacon does sound like a brat, but that doesn't mean you should have punched him. You shouldn't hurt people-"<br />
<br />
"He called Annabelle odd!" Tom replied. "He did that after pushing John. She told him not to do that, and he said she should keep her odd self out of things. It filled me with rage, and I had to deck him!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaO5cAnzDCX-clq6RKwkciz0OoX16LKVNcurtQy0TLw5hhbrKjL1LUGtvm6Swsx8REBtpZoxl31a7x8XmJW6QzZwcNdlzDsdJWLrW2asAAd2S-drj7bpI30Vbahf0B3pGOuAb285FYs6s/s1600/tomflashback34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaO5cAnzDCX-clq6RKwkciz0OoX16LKVNcurtQy0TLw5hhbrKjL1LUGtvm6Swsx8REBtpZoxl31a7x8XmJW6QzZwcNdlzDsdJWLrW2asAAd2S-drj7bpI30Vbahf0B3pGOuAb285FYs6s/s400/tomflashback34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mei smirked. "So what did you hit him for? For pushing Johnny or hurting Annie's feelings?" Tom knew what she meant by that, and avoided the question by beginning to talk about the weather. Mei, however, looked into his eyes. "Why did you hit Deacon?"<br />
<br />
"Annabelle's not odd." Tom finally said. "She's green but he doesn't see her like that right? Why would he call her that? Why would he hurt her feelings? He looked her straight in the face and called her that, so I punched him straight in the face!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDm_s2gPPxm_Pr9D-n8DIsyjeoOlPLXY7nBj3OqnaN9FC-3TTsNvx89hjx48v-KQEMy4rnpTAIT8vqb-gmb5wghyNJZcts7NoUYtpT6uMIBhlviQchqoAn7ieugLKAZ9oGwimSHC5BIE/s1600/tomflashback2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDm_s2gPPxm_Pr9D-n8DIsyjeoOlPLXY7nBj3OqnaN9FC-3TTsNvx89hjx48v-KQEMy4rnpTAIT8vqb-gmb5wghyNJZcts7NoUYtpT6uMIBhlviQchqoAn7ieugLKAZ9oGwimSHC5BIE/s400/tomflashback2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mei shrugged again. "I don't know, but I do know why you were ready to protect her. You <i>like</i> her, you do and there's no problem with that. Why don't you tell her? I'm pretty sure she already knows."<br />
<br />
Tom shook his head. "No. I was trying to tell her back in March, and that day we almost died. What if I do admit my feelings? What if I do and something bad happens? To me or her? I can't put anyone through that. Until I know we're safe, when I know the proper time, I'll tell her, but now isn't that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAohIRbeRUUMqeCnvX24IZUTkdDFHtgCrvoeNyvIBlXVZueZOAS_HLBnmRG9tKMrNW2EAj58n0WObrTP7cZmtwCUaN6m4cbvr-DJtWd0ueXpSYhSXK8yPp90nICyI1XtdV1Du_43-of8/s1600/tomflashback5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAohIRbeRUUMqeCnvX24IZUTkdDFHtgCrvoeNyvIBlXVZueZOAS_HLBnmRG9tKMrNW2EAj58n0WObrTP7cZmtwCUaN6m4cbvr-DJtWd0ueXpSYhSXK8yPp90nICyI1XtdV1Du_43-of8/s400/tomflashback5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mei sighed again. This seemed to be a new habit when talking to Tom lately. "Well in any case you can't go around punching kids because they hurt her feelings, or yours. Even at your age, you're too strong Tommy. You have a lot of your dad's strength built up inside you just waiting to get out. And whether strength is emotional or physical, it will help you achieve your dreams but only, but only if you use it for the greater good. You're too good of a person, Tommy, you know that as well as I."<br />
<br />
"So does this mean I'm not grounded? If I promise not to use this anger for bad again?"<br />
<br />
Mei chuckled. "I'll have to talk to your uncle. I'll put in a good case for you."<br />
<br />
..........<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfkvxlzfy0tXOTCpPP0dAhcM6nFO0oq_oRWq38dxWQyFNSLKgtFmK2eOPAFTXjFOIxGF0aj6okx2vo218eHaYxlccVSZXfoPlZokPBgMqSsI9ckSYMLcsK18jH4cN4PpIMooAgX6zSAg/s1600/Screenshot-10769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfkvxlzfy0tXOTCpPP0dAhcM6nFO0oq_oRWq38dxWQyFNSLKgtFmK2eOPAFTXjFOIxGF0aj6okx2vo218eHaYxlccVSZXfoPlZokPBgMqSsI9ckSYMLcsK18jH4cN4PpIMooAgX6zSAg/s400/Screenshot-10769.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As Tom remembered the conversation, he also thought back to when he had revealed his true feelings for Annabelle before. This was while she asleep after being caught in that meteor shock-wave. He remembered how he poured his soul out to her, saying how much he loved her.<br />
<br />
Ever since that night, Tom spent quite some time wondering if what he said during her sleep had actually gone through to her mind, and quietly hoped it did...<br />
<br />
---------------<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPhZHr6c-yy2HsBAu409pTxJSHnJnUdq3mL9v4nKOPNrNZ9BLPBlWJ9xNhp_kXmrHJHWZaI5f2wcdvb9BW_shNhBcuQlhjkVweiCz_pU5zFqctyl1BbbGRzsVPURVf2oCrkAOex21dFM/s1600/Screenshot-10877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPhZHr6c-yy2HsBAu409pTxJSHnJnUdq3mL9v4nKOPNrNZ9BLPBlWJ9xNhp_kXmrHJHWZaI5f2wcdvb9BW_shNhBcuQlhjkVweiCz_pU5zFqctyl1BbbGRzsVPURVf2oCrkAOex21dFM/s400/Screenshot-10877.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle walked outside and saw Keera swimming in the pool, finally having fun while doing so. Admittedly she was worried about the teen swimming in deep water after what happened when she was twelve, but didn't want to bring up that bad memory of hers or Keeki's if she could help it. In any case, she wanted to remember the good times she had with the young lady, as well as the rest of the family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgg0aHlEdxXCMBSM9P6h8SN1jXQwv1fR81E5VQ0C8SujeMBOT0bLoXNsoWbWt377uJthlea3e0jKsynK16tCfvZUlwEh4Osi_YpZjUEVI2vPHCBCteRwCsiMFz9mvdovSnqxK_xpLZSg/s1600/Screenshot-10878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgg0aHlEdxXCMBSM9P6h8SN1jXQwv1fR81E5VQ0C8SujeMBOT0bLoXNsoWbWt377uJthlea3e0jKsynK16tCfvZUlwEh4Osi_YpZjUEVI2vPHCBCteRwCsiMFz9mvdovSnqxK_xpLZSg/s400/Screenshot-10878.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As she did this, Annabelle thought back to when she was injured in that explosion a few weeks before, the night she had the same dream Gabriel had, and how all her family members came into her bedroom and told her how important she was to her, and how what they said influenced the dream.<br />
<br />
She remembered the recording.<br />
<br />
When Annabelle moved into the house in Starlight Shores, she set up a recording device on a lithium battery that lasted for weeks. She did this because of her worry regarding these villainous people who were, at the same time, looking for something that would end up being a key to a Genie Lamp. After being caught in that blast, she listened to the recording because she wanted to see if anyone said anything to her while she was out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGvFN3hYKl7nA_DJuItlj4rU96zf80YwezUrL3ZqY_Ryzdr_Rypd5FrK6kEVg_93iKvKMRgmzrs7k7yFQv8g4TdLf57y1oGCUHaNXHZxgO4D2s_SSFR_MDIf52q7NWAZltJ969TRdfZw/s1600/Screenshot-10879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGvFN3hYKl7nA_DJuItlj4rU96zf80YwezUrL3ZqY_Ryzdr_Rypd5FrK6kEVg_93iKvKMRgmzrs7k7yFQv8g4TdLf57y1oGCUHaNXHZxgO4D2s_SSFR_MDIf52q7NWAZltJ969TRdfZw/s400/Screenshot-10879.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She had heard some of the most important things in her life from that recording, but what stuck out in her memory the most was what Tom had to say.<br />
<br />
........<br />
<br />
<b><i>September 4th, 2022</i></b><br />
<b><i>Kethrin Home Base</i></b><br />
<b><i>Starlight Shores, California </i></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AGs8beIPD2KTb3xh7MsUsOeX0LAZoblb8v26imW-uyfis7PT566k53fM-ORILZh_DbjzDGotkiLUIg5yMOCQAKfz7LIciCI3SHJr2W-u5LUiJ90pJuFc5EhcYIgs1IG-KXCwgFCGTm0/s1600/Screenshot-10992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AGs8beIPD2KTb3xh7MsUsOeX0LAZoblb8v26imW-uyfis7PT566k53fM-ORILZh_DbjzDGotkiLUIg5yMOCQAKfz7LIciCI3SHJr2W-u5LUiJ90pJuFc5EhcYIgs1IG-KXCwgFCGTm0/s400/Screenshot-10992.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle stood where she was, listening to the recording from earlier that day while she had slept. She heard her own voice saying<i> "No covers... too hot....", </i>which she clearly remembered from the dream, then everyone started whispering about Annabelle, with Tom deciding he was going to watch after her as she slept.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhiIETG23lVPnSkIFxoMd9ujDUBZ5avuyvoovTRwzBBvjnssrjLid6R9ZyNS6-OaxyWZTiqvE1noU4-ZrJ2phjRffKlQHnDvDl4-xjN2Bf6zVSkuTLXaXIIgUUy_1nEuTyJzINrVvsK4/s1600/Screenshot-10991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhiIETG23lVPnSkIFxoMd9ujDUBZ5avuyvoovTRwzBBvjnssrjLid6R9ZyNS6-OaxyWZTiqvE1noU4-ZrJ2phjRffKlQHnDvDl4-xjN2Bf6zVSkuTLXaXIIgUUy_1nEuTyJzINrVvsK4/s400/Screenshot-10991.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle stood and waited for the recording to continue, for Tom to talk. After what seemed like hours, his voice suddenly came in, soft and kind, through the recording device.<br />
<br />
<i>"I remember the last time you were injured in an explosion like this. I was too, if you recall. You blamed yourself for taking me to the library but I told you it wasn't your fault, just like the meteor shower wasn't your fault." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Annie nodded. She remembered him telling her that, when they were both injured. That felt like a lifetime ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHDWCthtzNzEheNf0ZdPYMWnQtxa3co4iCXMka9UN8rM-tQHnrUVmEWPLTtNpKx6b47uw-aH_QOA6nMJmSbCZeltvycutVY-WuOClbxK1Bp-97aKcIB32xSxh_YLYCZT9sSxCUpdvaAc/s1600/Screenshot-10993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHDWCthtzNzEheNf0ZdPYMWnQtxa3co4iCXMka9UN8rM-tQHnrUVmEWPLTtNpKx6b47uw-aH_QOA6nMJmSbCZeltvycutVY-WuOClbxK1Bp-97aKcIB32xSxh_YLYCZT9sSxCUpdvaAc/s400/Screenshot-10993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Right then and there, as we stood in the paved out lot that was the destroyed library, as we held each other in our arms, I wanted to kiss you... hoping the pain would go away for both of us, even just for one split-second of pure happiness. </i><i>But I didn't, and I regret every single day that has transpired since then. I never got a real chance to tell you this, but... </i><i>"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu6RV-Pl84SyqURFPVQtPiEotPx7cS3IFty8uPjhlSrDmYDoFixOhFcgaQ19RIeoBiqTqhW0o3QtLjlkFzVN06KFC0ac9DkUxnhPFqlFXYmVaEkF5MWD5vNZCVXZ4WQq2JLl-WfseU0c/s1600/Screenshot-10999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu6RV-Pl84SyqURFPVQtPiEotPx7cS3IFty8uPjhlSrDmYDoFixOhFcgaQ19RIeoBiqTqhW0o3QtLjlkFzVN06KFC0ac9DkUxnhPFqlFXYmVaEkF5MWD5vNZCVXZ4WQq2JLl-WfseU0c/s400/Screenshot-10999.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
She had to stop the recording for a moment to get her bearings. She looked at the play button for what seemed like hours, knowing what he was going to say next when she pressed it. Finally, she sat in the chair, closed her eyes, and pressed the button. "Say it... Please."<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"...I love you. I've always loved you. I always will."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
If she hadn't been asleep for twelve hours, Annabelle would have fainted. She stood by the computer and skipped the recording back, pressing the play button again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKywBE0jdmdX0BZ-2Beg4ABq2QltKGg1K7Qe_6IH30Wp2enr3bBx4sFcQyzasT_WUpbP2klA7ftD5X_LiYBPcYiOx8QC_toLPpB5epxDfSFz1qXcxt59WFN-lFQ6Ku-KboSV5Ll9M3l4/s1600/Screenshot-10994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKywBE0jdmdX0BZ-2Beg4ABq2QltKGg1K7Qe_6IH30Wp2enr3bBx4sFcQyzasT_WUpbP2klA7ftD5X_LiYBPcYiOx8QC_toLPpB5epxDfSFz1qXcxt59WFN-lFQ6Ku-KboSV5Ll9M3l4/s400/Screenshot-10994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"I love you. I've always loved you. I always will."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Again.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I love you. I've always loved you. I always will."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DAiwAAeEFvA3uwq9425udlm050e425uffnFB15Dmd_itA3YU8XGf9tsPdScD8L8DToYr-piho6L4HXd36zOMruL1tiuDRjpcCF1zXpR6DK1MrQFISM2-v3vOQBqa-FddqXKicEEhyphenhypheny4/s1600/Screenshot-10995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DAiwAAeEFvA3uwq9425udlm050e425uffnFB15Dmd_itA3YU8XGf9tsPdScD8L8DToYr-piho6L4HXd36zOMruL1tiuDRjpcCF1zXpR6DK1MrQFISM2-v3vOQBqa-FddqXKicEEhyphenhypheny4/s320/Screenshot-10995.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Again.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I love you. I've always loved you. I always will."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And again.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I love you. I've always loved you. I always will."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Her hands were cold and clammy as she finally, finally heard his admission of love for her. Sure it was from a recording, and she was asleep at the time, but he still said it, and she couldn't possibly be happier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_6hY7tKPYsBQae0yVEtn4zlDQdByC1EH2LSlT_z1Qfu5_4v8r5cZuqkQcVllwWcV-D3iESbY20qy3HMqZAdFwjcY2eCICCo-khZsATHw5U5YggJ4n2jGrQ-nchuFB4vxvVy9T2T_dO4/s1600/Screenshot-10996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_6hY7tKPYsBQae0yVEtn4zlDQdByC1EH2LSlT_z1Qfu5_4v8r5cZuqkQcVllwWcV-D3iESbY20qy3HMqZAdFwjcY2eCICCo-khZsATHw5U5YggJ4n2jGrQ-nchuFB4vxvVy9T2T_dO4/s400/Screenshot-10996.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i> "That was why I pushed you away in Hidden Springs. Because I didn't want to bear the thought of losing the love of my life after seeing that other version of you lying on the ground in the alternate universe. And I'm so sorry for that, for everything that's happened. I'm not asking you to wake up right now and kiss me, tell me everything's going to be okay, tell me I'm being silly and that you love me too. I'm asking you to know how I feel."</i><br />
<br />
Annabelle briefly stopped the recording and put her hands on the screen. She brought up a picture of Tom from a few days before and brushed his cheek, then returned to the recording to listen to the rest of it.<br />
<br />
---------------<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFoSxiCslWR5b2mqgUibQfJR6g9ehLwO0miNGdY-8pT0XgtojyJEKUjOGmhVl4IVr93vEB_oK6oqDZvET60BuFzlE5xPVpYhNiHQeS-BD1qFy5qJJ9i6Er2NUGeNZtwOMFKti8EvGELs/s1600/Screenshot-10937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFoSxiCslWR5b2mqgUibQfJR6g9ehLwO0miNGdY-8pT0XgtojyJEKUjOGmhVl4IVr93vEB_oK6oqDZvET60BuFzlE5xPVpYhNiHQeS-BD1qFy5qJJ9i6Er2NUGeNZtwOMFKti8EvGELs/s400/Screenshot-10937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoKrksJ8Giw0q4ocG2qVQaBXEz_Hh2DvvufoNHUxRDPBLCYuPj_1uD6BqmcFan20AN-TxyNQSsIaMUCybxqGSZeYRG8dhw_-nCmq0vnw8iWYjiB-xjKLkp3apdRt0EvOJ7A58wAG7Z0g/s1600/Screenshot-10936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoKrksJ8Giw0q4ocG2qVQaBXEz_Hh2DvvufoNHUxRDPBLCYuPj_1uD6BqmcFan20AN-TxyNQSsIaMUCybxqGSZeYRG8dhw_-nCmq0vnw8iWYjiB-xjKLkp3apdRt0EvOJ7A58wAG7Z0g/s400/Screenshot-10936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera splashing broke Annabelle's concentration as she looked up and saw Tom standing in the window. She quietly mouthed three words back to him, yet knew he couldn't see what she was saying at this distance. When Tom left the view of the window, Annabelle turned around and sat down on a lawn chair, watching over Keera as she had fun in the pool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Oy1vQZNqo8OW3J1dKjcwsC6lbfhhES3hihQPaW1wldd01B5AcrytXx1dhIqhjz4WNUDKx-72yoga7rJGMhotGXammFCn8PMFG5-quDl5Dvm2aumYj359gzOOZhiQfN5E6il24biEVM0/s1600/Screenshot-10938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Oy1vQZNqo8OW3J1dKjcwsC6lbfhhES3hihQPaW1wldd01B5AcrytXx1dhIqhjz4WNUDKx-72yoga7rJGMhotGXammFCn8PMFG5-quDl5Dvm2aumYj359gzOOZhiQfN5E6il24biEVM0/s400/Screenshot-10938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A short time later, her mother Maria sat down next to her, the both of them watching their relative splash around while talking about John and Scarlett's wedding. When they were done talking, Annabelle was about to stand up and walk away before Maria's voice stopped her.<br />
<br />
"You know, when Keera here came into the house, it was quite the unexpected surprise. Remember? I think you were the first one to meet her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cPjlDNp-WLq1gfHCyJwdY8GG2a-MLgsahyJgxFXdIff393JtbaVdbY-fbjO7t4UV5wsYfMHaNYupNIOSSMjkDi0AADNxTs0t3dSZ1lsZEPQU86hKq4yqYt3i3DnHa71-VmBdGe5Do14/s1600/Screenshot-10939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cPjlDNp-WLq1gfHCyJwdY8GG2a-MLgsahyJgxFXdIff393JtbaVdbY-fbjO7t4UV5wsYfMHaNYupNIOSSMjkDi0AADNxTs0t3dSZ1lsZEPQU86hKq4yqYt3i3DnHa71-VmBdGe5Do14/s400/Screenshot-10939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle nodded. "Sometimes the best things are the most unexpected. I see Keeki as my daughter, and I see Gabe as my son. They need me, and I shouldn't let them down."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYyB1zsQUvm4qLB9WJCGK0kDYRWftL7GoKF1rRNZspCoTgf1QXzzvifpm83nYzexLc45LdLcj6fIDdpW08jWrcCHTAAbuG_qg8A27hUIPfpzoDpK0Ka9Wr9aLm583mu8nkqkdag57mz4/s1600/Screenshot-10940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYyB1zsQUvm4qLB9WJCGK0kDYRWftL7GoKF1rRNZspCoTgf1QXzzvifpm83nYzexLc45LdLcj6fIDdpW08jWrcCHTAAbuG_qg8A27hUIPfpzoDpK0Ka9Wr9aLm583mu8nkqkdag57mz4/s400/Screenshot-10940.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maria nodded back. "Sometimes the best things are the most unexpected."<br />
<br />
................<br />
<br />
<i><b>October 1st, 2001</b></i><br />
<i><b>Maria Kethrin's Home</b></i><br />
<i><b>Sunset Valley, California</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz1Q8XQcdlTIcrdlLnKh0aRCgW6QB-jnvJ9i5sy2mYvMrBcsG0FAv9xy0Eg2iW4euxjDAl7JYAujdMnU0z7QqvkAcyKkIYSrquNM8QfwOPfitGJHrkgr55qeKtkkPPDwTgQ7HvWWqgBE/s1600/Screenshot-10705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz1Q8XQcdlTIcrdlLnKh0aRCgW6QB-jnvJ9i5sy2mYvMrBcsG0FAv9xy0Eg2iW4euxjDAl7JYAujdMnU0z7QqvkAcyKkIYSrquNM8QfwOPfitGJHrkgr55qeKtkkPPDwTgQ7HvWWqgBE/s400/Screenshot-10705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a warm October night in Northern California, warmer than usual, and Maria Kethrin had just put her son Johnny to bed, ready to head off to sleep herself but not before standing just outside her front door to get some air.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlSz48r1v9aO6I1-h4vDVgciUDX4fCp4KpNTS6zXifri8By8HQjI30q2KpGTEjnRcX9xoMIObjXUhjRPtA9Aw60iKAmCZnRJ_dBUsG8p94cSpanDG-eA5wJA9uK4IWH6uJ0RVRVx2Vqk/s1600/Screenshot-10706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlSz48r1v9aO6I1-h4vDVgciUDX4fCp4KpNTS6zXifri8By8HQjI30q2KpGTEjnRcX9xoMIObjXUhjRPtA9Aw60iKAmCZnRJ_dBUsG8p94cSpanDG-eA5wJA9uK4IWH6uJ0RVRVx2Vqk/s400/Screenshot-10706.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She returned to the house and walked into her bedroom. Just as the woman climbed into bed, she thought of her situation, where she was pretty much alone with a child. Sure, Maria had her friends: Kathy, Elliot, Michael, and Mei, all of whom she'd met on her first day in the town. but they were busy with their own things and she didn't want to worry them with her own issues.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCEgOer0N5mHYqQvvjPRigkM8Eu0Q3uiipT_TCQsTuFvk4i3p5_koD4xOW5TMLNgXRbCLJuiiGCOvJxmA97QagpaOz-NYc8rVRVcpxDYDjr8spo1drQB3SVW9gTR4kR78U4CaRTuodPA/s1600/Screenshot-10707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCEgOer0N5mHYqQvvjPRigkM8Eu0Q3uiipT_TCQsTuFvk4i3p5_koD4xOW5TMLNgXRbCLJuiiGCOvJxmA97QagpaOz-NYc8rVRVcpxDYDjr8spo1drQB3SVW9gTR4kR78U4CaRTuodPA/s400/Screenshot-10707.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Maria was just getting ready to doze off, so she could get up and get ready for the next day, when she heard this strange whirring sound. The sound grew, and grew, and at first she thought that it was a noise inside her head. To her shock, however, Johnny was crying in the next room. Just after standing up, Maria a heard a massive explosion outside her house. She quickly ran over to make sure John was okay first, then carried him outside to see a huge crater near her home, the explosion of which surprisingly didn't smash her windows or, even more luckily, kill her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoYaOtnouiVPMu7cscW72Gk596p6wESfeRraHFjpr5HiVK4VoeWyTgGeLZQlRUu368ieN5tzamTLImb4OF6ggSXwMBEhJa3RS4LUUCY9fSPb0EiOXLgkf5rl8lLFjFUcEVrUBX6ji3Fg/s1600/Screenshot-10708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoYaOtnouiVPMu7cscW72Gk596p6wESfeRraHFjpr5HiVK4VoeWyTgGeLZQlRUu368ieN5tzamTLImb4OF6ggSXwMBEhJa3RS4LUUCY9fSPb0EiOXLgkf5rl8lLFjFUcEVrUBX6ji3Fg/s400/Screenshot-10708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While watching the backyard continue it's blaze, she remembered hearing a news story regarding falling satellites all over the planet. The panicking woman thought to herself that she was unlucky enough to have witnessed this first hand, and ran back inside to get a fire extinguisher.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqkLbcIx0c9mF9EopIz6ls7vTt_j3G6iMdlpbKwnXVj3L9PGLT-sV64nfiRx-HsarDlzCdQTGyrCdhxkNC-HxPEj6YdRvKg4OzHn8Wr_LpuJ3QPfFRNGuszSwBZNwv91ZxYJDCkP0rCQ/s1600/Screenshot-10709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqkLbcIx0c9mF9EopIz6ls7vTt_j3G6iMdlpbKwnXVj3L9PGLT-sV64nfiRx-HsarDlzCdQTGyrCdhxkNC-HxPEj6YdRvKg4OzHn8Wr_LpuJ3QPfFRNGuszSwBZNwv91ZxYJDCkP0rCQ/s400/Screenshot-10709.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SLCEji-Cm-SdUWN6LLr6DZrYnDJPqUYqd6SZOoFSkq2EU8h8QHbLGjsTP5rOGW7Z459Ca8zlc5xOeePyRWkNElKXOVlkUv1M_rHvB3O0vXjiPc-rqKZqByNC2FE7EhGvU-X9YA1DZis/s1600/Screenshot-10710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SLCEji-Cm-SdUWN6LLr6DZrYnDJPqUYqd6SZOoFSkq2EU8h8QHbLGjsTP5rOGW7Z459Ca8zlc5xOeePyRWkNElKXOVlkUv1M_rHvB3O0vXjiPc-rqKZqByNC2FE7EhGvU-X9YA1DZis/s400/Screenshot-10710.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
However, when she got back outside with the extinguisher, the fire had begun to die down, and she could clearly see some kind of object within the blaze, an object which started to hover away and flew off at a hundred feet per second to the point she couldn't even see it after a very short time.<br />
<br />
Using the extinguisher to put out the rest of the fire, and wondering where she'd seen that particular object before, Maria sat down next to her son and watched the fire finish itself off, moving into embers.<br />
<br />
Maria was surprised that there were no fire trucks or ambulances heading up the mountain, and soon realized that she was near a blasting site for construction. People around here were probably used to hearing explosions, even at night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSl_WJeLiRQdKRqiHNjMiWA0iI8wRvivUQWJh4PQ0crp8YDMewkxhWLL9UHE9ltLCD-_PQmlR40Pj-wjlPVoBClcERnIwRzct8pqIxsoWMm70MY-kWEp4p1xi_Z4BbVStQRQzVyYOdBw/s1600/Screenshot-10711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSl_WJeLiRQdKRqiHNjMiWA0iI8wRvivUQWJh4PQ0crp8YDMewkxhWLL9UHE9ltLCD-_PQmlR40Pj-wjlPVoBClcERnIwRzct8pqIxsoWMm70MY-kWEp4p1xi_Z4BbVStQRQzVyYOdBw/s400/Screenshot-10711.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Relieved that it was over, she looked at her son, who was smiling and waving towards something off in the distance. Maria, puzzled, stood up and walked towards the location Johnny was pointing to. At first she didn't see anything, but then something was rustling in the bushes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7cMcIoexPvNZag8ZQ_Adoh7JMqpf6_sjqbtxRJDCqhxvN7-R4A1tVfnkF1mkK1CoHHNfu62-uPWYtCjHfQ19P4mAzpilK_PdWqCafLfuP-fZSQIypUuJiRoKzMDfqHQgAi9pcJVOjgI/s1600/Screenshot-10712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7cMcIoexPvNZag8ZQ_Adoh7JMqpf6_sjqbtxRJDCqhxvN7-R4A1tVfnkF1mkK1CoHHNfu62-uPWYtCjHfQ19P4mAzpilK_PdWqCafLfuP-fZSQIypUuJiRoKzMDfqHQgAi9pcJVOjgI/s400/Screenshot-10712.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hello?" Maria said, worried. Perhaps that ship, whatever it was, left something behind before it took off. Still scared, Maria again spoke into the bushes. "Whatever you are... I got... I got... attitude! And I'm not afraid to use it!" Slowly, surely, something emerged from the plants, and yet was the same color, so to speak, as them. It looked like a small toddler, but Maria had never seen a toddler with green skin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNb49sHRn5dqLC9BhyphenhyphenN3G1RcxM3VmtNRd2pLSKqlN85RMxOv6MaG0w4g6YYPnHk85J9_2M7YlNDUpLHbwenOAP8NYpZ7lFIjMg64NH66Az9qgyoJngG-vksY__TPSAL7xu605w_PLOXQ/s1600/Screenshot-10713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNb49sHRn5dqLC9BhyphenhyphenN3G1RcxM3VmtNRd2pLSKqlN85RMxOv6MaG0w4g6YYPnHk85J9_2M7YlNDUpLHbwenOAP8NYpZ7lFIjMg64NH66Az9qgyoJngG-vksY__TPSAL7xu605w_PLOXQ/s400/Screenshot-10713.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Her first instinct was to run, and her feet held more instinctive ability than her brain apparently as she found herself ten feet away from the child, but she then came to the realization that this child was probably alone, perhaps on the entire planet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvW9zCFB2-q6Ku4oULWjRCj4tmj0UL29GOHvrPxh7HMibtriPUiOUs8pkJ_BJWiLNaXd6TOs8i7_UZ_bvBNRQ80rssGqDON_qr91jnDLhyGfSV26HkjvooUC4uj2r9omHKLHFNyaGgqmk/s1600/Screenshot-10715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvW9zCFB2-q6Ku4oULWjRCj4tmj0UL29GOHvrPxh7HMibtriPUiOUs8pkJ_BJWiLNaXd6TOs8i7_UZ_bvBNRQ80rssGqDON_qr91jnDLhyGfSV26HkjvooUC4uj2r9omHKLHFNyaGgqmk/s400/Screenshot-10715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Okay. Okay. What should I do? I can report her to the authorities? No... she's an alien, they'd probably lock her up in a facility for her entire life. Or worse." Maria paced while thinking, and was startled to see that the child was doing the same, following her. Eventually she walked over to John, and the little girl did the same, sitting in front of him.<br />
<br />
John laughed, and so did the toddler, which sparked an interest in Maria's curiosity. Watching them interact, she noticed how normal the situation looked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgMWGK8gXb6IgLwVHBh-i3dB30Lub0LqsC-9rwyA35YCPs7DeHbEd0hSkIlcPrsdPoKj5CqamuGqvTsk5uLvC4eSnVMFQjIRMi4PjHRnuvEIZR2UNO2GtLr3s_VS_xrCarWvy6x2S-Rs/s1600/Screenshot-10717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgMWGK8gXb6IgLwVHBh-i3dB30Lub0LqsC-9rwyA35YCPs7DeHbEd0hSkIlcPrsdPoKj5CqamuGqvTsk5uLvC4eSnVMFQjIRMi4PjHRnuvEIZR2UNO2GtLr3s_VS_xrCarWvy6x2S-Rs/s400/Screenshot-10717.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh dear."<br />
<br />
.........<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSZmpJKc2V7rruLwvuqV6s3PHVYwvlO0H0lz3-tUjqBIO0wYMxGnvgEly4zvs_gHqYjxXgi0Emh2YQFth4NSEHvTRJIABjdtVI1Quuqab-FcKeZjdYwIvaqH8Ab5M6R61aZMGGmHid3s/s1600/Screenshot-10719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSZmpJKc2V7rruLwvuqV6s3PHVYwvlO0H0lz3-tUjqBIO0wYMxGnvgEly4zvs_gHqYjxXgi0Emh2YQFth4NSEHvTRJIABjdtVI1Quuqab-FcKeZjdYwIvaqH8Ab5M6R61aZMGGmHid3s/s400/Screenshot-10719.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Yeah, it's kinda hard to explain." Maria said on the phone in her house, listening as the two children were playing with each other. She was talking to Elliot Coen, her friend, about the close encounter she was currently experiencing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9ULOLL1tk9eASf0suanVulGnWvDopXpiTOTu6AsBLDSblxRMpG5Qk3iwoQJiQAtlggaOVPZazzdNIGk0PH4QmCgTCPtOwYiC_6qSfR5ezE2xxRYVotgiZHZG4i2VqvwxobJpreBWX1k/s1600/Screenshot-10720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9ULOLL1tk9eASf0suanVulGnWvDopXpiTOTu6AsBLDSblxRMpG5Qk3iwoQJiQAtlggaOVPZazzdNIGk0PH4QmCgTCPtOwYiC_6qSfR5ezE2xxRYVotgiZHZG4i2VqvwxobJpreBWX1k/s400/Screenshot-10720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"What are you going to do?" </i>Elliot asked, seemingly glossing over the fact that Maria just told him that there was a green-skinned space toddler who fell from the sky in a glowing ship who was now in her living room playing peek-a-boo with her son.<br />
<br />
"I don't know." Maria replied. "I don't know anything right now. I just... I can't just leave her alone, she's too young. All I know is I can't stay here right now. There's too much damage to my backyard and my power is going off and on since the explosion. I can't be here with two children without power!"<br />
<br />
Elliot sighed. <i>"I can't let you stay there. We have a few extra rooms here at the house, you can stay here until we figure things out. I'll be up there in a bit to pick you all up."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDqOvHUizEBzj4AFYENyEupiNQ12ovNSIuJioopQOG1ucIaoxNB4pXFwd38_0ytebZH3wDFH0Oit3CSxut2ZYXqDPWdxEDS_B6Q49YOrzaF5nuV082TE4tw6y9FXQ9wj8narmVYQ5pqo/s1600/Screenshot-10718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDqOvHUizEBzj4AFYENyEupiNQ12ovNSIuJioopQOG1ucIaoxNB4pXFwd38_0ytebZH3wDFH0Oit3CSxut2ZYXqDPWdxEDS_B6Q49YOrzaF5nuV082TE4tw6y9FXQ9wj8narmVYQ5pqo/s400/Screenshot-10718.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1esQfUmBce8Po8vA3W_4MojXjzmhSdm_4Tl1P7mdxXiPrS8wyFU-PtgRmdWsU2aqlcjTClVOCF4bpJHCk6-PNxOG6EO0Z0lceqaPJWjTdG7e7-CC6UCPaAypNGx6GJvuJOmgqe25xV0/s1600/Screenshot-10722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1esQfUmBce8Po8vA3W_4MojXjzmhSdm_4Tl1P7mdxXiPrS8wyFU-PtgRmdWsU2aqlcjTClVOCF4bpJHCk6-PNxOG6EO0Z0lceqaPJWjTdG7e7-CC6UCPaAypNGx6GJvuJOmgqe25xV0/s400/Screenshot-10722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Maria nodded. "Thanks, Elliot. I can always count on you and Mei." She hung up the phone and walked over to the kids. "Hello... <i>you</i>.... green kid. Almost like a jade emerald?" The toddler laughed, then Maria continued. "I'll call you Emerald Jade! No... no that won't work. Emerald... Emeral... Em... Emmy? Amy? An... Anna... Belle. Annabelle? How's 'Annabelle' sound?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhwK-HDc28sxACz5kqnkKQAZNC4vSwk02JZOnuSn35IsmfYh-hBXqZZudwEiHwnxolx_GY-qHSSeDKdiF7X7EkBZHpoVc3WQRhDUYh86bwkdom4-kW_54u81iOCfPNKNlrEiUJuhFWrQ/s1600/Screenshot-10721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhwK-HDc28sxACz5kqnkKQAZNC4vSwk02JZOnuSn35IsmfYh-hBXqZZudwEiHwnxolx_GY-qHSSeDKdiF7X7EkBZHpoVc3WQRhDUYh86bwkdom4-kW_54u81iOCfPNKNlrEiUJuhFWrQ/s400/Screenshot-10721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The young kid smiled, and so did Maria. "Okay Annabelle. Annabelle Jade. You know you're a cute little kid, Annabelle. Green, but cute!"<br />
<br />
The little Annie laughed as Maria, knowing that this girl needed her, snuggled up with her while they stood there in the house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrfDKQN5Aff2CneH4IKoA8W2VEGGrJpNPyRz2wWcVolZaCfToVlXftnG5zj302F9nIuvCfpDHiO1-WN-Zzj8A-PamWY_GomIiSLudaJ3DatrUvz_XKAsEKY3sGoN2cRyhJai3bSUsFxM/s1600/Screenshot-10723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrfDKQN5Aff2CneH4IKoA8W2VEGGrJpNPyRz2wWcVolZaCfToVlXftnG5zj302F9nIuvCfpDHiO1-WN-Zzj8A-PamWY_GomIiSLudaJ3DatrUvz_XKAsEKY3sGoN2cRyhJai3bSUsFxM/s400/Screenshot-10723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
---------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8-FHzYTj-HbsV3knm4a3Yh2BvusT7l2rW82A8Y40mQST_ugi-nj7XleXZhkslbnSAuSNmpZfhocbHw55jHnz6Gay4XyJxwvDPHte7VyOqCK79cJxP753VmyLmc4ZL6LxTvX-na2N-o8/s1600/Screenshot-10946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8-FHzYTj-HbsV3knm4a3Yh2BvusT7l2rW82A8Y40mQST_ugi-nj7XleXZhkslbnSAuSNmpZfhocbHw55jHnz6Gay4XyJxwvDPHte7VyOqCK79cJxP753VmyLmc4ZL6LxTvX-na2N-o8/s400/Screenshot-10946.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maria handed Keera a robe from a nearby outdoor locker as the latter emerged from the pool, happy to have finally broken her fear of swimming after two years. As Keeki put the clothes on, she looked over at her grandmother, who looked about as young as her own mother Annabelle. "So, young again potion?" she asked. "Is it permanent?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC8cIvtzW0EqV9jhj1BEdESHt7qa3X3BsdgKFLCBpSIBqk0ihr5m3_g8z66GGwY0XN4dt0pKpO4qqc96ZfX2EZ6ZFjxOimYMebieXbf-RdbGKRnNZzgtu6RsVO1Od5EsyiC9rGKBQYkM/s1600/Screenshot-10947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC8cIvtzW0EqV9jhj1BEdESHt7qa3X3BsdgKFLCBpSIBqk0ihr5m3_g8z66GGwY0XN4dt0pKpO4qqc96ZfX2EZ6ZFjxOimYMebieXbf-RdbGKRnNZzgtu6RsVO1Od5EsyiC9rGKBQYkM/s400/Screenshot-10947.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah." Maria responded. "John said it was and I trust him."<br />
<br />
Keera smiled. "You look good! I hope I look as good as that when I'm your age. Well obviously... you know."<br />
<br />
Maria picked up on her words. "I'm sorry for what happened to you. Back in Alaska. I heard about it when I was on the set at Monte Vista."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibixA-6Bug2jKqbZI5tgvS86GlbEyBFAXBMKQVcfybrL-oQ_bjMINvWlcJObZyyEtP5GE3r_NVtpopD2R0y0FB0d3YvDAKO9w-ZMaXZjkl09LAt28J9LjUivXaIC__WW1M2vPWj-4F6wM/s1600/Screenshot-10948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibixA-6Bug2jKqbZI5tgvS86GlbEyBFAXBMKQVcfybrL-oQ_bjMINvWlcJObZyyEtP5GE3r_NVtpopD2R0y0FB0d3YvDAKO9w-ZMaXZjkl09LAt28J9LjUivXaIC__WW1M2vPWj-4F6wM/s400/Screenshot-10948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The teenager shook her head. "Honestly, I'm getting kinda over it. My eye is back, and I told myself that my scar is there as a reminder I should always be careful. Always. The next time I slip up, I may not be around to brood about it. Accidents do happen, right?"<br />
<br />
Maria nodded. "Yeah." She wasn't there for any of the accidents regarding her family, but worried about them immensely. When she heard about Keera's injury from an explosion, it brought back so many nightmares of Annabelle being in a similar situation when that girl was seventeen. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxctU2E26meorKo5Hgv_jadtqwvC8DsqwHcs4hHOEgI2cMzK0mSXOSLpuLkbF_Dh_nlmlLPbW2Bf2DdfB0MSzOsM249l4ruWrAci8OmESW_jsa6xyT9-xFceROyMXZ7HL9jgZTawYlBM/s1600/Screenshot-10949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxctU2E26meorKo5Hgv_jadtqwvC8DsqwHcs4hHOEgI2cMzK0mSXOSLpuLkbF_Dh_nlmlLPbW2Bf2DdfB0MSzOsM249l4ruWrAci8OmESW_jsa6xyT9-xFceROyMXZ7HL9jgZTawYlBM/s400/Screenshot-10949.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When the conversation was over, Keera grabbed her formal dress and carried it away. She smiled while bidding Maria a good night and left to change out of her wet swim clothes. On the way to her bedroom, she passed by Deacon, who was standing near the wall upstairs while holding his sides.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfXEVUnPZI8VvCFov3Dy_fnoEvLunA56WBOoeE7igCf9LfTLB5q8WIG7zdjui7pROIBBvFfgv6olQcmQtt0ThORdRkzwqc7W0h03A8xqLISUdrjhI0CJOmFYklhE55sqSxmToTARs5ho/s1600/Screenshot-10953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfXEVUnPZI8VvCFov3Dy_fnoEvLunA56WBOoeE7igCf9LfTLB5q8WIG7zdjui7pROIBBvFfgv6olQcmQtt0ThORdRkzwqc7W0h03A8xqLISUdrjhI0CJOmFYklhE55sqSxmToTARs5ho/s400/Screenshot-10953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You okay?" Keera asked, stopping for a few moments to check up on him. "You need something?"<br />
<br />
"Nah." he said with a whimper in his voice, "Every once in a while my back acts up. I get used to it but sometimes it's worse than usual. I let it happen when it gets like that, no point trying to change it. Besides, I deserve the pain."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66T7DiL7LhM8aamjvlCBw04IW3Kn-Wo0qyZJsdQPCWx_hyphenhyphen6PsbaakEEP2sbMUYKA4ZDVAGXVfINClU8zU8vnJTdKntizIcjQrHVeCE1576utrULjpy8cxd2RvHRM93XY2Y3iHtAxj4Pk/s1600/Screenshot-10951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66T7DiL7LhM8aamjvlCBw04IW3Kn-Wo0qyZJsdQPCWx_hyphenhyphen6PsbaakEEP2sbMUYKA4ZDVAGXVfINClU8zU8vnJTdKntizIcjQrHVeCE1576utrULjpy8cxd2RvHRM93XY2Y3iHtAxj4Pk/s400/Screenshot-10951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You don't deserve pain." Keera said.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU7lsiSXRyyv-NAG5tGCasGuOmjRDVgg17OQ_BuBwZFn0xcWEusaPVKxOUxBR7bCjO7CPAhH-KO6f1GBcZBpU1J2IpypxScGNrz0ypSNYXApS18fFF_tUevAGPwzUVjck3nmFHzMMmxo/s1600/Screenshot-10954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU7lsiSXRyyv-NAG5tGCasGuOmjRDVgg17OQ_BuBwZFn0xcWEusaPVKxOUxBR7bCjO7CPAhH-KO6f1GBcZBpU1J2IpypxScGNrz0ypSNYXApS18fFF_tUevAGPwzUVjck3nmFHzMMmxo/s400/Screenshot-10954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm in this pain all the time because of my own mistakes. If anything, I do deserve it." Deacon walked away, holding his back the whole time, and Keera watched him leave. Before he got to the stairs, however, she called out to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMtNJXsPf0TrlSC3wXVA25Mhgv95OlBUOiJzXMaVyTf7OhHUKXySmrsGQEPxNQZAYTu5VJ163BnRKuTBz8qQcFPusJScjUz-cSJI5dnwH8AG4F2bgujtxQUIWnTl6UQWTMTFUUPHSdsE/s1600/Screenshot-10955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMtNJXsPf0TrlSC3wXVA25Mhgv95OlBUOiJzXMaVyTf7OhHUKXySmrsGQEPxNQZAYTu5VJ163BnRKuTBz8qQcFPusJScjUz-cSJI5dnwH8AG4F2bgujtxQUIWnTl6UQWTMTFUUPHSdsE/s400/Screenshot-10955.jpg" width="400" /></a>]</div>
"I heard what happened in Bridgeport, how you were knocked forty feet off the roof by Tom. I also heard you were practically brainwashed by Jack and, when you fell, got some sense knocked into you. Losing your parents, growing up under... that man's rule... not knowing your sister was alive this whole time... I don't blame you for what you did."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZj7Fbtn2Gt-gUOHc97IBh72D1nkwm9EXQoPMnP9XAj7Tuqc3DQZJDea45yVXe2KQX7HZ7AB8yee1HYH10T_PfTSJEOyFewQUqW7jkmfa1YwJs9vZ0cZ5iozGkUvhPt03lqFaO1u-B_U/s1600/Screenshot-10956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZj7Fbtn2Gt-gUOHc97IBh72D1nkwm9EXQoPMnP9XAj7Tuqc3DQZJDea45yVXe2KQX7HZ7AB8yee1HYH10T_PfTSJEOyFewQUqW7jkmfa1YwJs9vZ0cZ5iozGkUvhPt03lqFaO1u-B_U/s400/Screenshot-10956.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"All in all, it wasn't your fault."<br />
<br />
She then walked into her room, leaving Deacon to his thoughts.<br />
<br />
---------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8mGfzF8VgwjG5WmX2Csi-XS9ee-aHzPV_wLP0n6QgND_h_orePvckCfcB1VC_-ACH6pjtx_18Opq26VHMZF5iNUTuc-0dp4whTBO9oUNeeQ7PJmkB_PyJfW8L4hhNWmDBb3VFJaPbZ8/s1600/Screenshot-10957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8mGfzF8VgwjG5WmX2Csi-XS9ee-aHzPV_wLP0n6QgND_h_orePvckCfcB1VC_-ACH6pjtx_18Opq26VHMZF5iNUTuc-0dp4whTBO9oUNeeQ7PJmkB_PyJfW8L4hhNWmDBb3VFJaPbZ8/s400/Screenshot-10957.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cassie was down in the rec room, playing an arcade game alongside Gabriel, when Deacon walked in. He tapped on her shoulder and silently asked her to meet him out in the hall. After pausing her game, she did so but not before telling Gabe that she would be back in a few.<br />
<br />
Gabriel nodded, not even looking over at her, and she smiled. <i>'This is the best week of his life so far', </i>she thought, and headed out the door.<br />
<br />
"What's up, Deacon?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjy5GjPZbJeGNw3_Q14G0878krTfW_Q752UyxrXpc7hZGf-GEY3JBCihHVaU2pRmoNWzqI0PxjL8rEquCFcG8HZVlS_GaPi_xn8DHG_PBwRo5j1Yv1fAalVD2lTa66BvUgfpjVjH5ug0/s1600/Screenshot-10960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjy5GjPZbJeGNw3_Q14G0878krTfW_Q752UyxrXpc7hZGf-GEY3JBCihHVaU2pRmoNWzqI0PxjL8rEquCFcG8HZVlS_GaPi_xn8DHG_PBwRo5j1Yv1fAalVD2lTa66BvUgfpjVjH5ug0/s400/Screenshot-10960.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Nothing much. I was talking with Keera, and I was wondering: Am I a bad person?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjKnGSJCJucrGGsnKcFyP6rkDg0VXZ-M3jtE87jyzVs3IrByYWisURzca4-ytzCinHKpAmrwSBjpE5b15nvi1IOWbzRQmY2BKXaemBAKYTF_kzJecfMi1blfxIF5LBMsqf-rVcaamLFs/s1600/Screenshot-10958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjKnGSJCJucrGGsnKcFyP6rkDg0VXZ-M3jtE87jyzVs3IrByYWisURzca4-ytzCinHKpAmrwSBjpE5b15nvi1IOWbzRQmY2BKXaemBAKYTF_kzJecfMi1blfxIF5LBMsqf-rVcaamLFs/s400/Screenshot-10958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Cassie almost chuckled, then looked her brother square in the eyes to see he was legitimately asking the question. "No!" She said, finally. "You've done bad things, yes, but we all have. Why do you ask this?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know. I'm just in pain, and I wonder if I deserve it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lO-Ngv9Nu7mVjE_xJND9nivvSIw7kUz9Vf-NPBdYkE_G2ElVQoExc0AzKcR9lvehPJCyDuhKjQY2q0nMh_rhsvq0P20OnPo7ERtpRfO0LmiCfFn5cSHaSdBvPmviMvmfriysZivhwpk/s1600/Screenshot-10961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lO-Ngv9Nu7mVjE_xJND9nivvSIw7kUz9Vf-NPBdYkE_G2ElVQoExc0AzKcR9lvehPJCyDuhKjQY2q0nMh_rhsvq0P20OnPo7ERtpRfO0LmiCfFn5cSHaSdBvPmviMvmfriysZivhwpk/s400/Screenshot-10961.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cassie nodded. "You don't. I don't see it in your eyes. I would have seen it years ago, when we met again... remember?"<br />
<br />
..............<br />
<br />
<i><b>March 4th, 2019</b></i><br />
<i><b>A. Gentry Memorial Hospital</b></i><br />
<i><b>45 miles outside of Hidden Springs, Alaska</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtQXyf1NMqvi-w3YiDttPERU99nNDKc72DR1dCvzZNV6vKKO8xIw0tVUv_ZtvsNz6vCZAmokndXg53cSovMyc2pyNINXae53w-r4XIN8w59sPiiqGneLXZ3rCLscKNPxHM7TGfrbGKPI/s1600/Screenshot-10778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtQXyf1NMqvi-w3YiDttPERU99nNDKc72DR1dCvzZNV6vKKO8xIw0tVUv_ZtvsNz6vCZAmokndXg53cSovMyc2pyNINXae53w-r4XIN8w59sPiiqGneLXZ3rCLscKNPxHM7TGfrbGKPI/s400/Screenshot-10778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I must say, Ms. Jones, I was quite surprised when I heard you were coming. Deacon said he didn't have any family."<br />
<br />
"He does. He just doesn't know it."<br />
<br />
Cassie was walking alongside a doctor in a small medical facility. Having heard of Deacon's recent connection to Jack Toomes, she spent nearly a year tracking him down, and finally found him in this clinic up in the state of Alaska.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXQQxErVcF5G-aqI8TkUah_-tK33giY6D1VW7pz1SK-m08CAla06DpobLQFFZ4kQaE197P0241DAx30cLHovbvr5U2K7QUkSancbwCuwa-5hjheT4g4uwi-XiZIqJoHOxU2E8HpVL6iE/s1600/Screenshot-10790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXQQxErVcF5G-aqI8TkUah_-tK33giY6D1VW7pz1SK-m08CAla06DpobLQFFZ4kQaE197P0241DAx30cLHovbvr5U2K7QUkSancbwCuwa-5hjheT4g4uwi-XiZIqJoHOxU2E8HpVL6iE/s400/Screenshot-10790.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"How bad are his injuries?" Cassie asked.<br />
<br />
"We repaired the best we can with surgery, and so did others before us, but he's still hurt. He'll have pain for the rest of his life but that can be controlled. If you want to see him, he's right through this door."<br />
<br />
Cassie nodded, and the doctor walked away. She didn't know why he chose one of the most out-of-the-way hospitals in one of the most remote locations, but she wasn't going to question it. At this current moment in time, she just wanted to see her brother.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6xS1cH8U2wQ3AlOPNGtvtpVxIMeIF1ZDGQy6flUz4RHVk8Czgs_zpoN24bhKc2S3XZ7Sj7CDIKn_PyoUfSuDCKSRL3g2erjoS-Kbhcn7qhKVPzUSYfQfFuuXhqFABgF_hiC3atttgHA/s1600/Screenshot-10779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6xS1cH8U2wQ3AlOPNGtvtpVxIMeIF1ZDGQy6flUz4RHVk8Czgs_zpoN24bhKc2S3XZ7Sj7CDIKn_PyoUfSuDCKSRL3g2erjoS-Kbhcn7qhKVPzUSYfQfFuuXhqFABgF_hiC3atttgHA/s400/Screenshot-10779.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Deacon, sitting in a back massage chair, kept his eyes closed as he heard the door open. "Doc. You got another treatment for me?"<br />
<br />
"It's not the doctor." Cassie said, quietly. Deacon stood up stayed by the chair, looking the teen right in the eyes.<br />
<br />
"Who are you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zyNPDWpHxqkgSxkVddeWSqtYgO_a9u1KLv63ed5PNAy0mGCIQhv_Q5_qCuDtZi33gpbsezBY26V5CB2e2b-tAONVEltmLCQ61zVldlWE2p-EbSYrUzyJDejm5zzfjTQjLzsIHvjnA8s/s1600/Screenshot-10783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zyNPDWpHxqkgSxkVddeWSqtYgO_a9u1KLv63ed5PNAy0mGCIQhv_Q5_qCuDtZi33gpbsezBY26V5CB2e2b-tAONVEltmLCQ61zVldlWE2p-EbSYrUzyJDejm5zzfjTQjLzsIHvjnA8s/s400/Screenshot-10783.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Someone. Someone you knew a long time ago. Do you remember me?" Deacon nodded, but he wasn't sure why. Cassie took this as a sign, and continued. "What do you remember about me?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know." he said, quietly. "You just look so familiar."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks1m0Ar8k5Slh_wXphgPG6x3uTtkEneWAXXtpsdokESrNR-FLZ-G9hc9Ao4nz02GaQU_cULu0CL1vczYiHx2sHw0eT0exPEdJcfoVIvBo0ZIXJlDgBdFvbBO9omwUFCKAT2iqdGVgLoo/s1600/Screenshot-10784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks1m0Ar8k5Slh_wXphgPG6x3uTtkEneWAXXtpsdokESrNR-FLZ-G9hc9Ao4nz02GaQU_cULu0CL1vczYiHx2sHw0eT0exPEdJcfoVIvBo0ZIXJlDgBdFvbBO9omwUFCKAT2iqdGVgLoo/s400/Screenshot-10784.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I'm here to take you home, Deacon." Cassie said. "Your home."<br />
<br />
Deacon shook his head while looking at the girl. "This hospital is my home. I deserve the isolation, I really do. I'm sorry, but I lied. One more terrible thing I've done... I don't recognize you at all. Please go."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu46ZtWFt8OLhJM_4JDxpvBr8hOsBMjN0UG6DnIET3_XaIovWnqsfXIX1S6b20fGI83yozt7c6TJ_4ExWninueDbbi5TgzSJ23wi02dfRGDpQq9rfzh8Cgdkn2NZnS4-zkc6o3CYKPCzc/s1600/Screenshot-10785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu46ZtWFt8OLhJM_4JDxpvBr8hOsBMjN0UG6DnIET3_XaIovWnqsfXIX1S6b20fGI83yozt7c6TJ_4ExWninueDbbi5TgzSJ23wi02dfRGDpQq9rfzh8Cgdkn2NZnS4-zkc6o3CYKPCzc/s400/Screenshot-10785.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cassie stood her ground, despite him telling her to leave.. "Please look closer. Please. You remember me." Deacon closed his eyes, trying to dig up repressed memories that he lost when Jack took him in, raising him up and breaking him down at the same time. He then heard her voice again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseEl-yWfscBhGeTvaRNv6Y4VDiDIrFOvOkbI2S6PPTewSDeE1KLI20fStUcuwDWNQXrCaO1OIIUaImi67MSrrsKHPuKENV1BP0BU6pJl0aZVTlD0sPzxJH235-5NiN8tvBZbPkXvp1ts/s1600/Screenshot-10787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseEl-yWfscBhGeTvaRNv6Y4VDiDIrFOvOkbI2S6PPTewSDeE1KLI20fStUcuwDWNQXrCaO1OIIUaImi67MSrrsKHPuKENV1BP0BU6pJl0aZVTlD0sPzxJH235-5NiN8tvBZbPkXvp1ts/s400/Screenshot-10787.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Remember me as I was."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivp2YHW2PaXzVM-FJJiDxYbVv0Gi6nBY1agZGmjLJsXeughkMViUInQrutoUNEmBd2gPpBYvFFuY_1pSvTrZWs2npMXx5EyXkuagFt9bBN7xYUd5Z9lxxRfDhiD1D8qUOW0-rpwYDs1s/s1600/Screenshot-10786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivp2YHW2PaXzVM-FJJiDxYbVv0Gi6nBY1agZGmjLJsXeughkMViUInQrutoUNEmBd2gPpBYvFFuY_1pSvTrZWs2npMXx5EyXkuagFt9bBN7xYUd5Z9lxxRfDhiD1D8qUOW0-rpwYDs1s/s400/Screenshot-10786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
When he opened them again, the teen was standing there still, but somehow had regressed into the appearance of a ten-year-old, with the same hair color and the same colored clothes.<br />
<br />
His sister, as she looked the last time he saw her.<br />
<br />
<i>"Cass."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr7AGUp5iIeSwOuJQETvjglnuBd9KOc2N44C36WL1W2ip8aBn2ix8GSvJKvdwL4OPS5rtIMuzjqH6fkSZTmAyASMAlVVe7-t-VTEIHfkKmQ941fzgobBU_yIjN2ZOiJNBykySxgsOSLg/s1600/Screenshot-10788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr7AGUp5iIeSwOuJQETvjglnuBd9KOc2N44C36WL1W2ip8aBn2ix8GSvJKvdwL4OPS5rtIMuzjqH6fkSZTmAyASMAlVVe7-t-VTEIHfkKmQ941fzgobBU_yIjN2ZOiJNBykySxgsOSLg/s400/Screenshot-10788.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon shook the image of this younger Cassie away and ran over best he could to hug her. "Cassie! You're alive! You're alive!"<br />
<br />
"I'm here, brother. Don't worry. I'm here to take you home."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97J_Nu98foxovsjHJ0JPH5VNmLGHfOrGk8ohWdx71dBW0iOaLGcW1_LoAUQlSEHEBtKQekLJlIGpf6cDr1ClV0Xjx8ACkCYQb6v4U1osbF9R9JngKIYy4GM2iE9C7uTj6Cs0eLyhaUes/s1600/Screenshot-10791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97J_Nu98foxovsjHJ0JPH5VNmLGHfOrGk8ohWdx71dBW0iOaLGcW1_LoAUQlSEHEBtKQekLJlIGpf6cDr1ClV0Xjx8ACkCYQb6v4U1osbF9R9JngKIYy4GM2iE9C7uTj6Cs0eLyhaUes/s400/Screenshot-10791.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
..............<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYdREwvVXI0r_etgWAsxGbJffHfsqB3FRE6moZHZkQsenuIyTborZX0iJOLJHfpjwZu3JNnwvGVGCFHzqtq5mrsq2rUk6fepdEBcwaYvyDI5UTEsCzZeOa1ubF8rwglHgV994fOkOtQk/s1600/Screenshot-10962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYdREwvVXI0r_etgWAsxGbJffHfsqB3FRE6moZHZkQsenuIyTborZX0iJOLJHfpjwZu3JNnwvGVGCFHzqtq5mrsq2rUk6fepdEBcwaYvyDI5UTEsCzZeOa1ubF8rwglHgV994fOkOtQk/s400/Screenshot-10962.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon shed a tear as he remembered back to when he and his sister were reunited, pulling her into the same hug they shared then.<br />
<br />
"I love you, sis."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5KZILRXM-4HXQ-wk8hSV-_z7j7h7jDJeMRFiPZIfHvVy9OghCtszOT9TpmwfngVux6qz0xccogMFihmtOuvoxSthsKrZEze0YTJYl3lzn_UyiNtTjwtrrAt7RsD_4ZHYW4UR4Hh25aY/s1600/Screenshot-10963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5KZILRXM-4HXQ-wk8hSV-_z7j7h7jDJeMRFiPZIfHvVy9OghCtszOT9TpmwfngVux6qz0xccogMFihmtOuvoxSthsKrZEze0YTJYl3lzn_UyiNtTjwtrrAt7RsD_4ZHYW4UR4Hh25aY/s400/Screenshot-10963.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cassie smiled and pulled away. "I love you too, bro. You don't deserve all the bad things that have happened to you. No one should."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGysEALyN7nunRn2s0rCD4jqcksUsupJUzQARxnPS8GI4kNts-a6D6WoUlb8fjOOKJI5a2OTpdA-CjgtaIQbuLtfWC4mwJGwB9CLy8BXJlLsF4JF0dTvVVvLyQYpTjitS1CVgqL70vos/s1600/Screenshot-10964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGysEALyN7nunRn2s0rCD4jqcksUsupJUzQARxnPS8GI4kNts-a6D6WoUlb8fjOOKJI5a2OTpdA-CjgtaIQbuLtfWC4mwJGwB9CLy8BXJlLsF4JF0dTvVVvLyQYpTjitS1CVgqL70vos/s400/Screenshot-10964.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon broke the hug and smiled, then turned around to see Isobelle standing in the living room. Looking back to Cassie, he quietly whispered in her ear. "You're right." He then left her to go speak to Izzy, allowing Cassie to return to the rec room with Gabe, where he was still playing video games.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRxDBViZl5M1_cYTnKSswDJ8593cgKHfEPJbD4-BWW9raulkvUoL8ZGchJLWQOn-pchq5BOhADiBIBnYqjv0Um8fH00n23qoDA2pWjCBp_AZseHoHnp6i4aMcxhq3FZQLkn9N2DzLLyc/s1600/Screenshot-10966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRxDBViZl5M1_cYTnKSswDJ8593cgKHfEPJbD4-BWW9raulkvUoL8ZGchJLWQOn-pchq5BOhADiBIBnYqjv0Um8fH00n23qoDA2pWjCBp_AZseHoHnp6i4aMcxhq3FZQLkn9N2DzLLyc/s400/Screenshot-10966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Deacon walked up to Isobelle, who hugged him. "Hey!" she said, happily. "I've been looking all over for you!"<br />
<br />
"Yeah I was pacing the house, mulling things over." Deacon walked over to the couch in the living room and sat down, where Isobelle joined him. "The man that took you in, and helped you see the good in things when you were a teenager, what do you think your life would be like if he hadn't done that? If the two of you hadn't met?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2dvgxqDOvrj5PzvueyatvtLKQOAGW4qRnfcv6-4txow7wd6BhY6BcFCDXEIvAf9AvqP97zOtqKkitRCPQH-8YI1pXN9EuZq6l9Ol6K974iscg-QybPFQnLQekcfgqbqqJU8UWI5y-rU/s1600/Screenshot-10967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2dvgxqDOvrj5PzvueyatvtLKQOAGW4qRnfcv6-4txow7wd6BhY6BcFCDXEIvAf9AvqP97zOtqKkitRCPQH-8YI1pXN9EuZq6l9Ol6K974iscg-QybPFQnLQekcfgqbqqJU8UWI5y-rU/s400/Screenshot-10967.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Isobelle shook her head as she looked off in the distance. "I don't know. I've done bad things, out of necessity, before I met him. Maybe I wouldn't be here, with you, and I don't like that prospect." She then chuckled. "Neither would Jack."<br />
<br />
"Jack?"<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<i><b>June 18th, 2018 </b></i><br />
<i><b>Plasma 501 Basement</b></i><br />
<i><b>Bridgeport, New York</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNydH2gVQ-lYX3SfIukBjnrNodgUuoK6M_s7L-H7rkQez-jVKBsFnvaVWq19IJd5wqdaAIMUzj72CcuF8bHU3cPs1iZHrsnM29PJXXdjfmQqHDe3etyeCruYgMVLRQNuE3B1-kTnrOwwg/s1600/Screenshot-10831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNydH2gVQ-lYX3SfIukBjnrNodgUuoK6M_s7L-H7rkQez-jVKBsFnvaVWq19IJd5wqdaAIMUzj72CcuF8bHU3cPs1iZHrsnM29PJXXdjfmQqHDe3etyeCruYgMVLRQNuE3B1-kTnrOwwg/s400/Screenshot-10831.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack Toomes had just suffered a crippling, insulting blow by Tom and Annabelle. Covered in soot and ash from the fire trap Tom knocked him into, the man teleported into the basement of his lair and moved into a prototype "regeneration chamber" to heal his burn wounds. When they were healed, he stayed in the chamber for a few moments to think things over.<br />
<br />
"Stupid kids! Who do they think they are?! I'll get them. I'll make them pay! When I return to form, Tom and Annabelle are going to pay for insulting me like this! NO ONE humiliates the Benefactor! I'll kill them both!"<br />
<br />
"That's not going to happen. No one touches the green girl."<br />
<br />
Jack was startled by this voice, who sounded close to Annabelle with a darker tone to it. "Who just said that?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi5k1wWdsCjY2U_I0FxXwr2NLHXmwqF4_zMPFGm76gQg4e6CukdmdtpesmLb61cZvN7IUax7iAbDPVyrWoUrly9pFaxzfnVbvaLIdX62rCT2TWxO7udZ6XyQjB9QTnXnkxBxmP-s7ctk/s1600/Screenshot-10825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi5k1wWdsCjY2U_I0FxXwr2NLHXmwqF4_zMPFGm76gQg4e6CukdmdtpesmLb61cZvN7IUax7iAbDPVyrWoUrly9pFaxzfnVbvaLIdX62rCT2TWxO7udZ6XyQjB9QTnXnkxBxmP-s7ctk/s400/Screenshot-10825.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Take a guess." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DlLhrD4_a8GGWiFWPKOcfBYAVKo-O4glX-EFG8Q2fbwtr1492YSHQ-_jciNa5_16WpFgN5A9d7z2OVGUaDna7NopjIr2dWQgTy3bQvjcYgy_VXfWbyK5YiP6qBikL5_yPryPkbDbnAU/s1600/Screenshot-10826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DlLhrD4_a8GGWiFWPKOcfBYAVKo-O4glX-EFG8Q2fbwtr1492YSHQ-_jciNa5_16WpFgN5A9d7z2OVGUaDna7NopjIr2dWQgTy3bQvjcYgy_VXfWbyK5YiP6qBikL5_yPryPkbDbnAU/s400/Screenshot-10826.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Jack quickly turned around and saw this green girl who looked practically identical to Annabelle in white clothes and hair standing behind him. He cowered in fear and stepped backwards as the girl angrily walked towards him. "If you ever try to harm Annabelle Kethrin again, I will not only kill you, I'll make you suffer for years..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60EiYLKehbzSu-0pqJzyP21XU27lEg1seN3r81a6zFEs82MyYjdn50CVX3rxHxYuWkSeMaoMhxyCb-Ir3O4sVUQhfP3N3eLuX0pGXRYQx1KSxALVUb80qRFYSuaD2gG-o_kfNhwuRrCQ/s1600/Screenshot-10828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60EiYLKehbzSu-0pqJzyP21XU27lEg1seN3r81a6zFEs82MyYjdn50CVX3rxHxYuWkSeMaoMhxyCb-Ir3O4sVUQhfP3N3eLuX0pGXRYQx1KSxALVUb80qRFYSuaD2gG-o_kfNhwuRrCQ/s400/Screenshot-10828.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"...before you ASK me to kill you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jack backed up against a wall. Though he was healed due to the red light, this girl took him by surprise, and did not look to be in a joyful mood. The last thing he wanted to do after losing a fight to Tom and Annabelle was get into another fight with someone similar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv336hKoPHHxc4ckXbzviKE-3EzlrkKbplFGiCDPvFkcEJgga4_HaC-y42HzDNClFyKTd0ze7LnjI6JWWuWlJl8vVM8q14E3xExJdPn-q4wT3-YSFu52wk_58o6T4lHJPgR1JH-EH0_4U/s1600/Screenshot-10827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv336hKoPHHxc4ckXbzviKE-3EzlrkKbplFGiCDPvFkcEJgga4_HaC-y42HzDNClFyKTd0ze7LnjI6JWWuWlJl8vVM8q14E3xExJdPn-q4wT3-YSFu52wk_58o6T4lHJPgR1JH-EH0_4U/s400/Screenshot-10827.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Knowing she had him where she wanted, the green girl continued. "If you go near their family, I'll give you a scar. If you enter their house, I'll throw you off it's roof. If you get within three feet of Annabelle Kethrin, I'll break every bone you have below the waist. Do you <i>understand</i> me?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks73BKdLCFzEasULFBRqiAmG1fumAmN8FoLUzP94AeTEoD4nDcveVKhABhkSec9tHzGzVV8b8Pjsxb8k9BetkAu0K-r4_OzfpgebrTloiYxOGXfpTj106yVFfJlLf7wuKRWYRkZiDFw4/s1600/Screenshot-10829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks73BKdLCFzEasULFBRqiAmG1fumAmN8FoLUzP94AeTEoD4nDcveVKhABhkSec9tHzGzVV8b8Pjsxb8k9BetkAu0K-r4_OzfpgebrTloiYxOGXfpTj106yVFfJlLf7wuKRWYRkZiDFw4/s400/Screenshot-10829.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jack nodded profusely as the girl looked around the room. "Now. Turn yourself in. Admit. Everything. If you do not, just remember I know where you live."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSOVRoE7TGCs2XKwnrnCKL7DXLImhS1uE5guM0skbFyaOZg8gSdAxjE7VQtzhW38FkuJKzpf4LaM5NemLAABYgCI-JELxPSzg3mfMIc01VZ7uI76ClcsXACpG7VG8RdmvoHhG2AYryXs/s1600/Screenshot-10830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSOVRoE7TGCs2XKwnrnCKL7DXLImhS1uE5guM0skbFyaOZg8gSdAxjE7VQtzhW38FkuJKzpf4LaM5NemLAABYgCI-JELxPSzg3mfMIc01VZ7uI76ClcsXACpG7VG8RdmvoHhG2AYryXs/s400/Screenshot-10830.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With that, she teleported away, leaving Jack in fear for his own future.<br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbnZKQo_JjhYOiymghB2KczX4XbpLPQ4j9BjVaItcTSIUeowq5aEVcblPwgdSwRpADg0qLoFaJoIup5_1MjvmUHw-weXTUoa__FffzttzP-HTT_QG7yYAUfwNGi0ATFdrHjRo_Zh4bkY/s1600/Screenshot-10969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbnZKQo_JjhYOiymghB2KczX4XbpLPQ4j9BjVaItcTSIUeowq5aEVcblPwgdSwRpADg0qLoFaJoIup5_1MjvmUHw-weXTUoa__FffzttzP-HTT_QG7yYAUfwNGi0ATFdrHjRo_Zh4bkY/s400/Screenshot-10969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"That could have been one of the reasons he got plastic surgery." Isobelle said with a laugh, "I scared him bad enough!"<br />
<br />
"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" Deacon asked. He didn't really worry much about this kind of stuff, but hearing a story about Jack Toomes cowering in fear as the girl who would grow up to be his girlfriend scared the hell out of him... that made him feel happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKAEWEe17gv52Brp82yw2Mg9LEtL7rvkWWEvRfkWrD5yy1yDu40I6sX7qWuCMsTphUJ1wcHTffwyayuhxVP2eEetzwqxsQwbZq9xLXMpgLTjOnZppUuqAFKQ-ejYynOVDmEeBYfeYmmI/s1600/Screenshot-10970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKAEWEe17gv52Brp82yw2Mg9LEtL7rvkWWEvRfkWrD5yy1yDu40I6sX7qWuCMsTphUJ1wcHTffwyayuhxVP2eEetzwqxsQwbZq9xLXMpgLTjOnZppUuqAFKQ-ejYynOVDmEeBYfeYmmI/s400/Screenshot-10970.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't like talking much about my past. But I am willing to make exceptions." The two stood up, and Deacon caressed her cheek. She held his hand as he did so, smiled, and started to walk away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5kDUHhqD-Ky_8SEfNHZ57Rhluzq1cW5eqJJ5M-zjzNIoJYxI4ZT7T-6OGzKM4nF6UMHqxGxmbxn55UOpvFgCH52NbQwrQLY46x691wV9XEtetzfVNokfo4I0yxrm4Qlc4UY2ErmBbDY/s1600/Screenshot-10971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5kDUHhqD-Ky_8SEfNHZ57Rhluzq1cW5eqJJ5M-zjzNIoJYxI4ZT7T-6OGzKM4nF6UMHqxGxmbxn55UOpvFgCH52NbQwrQLY46x691wV9XEtetzfVNokfo4I0yxrm4Qlc4UY2ErmBbDY/s400/Screenshot-10971.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'm going upstairs to sleep. Maybe you can join me."<br />
<br />
Deacon smiled, and nodded at her. Isobelle smiled back and kept walking, finding herself past the rec room door just as Gabriel was walking out. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLTWFq5Np9ZC4ENtOZErze97OY6HXWG2NuaS9XmEH6NaNUrXoPAWZOOGDOK9cAkVdx39y5JuY4sMlid2h2rwHCQ_SdTfCCaBsuCCHh5ReydXK_7wbe_xqs6Yd2_kSUgne3xq0SsvnQ4E/s1600/Screenshot-10973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLTWFq5Np9ZC4ENtOZErze97OY6HXWG2NuaS9XmEH6NaNUrXoPAWZOOGDOK9cAkVdx39y5JuY4sMlid2h2rwHCQ_SdTfCCaBsuCCHh5ReydXK_7wbe_xqs6Yd2_kSUgne3xq0SsvnQ4E/s400/Screenshot-10973.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey there!" Gabe said, looking at her. "You're... Isobelle, right?"<br />
<br />
Izzy nodded. "Yeah, Gabe. Sorry we haven't talked much since you got here. I've been busy with helping to plan the wedding and everything."<br />
<br />
"Don't worry yourself over it." the teen replied. "Though I have heard of your exploits from Annab-... erm... Mom. I heard she was the one who gave you your name, 'Isobelle'. That's one thing we have in common, actually."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyYX1oYLl1fnkv0UK6cG3TGJ_DVJVHZ0hEOmblyMgfftX-S_3McF1_ZUgd-Jy97eimK96tRq0h96mhLdIoB0ypnpioRKgiljmI8rXPRcC6BN_2_4XUrKhCUpVwydvbW6JG0As2lJMYww/s1600/Screenshot-10972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyYX1oYLl1fnkv0UK6cG3TGJ_DVJVHZ0hEOmblyMgfftX-S_3McF1_ZUgd-Jy97eimK96tRq0h96mhLdIoB0ypnpioRKgiljmI8rXPRcC6BN_2_4XUrKhCUpVwydvbW6JG0As2lJMYww/s400/Screenshot-10972.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I know. I think the two of us have a lot in common."<br />
<br />
"How do you figure?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjzFyQaW3NyJf3kj46pljtamEK43_Dh7MQ47XKKa95wLoC9feA1oSMzXcBiEI3wSYG4HbAxiz2mqc4wJfLJXQ8LiowmDVIHTdyejMCrKVT2VtMIfPyzhRiQlZOf0T-DJ4apVCbeDgntI/s1600/Screenshot-10975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjzFyQaW3NyJf3kj46pljtamEK43_Dh7MQ47XKKa95wLoC9feA1oSMzXcBiEI3wSYG4HbAxiz2mqc4wJfLJXQ8LiowmDVIHTdyejMCrKVT2VtMIfPyzhRiQlZOf0T-DJ4apVCbeDgntI/s400/Screenshot-10975.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well, we're both loners who found a new family." Isobelle said. "A warm, loving family. And I really would not have it any other way."<br />
<br />
"Yeah. Tom did something the other night that proved how much he cares about people he's never even met before.", Gabe said.<br />
<br />
.........<br />
<i><b>Three days ago</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DXk-YlOrjZ5zgpHPbsnmxMimRYoxQLVqAchRU_tpJllQm3qDUktkisgUOnjxaV3GBWXH81-64EshvS-P1LFBOBCGNjyd1NaOt2hvfpZmCgN9K5hXr6QzOD8VhHcZ_5IwCyrMBzkc_wA/s1600/Screenshot-10984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DXk-YlOrjZ5zgpHPbsnmxMimRYoxQLVqAchRU_tpJllQm3qDUktkisgUOnjxaV3GBWXH81-64EshvS-P1LFBOBCGNjyd1NaOt2hvfpZmCgN9K5hXr6QzOD8VhHcZ_5IwCyrMBzkc_wA/s400/Screenshot-10984.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Gabriel stood in the living room, ready to get to sleep on the couch for another night. Tom, seeing an opportunity to help the wayward teen out in any possible way, walked up to him.<br />
<br />
"You know I got a sleeping bag upstairs. These couches can be rather uncomfortable to sit on, much less sleep."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJt_Idqbsvfm_58vWlM0sO2DclUQGLACG_MRtn4QORTT767_-SH9-o6M65VUwN2I3NeKZlYdJDh_YLAQV006xjn87-uVaKJaKlMZffk0BO7Npxy0ysnvr1hG_WjjXsGLn9YZYL2qwWvs/s1600/Screenshot-10985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJt_Idqbsvfm_58vWlM0sO2DclUQGLACG_MRtn4QORTT767_-SH9-o6M65VUwN2I3NeKZlYdJDh_YLAQV006xjn87-uVaKJaKlMZffk0BO7Npxy0ysnvr1hG_WjjXsGLn9YZYL2qwWvs/s400/Screenshot-10985.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Thanks... Tom." Gabriel didn't know what to call him. He was his father in the dream he had, but in the real world he didn't know how Tom would react to something like that. In the end he decided to call him "Tom."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONVtiSHYvDvIYFfoZzL0HghwX4pPsTXS57yP8kq_oglOT1GMeprgJveOecoxhiOP-t6a92B5heAobGCM0k_9SgMI0Wo-Roo3yUBF5p4GXDWp-8B9odI_U5C6C9Iy49n0-hs-E2rqgFJ8/s1600/Screenshot-10983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONVtiSHYvDvIYFfoZzL0HghwX4pPsTXS57yP8kq_oglOT1GMeprgJveOecoxhiOP-t6a92B5heAobGCM0k_9SgMI0Wo-Roo3yUBF5p4GXDWp-8B9odI_U5C6C9Iy49n0-hs-E2rqgFJ8/s400/Screenshot-10983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom was about to walk away, ready to get the sleeping bag, but stopped himself. "You know, Cassie said you don't have a last name."<br />
<br />
"Yeah. Had one in the dream. Don't have one in real life."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HyxDRgkv09RvVNKYvBb7-SAzkGNTW_lI68pSwGLJvRtHg3xkTtBr5E4aqjiX8cL_2er3Ukj8zJzTDXOHbgX57eTnrY_0bP-CFiOX0hVPMPoTajOJxObVldvLe1Qur-fyOr2Od6NyO_M/s1600/Screenshot-10986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HyxDRgkv09RvVNKYvBb7-SAzkGNTW_lI68pSwGLJvRtHg3xkTtBr5E4aqjiX8cL_2er3Ukj8zJzTDXOHbgX57eTnrY_0bP-CFiOX0hVPMPoTajOJxObVldvLe1Qur-fyOr2Od6NyO_M/s400/Screenshot-10986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well... what about a sense of balance?" Gabriel looked confused as Tom kept talking. "If you're gonna be here for a while, you should have a name that balances out with the rest. Most of these family members; Coen, Kethrin, Keene, they all have last names that start with a 'cuh' sound. Counting myself, there's only three whose names start with 'J'. Maybe you should be named.... Jameson? Like me? I mean, it will give me someone to talk to better knowing that you have the same last name. You also have similar mannerisms so it works out well."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIjQkIzFQ3AErYqh42hSStJP3eCsbkS0_mF0z8cQHZ_DWEZi4W_rTTn38rS59hp2Xl1L5C3zakeOpU4_G-BGQRAw7vxndo8-IufO4K0kRU3No_t7RPRmBCUNahBKPjlPKmb8fb1VZUbI/s1600/Screenshot-10987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIjQkIzFQ3AErYqh42hSStJP3eCsbkS0_mF0z8cQHZ_DWEZi4W_rTTn38rS59hp2Xl1L5C3zakeOpU4_G-BGQRAw7vxndo8-IufO4K0kRU3No_t7RPRmBCUNahBKPjlPKmb8fb1VZUbI/s400/Screenshot-10987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Gabriel Jameson. It works for me. That's what it was in my dream."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNQQmHRMhOoZhrPDHIBqvGTJzKfdsv4cDdHrDc9_OSYiIRLLe4TrR1PflzaLjo39hDDnAbYXoXJVFHRTbwItLcaoDIlbUCg_vDofmfyPwvqQTQ70kH0jouHrkEeo2j-o2R8nWC_YGib0/s1600/Screenshot-10989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNQQmHRMhOoZhrPDHIBqvGTJzKfdsv4cDdHrDc9_OSYiIRLLe4TrR1PflzaLjo39hDDnAbYXoXJVFHRTbwItLcaoDIlbUCg_vDofmfyPwvqQTQ70kH0jouHrkEeo2j-o2R8nWC_YGib0/s400/Screenshot-10989.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom walked away, proud that his genetic descendant took his last name. Before he could, Gabe's voice stopped him. "Hey, thank you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNT0LygedwFA8oYyOqqzkUTHzg6rI5XGB-BiIdAtojxKgrs97FHJTaNkjV9-GBytla-b3Ealv6WFewkPUqZvxcHnB6ofyx5ifzWY79-h8o_mQo-sEt1-0ofsupMyye3QG9m4CknfqQ4WI/s1600/Screenshot-10990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNT0LygedwFA8oYyOqqzkUTHzg6rI5XGB-BiIdAtojxKgrs97FHJTaNkjV9-GBytla-b3Ealv6WFewkPUqZvxcHnB6ofyx5ifzWY79-h8o_mQo-sEt1-0ofsupMyye3QG9m4CknfqQ4WI/s400/Screenshot-10990.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom, without looking, replied quietly. "You're welcome, son."<br />
................<br />
<br />
When Gabe was done talking to Isobelle, he walked away to the living room and set up Tom's sleeping bag, using it for a good night's sleep.<br />
<br />
As the night went on, everyone periodically went to sleep, ready for the next day.<br />
<br />
==============<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L-I9XLKbYUY-MIN2PV3KLjIpUykrMRm7h4ORwr1GYuy6DJTEeT0QGSZTjL88kCSYGL_KjNzjIoTv_ILGJ_iN2_sLl7q1bh4UIRj_xENBwr0tcEbKsoiGRhZDe1rDGMaBQfEFlO9u9yE/s1600/Screenshot-10881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L-I9XLKbYUY-MIN2PV3KLjIpUykrMRm7h4ORwr1GYuy6DJTEeT0QGSZTjL88kCSYGL_KjNzjIoTv_ILGJ_iN2_sLl7q1bh4UIRj_xENBwr0tcEbKsoiGRhZDe1rDGMaBQfEFlO9u9yE/s400/Screenshot-10881.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning, September 30th, had Starlight Shores covered in fog which had rolled off the ocean into the coastal city. MIKE, who was busy all night with working on some secret project in the basement, hovered up the stairs to the roof.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF434txDL3ajcNZMfQ6mcqb8tV02-um5E8QR2hMV4kiaFaAS2wamFNzzHPLC4Vg3OOhmJ5ePlLcuxTzmj9iQj-5Baxvz291w34tV4qIzWHVf72r-RGsrj7HD3V3KBNh2l4EP-ABO68AWQ/s1600/Screenshot-10880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF434txDL3ajcNZMfQ6mcqb8tV02-um5E8QR2hMV4kiaFaAS2wamFNzzHPLC4Vg3OOhmJ5ePlLcuxTzmj9iQj-5Baxvz291w34tV4qIzWHVf72r-RGsrj7HD3V3KBNh2l4EP-ABO68AWQ/s400/Screenshot-10880.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Having a clock placed into his systems, MIKE knew what time it was and decided to show off what could best be described as a "sense of humor". He quickly looked through recordings that he had downloaded off the internet and found one called "Morning_Call.audio". When he turned his own speakers up and played the morning call, the sound of a rooster crowing at the sunrise permeated throughout the air, waking up nearly everyone in the house with the exception of the heaviest of sleepers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGWLlHGhmN8jmb7-JTSiTy7v7wo-j99BGZP4RBmM5koem3hqipQ3PlMMoZwKLdy4eT01A35hRpXv-9RqPMMEkBb2EpvMNAh2pn4QjUEmV3qaBSvM-sZfHkqD5Wp308LLicX5igSwyUMQ/s1600/Screenshot-10883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGWLlHGhmN8jmb7-JTSiTy7v7wo-j99BGZP4RBmM5koem3hqipQ3PlMMoZwKLdy4eT01A35hRpXv-9RqPMMEkBb2EpvMNAh2pn4QjUEmV3qaBSvM-sZfHkqD5Wp308LLicX5igSwyUMQ/s400/Screenshot-10883.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Incidentally, Annabelle kept snoring away.<br />
<br />
A few hours later and everyone was up and getting ready for the big event. Mirabelle and Kelly wore red dresses, the same ones they were trying on the night their lives changed. Since Mirabelle wanted to stand alongside Kelly, she chose to wear the dress as opposed to Annabelle who decided to wear the formal attire she had on the night before.<br />
<br />
Cassie, Gabe, Tom, Deacon, Isobelle, Elliot, Mei, and Maria also decided to wear their formal clothes from the party the night before, while John wore an entirely different tux and Scarlett put on a white wedding dress, an entirely different change of pace from her normal wardrobe. <br />
<br />
Keera, being the maid of honor, wore her own fancy dress that Scarlett said she could wear, not wanting to restrict the teen's choice of clothes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO3xPyMxKQhlzuz6g5rUqjtqpAy97lAG9lznbuABoC-wysgYtsosrXEU_7uphpJdDlV8Rt_CXuG0w_N_fDiHcdVOjWAsllG_sfAYZbwCg9xzAhMypbITy7Fl-W5bX_L9OLvWB1j3QU3o/s1600/Screenshot-10884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO3xPyMxKQhlzuz6g5rUqjtqpAy97lAG9lznbuABoC-wysgYtsosrXEU_7uphpJdDlV8Rt_CXuG0w_N_fDiHcdVOjWAsllG_sfAYZbwCg9xzAhMypbITy7Fl-W5bX_L9OLvWB1j3QU3o/s400/Screenshot-10884.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When all were ready, everyone headed down the beach and walked towards the docked ship, with the exception of John. Scarlett looked around wondering where her husband-to-be went off to, but realized that he was presumably working off the old suspicion that it was bad luck to see the bride in the dress before the wedding.<br />
<br />
Scarlett walked aboard the boat first, followed by everyone else in a regular line. When most of the family was on board, Annabelle and Mirabelle brought the wedding cake, telling everyone to be extraordinarily careful with it because if Scarlett's cake got destroyed, the entire barge would be under the ocean in less than a minute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsou0PWipq5HSQ2Ut2cd14jQeBsupDO7xPi-v7X_3C0bwahVk5XLNq0o8V0RSRPhD0zT7RghNmQACtc99XthDlFal_lZGHdIYnhL5N-XY9gtzS-zP2mxnJjq5NUKvAfn1Y3YFfzyTAdr0/s1600/Screenshot-10885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsou0PWipq5HSQ2Ut2cd14jQeBsupDO7xPi-v7X_3C0bwahVk5XLNq0o8V0RSRPhD0zT7RghNmQACtc99XthDlFal_lZGHdIYnhL5N-XY9gtzS-zP2mxnJjq5NUKvAfn1Y3YFfzyTAdr0/s400/Screenshot-10885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pete, talking on the phone, put it away and walked towards the controls, telling everyone to board now or get left behind. Mei was the last one to step onto the gangway, then looked around at the people on board, her growing family that began a long time ago.<br />
<br />
Mei loved weddings, being a fan of romance. She also knew that John and Red would get together, seeing as they instantly fell in love when they were old enough to know what love even was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd20GnwWIkmV72wJPOPWJdsoJ_m_nkYTZ9Rxi5oVHWuWmcVY3cMYrlhf1i1L1EBcQfF2g4Nr7XgFzAvVVgZZMjAEHTt2t3NW7AjdROeqk6b5XWAfVrKM3K4uX_NlFg57iMdYUVUw0tFUg/s1600/Screenshot-10887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd20GnwWIkmV72wJPOPWJdsoJ_m_nkYTZ9Rxi5oVHWuWmcVY3cMYrlhf1i1L1EBcQfF2g4Nr7XgFzAvVVgZZMjAEHTt2t3NW7AjdROeqk6b5XWAfVrKM3K4uX_NlFg57iMdYUVUw0tFUg/s400/Screenshot-10887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That was something Mei was tremendously a fan of, "love at first sight", How could she not be? Why wouldn't she believe that chance encounters could happen, and that the two involved would become so enamored with one another enough to stay married for years?<br />
<br />
She had no reason to disbelieve it, as it happened to her a long time before.<br />
<br />
------------------------<br />
<b><i>October 5th, 1996</i></b><br />
<b><i>Shangri-La, China</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDbRJMIi8HJaEETPFcuss-acrKWc79biP9vls03RlD20U_7CrYQY1zvn4J0_SEm1sXTmpO7n6TC6iYfKFk0B1Nof9PEz2VyrGUwUAwEGDu3FU5MReRsduan7I1QWj5rRfTScqFcOFuFU/s1600/Screenshot-10803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDbRJMIi8HJaEETPFcuss-acrKWc79biP9vls03RlD20U_7CrYQY1zvn4J0_SEm1sXTmpO7n6TC6iYfKFk0B1Nof9PEz2VyrGUwUAwEGDu3FU5MReRsduan7I1QWj5rRfTScqFcOFuFU/s400/Screenshot-10803.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nestled in the western mountains of China was the ancient town of Shangri-La, a village which was called "legendary" by travelers across the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj895U-MtlJVGMCdq9YuZKuWTZH6PuHUAgJ0_-zhBDLACNGX3mBdAQhHt2lDuUvIE418YwJlEd6gn81MJkLL-CZpE_-YAkNammEb7FrVlYSImYZGO2YxlHwkaKqEA0sbjXQT-ot4Wl_cOg/s1600/Screenshot-10801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj895U-MtlJVGMCdq9YuZKuWTZH6PuHUAgJ0_-zhBDLACNGX3mBdAQhHt2lDuUvIE418YwJlEd6gn81MJkLL-CZpE_-YAkNammEb7FrVlYSImYZGO2YxlHwkaKqEA0sbjXQT-ot4Wl_cOg/s400/Screenshot-10801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
To Mei Li it was a place she did not like. It wasn't because she hated where she lived, or her family, it's simply because she had only left the city she called home roughly five times since she was born in a small hospital there sixteen years before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZTkhoplO_ckNKpfe-OuIsDt2fVjPc0VLPxjTxDnz10KjLLsqjcBB4LyEb5KaY4W9EFIebDvH2pFKgHPkcsttu-BntKaBRBSYVOzjVFdLnuh8Z3QYGxPe0y3dZO-DZrL1CucyiSoUVGA/s1600/Screenshot-10802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZTkhoplO_ckNKpfe-OuIsDt2fVjPc0VLPxjTxDnz10KjLLsqjcBB4LyEb5KaY4W9EFIebDvH2pFKgHPkcsttu-BntKaBRBSYVOzjVFdLnuh8Z3QYGxPe0y3dZO-DZrL1CucyiSoUVGA/s400/Screenshot-10802.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Today was no exception. Mei walked around her father's small shop in the town, browsing books she'd read over a hundred times each and admiring the little things that she had admired many times before. Her mother Biyu approached her and began talking about the shop itself, and when she was done Mei quietly made her way outside of the shop so she didn't have to hear more about the lovely place for a few hours.<br />
<br />
Just as Mei was leaving, she turned tail and ran down towards the corner, but saw a blue blur out of the corner of her eye just as she turned. Seconds later she slammed right into another person who was rushing down the other side of the corner to get to the store to buy things.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgusd1cBeCG8GS4e_VH8IPqThcQciG7Six4GI6AUfMN6IJ0P7c65RAaAcKCodfz0-a9ueoIAkV6KuBxCeh5S0ioFo72EnEB_CY0aaogR2LQJWzm-QIiVUd7QhKakWLEWNUEaUgkUQ4u4/s1600/Screenshot-10804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgusd1cBeCG8GS4e_VH8IPqThcQciG7Six4GI6AUfMN6IJ0P7c65RAaAcKCodfz0-a9ueoIAkV6KuBxCeh5S0ioFo72EnEB_CY0aaogR2LQJWzm-QIiVUd7QhKakWLEWNUEaUgkUQ4u4/s400/Screenshot-10804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Both of them hit the ground hard, and the other person was the first to stand. "Are you okay?" he asked as she struggled to get back onto her feet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IxVKhsXe0RMRKKsjQ0YMmxtSsZ3G3q2dcZ1YMuRq3VeDkbgG8VhTBTkbTieTt7RlMfASxZYrS1PdY7grlRCoLzDJJTQyYGJ4nWBUg_Sjmz3KTRrfxt-3dy4nM5pUAiqQXzJirqKtFFI/s1600/Screenshot-10807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IxVKhsXe0RMRKKsjQ0YMmxtSsZ3G3q2dcZ1YMuRq3VeDkbgG8VhTBTkbTieTt7RlMfASxZYrS1PdY7grlRCoLzDJJTQyYGJ4nWBUg_Sjmz3KTRrfxt-3dy4nM5pUAiqQXzJirqKtFFI/s400/Screenshot-10807.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mei stood back up and held her head as the other teen, an American, kept asking if she was alright. When her cognitive abilities returned, she looked at him and smiled. "Yes, yes I am alright."<br />
<br />
The other teen smiled back as he looked at her. He wasn't sure if it was a concussion or something else, but he couldn't take his eyes off this girl. "Can I help you with something? You need something for your head?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_QxvZ9IuDjEGZIzIii4KKtBV1fs1o2pZLmBy-WYfBkDq9e68tdaZAEgBkOrAW6UuJF9SMVLO4InbP08-6udbIDStb24EZm3oLEDdOcySr7YNhl4W27s6NK97ea-ttbq5Urzvu9QX3PU/s1600/Screenshot-10808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_QxvZ9IuDjEGZIzIii4KKtBV1fs1o2pZLmBy-WYfBkDq9e68tdaZAEgBkOrAW6UuJF9SMVLO4InbP08-6udbIDStb24EZm3oLEDdOcySr7YNhl4W27s6NK97ea-ttbq5Urzvu9QX3PU/s400/Screenshot-10808.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Mei was dumbstruck. "No, it's fine. I just fell." As Mei said this, smitten while looking into the teen's blue eyes, she herself was wondering if she used the phrase "fell" to mean more than one thing in this case. Having studied English for three years, she knew quite a bit regarding certain meanings of different words.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ09qZzSdEKJ5I30zwarJ2IWv9es5fURHDAcqQVKa_hiDj82kT2oZrC7fsmx0Yql7ihpTW5DEJN_NVezeLd4-en4d8puRAHDIa7cyiKrNvIUgyVSL-MYLxmPaVSelcYHqEQuj7KEFpHEM/s1600/Screenshot-10809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ09qZzSdEKJ5I30zwarJ2IWv9es5fURHDAcqQVKa_hiDj82kT2oZrC7fsmx0Yql7ihpTW5DEJN_NVezeLd4-en4d8puRAHDIa7cyiKrNvIUgyVSL-MYLxmPaVSelcYHqEQuj7KEFpHEM/s400/Screenshot-10809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I fell too." the teen said. "My name's Elliot. Elliot Coen."<br />
<br />
"Mei Li."<br />
<br />
"Can I walk you to the shop?", Elliot asked, "I was heading there just now."<br />
<br />
Ignoring the fact that she was leaving to get away from the store, Mei nodded and the two walked back there. When Elliot was sure she was alright, he left to buy some things and walked out the door, but not before taking a long glance back at Mei.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-dQRwpC88nn5b_BWm8xuBIxnoxAkwkDLN0vpVnBUAtHHcwoMTSpLyZlSXNSVLM8k8V2JbL4-zEYwQuBCnW8KKRr4anboK_TMmx1QWCdh57sfcblXkLH07lDpdncvUdoTovBvgtEQ1N0/s1600/Screenshot-10810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-dQRwpC88nn5b_BWm8xuBIxnoxAkwkDLN0vpVnBUAtHHcwoMTSpLyZlSXNSVLM8k8V2JbL4-zEYwQuBCnW8KKRr4anboK_TMmx1QWCdh57sfcblXkLH07lDpdncvUdoTovBvgtEQ1N0/s400/Screenshot-10810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"If you need anything from me," Elliot said, "I'll be up at that hotel on the hill." He didn't know why he said this, and left before he made himself look even more awkward. Mei smiled and laughed, then stood back up and walked towards the door, watching him leave.<br />
<br />
-------<br />
<br />
A couple hours later, Elliot was standing in the hotel looking down at the city, specifically the shop that he met Mei at. His sisters, Tina and Kathy, walked into the room and started goofing around with him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA6rCJhz2BAmdxbujvcYBQ69CPd8NqmzU_aEhUuItW1iGyOCEebHpRmthAt8ET38rBoJ-bgpYhR2ZEl3z_PatCUXHF1sTF4LfoZ7M8j1vKm5WiCGk35B1J3uLk9PjB5BrDvpwG8C1GQs/s1600/Screenshot-10812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA6rCJhz2BAmdxbujvcYBQ69CPd8NqmzU_aEhUuItW1iGyOCEebHpRmthAt8ET38rBoJ-bgpYhR2ZEl3z_PatCUXHF1sTF4LfoZ7M8j1vKm5WiCGk35B1J3uLk9PjB5BrDvpwG8C1GQs/s400/Screenshot-10812.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"We've only been on vacation here for a day and look what's happened already! Look at those flushed cheeks, feel the fluttered heartbeat of our dearest younger brother!" Kathy said while making romantic poses. "Someone's in loooooooooooooove!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4daxXeEle9VZFOtLNgYCQORRyXcucKNGHcYm-26yPPbT5VdHtQ9-L7vFFP5xGhJH4r-woRsDYE0UOPr-Q_GjmX7QrQBS6TfDeFVWWxXKN1_5aLQfyg3j7T1rDw-kXrPP0lddrpSz3Hp8/s1600/Screenshot-10813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4daxXeEle9VZFOtLNgYCQORRyXcucKNGHcYm-26yPPbT5VdHtQ9-L7vFFP5xGhJH4r-woRsDYE0UOPr-Q_GjmX7QrQBS6TfDeFVWWxXKN1_5aLQfyg3j7T1rDw-kXrPP0lddrpSz3Hp8/s400/Screenshot-10813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Uh...n-no I'm not why do you say that I'm not in love who are you please leave a message after the beep *beep*." Elliot, flustered, started to walk away before Tina stopped him.<br />
<br />
"Yeah. I saw the same look on Tommy's face when he first laid eyes on me. It's love at first sight! Did you meet someone here? You have a new friend?"<br />
<br />
"I just met her at the store not three hours ago, guys." Elliot said. "She's a local, and a... a beautiful one at that. Her name's Mei."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCoPsummOQ0HZ8TlK-kEHZbmmmc4zoiNLivRm1m_AuinCR2dkxWA8QaUMQQ7pNI9nBMsYPkgDtExFI7KHexbxJ_XJu8PFaBMwj-HiOjnotb4WThDbtKfExngKEzjip1thl2S1eah9_fk/s1600/Screenshot-10814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCoPsummOQ0HZ8TlK-kEHZbmmmc4zoiNLivRm1m_AuinCR2dkxWA8QaUMQQ7pNI9nBMsYPkgDtExFI7KHexbxJ_XJu8PFaBMwj-HiOjnotb4WThDbtKfExngKEzjip1thl2S1eah9_fk/s400/Screenshot-10814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mei, who was walking through the hotel to find Elliot, found an open arch and waited outside it after hearing Elliot's voice, wanting to hear what he thought of her after speaking her name. <br />
<br />
Unbeknownst to her eavesdropping on the conversation, Elliot continued as he returned to look out the window. "I only saw her for a moment, but I felt like a year. Though I was just so amazed at her beauty... that I wanted it to feel like a decade. I wish I could know more about her, but I don't know what to say."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSAFbfWyUP1gDUsyE1E-iRjxed3J_ENMH1VwIdi9YrTNuu7X-5iley-O1kFFYpW7Hr5iX6IknnGVUmcJxkw_9QQG10Y7tpy41hyphenhyphenOj3VkdKrvCIKzLjrAQ1YOON9HADluW1YBewkHILkY/s1600/Screenshot-10815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSAFbfWyUP1gDUsyE1E-iRjxed3J_ENMH1VwIdi9YrTNuu7X-5iley-O1kFFYpW7Hr5iX6IknnGVUmcJxkw_9QQG10Y7tpy41hyphenhyphenOj3VkdKrvCIKzLjrAQ1YOON9HADluW1YBewkHILkY/s400/Screenshot-10815.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Kathy and Tina both made "awwww" sounds when Elliot mentioned this. And then they quietly gasped when they turned around to see Mei. Elliot, still looking out the window, didn't see her but heard his sisters leave the room. He was happy to be alone to his thoughts but wanted to see Mei again, and secretly wished it. As he turned around to walk out of the room, he suddenly felt his lips connect with someone else's. This sudden kiss shocked him, but when the person who planted it stepped back he was happy as all could be.<br />
<br />
"I heard what you said." Mei smiled, and then they kissed again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJXF7PxY8w7jfnZs2x7Y6ob76qVdHKFv5ucSc4kp5v54peUeoxO5FdgtA8kQRLuJX-NmwYQfwFd8k1JnqVn94Dlc5b7bLfAUsss-8zvawKVOvMNgs3gffjG8PSfZsq0ENW9SwrRXbrMU/s1600/Screenshot-10816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJXF7PxY8w7jfnZs2x7Y6ob76qVdHKFv5ucSc4kp5v54peUeoxO5FdgtA8kQRLuJX-NmwYQfwFd8k1JnqVn94Dlc5b7bLfAUsss-8zvawKVOvMNgs3gffjG8PSfZsq0ENW9SwrRXbrMU/s400/Screenshot-10816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
-----<br />
<b><i>September 8th, 1998</i></b><br />
<b><i>Sunset Valley, California</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTUWXLxfHGXPKqfYhIE7OKc72TZorBofMHeNKI8dC9SFsP8yTIJ7NosCGfzXta4PRaftPRncYBCZL1RHNeA4YoUzuHxynwtRJjrQuSFGge6HOBP2A2VvCdFshS2THMj_6bRAox0uj6oY/s1600/Screenshot-10817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTUWXLxfHGXPKqfYhIE7OKc72TZorBofMHeNKI8dC9SFsP8yTIJ7NosCGfzXta4PRaftPRncYBCZL1RHNeA4YoUzuHxynwtRJjrQuSFGge6HOBP2A2VvCdFshS2THMj_6bRAox0uj6oY/s400/Screenshot-10817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the next two years, Elliot and Mei sent messages back and forth through the mail and eventually through the internet, writing little love notes. On what was her eighteenth birthday, Elliot wrote a typical note saying how much he missed her and to wish her a happy birthday, despite not having received any messages for a week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsomhyKk65jXCDAs2mFTAcNIwWuAVSMQhZv4eSAiXgF8lme5s91t0FCwQIWXPJtcxUkhaEhsaUdaW_ntJExOyKFCp9Ck6_ncFmf-QKmgMdGJvpStqn3w-_EvRLUFEytMhQt1cAy9H3wE/s1600/Screenshot-10818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsomhyKk65jXCDAs2mFTAcNIwWuAVSMQhZv4eSAiXgF8lme5s91t0FCwQIWXPJtcxUkhaEhsaUdaW_ntJExOyKFCp9Ck6_ncFmf-QKmgMdGJvpStqn3w-_EvRLUFEytMhQt1cAy9H3wE/s400/Screenshot-10818.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN1S7lq_M_LB9uzfntN60P087Mj5EJghfMYK1oXOmT4kZ0LKbB5lRRR4PyQKEFDFqKoNUo-nuV0AmvbaOepQYdvH71yILcRaNYdontEPiY4KpoMIhGZTa5rcGABFGr-LLSG4XRFKRBvU/s1600/Screenshot-10820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN1S7lq_M_LB9uzfntN60P087Mj5EJghfMYK1oXOmT4kZ0LKbB5lRRR4PyQKEFDFqKoNUo-nuV0AmvbaOepQYdvH71yILcRaNYdontEPiY4KpoMIhGZTa5rcGABFGr-LLSG4XRFKRBvU/s400/Screenshot-10820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Upset, he stood up and went through his day-to-day, carrying trash out to the curb. When he carried it out the door, however, he dropped the bag on the ground and ran off the patio, seeing the love of his life standing on the sidewalk with a suitcase nearby. Elliot, stunned, walked over and hugged her amorously.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYE9oW96Kna6F3zLe06a36fjFDMjRjIdRI7CUaUXniwcbGC7y0-6VeaDExF7oPdFe6lza_6ouO9agGzR8o0K1aH7TgZ5AMfxUz378kgiCpBRsSc0ffpkPsNvnzggVKiHW8_yWvgCkJdU/s1600/Screenshot-10821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYE9oW96Kna6F3zLe06a36fjFDMjRjIdRI7CUaUXniwcbGC7y0-6VeaDExF7oPdFe6lza_6ouO9agGzR8o0K1aH7TgZ5AMfxUz378kgiCpBRsSc0ffpkPsNvnzggVKiHW8_yWvgCkJdU/s400/Screenshot-10821.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I wanted to give myself a little birthday present."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a5-cSldavjoZ2_37W5KFMo7jzTYmIc42bXA8FCEl_spCeP5GA3AzU78ihyphenhyphenDvfLdEGG_vGFnh9uFlNUrCRdSL47QKQgEx1jjonIhdzKOO5XLjWagvD8EME3H58hiIzzqSTKuj7zgHZgY/s1600/Screenshot-10822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a5-cSldavjoZ2_37W5KFMo7jzTYmIc42bXA8FCEl_spCeP5GA3AzU78ihyphenhyphenDvfLdEGG_vGFnh9uFlNUrCRdSL47QKQgEx1jjonIhdzKOO5XLjWagvD8EME3H58hiIzzqSTKuj7zgHZgY/s400/Screenshot-10822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After talking outside for what seemed like hours, she leaped into his arms and smiled as he carried her into the house, where they truly began their lives together.<br />
<br />
----------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAboiYdLZoFAwr0bW6LY5RXfaflJ2zC6n16PCY4GoPbBZONGS9Cf0i14cJl7BrEApmJRfhKp6rizSz4udxnMe_8vew5UP7EoyqqZECAhnJd53QeRmeZj-zV4-vdY8dXT8u_oeSqAZE2Kc/s1600/Screenshot-10890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAboiYdLZoFAwr0bW6LY5RXfaflJ2zC6n16PCY4GoPbBZONGS9Cf0i14cJl7BrEApmJRfhKp6rizSz4udxnMe_8vew5UP7EoyqqZECAhnJd53QeRmeZj-zV4-vdY8dXT8u_oeSqAZE2Kc/s400/Screenshot-10890.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This fond memory filled Mei's heart as she stepped onto the boat, the last one aboard. She looked over at Kelly, standing next to the love of her own life, and over at Tom and Annabelle who might as well have been in a relationship. Pete, driving the vessel, told everyone to hang on as the red barge drove off into the ocean, parking not too far from the beach but giving everyone a perfect view of the sunset.<br />
<br />
Annabelle grew worried when she realized John wasn't below deck. She expected him to be on the boat before it took off, but there was nothing but Pete's living quarters down there. She then ran upstairs and tried to figure out where the groom, before Pete approached her.<br />
<br />
"Aye, ye not need be worryin' about ye groom too much Miss Purpley-Black." he said. "He'll be along shortleh'. He called to tell ma' to take the boat off port."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBQvxM6q_RTO1z5pgrU29Ciz9tMX5636zU10pQNtEIC7ieZdEGCof0HSFNlyr_FqEmM5qDNJqcZFrUgUhQOh3grGJxU4EurIijHAp7hOJVXH2Ce91X6L8J4AjroozV9Z3VEz4o_9Q8W4/s1600/Screenshot-10893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBQvxM6q_RTO1z5pgrU29Ciz9tMX5636zU10pQNtEIC7ieZdEGCof0HSFNlyr_FqEmM5qDNJqcZFrUgUhQOh3grGJxU4EurIijHAp7hOJVXH2Ce91X6L8J4AjroozV9Z3VEz4o_9Q8W4/s400/Screenshot-10893.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Why?" Annabelle asked. "What's he planning?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe7FKO57AwJf-XoNKb_7OzxJEGwOAfBzTBt2VtEhBflsHwROWyWen1O0ZBZWcG3dStccIJlgUJ3LR28JBG0B1lfbyCnN1NWvlR6Nv1ja_Zv-Qo3fYsMB0DbvtPAOYBeKVwR3Bfyu92ck/s1600/Screenshot-10894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe7FKO57AwJf-XoNKb_7OzxJEGwOAfBzTBt2VtEhBflsHwROWyWen1O0ZBZWcG3dStccIJlgUJ3LR28JBG0B1lfbyCnN1NWvlR6Nv1ja_Zv-Qo3fYsMB0DbvtPAOYBeKVwR3Bfyu92ck/s400/Screenshot-10894.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Aye, this old salt just drives the boat young lade'h. He doesn't worry too much about the fancy things people do when they pay him so well."<br />
<br />
As Pete walked away, he walked past Keera, who looked at his face and smiled genuinely, noticing the scar across his eye. "Nice eye patch."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wK465CBn7sJVsBrL07J5CZE2TYJkJ_5ki6vmhio2EevtssGI29ITtizGCxzwimj9TKDfbug-ww17mBMopR1vw2v09E9Bv3Yo11oqPo2N9oz3jdCOCmJvM_lw0erJfdtGoOXjZov_v7Q/s1600/Screenshot-10891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wK465CBn7sJVsBrL07J5CZE2TYJkJ_5ki6vmhio2EevtssGI29ITtizGCxzwimj9TKDfbug-ww17mBMopR1vw2v09E9Bv3Yo11oqPo2N9oz3jdCOCmJvM_lw0erJfdtGoOXjZov_v7Q/s400/Screenshot-10891.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Aye, it's pretty comfe'h." Pete replied. "Many people be wearin' them soon I tell ya. You should try it out."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0gqJQG8JC8DHlLTr3CENJUGg6hKEcTfIhbco8UJeDTnC8rtJHnQ3cqIi4O8dzQQp5N81RxOh_88hAkCdOp_ZaKY-8bOK5P91oGcoAdrfY8Lc9tt0hZJT8V51gcZ_Y0d69pPxU_G8BEg/s1600/Screenshot-10892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0gqJQG8JC8DHlLTr3CENJUGg6hKEcTfIhbco8UJeDTnC8rtJHnQ3cqIi4O8dzQQp5N81RxOh_88hAkCdOp_ZaKY-8bOK5P91oGcoAdrfY8Lc9tt0hZJT8V51gcZ_Y0d69pPxU_G8BEg/s400/Screenshot-10892.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Keera shook her head, then spoke with a rather sarcastic tone. "In nautical terms, I think the best way to respond to that is 'that ship has sailed."<br />
<br />
Everyone started to take their seats as Annabelle played some random music to pass the time, wishing she had a watch on so she could look at it repeatedly while getting worried about John's arrival. She didn't need to worry though. No way, in the realm of humanity, would John leave Scarlett at the altar. Mostly because he would have to look over his shoulder for the rest of his few remaining days.<br />
<br />
Just as she was planning John's obituary, her cell phone rang. She answered it and heard John's voice on the other end.<br />
<br />
<i>"Tell everyone to get back. I'm gonna give them a show." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VHq9AdL3iRe_cNQKOtmJ859FOgYu60L9iWXNkOyOF0LOFybwA6j9F6nc104GRdpBsszxSfbfO7bEdgec1vme9hfX413IjcJ8YWSyT9KZ6TOnhtK52eoGWu-HKW1RNKQTKueaWF5C1po/s1600/Screenshot-10896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VHq9AdL3iRe_cNQKOtmJ859FOgYu60L9iWXNkOyOF0LOFybwA6j9F6nc104GRdpBsszxSfbfO7bEdgec1vme9hfX413IjcJ8YWSyT9KZ6TOnhtK52eoGWu-HKW1RNKQTKueaWF5C1po/s400/Screenshot-10896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle walked toward the center of the boat, telling everyone to get back. Just as she did so, the center of the vessel lit up brightly, with John emerging from a veritable light show. He finally got all the kinks fixed out of the teleporter, and stood with his arms crossed as he teleported to the ship from the house, his hair slicked back and wearing a new fine tux.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGzG1dl21RPAbdSrKuF2TszX-pM9nqk-f1_Y7yutXE7pL5j64CRcOmwADBE9aWeOtJBlyEDujeo4TBfBqtjld0QVvMq_4U6fHFvi5en_d5ZTcDJ42CrJz8UMKe4gVDXz-Zw1hDK49dts/s1600/Screenshot-10898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGzG1dl21RPAbdSrKuF2TszX-pM9nqk-f1_Y7yutXE7pL5j64CRcOmwADBE9aWeOtJBlyEDujeo4TBfBqtjld0QVvMq_4U6fHFvi5en_d5ZTcDJ42CrJz8UMKe4gVDXz-Zw1hDK49dts/s400/Screenshot-10898.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett, chuckling, walked up to her groom-to-be and hugged him. "You're not supposed to see me in my wedding dress yet."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zdODDqTvE5dMRT6WyNHF18RkBWbpv5TE7wVNLJqeEN5IkLsrvhApNpaqJlVl_elJp1XiKIGhMmuUxIzJ6bH8P-20HiSFQS45_nt1xyurP5ox4KDH_-IN1uD5Y0m5PWXBvOZI1FxOJ8s/s1600/Screenshot-10899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zdODDqTvE5dMRT6WyNHF18RkBWbpv5TE7wVNLJqeEN5IkLsrvhApNpaqJlVl_elJp1XiKIGhMmuUxIzJ6bH8P-20HiSFQS45_nt1xyurP5ox4KDH_-IN1uD5Y0m5PWXBvOZI1FxOJ8s/s400/Screenshot-10899.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I figured I'd take the chance."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircNtPCC0_t_fCbGz_7ivDpgmTiWDK9w0vl5E0B5aYcwB0uLqPZG-a1XeIUxY5GlX9Rfxcz31tVcjeBs2VRFfO_GH0YXAP03FaDUlJYqHOJ-tBn_QdeHU9BApyKEHSe86C-qkF4Q-C2xI/s1600/Screenshot-10900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircNtPCC0_t_fCbGz_7ivDpgmTiWDK9w0vl5E0B5aYcwB0uLqPZG-a1XeIUxY5GlX9Rfxcz31tVcjeBs2VRFfO_GH0YXAP03FaDUlJYqHOJ-tBn_QdeHU9BApyKEHSe86C-qkF4Q-C2xI/s400/Screenshot-10900.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When John arrived, everyone took their seats as he himself walked up to the wedding arch. With this being their personal family ceremony they did not have anyone on board who would issue the marriage license, but would obtain it after the ceremony on land. As such, this was merely a formality, one that Scarlett wanted ever since she was a child.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGs0OzJRRKiofA_B5M0c4ZdzVQs02HRPX8zu_O05z4KDmWloKKuZJOMyPNexhWQjlvVUt4XiT0Stl48s1onXAR7UVBy4n3ca2ZBbS_SZEEYAUvK7v84x8LGU1cwPcee8HsbQakryntCs/s1600/Screenshot-10903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGs0OzJRRKiofA_B5M0c4ZdzVQs02HRPX8zu_O05z4KDmWloKKuZJOMyPNexhWQjlvVUt4XiT0Stl48s1onXAR7UVBy4n3ca2ZBbS_SZEEYAUvK7v84x8LGU1cwPcee8HsbQakryntCs/s400/Screenshot-10903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7ID-9_BHYZNwRZ-GQaVeb0gZTkVtRFA9MRXtygKjv-zfEBaTqhILcoiwMQoc2US2FgMGUi5JPbFWyCsXkj6pyPDRVGtjY6RlAXZwppfiuJXozigFSJ-bZfXr7MsAmlzni3O2qrI35Oo/s1600/Screenshot-10904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7ID-9_BHYZNwRZ-GQaVeb0gZTkVtRFA9MRXtygKjv-zfEBaTqhILcoiwMQoc2US2FgMGUi5JPbFWyCsXkj6pyPDRVGtjY6RlAXZwppfiuJXozigFSJ-bZfXr7MsAmlzni3O2qrI35Oo/s400/Screenshot-10904.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The clock struck 5:00 PM, and the time came. John stood at the arch while Elliot walked alongside Scarlett down the aisle. Just after them, MIKE, who was now covered in gold paint, hovered down the aisle after them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e0xEPDfO3gVonDQdbKuc7pf6CzhqUXLhEwJsUUwmUyVSOxcvCcGZiY_j9dL7X9Wzx-XI04jjRhaGcqNS1Hc25B6vr9tfptedDpVvzRtg0CTn6PdmM65HrxIJBGFQ-WOT8jq2e_eeuW4/s1600/Screenshot-10906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e0xEPDfO3gVonDQdbKuc7pf6CzhqUXLhEwJsUUwmUyVSOxcvCcGZiY_j9dL7X9Wzx-XI04jjRhaGcqNS1Hc25B6vr9tfptedDpVvzRtg0CTn6PdmM65HrxIJBGFQ-WOT8jq2e_eeuW4/s400/Screenshot-10906.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Pete, being captain of the ship, also stood up to the arch and gave a bit of a "speech", in his case. John was about to tell him that normally sea captains couldn't preside over marriages officially but he decided to anyway. All he cared about now was looking into Scarlett's emerald-colored eyes.<br />
<br />
"Aye, dearly beloved, we're gathere'd here ta give witness ta these two lovebirds joining their hands on the great blue for the rest of their lives. If anyone has any reason these two shouldn't be wed, you bette'h have a damn good reason."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXzNZPvQUAM1KOGLuCk1mdBprSuDnv4lIHK1YokSg5BXPSKUxzAsoI6xjETVYc4PC-TGB879gxC4xI5JD0dACWinTko9IBt15228x2jTGnj9VcrcCRWJF6BIo5-BV68dUOZgSVkNh5kI/s1600/Screenshot-10908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXzNZPvQUAM1KOGLuCk1mdBprSuDnv4lIHK1YokSg5BXPSKUxzAsoI6xjETVYc4PC-TGB879gxC4xI5JD0dACWinTko9IBt15228x2jTGnj9VcrcCRWJF6BIo5-BV68dUOZgSVkNh5kI/s400/Screenshot-10908.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Everyone laughed, then MIKE hovered over next to arch, dropping two gold rings out of his eye's center chamber into John's hands. Pete walked away, leaving the two to deliver their vows while placing the rings on each others' fingers, with John going first.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_2BIVTAaz3bNwVnVofgwq6Dbmvexc40whwxFw96LCrGU49IN7JmIlHl8Vf7AgcxSpxM2Ut9qkZUqYbV5EGRIRtUWZXumAHKD52Rz1qANHIn7GbS1gDp7n-rFNVEwClQmkMoYF1ogWYc/s1600/Screenshot-10911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_2BIVTAaz3bNwVnVofgwq6Dbmvexc40whwxFw96LCrGU49IN7JmIlHl8Vf7AgcxSpxM2Ut9qkZUqYbV5EGRIRtUWZXumAHKD52Rz1qANHIn7GbS1gDp7n-rFNVEwClQmkMoYF1ogWYc/s400/Screenshot-10911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNVtj9mQrlVqHHuZXupz9-pCd3glwPMfcijbJ6edGOsRlPmFoQuj5FW_mKl60QiJtbaybZktcafkCeM7NDmFHj2xSvuXyFSTCaKvfEzRzmgWTE7HUKEPtbYuj4yovV-Rm_E3bMh00vXs/s1600/Screenshot-10909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNVtj9mQrlVqHHuZXupz9-pCd3glwPMfcijbJ6edGOsRlPmFoQuj5FW_mKl60QiJtbaybZktcafkCeM7NDmFHj2xSvuXyFSTCaKvfEzRzmgWTE7HUKEPtbYuj4yovV-Rm_E3bMh00vXs/s400/Screenshot-10909.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Scarlett Ruby Keene. You are everything to me. Without you, I could not exist. Without you, my life would be empty, a void as black as the coloring of my clothes. It is destiny that red as vivid as the color of blood is your favorite color, how you wear it on your clothes and on your hair, because you<i> are </i>the blood that keeps my heart going. Wherever my life goes, I don't care. This is because I know, when you are there beside me, I shouldn't have to worry at all. I love you, Red. I vow to always be there for you as well. I vow to exist, always, for you. I vow to devote my time to our unborn children, and I vow to be a better person than the one who fathered me/"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLXXjQwlCs1C3QsFkEj0PsoaKoU4v4AnEqgft5Pz46ZBckQCl84_Sal0-ztx26mgxJYhh6WJEOQzFa6IkUJxlDXwrulkXvcyxRj8LpJdLSRrrqde9DjGvvQPMsOJqgDVluDWWBrf1DCw/s1600/Screenshot-10910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLXXjQwlCs1C3QsFkEj0PsoaKoU4v4AnEqgft5Pz46ZBckQCl84_Sal0-ztx26mgxJYhh6WJEOQzFa6IkUJxlDXwrulkXvcyxRj8LpJdLSRrrqde9DjGvvQPMsOJqgDVluDWWBrf1DCw/s400/Screenshot-10910.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett teared up, then spoke her own vows. "When I was asked to write these, I really couldn't think of anything but one. 'I vow to not get angry much'. I have to tell you when I wrote that I was really shooting for the moon." everyone laughed, and she continued, "I then realized, that I don't really need to vow to do anything. Neither should you. Since we've spent so much time with each other, we practically already told each other our vows. I already told you I would stay with you when you were sick, and be with you when you needed me. I told you I would always love you, and I will. Right now, in front of all our friends and family, all I want to say is... with this ring, I be wed. Through sickness and in health, I will stay. Through richer or poorer, I will always be with you. As long as we both shall live." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcIszOFQl3fthr0pjVhXrS6aOKnWovPuN0yqquSK7j-wMkSNgZfDq3AinQKoo5i3FvwhL7pBBCHUuFRt4fKdlWC4sQRLOJeikr36_K9rG55ERdM63nTAN_M4dH2Yw5m2kG2e34wzUliw/s1600/Screenshot-10913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcIszOFQl3fthr0pjVhXrS6aOKnWovPuN0yqquSK7j-wMkSNgZfDq3AinQKoo5i3FvwhL7pBBCHUuFRt4fKdlWC4sQRLOJeikr36_K9rG55ERdM63nTAN_M4dH2Yw5m2kG2e34wzUliw/s400/Screenshot-10913.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy6MNhoL_pRadQ97IjrHWIiilT5TjBT7kj_sQgSyOjisFfIpURN772_DgHZNifhO_b1MevZZ9foYmKxmVVFJZAVxkz2WRAgdY4IZOTru3EX9qWllDfNK1IhqneHGwKjQLFw_mX4_p6GA/s1600/Screenshot-10914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy6MNhoL_pRadQ97IjrHWIiilT5TjBT7kj_sQgSyOjisFfIpURN772_DgHZNifhO_b1MevZZ9foYmKxmVVFJZAVxkz2WRAgdY4IZOTru3EX9qWllDfNK1IhqneHGwKjQLFw_mX4_p6GA/s400/Screenshot-10914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The newlyweds didn't even need to be told to kiss as they wrapped their arms around each other. Members of the family stood up and threw rice in the air and began cheering as the happy couple began their lives anew.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVa7ulv_3HMsFDRDQ1ba2p32suWst9voeUALVKfqTIWl1LDFRcD-pf1Hshy8nNR2khxq02AQ74Z0tdHcIHtHRTYBVur6_QgKsgMkxdp5rIh-A3GJrKgH-K_y6dq1glkC7gQLarAWFJYY0/s1600/Screenshot-10919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVa7ulv_3HMsFDRDQ1ba2p32suWst9voeUALVKfqTIWl1LDFRcD-pf1Hshy8nNR2khxq02AQ74Z0tdHcIHtHRTYBVur6_QgKsgMkxdp5rIh-A3GJrKgH-K_y6dq1glkC7gQLarAWFJYY0/s400/Screenshot-10919.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
John and Scarlett cut the wedding cake and went to the table to eat it. Occasionally they would come back for more as the rest of the family also had a piece. During the reception, John stood up next to Scarlett.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU6YKywZ3mZnEZRjq2OTrN_XtfrahNZFpXY4kAjtffeXtqrmSbxzzVfXV2xPxhG5zsa-rJmU8FZmJbJTNPU_aRtbpBPnz85zlx8fy4E2h319I_dh2eY0xkygzUTrE65C-Cqw0N2mFcKs/s1600/Screenshot-10929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU6YKywZ3mZnEZRjq2OTrN_XtfrahNZFpXY4kAjtffeXtqrmSbxzzVfXV2xPxhG5zsa-rJmU8FZmJbJTNPU_aRtbpBPnz85zlx8fy4E2h319I_dh2eY0xkygzUTrE65C-Cqw0N2mFcKs/s400/Screenshot-10929.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Everyone, please. I'd like to say something. Last night, my new Uncle-in-Law Elliot mentioned that we all have moments in our lives that define who we are. These are moments that we look back on, after all these years, and say to ourselves 'I wouldn't have it any other way'."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgAkkpKzyDxuZfCuEVOpa1v5_XMuA8sQ7VqdLE8P3BMIRTylW5vWeFGUh6H-9jjp5cOgmYj93tAFdkR5XT1IYkPe4m0dJyVbUh-hTq9vUCsF8PX7u7DKA0WtDsglPJ93nsnP2H04W9xM/s1600/Screenshot-10925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgAkkpKzyDxuZfCuEVOpa1v5_XMuA8sQ7VqdLE8P3BMIRTylW5vWeFGUh6H-9jjp5cOgmYj93tAFdkR5XT1IYkPe4m0dJyVbUh-hTq9vUCsF8PX7u7DKA0WtDsglPJ93nsnP2H04W9xM/s400/Screenshot-10925.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Sometimes these moments are sad, but give us hope for the future."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_NvLAx2Tv7GEuf6jHbsWftL5jEeTcOwFMODGJqvj_bOVswfSUzSuqpbjn0A4SqISOZIFB9OozUvc_PdCy3QiaNFG7yCGyC9lAAv2Xpc461btcZaG0FFk1DScdjxO0PLkwgxGGsG58dQ/s1600/Screenshot-10927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_NvLAx2Tv7GEuf6jHbsWftL5jEeTcOwFMODGJqvj_bOVswfSUzSuqpbjn0A4SqISOZIFB9OozUvc_PdCy3QiaNFG7yCGyC9lAAv2Xpc461btcZaG0FFk1DScdjxO0PLkwgxGGsG58dQ/s400/Screenshot-10927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Sometimes, they are bleak, but give us strength."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FJQdn4J3n70btmg_BkudD1LeUC7Zb5ybuPNon37eVmGBU_84tr0UgQSOT09c57l0TV3BrZuN-pfyJSWO06Mit0T9YFnEU86BqHKxc4yuGomkOxhOf_et9uGz43sDhvIG6kFJMJVq-Ls/s1600/Screenshot-10928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FJQdn4J3n70btmg_BkudD1LeUC7Zb5ybuPNon37eVmGBU_84tr0UgQSOT09c57l0TV3BrZuN-pfyJSWO06Mit0T9YFnEU86BqHKxc4yuGomkOxhOf_et9uGz43sDhvIG6kFJMJVq-Ls/s400/Screenshot-10928.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"And sometimes, these moments reveal the truth about ourselves, no matter how much we try to hide it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCUrbXrWFMVzYdPBzu0pcWn_TCMmsnahGHNY84hNYUwSOZ-2JcrBxcx-qdbJ1VcwQ1bVb9u5qyHpxvAhTWas9r2AG6t9LThyphenhyphen8pLBzX-XmnwuR80xdqe7j4616esdg3S-itpJvFvc5U4k/s1600/Screenshot-10931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCUrbXrWFMVzYdPBzu0pcWn_TCMmsnahGHNY84hNYUwSOZ-2JcrBxcx-qdbJ1VcwQ1bVb9u5qyHpxvAhTWas9r2AG6t9LThyphenhyphen8pLBzX-XmnwuR80xdqe7j4616esdg3S-itpJvFvc5U4k/s400/Screenshot-10931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John smiled, and continued. "For me, this moment in my life will be the one that holds a special place in my heart and my mind, forever. It will be my defining moment, and I am happy to share it with Scarlett, the greatest person, no... the scientist in me wants to say, the greatest collection of molecules!... on this planet. And I thank every single person on this boat who made this a <i>defining</i> moment for the both of us."<br />
<br />
"To the lovely couple!" Annabelle yelled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjxv2HRguicw87p2AUaDslAtVGQwbUz986Om5Bp1cXnWxFx4Dr1RH9zL-moxNGu0cEUEkOzANypyvGQ7BPL9LFGhNd9Cmw3oqK5xxkJnlBeE7Jr6ScMEyNRSDMNgPqedRsbLwdoe4kdA/s1600/Screenshot-10933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjxv2HRguicw87p2AUaDslAtVGQwbUz986Om5Bp1cXnWxFx4Dr1RH9zL-moxNGu0cEUEkOzANypyvGQ7BPL9LFGhNd9Cmw3oqK5xxkJnlBeE7Jr6ScMEyNRSDMNgPqedRsbLwdoe4kdA/s400/Screenshot-10933.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The rest of the family clapped and cheered as the wedding continued. Annabelle grabbed the mike and started singing, while John and Scarlett slow danced on the deck of the ship. Nearby, everyone grouped up and were discussing random things, while Isobelle stood and laughed at a joke Deacon said.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMKrMcaVJrRaSBBAqBA4EGNCNKzlY8qnV_Njmxq-hfBb1A07P_A39GANeDVLNE61nt273rdex83nzX3bzsZr9PyzqsAvQczeOZNcQfovcGP6us1xzVJQts6QKbMs4_g02VBjMGyeoXYY/s1600/Screenshot-10935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMKrMcaVJrRaSBBAqBA4EGNCNKzlY8qnV_Njmxq-hfBb1A07P_A39GANeDVLNE61nt273rdex83nzX3bzsZr9PyzqsAvQczeOZNcQfovcGP6us1xzVJQts6QKbMs4_g02VBjMGyeoXYY/s400/Screenshot-10935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Over time, the party began to wind down. Pete brought the ship back to the pier and docked it, and everyone left the vessel to return home with the exception of John and Scarlett, who spent the rest of the evening dancing the night away as Mr. and Mrs. Kethrin.<br />
<br />
<i>And all, for the first time in a long time, was perfect. </i><br />
<br />
</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-23304952405486898252013-08-11T23:55:00.002-05:002017-02-12T23:28:52.502-06:00Chapter Forty - Family Reunions<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Three Days Later</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8eUaxsGVYJ8Ij9etsQkYrCe3Bg8ygMAtVphr-zAS42XybfRdMltuI3-kdZ8xhUbg8-JNql2j2qjeYWhtI4fTCUNp41KyzUNdVaedVnRZyoTaiNyzWEejKXdeybqcJn1lq4zW0pz0vuw/s1600/Screenshot-10366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8eUaxsGVYJ8Ij9etsQkYrCe3Bg8ygMAtVphr-zAS42XybfRdMltuI3-kdZ8xhUbg8-JNql2j2qjeYWhtI4fTCUNp41KyzUNdVaedVnRZyoTaiNyzWEejKXdeybqcJn1lq4zW0pz0vuw/s400/Screenshot-10366.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Good morning Starlight Shores! This is J.L. in the morning, finally back to work after a week long impromptu vacation. I'm sure you all know the news but let's get to it anyway, the news that on September 20th of this year a group of people from Alaska saved the city of Starlight Shores. I'm not even kidding on that. While many believe that there was something bigger than just Starlight Shores that was at hand, the heroes have refused to comment." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xtXIkdYlVhNTDo9rXCDbvU_6tKVpxJqY8e6oRX3lU5oWGQGa6jOB_mepABFYROUjU7ypU5Az1FQ8AhDcqqUBj7tUrS1klLxJKVoVsUQBCyDl4Avi3gN6ORYmbxAXSBLj7Q39MGuFqu4/s1600/Screenshot-10367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xtXIkdYlVhNTDo9rXCDbvU_6tKVpxJqY8e6oRX3lU5oWGQGa6jOB_mepABFYROUjU7ypU5Az1FQ8AhDcqqUBj7tUrS1klLxJKVoVsUQBCyDl4Avi3gN6ORYmbxAXSBLj7Q39MGuFqu4/s400/Screenshot-10367.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Despite that oddity, everything is going back to normal in this town. Well aside from the fact that we need a new art museum, and a new graveyard since the ones we had were completely destroyed. But luckily the aforementioned Heroes of Starlight Shores told us that they will pay for any damage caused during the week, which was actually turned down by the city council. In any case, the grateful people of the town are giving them a much needed break."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"In other news, police up north in Oregon are baffled by a strange series of attacks that seemed to have focused on groups of livestock across numerous portions of the state. Cattle have been found dead with human-like teeth marks in multiple farms across the eastern portion, and there seems to be a pattern that shows whatever is responsible is heading north."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLT8U0BfCpH6H3Sv6u3kY0kMfpD2t8idmbEZhJNkQdV5wC-cS5LuYA5WUYsrgUCis6X2u6BsPw3uHTXsoFt4M9ckGVoQdR5-0SnVFFPZqF8X7HgJCVJzCBpjHlw3614bjaxAVEXAzEEc/s1600/Screenshot-10370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLT8U0BfCpH6H3Sv6u3kY0kMfpD2t8idmbEZhJNkQdV5wC-cS5LuYA5WUYsrgUCis6X2u6BsPw3uHTXsoFt4M9ckGVoQdR5-0SnVFFPZqF8X7HgJCVJzCBpjHlw3614bjaxAVEXAzEEc/s400/Screenshot-10370.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>"A bit odd if you ask me but oh well. I'm not here to discuss oddities, I'm here to play smooth tunes! Here's a classic from 2014, 'The Gray Stone River' by the Green Kings!"</i><br />
<br />
Annabelle shut off the radio and went back to her book, waiting for Cassie to arrive. Cassie had apparently heard from someone Annabelle knew, but wouldn't say who it was or why this person was travelling back to Starlight Shores with her. Apparently the younger sister of Deacon was very much a "SURPRISE!!" person, loving to drop surprises whenever she could, according to Deacon himself. Annabelle had never seen this side of her, but then again she didn't really interact with her much aside from a chat here and there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85hAuIx_98preis6rxLS_gBc-6g4KoKcUMfH-DrBj4KiR_zBWGqPDeLJqq0mNOPM78wd5tobmLfkSsjFF3kOHhSZMft-g5mTVNsWh1CBItNSZrBOZSQjoAO_-oJ2PoSWNGsbJ96BQdds/s1600/Screenshot-10368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85hAuIx_98preis6rxLS_gBc-6g4KoKcUMfH-DrBj4KiR_zBWGqPDeLJqq0mNOPM78wd5tobmLfkSsjFF3kOHhSZMft-g5mTVNsWh1CBItNSZrBOZSQjoAO_-oJ2PoSWNGsbJ96BQdds/s320/Screenshot-10368.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Admittedly when Cassie was staying with them for that short time, Annabelle's mind was focused on the minor things, like saving the world. But now that the business with the genie lamp was over, she finally had the chance to sit down, relax, and read a good book.<br />
<br />
"The fairy shoots energy from her hands to destroy the monsters? That's not a fairy I've heard of." Annabelle said to herself as she read a novel called 'The Wings of Light', supposedly based on an old legend passed down through the centuries. Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F1DQ3kXDumZHqHO5kgbeqpG1kE-b46PfsFRHywOJAiOXhKq1Brxkbkv8gJtzac_8vOHn_lEcB_bTe_e3lIHe5rYrYX-jgFDgD8_oasoOqwz61YmlOFdCVLrxkxcd3_6edtioD5rBUFI/s1600/Screenshot-10371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F1DQ3kXDumZHqHO5kgbeqpG1kE-b46PfsFRHywOJAiOXhKq1Brxkbkv8gJtzac_8vOHn_lEcB_bTe_e3lIHe5rYrYX-jgFDgD8_oasoOqwz61YmlOFdCVLrxkxcd3_6edtioD5rBUFI/s400/Screenshot-10371.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Can anyone get that?" She asked into the house. "Hello? Anyone?" When there was no response, Annie placed the book on a nearby table and walked to the door, humorously thinking about the one time she opened the door when no one else answered which ended with her finding out she had a clone. As if to tempt fate itself, Annabelle humorously thought to herself <i>'Well I wonder who the clone is this time'.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsU_aTezyAGRzSSV9EVh7MXzlYzr34db1b3gM7r-W50ETUEt_f2_Z8CGVn43w2ayzF5_m0KTqWb83dE80w-9TWSXIfR68QxzEQibbnVB81uCaHDzQOIzd-_tXs__SEkHT-35xnM5YCSA/s1600/Screenshot-10372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsU_aTezyAGRzSSV9EVh7MXzlYzr34db1b3gM7r-W50ETUEt_f2_Z8CGVn43w2ayzF5_m0KTqWb83dE80w-9TWSXIfR68QxzEQibbnVB81uCaHDzQOIzd-_tXs__SEkHT-35xnM5YCSA/s400/Screenshot-10372.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Finally reaching for the door handle, she opened it to see a woman wearing all black with her back faced to Annabelle as she looked outside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfHIRSNKdqaGulTQEYBQBSDbXBsDMDF28AEHm8SEZblT1N3P9V5s0Ov6nf9kHQgjlCMnZFfEWQOqxFQp0vXtTolVQBlUwd02ZQC3YhadM3pUzF8GihQUTuZ8cxUUiVJei72e0YMCkXuI/s1600/Screenshot-10373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfHIRSNKdqaGulTQEYBQBSDbXBsDMDF28AEHm8SEZblT1N3P9V5s0Ov6nf9kHQgjlCMnZFfEWQOqxFQp0vXtTolVQBlUwd02ZQC3YhadM3pUzF8GihQUTuZ8cxUUiVJei72e0YMCkXuI/s400/Screenshot-10373.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqQGLfoJKIEvsjPhnqAGdGbStg8g8-wBBx_QlyPpachkvzAumAJZZ6PeU3zrG5nFOjBWvAIOlyMBjTrSpKGIfSKOTFVebepAXX2olz0FdFD90Z3MFiXCjdYrhMb2G_9vSxQcVn0DwKb4/s1600/Screenshot-10378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqQGLfoJKIEvsjPhnqAGdGbStg8g8-wBBx_QlyPpachkvzAumAJZZ6PeU3zrG5nFOjBWvAIOlyMBjTrSpKGIfSKOTFVebepAXX2olz0FdFD90Z3MFiXCjdYrhMb2G_9vSxQcVn0DwKb4/s400/Screenshot-10378.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Hey Kid! Nice place you got here!" the woman said as she turned around, revealing herself to be Maria Kethrin, Annabelle and John's mother. Annabelle hadn't seen her mother in nearly a year, as she was over in Monte Vista filming for a new movie. With unbridled joy, the younger Kethrin hugged her mother with a strong embrace.<br />
<br />
"I'm so glad you could make it! I thought you weren't gonna be here until next week!"<br />
<br />
"Well I took a leave of absence." Maria replied as Annie stepped back to chat. "I wanted to get here as soon as possible after I heard what happened in the graveyard and to see if you alright. Looks like you were hurt pretty bad."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u7uEEqj_0TZEE-MZJdESytO6ikSkYGuGIHtm1bIhrqjWBAu5vcT6k2tFopkXJWn68kE-0exqNz2qJ1fHUT1Qg2AP77JN1ppl9P2T7UeFoB5tJuzP80YWYg9jTVL9f1oqKRC946qX1wM/s1600/Screenshot-10376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u7uEEqj_0TZEE-MZJdESytO6ikSkYGuGIHtm1bIhrqjWBAu5vcT6k2tFopkXJWn68kE-0exqNz2qJ1fHUT1Qg2AP77JN1ppl9P2T7UeFoB5tJuzP80YWYg9jTVL9f1oqKRC946qX1wM/s400/Screenshot-10376.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah it's healled now." Annabelle said regarding the wounds she got when Jack knocked her back into the concrete floor. Her psychological wounds, however, would take a bit longer to heal especially since they were piled on top of the ones she'd gotten in the past.<br />
<br />
Before Annie could say this, however, Maria smiled at her with an excited look. "I also wanted to see Mirabelle in person! I heard she's you, but not you! Which is great!"<br />
<br />
"That's right." Annabelle replied. "All my memories and personality." <br />
<i> </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtB567jCM3_GbIkpww53vPj71YkjpuEcgKPCd_e7S2jqi75bjoMcv3f3EtKAp4MnwLcHgGY2ibTYN8Q6dfXTYYRlWQGqTUFqMAirXKbFtEnWQPpO4T-BEyNy9NEpWYOvzPFnjmblg6jA8/s1600/Screenshot-10375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtB567jCM3_GbIkpww53vPj71YkjpuEcgKPCd_e7S2jqi75bjoMcv3f3EtKAp4MnwLcHgGY2ibTYN8Q6dfXTYYRlWQGqTUFqMAirXKbFtEnWQPpO4T-BEyNy9NEpWYOvzPFnjmblg6jA8/s400/Screenshot-10375.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Maria laughed. "Good! Hopefully both of you would do well to remember to call me before you go off on a dangerous mission!", she said half-jokingly. Annabelle sighed, then chuckled a bit herself before hugging her mother again.<br />
<br />
"We tried, but we couldn't." Annabelle admitted, "Phones didn't work, and John was too overtaxed to come up with a super-phone to call. Next time though." As they were walking inside, Annabelle turned to Maria. "Hey, remember Isobelle from Sunset Valley, and Deacon from Bridgeport?..."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDl0VZwIzqZO_kyGuf5N64JE3Gi0xKjFhvrwwbZBwUl3Ke2IuBWoA3x8eezIU5Cj3ig7LiGOLoJEwPxqitpBmloM2H1mTfdsY2oPbRPGnwjtvkGt-B9DieFvNB1FXeH3s5fDMos-Bnps/s1600/Screenshot-10292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDl0VZwIzqZO_kyGuf5N64JE3Gi0xKjFhvrwwbZBwUl3Ke2IuBWoA3x8eezIU5Cj3ig7LiGOLoJEwPxqitpBmloM2H1mTfdsY2oPbRPGnwjtvkGt-B9DieFvNB1FXeH3s5fDMos-Bnps/s400/Screenshot-10292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Scarlett had awakened from the night's sleep and stood up while stretching her arms out, looking around for John. She was rather confused when she didn't see him, as the two had always made sure to stay in the room until the other had woken up to say good morning to them. It was a system they had and it was very rare it didn't happen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie00uMAMUQQmAACCOggKVoOyjwZOKiuLHXDUxavwat_gT-hql5XtKOjEsYBzkLZ6dvkz5hVb9w-qjrvSnwmoVefQUyl5hlJT5G21qNi4K7wnOKCCu4Zb-83goOJ046AXsNWqQMoc8xhlE/s1600/Screenshot-10383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie00uMAMUQQmAACCOggKVoOyjwZOKiuLHXDUxavwat_gT-hql5XtKOjEsYBzkLZ6dvkz5hVb9w-qjrvSnwmoVefQUyl5hlJT5G21qNi4K7wnOKCCu4Zb-83goOJ046AXsNWqQMoc8xhlE/s400/Screenshot-10383.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett chuckled. "I'll give him this one.", then went to the dresser to find an outfit for herself. Rather than the clothes she'd worn recently, which was her favorite summer outfit, she decided to put on a nice red dress and walked outside to find her fiance.<br />
<br />
Eventually she found herself upstairs where she saw John emerge from his makeshift lab in the town. "Hey Johnny!" Red said, "What happened to you this morning?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ztnCQfkDosewWhcCILR-CxZwCGMnUVQDKbITpjlrDdwMjOBguXQpbVn8uhbwQkFPwRIpQt8Csi3LAJ_qui9d9fluRW0LdmwNCyr6urADzQ9MLN1N4pfR7TYMhq9UfAD_BnkNwY81MaU/s1600/Screenshot-10381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ztnCQfkDosewWhcCILR-CxZwCGMnUVQDKbITpjlrDdwMjOBguXQpbVn8uhbwQkFPwRIpQt8Csi3LAJ_qui9d9fluRW0LdmwNCyr6urADzQ9MLN1N4pfR7TYMhq9UfAD_BnkNwY81MaU/s400/Screenshot-10381.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John shook his head. He seemed to be a bit worried about something, which Scarlett then thought to herself that he was always worried about something. "Sorry, I've been a little busy. There's some sort of... anomaly thing in my teleporter's log. I can show you if-"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5cSRScldqUSh429P_9JQsQ5D1IzvUqkoMuEpURiAtPGgf8omLHSzGPM8SlZNcnYH0atS4RpcByvnqIgk1rs__GQ_Sfmvbgh66GiwVCDW9wvbXewpWkqM5iX_91wbOt0u1BheLelBjbY/s1600/Screenshot-10382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5cSRScldqUSh429P_9JQsQ5D1IzvUqkoMuEpURiAtPGgf8omLHSzGPM8SlZNcnYH0atS4RpcByvnqIgk1rs__GQ_Sfmvbgh66GiwVCDW9wvbXewpWkqM5iX_91wbOt0u1BheLelBjbY/s400/Screenshot-10382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett smiled. "Nah, you go on with what you need to do. I'm gonna head downstairs and get a bite to eat. Talk to you later!"<br />
<br />
John hugged her and smiled. "I love you, with my red heart." When she replied the same way, he let go and walked back into the lab. Scarlett then stretched again and walked downstairs where she saw Deacon and Isobelle cuddling on the sofa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0yvBNd8DkrnY5rthPgJJOYHvi9mimcrAnaez5iKN1Lc0K1V1vWn_PRhIY9Ph6o8UhFV4RkXG-3NdPnPn3I9l_XQTSuSRBEgBoKarbuw_q7uPSlolUjgqQrTie71aB9zYJUFjEWuG7FI/s1600/Screenshot-10386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0yvBNd8DkrnY5rthPgJJOYHvi9mimcrAnaez5iKN1Lc0K1V1vWn_PRhIY9Ph6o8UhFV4RkXG-3NdPnPn3I9l_XQTSuSRBEgBoKarbuw_q7uPSlolUjgqQrTie71aB9zYJUFjEWuG7FI/s400/Screenshot-10386.jpg" width="400" /></a>v</div>
<br />
"Hey you two lovebirds!" She said in a joking manner. Red saw how Deacon looked at Isobelle when they first met, and vice versa, even if Deacon himself didn't see it. She knew they would eventually get together, and was shocked it took as long as it did. Then again it could have been a short time.<br />
<br />
With the way things had been going lately, a week felt like it took a month to pass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2wXBqbk6WDjiGCmF61yOOrMTIc73z1i9Xsd6PB2bmu5V9nuYE77yQoZYXzwiPhKo5SRibgPw276g8cdU42l823wZCD2oLeSLQsEDRS1d_IWnNXtaYJXIg4n8ED0OOrCjxXNHLea5LeQ/s1600/Screenshot-10389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2wXBqbk6WDjiGCmF61yOOrMTIc73z1i9Xsd6PB2bmu5V9nuYE77yQoZYXzwiPhKo5SRibgPw276g8cdU42l823wZCD2oLeSLQsEDRS1d_IWnNXtaYJXIg4n8ED0OOrCjxXNHLea5LeQ/s320/Screenshot-10389.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As she walked into the living room, she saw Maria and Annabelle. "Hey Scarlett!" Maria said, smiling at her son's Fiance and briefly hugging her. "I hadn't had the chance to say it in person, so congratulations on the upcoming nuptials! I must say I knew you and John were meant to be! I'm so glad I was able to see it happen!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrGC7mgFQaTm6w85gycqt1sbdwPBqmSxEGHYup8H3QSD3tR47nxkvnClj_Fu_3oxArjm_VEo_Pex0wjSYAfISShDwYlMMXgc-6F8D99-ETcmuf57cy1Jdzag4hUCTdz3GJI6Xdle_RAs/s1600/Screenshot-10391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrGC7mgFQaTm6w85gycqt1sbdwPBqmSxEGHYup8H3QSD3tR47nxkvnClj_Fu_3oxArjm_VEo_Pex0wjSYAfISShDwYlMMXgc-6F8D99-ETcmuf57cy1Jdzag4hUCTdz3GJI6Xdle_RAs/s400/Screenshot-10391.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Red blushed, then looked closely at Maria. "I must say, we could have waited quite a while without consequence it seems! You so... young! You must have some amazing anti-aging stuff to keep such a youthful look!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maria shrugged. "The miracles of science these days! John knows a lot about that stuff if I'm not mistaken! In fact, he may or may not be the reason I have such a young look to me!"</div>
<br />
"Young is right!" Annabelle said, "We could almost pass for sisters! What do you mean John may be the reason though?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmc7zu35fZIRvrqXrj7LeWzrwHx44qdRMFf7ziLug-f8haXXBwAHYKqxO1KSFAIpSPtE8YNkTPrO5o1YvgTRq5xP9ljSxfBS7SOhgGg3vgpJPbwSBGF98QCyK0eWqAwEPR5m7xlcsC7k/s1600/Screenshot-10394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmc7zu35fZIRvrqXrj7LeWzrwHx44qdRMFf7ziLug-f8haXXBwAHYKqxO1KSFAIpSPtE8YNkTPrO5o1YvgTRq5xP9ljSxfBS7SOhgGg3vgpJPbwSBGF98QCyK0eWqAwEPR5m7xlcsC7k/s400/Screenshot-10394.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maria stood backwards and posed like a supermodel. "His Young Again potion, he sent me a copy. He wanted to keep it a surprise, so... Surprise! Technically I am about twenty-five years old! This is a miracle substance! So powerful! So amazing!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fY7M2Q8G1YjGl6njZXbOtXLMv1QDdbxCBhZgDH06YsdQ60vFWwh6KJfRtJFhKcuVxvXFUYl7nVevU0cdT_M4hA6-hHFQO1KPewrVc-oGdhYzKpEWVAqGgnS7Xu8fW05G18MJR5IM1SM/s1600/Screenshot-10396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fY7M2Q8G1YjGl6njZXbOtXLMv1QDdbxCBhZgDH06YsdQ60vFWwh6KJfRtJFhKcuVxvXFUYl7nVevU0cdT_M4hA6-hHFQO1KPewrVc-oGdhYzKpEWVAqGgnS7Xu8fW05G18MJR5IM1SM/s400/Screenshot-10396.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"And this one won't fade away." John said as he walked into the room, hugging his mother having heard her voice echo upstairs. The four then stepped a bit into a different part of the room to get some space. "I sent mom here a full, working version, perfectly safe and tested. It's 100 percent approved! She is literally the face of a new generation of anti-aging breakthroughs! No side effects!"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, the only problem is that it only works once." Maria interjected. "But hey, I look twenty-five, I feel twenty-five, whose to say I can't, I dunno, do things over again! Maybe meet someone, get married!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuj0rCblx22Wjl_iQ7bEs8JLQxcD-RrqiFj2z-VMCuapW1uzX2cRykNWyJSeuoi-pyIOTlHHljF2n99gWxh8OQD9t2AnQwxIcS4yv2t7lCQojSmqNdudMF2zDVTiiu3ZaX-7BLmdOAKo/s1600/Screenshot-10398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuj0rCblx22Wjl_iQ7bEs8JLQxcD-RrqiFj2z-VMCuapW1uzX2cRykNWyJSeuoi-pyIOTlHHljF2n99gWxh8OQD9t2AnQwxIcS4yv2t7lCQojSmqNdudMF2zDVTiiu3ZaX-7BLmdOAKo/s400/Screenshot-10398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah and by law, since we're your children, we automatically have to not like whoever you marry. It's like... LAW." Annabelle laughed, as did everyone else. She was hoping they would as she knew they needed a good, nice time after the horror of the recent battle which was still fresh in their minds.<br />
<br />
John then stopped himself from laughing and looked over at Annabelle. "And I have a vial of Young Again for you as well, Sis, for everyone. If there's a time in the future that you want to start over, do things again, you can take it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEsdtXae2H7fExavDqjWGtvufRmnB_Vl3rijRQUIVN5QRkj7Q3vhadfe4wO2Pd0E9mfDqZZgXLotKZe6cA0AX0As4E-B3M93VFZU3uDDnIikA6fF8C3rcCdrCQCHHsYzEJLVxndKuCQA/s1600/Screenshot-10397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEsdtXae2H7fExavDqjWGtvufRmnB_Vl3rijRQUIVN5QRkj7Q3vhadfe4wO2Pd0E9mfDqZZgXLotKZe6cA0AX0As4E-B3M93VFZU3uDDnIikA6fF8C3rcCdrCQCHHsYzEJLVxndKuCQA/s400/Screenshot-10397.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah, but I don't see that ever happening." Annabelle kept laughing, then walked back over to the living room couch to read her book. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBxWRF8ggiA__gFZ2x_1vZumS8SHg0zZ5KYGTJ23Kg3NUpAfiUYjCSzdmfYzb2y-l8Ner_N8u05eRL0uCUpzFRIMcEiwRlo8wm8T0Pbhmo95Dms_H0R_IAgZQFUxYUcp9yOPUz2twuA4/s1600/Screenshot-10399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBxWRF8ggiA__gFZ2x_1vZumS8SHg0zZ5KYGTJ23Kg3NUpAfiUYjCSzdmfYzb2y-l8Ner_N8u05eRL0uCUpzFRIMcEiwRlo8wm8T0Pbhmo95Dms_H0R_IAgZQFUxYUcp9yOPUz2twuA4/s400/Screenshot-10399.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZNb0EXD_We6SM1ZZeGp9J8_fLQxQlefAWk-CPABNq31I-FJJGHSJAc7L-mTYd-k3mcfiz7y9cybnYvlv9SPUFxuwT5E7RIyugubB_BKBH3k9cc19-oSq868kRMoPGNk1vga4fvRbJ_s/s1600/Screenshot-10400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZNb0EXD_We6SM1ZZeGp9J8_fLQxQlefAWk-CPABNq31I-FJJGHSJAc7L-mTYd-k3mcfiz7y9cybnYvlv9SPUFxuwT5E7RIyugubB_BKBH3k9cc19-oSq868kRMoPGNk1vga4fvRbJ_s/s400/Screenshot-10400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Meanwhile, Deacon and Isobelle waited for Scarlett to pass before sharing a kiss. Izzy then pulled back and chuckled. "Hehe, that stubble you got there, changing your looks?"<br />
<br />
Deacon took his turn to smile, then felt his chin. "Yeah, Tom looks cool with it so I thought I'd try it out. And I'm not the only one."<br />
<br />
Isobelle, who knew what he was talking about, felt her own face. When Keera was injured in that explosion, John had apparently finished developing his own type of special "hydro-gel cellular reparation" device to help hide burn scars.<br />
<br />
He had tried it on Keera, but her scar was too severe to be properly hidden and as it turned out she didn't even want it fixed, but not for Isobelle's minor mark she had obtained when fighting those Vazir units a few weeks back. In the days since the final conflict with Jack, John had found the device and used it on Isobelle, hiding the mark.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Yeah well the face is not enough. 'It's the clothes that make the Torran hybrid', so to speak."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZATqetK7j1dxwHrd67HGAreh9MNhjmuCCVyOwG_OBsJRZCJcIc9stM2Sgwb2XFVzbghhZZkDvcVMd80DmV3u3LWAK1RF2CxgqUzx19H2zrxedMwfX6i-V9vEsEfZDKn2TphDJlEH31A/s1600/Screenshot-10403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZATqetK7j1dxwHrd67HGAreh9MNhjmuCCVyOwG_OBsJRZCJcIc9stM2Sgwb2XFVzbghhZZkDvcVMd80DmV3u3LWAK1RF2CxgqUzx19H2zrxedMwfX6i-V9vEsEfZDKn2TphDJlEH31A/s400/Screenshot-10403.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon laughed. "Yeah and the first thing you did was find clothes that matched your hair color. What is it with the people in this household and their obsession with certain colors? You know if you guys become superheroes, your identities will be easily revealed through the colors of your costumes."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM4dELf2pRu5lUW-F6dYfmNO5Ga5csJqQ18bgS_56zkIrJCJk0i7xCjIY_QoIBTZRGn7o-1I-tKkD-colgvZpAPeqNN8EQG8vgi94XoTFWQDgguf_ph2hwWTrz-rDUUiIhgxhSddkFRs/s1600/Screenshot-10405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM4dELf2pRu5lUW-F6dYfmNO5Ga5csJqQ18bgS_56zkIrJCJk0i7xCjIY_QoIBTZRGn7o-1I-tKkD-colgvZpAPeqNN8EQG8vgi94XoTFWQDgguf_ph2hwWTrz-rDUUiIhgxhSddkFRs/s400/Screenshot-10405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"We already are superheroes, Deac." Isobelle chuckled again, then looked him in the eye. "You're just out of the loop. Hero code and all that: You know loved ones can't be told the secret identity for their own protection... which makes zero sense but hey I didn't come up with the thing. But as for the colors, maybe some people just feel comfortable in what they see as normal. I know I do."</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I get that, a sense of security. A grasp at the concept of normalcy that most people have. When you wear those colors, you feel normal, like you belong."</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtngBS2ACadkC3vzUVoN9h4tAcVC5XImSqCvo4fWJTyOzQ0pv-gOLaOxKe-cFn2i2G_Bn4Zn1TEMTC-JxCkH9yqjuGbGzv4EX5rN2D48_ooFSrmD36mVQkhRJPig_8KaNtdG9rWh7qFg/s1600/Screenshot-10406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtngBS2ACadkC3vzUVoN9h4tAcVC5XImSqCvo4fWJTyOzQ0pv-gOLaOxKe-cFn2i2G_Bn4Zn1TEMTC-JxCkH9yqjuGbGzv4EX5rN2D48_ooFSrmD36mVQkhRJPig_8KaNtdG9rWh7qFg/s400/Screenshot-10406.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"When did you get all psychoanalytical?"</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I read a few books. But then again they may or may not have been outdated." After sharing a happy laugh, the two went back to cuddling, wanting to spend the entire day on that couch. </div>
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD134jHPQrnM3NS2piDVwh_YIezfKuZ65tRTtYTiYq5_HTPF4iETDDh9vkk1GpFGTvhDeWCcVbwkGupNCn1NPSWFa-j8-SsX83NwvDYikU0BVhzUtxuIx8ZBk9jFEOMTyYhjNnxiA0mQ/s1600/Screenshot-10407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD134jHPQrnM3NS2piDVwh_YIezfKuZ65tRTtYTiYq5_HTPF4iETDDh9vkk1GpFGTvhDeWCcVbwkGupNCn1NPSWFa-j8-SsX83NwvDYikU0BVhzUtxuIx8ZBk9jFEOMTyYhjNnxiA0mQ/s400/Screenshot-10407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom stood in the rec room, listening to loud music to sooth his soul. He had needed a breather, especially since he was threatened by Jack himself when Annabelle refused to use the star-shaped Key Stone and knocked out temporarily during the ensuing physical confrontation. Tom kept thinking that Jack was ready to kill the both of them, and probably would have had he obtained the genie lamp before Annabelle.<br />
<br />
It was blind luck that the room was magically changed into a large, white, foggy chamber when Annabelle and Jack both entered, as through the room itself wanted just one person to get the lamp and wouldn't reveal it until one or the other was knocked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITleOTU1izLB3rsuBUPXk1ZHpdUDcU8afKk5coIgz3Kf111okgy-3gu_CIEgL_ZBqjZzN21iuh3wIi5bZMeq2NyVWf3_Hk05ak5njm5AggksNfrIkKryG2GnaZ_hKPi-jeEbS6qBM-fI/s1600/Screenshot-10409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITleOTU1izLB3rsuBUPXk1ZHpdUDcU8afKk5coIgz3Kf111okgy-3gu_CIEgL_ZBqjZzN21iuh3wIi5bZMeq2NyVWf3_Hk05ak5njm5AggksNfrIkKryG2GnaZ_hKPi-jeEbS6qBM-fI/s400/Screenshot-10409.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
However, Tom's thoughts were interrupted when someone tapped on his shoulder. He turned around, expecting Annabelle or Scarlett, but was shocked to see Maria standing there with a smile on her face. "Hey Tommy Boy!" she said, leaning in to hug him. Tom returned the hug and then turned the music down on the radio.<br />
<br />
"When did you get here?" Tom asked, "We didn't expect you here for another couple days!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM93GPOMUG30FIspRyYuzAK63D5CqnYY4Fk2jt4qyU_Wd5RUTrMouX-uMJult2_3D0_3a5xyt7jNkUe3KYacEvn6zQsaGVMKfuU1uqN7OfwjPQTTSHwU-8NHOiwpARGVZaKmClgjQBGHU/s1600/Screenshot-10408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM93GPOMUG30FIspRyYuzAK63D5CqnYY4Fk2jt4qyU_Wd5RUTrMouX-uMJult2_3D0_3a5xyt7jNkUe3KYacEvn6zQsaGVMKfuU1uqN7OfwjPQTTSHwU-8NHOiwpARGVZaKmClgjQBGHU/s400/Screenshot-10408.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"A short time ago." Maria replied. "I was granted leave because of what happened here a few days ago. And I would have gone all-Scarlett on them had they not given it to me, especially after the hassle I went through when Keera was injured. However, they did, and I'm here! I heard you and Annie were quite the heroes!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UkZZx1-9R-w8QeIcwgFa-v2APJEgoSETG3yw5o0kTNK21ZtoIir0Lop3XA7xw7J-U5rWKwDJhw3yzko6OD6hCkdNYsVJtWKDfPqSIilXzpFa_U9kTqMiS0xjJ8mRDSnPVm0kpUREoug/s1600/Screenshot-10411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UkZZx1-9R-w8QeIcwgFa-v2APJEgoSETG3yw5o0kTNK21ZtoIir0Lop3XA7xw7J-U5rWKwDJhw3yzko6OD6hCkdNYsVJtWKDfPqSIilXzpFa_U9kTqMiS0xjJ8mRDSnPVm0kpUREoug/s400/Screenshot-10411.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Oh well Annie did a lot of it. But I helped!" Tom said, proudly. "But really it was mostly Annie."<br />
<br />
"Well I heard it was a nasty little scuffle. I hope there's no long-term effects as a result."<br />
<br />
"Well I think I cut my thumb on a rock. Unless it gets infected I don't think I have to worry about things like long-term effects... then again I've seen stranger things in my life. Did I tell you about the Genie? I think she's at the graveyard with Keera."<br />
<br />
Maria laughed. "Yeah Anna-bee filled me in with all the information. I think I'm suffering from weirdness overload... the biggest oddity I've encountered this past year was a costume designer who wore the costumes around the set. She wanted me to call her 'Superlady'."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqwYphabVrnPTOA-tMgGfFOqRoimrEm6fZy0r-a86jhDF_1-vMtcvmQa-YXI2oWn5QLq8yVc2VawyVdsNq-18r-bMU3AutRKdXhP6euIBazcXwlIV-O9u9IMgBrHuumwONHnTLMnwrIk/s1600/Screenshot-10412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqwYphabVrnPTOA-tMgGfFOqRoimrEm6fZy0r-a86jhDF_1-vMtcvmQa-YXI2oWn5QLq8yVc2VawyVdsNq-18r-bMU3AutRKdXhP6euIBazcXwlIV-O9u9IMgBrHuumwONHnTLMnwrIk/s400/Screenshot-10412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Maria then laughed to herself. "Turns out she wasn't even a costume designer, and that there was an asylum a few miles from the studio. She made good outfits though! She said she saw some green people around Monte Vista which made me think of Annie, actually, but didn't look too far into it. Waaay to busy with the shoot."<br />
<br />
Tom nodded as she spoke, then stopped himself when she mentioned other green people. Were these other Hybrids Annabelle mentioned? Before he could ask, Maria quickly spoke up. "Hey I am going to go grocery shopping downtown soon. I was wondering if you could come along? I need someone to show me where the market is and maybe show me around town and Annie's expecting someone later. Would you care to join me?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXh0uuPvV4WbnpFMg1Fhm9XuO2YWLdD3djjpFcP4oegxEIQUMXB8wnHKtnPw3G6euj6-AWxKlCFdWpdA5xtvWm5eupPUL3EGK5sscabZuNMCvZG3Vr3JYCWHs_rn6qCn6IzGMdTkcn9k/s1600/Screenshot-10410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXh0uuPvV4WbnpFMg1Fhm9XuO2YWLdD3djjpFcP4oegxEIQUMXB8wnHKtnPw3G6euj6-AWxKlCFdWpdA5xtvWm5eupPUL3EGK5sscabZuNMCvZG3Vr3JYCWHs_rn6qCn6IzGMdTkcn9k/s400/Screenshot-10410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom nodded again. "Yeah I'll come! It will give me an opportunity to get out of the house for a bit, and it's about time for the two of us to catch up!"<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXutUU4-vwe3z7_Clt7igvLu-gTviHNh7RujU600hBdwIWw_n2LvNvpSPcd_IyK5kzEBIZrYt3p2QbLqH0A_V7im5E38NKv3DyY7T-jxT215oE6mfBCz6s2KgPcth6x3De2fNnA3gRQg/s1600/Screenshot-10379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXutUU4-vwe3z7_Clt7igvLu-gTviHNh7RujU600hBdwIWw_n2LvNvpSPcd_IyK5kzEBIZrYt3p2QbLqH0A_V7im5E38NKv3DyY7T-jxT215oE6mfBCz6s2KgPcth6x3De2fNnA3gRQg/s400/Screenshot-10379.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The drive to the market was full of talking, with Tom expressing all the things he'd done the past year with the exception of mentioning Andy. Maria, in turn, had talked a lot about what happened at the studio set while they were filming a movie, elaborating on the would-be costume designer who was actually paid in the end for what she did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8E4BWXPQpaOLz9jBr4aHIxE6WUoYyotRk-fax_iW1Hy2k4eGwYmzTC8uqlZA_T3Juoour99HdaAFbWbhFDStk4CvHxBHnvpmdka5gbITGnqoyqbnXdd805DAkJ52_9hVk1w_gOeM1Xk/s1600/Screenshot-10287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8E4BWXPQpaOLz9jBr4aHIxE6WUoYyotRk-fax_iW1Hy2k4eGwYmzTC8uqlZA_T3Juoour99HdaAFbWbhFDStk4CvHxBHnvpmdka5gbITGnqoyqbnXdd805DAkJ52_9hVk1w_gOeM1Xk/s400/Screenshot-10287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A short time later, Maria and Tom arrived at the market to buy groceries. Tom decided to drop Maria off near the store's entrance while he drove around the corner to park. As Maria stood there waiting for him, she heard a man's voice behind her.<br />
<br />
"Maria? Maria Kethrin?!" Maria turned around and saw a man standing near her and immediately winced, then turned around and went back to waiting for Tom to get back from parking the car.. The man approached her and tapped on her shoulder.<br />
<br />
"You are Maria! As I live and breathe!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjqrWZq7T-NdRo_9z6_OP_BiucSiCE9REyEQH5e85K8EqcuYIohz2aDT2yMKne5-bZsUeZB_vfYvS8QQr1FiADNuO1OsVti8UvPqOQxfSIZaB2zC15bs7YUuMMvZiIw_WsAYtYEOJEbc/s1600/Screenshot-10280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjqrWZq7T-NdRo_9z6_OP_BiucSiCE9REyEQH5e85K8EqcuYIohz2aDT2yMKne5-bZsUeZB_vfYvS8QQr1FiADNuO1OsVti8UvPqOQxfSIZaB2zC15bs7YUuMMvZiIw_WsAYtYEOJEbc/s400/Screenshot-10280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maria turned angry as she turned back around, and the man took this as a sign to step back a few feet. "Come any closer to me and you <i>won't be</i> living and breathing. What the HELL do you want, Matthews?!"<br />
<br />
Robert Matthews, John's biological father whom he had met a few months earlier in that bar back in Alaska, turned white when he heard Maria angry at him. "I-I just... I didn't expect to find you here, Maria. I came here because I saw Johnny on the news-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoXZ2IGM_PFCdkiKWjMSAwtbd1LruqNZU5XSs8ZcR1OPVAlXbvSyCMZxebjt2RyFXvdaHp1OnLYgwHvGaAi3bGETvFunyprGeJtnMpvfNibc0PKfV4xls0-uxKLBIKbsV4cLaHm4LFpc/s1600/Screenshot-10281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoXZ2IGM_PFCdkiKWjMSAwtbd1LruqNZU5XSs8ZcR1OPVAlXbvSyCMZxebjt2RyFXvdaHp1OnLYgwHvGaAi3bGETvFunyprGeJtnMpvfNibc0PKfV4xls0-uxKLBIKbsV4cLaHm4LFpc/s400/Screenshot-10281.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"-and you wanted to get to know him, right? It has nothing to do with the fact that you saw him on television and immediately assumed he was famous now for what he and all <i>his</i> family members did." Maria put special emphasis on "<i>his family</i>" because she wanted to distance Robert from John in any possible way, especially on a family matter. "Admit it, Robert, you just wanted to leech off his fame."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGVY-9xIzbE4c95wV09KQ9MIIajGhHezrmjdVnmsKQBEf-74ciYPuaFAW0udY1XT06lk9JM_atp8dkeQD6pjet-9Tp3DN6n-Wv9GqSWEILY2rsYSKQRnaeyMYCs0GJB9FI3mrhqfI1v4/s1600/Screenshot-10285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGVY-9xIzbE4c95wV09KQ9MIIajGhHezrmjdVnmsKQBEf-74ciYPuaFAW0udY1XT06lk9JM_atp8dkeQD6pjet-9Tp3DN6n-Wv9GqSWEILY2rsYSKQRnaeyMYCs0GJB9FI3mrhqfI1v4/s400/Screenshot-10285.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Dammit Maria, I just want to get to know my son."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, I knew you cared about Johnny when you left him alone when he hadn't even been born yet. You're certainly the next great Father of the Century, right?" Maria turned around and saw Tom emerge from the other side of the market and gestured towards him while looking at Robert.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzPq937P7FdmQ_CvyI0wG_U280HG4rEM3ym6im8wrsExSalyhoxeq5nQBmD4K5HnZ_hZYj43PF7ZDvhNylgDV2gfJ8tU7FP3MVbMmDNztAjvKvUlIW0kmy0BcntKPR31yAgANMkihgyI/s1600/Screenshot-10284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzPq937P7FdmQ_CvyI0wG_U280HG4rEM3ym6im8wrsExSalyhoxeq5nQBmD4K5HnZ_hZYj43PF7ZDvhNylgDV2gfJ8tU7FP3MVbMmDNztAjvKvUlIW0kmy0BcntKPR31yAgANMkihgyI/s400/Screenshot-10284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You see him? I helped raise him. I helped him when his parents died. He wasn't even my son. You should have done the same. Maybe then, John wouldn't have told me that he wanted to smash your teeth in that night you two met in the bar." Maria led Tom away from Robert, the former of which having just recognized the latter from the night the two met int he bar. However, she turned around once more. "Quite frankly, I wouldn't have blamed him if he did break your jaw. In fact I <i>wish</i> he had."<br />
<br />
Then there were no more words. Maria and Tom went into the marketplace, leaving Robert behind alone. As they were walking away, Tom took the time to add some levity to the situation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gY-pdzN6JpJQFnUyHMOV8UVFRgS4Ow9i2ju30yW_QPFtYIH6IX8h4PlvdvFRwquPcy2bB9TOtYDhPUj7YTiTVWKaBz3ljjBo94FcFjmrSvQlT7OYak_wyVDrnEqWjU8IEyKziS0t2e8/s1600/Screenshot-10286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gY-pdzN6JpJQFnUyHMOV8UVFRgS4Ow9i2ju30yW_QPFtYIH6IX8h4PlvdvFRwquPcy2bB9TOtYDhPUj7YTiTVWKaBz3ljjBo94FcFjmrSvQlT7OYak_wyVDrnEqWjU8IEyKziS0t2e8/s400/Screenshot-10286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You know the last time a Kethrin confronted that man, they proposed to someone of blood relation to me. Now I'd appreciate the gesture if you popped the question right now but I kinda have a thing for your daughter." Tom winked humorously at Maria, making her laugh as they walked into the market.<br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRr89mIRBoyqPEoLmZayz2zQC6W8kSBJ4098QXWQpSBEjx1sfqykpksGcj90H3ge-aL0zYIV4Kaa7RZBf0wCZmy0fh8ktXB_bZZ8y8YX5_xyGrh_Fp5hkxTMpMDR0dXqvk-XtZ5TemyQg/s1600/Screenshot-10414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRr89mIRBoyqPEoLmZayz2zQC6W8kSBJ4098QXWQpSBEjx1sfqykpksGcj90H3ge-aL0zYIV4Kaa7RZBf0wCZmy0fh8ktXB_bZZ8y8YX5_xyGrh_Fp5hkxTMpMDR0dXqvk-XtZ5TemyQg/s400/Screenshot-10414.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly spoke in Cantonese as she talked into her phone while Mirabelle was just then waking up from a short nap, speaking the words for "Marriage" a few times. Mirabelle, even half-asleep, figured that Kelly was talking to her mother Mei Coen and announcing the upcoming nuptials between herself and Mirabelle. Kelly hung up the phone when she was done talking and walked over to her fiance, who was standing up and stretching. <br />
<br />
"Hey Mira," Kelly said. "It's like 1:00 PM. Mom was just saying she and my dad were landing at SFO, and they'll be here as soon as they can grab a rental car and drive the distance. I wish they could have landed closer but with all the craziness in this portion of California, San Francisco is their best bet."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLz2FFzd0atZ1jytN_1GaQ3WDeRVr8x1Tf5pL10oL-1cCJTQSZB3hFz_yzLiDwjaxdTN0Pp2Dtv-EXa_7MeQ6d29tINwA36PkrSvOs3JGNAbVf2AlSuQOEDZ-vdGP1mF53ALtlgrT0NQ/s1600/Screenshot-10415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLz2FFzd0atZ1jytN_1GaQ3WDeRVr8x1Tf5pL10oL-1cCJTQSZB3hFz_yzLiDwjaxdTN0Pp2Dtv-EXa_7MeQ6d29tINwA36PkrSvOs3JGNAbVf2AlSuQOEDZ-vdGP1mF53ALtlgrT0NQ/s400/Screenshot-10415.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"I just wish they'd move Stateside." Mirabelle said. "We'd see them more if they weren't living in China."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5BaGPhZW7Paz-vO6LxF6pqsuhXOn_k4_U5Ql4M58JgPuFuoGQ8oa_988HBGnlAfs-EWE2epcx1-FsvQmdCTaophLjK8xRTLrmdPsPCgXK-2uVb-gct5Z23vbun4S3kcxHqDK1UtU0aU/s1600/Screenshot-10417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5BaGPhZW7Paz-vO6LxF6pqsuhXOn_k4_U5Ql4M58JgPuFuoGQ8oa_988HBGnlAfs-EWE2epcx1-FsvQmdCTaophLjK8xRTLrmdPsPCgXK-2uVb-gct5Z23vbun4S3kcxHqDK1UtU0aU/s400/Screenshot-10417.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well you know my parents, they like living in Shangri La. They were able to see Tom a few months ago when he visited then, around the time Keera was..." Kelly stopped herself right there. The last thing she wanted to do was associate Tom's fun with family with Keera's grave injury at the movie set the previous July, especially with Mirabelle standing there.<br />
<br />
The two hadn't been able to sleep much since the day of the battle at the graveyard, both being upset at what happened to Keera's friend Collin and his last words. Kelly had looked up the names "Jennifer" and "Peter" while using the Hidden Springs studio accident and Collin's full name as a reference. It seemed Jenny Lyons was Collin's wife, who became estranged from him, along with her adult son Peter, after Collin admitted to the Alaskan Film Board that he was inadvertently responsible for the accident that left Keera scarred. His last words were that he loved them, and wanted to make sure they were alright.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kelly tracked Peter down to Moonlight Falls, a town in southern Washington, and intended to visit him later on. She felt now wasn't the right time since it's been so soon since Collin's death, she didn't want to bother him, especially since he'd already have enough to worry about at this moment. Trying to alleviate the worry in the air, Kelly quickly changed the subject.</div>
<br />
"Oh I saw your mom downstairs. I think she took Tom to the store and will be back soon."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgqKbYFyGBA8jUxPr36aj9cKvtoNMHOlEM2-syhMgGhQbn77PHhjOqgYSZTbXlkLotStOO4eyAZsrwcAOjWBAFqFuFAykSwI1bgCe4SWqh97cQ3NaIkoPOVlp5syFVjv50CiAnEZjXz0/s1600/Screenshot-10418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgqKbYFyGBA8jUxPr36aj9cKvtoNMHOlEM2-syhMgGhQbn77PHhjOqgYSZTbXlkLotStOO4eyAZsrwcAOjWBAFqFuFAykSwI1bgCe4SWqh97cQ3NaIkoPOVlp5syFVjv50CiAnEZjXz0/s400/Screenshot-10418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle froze up. Even though she knew Maria Kethrin better than anyone, being her daughter, Mirabelle herself hadn't <i>technically</i> met her yet. That is, the magenta-toned woman that looked, sounded, and acted exactly like Annabelle Kethrin. "I-I heard she was coming to town, I didn't know it was so early." Mira tensed up, and Kelly felt this, not even needing her little psychic powers that she had been trying to hone for a few days now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvvQrqi20aZwV84J9CnRzt9kg7mJVepOuC51VsvE8N91ZRdqCGhvdzhIknAJ6FMffZTB4dtTb_GHOVtYj_w_OOhta7Bk4WypCv-JaPcvnW47aRt-QU8YI4jFQPccvsKCwIbKQA1KZlp8/s1600/Screenshot-10420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvvQrqi20aZwV84J9CnRzt9kg7mJVepOuC51VsvE8N91ZRdqCGhvdzhIknAJ6FMffZTB4dtTb_GHOVtYj_w_OOhta7Bk4WypCv-JaPcvnW47aRt-QU8YI4jFQPccvsKCwIbKQA1KZlp8/s400/Screenshot-10420.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly affectionately held her arm. "You don't have to worry, Mira. I know your mom, she won't look down on you, and I know that's what you're afraid of."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Yeah well I'm still worrying. Maria-erm... mom hasn't met me yet! She doesn't know me!"<br />
<br />
"She does, and you'll see when you do meet see her. Trust me, I'm a detective."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV8tY2zNrqRHmGmzBfAytjho7g-1HZ1SfOyj3SvpYA6a-DJe2Oj9a7j3IWFkcGlMqGawAG9NPHvi_BoFzxQYid1EntxOFUj8sTcou6fvXnqWZXnoMvJXJ4UmoNYYYDJ1gismZ_dWEf08/s1600/Screenshot-10421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV8tY2zNrqRHmGmzBfAytjho7g-1HZ1SfOyj3SvpYA6a-DJe2Oj9a7j3IWFkcGlMqGawAG9NPHvi_BoFzxQYid1EntxOFUj8sTcou6fvXnqWZXnoMvJXJ4UmoNYYYDJ1gismZ_dWEf08/s400/Screenshot-10421.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle uneasily chuckled and scratched her head. "Is that how you're able to solve problems, through awesome super-duper detective work?"<br />
<br />
Kelly nodded, her expression of happiness and pride. "Well I lost the 'duper' part last year. Big layoffs in the detective business. But Super detective work is still fine to do!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6dWbwX5dVANZvUiEFuRvZmwfl20AoUrW1QDshotNzBOSoXEPkita_wucRPHalkTDU1jQWNK4ql5zGlowESfliWEqKrGEPwlALIM0r8Zi7MLrhFzsymVhsAIIXlyBup8DQWR4UMQgjmQ/s1600/Screenshot-10422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6dWbwX5dVANZvUiEFuRvZmwfl20AoUrW1QDshotNzBOSoXEPkita_wucRPHalkTDU1jQWNK4ql5zGlowESfliWEqKrGEPwlALIM0r8Zi7MLrhFzsymVhsAIIXlyBup8DQWR4UMQgjmQ/s400/Screenshot-10422.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The both of them laughed as Mirabelle stood there, still worried about the inevitable meeting with Maria Kethrin. After a short time, Kelly walked downstairs, sensing a serious amount of new things that were about to come to the house, but she didn't know exactly what... <br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Annie smiled when Cassie showed up, greeting her in the foyer. Cassie, who had been away for a few days since choosing to leave Starlight Shores during the evacuation, looked at Annie's still-healing injuries from the fight. "Oh dear. Well It's wonderful you're safe and sound. I heard there was quite the battle the other day."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXuAIJ2E2T45XjjhvwwQH5uVhWQsmTD4GxdzUe05ripZ0bDwnN_UDrtXxGKSLwntLuUsYL5abODIvFqwVTSNnk33mzxWwr-q8ti3KsezApv7r36FnI93YE9RI4L9F-4iRwYYCDHxHZ08/s1600/Screenshot-10427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXuAIJ2E2T45XjjhvwwQH5uVhWQsmTD4GxdzUe05ripZ0bDwnN_UDrtXxGKSLwntLuUsYL5abODIvFqwVTSNnk33mzxWwr-q8ti3KsezApv7r36FnI93YE9RI4L9F-4iRwYYCDHxHZ08/s400/Screenshot-10427.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Ya, a minor scuffle. I got the worst of it, as usual. Tom's still a little shaken though, I haven't talked to him much. And no one's really spoken to Anika, but she's around."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0AL6IwTqQ86Krlsl4UH7XHeOv4APIHd-P-L4S-FNk-4yC4EY0Ai6AdxJvXBNvQq8GzfOc87QDdQ6bO1HwUhjUi8wUW0zJh7eSVgSQiEWRheFCvPO6zoTxgHSxl9iAxBiubPfQPMTlQI/s1600/Screenshot-10428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0AL6IwTqQ86Krlsl4UH7XHeOv4APIHd-P-L4S-FNk-4yC4EY0Ai6AdxJvXBNvQq8GzfOc87QDdQ6bO1HwUhjUi8wUW0zJh7eSVgSQiEWRheFCvPO6zoTxgHSxl9iAxBiubPfQPMTlQI/s400/Screenshot-10428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Anika?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle smiled. "The genie. We released her from the lamp after wishing for Keera's eye to be healed. Long story."<br />
<br />
Cassie looked at Annabelle with a wide-eyed expression on her face. She then shook it off and remembered what she wanted to say. "Oh, well then. It sounds like you had quite an adventure, much like this young man here has. Gabe, come on in! I want you to meet Annabelle!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1_kLsE_RxzaJueVCNMYgvwjal4IjKxvxnqZuntAMOYvDzqzTWskscEYOCjrclp6zsbcfIwNLwI_3M3zGkRwhJuIfVGeyOnuGfzUdoim3ci1M_udTWADZRaTNJu2qJ-fNw0g0q_8Wk3A/s1600/Screenshot-10429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1_kLsE_RxzaJueVCNMYgvwjal4IjKxvxnqZuntAMOYvDzqzTWskscEYOCjrclp6zsbcfIwNLwI_3M3zGkRwhJuIfVGeyOnuGfzUdoim3ci1M_udTWADZRaTNJu2qJ-fNw0g0q_8Wk3A/s400/Screenshot-10429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle was confused. "Gabe? Gabe? Gabe?" She had only heard that name a few times in her life, the majority of which was in a dream she had a few weeks before. "Gabe?" Suddenly Gabriel, Cassie's friend, emerged into the open doorway. His eyes grew large when he saw Annabelle standing there, matching her own as she herself stepped backwards in utter shock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCGVgPv8qfpox2UMy_6uTUfSEs1qIt_exeB5cuVIMSp3VC6vC5wLJOBLI6pp-vwzf9zxzGX8YAg3Jq_D-HG39SNwCYWdqTehbO_kEki68tC_fhrO9NWsmKOW_3tAxiqp63LE-AfD67iY/s1600/Screenshot-10430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCGVgPv8qfpox2UMy_6uTUfSEs1qIt_exeB5cuVIMSp3VC6vC5wLJOBLI6pp-vwzf9zxzGX8YAg3Jq_D-HG39SNwCYWdqTehbO_kEki68tC_fhrO9NWsmKOW_3tAxiqp63LE-AfD67iY/s400/Screenshot-10430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What... the... what... the... what?!" Annabelle continued to step backwards upon seeing Gabriel, the teen she saw in her dream, her teenage son, as he looked exactly in the dream. "Who what when what how wah-"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Annie lost her balance and fell to the floor, fainting at the sight of the teen. Gabriel, having recognized the woman from her dream in all her green-skinned glory, also nearly passed out, but Cassie caught him and shook him back into a state in which he could form cognitive thoughts. "Who is she to you?" She asked, "You recognize her?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-9cJl5LWjlhBXIabPIvwIRBmCsQ6Zo1uF_NG6iGiVlADSX-nsQw7D0myVzc3PpO8CcZv18RMcjfkjfjf74JXjIIyz8oimLtUihLrYsUEPrBFZm3T0IqBk3yWoK3_bzUsyAWaCb1FYz0/s1600/Screenshot-10432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-9cJl5LWjlhBXIabPIvwIRBmCsQ6Zo1uF_NG6iGiVlADSX-nsQw7D0myVzc3PpO8CcZv18RMcjfkjfjf74JXjIIyz8oimLtUihLrYsUEPrBFZm3T0IqBk3yWoK3_bzUsyAWaCb1FYz0/s400/Screenshot-10432.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"She's my mother from my dream, the one I told you about. She's real."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovp8d5xisph7fjb8sxLeIanprCUUvnUUnIJhPx0Vpb1KGJEUYyyIWr7kstY7vXTPr1rjKFcMOckhz3QsyTcYVXw4Csk9jPOOr5PMzLSnMM2Hk_meBZa6SDILa3G7qBxXkaWUQRZjdG0w/s1600/Screenshot-10434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovp8d5xisph7fjb8sxLeIanprCUUvnUUnIJhPx0Vpb1KGJEUYyyIWr7kstY7vXTPr1rjKFcMOckhz3QsyTcYVXw4Csk9jPOOr5PMzLSnMM2Hk_meBZa6SDILa3G7qBxXkaWUQRZjdG0w/s400/Screenshot-10434.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly, who had heard the commotion from the other room, ran into the foyer and saw Annie unconscious on the floor. She looked at Gabriel, who was standing there with Cassie, and saw a bit of her cousin Tom in his face, particularly the eyes. "What's your name?", she asked finally.<br />
<br />
"Gabriel. My name is Gabriel."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nMP0tqiOJJJadxtbiv_Xxl9U_2e571FFzxssW6I8OI8xsyUsdgCDu3K3tfLN7ix60RrZMmitjbblm99qZ2Epgk1QtEQzImdMChkWHD_ttp-Qp_v1OQvEpWfcndfQqCN9X9GNVzD530k/s1600/Screenshot-10436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nMP0tqiOJJJadxtbiv_Xxl9U_2e571FFzxssW6I8OI8xsyUsdgCDu3K3tfLN7ix60RrZMmitjbblm99qZ2Epgk1QtEQzImdMChkWHD_ttp-Qp_v1OQvEpWfcndfQqCN9X9GNVzD530k/s400/Screenshot-10436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly herself was taken aback from the name. She remembered Annabelle telling everyone for a week about her son from a realistic dream she had, a son named Gabriel. Of course Annie had not divulged the name of the father in her dream but everyone automatically assumed it was Tom from the description of the son. Now he was standing here in the house. It was literally like a dream come true. Pushing past her initial reservations, Kelly looked Gabriel in the eyes. "Where did you come from?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI3jGtFP-SZFJm4cbI_c00QZZCUXnzR4mbPq7HYLLteAZY0ycnIyJCUveKqItqetTOYnSOv40OR6VZJZp39k8XdLxx-G-K6-z_iKwa-XMaxQxPoG3vMuI_PV5SfNvGdNY3NCylV-g3yE/s1600/Screenshot-10435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI3jGtFP-SZFJm4cbI_c00QZZCUXnzR4mbPq7HYLLteAZY0ycnIyJCUveKqItqetTOYnSOv40OR6VZJZp39k8XdLxx-G-K6-z_iKwa-XMaxQxPoG3vMuI_PV5SfNvGdNY3NCylV-g3yE/s400/Screenshot-10435.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That's a bit complicated, and I'd be willing to tell everyone I can when Mrs. Jameson here wakes up."<br />
<br />
<b><i>'Mrs. JAMESON??!'</i></b> Kelly's mind screamed the name out-loud, but she held her outward focus and simply said. "It's Miss Kethrin, actually. So far at least." Kelly smiled when she added that last sentence. "Now let's get Annie to the couch."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwg75CACf3l_DyIbPsxgkq5EhbByXE_QwonGvFxkT7DlZ9hEnEnTON5psQcsTGdRjWiWvu83KG71-VTQCxgohhZev_Ob5YBCTtWlVvsEshkPgxYFUcFbHMK6BTPPp5SnXxyOD-5H_r1Uw/s1600/Screenshot-10433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwg75CACf3l_DyIbPsxgkq5EhbByXE_QwonGvFxkT7DlZ9hEnEnTON5psQcsTGdRjWiWvu83KG71-VTQCxgohhZev_Ob5YBCTtWlVvsEshkPgxYFUcFbHMK6BTPPp5SnXxyOD-5H_r1Uw/s400/Screenshot-10433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuqgEfriXMKUwC2Za_k6W2aehXySj8EIZPJV-RjQzQ45eGB_CRp1Py60IbhNJkluAr6bCcf0m0kjmHZ7Wcs-a3SY8YImiC2Aqhwa0ZcDlmQsYlEtEZdiHAcVTIzQG2DcQ8n1TirMOtAA/s1600/Screenshot-10438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuqgEfriXMKUwC2Za_k6W2aehXySj8EIZPJV-RjQzQ45eGB_CRp1Py60IbhNJkluAr6bCcf0m0kjmHZ7Wcs-a3SY8YImiC2Aqhwa0ZcDlmQsYlEtEZdiHAcVTIzQG2DcQ8n1TirMOtAA/s400/Screenshot-10438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett, who also heard what was going on, ran downstairs and saw Annabelle on the ground, ignoring Gabriel for the time-being. "Wow, knocked out again? I swear she gets knocked unconscious more times than I get angry." With that out of the way, she looked at Gabe and smiled. "Hello, I'm Scarlett Keene. You look familiar, have we met?"<br />
<br />
"Uh... Gabriel. I don't think we have. Unless I dreamed about you too."<br />
<br />
Scarlett looked at Gabriel with an expression that one would call "creeped out" before finally dropping it. She decided to speak no more words as she helped Cassie, Gabe, and Kelly carry Annabelle into the living room and gently laid her down on the couch. She was going to ask Gabriel some more questions but she saw Kelly look at her with a worried expression, as if her blue-clad cousin actually read her mind and told her not to raise any more questions about the teen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tU8IhFsovYjaEu6QEm1nwhIlcP_P0mSpKKBZJqnK1v1CK8VZo0jCIvXiozQVGqDwhZgNfzEO_hdx-5YejJhGBA9bJeiyUwa3dK9NDdHTdeWZb_t4xkv9M-eYo0Cpb4PEC1VzwPkINxE/s1600/Screenshot-10439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tU8IhFsovYjaEu6QEm1nwhIlcP_P0mSpKKBZJqnK1v1CK8VZo0jCIvXiozQVGqDwhZgNfzEO_hdx-5YejJhGBA9bJeiyUwa3dK9NDdHTdeWZb_t4xkv9M-eYo0Cpb4PEC1VzwPkINxE/s400/Screenshot-10439.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cassie, in the mean time, was trying to gather her own thoughts on this whole situation, choosing to remain silent.<br />
<br />
A few moments later, Tom and Maria walked inside, both of them worried after seeing Annabelle passed out through the window. Tom ran to Annie's side and tried to wake her up, not noticing Gabriel as he stood there. Annie then opened her eyes which were immediately fixated on Tom's gray eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY1s4AER0Zm_MiP4qxt38wsCk3vwZ-AkMYKi8A_W2fu8ojXJ8EoKeyYSxfSH9RutVwR5HvelXOv3CvooJFqL5f7rWLVERV78VmkXfu0IuBu_h25t2qe4-VxRCI0LbDA5LbleS1TRVhNI/s1600/Screenshot-10440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY1s4AER0Zm_MiP4qxt38wsCk3vwZ-AkMYKi8A_W2fu8ojXJ8EoKeyYSxfSH9RutVwR5HvelXOv3CvooJFqL5f7rWLVERV78VmkXfu0IuBu_h25t2qe4-VxRCI0LbDA5LbleS1TRVhNI/s400/Screenshot-10440.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I didn't want to leave you two." Annabelle said, "I didn't want to leave Colorado." then, unceremoniously she fell back out. Tom stood up and turned to Gabriel, seeing a sense of familiarity in the young man.<br />
<br />
"Who are you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVfyc_cxlt1WRsY6Q3YoPD2sYJECzQGddyiu69GC7AFflT69zpux_bz4XpIhBquR5VWfuH9AoE-IvhyO3EdC3Liiyf_rTJwgxbu7nny8d_hOj78doDXSMhcDKhgW5HYp5-cFEW_SeigY/s1600/Screenshot-10441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVfyc_cxlt1WRsY6Q3YoPD2sYJECzQGddyiu69GC7AFflT69zpux_bz4XpIhBquR5VWfuH9AoE-IvhyO3EdC3Liiyf_rTJwgxbu7nny8d_hOj78doDXSMhcDKhgW5HYp5-cFEW_SeigY/s400/Screenshot-10441.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"His name is Gabriel." Annabelle sat up, letting the shock wear off after seeing her dreamed-up son walk into her very-real house. She briefly pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming still, then stood up again. "Remember that dream I had? The one about me living in Appaloosa Plains with a son named Gabriel? That's him. Somehow, he is very real." She then angled towards Gabe himself. "Where did you come from?"<br />
<br />
Gabriel sighed, "Apppaloosa Plains, but not in the way you'd expect. I was born in a lab I think... The facility burned to the ground and I escaped the fire with no way of knowing who I was and where to go, so I spent most of my life trying to find a purpose. I stayed in an orphanage in Appaloosa Plains for two years, and gained enough money to buy a bike and head out. My first instinct was Bridgeport, then other towns. Finally I stopped in a desert town a couple weeks ago, stayed in a small hotel, and had a dream about a green-skinned woman who was my mother, and she left for Starlight Shores."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCL8s95T3SFgoYfXRWNwQ0QKc16NkDVf8w5pUZvATVSjWWGmfBqHlcQHSApglcn3c6MG7H3xsr7k3DfC4rEjl-5A99trNM9mPsNyl1zp6QdEQH2aiixe4JmK1Qgf64gtT7sKhb2nd16A/s1600/Screenshot-10442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCL8s95T3SFgoYfXRWNwQ0QKc16NkDVf8w5pUZvATVSjWWGmfBqHlcQHSApglcn3c6MG7H3xsr7k3DfC4rEjl-5A99trNM9mPsNyl1zp6QdEQH2aiixe4JmK1Qgf64gtT7sKhb2nd16A/s400/Screenshot-10442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle nearly passed out again, but wanted to hear the rest of the kid's story. She was visibly shaken as she walked around the room, pacing to keep herself awake. Did they have the same dream that night? A couple weeks before was around the time Annabelle had been knocked out by the explosion, so it matched up.<br />
<br />
"So I headed towards Starlight Shores, wanted to find my mother. By the time I got here, the town was quarantined and I couldn't get in, so I headed up to Sunset Valley and met this lovely lady here." He then gestured towards Cassie, who smiled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrWqxWfkvXYqwIqNffO07ceaOh877z5MCWOgWm4Ls_ejezez2tQQfR9ohWbRCMMWurtLtYD5nKY4CvjrlP99_DK_0GKIg4bwZy-Px4Rr4SBx4IpOzu-CHH0bvrzENBxJHz6ux1SarGMo/s1600/Screenshot-10446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrWqxWfkvXYqwIqNffO07ceaOh877z5MCWOgWm4Ls_ejezez2tQQfR9ohWbRCMMWurtLtYD5nKY4CvjrlP99_DK_0GKIg4bwZy-Px4Rr4SBx4IpOzu-CHH0bvrzENBxJHz6ux1SarGMo/s400/Screenshot-10446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"When he described you, Annabelle, I had to bring him here. I mean, how many other people have green skin on this planet?"<br />
<br />
<i>'Dozens, apparently.'</i> Annabelle thought to herself after hearing about Project Hybrid on Torra Sev. "But oh my God, Gabriel! You're-you're here! You're alive! You're-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxnsjx5VH2VKgQQmrt2lRFm78gYGS1BPgLJWKlwmc4R4HyP9yFaR40qc4qzClg18dNqVKA4gqFxEy-dnoKVfrbVuhKaP07tAhasfIL2m45IHOCJZfTvI0Jnwr0i2tIrrFGeDYBeaz2UA/s1600/Screenshot-10447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxnsjx5VH2VKgQQmrt2lRFm78gYGS1BPgLJWKlwmc4R4HyP9yFaR40qc4qzClg18dNqVKA4gqFxEy-dnoKVfrbVuhKaP07tAhasfIL2m45IHOCJZfTvI0Jnwr0i2tIrrFGeDYBeaz2UA/s400/Screenshot-10447.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"A clone created from two base DNA pairs." John had been standing in the corner, out of the way the whole time. Like Annabelle, he needed to get a hold of all the information that Gabriel was saying. "In a way, he's like Keera! In fact he's exactly like Keera, but unlike her we know <i>for a fact </i>whose DNA was responsible for him."<br />
<br />
For a split second when he mentioned Keera, John winked at Kelly, and Kelly could read his mind: he wasn't saying, but he knew exactly who the other DNA belonged to that was responsible for the teenage girl, which Kelly had tried to keep secret for her own personal reasons.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV7SM1HKs_u2k6QyHryZJWqGK8umdukzCPWUGqiM3Xbu5u3gn8oQ27CguU2MKxQSaEpu61gvrt6LMSUszzUuSiMudwx0rOY0fLXeE7YONL9c2VfVhI93aSSuWspFAYN1YLnjanETKYCw/s1600/Screenshot-10448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV7SM1HKs_u2k6QyHryZJWqGK8umdukzCPWUGqiM3Xbu5u3gn8oQ27CguU2MKxQSaEpu61gvrt6LMSUszzUuSiMudwx0rOY0fLXeE7YONL9c2VfVhI93aSSuWspFAYN1YLnjanETKYCw/s400/Screenshot-10448.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Gabriel nodded. "Yeah, it was pretty obvious when I said my first memory was in a lab that I was a clone. You know you guys are taking all this very well! Normally when I mention that I'm a clone, people run off and hide. Not exactly the first thing one should bring up during a nice date." He chuckled, then said "I <i>know.</i>"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zwgezprz1A3FlcnNr5aecsltIIB9XPJnuw6Vxv_F1FPBYtbrqTl5TjuXHpirm9uizH_t1womijWeZ9hpHUikyZPRYbs5MiF0vkQBuv5AF4i58YvbEkUcnVarmF0uPjcMrFkL7Aoi3pI/s1600/Screenshot-10449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zwgezprz1A3FlcnNr5aecsltIIB9XPJnuw6Vxv_F1FPBYtbrqTl5TjuXHpirm9uizH_t1womijWeZ9hpHUikyZPRYbs5MiF0vkQBuv5AF4i58YvbEkUcnVarmF0uPjcMrFkL7Aoi3pI/s400/Screenshot-10449.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom smiled. He could see a bit of Annabelle, in the personality of this young man, and could definitely see himself when he looked into his eyes. "Another clone is, at this point, the most normal thing that's happened to us. Trust me." Kelly, Scarlett, and John nodded furiously, while Annabelle looked off in the distance with a blank expression. "Wait until you meet the Genie."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L8J5r37xyOKfqt8OKX7HaULd-VyeFbLXjM64oIiuH5nR7GZmrFwi6Su3fHcz9GZZcFVcKQ_G725jprjQqmVMXw4vcvCPClid97nwpc_B5B9ayQPi_jjRjs1SboMX1EEitJogh7renYM/s1600/Screenshot-10451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L8J5r37xyOKfqt8OKX7HaULd-VyeFbLXjM64oIiuH5nR7GZmrFwi6Su3fHcz9GZZcFVcKQ_G725jprjQqmVMXw4vcvCPClid97nwpc_B5B9ayQPi_jjRjs1SboMX1EEitJogh7renYM/s400/Screenshot-10451.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle stopped the conversation in it's tracks. "Okay, Gabriel, we need to talk.privately later." When Tom was about to object as he too wanted to figure out things regarding Gabe, particularly the DNA link between both men, Annabelle looked at him with desperation. "Later.", she said again. Realizing she needed more answers than him, Tom nodded and everyone went back to their business.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTiqxfg3rNrdHCUEsJc32BDdEVLR9X35VA7PKp5iXeO1irAGuLa3r_ViEo-_OY6oyOhKDRw5WCqKHlo29hiOXrWLeqRpLynRDQSdcSY1BPqFYOTbVmG3MG5eEE8MkzqyoUVMYmGyRZdo/s1600/Screenshot-10452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTiqxfg3rNrdHCUEsJc32BDdEVLR9X35VA7PKp5iXeO1irAGuLa3r_ViEo-_OY6oyOhKDRw5WCqKHlo29hiOXrWLeqRpLynRDQSdcSY1BPqFYOTbVmG3MG5eEE8MkzqyoUVMYmGyRZdo/s400/Screenshot-10452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett, who had remained quiet through the whole thing, looked over at John. "What the hell just happened?" John merely shrugged and left to go upstairs, but not before taking the time to quietly kiss his fiance in the relatively empty living room. <br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFbBYLpNDXnQXmiFLhoTSiG6GfR87jemPWR1LeOt29FEWr8JcwEx4FuFSRzBhZLJixzEcW04c0JHx243tkmqFQds60mTIBqpoDy61lUruyF-PL1ZRBufqE1hZyDACC3Xhq12_Zjkz0xA/s1600/Screenshot-10466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFbBYLpNDXnQXmiFLhoTSiG6GfR87jemPWR1LeOt29FEWr8JcwEx4FuFSRzBhZLJixzEcW04c0JHx243tkmqFQds60mTIBqpoDy61lUruyF-PL1ZRBufqE1hZyDACC3Xhq12_Zjkz0xA/s400/Screenshot-10466.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While Annabelle walked out of the bathroom, presumably to throw up due to the stress she'd just endured, Tom approached her while still trying to understand exactly what was going on with Gabriel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AhTd4KpTCbvWYNmt_6HmpdiS0t8Tv0uS3SixIchkFqAzQrsuLQWfqxHRb3b_Mn82zeBC8CdBURF-2I2YHh2Dq_8o93WQpm_TJBj66TF68d5Aw8sapaXd5dI8PzzArx7Gs2dEcTBWntY/s1600/Screenshot-10469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AhTd4KpTCbvWYNmt_6HmpdiS0t8Tv0uS3SixIchkFqAzQrsuLQWfqxHRb3b_Mn82zeBC8CdBURF-2I2YHh2Dq_8o93WQpm_TJBj66TF68d5Aw8sapaXd5dI8PzzArx7Gs2dEcTBWntY/s400/Screenshot-10469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Who is he?" Tom asked. Annabelle looked back at Gabriel, who was walking towards the house's gym area. "Can we trust him?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtnVIjRk6quzbU-2sNQrrX5HiXBJJmMOFFmvpy6S141pzmOocSvvod0BIMcox7Pt7nwiQiQ0-q9TGou1di7lfmB5uqwW5QBybPJbGW4CUBQtQbhUs2kcwNNIdLI55jSFkaz_6QJ8h9lk/s1600/Screenshot-10465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtnVIjRk6quzbU-2sNQrrX5HiXBJJmMOFFmvpy6S141pzmOocSvvod0BIMcox7Pt7nwiQiQ0-q9TGou1di7lfmB5uqwW5QBybPJbGW4CUBQtQbhUs2kcwNNIdLI55jSFkaz_6QJ8h9lk/s400/Screenshot-10465.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle nodded fiercely. "We trusted Keera no questions asked when she came into our lives, why not him?... Do you Remember that dream I had a while ago? The one I told everyone about, where I had a son?" Annie had thought to herself that she didn't exactly say who the father was, but was sure everyone guessed at it. "That's him. That's my son from my dream, and he's a clone just like Keera, only it's obvious whose DNA they took for him."<br />
<br />
Tom looked at Gabe as well, then back to Annabelle. "Mine. Just like with Keera, it's yours and my DNA combined into a single clone. It's true, he's real... Annabelle, that's... that's technically our son."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbzMRKRj1bk4QWeZAdkcflQFh36mNgQdQ8J6pYnjRiZ7AAbnAXtR-UlxTckALr4vwZJuDtpcMch5FiP5dIAvm6N_ZA-x9bc87LIQlGOuGE_dzh3xcpFlu_xfhVtJX4mwYE7YZLmnkgtc/s1600/Screenshot-10468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbzMRKRj1bk4QWeZAdkcflQFh36mNgQdQ8J6pYnjRiZ7AAbnAXtR-UlxTckALr4vwZJuDtpcMch5FiP5dIAvm6N_ZA-x9bc87LIQlGOuGE_dzh3xcpFlu_xfhVtJX4mwYE7YZLmnkgtc/s400/Screenshot-10468.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I know." As they both looked at Gabe, they both realized they needed to help him, in the same way they've helped any other member of their family. However, at the same time, they were wondering if there were any other clones of them running around, as Annabelle had already met four of them in her life, including Verena's daughter A'jhanie on her home planet. As they looked at Gabriel, they made a silent pact among themselves: they wouldn't treat this teen like an outsider. He was, for all intents and purposes, family, and they couldn't treat family in a lower way simply because he showed up when no one expected.<br />
<br />
When they were done, Annabelle walked upstairs to her bedroom. With all the excitement and mystery still getting to her after finding out that this kid from her dream was not only real, but saw her as his mother and had the same exact dream she did a couple weeks before, Annabelle passed out on the bed again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtafnc2KbeqNj2PbOvNWWU07Ps0oUPwSjO2h3tc8VEuykeiaCEWNQspXxIs4q57URq2Il9hg5wHtYMAHrgzp3dNULj0XcRGl6JkGNflNTbU22sbP5zRxMnSUDaf9ZVD6P_MMpF_j5nLWQ/s1600/Screenshot-10470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtafnc2KbeqNj2PbOvNWWU07Ps0oUPwSjO2h3tc8VEuykeiaCEWNQspXxIs4q57URq2Il9hg5wHtYMAHrgzp3dNULj0XcRGl6JkGNflNTbU22sbP5zRxMnSUDaf9ZVD6P_MMpF_j5nLWQ/s400/Screenshot-10470.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUK26Q2kLr1y3T7EtE0HDa72t00sEwfr6IE_UyJRoKL-bRdnmp9p23UVMOxyxqOTMxIEAE2MBwqbqkIS6-BvcJrkQ27v0u1o1zPp99XWxN5ZvT5o2yItTCItY_hb7FeoTYsA-Eze2CO8/s1600/Screenshot-10289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUK26Q2kLr1y3T7EtE0HDa72t00sEwfr6IE_UyJRoKL-bRdnmp9p23UVMOxyxqOTMxIEAE2MBwqbqkIS6-BvcJrkQ27v0u1o1zPp99XWxN5ZvT5o2yItTCItY_hb7FeoTYsA-Eze2CO8/s400/Screenshot-10289.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When everything was settled and she knew Annabelle was alright, Maria went to the kitchen to put away the groceries she had bought earlier. Mirabelle, having taken a few extra steps to make sure the woman was okay with the fact that what used to be one daughter of hers was now two, walked by carefully as to avoid detection. Admittedly, she wasn't sure what Maria would think of her, and didn't want to find out yet. However, the woman heard her footsteps and turned around to see her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Hey Mirabelle, could you give me a hand with the groceries?" Maria asked her with the same loving tone that she had when used when talking to her children before. "I wanted to see if I remembered what everyone liked. Tom tried to help, but I wanted to do it myself. Anyway I bought Tom, Keera, and John some pizzas, Kelly some ready-to-eat Chinese food, you and Annabelle some cheese steak sandwiches, and Scarlett, of course, a bag of red apples. Among other things."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_vp8L8500GdKU8w0fKAkLlYc_FnvuUOk_zcu1pJrywVkRg93CBa38G-w1me8w3JVO_BLJLNc-H2qGHGfQRzYHuoSVHhGVfNQPVgDKHyU3_m_-tXk-5oQ9_h3B7uT9Zm-cC38fPHIWIM/s1600/mira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_vp8L8500GdKU8w0fKAkLlYc_FnvuUOk_zcu1pJrywVkRg93CBa38G-w1me8w3JVO_BLJLNc-H2qGHGfQRzYHuoSVHhGVfNQPVgDKHyU3_m_-tXk-5oQ9_h3B7uT9Zm-cC38fPHIWIM/s400/mira.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle walked into the kitchen proper scratched her head as Maria was talking. "Yeah, that is what everyone likes." A few moments later all the food was put up, and Maria stood in the kitchen. Mirabelle smiled again, and was about to leave the room before her mother stopped her.<br />
<br />
"You know, I remember when you first had a cheese steak sandwich. You were... ten I think. Yeah it was before the meteor shower in Sunset Valley. I remember you gobbling up that sandwich like there was no tomorrow, saving none for anyone else." Maria chuckled. "You even took Tom's right off his plate. He was <i>soooo</i> upset that I had to go to the store to get him another one. Sometimes I love to think back to when you were all kids, that simpler time before all this craziness happened, before the meteor shower, before the unicorn you saw, everything."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNxpwLApXAvo_BRNDCY8ZFz1PzzW_68as6F4aD6yihQIQb37un1RD_vUsvKzHEuRaYKfPrnGbE4Jf71a0BfK4DAcka6RCMsaNza5dNlhqVmyJCyoBVEJF1mpvu1uQW1dAHxqrBvSTT3U/s1600/Screenshot-10268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNxpwLApXAvo_BRNDCY8ZFz1PzzW_68as6F4aD6yihQIQb37un1RD_vUsvKzHEuRaYKfPrnGbE4Jf71a0BfK4DAcka6RCMsaNza5dNlhqVmyJCyoBVEJF1mpvu1uQW1dAHxqrBvSTT3U/s400/Screenshot-10268.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle sighed. "You remember <i>Annabelle</i> taking Tom's food, not me. You remember <b>her</b> as a kid, before all the craziness."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G6MQStj9hxOgD2R0nSFVS4t-HgG5AJ2ldWE7cGWgCNUKCJPSD0BSpSUOuUWbn5_kShX6J_OqUnUvC74jmTMFxlLTVBwSzgok7idCqahv8qyPAwR2dR9Y78s4_8cS_YA5cgytuSZUfk8/s1600/Screenshot-10265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G6MQStj9hxOgD2R0nSFVS4t-HgG5AJ2ldWE7cGWgCNUKCJPSD0BSpSUOuUWbn5_kShX6J_OqUnUvC74jmTMFxlLTVBwSzgok7idCqahv8qyPAwR2dR9Y78s4_8cS_YA5cgytuSZUfk8/s400/Screenshot-10265.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Maria approached her daughter, pointing at her. "Well, yeah but aren't <i>you</i> Annabelle? Didn't you live her life up until the split? And now you're on your own path, getting ready to marry Kelly? Since this is the first time I've seen you since the split, I remember you being in Annabelle's place just as much as I remember Annabelle being in your place. No matter the circumstances, you grew up as my daughter, and I see you as my daughter, and you will always be my daughter. You were always there, as far as I'm concerned."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMYGb6vWlgV0LxahR7MIILb96BeaMzNrdXY9k5-dnYUEJVJZ-wkyB1py2QWZUVzFCyMB5TUd9DbVXXIIbJ93pfz7TXa0TXNAqHKBWSrYSCxL4qG3ZkU10rInItmmx06g8Kk6eRTB-Bk4/s1600/Screenshot-10291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMYGb6vWlgV0LxahR7MIILb96BeaMzNrdXY9k5-dnYUEJVJZ-wkyB1py2QWZUVzFCyMB5TUd9DbVXXIIbJ93pfz7TXa0TXNAqHKBWSrYSCxL4qG3ZkU10rInItmmx06g8Kk6eRTB-Bk4/s400/Screenshot-10291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle leaned in and hugged Maria, who had picked up on the former's anxiety and wanted to assure her, no matter what, that she was her mother. This prompted a response from the magenta-haired girl, who let all her unease go in one fell swoop.<br />
<br />
"Thank you."<br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDMtwC5QhIaqnuYzQp5Ger0nmLaqxwosran__Qd1XHEWfoz03iAmrNt8jQdOzaLnzjnQ10o-67bXvi1i3Yx2Uaf61gLDxuhKaTgP0CtQtcJcmtXL0mvHW5PHWa7B6tL23_S1ywdjRFQg/s1600/Screenshot-10453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDMtwC5QhIaqnuYzQp5Ger0nmLaqxwosran__Qd1XHEWfoz03iAmrNt8jQdOzaLnzjnQ10o-67bXvi1i3Yx2Uaf61gLDxuhKaTgP0CtQtcJcmtXL0mvHW5PHWa7B6tL23_S1ywdjRFQg/s400/Screenshot-10453.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Keera sat in front of Collin's grave. Ever since his death, she had come up every once in a while to pay her respects to her lost friend, as she was worried she hadn't really had the opportunity to properly understand where he was coming from when he was alive. She silently sat there, looking around at the scaffolds and warning signs that had been placed around the graveyard to let people know that the city council was well and truly prepared to rebuild the entire lot after what happened. Honestly, Keera was surprised that they had gotten to it so fast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYp_Pe6mnsZ1_uO2rRfGOFUrSeQh9qBOH_7j1NmW5A5JYya0qkv2J9E3dxIM3aKa_3gpdG5Y1lVaqDb36HTfR7u3ZHyo3Ce3bCVVP_vmcb_IDZCntkt9NDByyW24is43IV4X5YZA4UMw/s1600/Screenshot-10454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYp_Pe6mnsZ1_uO2rRfGOFUrSeQh9qBOH_7j1NmW5A5JYya0qkv2J9E3dxIM3aKa_3gpdG5Y1lVaqDb36HTfR7u3ZHyo3Ce3bCVVP_vmcb_IDZCntkt9NDByyW24is43IV4X5YZA4UMw/s400/Screenshot-10454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Are you alright?" Keera heard Anika's voice next to her. She stood up and nodded to the woman, as Annabelle had said, granted a wish from the family to repair Keera's lost eye. Keera then realized that she had a debt to repay to the genie even if the latter was just "acting on orders", so to speak.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24OVdMDS3ZUkF0zMxjapj-dgoWvv-pQLoudNltpz02BMC4xBngMgLMVagEP55_gqrVJogOKKDdwD-MGNFwSRtVxb7vaRdfRL8DZbV4TQFxBCGyNky6SH2ql1PsW9DXW9n4wSavpSLPxU/s1600/Screenshot-10455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24OVdMDS3ZUkF0zMxjapj-dgoWvv-pQLoudNltpz02BMC4xBngMgLMVagEP55_gqrVJogOKKDdwD-MGNFwSRtVxb7vaRdfRL8DZbV4TQFxBCGyNky6SH2ql1PsW9DXW9n4wSavpSLPxU/s400/Screenshot-10455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah, just remembering the lost. I've lost a lot in my life, and while some things have been returned..." She briefly touched the skin below her new eye. "...it's still painful knowing some things will never come back."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfHIPZhInH2K9fvpk87-OmT9avjrfYj-3O7-KHeRYK763N8v1Xy9Mk0WV9FDEZBlOuIAKHPqkuuErX-5hIF9T3xLSkj5TxrO4g5LvdW2yaxngVofYi7OcDp6DWd2KbOThup1NhwiamnA/s1600/Screenshot-10457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfHIPZhInH2K9fvpk87-OmT9avjrfYj-3O7-KHeRYK763N8v1Xy9Mk0WV9FDEZBlOuIAKHPqkuuErX-5hIF9T3xLSkj5TxrO4g5LvdW2yaxngVofYi7OcDp6DWd2KbOThup1NhwiamnA/s400/Screenshot-10457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well loss is a part of life. I lost a lot of things myself when I turned into a Jinn, more than I hope to admit, and less than I plan to see now that it's been an uncountable amount of years since it happened. But it happened for a reason. Knowing what I did it for makes the hurt lessen."<br />
<br />
"Why did you become a genie?" Keera asked.<br />
<br />
Anika lowered her head. "Love. Not the kind of romantic affection, but the love of a mother who didn't want to see her child die. It's a hard story to tell." Anika let a tear drop on the ground, seeing in her memories her own son lying on the ground and her touching a stone. When she opened her eyes again, Keera could see sadness in them, a cold pain hidden in the brown irises. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-olHMGG4Wp8hRA_VNX-Ww-1dhnWYW75JkJxXrpjwdRgzIMotZSbYs798jZCBSzA4cxQclDYSMDuxs8p3ZsHl4Cqp5SAIuGTBxLU4CztF7blWstF3HgSNo7QYk04fRwn2vcVfJSr2wDo/s1600/Screenshot-10458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-olHMGG4Wp8hRA_VNX-Ww-1dhnWYW75JkJxXrpjwdRgzIMotZSbYs798jZCBSzA4cxQclDYSMDuxs8p3ZsHl4Cqp5SAIuGTBxLU4CztF7blWstF3HgSNo7QYk04fRwn2vcVfJSr2wDo/s400/Screenshot-10458.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You don't have to tell it, but do you regret what happened?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPS8gLUjVKxLXtiC6Fwtwlx4TzWhvwOlQsa7P8_jshIlrEQ_-Z7l3o_d70a5hhxRWaZkUzwSA3tT8MVdERLKLILx6H2e-oe4ZTrDngtEKk0SPKUkspspD8CRGvy38vc5aX7zvNTsECpg/s1600/Screenshot-10459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPS8gLUjVKxLXtiC6Fwtwlx4TzWhvwOlQsa7P8_jshIlrEQ_-Z7l3o_d70a5hhxRWaZkUzwSA3tT8MVdERLKLILx6H2e-oe4ZTrDngtEKk0SPKUkspspD8CRGvy38vc5aX7zvNTsECpg/s400/Screenshot-10459.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anika shook her head and then turned around, walking away from her. She sadly walked as Keera saw her leave, then out of the blue the latter saw MIKE come moving fast up the nearby hill along with Scarlett a few moments later, the latter of whom was out of breath. Keera walked over to them to see what was the matter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscMz285ZhqCUiPY9G-xuDQuJ6JaqYoOzGoSwOhZeQC9EHaCgVvyTRAVB5ZyejUCtAxmJAP5lnnbFuqc6FbmIYcqknwAPTa78SqAqXUt9DogJhEDbaPxpCWb2HH_9Vhi_QwJUHQ0qmQc0/s1600/Screenshot-10461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscMz285ZhqCUiPY9G-xuDQuJ6JaqYoOzGoSwOhZeQC9EHaCgVvyTRAVB5ZyejUCtAxmJAP5lnnbFuqc6FbmIYcqknwAPTa78SqAqXUt9DogJhEDbaPxpCWb2HH_9Vhi_QwJUHQ0qmQc0/s400/Screenshot-10461.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I told you to wait up for me you damn bucket of bolts!" Scarlett sniped at the droid, then turned to Keera, trying to get her bearings. "You... gotta... come... back to the... house...!!!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0iSwPvFYuWiKBCsihI_C_e60BLeFvcCU6MH4O3FrR5YvjiNJZszSQRXENhu7UWsdINB0DRAbMaXacm8yHdyB9z_HLSdilIgEC1HsnnzmvHPMRLYcYJz3wQAeTFjf246G3vDvvhZVpu8/s1600/Screenshot-10462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0iSwPvFYuWiKBCsihI_C_e60BLeFvcCU6MH4O3FrR5YvjiNJZszSQRXENhu7UWsdINB0DRAbMaXacm8yHdyB9z_HLSdilIgEC1HsnnzmvHPMRLYcYJz3wQAeTFjf246G3vDvvhZVpu8/s320/Screenshot-10462.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>"I believe she says 'you gotta come back to the house'." </b></span>MIKE said, a surprisingly sarcastic tone in his robotic voice, which Keera chalked up to him spending too much time with Annabelle. Scarlett hissed at the robot, however, and went back to Keera.<br />
<br />
"Someone's at the house right now that kinda sorta has similarities to you." Scarlett explained, "But your mom didn't want me to say who it was. No idea why she likes surprises so much. Anyway we have to go now!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSB0jElDIE0xpqqFPvAhHKEYXGEgblI2sxnMktVI2I2RkynGhzlsINfSgSZp9NSraj3OiLgtBORN6IQnNZ36EaI65WsTyVxcqWsZ13uV4PUaPsbuwCyiglu7OmuxnNzYNxWQ56tEJq8g/s1600/Screenshot-10463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSB0jElDIE0xpqqFPvAhHKEYXGEgblI2sxnMktVI2I2RkynGhzlsINfSgSZp9NSraj3OiLgtBORN6IQnNZ36EaI65WsTyVxcqWsZ13uV4PUaPsbuwCyiglu7OmuxnNzYNxWQ56tEJq8g/s400/Screenshot-10463.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With no more words, the three ran down the street, leaving Anika alone to her thoughts. She didn't want to remember what happened to her son, the reason she became a genie in the first place. As she lamented over her past, Anika quietly followed Keera, Scarlett, and Mike, heading back to the new place she called home, unsure of her future now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNEUuFh6Ftplce_8UpgUO25mDjwgLvzx429rN16caKyj2p-vHWviymgXfEy_vpk2uCPlQThW7asibJ-s99jfn_OGzyPLY_hbkXQ7UmqXIfUI_cHgtB7Ew1hl1wPnIFeWrvzc3K82Huek/s1600/Screenshot-10464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNEUuFh6Ftplce_8UpgUO25mDjwgLvzx429rN16caKyj2p-vHWviymgXfEy_vpk2uCPlQThW7asibJ-s99jfn_OGzyPLY_hbkXQ7UmqXIfUI_cHgtB7Ew1hl1wPnIFeWrvzc3K82Huek/s400/Screenshot-10464.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
---------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxW34MpWw5HtvGZmvKk5XttJ0FPhyphenhyphenU2aVIql2AHkJPMpy5IOvN4GupKj2ePHBdM7wsrSmvn-LMjCy6L4_oDWKe2p5367r1wMFTfAJ8_JNPkYYzYbk371wMMQMMKhDi5uUxv02ymb7lpI/s1600/Screenshot-10315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxW34MpWw5HtvGZmvKk5XttJ0FPhyphenhyphenU2aVIql2AHkJPMpy5IOvN4GupKj2ePHBdM7wsrSmvn-LMjCy6L4_oDWKe2p5367r1wMFTfAJ8_JNPkYYzYbk371wMMQMMKhDi5uUxv02ymb7lpI/s400/Screenshot-10315.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So to reiterate what we talked about before because, honestly, my brain was fried earlier the moment I saw you: You're a clone. You wandered the earth for years looking for a purpose and, out of the blue, you had a dream about me and Tom a few weeks ago, making you come here."<br />
<br />
"Exactly. I didn't even know you were real. I just had a dream about you getting on a bus to go to Starlight Shores, and here you are. Alive. You do remember other things about the dream, right? About me wanting to be an actor, being told to go to France where I would be alone, and you leaving. I think you left in the dream because reality hit you. Perhaps the dream was influenced by outside sources."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIG4CvnWnzwFNZE81WtSEFPUNcjcywmSGTrKcrRPM2dwNHiF4WdmkU9piBdKEu1jt5H2VaB1CBHTEn0GrCGHZlxOsw0cZdxO_lzGUxO_5q6Xwry9DiPrFrQ3XvmcpWB3eYSYdz9QjM8A/s1600/Screenshot-10317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIG4CvnWnzwFNZE81WtSEFPUNcjcywmSGTrKcrRPM2dwNHiF4WdmkU9piBdKEu1jt5H2VaB1CBHTEn0GrCGHZlxOsw0cZdxO_lzGUxO_5q6Xwry9DiPrFrQ3XvmcpWB3eYSYdz9QjM8A/s400/Screenshot-10317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle shrugged. "Perhaps YOU were an outside source. Perhaps we had some sort of psychic link that night I had the dream. I think it's happened before, with Keera. You'll meet her soon enough. You may have picked up on this, but she too is a clone, like you. Same age, only she has green skin like me, and..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd7fV_v-L-YKmnkOYW3qLyqOOKELx-_FrJPaYCwi0uadZo70oX-BJJJ4U3SEH-e7pLjWTALD4qPKuvesx8RO1h8j_zVnefJI_RfBxmUlLAepuEGIZK9kGVQYMb5cZvwrAMyd3mkapYF8/s1600/Screenshot-10318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd7fV_v-L-YKmnkOYW3qLyqOOKELx-_FrJPaYCwi0uadZo70oX-BJJJ4U3SEH-e7pLjWTALD4qPKuvesx8RO1h8j_zVnefJI_RfBxmUlLAepuEGIZK9kGVQYMb5cZvwrAMyd3mkapYF8/s400/Screenshot-10318.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"And?"<br />
<br />
"...a scar. She was burned, badly, a few months ago. It's felt like a year since it happened. The link I had before, the one I told you about, was also a dream I had regarding Keera. A few nights after the explosion, I had a dream that she told me she couldn't feel her face, and called out to me. Come to find out, she said those exact words to me when she was injured. I didn't question it, because honestly it made total sense. I shouldn't have questioned your arrival, with all the things I've seen in my life."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_x85VNU08TPMnjwPCmn48BZJHYqwgBvifICBLFKQdHSliZ3dHy4p6Sxsv_CxjM5x7WWGmfpjQik_ESAmBsPvk5LeSkKFnkpt859zUPpN7T3BlMM8wTNV4hNHJzNNbze194h41wGPmrs/s1600/Screenshot-10316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_x85VNU08TPMnjwPCmn48BZJHYqwgBvifICBLFKQdHSliZ3dHy4p6Sxsv_CxjM5x7WWGmfpjQik_ESAmBsPvk5LeSkKFnkpt859zUPpN7T3BlMM8wTNV4hNHJzNNbze194h41wGPmrs/s400/Screenshot-10316.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel picked up on the last statement from her. "You keep mentioning that, all the strange things your family's encountered. That man, Tom, even mentioned evil unicorns to me. Is that why you're so... desensitized to these things? That the reason you have a belief that you shouldn't question anything?"<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle stood up, and walked around the room. Gabriel, wanting to talk some more, stood up as well. "I just realize that there are many things in this world that others don't know about. No one outside my family even knows what we did a few days ago. Yeah, they think we saved the city from a criminal mastermind, but they don't know we saved the world!"</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tWr_j2UlEU3IUKbfxk5axzb8ELBtWqYMj-sWRIoMjzee0Lv3cgqyf-EStPWjPbMqtn_tRy5GpGj33psH67NYl4ZZ1A2QVYipWBhzUWgGWR0ZALn-0Vw0mMpCabx3pcXIu-xA7n2VW6o/s1600/Screenshot-10322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tWr_j2UlEU3IUKbfxk5axzb8ELBtWqYMj-sWRIoMjzee0Lv3cgqyf-EStPWjPbMqtn_tRy5GpGj33psH67NYl4ZZ1A2QVYipWBhzUWgGWR0ZALn-0Vw0mMpCabx3pcXIu-xA7n2VW6o/s400/Screenshot-10322.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Why? Why is my family a magnet to all this weirdness in the world? Granted, I'm an alien, but my space-mother told me that there are about FIFTY others on this planet! Haven't heard anything from them! Since I was eleven, I've had my town halfway destroyed by meteors summoned to Earth by a villainous organization. I have been blown up, kidnapped, and fought a space-witch who could turn herself into a unicorn! I've been cloned THREE TIMES, one of which has all my memories and personality! I love her like the sister she is, but still it's kinda crazy to see yourself kissing a woman that you spent a night together with just a week before! And don't even get me started on being kidnapped <i>again </i>by the same guy who took me when I was a teen!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitn1lsaI-GDWL9asgdJpTT78yjZt6trtEiRsDoFcRnpiG-nN4-zbQqhBmtb8OBbUlVzGLcMWdPdJq8QyuGa6tGeygQNEQG64b16hRw5_aNl7hydDZBDyJK5hbkxqJ5LBk959d8R0xBoU/s1600/Screenshot-10303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitn1lsaI-GDWL9asgdJpTT78yjZt6trtEiRsDoFcRnpiG-nN4-zbQqhBmtb8OBbUlVzGLcMWdPdJq8QyuGa6tGeygQNEQG64b16hRw5_aNl7hydDZBDyJK5hbkxqJ5LBk959d8R0xBoU/s400/Screenshot-10303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"And then! </i>I find out that everyone in my household can use magic! I didn't even know that! How was I supposed to know?! I knew because I used it during my fight with the aforementioned space witch but Tom and Kelly and Scarlett aren't even related to me and they can still shoot fire from a wooden stick! Sometimes I just look at myself and I say..."<br />
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, walking over to it. After focusing a bit, she watched herself fade into her "human" form, with normal ears, blonde hair, and blue eyes. She'd been able to do this a couple times before, but now she was focused on the idea of being that way, probably for a long time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Kw7raJRKxH0S2YWkLtppXR8jnZMFZva85k1dWziMsCxLTqzsukRmaAj7PvFE5An5jh9U0nLG8UckDC4vk9BpL6S_t5XDNl3t4JrB2pyYrmJWCyP6Cphxp0AzDULJYIsx_FnThdPhAa4/s1600/Screenshot-10304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Kw7raJRKxH0S2YWkLtppXR8jnZMFZva85k1dWziMsCxLTqzsukRmaAj7PvFE5An5jh9U0nLG8UckDC4vk9BpL6S_t5XDNl3t4JrB2pyYrmJWCyP6Cphxp0AzDULJYIsx_FnThdPhAa4/s400/Screenshot-10304.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"...I just want to be normal. Have a normal life, normal family. Go to work, pay taxes, have fun with myself for the sake of having fun!" When she looked back at Gabe, she had her regular, green-skinned appearance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyATd1ms3KUc8N6QS4C2n8qoN3Ksdn2oC-yE6eCZVRgibG79g_CTK_WXh5hotcLDrjjBWVxVw6weSsHTogcAD5dJQCa0GVO7UNjPiY1u4bpyD9mg1V86hGon_GsqmfYuPcvK4hJdytKnE/s1600/Screenshot-10321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyATd1ms3KUc8N6QS4C2n8qoN3Ksdn2oC-yE6eCZVRgibG79g_CTK_WXh5hotcLDrjjBWVxVw6weSsHTogcAD5dJQCa0GVO7UNjPiY1u4bpyD9mg1V86hGon_GsqmfYuPcvK4hJdytKnE/s400/Screenshot-10321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"That's what that dream was about. Sometimes I just want that life. But I<br />
won't get it. I'll never get it. The chance of normality is gone. It's dead, along with Andy."<br />
<br />
"Who?"<br />
<br />
"Long story." Annabelle replied. "What I'm getting at is, my dreams, usually they're 'normal' from a certain view point. Usually, they have a sense of reality. My real life is more messed up than my dreams! Sometimes I use those dreams to escape into a normal sense, whereas most use them as escapism FROM reality. It's complicated, I know-"<br />
<br />
"No. I understand." Gabriel replied. "I know exactly how you feel, every single word of it. I mean, I'm a clone. You can't get weirder than that!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovAL0vUpCi3ypg61MNCTjxUJNsf8u3y7m5IIVJg46HSXGK2fgDWPTL-41DcS5T3jw8Q9U6iSaGl0EOttn3np90kmy7XpfEg8tD1bkGQxG-GVsRiDVYfqcImK4kBoIlpStQkdpAmJCaPE/s1600/Screenshot-10324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovAL0vUpCi3ypg61MNCTjxUJNsf8u3y7m5IIVJg46HSXGK2fgDWPTL-41DcS5T3jw8Q9U6iSaGl0EOttn3np90kmy7XpfEg8tD1bkGQxG-GVsRiDVYfqcImK4kBoIlpStQkdpAmJCaPE/s400/Screenshot-10324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Annabelle chuckled, turned to him, and said "I'm a green-skinned pointy-eared alien/human hybrid born on a different planet through a process that involved three biological parents and was sent to earth by aliens."<br />
<br />
Gabriel, speechless, stood there for a few seconds long enough for there to be a knock on the door before he could reply. When Annabelle opened the door, she saw Keera standing there, who looked a bit antsy as she gazed into the room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SFH7AjtPOw_TWVgbtHcTJniFuhV8q9qPx_j1xcEbwHUOTMEF92oCXrCZHMHuLCC373TFWzWBAYevvVQADvhjn8z3N-JiM-DQu71xSzBfMhs4kQ_2x1lsNBNAChSTNyoIs8R1iXLgg0E/s1600/Screenshot-10325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SFH7AjtPOw_TWVgbtHcTJniFuhV8q9qPx_j1xcEbwHUOTMEF92oCXrCZHMHuLCC373TFWzWBAYevvVQADvhjn8z3N-JiM-DQu71xSzBfMhs4kQ_2x1lsNBNAChSTNyoIs8R1iXLgg0E/s400/Screenshot-10325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Scarlett told me. About him." Keera said, finally. "Can I meet him?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle wordlessly moved aside so Keera could walk in. The teen saw the other teen and, having found out where he had come from and how he was born, ran over and hugged him. Gabriel, understandably, was surprised by the gesture.<br />
<br />
"What are you doin-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAgrVAvP4ezJaJC4RYIFPhKSZJq70a2oIFVXUbvfjyDwLbrTe-9RwI-7MkqhYuD7Yo-j9VcL6fRvlIed0k3SejCnOBQW2lOtIkS0T3nV8ok3VzTdxiFt0g2pppnEfQrakImNudsDT1yI/s1600/Screenshot-10326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAgrVAvP4ezJaJC4RYIFPhKSZJq70a2oIFVXUbvfjyDwLbrTe-9RwI-7MkqhYuD7Yo-j9VcL6fRvlIed0k3SejCnOBQW2lOtIkS0T3nV8ok3VzTdxiFt0g2pppnEfQrakImNudsDT1yI/s400/Screenshot-10326.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"My new brother!!!" Keera yelled out, loud enough to alert half the household. "You! A fellow clone! Someone my age I can finally relate to! A brother! I've been hoping you were real from the moment Annabelle told me about her dream! I wished you were real! And..." she thought about her eye, and how Annabelle had asked for it from the genie. "Some wishes do come true. Oh wow I have so much to talk to you about so much to say! My name's Keera! You can call me Keeki, or Sisterkee. Or something!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUsg6cd2ELSBgdSwgSqn4kihY6QE1ttc29Q_zBG42ebnh6sUSRN5FC1ARTCwysbies1DqHy16Sney_hSQDXaWe9NK08k3-yfdRSrC6izCXGdz2kaogeUSFdMRSAFe3zHjCTCuiWdJjVg/s1600/Screenshot-10327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUsg6cd2ELSBgdSwgSqn4kihY6QE1ttc29Q_zBG42ebnh6sUSRN5FC1ARTCwysbies1DqHy16Sney_hSQDXaWe9NK08k3-yfdRSrC6izCXGdz2kaogeUSFdMRSAFe3zHjCTCuiWdJjVg/s400/Screenshot-10327.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle smiled as she watched the brother and sister hug, the former of which eased down and returned the friendly gesture. She then came to a realization: While it would obviously take time for everyone to get over the fact that he was a dream-child, basically, perhaps Gabriel was there as a way of showing Annabelle that she could have a normal life, and a strange one, all at the same time. Maybe her life was as it should have been... for good and for bad.<br />
<br />
Tom, having heard Keera from his bedroom, walked down the hall and met Annie at the doorway. As they looked at the siblings, Tom turned to his friend. "You know what we need? A party. Something relaxing, something fun. Have fun for the sake of fun."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakby3c5ScK86uEpa-U4RNgQ6CVB1nu9ElGtNXemOhsviJBe3Qp0ID9DP33IbvwJqCIIRTtvirP0qOC0A27AMFI9qJe6J1x15CeuR3PsWl162Ob2R9JC7NH5aAVXQlZiqwseZkZab3Ti0/s1600/Screenshot-10329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakby3c5ScK86uEpa-U4RNgQ6CVB1nu9ElGtNXemOhsviJBe3Qp0ID9DP33IbvwJqCIIRTtvirP0qOC0A27AMFI9qJe6J1x15CeuR3PsWl162Ob2R9JC7NH5aAVXQlZiqwseZkZab3Ti0/s400/Screenshot-10329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle kept smiling. "You read my mind. I'll get the music ready."<br />
---------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaifrZ3Xm-6tb7OHHm-UKTGduYgoLyRX6Y3JFUNUcZhlwohGr0JEU-u8OPKFKkPsLDKEJXYWi_S4MPDysQfF8oeSyc3jADEwugc5JPVOm_uCdzw9jxP7lm4v90fFZXDHVVYnnUpa_Y00/s1600/Screenshot-10335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaifrZ3Xm-6tb7OHHm-UKTGduYgoLyRX6Y3JFUNUcZhlwohGr0JEU-u8OPKFKkPsLDKEJXYWi_S4MPDysQfF8oeSyc3jADEwugc5JPVOm_uCdzw9jxP7lm4v90fFZXDHVVYnnUpa_Y00/s400/Screenshot-10335.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly waited outside for a car to pull up, and smiled brightly when her parents emerged from it, quickly running out to hug her mother, then her father. After this, she led them into the house while talking about all the things she'd done since they last saw each other, including everything from being engaged to by Mirabelle to the sudden arrival of Gabriel, and all the other people new to the household.<br />
<br />
Her mother, Mei, had a wide-eyed expression as Kelly told her all this, and her father Elliot was barely listening as he was chatting with Tom, who himself was saying all the amazing things that had happened since he saw them in China the July before while leaving out certain details of course. He didn't want to tell Elliot about Andy and the subsequent fight he had with Annabelle that lasted a good portion of the month. Elliot had heard the same from Annabelle a few days before on the phone, and didn't want to bring up the subject as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zTM5CF3etj9pHgLxo-aFN4W1qL3-ojWMtCsiwJPwCaQwq3LhNwzeip2VZpIo2jsaeRUzbBKzcaSEsgEQmAKMY2pfw5vu92mO7CxEHisDhK1Bv4Nb8iPxWjrmXtm8cQA_A1rI4GAjiT8/s1600/Screenshot-10334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zTM5CF3etj9pHgLxo-aFN4W1qL3-ojWMtCsiwJPwCaQwq3LhNwzeip2VZpIo2jsaeRUzbBKzcaSEsgEQmAKMY2pfw5vu92mO7CxEHisDhK1Bv4Nb8iPxWjrmXtm8cQA_A1rI4GAjiT8/s400/Screenshot-10334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When they got an opportunity later on in the evening, Kelly took her parents aside, into a quiet room. "Mom, dad, there's something I need to tell you. It's kinda hard to explain."<br />
<br />
"What's wrong, Kel?" Mei asked. Kelly had said these words before, back when she was a teen, and only to them. Since she had already done that, they realized that there was another important subject regarding their daughter that she wanted to confide to them.<br />
<br />
"I already told Mirabelle this, and only her, and you guys HAVE to keep this a secret. Please? Promise you'll keep it secret!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMM8TlABZxFdKmV-RLLZkWwq6jhOXPTLVw4ibezECwwB7X8DJZShWHF8qW50xC2bPCw5abPEAXFor_2n3Ua6qCOcrWhbGj4s9QKZ9qimM169cvF3xmdpqb8ajYwy0_-RUWAT18ghwfzA/s1600/Screenshot-10306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMM8TlABZxFdKmV-RLLZkWwq6jhOXPTLVw4ibezECwwB7X8DJZShWHF8qW50xC2bPCw5abPEAXFor_2n3Ua6qCOcrWhbGj4s9QKZ9qimM169cvF3xmdpqb8ajYwy0_-RUWAT18ghwfzA/s400/Screenshot-10306.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Of course!" Elliot said. "You can trust us."<br />
<br />
Kelly took a deep breath, and looked into their eyes. "Think of a number between one and one-million. Just think of it, anything, any number." Mei and Elliot shrugged, then both thought of radically different numbers. Kelly closed her eyes, and when she opened them again she looked back and forth between her two parents. "Mom, you were thinking of 4, and dad you were thinking of 639,354."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ymwqdnxiFgxwGtkZb7hIV1Iwh_v3wEKkgcx7xNdWRm59ahYnfuW5b706xusLxpwrF0T13zsMBxnPTkngr_U_g6hcOBsxQO2KhklOI7Gha2wqGk7fzfsEaiV4uJuw6KXEqJLFE3zeH6k/s1600/psy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ymwqdnxiFgxwGtkZb7hIV1Iwh_v3wEKkgcx7xNdWRm59ahYnfuW5b706xusLxpwrF0T13zsMBxnPTkngr_U_g6hcOBsxQO2KhklOI7Gha2wqGk7fzfsEaiV4uJuw6KXEqJLFE3zeH6k/s400/psy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mei and Elliot's respective jaws hit the floor. "Exactly!" They both said at once. "Kelly... are..."<br />
<br />
Kelly nodded, knowing exactly what they were about to ask. "That's why I'm such a great detective. That's how I can know what people are thinking when I look at them, because I literally KNOW what they are thinking! I think I've always had this ability, but ever since a week or so ago, it's been more enhanced, so to speak."<br />
<br />
"Wha- I..." Mei, stuttering, couldn't believe her ears, Elliot as well. Unlike everyone else in the household, Kelly's parents had not encountered as many strange things, as they were literally halfway across the planet when all it happened. While they knew that Annabelle wasn't a human, that was the extent of it. To them, this was a new experience. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28thrGtJ0VAuhyLAG3ANAsYlS0_NaMMHjdolhMQehXz8EfYAiPwlyOmCg4D2HYYMP3AG2Ax4NQ1C3vYq2amTTiwhJJPfrtPk3muOjaQ69wmIU5BduL5nA0_OmKgUdLLGauTv7TgvnYUk/s1600/Screenshot-10333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28thrGtJ0VAuhyLAG3ANAsYlS0_NaMMHjdolhMQehXz8EfYAiPwlyOmCg4D2HYYMP3AG2Ax4NQ1C3vYq2amTTiwhJJPfrtPk3muOjaQ69wmIU5BduL5nA0_OmKgUdLLGauTv7TgvnYUk/s400/Screenshot-10333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I know this is odd. Trust me, I know what 'odd' is, but at this point I am trying to figure out why I have this ability, why I'm like this! When I find that out, I will gladly tell everyone in this house what I can do." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj_HA_U9wSriXBrlu0wXmGX9Y7qb7kRUP5unEjUGGDq4ncyFVVwCKPdYcSY8pPGJC5nnl8MH4QcyLdmo90eos5QWYhi76vKpoBNImj6bSU9Zna6d0R8I7Go9nE7cpHmV17f-VDDh6dFA/s1600/Screenshot-10307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj_HA_U9wSriXBrlu0wXmGX9Y7qb7kRUP5unEjUGGDq4ncyFVVwCKPdYcSY8pPGJC5nnl8MH4QcyLdmo90eos5QWYhi76vKpoBNImj6bSU9Zna6d0R8I7Go9nE7cpHmV17f-VDDh6dFA/s400/Screenshot-10307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Elliot and Mei shook their apprehension about their psychic daughter away quickly. They didn't understand themselves why Kelly had this power, but wanted to help her figure it out, together. When they told her this, Kelly smiled brightly and decided to test it out again, to show them what she could do.<br />
<br />
After a short time of Kelly testing her mind-reading ability, the three left the room and saw a gathering in the living room, an impromptu party that had popped up among the family and friends.<br />
<br />
John and Scarlett slow-danced, as did Tom and Annabelle, while Kelly and Mirabelle cuddled on the couch. Nearby, Elliot and Mei were talking, about Kelly's upcoming wedding and Scarlett's upcoming wedding, and at the same time discussing privately, in joy, that their daughter was truly unique among the rest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDERSvwKCqPKipMTeLZDc-wcofhet78vnhKJOwNcowgijO8mMIWDTQlmfrpbOtuX1do8IE10p3cdJS9q-pCpK0IwyuSqXeYzwHw2TX0r7rzOE-V1tJr5pZiVDtpEuDNRaPVpJcYGU3oI/s1600/Screenshot-10339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDERSvwKCqPKipMTeLZDc-wcofhet78vnhKJOwNcowgijO8mMIWDTQlmfrpbOtuX1do8IE10p3cdJS9q-pCpK0IwyuSqXeYzwHw2TX0r7rzOE-V1tJr5pZiVDtpEuDNRaPVpJcYGU3oI/s400/Screenshot-10339.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Isobelle and Deacon found themselves in the living room as well, and decided to watch the party from a loveseat, while Gabriel noted Cassie sitting there on a different couch doing nothing of interest. With a little coercion, Gabe convinced Cassie to play a video game with him, alongside Keera who wanted to get to know the both of them.<br />
<br />
Kelly, focusing on Gabriel, read his mind to make sure he was telling the truth about what he said earlier, as she couldn't before when she was unfocused by the simple revelation that he was alive in the first place. She read he had a bad life, getting picked on by other kids at the orphanage he mentioned and getting turned down from jobs because of his age, but she saw nothing in his mind about him being untrustworthy. As a result, she knew him better than Annabelle, or Cassie.<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQWeBTYf2LNgxBm7kYzoMxRwqBrFyucIKl4I3llbEtmezNhgz-xlhBN851HDHCSKcDlXE8Ev93WULEacImbD6qmvZLk9WG6mCY2jjGh8cZ9hKEKu_lfZkPTxU_F2UVkB10OFrTsaqVxE/s1600/Screenshot-10340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQWeBTYf2LNgxBm7kYzoMxRwqBrFyucIKl4I3llbEtmezNhgz-xlhBN851HDHCSKcDlXE8Ev93WULEacImbD6qmvZLk9WG6mCY2jjGh8cZ9hKEKu_lfZkPTxU_F2UVkB10OFrTsaqVxE/s400/Screenshot-10340.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anika, staying away from the party, felt a presence far off in the distance, beyond the state line of California, and instantly fell backwards, hitting her back against a way in an act of terror. No one saw this, and as of consequence they didn't hear her utter a single, cold, word. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMqZU0tFcelYHBZ_bVzfaR7kjAyCKI7s-O-m9GAiKPYDiCmiPVUheK2FE9uYxpmMZI3K4FNvFugodxku9PsvxOi0Dx_cO8Zl3G7W9XIi2E-akTXQA3AnhyLzOX4p4gvw0Sg_mIsd2U_4/s1600/Screenshot-10341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMqZU0tFcelYHBZ_bVzfaR7kjAyCKI7s-O-m9GAiKPYDiCmiPVUheK2FE9uYxpmMZI3K4FNvFugodxku9PsvxOi0Dx_cO8Zl3G7W9XIi2E-akTXQA3AnhyLzOX4p4gvw0Sg_mIsd2U_4/s400/Screenshot-10341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Abyss."</i><br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
"Dang it!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2woX7rgnMvtcai35l-RTyoUiGmxY8_s-3lOanCOK4zkjSzrvbE1fJN7sT3lLWgtK1vQqngo_JsyyISsMZq-pjolNz57mLeT_8d7_PfNKuEhbCkJwkCbm-Sfkg7IxCxjj3exKafEO8TY/s1600/Screenshot-10355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2woX7rgnMvtcai35l-RTyoUiGmxY8_s-3lOanCOK4zkjSzrvbE1fJN7sT3lLWgtK1vQqngo_JsyyISsMZq-pjolNz57mLeT_8d7_PfNKuEhbCkJwkCbm-Sfkg7IxCxjj3exKafEO8TY/s320/Screenshot-10355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A few hours later, Tom found himself upstairs where he heard John nearly curse under his breath. After knocking on the door leading to John's little lab room. When he didn't get a response, Tom simply walked into the room where John was frantically typing things into his teleporter's command console.<br />
<br />
"What's wrong, John?" Tom asked.<br />
<br />
John stepped back away from the console and wiped his forehead. "Earlier today I was doing a routine systems wipe of the teleporter's command console so it could store new information without need of a defragmentation procedure when I noticed an anomaly in the transportation matrix log."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7IySvlQVyp_poM-cn3oAxx7XLj035lzJ3ysTLLLlW1ZfyOeKOxUlWMJf9r0CXDA9v52o3WQ25m8Ic5oXxX9isZyt4VyxixR66dBqbEb9gtgyL0GujUEFkfKT5c9bWP_abd_WCdVoZNA/s1600/Screenshot-10354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7IySvlQVyp_poM-cn3oAxx7XLj035lzJ3ysTLLLlW1ZfyOeKOxUlWMJf9r0CXDA9v52o3WQ25m8Ic5oXxX9isZyt4VyxixR66dBqbEb9gtgyL0GujUEFkfKT5c9bWP_abd_WCdVoZNA/s400/Screenshot-10354.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom shook his head. "Hmmm, interesting speech. Does it come in English?"<br />
<br />
John sighed, chuckled, and looked at him. "I was cleaning the system and I noticed a bug where it shouldn't be. Right here, September 16th, 4:54 PM."<br />
<br />
"That's when I teleported to the graveyard to help Annabelle! What are you saying, that I caused the anomaly?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpOXzXyd89ZijivmDkLrjWxs2wG2Jvs7ffluQ1Y90dBiyUIBLiUdlh8yMg-L3CrN7uCyhdrrtpg-Urf9i1XBxS5Dtrv3Nlf3gsHcclt3UP3eANeVOjTRp7banuTXL_ATWv1SpJtYaX9I/s1600/Screenshot-10356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpOXzXyd89ZijivmDkLrjWxs2wG2Jvs7ffluQ1Y90dBiyUIBLiUdlh8yMg-L3CrN7uCyhdrrtpg-Urf9i1XBxS5Dtrv3Nlf3gsHcclt3UP3eANeVOjTRp7banuTXL_ATWv1SpJtYaX9I/s400/Screenshot-10356.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"No." John replied. "The teleporter's log says that this happened seconds before I even teleported you, when it was powering up. It's like the teleporter needed extra power, but it used too much and when it expelled it, it opened some sort of hole somewhere in the world. A tear that closed a mere second after it initially opened."<br />
<br />
"What do you mean a 'tear'?" Tom asked, "Like the tear in the space-time continuum that sent me to that parallel universe?" John looked at him with a confused facial expression, and Tom merely shrugged. "Annabelle told me. I guess I learned a bit of that science mumbo-jumbo. Wait, did you... accidentally open another one? Is there another Tom out there? Is Gabriel-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pqpbrhAhnGMtzpGKfDzST5-BVg2-AN0D2mK3DBvXTgDgJKNAgsGEDZtJXCZ2B8WdZOEacE7_XaYUsklNF9n5OyMQfC2YUtlKqFA38BpdSgz636w77EZL67dNaQrMobODMWhBl8Y3_VM/s1600/Screenshot-10357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pqpbrhAhnGMtzpGKfDzST5-BVg2-AN0D2mK3DBvXTgDgJKNAgsGEDZtJXCZ2B8WdZOEacE7_XaYUsklNF9n5OyMQfC2YUtlKqFA38BpdSgz636w77EZL67dNaQrMobODMWhBl8Y3_VM/s400/Screenshot-10357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"No, he's not what I'm talking about. If I'm reading this right, the rip didn't open to a different universe, but this one. It's impossible to tell where. However, that's not what worries me."<br />
<br />
"What <i>does</i> worry you?"<br />
<br />
"What worries me is that the log states that a piece of matter found itself through the tear in the short amount of time it was opened. Something came to Earth, Tom. Something else. And by what this computer is saying, I don't know where it is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ6UawoTwJ77IipoGlZULYuoTkxrA_djeC4EqwEi-jG_y2gDCwYbvhL_Ii9W0hGSDI1h0JzK2A7NC_WgaaIPuyq0HHlwQMS4VWB9dnDLKdpiiW8oCFkRdAi9BwUrjri1fGPZSJ2BhIEw/s1600/Screenshot-10352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ6UawoTwJ77IipoGlZULYuoTkxrA_djeC4EqwEi-jG_y2gDCwYbvhL_Ii9W0hGSDI1h0JzK2A7NC_WgaaIPuyq0HHlwQMS4VWB9dnDLKdpiiW8oCFkRdAi9BwUrjri1fGPZSJ2BhIEw/s400/Screenshot-10352.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John then looked worried as he remembered that creature with red eyes that one night in the park. "And we don't know what's out in the universe that could have come through."<br />
<br />
Tom and John looked at the screen, wondering what fell through the tear in space, and where it was now. With no more words, John went back to the console, both worried for what might happen.<br />
<br />
---------------<br />
<b><i>Riverview, Missouri</i></b><br />
<b><i>45 miles southeast of Kansas City</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyTCK-nKi4WTrF4JH9AZnN_hR7iT4U2ZbqvpTC-6AcArLDdmOAl9pXrKFGib6ExxnJK6wIrdqcTn-Jdw3qO6yPC_2IZTTd7VFGLrIEkn01JsCdNFXKthvaC_C8bY5hHigNA6jhyROw64/s1600/Screenshot-10247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyTCK-nKi4WTrF4JH9AZnN_hR7iT4U2ZbqvpTC-6AcArLDdmOAl9pXrKFGib6ExxnJK6wIrdqcTn-Jdw3qO6yPC_2IZTTd7VFGLrIEkn01JsCdNFXKthvaC_C8bY5hHigNA6jhyROw64/s400/Screenshot-10247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Qxq7z3-zQVL9EFR5aV6Z8ElcLbKKZ-DdXpWZgBmDnUfjR-wUs70kUUgRkU6r4jVV3xt3JwyBEZ1m2PtdX9VN64XEovWpdDEs_wQMXs56sv-f-Rrqe3yCETZBZw-FmNONqhIHGMkq3s/s1600/Screenshot-10248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Qxq7z3-zQVL9EFR5aV6Z8ElcLbKKZ-DdXpWZgBmDnUfjR-wUs70kUUgRkU6r4jVV3xt3JwyBEZ1m2PtdX9VN64XEovWpdDEs_wQMXs56sv-f-Rrqe3yCETZBZw-FmNONqhIHGMkq3s/s400/Screenshot-10248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A storm bellowed over the small Missouri town of Riverview later that day, drenching the town with water. Sitting in a small field, away from the main town, was a small rock that had no business being there. It had been dry the whole time it sat there, but suddenly as the rain hit the rock it started to shake, with a small part breaking free from the bottom and oozing out like a shadowy slime. Suddenly two blazing red eyes formed in the center of the rock, looking out to the town.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8q8-ByOAwIG4lkNctfFMWfJ9nJErfeenIyIccVfMjSMCyptjlGyJdxxe_WiDSgSZabIbAnDg037fH5KLGY_NANR_a-GvhK6PTkviGUIZ9XfmFpwT8SgTJcWHjH2DKCJTqkQeSTM326M/s1600/evil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8q8-ByOAwIG4lkNctfFMWfJ9nJErfeenIyIccVfMjSMCyptjlGyJdxxe_WiDSgSZabIbAnDg037fH5KLGY_NANR_a-GvhK6PTkviGUIZ9XfmFpwT8SgTJcWHjH2DKCJTqkQeSTM326M/s400/evil.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<br />
</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-74752638253919233372013-06-12T23:32:00.002-05:002013-06-13T06:22:07.149-05:00Chapter Thirty-Nine - Midnight Day, Part Two<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UhE0b3P-rtTLxqtlBTHRhd5JOKpDqLK5RfHVEKh_NHRA0Bk-4ARIrovd_Cpp8Me5uENYOhLLid7-v_6gJJwqzL5SXiKUueCKbSKyUcYxdc4VGxKlRn03Vk_rM47C6otUMSJH_GDv_9Y/s1600/Screenshot-934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UhE0b3P-rtTLxqtlBTHRhd5JOKpDqLK5RfHVEKh_NHRA0Bk-4ARIrovd_Cpp8Me5uENYOhLLid7-v_6gJJwqzL5SXiKUueCKbSKyUcYxdc4VGxKlRn03Vk_rM47C6otUMSJH_GDv_9Y/s400/Screenshot-934.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkIH2xzVb17kFyTu4XscKZgZ98vlaE4zGOQDFMzivPoisnht6rbabXH-3b63eBt4W5AwjpjgHZ9bmaod8TOzhha9uCkU2HaukN7-xYeQcVjrMj7QrB0XlAqyobSQA8Ul-cymRnzLi2zI/s1600/Screenshot-936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkIH2xzVb17kFyTu4XscKZgZ98vlaE4zGOQDFMzivPoisnht6rbabXH-3b63eBt4W5AwjpjgHZ9bmaod8TOzhha9uCkU2HaukN7-xYeQcVjrMj7QrB0XlAqyobSQA8Ul-cymRnzLi2zI/s400/Screenshot-936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kelly stood down the drones on the bottom level of the fire station as the place burned. She wished right then and there that she still had the meteor device to trick these drones into blowing themselves up, as there were quite a few more of them. As the girl in blue stepped backwards to slightly get away from them, her foot hit an ash-covered part of the fire station's floor, which gave her an idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbtZF3wQlciwb1Fycs-zqcPuWyNGk8XIDWPbMThEDfG-ApJgz_ln1LCs6G4BaSXSlSsd9D2iLwcMeOySm2lfVASW_DGXdripgMSTtIJFx63HMcIAyP_txwSJGWUbquX3a-yw1oAZ90IE/s1600/Screenshot-935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbtZF3wQlciwb1Fycs-zqcPuWyNGk8XIDWPbMThEDfG-ApJgz_ln1LCs6G4BaSXSlSsd9D2iLwcMeOySm2lfVASW_DGXdripgMSTtIJFx63HMcIAyP_txwSJGWUbquX3a-yw1oAZ90IE/s400/Screenshot-935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey guys.", she said. "You know Jack Toomes? I hate to make the pun, but he really is an ash-hole." Kelly used her magic wand to kick up some ash into the air and then maneuvered it into the drones' eyes, kicking up so much that they couldn't see her even on infrared.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURIbw9-Tpyknvqdjac_ChT9YOXDwwYkDZc2FGcIWXgCkBLuj3cJYhNWnO9ZCbmKTNxRax83kVSXlBXDWpMfDZyDH1EDMP15xk_NXubAh22JZFvZ14FOobgzTfX3sbslP17jyjUlC1a2w/s1600/Screenshot-938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURIbw9-Tpyknvqdjac_ChT9YOXDwwYkDZc2FGcIWXgCkBLuj3cJYhNWnO9ZCbmKTNxRax83kVSXlBXDWpMfDZyDH1EDMP15xk_NXubAh22JZFvZ14FOobgzTfX3sbslP17jyjUlC1a2w/s400/Screenshot-938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Using the distraction, she ran in the opposite direction. When the Vazir drones shook off the ash, they went after her. Kelly locked a fence behind her, knowing with the connection disks the drones couldn't simply fly over it. Suddenly she heard her comm device beep and pressed the button on the side of the goggles. "Hey there."<br />
<br />
<i>"Kelly? Kelly are you there?" </i>Annabelle said through the device having seen the explosion from the vantage point of her ship. <i>"What the hell happened?" </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZyX7h386vPfW6qdh0orC5_QKffKpcUh00ctb0lyBVJBts-YS1CFFJx6zBEqEu2UfbY3V6cQSXRXzjZ_KseUBz29WCPcagN65XiP_jOmkhUjwb_4_GEDhLC2Eer9evxr9Oe1qMQetRzM/s1600/Screenshot-939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZyX7h386vPfW6qdh0orC5_QKffKpcUh00ctb0lyBVJBts-YS1CFFJx6zBEqEu2UfbY3V6cQSXRXzjZ_KseUBz29WCPcagN65XiP_jOmkhUjwb_4_GEDhLC2Eer9evxr9Oe1qMQetRzM/s400/Screenshot-939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Slight issue with some drones who found their way here." Kelly replied as the Vazir drones shot through the fence and chased her down. "There are more of them now trying to get to me. Any chance you could stop by? I'm heading towards the graveyard on foot trying to give these guys the slip."<br />
<br />
"Where exactly are you?" Annabelle asked, "I can't get you on my sensors!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RSORyK1jhyphenhyphenRqn0jFVFLnJhYmAhsspk3mLKa55uCyqLQu4l6-HtMyBBgXcLPxilqzSEciltxMnHYpJlKdXJd7Rmgx2oJ0Hbz1oGRPcVwndtC6nnxm2hNWcSGe_OR7kkO6ANuTvsAaJNg/s1600/Screenshot-941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RSORyK1jhyphenhyphenRqn0jFVFLnJhYmAhsspk3mLKa55uCyqLQu4l6-HtMyBBgXcLPxilqzSEciltxMnHYpJlKdXJd7Rmgx2oJ0Hbz1oGRPcVwndtC6nnxm2hNWcSGe_OR7kkO6ANuTvsAaJNg/s400/Screenshot-941.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh well I guess I... wait..." Kelly stopped and turned around after hearing lasers being fired. The group of drones that were chasing her were now damaged, and hovering in the air on fire. "Never mind, continue with the mission."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hazfcrLmVgKlcoB29ds5a8pwVUomF6sv26MYUPb_z2CMgMkx26WF3cI1QmjPOqTrQYB5i8fnEQc3N3Wt9j7J6qUU9hhbVna7Jj7dYlfXPybdezU9JsVTaZGZbTanygFGPpMnTXpW1pA/s1600/Screenshot-942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hazfcrLmVgKlcoB29ds5a8pwVUomF6sv26MYUPb_z2CMgMkx26WF3cI1QmjPOqTrQYB5i8fnEQc3N3Wt9j7J6qUU9hhbVna7Jj7dYlfXPybdezU9JsVTaZGZbTanygFGPpMnTXpW1pA/s400/Screenshot-942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Through the smoke, Kelly saw MIKE, and another MIKE, only this one was green. Then more green. Suddenly, the entire area in front of Kelly was filled with green drones.<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoUPoiaX7C2kZ8CuN4IBBhfibAf1AsYxHMO2HuXMDckq4MCGdIR0PjNv_Nuj8N2ostTG5_afaj1rcCGKIwZj2dXjytHBQ4GdkDtrqswoPuHc6SGdF91w4WMaoBRrr26isY7kYy0c9eeM/s1600/Screenshot-863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoUPoiaX7C2kZ8CuN4IBBhfibAf1AsYxHMO2HuXMDckq4MCGdIR0PjNv_Nuj8N2ostTG5_afaj1rcCGKIwZj2dXjytHBQ4GdkDtrqswoPuHc6SGdF91w4WMaoBRrr26isY7kYy0c9eeM/s400/Screenshot-863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, the Vazirs had Mirabelle, Scarlett, John, and Tom cornered behind the rock near the Mausoleum, pelting the stone that they had taken cover behind with lasers. Tom struck out from behind the rock and shot a beam of fire which destroyed three drones, but three more moved past them and continued firing in their place. John looked up at the sky and wondered when Annabelle was going to get there, as the moon wasn't exactly taking it's time crossing in front of the sun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzugvzUh4Aeqrt-Dglz9kAkZkEv1hZOfXp-kE7wLmA17tEGxPTYQB3GBGAHVGRY6jSPAqoy_cH25s663oQ8NSkwDY9S3R8Cd25v6MuYr1yA0eC_buSEo6-JFgs4sGGVROL1Mq-_bzbh4/s1600/Screenshot-849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzugvzUh4Aeqrt-Dglz9kAkZkEv1hZOfXp-kE7wLmA17tEGxPTYQB3GBGAHVGRY6jSPAqoy_cH25s663oQ8NSkwDY9S3R8Cd25v6MuYr1yA0eC_buSEo6-JFgs4sGGVROL1Mq-_bzbh4/s400/Screenshot-849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Hey, did ya miss me?" </i><br />
<br />
Annabelle's voice boomed over the sky as her spaceship decloaked over the graveyard. The Vazirs, who seemed to have a design flaw of being unable to shoot upwards, spread out in what appeared to be panic as Annie began firing wildly at them with concentrated bursts, destroying them quickly with well-placed shots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BkzPRr7uHvrGVNZp1yoav5pHdn9gfHq7heNVnCrtvVLIeow1rto_3H3QPZkY44K0DSGL-cbpkrLra7G7FYWEse8bNX-B8bRSqjKQfYDIP673qlelDsbYBbxJwkAGkUUbImJ-kN_OlyE/s1600/lasers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BkzPRr7uHvrGVNZp1yoav5pHdn9gfHq7heNVnCrtvVLIeow1rto_3H3QPZkY44K0DSGL-cbpkrLra7G7FYWEse8bNX-B8bRSqjKQfYDIP673qlelDsbYBbxJwkAGkUUbImJ-kN_OlyE/s400/lasers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annie's face lit up with joy as she continued to fire at the drones. "This is for trying to kill me!" she said as she blasted more, referring to the time she escaped from the graveyard. "And this is just because I don't like you!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qtlmtf2MIr6e5SfkBoZNtNTt4mXQrIdP86YDJemgR5T9S8dB8T3-9iai1qv8D9wELeCZElgABI-js7DtxdFuEf4bMDOvoQqd0MbUqoShRiDdSthW2WxFfEG4WLGXX8Tz6k2q537diH4/s1600/Screenshot-851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qtlmtf2MIr6e5SfkBoZNtNTt4mXQrIdP86YDJemgR5T9S8dB8T3-9iai1qv8D9wELeCZElgABI-js7DtxdFuEf4bMDOvoQqd0MbUqoShRiDdSthW2WxFfEG4WLGXX8Tz6k2q537diH4/s400/Screenshot-851.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Annabelle pressed a button to cloak her ship again, then suddenly appeared over a different section of the graveyard, continuing to fire wildly at them until her ship's lasers overheated. "Damn, didn't expect that!" She yelled with a flustered tone. With no other choices, Annabelle parked the ship near the graveyard away from the drones bolted towards her friends and family, who were recovering from the first attack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8d9_9aORoLrO6E5gKUAN_JmMge6PtL5HSl-MB88w78jey7DRzqyl1hsgtJDno_4eQVHRdMLkIGBoIFK-PXzhK3_3qYqLmW6VBFK0UcPKcqhGlQVboW56dXUxrKPNblMLy02-XxSFckk/s1600/Screenshot-862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8d9_9aORoLrO6E5gKUAN_JmMge6PtL5HSl-MB88w78jey7DRzqyl1hsgtJDno_4eQVHRdMLkIGBoIFK-PXzhK3_3qYqLmW6VBFK0UcPKcqhGlQVboW56dXUxrKPNblMLy02-XxSFckk/s400/Screenshot-862.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Your ship mess up?" Tom asked, "What happened?"<br />
<br />
Annie shook her head. "Lasers don't seem to run very well, overheated. I guess it wasn't designed for combat in the first place." She thought back to the fact that it was A'jhanie's ship, and wondered if her clone on the alien planet was some kind of recovery soldier with the limited weapons on the vessel. "Besides, I couldn't stay in the sky forever."<br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone looked up and saw the moon halfway across the sun. "We don't have long, twenty minutes at the most!" Tom breathed heavily. "Whatever happens, we have to do it fast." The five of them gathered up and started to walk towards the mausoleum, ready to face down the remaining Vazirs, only to see that there were now dozens of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhScHgnYf1Qjjcz63Vb0Fi4koVeNLeBfSo1RPsYaYx39QSUWTEEQkn49W5qzIgsJQ_DUF3PFWunjSQg-5gr-A9rw9OOvNg_-8i56jAMk3atsf340va1Nv76aAL2kk813ho2kxvb8okM4/s1600/Screenshot-856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhScHgnYf1Qjjcz63Vb0Fi4koVeNLeBfSo1RPsYaYx39QSUWTEEQkn49W5qzIgsJQ_DUF3PFWunjSQg-5gr-A9rw9OOvNg_-8i56jAMk3atsf340va1Nv76aAL2kk813ho2kxvb8okM4/s400/Screenshot-856.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Where the hell did they come from?!" John yelled out, "We just got rid of most of their forces?!" The drones started shooting at them, forcing the heroes behind cover again.<br />
<br />
"We need an army now!" Scarlett worriedly screamed. "Something!"<br />
<br />
<i>"Did you say... army?" </i>Kelly's voice echoed across everyone's goggle communicators. John remembered where he placed the M-0 under that building and realized they were just outside the jamming range.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg_zSjMReU4sG2CXomkEujjeZvUVOgKdFoqUe9ZN3U__MeOEAL0bzVeZP20pPuRKJeBZ2Ea_nfNB7Y_HdgcmI_6YfDDihi705guOWmFa1InuI6VyuWPGx4xaQ0LeUj1o6oPyDlsCqW1E/s1600/HEROKELLY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg_zSjMReU4sG2CXomkEujjeZvUVOgKdFoqUe9ZN3U__MeOEAL0bzVeZP20pPuRKJeBZ2Ea_nfNB7Y_HdgcmI_6YfDDihi705guOWmFa1InuI6VyuWPGx4xaQ0LeUj1o6oPyDlsCqW1E/s400/HEROKELLY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Everyone looked confused, then out of the corner of their eye they saw Kelly running ahead towards the graveyard with MIKE beside her, as well as about three dozen other drones which had green markings on them.<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------<br />
<b><i>Earlier that day... </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7seKFF3DcCR4_yBfeVISAkyLuU16gDtlHRmbqq0PwNJ6Kkzhd6uZv3D-X5qx9zEoUerHm2fuVeRYjkp9dgkM4OgkDxXPxUQ3o3DbGuIXycTRRcakEcQ-pvSwqjMbGknv8xmU732nxD9U/s1600/Screenshot-943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7seKFF3DcCR4_yBfeVISAkyLuU16gDtlHRmbqq0PwNJ6Kkzhd6uZv3D-X5qx9zEoUerHm2fuVeRYjkp9dgkM4OgkDxXPxUQ3o3DbGuIXycTRRcakEcQ-pvSwqjMbGknv8xmU732nxD9U/s400/Screenshot-943.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Kelly turned around and saw the drones who saved her, with MIKE hovering in front of them. "What the-?" She asked, half thankful and half confused. "Who are your friends?" The "friends" she was referring to being numerous green drones that seemed to follow MIKE'S commands. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Allies. After we destroyed the Vazir drones a few nights ago, I have worked to refurbish them and take command. I needed to return home to activate them when the battle began and upload a command to their core system. They will assist greatly in the battle against the remaining Vazir drones."</span></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-9xSk-Y0vRm1YJouOnT0SUj9FFNq8qHoxt1fZAGXZZeLPor0MtKt-fvqeEnvEtrKi41YUTsyfITvq3x-d4L2ObxB4Viy5woPW5NKEt6WYblSKo4XReCNbi5IrHrNhY2_ROFuK0VXGMs/s1600/Screenshot-944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-9xSk-Y0vRm1YJouOnT0SUj9FFNq8qHoxt1fZAGXZZeLPor0MtKt-fvqeEnvEtrKi41YUTsyfITvq3x-d4L2ObxB4Viy5woPW5NKEt6WYblSKo4XReCNbi5IrHrNhY2_ROFuK0VXGMs/s400/Screenshot-944.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Wow." Kelly said, "These are all your soldiers? Great! Once we get to the graveyard, we can mop up the remaining Vazirs, and get inside that mausoleum, and who knows what's waiting for us there."<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">MIKE turned towards her.</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-weight: bold;"> "I have already scanned it, there are many more Vazir units lying in wait just inside the entrance. However, I have noticed that only one person is in the complex underneath the graveyard. That person is Jack Toomes. I am unable to figure out where Dr. Vu and his companion Tobias Corvan have gone. There is something else down there as well, something I cannot figure out what. We need to get down into the complex so I can scan it better."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOH0IHo2qybfhY1AM2Dkn4SUDrP0P5oWAhDvXpEDU17IZ5bCq0rjiVBVFlWEHLmYKizGoqA20kf5wtpDOa1LB4bRa9jXnr4j97pAvWXmcsMeIuBMUBxB5HzmUAnkrgFyBfyzTKNVlwiQ/s1600/Screenshot-945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOH0IHo2qybfhY1AM2Dkn4SUDrP0P5oWAhDvXpEDU17IZ5bCq0rjiVBVFlWEHLmYKizGoqA20kf5wtpDOa1LB4bRa9jXnr4j97pAvWXmcsMeIuBMUBxB5HzmUAnkrgFyBfyzTKNVlwiQ/s400/Screenshot-945.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Well it's not too long before the solar eclipse reaches it's maximum stage." Kelly said, looking up at the sky. "We need to figure out a way in anyway, like right now."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Leave that to us. When Annabelle appears in the sky, we shall appear on the ground. This battle will be won."</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-8BerN7s3QpsiAGRDdWyLijtFTSEY53J9KAimtpTWB8hBHvEMdnCV6zn7Wn3qJ4ag2DQ8C-twoFHvp4Mi1iRLD429y6Ch_nXdF-mNwOhhcsIsVaHL3J1B5lg76mMX3Z8m_-DB_kdNYI/s1600/Screenshot-946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-8BerN7s3QpsiAGRDdWyLijtFTSEY53J9KAimtpTWB8hBHvEMdnCV6zn7Wn3qJ4ag2DQ8C-twoFHvp4Mi1iRLD429y6Ch_nXdF-mNwOhhcsIsVaHL3J1B5lg76mMX3Z8m_-DB_kdNYI/s320/Screenshot-946.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kelly smiled. "Well then, onward we march!" Kelly turned and ran off towards the graveyard </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">followed by the small army of MIKE drones.</span></div>
<br />
-------------------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdR9tjt5lRkPnkUGpmZ4mJwq5XTuZbiCvXKNOyUxkjSrRIpY1MZt_anS_FHXCulYbal-lQEMD3Ih4B6PjXd48mk5TwGcsJeu2yzBWHyj_w0_XW_KY0341o-kzQRLx4d4wx4EkyZE4JVY/s1600/Screenshot-837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdR9tjt5lRkPnkUGpmZ4mJwq5XTuZbiCvXKNOyUxkjSrRIpY1MZt_anS_FHXCulYbal-lQEMD3Ih4B6PjXd48mk5TwGcsJeu2yzBWHyj_w0_XW_KY0341o-kzQRLx4d4wx4EkyZE4JVY/s400/Screenshot-837.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lasers fired from both sides ripped apart drones, both red and green, as Kelly joined with her family near the back of the graveyard. Mirabelle smiled at her girlfriend and ran into the conflict side-by-side with her, the two's attacks being stronger somehow the closer they got together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5G111GYoOLfhJTjwZdSDyQ5du98QNSMMsHVbJlWj_9VPd0w4bRpBj4zyurNBRloAZArSxzgmZq5x8w3g8B2Sa11bfUQj0gSML_wx8gMGG9PgMNGu7gwkuF0gKTQFeGHdBSvD-dfDJIA/s1600/Screenshot-855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5G111GYoOLfhJTjwZdSDyQ5du98QNSMMsHVbJlWj_9VPd0w4bRpBj4zyurNBRloAZArSxzgmZq5x8w3g8B2Sa11bfUQj0gSML_wx8gMGG9PgMNGu7gwkuF0gKTQFeGHdBSvD-dfDJIA/s400/Screenshot-855.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom and Annabelle, John and Scarlett, and Kelly and Mirabelle moved as one group across the field firing bolts of energy of all types at the drones, hitting them from one side with the MIKE drones attacking the other. A flurry of energy blasts, fire, ice, and wind filled the air as the Vazirs were torn apart. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ho-gYim7WHj3ixABVunTN6yetP1cXQvZIPQ7_HPJNNtXqFlI4e_bbLBCkbnVEnr_5kozdSu8dSiA1r2mI-al-XvaGgor1AOfpUdXdZDr6p2EOhz-AeI4Rvx-z8rUHXrAc5vIvSbgG5E/s1600/Screenshot-843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ho-gYim7WHj3ixABVunTN6yetP1cXQvZIPQ7_HPJNNtXqFlI4e_bbLBCkbnVEnr_5kozdSu8dSiA1r2mI-al-XvaGgor1AOfpUdXdZDr6p2EOhz-AeI4Rvx-z8rUHXrAc5vIvSbgG5E/s400/Screenshot-843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom and Annabelle touched hands for a moment and suddenly the energy that shot from them was ten-fold, which created a very large blast that destroyed half the drones in one shot. The force of the explosion knocked Annabelle down, hurting her ears. Through fogged vision, she saw Tom grab a Vazir and smash it with his fist, then shoot another behind him with magic. He then ran over and helped her to her feet.<br />
<br />
A few moments passed, and all the red drones on the battlefield were destroyed, along with most of the battlefield itself. Luckily ninety-nine percent of the graves were still in-tact, somehow. With their main force decimated, the remaining Vazirs shut themselves down as an act or retreat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3KwwS2rjmT1dYtW4CzEW8OwDXMu5pllPz11ZOf8_Iwt1YxYhUGgND2biXsYDjqwrEvZG3y5ENOXfsGpeHnfT4alLdBC1q2-WrUmpZh9EDADlGYMl4xHt8h9tQ2a8SIzutHmU9Up-vWM/s1600/Screenshot-867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3KwwS2rjmT1dYtW4CzEW8OwDXMu5pllPz11ZOf8_Iwt1YxYhUGgND2biXsYDjqwrEvZG3y5ENOXfsGpeHnfT4alLdBC1q2-WrUmpZh9EDADlGYMl4xHt8h9tQ2a8SIzutHmU9Up-vWM/s400/Screenshot-867.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annie smiled as everyone walked through the graveyard towards the entrance to the mausoleum, with MIKE scanning the building to make sure there were no more surprises. "So this is it." Mirabelle said as everyone stood near the entrance. "Annabelle and Tom, you two go in first to scout, as you've been in there before, then the rest of us will be behind you. When we're all inside, I'll signal MIKE to send in some of his drones as backup, understood?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Everyone nodded and, wasting no time, the first pair went into the tomb ready to take down Jack. John and Mirabelle waited a few seconds and motioned everyone to go in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN74Cq9Wj7OLzZPJYzBpVLpQxDhMeAHxX3wbnXLGN9BCAaXf_v1EK3mMO0oxqG4M6T_lZyooSUj-ZFZyrmnlEmBfPYgisvfbAiT0jC4-8TgDwXwC7Hd_GurjeP0Qo5rZP2D6l0x6_Yj-M/s1600/Screenshot-904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN74Cq9Wj7OLzZPJYzBpVLpQxDhMeAHxX3wbnXLGN9BCAaXf_v1EK3mMO0oxqG4M6T_lZyooSUj-ZFZyrmnlEmBfPYgisvfbAiT0jC4-8TgDwXwC7Hd_GurjeP0Qo5rZP2D6l0x6_Yj-M/s400/Screenshot-904.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom and Annabelle ran down the stairs and through the hall towards the locked gate that blocked the main room of the crypt, with Annabelle using her magic to destroy the lock. Both of them ran inside expecting to see Jack with his smug expression, but to their surprise he wasn't in there, no one was. In fact, much of the room was emptied of it's technology that both Tom and Annabelle had witness, and there was not a Vazir drone or anything. Annabelle snarled, wanting Jack to pay for what he had done to everyone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVjoIhAzCVETPanrap5-FyA_T7LIu3AAyiKDAWjkrzh8pv5kkg70PNHf8YRDk_dTY87Jx6ZFbxQ_4JEtY6glJDyzQ6Fy7NdC-NMEDTS8s-JtY-yAUwB49SCFX5fYbLGSc596jKbKJeU0/s1600/Screenshot-903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVjoIhAzCVETPanrap5-FyA_T7LIu3AAyiKDAWjkrzh8pv5kkg70PNHf8YRDk_dTY87Jx6ZFbxQ_4JEtY6glJDyzQ6Fy7NdC-NMEDTS8s-JtY-yAUwB49SCFX5fYbLGSc596jKbKJeU0/s400/Screenshot-903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well even if Jack doesn't show, we can still be here for the eclipse, prevent anyone else from getting to the-GAAAH!!" Tom screamed as a burst of electricity surged through his body. Annabelle was startled by the sudden attack and didn't have time to react before a surge went through her as well. Just then, a glowing disk hovered away from the two and outside the gate, where a series of shutters came down after it left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4odcVE3kC48IWRtfNZSeFxoiYLCSRrHi_lRspZvuCaPnx43VTukgPIkpkc3riNSpSbWVpSTRALVvZaP-ZGJ6dbKpdWcjYOm7lN2JfcWJqmziyEEIofkehdbaI_hfdUjr326zrrCheV3I/s1600/Screenshot-897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4odcVE3kC48IWRtfNZSeFxoiYLCSRrHi_lRspZvuCaPnx43VTukgPIkpkc3riNSpSbWVpSTRALVvZaP-ZGJ6dbKpdWcjYOm7lN2JfcWJqmziyEEIofkehdbaI_hfdUjr326zrrCheV3I/s400/Screenshot-897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John, Scarlett, Kelly, and Mirabelle were shocked to see the shutters down, then without warning a powerful bolt of energy shot at them from nothing. Everyone backed away as MIKE hovered down the stairs and scanned the area, having identified where the energy came from.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"No. It can't be." </span></b>MIKE said, <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"It was just a non-functioning prototype." </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30xT0krEp7UWFSztyYeKdd_e4d8JB-W7VtXEukOEljBZ0WhQnwuN7ZZa_6Z7NWHvHHy3jqzKTd5BPQ4RHtdCjAa0nTOQv_N9soaWafFmOJX3Tw-COYXMOtsFxbEfvoixXrtZnjAaFcNc/s1600/Screenshot-899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30xT0krEp7UWFSztyYeKdd_e4d8JB-W7VtXEukOEljBZ0WhQnwuN7ZZa_6Z7NWHvHHy3jqzKTd5BPQ4RHtdCjAa0nTOQv_N9soaWafFmOJX3Tw-COYXMOtsFxbEfvoixXrtZnjAaFcNc/s400/Screenshot-899.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"WHAT was just a non-functioning prototype?!" Mirabelle asked. "What is that thing?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4rImTqbMq0ocrAq9ACFKrthJdDPLaAy71bLmTGtjld6yHG8ClRFHZOeCaEoDRI7YUPh4WBY6NL9BRKC_v7csq5S45GY985IWXcs4i7Aqhn6wzXswWqdkRevCD2eOjF4440XeVBXYDag/s1600/Screenshot-900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4rImTqbMq0ocrAq9ACFKrthJdDPLaAy71bLmTGtjld6yHG8ClRFHZOeCaEoDRI7YUPh4WBY6NL9BRKC_v7csq5S45GY985IWXcs4i7Aqhn6wzXswWqdkRevCD2eOjF4440XeVBXYDag/s400/Screenshot-900.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"It's a new drone type with an advanced shield network surrounding the control disk. It's main body is made entirely out of energy, and as such it is completely invulnerable. We cannot destroy it, <i>even with our most powerful weapons!</i>"</b></span> Everyone grew worried as even the <i>robot</i> was displaying a sense of fear when faced down with something superior to it, with the exception of Scarlett who was angry that all this work and they're stopped by something they didn't count on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0LdTYwWYy4aovitUYyiPFwDpExIBsjkn-H80RYKqV7OtdRfNiX8ZhdjG963zkrFyFDBWPYhkiOT-ey5MBMDh1P-0xuoSD0Trsrsux0zBWsqeRCCUcccU6aKWWAO3N4BMj1hlksTfRUU/s1600/Screenshot-902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0LdTYwWYy4aovitUYyiPFwDpExIBsjkn-H80RYKqV7OtdRfNiX8ZhdjG963zkrFyFDBWPYhkiOT-ey5MBMDh1P-0xuoSD0Trsrsux0zBWsqeRCCUcccU6aKWWAO3N4BMj1hlksTfRUU/s400/Screenshot-902.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly, the disk at the end of the hall glowed red before shooting a beam of energy into ceiling. MIKE hovered back against the wall with the rest of them. "<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>It's the RT-53</b></span>."<br />
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEkj2xGeiSY6GzBfaxMcBq-KmRA-B7DrtgrNcusPWoMYphf7JWixPLhX9NxBeqs0aKC5szsQwU-8ESPL0Q21NZYmTp_pqo3oC_S6_VvH2mWAYYbdnbz0kl2zJZbWaIr1Yb3SpAtXwWFA/s1600/Screenshot-908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEkj2xGeiSY6GzBfaxMcBq-KmRA-B7DrtgrNcusPWoMYphf7JWixPLhX9NxBeqs0aKC5szsQwU-8ESPL0Q21NZYmTp_pqo3oC_S6_VvH2mWAYYbdnbz0kl2zJZbWaIr1Yb3SpAtXwWFA/s400/Screenshot-908.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annie's membrane suit absorbed much of the shock, so she was able to regain consciousness just soon enough to see Jack walking over to her wearing some kind of suit that she'd seen dictators wear. For a few seconds, she was worried that Jack actually got a hold of the lamp while she was passed out, but he told her otherwise without even knowing she was worried.<br />
<br />
"You like the suit? I figured when I get the lamp, I'll be in control of the world so I decided to look the part. I kept you alive to witness my rise, and help me out when need be." Jack then grew cold, "Though I SHOULD kill you know. You've been a thorn in my side for a long time, alien."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD829NPvAbCxHqkMaU7PwNGm_69WACV9mNl2CdWqw-wVy2xVt2z4fS2VNitrVeJdhxmFMu_H_D5pJ0_VPQpOukxIIHMsQ-8GaixC4Hpi43RA4YsZ3toJOg0TLb4F2F2QRLdY24jKiC8Mc/s1600/Screenshot-909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD829NPvAbCxHqkMaU7PwNGm_69WACV9mNl2CdWqw-wVy2xVt2z4fS2VNitrVeJdhxmFMu_H_D5pJ0_VPQpOukxIIHMsQ-8GaixC4Hpi43RA4YsZ3toJOg0TLb4F2F2QRLdY24jKiC8Mc/s400/Screenshot-909.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You're... alien too." Annabelle said, struggling to stand again. "Just like me."<br />
<br />
Jack laughed. "No. To everyone who doesn't know my... <i>our... </i>true heritage, I'm human. Then again so are you but you at least look the part most of the time. Why is it that I am stuck looking like one more member of a people who are practically crying for a dictator while you can stand among the rest on you own? It's just... not... FAIR!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCXYTRXOPWZTEdefGb7Z5qamttJtpYSrH_AVkkQ0P8FmIrJtXIF40UxHNN3RBleqQkUYu4BgwzNbiLZGpz6xH437vUMWDdmHfALVsfQHdilUI2nFgvNMKLkzSJZv66y_oV3NupzUD26w/s1600/Screenshot-911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCXYTRXOPWZTEdefGb7Z5qamttJtpYSrH_AVkkQ0P8FmIrJtXIF40UxHNN3RBleqQkUYu4BgwzNbiLZGpz6xH437vUMWDdmHfALVsfQHdilUI2nFgvNMKLkzSJZv66y_oV3NupzUD26w/s400/Screenshot-911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What's the matter, <i>green</i> with envy?" Annabelle chuckled, finally being able to use a joke that Tom had used against her from the moment he could form complete sentences. "Oh wait, no you're <i>not</i>. You'll never be."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMfrB_o7h47cVHfYw-rgF17uVsY4jp4mI_QEm2AZEt_mYpJsMUJqn3ijn7I2cBgqDXyknbSFTz6VW6AQgS2yD8d474-1ZWkOX3y1iWgo53oZ6FvObJxs1JIzauuU2xVD4Aqy3tGh5Hw0/s1600/Screenshot-907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMfrB_o7h47cVHfYw-rgF17uVsY4jp4mI_QEm2AZEt_mYpJsMUJqn3ijn7I2cBgqDXyknbSFTz6VW6AQgS2yD8d474-1ZWkOX3y1iWgo53oZ6FvObJxs1JIzauuU2xVD4Aqy3tGh5Hw0/s400/Screenshot-907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack snarled, then blasted Annabelle backwards through the air with a burst of magic. Tom stood up angrily, having been startled back into consciousness by the sudden attack, and tried to attack his foe but Jack used a few physical moves to disorient his foe, then aimed the magic wand at his him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN4YbxLck6Ow85YGybEft1TJa9fZlix-apdBpQETkosFru6ihpd-MZK5oMOrMJ2cMyh7G1u8yaej8lXUBN_vHWO9szUdjXp9rhZZu4Vzw0l0-3QSxBzVVMjQwyo0Q-XYWr0rsJu5IVJ0/s1600/Screenshot-905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN4YbxLck6Ow85YGybEft1TJa9fZlix-apdBpQETkosFru6ihpd-MZK5oMOrMJ2cMyh7G1u8yaej8lXUBN_vHWO9szUdjXp9rhZZu4Vzw0l0-3QSxBzVVMjQwyo0Q-XYWr0rsJu5IVJ0/s400/Screenshot-905.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"How about we test out your ability to deflect all types of magic, eh Tommy boy? I was thinking something along the lines of a beam of fire that cuts straight through your eyeball. <i>Then</i> you and your little friend Keera would have something in common, heheheh."<br />
<br />
Annabelle growled as Jack looked over to her. "Now we're going to play a little game, it's called 'Do What I Say or Everyone Dies'. It's kinda like Simon Says, but a little more fun." <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xzj5oyZi00M_5aK00J_hpyPyQXS4mIQtS_5wY5tbYtX5Lq4iOENXU6dStW7yQulVjCCQQRVHrF0xCzW9YC5iMkmELUAaWjsxXJKolvBL7P1OTYHs5A537RtbOSmr0yJiBP2-_tGQ7Nk/s1600/the+eclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xzj5oyZi00M_5aK00J_hpyPyQXS4mIQtS_5wY5tbYtX5Lq4iOENXU6dStW7yQulVjCCQQRVHrF0xCzW9YC5iMkmELUAaWjsxXJKolvBL7P1OTYHs5A537RtbOSmr0yJiBP2-_tGQ7Nk/s400/the+eclipse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The sun turned black as the moon finally moved in front of it, bathing the city of Starlight Shores in premature darkness with the distant horizon the only well-lit part of the visible area, aside from the city's lights which remained on since the evacuation.<br />
<br />
------------------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfStPeB_cyCtPp6rX1Aboz2iTE4fIlcr1sth-VTEWYnLGleqR4QS8oC9i5jpjeKvNKLsbdAyqc-G0gpVbJygYeH79mlsCC-0JxoyDA5GcwCyrNHElg8LrYmjRoXPGx1yn083N1dZNS4VU/s1600/Screenshot-896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfStPeB_cyCtPp6rX1Aboz2iTE4fIlcr1sth-VTEWYnLGleqR4QS8oC9i5jpjeKvNKLsbdAyqc-G0gpVbJygYeH79mlsCC-0JxoyDA5GcwCyrNHElg8LrYmjRoXPGx1yn083N1dZNS4VU/s400/Screenshot-896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John fired a bolt of energy at the RT-53, but was startled beyond all reason when the energy faded. Scarlett and Mirabelle also tried their hand at magic, but as with John their energy stopped working.<br />
<br />
"Well that puts a damper on things!" Kelly said as she and the rest fell back against the wall as the advanced drone kept firing energy at them. Inside the Tomb, Annabelle also felt her magical energy fade, as she didn't need to use a wand to channel it through, but Jack didn't seem to notice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJdm48mj3RvJF-Es6QhPbt8vRXD9sR44I4sJEavnFiMuErEgEfzoH6D_5RUuHHCFuSlE7v9pwG50-_cDs1dv5Gzry1cNqyfE9eMybHQECnY5w0P0h9rq5VjQjGWGtArMCH8REvKa3oDU/s1600/Screenshot-893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJdm48mj3RvJF-Es6QhPbt8vRXD9sR44I4sJEavnFiMuErEgEfzoH6D_5RUuHHCFuSlE7v9pwG50-_cDs1dv5Gzry1cNqyfE9eMybHQECnY5w0P0h9rq5VjQjGWGtArMCH8REvKa3oDU/s400/Screenshot-893.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Inside the tomb, Jack smiled as the magic blocking the door to the lamp chamber faded away, and the plaque which was to hold the key started to gently hum. Jack stayed where he was next to Tom, then smiled evilly as he turned to Annabelle. "You. Open the door. When the world is subjugated to my will, I want to be able to tell my loyal subjects that it was you who led me to my victory. Imagine how <i>famous</i> you'll be. Imagine how many people would love to get to you to shake your hand." A dark laugh filled the quiet tomb. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgst61lZNWTK3WHwRIQDIUtna7uCF0a6Al_RM2_m28cbvLJLFV-LbTsm0CtLcACDEULy8sgjDeYUH5gUNpvi4qeTBZ6VAuETsVz1nYV_hrHsVYOle-8xKdTy-4fZy0RKchk-Ha1DlAUDps/s1600/Screenshot-887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgst61lZNWTK3WHwRIQDIUtna7uCF0a6Al_RM2_m28cbvLJLFV-LbTsm0CtLcACDEULy8sgjDeYUH5gUNpvi4qeTBZ6VAuETsVz1nYV_hrHsVYOle-8xKdTy-4fZy0RKchk-Ha1DlAUDps/s400/Screenshot-887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeJIlzKFvAez2ZM0jS-6dozWhE54iflimgWvIXTmN3TbyKNymQvU1-1szr2_wS_q8GvP4AD000Y1j3WkVUd3XWtc5PZVN6qQI_7quTbXkqZdTJJCdi9EU0uYuuzb7VrEqcKpD-l-8KLk/s1600/Screenshot-886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeJIlzKFvAez2ZM0jS-6dozWhE54iflimgWvIXTmN3TbyKNymQvU1-1szr2_wS_q8GvP4AD000Y1j3WkVUd3XWtc5PZVN6qQI_7quTbXkqZdTJJCdi9EU0uYuuzb7VrEqcKpD-l-8KLk/s400/Screenshot-886.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jack tossed the key stone on the ground in front of Annie, then walked over to Tom. "And before you even begin to protest, just know that if you don't do what I say, I'll slit his throat with the sharp edges of this wand. I won't even HAVE to use magic. To sweeten the deal, I'll make you <i>watch</i>. Now be a good girl and pick up that stone."<br />
<br />
Tom, looking at the Jack, wondered if the weapon was sharp enough to cut through skin, and wasn't even sure if he was worried. Still he didn't say anything, because Jack would probably hurt Annabelle even worse if she didn't do it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-Hj8wGrdpXyw5GLzUyuHGPktmPYI8P9r7rFK_xKs6_H-R7pPh8SZUeUJH6I_8vpLF9HswrmVbvSPQQq3PofS6YqO9KtCxv8gCuS7tYANVwSTeib-XqnEO0JLlUMIhelCpeyvRuJlUwc/s1600/Screenshot-888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-Hj8wGrdpXyw5GLzUyuHGPktmPYI8P9r7rFK_xKs6_H-R7pPh8SZUeUJH6I_8vpLF9HswrmVbvSPQQq3PofS6YqO9KtCxv8gCuS7tYANVwSTeib-XqnEO0JLlUMIhelCpeyvRuJlUwc/s400/Screenshot-888.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle reluctantly grabbed the star stone and, without words, walked towards the plaque which held the key. She angled herself and forcefully placed the stone into the key hole, stepping back as the thing lit up suddenly. Seconds later, the door finally opened revealing a brightly lit room. Annabelle turned around when she felt something strange when stepping back near Tom. It was an energy, which he shouldn't have had considering the eclipse seemed to stop people from using magic.It was something different, something stronger than she had never felt, even with herself. It was almost an explosive energy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA_vcXkGRQNrhhLdSum9G9ElFMnjfnjd39srbUYwIhEbnJk80VILZf0TM9kilchx7-Oa9p8H4kjieA6QEg3TrvgkopWvYYWy8DDVQGEsEh2v95dO6wYysVUCZUTZmb2HYKDGWaNJ873I/s1600/Screenshot-880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA_vcXkGRQNrhhLdSum9G9ElFMnjfnjd39srbUYwIhEbnJk80VILZf0TM9kilchx7-Oa9p8H4kjieA6QEg3TrvgkopWvYYWy8DDVQGEsEh2v95dO6wYysVUCZUTZmb2HYKDGWaNJ873I/s400/Screenshot-880.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly, Annabelle realized what it was and walked back towards Tom and Jack, the latter of which having smiling as he triumphantly walked towards the door. "Well if you'll excuse me, I have a lamp to obtain."<br />
<br />
Annabelle then stopped him in his tracks. "Hey Jack, quick question... how do you deal with explosions? I mean I've seen quite a few big booms in my life, and they're pretty much standard with me. You? Yeah I mean you've caused a lot but have you ever been in one?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPYgYCzui-Lq-Igt-ROw4OZZc955AxKsgZLIDSi1AIVp9PGEcbe1lgZMoHvTB02YUhzswDXgWOqsZWMn65_UpQOJuEQ_KzLBANTQELDkiSmsQlc8DO6e2t6_sXT5ViQQn-2pANwgrW08/s1600/Screenshot-884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPYgYCzui-Lq-Igt-ROw4OZZc955AxKsgZLIDSi1AIVp9PGEcbe1lgZMoHvTB02YUhzswDXgWOqsZWMn65_UpQOJuEQ_KzLBANTQELDkiSmsQlc8DO6e2t6_sXT5ViQQn-2pANwgrW08/s400/Screenshot-884.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What are you talking about?" Jack demanded. He had eight minutes to get to the lamp, so he decided to humor this green woman.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKlMnGFH6qHlYuRSDZz9LpLD5_YiYg3aMk-cXL82jqVjvFXvjhWJHZVwBGXNRxbb4nPL3q2PhR2kpPlqz4XeW55SLqeRy4CX9Rs1Di5L2DU3wOd3eUdMCPb5mhhYw2kxXX-1nvsTygvI/s1600/Screenshot-885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKlMnGFH6qHlYuRSDZz9LpLD5_YiYg3aMk-cXL82jqVjvFXvjhWJHZVwBGXNRxbb4nPL3q2PhR2kpPlqz4XeW55SLqeRy4CX9Rs1Di5L2DU3wOd3eUdMCPb5mhhYw2kxXX-1nvsTygvI/s400/Screenshot-885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I mean, right now I'm pretty sure Tom here is thinking 'boom' because I said it. Right, Tom? Aren't you thinking 'boom'? Big boom'? Probably about the same size as this room that wouldn't hurt anyone but still distract them? I'm surprised your clumsiness hasn't caused any before."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iULJZWnk-2PelgBoC3GoXZgYAN20sKdveAzbrfLMhQeG3VHRKpR5Ff6eXqPuwrMZ2zkWp_MSK7PIPpnWG-MfZRN7bV6cEYsdvlRezemhQiCyo_xokhTsltGywnphJZtIZ2lQRxF1Vu8/s1600/Screenshot-882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iULJZWnk-2PelgBoC3GoXZgYAN20sKdveAzbrfLMhQeG3VHRKpR5Ff6eXqPuwrMZ2zkWp_MSK7PIPpnWG-MfZRN7bV6cEYsdvlRezemhQiCyo_xokhTsltGywnphJZtIZ2lQRxF1Vu8/s400/Screenshot-882.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom looked at her confused, then said "Explos-?" Suddenly, before he could finish the word, Tom started to glow as Annabelle ducked under a table. Seconds later a powerful explosion rocked the room with Tom in the center. Jack turned around and tried to summon a shield to protect him, but he was shocked when the concussive blast hit him anyway. Surprisingly, Tom was safe as was Annabelle, who led him behind a wall, looking at Jack who was lying on unconscious on the floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KXzuPq4KYMCBF1P6uOThBAPIgbmLK644rVKSZcta18eS4mFanBDZxG5kBlwrCvqsur9FfsM-3cCq6MfXK4VsVtaRKt3Cr0OjF9uhrIe6aekSP4lfhgSPQx9kXIhhJ0iPUyyzJmHbATM/s1600/Screenshot-914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KXzuPq4KYMCBF1P6uOThBAPIgbmLK644rVKSZcta18eS4mFanBDZxG5kBlwrCvqsur9FfsM-3cCq6MfXK4VsVtaRKt3Cr0OjF9uhrIe6aekSP4lfhgSPQx9kXIhhJ0iPUyyzJmHbATM/s400/Screenshot-914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What... the hell... was that?!" Tom asked, wondering how he was safe, and Annabelle wasn't injured either. "Was that magic?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErHnVOHK6qBrNI370Y9-zZsfNfQuFqGIXKK2LCbcA6_XfnyLMP1dnmRp5KB2edybQYae8X9ja-dpvD30J_nrZeLxZ1wCZxD4hwklZF4rboRm2a3lPQjzjcLdFKNrJMGVBsQ_WNYhKJU0/s1600/Screenshot-912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErHnVOHK6qBrNI370Y9-zZsfNfQuFqGIXKK2LCbcA6_XfnyLMP1dnmRp5KB2edybQYae8X9ja-dpvD30J_nrZeLxZ1wCZxD4hwklZF4rboRm2a3lPQjzjcLdFKNrJMGVBsQ_WNYhKJU0/s400/Screenshot-912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'm pretty sure, though I don't know why I can't use it and you can now." Annie looked over and saw Jack still unconscious. "I think it has something to do with the eclipse. I'm powerless while you have too much!"<br />
<br />
"I'm not sure, I think that was all the magic I'm gonna use for a while." Tom whispered, defeated. "And just in case, I'm not gonna think<i> THAT word</i> again until that damn eclipse is over!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu78HPZqe6VrYJs5Hwmz0xwfEtQuJHFgYH9v83PsmdKzOcY8dqhgGYBQuLBNqu675Y43sHK3ZIoGcm6tTsHPjFOyQjQ2e47sYAg7kiQtV9_mdKKqBctHK9IQUMOe7L_S3D92rghTrC2Mw/s1600/Screenshot-916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu78HPZqe6VrYJs5Hwmz0xwfEtQuJHFgYH9v83PsmdKzOcY8dqhgGYBQuLBNqu675Y43sHK3ZIoGcm6tTsHPjFOyQjQ2e47sYAg7kiQtV9_mdKKqBctHK9IQUMOe7L_S3D92rghTrC2Mw/s400/Screenshot-916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While they were talking, Jack stood back up and walked slightly injured into the room with the lamp. Annabelle, trying to sneak up on him, very carefully walked behind the villain hoping the blast hurt his hearing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDGZPSSsETTCfb6D3M89mITpRfLu049caPbBBnUCNSuZRTgrBsYhPKWHp8wRD0VulY8YQ4578C9pS3Q0x6PUHwIUKIzFmif9bOD8o5Dwe5k3pTvxY87MnOZgUwCfe1Mzalsakeq9TsY4/s1600/Screenshot-918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDGZPSSsETTCfb6D3M89mITpRfLu049caPbBBnUCNSuZRTgrBsYhPKWHp8wRD0VulY8YQ4578C9pS3Q0x6PUHwIUKIzFmif9bOD8o5Dwe5k3pTvxY87MnOZgUwCfe1Mzalsakeq9TsY4/s400/Screenshot-918.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Jack counted on this and swiftly angled his fist backwards, striking her in the face and knocking her to the ground hard enough to break her goggles and snap them off. Looking down at her, he laughed. "Your plan to hurt me didn't go so well, eh? Maybe you should just give up-" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You son of a snake!" Tom yelled out as he jumped towards Jack. The latter didn't have time to react as Tom grabbed the front of his collar and yanked him back into the tomb, using every bit of his strength to punch him in the face repeatedly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZTJWwPH-wQdL1P5Ddehn6vDjRmFq2SuPnG87pLUxUG9KrRA33De9pDghFRG1zxGuI_1nPhMm-UiAdsErRMH00t8h__ARY0j6BTfMSasWzpBVNgQl7-n7df4fJcihOTPht06cMJ-6G2Y/s1600/Screenshot-921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZTJWwPH-wQdL1P5Ddehn6vDjRmFq2SuPnG87pLUxUG9KrRA33De9pDghFRG1zxGuI_1nPhMm-UiAdsErRMH00t8h__ARY0j6BTfMSasWzpBVNgQl7-n7df4fJcihOTPht06cMJ-6G2Y/s400/Screenshot-921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle regained her stamina and stood up, walking into the lit room. Jack saw her doing this and punched Tom in the face, knocking him back into the wall where he was knocked out cold. He then ran into the room behind her, trying to stop the woman from reaching his prize.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The room they found themselves in was bright, far too bright to see anything and covered in an eerie fog. Annabelle used her own focused senses to follow Jack, however, taking the opportunity to punch him in the stomach and kick him across the face before vanishing back into the supernatural mist. Breathing heavily, Jack stood back up and walked around in a circle, calling out to his foe. "You won't win, Annabelle Kethrin. I am destined to get this prize, and use it to take over the world."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HI4z4Jbgp486I_sCKIuT0HX94AkbVNllTQcdHh6GGt7y7d_RybC0N-i3_ufn9brWTwuhyphenhyphenIFaF5yFXhOvfhcwFfNFEsgfnNE6-hnslZy4d9YId2IUwtatjifV9R9LK8QP9eYpX0CEz6k/s1600/ANNIETAUNT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HI4z4Jbgp486I_sCKIuT0HX94AkbVNllTQcdHh6GGt7y7d_RybC0N-i3_ufn9brWTwuhyphenhyphenIFaF5yFXhOvfhcwFfNFEsgfnNE6-hnslZy4d9YId2IUwtatjifV9R9LK8QP9eYpX0CEz6k/s400/ANNIETAUNT1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"That's the tricky thing about destiny, we all have our own views on it." Annabelle replied, taunting him. "But I don't blame you for wanting to get a hold of the lamp, if I were you I'd use it to wish for a new, permanent face."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"What?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU90eHYBEKQqy8AFTpMFuVF4s6mXnGAzdBFWIY7UNjCHrA-SFL7S5g41XzyQ0BtwkKuJHRMAtz4GXrhnX79ZPXiXXfU-cvPXLmqh8NjbK6gj_B8xOtTWyWf9IRrYgFuE6xz3ZJH9m-Mao/s1600/annielaugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU90eHYBEKQqy8AFTpMFuVF4s6mXnGAzdBFWIY7UNjCHrA-SFL7S5g41XzyQ0BtwkKuJHRMAtz4GXrhnX79ZPXiXXfU-cvPXLmqh8NjbK6gj_B8xOtTWyWf9IRrYgFuE6xz3ZJH9m-Mao/s400/annielaugh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle laughed. "I mean, when you had plastic surgery to look like Jacob Thompson, you were quite the catch, if I may say so myself. A homicidal catch, but still... now that you're back to the good old Jackie Boy, you're not quite the 'catch' as much as you are the 'release into the wild before it lays eggs'. I mean does your ginormous nose come with the face or did it have to be carried in by that Greek Titan who holds the planet up on his shoulders?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLKHJhORmzKfO1dtyKZFI5O4V5i5myPOr2U3Z0W-WG-vwiwPi6-AqKc2UY_mslKTlrMBf3c43IMI-VCv9EJ8KgAKu9yBdgi9ZdrO5dnFv6QuA1eSeSSlAakSdl9JOXEfnj55kO2NiUMA/s1600/JACKANGRY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLKHJhORmzKfO1dtyKZFI5O4V5i5myPOr2U3Z0W-WG-vwiwPi6-AqKc2UY_mslKTlrMBf3c43IMI-VCv9EJ8KgAKu9yBdgi9ZdrO5dnFv6QuA1eSeSSlAakSdl9JOXEfnj55kO2NiUMA/s400/JACKANGRY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Shut up!!!" Jack said, angrily. He quickly caught on that Annabelle was making fun of him to get him angry enough to defeat easily, but he didn't care. "Shut your mouth!!!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
"Or what, you'll face-plant me? That's probably how you'll kill me, by hitting me with that schnoz of yours! That thing's big enough to crack the planet's mantle layer and send all humans into the fiery depths of the outer core!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"SHUT UP!!!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwijytQ1C4kNtV0CW0dzDbA_VcKZl_tm6QM0RWLsm0fmxNel1L78HZ8QaUaRiUuwPoAEfgwG2wYiFA65rIXgZI1xDHEQUUpmG7kREJpnT0G5YtrPtfM7wS6GkazqrbdHDlYy_AhtaijM/s1600/smirk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwijytQ1C4kNtV0CW0dzDbA_VcKZl_tm6QM0RWLsm0fmxNel1L78HZ8QaUaRiUuwPoAEfgwG2wYiFA65rIXgZI1xDHEQUUpmG7kREJpnT0G5YtrPtfM7wS6GkazqrbdHDlYy_AhtaijM/s400/smirk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annie smirked. "I'm usually one to be joked at, just ask Tom. However I'm okay with who I am, that's part of my identity, that's part of me. Your nose is part of your identity and I'm pretty sure someone else's as big as it is, and I'm frankly surprised you haven't sneezed yourself into the lower atmosphere by now. But then again it's not your nose that makes you the person you are, it's your personality, and that part of you is so dry I'm pretty sure someone will find a way to seal it up and sell it as jerky. Basically that's what you are, Jack.... dry jerky."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jack growled as he tried to spot Annabelle, but couldn't. All he could see was white fog, and all he could hear was her laughter. "Hahahaha.... Jerky. I make myself laugh far too much." Suddenly Jack turned around and saw Annie behind her, smiling widely. He tried to punch her but she caught him and punched back. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t0mXzR8rjUt4Ardk1kd2IiFKdzxuelaWUQ954Zcccvc8rjy16rhDR0kIUMO3K0NcprN90HzRbA5JJXnhPtsV_RhNP5MfmL8i-XehimRPzuWibgLI3YRiamldjW7ohFa9LuZhw-ZlyTc/s1600/ouchie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t0mXzR8rjUt4Ardk1kd2IiFKdzxuelaWUQ954Zcccvc8rjy16rhDR0kIUMO3K0NcprN90HzRbA5JJXnhPtsV_RhNP5MfmL8i-XehimRPzuWibgLI3YRiamldjW7ohFa9LuZhw-ZlyTc/s400/ouchie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When she punched again he countered and kneed her square in the stomach, almost knocking her to the ground. "You gonna keep laughing, Annabelle?" Jack said, angrily. "Laugh now! LAUGH!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWapp69U_3ycy56SWaJpq7OWUCsttptHKd23zpai6GTVAeXpewT-jYsY8iflIs-5ngcSKdcD_Fp4BnwqQKm6hu4hWbKUqNPnHV5LEBFft6NuZ7-kobUGtM-2k4JDKdyNx7B5TXfNizeA/s1600/takedown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWapp69U_3ycy56SWaJpq7OWUCsttptHKd23zpai6GTVAeXpewT-jYsY8iflIs-5ngcSKdcD_Fp4BnwqQKm6hu4hWbKUqNPnHV5LEBFft6NuZ7-kobUGtM-2k4JDKdyNx7B5TXfNizeA/s400/takedown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It's not funny anymore." Annabelle said before quickly jumping up and delivering a powerful double-handed punch that knocked Jack back off his feet onto the hard stone ground. He hit the surface with a powerful crunch and doubled over, passing out from the impact and pain. Annabelle grabbed the control device from his unconscious body and smashed it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkLUy0jJV74NdwzurQ4n39Qoem-ZdnsbiXKy8YZAqgBw9fDsgHw-YzItuKG2b4Bqkc-3v1ljyulgPrb-hRkCVxhw1cJkInTKyDe1X1yi3u1MDd5dFKfNF0fzCd4iy7GmIQsLL-9N162o/s1600/Screenshot-923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkLUy0jJV74NdwzurQ4n39Qoem-ZdnsbiXKy8YZAqgBw9fDsgHw-YzItuKG2b4Bqkc-3v1ljyulgPrb-hRkCVxhw1cJkInTKyDe1X1yi3u1MDd5dFKfNF0fzCd4iy7GmIQsLL-9N162o/s400/Screenshot-923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH9S1RlTeNFhf1NUKrllyAaH_CXfzpvy1JoEAVK4nF6qP8nW_xPjzZWccKanb3sdwHOJ_P6QbAIkEFs8UyT0KpraOOZVNCqyWywmomygCD_Ukbfducq3vggND9AfBBlNPxsSeFzpxhIk/s1600/Screenshot-924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH9S1RlTeNFhf1NUKrllyAaH_CXfzpvy1JoEAVK4nF6qP8nW_xPjzZWccKanb3sdwHOJ_P6QbAIkEFs8UyT0KpraOOZVNCqyWywmomygCD_Ukbfducq3vggND9AfBBlNPxsSeFzpxhIk/s400/Screenshot-924.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just outside, the drone which kept everyone at bay suddenly shut down and the shutters moved away, allowing them to get inside the main tomb. Annabelle suddenly heard a voice and walked forward, and was surprised to see that the cavernous room which she had just fought Jack in was merely a small chamber when the fog dissipated, and the center of the chamber was a pedestal with a golden object on it: The Lamp.<br />
<br />
<br />
Annabelle reached out for the lamp but was caught off-guard by Jack, who had woken up where Annie left him. "THAT'S MINE!!! He yelled as he tried to get to the lamp but she wouldn't let him. Suddenly his body froze completely before he fell to the ground again, passing out a second time. Just behind him, Tom was standing with Jack's wand, having used it against the villain just as everyone else ran inside and saw the two standing in the chamber.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT3G_VRek_scTQhZD0M9V6x40N1aFA12YCw-pczqUP-9E_z43hExkLuVl9END-i84er2BEoSTO1QU92oALF-E_n-OWXcQliKXUyeIWwRNyQu6q4AIMrQyHGW4TTyz_7EWe8CsnplTI3c/s1600/Screenshot-925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT3G_VRek_scTQhZD0M9V6x40N1aFA12YCw-pczqUP-9E_z43hExkLuVl9END-i84er2BEoSTO1QU92oALF-E_n-OWXcQliKXUyeIWwRNyQu6q4AIMrQyHGW4TTyz_7EWe8CsnplTI3c/s400/Screenshot-925.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Guess the eclipse is over." Tom said.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vdvpbYFQ8yl00JLHCiyeO1NPcCGK4RnH3xHmL7M9Sc7vprqv09hVtohTBlGuEcppxCyv9B3elkriKTqijjmBl9mDCkrKq4jyFB_uzQ7LynMr5VflZ6b_IEaTvmNi3L_FFtT9X7BStbg/s1600/Screenshot-922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vdvpbYFQ8yl00JLHCiyeO1NPcCGK4RnH3xHmL7M9Sc7vprqv09hVtohTBlGuEcppxCyv9B3elkriKTqijjmBl9mDCkrKq4jyFB_uzQ7LynMr5VflZ6b_IEaTvmNi3L_FFtT9X7BStbg/s400/Screenshot-922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Annabelle smiled and grabbed the lamp, carrying it back towards the main tomb. "What about him?" Kelly asked, pointing to the unconscious Jack on the floor. Annabelle nodded to Tom, who reluctantly dragged Jack out of the chamber before the door sealed completely. As much as they hated him, they didn't want him to be trapped inside the chamber until the next solar eclipse, whenever that would be. He would face REAL justice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_UuQDESAnfmo2F_kFBfLoonSCzf_eZh2U7Zns8u40oVJ0BsTeIqCNng9xSFGV1cMxyT592Bf7d07FCD5nVpScYEpW1z-BgpXYN-LKe5v1_wDTG77M4VEIBakapoAi7VSX0sQiTA8Tu4/s1600/Screenshot-926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_UuQDESAnfmo2F_kFBfLoonSCzf_eZh2U7Zns8u40oVJ0BsTeIqCNng9xSFGV1cMxyT592Bf7d07FCD5nVpScYEpW1z-BgpXYN-LKe5v1_wDTG77M4VEIBakapoAi7VSX0sQiTA8Tu4/s400/Screenshot-926.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ0Eaji3Y6MRiA9-awNNdVMPCoK7YIUElh3MB7uRGEPDzflQ8ej0NeX71psQn1h9MpWJfQX2piEDWlWDeHd1sn5aVIPMqm5nVcQuuutbnkthENnyqR17fmKw8BVE6jtnH45eA5v_FLfs/s1600/Screenshot-948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ0Eaji3Y6MRiA9-awNNdVMPCoK7YIUElh3MB7uRGEPDzflQ8ej0NeX71psQn1h9MpWJfQX2piEDWlWDeHd1sn5aVIPMqm5nVcQuuutbnkthENnyqR17fmKw8BVE6jtnH45eA5v_FLfs/s400/Screenshot-948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"So what are we going to do with it?" John asked as they stood around the genie lamp. "We can't use it, there's a possibility that we could be corrupted by having that much power."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I just want one wish." Annabelle said, holding the lamp. "We can free the genie. If the genie is free, then this lamp will be useless, and no one can ever hurt anyone else to get their hands on it. But that's not the wish I want to use." Everyone seemed to know precisely what Annabelle was talking about.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvNF3OLVViXjD6Q8krizMQSTrmH7GYo0GOqHGkrEeFZe0Nn4SxKh3uoHZh1WF8zkwXWf_8w-wSe_Q37CMk1zWHMduCrqYAzHsNeGCNRikwf9UkgPhKUL6Cr20GAA9HZw3kb_VHNqhLv4/s1600/Screenshot-950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvNF3OLVViXjD6Q8krizMQSTrmH7GYo0GOqHGkrEeFZe0Nn4SxKh3uoHZh1WF8zkwXWf_8w-wSe_Q37CMk1zWHMduCrqYAzHsNeGCNRikwf9UkgPhKUL6Cr20GAA9HZw3kb_VHNqhLv4/s400/Screenshot-950.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFPt4rpQtyTIUUhyphenhyphenNy_VzzRca8ue1eYdKMsHCc6HKFcWVZCb2D0CY1ad6cC0_4LzpAIX5g3k7r9Ls2D34G61MA7jRTdW-lJ-ppA9lzO4QdzHkQsX6L3wXtftz6i7GnLgPcRjaZzQL5a0/s1600/Screenshot-951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFPt4rpQtyTIUUhyphenhyphenNy_VzzRca8ue1eYdKMsHCc6HKFcWVZCb2D0CY1ad6cC0_4LzpAIX5g3k7r9Ls2D34G61MA7jRTdW-lJ-ppA9lzO4QdzHkQsX6L3wXtftz6i7GnLgPcRjaZzQL5a0/s400/Screenshot-951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With no more words, Annabelle rubbed the lamp, surprised at the amount of power the thing had. With a quick motion she placed it on the ground and ran back to join her family. Suddenly, a cloud of pink dust emanated from the lamp's spout and filled a small part of the room. When the dust cleared, an Indian woman was standing where it was, looking at her hands and feet with joy having been released from the lamp after such a long time. She then turned back to Tom, Annabelle, and all the rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZIJj5f3XzvFO7cTZzEMjPSYK6CRm4E5QmKphLgHVWokO_i3G5gpxjcP_bqEl5PkRCseEsl1ETNO1BK7AY9AhWRCsNJkGq_fAOYP8PWkFrTlAdE5pNERaCO_oR-W0AIvukCx-gJ5vUD8/s1600/Screenshot-952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZIJj5f3XzvFO7cTZzEMjPSYK6CRm4E5QmKphLgHVWokO_i3G5gpxjcP_bqEl5PkRCseEsl1ETNO1BK7AY9AhWRCsNJkGq_fAOYP8PWkFrTlAdE5pNERaCO_oR-W0AIvukCx-gJ5vUD8/s400/Screenshot-952.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hello, my name is Anika Sundar. I am the genie of the lamp. It seems you had taken such a toll to get to my home away from home.", she said, looking at the bruised, bloodied, and out-of-breath group which stood before her. Afterwards, Anika turned to and bowed Annabelle. "Now that you have called me forth, my will is yours to command. Your wishes are mine to grant, green maiden. You are my master now."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before Annabelle could respond, Scarlett spoke up. "Quick question: can you bring people back from the dead?" She asked, looking sad while she did so. She remembered a conversation she had with John a few weeks ago, saying that she would use one wish to raise her parents, even for a day. "Please?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_HvzU54AfhP6FwLR1uZdWM9Ewy7Z7Csv0nZUg43VDnH7p_GV83fdIKoSrExljCHuVyRGrUjgcl4VVJmBHMVP5Oq8VUvzK0bHVY-9CNPzFmxWQWIGwjHbMAuX7Iq1RXEeGNVJJl799C4/s1600/Screenshot-954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_HvzU54AfhP6FwLR1uZdWM9Ewy7Z7Csv0nZUg43VDnH7p_GV83fdIKoSrExljCHuVyRGrUjgcl4VVJmBHMVP5Oq8VUvzK0bHVY-9CNPzFmxWQWIGwjHbMAuX7Iq1RXEeGNVJJl799C4/s400/Screenshot-954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anika sadly shook her head. "There are some things even I cannot do. If I were to raise the dead, they would not come back natural, they would be mere husks." Scarlett and Tom both lowered their heads in sadness, but Anika responded "Do not worry, though. You may have lost those you care for in body, but they are not gone in your heart."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEemEPlB3iGxAtABwQfheW2ROOWouLWUzE5vHc0p0Wo7-Ov_-mmmyEb-FZ596ni15_UVHqrUG9ETzjgz588R913pxeDpXD82XSzXSyqIcEaQnbu9ZzcQuzRKy5I9S3WOXrnLfZ19ZCqWA/s1600/Screenshot-955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEemEPlB3iGxAtABwQfheW2ROOWouLWUzE5vHc0p0Wo7-Ov_-mmmyEb-FZ596ni15_UVHqrUG9ETzjgz588R913pxeDpXD82XSzXSyqIcEaQnbu9ZzcQuzRKy5I9S3WOXrnLfZ19ZCqWA/s400/Screenshot-955.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle looked around to everyone, then smiled at the lamp. "Actually I have two wishes I want. The first one is something I've been wanting to have granted for a long time now..."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-----------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ0WfQj5cKlQz_8HgUWqsCcIK8ISUFTzzSgeBpe4BfPnCDmF7Ks9GxFF-P3_3Y0WVzSHgrPkhg57kCTt1QO8bF7DNNl3z4qC7QGkk8UM9UiljL4M4YmhMZIRLrkgAXL_94PFrew-5Lck/s1600/Screenshot-970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ0WfQj5cKlQz_8HgUWqsCcIK8ISUFTzzSgeBpe4BfPnCDmF7Ks9GxFF-P3_3Y0WVzSHgrPkhg57kCTt1QO8bF7DNNl3z4qC7QGkk8UM9UiljL4M4YmhMZIRLrkgAXL_94PFrew-5Lck/s400/Screenshot-970.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back at the house Keera, Isobelle, and Deacon were standing around waiting for word from the group. They hadn't heard from them since before they went into the graveyard, and feared for them all. Suddenly, Keera felt a strange feeling on her face, it wasn't pain but something else. It worried her a bit, but what disturbed her even worse was the fact that her vision suddenly seemed to go off the wall which disoriented her for a moment. Without any words, Keera walked carefully up the stairs to the bathroom and tore off her eye patch to make sure something wasn't wrong with her glass eye.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguO3gSENdjaH1yG69EY2jvSdXGJ1Kz5uFvgTiXBKajpoalQ5fWRoZKxrjW3dJx0NdG0TPZsLCCfBEdzWnDX6EuytaZ0hFOb06qvJZq2450S6M4Wwz-l6irV5Q2N6OFQYJv_3o6iGCwl8/s1600/Screenshot-971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguO3gSENdjaH1yG69EY2jvSdXGJ1Kz5uFvgTiXBKajpoalQ5fWRoZKxrjW3dJx0NdG0TPZsLCCfBEdzWnDX6EuytaZ0hFOb06qvJZq2450S6M4Wwz-l6irV5Q2N6OFQYJv_3o6iGCwl8/s400/Screenshot-971.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
To her shock, her glass eye wasn't there anymore. She had two organic eyes, the right of which was always there in the first place. She still had the scar, but the sight of her old eye having returned reduced the teenager to happy tears as she started to cry. "I have two eyes. I have two eyes! It's back! It's back! Yes! YES!! I've never been this happy in my life!" She then crumpled the eye patch into a ball and threw it into the trash, running outside the room with an unbelievable amount of happiness. "YES!!!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUKbiGwgQgHMMr8lV8mXI6i7T7u0VIcnKCeI8EQd-X7yeO7Jglm2RP-PO35MCMe8y9cN3ytXsUMhmKg6GZHoVYKa7AdVQyThjj6H3rDEJxhfIM24eV4CYO1UUSSAeejUJr6nzvolJhQk/s1600/Screenshot-972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUKbiGwgQgHMMr8lV8mXI6i7T7u0VIcnKCeI8EQd-X7yeO7Jglm2RP-PO35MCMe8y9cN3ytXsUMhmKg6GZHoVYKa7AdVQyThjj6H3rDEJxhfIM24eV4CYO1UUSSAeejUJr6nzvolJhQk/s400/Screenshot-972.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
---------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisX6DiPfVAg6WI6ELt7mdqp7rUafLS3wlqVvVAGny6mJU3wAyaTW5OBljUBdqhgjTSMl58icfwcSq9fHmk3-uMMDpaBx-Shf0Qgst4M5SYwHGbp-J0bcMNy3rCKOTmdkeJB3Y4QXaiOg/s1600/Screenshot-957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisX6DiPfVAg6WI6ELt7mdqp7rUafLS3wlqVvVAGny6mJU3wAyaTW5OBljUBdqhgjTSMl58icfwcSq9fHmk3-uMMDpaBx-Shf0Qgst4M5SYwHGbp-J0bcMNy3rCKOTmdkeJB3Y4QXaiOg/s320/Screenshot-957.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back at the tomb, Annabelle smiled when Anika spoke to her. "You wish has been granted. The child has her eye once again, and she can not be harmed by fire ever again." Everyone lit up in happiness after hearing this as well. "What is your second wish?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-ZdQBQb0LHuMd_hXsPZpo1LOwqWEnU8a22Ivh_5_CRD_26Irfo7umNxhjpoFEMNWXNT8ue8DykBTz_oo2TCDuD8CzCaVF81ZPq0Xj_RoB-zGmRERshLxIgdo6Ue_inENtH5nQZCH61U/s1600/Screenshot-958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-ZdQBQb0LHuMd_hXsPZpo1LOwqWEnU8a22Ivh_5_CRD_26Irfo7umNxhjpoFEMNWXNT8ue8DykBTz_oo2TCDuD8CzCaVF81ZPq0Xj_RoB-zGmRERshLxIgdo6Ue_inENtH5nQZCH61U/s400/Screenshot-958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle turned to everyone and acquired their silent approval, and then turned back to face the genie. "My second wish is... your freedom from the lamp."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQIxJOWb5srym29D2NCKKRXMg9OxAuTxofIawpXJeXQAMBoFWppdRwTf_0hM13cq6gK0KHcE4Oij8sSvb7xt6wpWTZMNC-3HPgcuCql0MvdYODJQ-mCOGyx_8hyLHyaf7Q3tFjSn8uIg/s1600/Screenshot-956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQIxJOWb5srym29D2NCKKRXMg9OxAuTxofIawpXJeXQAMBoFWppdRwTf_0hM13cq6gK0KHcE4Oij8sSvb7xt6wpWTZMNC-3HPgcuCql0MvdYODJQ-mCOGyx_8hyLHyaf7Q3tFjSn8uIg/s400/Screenshot-956.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anika was ready to grant the wish, but stopped suddenly as she was confused by it. "But you have one more wish, you can have the world granted to you, you can use it for anything, and your second wish is to release me from my duties? I honestly do not know what to say."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"We don't need that kind of power." Kelly said. "We're here to save the planet, and we're doing that."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tom then spoke up. "The world is too tempting to be granted to us, Miss Sundar. We want you to be free."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpA9ku-jn6lS2H5Q_Ly61IIJNAbkEk2I8fXmu4mwQmbVgZERvrH4U1vN79bkPR4fKAOU8H155xZTnzN3vns98L5U-Uj0S6R8P-ITliBmeV80Gh6Odn6Z92GAxQJ1qF0DJ3l4pdIKihYU/s1600/Screenshot-959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpA9ku-jn6lS2H5Q_Ly61IIJNAbkEk2I8fXmu4mwQmbVgZERvrH4U1vN79bkPR4fKAOU8H155xZTnzN3vns98L5U-Uj0S6R8P-ITliBmeV80Gh6Odn6Z92GAxQJ1qF0DJ3l4pdIKihYU/s400/Screenshot-959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anika looked up at a cloud of mystical energy as magic started to form around her wrists, visual metaphors of the bonds she'd been held in after three centuries of serving others, "Your first wish was to help someone else, and your second wish is to release me from my bonds. This is a side of humanity I've not seen in all my years of servitude."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fAxUk-JjdvZOdmaYMysMLFvtP1lBvJeUMht4-s9alEFmQvvDYGicy4uKanynEwn43l06lUsQyxnfP2UXcFfZSonbqEy4wTiS1aWEX58rK-K7TtvySYq2TZ1Y2nKRVNJv06Smos3re3s/s1600/Screenshot-961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fAxUk-JjdvZOdmaYMysMLFvtP1lBvJeUMht4-s9alEFmQvvDYGicy4uKanynEwn43l06lUsQyxnfP2UXcFfZSonbqEy4wTiS1aWEX58rK-K7TtvySYq2TZ1Y2nKRVNJv06Smos3re3s/s400/Screenshot-961.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle smiled. "Well you see it now." The lamp started to glow brightly, then suddenly exploded into a small burst of light as Anika felt herself become free of it, the energy lifting her up off the ground. When the energy vanished, she fell and the group of family members walked over to her and helped her back to her feet. Anika felt a new surge of energy that she had not felt in nearly three hundred years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7BLsgqMkxejCoBANAcn6OoDME78yAtohY8-809XXNUaq7xmmWUE6OADmtZ6kHUZ9G9GPSLaktbQmoYMFUjhmP_ODM_vdlJ807ako3E5Dkc0X0ynaM4H3dU_-j6r0ibhz2N8NcW6dXf8/s1600/Screenshot-962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7BLsgqMkxejCoBANAcn6OoDME78yAtohY8-809XXNUaq7xmmWUE6OADmtZ6kHUZ9G9GPSLaktbQmoYMFUjhmP_ODM_vdlJ807ako3E5Dkc0X0ynaM4H3dU_-j6r0ibhz2N8NcW6dXf8/s400/Screenshot-962.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Freedom." Anika said as she lifted herself off the ground. "What do I call you now?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_ZJ6uVeR-dIPCfvY77xW79Wsp2PiLlhCOi8Npmi2t-hEhxAVM92GI6IOnnkOg6WSnHq4AHsyWhcAvs7pInxnXhWcphMdjzPN5EFZWfR_Ne8BJJ8nDm5aixKianr7dV0-RMcAij_1TMo/s1600/Screenshot-963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_ZJ6uVeR-dIPCfvY77xW79Wsp2PiLlhCOi8Npmi2t-hEhxAVM92GI6IOnnkOg6WSnHq4AHsyWhcAvs7pInxnXhWcphMdjzPN5EFZWfR_Ne8BJJ8nDm5aixKianr7dV0-RMcAij_1TMo/s400/Screenshot-963.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Annabelle will suffice." Annie said, then the group started to finally leave the tomb, never wanting to look back. Tom lifted Jack off the ground and carried him over to the cell in the next room, the one Annabelle had spent a short time in. After placing him in there and locking the door, he signaled a few of MIKE's drones who hovered over to him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbioMVE-cosDcZnFGrWgE_zaTbccYT0epr5AIf4Du5CjFxz2XF-PLEZpAjKSdH1frI8iZo54-u9YdiqQFVM__d9kk_QQFx5KF1Nsvv0-S4I0uek1FyPZ8QWiE0PgBaJ9XE298MXT-o8EQ/s1600/Screenshot-964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbioMVE-cosDcZnFGrWgE_zaTbccYT0epr5AIf4Du5CjFxz2XF-PLEZpAjKSdH1frI8iZo54-u9YdiqQFVM__d9kk_QQFx5KF1Nsvv0-S4I0uek1FyPZ8QWiE0PgBaJ9XE298MXT-o8EQ/s400/Screenshot-964.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Don't let him out of your sight until the military shows up. If he tries to escape, stun him into next Tuesday." The MIKE drones nodded and targeted their sights on the unconscious Jack as Tom left, smiling the whole time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1FoD1eGgyY93brmM2FAFeXfbkDpPiHE0BBawV_8GDTOefbU7TUcg7QlUBYEDj0Gv9bcz2HCug-VwXCH4zghpoIjLcVtoFkpydBjy5WE5xG2LsbxCiAcOUlBd6Y7VNBcBjLzVPWJi0jg/s1600/Screenshot-965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1FoD1eGgyY93brmM2FAFeXfbkDpPiHE0BBawV_8GDTOefbU7TUcg7QlUBYEDj0Gv9bcz2HCug-VwXCH4zghpoIjLcVtoFkpydBjy5WE5xG2LsbxCiAcOUlBd6Y7VNBcBjLzVPWJi0jg/s400/Screenshot-965.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The family found themselves outside the mausoleum, joined now by Anika Sundar who breathed in the fresh air for the first time in nearly a century. In the sky, the moon had moved well past the sun and was barely visible as clouds began to move in. Annabelle, Tom, and the rest started walking back home triumphantly as the green MIKE drones put out the fires and used energy beams to repair the graves that had been damaged in the battle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixXMi1Ohcbdhrh2Te4AV66C8XFZWn6gt1l9RhMLtUsR5O0zc7UA6KWyue7ATlyZRJPkBBenY1yAU6HvBmYmPl5dkGoKXT8Fc2p6N1dUFv2h_9iZJZjEJSyeJBUFxi7B0Cipa-ASD5Ws8/s1600/Screenshot-967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixXMi1Ohcbdhrh2Te4AV66C8XFZWn6gt1l9RhMLtUsR5O0zc7UA6KWyue7ATlyZRJPkBBenY1yAU6HvBmYmPl5dkGoKXT8Fc2p6N1dUFv2h_9iZJZjEJSyeJBUFxi7B0Cipa-ASD5Ws8/s400/Screenshot-967.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"So what did we just do?" Annabelle asked, mostly in a rhetorical manner but in some part legitimately wondering. "Did we just save the planet?"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL_iboOwm8W7l_I8Gu-kIsQhhQawfaoeTc8v1wZfN2b10EWlssAdu-9LQoPf2yFeni3ycYkALUa80iB8wbX2upZfqTEJHTGB1DMp3T0gQ4jyedxiHMsRsbpVFXXoZ4zZ5NV9RiMYF6dg/s1600/Screenshot-968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL_iboOwm8W7l_I8Gu-kIsQhhQawfaoeTc8v1wZfN2b10EWlssAdu-9LQoPf2yFeni3ycYkALUa80iB8wbX2upZfqTEJHTGB1DMp3T0gQ4jyedxiHMsRsbpVFXXoZ4zZ5NV9RiMYF6dg/s400/Screenshot-968.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Well, we stopped Jack from getting the lamp, which he claimed he was going to use to conquer the earth and force everyone to be his lower subjects, so yeah." Mirabelle said. "We pretty much saved the world."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle chuckled. "I don't know about you guys but I'm gonna go home and take a nice, long shower. I think we deserve a little rest and relaxation after what happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG5GL53ld3FFcIlDksH3mruzzSHShEDyouNbJJcgWRTAzOjoogIXfqgL3QaFZy3UHHXYQqXJ0ku4rDzyqEB7B3QjdU3lLvyVue8fr8ZCZQM5vv0984TAKvxf5m04_4CqQ_Z3S6d6mqu8/s1600/Screenshot-966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG5GL53ld3FFcIlDksH3mruzzSHShEDyouNbJJcgWRTAzOjoogIXfqgL3QaFZy3UHHXYQqXJ0ku4rDzyqEB7B3QjdU3lLvyVue8fr8ZCZQM5vv0984TAKvxf5m04_4CqQ_Z3S6d6mqu8/s400/Screenshot-966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle nodded to her, "But there's one thing I want to do before I go. I promised myself I would." She walked silently over to Collin's body, who was pulled out of the battle site by a few MIKE drones, and knelt down, using her hands to dig a hole beside him. Suddenly everyone in the household, and Anika as well, assisted in the digging, knowing what she was doing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmqrQk69ZSmmM3m8OonYCWzI1eEWVGcEXC5crZuZvha5ky0WXpLVbEmQ5Hx2M8BWA_7buaxlxrrz31M4cEOR1ykHM7kVhfVaUZK-mM4i3ea87EMBk-Q2-53BMaqL6WSvRSyKp3AH1fjE/s1600/Screenshot-969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmqrQk69ZSmmM3m8OonYCWzI1eEWVGcEXC5crZuZvha5ky0WXpLVbEmQ5Hx2M8BWA_7buaxlxrrz31M4cEOR1ykHM7kVhfVaUZK-mM4i3ea87EMBk-Q2-53BMaqL6WSvRSyKp3AH1fjE/s400/Screenshot-969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
An hour passed and they were able to dig a deep enough grave for their fallen ally, and Anika used her magic to gently lower his body into the grave and seal it up with the loose dirt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGgrkjkE7X1QjllK3aHHEzn3CCPoYNJo6Xn1OZPjM0b87GKjoncPhP4hlmIYeYmELSwdH9mx-6j3-qBRhLaD-U4eBqgpm4Os7awdJSWTUVqAaHDlpfBJNUU8ZuL5AiT2SfdvzV-ANLyM/s1600/Screenshot-973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGgrkjkE7X1QjllK3aHHEzn3CCPoYNJo6Xn1OZPjM0b87GKjoncPhP4hlmIYeYmELSwdH9mx-6j3-qBRhLaD-U4eBqgpm4Os7awdJSWTUVqAaHDlpfBJNUU8ZuL5AiT2SfdvzV-ANLyM/s400/Screenshot-973.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera, Deacon, and Isobelle came running up the hill happy to see everyone. Annabelle lit up when she saw Keera with both her eyes, but when both of those eyes fell upon the grave, the teenager was saddened. Somehow, she knew who was in it. As the clouds built up and rain began to fall, Annabelle silently gestured for everyone to walk away, leaving Keera alone with her new friend's resting place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7kRRfj81OKjBkR-cU2ZC6_DdRFYEsOszguW7-x3DrR89hZs82BWAlhhBsLBgnSXH1bP63lbXR8eDcy5Socf-HyOXAW7QWJKuj9zNddQaIy83eoxrUKEWp-S0BkbaVD9cxxXTrnIJHbM/s1600/Screenshot-978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7kRRfj81OKjBkR-cU2ZC6_DdRFYEsOszguW7-x3DrR89hZs82BWAlhhBsLBgnSXH1bP63lbXR8eDcy5Socf-HyOXAW7QWJKuj9zNddQaIy83eoxrUKEWp-S0BkbaVD9cxxXTrnIJHbM/s400/Screenshot-978.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
---------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>September 21st, 2022</i></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0NQTV8xnPw3GMaw6opk5w3NXLhI7xP0_IUIKmzPxFoBHhka3NgadnxSuXcfL1CFomCTku2392wgM0KtufDidBYkkMFPKs1hPRZui57IxUtc-zMOo4Q9J_DhcE5Ha2S1Yaq7PNmT0wVQ/s1600/Screenshot-990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0NQTV8xnPw3GMaw6opk5w3NXLhI7xP0_IUIKmzPxFoBHhka3NgadnxSuXcfL1CFomCTku2392wgM0KtufDidBYkkMFPKs1hPRZui57IxUtc-zMOo4Q9J_DhcE5Ha2S1Yaq7PNmT0wVQ/s400/Screenshot-990.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b><i>"We are just getting reports of what appears to have been a battle in the graveyard at the quarantined city of Starlight Shores. A detachment from the U.S military have moved into the graveyard and arrested a man who was believed to have died a few weeks ago. Jack Toomes, a criminal mastermind known as the Benefactor, was found in some sort of locked room where he was promptly detained by the military."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNK2oeL_0cnlnfr9ofT8otUo_1LAQyCm9xnyKPdyhsdERCYX_ry_2957-4JsNz-EvB0QHfPe2VEqnW-56Zcdu61A5jaIFtjVDkyiA0nRKf0I9lfQ5iWNSsu19lY86jnDfMFc79wuO16U/s1600/Screenshot-991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNK2oeL_0cnlnfr9ofT8otUo_1LAQyCm9xnyKPdyhsdERCYX_ry_2957-4JsNz-EvB0QHfPe2VEqnW-56Zcdu61A5jaIFtjVDkyiA0nRKf0I9lfQ5iWNSsu19lY86jnDfMFc79wuO16U/s320/Screenshot-991.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>The next morning, news of the battle spread like wildfire across the country. In Moonlight Falls, Washington, a young man was watching his television when he heard Collin Lyon's name as the deceased. He froze in sadness, and turned off his television afterwards.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmAFqGLhbcxYX3E421ggiP7DvrgvVP1sU7S38xBiw92576aqnOFBRwFlbmqLD8tOQzO5yB8iBBcgiG4JvjdtG23yjE2XkNcd4EKecdE4zEUoCowtsZ0_2M0Kh0m5p5FsXqJ5p7HV7Hr8/s1600/Screenshot-989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmAFqGLhbcxYX3E421ggiP7DvrgvVP1sU7S38xBiw92576aqnOFBRwFlbmqLD8tOQzO5yB8iBBcgiG4JvjdtG23yjE2XkNcd4EKecdE4zEUoCowtsZ0_2M0Kh0m5p5FsXqJ5p7HV7Hr8/s400/Screenshot-989.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"We do have surveillance footage of a group of men and women who seem to be the ones responsible for taking back the city of Starlight Shores. One of them appears to be the actress, Scarlett Keene, and singer Annabelle Kethrin. Since it's still not possible to return to the city at this moment, tracking down these saviors will presumably not take too long."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i>Annabelle smiled as she watched news footage of herself. Anika, who was with the family until she figured out what she wanted to do, sat down next to her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i>"What will you do now?" Anika asked, watching the television with her. "Your world was saved, and now you have fulfilled your purpose of saving it. What is your next goal?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWnEyeKDzz4la4kvxpXag80Y7px1M3O7ixgtfRscuAiCSMM4Q2J-SmZHFf9U9WdJapSToP4TdeVvXgK07op15TH8KmXTFpF60tlG5Vj333QT-sqsCRt_uGXjXMhHRBgcRUouml3mGql4/s1600/Screenshot-992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWnEyeKDzz4la4kvxpXag80Y7px1M3O7ixgtfRscuAiCSMM4Q2J-SmZHFf9U9WdJapSToP4TdeVvXgK07op15TH8KmXTFpF60tlG5Vj333QT-sqsCRt_uGXjXMhHRBgcRUouml3mGql4/s400/Screenshot-992.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I don't know." Annabelle replied. "The world's always needing saved, perhaps I'll be there when it does. All of us will. In the meantime, I'm planning my brother's wedding, as well as a baby shower a bit later on down the line. Hopefully the world will get by on it's own until then." Annabelle looked at the clock on the television and walked outside, looking out to the sunrise. She gestured Anika to follow her. "I wanted to see this again. I was worried I'd never see another."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclwI_PVd3Am2bKvoKfXCtO9Xg0kNE7HPJ0aqDpY54PK9AJpl789w-LEsgMsRL8ILDxqWFywX36ZvEuU81FHRbuDO8vtL6wtHwtZPcjPX86I14ICwpYwJHbF8AhDMgZsgfkofGeCj4dUM/s1600/Screenshot-993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclwI_PVd3Am2bKvoKfXCtO9Xg0kNE7HPJ0aqDpY54PK9AJpl789w-LEsgMsRL8ILDxqWFywX36ZvEuU81FHRbuDO8vtL6wtHwtZPcjPX86I14ICwpYwJHbF8AhDMgZsgfkofGeCj4dUM/s400/Screenshot-993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anika was amazed. "I have not seen a sunrise in a long time. I had almost forgotten it's beauty."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Not me. Even if I never saw another one, I could never forget a sunrise." Annabelle turned and walked back inside when the sun finished climbing into the sky off the horizon, but her genie friend seemed to stay behind. Annie walked back in, but just as she did so, Anika called back to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFtYjFvIIxuV9383MNNdWd5F0gxMcAc5UqoDSsjw7AuZO8QasJf9wj-C76h6t1WxVt6Q_2wF6uUZd175RB7EPzbSMheJOVOKppvxar6zp6LV45n3YjNXoVn-VBVxoyzFdT35fEAGkQos/s1600/Screenshot-995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFtYjFvIIxuV9383MNNdWd5F0gxMcAc5UqoDSsjw7AuZO8QasJf9wj-C76h6t1WxVt6Q_2wF6uUZd175RB7EPzbSMheJOVOKppvxar6zp6LV45n3YjNXoVn-VBVxoyzFdT35fEAGkQos/s400/Screenshot-995.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Miss Kethrin, I have one thing to ask. Why did you free me? You don't even know me."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bS7e_Rg4DRz-vqrriVeo5_bZZuQrXz2yU80K5-ASrbqinq54zC95S-PNrA2cQJ76VpkFxIiAdbZ7pFEIpdeUjB9qiLhEkT5IW4XyAhtlJq1TtQFnGi7kfLxD5uHAl3VIwetF6hRrxEE/s1600/Screenshot-994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bS7e_Rg4DRz-vqrriVeo5_bZZuQrXz2yU80K5-ASrbqinq54zC95S-PNrA2cQJ76VpkFxIiAdbZ7pFEIpdeUjB9qiLhEkT5IW4XyAhtlJq1TtQFnGi7kfLxD5uHAl3VIwetF6hRrxEE/s400/Screenshot-994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle thought it over for a few seconds. "I felt it was the right thing to do." With that, she smiled and walked into the house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddGh6QYHkufzt2eSrMbC42zLjIE1bIVoVGjdicjNcmWLGPux7XDs9nAlsKx_aTTTqeM6E_UP6_NuQtqKTE1kAUotn5_Teav5JBIVOOZv3JFudOeGdu5yO-rQOyuZ6nELCftTgtzyFNPg/s1600/Screenshot-997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddGh6QYHkufzt2eSrMbC42zLjIE1bIVoVGjdicjNcmWLGPux7XDs9nAlsKx_aTTTqeM6E_UP6_NuQtqKTE1kAUotn5_Teav5JBIVOOZv3JFudOeGdu5yO-rQOyuZ6nELCftTgtzyFNPg/s320/Screenshot-997.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mirabelle stepped out of the shower and put on her clothes for the day, walking into her bedroom to see Kelly arranging some flowers for John and Scarlett's upcoming nuptials. Mira hadn't seen the betrothed couple, and assumed they were still asleep after such a long day yesterday, only assuming so because she too wanted to go back to bed and cuddle with Kelly for the rest of the week.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRptHerThFwWjQ9hSpBBDnhYUcFjuhCBxuRSrzfUC1ofQ5IuukPDW-rGl08lc6MR5C7iKEUs3NKrGGp4l044pJOVcPozcndULZWz02ktyvrR9pQKOL3uXwIW6oDTIzMv3-C7Dh_6I2Xr8/s1600/Screenshot-999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRptHerThFwWjQ9hSpBBDnhYUcFjuhCBxuRSrzfUC1ofQ5IuukPDW-rGl08lc6MR5C7iKEUs3NKrGGp4l044pJOVcPozcndULZWz02ktyvrR9pQKOL3uXwIW6oDTIzMv3-C7Dh_6I2Xr8/s400/Screenshot-999.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So, a wedding for John and Scarlett." she said as Kelly finished the arrangement. "I take they want to get it done as soon as possible?"<br />
<br />
Kelly nodded. "Yah. Like, 'next week' as soon as possible. I can't wait to see Scarlett in her dress, Tom in his tux, and everyone else wearing their bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits. It will be magical. Wait, I guess that word doesn't carry much weight now that we ourselves are 'magical'."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQM2vDaw83NxWIHG4Sf3paqunV8Avi0HAC_BurRafZvTFdrMbyKhvmhFzrLUHHN2n2QKlzul8hC2SXMb8xD_-RZS3yBL2-lPFmXoO9bkesmq15hdf78acbxFjbMskPOVGWUPSIBIhe6g/s1600/Screenshot-1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQM2vDaw83NxWIHG4Sf3paqunV8Avi0HAC_BurRafZvTFdrMbyKhvmhFzrLUHHN2n2QKlzul8hC2SXMb8xD_-RZS3yBL2-lPFmXoO9bkesmq15hdf78acbxFjbMskPOVGWUPSIBIhe6g/s400/Screenshot-1000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle chuckled as they embraced each other. "Yeah. Speaking of these bridesmaids dresses, remember that day you and Annabelle tried them out in her room, mere days before I came into the picture? That was probably my favorite memory, especially when you mentioned your own thoughts of having a wedding. And... "<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9Tt42oTdW14Y9dBF4jan5wNyTCZ30KUX2ovV42gZCxJ-zgKn9DIye-rkcX3CNFDPwjNNdDreElgDqccZiHYlAx2tojXxT9i0r10-rQ_gCd7aKLg14de1J_vZDR1t92xJlIey_3yawQw/s1600/Screenshot-1001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9Tt42oTdW14Y9dBF4jan5wNyTCZ30KUX2ovV42gZCxJ-zgKn9DIye-rkcX3CNFDPwjNNdDreElgDqccZiHYlAx2tojXxT9i0r10-rQ_gCd7aKLg14de1J_vZDR1t92xJlIey_3yawQw/s400/Screenshot-1001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly didn't know what Mirabelle was talking about, as her girlfriend kept repeating the same undecipherable phrase word in her head, "mora orror rori oraor go reor" which Kelly didn't even know how to comprehend. Suddenly, Mirabelle walked up to her. "And I was thinking, why have to keep that fantasy wedding in your head, a simple fantasy?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcwlLsNQLnuAmV0Qc643Zu_O2tCy4CWfD9y5026J-O1o1Umr-6w-zhdQzAWXzDHwNAHVAv6yfFMaYb2T9IM-54XZF8PPvA24E3zomCDu9KqJ3uHpKt2YU_l_3Dikc0uUtZ2iFc18EE3A/s1600/Screenshot-1003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcwlLsNQLnuAmV0Qc643Zu_O2tCy4CWfD9y5026J-O1o1Umr-6w-zhdQzAWXzDHwNAHVAv6yfFMaYb2T9IM-54XZF8PPvA24E3zomCDu9KqJ3uHpKt2YU_l_3Dikc0uUtZ2iFc18EE3A/s400/Screenshot-1003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle got down on one knee as she pulled out a box. Kelly was unable to contain her excitement as the green girl opened the box revealing a sparkling ring. "I can't tell you how much I had to concentrate to keep you from reading my true intentions." Mirabelle said, smiling. "But that's the only thing I wanted to keep from you. For the rest of my life, I want you to know everything, be everywhere, and go anywhere. Will you do those with me, Kelly Jane Coen?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLXfjK3FRnKdGWZsiWE4-yrCfmXfuI_hyphenhyphenDQC8UhIcWX25FGSIIehcK1TKX25RSsqn8kmSHb2XcLN6Zx0cIuMoYL8HpR-E9sUUQ6qqor_Dfqh2NvLwsYlNkR6kwv5y1Z7xRUj2DBxP454/s1600/Screenshot-1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLXfjK3FRnKdGWZsiWE4-yrCfmXfuI_hyphenhyphenDQC8UhIcWX25FGSIIehcK1TKX25RSsqn8kmSHb2XcLN6Zx0cIuMoYL8HpR-E9sUUQ6qqor_Dfqh2NvLwsYlNkR6kwv5y1Z7xRUj2DBxP454/s400/Screenshot-1005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"YES!" Kelly said a bit too loud. "Yes yes yes yes yes of course!" Mira put the ring on Kelly's finger, which accentuated the one she already had. She then stood onto her feet and the two embraced each other, ready to continue their lives together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcATRB4pByh-KFcb98HpuOHxm2iHcN6ofPIIHYmsfrAUlnt7lywIE-4YBQe_v8T8wrrFk0FqKLLKN_QszFfifdZed7Qgs3MLVGqu0161lBqbSb-i4W15TewCVnVUZD-KgoTnoUMh9otlE/s1600/Screenshot-1007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcATRB4pByh-KFcb98HpuOHxm2iHcN6ofPIIHYmsfrAUlnt7lywIE-4YBQe_v8T8wrrFk0FqKLLKN_QszFfifdZed7Qgs3MLVGqu0161lBqbSb-i4W15TewCVnVUZD-KgoTnoUMh9otlE/s400/Screenshot-1007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
---------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRdkDn9Ip9_AmCvPjyZNx8bkUopOLjHiiEVlVucW0jToAT-G-YMURv53RYjfyImMZh2dM8vKAA6SAJrvwrx9zXZJOSu4LWgxk6FsK0penpFyT1uXJqaCJ8tflDpmUWfG_zepmCrqP16E/s1600/Screenshot-1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRdkDn9Ip9_AmCvPjyZNx8bkUopOLjHiiEVlVucW0jToAT-G-YMURv53RYjfyImMZh2dM8vKAA6SAJrvwrx9zXZJOSu4LWgxk6FsK0penpFyT1uXJqaCJ8tflDpmUWfG_zepmCrqP16E/s400/Screenshot-1008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, Keera spent most of the night upset over Collin's death. She pretty much told him to go, and that made her wonder if it was her words that led him to leave or if he went on his own. She walked around her room kicking herself for not forgiving him in the first place, but realized the words Mirabelle told her. Collin himself realized that if he wasn't there, Mira would be dead, and Kelly would be alone.<br />
<br />
When the rays of sunlight peeked through her curtains, they illuminated a box on the ground. Keera remembered Collin giving the box to her in the library the night Annabelle was kidnapped, and that he said it was meant to signify "strength with weakness". She opened the box and saw a sapphire arm band in the shape of a snake. She chuckled. "Strength with weakness.", she quietly told herself before placing the band on her right forearm, walking over the mirror to check it out.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8slUafIAGFePKqaOcK5OXfyhcw7OUwv_oVU0qG53vWKBgvR0KMqaa6ljlkH9HE8R9z8C90O0kZiC83zM-OC1FuqAHxsldG3aJf33NH4WRP83lgzugROyLn8hZLkpvBZGagGaLJ4boZg/s1600/Screenshot-1009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8slUafIAGFePKqaOcK5OXfyhcw7OUwv_oVU0qG53vWKBgvR0KMqaa6ljlkH9HE8R9z8C90O0kZiC83zM-OC1FuqAHxsldG3aJf33NH4WRP83lgzugROyLn8hZLkpvBZGagGaLJ4boZg/s400/Screenshot-1009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Thanks, Collin."<br />
<br />
Just wearing the arm band made her realize that Collin, no matter where he was, was looking down on his new friend, and that made her feel much, much better.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
Annabelle sat in the living room watching the news again, chuckling as she saw footage of Jack being taken away in handcuffs by the Military. Tom walked in and sat down beside her. "What's so funny?", he asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ft3CB38fDcGz6MZXvFMI5hLXy5ybIO0SYbcp-zUGBitNx91BYnK4HvGJKgeoUSNF_kw6_awtGOpCwB6MABEl1swS3kIPwTgINU_TQLWipbUHCEF_24ANP0DRJWhf6bniGVvzZSYcARY/s1600/Screenshot-988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ft3CB38fDcGz6MZXvFMI5hLXy5ybIO0SYbcp-zUGBitNx91BYnK4HvGJKgeoUSNF_kw6_awtGOpCwB6MABEl1swS3kIPwTgINU_TQLWipbUHCEF_24ANP0DRJWhf6bniGVvzZSYcARY/s400/Screenshot-988.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Jack. He's gonna be locked up in isolation for a LONG time. It warms my heart knowing that. We did it, we won. I can't believe it."<br />
<br />
"Me neither, I'm glad." Tom replied. "But you know something, I would have despised living in a world ruled by Jack."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIQ9jO6mfE_SzD5PQaWKmV6JPlbPXM9w6mUIAwM3N9r0PDE19O3fvnVXEnqf7LFoEOCwk1ZGnNvkZ6ksZ4zJIxswVvnHUfImHVEU9b4d7wzznNaa0dJT_HaT4TJTIGnjumyhf9ZmyquE/s1600/Screenshot-987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIQ9jO6mfE_SzD5PQaWKmV6JPlbPXM9w6mUIAwM3N9r0PDE19O3fvnVXEnqf7LFoEOCwk1ZGnNvkZ6ksZ4zJIxswVvnHUfImHVEU9b4d7wzznNaa0dJT_HaT4TJTIGnjumyhf9ZmyquE/s400/Screenshot-987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle was confused, and made the confusion aware to Tom. "What the hell do you mean by that? We all would have despised it, that's why we worked so hard yesterday to prevent that from happening."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsj_OGywTc5AQaxKatiuYQk_dM_Id5bNKQJye_5rYOei_myzmqpXrX9uhnEmth03dwS9bYv2wv60FDEqXiLek09HRJbBI3sOuLDwnEyv7KsCYBBDqFqxsgYOv13gvPhX2ZA6iITPJZj0/s1600/Screenshot-986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsj_OGywTc5AQaxKatiuYQk_dM_Id5bNKQJye_5rYOei_myzmqpXrX9uhnEmth03dwS9bYv2wv60FDEqXiLek09HRJbBI3sOuLDwnEyv7KsCYBBDqFqxsgYOv13gvPhX2ZA6iITPJZj0/s400/Screenshot-986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well, you know those movies where supervillains take over the world, and years later the world is a dark, dreary, desert wasteland? Well, if Jack did that... he'd mercilessly wipe out all the trees, the grass, <i>everything</i> green. I hate to lose <i>you </i>like that."<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwjRitfAKzDu90goVIubT2k6D0UP__JgPnHyq8zqe6Mde_l62wfJ3YHbaBwjl-Qnt2J6Kg39SeWlXHXqyUlsYxyiw-pBxhnGhiIcwc7tlfd52XAWYBMFm-3HFMdRE4KRNbeZ8D127N-k/s1600/Screenshot-983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwjRitfAKzDu90goVIubT2k6D0UP__JgPnHyq8zqe6Mde_l62wfJ3YHbaBwjl-Qnt2J6Kg39SeWlXHXqyUlsYxyiw-pBxhnGhiIcwc7tlfd52XAWYBMFm-3HFMdRE4KRNbeZ8D127N-k/s400/Screenshot-983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-53436327287094211722013-06-11T16:25:00.001-05:002013-06-11T17:26:36.108-05:00Chapter Thirty-Nine - Midnight Day, Part One<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>September 20th, 2022</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh9I2lNnGGLlulwBmcXlXm5PIgy5uOiS5i5Chbz2-LiFfXkr14CIxLiFHKZ63wpcMhra3uxSlBG_mczmCBC3CKDG9VEfDXdaPFSSpMP3ZAOfXv0w5mVX77tRp7BFpcYQTsuT26E_aBgA/s1600/Screenshot-796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh9I2lNnGGLlulwBmcXlXm5PIgy5uOiS5i5Chbz2-LiFfXkr14CIxLiFHKZ63wpcMhra3uxSlBG_mczmCBC3CKDG9VEfDXdaPFSSpMP3ZAOfXv0w5mVX77tRp7BFpcYQTsuT26E_aBgA/s400/Screenshot-796.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Light fog filled the air as the sun rose over the western coastline, it's light spreading across towns from Starlight Shores to Sunset Valley. To most people, the morning would be a time for getting ready to head to work or school on a Thursday, but not to those who stayed behind in Starlight Shores.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbzGQFa8VX-xA1itYB5bb4BzVn3J14qOkCspgtnA5ic5cniNUQ5Ao9e_dypUK4-qRGL2i7n2ACKkVVc0ZpX1obWpLS5_nbohv69CWdbMZkEB2C8o20j5wlIcXY5wsHGiTLR6VEYa3zL0/s1600/Screenshot-797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbzGQFa8VX-xA1itYB5bb4BzVn3J14qOkCspgtnA5ic5cniNUQ5Ao9e_dypUK4-qRGL2i7n2ACKkVVc0ZpX1obWpLS5_nbohv69CWdbMZkEB2C8o20j5wlIcXY5wsHGiTLR6VEYa3zL0/s400/Screenshot-797.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A few hours after the sunrise, Annabelle walked around the house watching everyone preparing things in case they had to fall back to it during the approaching battle, which admittedly was a last-resort measure they didn't want to have to take. These measures included putting shutters over windows and reinforcing the door which led to the rec room, their impromptu shelter that Keera, Isobelle, and Deacon were going to stay in during the conflict.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-dTtKL7oDZnKK7gnJIT9ce5uLms2hyphenhyphenAv2WYYdCGwZj6oa_TnSWQQrZPgqUcZjOXOmAcN6YmMArMK6hnVUJ33V0o1IEqUheZzpCXVE286bcR50uf4hlQzULc2C54yyfE4FTrjcu0TWJE/s1600/Screenshot-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-dTtKL7oDZnKK7gnJIT9ce5uLms2hyphenhyphenAv2WYYdCGwZj6oa_TnSWQQrZPgqUcZjOXOmAcN6YmMArMK6hnVUJ33V0o1IEqUheZzpCXVE286bcR50uf4hlQzULc2C54yyfE4FTrjcu0TWJE/s400/Screenshot-800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS4xaKbbZteP08UDt9tZr4V9DR0ZrV_WaQztE8c4Rv0wKGvAIrujPXkBhg45sY_3Cdo3Pj3Q-pdscAEgfMC7QtgGro4tm_5rWoLQEQLExnS6umxAyUQbc7sbThp_s2IYf0Gfvwe7srnM/s1600/Screenshot-801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS4xaKbbZteP08UDt9tZr4V9DR0ZrV_WaQztE8c4Rv0wKGvAIrujPXkBhg45sY_3Cdo3Pj3Q-pdscAEgfMC7QtgGro4tm_5rWoLQEQLExnS6umxAyUQbc7sbThp_s2IYf0Gfvwe7srnM/s400/Screenshot-801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As they did this, Annabelle locked eyes with Tom and worried about him, as he did so about her. However, with the plan they formulated, they weren't too sure if anyone was going to be lost in the battle. A plan in which MIKE was going to enter the graveyard's dome roughly an hour before the eclipse and deploy John's M-0 device, and the family would use that to lure them outside the dome where Kelly, watching the battle from the top of a nearby building, would use the meteor device against them, which would destroy the drones but protect the graves within. After that, they would move in pairs and take care of any stragglers.<br />
<br />
They wanted to do this roughly an hour before the eclipse to give the villains inside less time to defend themselves. If all things went accordingly, the battle would be short and precise. Annabelle, however, realized that not all plans made are followed through. Partially, this is what gave her dread. As Annabelle considered all the possibilities, she saw John using a device to scan MIKE, presumably so he could easier blend into his surroundings when disabling the Vazirs' communications. Scarlett stood beside him, shifting her gaze back and forth between the robot and her fiance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PYWi7jyyTThg-wMep2DWSMrLG1sKh0hPTmTmIyy81pvvijkjCgr5mfFV0C4iGiFFYju8FNwDyfIY18mWlMEI2vWHCu7h0E10MxTawlQCPnG5TzolzxVP4wOFmcCIAxtySCAIx4wuPjQ/s1600/Screenshot-802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PYWi7jyyTThg-wMep2DWSMrLG1sKh0hPTmTmIyy81pvvijkjCgr5mfFV0C4iGiFFYju8FNwDyfIY18mWlMEI2vWHCu7h0E10MxTawlQCPnG5TzolzxVP4wOFmcCIAxtySCAIx4wuPjQ/s400/Screenshot-802.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Nearby, Kelly and Mirabelle were hugging each other, and talking about the upcoming conflict while Keera stood with Deacon and Isobelle near the basement entrance. It was hard to tell how it was outside, due to heavy metal sheets covering the windows, but a short glance out the front window showed that it was a bright, clear, sunny day. Annabelle walked out to the door to get some air and clear her head.<br />
<br />
As Annie stood outside for a few moments, Tom walked out to meet her. "Hello there lady Belle.", he said, using a nickname he'd been wanting to use for the longest time. "Today's it. This is where all our planning, all our worries, all our headaches and heartaches end. And to think we probably wouldn't have known about this had it not been for Andy back home."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREOhXvkCN4vTfamGXWP-VcGvBw5GyjRo-mi68M_5lN5xQ3CHh9soe91vdyIyqhwRWKOSC7ZX46nOCOLWLvJEfXTxf37Q_NuHLOhJKgVDQ4x0ILpBw0DhSZylFhUrej9wh-uHTT3Cpw6s/s1600/Screenshot-803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREOhXvkCN4vTfamGXWP-VcGvBw5GyjRo-mi68M_5lN5xQ3CHh9soe91vdyIyqhwRWKOSC7ZX46nOCOLWLvJEfXTxf37Q_NuHLOhJKgVDQ4x0ILpBw0DhSZylFhUrej9wh-uHTT3Cpw6s/s320/Screenshot-803.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
"You miss her." Annabelle replied. "Strangely enough I do too. She seemed like someone who brought out the best in people. I kinda wish she was here, now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZIjJJsdEK_kJPn9yTPTej2RkhF3HWwX_r6SJqnskWvptdhF-wBfjEaK6jU68k8d00Vxtm11FGXbIXhpVcwO5O-JFMaOm8pQXqakUbrFNXhorJr2CUh5UBLgEniESKsoWCEfGb2keBFg/s1600/Screenshot-805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZIjJJsdEK_kJPn9yTPTej2RkhF3HWwX_r6SJqnskWvptdhF-wBfjEaK6jU68k8d00Vxtm11FGXbIXhpVcwO5O-JFMaOm8pQXqakUbrFNXhorJr2CUh5UBLgEniESKsoWCEfGb2keBFg/s320/Screenshot-805.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Something tells me she is." Tom replied. "Not in body, but in spirit. I never told anyone this, but the night we got back to being friends after that long argument, I dreamed about her and my dad. It was so real, everything was. I dreamed that she was on that hill, right up there with the signage in strange lettering. She was the one who basically gave me a clue as to where to look when it came to the lamp."<br />
<br />
"You didn't have this knowledge before?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtCZmthCBMhXWlSd1QcIX15noML54nOQr2hOfWTXxNidANxIS7ifNjaYLXioJEOVne9boDa7hZVaIvGcnti31v9GALdxrFZbf6wsSLOl7hnn66n2UchJtHrDnSX0ZFLQBRZWOemnZ5sM/s1600/Screenshot-804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtCZmthCBMhXWlSd1QcIX15noML54nOQr2hOfWTXxNidANxIS7ifNjaYLXioJEOVne9boDa7hZVaIvGcnti31v9GALdxrFZbf6wsSLOl7hnn66n2UchJtHrDnSX0ZFLQBRZWOemnZ5sM/s400/Screenshot-804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom shrugged. "Maybe. I was talking to Keera before having the dream, and she said something about a tomb which I kinda blanked out. But Andy told me to talk to Keera about it and that's where I first had gathered information about Jack and Vu. Part of me thinks that Andy, and my dad, were watching over me. Part of me thinks they still are."<br />
<br />
"Then maybe that's what we need now, belief that people we cared about are looking down at us. Maybe that's what makes me sure about everything."<br />
<br />
"<i>Are</i> you sure?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2Yzo4oQt0bIVVszrxksnBL1PetBWV0HNT1SoKNK6ethWDDw4wSmczLAYwPXJ2OuE9wSpz6_SC8WmLJVIBzGHPOY0RDwqZn1tLW6ed50t3mZvhhBFIW2Ha2EkF9ehtPNupZP9DNehCdU/s1600/Screenshot-808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2Yzo4oQt0bIVVszrxksnBL1PetBWV0HNT1SoKNK6ethWDDw4wSmczLAYwPXJ2OuE9wSpz6_SC8WmLJVIBzGHPOY0RDwqZn1tLW6ed50t3mZvhhBFIW2Ha2EkF9ehtPNupZP9DNehCdU/s400/Screenshot-808.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle looked up at the sky and smiled. "Yeah."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYrsMXsyAwYrmkMouiSOEhDHh_E91APIRu-ntmoYQXx7ael_Y7Vu4tMDhYyiYqi0cdl1hrQTCuTJUxy-ys55EUZXHDH0NEZ_9A_9O6SIXtb4wCvyF-uLRz_w3eAK6Vkwy8M2ao1pygE8/s1600/Screenshot-788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYrsMXsyAwYrmkMouiSOEhDHh_E91APIRu-ntmoYQXx7ael_Y7Vu4tMDhYyiYqi0cdl1hrQTCuTJUxy-ys55EUZXHDH0NEZ_9A_9O6SIXtb4wCvyF-uLRz_w3eAK6Vkwy8M2ao1pygE8/s400/Screenshot-788.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John and Scarlett hugged in their bedroom, getting ready to go out and face down the Vazirs and stop Jack and Vu from getting the lamp.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLTg9sg3nrsdVCka9Yjy6vyWaIXwnVFJYJWTfXrF-Sr-iJOSJ-vCdqS9ygSV8vxLws122HvelOyU8MR7sThOg-KnTzBdeKBwFwWQBC9_KoGj6h-9zEq_92AfMvgyut4WEzlYAxhqe1n4/s1600/Screenshot-789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLTg9sg3nrsdVCka9Yjy6vyWaIXwnVFJYJWTfXrF-Sr-iJOSJ-vCdqS9ygSV8vxLws122HvelOyU8MR7sThOg-KnTzBdeKBwFwWQBC9_KoGj6h-9zEq_92AfMvgyut4WEzlYAxhqe1n4/s400/Screenshot-789.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm not sure if I want you to go." John said when their hug broke. "I mean, you're pregnant. What if something was to happen to you, or your unborn child? Or both."<br />
<br />
"I assure you nothing's going to happen to me, hon. I want to go. I need to go."<br />
<br />
John shook his head worriedly. "It's- it's too dangerous. Even with all the variables between our side and theirs, there is still a chance something could happen! Please don't go."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl91tFT7UTIhIFBolqAweoBWsfxA_QBeke4hM23cv_bedwr8886pcLRvWnE7qJBUdi7qCaJEtGu7-mlXYiIdEqMIv-Qomlqw-DaUAxg7tOPV7unzgIg0FiLPbgJhrrdg58dnfeqQolGhQ/s1600/Screenshot-786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl91tFT7UTIhIFBolqAweoBWsfxA_QBeke4hM23cv_bedwr8886pcLRvWnE7qJBUdi7qCaJEtGu7-mlXYiIdEqMIv-Qomlqw-DaUAxg7tOPV7unzgIg0FiLPbgJhrrdg58dnfeqQolGhQ/s400/Screenshot-786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett looked away. She contemplated what he said, but for the first time in recent memory, she couldn't listen to him on this case. "No, John. I want to do this. I've been itching to do this. If I don't, I'll get angry. Do you honestly want me to get angry?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rU2GniUD9qr6v7JXlXuwuGfjfvHEUhI7KSVM0WYPskJLZC2CgLdZksVDnZMHCKXPLUZj-cjxDurD2_h0hfizXWYoS9Db9VhddLWvjtaSzgO4yozkSgHx0pW08kmldy1MNZ97DUxrcMw/s1600/Screenshot-787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rU2GniUD9qr6v7JXlXuwuGfjfvHEUhI7KSVM0WYPskJLZC2CgLdZksVDnZMHCKXPLUZj-cjxDurD2_h0hfizXWYoS9Db9VhddLWvjtaSzgO4yozkSgHx0pW08kmldy1MNZ97DUxrcMw/s400/Screenshot-787.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Uh...."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sWSCYEssWhdUN2sI3h1D-r22ud2mHwQlaMtYv6S-zrTAw0qIQqXewOmwg9VJMj1VubVW-vaIeN9_m1IQ8E7hhxjSBdL93nlVnnxRO9xFR0LyurTbshq_jemEn8RsPZtc7BJDZ34hVfo/s1600/Screenshot-791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sWSCYEssWhdUN2sI3h1D-r22ud2mHwQlaMtYv6S-zrTAw0qIQqXewOmwg9VJMj1VubVW-vaIeN9_m1IQ8E7hhxjSBdL93nlVnnxRO9xFR0LyurTbshq_jemEn8RsPZtc7BJDZ34hVfo/s400/Screenshot-791.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"So Scarlett, Mirabelle, Tom, and I will be going into the dome and taking cover after MIKE sets off the blocking device and Kelly destroys as many as she can using the meteor device when our robot friend leads them outside of the dome." John was standing in the living room going over the plan once more so everyone could hear it clearly. "Once inside, we'll figure out some way to bring down that shield so Annabelle can attack from the sky with her spacecraft."<br />
<br />
"When all drones on the surface are destroyed, the group will rendezvous at the mausoleum entrance and go in two-by-two. Tom and Annabelle have both been inside that underground tomb so they'll go in first, then myself and Red, then Mirabelle and Kelly. Jack and Vu will be overwhelmed, and we'll be able to incapacitate them before getting the lamp ourselves."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGosrIa3N6mf3G9bEiRzIE7B327MvQIDp9-vSej4Do8AcGrvGdhmXIX_qqDq_TiWYUX1lcEQ-M5qnaVdibuPL1jXdZOg5NGyEISqaEdIFdhLN5o-XeobQFpjY_4HI9QJNVhUzL7RcgLc/s1600/Screenshot-793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGosrIa3N6mf3G9bEiRzIE7B327MvQIDp9-vSej4Do8AcGrvGdhmXIX_qqDq_TiWYUX1lcEQ-M5qnaVdibuPL1jXdZOg5NGyEISqaEdIFdhLN5o-XeobQFpjY_4HI9QJNVhUzL7RcgLc/s400/Screenshot-793.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle nodded the whole time, then walked up to stand with her brother. "If everything goes to plan, we will have secured the mausoleum by the time the eclipse starts."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQ4wHqKHgzZkcxnn_ayHO8bRCGG3RO3Oj7wkqaolyFiLabCSbOX1vUVovymuozDbYAENtjs9ZLgk3lpsBuBsX7BBYk-wVbQM7DP-9PGlH1HNuE7pR2iWWW1vz0t4Pa3BimT5MeQPhY3c/s1600/Screenshot-794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQ4wHqKHgzZkcxnn_ayHO8bRCGG3RO3Oj7wkqaolyFiLabCSbOX1vUVovymuozDbYAENtjs9ZLgk3lpsBuBsX7BBYk-wVbQM7DP-9PGlH1HNuE7pR2iWWW1vz0t4Pa3BimT5MeQPhY3c/s400/Screenshot-794.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So why not move in earlier?" Collin asked, standing across the room. "Why wait for the eclipse to begin?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle looked at Collin, addressing his question. "Knowing Jack, he'll have the drones spread out across the graveyard in anticipation of an attack. If we go in fast, disable the drones and get into the mausoleum by the time the eclipse is ready to reach totality, then that will give him less time to put any new plans he has in effect. Admittedly this does hamper us, but in many cases it will hamper him even more."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ah, just wondering." Collin said, "It's not like I'm going anyway. No one asked me to, so I'm taking that as a sign that no one wants me to." Collin stood up and walked out of the room, prompting Keera to follow him as he stood in the foyer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXP7nPGMFh3Lszj2Wk2HH2IeRDHrju-dQbd0MVeoQ4f9O7AC_632_e4hTpPnkfsar8EA471nsbxKuNe0M09sGV9cXTBJ4Cy7ZaydpkdOgST0U0QAyfd5xpYMae359WrkJqovd_tcZoSU/s1600/Screenshot-795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXP7nPGMFh3Lszj2Wk2HH2IeRDHrju-dQbd0MVeoQ4f9O7AC_632_e4hTpPnkfsar8EA471nsbxKuNe0M09sGV9cXTBJ4Cy7ZaydpkdOgST0U0QAyfd5xpYMae359WrkJqovd_tcZoSU/s400/Screenshot-795.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So you're <i>not</i> going?" Keera asked, "You could help out if you do, like deliver supplies if they need them down there."<br />
<br />
"I'm worried I'll just get in the way down there." Collin said, flustered. "I don't have special abilities like you and your family. I'm not special, I'm just<i> that guy</i> that people hate because his carelessness hurt a little girl." With that, Collin walked upstairs. Keera shook her head, and walked back into the living room.<br />
<br />
"It's 2:00 PM now." Annabelle said. "The eclipse begins at 2:45 with totality at 3:43. Everyone, get ready. In less than two hours, we're going to battle."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8PzA9n6IzS95IhTMvOpHIDYZ5r7_5XzSMRqqzzoHzZa6IG0bNhNwTo66KII6iYLzhSt-Fn5-e0r2MIatwWhzG6W79VjPhTBCqD_aFmofRUs5sc7tw5EKeq0DSXMCY9aL79y8Vjyy_Zg/s1600/Screenshot-769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8PzA9n6IzS95IhTMvOpHIDYZ5r7_5XzSMRqqzzoHzZa6IG0bNhNwTo66KII6iYLzhSt-Fn5-e0r2MIatwWhzG6W79VjPhTBCqD_aFmofRUs5sc7tw5EKeq0DSXMCY9aL79y8Vjyy_Zg/s400/Screenshot-769.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Today's the big day, isn't it?" Jack said as Vu nervously paced back and forth in front of him. "Around 3:40 PM, that eclipse will occur, and the lock to the genie lamp will be open until the sun comes out again. You're going to get that artifact while I am in here, twiddling my thumbs... Congratulations, you won. I admit defeat."<br />
<br />
"Shut up Toomes! I need to send a message to someone, anyone, telling them that I am going to stand down. They can have the damn lamp! It's not worth the trouble anymore. If I could destroy that key stone I would, but I've tried multiple times."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rSxThCEcpjgbYzcI301UIvIC4-AidTafoHsdv2a9o42zMEJbV03LYmNjb-uwMBS9JpBTi0a4113cDxYQFLwiQlYS6ByHM-IKhqB7SBFsBF4akHwXm-TfRUCS5zIc6ZSJfjtW2Ig2sFY/s1600/Screenshot-770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rSxThCEcpjgbYzcI301UIvIC4-AidTafoHsdv2a9o42zMEJbV03LYmNjb-uwMBS9JpBTi0a4113cDxYQFLwiQlYS6ByHM-IKhqB7SBFsBF4akHwXm-TfRUCS5zIc6ZSJfjtW2Ig2sFY/s400/Screenshot-770.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So there's hope for me after all." Jack said. "Good. That's good to know. By the way, do you remember being shocked last night?"<br />
<br />
Vu turned towards Jack. "What do you mean by that?"<br />
<br />
"Well would you like to feel that again? I know I wouldn't. It looked painful. However, it doesn't matter. You being shocked or not, it wouldn't stop that door from being opened within the next few seconds."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyrrlBLhpqRaEOxqJuGQl4nyqARvTlKnofmek1jTyWfjpMyzqvUzLP1Mif4TsvliYMm2X4HFAjNHfFvAeS0Wtdl0VGNnyZPMuaeqQC66SDYyMSich1GxCNWFgRDUbJys2igMmRzPEKCs/s1600/Screenshot-771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyrrlBLhpqRaEOxqJuGQl4nyqARvTlKnofmek1jTyWfjpMyzqvUzLP1Mif4TsvliYMm2X4HFAjNHfFvAeS0Wtdl0VGNnyZPMuaeqQC66SDYyMSich1GxCNWFgRDUbJys2igMmRzPEKCs/s400/Screenshot-771.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What the hell are you-" Before Vu could finish his question, the door opened to the cell which Jack triumphantly walked out of. He then walked over to Vu, who had a terrified look on his face. Vu quickly grabbed for the remote which controlled the Vazir units, but was stunned to see that Jack had it in his hands. <br />
<br />
"When I came back from my meeting, do you really think I came back alone?" Jack said as he chuckled. Suddenly another jolt of energy shocked Vu, hurting him even more so than the last. He looked around for whatever could have been the cause and saw a small disk on the ground, much like the ones that belonged to the Vazirs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4mFIZ_DPcyi1wN0e1P4zEwmWrMRXYEATD5B22hg1DObJfjZgJaq2GT6mqEYCTiZ1EWfZ3ZwhvDsyilwfdGY6_SABxUd_UEE_XQOxzQfaenwij50CQg1OOznRAWcJvtpa7K_O2LXoQ8o/s1600/Screenshot-772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4mFIZ_DPcyi1wN0e1P4zEwmWrMRXYEATD5B22hg1DObJfjZgJaq2GT6mqEYCTiZ1EWfZ3ZwhvDsyilwfdGY6_SABxUd_UEE_XQOxzQfaenwij50CQg1OOznRAWcJvtpa7K_O2LXoQ8o/s400/Screenshot-772.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No! You can't have-"<br />
<br />
"Oh I did." Jack smiled. "But now I'm feeling generous; take your injured henchman and leave this base. Now." Vu glared at him, but realized he was defeated and left, carrying Tobias out of the mausoleum and out of the graveyard. Jack, watching them on camera, laughed before talking to seemingly himself.<br />
<br />
"It's not like they'll be alive forever. When I get that lamp, the first thing I'm going to demonstrate my power on will be crushing the both of them on a molecular level. That will get the people to listen." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvUWsNYViPUfQ1VfdJVEE33Deld7mA-0HAfOpga30eTJK4ymaKgqUxocd6Qiu-n5yeNIcLgp9gXML-Xxm9GhsRYfFWgvo_AfNTyR8bz8yumbm4Hc3U2ZQ0p-jMEOiRNhy8HKLuogX74Q/s1600/Screenshot-773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvUWsNYViPUfQ1VfdJVEE33Deld7mA-0HAfOpga30eTJK4ymaKgqUxocd6Qiu-n5yeNIcLgp9gXML-Xxm9GhsRYfFWgvo_AfNTyR8bz8yumbm4Hc3U2ZQ0p-jMEOiRNhy8HKLuogX74Q/s400/Screenshot-773.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh yes, the people will listen. Or I will kill every single one of them. Now.... <i>they</i> will be coming to stop me from getting the lamp, and I will be ready for them."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdMJHYZfh9WIAQVPTO3_hjDUDEuxnDszpBuojxStRH3IVCJ_neZqKdKf2tokgwxOp9EGbmjXPxRcc1r6B3OMonAKIfmt7evRXBk6gn1rd6krahh3_aO1ENQOfnD18Db94icDWjOf8_Pw/s1600/Screenshot-810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdMJHYZfh9WIAQVPTO3_hjDUDEuxnDszpBuojxStRH3IVCJ_neZqKdKf2tokgwxOp9EGbmjXPxRcc1r6B3OMonAKIfmt7evRXBk6gn1rd6krahh3_aO1ENQOfnD18Db94icDWjOf8_Pw/s400/Screenshot-810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You're not going as well?" Isobelle said to Deacon, who stood in the upstairs hall looking out to the ocean through a window that had yet to be covered in a shutter. "Good. I said last night you were too bad of shape to fight, and it looks like you took my advice."<br />
<br />
"Yes, that's partly it. The rest... When you and I were doing our first recon of the graveyard, and you were injured, I didn't know how to react. I had just met you and, somehow, I was already falling for you. So to see you like that, is something I never wanted to see again."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMBReF0lJN_A6Uf8Aoxgig_xG2WOSVAgdfkfqxANMThu-aT2F9Nq0s2edtrKcTBtx_HgKcQpJxJ5reLRLsM3NZQfO0SJdlytxYRuZdKfBh42aNZ3QxWwOAl0eUfyUmDVPvo5SlrlCv3g/s1600/Screenshot-809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMBReF0lJN_A6Uf8Aoxgig_xG2WOSVAgdfkfqxANMThu-aT2F9Nq0s2edtrKcTBtx_HgKcQpJxJ5reLRLsM3NZQfO0SJdlytxYRuZdKfBh42aNZ3QxWwOAl0eUfyUmDVPvo5SlrlCv3g/s400/Screenshot-809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Since you told me you were going to go wherever I go last night, I realized I didn't want you to go there to the graveyard, and I didn't want to go without you."<br />
<br />
Isobelle didn't know what to say. Deacon then chuckled. "Besides, someone has to stay here, man the fort, and make sure Keera doesn't get into the alcohol cabinet."<br />
<br />
"I heard that." Keera said from downstairs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfHJdvl8zsZ5Q9EfzzvRprIOjoyBJKFFNZQZx3KyttJRWkdu1dl8qZ6vonn6QqW7LP_U9iBN8Z32O67TgBS0mTTakNcVW7rbhLFotL69yjWUT5Laaoi5aThfTj9in_AoE0UBHHvkmAPA/s1600/Screenshot-812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfHJdvl8zsZ5Q9EfzzvRprIOjoyBJKFFNZQZx3KyttJRWkdu1dl8qZ6vonn6QqW7LP_U9iBN8Z32O67TgBS0mTTakNcVW7rbhLFotL69yjWUT5Laaoi5aThfTj9in_AoE0UBHHvkmAPA/s400/Screenshot-812.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Isobelle and Deacon laughed, and Izzy stood next to him at the window and held his hands. "Admittedly, I've always felt something for you, ever since seeing you in the graveyard a long time ago when you admitted that you wanted to be a better person to Tom and Kelly. That was the first time in a long time that I had felt any emotion other than anger back then, and when we met again here in the city, I felt that it was... fate... that brought us together. It's what made us whole. And no matter what happens, I will always be by your side."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchrgCtxrh99Vp43LoUsvAO3VzrhGmMuVei6Ehwfkt8WXAy29FLPtmnM5LOwMoN-pIIj8ahK5J_BRpz6KMSXVB3kpxi-fIwvNzGgvT8nFDaSxxoLWY0PXvwRXcd2kmm0HYAH5ynBv4NFw/s1600/Screenshot-815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchrgCtxrh99Vp43LoUsvAO3VzrhGmMuVei6Ehwfkt8WXAy29FLPtmnM5LOwMoN-pIIj8ahK5J_BRpz6KMSXVB3kpxi-fIwvNzGgvT8nFDaSxxoLWY0PXvwRXcd2kmm0HYAH5ynBv4NFw/s400/Screenshot-815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Isobelle leaned in for a kiss just as, downstairs, Annabelle pressed a button on a wall to pull the final shutters across the windows.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXEqU6dYGfQevJZRyNCNb2Q2mIV1ODPvqnx_7vdDew2g5YRUI6oeUzFIRQFXl_Q2olKcOjcTi3I_uNKkYZN3ffnWlyli8Ub3QcD7jydcaeO0hIz5q8O6-mir4AObdf7m3ClHsBbVkAeY/s1600/Screenshot-816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXEqU6dYGfQevJZRyNCNb2Q2mIV1ODPvqnx_7vdDew2g5YRUI6oeUzFIRQFXl_Q2olKcOjcTi3I_uNKkYZN3ffnWlyli8Ub3QcD7jydcaeO0hIz5q8O6-mir4AObdf7m3ClHsBbVkAeY/s400/Screenshot-816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOvvk9ftvaO3gDJi1BUnrLa6Q_U3PCNXNar35aWWRws0yz0emq_-xx8Rt4ijtg7HjKLGoA4DwcLnXkfG1N0Q0mpLr8esnL3KeKl0fA99117GO_4tyczffuSY2RVhr2CrwgBz0U3qC328/s1600/Screenshot-774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOvvk9ftvaO3gDJi1BUnrLa6Q_U3PCNXNar35aWWRws0yz0emq_-xx8Rt4ijtg7HjKLGoA4DwcLnXkfG1N0Q0mpLr8esnL3KeKl0fA99117GO_4tyczffuSY2RVhr2CrwgBz0U3qC328/s400/Screenshot-774.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle stood on the roof wearing her skin-tight membrane suit, the one she wore when she tested out the teleporter for John, having chosen it because it let her move freely with limited constrictions. She was thinking to herself that this was it, the day everything was going to change, the day that they had been looking forward to ever since Andy told Tom to come to Starlight Shores in the first place. Annie didn't want to fight, but there was no one else to do it, and she knew Jack very well. She knew what was at stake: Annabelle and all her friends had to fight, and win, or Jack would use that lamp and it's power within to take over the planet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tgFa1NCsI0y2C9TqbsWiWw1t7mK7qXLXDp91jno4oVS5VizsWwPigY02LF8i3rJRCmGnjUSGpBKLBwKnIq3XATGMxQ5angRnswRV9cKkWhcG9aSItq548JJbCgdzTSzIlhpWx-yeXUg/s1600/Screenshot-776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tgFa1NCsI0y2C9TqbsWiWw1t7mK7qXLXDp91jno4oVS5VizsWwPigY02LF8i3rJRCmGnjUSGpBKLBwKnIq3XATGMxQ5angRnswRV9cKkWhcG9aSItq548JJbCgdzTSzIlhpWx-yeXUg/s400/Screenshot-776.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In their bedroom, John was finishing helping Scarlett put on her new combat suit. John designed the outfit based on a flight suit, and he wanted to make sure she was perfectly alright wearing it and able to move easily. After this, he himself put on a new outfit that reminded him of medieval armor, in a way. John and Scarlett smiled at each other, then walked out of the bedroom. Joining them in the hall were Tom, Kelly, and Mira, who with the exception of Tom wore new outfits to help them move easily and be protected better in the coming conflict. Annabelle silently walked downstairs and joined them, then they all walked outside, nodding to Isobelle, Keera, and Deacon as a silent gesture that they would do what was needed to finish their mission successfully, and they would see them again.<br />
<br />
Annabelle was the first to be ready to leave, jumping into the spaceship Verena gave her in the garage. She wasn't going to actually fight until the dome went down, in part due to the fact that her ship would be near the battlefield and would be a good target for the drones and Jack, and also in part because Jack didn't know she had a ship which would give her the element of surprise. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jcOcj79owvxVrTiAXLozkkCe7OAzJyz8CugvDtSJZOLfpy9NHgdLrpk3DwY0ZIV3pZdulgXX3LtEeYMh4dfaPoa_7fBpCeYtCZ3sNf2RLth-Z9jC4cs7Nc_SCtPE7QXdctUREOpGSgI/s1600/Screenshot-775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jcOcj79owvxVrTiAXLozkkCe7OAzJyz8CugvDtSJZOLfpy9NHgdLrpk3DwY0ZIV3pZdulgXX3LtEeYMh4dfaPoa_7fBpCeYtCZ3sNf2RLth-Z9jC4cs7Nc_SCtPE7QXdctUREOpGSgI/s400/Screenshot-775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle sat inside the vessel for a few moments, trying to get the laser cannons ready to fire properly. As Kelly stated before, no one in the house wanted to compromise the graves there, and they didn't even want to fight on a graveyard but due to the geography of the town and the fact that a dome covered half of it, they didn't really have much of a choice in the matter. As everyone made their way through the city towards a fire station near the graveyard, their base of operations for the time being, Annabelle took her ship to the hill underneath Starlight Shores' city sign, using line-of-sight to keep an eye on the large dome visible in the distance. <br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SITWJoB1LgxEws2xmcxNkqW6KfUmLuwzqMYQ-hmqFJQ8qfZEQUFA99y37uVWSEGR4FsOFHdt14OL-zfvblCv_OfIQeJEnkjXoa81-CUWjHkidbw2H_RepsxHc0N9WeOs5w_oXYfQoo4/s1600/MD13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SITWJoB1LgxEws2xmcxNkqW6KfUmLuwzqMYQ-hmqFJQ8qfZEQUFA99y37uVWSEGR4FsOFHdt14OL-zfvblCv_OfIQeJEnkjXoa81-CUWjHkidbw2H_RepsxHc0N9WeOs5w_oXYfQoo4/s400/MD13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwba8PGMfdli4FhHrdk2yPlJDatSF3XAaaWi1-dsWjrhx_GGiCGtlIERW7nPvgp0cLEZsd7ilYEIQ8E4yP5Y_ty1PHbTSLQEg0aRMdFWkGSuzpwdyMIkz9N1s-sY7-whql4k0BRn76NZQ/s1600/Screenshot-9487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwba8PGMfdli4FhHrdk2yPlJDatSF3XAaaWi1-dsWjrhx_GGiCGtlIERW7nPvgp0cLEZsd7ilYEIQ8E4yP5Y_ty1PHbTSLQEg0aRMdFWkGSuzpwdyMIkz9N1s-sY7-whql4k0BRn76NZQ/s400/Screenshot-9487.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In the sky, the moon was visible as it began to move towards the sun while the rest of the family reached the fire station and moved up to the second floor while gathering up their resources. Kelly had her blue backpack with the gravity device within, and John stood near everyone handing out small computer chips to place in the side of their goggles. "These will turn our goggles into communications devices.", he said. "They'll allow us to communicate with one-another with microphones."<br />
<br />
"I like these." Mirabelle said while adjusting her goggles, trying to bring a sense of levity to the dreadful situation they were about to face. "I may wear them around the house, granted not with the comm devices on." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Oq8CEjBBVQ2OcybFu-l85-8s4RSybkqX81T0o8-506urMV6dRZRN9eatwT7Brqxef-BA-87_iEFfL9IyjnvU3muq0-roiCDXJ4hKzJs3pKK-6365U1PBJpoxZfQDQMyx9dLTJJOas6w/s1600/Screenshot-9485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Oq8CEjBBVQ2OcybFu-l85-8s4RSybkqX81T0o8-506urMV6dRZRN9eatwT7Brqxef-BA-87_iEFfL9IyjnvU3muq0-roiCDXJ4hKzJs3pKK-6365U1PBJpoxZfQDQMyx9dLTJJOas6w/s400/Screenshot-9485.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly chuckled. "Well, if we both wore them, we could never stop talking to one-another. Ever. I'll take that!"<br />
<br />
Everyone chuckled as they put the chips on the goggles. John, having designed them, spoke up. "I didn't have time to test them with the M-0, so hopefully they won't shut down when MIKE turns on the device. If they do, they'll still enhance the vision of those who need it enhanced, and better yet they'll protect our vision from the eclipse itself when it's in it's maximum stage. Now, let's go over the plan ag-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhislB3k0xFm1D-WCYCu67g4aM2YIjTEP-eYSCZC4MMikFMJlCvrz7zR_AM61femiUwn3d5E16LikE8vYdqoKa1PnQOCkqfVxktWe6tbFnwYQ9rEczGRIOXbK50kTNkxwt-IC02RUp7DwQ/s1600/scarclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhislB3k0xFm1D-WCYCu67g4aM2YIjTEP-eYSCZC4MMikFMJlCvrz7zR_AM61femiUwn3d5E16LikE8vYdqoKa1PnQOCkqfVxktWe6tbFnwYQ9rEczGRIOXbK50kTNkxwt-IC02RUp7DwQ/s400/scarclipse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Guys, you might want to get over here!" Scarlett said, using the comm device built into the goggles. Everyone ran up the stairs to look out the window. When they saw what Scarlett was gesturing to, most of them nearly fell down.<br />
<br />
Tom, who was still getting his goggles to work, was last to climb the stairs, but when he did so his eyes widened beyond belief.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp1Hjv58tljaFiZtitV8bJCpHJeqqx8MWJ5s52mVzvtHG-yjATcjYg-9Dyy5-TuHd9pYuGhDoCCMEx83YCgaRad3ZoiQYgS6tP2AAEC334O4Mgf4_NxeQlkjiVS4lYFyGWQCnMFOsSLY/s1600/Screenshot-9476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp1Hjv58tljaFiZtitV8bJCpHJeqqx8MWJ5s52mVzvtHG-yjATcjYg-9Dyy5-TuHd9pYuGhDoCCMEx83YCgaRad3ZoiQYgS6tP2AAEC334O4Mgf4_NxeQlkjiVS4lYFyGWQCnMFOsSLY/s400/Screenshot-9476.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There were what looked to be over a hundred drones between the entrance to the dome and the mausoleum. Tom shook his head in disbelief. "That's... a lot more than any of us expected. How in the hell did they build so many?!"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Vazir drones are efficient, they can utilize nano-machines to build ten of themselves within a day.</b></span>" MIKE said,<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b> "It seems they've had some time to prepare. While this alters the plan some, I would not worry; when I disable their drone-to-drone communications, they will not be able to repair one-another nor connect to the base's teleporter network system. It will give us all a tactical advantage against them."</b></span><br />
<br />
"Yeah, but there's still more of them than we expected, and who the hell knows how many inside!" Scarlett said. "Kelly, I'm sorry to say, but we'll have to use the meteor device. Maybe MIKE can lure some of them outside... we have no choice now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1sTL8cG3ck8T2qHQLcC1WmpWlpkFrx5l1DIq-_2ZlnL0wVh6v1vr_9RumdmUPAaS0zBAhZj0xtyz8lq0gnmjCiaPaDCEU6VCeJM4ShuIeLOpABEshvy6Z16u00orjRXETLldP_0tpKo/s1600/Screenshot-9484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1sTL8cG3ck8T2qHQLcC1WmpWlpkFrx5l1DIq-_2ZlnL0wVh6v1vr_9RumdmUPAaS0zBAhZj0xtyz8lq0gnmjCiaPaDCEU6VCeJM4ShuIeLOpABEshvy6Z16u00orjRXETLldP_0tpKo/s400/Screenshot-9484.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly sullenly nodded. Like Annabelle, she did not want to use the meteor device which cause so much pain to so many people back when they were children, but their hand was forced now: If they didn't use it, they would have to fold, and Jack would win the game.<br />
<br />
"Okay. Everyone get into position." Kelly said with an upset tone in her voice. She then looked up at the sun, her goggles protecting her eyesight as she saw the darker view of the moon as it moved close to the outer edge. "We have to do it now."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarBJmGcoiGp0OzVDcg-eSDfF-km7A0GA6ZwlKN2zhpBn4q4Yld8BTRUJygof6nXtNfZFEe0Nqd_aZN0JKWPShmths_PjvZnruNaXGCR8h7OoZpuv2PD-XAD6v1xeVw4CV2tLiCZSOM1I/s1600/Screenshot-9478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarBJmGcoiGp0OzVDcg-eSDfF-km7A0GA6ZwlKN2zhpBn4q4Yld8BTRUJygof6nXtNfZFEe0Nqd_aZN0JKWPShmths_PjvZnruNaXGCR8h7OoZpuv2PD-XAD6v1xeVw4CV2tLiCZSOM1I/s400/Screenshot-9478.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett, Tom, Mirabelle, and John waited near the bottom of the fire station as MIKE made his way into the dome, the drone looking much like the Vazirs that they had been ready to fight. MIKE blended perfectly with the rest of his robotic kind, and it was only Kelly tracking his movements from the top of the station that she knew which of the dozens of drones was her new friend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy7l9mmGqC14f4MjcjHaaNWbLW83EI8QtyhVz0sHDPqyKcpx9x13j-gLM3NdsQDKK1Bqu2ra1flEQSIW-V_4r-rSkknqTUJBhjYyO0930O35aw3HWFVknPH02-PGOLj9g6SDWJthigO4/s1600/Screenshot-9481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy7l9mmGqC14f4MjcjHaaNWbLW83EI8QtyhVz0sHDPqyKcpx9x13j-gLM3NdsQDKK1Bqu2ra1flEQSIW-V_4r-rSkknqTUJBhjYyO0930O35aw3HWFVknPH02-PGOLj9g6SDWJthigO4/s400/Screenshot-9481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly, all drones in the dome started to act wild, moving in strange patterns, and bumping into one-another. One drone hovered out of the dome and started shooting wildly at the ones inside and just outside the entrance.<br />
<br />
"Come on, MIKE." Kelly said to herself. "Get some of them out of that dome."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvlpmNK2icPM4ZJ9lpNmPb8PkOooyqdCc_dRQXQwd7p7uOYW7PV3ChyphenhyphentJUEEH8hslJJTzpQKjNv6UW8jT02fCUOZOoWIVI0rmeD1qIul2vJ-0W-I1ps_GAPKduDxYqi77jVHu49zIj2s/s1600/Screenshot-9477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvlpmNK2icPM4ZJ9lpNmPb8PkOooyqdCc_dRQXQwd7p7uOYW7PV3ChyphenhyphentJUEEH8hslJJTzpQKjNv6UW8jT02fCUOZOoWIVI0rmeD1qIul2vJ-0W-I1ps_GAPKduDxYqi77jVHu49zIj2s/s400/Screenshot-9477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
MIKE shot more of the drones and led about ten or twenty more of them outside. He then hovered quickly out of the area and vanished behind a few trees as Kelly aimed the meteor device at the ones who chased him out. A massive whirring sound permeated through the air as Kelly looked up and saw three fireballs heading towards the ground right on cue.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2pohyphenhyphenyEot6l6Y5KUL1yZPI4IJCeI-Tu5SfaSfm43jMWbtlm4HFhuFmxWIeRTofdtT1CS_NpPfQDgeAs0eqKE5iLrZjiXXYqgCp5HdVGbjBz61pOrsqQA39EtVxJQS7NR79ydRoT919Y/s1600/Screenshot-9483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2pohyphenhyphenyEot6l6Y5KUL1yZPI4IJCeI-Tu5SfaSfm43jMWbtlm4HFhuFmxWIeRTofdtT1CS_NpPfQDgeAs0eqKE5iLrZjiXXYqgCp5HdVGbjBz61pOrsqQA39EtVxJQS7NR79ydRoT919Y/s400/Screenshot-9483.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A few seconds later, the three meteors fell from the sky hit the drones hard, destroying them all and causing the ground to shake. Thankfully, all the graves inside the dome itself were protected from the blast, and the impacts themselves did little damage to the ground aside from some scorching of the grass. Kelly kept the meteor device on the floor nearby in case it was needed some more, and watched her family walk into the dome, their weapons leveled as they began their assault.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ReGy8R9JV5_zukBIpZ0ktyVJ15Lgozaww6dE6QEb6sr3utJOnVGnSOQycZzL_zA1AbSssp2o8bzAD2gFaFiTnutKhyphenhyphen3jswL2JUolN0GFb-UnXdsusSu51nH9J9TDEpoWMqzhkKxKzpc/s1600/Screenshot-818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ReGy8R9JV5_zukBIpZ0ktyVJ15Lgozaww6dE6QEb6sr3utJOnVGnSOQycZzL_zA1AbSssp2o8bzAD2gFaFiTnutKhyphenhyphen3jswL2JUolN0GFb-UnXdsusSu51nH9J9TDEpoWMqzhkKxKzpc/s400/Screenshot-818.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Back at the house, Keera felt the earth shake as the meteors impacted. Worried, she looked at Deacon and Isobelle and spoke with a creaked voice. "So it begins..." <br />
<br />
Collin sat on top of the house as he heard the explosions going off. The last time he heard a distant explosion like that, his life changed forever, and not in any way that could be classified as "good". This stirred new feelings in Collin, that he needed to do something to make a difference this time, so he stood up and started back into the house and down the stairs to the outside. Keera, who watched him get ready to leave, stopped him shortly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O_F3qI8ELC88bM44NzRjGKu53rlcyW79U2AgIKxFZPknN66UVYH5DAuv9w_EO_xf71gVmlcE2ulbUpCcqP2YaqXugTgJeeZwwdS3m2CThfzueSINmJ5Y0otj1pK-7GjU8-mMFz98AOA/s1600/Screenshot-819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O_F3qI8ELC88bM44NzRjGKu53rlcyW79U2AgIKxFZPknN66UVYH5DAuv9w_EO_xf71gVmlcE2ulbUpCcqP2YaqXugTgJeeZwwdS3m2CThfzueSINmJ5Y0otj1pK-7GjU8-mMFz98AOA/s400/Screenshot-819.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"So you're going off anyway?", she asked, "I thought you didn't want to get involved."<br />
<br />
"I have to do something, anything. I have to redeem myself, in my own eyes." Collin looked up at the sky, noting it's beauty for the first time in a long time. Without any more words, he left, but stopped when he heard his name once more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrWCnmWdubu0LePnWYueePGwvxfMB09Kpwjzq18kpWdb5R7l5YH9ReSqqCKMT6u9PPjaknCt_PcgWnodKicy2tg4coQr5hvy6L0f6oI7qOFP1la7SpLwuZaYoBNSJj-rKiTX9AsYkHyc/s1600/Screenshot-820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrWCnmWdubu0LePnWYueePGwvxfMB09Kpwjzq18kpWdb5R7l5YH9ReSqqCKMT6u9PPjaknCt_PcgWnodKicy2tg4coQr5hvy6L0f6oI7qOFP1la7SpLwuZaYoBNSJj-rKiTX9AsYkHyc/s400/Screenshot-820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Hey Collin. Whatever happens, just know one thing: I forgive you for what happened in Alaska. I should have done it from the start."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P_UbT-yow9GImNwZbUNRwUosntl4LJPTnhXAfpsab4C_FLGAwXxvqiLY1htYhY0rGVIfhaVBII7TQz3q-M-4300GDFeEMu6Qa-2_DBRG6l3iYA7Dy4KwX55RLROclakL-WcnATAjrhM/s1600/Screenshot-822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P_UbT-yow9GImNwZbUNRwUosntl4LJPTnhXAfpsab4C_FLGAwXxvqiLY1htYhY0rGVIfhaVBII7TQz3q-M-4300GDFeEMu6Qa-2_DBRG6l3iYA7Dy4KwX55RLROclakL-WcnATAjrhM/s400/Screenshot-822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Collin smiled, relieved after so long. "That's what I needed to hear." He then ran off, full of confidence that everything was going to be alright, while Keera was worried that she'd never see him again, the person she'd come to know as her friend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHpQZnCL3eeb8c-3V7U49bAuV4FsfASN8IPt3dEHpzW4_RM-jzplHX7s3TnO-9TBpW3YR186cTpEsEuwMyGyuZBS50yyMfmlQSnt7ORlxJRvJCHf7nuyUEW2WAPyPQpz3-j0YkvxPj7s/s1600/Screenshot-823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHpQZnCL3eeb8c-3V7U49bAuV4FsfASN8IPt3dEHpzW4_RM-jzplHX7s3TnO-9TBpW3YR186cTpEsEuwMyGyuZBS50yyMfmlQSnt7ORlxJRvJCHf7nuyUEW2WAPyPQpz3-j0YkvxPj7s/s400/Screenshot-823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
-------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f1QL-LdSQ3Kq-acl5cxoKYQiCCxX9N-MxarEgxWdxxBGU-cIbLrxmvXrVWp4fL8nCC-Dj77laQ4qZUrCH2liVNx4yblBk-acxHufR321hJyshYF9vzpMR9EJnAi85kavd2-pyCFckM4/s1600/fullshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f1QL-LdSQ3Kq-acl5cxoKYQiCCxX9N-MxarEgxWdxxBGU-cIbLrxmvXrVWp4fL8nCC-Dj77laQ4qZUrCH2liVNx4yblBk-acxHufR321hJyshYF9vzpMR9EJnAi85kavd2-pyCFckM4/s400/fullshot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett, Mirabelle, John, and Tom used the smoke and the entrance of the graveyard as cover as they began shooting spells at the drones just outside what was left of the lot's gates. With their communications disabled, the Vazirs had trouble cooperating with one-another, and a few actually fired at each other when they tried to figure out where they were being shot at from. John quickly realized that the drones were relying on line-of-sight as opposed to infrared, which must have been shut down as an unforeseen effect of the M-0 device. <br />
<br />
Tom fired a beam of fire that hit one drone and caused it to spin wildly in a circle and fire at more of it's own allies. John ran inside and grabbed the M-0, putting it in his pocket so the drones couldn't find it on the ground and destroy it. He then tried to contact Kelly on the fire station to find out where MIKE ran off to but, as he predicted, the device blocked the goggles' communications. "Dammit!" he said as he ran back towards the entrance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfZZjvlzAMO40IUIOmrFROUCCG07LfHwLsMPgTZmLwbHZHafBuUCqViZpHwvhStw_ymzDhE-zqd6c-oS0tPCSK-GbHmKbGU7wGkNc85S84EGEdMYDRNh5tWG0AlN86DkM-IGQhXLDw30/s1600/Screenshot-9492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfZZjvlzAMO40IUIOmrFROUCCG07LfHwLsMPgTZmLwbHZHafBuUCqViZpHwvhStw_ymzDhE-zqd6c-oS0tPCSK-GbHmKbGU7wGkNc85S84EGEdMYDRNh5tWG0AlN86DkM-IGQhXLDw30/s400/Screenshot-9492.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Vazir drones started to angle themselves better in an attempt to attack the intruders. Tom narrowly avoided an energy beam that flew past him, and the rest of the family realized they had to get cover soon. John cast a spell at the ground which created a puff of smoke that covered their entrance into the dome, and another to distract the drones while the group moved to the side behind a building.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTPTM4eTH_gnAa23wD-49enz77jhSNbA-Sm4QnGSDBOvjxvhCzHCl5pczilJEvQF2xSDmXVGB0YEV-gX1_N7QsgBY71s8aTqCcRqXAeJ8wfbL9YLJJ04IXbUicK1aTVUxgt_CfF6WnZY/s1600/Screenshot-9497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTPTM4eTH_gnAa23wD-49enz77jhSNbA-Sm4QnGSDBOvjxvhCzHCl5pczilJEvQF2xSDmXVGB0YEV-gX1_N7QsgBY71s8aTqCcRqXAeJ8wfbL9YLJJ04IXbUicK1aTVUxgt_CfF6WnZY/s400/Screenshot-9497.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With the drones distracted, John took the M-0 out of his pocket and put it into a small alcove within the building, then checked his goggles again. "As I predicted, the blocking device is stopping our communications with Kelly and Annie." he whispered, "But it's only within a range that this graveyard reaches."<br />
<br />
"So what are we going to do about communications?" Scarlett asked, also whispering.<br />
<br />
John looked up at the sky and, with the enhanced goggles, could see the moon's edge touching the sun's. "We can't, unless we want to disable the M-0, and that would be a very bad idea. Look, the eclipse is not far along now. We have to figure out what's keeping this dome up so we can disable it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OcNLz81UbqEu-yjm-OspygMD1CLnT_Mes_OXpstA2xsa2f6kD2WmULx-SWym-uy09Ox5qMTuBETK-F2fqjRW5tq5DhvQyPLlNmgh-pHuccnLSdNejhtGXBBZWdL2yxYDeldOmp8bMZ4/s1600/Screenshot-9498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OcNLz81UbqEu-yjm-OspygMD1CLnT_Mes_OXpstA2xsa2f6kD2WmULx-SWym-uy09Ox5qMTuBETK-F2fqjRW5tq5DhvQyPLlNmgh-pHuccnLSdNejhtGXBBZWdL2yxYDeldOmp8bMZ4/s400/Screenshot-9498.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Annabelle's starship will be the biggest advantage we have against the robot army inside the dome so we just need a way to disable the thing without getting shot. Not getting shot would be good."<br />
<br />
"Dammit, why can't we ever do things the easy way?" Tom asked as he looked out to the drones, who were for the most part still in the formation they were when MIKE deployed the M-0. <br />
<br />
"And what is the easy way in this case?" Mirabelle asked, "there are over a hundred drones with lasers, we have a limited time to get inside, and our communications are down."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBo_V5O4Q7jlreZPMuFcKOqoJenKNvbSCuj8o6OMzVHI2lvmkpWDM-LiQbCR7vwdDr7Jruir6YT6W51G_mNlWIaToazs8g5kfj4JEsdMFzXiP50-0JTm6R5FiczWOuuGtUFaG7Psocro/s1600/Screenshot-9495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBo_V5O4Q7jlreZPMuFcKOqoJenKNvbSCuj8o6OMzVHI2lvmkpWDM-LiQbCR7vwdDr7Jruir6YT6W51G_mNlWIaToazs8g5kfj4JEsdMFzXiP50-0JTm6R5FiczWOuuGtUFaG7Psocro/s400/Screenshot-9495.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thinking over his options, Tom winked at her. "There's always an easy way." With that he emerged from behind the building and used the magic wand to shoot down a few Vazirs, the remainder of which promptly returned fire. Tom ran back behind the building. "But in this case, that's gonna be a little difficult to find. An oxymoron, I know."<br />
<br />
"I got it!" John said. "We should split up! Tom and I will go around the back, using smoke to hide our movements while Scarlett and Mirabelle enter this building and fire from the windows. That will give them more targets." The sudden appearance of drones around the corner prompted them to follow this plan before they could agree to it. Tom shot bolts of fire at them while John created clouds of smoke in front of them, making numerous clouds across the graveyard to throw off the drones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwjE5_rf9sJz99QpGwyzYpKLiro6beyFrEIp435BPD58biLlmiTPda9DdCFVXZrST9a4RcfSFMnkDbfjjKSgmgiIx0hngN-H8mmVa4IjAByCkdbVurmzlXtNyYjhEhlcPSczHmwq3s10/s1600/Screenshot-9469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwjE5_rf9sJz99QpGwyzYpKLiro6beyFrEIp435BPD58biLlmiTPda9DdCFVXZrST9a4RcfSFMnkDbfjjKSgmgiIx0hngN-H8mmVa4IjAByCkdbVurmzlXtNyYjhEhlcPSczHmwq3s10/s400/Screenshot-9469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-D2ctirQ6CY20OpJfwF8miqAPGZ692kyG6qkHH8XS1EoxidqnMn09wQBSbLTWIQ51rESu79eT53jtTrK47PXrp_bX2QpCqG0Ob3dWXI5Q8OLcWvmSbTmdwBjvU4bYZ41IbX1JzylaTY/s1600/eclipse1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-D2ctirQ6CY20OpJfwF8miqAPGZ692kyG6qkHH8XS1EoxidqnMn09wQBSbLTWIQ51rESu79eT53jtTrK47PXrp_bX2QpCqG0Ob3dWXI5Q8OLcWvmSbTmdwBjvU4bYZ41IbX1JzylaTY/s400/eclipse1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John and Tom used smoke to make their way inside the dome proper while Scarlett and Mirabelle ducked into the building they were using just then as cover. Scarlett looked up out the window and spotted the moon's tip moving ever so slightly towards the sun. "We got about a half-hour before the maximum stage of the eclipse! Where is the entrance to the Mausoleum?!"<br />
<br />
Mirabelle pointed out the window towards the building in the direct center of the dome. "There! It's that ornate building guarded by those Vazir drones!" Scarlett looked out the window and saw the drones she was talking about, of which there were about two dozen of them in a semicircle around the door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCMozV7d70TwU2Xzn8_4mX_GIe9-LEsacIHkj7R_GU9K4m0dGrrrKPEyC0S9p6aZVmFX023sVIGe5bmAIbSMHavCPDD36tHvIMW8qMOPKIJzbEBt-bTg0nCoxn_Ur7x4WhTjIqImSDkA/s1600/Screenshot-9467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCMozV7d70TwU2Xzn8_4mX_GIe9-LEsacIHkj7R_GU9K4m0dGrrrKPEyC0S9p6aZVmFX023sVIGe5bmAIbSMHavCPDD36tHvIMW8qMOPKIJzbEBt-bTg0nCoxn_Ur7x4WhTjIqImSDkA/s400/Screenshot-9467.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Jack doesn't want anyone in, too bad." Scarlett said, before she emerged from the building and fired energy beams wildly at the drones. "We need to get in there before the eclipse or everything is damned!" An explosion rocked the building, and Mirabelle got out before another one destroyed the structure completely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnTEKk88gZXyZlXcCVP5kLz_WjHOrGrYS9vpkfzBgTaKBYaORiYz-W0MHHd0la8fsZpw739HAbg8uUIebct-oTOSB6aIMsof_RF5qpXBsa6bDFv3V2Feyq4pi_QG35y8tCt1tOKC9QEE/s1600/Screenshot-9536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnTEKk88gZXyZlXcCVP5kLz_WjHOrGrYS9vpkfzBgTaKBYaORiYz-W0MHHd0la8fsZpw739HAbg8uUIebct-oTOSB6aIMsof_RF5qpXBsa6bDFv3V2Feyq4pi_QG35y8tCt1tOKC9QEE/s400/Screenshot-9536.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Scarlett fell back, continuing to fire at the drones, while Mirabelle lost her balance and fell to the ground. Three straggling Vazir drones saw Scarlett and began firing at her, while another one spotted Mirabelle on the ground and hovered over to the same location, it's energy beam charging as it aimed at her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbH192NR7EKffW5iWdEKrtunMlsVTvrlZJ3wYZi0pSS95G5M-As3AofTfQMfMxAo1crFGiJbtenhUvRtG9EAW4KmlRSr0UWcjGy8HOVmsk30hAR8xPmzdh52Ph2dy41EY0uq1pHQjaaQ/s1600/Screenshot-9534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbH192NR7EKffW5iWdEKrtunMlsVTvrlZJ3wYZi0pSS95G5M-As3AofTfQMfMxAo1crFGiJbtenhUvRtG9EAW4KmlRSr0UWcjGy8HOVmsk30hAR8xPmzdh52Ph2dy41EY0uq1pHQjaaQ/s400/Screenshot-9534.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
From across the street, Collin saw the Vazir drone approaching Mirabelle on the field and bolted toward the two. He had labored breaths as he took every step towards Mirabelle, but he didn't falter. He couldn't. Collin knew he had to stop the drone from hurting her, and leaped forward pushing Mirabelle out of the way as the drone began to fire.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowTXvW5T1SfcXgFGpfeopCvN50RSFnzNQPvT-PskFbkkg2wy7YMH6TzGzBMDHipKyamlBhdMQlsv0vK85rb3_NWJNBpFXxK6RC5vmE2fcaitNOuwNvdRlZysOVI5ZeIw-8u1Md1gd42Q/s1600/Screenshot-9505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowTXvW5T1SfcXgFGpfeopCvN50RSFnzNQPvT-PskFbkkg2wy7YMH6TzGzBMDHipKyamlBhdMQlsv0vK85rb3_NWJNBpFXxK6RC5vmE2fcaitNOuwNvdRlZysOVI5ZeIw-8u1Md1gd42Q/s400/Screenshot-9505.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The bolt of energy surged through Collin's body as he screamed in agony, and Mirabelle took the few extra seconds she was given and slammed her left hand into the drone's glass eye, smashing it's internal circuits. Afterwards, she looked down at Collin, thinking that he was merely stunned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87jNacUpYZ5cImyc2RiUSiK2Aje8H-c_UfVNOdsOaVTpT7JnTPcT9Fo5Y92PQW41QhPSEaQ4htHd_XGZBEe7VLaQy4FqfFgy21ldBq0LZoJCdn13Zw-bllN84UvTE59yq8df_YuvXlYo/s1600/Screenshot-9499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87jNacUpYZ5cImyc2RiUSiK2Aje8H-c_UfVNOdsOaVTpT7JnTPcT9Fo5Y92PQW41QhPSEaQ4htHd_XGZBEe7VLaQy4FqfFgy21ldBq0LZoJCdn13Zw-bllN84UvTE59yq8df_YuvXlYo/s400/Screenshot-9499.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Thanks." Mirabelle said, "I thought I was... oh dear." She crouched down next to Collin who was lying on the ground, his body having taken the brunt of energy from the drone. She tried to lift him to his feet, but he couldn't stand up. "Get up, Collin! Please!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt36FteWqPzyI9gq4IUQU1ZyRlsEsfdzd_vA6_2TYibcL5jaJfndVpPElYE5bl1ihlPWYfC1sJZUpClBijhDRloaAaDgJTcVe6TjJ1IpBar0afcLsqbPUKGj5iKPyL8YtYsU0KQcmusLo/s1600/Screenshot-9503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt36FteWqPzyI9gq4IUQU1ZyRlsEsfdzd_vA6_2TYibcL5jaJfndVpPElYE5bl1ihlPWYfC1sJZUpClBijhDRloaAaDgJTcVe6TjJ1IpBar0afcLsqbPUKGj5iKPyL8YtYsU0KQcmusLo/s400/Screenshot-9503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I can't. I'm... I can't." Collin replied, his eyes still closed. He was using all his energy to force every word out. "I'm... I'm done. I knew I was going to be, that's partly why I came to the battle... it was this that's important to me." He remembered back to Keera talking to him on the beach, asking what was so important to him to go to that game and not do his job. He then realized if he never lost his job, he never would have come to Starlight Shores and he wouldn't be right where he was. Mirabelle would have died if he wasn't there.<br />
<br />
"Tell Keera... tell her that this was important to me. She'll know what I mean. Tell her that it's fate, and above all, tell her that I'm sorry once more for all I put her through. And tell Jennifer I love her... Peter too... tell them all... I'm proud of them. I'm gonna go to sleep now, I need to rest."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-lzfaL7zV4hEaFw3I-eFa8EXcn2SBkGgie2FaSk_q1mOXFxPKuYQ4MQ9GK2iEb-rOs9pTuQEH-1NfjxDjd7Lq3tsAIbACsOnP6zfgIcb9F0CqCBBMR0uzOnf-_G1lUw0fP0Q9ybBMOw/s1600/Screenshot-9538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-lzfaL7zV4hEaFw3I-eFa8EXcn2SBkGgie2FaSk_q1mOXFxPKuYQ4MQ9GK2iEb-rOs9pTuQEH-1NfjxDjd7Lq3tsAIbACsOnP6zfgIcb9F0CqCBBMR0uzOnf-_G1lUw0fP0Q9ybBMOw/s400/Screenshot-9538.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSdyAtqoqdVRE7QDvr0W3sjrIK6_GAktcjmRQm8n3SUg5zDhOoQOPL4X7dlS8zB3sV6PgHVfL2CUv9fhSizccKK3A78tYwEgZzgk618oGAyGlh6_dXDAvkn_5Y4rrNeXhw_jJJsz9ZSQ/s1600/mirabanner1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSdyAtqoqdVRE7QDvr0W3sjrIK6_GAktcjmRQm8n3SUg5zDhOoQOPL4X7dlS8zB3sV6PgHVfL2CUv9fhSizccKK3A78tYwEgZzgk618oGAyGlh6_dXDAvkn_5Y4rrNeXhw_jJJsz9ZSQ/s400/mirabanner1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Collin's eyes never opened again. The drones exploding around Mirabelle took her out of her shock, but a sudden burst of anger forced her to stand and run over to an pair of active drones nearby. She growled as she used a combination of her magic and strength to destroy them, afterwards hunting down some more drones and doing the same to them. Collin's body was left behind, but Mirabelle promised herself she could come back to give him a proper burial.<br />
<br />
Mirabelle turned her attention to the three Vazir drones who were firing at Scarlett, whose cover behind a large tree was starting to waver as the lasers cut through it. Scarlett jumped out from behind the tree and aimed her weapon, but was shocked to see the three drones shut down by Mirabelle herself, whose face was covered in dust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPLctZojYnQtJI6p-JqRRKhpWdqIGB_GSaE7E6AzygWaLvmUfNUx7fARE6AffC0tWfuaMgv8YYVyFZ7IoMVT1el4oedJYetEX-lIdCLnC1gj0VEpGU1EmxuaqYkQm5_DIG2EO59UJnrc/s1600/Screenshot-9508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPLctZojYnQtJI6p-JqRRKhpWdqIGB_GSaE7E6AzygWaLvmUfNUx7fARE6AffC0tWfuaMgv8YYVyFZ7IoMVT1el4oedJYetEX-lIdCLnC1gj0VEpGU1EmxuaqYkQm5_DIG2EO59UJnrc/s400/Screenshot-9508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Where are more of these things?!" Mirabelle asked with an angry look on her face.<br />
<br />
---------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DeoCPyaELZY6ckp5NaVfeqSh0vnhOgcK0O8aflAG5I48kX7MnubpXy4LjtETa3U59p26n2rbmKvPOpgMqQmqflsuc2r-pvEItisNQg3q-Ut5FDdMii6ltXhISAVszFWlB7I2ViiswyQ/s1600/Screenshot-9515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DeoCPyaELZY6ckp5NaVfeqSh0vnhOgcK0O8aflAG5I48kX7MnubpXy4LjtETa3U59p26n2rbmKvPOpgMqQmqflsuc2r-pvEItisNQg3q-Ut5FDdMii6ltXhISAVszFWlB7I2ViiswyQ/s400/Screenshot-9515.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom and John hid behind a rock near the edge of the dome having pushed through the heavy defenses when the two pairs split up. "Hey guess what. I figured I'd say this now considering the circumstances..." John said as he occasionally stepped out to shoot beams of energy at the drones. "Scarlett's pregnant! I'm gonna be a father!!" He then took a step a bit further out from the rock and fired a focused beam of light that hit three Vazir drones<br />
<br />
"Congratulations! When we get out of this I'm sure everyone will be happy to hear about it!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOzGlLv3l0h0eIfdaVQW5GpQboKKjgIpImofwoEjFlD1xMrkmOW8QvijZ7RudhyphenhyphenOyI6Ji-Gu1A86Tx5FuBo0XqWQYy_doKeQWuOKJX8Ajnx9-AXKHHkcxXsJe-bN3VM6X6ALAgpFNfkI/s1600/Screenshot-9514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOzGlLv3l0h0eIfdaVQW5GpQboKKjgIpImofwoEjFlD1xMrkmOW8QvijZ7RudhyphenhyphenOyI6Ji-Gu1A86Tx5FuBo0XqWQYy_doKeQWuOKJX8Ajnx9-AXKHHkcxXsJe-bN3VM6X6ALAgpFNfkI/s400/Screenshot-9514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John smiled and shot more magic at the drones. However, he was caught off-guard by one of them who shot his back with a stunning beam. Tom saw this and shot the drone, then grabbed John's arm and pulled him behind a different rock for safety.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtn7wm7DwvjQK3JCih3yLAUHDGNVkfZlwOU0Ulp4hhs0K-RzwMRlYLVvKasKXJYl6WTGG9GV4CiiOE30q7LGzGlB4wQMdvNKw2dmJ5EkpMG6berqNR7Bf4V-6MFoZKLPlz9E1DNpFugaE/s1600/Screenshot-9518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtn7wm7DwvjQK3JCih3yLAUHDGNVkfZlwOU0Ulp4hhs0K-RzwMRlYLVvKasKXJYl6WTGG9GV4CiiOE30q7LGzGlB4wQMdvNKw2dmJ5EkpMG6berqNR7Bf4V-6MFoZKLPlz9E1DNpFugaE/s400/Screenshot-9518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Are you alright?" Tom asked as John stood back up. John nodded, aimed his weapon again, and then turned to look at a strange device near the wall. "What is that?" Tom asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06POF3DxSp6MJyEwC2ARdYnlgcT2oLDjbp3c13AQ81Wf5bsUpxKH1qmw_iS__jZbwEaQWwXNqnoP68oBQFGJ_vFjA-n0Bc8fi8lfFiw-L2QaxmF6WvWqalCxN1pdm_Rif0EAcoNi1MsI/s1600/Screenshot-9519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06POF3DxSp6MJyEwC2ARdYnlgcT2oLDjbp3c13AQ81Wf5bsUpxKH1qmw_iS__jZbwEaQWwXNqnoP68oBQFGJ_vFjA-n0Bc8fi8lfFiw-L2QaxmF6WvWqalCxN1pdm_Rif0EAcoNi1MsI/s400/Screenshot-9519.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"It's a generator of some sort. It's giving off a lot of energy." John took out his magic wand and waved it at the device, which promptly exploded. Suddenly, the dome above them shook and faded into nothingness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3aiShD50StxTdQ_QHpLFTTkRwyWY3Gzh_xUTBi9FKshWYCNm8vbkn2BK4N8giy52Q9fHqpP_3WViRTB6iDR3BwNVRLTLPWp22Rl1yuMpbg8a5ALd_fEOxLRoQ4aXdFuVPhJByX1caig/s1600/Screenshot-9524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3aiShD50StxTdQ_QHpLFTTkRwyWY3Gzh_xUTBi9FKshWYCNm8vbkn2BK4N8giy52Q9fHqpP_3WViRTB6iDR3BwNVRLTLPWp22Rl1yuMpbg8a5ALd_fEOxLRoQ4aXdFuVPhJByX1caig/s400/Screenshot-9524.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't believe it!" John said. "It was a hard-light generator! That's what the dome was made of! It was a hologram made of solid light, which means it was strong as the material it looked like it was made of. I've only dreamed of that type of tech before!"<br />
<br />
"How does someone like Jack Toomes get something like that?!" Tom asked, now able to spot different vantage points he could get to since the dome was down. "I mean I don't think even he has the smarts or the money to make something capable of that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhve7mJ4uND1X-P0rXv4V62A4eAm6YClwr0UpEW8CNWLIyRw_ZGt3Hjx7pY9KdNA_dLCy4GVTkbYFlcsay4Da6z5tS3gTEmaauM1E0lDVAlNeGyosZjQHCWjNrVuLW77YqbyT_EUA5CTtc/s1600/Screenshot-9526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhve7mJ4uND1X-P0rXv4V62A4eAm6YClwr0UpEW8CNWLIyRw_ZGt3Hjx7pY9KdNA_dLCy4GVTkbYFlcsay4Da6z5tS3gTEmaauM1E0lDVAlNeGyosZjQHCWjNrVuLW77YqbyT_EUA5CTtc/s400/Screenshot-9526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't know, but I intend to find out." <br />
<br />
---------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi-3tKZABgA86GHgpOy5G-Vlexm0HBQrwPFdsV6UDnJhAz-n41tQdUHz3GT6OWpm7_99M4mW7-BMTluBDvEGyaF29QpZ_9XyvHwmR-DSLaxWePqpzKWiXtIFS11yKkMbR8EN-H-eQtG8/s1600/kellycomm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi-3tKZABgA86GHgpOy5G-Vlexm0HBQrwPFdsV6UDnJhAz-n41tQdUHz3GT6OWpm7_99M4mW7-BMTluBDvEGyaF29QpZ_9XyvHwmR-DSLaxWePqpzKWiXtIFS11yKkMbR8EN-H-eQtG8/s400/kellycomm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly tried to reach everyone on her comms device, still somewhat surprised that the dome was just some kind of energy shield disguised as a metal and glass structure. After a few moments of not being able to get a hold of anyone aside from Annabelle, who was well beyond the range of the M-0, Kelly decided to pack up and leave, and join the battle with her family.<br />
<br />
Just as she turned around, she saw four Vazir units hovering there, their weapons angled towards her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqFCEjMovX8aIhvPy_lqwzu1JT-vm5nHhU6KDxLK-hkSoc5UoOzwrUVARzQI7wAw6i5lfPQa6rTBGc4LGtN5unXEZ80GCC5QRdpVP8rd8PdsCVZlY2FunnP0LsZwND5-KffYGl6-I0-M/s1600/Screenshot-783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqFCEjMovX8aIhvPy_lqwzu1JT-vm5nHhU6KDxLK-hkSoc5UoOzwrUVARzQI7wAw6i5lfPQa6rTBGc4LGtN5unXEZ80GCC5QRdpVP8rd8PdsCVZlY2FunnP0LsZwND5-KffYGl6-I0-M/s400/Screenshot-783.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh dammit." Kelly said, defeated. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the meteor device on the floor and came up with a plan, which she hoped would work. "You know, that device on the ground right there is very powerful, it can destroy entire cities at will. You should take it back to your master, he'd be pleased to get it. Heck, he may even reward you with full bodies of your own so you don't look like floating Magic-8 balls."<br />
<br />
The drones looked down at the gravity device on the ground and scanned it.<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b> "Kick it over to us." </b></span>The lead one said. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHvLrTU9XTxQdPuyVFA0G9D8S8TqNFMmvNQwod-OzSYvi04vTDuZu_XKUJUOqsJvAIfHmui6URun4dfhbP_ktUy_kFL_Uq_1p-TSOsOqK5mQC_vyT3RKFj3IER8bmhgTLLM00U6am5HU/s1600/kellymanip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHvLrTU9XTxQdPuyVFA0G9D8S8TqNFMmvNQwod-OzSYvi04vTDuZu_XKUJUOqsJvAIfHmui6URun4dfhbP_ktUy_kFL_Uq_1p-TSOsOqK5mQC_vyT3RKFj3IER8bmhgTLLM00U6am5HU/s400/kellymanip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly bent down subtly and kicked the meteorite device over to the drones that shared the roof with her. "You know what else is awesome about that meteorite device, guys?" Kelly said with a cheerful laugh, "A friend of mine designed it with special addition when he got his hands on it a few days ago, one that can't be scanned by you. I won't tell you what it is, but whatever you do, do NOT figure out a way to hit the big rainbow button on the center. Trust me, you do NOT want to do that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiUpywbqYJgcKPzLy1RjMDdjAY4xpaKgeicHibeMG-JIOxnk6pI_nUWNqPzhfAoGW_PGUAxMM8DwIdX1Gctdo0dw65frAA6X1P-cqFR55A4gA0i-A5q8bfmD4CKpapvp8Hoj8ySA0nlA/s1600/slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiUpywbqYJgcKPzLy1RjMDdjAY4xpaKgeicHibeMG-JIOxnk6pI_nUWNqPzhfAoGW_PGUAxMM8DwIdX1Gctdo0dw65frAA6X1P-cqFR55A4gA0i-A5q8bfmD4CKpapvp8Hoj8ySA0nlA/s400/slide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As if on cue, the lead drone shot a beam that connected with the center button. Suddenly, the device started glowing red, getting more so with each passing moment. Kelly quickly turned around and jumped off the roof onto a lower platform with a fireman's pole, then slid down that to safety just as the gravity device exploded violently, destroying all four of the drones on the roof and a bit of the roof itself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29619RakY8XDRu61bhxidFoEBNanhmzROrBo0UFwOjnh0uVsxuvlteNl_hKxDeWFk9kioDpYkIrGPRhG12UHHWagPQWGYrthBLPfOrG1CEzJO8cpgohvI8u7rQDrQaQVsRJf5dowxotY/s1600/Screenshot-9472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29619RakY8XDRu61bhxidFoEBNanhmzROrBo0UFwOjnh0uVsxuvlteNl_hKxDeWFk9kioDpYkIrGPRhG12UHHWagPQWGYrthBLPfOrG1CEzJO8cpgohvI8u7rQDrQaQVsRJf5dowxotY/s400/Screenshot-9472.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly chuckled, then turned around to go to the battlefield, only to see more robots behind her...<br />
<br />
---------------------------- <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wV0ROIZzYEEyJ0TozlfRdj4wZ2eHeZ8OlsCJjwbT1ee8kjoeam5pHeSeeE_zpaN0e1as7p1e9lvrIyOYHUa8rXE7sd1aHw8LeYUWyrb7cupbZFC730O0iDGeU1z_kG1zJ2tiSQ5Asww/s1600/Screenshot-9466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wV0ROIZzYEEyJ0TozlfRdj4wZ2eHeZ8OlsCJjwbT1ee8kjoeam5pHeSeeE_zpaN0e1as7p1e9lvrIyOYHUa8rXE7sd1aHw8LeYUWyrb7cupbZFC730O0iDGeU1z_kG1zJ2tiSQ5Asww/s400/Screenshot-9466.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Off in the distance, Annabelle saw the dome vanish and took that as a cue to walk towards her ship. She took off towards the battle as, in the sky, the moon edged ever closer to the center of the sun...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTLqyQKo0MQA-U-editrUxW0zwckmVpbT0GiSitp-zND9bpT_xxgLqgECBRpQcRGreG2KEUGLGoIyutvC1setUCSh61p-juTLnep4opDEP9t7jM5HQtnOEBbGg_gHcCcVCg7XogaR9VU/s1600/eclipse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTLqyQKo0MQA-U-editrUxW0zwckmVpbT0GiSitp-zND9bpT_xxgLqgECBRpQcRGreG2KEUGLGoIyutvC1setUCSh61p-juTLnep4opDEP9t7jM5HQtnOEBbGg_gHcCcVCg7XogaR9VU/s400/eclipse3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>TO BE CONTINUED</i></b><br />
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-11023319198909233412013-06-02T03:05:00.002-05:002013-06-02T03:48:21.356-05:00Chapter Thirty-Eight - Hopefulness <div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>September 19th, 2022</b></i><i><b>.</b></i><br />
<i><b>The night before the Solar Eclipse</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2z52uhcbr0bfbymSB-9D6hmQDmZt0rGq502rSlBIC-wt50sK1ezmOQWZz4K1zmOnhgVdjjIEueydLQcMmBUftbBKzrWv5ON3gnd0ql-LEJM8gSYfvwNKGihCD2jvJ4se_TRi_0wsCDo/s1600/Screenshot-8597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2z52uhcbr0bfbymSB-9D6hmQDmZt0rGq502rSlBIC-wt50sK1ezmOQWZz4K1zmOnhgVdjjIEueydLQcMmBUftbBKzrWv5ON3gnd0ql-LEJM8gSYfvwNKGihCD2jvJ4se_TRi_0wsCDo/s400/Screenshot-8597.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVE0q_ub1IK7D1bHgnrhLy2fczhaCVCawuE5d4oHUce82sYeh1c9SbtTPsgA_169yHuC0OLh3Ij7YJnrXqt1jJEEZcabhEgyrs3oX6Orb7XDandTKnjIKjJituEe2AboUgJzHsEcT5Ns/s1600/Screenshot-8598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVE0q_ub1IK7D1bHgnrhLy2fczhaCVCawuE5d4oHUce82sYeh1c9SbtTPsgA_169yHuC0OLh3Ij7YJnrXqt1jJEEZcabhEgyrs3oX6Orb7XDandTKnjIKjJituEe2AboUgJzHsEcT5Ns/s400/Screenshot-8598.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sun set over the town as Tom, Annabelle, and all the rest of the family members prepared for the next day. They had been formulating plans to face off against Jack Toomes and his army of drones, unaware of the fact that Jack was imprisoned by Dr. Vu, and the latter was now back in control of his robotic minions.<br />
<br />
As the sun set, Keera sadly watched it vanish below the horizon, worried that it was the last time she or anyone else in her family would see the sunset. She's spent a lot of time reading the legends of the Genie Lamp, that if it got into the wrong hands then things could go very bad very quickly. With their cosmic powers, Genies could manipulate the world around them to suit their master's needs, whatever they were.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBYdanuPMz9bQ4oOV8p7T4xl8QlNE2eymLpXuW5VJzyymzn_RPoWCuGKMwoIuKErhQ4Lc9WVCYhINpr7NBqX0zAMcbSvyImguaz8PUECR14d1qhdUOVVd2_-JcPAdbfOa3MmxOk-rNyk/s1600/Screenshot-8601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBYdanuPMz9bQ4oOV8p7T4xl8QlNE2eymLpXuW5VJzyymzn_RPoWCuGKMwoIuKErhQ4Lc9WVCYhINpr7NBqX0zAMcbSvyImguaz8PUECR14d1qhdUOVVd2_-JcPAdbfOa3MmxOk-rNyk/s400/Screenshot-8601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The sun disappeared completely, and stars were popping out of the veil of darkness that covered the land. Keera looked up at them, locking her eye's gaze on the first one she saw. "Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight." The star glowed brightly in the distance, as though it was calling back to her. Keera kept looking at the star, and with a whisper under her breath, she started to speak. "I wish that tomorrow will go well for everyone I love and care about." The star glowed in response, and Keera cheerfully looked up as it did, taking that as a sign that all would be well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SEt9k7AiPvdLunO4EGRT_aNyFVwZW_Vg4R_jav0lh_kWvSsVhfGK_yX3tMkD6GSpHwk_uKlRsKLMCunyjdR2XiBM5aMZ8gXNgtBxJi0cPtgPA9evGTmTGsxqoPNvzdvGgM1YNmYfFgc/s1600/Screenshot-8599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SEt9k7AiPvdLunO4EGRT_aNyFVwZW_Vg4R_jav0lh_kWvSsVhfGK_yX3tMkD6GSpHwk_uKlRsKLMCunyjdR2XiBM5aMZ8gXNgtBxJi0cPtgPA9evGTmTGsxqoPNvzdvGgM1YNmYfFgc/s400/Screenshot-8599.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera wasn't a disbeliever in superstition. If she walked by a black cat she was worried about having bad luck for the day, she never walked under ladders or spilled salt, and never broke a mirror. In fact one might say she was completely superstitious, and she constantly thought back to the morning of the explosion at the film studio to wonder if she did something horrible that upset the cosmic balance.<br />
<br />
She didn't, but that's beside the point. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfZygJympY1t9aRJNUTCcpJxGE82twGQCyHtLwc5VqjpyjwBToW9BO7gsQV494bZUAF_jPF5YLqb56-0ZRETsPbY1JqgTnQ-SotsjluUgDIzI167MMQLi5Z_HNa4aMoRI3p3_C2T1w9g/s1600/Screenshot-9150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfZygJympY1t9aRJNUTCcpJxGE82twGQCyHtLwc5VqjpyjwBToW9BO7gsQV494bZUAF_jPF5YLqb56-0ZRETsPbY1JqgTnQ-SotsjluUgDIzI167MMQLi5Z_HNa4aMoRI3p3_C2T1w9g/s400/Screenshot-9150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After the sun set, Keera walked back inside the house and into her room, lying down on the bed. She wasn't going to participate in the fight the next day due to her own beliefs that, with her lost depth perception and crippling fear of fire, she would be more of a target than a fighter. She figured this out a couple nights before, when the drones attacked. Keera realized that, if not for Annabelle's intervention with her spaceship, she probably would have died that night. She told this to Annabelle who admittedly was quite relieved that the teenager didn't want to go the next day. The last thing Annie wanted was her daughter being more injured, or even worse.<br />
<br />
Keera stood up and walked to her door, about to open it, when she heard some sort of knock. She opened it anyway and saw the MIKE drone hovering there.<br />
<br />
"MIKE? What's wrong? What do you need?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6bCwfzJs-5kqykJ3pF9Ur-ymJ5pULZN_hDnxFATd_P04NNsEAzGP9Fm6EY5MfWUnS8-hmwBhMYzdS1j47LeAF22UrTQZiiH3E59KCI4M-SsW8yU5UoSkwgL-0UgGBj41QK056SkBn5M/s1600/Screenshot-9165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6bCwfzJs-5kqykJ3pF9Ur-ymJ5pULZN_hDnxFATd_P04NNsEAzGP9Fm6EY5MfWUnS8-hmwBhMYzdS1j47LeAF22UrTQZiiH3E59KCI4M-SsW8yU5UoSkwgL-0UgGBj41QK056SkBn5M/s400/Screenshot-9165.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"I have been traveling across this house requesting assistance, but it was to no avail."</b></span><br />
<br />
"Assistance with what?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"I seem to have an object loose in my chassis. It is rather, as a human would call it, annoying. Seeing as I do not have working arms, and my transport beam is out of commission since being damaged, I was hoping you could assist me in removing it."</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObCp21-EuaOUE08NFUDs4_ShCS1FaaCfY3a26lVys7CsAoKzKETdjSe6-LLpq9153CaWZ8iCVFOIC4-KWdZxJPIL443HfQguwVAE7VKYygy6LlcSw1MQCFwr4nyCH4XxDEYSQMO5w1DI/s1600/Screenshot-9152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObCp21-EuaOUE08NFUDs4_ShCS1FaaCfY3a26lVys7CsAoKzKETdjSe6-LLpq9153CaWZ8iCVFOIC4-KWdZxJPIL443HfQguwVAE7VKYygy6LlcSw1MQCFwr4nyCH4XxDEYSQMO5w1DI/s400/Screenshot-9152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera chuckled. When MIKE turned around, she reached into a loose panel on the drone's side and grabbed a pair of small damaged beam couplings. Keera deduced that they were damaged when Scarlett shot the drone with fire a few nights before and finally fell off. After eyeing them for a moment, she laughed and walked over to her bed, picking up a pair of old earrings she never wore off one of the end tables. After breaking off the top part, she clipped them to the couplings and put them on her ears as makeshift earrings. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjTjIKCLuR2x2U90qXiSKnTogGphrNyN0hCvcabD5b3XWQ0rKaTx7Q3Vb5eU7WanhjHvqyFGTDi0tTDLisbgX3hwMv0ztoFcjsaNKXJ2W1jIZNYMIhgD9K793hc1lx2U-qJzvyq1HxMs/s1600/Screenshot-9157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjTjIKCLuR2x2U90qXiSKnTogGphrNyN0hCvcabD5b3XWQ0rKaTx7Q3Vb5eU7WanhjHvqyFGTDi0tTDLisbgX3hwMv0ztoFcjsaNKXJ2W1jIZNYMIhgD9K793hc1lx2U-qJzvyq1HxMs/s400/Screenshot-9157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So how do I look?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa9lb5H51K3JHsiWaickf6vSsUBM7VPwrTreuqTlA-XGUXt25_HN6U_zWaMmDK_M3TJF3KpVEiXy_s2DfuWyUOWTgzut-Hy6OQ4QKUbEx1dHYx9Y4dMIMKsLhS9QpcxjoYhPgFqLgl98/s1600/Screenshot-9154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa9lb5H51K3JHsiWaickf6vSsUBM7VPwrTreuqTlA-XGUXt25_HN6U_zWaMmDK_M3TJF3KpVEiXy_s2DfuWyUOWTgzut-Hy6OQ4QKUbEx1dHYx9Y4dMIMKsLhS9QpcxjoYhPgFqLgl98/s400/Screenshot-9154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"You do realize you're wearing part of what used to be me."</b></span> MIKE said, rather sarcastically for what was supposed to be a drone without a personality. Perhaps that chip John placed inside it was working.<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> <b>"Aside from that existential horror, you look relatively fine."</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15JYGNfWB2rQ9NDVJ-32QNhJ5pv8D6UL7yyxJSrPuxF_PMJA4CxZIjPyRGniS9z-3ODyzjWyGeFR9_9mAH8KFcqrxxGANBP5EAQeMWncEwgOSjPjX93BBhAtiE0m3FGdUFlgi8Yf0400/s1600/Screenshot-9155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15JYGNfWB2rQ9NDVJ-32QNhJ5pv8D6UL7yyxJSrPuxF_PMJA4CxZIjPyRGniS9z-3ODyzjWyGeFR9_9mAH8KFcqrxxGANBP5EAQeMWncEwgOSjPjX93BBhAtiE0m3FGdUFlgi8Yf0400/s400/Screenshot-9155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera laughed. She needed that laugh, and she was sure the robot could tell she needed it, which is perhaps the reason he said what he said. "So are you going to go fight tomorrow?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6JKER-uZdGN5-dikpS54Mr0hqNd-UvCxhlgBQ2xR0TOpfWIb_u-xAjr1r7NOAQrm-Jjp9ats0VhsyLGcSW1hGIH0_esEmScxy7E7y1-jKUqyb6tmRNuuhPKwYILFmj3Yz4YRrLmUfbg/s1600/Screenshot-9156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6JKER-uZdGN5-dikpS54Mr0hqNd-UvCxhlgBQ2xR0TOpfWIb_u-xAjr1r7NOAQrm-Jjp9ats0VhsyLGcSW1hGIH0_esEmScxy7E7y1-jKUqyb6tmRNuuhPKwYILFmj3Yz4YRrLmUfbg/s400/Screenshot-9156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Yes. I have to, considering my role that was played in the last encounter with the Vazir drones. It is, as one would call it, my destiny to face down my creator, Dr. Vu."</b></span><br />
<br />
"While everyone else faces down Jack, right?"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Correct."</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUa7rNYUe5zTLVVPDNcOZz-NmFFJVnET7Z9hxRiXzpXns7wGZPUSB5qMwg2UHyUWyjPmOiL1ed7_wIoj1JDsdzOjfCg5DNhsX3bQSVNUPSgX3lDMV_tRtXdybg_qbMV0XYHoJSw0ja8c/s1600/Screenshot-9158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUa7rNYUe5zTLVVPDNcOZz-NmFFJVnET7Z9hxRiXzpXns7wGZPUSB5qMwg2UHyUWyjPmOiL1ed7_wIoj1JDsdzOjfCg5DNhsX3bQSVNUPSgX3lDMV_tRtXdybg_qbMV0XYHoJSw0ja8c/s400/Screenshot-9158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Well, what if you don't come back? What if no one comes back?" Keera almost teared up at the possibility of losing anyone close to her, especially considering she herself was almost lost a few months before and the reactions from everyone afterward. "What then?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnKju6Jq_0gjxgfCpBwSlkXTfDIiY2OBnYNQPb0pYwToLBkdQej3M5ZZflQLP73xeDDi8NgTm78ldIGQJ-1nO8_xL5aba4DQUhsTQ8Z6a0TLlrfJ-IDwOhFvRSXGoLY9cjjyl4Jz4IMs/s1600/Screenshot-9160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnKju6Jq_0gjxgfCpBwSlkXTfDIiY2OBnYNQPb0pYwToLBkdQej3M5ZZflQLP73xeDDi8NgTm78ldIGQJ-1nO8_xL5aba4DQUhsTQ8Z6a0TLlrfJ-IDwOhFvRSXGoLY9cjjyl4Jz4IMs/s400/Screenshot-9160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The robot analyzed her question for a moment, then replied.<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b> "I do not know. As I can be rebuilt, repaired, and refurbished, I do not fear death as sentient organisms do. However as I have interacted with you and your family and friends, I have come to understand the concept of fear regarding death of yourself or a family member."</b></span><br />
<br />
"And? What did that understanding lead you to?" <br />
<br />
MIKE hovered over to her, his connection disk stopping a few feet from Keera. <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"I too fear the death of those I have come to see as close friends, but there is a saying on this subject. 'Without fear, there can be no courage'." </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBMEMfEzwdP0RA-9NytXT3-CP687N2_JGy_KSefobve0lK7Adr2AWp4L_KRZHmVTVDI-HDV0xVujRq2-N9_p45oHkbqT-NDkGSd7jsyKe9t8Xh_QTPPH7oCiTOTdR-QI_tyvjZplJ17U/s1600/Screenshot-9163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBMEMfEzwdP0RA-9NytXT3-CP687N2_JGy_KSefobve0lK7Adr2AWp4L_KRZHmVTVDI-HDV0xVujRq2-N9_p45oHkbqT-NDkGSd7jsyKe9t8Xh_QTPPH7oCiTOTdR-QI_tyvjZplJ17U/s400/Screenshot-9163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"What is classified as weakness for some can be seen as strength for others, though I do not believe fear can be classified as a weakness, rather another extension of one's personality. Since I am programmed to learn personality, I learn fear, and I understand it."</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmg09u-ThK-5HU9qcy3DUrUbALJhrrkubzDktajIOZ70_eAW4XeJ_lSLpm17zaT2n4fc-c9opf0v6c2vbrlcxX2b0iTWU9h7HJQGhuOzXcnI4ithYx-dzTAiW4TUHwLx9N0JMMUoW1z4/s1600/Screenshot-9161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmg09u-ThK-5HU9qcy3DUrUbALJhrrkubzDktajIOZ70_eAW4XeJ_lSLpm17zaT2n4fc-c9opf0v6c2vbrlcxX2b0iTWU9h7HJQGhuOzXcnI4ithYx-dzTAiW4TUHwLx9N0JMMUoW1z4/s400/Screenshot-9161.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"And by that logic, you know courage as well."<br />
<br />
<br />
MIKE made a nodding gesture with his robotic body. <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Correct. And that combination of fear and courage leads me to understand another concept of humanity." </b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACal28nC3yIWgpzUbinioyjvCzoW8PjnRDMgWUHGpYij-v4_xe30sY-gCkwTfZHknf-YSM0tHrno8bHOvGhVRk7yf6HyqMz9Kw3t6WnM-jmg0Gu9fAUiRQ2OzJYMbiMORylqvViT0t_E/s1600/Screenshot-9162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACal28nC3yIWgpzUbinioyjvCzoW8PjnRDMgWUHGpYij-v4_xe30sY-gCkwTfZHknf-YSM0tHrno8bHOvGhVRk7yf6HyqMz9Kw3t6WnM-jmg0Gu9fAUiRQ2OzJYMbiMORylqvViT0t_E/s400/Screenshot-9162.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What's that?"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Hope. I am hopeful for what's to come, as I believe everyone is. However, I am certain that things will be alright."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsEOC2MqbTnxTjh79SiSltT58YrizcHRix8K1B1p-AoZLpaMV1Kr69WwMDYfI2FsxQi36JKonQPDnAGheNsZ5fOrN1Vr2B0TXxZQqx_xavatBv0Db0Pw-hmSNYk5x-R5IbWMvj9ewBqE/s1600/Screenshot-9164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsEOC2MqbTnxTjh79SiSltT58YrizcHRix8K1B1p-AoZLpaMV1Kr69WwMDYfI2FsxQi36JKonQPDnAGheNsZ5fOrN1Vr2B0TXxZQqx_xavatBv0Db0Pw-hmSNYk5x-R5IbWMvj9ewBqE/s400/Screenshot-9164.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera smiled. Somehow talking to this robot made her feel better about everything, because if a lifeless android could be certain of good things happening, then so could she. As she lay down on her bed again and looked over to the robot, she said something. "Thank you. I needed to hear that, from someone."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"You are welcome, Keera Kethrin."</b></span> The drone said, then hovered away. Keera closed her eyes as thoughts of hope filled her mind, and she drifted off into a nap.<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEQbR0WJw9wJfA9cd_2kzX_gzCndkqOhPEd32FFxUK6mrbBvNTpKLDkmI8XnsuYJNCwRbayp8WSmOApPR7fuRcxw5Mp76ctK1NKkAS1XsMApqNQrygVxWSlN9H8nMETF6EaH_BdwPYIs/s1600/Screenshot-9126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEQbR0WJw9wJfA9cd_2kzX_gzCndkqOhPEd32FFxUK6mrbBvNTpKLDkmI8XnsuYJNCwRbayp8WSmOApPR7fuRcxw5Mp76ctK1NKkAS1XsMApqNQrygVxWSlN9H8nMETF6EaH_BdwPYIs/s400/Screenshot-9126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A short time later, Collin Lyons was standing on the edge of the house looking out to town, which was a favored spot it seemed of many within the place as everyone would come upstairs and outside to think. Collin had been an outcast for the past day and a half, barely talking to anyone and keeping mostly to himself. For the most part, he was worried about everyone in the household either harming him physically or damaging him emotionally, as they knew he was the one inadvertently responsible for Keera being injured.<br />
.................................<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx39EZgtKTQ4CgGjwt5DOlaO-e57Am6rBCCYSwteXfPOPHMPH6P1wdF-hXl9Kg_D28FfSschFPoaLUatfpFyUCNVevZf52JFcVEv8xMEsFjghRAHf91J8g1iIlJ0nIXrHWKPXmUkAnmqk/s1600/flashback1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx39EZgtKTQ4CgGjwt5DOlaO-e57Am6rBCCYSwteXfPOPHMPH6P1wdF-hXl9Kg_D28FfSschFPoaLUatfpFyUCNVevZf52JFcVEv8xMEsFjghRAHf91J8g1iIlJ0nIXrHWKPXmUkAnmqk/s400/flashback1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Collin didn't mean to leave that prop where it was back in Alaska, he honestly figured that the person scheduled to pick up the next shift would move the special effects prop out of the way for the filming of the next movie. He didn't count on the next shift being delayed because the actress Scarlett Keene wanted to give her niece a tour of the studio.<br />
<br />
<br />
After the accident, Collin cried himself to sleep every night for a straight week upon realizing that if he didn't leave the studio then none of this would have ever happened. He was too worried what Keera Kethrin would do if she saw him face-to-face, so he left town and tried to get work elsewhere, not finding a single job at his qualified field as his reputation preceded him. After his wife left him and his grown-up son stopped speaking to him, Collin became a broken man, sleeping in every day letting the bills pile up enormously until finally one day he received a call from a factory owner in Starlight Shores.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_Sk2BuG59MpIeQr4xiYb6PEXf7uqZcZvUP_SSlw0Uw-eYDWLyJuTJR-p_o7Ich-mC8ZHKqT81KgdyCsKGpUvcWHiq_ec8N_DcXJy2Tr4E8PHYLrLpOlExigHVtNEZ4gXEi_q8NW60ek/s1600/Screenshot-9139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_Sk2BuG59MpIeQr4xiYb6PEXf7uqZcZvUP_SSlw0Uw-eYDWLyJuTJR-p_o7Ich-mC8ZHKqT81KgdyCsKGpUvcWHiq_ec8N_DcXJy2Tr4E8PHYLrLpOlExigHVtNEZ4gXEi_q8NW60ek/s400/Screenshot-9139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The owner told Collin that he was picked for a job moving boxes of clay onto a truck to be sent off to art schools across the country. It was hard labor but it kept him fed, and it paid pretty well all things considering. Still, he encountered aggravation at work from the other co-workers, who had learned of what happened in Alaska. They kept whispering behind his back, pushing him into boxes when they walked past him, tricked him into going to the other side of town when they had parties.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse_32oTS_J26LZ9xE9MYmcYk4GlhDSYqxbjUST8XzpubSSxSlKqo0P2HezgtcaCoDMeo-1Hq9SNt1RRxoDPkt4RVzV45UfxkG7c4cyURk53dEjjEnrJPLGQTLk47YARbgV98EIRSJmXE/s1600/Screenshot-9140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse_32oTS_J26LZ9xE9MYmcYk4GlhDSYqxbjUST8XzpubSSxSlKqo0P2HezgtcaCoDMeo-1Hq9SNt1RRxoDPkt4RVzV45UfxkG7c4cyURk53dEjjEnrJPLGQTLk47YARbgV98EIRSJmXE/s400/Screenshot-9140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...............................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
They generally treated him terribly, which in his mind he deserved. Still, he could always drink his sorrows at a bar downtown, which just so happened to be the same bar he met Keera on that fateful night. He had never seen someone that angry before, and never wanted to again, and had spent most of his time trying to come up with a formal apology for her which she still hadn't properly accepted even after all this time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa9pZPGg9U0pmWwkKMIqAhE7PYmO1CBZ4akEewzDaQ4kDwp8kbwYAQhhciFJoUrHOkbKiSkPz8r0a-PCvpM92dK4h7_h6IpnCwPrKmJUSETrlqvrOx51LvvPDUKazs34blJx9idWOl5o/s1600/Screenshot-9128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa9pZPGg9U0pmWwkKMIqAhE7PYmO1CBZ4akEewzDaQ4kDwp8kbwYAQhhciFJoUrHOkbKiSkPz8r0a-PCvpM92dK4h7_h6IpnCwPrKmJUSETrlqvrOx51LvvPDUKazs34blJx9idWOl5o/s400/Screenshot-9128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After thinking all this over, he was surprised when he heard footsteps approaching him as no one seemed to want to chat with him. Collin turned around and saw Annabelle, her face not twisted in an angered demeanor as it had been every time he'd see her and she'd see him, but instead a blank expression that worried him even greater. She stood on the roof and looked out, as he had been doing. Then after walking over to get in his way, she spoke to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgpLmhEwBtBP13wreBIBRyq02t0FcKx-7B4H69y-PU4CsQDix0WcAwPIZPiNR7qt3XGr9f2DwTsWZMvWIPslzgvHikhjaPrt2q4ERV9lKzyz41GZQgQsDPf1csOcUUGhUwXQee2Aa3WI/s1600/Screenshot-9129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgpLmhEwBtBP13wreBIBRyq02t0FcKx-7B4H69y-PU4CsQDix0WcAwPIZPiNR7qt3XGr9f2DwTsWZMvWIPslzgvHikhjaPrt2q4ERV9lKzyz41GZQgQsDPf1csOcUUGhUwXQee2Aa3WI/s400/Screenshot-9129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So what happened?"<br />
<br />
"If you mean the accident at the film studio, it's my fault. I left a special effects device next to some volatile containers and the timer was accidentally set on them." Collin looked at her, "When your daughter approached these containers, the device shot fire and caused the containers to explode. It could have happened to anyone, at any time, but it happened to her, and I'm responsible. If you want to keep hating me, then by all means go ahead." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mkAZM2UG45qZc6KRC1vQjreYAuv3j43kezZT7OhGKpzSjZ7_HqtSIlOlJOv8yicd01vFcCL7Fv4sEzgB86s6QSK1Paky-o77vwdUr9ZozUWBrihkeXyYsVQ2nzAg46kxk7Rc5ho2aqI/s1600/Screenshot-9135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mkAZM2UG45qZc6KRC1vQjreYAuv3j43kezZT7OhGKpzSjZ7_HqtSIlOlJOv8yicd01vFcCL7Fv4sEzgB86s6QSK1Paky-o77vwdUr9ZozUWBrihkeXyYsVQ2nzAg46kxk7Rc5ho2aqI/s400/Screenshot-9135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Maybe I've been too hard on you. Keera seems to have forgiven you, and that's enough for me to go off of. But what bothered me, and her, is that you didn't come forward and tell us the truth, you didn't explain how it was <i>when</i> it happened. If you had done that, then perhaps we could have helped you keep your job at the studio."<br />
<br />
"What are you saying?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbjQMzmSkpgQyep2I-q8kuPAwUbPpWaxroY_OpI-WxTpkf5w5whgPtV7Jiro9iZZeF4-HYma9R5GVT_GjEscp2yv-5QPYOCXGgfV8-qbJRIL5kMeW-qinEWTF9clJmPtpczJndk9Rz3g/s1600/Screenshot-9133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbjQMzmSkpgQyep2I-q8kuPAwUbPpWaxroY_OpI-WxTpkf5w5whgPtV7Jiro9iZZeF4-HYma9R5GVT_GjEscp2yv-5QPYOCXGgfV8-qbJRIL5kMeW-qinEWTF9clJmPtpczJndk9Rz3g/s400/Screenshot-9133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle sighed. "If you had apologized when the accident happened, I'm pretty sure Keera would have accepted it no questions asked. But you waited over two months, and obviously had no intention of doing it in the first place, so you had to be confronted by her in the bar downtown."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4EGP_YaRbGNNCGIMfu2indf_n8zrPi_CGwmJcA-njvnO4cq6jpV_Ms78WYoV5sg8FEDZ_sP01UmlaRVoribLZqFGuv0Izr0wFh6w4hPpn5Hh99YaBQC1vZKR5RNMWH01xZWG1YH0I5Q/s1600/Screenshot-9130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4EGP_YaRbGNNCGIMfu2indf_n8zrPi_CGwmJcA-njvnO4cq6jpV_Ms78WYoV5sg8FEDZ_sP01UmlaRVoribLZqFGuv0Izr0wFh6w4hPpn5Hh99YaBQC1vZKR5RNMWH01xZWG1YH0I5Q/s400/Screenshot-9130.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I know Keeki, she's a good person whose had some terrible things happen to her. She just needed the thought that you were apologetic after it happened, and she needed you to express that thought back then to have earned her forgiveness."<br />
<br />
"I didn't know this. I wish I would have back then. Hell, while I'm talking about changing the past I'd throw myself in front of that explosion, that way I'd be the one who was burned and not her."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBbgTiA7VIWZkTTMw4sBN5q0X6Ndh7Jpk5SYp7o_3pTvonPHHISME_3mgt_MBhXTwcQV5dsUGAabt9yDq9BQ6IQkMUK8N1rx8qfN-jIJF5EJanHqwd6LGwgWnvRZn2xQqWA0wFRyywoo/s1600/Screenshot-9131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBbgTiA7VIWZkTTMw4sBN5q0X6Ndh7Jpk5SYp7o_3pTvonPHHISME_3mgt_MBhXTwcQV5dsUGAabt9yDq9BQ6IQkMUK8N1rx8qfN-jIJF5EJanHqwd6LGwgWnvRZn2xQqWA0wFRyywoo/s400/Screenshot-9131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well no one can change the past, I don't think even <i>with</i> a genie lamp. I would if I could, but it's common knowledge that we just have to learn to live with what happens to us until the end of our lives." With those words, Annabelle strolled off back inside, leaving him alone in the night. He looked up at the sky and began to wonder where his life would end up at, for better or worse.<br />
<br />
----------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a-CxGQr8MrNRU7GbvGar7mzPTdlHVxnNqKVOo_82sNGn0bC-X9LNcqLhbkc6mqtrCAKSOUdckQQ-uy-9VTI17AaSIH-RUQBw9ICvCSL6klhA3Yz9nRBfLMrc786QZe7Wp0r-0rejtsM/s1600/Screenshot-9166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a-CxGQr8MrNRU7GbvGar7mzPTdlHVxnNqKVOo_82sNGn0bC-X9LNcqLhbkc6mqtrCAKSOUdckQQ-uy-9VTI17AaSIH-RUQBw9ICvCSL6klhA3Yz9nRBfLMrc786QZe7Wp0r-0rejtsM/s400/Screenshot-9166.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly, MIKE, Scarlett and John stood around a device that was sitting on a table. John pointed at it and looked at everyone else. "It's called the M-0. MIKE and I came up with it after we tested an EMP device last night. It turns out an electromagnetic pulse shuts down the Vazir drones for a few moments, but not permanently as it should. Good thing too, because we <i>accidentally</i> found that out. Sorry about that MIKE."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNhtUWRnC8bWl6ESR2m-sCJI2ZQM_qxVUpsqbhFV1Nkcnpn0EO29CW33gGEBXHlVe882Mgd-nuKKribYlmphZddXdZLU4VB1JJ0XCZaR0UnIhVCzjC4MeAv1ew7-0yzNSOxvp2mr629E/s1600/Screenshot-9169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNhtUWRnC8bWl6ESR2m-sCJI2ZQM_qxVUpsqbhFV1Nkcnpn0EO29CW33gGEBXHlVe882Mgd-nuKKribYlmphZddXdZLU4VB1JJ0XCZaR0UnIhVCzjC4MeAv1ew7-0yzNSOxvp2mr629E/s400/Screenshot-9169.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Apology accepted." </span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHy7Techgye1cx1pYnYEZUEqq4klnWU111V8-CIdG3-XgVW7h4Vsbcw7FOhsTAyev_M3n5msdxCBhgPwkuIBErTEkPRtGKPgLn6jVF-C54TBgllunI-STfITDXwf67S8dVizZsJh_yoY/s1600/Screenshot-9168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHy7Techgye1cx1pYnYEZUEqq4klnWU111V8-CIdG3-XgVW7h4Vsbcw7FOhsTAyev_M3n5msdxCBhgPwkuIBErTEkPRtGKPgLn6jVF-C54TBgllunI-STfITDXwf67S8dVizZsJh_yoY/s400/Screenshot-9168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
John nervously scratched his head and looked over at the M-0. "Moving on. This device instead blocks out communications between the drones so they don't know when to repair each other or even how to attack in a coordinated manner, this will give us an advantage against them. All we need to do is either get this inside that dome or get the drones to attack us outside and activate it. The more drones it affects, the better our chances are of defeating them."<br />
<br />
Scarlett then spoke up. "That is to say if the drones are even still active. If I'm not mistaken, everyone destroyed quite a bit of robots the other night."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4n4PvlrY7f_UxUazQfOFwqwzl93K8ByaPjsqM0SL0TQVos4SRKwNx-jTtEGBuW1Ohyphenhyphenpu4TUYr86L150Vdg9wqMr8RBl4vj3Cmr0y6t8fBaXSZGDst2Es8ThQQNU3oFwI8qVIKMioe08/s1600/Screenshot-9170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4n4PvlrY7f_UxUazQfOFwqwzl93K8ByaPjsqM0SL0TQVos4SRKwNx-jTtEGBuW1Ohyphenhyphenpu4TUYr86L150Vdg9wqMr8RBl4vj3Cmr0y6t8fBaXSZGDst2Es8ThQQNU3oFwI8qVIKMioe08/s400/Screenshot-9170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly looked over to her. "With Jack Toomes, expect the unexpected. We just recently found out he's a Torran hybrid like Mirabelle and Annie. Who the heck knows how much else there is to find out about him."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp7cJYyipbpH7nGGl9K-pficqchOpRyeDK1YffQYhLCSsFDL_qMjXQAIMGkxCpFpFWLGwC_8tOKTqkoYykf5tR6WIaGB3qDnJ83vcpAKsV-OXX7RTYgVFD4El8sSnekslgpaE5xHsYrs/s1600/Screenshot-9167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp7cJYyipbpH7nGGl9K-pficqchOpRyeDK1YffQYhLCSsFDL_qMjXQAIMGkxCpFpFWLGwC_8tOKTqkoYykf5tR6WIaGB3qDnJ83vcpAKsV-OXX7RTYgVFD4El8sSnekslgpaE5xHsYrs/s400/Screenshot-9167.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett nodded, then MIKE spoke. <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"I have a plan regarding this object. I will infiltrate the dome and activate it within. If John can build something to protect my own communications device, I will be able to get in, turn it on, and get out before they even suspect I'm against them."</b></span><br />
<br />
"What makes you think they won't spot you coming from a mile away?" Kelly asked, looking at his blue lighting. MIKE then hovered over to the device and turned blood red, matching the others that the family had become acquainted with for the past week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1c-0E9-vcSljfKxD9uG1n2o9mkKwAhoF41fiz_iMr2kkVPs03LUspvLvBEvTdDeCGqMRoGyPfg5qLpYmLLUCWUBab0ysQpY6DGIMC8uJDUPe_xOS8vfc9azYYnFMbu0aUX82UnvYvdE/s1600/Screenshot-9173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1c-0E9-vcSljfKxD9uG1n2o9mkKwAhoF41fiz_iMr2kkVPs03LUspvLvBEvTdDeCGqMRoGyPfg5qLpYmLLUCWUBab0ysQpY6DGIMC8uJDUPe_xOS8vfc9azYYnFMbu0aUX82UnvYvdE/s400/Screenshot-9173.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"I'm good with disguises."</b> </span><br />
<br />
----------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN_sHWYGiPiFB5hnwM75Jxw8YjxZHm-2Q69w6YW4s3NrPL5w-k57Tg2AXCOktekL9PNZMeNSFpdzk0xCsJxx9e_QHnRBicw60BD2lVOePhFtXTw8X2tY3VZldRfgEJMimdCcpu-QW3Ls/s1600/Screenshot-9149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN_sHWYGiPiFB5hnwM75Jxw8YjxZHm-2Q69w6YW4s3NrPL5w-k57Tg2AXCOktekL9PNZMeNSFpdzk0xCsJxx9e_QHnRBicw60BD2lVOePhFtXTw8X2tY3VZldRfgEJMimdCcpu-QW3Ls/s400/Screenshot-9149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I have to do something." Deacon said as he stood in the living room with Isobelle. "Of <i>anyone</i> in this house, I was the one most hurt by Jack Toomes. He took me in and practically brainwashed me into being his little soldier to do his work. I'll kill him if I see him."<br />
<br />
"Please don't do that." Izzy replied. "Besides you're not in the condition to fight, right? Aren't you still injured from falling off that roof back in Bridgeport."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4Phk5rr2rTYShg60ns6OpiqM3zIOuYbI1tU_OE-y6YamTMECJOtkmq-hsuzupD8r3OY1rsssyS9Ln8MwAFswELesHvcLJ_92oYIJE1eSiN93TEpCANzXzbbWw8rRLpNVx-PznCSylOA/s1600/Screenshot-9142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4Phk5rr2rTYShg60ns6OpiqM3zIOuYbI1tU_OE-y6YamTMECJOtkmq-hsuzupD8r3OY1rsssyS9Ln8MwAFswELesHvcLJ_92oYIJE1eSiN93TEpCANzXzbbWw8rRLpNVx-PznCSylOA/s400/Screenshot-9142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon rubbed his back in pain. The adrenaline of the past week had finally begun to wear off and Isobelle's words brought him back to reality, which was a place he actually wanted to be. He sat down next to Isobelle and admired her in secret, knowing that although she was a bit brash when they first met, she seemed to have simmered down. This may have attributed to or had been caused by the fact that her hair and eyes had finally returned to their natural color, which was for the most part a beautiful hue of teal that he had never seen before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQCL9AdFOguL-vmzENqcHNlHCtkkQ_kCY-yheeMMk7hroTxM-Uhdzop7QdXKzLqohK6eB3lhgRCH7f6XbYKcY67D3W1xLWv1REPetG1NZKtJEeNBG-kzRCMUyRLYDVnDIISxCj7rz4u8/s1600/Screenshot-9144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQCL9AdFOguL-vmzENqcHNlHCtkkQ_kCY-yheeMMk7hroTxM-Uhdzop7QdXKzLqohK6eB3lhgRCH7f6XbYKcY67D3W1xLWv1REPetG1NZKtJEeNBG-kzRCMUyRLYDVnDIISxCj7rz4u8/s400/Screenshot-9144.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon was the first to see her like this, and she had told him that was wholly intentional. She wanted him to lay eyes on her when she went back to her normal looks because she cared for him, and wanted to do something special. Admittedly he was shocked when he saw her like that, but that was also because she kissed him at the same time.<br />
<br />
"Can I ask a question?" Isobelle asked, interrupting his thoughts.<br />
<br />
"Go ahead."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cCbWSPLYg1VPP7mYRfkyHP6x-8CObsuxG4BYqnXB3jmOBoch4pduDkuzSqy26yL4Z85KJAydw8zrZkn_0Twn-mWssLJeXlFVqjI-XqKszZRUmF7kLdfZYyez2l_57-YOAMSk4OLWKM0/s1600/Screenshot-9145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cCbWSPLYg1VPP7mYRfkyHP6x-8CObsuxG4BYqnXB3jmOBoch4pduDkuzSqy26yL4Z85KJAydw8zrZkn_0Twn-mWssLJeXlFVqjI-XqKszZRUmF7kLdfZYyez2l_57-YOAMSk4OLWKM0/s400/Screenshot-9145.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You already want to do something tomorrow against Jack, if you do... do you want me to come with you?"<br />
<br />
"Even if I say no, I know you won't listen." Deacon laughed. "As long as we're together, I won't really care where we are, here or there. Admittedly that sounded a bit cheesy but I've never been in a relationship before. I don't know how to say things like that and make them sound not cheesy."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDcfygoS4E5d8SoOXB4V8z4Z2Z2hp9MG-ALcejmtgKZwNI3k7h0WJynACBbNRnROQfwQUYEme2Mwvc0-VhtUmJF-QAyI7kNNV1fNYiOSXyuGj08moQMaH1yX18fP3hFwc-kC-rPY0olY/s1600/Screenshot-9148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDcfygoS4E5d8SoOXB4V8z4Z2Z2hp9MG-ALcejmtgKZwNI3k7h0WJynACBbNRnROQfwQUYEme2Mwvc0-VhtUmJF-QAyI7kNNV1fNYiOSXyuGj08moQMaH1yX18fP3hFwc-kC-rPY0olY/s400/Screenshot-9148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isobelle laughed. "Yeah, neither have I. That's why I'm glad you're here. You're someone to give me hope for the future, to look forward to something great."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisezsT_UCZJQXdAUZ5r-coIUjnPTGwwg-1Ecrrqisd2CsTJP9sZOsGn6DqH21eRfpKhv6aKYDwpf77VJbQ5yeaMhUyNfOxLhwSoiDguBzFl8FRIUJ1YBgTWcXr-Zn1MF3yilITwUgc_8Q/s1600/Screenshot-9146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisezsT_UCZJQXdAUZ5r-coIUjnPTGwwg-1Ecrrqisd2CsTJP9sZOsGn6DqH21eRfpKhv6aKYDwpf77VJbQ5yeaMhUyNfOxLhwSoiDguBzFl8FRIUJ1YBgTWcXr-Zn1MF3yilITwUgc_8Q/s400/Screenshot-9146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon looked at her. "You too." They then sat there, watching the night outside the window as it passed, both hopeful for the next day.<br />
<br />
----------------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqYwEIY0yVaoB32XDN3cs9nfBbns0YQxex3_JGDeKAdIc7dSTvkccfzub3ELm-uT0nEzajM_7d1Gut3s1VvuVvY0ceR58TEHThcXsw65RDK2-2-pbZjVPXmJmHD-au16asYfnLxu5v_U/s1600/Screenshot-9114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqYwEIY0yVaoB32XDN3cs9nfBbns0YQxex3_JGDeKAdIc7dSTvkccfzub3ELm-uT0nEzajM_7d1Gut3s1VvuVvY0ceR58TEHThcXsw65RDK2-2-pbZjVPXmJmHD-au16asYfnLxu5v_U/s400/Screenshot-9114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyX2ArLly2j3-JhwxsxNyAa6VnhsVQxmxI8GPYsBqpQACismAsBPbumNCQs9ds6y67MGQTx-nlsh5Fwft1zY6qzTPC-7H2JlKZoiXLxJcwvPcKEYur7WFXK9PJ4GVXXOAuN0zytSJOJlk/s1600/Screenshot-9118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyX2ArLly2j3-JhwxsxNyAa6VnhsVQxmxI8GPYsBqpQACismAsBPbumNCQs9ds6y67MGQTx-nlsh5Fwft1zY6qzTPC-7H2JlKZoiXLxJcwvPcKEYur7WFXK9PJ4GVXXOAuN0zytSJOJlk/s400/Screenshot-9118.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Later that evening Kelly was walking down the hall when she saw Mirabelle just outside her room. She walked up to her alien girlfriend and held her hand. Mirabelle almost took her hand as the two were about to retreat into the bedroom, but stopped when Kelly heard something off in the other room. She walked over to John and Scarlett's door and knocked on it. Scarlett alone was the only one inside, as John was apparently putting the final touches on that blocking device upstairs.<br />
<br />
"What's up, Kelly?" Scarlett asked after opening the door.<br />
<br />
"Nothing much, but I was wondering something: Were you the only person in the room before I came inside?"<br />
<br />
Scarlett nodded. "John's still busy. Why?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CsbOGkml6-YyY2mriZiq3P13DiYjcG59TBZCBkH5PlXU0TesJKXdjRuz67N0K1t9IFfmghXo8EERN_yApaS0In3xsbw6XeR8GCbELhnuQ2hRqIAvbpyv_y0oBMipU1013HPno1f0ODE/s1600/Screenshot-9123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CsbOGkml6-YyY2mriZiq3P13DiYjcG59TBZCBkH5PlXU0TesJKXdjRuz67N0K1t9IFfmghXo8EERN_yApaS0In3xsbw6XeR8GCbELhnuQ2hRqIAvbpyv_y0oBMipU1013HPno1f0ODE/s400/Screenshot-9123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly looked around the room, then at Scarlett. "No reason, I thought I heard something from in here. Maybe I'm just tired."<br />
<br />
Scarlett patted her shoulder. "Then you should get some sleep, cousin. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, we all need to get some sleep. I'm just about to doze off myself when John gets back down here, should be a little bit."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2OSqn4I5rnNyqVdgMCfUwzWzMkUnyI6AnfwoJecPW9T5kc2-L_G3Jvwj-e8LvYIBCzOuIEW4wxH7bBm_U1TziJFezlYfm7ZNd6tIlF9KbSOntwFD7BfbhAhTC44evy3fN0YJT8SgZhg/s1600/Screenshot-9125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2OSqn4I5rnNyqVdgMCfUwzWzMkUnyI6AnfwoJecPW9T5kc2-L_G3Jvwj-e8LvYIBCzOuIEW4wxH7bBm_U1TziJFezlYfm7ZNd6tIlF9KbSOntwFD7BfbhAhTC44evy3fN0YJT8SgZhg/s400/Screenshot-9125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Okay, just wondering. Goodnight, Red."<br />
<br />
Scarlett nodded, said her goodnights, and closed the door. Kelly walked back to her bedroom while Mirabelle was still standing by the door. "Everything alright?" Mirabelle asked, noticing a bit of issue with Kelly. "What's wrong?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTpPlexEQXIRi-xFfwur9hsX8tVIlhoY2zfSBRgZmmN8zm5MY7SIj6ZunTj6ShyphenhyphenT5DAYGeaQvFiZYlsc184G6nr9rb0VYKm7vz2qsm8lV6IjptOo_xq1RsiiGNNU87wWH-mWUHk0_mXI/s1600/Screenshot-9115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTpPlexEQXIRi-xFfwur9hsX8tVIlhoY2zfSBRgZmmN8zm5MY7SIj6ZunTj6ShyphenhyphenT5DAYGeaQvFiZYlsc184G6nr9rb0VYKm7vz2qsm8lV6IjptOo_xq1RsiiGNNU87wWH-mWUHk0_mXI/s400/Screenshot-9115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Scarlett. I sensed something as I passed her room, it was like multiple people in the same location. I don't know what I felt. Maybe Red's right, I've been up for quite a while planning for tomorrow, I need to get some sleep."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoffzXpazjc0AtzUUGJ5UYJEQE4uEAptfiOK5_WKuDCIlhFgF8Ud9gTnwc9xLhFGeYyelZZQ2pYTQDaEFVrywaJBck_He_tg6cqOsmiENgF_26t7PzjGRC5JwMGDJtpm44rMajzA-7MM/s1600/Screenshot-9119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoffzXpazjc0AtzUUGJ5UYJEQE4uEAptfiOK5_WKuDCIlhFgF8Ud9gTnwc9xLhFGeYyelZZQ2pYTQDaEFVrywaJBck_He_tg6cqOsmiENgF_26t7PzjGRC5JwMGDJtpm44rMajzA-7MM/s400/Screenshot-9119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle smiled and grabbed her hand. The two had been busy for nearly twenty four hours straight preparing for the day of the solar eclipse, and being awake for that long was starting to get to the both of them. Realizing they need rest and relaxation before the next day, Mirabelle looked her in the eyes. "Then let's go to sleep." She then led her girlfriend into the bedroom and shut the door.<br />
<br />
------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7jhriyBd5-2zrNw-obyLCGSf-uQ_v7SLM4eN1fAbTXAxVwtIGMWgX-3wrmAimqNdG5AXnwxjNmxXZQCBj5jMfOW32KMyYKACbzT_2VUEp6957le8gsxOcl99r8nFNBu3dC1_ynaxOBY/s1600/Screenshot-9098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7jhriyBd5-2zrNw-obyLCGSf-uQ_v7SLM4eN1fAbTXAxVwtIGMWgX-3wrmAimqNdG5AXnwxjNmxXZQCBj5jMfOW32KMyYKACbzT_2VUEp6957le8gsxOcl99r8nFNBu3dC1_ynaxOBY/s400/Screenshot-9098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8O5_zDucq8m5y_3Tvqo_zOtFRXOOyC-DRK_Exv0kwm7Wg9fUSTwZKKIk8H7TKUghdKUghHb2xy-Kt0A-VH57j5dvYJqGzWEZ7d4dP4bfYlrkA30LkR4sIilUO6oliyfw6_TJ79H3Wfs/s1600/Screenshot-9099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8O5_zDucq8m5y_3Tvqo_zOtFRXOOyC-DRK_Exv0kwm7Wg9fUSTwZKKIk8H7TKUghdKUghHb2xy-Kt0A-VH57j5dvYJqGzWEZ7d4dP4bfYlrkA30LkR4sIilUO6oliyfw6_TJ79H3Wfs/s400/Screenshot-9099.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I haven't heard a word out of Jack Toomes for the past few days." Annabelle looked over at Tom who was staring at an old map on his wall. "Hopefully that will be the case for tomorrow. It would make our job a whole hell of a lot easier if he just fell off the Earth."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tom was barely listening to her as he looked at the map, then when he turned back to her, the words she spoke finally reached him. "Well perhaps he's planning like us, which would mean we have to keep pushing ourselves to stay one step ahead. "</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgIdqMF9z1zdDk0FHpVCoTidimb2EIDgPB84IOCe3GFxzeHhSbwP3VildN-5qrrhGGY2ausB-9voq_CG-Fba4Tge6T4krr8zhLwhDICxUlKE4orDBqilzOXTs-wmU3mgDnCjUpKQYXRU/s1600/Screenshot-9102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgIdqMF9z1zdDk0FHpVCoTidimb2EIDgPB84IOCe3GFxzeHhSbwP3VildN-5qrrhGGY2ausB-9voq_CG-Fba4Tge6T4krr8zhLwhDICxUlKE4orDBqilzOXTs-wmU3mgDnCjUpKQYXRU/s400/Screenshot-9102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well if we plan any more I think our plans might get broken. Wow that made no sense." Annabelle chuckled. "I think I might be tired. I gotta get to bed early tonight, I want to be wide awake for tomorrow. Big day ahead of us. Long day." She then sat down on the bed, and afterwards proceeded to lie down. Tom walked over to the bed with her and sat down. They didn't want to do anything else at the moment but sleep, and Annabelle was already on her way to doing that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqE5Q_NC1KLolmzbTkADePAe5nMSYT9MQSoJxoTRCjv20L2UoIEbDiYjIW7THRw6dLyd18gZYoeQR7BkeuZhQLEK61P4H8cMWz396ZfcHIGr32s79FVksWN9e66VF78paXQHcwR6H0Tow/s1600/Screenshot-9104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqE5Q_NC1KLolmzbTkADePAe5nMSYT9MQSoJxoTRCjv20L2UoIEbDiYjIW7THRw6dLyd18gZYoeQR7BkeuZhQLEK61P4H8cMWz396ZfcHIGr32s79FVksWN9e66VF78paXQHcwR6H0Tow/s400/Screenshot-9104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Annabelle, there's something I want to say. I don't know why I haven't said it before to you, but I do want to say it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz_t-Rtyj_BenV4NU0RbdkMy_m0tku3ck5ewS5U96Mc9r1SnzC3jUbNbFDYSx_QofKD9_oQVKLXRT3Hhens8hsvGPC2fu4LCxo7QKsCanxczRbuwwIBfTP2uYHq9hzFXw_sZ35-jKtf4/s1600/Screenshot-9105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz_t-Rtyj_BenV4NU0RbdkMy_m0tku3ck5ewS5U96Mc9r1SnzC3jUbNbFDYSx_QofKD9_oQVKLXRT3Hhens8hsvGPC2fu4LCxo7QKsCanxczRbuwwIBfTP2uYHq9hzFXw_sZ35-jKtf4/s400/Screenshot-9105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hmmm?" Annabelle replied. Tom looked over to her and saw that she was fast asleep, her reply a mere half-dazed whisper, he then smiled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Tkw9ehTk0egVWqXfT2zc66CtIjlUMTbB4t1Zen9x5lm3S9rkAVedRZdk4TugsHBAIzTCJ-Q7PPGEKJKMpn2PtX7DaB8_AIWGpaM7DmXH_LVoVJxUs4tPDWXW3Vt4-nxm-5xAQeIt77s/s1600/Screenshot-9107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Tkw9ehTk0egVWqXfT2zc66CtIjlUMTbB4t1Zen9x5lm3S9rkAVedRZdk4TugsHBAIzTCJ-Q7PPGEKJKMpn2PtX7DaB8_AIWGpaM7DmXH_LVoVJxUs4tPDWXW3Vt4-nxm-5xAQeIt77s/s400/Screenshot-9107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'll tell you later." Tom said in a whisper as he too began to lie down on the bed, turning off the light as he did so. As Annabelle slept, he stayed awake, making sure she was safe and protected. He didn't know how long it took him to pass out as well, but he eventually did.<br />
<br />
------------------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q3dcAPOQkQDUsiP1al8NKJD6cF3Li5gDpu5hm1XxuNFwVJywpT52nu6O3YdoiIY28W2QM959WClumZN4rWlkt4r0IbS7NYSAa0bram-QZpdELCnHQddPzA_x1kMeUwAUrTIovHgaFuw/s1600/Screenshot-9106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q3dcAPOQkQDUsiP1al8NKJD6cF3Li5gDpu5hm1XxuNFwVJywpT52nu6O3YdoiIY28W2QM959WClumZN4rWlkt4r0IbS7NYSAa0bram-QZpdELCnHQddPzA_x1kMeUwAUrTIovHgaFuw/s400/Screenshot-9106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John walked into the bedroom and saw Scarlett watching a show on the television. With no words, he joined her. The two had gone through a strange week, starting with Scarlett's announcement to him that she might be carrying his child coupled with things such as Annabelle's kidnapping and return as well as the battle with Jack's Vazir units a few nights before. The encounter with the mysterious creature they saw that one night also added to the craziness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbya2fqkOPxeZ09VUqCnW7ZUKRX124CCMHRv2pAZD2BBkmq4ChseaMjOa0R79BcD9q59Hk3BhZFFmGlv21Haqc6N36p-Tw80wanLkJCgcaPKq02RsmbimgtSiDA1sCre9IVOWEwegKmo/s1600/Screenshot-9111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbya2fqkOPxeZ09VUqCnW7ZUKRX124CCMHRv2pAZD2BBkmq4ChseaMjOa0R79BcD9q59Hk3BhZFFmGlv21Haqc6N36p-Tw80wanLkJCgcaPKq02RsmbimgtSiDA1sCre9IVOWEwegKmo/s400/Screenshot-9111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After a short time, John looked over to her and thought back to the day they hugged as children after their mutual liking came to light, and five years after that when they finally realized they loved each other culminating with Scarlett's red lips locking with his after their long day together. From that moment on, they never left each other's side for a more than a day. John turned down business trips so he could be with her when she needed him. So he could comfort her when she blamed herself for Keera's accident. To sit with her when she watched that video of her parents.<br />
<br />
In his mind, Scarlett was the most perfect human being on the face of the earth, and nothing could take him away from the red-haired woman. He then realized, with a cold sense of reality, that he would die if something took her away from him: Perhaps not physically, but John would not be John anymore. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso74pt-SaJbfO-mACsw2VV1MVpv4dBjh3SxpTRFlrPYUARTqhRQ0zeHgsVxz2-Q0Qcdh8gwutY6ftHtWS7lCGT6aw3nChAjfBYyErS-NDe_4RV8xf_utvkrVsoiUrRFvHh7U8icoENMs/s1600/Screenshot-9108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso74pt-SaJbfO-mACsw2VV1MVpv4dBjh3SxpTRFlrPYUARTqhRQ0zeHgsVxz2-Q0Qcdh8gwutY6ftHtWS7lCGT6aw3nChAjfBYyErS-NDe_4RV8xf_utvkrVsoiUrRFvHh7U8icoENMs/s400/Screenshot-9108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett thought the same way. In many ways, they were exactly alike: Scarlett and John both loved video games, they both liked the same type of music and food, and they both realized that their lives would be cold and gray if they lost each other. One thing that really separated them was Scarlett's anger issues. She couldn't help herself getting so angry, and John's last bout of anger that she had seen was when he met the man who should have been his father, but wasn't in the most definitive term of the word.<br />
<br />
Scarlett imagined herself being the one who threw that man over the bar because she didn't like to see him as violent as she could get. That night was the most memorable night of her life, though: not because of the fact that John again lost someone he never wanted to meet, but because it was the night that John and Scarlett made the vow to spend the rest of their life together, which they had already wanted to do.<br />
<br />
John and Scarlett looked at each other on the couch before watching television again. Suddenly, the latter spoke up. "I took another test, and it was positive... I'm pregnant."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPGd5jRPo-8WDcL2wFD6Dn2ZvT9KhibtDro4sv1gv9bdAPlJpCZILhiLgwvffwYJMLxUBwSN3Lb__0B6xVvs3ywH9b5-qD3t1SZQ63ITytDy0fTxR7YgY8Pi5of05ZISiCSa_DirGJbs/s1600/Screenshot-9110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPGd5jRPo-8WDcL2wFD6Dn2ZvT9KhibtDro4sv1gv9bdAPlJpCZILhiLgwvffwYJMLxUBwSN3Lb__0B6xVvs3ywH9b5-qD3t1SZQ63ITytDy0fTxR7YgY8Pi5of05ZISiCSa_DirGJbs/s400/Screenshot-9110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John smiled, cuddled his fiance, and they kissed. No more words were spoken that night between the two, and no more were really needed. They then turned to the television and looked to the future not as two separate people, as one fully-connected soul.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YLLR1Oq7adgimh1pbk_jrJn0xMC9gqnRl6Vqa2Ga2x7E5QCayRqvgaiL8uSP2KN9PNaFgT_MdkJ4-K1hyphenhyphenmzbU7lVxu4zSnn1amtbPjHsavbjSquvD9xXlyVMn8mghh5pz03wVLCVrZg/s1600/Screenshot-9112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YLLR1Oq7adgimh1pbk_jrJn0xMC9gqnRl6Vqa2Ga2x7E5QCayRqvgaiL8uSP2KN9PNaFgT_MdkJ4-K1hyphenhyphenmzbU7lVxu4zSnn1amtbPjHsavbjSquvD9xXlyVMn8mghh5pz03wVLCVrZg/s400/Screenshot-9112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zSgdOZCTEQ3hIU-u5mihVJlPAYWn2UkxZ25dzEzgkwrA7RUmFiTvFVdj_TTp5Z8PwlW2lYHP260Ojd6AjIYTz6UsPgtsiAWVnfipVaWVMfON52QSB4tU7fZTmk4GTXR2jL1PHSRSWq4/s1600/Screenshot-9088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zSgdOZCTEQ3hIU-u5mihVJlPAYWn2UkxZ25dzEzgkwrA7RUmFiTvFVdj_TTp5Z8PwlW2lYHP260Ojd6AjIYTz6UsPgtsiAWVnfipVaWVMfON52QSB4tU7fZTmk4GTXR2jL1PHSRSWq4/s400/Screenshot-9088.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Later that evening, Jack was standing in his cell when Vu walked into the room. "Dr. Vu, you've come to visit me? You need a friend to pat you on the back and tell you you're doing things wonderfully and you should keep doing them?" Jack chuckled as the doctor looked at him angrily. "Sorry, a guy like me doesn't make friends."<br />
<br />
"And what IS a guy like you? The criminal mastermind who kidnaps teenagers or the alien from another world?" Jack glared at him. Undaunted, Vu continued to speak. "I had Vazir scan you, it said you had a mysterious component in your DNA that wasn't found on Earth. The same component was also seen in the DNA of that woman you kidnapped and brought here. So I'm going to ask one more time: What are you?"<br />
<br />
Jack smiled. "I knew one of these days you'd find out. My real name is Jetel Vaxul. I come from the planet Torra Sev, a distant world in this Milky Way galaxy. I'd tell you how I got here, but that would be pointless."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEgf1VItd8GWz_shtDcZmKWPGPPSduCCLHCqfMfW42vHLSXli2bALu3bHiUtLhY9Z5a3WOkVnYCi2LKhyphenhyphen10echNSF-iSjF4VoV3BWfaP95p4xaZBJAz1U9-yfAntY3mhXq5Aa9URYDr0/s1600/Screenshot-9091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEgf1VItd8GWz_shtDcZmKWPGPPSduCCLHCqfMfW42vHLSXli2bALu3bHiUtLhY9Z5a3WOkVnYCi2LKhyphenhyphen10echNSF-iSjF4VoV3BWfaP95p4xaZBJAz1U9-yfAntY3mhXq5Aa9URYDr0/s400/Screenshot-9091.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Why?"<br />
<br />
Jack looked at him with an angered face. "The people who adopted me destroyed the only known bridge between the two planets here on Earth, while I destroyed the other end of the bridge at Torra Sev as I left. Spectacular explosion I set up, I only wish I'd seen it. They adopted me because they couldn't have children of their own, and when they realized my true personality they left me in the city of Bridgeport to head off to France. I never saw them again. Never wanted to."<br />
<br />
Keeping his guard up, Vu decided he still wanted to question Jack. "So why did you kidnap that teenager four years ago?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q6KsuSSnklQ0LM8GsXPZhVOH4DJTtugQummUKF0Ask3VY7VAWrsdu1TpibUq2iH1W1-y1XUI5y9btcA-f2J21DUxOg8mI5nT3bJDfCSXIaMojN15IOsOGy2Pm-vPXyEBvxwSaiKfBfI/s1600/Screenshot-9093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q6KsuSSnklQ0LM8GsXPZhVOH4DJTtugQummUKF0Ask3VY7VAWrsdu1TpibUq2iH1W1-y1XUI5y9btcA-f2J21DUxOg8mI5nT3bJDfCSXIaMojN15IOsOGy2Pm-vPXyEBvxwSaiKfBfI/s400/Screenshot-9093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That teenager was the same woman you let get away just days ago. I kidnapped her back in 2018 because I knew she could be seen as an alien by the public. Thanks to some chromosomal difference between hybrid genders, she can be seen as a hybrid while I'm <i>stuck</i> as a human. I didn't even know she was an alien before developing glasses specifically <i>designed</i> to find them."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y82BJoCf8o8T16BNSFHMeJuTD17Z9iEvCKfJQTFrHWYSjxu3W9H4Y21AAdoWFo6Ez14CkHiBFQHamNVh-zbU2u7VdbuXFoHhz0IATFW_hgSTQLtD2Qx7QnuzKnkvmI6G0IV0Ld8mVoo/s1600/Screenshot-9092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y82BJoCf8o8T16BNSFHMeJuTD17Z9iEvCKfJQTFrHWYSjxu3W9H4Y21AAdoWFo6Ez14CkHiBFQHamNVh-zbU2u7VdbuXFoHhz0IATFW_hgSTQLtD2Qx7QnuzKnkvmI6G0IV0Ld8mVoo/s400/Screenshot-9092.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I knew if I revealed her true nature, I could use that as an excuse that aliens were coming and I could develop a way to prevent that from happening. Every government around the world would give me executive order to do what I could to stop the invasion that was never going to happen. Of course, I would keep the power and use it to create my own perfect vision of a true Empire of Earth."<br />
<br />
"So you kidnapped a teenager to take over the world. Classy... and insane. Yeah that's completely insane. Even better is the fact that the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over expecting different results, and look at what happened: You kidnap Annabelle Kethrin twice, and both times ended up with you being imprisoned. So yeah, you're the textbook definition of that word."<br />
<br />
Jack smiled. "Perhaps I am. But guess what... I decided to try something different for once."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB47XKhqoGcyDM0qFDVAPPTivYwycO4npmEa6yv-g2RXh65qkPU1yhhcbFSxMyIOLwI99_qYOqrYXaUwX7G84vRoUywrlAuKb-UVGGosVjXigwJk0Yc4Y4shsbp39WdBlKnPL-Rs9gQ8/s1600/Screenshot-9094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB47XKhqoGcyDM0qFDVAPPTivYwycO4npmEa6yv-g2RXh65qkPU1yhhcbFSxMyIOLwI99_qYOqrYXaUwX7G84vRoUywrlAuKb-UVGGosVjXigwJk0Yc4Y4shsbp39WdBlKnPL-Rs9gQ8/s400/Screenshot-9094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What are you talking abo-GAAAAAH!" Vu screamed as an energy blast overtook him, forcing him to the ground. Still injured, he regained his composure and angrily stood back up while looking around him and the room. He began wondering where the blast came from, but saw nothing that he didn't see before. "What the hell was that?!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86eF13ocwuHldRR68to5blO5o6g5YEMyXauTMvhW89iHaGSIeDK9Q5wpmLr0lbhAYnAwOfdGkQpDPq4fYqUc-5b6w5L0czfR0IrBkRhHNIV0d5Wd4D3iTJ1DFET825zqev7D5XrpD59o/s1600/Screenshot-9090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86eF13ocwuHldRR68to5blO5o6g5YEMyXauTMvhW89iHaGSIeDK9Q5wpmLr0lbhAYnAwOfdGkQpDPq4fYqUc-5b6w5L0czfR0IrBkRhHNIV0d5Wd4D3iTJ1DFET825zqev7D5XrpD59o/s400/Screenshot-9090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jack walked to the glass and looked at him in the eyes. "Nothing that you should be concerned with." He then smiled with an evil look on his face. "Nothing at all." <br />
<br />
----------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu44ZP3yZ7Nyqt30Kk2EGjsoMqb6epPBTE1Nbu_nWdzA-MKEhhWGqerI5IcRvbsFJB6La18GKUdW-rBQZugT9rwxcwm3pIyLZox4R6OjcfYaLlF3b5D0lrbpYRXq-Cyt7BpvvDLHJrXg/s1600/Screenshot-9174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu44ZP3yZ7Nyqt30Kk2EGjsoMqb6epPBTE1Nbu_nWdzA-MKEhhWGqerI5IcRvbsFJB6La18GKUdW-rBQZugT9rwxcwm3pIyLZox4R6OjcfYaLlF3b5D0lrbpYRXq-Cyt7BpvvDLHJrXg/s400/Screenshot-9174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxHF4zJ3pwutYb1yob2jyE_uAsdET88NwD2-bEUsbzFIR8empXQoOusmBuXY_S2AXFub3SpuuiAi8WfiTtYfDeRSyUORIbrNV1x86lBHKCPT9X1HhH1xMIUh4Bie9FlYD8QUSEmDiL6w/s1600/Screenshot-9175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxHF4zJ3pwutYb1yob2jyE_uAsdET88NwD2-bEUsbzFIR8empXQoOusmBuXY_S2AXFub3SpuuiAi8WfiTtYfDeRSyUORIbrNV1x86lBHKCPT9X1HhH1xMIUh4Bie9FlYD8QUSEmDiL6w/s400/Screenshot-9175.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Psst. Hey Cassie... you awake?" Gabriel stood in their shared room looking at his roommate. "Psst. Hey, my pillow fell off the bed behind you. I need a pillow. I don't have a pillow. You have a pillow? I am without pillows at the moment. I am gonna keep saying pillow until you wake up and give one to me. Pillow pillow pillow pillow."<br />
<br />
Suddenly Cassie stood up and looked at him. "I take you need a pillow? I couldn't tell because those sentences contained other words than that. I really wasn't sure."<br />
<br />
Gabriel chuckled and looked at her. "So can I get it or not?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXFDHDMRx6c4yOdw31LlEQQQpa6eAjPdVfN-hK63osHQ9B6H7qK0AVVO67bO6d7a3vyQggIfW-pSNIpW6joSRiF09Y_YlJwZXjYbsnA-Z61-bW8irGGQk6rVWc6owArVYE2YDszy8V3U/s1600/Screenshot-9178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXFDHDMRx6c4yOdw31LlEQQQpa6eAjPdVfN-hK63osHQ9B6H7qK0AVVO67bO6d7a3vyQggIfW-pSNIpW6joSRiF09Y_YlJwZXjYbsnA-Z61-bW8irGGQk6rVWc6owArVYE2YDszy8V3U/s400/Screenshot-9178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Riiigght here." Cassie grabbed a bag of clothes from from under her bunk and slammed it into Gabriel's face, laughing as she did so. He quickly grabbed it from her and began using it as a weapon as she grabbed another from underneath and started using it in defense. The two continued their pillow fight, laughing the whole time, and then they Cassie grabbed Gabe's pillow that had fallen behind her bed and gave it to him. Gabriel climbed up the ladder to the top bunk and sat on it as Cassie lied back down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rtuCzBIujLrlVHe99KgGw1ZZLbs_2wI8G635VT4fvw_eoq3kkBIK6Sywn13bySFy_YSt3h64qt3ANMLd6H61AiPia7cS9DDGmgn7NtPIEgOTlfkNcvtCYeSsrSLzhkRteFRYZ9Pr-2w/s1600/Screenshot-9181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rtuCzBIujLrlVHe99KgGw1ZZLbs_2wI8G635VT4fvw_eoq3kkBIK6Sywn13bySFy_YSt3h64qt3ANMLd6H61AiPia7cS9DDGmgn7NtPIEgOTlfkNcvtCYeSsrSLzhkRteFRYZ9Pr-2w/s400/Screenshot-9181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So how long do you think we'll be here?" Gabriel asked. "I have to get to Starlight Shores soon."<br />
<br />
"Why is that? You've made mention of having to be there for the past few days yet never actually told me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxU7gpGTIEsZKm7aQF-kvoqWqScijTPRe62D2VhXFAkoxxEt327DrCFMDyi729ZKruHiV-j_Bf2QUJifsQarT1vxPVHajAkw3eMu0FZRezsHCC_nLkMQ7p-LEIVbXksdlv_M_MdXP3mc/s1600/Screenshot-9185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxU7gpGTIEsZKm7aQF-kvoqWqScijTPRe62D2VhXFAkoxxEt327DrCFMDyi729ZKruHiV-j_Bf2QUJifsQarT1vxPVHajAkw3eMu0FZRezsHCC_nLkMQ7p-LEIVbXksdlv_M_MdXP3mc/s320/Screenshot-9185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel shook his head, then covered up and turned over. "I don't know, actually, all I know is that I need to be there. Something's telling me to go. You wanna know something odd? I think someone is there for me, someone who can take me in, who knows me. It's strange I know, but I keep having this dream that this one person went to Starlight Shores, and I have to find her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3kss5pMrxnKWISVRrlT0BUGP0KxdX_ST4SkKOiNnCcVk42A2_NbihWRHAWYA_l6x1wm7xiCjN2W8qlDXr8WlAtxn69eCILEhkebG_7oBBcRxhVY5gtMsyjENRYTv3HVb5s8XNyYK1yU/s1600/Screenshot-9182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3kss5pMrxnKWISVRrlT0BUGP0KxdX_ST4SkKOiNnCcVk42A2_NbihWRHAWYA_l6x1wm7xiCjN2W8qlDXr8WlAtxn69eCILEhkebG_7oBBcRxhVY5gtMsyjENRYTv3HVb5s8XNyYK1yU/s400/Screenshot-9182.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Who is she? Do you know her name?"<br />
<br />
"I always called her 'mom' in my dream. She's not like anyone else, that's why I'm so worried that she's merely a dream."<br />
<br />
"Why do you say this?"<br />
<br />
Gabriel sighed. He didn't want to say this out of worry that this woman would think she's crazy, but he continued. "She's green. Yeah, it's crazy I know. She's green and has purple eyes. That doesn't describe anyone... I mean who in the world looks like that?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3Iz9kVc6Q9RQzSbW2JlkepYp9DUkSKEwQMEgj3PSVAtQBEomtL7_m_VYpzAt5WZLAYgMyznNde3KVh1pmLl1WNEyQaokv9saqAoIlybih1_BxVPZZUWpd-syvmaLDg8HMBK-Pw3_Ehw/s1600/Screenshot-9186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3Iz9kVc6Q9RQzSbW2JlkepYp9DUkSKEwQMEgj3PSVAtQBEomtL7_m_VYpzAt5WZLAYgMyznNde3KVh1pmLl1WNEyQaokv9saqAoIlybih1_BxVPZZUWpd-syvmaLDg8HMBK-Pw3_Ehw/s400/Screenshot-9186.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Cassie stood up quickly out of shock, gasping. Gabriel was worried about her and climbed down from the bed. "What's wrong?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YTGnVQHtTDPoOIKjGHwH5Hm0SREuKhyL6VY8uOzUZvWUsgROjZv8bgHnrdZcE-7UcfZD1e_RcUjL8IiehHth_i5qbiylqBv2DjspR6bL32B9rSzoc2x_w5LnCAN-DKq-iuYAM7pRq84/s1600/Screenshot-9187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YTGnVQHtTDPoOIKjGHwH5Hm0SREuKhyL6VY8uOzUZvWUsgROjZv8bgHnrdZcE-7UcfZD1e_RcUjL8IiehHth_i5qbiylqBv2DjspR6bL32B9rSzoc2x_w5LnCAN-DKq-iuYAM7pRq84/s400/Screenshot-9187.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Nothing. You just described... when I go back to Starlight Shores, I want you to come with me. It's essential. Your dream mom, the one you're talking about, she's real. I just hope she's alright when we get there." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M8fEk2sPGVjAEFP7a0wYZsMFFeDW6ij6lUpFfZ9GLbChQD-0UXjyPJ-Y0wlJZw8vc_ssnlcPSvEhlWySTnmZGFNtz722lK18smt5WUt3QEtly9tM5w9ymlYEKedcKP9KhTXQu_dkS-8/s1600/Screenshot-9190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M8fEk2sPGVjAEFP7a0wYZsMFFeDW6ij6lUpFfZ9GLbChQD-0UXjyPJ-Y0wlJZw8vc_ssnlcPSvEhlWySTnmZGFNtz722lK18smt5WUt3QEtly9tM5w9ymlYEKedcKP9KhTXQu_dkS-8/s400/Screenshot-9190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-4060187006327174502013-05-08T23:52:00.001-05:002013-06-11T02:58:47.190-05:00Chapter Thirty-Seven - Hybrid<div style="text-align: center;">
A ton of bricks flew through the air. Not a real one, mind you, but a metaphorical one. It gauged a speed of around 500 miles per hour before finally slamming into Annabelle's chest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Although this never actually happened, it might as well have.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVCGMbbLL9zBdA1mS6VWCGSmjarRcqqdhyphenhyphenpxR_cHnBjp3KtAnlfDCz5yO_XAf2n0FDRWrqJYb7P_jTtp9xo119YktLhU62tVJJuyVv5pBhNYC5s9bILk8RDrzZih3smZyCftGbd8yROw/s1600/Screenshot-8094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVCGMbbLL9zBdA1mS6VWCGSmjarRcqqdhyphenhyphenpxR_cHnBjp3KtAnlfDCz5yO_XAf2n0FDRWrqJYb7P_jTtp9xo119YktLhU62tVJJuyVv5pBhNYC5s9bILk8RDrzZih3smZyCftGbd8yROw/s400/Screenshot-8094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle's "arch nemesis" Jack was more like her than she thought, as was Nightmare, as both of them came from the same planet and the same <i>way </i>as herself. The news of Jack's heritage was enough to come as a crippling blow to her ego, forcing her to wonder if<b> all </b>hybrids outside her own little circle of friends were evil, or turned that way after discovering their roots. After regaining her composure, she looked back at the drone. "How are you so certain that Jack is a hybrid?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRQQ5TV9fT0Flw00GQ9Ri3TPnbDU6yD19mwsSKHEav9YWHshhyioRwWWeQTgumS5LYVaMdbgb-GTwE25gc_o9yEMww2nzQkJlGmFEg6RIUFUYI2LF0dkNnnkgbgjsAVxzmDqLHam8ncg/s1600/Screenshot-8095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRQQ5TV9fT0Flw00GQ9Ri3TPnbDU6yD19mwsSKHEav9YWHshhyioRwWWeQTgumS5LYVaMdbgb-GTwE25gc_o9yEMww2nzQkJlGmFEg6RIUFUYI2LF0dkNnnkgbgjsAVxzmDqLHam8ncg/s400/Screenshot-8095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Analysis of Jack's DNA indicates a ninety-nine percent match between your unique genetic makeup and his own. While you two are not directly related to each other, you share the same heritage: In regards to this, you are both made up of human and astrobiological cells. This may explain why Jack Toomes is, lack of a better term, <i>obsessed</i> with your species as a whole. He is a Torran Hybrid."</b></span><br />
<br />
"So how long has he been on Earth? Do you know anything about that?"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"No. There is no information regarding this." </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5oMw-qZvgwHYJdowItxmQik86DchFXJJdaZ_00ik6BSEax-teGFAX6QkDmbHW-H24VWUlShE3DCf7QlTINNWCU9yY-8jTSNa8gaPTsfca3mIkDapK7l0IZ-7lelyQ12thpTmqtEMGDM/s1600/Screenshot-8096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5oMw-qZvgwHYJdowItxmQik86DchFXJJdaZ_00ik6BSEax-teGFAX6QkDmbHW-H24VWUlShE3DCf7QlTINNWCU9yY-8jTSNa8gaPTsfca3mIkDapK7l0IZ-7lelyQ12thpTmqtEMGDM/s400/Screenshot-8096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Well then how do you know he's even an alien?!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"As I mentioned, your DNA has matches to his indicative of similar heritages. However to confirm this, I can compile multiple instances of DNA information for you using the World Wide Web and cross reference Jack Toomes' DNA against the zoological database of earth and known species. The data will be compiled later this evening, approximately 2000 hours."</b></span><br />
<br />
"Why 8:00 PM?" Annabelle asked. still wrapping her head around what's happened to her for the past few days. "You're a computer with advanced technology, can't you just confirm it for me now?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVKJrHnlZ0k7SMPzaQDjmkfHsKw1ni65fXA6O96DWewXFckxJYqxwBO3Oe9Z81TLyWSHDqWjJNrBjr85Z3AMqVcG2kWV5Wc3yxyTpNLJ7OjDZxUxiNGufWjaskmG6XwRtyQkE3uBC0vg/s1600/Screenshot-8098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVKJrHnlZ0k7SMPzaQDjmkfHsKw1ni65fXA6O96DWewXFckxJYqxwBO3Oe9Z81TLyWSHDqWjJNrBjr85Z3AMqVcG2kWV5Wc3yxyTpNLJ7OjDZxUxiNGufWjaskmG6XwRtyQkE3uBC0vg/s400/Screenshot-8098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Negative. I must download the information, sort through it, and identify what is correct and what is incorrect knowledge from the data I receive. As such, it will take me a while. In the meantime, I must continue to scan this house and all of its items for possible tactical use in the event that more Vazir drones return."</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2BQgiNE9EGWKwxkWuuAWZaptltNfFxiBwoFs_YYGx7IxShwwu38Oqzwn2jgumPC0ZaCsNkl96y7Wb67M-ci42EvZ0fyY6ANA8i8kOVuxIcpkAtfIIFm7_eI2sYwavc4MXzO-oLqviJk/s1600/Screenshot-8097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2BQgiNE9EGWKwxkWuuAWZaptltNfFxiBwoFs_YYGx7IxShwwu38Oqzwn2jgumPC0ZaCsNkl96y7Wb67M-ci42EvZ0fyY6ANA8i8kOVuxIcpkAtfIIFm7_eI2sYwavc4MXzO-oLqviJk/s400/Screenshot-8097.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Okay. Just... tell me when you find anything. If we can prove Jack's a Hybrid like myself, that may somehow give us a tactical advantage over him. I'm not sure <i>how</i> it would help, but at this point I'm ready to grasp at any straws that come my way."<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"I understand."</span></b> MIKE replied, then went back to scanning objects. Annabelle nodded to him, and walked out of the room to see Kelly walking up to her, after which she smiled and hugged her alien friend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrbLzOqaGDVPmf01rckP5m07RbqvzpVbNTlhbcfJDNVZC-vXpmXfvfGhOxahwDVZRhJANMozWGB76zv6AutzXeD2ozjvg2pNw9Dt8pzBjceruNzlKyqBwOIPFfoxgEPPC-p16X7ZoHFw/s1600/Screenshot-8205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrbLzOqaGDVPmf01rckP5m07RbqvzpVbNTlhbcfJDNVZC-vXpmXfvfGhOxahwDVZRhJANMozWGB76zv6AutzXeD2ozjvg2pNw9Dt8pzBjceruNzlKyqBwOIPFfoxgEPPC-p16X7ZoHFw/s400/Screenshot-8205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I am sorry I didn't have much time to talk last night, I had this idea regarding John's teleporter and the old Gravity Device I found back in Sunset Valley." Kelly said, excitedly. "I sent a message to Davis Cambridge asking him to place it somewhere and give me the co-ordinates."<br />
<br />
"And did he?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I was just about to check. If he did then Scarlett, John, and I are going up to the room where he keeps that teleporter so we can bring it here! Wanna come?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoorZwUQn0ivuXRf4EnedBQKpaWpyQ7muo2I3j5Jf1CRVK_c1r8aATfPfgRPQ96PsDTvPFG_h1dELRTXHJ5laX9CcHd3dtt8M9wSLDQKXWWm5M-oQG1D45m2vWtIJ0ZPfPWwdWi2sECA/s1600/Screenshot-8209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoorZwUQn0ivuXRf4EnedBQKpaWpyQ7muo2I3j5Jf1CRVK_c1r8aATfPfgRPQ96PsDTvPFG_h1dELRTXHJ5laX9CcHd3dtt8M9wSLDQKXWWm5M-oQG1D45m2vWtIJ0ZPfPWwdWi2sECA/s400/Screenshot-8209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Nah. I have some things to do around here. I have this... news... that I need to tell everyone later." Annabelle said, wanting to tell everyone about Jack's alien status when MIKE would have the opportunity to back her up. "Wait a second why do you want the Project Gravity device?! That's the tool used to destroy Sunset Valley eleven years ago!"<br />
<br />
"We thought it would be useful against the Vazir drones. Coupled with our strange ability to use magic wands, MIKE, and your new spaceship thingy, we have enough to storm their gates and bring down their general... so to speak."<br />
<br />
"Yeah." Annabelle replied with a sad tone in her voice, as she didn't want to use the same device that changed so many lives for the worse. "I just wish there was another way."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE3xBF79u19JUtOuKSfO3y_89eP2Vw5ULE36ppGu-qJFFruJrnXoKqQ1YhhE-yhfDQMdSjzoThOXYtsYcLD_KitF6681JAqcMcS7Y4cyiG45Qoq1YMWnbbZDgQTi2ErjDA-TPoDjbvAY/s1600/Screenshot-8208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE3xBF79u19JUtOuKSfO3y_89eP2Vw5ULE36ppGu-qJFFruJrnXoKqQ1YhhE-yhfDQMdSjzoThOXYtsYcLD_KitF6681JAqcMcS7Y4cyiG45Qoq1YMWnbbZDgQTi2ErjDA-TPoDjbvAY/s400/Screenshot-8208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Me too." Kelly could tell by Annie's voice and her face that she didn't approve, and by some respects Kelly didn't want to use it either. "But since we're alone in this, we have limited options. I don't want to touch that thing again, but if we have to resort to using it, then we have to resort to using it. There is no other way."<br />
<br />
Annabelle nodded and walked away, visibly upset. Annabelle was the one who felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. She felt she had to warn people, but couldn't, and felt like she failed in that regard. She flashed back to that day, that horrifying event on March 5th of 2013. She was scared then, and did not want to relive that horror, even though she relived it once or twice as she grew up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhiubDGZ078zDn2VXBXcCmz-3_aZgdMot0iTCQvgj2FyS9Z51VHjMsIPnupvonhrQyyhtFRRmrLUKXNnlqOQr4rGJCCVgzCd7J99vWmZ_6XV57b15LzQUwi-PRULTES2j1Us11i6MaL0/s1600/Screenshot-8210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhiubDGZ078zDn2VXBXcCmz-3_aZgdMot0iTCQvgj2FyS9Z51VHjMsIPnupvonhrQyyhtFRRmrLUKXNnlqOQr4rGJCCVgzCd7J99vWmZ_6XV57b15LzQUwi-PRULTES2j1Us11i6MaL0/s400/Screenshot-8210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"There has to be another way."<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just like them all over again." Tom thought to himself as he stood in his room. Seeing Annabelle return did not change the fact that, for a couple hours, he thought that she could have been dead. She could have been dead and he wouldn't have told her the truth about his feelings for her, no matter how obvious they were. He'd lost people he cared for before: His parents, Annabelle's alternate self from the other dimension, and Andy, and he did not want to lose Annie in the same tragic way. In fact, Annabelle was someone he felt could never lose, if only for fear of losing a part of himself, his own soul. "Just like them all."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7yRsbGQMZ5195SUXxzmM5rZFikYJT_4wKWj9LPv6UXDh65qS8A8etc19GinavDZfvDdyGVbQjuXsKA5yEhgNMQ3vDXaLzFZ4MNpVMdQ_FrjigyXsWNZQZWH41BXq5mrS8ngPqLRv7_U/s1600/Screenshot-8243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7yRsbGQMZ5195SUXxzmM5rZFikYJT_4wKWj9LPv6UXDh65qS8A8etc19GinavDZfvDdyGVbQjuXsKA5yEhgNMQ3vDXaLzFZ4MNpVMdQ_FrjigyXsWNZQZWH41BXq5mrS8ngPqLRv7_U/s400/Screenshot-8243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly he heard a knock on his door and walked over to it, unlocking the handle so whoever was knocking could enter. When he walked back into his room, he acknowledged to the person knocking that they could come in. To his surprise it was the youngest member of the household, Keera.<br />
<br />
"Something you need to talk about, Keeki?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6tFogwA_L9hh5cTcBEOwrkhFeySaNL3XnJCRYIYnjzcL9f3wHgwFO53RXFTY9GWGXaOdKK6FT-TfXNykGZYV92xqnx2jgU0xW21v_YAMr0KWuo6VXLdXvvknkZj8yR0KWrUmNtngZ0E/s1600/Screenshot-8234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6tFogwA_L9hh5cTcBEOwrkhFeySaNL3XnJCRYIYnjzcL9f3wHgwFO53RXFTY9GWGXaOdKK6FT-TfXNykGZYV92xqnx2jgU0xW21v_YAMr0KWuo6VXLdXvvknkZj8yR0KWrUmNtngZ0E/s400/Screenshot-8234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah. I was wondering about a couple things, actually. First off... When everyone leaves to go off on that great battle to stop Toomes, I'm not going. I can't."<br />
<br />
"Why not?" Tom asked. "What's wrong?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWtgc50p5zOGNuv5dYf3wMTX-C2s9fRdZQni_1ljX6bPjGGfawXQ48qIuVcoEFiN4AvOvLpWOPk-n9eo8cSTTP5nS7NR0xqfIk6VxiAV67HBIeW2fCCmi4ebPxAbzfv-vkug78comkIU/s1600/Screenshot-8235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWtgc50p5zOGNuv5dYf3wMTX-C2s9fRdZQni_1ljX6bPjGGfawXQ48qIuVcoEFiN4AvOvLpWOPk-n9eo8cSTTP5nS7NR0xqfIk6VxiAV67HBIeW2fCCmi4ebPxAbzfv-vkug78comkIU/s400/Screenshot-8235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I froze up. When we shot those drones with magic, I had to close my eye, and I couldn't run properly. That delayed me when we ran back around the house, and I almost died because of it. I couldn't open my eye because of the fire. I shot fire at the drones and that made me afraid, like I have PTSD. I don't want to endanger anyone else by freezing up or being unable to fight, so I'm staying here. Besides, a fourteen year-old has no place fighting like this."<br />
<br />
"I understand." Tom replied. "Have you told this to Annabelle?"<br />
<br />
"No. She's got a lot to think about now ever since returning in that spaceship from being kidnapped." Keera said, thinking inwardly that what she had just said was one of the strangest things that left her mouth in recent days. "Besides, she was busy when I last talked to her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yrZgJw4K4EXJBTeBmrR9T43w8NoBYHycyjEwl4Kf-65yvZzc_zv5EFCn6V58MqXhPVBd_J-9DZJhPIm2ytbfTkdPPY3Nav3GNYKGgcwS2rorwpFixWN1xP42Pom889yZhTaQVoTShxc/s1600/Screenshot-8237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yrZgJw4K4EXJBTeBmrR9T43w8NoBYHycyjEwl4Kf-65yvZzc_zv5EFCn6V58MqXhPVBd_J-9DZJhPIm2ytbfTkdPPY3Nav3GNYKGgcwS2rorwpFixWN1xP42Pom889yZhTaQVoTShxc/s400/Screenshot-8237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I see. What else is bothering you?"<br />
<br />
Keera looked over to the paintings Tom had on his wall, then back to him. "How do you forgive someone who had done such a horrible thing in the past? I seem to recall mom telling me that you forgave Deacon after all he did in Bridgeport."<br />
<br />
"Some people are just more forgiving than others." Tom replied. Then a thought came to his mind. "Is this about that man you told me about, the one who caused your accident? You want to forgive him?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7txz4jG-VMxQ3l8SKub5RIVzDJM-gAv4xeSMAU6dOaHDjORsl5hdJQ6vd9uRp4ZnJdleCzodZnAY72_sGdDiOWQpyhFs_vzbGQRz4SBuDnYTiFwjPEZXjAtyJGokKuvXPGdO4ff3ryg/s1600/Screenshot-8236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7txz4jG-VMxQ3l8SKub5RIVzDJM-gAv4xeSMAU6dOaHDjORsl5hdJQ6vd9uRp4ZnJdleCzodZnAY72_sGdDiOWQpyhFs_vzbGQRz4SBuDnYTiFwjPEZXjAtyJGokKuvXPGdO4ff3ryg/s400/Screenshot-8236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah. I want to forgive him, I really do, but it was such a trivial thing that he left his post for! He had no reason, and his leaving cost me my eye!"<br />
<br />
Tom shook his head. "Perhaps what is trivial to one person is important to another. Maybe he had a friend in the game and wanted to support him. Maybe he was just wanting to have some fun in his life. I'm not defending him, I'm just saying you should look at things from all angles, and all stories, and then do what you feel is best to do. You're the strong one here, Keeki, you've always been strong, since the day I met you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_cnpBUCsV7h3635zhBUYacoqnqYBQiKz8tFNzDQu0MmtEcdgS6VcuIpGNg3ksxE0Jb-3FVv5SXU_TsGmLM4Mo0jLrNXiizRMSilCrdyW2KcA3ZzF4OFlnGaC4DMoelwD9j4paqt1DRM/s1600/Screenshot-8238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_cnpBUCsV7h3635zhBUYacoqnqYBQiKz8tFNzDQu0MmtEcdgS6VcuIpGNg3ksxE0Jb-3FVv5SXU_TsGmLM4Mo0jLrNXiizRMSilCrdyW2KcA3ZzF4OFlnGaC4DMoelwD9j4paqt1DRM/s400/Screenshot-8238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera smiled, and hugged Tom. "Thank you. I knew I could count on you to help."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeM8TNftaf65lqcfsqqjL-edtVfUASOz-nLJpIWKKlSnf5raAE1AqGmdnaMEJBtZsZ2y-XYPIg7D7rJV2QRQnRbhyYyb0HNar88nT_fTFHC2hiZw1RQE_Vd3db1QU6c7DPAFCVTqsVQk/s1600/Screenshot-8239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeM8TNftaf65lqcfsqqjL-edtVfUASOz-nLJpIWKKlSnf5raAE1AqGmdnaMEJBtZsZ2y-XYPIg7D7rJV2QRQnRbhyYyb0HNar88nT_fTFHC2hiZw1RQE_Vd3db1QU6c7DPAFCVTqsVQk/s400/Screenshot-8239.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Don't mention it. I'll be here any time you need me." Tom said with a saddened voice that Keera didn't pick up on. Afterwards, Keera smiled again and left Tom's room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj1gvc42yirVKCVgMwQ8PsEpSnuoD7Ud7EN5Rq2zoKh-M3XxVztusBBiUHCiPEiEFlgSl5IVreO3P59hDLD201O840IhWswYTX3NOe2WgBYrUV5vhwopqFOqEkseiUpD0vlb-M7Dia5o/s1600/Screenshot-8240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj1gvc42yirVKCVgMwQ8PsEpSnuoD7Ud7EN5Rq2zoKh-M3XxVztusBBiUHCiPEiEFlgSl5IVreO3P59hDLD201O840IhWswYTX3NOe2WgBYrUV5vhwopqFOqEkseiUpD0vlb-M7Dia5o/s400/Screenshot-8240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After a short while, he walked over to his bed and sat down on it, looking around his large room adorned with sculptures and drawings from around the world which he himself collected on his occasional trips, as well as a picture of Annabelle.<br />
<br />
Tom always liked to travel alone, occasionally bringing his family and friends alongside him or just a particular one such as Annabelle. When he last traveled, to China, he wanted to take Keera with him but, at the last moment before asking her, he decided he needed to go alone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1aRXDKe8leDUKmjkuYscjrQH5YmPaTdwncrRqbz9I9UvsLWQOvFREg3mVAFoUzk4O8xqj3zoa7u-LhTYiyeDvIRSya3eUuFmamuOywYIC_bnBMiOy4lyvSeDUkR4Ti3tBdEOaje-BU8/s1600/Screenshot-8241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1aRXDKe8leDUKmjkuYscjrQH5YmPaTdwncrRqbz9I9UvsLWQOvFREg3mVAFoUzk4O8xqj3zoa7u-LhTYiyeDvIRSya3eUuFmamuOywYIC_bnBMiOy4lyvSeDUkR4Ti3tBdEOaje-BU8/s320/Screenshot-8241.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As Tom lay down, he kept replaying that thought in his head, that if he did take her with him, she wouldn't have gone to the movie studio on that day, and she wouldn't be injured. For the longest time he felt guilty, and felt even worse for not telling her that he could have prevented her scarring, for just one more day.<br />
<br />
However, there were things that Tom was afraid of. One of which was Keera's possible reaction to his self-loathing guilt. The other involved Annabelle, and his fear dwelled on her possible reaction to him revealing how much he loved her and how he wanted to be with her for the rest his life. <br />
<br />
Tom was brave, he had to be, but to himself he was a coward in too many ways.<br />
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSVggEU3_7dUFtp9kGJziE3m-recX1uLJcE5JbnsXPD-A3sgl8t-HE9faLIEzXIiip2MFA-zeV6xtwejx6G96By-PIQQnK5t9vCHPWcjibSxu4yqJiKNlmCyjX5sLTUpKhTiJWPR_3rE/s1600/Screenshot-8211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSVggEU3_7dUFtp9kGJziE3m-recX1uLJcE5JbnsXPD-A3sgl8t-HE9faLIEzXIiip2MFA-zeV6xtwejx6G96By-PIQQnK5t9vCHPWcjibSxu4yqJiKNlmCyjX5sLTUpKhTiJWPR_3rE/s400/Screenshot-8211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Here they are. Sunset Valley co-ordinates for the teleporter." Kelly said as she stood up from the computer, holding a USB drive which she put in her pocket. "Davis said in his message that he'll place the device in the middle of a field so we don't teleport anything else. I hope it works."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Cga-xosMrbOsQioMa9osLadLEtLTA8K25xOuDbDHHLTZUf8eUZ1MyuMN9Ojg0kWqwQ89GGB_keOnmENKPcAMZ_nFOPQ9ea9M9kG_LyLdpGsqzYrdsqJ_KXX_hlOBUlNwdi5vKFxUi1s/s1600/Screenshot-8215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Cga-xosMrbOsQioMa9osLadLEtLTA8K25xOuDbDHHLTZUf8eUZ1MyuMN9Ojg0kWqwQ89GGB_keOnmENKPcAMZ_nFOPQ9ea9M9kG_LyLdpGsqzYrdsqJ_KXX_hlOBUlNwdi5vKFxUi1s/s400/Screenshot-8215.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You and me both." Scarlett said. "This plan of ours hinges on getting this device."<br />
<br />
John nodded. "I last used the teleporter about twenty three hours ago... it will still take about an hour for the teleporter to finish recharging. I think we should rendezvous upstairs then. In the meantime, I'm going to take a break from all this. I suggest you two do as well."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuM5vEfpwXmwOLzObcdxRuY9kfOG89zvdnt5-cDIYyKCCI4B0zMolmvL5vl5W91A2g3C37U4Q66EyUPy5kAb-ZF43gaRjAEJ9rWLvZk5vI8_-FKh6FIW5b23io-nPPDwB0ty3zOHNPLk/s1600/Screenshot-8213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuM5vEfpwXmwOLzObcdxRuY9kfOG89zvdnt5-cDIYyKCCI4B0zMolmvL5vl5W91A2g3C37U4Q66EyUPy5kAb-ZF43gaRjAEJ9rWLvZk5vI8_-FKh6FIW5b23io-nPPDwB0ty3zOHNPLk/s400/Screenshot-8213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John left the room, leaving Scarlett and Kelly behind. "Is he alright?" Kelly asked, sensing some sort of emotion from him. "He seems down."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHjJ-NWdHRE7NqPnvxD-ro0kvlTRppSHpvN45BGaT7_UQcXjoByhqFR75yYaKwxcuGO-X2g8n-aUQlHnh9zHkbQb0uz5ciXYGZrRC14s5dqOyhyaH65OCxwm5Di70XewoB-lF6D1GHhI/s1600/Screenshot-8212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHjJ-NWdHRE7NqPnvxD-ro0kvlTRppSHpvN45BGaT7_UQcXjoByhqFR75yYaKwxcuGO-X2g8n-aUQlHnh9zHkbQb0uz5ciXYGZrRC14s5dqOyhyaH65OCxwm5Di70XewoB-lF6D1GHhI/s320/Screenshot-8212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
"It's been a rough couple of days." Scarlett said. "Give him time. I'm going to go see if he needs anything." With that, she followed John into the other room and up the stairs. Kelly sat back down in the chair, ready to look something up, when she heard a voice behind her.<br />
<br />
"Hey there Lady Jane." Mirabelle said. "Where's everyone at?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMO_FcddV4CHRD_2vmU9kIF_stkcxjVVWxIa044S_WauFRDeDsy369K8MLgAhCybnioomatDqWKQiOzYkj-u5KAZvdImZUi4ssetnjOjgpr2flWssyWzinVimQdhRYkqG92HeP7PJw3Q/s1600/Screenshot-8216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMO_FcddV4CHRD_2vmU9kIF_stkcxjVVWxIa044S_WauFRDeDsy369K8MLgAhCybnioomatDqWKQiOzYkj-u5KAZvdImZUi4ssetnjOjgpr2flWssyWzinVimQdhRYkqG92HeP7PJw3Q/s400/Screenshot-8216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"They're upstairs." Kelly responded. "I'm gonna meet them in John's project room in about an hour."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3wdg5bwLzhVE52rrtoF2mmM50nK0fVp1Qz6Dnjjri2urTY2dZLH9pJkz3H7hdMB2MyAbm8lleEn1ceOAGinxQmFrs6qLtRwVvg12aHhTua66EABkYqu_8yaF6LuY6KH0zHBrHxy9Uww/s1600/Screenshot-8218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3wdg5bwLzhVE52rrtoF2mmM50nK0fVp1Qz6Dnjjri2urTY2dZLH9pJkz3H7hdMB2MyAbm8lleEn1ceOAGinxQmFrs6qLtRwVvg12aHhTua66EABkYqu_8yaF6LuY6KH0zHBrHxy9Uww/s400/Screenshot-8218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle smiled. "An hour? That will give us plenty of time to talk. Come on up to the bedroom." Mirabelle grabbed Kelly's hand and they left the room as well. MIKE hovered up the stairs for a few moments, looked around, and went back down to continue work on something.<br />
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpYuoIavQbZYfd3Y-id-AdxAi_RTvjNVxQNwTGmJLV9NVECHtIUyc8OPzVyAz7FGzvTlFQdsi9ChgYjgt0e3U822PsvOTBxMzT1UAoa64fIzJ5TemQoP28XNg4xlaR-_AEZxlUGfaPnE/s1600/Screenshot-8223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpYuoIavQbZYfd3Y-id-AdxAi_RTvjNVxQNwTGmJLV9NVECHtIUyc8OPzVyAz7FGzvTlFQdsi9ChgYjgt0e3U822PsvOTBxMzT1UAoa64fIzJ5TemQoP28XNg4xlaR-_AEZxlUGfaPnE/s400/Screenshot-8223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly and Mirabelle walked into their room and the latter shut the door. Kelly seemed a bit jittery as they walked through the house, prompting her girlfriend to ask a question. "Is something wrong?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know." Kelly responded, still upset. "Something's wrong with me. It's been going on with me for a long time now but ever since I touched that crystal ball back at the library it's been even worse."<br />
<br />
"What do you mean?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Dq4_Y_TUq-fV48v2n1yKSs0PZFjQcEY4kfjf2CivR-uYufOnWilB7q0ieSaqoRtRMce0nodEijf2Eg0bwvzlfuzcy8DOpCFE71zheakHiKXNaIqjUHQnPQenkCDgh10HNc3PdwtQmlY/s1600/Screenshot-8226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Dq4_Y_TUq-fV48v2n1yKSs0PZFjQcEY4kfjf2CivR-uYufOnWilB7q0ieSaqoRtRMce0nodEijf2Eg0bwvzlfuzcy8DOpCFE71zheakHiKXNaIqjUHQnPQenkCDgh10HNc3PdwtQmlY/s400/Screenshot-8226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Think of something. Anything. A number, a word, a thought... think real hard."<br />
<br />
Mirabelle let an old memory of a time before she split with Annie run by her head, then locked it in. She still was confused about Kelly's sudden mind game. "What's going-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBLXDkDrlIR1wi5KrwyxWrdNCOlZMwwbFo_AARgj8D8Wryrldnr7B7b0wgoFtFVkhSSqu2HTGk873V9wss6c6zQZGbVjCbB29Lv9jlJoTmpQ3qOdtCbI0gHa8j1Swgt_qY-XPJopNcmE/s1600/Screenshot-8227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBLXDkDrlIR1wi5KrwyxWrdNCOlZMwwbFo_AARgj8D8Wryrldnr7B7b0wgoFtFVkhSSqu2HTGk873V9wss6c6zQZGbVjCbB29Lv9jlJoTmpQ3qOdtCbI0gHa8j1Swgt_qY-XPJopNcmE/s400/Screenshot-8227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Annabelle danced with Tom in the living room after a ceremony. It was late November, a few weeks before Annabelle encountered that unicorn. She wore a black dress with purple sparkles, and Tom wore a black tuxedo with a brown undershirt. Annabelle thought to herself that this was one of the happiest days of her life, and never wanted the dance to end."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRxUzand8dfQKEZFJxvEhCk4gYPluFoLQWYvDlCEI6tc3Ke77ARrQ3cUhdSS43V0Lt08h-6cpU7lqqmqWw9_lTgXSgjMJ_PhYSHw3HXhqr7BllsLHA2upwhZxeap7eKhAx9ZPfKTzrXg/s1600/Screenshot-8228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRxUzand8dfQKEZFJxvEhCk4gYPluFoLQWYvDlCEI6tc3Ke77ARrQ3cUhdSS43V0Lt08h-6cpU7lqqmqWw9_lTgXSgjMJ_PhYSHw3HXhqr7BllsLHA2upwhZxeap7eKhAx9ZPfKTzrXg/s400/Screenshot-8228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Mirabelle was shocked beyond belief. "You... you're weren't there that day. You were with Elliot and Mei while Tom and... how do you know that? I never told anyone tha-Annabelle never told anyone."<br />
<br />
"I don't know how I knew. I just knew." Kelly looked over at Mirabelle, who was frightened. "That was the memory you were thinking of, wasn't it?"<br />
<br />
"Yes."<br />
<br />
Kelly decided to try her hand again. "Think of a number between one and one thousand." Mirabelle thought briefly, and Kelly interrupted her thoughts. "Nine hundred and seven two."<br />
<br />
"Exactly. Kelly are you...?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tPcM7FiB-1OKnFEYek35pfd8pBICfjsXH_tdYZsnn5sQbeaKVJxJHOX_5NqoctLXsXo2ocSY_8Nlq8bPR-uv_NACx9VeXc-Q7m6rDNe5w72KDKNW7uQBld0Ofkgf_pz3vKL_jjOClFU/s1600/Screenshot-8225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tPcM7FiB-1OKnFEYek35pfd8pBICfjsXH_tdYZsnn5sQbeaKVJxJHOX_5NqoctLXsXo2ocSY_8Nlq8bPR-uv_NACx9VeXc-Q7m6rDNe5w72KDKNW7uQBld0Ofkgf_pz3vKL_jjOClFU/s400/Screenshot-8225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I think so." Kelly responded, knowing what Mirabelle was about to ask. "It was almost confirmed last night, when Scarlett said something that she didn't actually say during that fight. That was the clearest I've heard. I think touching that crystal ball amplified whatever... abilities... I had."<br />
<br />
"How do you know you've had them your entire life?" Mirabelle asked. "I mean-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe7_Om2CR9Qa2p4MX9HbuXcGiiXnNe4wHZzq-YDRYGEMAkJYqtPTv6EG6NB4LN3_bxwZTld2SVPmp-6w5BFz-x-zggtVHTEuy0eq8BII1WBXafq-tWYh2LE1k0_qNDMjvlIsw31optL0/s1600/Screenshot-8224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe7_Om2CR9Qa2p4MX9HbuXcGiiXnNe4wHZzq-YDRYGEMAkJYqtPTv6EG6NB4LN3_bxwZTld2SVPmp-6w5BFz-x-zggtVHTEuy0eq8BII1WBXafq-tWYh2LE1k0_qNDMjvlIsw31optL0/s400/Screenshot-8224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I just know. Just do me a favor... don't tell anyone yet. I need to find out <i>why</i> I have these abilities so I can give a proper explanation." Kelly thought back to years before. Something was telling her that the meteor shower wasn't a "natural" event, and something else was behind it. Again, when she was a teenager, she looked over at Annabelle, while the girl was in a medically-induced coma after being caught in the library explosion and had a rush of thoughts hit her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH41ym1oXWn-0TpxE6ateCxgdJmiKYxKJfpwkaF9UHDYIXBpXdw_IC4FgchnIbNbq5OP-k_tdLpm2IElkDF6Qp4itYL0Y69fHhjUSMIhMGqQaj662XdKLMI7hsPrIwwckVa9tJiR6eQlA/s1600/Screenshot-8230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH41ym1oXWn-0TpxE6ateCxgdJmiKYxKJfpwkaF9UHDYIXBpXdw_IC4FgchnIbNbq5OP-k_tdLpm2IElkDF6Qp4itYL0Y69fHhjUSMIhMGqQaj662XdKLMI7hsPrIwwckVa9tJiR6eQlA/s400/Screenshot-8230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These thoughts filled her mind and compelled her to fall in love with the sleeping alien girl. There were a variety of things that had happened in the past to Kelly that made her realize she had abilities such as this, and those things all came back to her as Mirabelle hugged her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpXVHtnhBy3DnBPVDPjWEioqpkmEZn0cdd8fPZdgwfQ0QYl2vXtfT_GHZ5oHLmkC6SF9ORqnti_1vzRIIxH-jcfN7fIb0n-0zb_J79I_NPWPHEBM1s9ZXA-bBRK-tjGdsCNaCPbHpu5w/s1600/Screenshot-8231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpXVHtnhBy3DnBPVDPjWEioqpkmEZn0cdd8fPZdgwfQ0QYl2vXtfT_GHZ5oHLmkC6SF9ORqnti_1vzRIIxH-jcfN7fIb0n-0zb_J79I_NPWPHEBM1s9ZXA-bBRK-tjGdsCNaCPbHpu5w/s400/Screenshot-8231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Mira smiled as they hugged. The initial shock of finding out what was going on melted into a loving embrace. Wanting to mess with Kelly for fun, as well as test her abilities, she thought of something and said "What am I thinking now?"<br />
<br />
With all her mind focused, she saw an image of Mirabelle in her thoughts, one that Mira herself was thinking. Kelly playfully gasped at Mirabelle, then said "We can try that later." The two then proceeded to the couch and sat on it, talking about Kelly's abilities and Mirabelle's hybrid heritage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_mvj1b4XQipXm8Rp_EOIK32L0lMgsp2AARKEUSu6mOiWp4pSHjjKWywyJ1PvzMGUOMoepD0Aiz1aqrJbyswMa2ZjNhLWfOHihBS6R5YUDTmy3ZnhuZajr3K_ZaclJD69niwY7Eixung/s1600/Screenshot-8232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_mvj1b4XQipXm8Rp_EOIK32L0lMgsp2AARKEUSu6mOiWp4pSHjjKWywyJ1PvzMGUOMoepD0Aiz1aqrJbyswMa2ZjNhLWfOHihBS6R5YUDTmy3ZnhuZajr3K_ZaclJD69niwY7Eixung/s400/Screenshot-8232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjIzly6L2fedil6a2z0TmFuDq4hwLQKl81XmjLw2J477YkrUecL8YDbhL9wOXLOOliyd_w4VVdcoPFC3bZCPlTBMUTs3bOfFY1wC1ls6V4X9oiDOgq88LL4Gi0xdqj2L6ECGNhi-6yFI/s1600/Screenshot-8242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjIzly6L2fedil6a2z0TmFuDq4hwLQKl81XmjLw2J477YkrUecL8YDbhL9wOXLOOliyd_w4VVdcoPFC3bZCPlTBMUTs3bOfFY1wC1ls6V4X9oiDOgq88LL4Gi0xdqj2L6ECGNhi-6yFI/s400/Screenshot-8242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There was a knock on his door. Tom didn't know how long he dozed off for, but when he looked outside it was still daylight, if not cold and gray. "Typical weather." Tom said as he stood up and walked over to the door. The weather in Starlight Shores, and across the entire California coastline, had been strange since the meteors impacted in 2013. Scientists across the world believed that the impacts knocked dust into the lower atmosphere, cooling the area for a while. Tom even saw snow in Starlight Shores a few years before when he visited the town, but that was a different story.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4NALuPxdnNehsDLgho19k6ANo3srUCQZX-E__EVt5IanM3zv3rQsOTDafjqqaOqrCBPDzdyq6geYyJ6tEiPlWqCakRhFMVyplWf3pX803P61dpeZ3OHZO1dmJkFWkHBpkXLY-oDS5YI/s1600/Screenshot-8035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4NALuPxdnNehsDLgho19k6ANo3srUCQZX-E__EVt5IanM3zv3rQsOTDafjqqaOqrCBPDzdyq6geYyJ6tEiPlWqCakRhFMVyplWf3pX803P61dpeZ3OHZO1dmJkFWkHBpkXLY-oDS5YI/s400/Screenshot-8035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom made it to the door and opened it, revealing the full figure of Annabelle standing in front of him. "Hey Tom, can I talk to you?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, come on in." Annabelle walked inside and closed the door behind her. "What's wrong?" Tom asked.<br />
<br />
"Nothing. I just wanted to chat, especially to you since you were there to witness everything that really happened to me, from being kidnapped to my return." Annabelle inhaled a deep breath and continued. "I was wondering what thoughts came to your mind when I vanished into the blaster fire of those robots."<br />
<br />
Tom was confused. Annabelle was asking what went through his mind when she "died", so to speak? "What do you mean? Why are you asking me this?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgkdr6jwjpSmgbiVwctR4wdIRz74SwZwKNWjwpFg83s4Z0TnsosUWti-JkwDbSCV4U9EkRnR5NA0dLao9DEy05gPrLrHJojWsAyoQGaiCfDaOWJESwBh9GoHDBM2mJrw9sPYqLeHIpxI/s1600/Screenshot-8125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgkdr6jwjpSmgbiVwctR4wdIRz74SwZwKNWjwpFg83s4Z0TnsosUWti-JkwDbSCV4U9EkRnR5NA0dLao9DEy05gPrLrHJojWsAyoQGaiCfDaOWJESwBh9GoHDBM2mJrw9sPYqLeHIpxI/s400/Screenshot-8125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle shrugged. "I don't know, I just wondered what you felt when that happened. I've nearly faced my own mortality multiple times in my life, and I wanted to know what it was like for others to witness it." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2YuBAQT_vcGxxBUk01h5YDW8S0ZakfauQJJN6cS423fdtqAkcS01eO_QzdKXKQnR3QA5EBZ0sYHePKGtH3wZrNQ8VoAYObrbPeGoKEyAnyGQ6vCv7E4jtiE6JiD0nFdfw3Pek7x5lm4/s1600/Screenshot-8128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2YuBAQT_vcGxxBUk01h5YDW8S0ZakfauQJJN6cS423fdtqAkcS01eO_QzdKXKQnR3QA5EBZ0sYHePKGtH3wZrNQ8VoAYObrbPeGoKEyAnyGQ6vCv7E4jtiE6JiD0nFdfw3Pek7x5lm4/s400/Screenshot-8128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom looked upset as he spoke. "To be honest... it was the worst thing I've ever seen. Especially since I... I care for you more than any other person in the world, in the universe. I thought you were dead. I don't know how to describe the feeling of rage and sadness that I felt when I saw that."<br />
<br />
Annabelle hugged him. "I'm so sorry you had to feel that way."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcox8rYFFwyaY2vsXYMCVdNwFv1lRI28Axs3ekI1oKJRCI0VpeGd3iLD9Fqz7aWbKlsK3evOORN4kv7b-gAwBA7w_Ihbx1K6iCeI35bhNQfvp-PhghO8_2tCPEQzeUCfVGhyphenhyphenqDLozlYc/s1600/Screenshot-8028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcox8rYFFwyaY2vsXYMCVdNwFv1lRI28Axs3ekI1oKJRCI0VpeGd3iLD9Fqz7aWbKlsK3evOORN4kv7b-gAwBA7w_Ihbx1K6iCeI35bhNQfvp-PhghO8_2tCPEQzeUCfVGhyphenhyphenqDLozlYc/s400/Screenshot-8028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It's alright. You're safe now, and that's all that matters."<br />
<br />
Annabelle pushed herself against him, tears welling up in her eyes. "No. I'm safe with you. That's how I know I'm alright.... you're here. You are the one I think of when I need help. You're the one I think of when everything goes bad. I need you more than anything or anyone else."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcVYFYwbGD1wklragYC8O4JsCnaMgQrPWkSYU_NUOk_LixM2blX1LByrUoE4HyQwRQ9amCMz3gtkEQ_XGQne75dDQylfgKwwu1w8aj1RMXPIhqc_zc_7V5PY-YEHFMUEzCRa5RFM4WVY/s1600/Screenshot-8132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcVYFYwbGD1wklragYC8O4JsCnaMgQrPWkSYU_NUOk_LixM2blX1LByrUoE4HyQwRQ9amCMz3gtkEQ_XGQne75dDQylfgKwwu1w8aj1RMXPIhqc_zc_7V5PY-YEHFMUEzCRa5RFM4WVY/s400/Screenshot-8132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The two remained there in silence, embraced in each other's arms. Finally Annabelle broke away and looked into his eyes, her hands grasping the sides of his head. "You're everything to me." With those words, she reached around him and kissed him closely. Tom was shocked when she did this, to the point that he couldn't breathe, and not just because the kiss was closing off his mouth. The brim of his hat pushed into her eyebrow but she didn't care as she was lost in the moment.<br />
<br />
Annabelle pulled away and started to turn around before Tom grabbed her hand. "You're everything to me as well." He then kissed her back, never wanting it to end. They stood as that for what seemed like a lifetime before breaking off and walking towards the bed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rU-3OMn3f6w7TkVe9zXltub5EJN714lC9nKomLHN7hleH74fpbAtfx7QHe3R-NLDK-kWn1FZXV8UjMwHHSRk4vwGvZcjoevg3e1HB3u1Yzq-KZnbU5MQKJ3fS-8yL2GFOj6NVvlkmzs/s1600/Screenshot-8133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rU-3OMn3f6w7TkVe9zXltub5EJN714lC9nKomLHN7hleH74fpbAtfx7QHe3R-NLDK-kWn1FZXV8UjMwHHSRk4vwGvZcjoevg3e1HB3u1Yzq-KZnbU5MQKJ3fS-8yL2GFOj6NVvlkmzs/s400/Screenshot-8133.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Though they didn't say it, they both knew that two days from then when the Eclipse was timed to bathe the town in darkness, if they failed it could very well be their last day on Earth. If that was the case then they wanted to spend the time they had left, together.<br />
------------------------<br />
<br />
Later that day, Jack Toomes made his way through an abandoned park in Starlight Shores. As he was walking across the grass, he saw a man sitting at a chess board playing a game alone, and knew who he was. Jack lowered his head and walked over to him, the whole time wondering why he sent for him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEing15uMEYS1FO9mor4At7BFSm65fN-Gc2k4x1QLW3MAj9HlAWWnyzJr29RQu700x_d4j8Hu-e8GycHnb6m5XCmakD4uNOKTaz7AxqHq2isXJ_3dU2PDfw-lgt3maCagEywCj2s5rA1FqQ/s1600/Screenshot-7852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEing15uMEYS1FO9mor4At7BFSm65fN-Gc2k4x1QLW3MAj9HlAWWnyzJr29RQu700x_d4j8Hu-e8GycHnb6m5XCmakD4uNOKTaz7AxqHq2isXJ_3dU2PDfw-lgt3maCagEywCj2s5rA1FqQ/s400/Screenshot-7852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Hello Jack. It's been a bit." The mysterious man said, referring to the other by his real name and not the pseudonym that he had taken up recently. "Too long. Please, sit."<br />
<br />
"What do YOU want?"<br />
<br />
"Tsk tsk. Is that how you always talk to those who break you out of jail? Who arranges for a potion to get stolen for you, so you can take up another identity and move about unhampered? If that's the case, I can't imagine how you'd act towards someone you actually hate."<br />
<br />
"You didn't answer my question. Why did you call me here?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnOBD7a5TIy5SLs2CUdpv7VQLy1hEGnAvdPakmxCaJXlAvGwE1XzA12MHxYIImQS69uqdqTbSlLW4ifu2sUnIzyLec4mEbNKK-SFJ416r5piDDhScAHe-mn4xX8HaEnFNpI3w0ciJO9Y/s1600/Screenshot-7850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnOBD7a5TIy5SLs2CUdpv7VQLy1hEGnAvdPakmxCaJXlAvGwE1XzA12MHxYIImQS69uqdqTbSlLW4ifu2sUnIzyLec4mEbNKK-SFJ416r5piDDhScAHe-mn4xX8HaEnFNpI3w0ciJO9Y/s400/Screenshot-7850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I was looking at the game board and noticed that my greatest knights and bishops were being taken down by pawns. The greatest soldiers on my field are weakened, and I'm running out of turns. I mean, last I heard Tobias Corvan wasn't doing very well. Such a shame, he started the game strong and now he's off the board."<br />
<br />
"Annabelle Kethrin is no mere 'pawn'." Jack replied, sternly. "She's stronger than most, and she was the one that took down Tobias Corvan with a single punch from her left arm."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZizhjFRjg_lyUrQMB9bi6iPTpUIpa-zdKFwUEgt7fVBlYwF8izn0_xzdLY5cMVWCJXRLXBWe45cZcrzzUQjlcXpcbTAovvdRUcE59zBgBJIVXhyBJXK6MeQhBJ0sUtLHD_oojSEzIfFE/s1600/Screenshot-7849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZizhjFRjg_lyUrQMB9bi6iPTpUIpa-zdKFwUEgt7fVBlYwF8izn0_xzdLY5cMVWCJXRLXBWe45cZcrzzUQjlcXpcbTAovvdRUcE59zBgBJIVXhyBJXK6MeQhBJ0sUtLHD_oojSEzIfFE/s400/Screenshot-7849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Ah, so her piece was reshaped and reformed by the fires and turned into a queen. Very well, queens may be able to move across the entire board, but they can still be taken down by the lowest of soldiers. And all things considered, you are certainly acting like the lowest of the low. You went on the air and threatened the town, and told them to evacuate. You started a new game by clearing the board, and that's not fair play. The last thing I like is someone not playing fairly."<br />
<br />
"I'm getting you your stupid lamp, I don't think it should matter if I'm 'playing fair'!"<br />
<br />
"It matters to me. You've already failed me once. I lost the last game, and I don't like to lose." The mysterious man picked up a Black Knight piece off the chess board and crushed it into dust with a single clamp of his fist. "I get upset when I lose." Jack looked uneasy when the man did this, as he always referred to Jack as his "knight".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cI8VUHD1d5F3YNTRb4Cf_mLE8OY5lkPr4z8D7CYK0EuppjFQ7mT9MbNXh2ngSnB-o5tvpOiON0qfZzSYQDGKVxctWgLrlBn_rnOtS8SkxolQoGSsIHQZaVapbstPDff7F5ubsDVvEHQ/s1600/Screenshot-7853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cI8VUHD1d5F3YNTRb4Cf_mLE8OY5lkPr4z8D7CYK0EuppjFQ7mT9MbNXh2ngSnB-o5tvpOiON0qfZzSYQDGKVxctWgLrlBn_rnOtS8SkxolQoGSsIHQZaVapbstPDff7F5ubsDVvEHQ/s400/Screenshot-7853.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I will not fail you this time." Jack said as he turned around and left. "Three days you will get that lamp, and then you can do whatever the hell you want with it." Jack smiled as he said this, because he was not referring to the man, but himself. "Everyone will get what's coming to them." As he said this, a blast of thunder made it's presence across town, and rain began falling.<br />
<br />
The man turned his head to Jack. When he did this he said, "Trust me, I know.", and went back to playing his game. After this, Jack left the park and made his way back to the mausoleum. Suddenly he reached up to his face and, through his gloves, could feel hair rapidly growing around his chin.<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5H3sA5KCis6JO-bhcyF8sSZ_tU5OBm9ssdaiH7BkYy1VM04YgSNtpaMvEKRxFDfcNFRtpTyl9-565p9D3FFrLxxSUaV4xbhlyVqjpfFzqUNiU-Y4GtHK4deiUyKFW5SxUauvNyI23Cg/s1600/Screenshot-8244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5H3sA5KCis6JO-bhcyF8sSZ_tU5OBm9ssdaiH7BkYy1VM04YgSNtpaMvEKRxFDfcNFRtpTyl9-565p9D3FFrLxxSUaV4xbhlyVqjpfFzqUNiU-Y4GtHK4deiUyKFW5SxUauvNyI23Cg/s400/Screenshot-8244.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"She's seemed distant since she got back. Not really there." Kelly said as she, John, and Scarlett were standing around John's teleporter upstairs. "Annabelle didn't seem upset, just... desensitized, not really bewildered that she actually was on an alien world."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IDOjMgTr0R7AdGMROJYiX9fOAVCM4j-ESwTCrEftUjAVw1GiFiRFHBlFeLIBvnRCfXylfV4ft0q_aCDl2ZgaG4JAanJVN9yg35gBMMxlYgXlKN0khAWHsNtcO_2CdkpBcdEhvO85CLs/s1600/Screenshot-8245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IDOjMgTr0R7AdGMROJYiX9fOAVCM4j-ESwTCrEftUjAVw1GiFiRFHBlFeLIBvnRCfXylfV4ft0q_aCDl2ZgaG4JAanJVN9yg35gBMMxlYgXlKN0khAWHsNtcO_2CdkpBcdEhvO85CLs/s400/Screenshot-8245.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Within three days she was turned to gold, kidnapped, and found herself on an alien planet. I'd be a little desensitized myself." Scarlett replied. "She's okay. Annie just needs to get back into the swing of things. I saw her walking into Tom's room earlier, maybe talking to him is helping her out."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxHhJogePx6dLUmJXNHMp_orMAfY9NMi_mqxMhfKjnT5X3SaNpe6wsxWXKniyCIFxTA0Gd59CFVa9Lh_xL5_lZuOhWQLzjBRhkmns3jFngXxzsH0BllWohcXFRMfDijfvH1JdueoofqM/s1600/Screenshot-8247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxHhJogePx6dLUmJXNHMp_orMAfY9NMi_mqxMhfKjnT5X3SaNpe6wsxWXKniyCIFxTA0Gd59CFVa9Lh_xL5_lZuOhWQLzjBRhkmns3jFngXxzsH0BllWohcXFRMfDijfvH1JdueoofqM/s400/Screenshot-8247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John dialed in the co-ordinates that Davis Cambridge sent and focused the teleporter there. After a bright flash, an object was sitting on the teleportation pad, which Kelly walked over to and picked up. She inspected the device, but something seemed off about it.<br />
<br />
John, worried his teleporter messed up again, had a puzzled expression. "What's wrong? Is it not the same object? I can try again."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgBmSOZ3x6TKnEIHIe1QTR3VpfFucQJ_RzbkA5pVkWN3NgwcdftRQPREBnBOkM5f8YP5RoaQ7jG5kLnAFAr1dIIvAdwTxTWH0qdWwYgLut93YlrDilrHWgkChiA9dCB7ZeOzy0hyKknw/s1600/Screenshot-8248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgBmSOZ3x6TKnEIHIe1QTR3VpfFucQJ_RzbkA5pVkWN3NgwcdftRQPREBnBOkM5f8YP5RoaQ7jG5kLnAFAr1dIIvAdwTxTWH0qdWwYgLut93YlrDilrHWgkChiA9dCB7ZeOzy0hyKknw/s400/Screenshot-8248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly looked at the Gravity Device, holding it in her hand. "I dunno. It feels the same. I can't exactly revisit my past to figure out if it's the same shape or not. In any case we'll have to test it out, see if it still works."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKc9w2hyphenhyphenAc4gBXJ3cmeMv_yQZ62hv2NmMm7JLqtOlD07k0D0WUXEdMiULp9oueA69OjAxiLx2cf34IXhI7O41UCjfAbrGUbTUTqGs62wN6HXvmAHRa8roYjTfC63v-LNNL2FE-678nw4/s1600/Screenshot-8249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKc9w2hyphenhyphenAc4gBXJ3cmeMv_yQZ62hv2NmMm7JLqtOlD07k0D0WUXEdMiULp9oueA69OjAxiLx2cf34IXhI7O41UCjfAbrGUbTUTqGs62wN6HXvmAHRa8roYjTfC63v-LNNL2FE-678nw4/s400/Screenshot-8249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"And how are we going to do that?" John asked. "We can't exactly summon a meteor now, Jack will know we're up to something."<br />
<br />
"Maybe we won't have to." Kelly replied. "I seem to remember that this device is capable of not only summoning meteors from the sky, but can lift them off the ground. That's how we can test it: Jack summoned a meteor to hit the park when he threatened the town, and if it's still there we can go to the impact site and use this to lift it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v-H8rjM3JiTjrL9Q-bKyaUePgCyS-P3DjZQ6M0_45k5nCumChI549KTJsaH8I05LTYUMYY-Hh0NUBqkBIJudiSl0QVoZOeJ1_v2XWlT6vVzF8otE8phJR7HjqH2Kgf_CeQFu7cyC0Fs/s1600/Screenshot-8250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v-H8rjM3JiTjrL9Q-bKyaUePgCyS-P3DjZQ6M0_45k5nCumChI549KTJsaH8I05LTYUMYY-Hh0NUBqkBIJudiSl0QVoZOeJ1_v2XWlT6vVzF8otE8phJR7HjqH2Kgf_CeQFu7cyC0Fs/s400/Screenshot-8250.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett nodded. "We'll have to use the cover of nightfall, it makes more sense than to go out in broad daylight where we're easy targets for Jack's meteor machine. "<br />
<br />
-------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1eh6dSKrjb6pACczG_G5RBdcFxDAVjDcJfT7bzbszG9pmPs7NCasw4P3lDLqKLa_peWF0pEpiNLkPn5NRkA3MOtmyowoTxR3FQn_kupKHc3xNbCmzAQ0cWMwwccbjF9pR8I8S5E-0rw/s1600/Screenshot-8047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1eh6dSKrjb6pACczG_G5RBdcFxDAVjDcJfT7bzbszG9pmPs7NCasw4P3lDLqKLa_peWF0pEpiNLkPn5NRkA3MOtmyowoTxR3FQn_kupKHc3xNbCmzAQ0cWMwwccbjF9pR8I8S5E-0rw/s400/Screenshot-8047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"May I have a moment with you?" Isobelle walked up to Deacon who stood on top of the house, in the rain, looking off into the city. His eyes found particular interest in the graveyard, where the dome covering the graveyard was partially visible.<br />
<br />
He had come up to the roof for a good deal time since he found out that Jacob Thompson was, in fact, his own evil former foster parent. He was sure if he had met the man before Tom he would have known. Deacon knew Jack Toomes well, he could have been able to tell who he was simply in the way the man walked, in his inflections, his eyes, more than you'd get out of a grainy television screen and an echoed voice across the entire town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXG_xAINNHgZvOgPQ8Kriv5ry3gAbF87HFogn0aiZEmp-wObfhAwjw17cAGadRHma4jnHJclaMJkhrhJsYCyKQ0tMyY0BkNnDKkPdAwSev3TanADvWU6VyVGCAgvJysXHO0px2NetjWE/s1600/Screenshot-8048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXG_xAINNHgZvOgPQ8Kriv5ry3gAbF87HFogn0aiZEmp-wObfhAwjw17cAGadRHma4jnHJclaMJkhrhJsYCyKQ0tMyY0BkNnDKkPdAwSev3TanADvWU6VyVGCAgvJysXHO0px2NetjWE/s400/Screenshot-8048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Sure. What do you need to talk about?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon was about to turn around before Isobelle stopped him. "Don't. I need to talk to you about Jack Toomes. I know he was the one who took you in after your parents died."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyC8o2uMG6iB6qDsKJ1TrDP7o6A243XO2x0snJec7QJQfzjcAhRgoW07Hbfj6n33J-R7UGj0Gf4JcxQhIxWgfzgjdCE5xnqMsA91HrYtI0VV4faz65xQ4o8i-GN8mW-PwiZ7WkM0Lj7o/s1600/Screenshot-8054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyC8o2uMG6iB6qDsKJ1TrDP7o6A243XO2x0snJec7QJQfzjcAhRgoW07Hbfj6n33J-R7UGj0Gf4JcxQhIxWgfzgjdCE5xnqMsA91HrYtI0VV4faz65xQ4o8i-GN8mW-PwiZ7WkM0Lj7o/s400/Screenshot-8054.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"He only did so to get my family's money and raise me into being the person I was in Bridgeport." Deacon said angrily. "A rich boy with a cold heart. He played me like a fiddle. I hate him, I always will, and if I was any less of a person I would snap his neck the first chance I got."<br />
<br />
Isobelle looked hurt, but Deacon didn't see it. "When I first landed on this planet I took the life of someone on instinct. He was a murderer, who had committed horrible, unspeakable acts. I knew this because I saw him with a glowing red aura around his body, and I somehow knew that he was what he was. I climbed out of that crater and snapped his neck in half; I was worried he would do the same to me. That was the only time I ever harmed someone. Sure I threatened criminals and my threats led them to meet their doom by other hands, but in the end I knew I had to be better than some vigilante. I wasn't the one qualified to harm people."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUuVPFteoi5aho2qni0hpmd5q_qdX_cmuT7P98rmWC3-VXjhJiyZYTPZjvGu0-a4jEVp8M07mU8bleGYkwZuEeDxYcNIWpqaYHvmraqwMZZdZr4Jduc1NA8mCfzbGGBvrHYnYYXTSYuU/s1600/Screenshot-8046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUuVPFteoi5aho2qni0hpmd5q_qdX_cmuT7P98rmWC3-VXjhJiyZYTPZjvGu0-a4jEVp8M07mU8bleGYkwZuEeDxYcNIWpqaYHvmraqwMZZdZr4Jduc1NA8mCfzbGGBvrHYnYYXTSYuU/s400/Screenshot-8046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What are you getting at?"<br />
<br />
Isobelle stayed where she was for a few moments, silent, as the rain fell on her and Deacon. Finally, she asked "Am I a lesser person for what I did in the past?"<br />
<br />
Deacon thought for even longer on his answer. "You did what you had to do. You didn't do it out of greed or anger or intense passion, you did it to survive. It was him or you, and I'm glad it was you. I'm... really glad you're alive today to keep me compan-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OtGDxeihDLBeKRVFBLRF2yAz9Ho8VCIW4zr6cNxu0Qt0S_bonpzyLaIIDiFQQQD2mSQhhB_FCdpZ3fOEkS8_-frrinZbZAk_g80KVOCea2nLPiegB67XtNbocwK_Hh5l66m3r65q0-8/s1600/Screenshot-8041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OtGDxeihDLBeKRVFBLRF2yAz9Ho8VCIW4zr6cNxu0Qt0S_bonpzyLaIIDiFQQQD2mSQhhB_FCdpZ3fOEkS8_-frrinZbZAk_g80KVOCea2nLPiegB67XtNbocwK_Hh5l66m3r65q0-8/s400/Screenshot-8041.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Deacon turned around finally and found himself in the arms of Isobelle as she kissed him passionately. She caught him off guard because the woman looked decidedly different than she did the night before. Her hair was black and teal, much like Annabelle's, and she wore all black clothes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_ApLSI51zKT7bWOPVLHsTMTuaEBQocwWVHf6Do0GlvS6C16IvPcUqSZXKbNXAOhRaYtHQFs1qLH352BUaBdPE_S1nM0NOd0WVtqMMWyZL_bzGCUtZjMyBvqBn3riNpXRGZwX5MyqESc/s1600/Screenshot-8090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_ApLSI51zKT7bWOPVLHsTMTuaEBQocwWVHf6Do0GlvS6C16IvPcUqSZXKbNXAOhRaYtHQFs1qLH352BUaBdPE_S1nM0NOd0WVtqMMWyZL_bzGCUtZjMyBvqBn3riNpXRGZwX5MyqESc/s400/Screenshot-8090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
She later told him that whatever caused her hair and eyes to turn white faded away, and she used some of Maria Kethrin's old clothes when she wanted to match her hairstyle. Deacon was the first one she showed her new look to. When Isobelle pulled away, Deacon could look into her teal eyes and see pure happiness. It was happiness that he wanted to share some more, so he leaned in and kissed her back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD5dxR5c0aATSNTJ4TCzSkq46WiO0GNkTOn0JcMMuw2CZXcCedeNxARPKJ2xM-Ole5JS8tcm2SuGwQkDQcAbKzHFpRXkm3YzWdY29yqzhHN7qqqh1H0-jcxjy3f0PZudzU_-57d4ur4g/s1600/Screenshot-8045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD5dxR5c0aATSNTJ4TCzSkq46WiO0GNkTOn0JcMMuw2CZXcCedeNxARPKJ2xM-Ole5JS8tcm2SuGwQkDQcAbKzHFpRXkm3YzWdY29yqzhHN7qqqh1H0-jcxjy3f0PZudzU_-57d4ur4g/s400/Screenshot-8045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
------------------------<br />
<br />
"What's the report on Tobias' condition?"<br />
<br />
<b><i>"SEVERE DAMAGE TO FACIAL BONE STRUCTURE. SEVERE LUNG DAMAGE. CONCUSSION INDICATED. EYE DAMAGE. TOTAL BODY DAMAGE - 45 PERCENT."</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaqo9OCVTOLT74xk3jNRDbPPiZj11s3qalKrQWoE_s_SnpFaySX1rbfwLsISY646byGIFMHjF34JONC5Ec6cQLnYaBz3q8mEXOZQf7ExkYFOJRgfqkHU3yd9LQLZpNGhdDjHY3ehWyPY/s1600/Screenshot-8175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaqo9OCVTOLT74xk3jNRDbPPiZj11s3qalKrQWoE_s_SnpFaySX1rbfwLsISY646byGIFMHjF34JONC5Ec6cQLnYaBz3q8mEXOZQf7ExkYFOJRgfqkHU3yd9LQLZpNGhdDjHY3ehWyPY/s400/Screenshot-8175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Dr. Vu growled under his breath. "Can you fix him?", he asked to the machine that was overlooking the damage done to Tobias<i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>"The Vazir drone fixed that woman when she was brought in."<br />
<br />
<b><i>"CLARIFICATION: THE DAMAGE DONE TO KETHRIN, ANNABELLE WAS MOSTLY BRUISING ON THE SURFACE . THOSE WERE EASY FIXES FOR VAZIR DRONES. THIS IS NOT."</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Vu walked into the other room. "Keep me updated on his condition.", he said as he left. When he opened the door, Jack was standing in the main hall, his hair graying even more than normal. What's more, he was wearing some kind of hockey mask concealing his face.<br />
<br />
"Okay?" Vu said aloud, "Any reason you're wearing that mask?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc8qDDuft18p1PZ1obwuM2ficjpV14mUftE_O7lrkTOEw10J092dJgeSXMdv918IKrlpEW7HZfHSE1gOe0Mu79gNO6epoc5_oCzxgTZ9fMXQU01Dpyk5M_Zn5JkaWtVmw2ValrckuTsQ/s1600/Screenshot-8178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc8qDDuft18p1PZ1obwuM2ficjpV14mUftE_O7lrkTOEw10J092dJgeSXMdv918IKrlpEW7HZfHSE1gOe0Mu79gNO6epoc5_oCzxgTZ9fMXQU01Dpyk5M_Zn5JkaWtVmw2ValrckuTsQ/s400/Screenshot-8178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jack, or Jacob as Vu knew him, grimaced. "The mask is a symbol of my status, a great warrior whose face must not be revealed. Now what's going on with Tobias?"<br />
<br />
"He was injured bad when that woman broke out of the cell. She hit him with all the force of her left hand, which was stronger than she made it look. I don't know if he's going to make it without surgery."<br />
<br />
"Then perform surgery on him. You're the good doctor."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBu2QZav5ko9llddDN-fZHb6wWWAC1i63iMFdUb_OoFeeZFdTs4kldfc3K4xm82L8OHtdsXbxQQpWcYcPp0tG1T3NG7gDyMQV-MujaaXK6GwuNWBsutSNPyvm76BSGVDTYJ4hYBxQo2c/s1600/Screenshot-8181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBu2QZav5ko9llddDN-fZHb6wWWAC1i63iMFdUb_OoFeeZFdTs4kldfc3K4xm82L8OHtdsXbxQQpWcYcPp0tG1T3NG7gDyMQV-MujaaXK6GwuNWBsutSNPyvm76BSGVDTYJ4hYBxQo2c/s400/Screenshot-8181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly Vu turned angry. He looked over at the man and held up a concealed remote control device. "I'm not that kind of doctor... Jack." Jack turned towards him with a strange look in his masked eyes. Before he could respond, Vu kept going. "You just called me 'the good doctor' when only one person's done that before. Coupled with your gray hair, sour demeanor, and cold eyes I quickly figured you out."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdYCcjtG3J7-Qyt2r1BP5Zg0ndLLDKf3YUVKU3kYwFFDYRJspOyE-k0tl3vI-1mT8WHjDpMuDmGgE1rXHYAWV03nxWPCOk3MrWqNw8VElHYhlnAxiYk9x6h3lwr8UeTSpXJ2K7Mljnwc/s1600/Screenshot-8180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdYCcjtG3J7-Qyt2r1BP5Zg0ndLLDKf3YUVKU3kYwFFDYRJspOyE-k0tl3vI-1mT8WHjDpMuDmGgE1rXHYAWV03nxWPCOk3MrWqNw8VElHYhlnAxiYk9x6h3lwr8UeTSpXJ2K7Mljnwc/s400/Screenshot-8180.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgRGuqkAM9cBFW0y3BWG3p4OmatiYgEMCrgMjg57h-hIxhtLz__o1hNW4VmXwtKqVryKKDGdW6W-mF3psCMpJddpNtuGWwxHprzmlq9UXRiNFoX7HMrwwMEzd1bEwSt_9YRuGftAK-08/s1600/Screenshot-8182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgRGuqkAM9cBFW0y3BWG3p4OmatiYgEMCrgMjg57h-hIxhtLz__o1hNW4VmXwtKqVryKKDGdW6W-mF3psCMpJddpNtuGWwxHprzmlq9UXRiNFoX7HMrwwMEzd1bEwSt_9YRuGftAK-08/s400/Screenshot-8182.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You smart son of a b-" Jack's words were drowned out by an invisible shock of energy that him in the back. It was only one of Vazirs stunning beams, meant to incapacitate the villain as opposed to killing him. Using the remote, Vu made the robot take Jack to the cell that Annabelle was in, and it did as such.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6d-hpuj_aHHhfDpRGf5pCX6NYW-npcMd90op4iiQlrREySAH45bQmWge5P0IgUft2LO5dbevVmLsCWon_4p3BU71SfrAXo2cK8abYihyeJkYbyXzPoiitNL42NajBsT4lF60RelsgzY/s1600/Screenshot-8183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6d-hpuj_aHHhfDpRGf5pCX6NYW-npcMd90op4iiQlrREySAH45bQmWge5P0IgUft2LO5dbevVmLsCWon_4p3BU71SfrAXo2cK8abYihyeJkYbyXzPoiitNL42NajBsT4lF60RelsgzY/s400/Screenshot-8183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vu followed Jack into the cell and noticed him coming to. "Now that I know who you are, I figured what you want to do with that lamp, and I'm not going to have any part in it. You're in that cell until after the solar eclipse. Hell, I might just let you rot in it."<br />
<br />
------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQd3IR_ZlKYw8GcbbvcJArsB927vJQCgRq6VwE-NgN7JudlJhxrVR3w_iGHz5zrbGimumpi4QukiRCWcYac2UlNNmwwCVx53MxqC1cZ8ag-dd3vbv6VPJx_fl38e9Lz7Ym09palre9Go/s1600/Screenshot-8059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQd3IR_ZlKYw8GcbbvcJArsB927vJQCgRq6VwE-NgN7JudlJhxrVR3w_iGHz5zrbGimumpi4QukiRCWcYac2UlNNmwwCVx53MxqC1cZ8ag-dd3vbv6VPJx_fl38e9Lz7Ym09palre9Go/s400/Screenshot-8059.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John, Scarlett, and Kelly made their way across the town on foot. The park was only a half a mile up the road, and it took them ten minutes to reach their destination, having stopped a few times to make sure they weren't being followed. As they did this, rain was continuing to fall across the town, drenching them, but they didn't care. Their mission was more important than the rain. Finally they found themselves at the park and, to their surprise, the meteorite that Jack had summoned was still there having been untouched by any looters or authorities. Kelly took the Gravity Device out of her backpack and used it to silently lift the meteorite off the ground a few inches.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWNLXwTeGOYf-oECzkFRBmJQQqINKmaVeqcuswVpmQbsTx4oqvcGoKRNUsbDaVD5cAQj1FdMTTWwiA_gnJSzxfwdseCNugvVNvnXncgq_8PV4twuv_pyInxjrqpNPVz1GUkD5XM2gAz8/s1600/Screenshot-8063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWNLXwTeGOYf-oECzkFRBmJQQqINKmaVeqcuswVpmQbsTx4oqvcGoKRNUsbDaVD5cAQj1FdMTTWwiA_gnJSzxfwdseCNugvVNvnXncgq_8PV4twuv_pyInxjrqpNPVz1GUkD5XM2gAz8/s400/Screenshot-8063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It still works!" John enthusiastically said. "It's working!" Scarlett stood next to him and also cheered. Kelly also smiled as she lifted the meteorite, but suddenly something went wrong. The space debris fell back down to the ground and started to break up, pieces of it falling off with a monumental rate. Suddenly the entire meteorite disappeared into a cloud of dust, and what stood there in it's place frightened the three.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD0tAiCLLVnr94u-QLkgbfmuasU7lxZ8jZjXhJFSm7_uQX6OCtT25ONKnZn5So91QNz5DmquZAGs5A3Zfb634CxKIR-9J7aQkf8urhcK18MYBxS0zdCDZgydXlOHTwKTxLfsxFohiZEE/s1600/vornek3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD0tAiCLLVnr94u-QLkgbfmuasU7lxZ8jZjXhJFSm7_uQX6OCtT25ONKnZn5So91QNz5DmquZAGs5A3Zfb634CxKIR-9J7aQkf8urhcK18MYBxS0zdCDZgydXlOHTwKTxLfsxFohiZEE/s400/vornek3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rTP66NxrKxgGBtxsAF-P-5UQCum1AUDXvXtlDcVz5AXiolmfJwOIJpG9dXJQEt38sveBnWogY50qpyZExFAr8yNf-orDa8-kacGsURtcfQ1R0uNspHEhTZZthCypkY4rNWW6JmKuXEs/s1600/Screenshot-8069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rTP66NxrKxgGBtxsAF-P-5UQCum1AUDXvXtlDcVz5AXiolmfJwOIJpG9dXJQEt38sveBnWogY50qpyZExFAr8yNf-orDa8-kacGsURtcfQ1R0uNspHEhTZZthCypkY4rNWW6JmKuXEs/s400/Screenshot-8069.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It was some kind of humanoid, that was for certain. It had black skin, sharp claws, red eyes, and sharp teeth. Kelly, Scarlett, and John were frozen in place as the creature inspected its surroundings, eyeing the three with evil intent. It then walked up to them and looked Kelly square in the eyes, growling. The girl in blue quickly took out her magic wand and shot the creature with a burst of light, knocking it back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksn09c4EwWTzTl-GHyZjTJD_pGYSAuae4Mci3YXC3qkuWrX8nzXpOsdLDY2FxaRPjb7ZDVb43lumnv2rQnufiE8trnsjPutJaUEnbbs52TZWn_b4mxURvNK8femUaKgOKVfLdV_nxLcE/s1600/Screenshot-8072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksn09c4EwWTzTl-GHyZjTJD_pGYSAuae4Mci3YXC3qkuWrX8nzXpOsdLDY2FxaRPjb7ZDVb43lumnv2rQnufiE8trnsjPutJaUEnbbs52TZWn_b4mxURvNK8femUaKgOKVfLdV_nxLcE/s400/Screenshot-8072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvPw4wKqU5EifsmN-AiGjannsO-3Umxu-aQj-g3h3D82BMNs4uQX8-fmPhsryFq0Y7TjDhFiIM-dXOYXWrelvPOp5ZQesLgmVSvcKqUpFzKz3GXaZFzKdGw0rn-OsddItPyp07r3RnL0/s1600/Screenshot-8074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvPw4wKqU5EifsmN-AiGjannsO-3Umxu-aQj-g3h3D82BMNs4uQX8-fmPhsryFq0Y7TjDhFiIM-dXOYXWrelvPOp5ZQesLgmVSvcKqUpFzKz3GXaZFzKdGw0rn-OsddItPyp07r3RnL0/s400/Screenshot-8074.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"RUN!" Scarlett said as the creature was wounded, trying to regain it's balance. The three turned tail and ran down the street the opposite direction from their house, not wanting to lead this monster back there. When the light wore off, the creature looked at them, snarled, and ran off into the forest in the other direction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxYNOgj5Mj8fAfSWzKu3DyHyCR0s-j6E3l3JAEX674YF8Dhq5UFX0iZ5Y5Dtsx4wlE1kLdwI34hzKRFvZX3yCpwFezft685DjPQoeeea4EOMOmVDVB0ZnGpzB4kZ6Bdt3E6jbQK56xsw/s1600/Screenshot-8078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxYNOgj5Mj8fAfSWzKu3DyHyCR0s-j6E3l3JAEX674YF8Dhq5UFX0iZ5Y5Dtsx4wlE1kLdwI34hzKRFvZX3yCpwFezft685DjPQoeeea4EOMOmVDVB0ZnGpzB4kZ6Bdt3E6jbQK56xsw/s400/Screenshot-8078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly, Scarlett, and John sprinted what seemed to be an entire circle around town before finding themselves back at the house. Thunder shook the ground as they opened the door and bolted inside, trying to catch their breath. "What... the Hell... was that?" Kelly asked, each word a chore to get out due to her being out of breath. "Was that some kind of alien?!"<br />
<br />
"Considering it was inside a meteor, then perhaps so. As for what it was? Maybe Annabelle might be able to tell us." Scarlett replied. "I mean, considering the circumstances..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSS9VIZdMTWZncq0fLx4hFAcuoedPG54wT-iu9nbkHrTxD8HeIUh3EVz0bI_0LSjCMqF3p6biluNiRaz4IazMSqvXIEWrJ9ovWjX9mzp_lvL_o34nrZymykUu7_fnRWtPlOpH4YUNq_c/s1600/Screenshot-8080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSS9VIZdMTWZncq0fLx4hFAcuoedPG54wT-iu9nbkHrTxD8HeIUh3EVz0bI_0LSjCMqF3p6biluNiRaz4IazMSqvXIEWrJ9ovWjX9mzp_lvL_o34nrZymykUu7_fnRWtPlOpH4YUNq_c/s400/Screenshot-8080.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly shook her head, her breath coming back to her. "I'm pretty sure if Annie knew about an obsidian-skinned, red-eyed monster she'd let us know. That... thing wasn't anything I've heard her mention, nor Isobelle. Whatever it was, no one's ever seen them before."<br />
<br />
"Do you think it followed us?" John asked. "I didn't see it after we started to run."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZotq6FF5Dpaf2BsTNaKWg0BY44GVvXSJEKhz_hWSIzvRqNgnAckcbyrXvP2vzZTJbE7pYbiZw_KKRpPr__Z2HTZlxhvVJrqXyfC-eNQB9Res9eMIpeVz_UbOlFUPmFE7CsGXNaqCm-40/s1600/Screenshot-8076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZotq6FF5Dpaf2BsTNaKWg0BY44GVvXSJEKhz_hWSIzvRqNgnAckcbyrXvP2vzZTJbE7pYbiZw_KKRpPr__Z2HTZlxhvVJrqXyfC-eNQB9Res9eMIpeVz_UbOlFUPmFE7CsGXNaqCm-40/s400/Screenshot-8076.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I don't think so." Sc<span style="font-family: inherit;">arlett said to her </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">fiance. "I'm sure if it did we'd be hearing about it now."... John, Scarlett, and Kelly looked at the door, expecting any second for the creature to burst through and attack them. Their heartbeats moved as one as time seemingly stood still, focusing on the door with all their respective energies... waiting... watching... </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hey guy's what's-?!"</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYWJyQ_ab83_XHBOxBf9TcL1aU593vFPmEYiDpFk6jLzIRE4i_MqL1Fos_vMAvw1CLv_Qo1sUhnBx9JVLiN-cZQtjKJelAygN2hyrw7_9mbBVuF1N6flf-hznVj-5eLcBr6S-Lmdbauc/s1600/Screenshot-8077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYWJyQ_ab83_XHBOxBf9TcL1aU593vFPmEYiDpFk6jLzIRE4i_MqL1Fos_vMAvw1CLv_Qo1sUhnBx9JVLiN-cZQtjKJelAygN2hyrw7_9mbBVuF1N6flf-hznVj-5eLcBr6S-Lmdbauc/s400/Screenshot-8077.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"GAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Kelly, John, and Scarlett screamed at once, at the same time turning around to Mirabelle standing behind them. After the initial embarrassment wore off, Kelly practically jumped over to her and embraced Mirabelle in a hug.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEheOlTAod8BEYWtyTbdoQnbuawynSHscv8pg0FbGdVkrskEkOem2t-tHh7GInwpedAD2aryJw8CsZqGGnQG9586gLBXndNZkwr0Lpb8_XKXNrW85ra2QR4N38I8pWDNJA3yI1XpGYInE/s1600/Screenshot-8082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEheOlTAod8BEYWtyTbdoQnbuawynSHscv8pg0FbGdVkrskEkOem2t-tHh7GInwpedAD2aryJw8CsZqGGnQG9586gLBXndNZkwr0Lpb8_XKXNrW85ra2QR4N38I8pWDNJA3yI1XpGYInE/s400/Screenshot-8082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Sorry, we're a little jumpy." Kelly said. "We... um..."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"We just saw a monster in the park." Scarlett said, bluntly. "It had pitch-black skin, red eyes, and sharp teeth. Anything you're familiar with?" </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfujP1KjD6OXGBVw4TKCdn7sT0_heVOJFWkL_IobuIXUb_tzbqthA5Kq8G6Hgs6nKsWmdkVSQQC6sA-vdWcqMANVXexxQsS1_UmlmClV0qsGKRCcEcYGvtD9He7Cu2YgUDZ0Lla-hovM/s1600/Screenshot-8083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfujP1KjD6OXGBVw4TKCdn7sT0_heVOJFWkL_IobuIXUb_tzbqthA5Kq8G6Hgs6nKsWmdkVSQQC6sA-vdWcqMANVXexxQsS1_UmlmClV0qsGKRCcEcYGvtD9He7Cu2YgUDZ0Lla-hovM/s400/Screenshot-8083.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"No, it does sound like something out of a horror movie. You all three saw this thing?" Mirabelle asked. "And it looked the same to the three of you?"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kelly nodded. "Well, yeah. We didn't all imagine the same thing, Mira. Besides, it came out of that meteorite, it was purely alien, and we woke it up. I don't know what that creature was, but I do know one thing..."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UPaUrFQmyOhYhkz4BtCwfFmNveBwXGZdvQvStkifLzUoE6Hse_yPIujfVQ3uRNpYvik2pYax1qP-9j8RJpNP4wSOz3Cy8R1qsxIKwtmojvykhH8CBM3qKfoK-Kj1fyHc_q9MxpWYAD4/s1600/Screenshot-8079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UPaUrFQmyOhYhkz4BtCwfFmNveBwXGZdvQvStkifLzUoE6Hse_yPIujfVQ3uRNpYvik2pYax1qP-9j8RJpNP4wSOz3Cy8R1qsxIKwtmojvykhH8CBM3qKfoK-Kj1fyHc_q9MxpWYAD4/s400/Screenshot-8079.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"It's evil." Scarlett finished for her. The four turned back to the door, worried about that creature and the prospect that it could bust through at any moment. They continued to do this until Annabelle approached them. Having watched the three scream earlier, she knew something was up with them, so she made her presence known from afar. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Come on, guys, there's something we all need to listen to about Jack. It's been confirmed by that robot."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">------------------------</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyfj3n7LNBqxvt8VvvRRv1XQxRb8o_r4sBJVfjM37qmzr_f_7JnfDCnpfNllpGUY_5qL1Pa5r27tWcVRjJ6G3jZS06otfUAJQFgHa9Lw_Cxh2q_5Kk2qeJVq3VQdJqRxg76cTTLjS9Mo/s1600/Screenshot-8151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyfj3n7LNBqxvt8VvvRRv1XQxRb8o_r4sBJVfjM37qmzr_f_7JnfDCnpfNllpGUY_5qL1Pa5r27tWcVRjJ6G3jZS06otfUAJQFgHa9Lw_Cxh2q_5Kk2qeJVq3VQdJqRxg76cTTLjS9Mo/s400/Screenshot-8151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I don't believe it." Tom said. The entire group was in the living room, having listened to MIKE's reveal of the information regarding Jack's heritage. "He's an alien?"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Yes." Annabelle said, "MIKE told me earlier. I had him gather all the information about Jack to make sure it was true, and it is. Jack is a Torran Hybrid, like myself. He knew about me from the beginning because of what he is, that's why he befriended our family when we were teenagers, he wanted to manipulate me."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7-wkrau3Rv0ylyKnoKMfuyiwf_jxiTk2bfKQbGhXOhF14P-8GcoswHaN9QD2jRCxvRAiQksCdC0-rk5HJvXZxT_OEkpkJC_K8Lo-hohsLOIOE5aViRklebaRqdumOoXH3ANjyErZKhk/s1600/Screenshot-8149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7-wkrau3Rv0ylyKnoKMfuyiwf_jxiTk2bfKQbGhXOhF14P-8GcoswHaN9QD2jRCxvRAiQksCdC0-rk5HJvXZxT_OEkpkJC_K8Lo-hohsLOIOE5aViRklebaRqdumOoXH3ANjyErZKhk/s400/Screenshot-8149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"But he said he couldn't see you as green when we were teens, and needed that visor to do so." Tom said. "How could he have known about you when you were just a normal human being to him? Granted he was probably lying..."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"No." Annie walked over to him. "He reacted with genuine shock at how I looked when I returned to the Plasma 501 that night. He knew about me through different means, and I intend to find out what. Maybe it was that Nightmare woman, maybe not."</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iBdP3dq_YbPvf8oLRc2VpXeeeHesPBmB6XHx7j_F-qL9RHm3g9P2WqWpTCwegSexJe59XzYhd2C-KKCPo7jmpX8QvUUeFI52j3p-_4CQ0Ihf_4LH4fIyIvefmUZ5mRdegFERMn_LzE8/s1600/Screenshot-8150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iBdP3dq_YbPvf8oLRc2VpXeeeHesPBmB6XHx7j_F-qL9RHm3g9P2WqWpTCwegSexJe59XzYhd2C-KKCPo7jmpX8QvUUeFI52j3p-_4CQ0Ihf_4LH4fIyIvefmUZ5mRdegFERMn_LzE8/s400/Screenshot-8150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">"I can help you with that, Annie." Kelly said. "Mirabelle and I both can, right?" Mirabelle nodded and the two smiled. She, as well as everyone else in the house, knew that Kelly had perceptive skills that were unmatched by few others, and had originally gathered information indicating that the Sunset Valley meteor shower of 2013 was not a purely celestial event but a man-made attack on the town utilizing space rocks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Of course now that Kelly knew about her own special abilities, she now realized exactly why she was so good at extracting information. </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">With everything going on at the moment, Kelly decided to keep her mental powers a secret from the rest of the family. She wanted to figure out the source of them so she could explain exactly what was going on with her. Mirabelle, having talked to Kelly about this, knew that the abilities were a secret and confided that she wouldn't tell anyone until the girl in blue wanted her to. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"So what do we do now?" Isobelle asked. "We know Jack's going to get a hold of that lamp, and we can't let him do that. With everything we have, all our tools at our disposal, we can fight back against that a-hole and his army of mindless robots." Suddenly she looked over to MIKE. "No offense."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN9K_hlbDwLCosdAfk8KAHP-_GqI3nMLeU5vxeg__F1z9rrAJhXo9va-EddcslbhzvZt6hVdLaCn5z54cCCTQtZr1f_8Zv-A3BtAmbDg4aQdUQJ-RRTnIDoWfj20FvbUoKfrynPmoQbo/s1600/Screenshot-8152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN9K_hlbDwLCosdAfk8KAHP-_GqI3nMLeU5vxeg__F1z9rrAJhXo9va-EddcslbhzvZt6hVdLaCn5z54cCCTQtZr1f_8Zv-A3BtAmbDg4aQdUQJ-RRTnIDoWfj20FvbUoKfrynPmoQbo/s400/Screenshot-8152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"None taken. They are quite without minds."</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"Yeah but all our tools are useless if we don't have a co-ordinated plan to deal with them." Tom replied. "And now that you're back, Annie, you and Mirabelle can now come up with one." </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCSFRaTBBTyGGTWlsMXkpuCQmmi1ps45ZhHh7FTS-Rc22IMASMzwbDJpV4Hgx7F9GWmZug1agK3eSn1ae9FVVyMKHAJasfpEywDRNIdBg2NY_M455ELNaMPsfjUjcDWh0UFOUBjat3RI/s1600/Screenshot-8148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCSFRaTBBTyGGTWlsMXkpuCQmmi1ps45ZhHh7FTS-Rc22IMASMzwbDJpV4Hgx7F9GWmZug1agK3eSn1ae9FVVyMKHAJasfpEywDRNIdBg2NY_M455ELNaMPsfjUjcDWh0UFOUBjat3RI/s400/Screenshot-8148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"> John then chimed in. "Since you're coming up with a plan then you should take into consideration that I'm still working on that EMP device, it should be done by the morning of the eclipse. According to the internet, the event is going to happen at 3:43 PM. We have from now to then to get into the mausoleum and secure that tomb. Hell, all we really have to do is prevent Jack from opening the door and getting that lamp as long as the eclipse is going on."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgG_tLryK5ABVrRpL75yUSHLHPCxjMiCDCjclDGT3fBS9-wE-im79DIfZOGN47M6sdHi-01SprwSUTZlKc9O58k51ubaEBT7_7Qd04AXRGNc-NfZCAze0LjMnothWKfRLIwxS0Z2kpeUQ/s1600/Screenshot-8153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgG_tLryK5ABVrRpL75yUSHLHPCxjMiCDCjclDGT3fBS9-wE-im79DIfZOGN47M6sdHi-01SprwSUTZlKc9O58k51ubaEBT7_7Qd04AXRGNc-NfZCAze0LjMnothWKfRLIwxS0Z2kpeUQ/s400/Screenshot-8153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Annabelle stood tall and looked into the group. "Yeah but I don't want to take that chance. I want to get into that building and stop him before he even HAS the chance."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"Your spaceship!" Deacon yelled out. "That thing you came back to Earth on! You wiped out that building that those robots were coming out of, you can just-"</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k98RksXFRo-E68S3Bww0jDQMy716cALBf59HenLTmTSdFerEtC1O-nELa5hYzkSO5Df4ps5otd5Fc84YEMuxGwtj53DBBc8BGVTNHntpHH1GJHlclosb8u1hzu0_iSgdCGpgzBON4jQ/s1600/Screenshot-8147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k98RksXFRo-E68S3Bww0jDQMy716cALBf59HenLTmTSdFerEtC1O-nELa5hYzkSO5Df4ps5otd5Fc84YEMuxGwtj53DBBc8BGVTNHntpHH1GJHlclosb8u1hzu0_iSgdCGpgzBON4jQ/s400/Screenshot-8147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"We shouldn't harm the graveyard." Kelly said. "If we even can with that dome around it. However, if we can get the Vazir drones out of the dome, then that would give us ample opportunity to strike them down with everything we got. I just don't want to harm the graves." </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Everyone took this into consideration, and looked over to Annabelle and Mirabelle. Annabelle looked at her own doppelganger and back to everyone else. "Okay, I'll come up with a plan... but everyone who is planning to fight, you have to contribute as well. Let's go. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">--------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdYpfG-3DbetjbpxPn1ZPHJmmngpzR_xOec3jpRZpo4zWnqekjm3oR8n4aQgi-4nwl8CnKoeTTcFAuzVeQXgkExydOf-uStrsps40VW8XlVy1mEF_Gm6SQj4CA_JXUwNskGqv8LTh-fI/s1600/Screenshot-8136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdYpfG-3DbetjbpxPn1ZPHJmmngpzR_xOec3jpRZpo4zWnqekjm3oR8n4aQgi-4nwl8CnKoeTTcFAuzVeQXgkExydOf-uStrsps40VW8XlVy1mEF_Gm6SQj4CA_JXUwNskGqv8LTh-fI/s400/Screenshot-8136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Keera, who wasn't planning to fight when the day came, took the opportunity to slide out of the room and walk outside. By then, the rain had slowed down, and through the fog she could see someone sitting on the edge of the cliff not too far away. "Oh bother.", she said, recognizing the figure from across the field, then stormed off towards him. </span></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"What are you doing here?" Keera asked Collin, who was taking the opportunity to admire the ocean. "You found my house, you gonna keep stalking me until I accept your apology?" </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreSywWDZuIlSS1bp231nzX98ofdkHE2TG76UzOXwJdiM52QU7We36IccZvqgUyf-4EYTu3JjjUzMn5rcki-1ATwqQ0vUs7H7MltJWSSJ8JzWto1WD0JYbsgB-dGDCgE3OT4RIgPYR8t8/s1600/Screenshot-8138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreSywWDZuIlSS1bp231nzX98ofdkHE2TG76UzOXwJdiM52QU7We36IccZvqgUyf-4EYTu3JjjUzMn5rcki-1ATwqQ0vUs7H7MltJWSSJ8JzWto1WD0JYbsgB-dGDCgE3OT4RIgPYR8t8/s400/Screenshot-8138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"I didn't even know it was your house until I saw you in it. It was the only house that looked like it had people still there in town. I didn't want to break into someone's home while they were forced to leave. I needed a place to stay. My apartment's without power, and was sealed off by the military before everyone evacuated. I thought I could get help from your home, but when I saw you through the front door windows I knew you wouldn't let me stay. Why would you?"</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyADujH8jw_tmwmhd5L6vYk5jnrTGSqv3UpjLvqtLKFC6OOBsqIoaIAn4I3ln0H3LCOQ2-s9nVHMvbiClUA1O3ziUjuIl38MluJgqGLLMtnk9HFjNYAt8XQ9Gb8rwxCdulV0Tkls-5CR8/s1600/Screenshot-8140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyADujH8jw_tmwmhd5L6vYk5jnrTGSqv3UpjLvqtLKFC6OOBsqIoaIAn4I3ln0H3LCOQ2-s9nVHMvbiClUA1O3ziUjuIl38MluJgqGLLMtnk9HFjNYAt8XQ9Gb8rwxCdulV0Tkls-5CR8/s400/Screenshot-8140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Keera sat down next to him, finally giving him the benefit of the doubt. "You really hurt me. Whether it was negligence or otherwise, what you did made me suffer. I'm not sure if I can forgive you."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Collin kept looking out to the ocean. "I'm not asking you to forgive me anymore. I know what I did was unforgivable. I'm asking... something that I don't know what it is. I am worried by the time I figure it out, it will be too late."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Keera sighed. She knew that no matter what happened she couldn't just let this man be out on the street, she was better than that. She also knew that he was responsible for her scar and lost eye, but the goodness in her heart won out. "Come on. You're sleeping on the couch, and if you try anything funny with anyone in the house I'll throw you out myself."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5uUftjI4CXYr9qc84kUS-A646g8jynuM2Wm9api5ksg2krG25G6ATQxc_lUvLwZ9lJ74LLzCKcmNY7IzqjjXmzkmFzHOM8pTvMiG0z_XfXSKjG9XNH6Nm0vMIqWCCqYRLMGzeTBjHb4/s1600/Screenshot-8141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5uUftjI4CXYr9qc84kUS-A646g8jynuM2Wm9api5ksg2krG25G6ATQxc_lUvLwZ9lJ74LLzCKcmNY7IzqjjXmzkmFzHOM8pTvMiG0z_XfXSKjG9XNH6Nm0vMIqWCCqYRLMGzeTBjHb4/s400/Screenshot-8141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Collin acknowledged this and walked with Keera back to the house, silently. Keera didn't know exactly why she decided to help him after all he's done, but in the end knew that it was one step closer to forgiveness.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSoVy9VUMqZWYcmiY5QTKR_lptY2MycIDufTPw7BA7s48FC-iJdGLSpgErpyUCLrlV6sn9h6mvHmtIR8mAzQWPxh8fO6NClmALlGlzeZ6Zod-gGyDvKQFURB73O8JLsAk4o1pvAmATcg/s1600/Screenshot-8188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSoVy9VUMqZWYcmiY5QTKR_lptY2MycIDufTPw7BA7s48FC-iJdGLSpgErpyUCLrlV6sn9h6mvHmtIR8mAzQWPxh8fO6NClmALlGlzeZ6Zod-gGyDvKQFURB73O8JLsAk4o1pvAmATcg/s400/Screenshot-8188.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">By the time they got back, Annabelle was showing everyone a basic idea she came up with regarding a battle plan via a blackboard that they had apparently pulled out of the garage a few moments before. When Keera walked through the door, they didn't make anything of it, as she didn't tell anyone that she was going. However, when Collin walked in after her, everyone went silent. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR8VvSP6OrWXjWzOL0T3cvx56k3-Ze3Ql6gtN16LHlSgXA4YMqdRDA-ZnU_ahGSuKK6QZmT9EB53he2FygXDyTkOWC_PliEkPoc4Pb89GX4wIkK0zh2GlL1TU1U6iaczedwt6tQCiY1o/s1600/Screenshot-8193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR8VvSP6OrWXjWzOL0T3cvx56k3-Ze3Ql6gtN16LHlSgXA4YMqdRDA-ZnU_ahGSuKK6QZmT9EB53he2FygXDyTkOWC_PliEkPoc4Pb89GX4wIkK0zh2GlL1TU1U6iaczedwt6tQCiY1o/s400/Screenshot-8193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Collin looked uncomfortable as Annabelle looked straight at him. Keera described the man, who was responsible for her injury, the day after she met him at to the rest of the family. Mirabelle recognized him from the night as well, and everyone glanced in his direction, their expressions subtle enough to cause a sense of unease in Collin. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1Cz8EoFGkkL18RBom5eXfQ05P5GaQ-NRw44v7-mzzYmZG2DBNLpAZS4W3SpLeidtU65n6J6VU_izN9e8-HTlTku8NVPsVdFtEoEIdL0AniwYKaZeLNOizgTbhl4iIDgrDmOhckWFHmQ/s1600/Screenshot-8194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1Cz8EoFGkkL18RBom5eXfQ05P5GaQ-NRw44v7-mzzYmZG2DBNLpAZS4W3SpLeidtU65n6J6VU_izN9e8-HTlTku8NVPsVdFtEoEIdL0AniwYKaZeLNOizgTbhl4iIDgrDmOhckWFHmQ/s400/Screenshot-8194.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"What's he doing here?" Scarlett asked, before anyone had a chance to ask the same question. "And why isn't he bleeding and bruised yet? I can take care of that."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"NO!" Keera yelled out. "Don't hurt him, please. He just needs a place to stay until this whole thing blows over."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLHVfpIg9reFqXA_hywi_Qe76aZPUtuMobEqvOlnMQgVhtbPoFpxNdJs4bGj-KJ4mK0uS8eFtAtYTLiZ_6cAQhyTnJqXfLPOXAkSJa9NGhk30wK4UEP0Tlljm3avSbvd1ncc9QB9uNC0/s1600/Screenshot-8197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLHVfpIg9reFqXA_hywi_Qe76aZPUtuMobEqvOlnMQgVhtbPoFpxNdJs4bGj-KJ4mK0uS8eFtAtYTLiZ_6cAQhyTnJqXfLPOXAkSJa9NGhk30wK4UEP0Tlljm3avSbvd1ncc9QB9uNC0/s400/Screenshot-8197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Annabelle was confused. "<i>You're</i> vouching for him? You do know who he is, right? What he's done? Of course you do, you're the one who told us. How do we know we can trust him.?</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"Just let him stay until this whole thing blows over, okay? He has nowhere to go and we can't let him die alone out there."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><i>"Maybe not die but still suffer." </i>Scarlett thought to herself. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipyQjZD3wV4W_eNlZpioTuwHog3HYEUdUoNoHX7wS4GwZ7EuG7cXKvw73w8s4af-M1x_grvdhNWAjzkQ71f5KzyFJoM7cd21CveePWFux9jWVPXL9ndBuSa0_p7eomNONzE3KyCoLpvE/s1600/Screenshot-8195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipyQjZD3wV4W_eNlZpioTuwHog3HYEUdUoNoHX7wS4GwZ7EuG7cXKvw73w8s4af-M1x_grvdhNWAjzkQ71f5KzyFJoM7cd21CveePWFux9jWVPXL9ndBuSa0_p7eomNONzE3KyCoLpvE/s400/Screenshot-8195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Kelly, still relatively unable to control her new-found abilities, heard Scarlett's thoughts brush through her own. Wanting to get some control back into the house, she walked over and stood next to Keera. "If Keeki says he can be trusted then he can be trusted. I believe her completely."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Keera smiled, but Annabelle still looked at Collin with anger in her eyes. "MIKE, scan him. Make sure he's not leading everyone on some elaborate scheme."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeYizmi1omWwpLDFcxJBmxykw_0q0V1q5O9STvgwooXPctP_3kvM9Lgf-nhVrObKNCURIU9At4ML5Wl8Eeyq7XGA8LJUQO-cLeVN5kybeJuBVPNCPAGGPcfWrSrtynX13Pw13V4f5UpI/s1600/Screenshot-8202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeYizmi1omWwpLDFcxJBmxykw_0q0V1q5O9STvgwooXPctP_3kvM9Lgf-nhVrObKNCURIU9At4ML5Wl8Eeyq7XGA8LJUQO-cLeVN5kybeJuBVPNCPAGGPcfWrSrtynX13Pw13V4f5UpI/s400/Screenshot-8202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">MIKE hovered over to Collin and a beam of while light hit the man seconds later. When it was done, the robot turned back to the main group. <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Clear. I have scanned every centimeter of him and have located no weapons or concealed communications devices."</b></span> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"We still can't be too sure." Scarlett said angrily, "Might want to be real thorough. Where's a knife?" She was partially joking, wanting to scare this man. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNgjOlxZhdxrq42aTRTHRPjcigHH8Ujyqu_OfkxqoUkqwFMNxSgxauzn7plrMasDuWOUjCwh_JlN6COAz-4i7WcX39fHo2Rywy3iafIQLJLzsQS7He4yqkpHedFYis7PnOD_Fbd-H1Zk/s1600/Screenshot-8198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNgjOlxZhdxrq42aTRTHRPjcigHH8Ujyqu_OfkxqoUkqwFMNxSgxauzn7plrMasDuWOUjCwh_JlN6COAz-4i7WcX39fHo2Rywy3iafIQLJLzsQS7He4yqkpHedFYis7PnOD_Fbd-H1Zk/s400/Screenshot-8198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Collin screeched before Tom interrupted everyone. He remembered the conversation he had with Keera earlier that day about wanting to forgive Collin, and now that she was visibly attempting to he wanted to say something as well. "We should just give him the benefit of the doubt. Isn't that what we all would want in this situation?"</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizofYp43NYv0kEZC8jSjIJb3uDCcvz41zAFQEH2MxeJSOs-16bUwGeeTlAFJl_jpENgUHOg1Cc8BL17jD2AoqWTsp8bcPS5GQVPi6xBJEgeFnQiKuGhoIaJT2nVJyxU9is7QrkVs5Y3IA/s1600/Screenshot-8199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizofYp43NYv0kEZC8jSjIJb3uDCcvz41zAFQEH2MxeJSOs-16bUwGeeTlAFJl_jpENgUHOg1Cc8BL17jD2AoqWTsp8bcPS5GQVPi6xBJEgeFnQiKuGhoIaJT2nVJyxU9is7QrkVs5Y3IA/s400/Screenshot-8199.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Annie looked over at Tom, then to Keera, then to Collin. "You're off the hook now, but if you make one wrong move I'll throw you out myself. Now go sit in the other room while we continue our plan."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"Can I contribute?" Collin asked. Annabelle glared at him, which prompted the man to walk sadly into the next room. "I see. I'll be going in there, then." Keera was about to follow him but Mirabelle stopped her and the two walked into the kitchen away from everyone else. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKSVLyAE4KFuk4VgkpWLaGwU1YdmecG1O73T9QCefa-TGYnDWJZ3KX2stDhVjOxSIqeAZkNROQyjwbkCvlarz-iT6zkCaHNdKhyphenhyphenondwWGeol3YKX5ASQCPYAYwHuXlU9SOjza_mnX8TQ/s1600/Screenshot-8168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKSVLyAE4KFuk4VgkpWLaGwU1YdmecG1O73T9QCefa-TGYnDWJZ3KX2stDhVjOxSIqeAZkNROQyjwbkCvlarz-iT6zkCaHNdKhyphenhyphenondwWGeol3YKX5ASQCPYAYwHuXlU9SOjza_mnX8TQ/s400/Screenshot-8168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"Why the sudden defending of that man? You know what he did to you, as accidental as it was." Mirabelle asked. Mira was the one who was there when Keera encountered Collin the other night, and saw the anger in her face, so this sudden change of heart by the teenager confused her. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj1RaAUzLISaflSvaHMBQ2qVoafwTJXE5Zw8NT56Y6W6wlvIoRHv_IzrIqWjVQ-paefu7IX1h2fvqCy6NC0qS6Kot4bs8KbCMkrxZq3vFPoGUFqjGtzRtF1X5JINCwdIFPY4wMTy1mE0/s1600/Screenshot-8166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj1RaAUzLISaflSvaHMBQ2qVoafwTJXE5Zw8NT56Y6W6wlvIoRHv_IzrIqWjVQ-paefu7IX1h2fvqCy6NC0qS6Kot4bs8KbCMkrxZq3vFPoGUFqjGtzRtF1X5JINCwdIFPY4wMTy1mE0/s400/Screenshot-8166.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Keera shrugged. "If I let him die out there knowing what he was going through, what kind of person would that make me? Besides, maybe I can forgive him... just not yet." Keera kept walking, and went upstairs leaving Mirabelle alone. After a short moment, Kelly walked up to her girlfriend.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yGwt72BK1r8Gc_g_ZYmsyOgglAAZW0Sy99AlTH9epEFi25WeuPXkBDF-Hcmprn2BFj9cEuuJWuYdLmw4N_uVAjU6qQw0Zl5A6TgN9RWNuk0lDRcgZOwNwloENyfgPnspOz6I_jljBKs/s1600/Screenshot-8169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yGwt72BK1r8Gc_g_ZYmsyOgglAAZW0Sy99AlTH9epEFi25WeuPXkBDF-Hcmprn2BFj9cEuuJWuYdLmw4N_uVAjU6qQw0Zl5A6TgN9RWNuk0lDRcgZOwNwloENyfgPnspOz6I_jljBKs/s400/Screenshot-8169.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"Are you alright?" Kelly asked, noticing a bit of worry with her. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb3TXegpHnpsgYa61x-WYjgXj7rAwx8bbbGMglVjGTXCWLKes5tPFAFgfbPnFDX-mGU_9wX35KaR5Yb02RkGeUoSnFi1r7bqw8IGrjdg6mVR9ZZsurT_ktQSQiZ8UhaPdivx8Ux0489Y/s1600/Screenshot-8171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb3TXegpHnpsgYa61x-WYjgXj7rAwx8bbbGMglVjGTXCWLKes5tPFAFgfbPnFDX-mGU_9wX35KaR5Yb02RkGeUoSnFi1r7bqw8IGrjdg6mVR9ZZsurT_ktQSQiZ8UhaPdivx8Ux0489Y/s400/Screenshot-8171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Mirabelle sighed. "You read minds now, right? Were you able to when everyone was standing in that room?" </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Kelly nodded, since overhearing Scarlett's thoughts the night before, she found that if she really focused, she could hear their thoughts. "Half of our friends and family wanted to make him suffer because of what he did that led to Keera's scar."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"And the other half?"</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPrlK1BBFzOrXE_ckuCsLZQvM4FckDEEtQOIz6n8bNe4vTb0JsMTIHcKFEXKN3NY-P1qZtdKh6-uD2JovYSWob4PgX2nB45yYDHPZVi6QnefLTSIF29cM7FOvvCH0nFc2VohfOgRD5gQ/s1600/Screenshot-8174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPrlK1BBFzOrXE_ckuCsLZQvM4FckDEEtQOIz6n8bNe4vTb0JsMTIHcKFEXKN3NY-P1qZtdKh6-uD2JovYSWob4PgX2nB45yYDHPZVi6QnefLTSIF29cM7FOvvCH0nFc2VohfOgRD5gQ/s400/Screenshot-8174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"You don't want to know." </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">-----------------------------</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Locked in the cell, Jack Toomes walked over to a mirror placed in the room after Annabelle left. With weakened hands he reached up, grabbed the mask, and ripped it off revealing his old face, </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">how he looked prior to taking the Young Again potion. Within a day, his beard regrew and his hair turned gray again. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYYubiIJBhyphenhyphenr3gzJbPEOCjiQteQZ5xjX-gWaY_y4Qf67hlIIzY48mUUERyy6ik6uSYX6FUZyPRPuuO6OKLRfbcet6CDgGf7gtYK-0u-UbsD6DA3xLbbFlr2cS5pn07QXlkG3nykjYOe0/s1600/Screenshot-8184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYYubiIJBhyphenhyphenr3gzJbPEOCjiQteQZ5xjX-gWaY_y4Qf67hlIIzY48mUUERyy6ik6uSYX6FUZyPRPuuO6OKLRfbcet6CDgGf7gtYK-0u-UbsD6DA3xLbbFlr2cS5pn07QXlkG3nykjYOe0/s400/Screenshot-8184.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">"Hello me, meet the real me."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-18935317347370863102013-03-26T19:16:00.000-05:002013-03-26T19:50:45.315-05:00Chapter Thirty-Six - Homecoming<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"She's waking up."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaIpoD_3rPF1ErUsFcjiTkp6FUF5nq8kCi7T03AdXwsVpeVnZ6C1AMb5aWg9dMmRYhoOuZ1GT-uLl5Mr4rF4IA1cyHPn6944cYVjnYXjmUiA34rzibWhYbt2oPoRxKb6PpdM4Nx00CwU/s1600/Screenshot-7131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaIpoD_3rPF1ErUsFcjiTkp6FUF5nq8kCi7T03AdXwsVpeVnZ6C1AMb5aWg9dMmRYhoOuZ1GT-uLl5Mr4rF4IA1cyHPn6944cYVjnYXjmUiA34rzibWhYbt2oPoRxKb6PpdM4Nx00CwU/s400/Screenshot-7131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle opened her eyes after hearing her own voice. She was in some kind of machine that seemed to be feeding stimulants directly into her brain, which helped her to awaken without feeling drowsy or ill from falling onto the metal floor of whatever building she was in. When she teleported, she was hoping she would see her friends and family in front of her, not an alien planet and someone who looked identical to her calling her "the original". Still, she was on Torra Sev, a planet that she had heard of multiple times growing up by multiple people, and came to a conclusion that this <i>was</i> her home planet.<br />
<br />
Yeah, she was born here, but it wasn't "home", not by a long-shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaMrTKNsNhU_OgEYJXD9-fyczSwiq8of23iaIGOjkD8fLxj8TwS_jAipofSeDVJQEBogZIq61xIG1KRE9BZ-IZHQt41UjzMEk2b1B8tW3PCq4uudfeYmNtJxHte2N6MvFE8L4sCdPQjk/s1600/Screenshot-7132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaMrTKNsNhU_OgEYJXD9-fyczSwiq8of23iaIGOjkD8fLxj8TwS_jAipofSeDVJQEBogZIq61xIG1KRE9BZ-IZHQt41UjzMEk2b1B8tW3PCq4uudfeYmNtJxHte2N6MvFE8L4sCdPQjk/s400/Screenshot-7132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle stood up and looked at the other Annabelle, who called herself "A'jhanie Tozal". Annabelle remembered that name from when she was a teen, when a strange orange-haired Alien called her by that name and that she wouldn't be able to return to Torra Sev for a long time. Well Annabelle figured that was done with because she was now was here, on this planet, for who knew how long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQ-kXy_sarOttT1so2hVXgwk_RGo2dvcL26ycyZfvaKHV0e8vrFQWMgvdwUnTUg4tqUZxJ97EyhqI2DgUbkGoa0u-AX2SnPam3vzIrek7zjH9ixQTrS-nKLKex2RQw4i4iNFVzOZw0Ls/s1600/Screenshot-7133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQ-kXy_sarOttT1so2hVXgwk_RGo2dvcL26ycyZfvaKHV0e8vrFQWMgvdwUnTUg4tqUZxJ97EyhqI2DgUbkGoa0u-AX2SnPam3vzIrek7zjH9ixQTrS-nKLKex2RQw4i4iNFVzOZw0Ls/s400/Screenshot-7133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As Annabelle tried to register the fact that she was in a strange location talking to an identical copy of herself, minus a hairstyle and eye makeup change, another woman walked into the room and stared her down. Annabelle knew this was the very same woman she saw when she was a teenager, the same one who told her how to teleport, whose information had helped Annie twice now. She realized that this was her only chance she had to get answers she needed, and so she decided she would get any information she needed, and then return to Earth and help Tom and Kelly and all the rest, somehow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2x7Qw3qVnwj1MaK3SNv17CREsCg8KZcxAG7LuUXfdBFGNhYIGyaibnkcsSNxbm49S01Tb_wCdpo7GpbztH3fz8Wyh8hrByq2bznUe3wrdi3lZrdztUwOaiglSi1lgaaqe9KmlgTumzk/s1600/Screenshot-7134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2x7Qw3qVnwj1MaK3SNv17CREsCg8KZcxAG7LuUXfdBFGNhYIGyaibnkcsSNxbm49S01Tb_wCdpo7GpbztH3fz8Wyh8hrByq2bznUe3wrdi3lZrdztUwOaiglSi1lgaaqe9KmlgTumzk/s400/Screenshot-7134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hello. My name is Verena Tozal. Your name is Annabelle Jade Kethrin, I know. It's been a while since we've talked."<br />
<br />
"Yeah. Well you called me A'jhanie last time we talked, like her." Annabelle replied, pointing to her clone, who waved back. "Who is she? Who am I?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmUjclPkyqeIdrugJkuQYzABM3aVIRH04csISFAjBbmGWw50_0qM_U7hVBnGVl2rWcTKHZNv0CjUTzf3F2MlPqlkqGyLf42_wQNd1ELagtnyMMw6erBoL2MEd8zcXPsSvVXRN5r2cCbU/s1600/Screenshot-7135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmUjclPkyqeIdrugJkuQYzABM3aVIRH04csISFAjBbmGWw50_0qM_U7hVBnGVl2rWcTKHZNv0CjUTzf3F2MlPqlkqGyLf42_wQNd1ELagtnyMMw6erBoL2MEd8zcXPsSvVXRN5r2cCbU/s400/Screenshot-7135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yes I know you are a bit confused, there is no doubt there. Most people very rarely wake up in a strange place with no discernible clue how they got there. And even rarer still, to see someone who looks similar to them."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6T71X8A4vBbaHRoAq2Ugs4BbV5GVOf2Bt7KenNfkb9BGbtSjO6UvgRuRmrnImZJJEg_tr2cDdkio4pdyQAtiDMUYefywoWvpvAAWZswgds0Fj13EU3RQtoeHe1nuXfTMq0OZM69t4Fj0/s1600/Screenshot-7136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6T71X8A4vBbaHRoAq2Ugs4BbV5GVOf2Bt7KenNfkb9BGbtSjO6UvgRuRmrnImZJJEg_tr2cDdkio4pdyQAtiDMUYefywoWvpvAAWZswgds0Fj13EU3RQtoeHe1nuXfTMq0OZM69t4Fj0/s400/Screenshot-7136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle sighed. "Well it's happened to me about ten times in my life."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTTPbvkyoR6TV_PET9Fnu5H96f1OpdcN4Aru-U4QRgZL3Ka2hj7TqbZ-OAUzhTLdT3ht53SWtzFfT9IgxUP-3fWNJSIThNdqy88BO88A7qq_S01Pj63MuvgQjIFBO7FZR4ZXrfSlWH7M/s1600/Screenshot-7137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTTPbvkyoR6TV_PET9Fnu5H96f1OpdcN4Aru-U4QRgZL3Ka2hj7TqbZ-OAUzhTLdT3ht53SWtzFfT9IgxUP-3fWNJSIThNdqy88BO88A7qq_S01Pj63MuvgQjIFBO7FZR4ZXrfSlWH7M/s400/Screenshot-7137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh." Verena said, surprised. "Well then. You certainly are a strange one, Annabelle Kethrin, but then again that's coming from someone who, from your perspective, has solid black eyes and fangs. All pure Torrans share these features."<br />
<br />
Annabelle looked confused. "Then why not me? Or A'jhanie?"<br />
<br />
"Because you are hybrids. Human/Torran hybrids. You, in particular Annabelle, are The Original."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLUNukFD1GzeUiuKm8Ds_Mq1ymz7WR5VsHeOjw1_yo4yRNuBEUEGjauRDwT8Ru0Yx0813ykPgS0keGVm738MOEGdcss4BX1VhRw6a0r4pabUhrThPb6lPBchBjmPpXbBPdyVU7722_UA/s1600/Screenshot-7141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLUNukFD1GzeUiuKm8Ds_Mq1ymz7WR5VsHeOjw1_yo4yRNuBEUEGjauRDwT8Ru0Yx0813ykPgS0keGVm738MOEGdcss4BX1VhRw6a0r4pabUhrThPb6lPBchBjmPpXbBPdyVU7722_UA/s400/Screenshot-7141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle was internally floored. She heard the robot tell Vu that she had human DNA a few days before, but didn't realize it was the truth. However she stood strong, focusing on what Verena had said. "Original what?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_7bDnMh79N-vF5dXfr-gt_Hh_8_io9iuVty5hDsOay43MLZhtZ7mBPRgjaTB5fR-F9IhCX0Mk5wPsbicUlhyphenhyphen7mvP4nXCGSringuvthXMhLSCI8GwtmDce0iqTT04MqmNnQ7O0nFxu9c/s1600/Screenshot-7138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_7bDnMh79N-vF5dXfr-gt_Hh_8_io9iuVty5hDsOay43MLZhtZ7mBPRgjaTB5fR-F9IhCX0Mk5wPsbicUlhyphenhyphen7mvP4nXCGSringuvthXMhLSCI8GwtmDce0iqTT04MqmNnQ7O0nFxu9c/s400/Screenshot-7138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Why, my <i>original </i>daughter. I am technically your biological mother, Annabelle. Not only that, but you and your sister were the first two children born in the third phase of Project Hybrid."<br />
<br />
"'Project' what-now?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYPJ3wREt8IcK2bW6EuCqJ8eIn72GeTm6qqqpofHdQORtKD2ZvrKeA705DretpCpg7DbqYlY7dlc4zvWYVJMP-_dPfH6MKZUkwVS0JGoItPGU9EGArGPrdZqX1Jax_395CnAHzvIeVH4/s1600/Screenshot-7139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYPJ3wREt8IcK2bW6EuCqJ8eIn72GeTm6qqqpofHdQORtKD2ZvrKeA705DretpCpg7DbqYlY7dlc4zvWYVJMP-_dPfH6MKZUkwVS0JGoItPGU9EGArGPrdZqX1Jax_395CnAHzvIeVH4/s400/Screenshot-7139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Verena gestured for A'jhanie. "My daughter, could you go into the other room and call your father? Ask him how he and Izora are doing on their camping trip."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBk-PhWacJq5kLgBMJMnmmj3w223ykZxHvle-6kEfKmCZP2zS-1FSY-WWu3KGOPE0PF0pBOsap8BCzneEpvfdjNRjMxDxmV5aygiuqlpJHYwJIN70yl65uwddwwHGtVFiU163QKm2reU/s1600/Screenshot-7140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBk-PhWacJq5kLgBMJMnmmj3w223ykZxHvle-6kEfKmCZP2zS-1FSY-WWu3KGOPE0PF0pBOsap8BCzneEpvfdjNRjMxDxmV5aygiuqlpJHYwJIN70yl65uwddwwHGtVFiU163QKm2reU/s400/Screenshot-7140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle looked bewildered as her other self smiled and nodded, leaving the room. Verena then pointed to Annabelle herself. "Come with me, though you are on a bit of a time limit, you need to learn about yourself if you want to understand us. It's time for you to learn about Project Hybrid."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGekG39oHGxxjO0XcSERpz2iDCJ5DvJWNoZTVezFXFodslRF6K6yZ1PY-ZgsYcQlml0Q93M8wpRQxMOTsntgLQxEr2zfJu2FJKKlKSjx8UIuqeuNPyNqS-A_yyfGHyWLryiMaDh9LpkQM/s1600/Screenshot-7144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGekG39oHGxxjO0XcSERpz2iDCJ5DvJWNoZTVezFXFodslRF6K6yZ1PY-ZgsYcQlml0Q93M8wpRQxMOTsntgLQxEr2zfJu2FJKKlKSjx8UIuqeuNPyNqS-A_yyfGHyWLryiMaDh9LpkQM/s400/Screenshot-7144.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Something Verena said didn't sit well with Annabelle. Well, everything she said didn't exactly sit well, including her introduction. This bothered her as they walked into the other room. "Wait, how do you know I'm running out of time? How do you know my real name? How do you know all of this?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv6SnSxBtG3YC2Lg3RmJ_CipmweNv5VdImd5eaCY3ABdwiGl82Uj4a6qE3zuS6LT_0jj_PRu_COZc2UkrekPOt0uoSzzLHwdeYMLEYhAtaH5EoSnuJ-T8Ynz8_IYRUVkPNAyBlQGznIM/s1600/Screenshot-7101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv6SnSxBtG3YC2Lg3RmJ_CipmweNv5VdImd5eaCY3ABdwiGl82Uj4a6qE3zuS6LT_0jj_PRu_COZc2UkrekPOt0uoSzzLHwdeYMLEYhAtaH5EoSnuJ-T8Ynz8_IYRUVkPNAyBlQGznIM/s400/Screenshot-7101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Young child, I know these things because I'm psychic. Many pure-blooded Torrans have that little feature as well."<br />
<br />
"WHAT?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrWe6a1DcFqNPiGF047UAKEE_PBlWx9vnc05JtvTKDtljck5Oa1BrsMxi9RCdC2l7UX0VTCo061mMghlDiTjqeJPazZctInNCKtJdYIQMAsTxv29Ax9si7iThs1YlLRSGVRJ1DNQLyQ0/s1600/Screenshot-7102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrWe6a1DcFqNPiGF047UAKEE_PBlWx9vnc05JtvTKDtljck5Oa1BrsMxi9RCdC2l7UX0VTCo061mMghlDiTjqeJPazZctInNCKtJdYIQMAsTxv29Ax9si7iThs1YlLRSGVRJ1DNQLyQ0/s400/Screenshot-7102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yes. When you were asleep I simply rested my hand on your forehead and learned quite a bit there is to know about you, including your propensity to love humanity and do good for others. You were raised right by Maria Kethrin. Then again, I knew she would raise you well. That's why I picked her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMeWzz6wZ61IGSKy6rVk16HALqq0gG1vAvNWes0ULByPw8rBzX_ILVtg81GfaYbjST4giplQmtZ4zZB8IDLez10YSemX4wjh7SZw_gIcQP1ajZd7ykquxCgZPxJKJwXWsSHHdH0GhPYs/s1600/Screenshot-7099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMeWzz6wZ61IGSKy6rVk16HALqq0gG1vAvNWes0ULByPw8rBzX_ILVtg81GfaYbjST4giplQmtZ4zZB8IDLez10YSemX4wjh7SZw_gIcQP1ajZd7ykquxCgZPxJKJwXWsSHHdH0GhPYs/s400/Screenshot-7099.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
----------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiZZZ3_qJnzm0c4gRfAq0TN96DTn0-flhSg2Ptoruua4xPDSo1h3tfIyNdFKcJGhrCmORFfPnSUbBo4ID5SE8WLuGV9Cs17JhIkxEMC2V4QZ84cwvzCy7cON-6NvqdQSDfjc0vAz1jRI/s1600/Screenshot-7164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiZZZ3_qJnzm0c4gRfAq0TN96DTn0-flhSg2Ptoruua4xPDSo1h3tfIyNdFKcJGhrCmORFfPnSUbBo4ID5SE8WLuGV9Cs17JhIkxEMC2V4QZ84cwvzCy7cON-6NvqdQSDfjc0vAz1jRI/s400/Screenshot-7164.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"This device was built with a magnetic core that is repelled and connected by that disk-like device you see below you. I cannot move this drone without that disk thing moving, and I cannot change the height of it or alter it's rotation. It's 'tied' to this disk."<br />
<br />
John was in the living room with the rest of his family minus Isobelle and Deacon, overlooking the destroyed Vazir drone that Scarlett shot with magic. John, who had taken it apart and put it back together after looking inside it for a few minutes, quickly discovered many things to know about the object, and it's weaknesses, all the while sensing a familiar hint to it.<br />
<br />
"Even if the device is shut down or destroyed, it won't fall to the ground, not with that disk holding it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiLXbzGKIAFKNuuZwo74dcHFH7xoFJev45Y21QtJqPQ1CYUg27aNjpa4NDAK3ADu7lQhn6YNavRxm4OA7xkCDWAl8t8WRQBzC-BBiKhoUW-8IpyFX6ei8oMD77kaKtbNcA2FMqQOaa3w/s1600/Screenshot-7168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiLXbzGKIAFKNuuZwo74dcHFH7xoFJev45Y21QtJqPQ1CYUg27aNjpa4NDAK3ADu7lQhn6YNavRxm4OA7xkCDWAl8t8WRQBzC-BBiKhoUW-8IpyFX6ei8oMD77kaKtbNcA2FMqQOaa3w/s400/Screenshot-7168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly was intrigued by what she heard, and then said "So what happens if you destroy the disk? Will it then fall to the ground?"<br />
<br />
"Well if you can get through an energy shield surrounding the disk and destroy that, the device's magnetic core will have nothing to tie it to the ground. This will cause the drone to float away into space like a psychotic, metal, weaponized helium balloon." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXzgFGkw0o0z-VfC6UMMMcHIoCu5z-nTRk1NbIh5ng0lTTqc63z6TQFdVzPufYAA3CM3to8JKSG0f411J21YDHEDvGYdp6xlV44h1Vct8eqdlq6005sATJMj1yukL3FLm6Z9ZDpnGTR8/s1600/Screenshot-7166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXzgFGkw0o0z-VfC6UMMMcHIoCu5z-nTRk1NbIh5ng0lTTqc63z6TQFdVzPufYAA3CM3to8JKSG0f411J21YDHEDvGYdp6xlV44h1Vct8eqdlq6005sATJMj1yukL3FLm6Z9ZDpnGTR8/s400/Screenshot-7166.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The family breathed a collective sigh, then Keera spoke up. "If it's anything like a symbiotic fashion, the drones may be able to repair each other during combat. But they can't repair the disks if they're floating away. It's obvious, right? Our goal is to destroy these disks holding the drones. If we do that, we remove the most dangerous part of their defenses. Either that or we destroy and separate them so they CAN'T repair."<br />
<br />
"Yup." John said. "Now I'm gonna turn this robot back on."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-7-eGDzNG7WYGOKYssjyqq9jTyaHlmXGwErNQANPCOEP7MJBh1jLxD6ug7gGIw05Zy8dv6DTLKMSFfU8d1ct2-5cyfTVBXFixpHM72k2MbugsiyZ-5mwMl1d8N19A-U6T-U6o681hMg/s1600/Screenshot-7170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-7-eGDzNG7WYGOKYssjyqq9jTyaHlmXGwErNQANPCOEP7MJBh1jLxD6ug7gGIw05Zy8dv6DTLKMSFfU8d1ct2-5cyfTVBXFixpHM72k2MbugsiyZ-5mwMl1d8N19A-U6T-U6o681hMg/s400/Screenshot-7170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A very large, collective "WHAT?!" spiked the air as everyone aside from John cried the word out at once. John smiled and motioned his hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIj3eF0QXMjHCNV6_uB4a6tugtq-fra6Cd4yRda-ABEnOIsukPWHSVuk9Jet0Gd-v5NNC1Oy0allpe9D-uBKP4Syo8A262Sw1CzH3JiCxTQ-qhMKUnjWpWm39o_P6Fnsakdh6Q9gDlpA/s1600/Screenshot-7160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIj3eF0QXMjHCNV6_uB4a6tugtq-fra6Cd4yRda-ABEnOIsukPWHSVuk9Jet0Gd-v5NNC1Oy0allpe9D-uBKP4Syo8A262Sw1CzH3JiCxTQ-qhMKUnjWpWm39o_P6Fnsakdh6Q9gDlpA/s400/Screenshot-7160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"When I was putting Humpty Dumpty back together I noticed a control screen establishing that he was connected to a main command console. I didn't locate the console itself using, but considering all the robots are surrounding the graveyard I'd have to assume that it's NOT there. Why place something that controls your defenses inside the place you're defending? If I was tactical I'd put that someplace safe, far away from the robots, especially if it was automatic."<br />
<br />
"There's a point to this and I'm sure you're trying to find it." Keera said, half-jokingly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h1-w_Lf2EngyreSx-lYhQQtNf3sUpKeW_6v-Vi7BhacmDYYt7y1pCZTCbpBKs3lFFHFpUe9byRdvwJAf4QiU1ppnhAcftQQySEOUqVx_d6VFwOTvjJFEO92E8cTm1iuBfBJYqPaRg3c/s1600/Screenshot-7165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h1-w_Lf2EngyreSx-lYhQQtNf3sUpKeW_6v-Vi7BhacmDYYt7y1pCZTCbpBKs3lFFHFpUe9byRdvwJAf4QiU1ppnhAcftQQySEOUqVx_d6VFwOTvjJFEO92E8cTm1iuBfBJYqPaRg3c/s400/Screenshot-7165.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"My point is I used the control screen to disconnect it from the main console. And I also placed a bit of a device in there called a Multi-Interface Kinetic Ethics chip. I've been working on this thingy for quite some time."<br />
<br />
"How come this is the first I've heard of it then?" Scarlett asked. "You share everything with me." <br />
<br />
"I was keeping it a secret from everyone because of what it does. It's a highly advanced AI chip that is capable of mimicking any personality traits of anyone it interacts with. It's a learning computer. I didn't want anyone to know because of what people could do if this chip gets into the wrong hands, like this robot design clearly did."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKR7RC-iaLB2hfAJ0F4DM4767LOXsmGqTwWbEi6UviCDEQFw-arfXOpxaWuP-J16hhAcTQGHluBk0onXJ5zXqiuCJo5B6wuzDniWYYCJB7BUTTlHgXXPQdG_tOs3JrqB5vJAsk_RUTC4/s1600/Screenshot-7167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKR7RC-iaLB2hfAJ0F4DM4767LOXsmGqTwWbEi6UviCDEQFw-arfXOpxaWuP-J16hhAcTQGHluBk0onXJ5zXqiuCJo5B6wuzDniWYYCJB7BUTTlHgXXPQdG_tOs3JrqB5vJAsk_RUTC4/s400/Screenshot-7167.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom was slightly confused. "Wait, what are you saying?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm9QgO-PdyqSAPMqulUvvZudYZfaFgGSvmd7-gtq5uM_QmAJ_u0EnNi592KL6itLKKrkYMMGHyoX5Sk1Bw4qYhbQlGCyGG66lqwFlL47Pt9qeye1VoN6Kqrf9aoO_Ur75Kk1QRYbqQuI/s1600/Screenshot-7162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm9QgO-PdyqSAPMqulUvvZudYZfaFgGSvmd7-gtq5uM_QmAJ_u0EnNi592KL6itLKKrkYMMGHyoX5Sk1Bw4qYhbQlGCyGG66lqwFlL47Pt9qeye1VoN6Kqrf9aoO_Ur75Kk1QRYbqQuI/s400/Screenshot-7162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I originally came up with the design for this robot."<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
"You 'picked' her?!" Annabelle was still at a loss for words, but forced them to the top anyway. "What do you mean by that?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdxoZjlWSw-xypcRqx35d1VJDZ3Gmn0b_Q6SQqVyDAO1kbM171Ha8nU09CYRSa_0BA06faa9nVHmR_uoKuINp7yii5sAiFPdZjmtmk5CruKkz0TUQP8qIQAR0FCiAWppQN-SeLsLPfYY/s1600/Screenshot-7085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdxoZjlWSw-xypcRqx35d1VJDZ3Gmn0b_Q6SQqVyDAO1kbM171Ha8nU09CYRSa_0BA06faa9nVHmR_uoKuINp7yii5sAiFPdZjmtmk5CruKkz0TUQP8qIQAR0FCiAWppQN-SeLsLPfYY/s400/Screenshot-7085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Verena shrugged. "In order to make a Hybrid we needed human DNA. I traveled to Earth about twenty-two of your years ago and saw a single woman driving down the road. I read her mind from a distance and took note of her personality traits. Everything about her seemed suited for raising a child so I used my vessel to abduct her for a few moments, took blood from her, and implanted her with an organic tracking device, sending her back on her way a short time later."<br />
<br />
"When I returned, I had my doctors here inject Maria Kethrin's human cells and DNA into my abdomen, as I was pregnant with you, off of my husband Nalrik. The embryo accepted her DNA and it bonded with them before your birth, giving you humanistic traits such as your relatively human eyes as well as your unique abilities. Your pointed ears did not come into the picture until your eighteenth birthday, as did my own daughter, A'jhanie. As was the Custom of Sentimentality, when you were born I cloned you and your sister, kept the clones, and sent the two of you to your mother on Earth. When you arrived, the tracking device within your mother dissolved into her bloodstream."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM8YTVvCMKUX5niobVmylxgeujZquKwpZDm5ujoJBcNAakIfZwYwbcK7sVnA9gP_OIVHjqGrYpeodoO-XK2tuREsfMTVS756a9iEwPyIeyRHfwY-fVSTZijfmfmU3p_RRiFyejKb6W_Y/s1600/Screenshot-7095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM8YTVvCMKUX5niobVmylxgeujZquKwpZDm5ujoJBcNAakIfZwYwbcK7sVnA9gP_OIVHjqGrYpeodoO-XK2tuREsfMTVS756a9iEwPyIeyRHfwY-fVSTZijfmfmU3p_RRiFyejKb6W_Y/s400/Screenshot-7095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So you're saying... Maria Kethrin is related to me biologically, as well? This whole time I thought she was merely my adopted mother."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xHw3gg_6l01KJUzV9gJ65y08DvBvgdf340rjT_BWLsU2J115B4jBSVnANeiT_PH1MfVycvPBnepULlXF4vW2lRyAGL2nGKJCoREL3TJjo0ZG4NCmkOf3QUhEjI96-K5EIDB3lPNWDCM/s1600/Screenshot-7087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xHw3gg_6l01KJUzV9gJ65y08DvBvgdf340rjT_BWLsU2J115B4jBSVnANeiT_PH1MfVycvPBnepULlXF4vW2lRyAGL2nGKJCoREL3TJjo0ZG4NCmkOf3QUhEjI96-K5EIDB3lPNWDCM/s400/Screenshot-7087.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yes, biologically she is your mother, and so am I. So, technically, you have three parents. Like the others."<br />
<br />
"Others?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5av3Ihgvl0vo3m5C5kdhHrMnY0lUWXDFOGzodhzjbvl_HY01n1attDomjC1VH5FQPErkLw6pyzufFH5r7EFnOtouJ6fRstm80SxSDAmwSBto5jUB81ZQpvROX4N0F2uBeVO75HqUluA/s1600/Screenshot-7092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5av3Ihgvl0vo3m5C5kdhHrMnY0lUWXDFOGzodhzjbvl_HY01n1attDomjC1VH5FQPErkLw6pyzufFH5r7EFnOtouJ6fRstm80SxSDAmwSBto5jUB81ZQpvROX4N0F2uBeVO75HqUluA/s400/Screenshot-7092.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You were not the only child born of this third phase of Project Hybrid. Of course you have your twin sister, Isobelle, but there are others, far more others. Some of them were sent to Earth at about the same time as you. Some a few later. All in all there were roughly fifty Hybrids sent, each to their own parents." <br />
<br />
"This is amazing. This whole time I thought I was alone on Earth. I have Mirabelle, Isobelle, and Keera but other than that I believed we were the only Aliens. How can I find them, when I get back I mean?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuLGNbpRslzmkfjKe8gyMEHGUPohO7Rv4jhjaVNrqr54tZXjivmsA6o4DJ4_FutoPxzeBCC0nZROqevW2i6B9SWVV-Z6E7tUblLi1aigkZEYeL_FeT_WCl7sSnHzrgh18HmYZHCyukUw/s1600/Screenshot-7089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuLGNbpRslzmkfjKe8gyMEHGUPohO7Rv4jhjaVNrqr54tZXjivmsA6o4DJ4_FutoPxzeBCC0nZROqevW2i6B9SWVV-Z6E7tUblLi1aigkZEYeL_FeT_WCl7sSnHzrgh18HmYZHCyukUw/s400/Screenshot-7089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Verena smiled. Annabelle was taking this news rather well, better than she expected. However after reading her mind, she had seen the things Annabelle had gone through in her life, and believed she was merely desensitized by those events. In regard to her question, she shook her head. "I do not know. They landed all over the planet twenty-one of your Earth Years ago. You can recognize females instantly. All female Torran Hybrids are, by default, visible to their peers via their green skin."<br />
<br />
"And males?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRp9sSW2TLiGYPJtR_KAhLsweXbzjTcuVK96rAt2vLZZ0pCMXyXsEENTlXlBkrIKNglZdfLHqSICBo0rXxEHBSyUVl5dOq9nGtDKmJ1riHG4oR0hWqvgzzPVetPcuNbkqD8Sn3Ag4W4w/s1600/Screenshot-7086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRp9sSW2TLiGYPJtR_KAhLsweXbzjTcuVK96rAt2vLZZ0pCMXyXsEENTlXlBkrIKNglZdfLHqSICBo0rXxEHBSyUVl5dOq9nGtDKmJ1riHG4oR0hWqvgzzPVetPcuNbkqD8Sn3Ag4W4w/s400/Screenshot-7086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Males are trickier. They don't have the green skin of their Alien ancestors, but the skin color of the human that was responsible in their creation. This is due to the difference in biology between both human and Torran genders. It's been that way since the beginning of Project Hybrid."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle nodded. "I'll have to find out more information at home when I get back. But can I ask you another question?"<br />
<br />
Verena turned to her and nodded positively. "Anything. I am willing to share all I know."<br />
<br />
"You said that I was part of the Third Phase of that project. What happened to the other two?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6SzDES-gjubjmKLEmR5PPHfcgArJQA7SdHWT1qmrJfloxZR-O6mLxijiP-C9Zqp31J5SQKAMDC5X7XoDhH7bcoqoEUVHPMt6-N0GIcHA_Z2PRyW3_cCrYVQ5PFe7X6o9O7hqM1WZBHc/s1600/Screenshot-7111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6SzDES-gjubjmKLEmR5PPHfcgArJQA7SdHWT1qmrJfloxZR-O6mLxijiP-C9Zqp31J5SQKAMDC5X7XoDhH7bcoqoEUVHPMt6-N0GIcHA_Z2PRyW3_cCrYVQ5PFe7X6o9O7hqM1WZBHc/s400/Screenshot-7111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Verena walked over to the other side of the large room and looked out the window. "That is a sad event in Torran history. Both of them were. Only one Hybrid was created in the first phase, in what syncs with your planet's time period as the 1920's. Her name was Andromeda Roshali. She was raised on Torra Sev for the first twenty years of her life, and we did not tell her why she looked so different from us."<br />
<br />
Annabelle felt a sense of familiarity with this. She had a vision of Mary Knight, that villainous woman who used magic to shape-shift into a unicorn and terrorize her. Mary told her that she crash landed on the planet Earth in 1947 and did not know why her companions in the ship looked different from her. Now Annabelle knew. "You tried to send her to Earth in 1947, but her ship crashed, right? She vanished for years."<br />
<br />
"Yes. This is true."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjYzQnfg4Vle0FzMT4ONQyD98Hh9aoZFSrHBB73uTXgWGOGtE7lEbeOlifRMnhy-2dy6zpk9u5cjsbsKGvo6bl26xClCj-tOYno5pmXUmyqoRyeIy8dskyZMtyGXoB0yHLvSd4B1UGec/s1600/Screenshot-7113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjYzQnfg4Vle0FzMT4ONQyD98Hh9aoZFSrHBB73uTXgWGOGtE7lEbeOlifRMnhy-2dy6zpk9u5cjsbsKGvo6bl26xClCj-tOYno5pmXUmyqoRyeIy8dskyZMtyGXoB0yHLvSd4B1UGec/s400/Screenshot-7113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle continued. "I met her. When I was a teenager she tried to kill me."<br />
<br />
Verena looked confused when she turned back to Annabelle. "Really? I did not know this. I did not sense it when I read your mind. I wonder why that is."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2H5bqOyDoy9EbuLPzjLZBnM70yH9ZuX7pq4cVRXT6GoeeWTW-9bTcdg2WiSyKIzJX-d3Ac5Im80c7mpJbqXrQ-buE_Cvk_PcK_Lsr5T8yYEItR8mDUdcEYh9XMbbiHKZbBAMvRUmnh8/s1600/Screenshot-7114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2H5bqOyDoy9EbuLPzjLZBnM70yH9ZuX7pq4cVRXT6GoeeWTW-9bTcdg2WiSyKIzJX-d3Ac5Im80c7mpJbqXrQ-buE_Cvk_PcK_Lsr5T8yYEItR8mDUdcEYh9XMbbiHKZbBAMvRUmnh8/s400/Screenshot-7114.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle shrugged this time. "I guess it doesn't really matter. Who was the second hybrid?"<br />
<br />
"That... is a terrible story." Verena said, and looked out to the rain again. "Back in what you would call the 1970's, we created another Hybrid, born out of a test tube. Over a decade, in Earth time, he spent his life on this planet thinking he was human, because he looked that way. We all thought he was a nice young man, but he wasn't. No, he wasn't."<br />
<br />
"What happened?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkmU5DRQ80pDQEGLQCOqfT9nTa_8cmtGIEfYZze24EfJehHKy_TThrxme_FkkxT0PMw92MMTxwBKZr4Z6ZOu5yPyN1zIRxR-VzPIym4n-XK0-Y-Aui4-bxJIjAK3Q8zhZbSlJ8t9aoEI/s1600/Screenshot-7112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkmU5DRQ80pDQEGLQCOqfT9nTa_8cmtGIEfYZze24EfJehHKy_TThrxme_FkkxT0PMw92MMTxwBKZr4Z6ZOu5yPyN1zIRxR-VzPIym4n-XK0-Y-Aui4-bxJIjAK3Q8zhZbSlJ8t9aoEI/s400/Screenshot-7112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"He eventually went insane, killed a fellow Torran, and carved his skin off. He then tried to wear it and claimed he was truly a Torran, that he looked like one so he had to be. He died shortly after."<br />
<br />
"How?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LsjmA64KKiw47oPt9SEjr1mrpDX7CR2atMN8IRbb5BkpkMLyWYtWzBF3KOyOAAJ21PP9afPoS90iUuuzYigUQGDnh-UZ-kkOimZaKmb5coyrfVzZyAmvw6CG0FqnZHrc6VCv27dxd8g/s1600/Screenshot-7117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LsjmA64KKiw47oPt9SEjr1mrpDX7CR2atMN8IRbb5BkpkMLyWYtWzBF3KOyOAAJ21PP9afPoS90iUuuzYigUQGDnh-UZ-kkOimZaKmb5coyrfVzZyAmvw6CG0FqnZHrc6VCv27dxd8g/s400/Screenshot-7117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"He ran into a building that exploded a few seconds later. We searched the rubble but could not find his body, we assumed it was just vaporized."<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy5SGyXh-Xnyi4e7W4OVe4cFhOrcdGG09AUjad5R2G9XVHWFMn8a3-ObGcTHGZlq1SgMrYUsg0WjeoHr0nZQgif6T14P57jYk6ay8nXXWdjVtfMREEepRQz6Drpx1n63xhesJgUFkRD0/s1600/Screenshot-7171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy5SGyXh-Xnyi4e7W4OVe4cFhOrcdGG09AUjad5R2G9XVHWFMn8a3-ObGcTHGZlq1SgMrYUsg0WjeoHr0nZQgif6T14P57jYk6ay8nXXWdjVtfMREEepRQz6Drpx1n63xhesJgUFkRD0/s400/Screenshot-7171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"It was stolen. The design I mean. I drew up a sketch of it when I was in high school back in 2016, and all it's bells and whistles, and sent it into the patent office. Well my design never got there. I didn't send it via E-mail, by actual mail, and the truck that was carting it was hijacked by some criminals en route. I can only assume those criminals stole my design and sold it to Vu. Maybe they wanted my robot designs specifically, which would mean that someone I knew was respons-"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0X0QuZTA9wvQyqwWynEnZyM0rKsp2odXkAj04xGp8z9cBrUpDBuar6yA4hjOsEB67M550pso2CgSrKljSnDa2Mnnm361xkfb173hffMI7MSCzPkXXPPHVrr3sr9CPWKyBkxgaAQUOQM/s1600/Screenshot-7173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0X0QuZTA9wvQyqwWynEnZyM0rKsp2odXkAj04xGp8z9cBrUpDBuar6yA4hjOsEB67M550pso2CgSrKljSnDa2Mnnm361xkfb173hffMI7MSCzPkXXPPHVrr3sr9CPWKyBkxgaAQUOQM/s400/Screenshot-7173.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Jack." Kelly said, interrupting him. "Jack must have overheard you talking about it when he visited our house, hired the thieves, stole the designs, and gave them to Vu. He was Vu's Benefactor, right? He knew Vu could build the robots, which means he could use them to defend something. ... Oh my God. Jacob Thompson is Jack Toomes!!"<br />
<br />
Another loud "WHAT!?!?!" filled the room. Tom especially looked furious. Seeing their reaction, Kelly continued.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsh4rVURGGA6bTv852mLSN8RfS3KH8IDINJ6_i9XfadXmqVmyaMGf8lWDBgs_n_vCd11wphjVDHbrWHqNk4Zf_E6xM7IRf-dB5hmlR0z-ryFFL088xZlH9aDiTbhGtdE1MQp-VztAw5tM/s1600/Screenshot-7174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsh4rVURGGA6bTv852mLSN8RfS3KH8IDINJ6_i9XfadXmqVmyaMGf8lWDBgs_n_vCd11wphjVDHbrWHqNk4Zf_E6xM7IRf-dB5hmlR0z-ryFFL088xZlH9aDiTbhGtdE1MQp-VztAw5tM/s400/Screenshot-7174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I knew something was up with the remains of Jack from that meteorite, when he was destroyed at the police station. There was a lot of metal pieces which I initially thought were parts of the car he was in, but now I get it: A robot design that was stolen a short time ago from Sunset Valley was used to build an advanced droid that looked and sounded like Jack. Using this, Jack himself escaped, used something to make himself younger, which I assume was your Young Again potion, John, and replaced himself with the android. When the meteorite hit the car that held the fake Jack, everyone thought he was killed, so Jacob could go on living."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"That's why he hated me so much." Tom said. "Annabelle too. We both caused him to get arrested four years ago. Kidnapping Annabelle was part of his revenge. WHERE IS HE?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5G2HQTyUYZzGl0Yrv9watXZEgpcEYg4xzxa6-eTgVkJYmwO3ItUiSi-jZDvEfFUi1TmnY5Oq5lF2BMdlRiNatmGwVwnb6u7GASnaVFNSQysuk4iD5-NJfKWFDTU69Kzcq4q99zwqbbE/s1600/Screenshot-7175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5G2HQTyUYZzGl0Yrv9watXZEgpcEYg4xzxa6-eTgVkJYmwO3ItUiSi-jZDvEfFUi1TmnY5Oq5lF2BMdlRiNatmGwVwnb6u7GASnaVFNSQysuk4iD5-NJfKWFDTU69Kzcq4q99zwqbbE/s400/Screenshot-7175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John looked back to the group. "We'll have to find that out. But now that we know who we're dealing with, this mission of ours just got much more serious. Jack Toomes will use that lamp to take over this planet, that was his goal from the very beginning. We HAVE to stop him!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEJ4zc7QlNzjpYr1M2fX3BV2FJsn_rdeoKp4Jo3dziIRcn_-Ax1l9jNyqaiwGt8p4vwFNcacfmy64KGXU-HqaUF1YPwEJrypncDFds3rNISYtwuj-vgT2qNjqC44CjC-NyRb1vw1vzxI/s1600/Screenshot-7176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEJ4zc7QlNzjpYr1M2fX3BV2FJsn_rdeoKp4Jo3dziIRcn_-Ax1l9jNyqaiwGt8p4vwFNcacfmy64KGXU-HqaUF1YPwEJrypncDFds3rNISYtwuj-vgT2qNjqC44CjC-NyRb1vw1vzxI/s400/Screenshot-7176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I agree." Scarlett said. "And when I get my hands around his neck I'm gonna wring his body dry of blood! NO ONE kidnaps my best friend and gets away with it!!"<br />
<br />
"As much as Scarlett is scaring me." Mirabelle said. "I agree with her. Jack Toomes is too dangerous. We may have to... you know... end him. I can't say I haven't thought about it. After all he's done, it's crossed my mind more than once. What about you, Tom?... Tom?"<br />
<br />
Everyone looked over to where Tom was to see him gone.<br />
<br />
"Where is he?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT9KrRLh26sraOpcHSf1_EPyarfEYtXHcIX6_HUSRvfcwjsgRlllrdN5Bw1Lf2MXs5SgjcP-rikTc62ZIdQvJtI0Wcqrvqewb4qr2YvHZrPamTSuIe212tspu-4MEIWoIh0frsq8NDdA/s1600/Screenshot-7177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT9KrRLh26sraOpcHSf1_EPyarfEYtXHcIX6_HUSRvfcwjsgRlllrdN5Bw1Lf2MXs5SgjcP-rikTc62ZIdQvJtI0Wcqrvqewb4qr2YvHZrPamTSuIe212tspu-4MEIWoIh0frsq8NDdA/s400/Screenshot-7177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkr3E0Cksy0NBnCwF0yue_zSXbltwixbCIXjTIzvYuQEx40PAcGiyactYdj02fdt3V3_o3J8Vqg3-b2thaO53MqtbdwEg3xTYyJEP_vcV5D3Eq61vxePNgHKvZtbilb4MGk51VW0xtno/s1600/Screenshot-7178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkr3E0Cksy0NBnCwF0yue_zSXbltwixbCIXjTIzvYuQEx40PAcGiyactYdj02fdt3V3_o3J8Vqg3-b2thaO53MqtbdwEg3xTYyJEP_vcV5D3Eq61vxePNgHKvZtbilb4MGk51VW0xtno/s400/Screenshot-7178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The group turned around to see him walking upstairs. They collectively breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he was going to go fight Jack Toomes alone, which was in all accounts a one-way trip. After this, John turned to the robot and pressed a button on it's side. Seconds later the drone sprang to life, it's original red coloring now a cool blue."<br />
<br />
"Drone, speak."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0eHiTPYMpWitU4XYY-maukVYl7hI0JkHG3YSuv2Bc_EFxiJXHYSVIhmednRG1V2hugC9Tjd7pjVM1m30l9wfBv5FJKK2fcwgt-vQ9F7wV9avfVzhtzG8F59EBMaRD0tKvGkBXAPAAg4/s1600/Screenshot-7180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0eHiTPYMpWitU4XYY-maukVYl7hI0JkHG3YSuv2Bc_EFxiJXHYSVIhmednRG1V2hugC9Tjd7pjVM1m30l9wfBv5FJKK2fcwgt-vQ9F7wV9avfVzhtzG8F59EBMaRD0tKvGkBXAPAAg4/s400/Screenshot-7180.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"GREETINGS. MY NAME IS MIKE."</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKY55FzoRsf178AaNwsLHlPnB3o2fhpPoOEE0F3lOytf_M8mqM96sT260L-Mi9zAfd8edgPEbkHf_f-KuZFdyoFjxZA0jBXIZBgawPLgyBD_G1ZJLmgQnNqMShRebtCFDewIv_AWO14g/s1600/Screenshot-7179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKY55FzoRsf178AaNwsLHlPnB3o2fhpPoOEE0F3lOytf_M8mqM96sT260L-Mi9zAfd8edgPEbkHf_f-KuZFdyoFjxZA0jBXIZBgawPLgyBD_G1ZJLmgQnNqMShRebtCFDewIv_AWO14g/s400/Screenshot-7179.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"MIKE?" Kelly asked. "Where did you get that name?"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"IT IS DERIVED FROM THE NAME OF THE MULTI-INTERFACE KINETIC ETHICS CHIP INSTALLED IN MY PROCESSOR. ALSO I LIKE THAT NAME"</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS_ezK4mSUPli6fNKBL6o9vo0FfrdirzPHag-U_ekAoW74bpZDAaeOXgcGhv_VZEy7Mvq1g-t4uYchkd2NsX0ec3KAJzHryTkdR6GnbysfGcwXNUQxubhljg68mKTQu7zFDdcxQrOLRY/s1600/Screenshot-7181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS_ezK4mSUPli6fNKBL6o9vo0FfrdirzPHag-U_ekAoW74bpZDAaeOXgcGhv_VZEy7Mvq1g-t4uYchkd2NsX0ec3KAJzHryTkdR6GnbysfGcwXNUQxubhljg68mKTQu7zFDdcxQrOLRY/s400/Screenshot-7181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Oh yeah." Keera said. "That AI chip gives it personality. It's refreshing to see a robot who does not act like a robot."</span><br />
<br />
"MIKE. What was your mission prior to being shut down?" Kelly asked. "Why did you come to our home?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqRskBIZD-8QIZVJV4urCg7wKW2vHt3dC5A6QN8ZXlGVQ1ZXvhqmRi3QPpu7aHl088MS9YrsPcCKhvIiaC-JWO1nL1Doh5yNv5tXMyy7nKG-Sfxgy_zD1MwKsPTk5Lk2dspEhZMCQ4aQ/s1600/Screenshot-7182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqRskBIZD-8QIZVJV4urCg7wKW2vHt3dC5A6QN8ZXlGVQ1ZXvhqmRi3QPpu7aHl088MS9YrsPcCKhvIiaC-JWO1nL1Doh5yNv5tXMyy7nKG-Sfxgy_zD1MwKsPTk5Lk2dspEhZMCQ4aQ/s400/Screenshot-7182.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"I WAS COMING TO SCOUT THE HOME OF THOMAS JAMESON. I WAS SENT HERE ON ORDERS BY ONE: JACOB THOMPSON."</b></span><br />
<br />
"Jack?! Why scout our house?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggOIgFhNFjRcjwKHQOmz3s4L7j6TUF26K60tnSfuqvLOkSV8WD9EK-nGfBB7o0Zy_7u6BbQPYbP6t1ilElduHbljri7nzRXQBKbTsyaPKKlNvua83FyYXS3vGFozSE_nifHUwKEAFzyU/s1600/Screenshot-7183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggOIgFhNFjRcjwKHQOmz3s4L7j6TUF26K60tnSfuqvLOkSV8WD9EK-nGfBB7o0Zy_7u6BbQPYbP6t1ilElduHbljri7nzRXQBKbTsyaPKKlNvua83FyYXS3vGFozSE_nifHUwKEAFzyU/s400/Screenshot-7183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"TO FIND DEFENSES. TO SCAN HOUSE FOR INTEGRITY. TO IDENTIFY THE QUANTITY OF LIFE FORMS WITHIN. THE REST WILL BE HERE SOON. ETA TWO HOURS."</b></span><br />
<br />
"The REST?!" Mirabelle yelled out. "As in more of you?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimDSemqVYDAllAvr8aRcNBMGRM8d3jg7NVCfEvwASoLXG4g4aTuEok0u-aomD9sn9PUo9K3nStsUClzVcFeRDovJF9ulv0FDm4QduwIEhlAn9un7vsun5SIMNbFIDTKDpkRXUt9YmOf4/s1600/Screenshot-7184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimDSemqVYDAllAvr8aRcNBMGRM8d3jg7NVCfEvwASoLXG4g4aTuEok0u-aomD9sn9PUo9K3nStsUClzVcFeRDovJF9ulv0FDm4QduwIEhlAn9un7vsun5SIMNbFIDTKDpkRXUt9YmOf4/s400/Screenshot-7184.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"CORRECT. A LOT MORE. IT IS MY ASSUMPTION, AS I WAS SENT ON RECON, THAT THEY ARE COMING TO ELIMINATE ALL THREATS TO THE MISSION OF JACOB THOMPSON. YOU."</span></b><br />
<br />
--------------------------------<br />
<br />
"Why did you come to me when I was in Bridgeport? Why did you call me A'jhanie, like the daughter you have?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8coyOjd0q3qdUc-kJOrJXA7bu2Fg3z7eaPeJucLNqNRFBBUzKowggW7VfIXEgvcCYbEcuftvlTcKpZUbSCeSbsskh0tvwNxLTDBUCsWWEgWxTLZOwxLNzFl6fDvaDuyoEKKXy9aJ0aj4/s1600/Screenshot-7121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8coyOjd0q3qdUc-kJOrJXA7bu2Fg3z7eaPeJucLNqNRFBBUzKowggW7VfIXEgvcCYbEcuftvlTcKpZUbSCeSbsskh0tvwNxLTDBUCsWWEgWxTLZOwxLNzFl6fDvaDuyoEKKXy9aJ0aj4/s400/Screenshot-7121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That is something I was hoping you wouldn't bring up." Verena replied. "Four of your Earth years ago, A'jhanie was sick. She had a disease that was tearing apart her organs from the inside out. I thought if you came to Torra Sev, you could... be the one who would replace my daughter. That is why I called you A'jhanie. I thought if I called you that, you could eventually accept the name, and be with me and your genetic father as our own.<br />
"<br />
<br />
"I'm not sure if I could have accepted that." Annabelle replied. "I had my own life on Earth."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCKA0gCZP3e_kKLxxiXj08P3HVVWrtw2OyASfP1bAiHMa0fm3RhefhHysECeUW5oKwC3bhW1KV13hy4yTCxV0XiahWQcYIBTOGrG8l27vOHMA-_c2DQRQoA3nC3agFOFGHpnAQLy0Q54/s1600/Screenshot-7122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCKA0gCZP3e_kKLxxiXj08P3HVVWrtw2OyASfP1bAiHMa0fm3RhefhHysECeUW5oKwC3bhW1KV13hy4yTCxV0XiahWQcYIBTOGrG8l27vOHMA-_c2DQRQoA3nC3agFOFGHpnAQLy0Q54/s400/Screenshot-7122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I was sure of this. However while you were here for those few seconds, I was able to scan you, and heal your own injuries from the explosion you were involved in. After sending you back in clothes A'jhanie had, I used your DNA's structure to clone fresh organs for A'jhanie, and she was healed of her disease. She doesn't know about this. She was in cryostasis at the time, still aging but asleep. It's lucky you were brought before us when you did. If she was in there too long, she would have had her hair, eyes, and clothes turn white from the cryo-freeze solution."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwH5d7ifNMvOl728016syC-sr965xTUqBlFvh8rOHk4mMKlW2mBD3CIOPgm5O4uo_ZikWZq4M9oR4sKJsCwUgKWiOgvmV9DFNoCmwIJQwub1sxQDKII9cN8SjUmzV85AmCQrx6PgcyYo/s1600/Screenshot-7120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwH5d7ifNMvOl728016syC-sr965xTUqBlFvh8rOHk4mMKlW2mBD3CIOPgm5O4uo_ZikWZq4M9oR4sKJsCwUgKWiOgvmV9DFNoCmwIJQwub1sxQDKII9cN8SjUmzV85AmCQrx6PgcyYo/s400/Screenshot-7120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Isobelle." Annabelle murmured to herself, now knowing why her twin sister looked so bizarrely different from herself. "But this 'bleaching' would fade eventually, right?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU96S1Sn5HaT8DaiJxPurN01y76sJGQ7zrObtJly-uLuMUBp5wxKavuA6EdWX6_MRg5_6mrGySIkjn7aJCLlhDprE3Ol0vbvGZ0_l-k5QLGN9r2VQMT6S1pPUcvxErTtvhJgBCJ-gCPk/s1600/Screenshot-7123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU96S1Sn5HaT8DaiJxPurN01y76sJGQ7zrObtJly-uLuMUBp5wxKavuA6EdWX6_MRg5_6mrGySIkjn7aJCLlhDprE3Ol0vbvGZ0_l-k5QLGN9r2VQMT6S1pPUcvxErTtvhJgBCJ-gCPk/s400/Screenshot-7123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yes. Could be months, or years. I know you ask because of your twin sister. She was trapped in orbit for ten years, only pulled back to your planet via the use of a device pulling debris from the upper atmosphere. That was part my fault. I should have sent you in the same ship, but my mistake caused the girl you know to think herself different, and to see things for what they really are."<br />
<br />
<i>"Why isn't he red? He's supposed to be red." </i>Annabelle thought back to Isobelle's words when they were teenagers, when Isobelle took her to the graveyard to show her Deacon. She complained that Deacon didn't look red to her. Perhaps this is what Verena meant by "seeing things for what they were". Rather than push the subject, Annabelle remembered the whole Eclipse event back on Earth, and decided she had to get home as soon as humanly possible. Verena sensed this and led her silently to the next room, where she opened a large door revealing something to Annie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w8cTTlBu-kub-3YBG3tvhgGcYu04qjDQ5YjxtmRnMIvSLO1jhczYlvSqtuaynJs6jxnoiXmhyyisqNz0yLG54c3y_37lqHaUHp1lnB4pzbCAg-rWswKfVMSRjuSfAsUdyW1LKbybx64/s1600/Screenshot-7124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w8cTTlBu-kub-3YBG3tvhgGcYu04qjDQ5YjxtmRnMIvSLO1jhczYlvSqtuaynJs6jxnoiXmhyyisqNz0yLG54c3y_37lqHaUHp1lnB4pzbCAg-rWswKfVMSRjuSfAsUdyW1LKbybx64/s400/Screenshot-7124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh that's awesome."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKYEMM0RGePB_BjHZGDHH2URh2Q3Lublm25hBntwyKEFowSaGOjuFaVgsXhrXl1K_RJAcWn4_eUgbWfpuLFfqDRGPeiFWJe-4LnREs3hevqQA-hKc0OWMvU1kRDS6oQpVCnkQI8b9Exc/s1600/Screenshot-7125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKYEMM0RGePB_BjHZGDHH2URh2Q3Lublm25hBntwyKEFowSaGOjuFaVgsXhrXl1K_RJAcWn4_eUgbWfpuLFfqDRGPeiFWJe-4LnREs3hevqQA-hKc0OWMvU1kRDS6oQpVCnkQI8b9Exc/s400/Screenshot-7125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
---------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe8xb4eep00dRqjcFcpSL7QgPRiDMjR4IT84HQkiW2-xUduXj-NWZxpY0_q_jvhatrvm-5aV_BsWBVEnHTBG_Y45p_OuxAaTIzgGwDe6WFynC8gxW_ne_MB67wmJhKYJ7wLgPyjG_jII/s1600/Screenshot-7185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe8xb4eep00dRqjcFcpSL7QgPRiDMjR4IT84HQkiW2-xUduXj-NWZxpY0_q_jvhatrvm-5aV_BsWBVEnHTBG_Y45p_OuxAaTIzgGwDe6WFynC8gxW_ne_MB67wmJhKYJ7wLgPyjG_jII/s400/Screenshot-7185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom was despondent. He didn't know what to do. As he stood in Annabelle's room, he remembered things that happened in there. He remembered the two of them forgiving each other after their argument, and smiled as he remembered what happened not long after that. He remembered laughing with Annabelle the next day, and smiling with her, before... that explosion.<br />
<br />
Then he remembered her lying on the bed. injured from that explosion, and his confession to her unconscious form that he often wondered what things would have been like had he kissed her in the ruins of the library four years before. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3iHTbBHfDHA8GmsnajiSsWVLQFxwx7Xrteko0EN_uKs98JRrjulh2A282JaEvmI2scm_JZcsaprOfCOlLUEt60LYsAabCXXZtQeul0eRM4awYbENMNtPAHqFHGe0RkedqYKJcyVKuHU/s1600/Screenshot-7186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3iHTbBHfDHA8GmsnajiSsWVLQFxwx7Xrteko0EN_uKs98JRrjulh2A282JaEvmI2scm_JZcsaprOfCOlLUEt60LYsAabCXXZtQeul0eRM4awYbENMNtPAHqFHGe0RkedqYKJcyVKuHU/s400/Screenshot-7186.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thinking of this made Tom upset for more reasons than one. He could have told her back then, he could have confessed his true feelings to her when she was awake, and maybe she wouldn't have been kidnapped and possibly killed. He felt guilty for her being taken, as he did when she was kidnapped when they were teenagers. If he had told her the truth, she probably never would have been in this situation, and they could have been somewhere else entirely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEmYmmEvtwqLPvGWyBOZmvXbxfy5v9mHWMqCnT4HgXVccCUBXCofvNs7zahi60aLa2MAImx_7QT-BClnHQMOHZp3btm9M0NQaJmIg_efSWHgMGDG3JWiqBA0J9AlL_xMB-f9G6zcz8Uk/s1600/Screenshot-7187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEmYmmEvtwqLPvGWyBOZmvXbxfy5v9mHWMqCnT4HgXVccCUBXCofvNs7zahi60aLa2MAImx_7QT-BClnHQMOHZp3btm9M0NQaJmIg_efSWHgMGDG3JWiqBA0J9AlL_xMB-f9G6zcz8Uk/s400/Screenshot-7187.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Upset, he walked over to the window and looked out to the stars. "Please come back to me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbLItBTN8N2EHsr7ASfPlKihCZaO7-y29m_cWq4mM83n3RmLwghXRiXDRPMqCVovXT7lG1e9z6mDqHgemiY4BGWrvlEFDF2-3t7ddHbdsMQM2FAOrMxY1xslybnvfiuQOcCXFMwEZIF0/s1600/Screenshot-7188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbLItBTN8N2EHsr7ASfPlKihCZaO7-y29m_cWq4mM83n3RmLwghXRiXDRPMqCVovXT7lG1e9z6mDqHgemiY4BGWrvlEFDF2-3t7ddHbdsMQM2FAOrMxY1xslybnvfiuQOcCXFMwEZIF0/s400/Screenshot-7188.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"She's gone isn't she?" Tom turned and saw Isobelle standing behind him. At least he thought it was her, as the white part of her hair and eyes were now a darker color, with turquoise in it. He didn't see her in the living room when John was talking about the robot, and figured it was because she was talking to Deacon.<br />
<br />
"I'm not sure, really." Tom said. He didn't tell anyone what he saw, Annabelle being shot and probably vaporized by the robots, but Isobelle was smarter than she looked. She noticed his stance, his expressions as he walked into the house. "She might be."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xLPhzBylNRyh1FgnoIWUMUp8aynM8UZf_G0F4XJLgf8TeJfraGwHXKqgIGDo5GW5OYF-9FkalGUjc7Z0Yt2qkBlBI9-VngL-cZZEnY_eKRPzG6qfpptx49Cf1sT8YhNQcu09-563ygI/s1600/Screenshot-7189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xLPhzBylNRyh1FgnoIWUMUp8aynM8UZf_G0F4XJLgf8TeJfraGwHXKqgIGDo5GW5OYF-9FkalGUjc7Z0Yt2qkBlBI9-VngL-cZZEnY_eKRPzG6qfpptx49Cf1sT8YhNQcu09-563ygI/s400/Screenshot-7189.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Might is a good word to use in this case." Isobelle replied. "It indicates a sliver of hope that the 'might' means 'no', which would mean she's still here, and alive. I always use words like that. There are some things you can never be truly sure of."<br />
<br />
"And on the flipside, what are <i>you</i> truly sure of?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rC61RStt7AqkpVJsQz2YyXdn9tuTemnoBSqfB9UuTJDofd79BxyqqmL-axATQeeCGxTj8pTWNZlzUnXsTSyeFZHqNex95xQJgGoNs06OY4aW-kmnHURRiY7kp8I2rraHIcis-AVAnUA/s1600/Screenshot-7191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rC61RStt7AqkpVJsQz2YyXdn9tuTemnoBSqfB9UuTJDofd79BxyqqmL-axATQeeCGxTj8pTWNZlzUnXsTSyeFZHqNex95xQJgGoNs06OY4aW-kmnHURRiY7kp8I2rraHIcis-AVAnUA/s400/Screenshot-7191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Isobelle smiled. "That everything will be alright, no matter how it looks."<br />
<br />
Isobelle left the room and Tom took her words to heart. With that, he left the room himself, turning off the light. As he walked out, Mirabelle bolted up the stairs and ran towards him. "We have a serious, serious problem."<br />
<br />
"What's wrong?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1cDC4HUOIS30cfO3ESi3mY3EBYvWNsZXDLDecpX0saoGRkHFmh65Ok_kfvzMa2K9V-dwb4Nerp_Bbnb43Sv7rcu4tUGO21nSidAuUvSD2czvfb8WwfrqMUkxeIKv9cpkTWxPzSHFI-Q/s1600/Screenshot-7192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1cDC4HUOIS30cfO3ESi3mY3EBYvWNsZXDLDecpX0saoGRkHFmh65Ok_kfvzMa2K9V-dwb4Nerp_Bbnb43Sv7rcu4tUGO21nSidAuUvSD2czvfb8WwfrqMUkxeIKv9cpkTWxPzSHFI-Q/s400/Screenshot-7192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Robots, lots of them. They're coming, Tom, and they're going to try and kill us all. We need you downstairs to help defense."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4ymqDFzI9LTqE3IG77RjPcTxIb3zdaoo1YFp3-VjWa-c44C9Naci-Ek_cqKeTIXpGptuH-FFxsIOOcbu2uMHFqOdv0bhZGfbuWEn80Eki6VmuVbRE4dOZwapFlR2TnOlBGrFlDWFHPw/s1600/Screenshot-7193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4ymqDFzI9LTqE3IG77RjPcTxIb3zdaoo1YFp3-VjWa-c44C9Naci-Ek_cqKeTIXpGptuH-FFxsIOOcbu2uMHFqOdv0bhZGfbuWEn80Eki6VmuVbRE4dOZwapFlR2TnOlBGrFlDWFHPw/s400/Screenshot-7193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What can I do?" Isobelle, who was standing nearby, asked. "I don't know anything special, not even any type of magic."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhV6WeXrWuhZ6l_BlyAX2-mDFxWD-Ttd0GBYOAfiNPsqtrsdecFRRDJJYy-9fs6mzgOeiMmcJ8h2kl5d4UkWustzlNBhC3ata1fatTIqIoW8ls8YN-YvKoDd3Tro2hB2sREPChXZn1DA/s1600/Screenshot-7194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhV6WeXrWuhZ6l_BlyAX2-mDFxWD-Ttd0GBYOAfiNPsqtrsdecFRRDJJYy-9fs6mzgOeiMmcJ8h2kl5d4UkWustzlNBhC3ata1fatTIqIoW8ls8YN-YvKoDd3Tro2hB2sREPChXZn1DA/s400/Screenshot-7194.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle nodded. "You can fortify every door leading in this house aside from the main one, we'll use that to get in and out of this house. We can't let them get inside." Isobelle ran off to do what Mirabelle said, then the latter turned to Tom. "You, me, and all the ones who have a magic wand will stand at the ready. These things will be coming, and we can't let them."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSgLRv33ekz04RIO_uKvooDbYH_bisOh7mRx-4ClzPShcc_X-2ypMgsHtZVBrWfFjlxNrEK3HHfLnlWEPw5TiBa2Y-OQSk9ZcAf2GEEmkiUycMWn8e03WzyJDFHtaNDzfE6ecYtROXGs/s1600/Screenshot-7195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSgLRv33ekz04RIO_uKvooDbYH_bisOh7mRx-4ClzPShcc_X-2ypMgsHtZVBrWfFjlxNrEK3HHfLnlWEPw5TiBa2Y-OQSk9ZcAf2GEEmkiUycMWn8e03WzyJDFHtaNDzfE6ecYtROXGs/s400/Screenshot-7195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom and Mirabelle ran down the stairs and gathered some things for what was to be their first battle of this little war. <i>'</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>If MIKE was telling the truth'</i>, Mirabelle thought, <i>'then we're in for something fierce.' </i><br />
<br />
-------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagDsDjGPwPQW02YwBIgnNXUS1x4Qk9pY5vOq-qpk_-IBesxcWxZJWIA4e2izmU4Yu7OXG4GqMtZBw94dsj3VOHQzqWBBXxPbNTUaWR_eZJktAflBc7M4SJDuiHvjZNfLR6i0K_Ax137g/s1600/Screenshot-7126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagDsDjGPwPQW02YwBIgnNXUS1x4Qk9pY5vOq-qpk_-IBesxcWxZJWIA4e2izmU4Yu7OXG4GqMtZBw94dsj3VOHQzqWBBXxPbNTUaWR_eZJktAflBc7M4SJDuiHvjZNfLR6i0K_Ax137g/s400/Screenshot-7126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I take this is A'jhanie's spaceship?" Annabelle asked as she looked at a hovering craft in front of her, due to the black and purple scheme that A'jhanie and Annabelle wore. "I can't take this, I would feel guilty."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAuYUcuG_AaeveQCys7r3DqiREt3wLPSZmcZHaZ1ENQlalI_6lUyhwZ2eo_oCxiUoubgDkiy9kplJ9XONxlDr67AfxtxMluGCFq7H_C5EjBsWYrVKH23mtWI_a9f8Rh9l7jbZhyY9HZw/s1600/Screenshot-7127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAuYUcuG_AaeveQCys7r3DqiREt3wLPSZmcZHaZ1ENQlalI_6lUyhwZ2eo_oCxiUoubgDkiy9kplJ9XONxlDr67AfxtxMluGCFq7H_C5EjBsWYrVKH23mtWI_a9f8Rh9l7jbZhyY9HZw/s400/Screenshot-7127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"She has two more in storage." Verena said. "She told me while you were asleep that she wanted to give you this one as a way of getting back to your home planet, and you could use it to help in whatever you need."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXJRQyPyCLosJfJBp36VQbhRVc-wfe-EXyfjt6DxsALvJmN3r42QRfHPm3I8Sjd6xAwYHyQQIeShF0L66aHvYtQmXotr5Q7ZW9AXGIyZGt-rPkn7p8w_vhw2O6pzOWlLWZWumoQ0FCds/s1600/Screenshot-7128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXJRQyPyCLosJfJBp36VQbhRVc-wfe-EXyfjt6DxsALvJmN3r42QRfHPm3I8Sjd6xAwYHyQQIeShF0L66aHvYtQmXotr5Q7ZW9AXGIyZGt-rPkn7p8w_vhw2O6pzOWlLWZWumoQ0FCds/s400/Screenshot-7128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It's true. I said that." A'jhanie replied as she walked into the room with the two. "You need to get home fast, and you can't teleport at the moment because you used all that energy to get here, so go ahead and take it. But you can't go like that because this ship requires an interface suit to be worn if someone's using it for the first time. Luckily I have a spare, and I think its just your color."<br />
<br />
======<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPPcR041Y_UaeVaOsxnqh_5RwLMogm0kwUfnfI1qwMMxlyXJUv-Rsnuo1alTBmhPpl41E4nuYv53u2b-YYCADYoFAiVQcdvtd_olJ4wQfHzE2OC_9yKPjFPsYgIEst2o8T0dL6AG9U-4/s1600/Screenshot-7146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPPcR041Y_UaeVaOsxnqh_5RwLMogm0kwUfnfI1qwMMxlyXJUv-Rsnuo1alTBmhPpl41E4nuYv53u2b-YYCADYoFAiVQcdvtd_olJ4wQfHzE2OC_9yKPjFPsYgIEst2o8T0dL6AG9U-4/s400/Screenshot-7146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A short time later, Annabelle stood in the garage, looking at the pair. She was wearing a spacesuit, the same type A'jhanie had worn, and noticed how incredibly comfortable it was. "Now I see why you wear these. I may keep this as part of my wardrobe back home."<br />
<br />
Verena smiled. "Yes. And speaking of home, you should go soon."<br />
<br />
"But... I have so many more questions to ask."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF0J2wUAOwy9XHHyl8GyFCVDQjdylOTSTqGQ2-1McbUjwfuXZjxkxsstgZ3e2S7P8wE71Ccp6ypq6-fAvbqHJcbgf3X3YvFCmn5yVkjFvV2uALHaTPvwXJafLeBcNqK9XIlIWEU8B0hM/s1600/Screenshot-7150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF0J2wUAOwy9XHHyl8GyFCVDQjdylOTSTqGQ2-1McbUjwfuXZjxkxsstgZ3e2S7P8wE71Ccp6ypq6-fAvbqHJcbgf3X3YvFCmn5yVkjFvV2uALHaTPvwXJafLeBcNqK9XIlIWEU8B0hM/s400/Screenshot-7150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Verena smiled again. "There are things you must know, and I must tell you, but not right now. Maybe later on you can come back to Torra Sev, or I can come to your world and meet this family you've built up. From what you've told me through your thoughts, they must be great people."<br />
<br />
"They are."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-udipWDwom2KCsgy97tbK11KnHERPVLOERTsgOhmPMNUA6-PDCwI8L8MFbn9OKlWANpgegphlC-ElAEQc3ERc1xnJFKglD4aJSbwbpQZlVVoKNptntmgpbXS8tLySDQWCp3truAxACAo/s1600/Screenshot-7151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-udipWDwom2KCsgy97tbK11KnHERPVLOERTsgOhmPMNUA6-PDCwI8L8MFbn9OKlWANpgegphlC-ElAEQc3ERc1xnJFKglD4aJSbwbpQZlVVoKNptntmgpbXS8tLySDQWCp3truAxACAo/s400/Screenshot-7151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Verena walked up to Annabelle, shook her hand and, surprisingly, held her other hand to Annabelle's forehead. Annie didn't know why she was doing this, perhaps it was a way of saying goodbye, but when Verena stepped away Annabelle could sense something was in her mind now, but she couldn't understand what.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDtrOsMG-CKbUliYjOfLHp1KDXW3phfjsWJGhJa4gWVjqJWSv86eOq4pzkkDT19zVK-9MqyxhvS4A80tXnlx-gKAmp-gEr415nJdB72U9nrGAfs8WhBm3zD6vmFCyhIMT1U3EzK77jUk/s1600/Screenshot-7148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDtrOsMG-CKbUliYjOfLHp1KDXW3phfjsWJGhJa4gWVjqJWSv86eOq4pzkkDT19zVK-9MqyxhvS4A80tXnlx-gKAmp-gEr415nJdB72U9nrGAfs8WhBm3zD6vmFCyhIMT1U3EzK77jUk/s400/Screenshot-7148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A'jhanie walked up to her afterwards. "I placed a tracker in your new ship, so I can see where it is. I figured I could, you know, come and visit you on Earth myself later on down the line, and bring my sister!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmrr7ElrjJHvxUjAsVcWX4ZDOS4gYXON5OEa8demADxP2WaxiIGWeaaC31Pg6Vyl_-6sCXBV8ePBcZaUmi0L5475VUPGPZFC8tcIYTFDPivCRcljBpGfL2KhPyrqrL4rPlRm9R-Pi108/s1600/Screenshot-7149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmrr7ElrjJHvxUjAsVcWX4ZDOS4gYXON5OEa8demADxP2WaxiIGWeaaC31Pg6Vyl_-6sCXBV8ePBcZaUmi0L5475VUPGPZFC8tcIYTFDPivCRcljBpGfL2KhPyrqrL4rPlRm9R-Pi108/s400/Screenshot-7149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'd like that." Annabelle said. "I would like to get to know you more. By the way, do you know why Verena just, like, did the mind meld thing?"<br />
<br />
"She did the same when I was sixteen years old. Earth years I mean." She then smiled. "You'll see momentarily."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNDKulxr0iO8ExVgV26pxoJ5b6s30UzCjA__u2nqWjtQp18Nsfn2aKkzR8oFY-0mF5PKOvrNnzSxQU-SrP0qxPqnL-muyW5H-PqmhBHnxdrwuvUsOgnYvDRCw6sxdE-NmG3KC_P8lQ0Y/s1600/Screenshot-7156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNDKulxr0iO8ExVgV26pxoJ5b6s30UzCjA__u2nqWjtQp18Nsfn2aKkzR8oFY-0mF5PKOvrNnzSxQU-SrP0qxPqnL-muyW5H-PqmhBHnxdrwuvUsOgnYvDRCw6sxdE-NmG3KC_P8lQ0Y/s400/Screenshot-7156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annie shrugged, then stepped over to the craft. "Thank you both for your hospitality, and thank you Verena for telling me what I needed to know. Now I just need to learn how to... fly... this." Annabelle walked over to the ship and found herself being teleported into it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmBuisTTHb5k0TmRXhN3vLx0ApbhQUY9weuWca6NZEi6oh2hwQd6Y-fRuJne5o9l74nHZ3WlhnHo-m9sTxIftIFPZ65mi2meoyrrNF7bieIVBdbNSQHy0bxe_aEOdiKpObY5ldPjnlRY/s1600/Screenshot-7155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmBuisTTHb5k0TmRXhN3vLx0ApbhQUY9weuWca6NZEi6oh2hwQd6Y-fRuJne5o9l74nHZ3WlhnHo-m9sTxIftIFPZ65mi2meoyrrNF7bieIVBdbNSQHy0bxe_aEOdiKpObY5ldPjnlRY/s400/Screenshot-7155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She reached down and looked at her new vessel's controls, and somehow instantly knew what function did what, and how she could get back, including knowledge of Earth's location. Suddenly she knew what Verena did just then: Imparted to her the knowledge of flying this spaceship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIwUfQ3hkpkH2K6nMWg2w_qPVW2-4lZLXzcfsm1mRottnj_dI7NPwPKu6ZDcRBdzgmIu9trMKgADmkpuB9oRBTylY2_9uASS0hNUW7ciR-2wYvSBUfw-W8hP_RTHt31gwugx7BoJhyphenhyphen_s/s1600/Screenshot-7157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIwUfQ3hkpkH2K6nMWg2w_qPVW2-4lZLXzcfsm1mRottnj_dI7NPwPKu6ZDcRBdzgmIu9trMKgADmkpuB9oRBTylY2_9uASS0hNUW7ciR-2wYvSBUfw-W8hP_RTHt31gwugx7BoJhyphenhyphen_s/s400/Screenshot-7157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Too cool."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICyCVfYHZfJM8YB1XNv-33aP4XEg6Nku3ygobpUBavJysAXBCTm_5SbnKRu6PVu-LFSyx2vevT8aUP7ZKKlSirGjGnRqESTUSpDfcxV8YS-jLhrZVLtO5_wIx7XV44Lzf0Mo8LJUFh1Q/s1600/Screenshot-7158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICyCVfYHZfJM8YB1XNv-33aP4XEg6Nku3ygobpUBavJysAXBCTm_5SbnKRu6PVu-LFSyx2vevT8aUP7ZKKlSirGjGnRqESTUSpDfcxV8YS-jLhrZVLtO5_wIx7XV44Lzf0Mo8LJUFh1Q/s400/Screenshot-7158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She then pressed a button on the console, and seconds later she and her ship were gone in a flash.<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------<br />
<b><i>Two Hours Later</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhlHBiOuGJl1qK7XB7nzpqaAVTUptaKvjhJBSaAACF134F5aMzEW0bEMinpEfQKxksflD0aaXv7VumiMdJRVk8XGrzJGsFN0brcKTyguWJ1Pc7S0aEmVUv_zt0f0fIAsqAPJ8Y11ZcX8/s1600/Screenshot-7196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhlHBiOuGJl1qK7XB7nzpqaAVTUptaKvjhJBSaAACF134F5aMzEW0bEMinpEfQKxksflD0aaXv7VumiMdJRVk8XGrzJGsFN0brcKTyguWJ1Pc7S0aEmVUv_zt0f0fIAsqAPJ8Y11ZcX8/s320/Screenshot-7196.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR23x9qV8qHxC_WnMiwUraDOn-c_dfxSPyMuOuQtCH31qnN-z_-5IXPzXds5RGklaqwDKZJiLUYKnGcU9sv2JAqXUidMTUiM2i_tW6JXEbCY35nv45R2fjykQgtadifjmxJQ19ix-lCHk/s1600/Screenshot-7199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR23x9qV8qHxC_WnMiwUraDOn-c_dfxSPyMuOuQtCH31qnN-z_-5IXPzXds5RGklaqwDKZJiLUYKnGcU9sv2JAqXUidMTUiM2i_tW6JXEbCY35nv45R2fjykQgtadifjmxJQ19ix-lCHk/s320/Screenshot-7199.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
"Alright, is everyone familiar with our plan?" Mirabelle asked, looking at everyone, with the exception of John who was preparing things, around her. Seeing as it was a good area with large windows, everyone was standing in a group inside the study room, with Isobelle using said large windows to look out to the city to see if any drones were coming.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmR_2MINJqeSbqvHHyxygFB1dT1Yi_BN3QOiL_juS2_RM1z_99OsH-dN-Ff__PBhKfkcLCAmcmiu2jLLZpzB7Gews0ujtFe3Z9CWt8fsVA1TlfprPTiITrxUUnCJP3DYheMWVV2oE4K4/s1600/Screenshot-7200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmR_2MINJqeSbqvHHyxygFB1dT1Yi_BN3QOiL_juS2_RM1z_99OsH-dN-Ff__PBhKfkcLCAmcmiu2jLLZpzB7Gews0ujtFe3Z9CWt8fsVA1TlfprPTiITrxUUnCJP3DYheMWVV2oE4K4/s400/Screenshot-7200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yep. Use distraction to hide our numbers, then boom! But what if they can detect heat signatures?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qJGPvP9cdBdJkqU4FGOShdVdDq9vDmpAvTNGHIP1sCLF6qozAvDsIFfOC7hmBa7OPptFv59KDcGIoue3BE3xhwwUUkc59TLZ3lrBw5N6VA1X9y0D45D26QR6dMfRzpn5RI6hDeiamhc/s1600/Screenshot-7198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qJGPvP9cdBdJkqU4FGOShdVdDq9vDmpAvTNGHIP1sCLF6qozAvDsIFfOC7hmBa7OPptFv59KDcGIoue3BE3xhwwUUkc59TLZ3lrBw5N6VA1X9y0D45D26QR6dMfRzpn5RI6hDeiamhc/s400/Screenshot-7198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well Deacon and Isobelle will be in the garage. By cutting open the backs of some old fridges, the cold air will freeze the nearby wall and, hopefully, mask their signatures while the rest of us will stand outside. We WANT them to know we're here, not Deacon and Isobelle." Mirabelle explained.<br />
<br />
Tom then chimed in. "What if they detect the two inside?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoVHAXjjW4RGOpyHGnIXj5C8WVHykMeFx_DHRsxiitrRIdFjDvq-0xOF0_ZvQ4FQtPhtplJ1qE_e6kYdYRMvocKmJjc715iE4S8b4LfEllzOU__aHRiLz0ZmZi6rM3JMX1w3kJyyJs1w/s1600/Screenshot-7197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoVHAXjjW4RGOpyHGnIXj5C8WVHykMeFx_DHRsxiitrRIdFjDvq-0xOF0_ZvQ4FQtPhtplJ1qE_e6kYdYRMvocKmJjc715iE4S8b4LfEllzOU__aHRiLz0ZmZi6rM3JMX1w3kJyyJs1w/s400/Screenshot-7197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle looked at Isobelle. "Let's hope they don't. Isobelle and Deacon can't fight, they don't have any means to fight right now and Deacon's still injured from falling off the roof of our house four years ago.<br />
<br />
"Don't remind me." Deacon said, upset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr3X-tmlsD2zzOtg0FUT1b3fbPia8Y0LFXdjFRc8NQfYFwsyKZJe15DwKOHmm0XrwrNSvDS2WAY3TtiIYO4DVLvquIBHPXn0PJtRmZlquywKKWDcNW2LotVKh-8-z8-Bsrau7ZaRDQvU/s1600/Screenshot-7201red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr3X-tmlsD2zzOtg0FUT1b3fbPia8Y0LFXdjFRc8NQfYFwsyKZJe15DwKOHmm0XrwrNSvDS2WAY3TtiIYO4DVLvquIBHPXn0PJtRmZlquywKKWDcNW2LotVKh-8-z8-Bsrau7ZaRDQvU/s400/Screenshot-7201red.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"They're coming. I see an awful lot of red off in the distance."<br />
<br />
"Great, on time." Keera said, sarcastically.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDv5vofG8a7YNkAP5Wkyo0C1MgvInl7GMngff_gnmo88fxrh41Y6iH4_Cf7NguFcOMoNPBdEXtbw-4Vm8DcuqAGBnyqnCjADny7tRxfPdke0tyY721lmbtPoEoFedg0KAclX1YQxOhJU/s1600/Screenshot-7202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDv5vofG8a7YNkAP5Wkyo0C1MgvInl7GMngff_gnmo88fxrh41Y6iH4_Cf7NguFcOMoNPBdEXtbw-4Vm8DcuqAGBnyqnCjADny7tRxfPdke0tyY721lmbtPoEoFedg0KAclX1YQxOhJU/s400/Screenshot-7202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Vazir drones are nothing if not punctual." </span></b>MIKE said. The rest of the family looked at him, realizing their robot just made a sarcastic remark. They collectively thought that the personality chip John gave him must have begun to work it's wonders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWRinGZEOeuHtprO6v5WVrRexCkwgtfxzBHjkZXZyU55Haa9SpcFUzefq3s_sTEn0DRfocwrsiBfgg98x5qaSCMrCo1406xzMzxk_qsufmaErZza_JudV6l2_c6OqD3GJXdpzmmBoT58/s1600/Screenshot-7204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWRinGZEOeuHtprO6v5WVrRexCkwgtfxzBHjkZXZyU55Haa9SpcFUzefq3s_sTEn0DRfocwrsiBfgg98x5qaSCMrCo1406xzMzxk_qsufmaErZza_JudV6l2_c6OqD3GJXdpzmmBoT58/s400/Screenshot-7204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvHFDNPaVU59ImIGJlijy6ohLv0NJyhPle8hrLrmJ6r0cexcQi1cSS_0IISDyUQSwFXaPfjfb5wbH7WTMBNnRCjxMPr6p5jwJ1gMa7wh_xADXg7apzosZ_LkWVtZidQutF3jffx9gtw4/s1600/Screenshot-7205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvHFDNPaVU59ImIGJlijy6ohLv0NJyhPle8hrLrmJ6r0cexcQi1cSS_0IISDyUQSwFXaPfjfb5wbH7WTMBNnRCjxMPr6p5jwJ1gMa7wh_xADXg7apzosZ_LkWVtZidQutF3jffx9gtw4/s400/Screenshot-7205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Using stealth to move across the house and outside it, the main group made their way across the front lawn to the side of the building, then they split into two groups, with MIKE, Mirabelle, Scarlett, and Kelly standing on one side of the house while John, Tom, and Keera stood on the other side. As per their orignal idea, Isobelle and Deacon stood in the garage, due to their injuries and inability to fight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX6Dvvw0eSFZ_Mv-6nFknwRebeBavIbma7MQd4TgEOvOFfa6bTL3MFMKA38790db9KxihA4q9UCaxv58Vi8YrgKYEZm19e0SkHZuzfXneSj3hgScY7mx7k1FIIG0oINLy67mDfQxI43A/s1600/Screenshot-7208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX6Dvvw0eSFZ_Mv-6nFknwRebeBavIbma7MQd4TgEOvOFfa6bTL3MFMKA38790db9KxihA4q9UCaxv58Vi8YrgKYEZm19e0SkHZuzfXneSj3hgScY7mx7k1FIIG0oINLy67mDfQxI43A/s400/Screenshot-7208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John told them that the Vazir drones could repair each other if one of them was damaged, so their goal was to either separate them, destroy them quickly enough so they couldn't repair each other, or destroy the device holding them on the ground. Mirabelle looked and spotted the drones heading down the street towards them, gesturing her group silently while Tom's group moved around the house to the back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPZjKa6QUDH_pTVzqMPpCkIsigGZ0gt236fQrOL73Ojiwb9dLfDS9HkpuD920NTi8G63Iwx4ZJzD8AHcSA8WYonuQOAYUTAiNkoUMh5PeLIc7olx4rlXtEdvznk6Nzlp0UQ4_Kw_Dsc4/s1600/Screenshot-7207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPZjKa6QUDH_pTVzqMPpCkIsigGZ0gt236fQrOL73Ojiwb9dLfDS9HkpuD920NTi8G63Iwx4ZJzD8AHcSA8WYonuQOAYUTAiNkoUMh5PeLIc7olx4rlXtEdvznk6Nzlp0UQ4_Kw_Dsc4/s400/Screenshot-7207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The group of drones, nearly thirty of them, stopped at the abandoned house across the street from their own. They scanned the house, looking for signs of organics, and some of them even went inside for an unknown reason.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmN115R-Tn5DAzh8anhBnBuNP2mKZdXBCsolMlQ1-e26YTHvfGR_xWAnNfmyMJrvnPJdhjBd-Rrbap1PeZZc97rhsStnjG8UvvpGqDTHy20ppeaMqW5R6qJO6-B0sjFLjoqblJyv9ffec/s1600/Screenshot-7070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmN115R-Tn5DAzh8anhBnBuNP2mKZdXBCsolMlQ1-e26YTHvfGR_xWAnNfmyMJrvnPJdhjBd-Rrbap1PeZZc97rhsStnjG8UvvpGqDTHy20ppeaMqW5R6qJO6-B0sjFLjoqblJyv9ffec/s400/Screenshot-7070.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As drones moved towards the large house house, one of them broke off from its original group and headed to the side, where it noticed a large heat signature. When it reached the location of the heat signature, it turned and saw... a bonfire, one that had recently begun burning. It figured the heat of this bonfire was causing a large signature to pop up, and turned around to regroup.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuFyhRRWSEpChJ3eFmJ1XT9Qe3fKnweQkpdoLkh4hReVSiiFVCynPrYIWJxEdM12ZE8Wf9h_IAIMp-lehjKVdj0zfr47tvrZX1q4G2LkrNKm-slvg9Q57ci6x7s1MJZbNDvtYPCrsNL8/s1600/Screenshot-7072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuFyhRRWSEpChJ3eFmJ1XT9Qe3fKnweQkpdoLkh4hReVSiiFVCynPrYIWJxEdM12ZE8Wf9h_IAIMp-lehjKVdj0zfr47tvrZX1q4G2LkrNKm-slvg9Q57ci6x7s1MJZbNDvtYPCrsNL8/s400/Screenshot-7072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just as it turned, Mirabelle came out of the shadows and grabbed the drone, punching a hole into through it's outer shell to grab it's central processor and shut it down. She then grabbed the remains and pulled them back against the house next to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aof3kQwPQ42WVqGsRcNlykaihViqe9lAh2cUijb8oFiLSQz8qAitzpe9a7UiW5clcD7Sdx4b5zfRuguNDwch7Yc53NU2VhkFV0Uve-0G7MFj6ZDNbOPPz0Y1pJVw18zNsxtNrdfd4p4/s1600/Screenshot-7073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aof3kQwPQ42WVqGsRcNlykaihViqe9lAh2cUijb8oFiLSQz8qAitzpe9a7UiW5clcD7Sdx4b5zfRuguNDwch7Yc53NU2VhkFV0Uve-0G7MFj6ZDNbOPPz0Y1pJVw18zNsxtNrdfd4p4/s400/Screenshot-7073.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
When two more Vazir drones came around the corner to investigate, Scarlett and Kelly shot them with fire spells, shutting them down as well.<br />
<br />
<i>"Three down, who knows how many to go." </i>Scarlett said, loudly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvZ4b0tG7B2FLdRlLnloC7LkzXIH1AvJRtFwBngTsG20P1xbLKDJOVcSVWjltcN0ibGdtqrvVccCUb57M5oHlBIL_GypFyTSPb6s5FlRJFCW7g9YGAwBiM11hCTHg8pPL3wuAAvk0xSw/s1600/Screenshot-7074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvZ4b0tG7B2FLdRlLnloC7LkzXIH1AvJRtFwBngTsG20P1xbLKDJOVcSVWjltcN0ibGdtqrvVccCUb57M5oHlBIL_GypFyTSPb6s5FlRJFCW7g9YGAwBiM11hCTHg8pPL3wuAAvk0xSw/s400/Screenshot-7074.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Shh." Replied Kelly. Scarlett looked at her with a confused glance.<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"Didn't you just say something? Like 'two down' or something " Kelly asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1yGwJXCD1eAbnR89jSioUFLB0iBuq14hmsewEChp00ZMuXsT5C6Hn0ueosvejOVrQSdAQqJIeia_E4Uv5fALMuICe0da-hXCfTEb1AIUGHfeHV37zKWEA25xqp7iCUpNhd2LVP5FZpg/s1600/Screenshot-7076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1yGwJXCD1eAbnR89jSioUFLB0iBuq14hmsewEChp00ZMuXsT5C6Hn0ueosvejOVrQSdAQqJIeia_E4Uv5fALMuICe0da-hXCfTEb1AIUGHfeHV37zKWEA25xqp7iCUpNhd2LVP5FZpg/s400/Screenshot-7076.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYj8y9EeDGCnVUqI5jJFvvkuWgg3pqch2rpEfbXaWJAjYekGU49jP1R-S-Gjq1qGNTmLSgfS6sxrcnAJOl4DiR5-9QseJdr6xyQ0SF1bZmwt_bYGYE1_cF4usDHUUCcFih8zMRoRUmZU/s1600/Screenshot-7209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYj8y9EeDGCnVUqI5jJFvvkuWgg3pqch2rpEfbXaWJAjYekGU49jP1R-S-Gjq1qGNTmLSgfS6sxrcnAJOl4DiR5-9QseJdr6xyQ0SF1bZmwt_bYGYE1_cF4usDHUUCcFih8zMRoRUmZU/s400/Screenshot-7209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett was even more confused, which kept her that way until she turned around. Suddenly three more drones were behind her, having seemingly teleported out of nowhere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9PSD7iCXMZ1IsFe-TxkCJGYhkzShXVABCxFXf75CyMRkuyFkafTt4DrUPGIYrscj0TqsGXez_lMbeJ_Tl7J0o3O16qojzCEkYTUxQwV_WeJtbADxV3WempbI5iHzWB-DsXJEPT5ILPY/s1600/Screenshot-7210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9PSD7iCXMZ1IsFe-TxkCJGYhkzShXVABCxFXf75CyMRkuyFkafTt4DrUPGIYrscj0TqsGXez_lMbeJ_Tl7J0o3O16qojzCEkYTUxQwV_WeJtbADxV3WempbI5iHzWB-DsXJEPT5ILPY/s400/Screenshot-7210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZPSGjKytqoEpB_NKGAvinz6wYVWRswWwvZqkyWmkRckqwU9v2RF1E0aXNomR6sHq7zKRqKdQJAU6UdVoo2qKB0fPcPrNjuBodkn6tA6a5L30houkj-qOY8tAebZalOZfq6WIItXsKtE/s1600/Screenshot-7210boom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZPSGjKytqoEpB_NKGAvinz6wYVWRswWwvZqkyWmkRckqwU9v2RF1E0aXNomR6sHq7zKRqKdQJAU6UdVoo2qKB0fPcPrNjuBodkn6tA6a5L30houkj-qOY8tAebZalOZfq6WIItXsKtE/s400/Screenshot-7210boom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett motioned for everyone to get back before a blue beam of light shot out and destroyed the three drones at once. Kelly turned to MIKE, whose laser cannon was still smoking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_M8VUE6PV7hK3y0qW9wqOCaJmWvfiDsNv5IwYF_5bXEx8V8TxakQeM_l7y0l2Bdza75sb6ZdRByDg5r-qA6aufPROAVtav9EtW9lsyuuy1oukHgrK52UlZ33S2tSjGxT_EF-g8eDP9Q/s1600/Screenshot-7214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_M8VUE6PV7hK3y0qW9wqOCaJmWvfiDsNv5IwYF_5bXEx8V8TxakQeM_l7y0l2Bdza75sb6ZdRByDg5r-qA6aufPROAVtav9EtW9lsyuuy1oukHgrK52UlZ33S2tSjGxT_EF-g8eDP9Q/s400/Screenshot-7214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This laser blast, however, alerted the rest of the drones to their presence. Kelly, Mirabelle, Scarlett, and MIKE made their way down the side of the house as the robots turned the corner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcH4aLsGo2Kzj7dM5ldT8yaZkf8uXWpRiK5sz0IsB1D6ACgjRr-4CqJOFqFYxJpXi1P2BK9dJvvEgNPH6ONGoqV7K_1moxVbyZ7SL8XJMFIPfWPbTNib_64MN04xUvP3PhIKtaoyKPFc/s1600/Screenshot-7215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcH4aLsGo2Kzj7dM5ldT8yaZkf8uXWpRiK5sz0IsB1D6ACgjRr-4CqJOFqFYxJpXi1P2BK9dJvvEgNPH6ONGoqV7K_1moxVbyZ7SL8XJMFIPfWPbTNib_64MN04xUvP3PhIKtaoyKPFc/s400/Screenshot-7215.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaeMJRB_CEO0jbWF6ZPMNYuhud8aD_Om6_KplzZG6YAWWm-9bz3MASk9EOrVAfAOhNioOIl7shHpwy3QEZCwhHzaK_OC-L2crSHILqdJpNxKfu15iflw76Ix0QtcqxF312mQPff5mUIY/s1600/Screenshot-7212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaeMJRB_CEO0jbWF6ZPMNYuhud8aD_Om6_KplzZG6YAWWm-9bz3MASk9EOrVAfAOhNioOIl7shHpwy3QEZCwhHzaK_OC-L2crSHILqdJpNxKfu15iflw76Ix0QtcqxF312mQPff5mUIY/s400/Screenshot-7212.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just as the Vazirs headed down the far corner, everyone who was wielding a magic wand was waiting for them, and a huge flash of light burst out from their respective locations, destroying all the Vazirs at once in a volley of magic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8Rb2pvCerla875k9El2uLUdQrx7IwBYXwGyA4H_M1nE31WuusuzIFNwtN43YaWDeAR5D5fSErHB-e1Y6R2282GArCPM0nCS0adiA_ohYpcLxEfqD9ceRy4yaDJwtDWGu6q68-M2jQxg/s1600/Screenshot-7216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8Rb2pvCerla875k9El2uLUdQrx7IwBYXwGyA4H_M1nE31WuusuzIFNwtN43YaWDeAR5D5fSErHB-e1Y6R2282GArCPM0nCS0adiA_ohYpcLxEfqD9ceRy4yaDJwtDWGu6q68-M2jQxg/s400/Screenshot-7216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Check them, make sure they're all shut down." Tom said. The group did so, and after a few short minutes the all clear was given. Tom, Kelly, MIKE, Keera, Mirabelle, John, and Scarlett congratulated themselves on a job well done and walked back towards the front door... where they were stunned to see even more Vazirs across the street.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPF8fYX5mjFxVWUFwQkv7plwwEA0n-PCyotHJ47RSVuGIAA9zwQ09OtrHrJcg-lbhUvVlVquenjdkDY1cW6qmgekHgq-adQWEsu56v_XwA-jWOaZempRcayazYx0IZJjDMp-hqO5UCM4/s1600/Screenshot-7217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPF8fYX5mjFxVWUFwQkv7plwwEA0n-PCyotHJ47RSVuGIAA9zwQ09OtrHrJcg-lbhUvVlVquenjdkDY1cW6qmgekHgq-adQWEsu56v_XwA-jWOaZempRcayazYx0IZJjDMp-hqO5UCM4/s400/Screenshot-7217.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"INSIDE!" Deacon yelled out from the garage. "They just popped up out of nowhere!"<br />
<br />
"I think they built some kind of local teleportation device in that house!" John yelled out as he ran inside. "We have to find out what it is and shut it down!" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMiACG8qdV5wE3eamUh44URtKgKHlYRh9Krd3f8YtbNMPZJcTSdwRNFx7K9kxmKGbt_4p-7VRszq_0GKpTjSwza2iu56wLnVq1vKt_k9TfA7mCSKX_oRUilQSTbu-avY6MR5eJAdnkwo/s1600/Screenshot-7218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMiACG8qdV5wE3eamUh44URtKgKHlYRh9Krd3f8YtbNMPZJcTSdwRNFx7K9kxmKGbt_4p-7VRszq_0GKpTjSwza2iu56wLnVq1vKt_k9TfA7mCSKX_oRUilQSTbu-avY6MR5eJAdnkwo/s400/Screenshot-7218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"How many of these things are there?!" Keera angrily said as she started throwing volleys of magic at them, which was futile as with each one destroyed, the one next to it got it working within seconds. A stun bolt shot from one of the closet Vazirs and hit Keera in her chest, dazing her for a few seconds. John, Scarlett, and Tom tired to get to her, but they were cut off by the bolts firing at them from across the street.<br />
<br />
Taking this opportunity, four Vazir drones maneuvered some of themselves across the street to corner Keera. Just as the drones surrounded her... they were all destroyed within seconds.<br />
<br />
"Thanks!" Keera yelled out to the group. However she quickly found out that they weren't the one to shoot the drones, but instead something above them did. "Oh great, what now?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9yhdxdr3WCSDsdBEWFEaH8KzyCToQcDdbPepl9sW3iOrF1-cDY-zVtWG1aPiJs8zBgq35ZE-IUFbOy4QrtT8xmAmMOcn5Jn7ReSC3S4TSbt1kA8TUwrFR-r0Uh5epivQzBJVwdtGPms/s1600/Screenshot-7220boom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9yhdxdr3WCSDsdBEWFEaH8KzyCToQcDdbPepl9sW3iOrF1-cDY-zVtWG1aPiJs8zBgq35ZE-IUFbOy4QrtT8xmAmMOcn5Jn7ReSC3S4TSbt1kA8TUwrFR-r0Uh5epivQzBJVwdtGPms/s400/Screenshot-7220boom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zv2NLfz4GghYHM5It-J_5YEOWqVKn0HHLIzsSjkwG5KlbBTitM0tW0HCnY6TDE_Q2G6uX8cdHeZdNK11Z5qgwCD2ChkBNzT43kWhgDmy64yTRhafvzEVM9NzR5P7xY_MLB2ho3XShDY/s1600/Screenshot-7225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zv2NLfz4GghYHM5It-J_5YEOWqVKn0HHLIzsSjkwG5KlbBTitM0tW0HCnY6TDE_Q2G6uX8cdHeZdNK11Z5qgwCD2ChkBNzT43kWhgDmy64yTRhafvzEVM9NzR5P7xY_MLB2ho3XShDY/s400/Screenshot-7225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The hovering craft stayed in the air for a few seconds, then started shooting a volley of glowing spheres at the robots across the street, decimating them in seconds and blowing up the house that they were inside and coming out of. John was surprised to see he was correct in assuming that there was a teleporter in the house, as it violently exploded seconds after he caught a glimpse of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDTkfvUIlE6_IfLlH_iuDzYuSp5sa5bT7labJTdCEaCVIPVMxNkd21s7ghbpucziDdndnQmjJ-z-RI-9tH16Z2NLVcLNOIfnQ8Fq5U-raQd6QMcb7L-KCVU075Wlqw5DCVB9IhSj4F7U/s1600/Screenshot-7224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDTkfvUIlE6_IfLlH_iuDzYuSp5sa5bT7labJTdCEaCVIPVMxNkd21s7ghbpucziDdndnQmjJ-z-RI-9tH16Z2NLVcLNOIfnQ8Fq5U-raQd6QMcb7L-KCVU075Wlqw5DCVB9IhSj4F7U/s400/Screenshot-7224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkxg_QLVvw1IJN8-iqk_0oXXlBQcpCYf45FqYwO61OxMbCi0kkydxYIu_Oc3biCR7LTbVA4GJzg_rpU07ZoVsrACwxSogzRFiD4-mEVQFe9dH3dACWaATEQNXmY63tNgP9U7DFnrLawk/s1600/Screenshot-7223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkxg_QLVvw1IJN8-iqk_0oXXlBQcpCYf45FqYwO61OxMbCi0kkydxYIu_Oc3biCR7LTbVA4GJzg_rpU07ZoVsrACwxSogzRFiD4-mEVQFe9dH3dACWaATEQNXmY63tNgP9U7DFnrLawk/s400/Screenshot-7223.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Everyone that was outside ran indoors as the robots violently exploded, some of them damaged so bad they started to float up towards the sky as John predicted. The craft which saved Keera and, by extension, everyone else landed in the street in front of the house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dc5A5hnOAwL7HvoFmSsUdzDyP6PvFrL2nGaw1yRBpMpqRBt7ddSsvs7BKYg-tTS7beSLnu-GH-KcwBwhGGrBbox5k-Bg7RFVdMmGFaJdvevR21-IJwvW1g3aULgAVUnswgm4GGHw9oU/s1600/Screenshot-7248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dc5A5hnOAwL7HvoFmSsUdzDyP6PvFrL2nGaw1yRBpMpqRBt7ddSsvs7BKYg-tTS7beSLnu-GH-KcwBwhGGrBbox5k-Bg7RFVdMmGFaJdvevR21-IJwvW1g3aULgAVUnswgm4GGHw9oU/s400/Screenshot-7248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0MiK_8ycSKLBF5lJAAFvlwgKM7EKVn6dImX3rgRTU5VlOsyQrXICe5R-mL1bWAofz2_BwCb-xz8cYDO58oOQVv9ulztmR7Rq_06W0CdC3d2rYOJeur9O05U9T8QL5IAa2dlcauKZkD8/s1600/Screenshot-7250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0MiK_8ycSKLBF5lJAAFvlwgKM7EKVn6dImX3rgRTU5VlOsyQrXICe5R-mL1bWAofz2_BwCb-xz8cYDO58oOQVv9ulztmR7Rq_06W0CdC3d2rYOJeur9O05U9T8QL5IAa2dlcauKZkD8/s400/Screenshot-7250.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera, recognizing the color scheme of the craft, didn't know whether to be happy or freaked out, as did the rest of them. Then Annabelle smiled as she teleported out of the alien craft, looking at everyone as they stepped outside, who understandably had shocked looks on their faces after seeing her like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iWFyMPvCXzRwD7_fXRpsmqJe-b-IQ1nlrWALYhIL4WmLyuP54x3gQLx5FU8v1NI8GMeO1a2gUk_LSZdT85kJXuaulWOc4JerA3sAdBWpdsumjrurd2YauuyNR2t-sTY0RDQqzqfnW9o/s1600/Screenshot-7249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iWFyMPvCXzRwD7_fXRpsmqJe-b-IQ1nlrWALYhIL4WmLyuP54x3gQLx5FU8v1NI8GMeO1a2gUk_LSZdT85kJXuaulWOc4JerA3sAdBWpdsumjrurd2YauuyNR2t-sTY0RDQqzqfnW9o/s400/Screenshot-7249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Did you miss me?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vyYbxijYhhOuH7pY60IbGHq6UKR2zuo4ncm_sl1l6IkMXiXXHxygnWGch16N1eqrFPULOGNhr15KSWNKqajvsbpktaAUK0HYM44IyEhNNgTCKHrYBkieIy88CYPFpe3ggmdxBtY3Ckg/s1600/Screenshot-7252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vyYbxijYhhOuH7pY60IbGHq6UKR2zuo4ncm_sl1l6IkMXiXXHxygnWGch16N1eqrFPULOGNhr15KSWNKqajvsbpktaAUK0HYM44IyEhNNgTCKHrYBkieIy88CYPFpe3ggmdxBtY3Ckg/s400/Screenshot-7252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"ANNABELLE!!!!!" Tom yelled as he ran out towards her. Everyone, who was shocked, pushed past that emotion and ran as well, with the exception of Keera who had stayed back a bit. Tom, having ran out first, hugged her tightly. "You survived! You're okay! Wait... what the HELL happened?"<br />
<br />
"The same-old same-old. I teleported to an Alien planet this time, that was kinda new."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcz7_hIUm8owRwMiBeqg8jElgy1XlmDXCHhRAMrM2MElayZQHJIELK8zM0-fv3w033yKwqr8JoiBA8YcoF9JdjyflQ3xqejksGJmNdgsewTx4EmL0q0S6cvj1vErCrq1gX4SbP76Fmas/s1600/Screenshot-7255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcz7_hIUm8owRwMiBeqg8jElgy1XlmDXCHhRAMrM2MElayZQHJIELK8zM0-fv3w033yKwqr8JoiBA8YcoF9JdjyflQ3xqejksGJmNdgsewTx4EmL0q0S6cvj1vErCrq1gX4SbP76Fmas/s400/Screenshot-7255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"And ALIEN PLANET?!" Kelly yelled out. "As in, a different world?!"<br />
<br />
"Yeah. I met my birth mother and everything. Can I talk to you about this later? The first thing I want to do is talk to everyone. I've been gone for a couple days, so I'd like a chance to chat. <i>Then</i> I want to find Jack Toomes and shove a laser cannon down his throat and blast his damn-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26cTLScQM_38PVljhb_JroTdKr9ySzU5r0xqC6a8018ndMiObvOZcOS1GaYsVEXKqe7xJvYuv_toQJhj6Chn9mVee7V9z74o93nmCMeTp5lx87hRZelX5asfqZDrn_8kxk7c6nbYbIPE/s1600/Screenshot-7257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26cTLScQM_38PVljhb_JroTdKr9ySzU5r0xqC6a8018ndMiObvOZcOS1GaYsVEXKqe7xJvYuv_toQJhj6Chn9mVee7V9z74o93nmCMeTp5lx87hRZelX5asfqZDrn_8kxk7c6nbYbIPE/s400/Screenshot-7257.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle quickly interrupted her doppelganger. "No one's been able to find him since he relayed a message across the town. Then again no one's been looking. This town is abandoned, we're all alone."<br />
<br />
"Jack threatened everyone." John elaborated. "He said if anyone goes near the graveyard, he'll destroy the town with the meteor device."<br />
<br />
"How did he get his hands on that again, anyway?" Kelly asked. "I suppose they just made a new one, because Cambridge told me he still has the one I gave him on lockdow- wait a second. Annabelle, I'm very glad you're back and okay, and you have a spacesuit and spaceship. That's new, and I'd love to chat about it but I have to go. I uh... have to send a message. John, Red, come with me. I could use your expertise on these things."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxEJe9jNy3M94j28jco-825oGVk27P6wcZEsVm3GjUsJBLB9gMu1n9mq0_BCC1EgsdTFCq1V5ZlUSkHvQkwwfwq7YHgfW6Om5_Oaj6hyphenhyphen3XBc7hgqVYGUXHMIOhD4RqQmotMLrOTzo1ss/s1600/Screenshot-7258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxEJe9jNy3M94j28jco-825oGVk27P6wcZEsVm3GjUsJBLB9gMu1n9mq0_BCC1EgsdTFCq1V5ZlUSkHvQkwwfwq7YHgfW6Om5_Oaj6hyphenhyphen3XBc7hgqVYGUXHMIOhD4RqQmotMLrOTzo1ss/s400/Screenshot-7258.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John and Scarlett nodded and followed her. After they left, the rest of the group went inside, where it was safer. When they were all in, Isobelle smiled as she walked up to Annabelle. "It seems you have some stories to tell.", she said happily. "You've been off on some faraway adventures while we were here fighting some robots. Sounds like a comic book."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOLngI0HMjGHAL6EkMl1c8efF7hi_pqp_73mW4bKcLW7q2YgFODJQICavaqUxtf6C8Tsc5ZaiB7jDaYQGOn52q4TmbPbpRL21PzcJLdxjCKwjDtpJjspBZ7xs59hQrH4udv558tpdV14/s1600/Screenshot-7259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOLngI0HMjGHAL6EkMl1c8efF7hi_pqp_73mW4bKcLW7q2YgFODJQICavaqUxtf6C8Tsc5ZaiB7jDaYQGOn52q4TmbPbpRL21PzcJLdxjCKwjDtpJjspBZ7xs59hQrH4udv558tpdV14/s400/Screenshot-7259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well if our life was a comic, I'm sure there would be a lot more random explosions for no reason." Tom said, jokingly. "But Annabelle! I am so glad you're back. How did you teleport yourself out of that craziness?!"<br />
<br />
"I thought of someone, someone very close to me." She replied. "Someone I care for a whole lot."<br />
<br />
Tom, knowing who she was talking about somehow, smiled. "I know, Mrs. Jenkins, our fifth grade teacher. She was nice."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2UD1zDB43ppSvnfJFqAuIKXntb3V38Icb8Q5TpIWnjkfuFs7-4nNJPaQp3jgMHDOH7ZHQFqYt3NmokAenXAqeHjCLP9AbTLKm95OuYZnaKy8-Hurd_3HpKfb9ag5Ene3GLEOiA9yMPU/s1600/Screenshot-7260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2UD1zDB43ppSvnfJFqAuIKXntb3V38Icb8Q5TpIWnjkfuFs7-4nNJPaQp3jgMHDOH7ZHQFqYt3NmokAenXAqeHjCLP9AbTLKm95OuYZnaKy8-Hurd_3HpKfb9ag5Ene3GLEOiA9yMPU/s400/Screenshot-7260.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Annabelle smiled back. She wanted to say <i>"No, you." </i>But she figured Tom knew what she meant. Suddenly she looked around and didn't see someone in particular. "Where is Keera?" <br />
<br />
"I'm right here." Annabelle looked past Tom and smiled at her daughter, who walked up to her. She was hiding in the corner, not sure what to say. Finally, after a short time, she started to speak. "You're back now, so please..."<br />
<br />
"Please what?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NE_l6ixtBPB9gy7wzC0PmNvu7XHo3zR9ssN9pyOMe36K6uL7ysgsgwuHDO5yXSd1_jcMj38wBlClQJHScSHXTWQjxM0SZyDm9pAG645DQUXRfv8pgQ418tD8qgGF_TYF5lBXj_Y9WMU/s1600/Screenshot-7261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NE_l6ixtBPB9gy7wzC0PmNvu7XHo3zR9ssN9pyOMe36K6uL7ysgsgwuHDO5yXSd1_jcMj38wBlClQJHScSHXTWQjxM0SZyDm9pAG645DQUXRfv8pgQ418tD8qgGF_TYF5lBXj_Y9WMU/s400/Screenshot-7261.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"PLEASE! Don't ever leave me again!" Keera replied as she fell into her, crying. Annabelle patted her back lovingly, assuring her that she wasn't going to go anywhere else for a while. The teenager realized right now why she was so angry, because Annabelle was always there in her past to help her, and with her gone, she had no one. Mirabelle was busy with helping everyone learn magic, and everyone else was busy.<br />
<br />
Besides, Annabelle was home, and that was all that mattered.<br />
<br />
As Keera stepped away from Annabelle's embrace, she turned to Isobelle and Deacon. "I am so sorry for what I said earlier. I really didn't mean anything I was saying."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8pAZv_lv3Ynf8ZsDkPK595WWED2Ky7ai1yGBT07miFA1JKOOOP-61W_X7DseOAFA7jejyL5AkOAPtfV-HJr_eOrgVBIT5touQduULvfxeOClM9AOcB-SjmwZ0kXkkpSdiYgGCsXMbWQ/s1600/Screenshot-7264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8pAZv_lv3Ynf8ZsDkPK595WWED2Ky7ai1yGBT07miFA1JKOOOP-61W_X7DseOAFA7jejyL5AkOAPtfV-HJr_eOrgVBIT5touQduULvfxeOClM9AOcB-SjmwZ0kXkkpSdiYgGCsXMbWQ/s400/Screenshot-7264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Don't worry about it." Deacon said. "I'm sure Izzy and I both have been where you were, and we both can empathize and understand what you were going through."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLLvDgRUbhbLEDzHEYGIEL1F_BCD8koNdVseRlXsafztORBhpmHXzrfAVeJGmPEkqNHQTPPgfKwkknZb-kNo_nopcqPxnBcn43HHsvI8cOJ4TNcZNlfI3JE9rY0mukXS6Uacbl503bKg/s1600/Screenshot-7262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLLvDgRUbhbLEDzHEYGIEL1F_BCD8koNdVseRlXsafztORBhpmHXzrfAVeJGmPEkqNHQTPPgfKwkknZb-kNo_nopcqPxnBcn43HHsvI8cOJ4TNcZNlfI3JE9rY0mukXS6Uacbl503bKg/s400/Screenshot-7262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Isobelle nodded. "Yes, we know what it's like to be angry at the world."<br />
<br />
Keera smiled and turned back to Annabelle, hugging her again. She then walked back inside the house with Isobelle, Deacon, and Tom in tow, the latter going to make sure everything was alright with everyone. Annabelle decided to walk inside as well, followed by Mirabelle who was the only one in the foyer with her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP_lRzOxBZbg1DemLFE9r3beUOslj6bxa9eovoSY5H2_zm8Gsd8fDvS7j5fXA_VWpGSdQuzS-bBWWUJbkbjpZ9F0IGlQ7BtrYomEFkRBmgedGMaxt7-ot2yCc4tntZvpyJ4pZCZNcn8I/s1600/Screenshot-7267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP_lRzOxBZbg1DemLFE9r3beUOslj6bxa9eovoSY5H2_zm8Gsd8fDvS7j5fXA_VWpGSdQuzS-bBWWUJbkbjpZ9F0IGlQ7BtrYomEFkRBmgedGMaxt7-ot2yCc4tntZvpyJ4pZCZNcn8I/s400/Screenshot-7267.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm glad you're back. Honestly I tried to fill your shoes, to come up with the ideas and plans, but since my creation, I've basically stepped into a different pair of shoes than yours. Besides, that's not the only reason I'm glad. I'm glad you're back because you are the only one I know who can bring this place together, and this family united. Somehow everyone gravitates towards you, and since you were kidnapped, everyone's felt alone and isolated. Welcome back."<br />
<br />
"It's good to be back!" Annabelle said, "And you have a robot behind you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8qCLPEc6iffX9hBl0kTIzIIgoLkfdo_AGF65oyPx7xebHOoyNscfNPUHwVEZB5q8HtORg0YssHd_68HD-sptgmfu-mLdBuF_hzvvr5ZOUaN_HaTFLUV_rZ1zciBHdxjjc6Nqv91lfBg/s1600/Screenshot-7268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8qCLPEc6iffX9hBl0kTIzIIgoLkfdo_AGF65oyPx7xebHOoyNscfNPUHwVEZB5q8HtORg0YssHd_68HD-sptgmfu-mLdBuF_hzvvr5ZOUaN_HaTFLUV_rZ1zciBHdxjjc6Nqv91lfBg/s400/Screenshot-7268.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle quickly turned around and noticed MIKE hovering behind her. "Oh don't worry. John reprogrammed him. He's good."<br />
<br />
"Really?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah. He helped us in our battle. His name is MIKE."<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Greetings again, Annabelle Jade Kethrin." </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuR-td55fahDpv0h94lXrNoE9WtiwfBBLbGRZDrFCqgsVBVQtqbIHEzkW3H9LRUiPcQleTu_vzFU0XQShGI58Di-I9oBqwMiLJ3P2fhQ7Mz5NxlThT-4OxGHJMdCNiAmFACVDkkf0OAY/s1600/Screenshot-7269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuR-td55fahDpv0h94lXrNoE9WtiwfBBLbGRZDrFCqgsVBVQtqbIHEzkW3H9LRUiPcQleTu_vzFU0XQShGI58Di-I9oBqwMiLJ3P2fhQ7Mz5NxlThT-4OxGHJMdCNiAmFACVDkkf0OAY/s400/Screenshot-7269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Again?"</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Correct. I was there when you were captured. I healed your injuries. I replaced your clothing."</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You were the drone that was with Vu. You told Vu about me being half-Alien."</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLJrKBYQg65oiz_bg3qGDzUfQ7cQh-M_Tjg_XcfSVXOwNsbRjZmknu6cMLfgjev0ZBtey97Ff2KSOXOat4BvYOCU9hA-GgnAilEEBqmYz4VFsGfPVBxealMK6rdBOgi1GB5DM4hS3L-U/s1600/Screenshot-7270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLJrKBYQg65oiz_bg3qGDzUfQ7cQh-M_Tjg_XcfSVXOwNsbRjZmknu6cMLfgjev0ZBtey97Ff2KSOXOat4BvYOCU9hA-GgnAilEEBqmYz4VFsGfPVBxealMK6rdBOgi1GB5DM4hS3L-U/s400/Screenshot-7270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Half?!" Mirabelle said, shocked. "What do you mean, HALF?!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Oh yeah, with all the excitement from arriving back on Earth, I forgot to tell you. Tell everyone to meet me in the living room, I have quite a story to tell."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">--------------------</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzwBQPlvItsnHgqaxz1pTf4ORD8VmbtFvfmcPHsGXcb7C8Pqe7m8xvVze9JkgSAclIDIqq07fakSBW-4uZwQaxC4o59YWwY3SKVTiVYjMtJwo_eCBvyAJcx5vkPdMr1DX5oZnB92oo1I/s1600/Screenshot-7272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzwBQPlvItsnHgqaxz1pTf4ORD8VmbtFvfmcPHsGXcb7C8Pqe7m8xvVze9JkgSAclIDIqq07fakSBW-4uZwQaxC4o59YWwY3SKVTiVYjMtJwo_eCBvyAJcx5vkPdMr1DX5oZnB92oo1I/s400/Screenshot-7272.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
An hour later, everyone was reeling over Annabelle's story regarding Torrans and Project Hybrid. Mirabelle, who had experienced Annabelle's life up to a certain point, was more shocked than anyone to learn her true origins. Keera was shocked as well, but not as much due to the fact that she herself was a clone. After finishing her story, everyone went to bed, exhausted from their ordeal they just went through. Keera, Mirabelle, Tom, and Kelly all got their sleeping bags and slept in the living room while Annie took the couch, as they all wanted to make sure she was safe and protected.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElaa2wWmqDURemab4AVfwbPFt-bp3lg8l3ah2XoD16j44K4ucCj9ntYMwWJigfplbqJyH8em2zRw9L5URLUxju4K4ahp39bPuj5FV78obhzmuAZDVihFh9NjlwA-5ENL3Z_apv0etJ-c/s1600/Screenshot-7274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElaa2wWmqDURemab4AVfwbPFt-bp3lg8l3ah2XoD16j44K4ucCj9ntYMwWJigfplbqJyH8em2zRw9L5URLUxju4K4ahp39bPuj5FV78obhzmuAZDVihFh9NjlwA-5ENL3Z_apv0etJ-c/s400/Screenshot-7274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBGarndWh_IHM31PfTfE7J2Wk_u18dyePQMUGv8XwU5CzF9taBQFeM-L9kOLuA8uc7t2ARH9u8sePqQiti61YdY5qaqwdHCzx9uP0jqDHBCXvyHwivLjkDSIFOe67_dY8a02wbclfTtE/s1600/Screenshot-7276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBGarndWh_IHM31PfTfE7J2Wk_u18dyePQMUGv8XwU5CzF9taBQFeM-L9kOLuA8uc7t2ARH9u8sePqQiti61YdY5qaqwdHCzx9uP0jqDHBCXvyHwivLjkDSIFOe67_dY8a02wbclfTtE/s400/Screenshot-7276.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The only one who didn't sleep was MIKE, who patrolled around the outside house in case more Vazir drones were coming. As he did so, he approached a group of damaged drones located nearby, ones that the family destroyed...<br />
<br />
==========================<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_EwHasH6J-KbbcDGOgMey5voHKs3ghf3EHv9bqNqR4FVARfprPjyw5z94UyK7XTJGaAIa5hLISGKE-2oKLSTV_VVys4krOoMqaZuwDCL51ofMUzaaeNFTh7V7jHFU8bwBMvHQGNfZXY/s1600/Screenshot-7244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_EwHasH6J-KbbcDGOgMey5voHKs3ghf3EHv9bqNqR4FVARfprPjyw5z94UyK7XTJGaAIa5hLISGKE-2oKLSTV_VVys4krOoMqaZuwDCL51ofMUzaaeNFTh7V7jHFU8bwBMvHQGNfZXY/s400/Screenshot-7244.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><i>September 17th, 2022 </i></b><br />
<b><i>Three Days to the Solar Eclipse</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKPbTtwR6i-yNvco2KwTp59k7gEDKOVp9kZo6L8i3T8WkF5Tl0CwuK7MIr_Jo55dekXZJcUUdk7eY1hDkTWxbC1aaGoKv5viPCM6UullJXRU7XxI6sGt2-WYFFfBwJMGxI_E0X3zV2Zo/s1600/Screenshot-7239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKPbTtwR6i-yNvco2KwTp59k7gEDKOVp9kZo6L8i3T8WkF5Tl0CwuK7MIr_Jo55dekXZJcUUdk7eY1hDkTWxbC1aaGoKv5viPCM6UullJXRU7XxI6sGt2-WYFFfBwJMGxI_E0X3zV2Zo/s400/Screenshot-7239.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The next morning, Annabelle walked through her house. She was happy to be back from a few-day captivity she endured, and that little trip to an alien planet afterwards, and was loving every nook and cranny of her home for what had been nearly a month now. Finally, she stopped in the ground floor's rec room, having seen MIKE analyzing an arcade game for what amounted to no reason.<br />
<br />
"Hey there, I have a question that's been bugging me for a bit."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"I may have an answer."</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgl0tQcmmMeenmFRUQN_JCB9SBAy6ffPamBxJhUvJarOxXCf5baOHIu2vCXgYM-rylhcm8E8HR9DUkJlfRa2APvfUBBknVB4gekHOKX4sW7ubtRqEXZEz0FQj5BmwvbcKzv3E1LpeX7A/s1600/Screenshot-7234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgl0tQcmmMeenmFRUQN_JCB9SBAy6ffPamBxJhUvJarOxXCf5baOHIu2vCXgYM-rylhcm8E8HR9DUkJlfRa2APvfUBBknVB4gekHOKX4sW7ubtRqEXZEz0FQj5BmwvbcKzv3E1LpeX7A/s400/Screenshot-7234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You scanned me and noticed I had human DNA in my body. Is there any way you can scan anyone else and find out the same for them? I heard that there were more Hybrids like me on Earth, and I wanted to find some."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmNtAo-BGB_0uPmZ6j0mHGjkmJiUI2g8YaYffnqv-C7Q_7RI0MqFoyx29xifC9wAlxu5Acoda10fwwvaEDPVuqlM2ZQpDjCu7OM4c2HRJkaOYgjD9h7LERoDuCKIIF8ThH6auXCmyPuY/s1600/Screenshot-7232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmNtAo-BGB_0uPmZ6j0mHGjkmJiUI2g8YaYffnqv-C7Q_7RI0MqFoyx29xifC9wAlxu5Acoda10fwwvaEDPVuqlM2ZQpDjCu7OM4c2HRJkaOYgjD9h7LERoDuCKIIF8ThH6auXCmyPuY/s400/Screenshot-7232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"ANALYZING. ANALYSIS COMPLETE. There are five subjects in my databank that contains information regarding Extraterrestrial Hybrid technology, which I have collected from the people I have interacted with in the past."</span></b><br />
<br />
Annabelle counted in her head. "Wait... five? That you've met? There's me, Mirabelle, Keera, and Isobelle. Who was the fifth one?"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"ANALYZING. Answer: The fifth Hybrid you speak of is named..."</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW7zDKu81MCVkmPx3fZBPTkxtDsDSrQrKYUVxghnIDU06aJhsFGgbAvrlbvkqA_-nPjtYQPNFYpg-NcvOOkpkMm9hh9O1NzKOog2RjrxH_oLpSPuDmFDfrX2POwk5RLd_5TJxvth6wwo/s1600/Screenshot-7240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW7zDKu81MCVkmPx3fZBPTkxtDsDSrQrKYUVxghnIDU06aJhsFGgbAvrlbvkqA_-nPjtYQPNFYpg-NcvOOkpkMm9hh9O1NzKOog2RjrxH_oLpSPuDmFDfrX2POwk5RLd_5TJxvth6wwo/s400/Screenshot-7240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>"Yes, I know Torran biology when I see it, 'A'jhanie'."</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div>
<i><b>"I will then run for President and win, where I will launch an invasion the planet of Torra Sev and steal the technology. With their technology, I can truly build my glorious city within my lifetime, and I will rule it all. My empire will be the most powerful one in history, and then, I will take over this entire planet, and create the first ever Empire of Earth!"</b></i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLsRfvvVGSbsqjgI_Ui5Qa1lBK9gK9d9oEj2ys2TDgqT3EiQmElC_SzlEx1EnQ6zbjRilxDuKeqItAVgpUw84ypSWEGiTRy7thTPzA4M4OSxqO8Y8stqlR75qTMbmhiap2CbgSCJzUs8/s1600/Screenshot-7236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLsRfvvVGSbsqjgI_Ui5Qa1lBK9gK9d9oEj2ys2TDgqT3EiQmElC_SzlEx1EnQ6zbjRilxDuKeqItAVgpUw84ypSWEGiTRy7thTPzA4M4OSxqO8Y8stqlR75qTMbmhiap2CbgSCJzUs8/s400/Screenshot-7236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Annabelle heard what MIKE said, and for a split second, everything made sense. Why else would he know about Torrans from the start? Why would he want to take over Earth? He knew about Annabelle, and named Torra Sev, and he knew about Nightmare, as she was the first Hybrid. To that end he knew what to say to manipulate her, lying to her to "know the truth" about their home planet. After all this, Annabelle realized that he was pure evil, and that no human on Earth could be so... alien...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">He</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>was the<i> <b>second Hybrid.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z_TsGtB-srnSVwFd5GDcj9i8Ipj1o6ZVvQtG4zq_PHBMuJHCUSwI-zXA26jzBV3TWirHXCElnTIAHagqDpxXk_1rOhb5a03MwFseW36gnQfVsrp6aGvYrsX0YF8Z4GvZvt11TFQ3g1g/s1600/Screenshot-7237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z_TsGtB-srnSVwFd5GDcj9i8Ipj1o6ZVvQtG4zq_PHBMuJHCUSwI-zXA26jzBV3TWirHXCElnTIAHagqDpxXk_1rOhb5a03MwFseW36gnQfVsrp6aGvYrsX0YF8Z4GvZvt11TFQ3g1g/s400/Screenshot-7237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Could you repeat that, please?" Annabelle asked, in shock from this revelation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAHdMNR-PqwG6CrzxJhr1LySSbOAtwa3pdhiVfvLmebTCOov1gPLRY7nfCMIr3a_-6ptvpXdf8QUhfS2V7pmQLYRfrt2xiP_rHGSb6PdCY6TxJq-i_aObsLsSUQXA6sCwJFsAxCScC2o/s1600/Screenshot-7238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAHdMNR-PqwG6CrzxJhr1LySSbOAtwa3pdhiVfvLmebTCOov1gPLRY7nfCMIr3a_-6ptvpXdf8QUhfS2V7pmQLYRfrt2xiP_rHGSb6PdCY6TxJq-i_aObsLsSUQXA6sCwJFsAxCScC2o/s400/Screenshot-7238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"Repeating: The fifth hybrid is named 'Toomes, Jackson', nicknamed 'Jack'."</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-77662314195558497482013-03-10T22:21:00.002-05:002013-03-10T22:21:11.989-05:00Chapter Thirty-Five - So Close, So Far<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>September 16th, 2022</b></i><br />
<i><b>Four days to the Solar Eclipse</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZYt_gR0IwFAKRlekZFzLqFuLmisH35kiZXbte-0vW4JRD7EhlVSnnpW06BBscokmhlGIcXunFTkwdmmz1UfEiMtEiNEI6zPTh0Ht7tbRAOM96isA6dlbIf9OOg3NQFOdOH5Eyu0gaUc/s1600/Screenshot-6605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZYt_gR0IwFAKRlekZFzLqFuLmisH35kiZXbte-0vW4JRD7EhlVSnnpW06BBscokmhlGIcXunFTkwdmmz1UfEiMtEiNEI6zPTh0Ht7tbRAOM96isA6dlbIf9OOg3NQFOdOH5Eyu0gaUc/s400/Screenshot-6605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No no, you have to move them like this!" Mirabelle made a few motions with her hands, and Scarlett repeated them with her own hands. John, who was Red's "learning buddy" for this round of training, tried to cast a spell but it backfired on him, knocking him back a few inches. Mirabelle shook her head, and then noticed Scarlett was actually repeating the move, and getting something out of the device she was holding. "YES! Like that!" Mirabelle said.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo5FUjoTOcZuwUvLbXfcI8kp5gYAlYa17McODJk0rVjq7buFiqqfvoXaZxAyiFIQAmRXKz3mTDqn5pdnyBjE6JTksR1rk8b_Tycdb8A25xGCIKs-FtWx-YbDQKaF8bqVttN-SmoQi3EU/s1600/Screenshot-6607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo5FUjoTOcZuwUvLbXfcI8kp5gYAlYa17McODJk0rVjq7buFiqqfvoXaZxAyiFIQAmRXKz3mTDqn5pdnyBjE6JTksR1rk8b_Tycdb8A25xGCIKs-FtWx-YbDQKaF8bqVttN-SmoQi3EU/s400/Screenshot-6607.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For the whole night, Mirabelle had been trying to teach her family members how to use magic, as she was literally the only one qualified to use it after learning some spells from her encounter with Nightmare nearly five years before. Mirabelle wasn't sure of her own abilities, one of the reasons being that she had only learned a minimal amount of magic before destroying Nightmare's book of spells, but she still powered through this uncertainty due to the simple fact that she <i>had</i> to. In any case, with a wave of her hands, she seemed to be emanating magic without even using a wand, which was good because there wasn't a wand for her at the library a couple nights before. John and Scarlett were also putting on a light show, it seemed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkOeYYiHCyfL4MaDAl77CTHU0PWDWkMSrBs0h4Lzbne4zfvsyvcZSeHVggbwv7sCSKEfSGDilC9YyFHTtMiZO55LfeyyRdsEE0qItZ5I0ZiDSEfmZPGKr4HR1bF7EHA6x-BfBwxeDH7o/s1600/Screenshot-6608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkOeYYiHCyfL4MaDAl77CTHU0PWDWkMSrBs0h4Lzbne4zfvsyvcZSeHVggbwv7sCSKEfSGDilC9YyFHTtMiZO55LfeyyRdsEE0qItZ5I0ZiDSEfmZPGKr4HR1bF7EHA6x-BfBwxeDH7o/s400/Screenshot-6608.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle was captured, Jacob Thompson had a device that could destroy cities, and a group of "rather unsavory folks", as Cassie Jones put it, were going to get their hands on a relic possibly capable of reshaping humanity to whatever end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmy2QlA-ciOmnsxu2Uh5ojLiTtPcKGXNQ3brA9aba31VS_mgMWBXon1_s4ifUa-y86GcPQqxjDJlEDuOB1IQxbF_ij5mtEtaK8mRTQaibAEh_Vun_4VbWAOnTzULd92l_wsW95AfRxVrY/s1600/Screenshot-6606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmy2QlA-ciOmnsxu2Uh5ojLiTtPcKGXNQ3brA9aba31VS_mgMWBXon1_s4ifUa-y86GcPQqxjDJlEDuOB1IQxbF_ij5mtEtaK8mRTQaibAEh_Vun_4VbWAOnTzULd92l_wsW95AfRxVrY/s400/Screenshot-6606.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Like it or not, she could not fail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ULPSoGhQyKNwoIXus4hjxM3AGe_B-pD21nhGo-WjC_gnIUxUjiB778hRaFT3qg4eNP_cDAqpeoXdG23pg6qQiqvG3FvfOU1SzfM56eetG0wNe-Bd3fTJhSESg99sklDwltp7PSzl68Y/s1600/Screenshot-6622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ULPSoGhQyKNwoIXus4hjxM3AGe_B-pD21nhGo-WjC_gnIUxUjiB778hRaFT3qg4eNP_cDAqpeoXdG23pg6qQiqvG3FvfOU1SzfM56eetG0wNe-Bd3fTJhSESg99sklDwltp7PSzl68Y/s400/Screenshot-6622.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle continued to train the two, and while she continued to do so, Kelly was sitting at a computer trying to get into contact with Davis Cambridge. Cambridge told her he was going to assemble a group of police officers to assist the town, but since Jacob's broadcast across the region, he found himself bound by enough red tape to "strangle a Leviathan" as he put it, especially since Sunset Valley itself was mentioned in the broadcast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yNnQL2SjEpv0k8ry__SQw7BJN08OndLhSRebvimcFNoK7xgxnX7tVfo9ctaBsmiwjtxbKMzkHo4J0mCLSjfiCTx7geYOEvLK2m5M3t_0Tfen7sg3gs8zyxa6knqzIsTdORUAFn8OjbE/s1600/Screenshot-6623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yNnQL2SjEpv0k8ry__SQw7BJN08OndLhSRebvimcFNoK7xgxnX7tVfo9ctaBsmiwjtxbKMzkHo4J0mCLSjfiCTx7geYOEvLK2m5M3t_0Tfen7sg3gs8zyxa6knqzIsTdORUAFn8OjbE/s400/Screenshot-6623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With a cold realization, she knew that no help was coming, that everyone in her family was now all alone. She shoved herself away from the computer and walked over to the window, looking out at the cold day. Tom, seeing his cousin upset, walked up to her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8J1F07C3wYX6yUsZQ6VO_4iYGA7LRRPszziCSOrbV6dy8T92ep6qjo1XmI75kaeOmpmXrm7Tw1gajpmk4en_F0oXxcgByYyMDwhGQHT6mou8jr08FE3W8DfoCAjkobeGRb1UCZOqau0/s1600/Screenshot-6624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8J1F07C3wYX6yUsZQ6VO_4iYGA7LRRPszziCSOrbV6dy8T92ep6qjo1XmI75kaeOmpmXrm7Tw1gajpmk4en_F0oXxcgByYyMDwhGQHT6mou8jr08FE3W8DfoCAjkobeGRb1UCZOqau0/s400/Screenshot-6624.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What's wrong Kel?" Tom asked, "I mean, aside from the obvious?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_lhZRnph3Xf4EVqcdYy45uLyTjXsk0A-XaYsWYW3_I4nWV7_DoQae65kjp0mC_dQ8ZvwqRySFhVyBWF0QloC84hKn7WLZbsJIBKb_PcqIiOSTYr1ZoNiyMQ0YsPcvlKEMGCRl_ZM48A/s1600/Screenshot-6626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_lhZRnph3Xf4EVqcdYy45uLyTjXsk0A-XaYsWYW3_I4nWV7_DoQae65kjp0mC_dQ8ZvwqRySFhVyBWF0QloC84hKn7WLZbsJIBKb_PcqIiOSTYr1ZoNiyMQ0YsPcvlKEMGCRl_ZM48A/s400/Screenshot-6626.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly looked at him. "What if we fail? What if we're not strong enough?" Her voice was creaky, as if she was about to start crying. "What will happen to the world if they get a hold of that thing?! I can't figure anything out! And I'm GOOD at figuring things out! I'm best at that!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEAakkII2Yh0-7xul-mtSStAKVThte7liS7QFfEXr9UN55jWQIwRYCY1KNmGz3MaSw4gpcwtNEkh6Nv4EBBnz2w7EGuBpx5wgxSgfjcCh4GjMZttL0VnQtFKqwnZUo3AI6y1EeULbIYE/s1600/Screenshot-6625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEAakkII2Yh0-7xul-mtSStAKVThte7liS7QFfEXr9UN55jWQIwRYCY1KNmGz3MaSw4gpcwtNEkh6Nv4EBBnz2w7EGuBpx5wgxSgfjcCh4GjMZttL0VnQtFKqwnZUo3AI6y1EeULbIYE/s400/Screenshot-6625.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well that's something we can't figure out, because we can't let it happen." Tom said, with a heroic tone in his voice. "We can never let it happen. We will get Annabelle back, we will stop these villains, and we will save the world. That's something we're probably good at."<br />
<br />
"P-probably?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DkhPJ_ojnbN9ZWAs7k6QJNKOIU1JjLAZZUMEgRSgVXOgFL7kvkWvMUi9QcuugT9Nz5nivXd7xJhGW6SsE1TZooYHW5hfhsTr2hth-idgEETdyP5gZ7bahFlaFB2YaFhcMH9Qv8wdrks/s1600/Screenshot-6629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DkhPJ_ojnbN9ZWAs7k6QJNKOIU1JjLAZZUMEgRSgVXOgFL7kvkWvMUi9QcuugT9Nz5nivXd7xJhGW6SsE1TZooYHW5hfhsTr2hth-idgEETdyP5gZ7bahFlaFB2YaFhcMH9Qv8wdrks/s400/Screenshot-6629.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well we've never done it before. Though I have confidence we'll succeed, Kel. We always do. And I'm since we have the greatest detective on the planet, I know we'll succeed this time."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdGCmQlCKak90S3X1LuISRf8TeDmKxp_D2kPf5SA0WbAi7CZ3YMQDdTkGvl_hiu2-2a9mTEIbM-i4_sx1uGJ6z5MbdWVoDuyis-QSe7TZOg0sumGabjN7mhtw_VGJix2U0uyyFv3qlPg/s1600/Screenshot-6630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdGCmQlCKak90S3X1LuISRf8TeDmKxp_D2kPf5SA0WbAi7CZ3YMQDdTkGvl_hiu2-2a9mTEIbM-i4_sx1uGJ6z5MbdWVoDuyis-QSe7TZOg0sumGabjN7mhtw_VGJix2U0uyyFv3qlPg/s400/Screenshot-6630.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly smiled at her cousin, and then hugged him. "Thank you." She knew that he was always there for her, any time he needed. She remembered him talking to her after the meteor shower of 2013, right before they moved to Bridgeport. He told her that she was more intelligent than anyone after having solved the mystery behind that, at the time, looked like a random act of nature. That boosted her confidence more than she let on, and ever since then she never let go of those words, and always had them push her into being a great person. Perhaps that was the reason she thanked Tom, not just because of what he had just said, but because of what he's always said.<br />
-----------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GkpLrPjnE-4Gb1wqed09I0ypqvX6MGNv194vB7Yioq0Ke27LlgXOP2braGcTi5vTCTHpUfXYGzxD0pLBI7bJuDecL2mkIVPqzJFnBcMDBqG0BwB3Vv2aDYfmI_wn2jX7GlwxafJpscw/s1600/Screenshot-6583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GkpLrPjnE-4Gb1wqed09I0ypqvX6MGNv194vB7Yioq0Ke27LlgXOP2braGcTi5vTCTHpUfXYGzxD0pLBI7bJuDecL2mkIVPqzJFnBcMDBqG0BwB3Vv2aDYfmI_wn2jX7GlwxafJpscw/s400/Screenshot-6583.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Keera was standing upstairs, looking out to the distance. The town was quiet, dark, and eerie, which was a far cry from it's usual hustle and bustle. The night before, Tom did a short recon across town, when he came back he told everyone that people were evacuating, scared of the threatening message Jacob had shown across the region. The military had cleared out to the next town to reconvene and figure out a new plan, enforcing a mandatory evacuation, while the town council moved out early that morning. No one knew what was going to happen, but everyone in the Kethrin house knew, and they were getting prepared to fight it.<br />
<br />
A short time later Deacon walked up to Keera, with Isobelle beside him. "Hey."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn1pc9LzxDJk2bgj2R8ve_5uCTAt6tBWwN71qhejge5b2BR2eeqDahrzbivvc4wa9D8wNB0BojNgknzw4Djwjm1OyNPfPwN8u8EElPTDEvBmr8OFOqL0p9P3McWhyUCSCPPPu_8jmB6A/s1600/Screenshot-6588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn1pc9LzxDJk2bgj2R8ve_5uCTAt6tBWwN71qhejge5b2BR2eeqDahrzbivvc4wa9D8wNB0BojNgknzw4Djwjm1OyNPfPwN8u8EElPTDEvBmr8OFOqL0p9P3McWhyUCSCPPPu_8jmB6A/s400/Screenshot-6588.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera looked at the two and sighed. She didn't interact much with them for her own personal reasons. She'd heard of what Deacon had done when he lived in Bridgeport, and she was still rather upset with Isobelle for pushing her off the other night when she tried to talk to her, despite Isobelle's apology the other day. "Yeah, what do you two want?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJNsEDnuA6DszbI88vA6xipaM0q4Tg8cnVSOiBbcNczPC-Ft4_5hLs1RGKgXv3uDKCiMUGF26cvVdm-E74CxIqObrgm-_0s7PdRSlmF4fvqg_8epzJTeMF2qon6KgzWG1OuyHxv8wZ3s/s1600/Screenshot-6589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJNsEDnuA6DszbI88vA6xipaM0q4Tg8cnVSOiBbcNczPC-Ft4_5hLs1RGKgXv3uDKCiMUGF26cvVdm-E74CxIqObrgm-_0s7PdRSlmF4fvqg_8epzJTeMF2qon6KgzWG1OuyHxv8wZ3s/s400/Screenshot-6589.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Have you heard from Cassie? We've been asking everyone in the house. I'm worried about her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYgdTwzXj54dqcbtxqSJCBrlc2rSrQ5r-Jql11jL3KNbZhegv81ES6MybCAwLF3TVcJdjlM34HG8H-uxBV_4y4QWuu_sdUVZngC69IzEbrwL-ORHg3pA_nCSNhKPcrud-CJyVwiPmTIU/s1600/Screenshot-6587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYgdTwzXj54dqcbtxqSJCBrlc2rSrQ5r-Jql11jL3KNbZhegv81ES6MybCAwLF3TVcJdjlM34HG8H-uxBV_4y4QWuu_sdUVZngC69IzEbrwL-ORHg3pA_nCSNhKPcrud-CJyVwiPmTIU/s400/Screenshot-6587.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Well why didn't you guys go with her?" Keera said with a harsh tone in her voice. Having encountered the person responsible for her scarring twice in one week as well as having her mother kidnapped didn't exactly leave her with a happy mood. "She left town because at least <i>one</i> of us had to go, but you could have left too. Maybe that would have been better, can you two even fight?"<br />
<br />
"I know she can." Deacon said. "I'm not sure about myself."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqVDDVHh74D9pVY120CJyrJTllhXEmIwZMIrBchVAln3UegPDXMfYfZt9QwUzf0THH75ikE2uF5DpXtV9jJVG9T_vW_DrGtwml5tT0EJxSMELu2m0BnbLnDPWm_ENS4pOvD3g3ukNbz0/s1600/Screenshot-6585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqVDDVHh74D9pVY120CJyrJTllhXEmIwZMIrBchVAln3UegPDXMfYfZt9QwUzf0THH75ikE2uF5DpXtV9jJVG9T_vW_DrGtwml5tT0EJxSMELu2m0BnbLnDPWm_ENS4pOvD3g3ukNbz0/s400/Screenshot-6585.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh really? Does her fighting technique involve being shot in the face? Because if that's the case she's the greatest fighter on the planet! I wasn't kidding just now... you should have left with your sister, Jones. Both of you."<br />
<br />
Without any more words, the teenager walked away, not looking back at the two. She did wonder why Deacon and Isobelle let Cassie leave town alone, why they and everyone else hid in the basement so when the military showed up to tell them to leave she tell them she lived alone in the house. Deacon was even injured, he was useless in a fight as far as she was concerned, and Isobelle was too hasty to fight, with the evidence to that literally all over her face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq7sAbvE-Hgq4DGo4wO9h1qaZpvd4wBVm7zvJ3IAT07LdcBwLkPibnzBXJYfUwbEudWU7El7nOtL8tQzCJF_FnfXZ2NKDZ0Qb8gLBexjp0cws__96OTz0SqH01CXVDqc6sBrmv8zKd6g/s1600/Screenshot-6591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq7sAbvE-Hgq4DGo4wO9h1qaZpvd4wBVm7zvJ3IAT07LdcBwLkPibnzBXJYfUwbEudWU7El7nOtL8tQzCJF_FnfXZ2NKDZ0Qb8gLBexjp0cws__96OTz0SqH01CXVDqc6sBrmv8zKd6g/s400/Screenshot-6591.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Still, Keera was worried about what she had just said as deep down, she didn't exactly mean it. In some ways, she respected both of them. They've both had their bad tidings, and both were trying to be redeemed, but the fact that they didn't leave with Cassie, forcing her to be all alone, while themselves having been known to be less than stellar combatants made her upset.<br />
<br />
Keera couldn't have gone with her. She wanted to face this whole thing head-on. She was the one who found out about the villains' plans to use the genie lamp and she wanted to be there when the mission was over, no matter what happened to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HzSvUSpg2934yVMwy24PcLXsLItA3GfWhNq9gJpVW37iZFh2t5xi27vshihfM2ZurBJOasJutwnRq6Mnnnz24CcHSxaxRvE-rHWpPnC6aHJOqPqJvwp9UVMn6Ar_I5Dvip74k51-YpQ/s1600/Screenshot-6592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HzSvUSpg2934yVMwy24PcLXsLItA3GfWhNq9gJpVW37iZFh2t5xi27vshihfM2ZurBJOasJutwnRq6Mnnnz24CcHSxaxRvE-rHWpPnC6aHJOqPqJvwp9UVMn6Ar_I5Dvip74k51-YpQ/s400/Screenshot-6592.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Angered, Keera decided to take a walk down to the beach, coming to the conclusion that maybe splashing herself with seawater could cool her off both literally and figuratively. When she made her way down there, however, she got a surprise in the form of someone walking behind her. Without even turning around, Keera knew who it was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfEV2D9_8JTvWnN0PcPvJTkyKNlWmbDY08CJy-YQsCNyj-JwI9hIxRPEQ69pAfbks-EndpB2R2XpobNxJcQANgEY964CO9Zy2HabFCLswrl0gVVntX4jVsvzCcAXz6Un7-aV1K0XN1FE/s1600/Screenshot-6594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfEV2D9_8JTvWnN0PcPvJTkyKNlWmbDY08CJy-YQsCNyj-JwI9hIxRPEQ69pAfbks-EndpB2R2XpobNxJcQANgEY964CO9Zy2HabFCLswrl0gVVntX4jVsvzCcAXz6Un7-aV1K0XN1FE/s400/Screenshot-6594.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What the<i> hell</i> are you doing here?!"<br />
<br />
-------------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIV3fUqYlonuBEVoEloJH3_s5zp5KcBjz3PqSQERDmeC7xEL6dPNlitg8vzxXZ_seEnctfEYEvj6POq637jGy5U9eU_i1eGjstLay4TTJUwJ6UDjE5N17FyY7-F_49kOwvLaBZkn_Y3k/s1600/Screenshot-6631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIV3fUqYlonuBEVoEloJH3_s5zp5KcBjz3PqSQERDmeC7xEL6dPNlitg8vzxXZ_seEnctfEYEvj6POq637jGy5U9eU_i1eGjstLay4TTJUwJ6UDjE5N17FyY7-F_49kOwvLaBZkn_Y3k/s400/Screenshot-6631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In their bedroom, John and Scarlett cuddled on the bed, a rare event since what was compared to martial law was in effect across town. They both smiled, kissed, whispered sweet-nothings into each other's ears, and talked about their future together, particularly their near future.<br />
<br />
"So what will the altar look like?"<br />
<br />
"Red roses surrounding it. It's going to be on a red carpet, with a heart-shaped rug below as we kiss. Then we'll go over to the table and cut the cake." John replied. "It will be wonderful, a red-velvet cake for my red-loving wife."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp6-KUCyVFTtXc3YDpmuIyVFzeVRHsMBhRSQJG25h9vsnHyHE41aMnaC3NMOlSWnQDxY_6zMVmzD5cP9llzfGKznH7lqQTLS2mc756heyoiwSqyJ7UxuU1Ud4ubYXHOrW_vUaakj9Puk/s1600/Screenshot-6633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp6-KUCyVFTtXc3YDpmuIyVFzeVRHsMBhRSQJG25h9vsnHyHE41aMnaC3NMOlSWnQDxY_6zMVmzD5cP9llzfGKznH7lqQTLS2mc756heyoiwSqyJ7UxuU1Ud4ubYXHOrW_vUaakj9Puk/s400/Screenshot-6633.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett smiled. "And then we'll dance, right?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"We'll dance forever. From sunup to sundown and any time in between. Forever and ever and ever until the end of time. That's how long we'll dance to. Forever."</div>
<br />
Considering what was happening, and what was going to happen, John wasn't sure if he was lying to her about this or not.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wsIzTrH_6MIqA9TnA2vws76gczpZHnF2yZc07pZbNiEqrCfSu0eJ5tAOKdDPZcTiQatBi7Qyip106kha0Nd4D-9rUfBykKZulktPVjzUZ8Vc7AFxD8JJnS-lkwlZNTYFCkc5_Tm77uw/s1600/Screenshot-6636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wsIzTrH_6MIqA9TnA2vws76gczpZHnF2yZc07pZbNiEqrCfSu0eJ5tAOKdDPZcTiQatBi7Qyip106kha0Nd4D-9rUfBykKZulktPVjzUZ8Vc7AFxD8JJnS-lkwlZNTYFCkc5_Tm77uw/s400/Screenshot-6636.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwAASNJOezlsyRVXEne5JHr7zR20zQVZ1PW4M8oVRK4sW1PGVZXQSYVQfNBlLku8Eh9X__xVYbAhMHs624jaqv4L0MAyrcaOzVZv4V2khMeZRwUywZqmYcH7jxCtsBsbUT0g4M6rmyOM/s1600/Screenshot-6635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwAASNJOezlsyRVXEne5JHr7zR20zQVZ1PW4M8oVRK4sW1PGVZXQSYVQfNBlLku8Eh9X__xVYbAhMHs624jaqv4L0MAyrcaOzVZv4V2khMeZRwUywZqmYcH7jxCtsBsbUT0g4M6rmyOM/s400/Screenshot-6635.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett smiled and turned over for a nap. "I hope we can dance for that long. I'll love you for longer than that." As she said this, she drifted off to sleep. John lied down beside her for a few moments, then stood up and walked to his door. Just as he opened it, he saw Tom standing there, about to knock.<br />
<br />
"What's wrong?" John asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LH99G6S8ICSVtxRryRA8jLNAnaCVvNMEAJ7CajHL-pnWQ7KACo_fzuPrBUnDJeM7k8GOFH7uovh6Z74eJQPHnN6sPiU858l6RNpxJX9Zs1jIaKX5vXY53sF9C1qHkrfgpOa1gwp964o/s1600/Screenshot-6637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LH99G6S8ICSVtxRryRA8jLNAnaCVvNMEAJ7CajHL-pnWQ7KACo_fzuPrBUnDJeM7k8GOFH7uovh6Z74eJQPHnN6sPiU858l6RNpxJX9Zs1jIaKX5vXY53sF9C1qHkrfgpOa1gwp964o/s400/Screenshot-6637.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I need your help."<br />
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRAJ5okQq3lALd5Gvd8ol090jsxAPHNTtlf96uLyY6PIsDZmcIFCBf_x3qgQUTinpodhr7VYj49nuCAubesrJZRBGZJMuERVNW9JdY7bvbQGl2yYZ5Qu2xJRgenQQgL_alecCLVZWfxk/s1600/Screenshot-6595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRAJ5okQq3lALd5Gvd8ol090jsxAPHNTtlf96uLyY6PIsDZmcIFCBf_x3qgQUTinpodhr7VYj49nuCAubesrJZRBGZJMuERVNW9JdY7bvbQGl2yYZ5Qu2xJRgenQQgL_alecCLVZWfxk/s400/Screenshot-6595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Are you following me?!" Keera yelled out, "I can have you arrested for stalking a fourteen year-old!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogXYmL6doMn0jdFyqOGKs1RyyeA7wXgxAZ_-JalgrenSktBHKyH1UVb442hN8qMt6Son0SF8D33D5_bdfeuYTVEl2wKQ2IccmPH-8aJDGLk8y4LnDhRPSEwb_pLTTcvjYhl0KiIF1M2Y/s1600/Screenshot-6596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogXYmL6doMn0jdFyqOGKs1RyyeA7wXgxAZ_-JalgrenSktBHKyH1UVb442hN8qMt6Son0SF8D33D5_bdfeuYTVEl2wKQ2IccmPH-8aJDGLk8y4LnDhRPSEwb_pLTTcvjYhl0KiIF1M2Y/s400/Screenshot-6596.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No! It's coincidence! I swear!" Collin said. This was the third time in less than a week that the two met. Admittedly, it looked pretty bad for the man, but he tried to assure her that was not the case. "I was coming down here for a reason. My reason is my own."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDYnqrct-sjyxrCxSMzB7JFoljARAAJD5W6ymcDnY-OobV8uSoeKyFEncMtwg9M9AXPljo9zcZOUg5yKgCrYhIbNnRLr7yVhz3KDZqQq50VpXOKrQwIw9VMZxkjxxvZat2vbAHsMLKrY/s1600/Screenshot-6597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDYnqrct-sjyxrCxSMzB7JFoljARAAJD5W6ymcDnY-OobV8uSoeKyFEncMtwg9M9AXPljo9zcZOUg5yKgCrYhIbNnRLr7yVhz3KDZqQq50VpXOKrQwIw9VMZxkjxxvZat2vbAHsMLKrY/s400/Screenshot-6597.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh, well then. I'll just leave you to your <em>beach</em>!" Keera snarled. "Though I'm not sure if it's <i>homey </i>enough, can the water explode because of your incompetence? I'm sure that would be juuust right for you!"<br />
<br />
"Will you please just listen to me?! I already apologized for what happened? I guess the third time's the charm! I'm sorry! I'm so, so, so sorry for what happened! Every night I go to sleep I see that fire in my dreams, haunting me! Just as I'm sure they haunt you! And every night I try to say to myself that it was just an accident, that I wasn't responsible. However, that's not the case. I know I was responsible for your injury, and I have no idea what to do to say I'm sorry and truly let you know I mean it!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXOuudi3doDr0D8fYS88wVCr371VA6gz5A83-gdtk8ruALjkGWl9R8Zfw0-AZPv5bFxJ-VxNMQiXuf7B_KtJeF-0asywR8gmTU5VLtcltoAamKSwkpbldIbftI-DYGsccr5ATDpzXyUc/s1600/Screenshot-6600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXOuudi3doDr0D8fYS88wVCr371VA6gz5A83-gdtk8ruALjkGWl9R8Zfw0-AZPv5bFxJ-VxNMQiXuf7B_KtJeF-0asywR8gmTU5VLtcltoAamKSwkpbldIbftI-DYGsccr5ATDpzXyUc/s400/Screenshot-6600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera had a grimace on her face. "You can start by telling me why it was so important for you."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"You left your job at a vulnerable time, leaving a dangerous situation to brew. Why? Why was this basketball game so damned important?!"<br />
<br />
"I just... I wanted to go! There wasn't an importance! Nothing to it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyJZGvexw9_0skZz7NIGAvwU4zWXja0Yg4MvtZqeE7V1pq4iwa1l29Peb7ai5lhqbseC_-tFpR337PejJ3Uf40N0sCk5PIdvI52F2GfEgrcCEklcLkwnCr2mqP8VKrjwh2GViYW0FWho/s1600/Screenshot-6599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyJZGvexw9_0skZz7NIGAvwU4zWXja0Yg4MvtZqeE7V1pq4iwa1l29Peb7ai5lhqbseC_-tFpR337PejJ3Uf40N0sCk5PIdvI52F2GfEgrcCEklcLkwnCr2mqP8VKrjwh2GViYW0FWho/s400/Screenshot-6599.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You're lying!" Keera said. "Something was important to you. It HAD to be! If it didn't mean anything to you, you wouldn't have gone, you wouldn't have left work, and I would still have a whole face!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKxMc9mYfb1vNUPiEdob22UrdMuGYkqqSAzdQc7-QnVqFuw9zdgDs7f_Z9Y_U-uvpBTwN5QDxPffhLzDMZvGJ6MBme7eXiiQvfWhnbdAF2MME_LHzymsTYNQTWdnjXsjdjgGwXOcE46I/s1600/Screenshot-6602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKxMc9mYfb1vNUPiEdob22UrdMuGYkqqSAzdQc7-QnVqFuw9zdgDs7f_Z9Y_U-uvpBTwN5QDxPffhLzDMZvGJ6MBme7eXiiQvfWhnbdAF2MME_LHzymsTYNQTWdnjXsjdjgGwXOcE46I/s400/Screenshot-6602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Collin sat on the ground. "I don't know."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFFFzUAw-5O-oR2bXypLqcQhBPSViwP7uN4o-sd5V-EyzM6a-e2XnD_tZ5SnVyp0twiAx9v9-ihbwT53DOA1ohXzehKzdm70AiY8GUSU2N4dG6UlLN2nN6aEy5bWagepxwlGN3xn0QYo/s1600/Screenshot-6603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFFFzUAw-5O-oR2bXypLqcQhBPSViwP7uN4o-sd5V-EyzM6a-e2XnD_tZ5SnVyp0twiAx9v9-ihbwT53DOA1ohXzehKzdm70AiY8GUSU2N4dG6UlLN2nN6aEy5bWagepxwlGN3xn0QYo/s400/Screenshot-6603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera turned and left, looking back to him once. "If you remember, come find me. ONLY then." After this she walked away angrily, leaving the despondent man to sit there, thinking about what she said to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI5rMTLZu8mA4Mz8rBbkbg1QvbwXx12tz6DUPA6LEx6ERgjcXzs-retObEHnK9pl8xh5rRFetlKACPRHhh6ee7OkBjEP5T2I4uYbh_psEzq66XrZW1Myoz4tmhAwd1qWrRp6xEbrFLS0/s1600/Screenshot-6604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI5rMTLZu8mA4Mz8rBbkbg1QvbwXx12tz6DUPA6LEx6ERgjcXzs-retObEHnK9pl8xh5rRFetlKACPRHhh6ee7OkBjEP5T2I4uYbh_psEzq66XrZW1Myoz4tmhAwd1qWrRp6xEbrFLS0/s400/Screenshot-6604.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
--------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQIxfn8BGXh6bDWzJHC2OrxVMJxybsWknP4s30haGKuYBbi30YwstFZQdas6ifrUb9XrC7jdnXwM2K_EEJdW2uMSi7Dfr7LQVinsqA5KuFxHU1xiu0HNHWu0jwuqnX4u1JrKQWtxwpug/s1600/Screenshot-6686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQIxfn8BGXh6bDWzJHC2OrxVMJxybsWknP4s30haGKuYBbi30YwstFZQdas6ifrUb9XrC7jdnXwM2K_EEJdW2uMSi7Dfr7LQVinsqA5KuFxHU1xiu0HNHWu0jwuqnX4u1JrKQWtxwpug/s400/Screenshot-6686.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No. No. No. No. No. No. And guess what? NO! It's too dangerous, Tom!"<br />
<br />
"Annabelle didn't get any ill effects from it!" Tom said, "Aside from the whole being split into two people thing. Please, John, let me use the teleporter to go to the graveyard! I can sneak up behind the robots, break in, and grab Annabelle and get out in no time flat!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8bIkampWBErn2ELLx1NtnAynSUhJS_QGiGMRDksum0A5MeRsCgVzv5S6rhNn6tjXZ-vfdLzoVmZekzV-3QdKij5-uxlJWGSeGlj5zkN00UiXpbQkOiyMGKDC25wj9oDrNxY-lKoj-pk/s1600/Screenshot-6687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8bIkampWBErn2ELLx1NtnAynSUhJS_QGiGMRDksum0A5MeRsCgVzv5S6rhNn6tjXZ-vfdLzoVmZekzV-3QdKij5-uxlJWGSeGlj5zkN00UiXpbQkOiyMGKDC25wj9oDrNxY-lKoj-pk/s400/Screenshot-6687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"That thing is <em>danger</em>ous!" John said again, emphasizing the "danger" part. "For all I know it could spill your biological structure all over the graveyard. That would certainly surprise the enemy, organs here and there with a skeletal structure to boot!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3lQfTmcu0Le-NawWT5wMKMyMUnbqm6OTRTnhDP6I387gYZM8o8vFyGOq2r35IRXoi0ELPRlklRX8zhCw1UeCEwcorbtF9XreQ3loT8JKFUGqML8fc8UkDyqjWzZDXYzxiU6J09IJmIA/s1600/Screenshot-6690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3lQfTmcu0Le-NawWT5wMKMyMUnbqm6OTRTnhDP6I387gYZM8o8vFyGOq2r35IRXoi0ELPRlklRX8zhCw1UeCEwcorbtF9XreQ3loT8JKFUGqML8fc8UkDyqjWzZDXYzxiU6J09IJmIA/s400/Screenshot-6690.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"It worked with Annabelle. I would have you just bring her here with it but doesn't seem to be a way to penetrate that dome with any kind of signals, at least that's what I heard." <br />
<br />
John looked at Tom with worry. "I can't do this. It's too dangerous. Please don't ask me-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZgTp-Nxacf4MJ8FJhqK7-dekahAIun-fmokHUtk_-xdZiLE7QWEUXz524RFq3VZAMyzGoHLPu6W-KpxH_vexIeneNezOIiyjpT6piRs-0m4eS8QCduFpdyLdwQKieZ58kHbED3F-ziU/s1600/Screenshot-6688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZgTp-Nxacf4MJ8FJhqK7-dekahAIun-fmokHUtk_-xdZiLE7QWEUXz524RFq3VZAMyzGoHLPu6W-KpxH_vexIeneNezOIiyjpT6piRs-0m4eS8QCduFpdyLdwQKieZ58kHbED3F-ziU/s400/Screenshot-6688.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"John. Please. I know it could hurt me, but I have to do this, for Annabelle, for your sister. Please let me use this teleporter."<br />
<br />
John thought this over. If Tom was successful, Annabelle would be back with the family, and everything would fall better into place regarding their mission. However, the dangers of using the teleporter were present, very much so. Still, he had to do something, and Tom wouldn't leave him alone until he did it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NSBY13IrTYzlzmMg4ZCWxbTowT3qkBlp1gA_uZAL7jzcHW3ZNGQpDWNVlpJ3oWWXoF9W-zqIL0mKKcIVc7RIqjPSolVW-UjgleAVH52q_CA_1a3MUWyvuOSvtCa6dRNDX9moFlIW6LU/s1600/Screenshot-6689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NSBY13IrTYzlzmMg4ZCWxbTowT3qkBlp1gA_uZAL7jzcHW3ZNGQpDWNVlpJ3oWWXoF9W-zqIL0mKKcIVc7RIqjPSolVW-UjgleAVH52q_CA_1a3MUWyvuOSvtCa6dRNDX9moFlIW6LU/s400/Screenshot-6689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Okay. Get ready."<br />
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7qz4_d1RGaWdd7ulJKxs7ulKHE4hWA204U7Xk4KdN9mCiNgKzlrqiAQ3qZQO-fpkjs19IYzdUqpyVj0Gbxdia2I5VZ2vnRirXcKtCHGsV7r2fbRyDYbtiQlzylYSxi_VXFM-vMUi7mk/s1600/Screenshot-6523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7qz4_d1RGaWdd7ulJKxs7ulKHE4hWA204U7Xk4KdN9mCiNgKzlrqiAQ3qZQO-fpkjs19IYzdUqpyVj0Gbxdia2I5VZ2vnRirXcKtCHGsV7r2fbRyDYbtiQlzylYSxi_VXFM-vMUi7mk/s400/Screenshot-6523.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Annabelle sat in her cell, waiting for time to pass, when she heard a noise from the other room. She stood up and walked slowly to the window where she saw Jacob, or Jack Toomes, standing in the room adjacent to her own. She couldn't help but smirk when she saw him. His hair was graying and his eyes were getting dark with spots around them, and he was developing wrinkles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuXttwgUyiFaiDszwRWldHOliC7a5N2EEwUMtTWfGPjmrmNdB8ZO3HLMn3ce_a2DUREwr44XMS8SYh3jwBzRbqGVD9y__pYDQ8h0X3_nbgmWI8RSJpPTB8_R0QENyhf1q5YCzQGmR6vc/s1600/Screenshot-6524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuXttwgUyiFaiDszwRWldHOliC7a5N2EEwUMtTWfGPjmrmNdB8ZO3HLMn3ce_a2DUREwr44XMS8SYh3jwBzRbqGVD9y__pYDQ8h0X3_nbgmWI8RSJpPTB8_R0QENyhf1q5YCzQGmR6vc/s400/Screenshot-6524.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"John told me the untested potion you had stolen from him doesn't long. You really should have had the entire place searched for more complete versions."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJXttIZcR-30vW5idC1cVYQHceTU-VHoBT0OV1R5F9JIqf-rQm8JLCJuLlagC08JnhQ7rYcEy64Ali5bnWs1F8TZWHe8XwRKT6lPZiUvotCxUmzw73pILNsIku9TZFPPiJx48yTPh794/s1600/Screenshot-6530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJXttIZcR-30vW5idC1cVYQHceTU-VHoBT0OV1R5F9JIqf-rQm8JLCJuLlagC08JnhQ7rYcEy64Ali5bnWs1F8TZWHe8XwRKT6lPZiUvotCxUmzw73pILNsIku9TZFPPiJx48yTPh794/s400/Screenshot-6530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jack looked at her with a grimace. "Good lap dogs are hard to come by these days. Look at the fools I work with now."<br />
<br />
"Actually I wouldn't call Vu a 'fool'. Corvan of course, but not Vu. I see him as an intellectual equal, which I don't see with you. Your intelligence compared to mine would best be compared as something you buy in the store." Annabelle then smiled at herself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT1UmEYJkqULKnGGfvY88iYMXuvj9XvewoHwkzEh4t18cgPTyV8pqhIe2K3t6T4fPqeZFa8FmzRs_dzW_0ycZT4tVWR3VzDYiF6nF1s12l4XwUyXdwMcrEIOXCvJ3B_SFhoaV8UHxudk/s1600/Screenshot-6528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT1UmEYJkqULKnGGfvY88iYMXuvj9XvewoHwkzEh4t18cgPTyV8pqhIe2K3t6T4fPqeZFa8FmzRs_dzW_0ycZT4tVWR3VzDYiF6nF1s12l4XwUyXdwMcrEIOXCvJ3B_SFhoaV8UHxudk/s400/Screenshot-6528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Wonderful, green, perfect, 100 percent-tested brand name items for me, and... dollar-sale bin toys that break after five minutes of use for you."<br />
<br />
Jack slammed his hand into the window furiously. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikexkj9I37x8d9R416NRJVpB6y_LNqtX6qwewkCTOfekEyGsGhGCZX3JZ7iTrsg5VUXBlkLXFQwioUhfvG5SNOq6xIAqBSM-vRFP1IjoPaAT442bMfqUX25hZqSn8LEP7CLCBQzdWi3tc/s1600/Screenshot-6527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikexkj9I37x8d9R416NRJVpB6y_LNqtX6qwewkCTOfekEyGsGhGCZX3JZ7iTrsg5VUXBlkLXFQwioUhfvG5SNOq6xIAqBSM-vRFP1IjoPaAT442bMfqUX25hZqSn8LEP7CLCBQzdWi3tc/s400/Screenshot-6527.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Okay, okay... <b><i>six</i></b> minutes."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIh8fo1eEEzCPJp-cijIEq8GdDRFuziwn-qrgwHnIZyPMbABRwrNiKEpHKQZ7HUlframYgrB3NchNfebVdYGxKfmSDV5tCuGSakXlzSLALrVhHX7iCHjq2zylaVPBG3zZvKk4fEdgsUk/s1600/Screenshot-6526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIh8fo1eEEzCPJp-cijIEq8GdDRFuziwn-qrgwHnIZyPMbABRwrNiKEpHKQZ7HUlframYgrB3NchNfebVdYGxKfmSDV5tCuGSakXlzSLALrVhHX7iCHjq2zylaVPBG3zZvKk4fEdgsUk/s400/Screenshot-6526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Jack angrily walked around the room, looking at her. "You have no idea how long this took to plan, everything I've done, all my accomplishments! All I had to do was read one book, one simple book, and boom, the ideas flew to me like songbirds fly to a tree branch. It was... beautiful. Do you really think I could come up with an idea if I had low intelligence?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7VArjG0sUyrMWYNCEo46lxCmf9uNPEjCzpBhG3hYVjdAVNL4e1ddLcc00Hnn0ISuD0NUjnpnhwWkJIdwJN33heCE5cFZhYDvcr4zU_jbVIAhQnDu_Qi_L7CtcePGJY5c-zerN3ZW4VU/s1600/Screenshot-6531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7VArjG0sUyrMWYNCEo46lxCmf9uNPEjCzpBhG3hYVjdAVNL4e1ddLcc00Hnn0ISuD0NUjnpnhwWkJIdwJN33heCE5cFZhYDvcr4zU_jbVIAhQnDu_Qi_L7CtcePGJY5c-zerN3ZW4VU/s400/Screenshot-6531.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You know, you're right. Except... I would have come up with the idea sooner, but that's just me. You know, me being <i>smarter </i>than you." <br />
<br />
Jack snarled and walked out of the room, looking forward while continuing to talk. "Soon you will get your comeuppance Annabelle Kethrin. Soon."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYtWfxrnmA-brnbiv196Up3Q_B2SMLoNI2Xg0hLkICSv7COAweA1tTGJ8IRoTJHhx3r8iiGSuSr6wIFqursWCoqLIRmEyLfNjbhwBDEjnSEm9ieRoebb7eaR5SfTYci_chGohaxn7i_k/s1600/Screenshot-6532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYtWfxrnmA-brnbiv196Up3Q_B2SMLoNI2Xg0hLkICSv7COAweA1tTGJ8IRoTJHhx3r8iiGSuSr6wIFqursWCoqLIRmEyLfNjbhwBDEjnSEm9ieRoebb7eaR5SfTYci_chGohaxn7i_k/s400/Screenshot-6532.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Looking forward to it, Jack As-."<br />
<br />
Jack closed the door before Annabelle could finish talking, and she smiled and turned back to the room. She hadn't been treated too terribly while here, perhaps due to that Dr. Vu's intervention on what happened, but she realized she had to escape, she had to do something to get out, so she started pacing the floor, focusing on certain things back home that she really wanted.<br />
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<br />
<i><b>TWO HOURS LATER</b> </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdhknBkl7WWTwjVi1OF6m2I4tVITXiAR6ivYprIusgDGuSfR2gRxV4d_negso7csTvoWC0DVxXmkPWxTOjARYn8pxbWCO9ihKextA49Rha_pHfqPuVYUybSBwfUZ2uDKJdj-YqPKUy1s/s1600/Screenshot-6640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdhknBkl7WWTwjVi1OF6m2I4tVITXiAR6ivYprIusgDGuSfR2gRxV4d_negso7csTvoWC0DVxXmkPWxTOjARYn8pxbWCO9ihKextA49Rha_pHfqPuVYUybSBwfUZ2uDKJdj-YqPKUy1s/s400/Screenshot-6640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Are you STILL sure you want to go through with this, Tom? I'm not sure if this thing even works, and if it fails it could have horrible consequences."<br />
<br />
"Don't worry about me. I activated that tracker you put in my jacket so you can be sure if I teleported there properly, and so far my vitals are correct."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux5Fsgd3LDMcxjHYatydZJNqD9PaTsaY_fmAOf7y6tiKaDgEtC1tr0HRe_gfUhNjH_MbN41siLabrFGde_vCdwXgf2u8q3qZZ_hi2WelRn21ROrX9u_AYZvsiFYhOYu95ze3dfnnuxUE/s1600/Screenshot-6641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux5Fsgd3LDMcxjHYatydZJNqD9PaTsaY_fmAOf7y6tiKaDgEtC1tr0HRe_gfUhNjH_MbN41siLabrFGde_vCdwXgf2u8q3qZZ_hi2WelRn21ROrX9u_AYZvsiFYhOYu95ze3dfnnuxUE/s400/Screenshot-6641.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Okay." John replied. "It's ready. Step onto the teleporter."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyd4o2m6QPIPAjxbljOkIVZOybPrxM6mBpiB2vjOC6_G9FQgOZ-nvSYM3AIvtrk9qRGCD9WzrGg3pST6QRCzRnTQn6Gaykxbrz5cGm9Akw2WhiaVa5mIaivSlhp5vEF420S8vOKe4BxTE/s1600/Screenshot-6645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyd4o2m6QPIPAjxbljOkIVZOybPrxM6mBpiB2vjOC6_G9FQgOZ-nvSYM3AIvtrk9qRGCD9WzrGg3pST6QRCzRnTQn6Gaykxbrz5cGm9Akw2WhiaVa5mIaivSlhp5vEF420S8vOKe4BxTE/s400/Screenshot-6645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom looked at John's teleportation device as he walked into it. The last time this thing was used, Annabelle was split into two different people. While it would be helpful to have a new Tom walking around, he didn't feel it was the right thing to have happen at the moment, especially since Annabelle was captured, and she'd presumably freak out if there was another Tom there. Nonetheless, it would be better than the alternative regarding the teleporter malfunctioning.<br />
<br />
As this went through his mind, Tom turned around and looked at his friend. "Thank you for doing this. I know I talked you into it, but still, thanks. And if I don't come back, you take care of everyone, okay? You have to."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVy1_WELMJRu_mZ3RLFKrXr6gHyHtKgoic7w77NbFv__RBFQgwLUcw2I9bL7lulS8aOPy3XSOIIWKisruE39u7RGhl4A2CEz6X1iCqOSCd3_1rTcp-rx1V04iQ_-FW3b5ZBRhcan6lAsQ/s1600/Screenshot-6646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVy1_WELMJRu_mZ3RLFKrXr6gHyHtKgoic7w77NbFv__RBFQgwLUcw2I9bL7lulS8aOPy3XSOIIWKisruE39u7RGhl4A2CEz6X1iCqOSCd3_1rTcp-rx1V04iQ_-FW3b5ZBRhcan6lAsQ/s400/Screenshot-6646.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I know, but I know you'll be back. You always are. Now go get my sister."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhzbkidEJilgivabbTWkGyiDS6IX9k_qJdy7iB96Q64pAXe_IwGS3ct731qaL6G06dGQIZqKpVB-EQNio2C0p2HGuSu-3W1M08RH6wV64DYKqDCuRV1FBjJI504fzaqvi4B1N01BFCHw/s1600/Screenshot-6648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhzbkidEJilgivabbTWkGyiDS6IX9k_qJdy7iB96Q64pAXe_IwGS3ct731qaL6G06dGQIZqKpVB-EQNio2C0p2HGuSu-3W1M08RH6wV64DYKqDCuRV1FBjJI504fzaqvi4B1N01BFCHw/s400/Screenshot-6648.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWbq7pV7Co74L6nJEJm0ayrFaShBojep4twAuH7WjzvkGSWYhB6nPvEtomDNz-ZiYp9oLwuLH4vd-DBHvxf7QhY6zkA3qAaS0qN3yLN9mk5MEcZa2qEyS-zA86lKP78DCnFsqFTpuao8/s1600/Screenshot-6649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWbq7pV7Co74L6nJEJm0ayrFaShBojep4twAuH7WjzvkGSWYhB6nPvEtomDNz-ZiYp9oLwuLH4vd-DBHvxf7QhY6zkA3qAaS0qN3yLN9mk5MEcZa2qEyS-zA86lKP78DCnFsqFTpuao8/s400/Screenshot-6649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF18YyfQO34O1F-kdaeo2hM5gKO3bset0LofP3KeSvju-rPXXUhBfh1X-qZ02__IeLUmTHhh1lrWwNphUnEJNzSSYLubxGxYWyz4U3Mrr9L0foXsMwHfSNP32_6z0mXhpc84_Kisw1nEM/s1600/Screenshot-6639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF18YyfQO34O1F-kdaeo2hM5gKO3bset0LofP3KeSvju-rPXXUhBfh1X-qZ02__IeLUmTHhh1lrWwNphUnEJNzSSYLubxGxYWyz4U3Mrr9L0foXsMwHfSNP32_6z0mXhpc84_Kisw1nEM/s400/Screenshot-6639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom smiled as John pressed the button on the computer console connecting to the teleporter. Seconds later four activation nodes fired up and then a bright white light took Tom, and seconds after that it dissipated revealing nothing. John looked around the room, then back to the computer to see if it worked. According to the computer's monitor, Tom was just outside the graveyard on the far end, and his vitals were perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTUAeQA5OcbgledKfUshQDQzI0IxaddDpYGOVGhYVWuR2mhwe7EPyZeBNI1VW8sJ4xJjHvCZJsBlpsX79ePvpsZwAPGiYEHqWlH341hXCzkwllw_lpzAG68c5DfHdYQzwg4z2aQoKoHg/s1600/Screenshot-6643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTUAeQA5OcbgledKfUshQDQzI0IxaddDpYGOVGhYVWuR2mhwe7EPyZeBNI1VW8sJ4xJjHvCZJsBlpsX79ePvpsZwAPGiYEHqWlH341hXCzkwllw_lpzAG68c5DfHdYQzwg4z2aQoKoHg/s400/Screenshot-6643.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"YES! YES YES YES!!!" John exclaimed. "Finally, something of mine worked the way it should! Go Tom! WOO!" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fTXWiS_DSEyRTb9971F6BGn09iLZ0DYD_teEs5Ii1tNenabboUS0ENRQ8p8P1L73oRJVKmCtTzNxQGYpGKpCuDqZDYGMF-IZZFaJolMSAbco0Vxkjh2QIyiPVTNYN5LPLz-3QuBSmZ8/s1600/Screenshot-6644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fTXWiS_DSEyRTb9971F6BGn09iLZ0DYD_teEs5Ii1tNenabboUS0ENRQ8p8P1L73oRJVKmCtTzNxQGYpGKpCuDqZDYGMF-IZZFaJolMSAbco0Vxkjh2QIyiPVTNYN5LPLz-3QuBSmZ8/s400/Screenshot-6644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly the entire room turned dark. There was no reason for the power to go out, even by using the device, as it was on it's own circuit. There was nothing for a few seconds before the power turned back on, and John was shocked to see that his computer was back to where it was, without having to even be rebooted.<br />
<br />
--------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4f5l-uVTbgh2lQlE28D2mGYpix7uNXYjI43kVk9pFneVc_6fm_g9A5xGHt_-iMpo8s82TU4H39HB0VOd6zd1Z1TQ1eYJXV6RMDTzSl4UcJV5AtAc7uilYmh02AUVLTf1Iloa3INsTSes/s1600/Screenshot-6656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4f5l-uVTbgh2lQlE28D2mGYpix7uNXYjI43kVk9pFneVc_6fm_g9A5xGHt_-iMpo8s82TU4H39HB0VOd6zd1Z1TQ1eYJXV6RMDTzSl4UcJV5AtAc7uilYmh02AUVLTf1Iloa3INsTSes/s400/Screenshot-6656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRymRhFCMS-Nua7mzO6TjBAlxaTM3zrK7ipVvsmc3aAHMqkFMS7jmdmEutI45hmtvVuDPkqNtYIgbyLLKaE8KEZu8uv0T_mxzgcAWP9cpPmHXHK2K8SgkwHSP87M-ZUZ8JtkC8tjKrp4/s1600/Screenshot-6657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRymRhFCMS-Nua7mzO6TjBAlxaTM3zrK7ipVvsmc3aAHMqkFMS7jmdmEutI45hmtvVuDPkqNtYIgbyLLKaE8KEZu8uv0T_mxzgcAWP9cpPmHXHK2K8SgkwHSP87M-ZUZ8JtkC8tjKrp4/s400/Screenshot-6657.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom opened his eyes and realized he was standing not too far outside the massive dome that overtook the graveyard. He was safe from the robots, as they didn't see him from that distance. He was still a half-mile away, and it took him roughly five minutes to reach the graveyard. However just as he got to the dome, an alarm was raised. Tom thought for a few seconds that it was because he was on approach, but to his shock and joy Annabelle came bolting out the mausoleum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Bps1_tjspapni7AODV2rUNzJ_DZ1lX7kat4mB5LA-9Qz6dAmV1ZhoPCxt3FPuau0VMo-oMZqD-T4Pp9MzBIdBJqeobP8G00fQM3_fz_GpvcWdNGNc515Fop32jGXI9Wd87iWrzOLGIQ/s1600/Screenshot-6659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Bps1_tjspapni7AODV2rUNzJ_DZ1lX7kat4mB5LA-9Qz6dAmV1ZhoPCxt3FPuau0VMo-oMZqD-T4Pp9MzBIdBJqeobP8G00fQM3_fz_GpvcWdNGNc515Fop32jGXI9Wd87iWrzOLGIQ/s400/Screenshot-6659.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"ANNABELLE! ANNABELLE!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiNrPvUjKG4UKNpsbIHoP_tSxbXj2-qDPF35APvmoDo-l18aSJtEnGY6MsXy9Hv-blmFdg3xmyYu4QhRBe0POCVkGoCXtIasWyt8sZ8HbYKBV0-JAU4j9yJdC0nnR4720bUocgW_auAI/s1600/Screenshot-6682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiNrPvUjKG4UKNpsbIHoP_tSxbXj2-qDPF35APvmoDo-l18aSJtEnGY6MsXy9Hv-blmFdg3xmyYu4QhRBe0POCVkGoCXtIasWyt8sZ8HbYKBV0-JAU4j9yJdC0nnR4720bUocgW_auAI/s400/Screenshot-6682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a4Pj0Z3Dt0VEgTr0UwgMkCCN4-9fGHKn8yzs7hCRnB0Qd_ZeISRT0Oevr2aEUHNejxnJ83NybSRpRr1YTON4mfZyLg8LwbJtjCR_bus35DOZMzrSjtyLysdhwQuAIeqYFjT_4uRNgZc/s1600/Screenshot-6683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a4Pj0Z3Dt0VEgTr0UwgMkCCN4-9fGHKn8yzs7hCRnB0Qd_ZeISRT0Oevr2aEUHNejxnJ83NybSRpRr1YTON4mfZyLg8LwbJtjCR_bus35DOZMzrSjtyLysdhwQuAIeqYFjT_4uRNgZc/s400/Screenshot-6683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She turned, saw him, and ran towards his location. Tom smiled as he saw Annabelle standing in front of him, with just a few feet of solid concrete and glass between them, but his smile quickly faded as his attention was brought upon the dozens of Vazir drones that surrounded her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZXu9O6rCv8kvfVHz3NhCkXHMdUqLeAG0S9I2WRpyDJUA14JwgokZ7jl024n8OdZLzJ-YeZC0CGl52nA_YtiDGQw-pKh4q5UBU1ryVGDw9Y5rnFCqqBkKr2_SziRevCi4tUz4s-Xvi9I/s1600/Screenshot-6410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZXu9O6rCv8kvfVHz3NhCkXHMdUqLeAG0S9I2WRpyDJUA14JwgokZ7jl024n8OdZLzJ-YeZC0CGl52nA_YtiDGQw-pKh4q5UBU1ryVGDw9Y5rnFCqqBkKr2_SziRevCi4tUz4s-Xvi9I/s400/Screenshot-6410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwFWbtJXLt6_lCjY1lip8S4qnzWJqqWkWo8i6_wIYrb-14LDj9SNyhxRAbR89WOpFfNv12n3DoYLfa7AVfafXssXyHo9z44sBGswu_y505MBEspkJ55_GQndqhY8Qu9v7GwkQmVPHLgI/s1600/laser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwFWbtJXLt6_lCjY1lip8S4qnzWJqqWkWo8i6_wIYrb-14LDj9SNyhxRAbR89WOpFfNv12n3DoYLfa7AVfafXssXyHo9z44sBGswu_y505MBEspkJ55_GQndqhY8Qu9v7GwkQmVPHLgI/s400/laser.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She turned back to him with a horrified expression on her face, and then closed her eyes. Tom watched in horror as the robotic drones charged themselves up and fired all of their lasers right at Annabelle, who vanished into a fiery blaze, with only a black mark on the ground where she stood.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Mqvs9FOLoalSlgpjgH6_DZ1tif07D-ILK97mw0W1nh-9bqFIzk6pIxa_vn6IBYC8F7o4bo0PDlgVy18Z7l4FOaqQ0BLF9FZ0SKhlkBcEQL0X92jNXvlzM36-yUTKyawP1mRY2MV3o4/s1600/Screenshot-6667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Mqvs9FOLoalSlgpjgH6_DZ1tif07D-ILK97mw0W1nh-9bqFIzk6pIxa_vn6IBYC8F7o4bo0PDlgVy18Z7l4FOaqQ0BLF9FZ0SKhlkBcEQL0X92jNXvlzM36-yUTKyawP1mRY2MV3o4/s400/Screenshot-6667.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwLhALwlqRMA1iDA9D0lnC0bcjILcXbfw4CmmCixShyphenhyphenxwufCncxYlpKxpNTPjtfeTT3Jl42d2AzzU0rpDAz5Qgr0cE5GCb6qLQYGzXRGn7rYePwxz3qLkoIo4xFVhuS7VRZ5rYuJU_NE/s1600/Screenshot-6666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwLhALwlqRMA1iDA9D0lnC0bcjILcXbfw4CmmCixShyphenhyphenxwufCncxYlpKxpNTPjtfeTT3Jl42d2AzzU0rpDAz5Qgr0cE5GCb6qLQYGzXRGn7rYePwxz3qLkoIo4xFVhuS7VRZ5rYuJU_NE/s400/Screenshot-6666.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom just watched the love of his life vanish into nothingness. Ten minutes passed as he stood there, and then it hit him. With a furious burst of anger, he ran across the ground and used his brute strength to bust open the door leading to the interior of the dome. He rushed past the robots, into the mausoleum, and down the stairs where he saw Vu standing in the main hall.<br />
<br />
"I tried to stop her. I tried to warn her-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8QhLWAVEsnZLliKoJGlDXJkektuFF3n5bhrzT5LhrW-KDYrxvpMznc9_kc-B9P28fJLN1Z1dsBtaYahknGxMo94daZdrGMeYh12DwiVS5ZNt7wzVWvQbj-NmgUjYyLGivUHPFOzpT1Q/s1600/Screenshot-6670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8QhLWAVEsnZLliKoJGlDXJkektuFF3n5bhrzT5LhrW-KDYrxvpMznc9_kc-B9P28fJLN1Z1dsBtaYahknGxMo94daZdrGMeYh12DwiVS5ZNt7wzVWvQbj-NmgUjYyLGivUHPFOzpT1Q/s400/Screenshot-6670.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"ANNABELLE'S DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU! YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO KIDNAP HER IN THE FIRST PLACE!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa62W7LwDs6HL1sMTjgsbSpeuUW3uSnUNJQ9WDA_mm2omp8XI0UWKFV5M4VUY28W6Aj50-UACbrsYxp3fakalM96yb-7gdDoBdGjvzC-LEbN614sfEoUtJnD5RPp5JmyfFdM3Th_QYxw/s1600/Screenshot-6671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa62W7LwDs6HL1sMTjgsbSpeuUW3uSnUNJQ9WDA_mm2omp8XI0UWKFV5M4VUY28W6Aj50-UACbrsYxp3fakalM96yb-7gdDoBdGjvzC-LEbN614sfEoUtJnD5RPp5JmyfFdM3Th_QYxw/s400/Screenshot-6671.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I didn't want her. I wanted YOU!" Vu said, cowering. "I wanted to know what you knew about your parents. That's all. I wanted to know that."<br />
<br />
Tom angrily stepped back, his fist still clenching. "I knew nothing about them. They died when I was a toddler! I lost four people I've loved now, one of which was <i>your </i>responsibility!" Tom reared his fist back again to punch, but was stopped cold by Vu's words.<br />
<br />
"I don't think she's dead!"<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cp5smaTb7DZ_nGvo1s5ze9slYb9edVwI1biDJcea7301hOe0Ixhu7JDwCt1ALubfr7vlRdUkcHk56bMZF7oN3HC-wsl1XOGQEzA42pw8FgEdyzQi3JhFC6MlqlffumV0W9MPHMbKxiY/s1600/Screenshot-6672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cp5smaTb7DZ_nGvo1s5ze9slYb9edVwI1biDJcea7301hOe0Ixhu7JDwCt1ALubfr7vlRdUkcHk56bMZF7oN3HC-wsl1XOGQEzA42pw8FgEdyzQi3JhFC6MlqlffumV0W9MPHMbKxiY/s400/Screenshot-6672.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Vu sighed "For the past ten minutes I was watching what happened over and over again. I slowed it down to a thousandth of a second and saw her start to vanish milliseconds before the lasers hit her. You can watch it yourself! I didn't want any of this! Jacob Thompson, he kidnapped her, I protested it as much as I could. I didn't want any of this. I didn't want any of this." stared off blankly as his words kept repeating, trailing off with every sentence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W6q-qlzlakPyAzmTefkLMGHdVGl2kwp_iJGR0d4DOuJ_lrYLX2VvWm5QzRXvfptbKBUDOTNmzY8-8UBezukGIp1fywSZfUIG9GIb0vdkPGWufLWArVFGLGR2u9eh7USIXPc72mFr0AY/s1600/Screenshot-6675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W6q-qlzlakPyAzmTefkLMGHdVGl2kwp_iJGR0d4DOuJ_lrYLX2VvWm5QzRXvfptbKBUDOTNmzY8-8UBezukGIp1fywSZfUIG9GIb0vdkPGWufLWArVFGLGR2u9eh7USIXPc72mFr0AY/s400/Screenshot-6675.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom, realizing the doctor was of no more use, ran out the mausoleum and through the wave of Vazir drones, dodging them again. As Tom made his way back home, somber and cold, he couldn't help but hope that Vu was telling the truth, about seeing Annabelle vanish before the lasers hit her. He then wondered, if Annabelle did vanish, or maybe even teleport, where would she have gone? <br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<i><b>TEN MINUTES EARLIER... </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfv3_uy_qsiKJIFewcm21qYMrLQoghAEyeHVLMoJIGj5MWFSnhXzK2FLOOFNXclRtyXCdH6GtNYyvFpaUg5Zq9NbTf27gsPq0WmFnQw3NwdefQogZ2R1UDVBANfgYjdWI6SGiTR-1-24/s1600/Screenshot-6544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfv3_uy_qsiKJIFewcm21qYMrLQoghAEyeHVLMoJIGj5MWFSnhXzK2FLOOFNXclRtyXCdH6GtNYyvFpaUg5Zq9NbTf27gsPq0WmFnQw3NwdefQogZ2R1UDVBANfgYjdWI6SGiTR-1-24/s400/Screenshot-6544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As Annabelle continued to pace the floor, she thought of everything she was going to say to Tom when she got back, from admitting her true feelings to getting mad at him for all the jokes he'd made about her looks. She didn't know if she was actually going to say all this but it still helped her to focus. She realized that she needed to focus on what mattered the most to her, specifically Tom and her family back home, if she was going to pull the same trick she did in Bridgeport the last time she was taken by Jack Toomes. She hadn't been able to teleport since then but realized she had to now. Annabelle had to get home, because time was simply running out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH_bADDgrbRT2yGUpWvIiu-GvIJLE54r_EWR_Pc28CoT0Mn9CPmGDUWvTK11yp_iGoQ6q7OdzgNuhwavStAhP4DYVqzFrhC4rbA47zXkFT-H1JdNZgh34OHo5lks-f42Evk6tlLYaN38/s1600/Screenshot-6546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH_bADDgrbRT2yGUpWvIiu-GvIJLE54r_EWR_Pc28CoT0Mn9CPmGDUWvTK11yp_iGoQ6q7OdzgNuhwavStAhP4DYVqzFrhC4rbA47zXkFT-H1JdNZgh34OHo5lks-f42Evk6tlLYaN38/s400/Screenshot-6546.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"DAMMIT!" Annabelle said as she punched a wall after realizing that she could not focus on anything at the moment, being so worried about her family and friends and the safety of the entire planet around her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK-cWWQH94NhzK6WQkSTskpW2kfMsY3GWvBPzelGpxwYMdZpTz2wrBPAkGDIIso_WuJzjjD-wD6A7UJC6GntIRv1ergj4yfC1Cy5Brv2tdtIv4tvinJLY9yyvOAFtpUXwECf8-weId-M/s1600/Screenshot-6550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK-cWWQH94NhzK6WQkSTskpW2kfMsY3GWvBPzelGpxwYMdZpTz2wrBPAkGDIIso_WuJzjjD-wD6A7UJC6GntIRv1ergj4yfC1Cy5Brv2tdtIv4tvinJLY9yyvOAFtpUXwECf8-weId-M/s400/Screenshot-6550.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As she stood where she was, in despair, the lights in the room shut off, as did the lights in the next room. Annabelle stood in place for a few moments before walking over to the door. To her surprise, the door opened with ease, and she simply walked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O51UVE4kV6qPJpWpQmMmdaAJguzNkhzyx1kgGPUt_sPEWVaA4_6a0ln873uZwBtmEQS8UxcIrWoZscjba14RfgPqUx4SRZlvW1tlpaMslTJv2P1XYKWkExFglgVrGA_c62fYRDEHokw/s1600/Screenshot-6549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O51UVE4kV6qPJpWpQmMmdaAJguzNkhzyx1kgGPUt_sPEWVaA4_6a0ln873uZwBtmEQS8UxcIrWoZscjba14RfgPqUx4SRZlvW1tlpaMslTJv2P1XYKWkExFglgVrGA_c62fYRDEHokw/s400/Screenshot-6549.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvizxtdyCcApMgbhugrv38QuAz6Hc8ZLGQ7guvQbKLzDnJ5lyXIu0D9TPErlBsDkH1o0oPiEdxS3Jtf74PJXEpGjkC-UnVLU5NI27gP9U8byah-AOMFUhduIQ9Dn1D8p5vCvORZ6XnG-M/s1600/Screenshot-6543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvizxtdyCcApMgbhugrv38QuAz6Hc8ZLGQ7guvQbKLzDnJ5lyXIu0D9TPErlBsDkH1o0oPiEdxS3Jtf74PJXEpGjkC-UnVLU5NI27gP9U8byah-AOMFUhduIQ9Dn1D8p5vCvORZ6XnG-M/s400/Screenshot-6543.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle quietly moved through the temple, looking at all the devices left around. For some strange reason, the hovering robots were shut off but were still floating above the ground. Annie simply shrugged this off and made her way across the tomb and up the stairs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5yAHLJzxMAV5wgG0FMebVzprdNlLWqJ1gjGQAmZXkdFxkLQiPThxZNYblZbjUlRO-sZOzjyfeNSssNs09zSH1uvdBcROhm_TsYgiz9avFkHkSbrQCLkpG7gzmd3hW4TJX6lO3EMPTZY/s1600/Screenshot-6650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5yAHLJzxMAV5wgG0FMebVzprdNlLWqJ1gjGQAmZXkdFxkLQiPThxZNYblZbjUlRO-sZOzjyfeNSssNs09zSH1uvdBcROhm_TsYgiz9avFkHkSbrQCLkpG7gzmd3hW4TJX6lO3EMPTZY/s400/Screenshot-6650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When she found herself back in the air she looked around to an empty town, which took her off guard long enough for the robots to spring back to life and aim themselves at her. Annie backed up into a wall and, seeing as the robots were about to fire their lasers, she quickly remembered what Jack said when she was first kidnapped, about the ring on her finger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KToiRdZAVg8U3bMvaUEm43OFOMg0J6xJCq2cZI3s6uTsodnrZq4JEhfmadAWgoPW2zr4dqCaTo7m8vQJyXvbj9A2gCgckr5Im9sQyqV2xZ2zI7gBWObBCh2kl6kZBJkHQjwGdyfweME/s1600/Screenshot-6652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KToiRdZAVg8U3bMvaUEm43OFOMg0J6xJCq2cZI3s6uTsodnrZq4JEhfmadAWgoPW2zr4dqCaTo7m8vQJyXvbj9A2gCgckr5Im9sQyqV2xZ2zI7gBWObBCh2kl6kZBJkHQjwGdyfweME/s400/Screenshot-6652.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg0iS4fKqlQL50upMvDMCjEkHLElSukvKUlf5DJN1dqNQdr7I5BlCztnjAeOYv95uEu0KPrPcy6dCP4jE7h_Pk94SUd5-SBqTbzpSgywY3F48GWLWLf5lff2dew3WHgek3aT60ZjaaA4/s1600/Screenshot-6653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg0iS4fKqlQL50upMvDMCjEkHLElSukvKUlf5DJN1dqNQdr7I5BlCztnjAeOYv95uEu0KPrPcy6dCP4jE7h_Pk94SUd5-SBqTbzpSgywY3F48GWLWLf5lff2dew3WHgek3aT60ZjaaA4/s400/Screenshot-6653.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle took a deep breath and yanked on the ring on her middle finger, and as the villain promised she found herself seconds later back in the room. As Jack promised, the vents in the room started to pump some kind of dangerous toxin into the cell.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5EdOTh_2n__k9Z2x11nq3H4gvCPHKmmdVdfav5Ws31Zv5oN0pSQJpOPi-PE9QECvRY5W7ecKF0oODLcrTRwTp8IWTDNpcaVE4tCFlcthevu_vBmiL9KIrpqYNFGHNd4t9SjIhmyDPjY/s1600/gas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5EdOTh_2n__k9Z2x11nq3H4gvCPHKmmdVdfav5Ws31Zv5oN0pSQJpOPi-PE9QECvRY5W7ecKF0oODLcrTRwTp8IWTDNpcaVE4tCFlcthevu_vBmiL9KIrpqYNFGHNd4t9SjIhmyDPjY/s400/gas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle was prepared for this, holding her breath for a short time, but the poison simply wouldn't leave the room, and there was no way to open the door again. Annabelle stopped holding her breath just as the poison filled the room, and she fell to the ground and passed out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vP2H11mURmeHTFUvpQO7leFiW7zNCJ5bT9ZlrWv5nNSSBsHw36S0Ptw_kGFLQL0QQ5vG-WBLXYF6BHGUuY6KMOn4Puf0IoMEXm4ymyT8ZTrqeR0pfOllHjgL2P1H44nEE61FoRhGjwI/s1600/Screenshot-6553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vP2H11mURmeHTFUvpQO7leFiW7zNCJ5bT9ZlrWv5nNSSBsHw36S0Ptw_kGFLQL0QQ5vG-WBLXYF6BHGUuY6KMOn4Puf0IoMEXm4ymyT8ZTrqeR0pfOllHjgL2P1H44nEE61FoRhGjwI/s400/Screenshot-6553.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A few moments later Dr. Vu and Tobias ran into the adjacent room to see what was causing a commotion and saw her lying there, unconscious or possibly even dead.<br />
<br />
Worried about her well-being, Vu looked over to his hired mercenary. "Corvan, check her. Make sure she's still breathing."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1twuD-yUZ9JqXO1EbqP2VdDOewAmJqLriuo7hgv3ryYhdW0uSbFWh8hnhtUxFErUywxHdKm_jrNTASHp1-lF50eF-o_1qw39OM4FGwG4TLDkAbb4DIx33m6P4G1RI_yhSeSdmP0e57w8/s1600/Screenshot-6555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1twuD-yUZ9JqXO1EbqP2VdDOewAmJqLriuo7hgv3ryYhdW0uSbFWh8hnhtUxFErUywxHdKm_jrNTASHp1-lF50eF-o_1qw39OM4FGwG4TLDkAbb4DIx33m6P4G1RI_yhSeSdmP0e57w8/s400/Screenshot-6555.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Corvan vented all the gas out of the room and walked in, wary of the woman lying on the ground. He reached down to check her pulse and received the shock of his life when her foot came up and hit him on the side of the head. Suddenly she jumped to her feet and punched Corvan in the face so hard he started to lose control of his breathing, and he fell back against a wall. Annabelle walked through the door and stared down Vu.<br />
<br />
"How did you-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9frWxZvUkgQ_SloiToJWUgL__-jYJ0LNJ8gzoT3CTLaX6bM7O1kpfubiLk3mAMi04LFZ4Q8-55AEkpnu4SWQELRYl9L3YgD-pk8RsXqBRWl5EozVcwkidN_KK4F2IMTJTnvwlSjUTTqs/s1600/Screenshot-6556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9frWxZvUkgQ_SloiToJWUgL__-jYJ0LNJ8gzoT3CTLaX6bM7O1kpfubiLk3mAMi04LFZ4Q8-55AEkpnu4SWQELRYl9L3YgD-pk8RsXqBRWl5EozVcwkidN_KK4F2IMTJTnvwlSjUTTqs/s400/Screenshot-6556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Turns out I'm immune to toxins, like nerve gas." Annabelle said, angrily, "Funny thing, I didn't know that, but I had to do something. Now get in that room before I knock you out too and throw you in there, and I don't think you share the same immunity."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qH0AJBTbFKCJXaSMQWMGJ0zbRmaDd5vq97XvaLXIB21pBq1bcmWoPAd2atMGPbYdbHR6qIdlSU-JZD6XmrLfNVJvcmn_KOu5FKQbXUoqarn2cSjfMrG6qZEQkVPVM30umiuV6v6YiPw/s1600/Screenshot-6693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qH0AJBTbFKCJXaSMQWMGJ0zbRmaDd5vq97XvaLXIB21pBq1bcmWoPAd2atMGPbYdbHR6qIdlSU-JZD6XmrLfNVJvcmn_KOu5FKQbXUoqarn2cSjfMrG6qZEQkVPVM30umiuV6v6YiPw/s400/Screenshot-6693.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vu didn't say a word, being more of a thinker than a fighter, and walked solemnly into the cell, where Annabelle sealed the door. She took the ring off her finger, as well as the bracelet and choker around her neck, and threw them on the ground before sealing the door shut. "That's better." She said. "Now, how do I get out of here?"<br />
<br />
"You don't. I and I alone control the Vazir robots, and you just locked me in here with no way to. You go outside, you will die. Let me out, and I'll shut them down for you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LfohyvRhYzXeRHa8opnEavXYaJm8nAuADOm2RAfdfGiYQZmRynZx1FBTLlf8itrr_o9_78DgWVFbDKftPoGm0tcXRJqH6d2nuzs7wGsPtyJpyesmQA-n7XHthPYiJ0YF8bwebPrp944/s1600/Screenshot-6691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LfohyvRhYzXeRHa8opnEavXYaJm8nAuADOm2RAfdfGiYQZmRynZx1FBTLlf8itrr_o9_78DgWVFbDKftPoGm0tcXRJqH6d2nuzs7wGsPtyJpyesmQA-n7XHthPYiJ0YF8bwebPrp944/s400/Screenshot-6691.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJuDjo4oDfrv25Xf1u8nQs3dAY9lg_9Ne0pwm-cLTllw1BT4sAPWVK1kWAad8EB6IHEWuXuMl9zis9nIhqU8Mc5WFb8LKpYOAmdwGfkGP_0ERKcvlbhsutCnuSfLXU5Lf4W1im5xWGNM/s1600/Screenshot-6557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJuDjo4oDfrv25Xf1u8nQs3dAY9lg_9Ne0pwm-cLTllw1BT4sAPWVK1kWAad8EB6IHEWuXuMl9zis9nIhqU8Mc5WFb8LKpYOAmdwGfkGP_0ERKcvlbhsutCnuSfLXU5Lf4W1im5xWGNM/s400/Screenshot-6557.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annie looked over at him with an aggravated expression. "I'll figure something out, I can't trust you." With those words, Annabelle walked down the hallway back towards the entrance of the tomb. When she reached the exit, she burst out and ran, stopping and saw the Vazir drones closing in on her. Suddenly she heard Tom's voice and turned around to face him. Annabelle smiled, as he did, but his smile fell apart at the seams when he saw the robots quickly surrounding her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZj_5HGwxU3l77cPzayPkEHneeDxhypYoXAxbgYw73zigdMgYowBvybhqw9cSI8Kgc6_0DcQ7jKXOP2CPXRuwE_gzw5wEqSpywbOTsRmAZ3H6_0h_D-YIODLSGnbNzI_irZAaf40OjKc/s1600/Screenshot-6411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZj_5HGwxU3l77cPzayPkEHneeDxhypYoXAxbgYw73zigdMgYowBvybhqw9cSI8Kgc6_0DcQ7jKXOP2CPXRuwE_gzw5wEqSpywbOTsRmAZ3H6_0h_D-YIODLSGnbNzI_irZAaf40OjKc/s400/Screenshot-6411.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3gbw6hr2oCSbkD4RceLyJIm_E1l6Wq8TRmjR8WiRtURRS8Jt_SJIlutOx4tYu4Crf24YOkx5fP-Lzw7CbA9-kQmo0Y0qsB59Hf521idqZpnHv4JQupdSZCu7lolg0AMq9vmk9ogBcw0/s1600/Screenshot-6678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3gbw6hr2oCSbkD4RceLyJIm_E1l6Wq8TRmjR8WiRtURRS8Jt_SJIlutOx4tYu4Crf24YOkx5fP-Lzw7CbA9-kQmo0Y0qsB59Hf521idqZpnHv4JQupdSZCu7lolg0AMq9vmk9ogBcw0/s400/Screenshot-6678.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO8qr8326VyW2wuPXEl3VAgXFo7KofBcO7iris0OkPmKCbPqSK_X0pg3dwRSusFple_moPRnHG0Ol6v1zTE_cxDXc6PeaRY_XAuRjztGVm8qBB6dsodBYtySZQSvdbDRSyMX2VNuMD2Q/s1600/Screenshot-6679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO8qr8326VyW2wuPXEl3VAgXFo7KofBcO7iris0OkPmKCbPqSK_X0pg3dwRSusFple_moPRnHG0Ol6v1zTE_cxDXc6PeaRY_XAuRjztGVm8qBB6dsodBYtySZQSvdbDRSyMX2VNuMD2Q/s400/Screenshot-6679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Annabelle turned back to the drones, then back to Tom, with a depressed look on her face. She was lost, she had nowhere to go. With her last thought, she imagined herself with Tom, as they walked away happy from the graveyard, arm in arm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwFWbtJXLt6_lCjY1lip8S4qnzWJqqWkWo8i6_wIYrb-14LDj9SNyhxRAbR89WOpFfNv12n3DoYLfa7AVfafXssXyHo9z44sBGswu_y505MBEspkJ55_GQndqhY8Qu9v7GwkQmVPHLgI/s1600/laser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwFWbtJXLt6_lCjY1lip8S4qnzWJqqWkWo8i6_wIYrb-14LDj9SNyhxRAbR89WOpFfNv12n3DoYLfa7AVfafXssXyHo9z44sBGswu_y505MBEspkJ55_GQndqhY8Qu9v7GwkQmVPHLgI/s400/laser.png" width="400" /></a></div>
A flash of red hit her, and there was nothing.<br />
<br />
---------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIE1TbtltE6yYJyZ5QUAT3dFLt6g_sOHVKg_IGrEwXQM7bNKDOrsLsfIbyRREB9Q-BO8JzI0C9jKvZNAASOUD4cA7FIr-BMBwGjEf4iS3zwxU9bO_tmxkxw6uE23SJY9qafi2T8VKmBg/s1600/Screenshot-6620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIE1TbtltE6yYJyZ5QUAT3dFLt6g_sOHVKg_IGrEwXQM7bNKDOrsLsfIbyRREB9Q-BO8JzI0C9jKvZNAASOUD4cA7FIr-BMBwGjEf4iS3zwxU9bO_tmxkxw6uE23SJY9qafi2T8VKmBg/s400/Screenshot-6620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Back home, Tom couldn't bring himself to tell everyone what he saw happen to Annabelle. When they asked, he simply said she wasn't there. This brought sad faces to the group, but Tom realized they would be ever more depressed if he told them what actually happened, and he needed them to be strong, for the world's sake. HE needed to be strong.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKGw_sHN4KdUUzj5e9P_IXSEkb8PiMXb-T5dTA7QfSxJSyoIHtI440lE-lFshWblSIvZVQEcm0MgDuQtWksGXC5Z9Txn8R0QS-XhGH1fCtZOkfdhLDjLkKMs3Hsqln42nC96C4_ubrvY/s1600/Screenshot-6619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKGw_sHN4KdUUzj5e9P_IXSEkb8PiMXb-T5dTA7QfSxJSyoIHtI440lE-lFshWblSIvZVQEcm0MgDuQtWksGXC5Z9Txn8R0QS-XhGH1fCtZOkfdhLDjLkKMs3Hsqln42nC96C4_ubrvY/s400/Screenshot-6619.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom sadly walked into the living room and looked over at a picture of Mirabelle, one that she had taken of herself a few weeks before. Tom found it impossible to look at the picture, or the woman herself, and not see the woman he loved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZZDBU2yY_mxX37ifuGrYj3-IHYEga6nt2ox9XjZe9mmBbsedfuckLoyxodOTas1nyj1SQLcQQHlnK_3XnRzH_AhTbM11C-SG_QVZAB0skWnzuFal3BZjIXmJwQQHSiokJgTPXKA9klE/s1600/Screenshot-6618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZZDBU2yY_mxX37ifuGrYj3-IHYEga6nt2ox9XjZe9mmBbsedfuckLoyxodOTas1nyj1SQLcQQHlnK_3XnRzH_AhTbM11C-SG_QVZAB0skWnzuFal3BZjIXmJwQQHSiokJgTPXKA9klE/s400/Screenshot-6618.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
By chance, Mirabelle herself walked into the room and looked over at the picture with him. "I had Annabelle take that picture. She told me she was going to get her good side." She laughed, then grew cold, and spoke with a grievous inflection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl4_UVdjZRK1Uub39lqVENDhnT3K8xCLeJ5em4L4lpAw21ZayrtxWbCDmqC7rmtF_LtExuWbOC-pcVF9xOmCi4clNAzVy_Q1zsNwg7ysmsuIYSy77M8Wjral-MQGJ0KpqUGCr9SwaPcg/s1600/Screenshot-6611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl4_UVdjZRK1Uub39lqVENDhnT3K8xCLeJ5em4L4lpAw21ZayrtxWbCDmqC7rmtF_LtExuWbOC-pcVF9xOmCi4clNAzVy_Q1zsNwg7ysmsuIYSy77M8Wjral-MQGJ0KpqUGCr9SwaPcg/s400/Screenshot-6611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Tom, since I have Annabelle's memories, I know you better than anyone else in this house right now. Annabelle, she's... gone isn't she?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdXm_s3_rP-VSGTdlHHmu7Z37c2bqWKzExQVMajVfcNusIDx6ijQdWG0PXiHyJODDwSy5_H-VQh1CoOSsPKMlv_D1oGy0p2-y34vIsDJCsw0X80nBOnqPM6K32uPf__O8y60I0c6pd9k/s1600/Screenshot-6613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdXm_s3_rP-VSGTdlHHmu7Z37c2bqWKzExQVMajVfcNusIDx6ijQdWG0PXiHyJODDwSy5_H-VQh1CoOSsPKMlv_D1oGy0p2-y34vIsDJCsw0X80nBOnqPM6K32uPf__O8y60I0c6pd9k/s400/Screenshot-6613.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'm not sure." Tom replied, hopeful. "I'm honestly not sure. It would take a lot more than some robots to take Annabelle Jade Kethrin down."<br />
<br />
Mirabelle smiled, realizing that the truth, and somehow sensing Annabelle wasn't dead. She decided Tom should tell the family what Tom saw, and turned around. Seconds later, she stammered back behind Tom. "SON OF A-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTwrs6OTga6o5eEN_r6EFqji0EBPzlYn6I6WDE-oF0RJbUlArFnDyHVff6hoEjmzQ2yLe0VnOxYNScJj_0hTHTQZxXKmqm75OJ2oNKaYjkjhyphenhypheno6fR25C_cGRJ1_SzUbaPJ-06qx58aVc/s1600/Screenshot-6614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTwrs6OTga6o5eEN_r6EFqji0EBPzlYn6I6WDE-oF0RJbUlArFnDyHVff6hoEjmzQ2yLe0VnOxYNScJj_0hTHTQZxXKmqm75OJ2oNKaYjkjhyphenhypheno6fR25C_cGRJ1_SzUbaPJ-06qx58aVc/s400/Screenshot-6614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_puYtwM2kPV5lE_5L8PdM9TwqqUluFP1TYy9L2AvP7mO56yuvvB166aGlnzzjqb3CO35jqlDi6NEju-HLcW28TV5GQxTRwTSVI52mZ-Sc0bZ_8-YiRHFIk2ldFhjFfFAklC9w3YYIEI/s1600/Screenshot-6615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_puYtwM2kPV5lE_5L8PdM9TwqqUluFP1TYy9L2AvP7mO56yuvvB166aGlnzzjqb3CO35jqlDi6NEju-HLcW28TV5GQxTRwTSVI52mZ-Sc0bZ_8-YiRHFIk2ldFhjFfFAklC9w3YYIEI/s400/Screenshot-6615.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tom quickly turned around and saw a robot, one of the Vazir drones, hovering in front of him and Mirabelle. He told the woman to get back before putting up his fist to face it down. However just as soon as he saw it, the thing exploded and shut down, still hovering in the air for some strange reason. Tom and Mirabelle looked behind the object and saw Scarlett holding her wand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBrdhUvSGaHaPf8_YLPrNCl__xOMr1TjZ8xCF4t2Uu3vJAa13CzZRQw-Ts7MdpwVWcBgX8zk43Mtdtjgx8TgA42uxnRTW_WCzB_-0uGalOug57udwcscFLrdzerqdE2MsWm6Tg6h17wU/s1600/Screenshot-6616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBrdhUvSGaHaPf8_YLPrNCl__xOMr1TjZ8xCF4t2Uu3vJAa13CzZRQw-Ts7MdpwVWcBgX8zk43Mtdtjgx8TgA42uxnRTW_WCzB_-0uGalOug57udwcscFLrdzerqdE2MsWm6Tg6h17wU/s400/Screenshot-6616.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Let's get this thing to John. Now." Red said, enraged. "He'll know what to do with it."<br />
<br />
<b>---------------------</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJiKgwbA1vfiSApmBKbSix0qSj8UdWulKyXyhsObzBlQVCm3FCZlNijQ5eQAhNPK3hSIv2No7xCbho_cmRQbp-P7rMzskV7F4IRKpicqL5juFesxpPFIUYVh5aWhXyq6uVsyLdQ5UhaM/s1600/Screenshot-6566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJiKgwbA1vfiSApmBKbSix0qSj8UdWulKyXyhsObzBlQVCm3FCZlNijQ5eQAhNPK3hSIv2No7xCbho_cmRQbp-P7rMzskV7F4IRKpicqL5juFesxpPFIUYVh5aWhXyq6uVsyLdQ5UhaM/s400/Screenshot-6566.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle opened her eyes. All she could see was a bright light, and it was at this time she thought she was dead. However the pain in her head made her realize that was not the case. She continued to lie there, on a strange floor in a strange room, and finally got the edge to stand up and walk over to a window.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2QcveXy_0sLBrG_XAq62y9p_-9kBX8ltUcCxYbQMOK3CQ6Ibwx0zfXpgmqTYFDR-MhH3SIJ4KbweHkza8Fecb77KJ7ZGeclhg9ZWjX50c7PacEj_MLiS_d4B5H6QyBdl_m_AfIendS0/s1600/Screenshot-6567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2QcveXy_0sLBrG_XAq62y9p_-9kBX8ltUcCxYbQMOK3CQ6Ibwx0zfXpgmqTYFDR-MhH3SIJ4KbweHkza8Fecb77KJ7ZGeclhg9ZWjX50c7PacEj_MLiS_d4B5H6QyBdl_m_AfIendS0/s400/Screenshot-6567.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then she nearly passed out again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6Lu01XthlFnctqiygJioe9qvlXhy54aes6SVRPJ345XvpfBKXSn-d9j4jPSflP7AnDSYu_rc7I5MPoatWtLJnveMWD1Xzx4OxaAIDiVzCLopAicz7tBR7ehB2L-pEkpMBincnxedfi8/s1600/Screenshot-6569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6Lu01XthlFnctqiygJioe9qvlXhy54aes6SVRPJ345XvpfBKXSn-d9j4jPSflP7AnDSYu_rc7I5MPoatWtLJnveMWD1Xzx4OxaAIDiVzCLopAicz7tBR7ehB2L-pEkpMBincnxedfi8/s400/Screenshot-6569.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The world around her was an alien, with strange fungi trees and a strange-looking sky, the water nearby was also turquoise colored, with strange steam pouring off of it. Annabelle stumbled back and wondered if she was abducted by Aliens, forgetting for a few seconds that she WAS Alien. It took her a few seconds to think back to her last minutes on Earth, when the robots surrounded her, when she saw Tom, and when she thought of leaving with Tom. That was right before the robots attacked her.<br />
<br />
Then it hit her. Back when she was in Bridgeport, she cared so much about Tom that she used a short-lived ability to Teleport, the same one that she was trying to use in her cell about ten minutes before escaping. She must have somehow reactivated this ability and it carried her to this strange, alien world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHMkOjW7c0kid-RU5ZMO-U-qiUfUd-WzaEZywi7HStHkjP4m_qXplaXOgPcwXgg69rpH_zE3wIE9EWvtb7ztghrkjIDas785EGTgMguq57YXKUJJGIHyrXr5V62_mu3AZn3NkhOpOrA8/s1600/Screenshot-6570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHMkOjW7c0kid-RU5ZMO-U-qiUfUd-WzaEZywi7HStHkjP4m_qXplaXOgPcwXgg69rpH_zE3wIE9EWvtb7ztghrkjIDas785EGTgMguq57YXKUJJGIHyrXr5V62_mu3AZn3NkhOpOrA8/s400/Screenshot-6570.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As Annie stood in place, she continued to wonder things, such as how long she's been away from Earth, if Earth would even be there if she somehow got back, or if time passed differently at her home than here. As she wondered this, she didn't notice someone standing nearby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjWod_ZBcIRtZkppF88iPmixnamKA-D32czGBUThD11MzSgyQdBSMdvprLXVXHtBLCYYSlyUMEgV0is-6KNoApL6nCWWbyemKujD8rQLqd5j1LAebApXLf6CL2-rSFQi0_xaZ3wD2gcw/s1600/Screenshot-6572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjWod_ZBcIRtZkppF88iPmixnamKA-D32czGBUThD11MzSgyQdBSMdvprLXVXHtBLCYYSlyUMEgV0is-6KNoApL6nCWWbyemKujD8rQLqd5j1LAebApXLf6CL2-rSFQi0_xaZ3wD2gcw/s400/Screenshot-6572.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The woman cleared her throat, and Annabelle turned to see... Herself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tX5wZkcmP6FK3zQnX3dhJUIYkqIuebChcyNLHnjDVVVPeKXSpOR7xdMI7BpnzaQgWPXwsapLWUTrwed3GKoMgHwESgNlyUIOIvZwrS2iY-4aIs7HUZxMNJAy8kyUi2HZPQuQW4XiKYE/s1600/Screenshot-6573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tX5wZkcmP6FK3zQnX3dhJUIYkqIuebChcyNLHnjDVVVPeKXSpOR7xdMI7BpnzaQgWPXwsapLWUTrwed3GKoMgHwESgNlyUIOIvZwrS2iY-4aIs7HUZxMNJAy8kyUi2HZPQuQW4XiKYE/s400/Screenshot-6573.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Can I help you?" The other Annabelle said. "I mean, me?"<br />
<br />
"Wh-who are you?!" <br />
<br />
The other Annabelle, who was wearing some kind of space suit, said "My name's A'jhanie Tozal. You must be The Original. Welcome <i>back</i> to Torra Sev."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AlGgepxABhiJVCBrmzN45-0INGSNyN-1sKz8tGEIkDEwE3JK73NSBJczu5QJ-ffG0kBpSdyM9DQsQnDgTJK6CKGMThD63plcdm217-kFUOUkw5K3lNBsas3yWIE-Uj9iM9w3DeTHHiA/s1600/Screenshot-6575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AlGgepxABhiJVCBrmzN45-0INGSNyN-1sKz8tGEIkDEwE3JK73NSBJczu5QJ-ffG0kBpSdyM9DQsQnDgTJK6CKGMThD63plcdm217-kFUOUkw5K3lNBsas3yWIE-Uj9iM9w3DeTHHiA/s400/Screenshot-6575.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHEoTjIm3qhVP_4L8MugtIlqq8kR-BjbwWRMGihdrp5GxinLFjiVoegCO57cCMtuNO8-TltWcINJNiHzVVUlHjvX08H7cV8TI7NYv1efST4WPLpa5ioJ2f8rz1TL3aPKXGORgL42Y5hE/s1600/Screenshot-6576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHEoTjIm3qhVP_4L8MugtIlqq8kR-BjbwWRMGihdrp5GxinLFjiVoegCO57cCMtuNO8-TltWcINJNiHzVVUlHjvX08H7cV8TI7NYv1efST4WPLpa5ioJ2f8rz1TL3aPKXGORgL42Y5hE/s400/Screenshot-6576.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Torra Sev?! I'm on To...Torr.... Torra-" This was too much for Annabelle to bear, and she simply stopped in place, looked at A'jhanie, and passed out. Worried, A'jhanie walked up to her and yelled out into the house.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY2MINFb_7Zz4c7f5neWRmE20EW1eLaAtz_UzwXvMLmWDcGuGTF7yfD3l74CK2Zb47hHkVBXn8WinZCCgFUmu-OzATSf2QRuZ2iZCrNz6KNHeNyY_yzI26YiEXRZKxFr6zAmKgjArCWk/s1600/Screenshot-6577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY2MINFb_7Zz4c7f5neWRmE20EW1eLaAtz_UzwXvMLmWDcGuGTF7yfD3l74CK2Zb47hHkVBXn8WinZCCgFUmu-OzATSf2QRuZ2iZCrNz6KNHeNyY_yzI26YiEXRZKxFr6zAmKgjArCWk/s400/Screenshot-6577.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey mom. You should come in here and see this."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3VNXYYUBQx3VIKwCEwK9wyLljKNt_ghttRVr1oVlbvhGt8Cf6NjUcKqiV9xqtm6iMdB-w-vqG3vIf7cBPY0wRMGrG-16Np-sxxzWwlWXmwJmFTEWeYgNCs-FHfFE78UGtzmpL9KK4Bw/s1600/Screenshot-6578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3VNXYYUBQx3VIKwCEwK9wyLljKNt_ghttRVr1oVlbvhGt8Cf6NjUcKqiV9xqtm6iMdB-w-vqG3vIf7cBPY0wRMGrG-16Np-sxxzWwlWXmwJmFTEWeYgNCs-FHfFE78UGtzmpL9KK4Bw/s400/Screenshot-6578.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
-------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMFtsrxsDkCSMnUWdZUds2H3nCo-YdJAechujusdlZsAC2avHW686QiH4UiGrBUHwqceoziWpT-WGQQH4OI5nFifpxVEx9tXHQp503AbQ83J_SYIHantdroIAoHYyQ5H90IXeezxJNII/s1600/Screenshot-6579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMFtsrxsDkCSMnUWdZUds2H3nCo-YdJAechujusdlZsAC2avHW686QiH4UiGrBUHwqceoziWpT-WGQQH4OI5nFifpxVEx9tXHQp503AbQ83J_SYIHantdroIAoHYyQ5H90IXeezxJNII/s400/Screenshot-6579.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Meanwhile, Cassie Jones made her way across the state and found herself in the town of Sunset Valley, California. After checking into a makeshift shelter for evacuees displaced by the sudden amount of people in exodus from Starlight Shores, she found herself at her bunk bed and lied down on the bottom bunk, passing out for a few seconds. A short time later, the door opened and someone else walked in. Cassie was so tired that she didn't even bat an eye, and lied back down. However, when he started talking to her she was startled, because the person's voice was so familiar to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSEj6BWixEBQUole4gsTmZBTDQtyRIwmmyzwiiy2S1dgsNeuMIDuJUkMeU68dXPHB0o5mw6QrQ1votm7jMUi_nHoP2-sG2MW2P7dRxzl_jrIpjAfDSmExBNjq1U2lgjjJ-KHGM9cJFRk/s1600/Screenshot-6580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSEj6BWixEBQUole4gsTmZBTDQtyRIwmmyzwiiy2S1dgsNeuMIDuJUkMeU68dXPHB0o5mw6QrQ1votm7jMUi_nHoP2-sG2MW2P7dRxzl_jrIpjAfDSmExBNjq1U2lgjjJ-KHGM9cJFRk/s400/Screenshot-6580.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Awww. I wanted bottom bunk. I came into this room saying 'wow, I'm gonna get the bottom bunk bed. Woo!' but <em>noooooo</em>, I'm stuck with having my face so close to the ceiling I'll be able to French Kiss it."<br />
<br />
"Tom?" Cassie stood up and looked at the person in the room, and was surprised to see someone who looked remarkably like Tom, but far younger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFbZYWzUH29AOCQ6wyrFkVKRGNf7U2m4DQssElO4T6iJcsFu08JKKc5fwdZUAhoMfWKBQ15ztpiMov8OQOW5tDm-vUQo3TNvZnblzEoxkiiE8OriFxlSpfFlbhAJagSQLCzd8x0MOzcE/s1600/Screenshot-6582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFbZYWzUH29AOCQ6wyrFkVKRGNf7U2m4DQssElO4T6iJcsFu08JKKc5fwdZUAhoMfWKBQ15ztpiMov8OQOW5tDm-vUQo3TNvZnblzEoxkiiE8OriFxlSpfFlbhAJagSQLCzd8x0MOzcE/s320/Screenshot-6582.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The teenager looked back at her, "No. My name's Gabriel. It's nice to meet you. Can I have bottom bunk?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtF3UTDZSWmKPv2qaSfwX1bHeWXsG49MZ6ocseeonWX3XNzn8rHBO-BCsG6h8le0q9Cte1s0tgshHOUhXakOBdrdG-58gnUkVL-OlD7hx-oY2qjERvhtUGs4Hoz4jY5J-V00elFFvaKs/s1600/Screenshot-6581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtF3UTDZSWmKPv2qaSfwX1bHeWXsG49MZ6ocseeonWX3XNzn8rHBO-BCsG6h8le0q9Cte1s0tgshHOUhXakOBdrdG-58gnUkVL-OlD7hx-oY2qjERvhtUGs4Hoz4jY5J-V00elFFvaKs/s400/Screenshot-6581.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cassie smiled. "Sure! I'll take the top one. By the way It's nice to meet you too, I'm Cassie Jones."</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-82127353331781008482013-02-13T19:34:00.003-06:002013-08-28T16:30:26.952-05:00Chapter Thirty-Four - Captive<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0xQDutM6Efb1iDzu2mjpr8X3FwBjc0d8oL6NLm398cYdJ9m5ExRNJSQCb-LxG-yTltfD9KoxqAOUSSNHb3FJMzHz4wy6t6UB6vKXyQkR1m2-qd0VENKZEsZBOEWFfmpo0gInoT0zaRs/s1600/Screenshot-6318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0xQDutM6Efb1iDzu2mjpr8X3FwBjc0d8oL6NLm398cYdJ9m5ExRNJSQCb-LxG-yTltfD9KoxqAOUSSNHb3FJMzHz4wy6t6UB6vKXyQkR1m2-qd0VENKZEsZBOEWFfmpo0gInoT0zaRs/s400/Screenshot-6318.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><i>September 15th, 2022. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Five days to the Solar Eclipse</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw4RVqTqQhIIhYO7dzPmXOOsKJ7j6nM89UTktbG3dYbZ6StT6ql3uNLN9D-UbTHZLAE758zNnevpJhifL-1usjMpKhxxjCiWvKAJxAY0e8ucJzi96BjXCVUN3zZ6nvTovuqfKn4migtA/s1600/Screenshot-6317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw4RVqTqQhIIhYO7dzPmXOOsKJ7j6nM89UTktbG3dYbZ6StT6ql3uNLN9D-UbTHZLAE758zNnevpJhifL-1usjMpKhxxjCiWvKAJxAY0e8ucJzi96BjXCVUN3zZ6nvTovuqfKn4migtA/s400/Screenshot-6317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next day was relatively bright and sunny to some, but not to all. As people in the city were waking up, attention was being turned to the graveyard and the large dome that seemed to pop up out of nowhere surrounding it. As people approached it, the Vazir drones warded them back by threatening them, and shooting them if need be.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwBG_FcXb85SfQlA0p0D7RS2dQ3pXnyKTSXCPVV__W-qoCnrJDqJgjmfeEw-yRWJDVaV6M-DWMa_REm_CDXLSqIanUGUgsDXMJEGAeBsFWfOvxpBn5B7lQhd1SEPIhELnN1YyW1oKE-Q/s1600/Screenshot-6314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwBG_FcXb85SfQlA0p0D7RS2dQ3pXnyKTSXCPVV__W-qoCnrJDqJgjmfeEw-yRWJDVaV6M-DWMa_REm_CDXLSqIanUGUgsDXMJEGAeBsFWfOvxpBn5B7lQhd1SEPIhELnN1YyW1oKE-Q/s400/Screenshot-6314.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unaware of this, Keera stood on the roof of her house, looking out to the ocean. She had a disturbingly angered look and a disposition to match, one that was shared by all when they found out that the "matriarch" of the family had been abducted by Jacob Thompson.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe3WmO_VWC3D0jZ4ZKBqmg0_Qob6mieYqbdUGrsirqpRwcM83fUbMVlszAnXXCwAyipWsw7ueHRIsmwtOJ1J5YhRjjrxIqwVyYlp9k4V2s_YrgkiYG8BtzcIkCbWPMtrP8WmZ1AC31P0/s1600/Screenshot-6312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe3WmO_VWC3D0jZ4ZKBqmg0_Qob6mieYqbdUGrsirqpRwcM83fUbMVlszAnXXCwAyipWsw7ueHRIsmwtOJ1J5YhRjjrxIqwVyYlp9k4V2s_YrgkiYG8BtzcIkCbWPMtrP8WmZ1AC31P0/s400/Screenshot-6312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Keeki. Come on in, please." Scarlett said as she stood there on the roof not far from her. "Please? You've been standing out here all night."<br />
<br />
"No." Keera replied. "I'm thinking. I'll continue to be thinking until my mother is back here safe. Leave me be."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ7sXLESEEXDHMinHoRLyAKJjg60_UfrL9uAHW-_0WAD0mackvt2-aW5dyXyfcbAcXNyKPZVTnyLPrBj5aI7hc8haMLWe_MV3fzrld4YC-qTgsKDiPnk-Yco_g7h1r8vTHN25ycp5Csc/s1600/Screenshot-6313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ7sXLESEEXDHMinHoRLyAKJjg60_UfrL9uAHW-_0WAD0mackvt2-aW5dyXyfcbAcXNyKPZVTnyLPrBj5aI7hc8haMLWe_MV3fzrld4YC-qTgsKDiPnk-Yco_g7h1r8vTHN25ycp5Csc/s400/Screenshot-6313.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett didn't know what to say, so she didn't say anything. Keera's been upset since the night she saw that man, the one who was inadvertently responsible for her scarring, and the news of Annabelle's kidnapping only seemed to exacerbate her anger by a multiple of a thousand, to the point where she didn't want to talk to anyone at all at the moment. However as Scarlett walked back into the house, she did remark on one thing. "I'll be here if you need me, Keera. You know that. We all will."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Rm5wQEMyzEPmOKxWkFs0PqbroBz3VZf8emsDXSj0pWsit2jrcEa-DcRo2CLSmm3jY6d_ZwMRhZTcLL_RJuuBHYFj1YYKrts1Tsz7RQTDgXU6277B2rDiT5d_TGtvSDeeVR1pXI0YPo/s1600/Screenshot-6320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Rm5wQEMyzEPmOKxWkFs0PqbroBz3VZf8emsDXSj0pWsit2jrcEa-DcRo2CLSmm3jY6d_ZwMRhZTcLL_RJuuBHYFj1YYKrts1Tsz7RQTDgXU6277B2rDiT5d_TGtvSDeeVR1pXI0YPo/s400/Screenshot-6320.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera didn't reply and kept staring out at the ocean. A couple minutes later Tom walked up the stairs and over to her, looking out with her silently. The two remained there for what seemed like hours, looking off into the distant water, the girl worried about her mother and the man worried about the girl at the time. Suddenly Tom turned to her. "I know what you're thinking, that I messed up. I am thinking that too, Keera. But trust me, we will get her back. Annabelle will be returned to us. She always has a way of taking care of herself."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iVKmVHKBXR8LsP24TDJfiWyX5y_2yGfu8II-b28gAacFcL-I6x7K7WaVZx06BatSWk0O6eT0gi0Ad4qDAwc5D3jGCorjGQiMyrwjJYZbrBJ-4cuqD0UfntmeT_IqBpc2I2sqHWquUnU/s1600/Screenshot-6324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iVKmVHKBXR8LsP24TDJfiWyX5y_2yGfu8II-b28gAacFcL-I6x7K7WaVZx06BatSWk0O6eT0gi0Ad4qDAwc5D3jGCorjGQiMyrwjJYZbrBJ-4cuqD0UfntmeT_IqBpc2I2sqHWquUnU/s400/Screenshot-6324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera turned to him and fell into his arms, sobbing. "I am so worried about her, Tom. I am so, so worried about her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq-qu6b_h_qdbnvA7IeuLcs-i1LO8sylR5BPDYrfyfFw5jzHMYI3ynCBgQnvtbmPTctqqUeFjilfdZLoHJCGYk5CxK2rj1XoLd3UMEvJEbpaC42BUKeASWP6gGr-Jz8mrHTE2wuOgSCs/s1600/Screenshot-6323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq-qu6b_h_qdbnvA7IeuLcs-i1LO8sylR5BPDYrfyfFw5jzHMYI3ynCBgQnvtbmPTctqqUeFjilfdZLoHJCGYk5CxK2rj1XoLd3UMEvJEbpaC42BUKeASWP6gGr-Jz8mrHTE2wuOgSCs/s400/Screenshot-6323.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I am too, Keera." Tom replied, patting her back. "We will get her back, we must."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGXQBJ_7M25qFKFqfB-LiK9qN8t8pGxWQFWw_JpRUHmzCa2JTo8uiocy44PcreIvi0XvcJim-CFJlLqH6ILb_rQ_7p_2zXga0IamBE1Yi5BtYkj0nqx2GCu8cN5H55bEP8Zd482QTDSk/s1600/Screenshot-6325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGXQBJ_7M25qFKFqfB-LiK9qN8t8pGxWQFWw_JpRUHmzCa2JTo8uiocy44PcreIvi0XvcJim-CFJlLqH6ILb_rQ_7p_2zXga0IamBE1Yi5BtYkj0nqx2GCu8cN5H55bEP8Zd482QTDSk/s400/Screenshot-6325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Still crying, Keera stepped back and looked at him. "We have to soon, who knows what horrible things are happening to her right now. For all we know she could be getting tortured by those people."<br />
<br />
-----------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwItIZzOfGZrDg3t3inqfcMTuknE4UQHFE4Zwk4rd5AAhB-ybOuC8zBgPyqlaYnByu54rwKybWDc9bNyOYkhuDjHZ2UYiLLRo6AqQGV3xHpBTGeZE8fqzw1ni5RRBSJVmB8nOEeYVUnHw/s1600/Screenshot-6262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwItIZzOfGZrDg3t3inqfcMTuknE4UQHFE4Zwk4rd5AAhB-ybOuC8zBgPyqlaYnByu54rwKybWDc9bNyOYkhuDjHZ2UYiLLRo6AqQGV3xHpBTGeZE8fqzw1ni5RRBSJVmB8nOEeYVUnHw/s400/Screenshot-6262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I have awesome information for you Tobias. Tobias, aren't you listening?!" Annabelle smiled. Tobias Corvan was resting his wounds and sitting on a chair just outside her room window, watching something on the television. Annabelle overheard the fact that they didn't have the capacity to create sound-proof windows with the time they had, and whoever was sent to watch her could hear every word she said. Annabelle was having fun milking it for all it was worth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgfck4YG54MNo1539Zv8dGF2XVQ2YYGnrfzgDCrnuDQrMlX7cy4_rAoIdkBfw-vl2VJr9FE6uFTw4zZ0GAw9XK5mfuJXvFiX2pwJnF7plWy1UT4la8OLnegfec_SjmKEv6V84a_Mo93o/s1600/Screenshot-6264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgfck4YG54MNo1539Zv8dGF2XVQ2YYGnrfzgDCrnuDQrMlX7cy4_rAoIdkBfw-vl2VJr9FE6uFTw4zZ0GAw9XK5mfuJXvFiX2pwJnF7plWy1UT4la8OLnegfec_SjmKEv6V84a_Mo93o/s400/Screenshot-6264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Are you trying to watch television? Why can't you? What's stopping you? Why can't you concentrate on your shows? What's this part about? Is it awesome? Is that person the bad guy? He looks like the bad guy. Are you going to listen to what my awesome information is? Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_I96kNoEUnBwMzwpziEFTmEuZZFn0lloKbTumWaKEMQ_GzwLzsU2HUfSeHhcwUV1I9DS35mWklqg3FGpNNDNbJ7Z_f79LY-iehWT-B_tEOjQGe_Aln070QPqgh2Ep8I_VpbkMgyqJb4/s1600/Screenshot-6265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_I96kNoEUnBwMzwpziEFTmEuZZFn0lloKbTumWaKEMQ_GzwLzsU2HUfSeHhcwUV1I9DS35mWklqg3FGpNNDNbJ7Z_f79LY-iehWT-B_tEOjQGe_Aln070QPqgh2Ep8I_VpbkMgyqJb4/s400/Screenshot-6265.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle chuckled and continued to say his name repeatedly. "Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Hey Tobias! Tobias! TOOOOBIIIIAAAAASSSS! TOBY! TOB-MAN. THE TOBESTER!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"WHAT?!?!?!" Tobias stood up and angrily walked to the window. "What is so <i>damned important</i>?!?!"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcXEk9NotFeLYUflN84-_ctSW5jT50NaYqtuPov9r0I9OJSz399GIu56KpaFN_BHWbUT7_v5bVKqaZmD5qXUJ_8SQi4feEQjv1RAzh1xouDHBXJclFo7MFcipU15Ak50Afz-guQslWpM/s1600/Screenshot-6266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcXEk9NotFeLYUflN84-_ctSW5jT50NaYqtuPov9r0I9OJSz399GIu56KpaFN_BHWbUT7_v5bVKqaZmD5qXUJ_8SQi4feEQjv1RAzh1xouDHBXJclFo7MFcipU15Ak50Afz-guQslWpM/s400/Screenshot-6266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well if you're going to get<i> angry</i> about it I'm not going to tell you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhDFWejtbanHJNjkomGwHJWZN-XfAgXzGGv3BHVFOqSs8WLPZ1Z5OlFGF3_WDmRI4DQTqjuUUuqIOyAthblaLHM0K7jX0Cbv3rX_CGO_PtCLloPi8Ja69KVGAo4WthyphenhyphengVy7btTEtKnYo/s1600/Screenshot-6270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhDFWejtbanHJNjkomGwHJWZN-XfAgXzGGv3BHVFOqSs8WLPZ1Z5OlFGF3_WDmRI4DQTqjuUUuqIOyAthblaLHM0K7jX0Cbv3rX_CGO_PtCLloPi8Ja69KVGAo4WthyphenhyphengVy7btTEtKnYo/s400/Screenshot-6270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tobias angrily looked at her and went back to the chair to sit. Annabelle decided to stand where she was and continued to stare at him. Every time Tobias looked at her she diverted her eyes somewhere else, but when he looked back to the television she looked back to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqC_WDGp8Huy4u10h4Du4KO97qM7OgTjsvEM4Wp3szGbF82W0D50-YTpatirscJ9gR7bXJ6vLPlJR70vI-bDwFwOSOMXS4ZPZ7K5AF-3UeQupuH41MFvMxtnbT1rrCpwzuMDc5IWS9JGI/s1600/Screenshot-6271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqC_WDGp8Huy4u10h4Du4KO97qM7OgTjsvEM4Wp3szGbF82W0D50-YTpatirscJ9gR7bXJ6vLPlJR70vI-bDwFwOSOMXS4ZPZ7K5AF-3UeQupuH41MFvMxtnbT1rrCpwzuMDc5IWS9JGI/s400/Screenshot-6271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She had read how psychologically damaging it was to constantly make someone feel as though they're being watched, and was utilizing this to her fullest advantage. Ever since Tobias was told to watch her so she doesn't try to escape, she had been using every single trick to her knowledge to cause him as much distress as possible, and he was beginning to look like he was going to crack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsBoDjPx3I2Y02e7UaWIHlXFIs9SWRTRcrCdSJQlVjCl54a2YKCIGJJOO_p4ztGGUx29UeJ6tZwGE1ylpX7Bc-gvC6901bliWa0ooHmwicfPe1h8b8hTr_kpRJz_iep3dTdswJkj8EqU/s1600/Screenshot-6273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsBoDjPx3I2Y02e7UaWIHlXFIs9SWRTRcrCdSJQlVjCl54a2YKCIGJJOO_p4ztGGUx29UeJ6tZwGE1ylpX7Bc-gvC6901bliWa0ooHmwicfPe1h8b8hTr_kpRJz_iep3dTdswJkj8EqU/s400/Screenshot-6273.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
After five minutes of staring, Annabelle finally made a noise that sounded like her throat clearing. Tobias ignored her and continued to watch the television, so she made an even louder noise of the same type. "Psst, hey. I'm trying to get your attention. I'm trying to tell you that when Tom gets into this building, you're going to feel pain. So much pain."<br />
<br />
"It's going to hurt so bad. I mean, he already this that to you, and his cousin punched you in the face earlier, so yeah. He's gonna punch you so hard that it will make his cousin punching you feel like she caressed your cheek.""<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvh9tBJHuW9mV_P_2tYCAv4Cs6-qimI4_Zq6TIPNy3nHDoAIPrkkJ98QExTHzs8GLntE7EA2dSpPSXSjEt7r6sRFZ670VK7XsQY_NS3MEVKhf86u9W3-jT-SHQMIkTKrQf-jV4dn_NAw/s1600/Screenshot-6274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvh9tBJHuW9mV_P_2tYCAv4Cs6-qimI4_Zq6TIPNy3nHDoAIPrkkJ98QExTHzs8GLntE7EA2dSpPSXSjEt7r6sRFZ670VK7XsQY_NS3MEVKhf86u9W3-jT-SHQMIkTKrQf-jV4dn_NAw/s400/Screenshot-6274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"CORVAN!" Dr. Vu angrily walked into the room, looking right at his wounded henchman. "You idiot! We have news helicopters encircling the graveyard constantly! I just saw a news report saying the military will try to breach that shield!" Vu then grabbed his shirt and pushed him back into the window Annabelle was standing near. She laughed at this as well, and continued to watch silently.<br />
<br />
"Thomas Jameson was going to kill me! I had to raise the shield! He was a monster, I tell you! A horrible monster!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GHhUOoCHJM0Wpc5ESTIY8QxKTePjlRdAdEnNYmmgBHMqVirf3gmB-Akfxscz9v0B2Uy5nqziF1jPLPx6_HxGJzXf8HWdiGqaIqo84q1LrgcNugVoyCwfJYRHn5VIzgAnOyTIdVUpfVA/s1600/Screenshot-6277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GHhUOoCHJM0Wpc5ESTIY8QxKTePjlRdAdEnNYmmgBHMqVirf3gmB-Akfxscz9v0B2Uy5nqziF1jPLPx6_HxGJzXf8HWdiGqaIqo84q1LrgcNugVoyCwfJYRHn5VIzgAnOyTIdVUpfVA/s400/Screenshot-6277.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Don't give me your exaggerations, Corvan!" Vu angrily said, "I told you three hundred times that the shield would go up the day before the eclipse! Now you have drawn far too much attention to us! The military's weapons will eventually breach that thing, and they'll come for us both!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgi8BLHuKZ79cO9CO5y8OYELTmeYwdVjq-yTUf-itpeO1BITxUhM30fB2QGqK4W46u0MsyhPN_JE29R5Wr6ykuPpcR9w54muBJISWpq1sNxbJ91C-VCplgJt1DnBLJJctKVWpaJrqB5M/s1600/Screenshot-6275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgi8BLHuKZ79cO9CO5y8OYELTmeYwdVjq-yTUf-itpeO1BITxUhM30fB2QGqK4W46u0MsyhPN_JE29R5Wr6ykuPpcR9w54muBJISWpq1sNxbJ91C-VCplgJt1DnBLJJctKVWpaJrqB5M/s400/Screenshot-6275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah what were you <i>thinking</i>?!" Annabelle said, matching Vu's tone of speech on an almost parody-level. "It's almost as if you're a <i>complete idiot</i>!"<br />
<br />
Corvan angrily looked at her and then turned back to Vu. "Yeah, well you were busy and Jacob was nowhere to be found. Where is he anyway? I haven't seen him since last night."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VEkJSIvIJZfOGJoPjnwpXArSVp10HRV8mi2YyY7Pov00nL5hGbf1oP3nmrGq_6XDhyWwzWEY9CrSmhtu7iyjrw34kXO2DikNCxrH38eVXQTZbzlGtCxhMc4FCkaQOx0DvtyLEM5U81s/s1600/Screenshot-6278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VEkJSIvIJZfOGJoPjnwpXArSVp10HRV8mi2YyY7Pov00nL5hGbf1oP3nmrGq_6XDhyWwzWEY9CrSmhtu7iyjrw34kXO2DikNCxrH38eVXQTZbzlGtCxhMc4FCkaQOx0DvtyLEM5U81s/s400/Screenshot-6278.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Jac-ob Thoom-pson." Annabelle said, sarcastically. She knew Jacob's real name was Jack Toomes, and wondered if these two knew it as well. "Mr. Benefactor. Mr. Awesome. Well he stepped out. Something about 'blah blah blah'... I wasn't listening to be honest. He should be back soon I guess. Maybe he's busy playing a game, like Parcheesi, Checkers, or Jacks."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n4Qxu9oLOTpcewQmzf2AFmnB7Cv34u10ODsyK6xvLbdkjCge-NOXmStcm9zsRKj2_2qYFK73UZbW9iGGug8JZj8YfYSt2Gs81TTJyBRM2YUGPCWr2xljmQTMO6m7DDHVtCqJRsTfOwc/s1600/Screenshot-6279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n4Qxu9oLOTpcewQmzf2AFmnB7Cv34u10ODsyK6xvLbdkjCge-NOXmStcm9zsRKj2_2qYFK73UZbW9iGGug8JZj8YfYSt2Gs81TTJyBRM2YUGPCWr2xljmQTMO6m7DDHVtCqJRsTfOwc/s400/Screenshot-6279.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Or maybe he's at Corvan's home, raiding his fridge and going through his stuff. Though I'm pretty sure it's not a 'home' as much as it is a 'one bedroom studio apartment that smells like cats'. I mean, being an evil henchman can't possibly pay that much, right?"<br />
<br />
"SHUT. THE HELL. UP!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW33J8PKIL3PofxxqXnEENykc9fMchgZBybGTHjceXdPB569bGq6B90bPOKKSg9aFSNvHTXcG-hywUOxIfG2pB2Xv2wK3T7l39PNOKHVVswrW9ITxVdkEGCNVIQ36dd6cfD2G5acBQLOA/s1600/Screenshot-6281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW33J8PKIL3PofxxqXnEENykc9fMchgZBybGTHjceXdPB569bGq6B90bPOKKSg9aFSNvHTXcG-hywUOxIfG2pB2Xv2wK3T7l39PNOKHVVswrW9ITxVdkEGCNVIQ36dd6cfD2G5acBQLOA/s400/Screenshot-6281.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You know if this were a hotel you would be fired for talking to your guests like that." Annie said, "And the whole, you know, 'kidnapping your guests' thing. But competition is fierce these days I guess."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Can we please activate the poison. Please please please?!" Corvan begged to Vu, who simply motioned him away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjNTwe0WoaApwWv4LpmWVNMwSR0hiOY3sOx9ABfWvEnxxgPgIBuI2t0VJdM4gEIcKrVNJS3rVN44NCYjJ7jUFbwRfvRCOI3h0fxV3N5gkco2CTEQexjn9U9Gu38A8-_xLq9yGgf7v9bo/s1600/Screenshot-6283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjNTwe0WoaApwWv4LpmWVNMwSR0hiOY3sOx9ABfWvEnxxgPgIBuI2t0VJdM4gEIcKrVNJS3rVN44NCYjJ7jUFbwRfvRCOI3h0fxV3N5gkco2CTEQexjn9U9Gu38A8-_xLq9yGgf7v9bo/s400/Screenshot-6283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Get out of my sight." Vu said, disgusted at Corvan at the moment. When the henchman left, Vu walked up to the window to look at Annabelle. "I didn't want you to be kidnapped, but I'm afraid if I let you go I'll never get my chance to ask Tom what he knew about his father."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhJ2JcZGbZLD725T9IcpzY4eMrYxEuSZIlr6SWhCjPL6HYBGcEwWRxq357wBwPnyenazCfKEdGkuLHHnUw9QAfLzGMNq-Rw22DZHLOe7t8O5ZFQ_Vk9amfP4QbK5Qi0QHBr_mv7aIHKw/s1600/Screenshot-6284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhJ2JcZGbZLD725T9IcpzY4eMrYxEuSZIlr6SWhCjPL6HYBGcEwWRxq357wBwPnyenazCfKEdGkuLHHnUw9QAfLzGMNq-Rw22DZHLOe7t8O5ZFQ_Vk9amfP4QbK5Qi0QHBr_mv7aIHKw/s400/Screenshot-6284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So I'm bait. Lovely. Why do you want to know so damn much about Tom's parents? And why from him?! He was just a toddler when they died. What can he possibly tell you, that they did babytalk to him and changed his diaper? That's real worthwhile information, Doc."<br />
<br />
"You don't understand!" Vu said, more upset than angry. "He told me he would help me! He told me I could find out the information I want to know! I trust him!"<br />
<br />
"Who? Jack Toomes?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer9z9lc_VretIclAUGN1-E0xzpNtJJpD0G3qVCwX1Xor80NZq9WmxGB8k2lMW3yGZ9KrhpddStTVSYqnj_jXy87oQDOhmmH8CFdsxFbr-CBnXYk4dRtXe2y4PLHswqRZnnyRq1jYXHJs/s1600/Screenshot-6285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer9z9lc_VretIclAUGN1-E0xzpNtJJpD0G3qVCwX1Xor80NZq9WmxGB8k2lMW3yGZ9KrhpddStTVSYqnj_jXy87oQDOhmmH8CFdsxFbr-CBnXYk4dRtXe2y4PLHswqRZnnyRq1jYXHJs/s400/Screenshot-6285.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4GhEyg7lGrtRwrdDfSkPsCOn1_QjdDc2NmuhyphenhyphenaYRXNB0jhGoM6UX2wndeL_fGcbKEEooEeKE9Cmm388dd5zUomDOWpp67iymLvVCJvyKQg7Yu9LgUm873edWovV8FEjnw9Ru2QnJRQw/s1600/Screenshot-6286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4GhEyg7lGrtRwrdDfSkPsCOn1_QjdDc2NmuhyphenhyphenaYRXNB0jhGoM6UX2wndeL_fGcbKEEooEeKE9Cmm388dd5zUomDOWpp67iymLvVCJvyKQg7Yu9LgUm873edWovV8FEjnw9Ru2QnJRQw/s400/Screenshot-6286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vu had a confused look on his face. Suddenly Jacob walked into the room, interrupting the conversation. He was looking angrily at Annabelle, who smiled with a sinister delight at seeing him. "Hey Jacob!" She said, "You know when this is all over, can you help me fix my car? My wheel's damaged and I need a jack."<br />
<br />
Jacob snarled as he walked past. "When this is over you will be gone. As will Thomas Jameson and all your friends."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEEkIvt5-QqHMMxFolroaN6uw13Df020U9zWfo-ZNVxj0uMqpX1bJ5hlLbCtC9qj7TMbs7AZO4XysuEU0FOsDtbGXa-qctk3_xZE58jRg3v3NwDTJst0FX8AWD6czLHkPzjl9lYSAbf0/s1600/Screenshot-6287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEEkIvt5-QqHMMxFolroaN6uw13Df020U9zWfo-ZNVxj0uMqpX1bJ5hlLbCtC9qj7TMbs7AZO4XysuEU0FOsDtbGXa-qctk3_xZE58jRg3v3NwDTJst0FX8AWD6czLHkPzjl9lYSAbf0/s400/Screenshot-6287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle, undeterred, smiled again. "Well, where are we going? You know I always wanted to go to London. Just to stand under a British flag. You know what the name of the U.K. flag is? It's called the Union Jack."<br />
<br />
Jacob angrily growled under his breath as he turned towards Vu. Annabelle was clearly using his real name to stir him on, as he was very secretive about revealing his true identity to those in the base. He also wondered if Vu actually knew who he was, as he was about as intelligent as the green-skinned woman. When it came to the intelligence of Tobias Corvan, however, Jacob wasn't worried about him finding out on his own at all. "Doctor Vu, I see the shield is up now? A little early to establish it, the damn thing will attract the attention of everyone. I believe I am correct when I say that Corvan is the reason behind this?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-SsS0G3lta1ousR6N4cMxDSXrjJLU9RDt6obnM7vF_DycX9ZgSvxzHILHTQ2ArIeqWeyMIoi9Q-4wrRPCO_ScoDW39PlIWTPGIGtZRdCbr5I1opju02W-K7jGPsIEUkQb6_wOe3Gpes/s1600/Screenshot-6292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-SsS0G3lta1ousR6N4cMxDSXrjJLU9RDt6obnM7vF_DycX9ZgSvxzHILHTQ2ArIeqWeyMIoi9Q-4wrRPCO_ScoDW39PlIWTPGIGtZRdCbr5I1opju02W-K7jGPsIEUkQb6_wOe3Gpes/s400/Screenshot-6292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Vu spoke exasperated tone of voice, as if the world was falling onto his shoulders. "Yes. He tried to tell me that Tom Jameson was chasing him and was trying to kill him, so he established the <i>entire</i> base defense protocol to stop one man. Foolish person that man is."<br />
<br />
Annabelle chuckled "Hey, Tom's tough. They say he can survive explosions. He once fell off a three-story house and walked away without a scratch. He surprises me constantly, like some odd Jack-in-the-box."<br />
<br />
Jacob shot an angry look at Annabelle. "What's the status on the prisoner. Has she caused much of a problem?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW0LWt5HvUOgNZrVCwJPBVaEAaqMs8SaXddDJMa-kvpFyy4-5m8BYUbvOJmfiyJdxcGvfbVp_tB04I5-jdRHHcub4dC1tbBiNW-g9vPbHnzooopkik7QpO38fZx4cQ3igbTGEeo_Tb3U/s1600/Screenshot-6291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW0LWt5HvUOgNZrVCwJPBVaEAaqMs8SaXddDJMa-kvpFyy4-5m8BYUbvOJmfiyJdxcGvfbVp_tB04I5-jdRHHcub4dC1tbBiNW-g9vPbHnzooopkik7QpO38fZx4cQ3igbTGEeo_Tb3U/s400/Screenshot-6291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I prefer the term 'Damsel in distress' myself." Annie chimed in. "But you can call me anything: Prisoner, damsel, captive, dreamer, artist, dancer, hero, singer, lady who decorates with a streamer and hits her enemies with a stinger. I am a Jack of All Trades when it comes to things like that." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAeObT9-W-z3TNx_QtKI0LWXbNuj8vntmtint6qf6HWLq3eZ87TNdUAmJ8lxA7Tm6kOhCzagofWpw-_F34yPoxELP9WJ9_whvONeYHl9xiYLOBerGPmjqwRIfCKJXEPVDFp8IOFox-oA/s1600/Screenshot-6294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAeObT9-W-z3TNx_QtKI0LWXbNuj8vntmtint6qf6HWLq3eZ87TNdUAmJ8lxA7Tm6kOhCzagofWpw-_F34yPoxELP9WJ9_whvONeYHl9xiYLOBerGPmjqwRIfCKJXEPVDFp8IOFox-oA/s400/Screenshot-6294.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Aside from the fact that she never shuts up, no. It seems Corvan has reached his limit with her. I'll watch her myself for the time being, then I'll have Vazir monitor her." While Jacob stood there, continuing to look at Annabelle, Vu took the opportunity while he was distracted to tap on his shoulder. "If that is all, you can leave now, Mr. <i>Thompson</i>."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqDAaTNzVZ06h9DIvROpuv1wotqqbK7JtA_8w2guOet5Ff3xmGTnO31Na16_jFyHpVEb2ZvPK1rjJ12rv3K0F55gggan8qUhIjm2Pmz5nHLvN_Z0yudA-ybHuLjT0Xmx5Ls4OwWYKtOs/s1600/Screenshot-6295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqDAaTNzVZ06h9DIvROpuv1wotqqbK7JtA_8w2guOet5Ff3xmGTnO31Na16_jFyHpVEb2ZvPK1rjJ12rv3K0F55gggan8qUhIjm2Pmz5nHLvN_Z0yudA-ybHuLjT0Xmx5Ls4OwWYKtOs/s400/Screenshot-6295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jacob started to leave without saying a word. As he did so, Annie made an innocent waving gesture at him, and when he turned around she did another gesture that was not so innocent. Vu turned to her. "When I find out the information I want from Tom Jameson, I'll let you go. The both of you. I never wanted this."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnioYDJbR-AN4mARAQkhd_Ci6t9FXRo-g18FoeKZCdgJD3kVcL_19qKFPFHkM4LAvFdgFAySqOkkwlI8opwQVu_ovmEOweI0ix8_tSAjiynS41R2gX40OiHI2Z6kqQh-cymGWQICKN_gY/s1600/Screenshot-6296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnioYDJbR-AN4mARAQkhd_Ci6t9FXRo-g18FoeKZCdgJD3kVcL_19qKFPFHkM4LAvFdgFAySqOkkwlI8opwQVu_ovmEOweI0ix8_tSAjiynS41R2gX40OiHI2Z6kqQh-cymGWQICKN_gY/s400/Screenshot-6296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle glared angrily at him. "Well maybe you should have thought about that before you bombed the city of Sunset Valley with meteors. If you never did that, I wouldn't be in this mess and neither would you! Everything in my life changed because of what <i>YOU</i> did. EVERYTHING!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9ERcS5K18z0D-9NPMjjoSJOF6D6koNMSzXFgTLKZnx2VjpMmYWf0n4cB7mtPVYr5WcGJ7gGgqYXeyzkhtPQ-cYwf6nnRtqUhMcpvODMeasj-Hg1nVpjeUEkvPYiCU4zNDQXQCqv0e9A/s1600/Screenshot-6297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9ERcS5K18z0D-9NPMjjoSJOF6D6koNMSzXFgTLKZnx2VjpMmYWf0n4cB7mtPVYr5WcGJ7gGgqYXeyzkhtPQ-cYwf6nnRtqUhMcpvODMeasj-Hg1nVpjeUEkvPYiCU4zNDQXQCqv0e9A/s400/Screenshot-6297.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You still don't understand. <i>I </i>never bombed the town!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04Gw21IDdcIt079m1DULDW5_t4MKuYvyDsYfeDQtYxy4hkX6R-wRCUksVaeD3L2I8zvKkkuBPboaEcq8AQfhCXQFjhre9KfHZhX4fX8WTXUJNWHRQD3IHmIx-GGMUKSjG3fFiKDy_CkY/s1600/Screenshot-6299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04Gw21IDdcIt079m1DULDW5_t4MKuYvyDsYfeDQtYxy4hkX6R-wRCUksVaeD3L2I8zvKkkuBPboaEcq8AQfhCXQFjhre9KfHZhX4fX8WTXUJNWHRQD3IHmIx-GGMUKSjG3fFiKDy_CkY/s400/Screenshot-6299.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>-----------------------------------</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SNBP9g6wQ62l9W8GTH5I6vmTg6No4rqV0x2ElwbOs0JUP1piE-Taj6V_Mi5rdz0m8CtwK4QRtAzL5zN_8enFTrtLOIvTn0MWPbJuafoaFtnMfEZlLlJULJd1LIBw9SxR8b0h3-ChZaU/s1600/Screenshot-6330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SNBP9g6wQ62l9W8GTH5I6vmTg6No4rqV0x2ElwbOs0JUP1piE-Taj6V_Mi5rdz0m8CtwK4QRtAzL5zN_8enFTrtLOIvTn0MWPbJuafoaFtnMfEZlLlJULJd1LIBw9SxR8b0h3-ChZaU/s400/Screenshot-6330.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrcENQiv3YkSCBMHAWB3XmbTnHhyHNj07qcdub4k-XWWQmTVanvH5NFJOOWhmsVd6yaSXI69qb4wG-4kZIGcZ6I2kb6yMp1lqRnOC8igte0dWwsXypTaRswroH3f0roAh4Vetlo9vpJY/s1600/Screenshot-6329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrcENQiv3YkSCBMHAWB3XmbTnHhyHNj07qcdub4k-XWWQmTVanvH5NFJOOWhmsVd6yaSXI69qb4wG-4kZIGcZ6I2kb6yMp1lqRnOC8igte0dWwsXypTaRswroH3f0roAh4Vetlo9vpJY/s400/Screenshot-6329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
"Annabelle's gone, she was kidnapped." Tom said to the family who was meeting in the living room. "We have to save her, and stop these villains from using the lamp. We have less than a week to do both. And if you don't mind, I'd like to save Annabelle within the next hour or so."<br />
<br />
"We can't, they have the whole area around the place cordoned off." Deacon said. "You heard what the news reporter said, no one can get near that graveyard without those robot things attacking them."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7afP2jIxtVtAQH2Wc2YFALx9NftOYGLwdKhfyfxDrqrMZlBLzSO9Zfs5T49RRyach66oTgdLDCvIpY_RQY_WjROrK43dHJbyAOsBn0dQ3X2GfeG8qUnfqgHUN1RXjPvbDO3A4n7h3trQ/s1600/Screenshot-6328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7afP2jIxtVtAQH2Wc2YFALx9NftOYGLwdKhfyfxDrqrMZlBLzSO9Zfs5T49RRyach66oTgdLDCvIpY_RQY_WjROrK43dHJbyAOsBn0dQ3X2GfeG8qUnfqgHUN1RXjPvbDO3A4n7h3trQ/s400/Screenshot-6328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"They couldn't attack people if they were off." Scarlett chimed in, "John, can you muster up some kind of EMP device to shut them down, we can go in, rescue Annabelle, and prevent those guys from using the lamp?"<br />
<br />
"I could." John replied. "But who knows if it would work. Those robots, from what Deacon, Isobelle, and Tom here have told me, they seem pretty tough. Who knows what kind of protection they have, from EMP or other weapons. Now if we could capture one, and I could perform experiments on it, that would reveal some information about the things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEink7JpwNKHjHtu1EyLiceJ0yL5b6leiAn5NCnMruq7j6sPRDxrAFIzJbBGMRwS6N3kZ4ty1ZUUlIJsBeRi01G8e9L1o3VRRr0J3Xu_kg9w2d0r-guhOaQ8q5i9fo-hgbOesgK-Fqgoo84/s1600/Screenshot-6326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEink7JpwNKHjHtu1EyLiceJ0yL5b6leiAn5NCnMruq7j6sPRDxrAFIzJbBGMRwS6N3kZ4ty1ZUUlIJsBeRi01G8e9L1o3VRRr0J3Xu_kg9w2d0r-guhOaQ8q5i9fo-hgbOesgK-Fqgoo84/s400/Screenshot-6326.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Information such as their weaknesses." Isobelle said. "If we can find out what makes them tick, we can find out what can make them stop ticking." She then made a fist. "And after getting hit with their lasers, I would love to make them stop ticking, if I can."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoSW898BLAdOXJ9D-PfbppswbWOBQYxBVWJzqC6rhO_PO9sqLqTlFflcj5r5NWTIdFrzb4Mvuhel5AqCPfkPOAWEmYdcgb-Se7CKXuW-botld-1pOzSPmCW2cOSYM2MRhSCPsKeC_qFM/s1600/Screenshot-6332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoSW898BLAdOXJ9D-PfbppswbWOBQYxBVWJzqC6rhO_PO9sqLqTlFflcj5r5NWTIdFrzb4Mvuhel5AqCPfkPOAWEmYdcgb-Se7CKXuW-botld-1pOzSPmCW2cOSYM2MRhSCPsKeC_qFM/s400/Screenshot-6332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera, who was standing off in the corner, looked to the group. "Well this is all well and good but mom is the one who usually comes up with the plans, and she's gone, who's gonna come up with the plan this time?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWwVCNuIQqUHhyphenhyphenIo3ICqN0IHMzFH8egX0S1uLE4K7goGoB1byxC97_P-r4AxEhmaVTvbwNJyqs6hm759cFNlUwmDz4xWOSy_NzxaD1dXL_3K7w7ZkB7f6O718SyhYBgxYbsqhbiAfeaA/s1600/Screenshot-6327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWwVCNuIQqUHhyphenhyphenIo3ICqN0IHMzFH8egX0S1uLE4K7goGoB1byxC97_P-r4AxEhmaVTvbwNJyqs6hm759cFNlUwmDz4xWOSy_NzxaD1dXL_3K7w7ZkB7f6O718SyhYBgxYbsqhbiAfeaA/s400/Screenshot-6327.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well, we do have Annabelle." Kelly said, "Well, <i>an</i> Annabelle. Not exactly the same but pretty damn close."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4puSXN9iuYNi1Ci7_LUnFvJjXsC0AhX9X_ILH0LSCsAqhMTs9SXGpud0Vl9X5mtIdeMj5YXJRw8q0nnjAmQkOz9eAKZ_y5tf6Ycc9hCRah0z1dCDuJUd63kUsEdVDDWXKX3R8k-9CMU/s1600/Screenshot-6334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4puSXN9iuYNi1Ci7_LUnFvJjXsC0AhX9X_ILH0LSCsAqhMTs9SXGpud0Vl9X5mtIdeMj5YXJRw8q0nnjAmQkOz9eAKZ_y5tf6Ycc9hCRah0z1dCDuJUd63kUsEdVDDWXKX3R8k-9CMU/s400/Screenshot-6334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards someone standing in the room not far from them, as if knowing exactly what the girl in blue meant all at the same time. Mirabelle looked over at them and gauged their reaction to her words. Technically Kelly was right: Mirabelle had all the memories and personality of their lost family member, but since her "creation", Mira hadn't really used her strategy skills, letting Annabelle do all the work. Since Annabelle wasn't there, it was up to her to get the ideas moving.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x2yRGnde2xDpi34PKbR-rAARSzRPsXX3fBTecblbu7WYiv7kiLnekQda3nx3b0rpViW7TopivI8OanTMod7fxnOT7ITB973i26bkQtmlGUFk5vBbM9CRn6s12surbwfq58r0-2I2hWA/s1600/Screenshot-6335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x2yRGnde2xDpi34PKbR-rAARSzRPsXX3fBTecblbu7WYiv7kiLnekQda3nx3b0rpViW7TopivI8OanTMod7fxnOT7ITB973i26bkQtmlGUFk5vBbM9CRn6s12surbwfq58r0-2I2hWA/s400/Screenshot-6335.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Let's get to work then. We have a lot to do between now and next week."<br />
<br />
-----------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8nlnypmH59jmVTpOUvhP8ve66-4i48cwJq_sJ1M3sB6wJeZuuLwRyk2OBrAZbD_18ytfSOKR9brrOk1oYMmbzFjjRxPIm8uk18Iv1stxIkn9NCyl76ecNJ6c57H_rc_yU1cu4ae3gWQ/s1600/Screenshot-6360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8nlnypmH59jmVTpOUvhP8ve66-4i48cwJq_sJ1M3sB6wJeZuuLwRyk2OBrAZbD_18ytfSOKR9brrOk1oYMmbzFjjRxPIm8uk18Iv1stxIkn9NCyl76ecNJ6c57H_rc_yU1cu4ae3gWQ/s400/Screenshot-6360.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Damn that Vu!" Jacob said to himself as he stood in a building not far from town. "He's such a moron! Him and that Tobias Corvan!.I hate them! When I get that lamp he and everyone else will be bowing down to me or will be turned to dust, but the way things are going I won't even get a chance to get a hold of the thing! Tobias activating that shield is getting the attention of everyone across the region, and it would only be a matter of time before-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkAErWYXKM8MAv-AXsURlHGCs6SOI1EhQ1T2O5pbz0y1SvPp50WScWQTHp_tHXJ_tSHXEPPoJhfC9thgz7hSPIrZJqPv8MT7yii0cwmMXUbX-aSl58HjJ0_gLECw_rEYcZVQl8fYRZG0/s1600/Screenshot-6361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkAErWYXKM8MAv-AXsURlHGCs6SOI1EhQ1T2O5pbz0y1SvPp50WScWQTHp_tHXJ_tSHXEPPoJhfC9thgz7hSPIrZJqPv8MT7yii0cwmMXUbX-aSl58HjJ0_gLECw_rEYcZVQl8fYRZG0/s400/Screenshot-6361.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly, something caught Jacob's attention. He turned towards a device and looked down towards it, his eyes showing a hint of absolute delight as he concocted a ruthless plan...<br />
<br />
-----------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqylM408WFATHe5mF1rKwKq_sDw7jcNPasF-z3kS70i48rnGydkTUGeaoL0o7A756vys_kiJ0YGMT5oCj5CR1P32xYV_pvqQdKKSj5ujZZBqR8f0FUlzUcFMVJPIxQod-LWG2qbrcRUU/s1600/Screenshot-6302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqylM408WFATHe5mF1rKwKq_sDw7jcNPasF-z3kS70i48rnGydkTUGeaoL0o7A756vys_kiJ0YGMT5oCj5CR1P32xYV_pvqQdKKSj5ujZZBqR8f0FUlzUcFMVJPIxQod-LWG2qbrcRUU/s400/Screenshot-6302.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What do you mean you didn't bomb the town?!" Annabelle demanded. "You told the police officers you did, you basically bragged about it! Was that some kind of lie? Or are you lying now?"<br />
<br />
"I didn't lie. I just... well I did lie, back then. But I swear on my family I didn't bomb the town. I just took the blame for someone else! <i>He</i> bombed the town, he left the evidence behind in that park intentionally, and he told me to take the fall or he'd kill them! I swear to you, I was just a pawn!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWRyDpvrdCNCq-U7ZXr7MjWGS_OjFVDHHeuYNY_LedE1GzknbUVfHP8Sx94vH8l6kkUlt704mhQeXa3-sS8DizMuxvTPyQaPW-6BXoli5w6CEmfUeztQ4GPSbemkznEdVhL87BQ9_LYM/s1600/Screenshot-6303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWRyDpvrdCNCq-U7ZXr7MjWGS_OjFVDHHeuYNY_LedE1GzknbUVfHP8Sx94vH8l6kkUlt704mhQeXa3-sS8DizMuxvTPyQaPW-6BXoli5w6CEmfUeztQ4GPSbemkznEdVhL87BQ9_LYM/s400/Screenshot-6303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Jack!" Annabelle grew cold and infuriated. "That man is pure evil! He is capable of things like that!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VoVqyMRgoncvSfL3NqYY2CstsAKMVgdoyk1eQyPytIWE6yHnkMsKTut8oUOIUNwMHrObec0fp4eSa9_QjoLaksD81B8udKbX7rUnux2WFq9m-S1TFvzsuq3qCENOAC55icmBK0Z4K8o/s1600/Screenshot-6304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VoVqyMRgoncvSfL3NqYY2CstsAKMVgdoyk1eQyPytIWE6yHnkMsKTut8oUOIUNwMHrObec0fp4eSa9_QjoLaksD81B8udKbX7rUnux2WFq9m-S1TFvzsuq3qCENOAC55icmBK0Z4K8o/s400/Screenshot-6304.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Jack? No! It was Mor-?"<br />
<br />
"Dr. Vu! Come quick!" Tobias ran into the room interrupting his words. "Jacob Thompson's on the television, the internet, everything! He's threatening Starlight Shores with YOUR weapon!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10CgRezmkUKWjiq-5sYyLFVX4wxzdmtNJ6Xnc_6MLwmpDPOmozloFH8SPBrkmOvAFTGtigaIMUqlCnJCPa3uk4U9b7tv596cn99DWexSAPv9eA7ZTUU0AC-IaeEa1wKKNw4HAKlKZoTs/s1600/Screenshot-6306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10CgRezmkUKWjiq-5sYyLFVX4wxzdmtNJ6Xnc_6MLwmpDPOmozloFH8SPBrkmOvAFTGtigaIMUqlCnJCPa3uk4U9b7tv596cn99DWexSAPv9eA7ZTUU0AC-IaeEa1wKKNw4HAKlKZoTs/s400/Screenshot-6306.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"WHAT?! What is that fool doing?!" Dr. Vu turned around quickly, forgetting what he was about to tell Annabelle, and walked outside. Before he left, however, he turned back to his captive. "Miss Kethrin, I am sorry, but I must leave. Think of me as a monster if you will, I do not hold it against you." With that, the two walked into the main room and watched Jacob's broadcast that was being aired across the entire region. When they left, Annabelle looked around for any type of way to escape the room and get back home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH875MPTRA8briy_TyFEwAqA6jC1wZ4sutLZCIYLsvkV7er_mHadbegIMFSEfSQrXjXtvWQBDBRzvcvJVWCeo41JPFJbcCFCXPEvXyNWVi0Kg7G0AsaCZ8cwLm7JYIRWJw_sXZ_agGH10/s1600/Screenshot-6342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH875MPTRA8briy_TyFEwAqA6jC1wZ4sutLZCIYLsvkV7er_mHadbegIMFSEfSQrXjXtvWQBDBRzvcvJVWCeo41JPFJbcCFCXPEvXyNWVi0Kg7G0AsaCZ8cwLm7JYIRWJw_sXZ_agGH10/s400/Screenshot-6342.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
At the same time everyone in the Kethrin house heard Thompson's voice and immediately looked over to the television, where they saw him standing there with an evil grin on his face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFJKO-UT-uzX8NJWtGXh5nnrMlcmIxGJjCoyy7K9bEMYIlAHTVJMeSGETo3txs1eReFSK5CZJhR1KkvlPVKvayv664_SfN5KLD49Oa1_v3kA8mvwVhZbvB-bCAIUWnu863MMFmUeHlmM/s1600/Screenshot-6343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFJKO-UT-uzX8NJWtGXh5nnrMlcmIxGJjCoyy7K9bEMYIlAHTVJMeSGETo3txs1eReFSK5CZJhR1KkvlPVKvayv664_SfN5KLD49Oa1_v3kA8mvwVhZbvB-bCAIUWnu863MMFmUeHlmM/s400/Screenshot-6343.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"This is an open message to the people of Starlight Shores, California. I am Jacob Thompson, you do not know me, but I know you. I've watched you from all possible angles, every possible vantage point. I've been at the lowest point of life, and I've been on the highest levels, and to me, you have all failed in my expectations."<br />
<br />
"I am sending this message to you people for one particular reason: This city, and all of it's buildings, it's empty lots, and it's wonderful sign on the hill, everything is mine now. And as such, I am declaring you to leave my new home alone."<br />
<br />
"There can't be too many people who can't recall what happened to Sunset Valley, California on March 5th, 2013. It was a world-wide news story. For those who do not know, the town was damaged by a meteor shower, killing fifty seven tourists, townsmen and women, and those lost in their ways."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLow_Vqe37Moi3YKBxB9Qfvde_f8-jgH4MwcgzUWgYvMW06hI7oiWmYfoBH-gQ_JGpUMIdsZBqHvn5iP_hxcrb-TS5pKM90HZCtZNVt4SZbYzZ6e16AApOIzqYJb4sk4AGUmhaXVVBMVY/s1600/Screenshot-6341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLow_Vqe37Moi3YKBxB9Qfvde_f8-jgH4MwcgzUWgYvMW06hI7oiWmYfoBH-gQ_JGpUMIdsZBqHvn5iP_hxcrb-TS5pKM90HZCtZNVt4SZbYzZ6e16AApOIzqYJb4sk4AGUmhaXVVBMVY/s400/Screenshot-6341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"If the graveyard in Starlight Shores, California is approached by anyone, if the graveyard is attacked by the military or any other governing force, I will unleash ten times the amount of destruction that was set upon Sunset Valley. And if you don't believe me..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gwZmYY48z0jL25oG6VmIO5VStJH3FeCWNPj9_XN5bOhFF3795RI_a1qDtISX_YOMA4_uFW3K2u24DFPSjIPIU7CIyu1PFmiEzIUcpmWQ-zDZ5EGJ98ZqrID20qYQVX4hDsYQr1r30Z8/s1600/Screenshot-6336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gwZmYY48z0jL25oG6VmIO5VStJH3FeCWNPj9_XN5bOhFF3795RI_a1qDtISX_YOMA4_uFW3K2u24DFPSjIPIU7CIyu1PFmiEzIUcpmWQ-zDZ5EGJ98ZqrID20qYQVX4hDsYQr1r30Z8/s400/Screenshot-6336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly a familiar whirring sound came flying across the sky, heading towards the town of Starlight Shores. The meteor fell for miles before finally hitting a park on the opposite end of town. The entire town went into panic after this, as though they were finally coming to realize that he was capable of doing what he could.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan1r3SHzUUpqrYHKRjVv5HPjF_A2xeBvH8MfV_P7hcvDCowaE7DNc7WDEvX0a04sE5AV4OL8QL_N-dWtOOsaMgdGtxrm30nCumNL6Zmun47c9iyWpHEn4j5tIFjTHmSYpByUS9cmCX70/s1600/Screenshot-6344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan1r3SHzUUpqrYHKRjVv5HPjF_A2xeBvH8MfV_P7hcvDCowaE7DNc7WDEvX0a04sE5AV4OL8QL_N-dWtOOsaMgdGtxrm30nCumNL6Zmun47c9iyWpHEn4j5tIFjTHmSYpByUS9cmCX70/s400/Screenshot-6344.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Remember, <i>no one </i>comes near the graveyard."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0uWnMDpITjM4YgJgKZDSb010fhW0vgAPZFfv5I5s37mU78sKXQxaAlGEsrs8-8BBRCBqFWYjVJO8S309E7tPu8G9tB7JfnxiiD5Q3akHlcqtWzP4E_EYDyV9ykDIcUqg_Uvg4MlnRy8/s1600/Screenshot-6346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0uWnMDpITjM4YgJgKZDSb010fhW0vgAPZFfv5I5s37mU78sKXQxaAlGEsrs8-8BBRCBqFWYjVJO8S309E7tPu8G9tB7JfnxiiD5Q3akHlcqtWzP4E_EYDyV9ykDIcUqg_Uvg4MlnRy8/s400/Screenshot-6346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5dBgBSQViJN82udH6ZG6ZWwHIK68kTrUvLgYrY-k8Nk2mHTD9c5QAHFxaMBrGvtMe6vyBZDg2knNCy4TCGl8Uoq5gwqHR7TlekHsH6z8s3vROVh0p4sEaZoSBptu3XgX7FybvWHr964/s1600/Screenshot-6350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5dBgBSQViJN82udH6ZG6ZWwHIK68kTrUvLgYrY-k8Nk2mHTD9c5QAHFxaMBrGvtMe6vyBZDg2knNCy4TCGl8Uoq5gwqHR7TlekHsH6z8s3vROVh0p4sEaZoSBptu3XgX7FybvWHr964/s400/Screenshot-6350.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The screen went black, and the same a happened across the entire town. Tom walked over to the window and looked out, where he saw a pillar of smoke rising from the park to the west. Mirabelle walked outside to look around. After this, John turned to the family and said "We have to do something. We know what Jacob wants, and I feel we are the only ones who can stop him."<br />
<br />
"How?" Scarlett said, "You heard what he said, if anyone goes near the graveyard he'll destroy this town."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RS51Q4l91MByFM49haK9X2d8EH7YLvljG2Ggb17ohziOBinPhOU3mExu-YqjgJDJ7YCJX3MlFHP4MZT7Aeixl7zqfT-Mbfp2BRmyLrnvqgk4dSyGjn0APuNl_Gkb_uoqY37M038gSbw/s1600/Screenshot-6351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RS51Q4l91MByFM49haK9X2d8EH7YLvljG2Ggb17ohziOBinPhOU3mExu-YqjgJDJ7YCJX3MlFHP4MZT7Aeixl7zqfT-Mbfp2BRmyLrnvqgk4dSyGjn0APuNl_Gkb_uoqY37M038gSbw/s400/Screenshot-6351.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Jacob seems like the kind of person who would destroy the town anyway." Kelly said, "From what Tom said about him and from what he said there on the television. And we're the only ones who know that, the rest of the town will genuinely believe he won't destroy the place unless someone approaches the graveyard, and that means the military will be closing off the area, letting not one person in."<br />
<br />
"From the panicking outside, I don't think we have to worry about that." Mirabelle replied as she walked back in the house. "People are packing up and leaving, even the military. They either are taking Jacob's threats seriously or they don't want to take him seriously."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlHl8OonS1qgTgg4PcxLVB0FY4ZIjtLfkANGfNAkIm17R1vVUk95jvueWVgCO32CLm4nNmKcfH7gel3xJhyphenhyphenGDkp_Yew6Kxq9OYbVix99_PUZxAB2LmNX0mUKNF4IO3eWojNTviGbjt3o/s1600/Screenshot-6356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlHl8OonS1qgTgg4PcxLVB0FY4ZIjtLfkANGfNAkIm17R1vVUk95jvueWVgCO32CLm4nNmKcfH7gel3xJhyphenhyphenGDkp_Yew6Kxq9OYbVix99_PUZxAB2LmNX0mUKNF4IO3eWojNTviGbjt3o/s400/Screenshot-6356.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Should we evacuate as well?" Cassie asked. "I mean, do we?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRkR-nUyA5LonDmNdcECfaYLlqeHU0_weXNUIylCQAhEV1lcRqu1QQiqdYSTLAXnRHkQ5-3Aig9jH0_89aPB6mu1FzI4akTtfxJbefV4sZX75GXEprOyzdKqySCAK4_hBEUqVCr90PH4/s1600/Screenshot-6357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRkR-nUyA5LonDmNdcECfaYLlqeHU0_weXNUIylCQAhEV1lcRqu1QQiqdYSTLAXnRHkQ5-3Aig9jH0_89aPB6mu1FzI4akTtfxJbefV4sZX75GXEprOyzdKqySCAK4_hBEUqVCr90PH4/s400/Screenshot-6357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No." Tom said, "Kelly and John were right: We're the only ones who know what Jacob is capable of and we're the only ones who know what he wants. And if he gets what he wants, then who the hell knows what he will do with it?"<br />
<br />
"Then it's simple. We fight back." Scarlett said. "I've been eager to knock some heads together. Or robots. Doesn't matter to me. As long as my best friend is captured by them I will do what it takes to wipe them all completely out!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla8w8LEVhs6jogevbE0Z43gRaGBQiOV-5M3FdzcCe1N8oswc6O3BPkQ27kgqnoHpc8236fca6xzsZPYCzdIH-VLmrNIUHOs_FFrxrAAW0cUYIeotmxpgE2BPVRLmqxU8ExaWmVe6iInw/s1600/Screenshot-6353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla8w8LEVhs6jogevbE0Z43gRaGBQiOV-5M3FdzcCe1N8oswc6O3BPkQ27kgqnoHpc8236fca6xzsZPYCzdIH-VLmrNIUHOs_FFrxrAAW0cUYIeotmxpgE2BPVRLmqxU8ExaWmVe6iInw/s400/Screenshot-6353.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Whoa hold on." Keera said, "That guy has a weapon that can summon meteors! What can we use to stop him?!" she pulled her blue and black wand out of her back pocket and waved it around. "I mean, all we have are these magic wand things that I don't think even work-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVW_JzZ5lDCDJSchKiTtg8Hv1XJHwKkuhqsF1n4B1UX8AfP9Ou_gyPsVRqCee34JZdbKyt6ZGNmSF0eLaxIQpcaCJ3SOoMKiBIjb-58c0U-f0MCsckeVmUd2TsEVHiBSR2_lZppRhLYo/s1600/Screenshot-6354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVW_JzZ5lDCDJSchKiTtg8Hv1XJHwKkuhqsF1n4B1UX8AfP9Ou_gyPsVRqCee34JZdbKyt6ZGNmSF0eLaxIQpcaCJ3SOoMKiBIjb-58c0U-f0MCsckeVmUd2TsEVHiBSR2_lZppRhLYo/s400/Screenshot-6354.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Seconds later the wand emitted an energy beam which enveloped Keera in a rainbow colored light. She looked at herself, and at the shocked faces of everyone else, as she stood there. She didn't feel any different than normal, and realized that spell she accidentally cast must have been a charm of some sort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCD-XqvhlbcvrSVVS4ZTRtSqghN1XTsotg3fYCTl9cLLS2V7rrkAMjUb6akjR85F9lwi-fHn4h4HYCyoEtezQ_Btrt1_MZJkRYgXIRFDszZTtPPmWRQQHNKFBRKcuDGK8rZavTRLQXu4/s1600/Screenshot-6355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCD-XqvhlbcvrSVVS4ZTRtSqghN1XTsotg3fYCTl9cLLS2V7rrkAMjUb6akjR85F9lwi-fHn4h4HYCyoEtezQ_Btrt1_MZJkRYgXIRFDszZTtPPmWRQQHNKFBRKcuDGK8rZavTRLQXu4/s400/Screenshot-6355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well, they work." Mirabelle said, "pretty well I must say. Since I've seen magic and have used it in the past against Nightmare, I guess it's up to me to teach everyone how to use these things. Shouldn't be too hard, right?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-76560273463688114392013-01-15T20:22:00.000-06:002013-01-15T20:22:00.589-06:00Chapter Thirty-Three - The Human Condition<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCHhWaFOCvmI8umdGb9Ht3Ir59Qajh_m2wTucMxCil0OVvYkEKBWdvAXimEyvc2UhaBFQi8oGXzuF235AQ90xwiJUy-OuIFo_hdwtcWoXwKP8ScB-JV1LICLHSWzq7nHsS0P43Rg5OrAW/s1600/Screenshot-812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCHhWaFOCvmI8umdGb9Ht3Ir59Qajh_m2wTucMxCil0OVvYkEKBWdvAXimEyvc2UhaBFQi8oGXzuF235AQ90xwiJUy-OuIFo_hdwtcWoXwKP8ScB-JV1LICLHSWzq7nHsS0P43Rg5OrAW/s400/Screenshot-812.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i>Mirabelle was listening to Kelly when suddenly she turned around and saw a white light approach her. She didn't know what it was, but seconds later she was gone. Kelly, who wasn't looking at her and still talking, turned around and was shocked to see her missing.</i><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFsqA32zh4lxLBCtdBZOCtenhqIOWu2tacnfzI6LjgYMSZGGX5XXJ9TyKHbQsR6rd54FNoqt3UR_Az5PGDd0pPRZ4FMh6WiMX43U1Qw-0icDx2nW-sN2Gd68JMN4RkcYq-ZmCzwuHiVnI/s1600/Screenshot-5740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFsqA32zh4lxLBCtdBZOCtenhqIOWu2tacnfzI6LjgYMSZGGX5XXJ9TyKHbQsR6rd54FNoqt3UR_Az5PGDd0pPRZ4FMh6WiMX43U1Qw-0icDx2nW-sN2Gd68JMN4RkcYq-ZmCzwuHiVnI/s400/Screenshot-5740.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Mirabelle opened her eyes and found herself in a strange white room. Standing not five feet in front of her was some kind of blue ghost wearing old-style clothing. She realized ghosts were something she hadn't seen in her life yet, and mentally checked that off. '<i>Oh goody, all I need to see is a plant humanoid and the Loch Ness Monster to get the full set.', </i>she humorously thought to herself.<i> </i>After this Mirabelle turned to the ghost and looked him in the eyes. "Who are you? What do you want?" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wfz6ReIWavozp-U6NxFqL4VAYZwv1WLSzeDILtbppIsmjp90tfk-uY0f_tsGF_oNMs2_jT8x1QTMSIoXCmE7Mi4gQY1K3eGGNxff-Mix4eHPkpuLq_5ySFkINrHEeQPw_3lJeP-xB-0c/s1600/Screenshot-5738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wfz6ReIWavozp-U6NxFqL4VAYZwv1WLSzeDILtbppIsmjp90tfk-uY0f_tsGF_oNMs2_jT8x1QTMSIoXCmE7Mi4gQY1K3eGGNxff-Mix4eHPkpuLq_5ySFkINrHEeQPw_3lJeP-xB-0c/s400/Screenshot-5738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"My name is not important,</i><i> Mirabelle Joanne Kethrin,</i><i>. What is important is the future of the human race. If you do not bring your family to the library, if you do not let them get their items, humanity will fall to them."</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmHk7djAC4UsHCan6e3ZfQ-an_e6LjlFtZLSGbSpEGaz7jTUmQB774MimSZjO9zJt9CLbZs0hHA-Pf3yNGoSHD08SoZTNp6y9OsZqXlUe90x6IbGADsZuOpMa1Mv2YUfWLl8ZCdXyRqMi/s1600/Screenshot-5736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmHk7djAC4UsHCan6e3ZfQ-an_e6LjlFtZLSGbSpEGaz7jTUmQB774MimSZjO9zJt9CLbZs0hHA-Pf3yNGoSHD08SoZTNp6y9OsZqXlUe90x6IbGADsZuOpMa1Mv2YUfWLl8ZCdXyRqMi/s400/Screenshot-5736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Them? The people trying to get the genie lamp?" </div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
The ghost shook his head. <i>"No. Those are merely your first obstacle. What I am speaking of are your true test. THEY are the ones you need to face with all your might. If you do not, then the end of the world will occur." </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5nJ9RV_Yt0dKngWg78jzAzMDLsufM7dA2KzkOi4EpUtlhIfg9hkEHjV4cewmj3Y93hXcid1srFPThUWusX86JJ2SoF8O8vgrrHwMp8t6BJSlZixGAiCh59M1MPdl5iGEdw3WR4iFBSDK/s1600/Screenshot-5739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5nJ9RV_Yt0dKngWg78jzAzMDLsufM7dA2KzkOi4EpUtlhIfg9hkEHjV4cewmj3Y93hXcid1srFPThUWusX86JJ2SoF8O8vgrrHwMp8t6BJSlZixGAiCh59M1MPdl5iGEdw3WR4iFBSDK/s400/Screenshot-5739.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Mirabelle was confused. She figured the villains who tried to kidnap Tom and are trying to find a genie lamp to take over the planet were bad enough for this ghost, but to something else being worse... she had no idea what to comprehend. "What do I do?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNOcEzdkhBQ_V9OSgpHw1kwhrBDC_ZArn8u5tQ8S60Lv_jGLvp8r4YJR61RwJtSDP8bSI1OWzpkvNiADSciKNsXPh6uV5TIG5n_a9Xlj_kHzdskmdDQqv9iw-BsgathcBWHeBHxjShkdP/s1600/Screenshot-5737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNOcEzdkhBQ_V9OSgpHw1kwhrBDC_ZArn8u5tQ8S60Lv_jGLvp8r4YJR61RwJtSDP8bSI1OWzpkvNiADSciKNsXPh6uV5TIG5n_a9Xlj_kHzdskmdDQqv9iw-BsgathcBWHeBHxjShkdP/s400/Screenshot-5737.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Go. Tell the one named Johnathan Michael Kethrin, the one named Scarlett Ruby Keene, the one named Kelly Jane Coen, and the one named Keera Anne Kethrin to go with you to the library basement. Your destiny awaits."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iMaNiw0GSvWTOeTRoDf-7u6QF5qOVVLQ_31qrG0NemuLkG0czDX1AUoKXIoj8QL049PRNuoL1C5sirD2o1pbSquK83JLLFyihbbE0GVdnY5uY6-YZeim6Z_VrNhQf_sliYhaQH2O_usv/s1600/Screenshot-814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iMaNiw0GSvWTOeTRoDf-7u6QF5qOVVLQ_31qrG0NemuLkG0czDX1AUoKXIoj8QL049PRNuoL1C5sirD2o1pbSquK83JLLFyihbbE0GVdnY5uY6-YZeim6Z_VrNhQf_sliYhaQH2O_usv/s400/Screenshot-814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another flash of light enveloped Mirabelle and she found herself back in her bedroom. A quick look at the clock revealed that barely a few seconds have passed since she was pulled into the light in the first place. When the shock of the teleportation faded, she looked at her girlfriend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumKaaQi-5_npZBnSYdfjdmpawFPhjGFyNWPfHY85vcWn46JAQ0A3mHYUnlGpHK7hKwF9TZa0IMXWsXpJ0U2UVE5jifEBy0SjT8OmA1Tfuv_mch1nrUZAaJ6AoJmN9-PWBwLVq5iEHdyXl/s1600/Screenshot-816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumKaaQi-5_npZBnSYdfjdmpawFPhjGFyNWPfHY85vcWn46JAQ0A3mHYUnlGpHK7hKwF9TZa0IMXWsXpJ0U2UVE5jifEBy0SjT8OmA1Tfuv_mch1nrUZAaJ6AoJmN9-PWBwLVq5iEHdyXl/s400/Screenshot-816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
"Get John, Scarlett, and Keera: We need to get to the Library!"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
----------------------</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So let me get this straight, you were teleported into a spectral realm where the ghost of someone told you you needed to bring us here?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3smUe3RmPGWvn3H3zRfjQQIXi4LBg7KU9AO2GD9GwVkGZqCu5SdEfzUDvXrMDPIF1FQsm3HJxQlTCW7FbnAxF1DrBfDy87bFvj8-arl7vPw3lM0Z6ClWK-KXHfe4QumzUw7e1IuwbsJ5E/s1600/Screenshot-5510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3smUe3RmPGWvn3H3zRfjQQIXi4LBg7KU9AO2GD9GwVkGZqCu5SdEfzUDvXrMDPIF1FQsm3HJxQlTCW7FbnAxF1DrBfDy87bFvj8-arl7vPw3lM0Z6ClWK-KXHfe4QumzUw7e1IuwbsJ5E/s400/Screenshot-5510.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keera, John, Kelly, Scarlett, and Mirabelle were at Starlight Shores' public library, having been brought there by Mirabelle who was ranting about a ghost who supposedly expressed urge for her to go there and bring the members of her family that were at the house at the very minute. Everyone in the household, having had things happen to them that were a little more than off-the-wall, obliged, though Keera was the one who slightly objected. However, this was simply because she was asleep at the time Mirabelle forcibly came into her room and told her to get dressed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszBTKaR9tAAxN4DQZd4FIFidaMDyAmxTg4qSaMWzxYhYL1_fqN2Ap5JfFrbXU0QPhCdn6gup4Z2wdMXutMEVfe7G-ihGJbKnbWBlmUre3R3xda0dyWyer1NpDlKzMTtRrjL9nbzpVQy0J/s1600/Screenshot-5511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszBTKaR9tAAxN4DQZd4FIFidaMDyAmxTg4qSaMWzxYhYL1_fqN2Ap5JfFrbXU0QPhCdn6gup4Z2wdMXutMEVfe7G-ihGJbKnbWBlmUre3R3xda0dyWyer1NpDlKzMTtRrjL9nbzpVQy0J/s400/Screenshot-5511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I know how it sounds. I don't even believe it, but it happened. I met a ghost, he told me to come here with you all, but he didn't tell me why, or where to come to. I just thought this basement was appropriate because I was here yesterday."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsJ9576wHTxvo56a8dFg3euy8KTFHWF38RoKTIrkN8MmZgDh0__BvAtcwtA0Jq7Uy_2VNSX9DAkXu6bTA9Va7xjdfU8hKEeG39X9qCwgMdp99XIcWVz4NAUYjkAY_JcfqJNLxk19lR53p/s1600/Screenshot-5512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsJ9576wHTxvo56a8dFg3euy8KTFHWF38RoKTIrkN8MmZgDh0__BvAtcwtA0Jq7Uy_2VNSX9DAkXu6bTA9Va7xjdfU8hKEeG39X9qCwgMdp99XIcWVz4NAUYjkAY_JcfqJNLxk19lR53p/s400/Screenshot-5512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh goodie." Kelly said, "Well even if this is a dead end I can still read a book. I found this great mystery book about a hidden room in a castle behind a bookcase, it was right here."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS1OepLYId6RCWajtUzH2I1H2M5HZAZnE-2d4vt-7b1yrXulLDN39JgIxMM6UwdnkXwnmv-YGGYTrm2vzx9lTzDFOHMLa2AYb3CMVok18HtCmYA08Iu0HGokZOlPx4MjSE17efAzIvW0T/s1600/Screenshot-5513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS1OepLYId6RCWajtUzH2I1H2M5HZAZnE-2d4vt-7b1yrXulLDN39JgIxMM6UwdnkXwnmv-YGGYTrm2vzx9lTzDFOHMLa2AYb3CMVok18HtCmYA08Iu0HGokZOlPx4MjSE17efAzIvW0T/s400/Screenshot-5513.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yeah, this one too." Scarlett said, "this book also talks about a hidden bookcase, hiding a magical artifact. Kelly, didn't we get both of these from the same case?"<br />
<br />
"What?" Keera was shaken out of her angered state and instead was more intrigued. "That's a bit of a coincidence, unless 'hidden door' is a new book genre I didn't know about."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuVbMi-Z4xrinMYIwb5Lf351mHnqX4nVgRGiHTutQ9Nj6Z3cPoKrnRPy7XtNHkizb7yuqb4T_LanIfk6noYJQ9nu6Rf7uy0ZtN1TJ5_775ASNb_2j8VtLZbaw2MkUqU6zAVE60GT6iqJT/s1600/Screenshot-5516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuVbMi-Z4xrinMYIwb5Lf351mHnqX4nVgRGiHTutQ9Nj6Z3cPoKrnRPy7XtNHkizb7yuqb4T_LanIfk6noYJQ9nu6Rf7uy0ZtN1TJ5_775ASNb_2j8VtLZbaw2MkUqU6zAVE60GT6iqJT/s400/Screenshot-5516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle was also intrigued, and after remembering which bookcase the two ladies got the books from she walked over to it and started to investigate. Something seemed off about it, and she quickly remembered she was also standing in front of this same one the day before. After a few minutes, she finally found a book that didn't belong with the rest, and was more dusty than any other book in the basement. She tried to pull it out of the case, but it wouldn't budge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPaqD5A0BiJmaWMrsl_nRgdGcfvIIPvpb51K9BgYhusWo_ElOQ6-MtA5ClzW6kzmC6zuKwvsBrOinaRy3qDQmCXXytHaTXwcW2BNCVFeh3eHY7OQw-6vHeCFG6-GJvKeThm-EG5yuay2s/s1600/Screenshot-5674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPaqD5A0BiJmaWMrsl_nRgdGcfvIIPvpb51K9BgYhusWo_ElOQ6-MtA5ClzW6kzmC6zuKwvsBrOinaRy3qDQmCXXytHaTXwcW2BNCVFeh3eHY7OQw-6vHeCFG6-GJvKeThm-EG5yuay2s/s400/Screenshot-5674.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Interesting." Mirabelle said as she instead pushed the book inwards. She felt it hit something behind it, and suddenly half the bookcase started to slide backwards, revealing a strange room lit with torches.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfoBLINQeCCqm-vKJkfWHJ2VqVohLksjSBjuvPLT01GZuVxRNSSWe7LvTfThp4KeRpB7hY6EeKYvHWloGuLCoIW-Ep-C2eM6X6ApXqjuTzdIoDaC0ozhur3-lIf1LhYe7UhKcVT9W_t__/s1600/Screenshot-5675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfoBLINQeCCqm-vKJkfWHJ2VqVohLksjSBjuvPLT01GZuVxRNSSWe7LvTfThp4KeRpB7hY6EeKYvHWloGuLCoIW-Ep-C2eM6X6ApXqjuTzdIoDaC0ozhur3-lIf1LhYe7UhKcVT9W_t__/s400/Screenshot-5675.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well that's new."<br />
-------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"OW! STOP THAT! GRRR!"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyA9QBRlbwaIQ3OdynGk2u-ByXXSZJQTBqnI1anP8k1U__awFAZyojGlSA-W54NKnYnExkfSbasgL-Aot5w3swVNy_ij3UI3ng8SVuDMvs3C1k2yfLyZ3gC5yAPcKGm9UDm71_1BsW3S3/s1600/Screenshot-5715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyA9QBRlbwaIQ3OdynGk2u-ByXXSZJQTBqnI1anP8k1U__awFAZyojGlSA-W54NKnYnExkfSbasgL-Aot5w3swVNy_ij3UI3ng8SVuDMvs3C1k2yfLyZ3gC5yAPcKGm9UDm71_1BsW3S3/s400/Screenshot-5715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You were shot, of course it will hurt!" Deacon and Isobelle held themselves up inside a store building far away from the graveyard. They hadn't returned to the Kethrin house because it was too far to run while Isobelle was injured, so they took refuge in the safest place they could.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwiLoseGGgCdrKr5syGeHTuONJMN0gxDbaUhnXqn_L4X5j_QSZdzzoR5_sr717X_j4ftormP06NzmFmAR42GxfuZf4NvTdzGfYKt3_lBexxdcmZ_GuCU3RML-noAqyhTEgKQbCtr_WkjF/s1600/Screenshot-5714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwiLoseGGgCdrKr5syGeHTuONJMN0gxDbaUhnXqn_L4X5j_QSZdzzoR5_sr717X_j4ftormP06NzmFmAR42GxfuZf4NvTdzGfYKt3_lBexxdcmZ_GuCU3RML-noAqyhTEgKQbCtr_WkjF/s400/Screenshot-5714.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah but I didn't expect it would hurt this much." Isobelle said as Deacon applied a cold rag to the burn mark on her face. "I guess I'm not used to pain. I thought I was."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnpmVQjMliZd1NfKtr6pbx7uKWo4U7JlgfzKKAe1sZnrKTQqLfYIygJhyphenhyphen1b5Mveec0aZqE5_Ixrxr8vzw7DKTludDA09j4LlKP0a9vEwcce6VLQsw0uwHHracgb8PjSGsirFMrEPyHhY3/s1600/Screenshot-5709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnpmVQjMliZd1NfKtr6pbx7uKWo4U7JlgfzKKAe1sZnrKTQqLfYIygJhyphenhyphen1b5Mveec0aZqE5_Ixrxr8vzw7DKTludDA09j4LlKP0a9vEwcce6VLQsw0uwHHracgb8PjSGsirFMrEPyHhY3/s400/Screenshot-5709.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Used to pain? No one is used to pain, Isobelle. I'm not. I'll never be." Deacon sat the rags down and walked away to the other side of the room. "I thought I would be used to it when I lost my parents, when I got betrayed by the one father-figure I had, when I was thrown off a building. I thought by now I'd be used to pain but now I know humans aren't meant to be used to it, they are supposed to defy it, be stronger than it. I've spent years trying to be stronger than pain. Tell me, why did you think you were used to it?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMryoB8zv2gZXHwKkSr0ClSnVsSys-rukLnGQv24fxuZoVYjQNrDOVYscDjhWm3su3c0l6oDh7WwrrSoDjOggYubMP29UDNlMY1fijXJO3dG_yWvCVm8kzXQrjs8bfu5zZgRUGK0uekV2x/s1600/Screenshot-5711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMryoB8zv2gZXHwKkSr0ClSnVsSys-rukLnGQv24fxuZoVYjQNrDOVYscDjhWm3su3c0l6oDh7WwrrSoDjOggYubMP29UDNlMY1fijXJO3dG_yWvCVm8kzXQrjs8bfu5zZgRUGK0uekV2x/s400/Screenshot-5711.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I had a glimpse of humanity, and it was taken from me." Isobelle said as she stood in place. He looked at her, and her face was drawn out, she looked so upset and so out of sorts that he at first didn't even recognize her. "When I left Annabelle and the family four years ago, I became a lone wanderer, an outcast, a sad shell of myself. I was walking towards the casino here in town when I fell down a hill and was hit by a car. The owner of the car happened to be named Richard Avalon, the proprietor of the casino I found myself drawn to. He was kind, he took me in and cared for me, showed me the true humanity in the world. He didn't care about my past or my heritage... all he saw was a wayward soul looking for her destiny, and he gave me that destiny."<br />
<br />
"And what happened?"<br />
<br />
"He was old. One day I found him in his bed. He died in his sleep. Turns out he knew he was going to die, and left me a letter saying I owned the casino, and that I should see the good in humanity. I took this to heart and became a better person... He told me to smile more, to see the world as a good place than bad."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN44koL0kmikqacTimbTkHwT_AfnSltC334AEOcXOi5AdJHQg62qD0Qv0OQKQMDAT5Yr-LL3USU7DOknJKwX7arO_8DocgOT8z2NFKqie70GS7XNln8ViFDqGJ9YqjKE5AmH6R6N7CRi5f/s1600/Screenshot-5710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN44koL0kmikqacTimbTkHwT_AfnSltC334AEOcXOi5AdJHQg62qD0Qv0OQKQMDAT5Yr-LL3USU7DOknJKwX7arO_8DocgOT8z2NFKqie70GS7XNln8ViFDqGJ9YqjKE5AmH6R6N7CRi5f/s400/Screenshot-5710.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I am so sorry, Isobelle." Deacon said. It was then he realized that she and him were almost like kindred spirits, two lost souls with dark pasts looking for a purpose in life. Both of them had done things they regretted now, with the only difference between them being that she found someone to instill a sense of hope and understanding of humanity into her, while he was taken in by someone with no humanity who had spent years building a cold shell around his shattered heart.<br />
<br />
"Don't worry about it." Isobelle replied. "It's fine. He's gone, but what he told me remains in my heart. I'll never forget him, or his influence on me and my human instincts."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHEiwcs9yf5sOoH06ARY-fNdcOgSiwlLDy3k0hHWho0eog9gKpN3nj9BL-WB0m44rSbLJRFGcDl7WHTaf7kribNnU0jUjksaNvsehBNr0rcN-pUKzfuJaYEwA4zvbRBGvJO5oV192GF-V/s1600/Screenshot-5716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHEiwcs9yf5sOoH06ARY-fNdcOgSiwlLDy3k0hHWho0eog9gKpN3nj9BL-WB0m44rSbLJRFGcDl7WHTaf7kribNnU0jUjksaNvsehBNr0rcN-pUKzfuJaYEwA4zvbRBGvJO5oV192GF-V/s400/Screenshot-5716.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Maybe that's all you need to do." Deacon walked up to her and put his hands on her shoulders, trying to cheer her up. Even though she never outwardly said it, Izzy thought to herself that this too was a good example in the idea of human benevolence. From the first time she stepped foot on this planet, when she killed a known murderer in hiding simply because she knew of what he had done somehow, Isobelle had seen the worst the planet had to offer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBgvKFIyOolEZkKOMbbMwl0pCrsp-GxGtczyTNhOLTcIrtjo725TL4wmt-M1tA-zOM1uygmYnTNDGSaGqQQUH1CYFqtmSqxXruGghBp-Eh-6BhSgf5bImGUVp_w-wkmh9PF9r4jv_kEew/s1600/Screenshot-5717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBgvKFIyOolEZkKOMbbMwl0pCrsp-GxGtczyTNhOLTcIrtjo725TL4wmt-M1tA-zOM1uygmYnTNDGSaGqQQUH1CYFqtmSqxXruGghBp-Eh-6BhSgf5bImGUVp_w-wkmh9PF9r4jv_kEew/s400/Screenshot-5717.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now, with her late friend Richard's advice and the warm hand on her shoulder from a redeemed individual, she was truly starting to understand the basics of the human condition: every single person is different despite being the same. Some are evil and some are good, and some are neutral. It's understanding that and not grouping them all together based around the actions of the few she had encountered for the past nine years.<br />
<br />
Isobelle looked at Deacon and, taking this all into account, said two simple words as she gave him a friendly hug.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqb6HfLDW6pklArcqglIKVCMAqdOhLe-HTakVYmkD2xGzQXWIJzfNcbBbtGPAN0DxviwmOJpN4FIJCYXxjnRtqgLT7vWXG-0UuAz5quJBvTRO6nODj4bxH_DEdRFP3rN1YRpUBJ3C0zZI/s1600/Screenshot-5719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqb6HfLDW6pklArcqglIKVCMAqdOhLe-HTakVYmkD2xGzQXWIJzfNcbBbtGPAN0DxviwmOJpN4FIJCYXxjnRtqgLT7vWXG-0UuAz5quJBvTRO6nODj4bxH_DEdRFP3rN1YRpUBJ3C0zZI/s400/Screenshot-5719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Thank you."<br />
<br />
----------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4A0Y0kfjW79Q1m_Y4B4h7AeoeEnzqquI_jVxyy_RxeNgYqZLc8Yxg_v7CwcrsKofGJYr5eVCmBBCADiAFZqSCaDuJbN3LPCpv23fZMQaRsz9bYRXs4aYY82SCG6p1GU8wkVzw16D5T1OI/s1600/Screenshot-5720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4A0Y0kfjW79Q1m_Y4B4h7AeoeEnzqquI_jVxyy_RxeNgYqZLc8Yxg_v7CwcrsKofGJYr5eVCmBBCADiAFZqSCaDuJbN3LPCpv23fZMQaRsz9bYRXs4aYY82SCG6p1GU8wkVzw16D5T1OI/s400/Screenshot-5720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>Annabelle opened her eyes to see a Chinese man standing in front of her next to a robotic device. She assumed this man was Dr. Vu, because of his heritage and that he was severely burned in the past by something which could be seen across his face. She mused that the man was burned on the same side of his face as Keera, but didn't speak it. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Annabelle couldn't speak if she wanted to. Her eyes were weak, her voice was harsh when she tried to talk, it was as if she was waking up from a deep sleep. For a few moments the sound was muffled, but she could still hear them talk. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmfCIhYU54BE8jWyuEg7MQv2SnAs8T7X1Hr7lio_dZGVhzEvY91EhJxdne1LCd4OzFxOvhPEh-tgN70yN6WNqcuo7yF_eKuaefrNoDCy8JrsGnRlzZnLmdCai634q2VnPrF-gBVg6TS6z/s1600/Screenshot-5722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmfCIhYU54BE8jWyuEg7MQv2SnAs8T7X1Hr7lio_dZGVhzEvY91EhJxdne1LCd4OzFxOvhPEh-tgN70yN6WNqcuo7yF_eKuaefrNoDCy8JrsGnRlzZnLmdCai634q2VnPrF-gBVg6TS6z/s400/Screenshot-5722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><i>"Damn that Thompson." Vu said, angrily. "I told him I wanted Thomas. I wanted to know what he knew about his father! Still, if she's close to Jameson he'll come to rescue her, then I'll figure out what I need. We need to keep her safe, secure, and alive."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQlWyFM09fyiwNtpcJfJVZJ58TG2u9h_AHPiCUK-xxGpOxqhFKUpCmyhCOq-bz9xertXJ1NkGvcIBwMxBAgmepnqEXDBcAeR-nq_RgPrC_9OCzuzAhUG0Z5qeAsKJsTefnRDU_3tActib/s1600/Screenshot-5721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQlWyFM09fyiwNtpcJfJVZJ58TG2u9h_AHPiCUK-xxGpOxqhFKUpCmyhCOq-bz9xertXJ1NkGvcIBwMxBAgmepnqEXDBcAeR-nq_RgPrC_9OCzuzAhUG0Z5qeAsKJsTefnRDU_3tActib/s400/Screenshot-5721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"THIS UNIT UNDERSTANDS YOUR DESIRE TO KEEP THE ALIEN-HUMAN HYBRID ALIVE. IT WILL MAKE ALL ATTEMPTS TO KEEP HER SO.",</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> the robot said, which surprised Annabelle when it said "Alien-human hybrid", meaning it must have deeply scanned her and figured out she wasn't entirely alien... but human as well? She wondered about this, but at the same time was worried about the villains in front of her. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLK0GK3EFmN8omLYek-bd16SotC2OYU4kbhI3FREyg_84sc4C6YDIV6swgFmTm836ErIW4EkUh_anZ5LxmYGU0pnHWLXPA8xzWq6yyd4aEIQBO44MoEfnJizlDfbSLaI7DnjVAb2zihdi/s1600/Screenshot-5723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLK0GK3EFmN8omLYek-bd16SotC2OYU4kbhI3FREyg_84sc4C6YDIV6swgFmTm836ErIW4EkUh_anZ5LxmYGU0pnHWLXPA8xzWq6yyd4aEIQBO44MoEfnJizlDfbSLaI7DnjVAb2zihdi/s400/Screenshot-5723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vu turned around and started to leave. "Vazir, change her clothes and put the </span>monitoring<span style="font-family: inherit;"> devices on her. But only do so AFTER I leave the room and make sure it's secured. I do still believe in dignity, after all." </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZsGyxuxY4dRjwfcOIbbwkP85DlVsJbfQikyN1q7FRmA2Jlm8k-zpSI1AFKEcfc1YW4UuURmR4wt1ls56SivlhyTshWfylzvRMcrXuTsyHW8VQEKDa-2RMfo7bSxZy8oDRTHOT_84bGEe/s1600/Screenshot-5724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZsGyxuxY4dRjwfcOIbbwkP85DlVsJbfQikyN1q7FRmA2Jlm8k-zpSI1AFKEcfc1YW4UuURmR4wt1ls56SivlhyTshWfylzvRMcrXuTsyHW8VQEKDa-2RMfo7bSxZy8oDRTHOT_84bGEe/s400/Screenshot-5724.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><i>The robot acknowledged this, and when Dr. Vu left the room it began to glow, shooting a laser at her shirt's collar to cut it. This was when she passed out again...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
----------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bJ0FboDFxdgj3Dfg8By6_r8Awd9SM0fabGJcEqCQhzVAAVyYvqDZO0m3Acfy0cx0O7YugDgcNF4lxhVYdYZeSCt4cZIkMqptIbejKDa0KMEYGfTW8WNrFlvNbxGYSSBvAXfwCEkge_Il/s1600/Screenshot-5655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bJ0FboDFxdgj3Dfg8By6_r8Awd9SM0fabGJcEqCQhzVAAVyYvqDZO0m3Acfy0cx0O7YugDgcNF4lxhVYdYZeSCt4cZIkMqptIbejKDa0KMEYGfTW8WNrFlvNbxGYSSBvAXfwCEkge_Il/s400/Screenshot-5655.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Please, stop! Please! I'll do anything!"<br />
<br />
Tobias Corvan fell to the ground. His clothes were torn and his face was burned. Standing above him was Tom, who had just finished a one-sided fistfight with the man. For twenty minutes, Corvan was Tom's personal human punching bag. It was only just now that he said "Tell me how to get into the Mausoleum! NOW!"<br />
<br />
Corvan heaved backwards "I don't know! I just walk in there! They have... cameras that track your movements! Motion sensors, everything! That place is a fortress! You'll never get in! Don't you understand? You'll never get in!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSISVW3eOq7UR62ltGTBciuzgy59tGiTfiCSdREme26BaVpZwfEvrK0XEIj0RL9oFJjmSy66ugUEwwvqu5q6VFd92Cf9iGIHE7GUtlvqIIKZfkxLZaQBkFLI3CSEC8VxCfkZYedJWvIIK/s1600/Screenshot-5658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSISVW3eOq7UR62ltGTBciuzgy59tGiTfiCSdREme26BaVpZwfEvrK0XEIj0RL9oFJjmSy66ugUEwwvqu5q6VFd92Cf9iGIHE7GUtlvqIIKZfkxLZaQBkFLI3CSEC8VxCfkZYedJWvIIK/s400/Screenshot-5658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom stood in the rain with anger surpassing every other emotion in his mind. The raindrops hitting his hat and coat and making them feel heavy but the adrenaline rushing through his body was more than enough to keep his strength up as he slammed Covan's face into the concrete ground. "Is there any type of entrance that isn't monitored? You know if there is one... now TELL ME!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tobias stood up and spit blood, looking at him. "No... your <i>girlfriend's</i> lost to you." <br />
<br />
Tom lunged forward and punched Tobias, saying "WRONG ANSWER!" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiKhEF1EL2LwW8EMOHrBjLskTSEiIcQyxU0c3PO92rDBbV1p0Fo4xOdonQ55HBfdfLtiPXezrlfA_KLf5ReP3lz06SBDZtUT5Og53AAaSImg1MDTx-kc460yyddHmMBq1ndGejD49ICoi/s1600/Screenshot-5661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiKhEF1EL2LwW8EMOHrBjLskTSEiIcQyxU0c3PO92rDBbV1p0Fo4xOdonQ55HBfdfLtiPXezrlfA_KLf5ReP3lz06SBDZtUT5Og53AAaSImg1MDTx-kc460yyddHmMBq1ndGejD49ICoi/s400/Screenshot-5661.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When the fist connected, Tobias stumbled backwards but didn't fall, and took this opportunity to run. Tom gave chase, trying not to let his one chance of getting Annabelle back get away. "GET BACK HERE YOU LITTLE PIECE OF-"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAMIb2iGS_ImtLCm2ljSWihLdl7MM491e_n2vQXr7ku-ytOZpQkLE3QOyZfJHyFx4Q2_yfs2RfRnbYc9c0RvhPemrUd01gSv4gnepTa_LVJPZApi2n9z0iyi7UI1yQ1C01SZPfcmMXEdz/s1600/Screenshot-5662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAMIb2iGS_ImtLCm2ljSWihLdl7MM491e_n2vQXr7ku-ytOZpQkLE3QOyZfJHyFx4Q2_yfs2RfRnbYc9c0RvhPemrUd01gSv4gnepTa_LVJPZApi2n9z0iyi7UI1yQ1C01SZPfcmMXEdz/s400/Screenshot-5662.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IltiqMQVMJTlBIbYTWvypjYWdriB_fU2LWU0uCWdlU4_aGZ0K9JzUKlbVY1JHC4grQL3TfceYU_FhZBpIYqUeUp_1Ks0me_G9xLQ-4lDdXkMMpICLjiP_N2a7sDsmxcttd8JICCldiKn/s1600/Screenshot-5663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IltiqMQVMJTlBIbYTWvypjYWdriB_fU2LWU0uCWdlU4_aGZ0K9JzUKlbVY1JHC4grQL3TfceYU_FhZBpIYqUeUp_1Ks0me_G9xLQ-4lDdXkMMpICLjiP_N2a7sDsmxcttd8JICCldiKn/s400/Screenshot-5663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly when Tobias reached the end of the street, he vanished into thin-air. "DAMMIT!" Tom yelled, stomping into the street, but he decided to try and get into the tomb anyway despite what Corvan had told him.<br />
<br />
Tobias, who had teleported himself into the tomb just seconds before, ran over to a computer and set up a program called "Defense Protocol 4".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQiD6fTikrQC7RNbDW2eNrftmxU4OKoN3veZ0mHbY1FMb-NJpFNTyrPQLTcxK9xo36jTEYGZvVFZdUT9dTV8ty7stu8op5sp4ZX_i8WIAKx1SGh8X6jPf7DJBlkwUMHO5nRrqd1ewBaHH/s1600/Screenshot-5666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQiD6fTikrQC7RNbDW2eNrftmxU4OKoN3veZ0mHbY1FMb-NJpFNTyrPQLTcxK9xo36jTEYGZvVFZdUT9dTV8ty7stu8op5sp4ZX_i8WIAKx1SGh8X6jPf7DJBlkwUMHO5nRrqd1ewBaHH/s400/Screenshot-5666.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just as Tom made it to the graveyard, he was shocked to see that the entire place was now covered in some kind of shield that popped up spontaneously. He moved towards it with the attempt to breach the shield but the Vazir drones situated at the front of the graveyard started shooting strange red lasers at him, forcing his retreat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qS7HbcDqJpKigprE35bkgDc5zLSd-oiYqQZxsWbGDDTWs0ohC9Xtk95Rs8tUIFIy4bqZONfilfY75wv6e0PqDYDch1wDGKV9Qgn2WPninN9_uhnKY4WZKozwFTsc93vdti2eQs3oLNRU/s1600/Screenshot-5665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qS7HbcDqJpKigprE35bkgDc5zLSd-oiYqQZxsWbGDDTWs0ohC9Xtk95Rs8tUIFIy4bqZONfilfY75wv6e0PqDYDch1wDGKV9Qgn2WPninN9_uhnKY4WZKozwFTsc93vdti2eQs3oLNRU/s400/Screenshot-5665.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm sorry, Annie.", he whispered as he ran away, realizing he now needed to recuperate and work up a new plan. However, he thought to himself that he would surely return to help Annabelle. It was only a matter of time and energy that he needed to recover.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_6ks2tKosJ4XNH5wwqckPNsQpFxK_FCJMpPOzGkFuy_-bVhyf8aXblgaWb3mSkKlsPnKtxcWsioQDkIr3GqzxpDy-S3HVU3_-z70ZsNaWJDeLAB_SyArgOidD6_IGmjrc_PLymEVE2mw/s1600/Screenshot-5667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_6ks2tKosJ4XNH5wwqckPNsQpFxK_FCJMpPOzGkFuy_-bVhyf8aXblgaWb3mSkKlsPnKtxcWsioQDkIr3GqzxpDy-S3HVU3_-z70ZsNaWJDeLAB_SyArgOidD6_IGmjrc_PLymEVE2mw/s400/Screenshot-5667.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Corvan smiled as he saw Tom retreat. "Thank you, Vazir, for constructing that shield network generator. It worked wonders."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"I DO NOT ACCEPT GESTURES OF ANY KIND, TOBIAS CORVAN. I WAS MERELY FOLLOWING ORDERS. HOWEVER, IT APPEARS YOU MAY HAVE COMPROMISED THE MISSION BY REVEALING THE SHIELD EARLI</b></span><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">ER THAN EXPECTED."</b><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-ok_IALjAd0X7AThxxmi785bDHHlBeKo5HZecGv6ybBHDck6pcUo6UVn2M-SdyChKEoNIRRsXYVPVmPDLrO5KEncFRtI1uSqjFFHkcr057KG4k9JjkIK3fzil5Bsl_cZnKZSsmuqJNZe/s1600/Screenshot-5668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-ok_IALjAd0X7AThxxmi785bDHHlBeKo5HZecGv6ybBHDck6pcUo6UVn2M-SdyChKEoNIRRsXYVPVmPDLrO5KEncFRtI1uSqjFFHkcr057KG4k9JjkIK3fzil5Bsl_cZnKZSsmuqJNZe/s400/Screenshot-5668.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I was trying to keep myself from getting killed!" Tobias protested, "I'm sure Vu would have done the same thing if he were in my shoes. The same damn thing."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_YUJ8sxq-nNXm6Vo_FekhfcdP1qc2zN-R082iMGgvyICYXmNlaYk4Tuh3V6VGHvy3acEttlhNa-iNUZy95UJctoA71MedlzgNtvkO6Zq-n1BXiRMiNflRN1gZ-dhTfCZkCyHd8NqrUII/s1600/Screenshot-5669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_YUJ8sxq-nNXm6Vo_FekhfcdP1qc2zN-R082iMGgvyICYXmNlaYk4Tuh3V6VGHvy3acEttlhNa-iNUZy95UJctoA71MedlzgNtvkO6Zq-n1BXiRMiNflRN1gZ-dhTfCZkCyHd8NqrUII/s400/Screenshot-5669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"WE SHALL SEE... HUMAN. THE CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGED. PERHAPS WHEN THIS IS OVER, YOU SHALL REAP THE WHIRLWIND YOU HAVE CALLED DOWN, TOBIAS CORVAN."</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNe9rr9V3XMTpe8To8NHwmN4AWUzCBrPh4gn0WcqeoUSEqxeVs9VTduOLdF_MrIHh4jFar3Kksi5If3PqL1NuNeh4H4aqpPc79ZPQhV6rLAJYcsu-uzlIJOb_h03MTNnp4JTUF1WaSGa4/s1600/Screenshot-5670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNe9rr9V3XMTpe8To8NHwmN4AWUzCBrPh4gn0WcqeoUSEqxeVs9VTduOLdF_MrIHh4jFar3Kksi5If3PqL1NuNeh4H4aqpPc79ZPQhV6rLAJYcsu-uzlIJOb_h03MTNnp4JTUF1WaSGa4/s400/Screenshot-5670.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Yeah, we will see. But perhaps when this is over, you'll end up in the scrapyard where you belong, robot." Corvan turned around and walked into the other room. He knew there were some medical supplies somewhere in this base, it was only a matter of finding them. When he was out of Vazir's sight, the robotic device turned an even darker red, and spoke inwardly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrh6wX-gGvKZIfoHf0KbvaF8jflHYwp_sKnLgXYdrPLvWk2qChjepe3nCu470nVQHHXnpQqYdwM-HziAaGoOEBZIwj9Ae-SNTSGq4-_V2S8AiYFk6cgaHvB6NUzUw5CD6dtemA1ptu6zM/s1600/Screenshot-5671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrh6wX-gGvKZIfoHf0KbvaF8jflHYwp_sKnLgXYdrPLvWk2qChjepe3nCu470nVQHHXnpQqYdwM-HziAaGoOEBZIwj9Ae-SNTSGq4-_V2S8AiYFk6cgaHvB6NUzUw5CD6dtemA1ptu6zM/s400/Screenshot-5671.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCDXovW0jB5PprtF5nVYGpavUWWDpb9fPREFBOEmaDLgZu7Esyy7lSCqc8D2QdISqhYXa1_29b8zdbY-gDhGUGrGdUdf9xnv6FWBJ03teCR9MCr9sDxpiLVFGC2a8ZzfyZ3_4XlsUfwSb/s1600/Screenshot-5672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCDXovW0jB5PprtF5nVYGpavUWWDpb9fPREFBOEmaDLgZu7Esyy7lSCqc8D2QdISqhYXa1_29b8zdbY-gDhGUGrGdUdf9xnv6FWBJ03teCR9MCr9sDxpiLVFGC2a8ZzfyZ3_4XlsUfwSb/s400/Screenshot-5672.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"PERHAPS THIS GRAVEYARD SHOULD BE WHERE YOU BELONG, TOBIAS CORVAN."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP7HHyA6unre5fkBFuznRD-ckp9DoKpM6UY5KKyL7NhC9LrGeVxGiappQJzqmhJg5bwroDiHT1ONul0f84dEufdWF8sxDdEY3i7HnBMldekZb8s_QaO3JVFMNGqU4PaHKKOqn5zZFDwIs/s1600/Screenshot-5725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP7HHyA6unre5fkBFuznRD-ckp9DoKpM6UY5KKyL7NhC9LrGeVxGiappQJzqmhJg5bwroDiHT1ONul0f84dEufdWF8sxDdEY3i7HnBMldekZb8s_QaO3JVFMNGqU4PaHKKOqn5zZFDwIs/s400/Screenshot-5725.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When Tom returned to his house, he walked sadly into the main room and sat down on the couch. Strangely no one seemed to be at the house, as not a single person found themselves in the main room to talk to him. He knew Deacon's sister Cassie was asleep, as she fell out before they left, but no one else seemed to be around. <i>'Perhaps they're all asleep too.'</i>, he thought. He also thought it would be best to tell them when they woke up. Defeated, Tom lied down on the couch and fell asleep, his thoughts focused on Annabelle as he drifted.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN53RF1rI5KeFQBqQNOxJG2sHT7O7JQGv0PHS1sR-KjujOpmUiwW_1-H76zVtXm0qAyEqfogFPNoqCdFJjvdgsWDh6BwMvwdIg0I9RCRpjoT2Ba8477KFXwK3bNTHW7l-K0eYNUPQyHj-W/s1600/Screenshot-5726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN53RF1rI5KeFQBqQNOxJG2sHT7O7JQGv0PHS1sR-KjujOpmUiwW_1-H76zVtXm0qAyEqfogFPNoqCdFJjvdgsWDh6BwMvwdIg0I9RCRpjoT2Ba8477KFXwK3bNTHW7l-K0eYNUPQyHj-W/s400/Screenshot-5726.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>----------------------</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TwcEXayzc06B93p1T99dChr-yx0uGs25XYfshy5iZ_CZhclw5nOwztQzW7JlOdxYbwSMzw9y3N3s0x-ycWCcIcbt19W4WYeg7vgHbGM2s29JE16WAOWaYBq6DIe73P2DV9Bn6LY7k2XW/s1600/Screenshot-5676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TwcEXayzc06B93p1T99dChr-yx0uGs25XYfshy5iZ_CZhclw5nOwztQzW7JlOdxYbwSMzw9y3N3s0x-ycWCcIcbt19W4WYeg7vgHbGM2s29JE16WAOWaYBq6DIe73P2DV9Bn6LY7k2XW/s400/Screenshot-5676.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
"Something about this room is very strange." Mirabelle said as she stood into the hidden room in the back of the library's basement. The bookcase that hid the door had been moved at this point so the family could easily access the room. "I mean, <i>aside </i>from the obvious magical stuff. Though to me it's not strange. I've seen magic before. No, what's strange is the fact that these magical wands here are each color coded. One red, one blue, one black, and one blue and black. It's obvious, isn't it?"<br />
<br />
"Each of us get one of these." Scarlett said while looking at an old lectern, "But who put them here?! And why?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nvkJ_msAlj9UB3HVQDV2EZfGGturrvEdZMkJlW7BstO4rsiYb-DrBElOVuCdSUjEXEHVxwWFcshiIymZ7tOsNv-7DqtXf5FMpsQbApmD1usEW-RyNAfSECvA2YfJvOyCrX8kEkV6D8Fs/s1600/Screenshot-5680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nvkJ_msAlj9UB3HVQDV2EZfGGturrvEdZMkJlW7BstO4rsiYb-DrBElOVuCdSUjEXEHVxwWFcshiIymZ7tOsNv-7DqtXf5FMpsQbApmD1usEW-RyNAfSECvA2YfJvOyCrX8kEkV6D8Fs/s400/Screenshot-5680.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't know." Mirabelle replied, "All I know is that the ghost who told me to come here and bring you guys told me to get here as soon as possible. Perhaps he was the one who made these. Maybe he was..." Mirabelle turned around and looked at something on a pedestal. It was a crystal ball that gave off a mystic feeling, "...maybe he was psychic."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoxSEBdVlYkOGBlZmLczZu1aP7QlHhHJZ_gjrNm3SXz0d3tlhWoJ_piytbmiFPgSkBDYkQr3KGBT_7ZYMI8teIsuiB7EdVnOOP6DbFw7PyxpZbl-XjbzqTVcIJSQPzQVIAex8kRTG6slZ/s1600/Screenshot-5677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoxSEBdVlYkOGBlZmLczZu1aP7QlHhHJZ_gjrNm3SXz0d3tlhWoJ_piytbmiFPgSkBDYkQr3KGBT_7ZYMI8teIsuiB7EdVnOOP6DbFw7PyxpZbl-XjbzqTVcIJSQPzQVIAex8kRTG6slZ/s400/Screenshot-5677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I believe it." Kelly said, "I believe in psychic abilities. I'm sure why I do, I just do."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVfRm1FmS4PscWeT-cL-nP4fCDPoWFXLUFXZmO56_OakQILLPBl-OY4oLd8pOZ9T2QDku_0ee9myrgkqwrv1XRcFkwWApBQJHqyegcJiWAyTs_5jSD3DPh4OxtcreES_RPoJ1BGv9_3Z_/s1600/Screenshot-5679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVfRm1FmS4PscWeT-cL-nP4fCDPoWFXLUFXZmO56_OakQILLPBl-OY4oLd8pOZ9T2QDku_0ee9myrgkqwrv1XRcFkwWApBQJHqyegcJiWAyTs_5jSD3DPh4OxtcreES_RPoJ1BGv9_3Z_/s400/Screenshot-5679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Me too." Keera said, but the group were surprised to find that she wasn't actually in the room. Instead she was outside looking in. It took Scarlett and Mirabelle all of five seconds to realize the torches in the room were deterring her. Ever since Keera's accident, she was terrified of fire, to the point that simply looking at it would make her freeze in fear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmObDJaNKlcwNYl_DURGNOVKrKlChmzj94FjKrI5wZyEhNVuPnvcxFEE_EBb38fup3-RSQaysy89XAbrQK5Dm-ZQVRm5cgXI4KKUqs4C-AaiHKgUJmubEWWfJW6CKwxw-VtqJZzTvbLbF/s1600/Screenshot-5681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmObDJaNKlcwNYl_DURGNOVKrKlChmzj94FjKrI5wZyEhNVuPnvcxFEE_EBb38fup3-RSQaysy89XAbrQK5Dm-ZQVRm5cgXI4KKUqs4C-AaiHKgUJmubEWWfJW6CKwxw-VtqJZzTvbLbF/s400/Screenshot-5681.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I can extinguish them." Mirabelle said, worried. "Just come in here."<br />
<br />
"No." Keera replied. "I'm going to go outside... the main entrance to get some air. This room's too dusty I think. Yeah, too dusty. Allergies are a pain." Keera left before anyone else could respond, and Mirabelle was upset to see her leave, but after a few seconds turned around to look at the wands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbauiYQWgK2W-dKpYRi1Bbig0iBGOdxXArMHQ5UDu9YayB-HMb2lu6q7vjuHqtrhdMke72oOe8ofjsc6v0sU04Ll6VDwUpB2XMByqqojgaWgKGQezYEhT5wdeJfm3lcPv01lDOn9mGSerl/s1600/Screenshot-5683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbauiYQWgK2W-dKpYRi1Bbig0iBGOdxXArMHQ5UDu9YayB-HMb2lu6q7vjuHqtrhdMke72oOe8ofjsc6v0sU04Ll6VDwUpB2XMByqqojgaWgKGQezYEhT5wdeJfm3lcPv01lDOn9mGSerl/s400/Screenshot-5683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't see one for Tom, or Annie, or you, Mirabelle." Kelly said. "None of them match up."<br />
<br />
<br />
Mirabelle smirked: "Well, I can explain why myself and Annie don't have one. If this is real magic, we know how to use it already, without the use of a magic wand. When I read that book that woman Nightmare had, I learned a few magic spells, all of which could be used offensively. I used them when I battled her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLQrxTP5zcFgo57XOQmF_6EnI8arq_RbF5EvZkl63HWNfSB9AmsNyucG4CbM3Z-WUIo5JJYkiDbpNTUVliqCjK4YBNaer36tLqnUzP-b2_jSJC_g6fwcGq3x3f-DuggPAni7OIhDxjfWL/s1600/Screenshot-5684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLQrxTP5zcFgo57XOQmF_6EnI8arq_RbF5EvZkl63HWNfSB9AmsNyucG4CbM3Z-WUIo5JJYkiDbpNTUVliqCjK4YBNaer36tLqnUzP-b2_jSJC_g6fwcGq3x3f-DuggPAni7OIhDxjfWL/s400/Screenshot-5684.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly Mirabelle caught herself. "I mean, when <i>Annabelle</i> battled her. I'll have to see if I can remember how to use them."<br />
<br />
Kelly, John, and Scarlett grabbed their appropriately-colored magic wands and put them away in their pockets. Kelly also grabbed Keera's and placed it in hers as well, saying to herself that she can give it to her when she sees her next. After some time, Scarlett, John, and Mirabelle left the room to investigate the basement some more, in case there were some books instructing them on using the magic wands. Kelly decided to stay in the room and take a quick look at the crystal ball that was the centerpiece of the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mQUAyS9PtYtfgbseiipe5s0dRjJ1ch4PwSwYmjMCrmZVmqEAiVonXD-B-K2aKRZMzSIgxMxjceSpWa4aVWqhNyWWSfQNubYu0kFOzq3bq0MO1iM85JShxHm-VlB3DMukWsZmgC_xizqp/s1600/Screenshot-5690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mQUAyS9PtYtfgbseiipe5s0dRjJ1ch4PwSwYmjMCrmZVmqEAiVonXD-B-K2aKRZMzSIgxMxjceSpWa4aVWqhNyWWSfQNubYu0kFOzq3bq0MO1iM85JShxHm-VlB3DMukWsZmgC_xizqp/s400/Screenshot-5690.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly sat down in front of the crystal ball and started moving her hands over it. She couldn't get it to do anything, but when she was getting up to walk away she heard a slight whisper from the object. The whisper only said one word, and Kelly could barely make it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh5MlE99oyMjy2_nWKB97ixaZa8HQKM3pgk0KudEuQQuvkvi8QshGa0r7w0TylOEcYBUf4MJJfrq152MIBIi7r5M5TbHJUkGOxGRv_EJanSRIlZNzMSjpKby8iRwh-QPf88lIAGgUaqf7/s1600/Screenshot-5687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh5MlE99oyMjy2_nWKB97ixaZa8HQKM3pgk0KudEuQQuvkvi8QshGa0r7w0TylOEcYBUf4MJJfrq152MIBIi7r5M5TbHJUkGOxGRv_EJanSRIlZNzMSjpKby8iRwh-QPf88lIAGgUaqf7/s400/Screenshot-5687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">"Vooooorneeeeeeek."</span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ7wkysHiIPXE7GGVFC5nLuK5Exhyphenhyphen48vwQ8UkYyStasWM9I37ABu9aiPnb0oh1twcUJGSmYGWU-ExhTPL63b8gm-ilcdFXyTXtukRRU1eC_J1HuxrcoUr92C9XeBe1iJr21ERH4eF065W/s1600/Screenshot-5689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ7wkysHiIPXE7GGVFC5nLuK5Exhyphenhyphen48vwQ8UkYyStasWM9I37ABu9aiPnb0oh1twcUJGSmYGWU-ExhTPL63b8gm-ilcdFXyTXtukRRU1eC_J1HuxrcoUr92C9XeBe1iJr21ERH4eF065W/s400/Screenshot-5689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly shrugged this off, realizing it had been a while since she got any sleep and she never did get her morning coffee, perhaps her hearing things was merely a side effect from it. Kelly walked into the main room of the library's basement and continued to search for books on magic spells with them, still thinking of that single word...<br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4n4l-ApGV8IXcclkrPtkXkLewJlJ9cmnOCE_4DUk3HTEPTYtXhVq-OriDtNFpPpoYYATrJ4R4aUBmvbGsezx7oF7vlspYZSlLx3hp-fz385Jhg1U3BaK_2vc4QiQozyk4C_r8lxye1pe/s1600/Screenshot-5700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4n4l-ApGV8IXcclkrPtkXkLewJlJ9cmnOCE_4DUk3HTEPTYtXhVq-OriDtNFpPpoYYATrJ4R4aUBmvbGsezx7oF7vlspYZSlLx3hp-fz385Jhg1U3BaK_2vc4QiQozyk4C_r8lxye1pe/s400/Screenshot-5700.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iS_pIJ6H5vFp8ioL6f0ctPrnPdQ0aupyl0xsjGsGds4W6f2bz9W53oRSAFhqaPd7OELkgJXokGZWC90Ih7JhXpNqK-Wcp7GtZzWDw_LtR9NKhRaCnmtd8pEn096Wt2iVTjxe6ul9gYEA/s1600/Screenshot-5699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iS_pIJ6H5vFp8ioL6f0ctPrnPdQ0aupyl0xsjGsGds4W6f2bz9W53oRSAFhqaPd7OELkgJXokGZWC90Ih7JhXpNqK-Wcp7GtZzWDw_LtR9NKhRaCnmtd8pEn096Wt2iVTjxe6ul9gYEA/s400/Screenshot-5699.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera stood in the Library's main plaza, looking out to the city under the rain storm. She wondered to herself if she was ever going to have a "normal" life, which to her was a privilege that was shared by those who weren't associated with aliens or were half-alien clones. This humorous thought slightly amused her, bringing a smile to her face, but that smile quickly faded when she saw someone approaching her. "You."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJU1bWM4mpCfq_UVNpcv0j4iOu6IkSSWAEFZutbEhp8slIlFYljn4ec63r41z55a-1waPWzPpAsapXJvzF2q37ANzgh3zr8i4DAEjuqmDSu8HE-uUT5cDsRUeqAhREr7eanmA-PJm48dXJ/s1600/Screenshot-5692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJU1bWM4mpCfq_UVNpcv0j4iOu6IkSSWAEFZutbEhp8slIlFYljn4ec63r41z55a-1waPWzPpAsapXJvzF2q37ANzgh3zr8i4DAEjuqmDSu8HE-uUT5cDsRUeqAhREr7eanmA-PJm48dXJ/s400/Screenshot-5692.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Collin Lyons, the man Keera had met the night before, was walking through the library towards her. "Please listen to me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknoLaIivWHn9MVLVEB2hVHqT9BH8G4dnkFLOevnglY06p9115H_n90blPLd-aNbtplQdk0odnqF6rsNljv02CRwEabQPVWtiNH5zSsiz03m5OXjsljybYhkZRiLK3roptXGJg8jp_lhjx/s1600/Screenshot-5693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknoLaIivWHn9MVLVEB2hVHqT9BH8G4dnkFLOevnglY06p9115H_n90blPLd-aNbtplQdk0odnqF6rsNljv02CRwEabQPVWtiNH5zSsiz03m5OXjsljybYhkZRiLK3roptXGJg8jp_lhjx/s400/Screenshot-5693.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Still angered, Keera yelled out "Hell no! I thought I gave you my opinion on you last night, Collin. Get the hell away from me!"<br />
<br />
"Please Keera!" This stopped the girl in her tracks. She never even bothered to wonder if he knew the name of the person he scarred so terribly. "Keera, right? That's-that's your name, right? Please, before you deservedly punch me in the face and kick me through the window, I wanted to tell you something. Please listen to me, for one second? I promise I won't take up any more of your time after this, I promise! I actually sought you out to give you something."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNflGvxf8Gck5JxTMyhzhvKFuRk4xI_iS7CK2lv9hIR6yb2otWW4NPrcmn5dCYW3mEN7xSpYt2eNJeaBlvGEYoTSn3vZNNLhuHDN5Dn2P4xnMVzsaJTs7VoJqOU4xhHMbPdKzB-yQ0xpr/s1600/Screenshot-5691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNflGvxf8Gck5JxTMyhzhvKFuRk4xI_iS7CK2lv9hIR6yb2otWW4NPrcmn5dCYW3mEN7xSpYt2eNJeaBlvGEYoTSn3vZNNLhuHDN5Dn2P4xnMVzsaJTs7VoJqOU4xhHMbPdKzB-yQ0xpr/s400/Screenshot-5691.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera looked at him angrily and said "Whatever. Go ahead."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMmJZvO_YDZGFtLesk5fHEUtidWXxQiqypEN02V_GKmfzL-hR1fDtc39qmtce_zjZcrng2Hwjep2jKI9C5qV5oPuczqP6p07BvMRLAe6oAMWCWrezgK7a_BvvGTxwEkD-gBSn2uxaMFpY/s1600/Screenshot-5696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMmJZvO_YDZGFtLesk5fHEUtidWXxQiqypEN02V_GKmfzL-hR1fDtc39qmtce_zjZcrng2Hwjep2jKI9C5qV5oPuczqP6p07BvMRLAe6oAMWCWrezgK7a_BvvGTxwEkD-gBSn2uxaMFpY/s400/Screenshot-5696.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Collin half-smiled, but stopped himself after some time. "To find out your name I researched the accident, and as I did so, I looked at the pictures of the destruction that I caused. I saw a picture of them carrying you out on a stretcher, and when I did, I had to wipe the tears from my computer keyboard. I couldn't stop crying. When I found out that I had harmed someone through my carelessness, I froze."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOz0cqs1zPMuUQMgLshFFoCwl76rJCBWNTWG7Z_bBMnMx1XaMXXgrwzd70QrfQrqMtykNYtwAUSciKfcLZZ_QoxnA_bKWL3Sb6gMoWP11Qg_lQUpoHv0COGObfn0vcoc7Aleub8ww-XJY/s1600/Screenshot-5695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOz0cqs1zPMuUQMgLshFFoCwl76rJCBWNTWG7Z_bBMnMx1XaMXXgrwzd70QrfQrqMtykNYtwAUSciKfcLZZ_QoxnA_bKWL3Sb6gMoWP11Qg_lQUpoHv0COGObfn0vcoc7Aleub8ww-XJY/s400/Screenshot-5695.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"The day after being fired from my job, my family... my own children... told me I wasn't good enough for them anymore. I had a mental breakdown, and came to Starlight Shores to check myself into a mental hospital. But when I stood there, waiting to go in, I couldn't. I knew I had to do something to redeem myself. The sad part is, I'm not sure what I am destined to do. I know you probably never want to see me again, and I know what I've done to you, and your family."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8716Ivb3oOPLm6ciXgUYO7leqpd8-gBKMjDc7QT76pfafeYXnOOkxq-DCUHCfdWU9pI8zyy6ye1h3HIb63F9yQqY6GY3qod8CH1EfmSw56Dlzvi_voGHjmLcboyz5ldt2Gf5csQmmOUyp/s1600/Screenshot-5694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8716Ivb3oOPLm6ciXgUYO7leqpd8-gBKMjDc7QT76pfafeYXnOOkxq-DCUHCfdWU9pI8zyy6ye1h3HIb63F9yQqY6GY3qod8CH1EfmSw56Dlzvi_voGHjmLcboyz5ldt2Gf5csQmmOUyp/s400/Screenshot-5694.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I know you'll never forgive me for what I did, but I wanted to tell you... I am truly, deeply, genuinely sorry for causing that accident. I am so sorry for all the pain I caused you. I am so sorry for the darkness that has veiled your life because of my recklessness. And I... I wanted to give you something. It's a trinket, an armband my mother gave me when I was younger. She told me it was supposed to represent strength with weakness. I never knew what that meant. I've worn it quite a bit since the accident I caused, and I never felt stronger by it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWWRraArBO9SVxkVU9fFwJmOX6oDsFHgqZ2TdrzIDEAfdGiRuer3zeqPvWLP9eu3ubXAWlexIVn_SZPjE1WPTkcY2XJ9EKpH7SLoxdBGPKWaWUehP6oh1DjGrw9edbk9IAWyoaNi2FWJB/s1600/Screenshot-5698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWWRraArBO9SVxkVU9fFwJmOX6oDsFHgqZ2TdrzIDEAfdGiRuer3zeqPvWLP9eu3ubXAWlexIVn_SZPjE1WPTkcY2XJ9EKpH7SLoxdBGPKWaWUehP6oh1DjGrw9edbk9IAWyoaNi2FWJB/s400/Screenshot-5698.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Colin handed Keera the box, and turned around. "You can sell it or, whatever. I just wanted to give it to you, as a token of my deep apologies. Again, I am so sorry." With those parting words, he left the library. Keera was tempted to open the box, but instead decided against it. A thought came to her that she would open it when she knew it was the right time, and right now wasn't it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhs-s2avtjKKouu8CXsACHaKmA8HwF2KMOP7nLPXeTh9S63g0wOipVTLtETWtE0jAcMtthrYBYmotNrmA4CInIPDo05euY5UqexeFqsjxQAG_760cDo-lLxO6_4lMjI4evSKcJ_inTGAD/s1600/Screenshot-5701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhs-s2avtjKKouu8CXsACHaKmA8HwF2KMOP7nLPXeTh9S63g0wOipVTLtETWtE0jAcMtthrYBYmotNrmA4CInIPDo05euY5UqexeFqsjxQAG_760cDo-lLxO6_4lMjI4evSKcJ_inTGAD/s400/Screenshot-5701.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She walked outside and placed the box in the family car, looking around to see if she could still see Collin. She couldn't. After a short time, Keera walked back inside and looked around the library, this time more focused on things than she was a few minutes before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAllXQzn_aM-nhCABI8snClxJJd9FPwq11Q1oRJNE_UznDAacaIQxtAwU33fd2Ffm2JRz4uKn99GTOedVV34Maye8_Y8LnmMRoMlbcPW0FQQlgwwfcwf85dVNiBhQzRaAd68Y3_2qIQFZa/s1600/Screenshot-5702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAllXQzn_aM-nhCABI8snClxJJd9FPwq11Q1oRJNE_UznDAacaIQxtAwU33fd2Ffm2JRz4uKn99GTOedVV34Maye8_Y8LnmMRoMlbcPW0FQQlgwwfcwf85dVNiBhQzRaAd68Y3_2qIQFZa/s400/Screenshot-5702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When Kelly, John, and everyone else walked upstairs and out of the main plaza, Kelly approached Keera and gave her the magic wand. Keera told the group about the encounter with Collin Lyons, but couldn't tell them about her feelings regarding his apology. She internally worried that she was losing her ability to feel sympathy, a base human emotion. Maybe, perhaps, she was still just trying to think things through.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehIHvGyItq85ZgTmAM6RT_BpBKEFTggHTOr2LovFehXADI35ekayZ20-CmM42c11m2QCFh8JcMxBdeLQmDLalB8Jngj-wgH6CUHk8Z8GZIu9GOa146Q0ORK3W4WlBeAPTViiYGtbeGXNP/s1600/Screenshot-5727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehIHvGyItq85ZgTmAM6RT_BpBKEFTggHTOr2LovFehXADI35ekayZ20-CmM42c11m2QCFh8JcMxBdeLQmDLalB8Jngj-wgH6CUHk8Z8GZIu9GOa146Q0ORK3W4WlBeAPTViiYGtbeGXNP/s400/Screenshot-5727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The ride home was silent, no one had any words to describe what they found. They realized they could ask Isobelle or Deacon if they knew anything about magic, or even Cassie. Finally, when they got back, they saw the aforementioned two walking into the house at the same time. They looked defeated, and Isobelle had a burn mark on her face. It was obvious they didn't complete their little "mission". Finally Keera walked into the living room and saw Tom standing in front of the couch, having just woken up from his nap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3ioH-wZT4O9A6t04LoEnRA1rPo4wLyGwgP-kGCOEKg-NTLjKFuHUMPYAZlhIVfkfcdObf14Xq-tyRZz-lr0XsoLNtKUS9rtOX4bmTJBvBIavYLo_GDzL3uCzFuxgCZV1seOiQW-M1lJ7/s1600/Screenshot-5728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3ioH-wZT4O9A6t04LoEnRA1rPo4wLyGwgP-kGCOEKg-NTLjKFuHUMPYAZlhIVfkfcdObf14Xq-tyRZz-lr0XsoLNtKUS9rtOX4bmTJBvBIavYLo_GDzL3uCzFuxgCZV1seOiQW-M1lJ7/s400/Screenshot-5728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey Tom, what's up?"<br />
<br />
Tom was silent. Keera noticed that he was wearing his outfit that he wore before, his favorite one, but something about him was sad, depressed. Then Keera noticed the absence of someone. "Where' Mom? Tom? Where is she?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEBQS9AOiKmUAAlJLgW6oxK1uKvtu64VgD3SlKHodXUpZp3Lk6iKo8f7VdxeDn3-NiYyjEQseNb-GvyY4CCVGBAeAso5GpXS8kTRR_bd1endxp0fgKgH8o9rBYDyH9Zx3C943dtP3Ulha/s1600/Screenshot-5729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEBQS9AOiKmUAAlJLgW6oxK1uKvtu64VgD3SlKHodXUpZp3Lk6iKo8f7VdxeDn3-NiYyjEQseNb-GvyY4CCVGBAeAso5GpXS8kTRR_bd1endxp0fgKgH8o9rBYDyH9Zx3C943dtP3Ulha/s400/Screenshot-5729.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom remained looked right at her. "She was taken." He said, his words coming out in cold breaths as opposed to his usually confidence. "She was kidnapped by the villains."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxZ-V1pzVHbGNImVAq0eAo3bbbi3o8Yd3b3rT1fysX00_TBm6N3Thv6yaDQYAVwX-3DvE8SdIWqh-02kyAupitax3kmdOQblgk57jKbuOA0aBB1H4aTuTn7egydQ_dUdERYDGAPk3g-r7/s1600/Screenshot-5730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxZ-V1pzVHbGNImVAq0eAo3bbbi3o8Yd3b3rT1fysX00_TBm6N3Thv6yaDQYAVwX-3DvE8SdIWqh-02kyAupitax3kmdOQblgk57jKbuOA0aBB1H4aTuTn7egydQ_dUdERYDGAPk3g-r7/s400/Screenshot-5730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>----------------------</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL09OnKz53XVdFpR2bjqZk2iNbNUBYJKeMq7Vt7scblgXN-rLfW_9wJWr5W_Uy0ru-zQ2iM-ZxTgKpSJyGyRhqqm6TPB0rl0QoTHpn1lj7gjaxuky_3sXvNUv9jMGCOQiPRm744GbP2NN/s1600/Screenshot-1004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL09OnKz53XVdFpR2bjqZk2iNbNUBYJKeMq7Vt7scblgXN-rLfW_9wJWr5W_Uy0ru-zQ2iM-ZxTgKpSJyGyRhqqm6TPB0rl0QoTHpn1lj7gjaxuky_3sXvNUv9jMGCOQiPRm744GbP2NN/s400/Screenshot-1004.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle woke up and looked around. She was in a small cell, no more than the size of a small bedroom. She saw a couple air vents above the bed she was lying on, and on the other side of a glass window there was a dark room with a chair and television set. She stood up and noticed that her clothes were different, there was a ring on her middle finger and a brooch around her neck that had a glow to it. When she yanked at the strap of the brooch that gave her a small shock, which didn't hurt, it just annoyed her.<i> 'I guess my captors thought it would be painful.</i>', she thought.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ03xOOB7cqCT7oU5_loVHmB8NsqK_TqA-SRROSw-nYnYP8SixDeUBs_Y2EPKtUbrDQArTzgaLDvpjOrKWCh3_6LyUfWQJfAfGnaDIvOW6vhUFbpW1MvicG1UcFKNkRe_jvPOI0pnhy9pD/s1600/Screenshot-1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ03xOOB7cqCT7oU5_loVHmB8NsqK_TqA-SRROSw-nYnYP8SixDeUBs_Y2EPKtUbrDQArTzgaLDvpjOrKWCh3_6LyUfWQJfAfGnaDIvOW6vhUFbpW1MvicG1UcFKNkRe_jvPOI0pnhy9pD/s400/Screenshot-1005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Most notably, when she caught her reflection in the glass window, she saw that her bruises were healed completely, which led her to assume that the Doctor Vu person made the robot heal her. Annabelle wondered why this was as she walked over to a metal door and tried to pull on the handle, and that was when she heard a voice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgdL5woN34wRKuRws5IiQJV3jv8DRqja26fVhuWAgABE7HubfigfeuHLz1JxR5Qi68Z78TAxuDiLMNRNmwp2BOaHrqx2qEuPA5DZE7KI0jkC8nzE6Loj7ORJyVCOepY-NRQtzsoonUmS/s1600/Screenshot-1006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgdL5woN34wRKuRws5IiQJV3jv8DRqja26fVhuWAgABE7HubfigfeuHLz1JxR5Qi68Z78TAxuDiLMNRNmwp2BOaHrqx2qEuPA5DZE7KI0jkC8nzE6Loj7ORJyVCOepY-NRQtzsoonUmS/s400/Screenshot-1006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No please, don't try to escape. Not like you could anyway." Annabelle turned and saw Jacob standing on the opposite side of a window, having silently walked into the room next to the cell. "That room is sealed. Any attempt to break the door will induce a vaporous poison into the air vents behind you... really nasty stuff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE75axH7c7kaRBeGM-zMNFAa1kyevMDAvNXo2DSirzK0k8FKTzf0tzXSnuvyj7XepB218KxKr1L-9SOgnJi6RuRGJ6fyPL3OmxOBRp16CUPgGXwnjq1Q9b-LCNqDCyS74b8tkOOO8YnFeL/s1600/Screenshot-1007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE75axH7c7kaRBeGM-zMNFAa1kyevMDAvNXo2DSirzK0k8FKTzf0tzXSnuvyj7XepB218KxKr1L-9SOgnJi6RuRGJ6fyPL3OmxOBRp16CUPgGXwnjq1Q9b-LCNqDCyS74b8tkOOO8YnFeL/s400/Screenshot-1007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What do you want with me?" Annabelle asked. "What did I ever do to you, Thompson?"<br />
<br />
"Isn't that the million dollar question?" Jacob smiled with an evil look to his eye. "To be honest, you've been a thorn in the side of every 'evil' person this side of the western hemisphere. Needless to say you've made some enemies, more so than anyone else in your household."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAP5O-2ZHriYz8SM9mf8PT1yHfsq59voO2vx4yg0GpGGWWt8U4cwiiaeakM8ePfkZmHEBobxYAIDmIW_GlqfV9b7fqGFoi8Sxwk679PAYh5hsBWzaf2xJQv4FCjIvFCF27epiEupswDso/s1600/Screenshot-1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAP5O-2ZHriYz8SM9mf8PT1yHfsq59voO2vx4yg0GpGGWWt8U4cwiiaeakM8ePfkZmHEBobxYAIDmIW_GlqfV9b7fqGFoi8Sxwk679PAYh5hsBWzaf2xJQv4FCjIvFCF27epiEupswDso/s400/Screenshot-1012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well that's good." Annabelle replied sarcastically. "Especially with the Benefactors, yeah? I remember Jack Toomes, that disgusting, putrid, scruff-faced neanderthal whose biggest accomplishment he ever made in his life was achieving a level of intelligence<i> slightly </i>higher than that of the average amoeba."<br />
<br />
"He had the intelligence level to kidnap you!"<br />
<br />
"Yeah. Like I said, 'low intelligence'. You must share that intelligence level with him. I mean, because you kidnapped me too, and that's usually a bad idea. In fact you seem to share a lot of traits with Jack." Annabelle stepped just to her left and started to pull on the door again, prompting Jacob to get angry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr1i_ljV9qzE3SFIC22-scZynYeiO-tZxEyP2QsTLEDPkJu2_ZSblrfOWqLMSQasbUYbXvytJlA16q_INNANxZX6BRtdh1h5gx7f74n1zu4GKEZEAqaKh8e08ENMrZ-hi57Bxc4p3ZAfI/s1600/Screenshot-1010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr1i_ljV9qzE3SFIC22-scZynYeiO-tZxEyP2QsTLEDPkJu2_ZSblrfOWqLMSQasbUYbXvytJlA16q_INNANxZX6BRtdh1h5gx7f74n1zu4GKEZEAqaKh8e08ENMrZ-hi57Bxc4p3ZAfI/s400/Screenshot-1010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Don't try to escape I said! That ring on your middle finger is a monitoring device. It will track your every movement, and if you try to take it off it will simply teleport you back to this room, where the poison would begin to vent into there."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgflKiF6kDo-9u5XkiHkj2AHrnfWBI8FFiviVMmgxmNg5Whuo6quG0xXc2PSkATHKbqlJl2xf3-ll5WzQaHNMrT7OYwbU5J-NMnxocZdIL06ADBeKdpubFOz_6yXpzeKs0dEMv_NRUdpc/s1600/Screenshot-1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgflKiF6kDo-9u5XkiHkj2AHrnfWBI8FFiviVMmgxmNg5Whuo6quG0xXc2PSkATHKbqlJl2xf3-ll5WzQaHNMrT7OYwbU5J-NMnxocZdIL06ADBeKdpubFOz_6yXpzeKs0dEMv_NRUdpc/s400/Screenshot-1014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh you mean this ring?" Annabelle lifted her hand, and her finger, but ONLY the aforementioned finger. "This ring right here? This one? This ring on this finger <i>riiiight </i>here? Is that the one? Look at it very closely because I am really wondering if this is the ring. Look at it."<br />
<br />
Jacob turned around and looked on the opposite wall. "How very mature of you. I can't believe you were able to defeat Jack Toomes at seventeen years old. You and Tom."<br />
<br />
"Well when Jack Toomes is a complete, total, absolute moron it's surprising I didn't defeat him at eleven. Then again I suppose I needed to give him a head start. I damn well know he needed it."<br />
<br />
"SHUT. UP!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle laughed and said, <span style="font-family: inherit;">"You know you weren't very secretive about hiding your true identity."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZl9DBk-K6JuoabB1aumK8ECOC8kCkryAFXrfa966-W0tGIZ3KB3XC2s-formASVpk_HiFm8-U6MAqlnCe9iedeEco9nDvUIiC-MplRyhlD-zfRkgQdfbFre7q_3591xuEDIEjV0I9kcP/s1600/Screenshot-1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZl9DBk-K6JuoabB1aumK8ECOC8kCkryAFXrfa966-W0tGIZ3KB3XC2s-formASVpk_HiFm8-U6MAqlnCe9iedeEco9nDvUIiC-MplRyhlD-zfRkgQdfbFre7q_3591xuEDIEjV0I9kcP/s400/Screenshot-1013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "Yeah! I figured it out from the moment I saw you in the Museum. I've just been goading you on these past few minutes. Then again, plastic surgery and the untested Young-Again potion you stole from my brother can only go so far. You still have the ticks, the inflection in your voice, your angered look when I make fun of Jack Toomes... but the color of your eyes is a big giveaway. They were a different hue when I saw them before."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jacob turned around again, and looked at her contemplatively. "When you saw them before?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vlpy9UOvzIw067YEmEPa7rX0DQGZlf9WasrQEr7fiWkAC3C2khfBNaXmLpuAnehVdJOhl-uP7425nsILHWyiFrzDd3zMXu9TSR33nVFvjZwnxg1Ot0m3LBk8Uy1mY93EsaZUAgm2TlfN/s1600/Screenshot-1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vlpy9UOvzIw067YEmEPa7rX0DQGZlf9WasrQEr7fiWkAC3C2khfBNaXmLpuAnehVdJOhl-uP7425nsILHWyiFrzDd3zMXu9TSR33nVFvjZwnxg1Ot0m3LBk8Uy1mY93EsaZUAgm2TlfN/s400/Screenshot-1008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"When I met that drone that stood in at the prison. The one that got blown to hell because you used Vu's device to summon a meteor to hit the ground at the exact spot it was. I knew it was a drone because when it stood up in that </span>surveillance<span style="font-family: inherit;"> video, which I lovingly lifted from the police station, and said 'it's time then', presumably a pre-programmed phrase to make people think it was crazy and talking to itself, there was a bit of radio feedback and the only source that it could have possibly come from was one of the drones <i>you </i>stole from the science facility in Sunset Valley and altered to look like someone else."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You are smarter than the average person, I'll give you that."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Thank you! I used to think you were smart too, but with you and your personality, the young again potion that was stolen a couple months ago, the robotic drones that were lifted a few weeks ago, and the simple fact that you seem to hate me for no reason has led me to believe that you aren't the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to simple things like 'keeping your identity secret.' I guess I hit the nail on the head when I said 'absolute moron', didn't I..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR40rcz6oWGCN3-clfdpu-Tl1LRwj5ybJ8bS8sIXcEvg6JHcSgcebEcSRAsfmIcAaeddBPr_usWkN1FPLwe3YpHurjSHBnsKXTy1JdtmxPV7h81fIrdgOi17hzy0Yf2oXX4IvwPv4zsKe1/s1600/Screenshot-1015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR40rcz6oWGCN3-clfdpu-Tl1LRwj5ybJ8bS8sIXcEvg6JHcSgcebEcSRAsfmIcAaeddBPr_usWkN1FPLwe3YpHurjSHBnsKXTy1JdtmxPV7h81fIrdgOi17hzy0Yf2oXX4IvwPv4zsKe1/s400/Screenshot-1015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jack?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span></i></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-1812237344596745942012-12-12T22:03:00.000-06:002012-12-14T12:24:16.780-06:00Chapter Thirty-Two - The Rising Darkness<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>September 14th, 2022. </b></i><br />
<i><b>Six days to the Solar Eclipse</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsXFUaNfF0-qAPkPGdoCMGb0V9L47_lM-iyVn_jezWphAjcY8_nA5mibYexuJuhjGrWtyah6WnpNJuwRtWqiLcznFUaY2BfcoWorIpO8iJ6VMrTuAs6FwbUj_1qzK-DDPVFjyNH3SGd-T/s1600/Screenshot-884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsXFUaNfF0-qAPkPGdoCMGb0V9L47_lM-iyVn_jezWphAjcY8_nA5mibYexuJuhjGrWtyah6WnpNJuwRtWqiLcznFUaY2BfcoWorIpO8iJ6VMrTuAs6FwbUj_1qzK-DDPVFjyNH3SGd-T/s400/Screenshot-884.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i>"I love you, Annabelle." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz0vzVVvo0kQWMqMWBVrm2NQejnglYZg1oJ7RbXOeXpspPYKYO2a7P1xSZHsF0r0Hzce8kcrZCrgQky2fMCjPK9MqyOTqffPTUkckNonpP_8k6SNJwLJ6CuoQsNTScoSybe7yTppKUgjm/s1600/Screenshot-881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz0vzVVvo0kQWMqMWBVrm2NQejnglYZg1oJ7RbXOeXpspPYKYO2a7P1xSZHsF0r0Hzce8kcrZCrgQky2fMCjPK9MqyOTqffPTUkckNonpP_8k6SNJwLJ6CuoQsNTScoSybe7yTppKUgjm/s400/Screenshot-881.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Annabelle stood on a rooftop wearing a gown. The sun was shining and Tom was standing in front of her, but she knew this wasn't real. This was a recurring dream she'd had since she was a teenager, with her and Tom, only the situation around them had changed as she grew up. Knowing it was a dream, and only a dream, she acted on that realization. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2ySYCC3_FhwihhO486YBlIKDGsaeMKLXtyoXrkR4l3NXu3haGHOrVOgWGcHrXpwpttUBVCIX4MSFynPHI5lCnHkRMd0gKGKfY93yUaQr4rmIEyEF37Mj5sy6URYn-xS9-SsFIqytXL3T/s1600/Screenshot-883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2ySYCC3_FhwihhO486YBlIKDGsaeMKLXtyoXrkR4l3NXu3haGHOrVOgWGcHrXpwpttUBVCIX4MSFynPHI5lCnHkRMd0gKGKfY93yUaQr4rmIEyEF37Mj5sy6URYn-xS9-SsFIqytXL3T/s400/Screenshot-883.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I don't know if I can keep doing this dream, Tom. I know I love you but I can't find the right way to say it in the real world. I've loved you all my life, I want to marry you, I want to have children and grow old but I can't say it."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Rpr9ezhOeaZJ64xXdBmbx2VLYytFOJr6JvRavGADQZDKazafSKzxHJdvBpER33YtmWGDKjqoOrzd5hJ59r_9zfNpYyc_Mqjdw3yghzK_p_1ZrS59FMfGsndIyF0cRtRWW_verw168SX7/s1600/Screenshot-882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Rpr9ezhOeaZJ64xXdBmbx2VLYytFOJr6JvRavGADQZDKazafSKzxHJdvBpER33YtmWGDKjqoOrzd5hJ59r_9zfNpYyc_Mqjdw3yghzK_p_1ZrS59FMfGsndIyF0cRtRWW_verw168SX7/s400/Screenshot-882.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Sometimes you don't need to say it. Sometimes actions speak for themselves."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Annabelle smiled, and then... </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmYpjJTqs3oitYN66qpoxfMU6RTgacolsiVhZGCr1-11TprfWGY14mlY7T4hdr9kQ_-72MzB3MhUGRLlQiTZHIEaJTzzEMQzGJhnglx6eDjXzIKGuOW6d1oD89muL4lJdasQbf5CUUTbj/s1600/Screenshot-843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmYpjJTqs3oitYN66qpoxfMU6RTgacolsiVhZGCr1-11TprfWGY14mlY7T4hdr9kQ_-72MzB3MhUGRLlQiTZHIEaJTzzEMQzGJhnglx6eDjXzIKGuOW6d1oD89muL4lJdasQbf5CUUTbj/s400/Screenshot-843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...she woke up with a ringing in her ear, a small but persistent one that took it's nice time going away. Perhaps it was the storm outside, which was still raging. She soon realized that it was a side effect from her nervous breakdown the night before, which left itself as a sad and persistent reminder of what happened. Annabelle didn't like showing signs of weakness, why would she? She was raised strong by her mother Maria and Kelly's parents Elliot and Mei helped increase this sense into her. To her, weakness was an exploitable trait in any living being, human or not.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsMTGmHNQ3bAdDfuX3-lr99gewaF3tP1Z1r_NJmQAodNjKue8uwvbjtCec8vJNB9u-NuKRM2mMV95RqiqpV3B2OgCR6KXMoUH6b6lPVx_T705PCMUId06DYMCSumO1VvglYBg_MPDLdsO/s1600/Screenshot-844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsMTGmHNQ3bAdDfuX3-lr99gewaF3tP1Z1r_NJmQAodNjKue8uwvbjtCec8vJNB9u-NuKRM2mMV95RqiqpV3B2OgCR6KXMoUH6b6lPVx_T705PCMUId06DYMCSumO1VvglYBg_MPDLdsO/s400/Screenshot-844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When Annabelle's ear grew silent, finally, she got dressed and walked down the stairs into her living room, where Tom was sitting watching television. She smiled at him while he couldn't see, remembering the dream she had as well as the one she had a week before, wherein she did act on her feelings for him resulting in a whole world with a son she never had.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlK80IJIN8hhZjbvok3dTBtqyAky-f3UBig_SHBBzaWaXcfQbAcp0sow3mfU-m-UUcBu0LPQUHJlW6pq8VvjaQEtczfsQ3qcxfzoFXO3Bg2cG7RgHqQtI_0J2WNRaoNgfQcum5U5iEXirl/s1600/Screenshot-787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlK80IJIN8hhZjbvok3dTBtqyAky-f3UBig_SHBBzaWaXcfQbAcp0sow3mfU-m-UUcBu0LPQUHJlW6pq8VvjaQEtczfsQ3qcxfzoFXO3Bg2cG7RgHqQtI_0J2WNRaoNgfQcum5U5iEXirl/s400/Screenshot-787.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Tom heard her coming downstairs, and when she stopped walking he said "You're up early, for being such a night owl. It's like 7:00 AM. What woke you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjBIho5VQKNuANYymlY_cfy6PYIBFncIf2xhYXv_tZ8Qp2AmTGLXgLB4774a4iY35MoRcWW_5EzeldF9rJrOzkuR6eQei-Zz5poGvo-TejMe1pTGRxARzsPJPpi1gC8by_o_rbzu6su7e/s1600/Screenshot-788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjBIho5VQKNuANYymlY_cfy6PYIBFncIf2xhYXv_tZ8Qp2AmTGLXgLB4774a4iY35MoRcWW_5EzeldF9rJrOzkuR6eQei-Zz5poGvo-TejMe1pTGRxARzsPJPpi1gC8by_o_rbzu6su7e/s400/Screenshot-788.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle shrugged. She couldn't tell Tom why she woke up, really, concerning the dream she had. She internally, with a bit of a twisted sense of humor, laughed thinking that despite<i> all </i>the things the two had done together <i>privately</i> neither she or he could ever tell each other how they felt. She constantly wondered if Tom felt the same way about her, though like the person she is never asked him that.<br />
<br />
<i>"I guess I am weak after all."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
After standing for a few seconds, Annabelle said "Just woke up. No biggie. I, uh... I had this ringing in my ear. It could be from what happened last night with the storm and... that... but it could be a side effect from when my ears changed shape. I'm still not getting used to having pointy ears."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRTgpSbxyMICTCsP_RUNiNxD-MamPa5U0KC69kkhQ8f6VfnnyqbjruJlTEwwHhsnZ8HygVqHAfaugBQ-l3fF1aqAuAXDSfo_fYDT7ORPLODWvtBC0-WLA1bATXvy_GsO2w_K7dsDooWaP/s1600/Screenshot-794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRTgpSbxyMICTCsP_RUNiNxD-MamPa5U0KC69kkhQ8f6VfnnyqbjruJlTEwwHhsnZ8HygVqHAfaugBQ-l3fF1aqAuAXDSfo_fYDT7ORPLODWvtBC0-WLA1bATXvy_GsO2w_K7dsDooWaP/s400/Screenshot-794.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah." Tom said, and then chimed in "Well if you develop fangs or something then please don't bite my human skin. My wonderful skin. Actually this peach soap stuff makes it smell really good! Not edible, but good."<br />
<br />
Annabelle laughed, then sat down next to him on the couch. "Don't worry, Tommy. There are many other human morsels I would bite first. You're the last on my list."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2fDY9gy1HoA4729TksSUWscAgjrWzjMs9MBnE3snJPs5HYNm53LOLcq21FgsALmbIRW1fzKrvyeCGqYX0Iy4-JCiRUzUzhKRw2UEOzBgBN8Jav5R6VifmbsOd_vsVB7QA0NMMvItdNHS/s1600/Screenshot-793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2fDY9gy1HoA4729TksSUWscAgjrWzjMs9MBnE3snJPs5HYNm53LOLcq21FgsALmbIRW1fzKrvyeCGqYX0Iy4-JCiRUzUzhKRw2UEOzBgBN8Jav5R6VifmbsOd_vsVB7QA0NMMvItdNHS/s400/Screenshot-793.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh... well, at least I'm on the list!" Tom smiled again, causing Annabelle to smile back. "Hey Anne, I really wanted to tell you I enjoyed our dance last night. I haven't had that much fun in a while. "<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19qwhtLeljhgCVRrXcJ8lc2Co31k1w4P1laf0JZ4QyPA3H9WeFGkmx12FWhCqjgYkC26Wsmp43Jzhz6suz477cSf9Epgh_vBzrqwVcxNIkVrKmxRxrk9enhZuRpgEIAf12l8J-oCQZofO/s1600/Screenshot-792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19qwhtLeljhgCVRrXcJ8lc2Co31k1w4P1laf0JZ4QyPA3H9WeFGkmx12FWhCqjgYkC26Wsmp43Jzhz6suz477cSf9Epgh_vBzrqwVcxNIkVrKmxRxrk9enhZuRpgEIAf12l8J-oCQZofO/s400/Screenshot-792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I did too, Tom. And.... And I apologize for what happened before it. I've rarely acted like that and I feel the need that I <i>have</i> to apologize."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8gbOg6xsNt4kRx39dWv0JnmLX_InkeRT9NuG2rgVKRSviYJ6tU7_VBDCc5Zz8dIc-V7onn_Kb70aMATyHvNOp9yp8lMyj3AJf3m5KddnQlN9AELJH_N3JWDaodINRcaOtffbsIBNKO4_/s1600/Screenshot-789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8gbOg6xsNt4kRx39dWv0JnmLX_InkeRT9NuG2rgVKRSviYJ6tU7_VBDCc5Zz8dIc-V7onn_Kb70aMATyHvNOp9yp8lMyj3AJf3m5KddnQlN9AELJH_N3JWDaodINRcaOtffbsIBNKO4_/s400/Screenshot-789.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Don't." Tom replied. "<i>Never</i> apologize for things like that! You don't have to! And I'm not just saying this because you're so close to me, Annie. I don't feel the need for anyone to say 'sorry I just vented out everything that's happened to me since I was eleven years old because I've had enough happen to me to make three hundred and fifty-seven summer blockbuster movies.' I don't like seeing people do that. It's not a sign of weakness, Annabelle."<br />
<br />
Annabelle smiled even brighter at Tom. Those were the words she needed to hear. Like she realized with him the night before, Annabelle knew that whenever she thought of Tom or whenever he was close, she was strong enough to do anything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt6qymuW8Bpn67enIwRbWMtVBgg_Q3id_8gyY9DVGvKfxAR5tS4gLvLqiwr0DjyaHl5BsN9FhigvhHnaHbmhSBrlOqIva6qnBg-ZM0p7EXyXikzRseb1OEa7zAtkUHihgjgI0tnRVn8Wm/s1600/Screenshot-791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt6qymuW8Bpn67enIwRbWMtVBgg_Q3id_8gyY9DVGvKfxAR5tS4gLvLqiwr0DjyaHl5BsN9FhigvhHnaHbmhSBrlOqIva6qnBg-ZM0p7EXyXikzRseb1OEa7zAtkUHihgjgI0tnRVn8Wm/s400/Screenshot-791.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Thank you."<br />
<br />
----------------------------------<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv23OY75uR0QrdtlivNLp3ZRr8hotIBTAlMUp145uBvlkLNOLA5GEo2e0eowxNzLlYfz7j5WVcZ7CqIfmwmeL8V2JN5Acl9rQW47wRt4ZeoSlvJc0pVj2pX9vpcygBFfDbSdfnV5sbpoh5/s1600/Screenshot-771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv23OY75uR0QrdtlivNLp3ZRr8hotIBTAlMUp145uBvlkLNOLA5GEo2e0eowxNzLlYfz7j5WVcZ7CqIfmwmeL8V2JN5Acl9rQW47wRt4ZeoSlvJc0pVj2pX9vpcygBFfDbSdfnV5sbpoh5/s400/Screenshot-771.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The two sat in silence watching the television for a bit of time, ignoring everything else around them. Deacon, who had woken up a few minutes earlier, sat upstairs in the hallway and innocently eavesdropped on the conversation. Despite everything that he told himself, Deacon still cared a bit for Annabelle but after what happened in Bridgeport would never act on those feelings. Suddenly he heard footsteps walking up behind him. He didn't react to them, knowing that everyone in the house was at least someone decent to him. Finally the person sat down next to him, looking at the blank wall as he was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aIsKChzEwEtplATrnRns_ki5fgQVdxcOSz4c0dkxWysGeKpm8KfIpd_XsIZF28iyYhEpf6f0s8gK2paePinrmt7g8KEpKN0-K4grifDEEAjzGjBXmoIUe1-IGEFyPaYesDbEit01Abzm/s1600/Screenshot-772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aIsKChzEwEtplATrnRns_ki5fgQVdxcOSz4c0dkxWysGeKpm8KfIpd_XsIZF28iyYhEpf6f0s8gK2paePinrmt7g8KEpKN0-K4grifDEEAjzGjBXmoIUe1-IGEFyPaYesDbEit01Abzm/s400/Screenshot-772.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"This is a very interesting film you're watching." Isobelle said, "Very unique. I've never watched... WALL... before. I heard a review of it though, they said it was well constructed but went nowhere."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqv_W-49Ko71WVQD0KoDqW4a3UXCR7LtIcpXWI9qa4vOmE4TA0HDmYxb5vFS6DRAvIeO7ye0SH6zHTE1btcUzMp9hovvZkD9eoBDVt8bT2P6XNzQ1myEtVJlQBT6EaZhVGXG8YxoymxhM/s1600/Screenshot-776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqv_W-49Ko71WVQD0KoDqW4a3UXCR7LtIcpXWI9qa4vOmE4TA0HDmYxb5vFS6DRAvIeO7ye0SH6zHTE1btcUzMp9hovvZkD9eoBDVt8bT2P6XNzQ1myEtVJlQBT6EaZhVGXG8YxoymxhM/s400/Screenshot-776.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Ha ha." Deacon replied, actually half-laughing at her joke with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "So apparently everyone in this house wakes up at the crack of dawn?"<br />
<br />
"I dunno, I just woke up. What are you doing?"<br />
<br />
Deacon sighed. "Just... sitting here, watching... Wall. Now that I've gotten into it it's actually fairly decent." Deacon smiled for what to him seemed like the first time in forever, with all the crazy things that had happened to him. "So what are <i>you </i>doing?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaVnueq_-BZimHYByPDDfdFH_evgA0iNiLLQ7IRzK3PzyoSYcL9srsjbpOIVAxMBu94wdJtvbq67fuaoEnJkbnm3LLZ4YyjyfvnEW69B_UTYqEqIfwHIOL5qJUAsprNpsMBRG6DWJM_01/s1600/Screenshot-773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaVnueq_-BZimHYByPDDfdFH_evgA0iNiLLQ7IRzK3PzyoSYcL9srsjbpOIVAxMBu94wdJtvbq67fuaoEnJkbnm3LLZ4YyjyfvnEW69B_UTYqEqIfwHIOL5qJUAsprNpsMBRG6DWJM_01/s400/Screenshot-773.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Sitting here, actually. A few seconds ago I was walking there. And a few seconds before I was walking... there." Isobelle chuckled, "...and a few seconds before that I was-"<br />
<br />
"I<i> mean </i>what are you... I really can't win here can I?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouom3gVvG_AtaOyQB4RFP4tpe_G7BLhf0xfA8Rb-KrCQAIY40ShknrNAYWeecrAcf3gDsuywJ_zpBQ96iYFATP7829Tg49JjZdzzR5A3x9eiV0Uwf1JiyD16ykA0wBuDqwjyaycJ5yNDF/s1600/Screenshot-777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouom3gVvG_AtaOyQB4RFP4tpe_G7BLhf0xfA8Rb-KrCQAIY40ShknrNAYWeecrAcf3gDsuywJ_zpBQ96iYFATP7829Tg49JjZdzzR5A3x9eiV0Uwf1JiyD16ykA0wBuDqwjyaycJ5yNDF/s400/Screenshot-777.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Nope!" Isobelle stood up and started to leave. "See you around, Deacon. And you should smile more. Talk to you later."<br />
<br />
"Wait... before you go." Deacon said, "I talked to Annabelle last night, after we were all settled, she said you seemed... different than you did when she knew you in Sunset Valley. What does she mean by that?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YHP2OktNWENrT1g_doMfcACbXN0Vqvh9l0YUC37BNgOA09O4sRKjZB8ajOt_1SrFy1DAJQ1nf39tcRGNOTMA4460zFNR-moDnHeP1Hc1ZcceQNx-w4C8WC3GaAnck8hdI-2-_T0KZFJ7/s1600/Screenshot-778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YHP2OktNWENrT1g_doMfcACbXN0Vqvh9l0YUC37BNgOA09O4sRKjZB8ajOt_1SrFy1DAJQ1nf39tcRGNOTMA4460zFNR-moDnHeP1Hc1ZcceQNx-w4C8WC3GaAnck8hdI-2-_T0KZFJ7/s400/Screenshot-778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Isobelle looked pained for a few seconds, and said "Well, everyone changes. Sometimes we need a little bit of help." With no more words, she half-smiled and walked away, leaving Deacon alone in the hallway, but with a better sense of himself than he ever had before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALMCLVOlnbt3ZuczPKoSa_5L80Z20futkSu4wx8GH-OqmFWCJRzbLwP6pwnlVz_k3x8mP2Pa6zV-bqqc380qLHx7RgwBVAhK1H9-P_0Vs3vqV2VE94v1mFCoGYmlVW6HPRQpCMzeL76j9/s1600/Screenshot-779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALMCLVOlnbt3ZuczPKoSa_5L80Z20futkSu4wx8GH-OqmFWCJRzbLwP6pwnlVz_k3x8mP2Pa6zV-bqqc380qLHx7RgwBVAhK1H9-P_0Vs3vqV2VE94v1mFCoGYmlVW6HPRQpCMzeL76j9/s400/Screenshot-779.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
--------------------------<br />
<br />
"She worried me."<br />
<br />
"Who? Keera?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPPTf0c-p8bmtgy7EsXLokdp83hpSS9Zh4AzNKd5QuFv7YkrxkFyGjSz_y5yk482sQhCjPSu1Y85vkjbBtHyFSZKjnGSn2y4aJawKohnht3nxoSEH8y9D1RSB_63vH2p3AVSV20rY43ga/s1600/Screenshot-801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPPTf0c-p8bmtgy7EsXLokdp83hpSS9Zh4AzNKd5QuFv7YkrxkFyGjSz_y5yk482sQhCjPSu1Y85vkjbBtHyFSZKjnGSn2y4aJawKohnht3nxoSEH8y9D1RSB_63vH2p3AVSV20rY43ga/s400/Screenshot-801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle and Kelly were in their room, getting ready for the day. The former was still disturbed by what she saw on the street the night before. In the four years since Keera was dropped off at the house, she'd never seen the girl that angry, and never wanted to again. <br />
<br />
"Yeah." Mirabelle replied, "I told you, last night when I got home, how she encountered the person who was responsible for her scar? She was so, so angry that I was worried she'd hurt the guy. But she didn't, she didn't even threaten him. Much better than I would do if I was in her situation."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Are you sure about that Mira?" Kelly asked. "I've known you to get angry sometimes but I doubt you'd actually harm anyone. Much unlike someone we know who wears a lot of red and has a fuse so short that scientists are trying to create a new metric system to calculate it's distance." Kelly chuckled at her own joke, and so did Mirabelle, which broke her out of the tense feeling she had.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5upe9fs4kILdahhDC6YlZORYFHKzGLsEmrWxOEIdVSwA3K-Cy5gVPId-bqT8SfsAkqvStWRV1GX9PcWt1UpaHHh0vpbxz4pPXUZlBvu-HZuq-ZcTpn3sxigKhvPrxHcQfulxlJL6yCkH/s1600/Screenshot-799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5upe9fs4kILdahhDC6YlZORYFHKzGLsEmrWxOEIdVSwA3K-Cy5gVPId-bqT8SfsAkqvStWRV1GX9PcWt1UpaHHh0vpbxz4pPXUZlBvu-HZuq-ZcTpn3sxigKhvPrxHcQfulxlJL6yCkH/s400/Screenshot-799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Despite the humorous comment, Mirabelle thought to herself afterwards: Would she harm someone who had harmed her in the past, whether it was an accident or not? Annabelle certainly felt like harming Deacon when they knew each other in Bridgeport, and definitely Jack. In fact, Annabelle was damn sure back then that if she "accidentally" tossed Jack off the top of the building he took her to when he kidnapped her, she wouldn't lose a wink of sleep.<br />
<br />
Then again, that WAS Annabelle. As every member of the family has told her since her "birth", Mirabelle had grown into being her very own person... granted a bit sarcastic, but still her own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubi3Ozahwf___p6e3SWGo4k7a3SyZQ2yKtsW4pWtyhAGToqwEIJPyKdIrZB3R1u74NgK0IhhW7VUGF0OnF8hE4epyZtNmeA_vJQOdaEvvWsMMOBjBfnRCU7g4AKzmheWpLcxejIjzPsAp/s1600/Screenshot-797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubi3Ozahwf___p6e3SWGo4k7a3SyZQ2yKtsW4pWtyhAGToqwEIJPyKdIrZB3R1u74NgK0IhhW7VUGF0OnF8hE4epyZtNmeA_vJQOdaEvvWsMMOBjBfnRCU7g4AKzmheWpLcxejIjzPsAp/s400/Screenshot-797.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I don't know, really." Mirabelle said, bringing a sense of seriousness back to the two. "I'm just glad Keera confronted him before Annabelle or I did. And especially before Scarlett got her hands on him."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VTCBB_Qp_T19I0eozStAKwA3u-C3RoAvkclsCGrnYwt1eY-C1HOxy2NnFQ4GE0NanguKXZloXFM7ytj1747MZ6ia455JeqkzzWRs5oXmBKvXOeIOyBQR8q-Fv_jbWA8vNdQuRAg3Kbuq/s1600/Screenshot-802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VTCBB_Qp_T19I0eozStAKwA3u-C3RoAvkclsCGrnYwt1eY-C1HOxy2NnFQ4GE0NanguKXZloXFM7ytj1747MZ6ia455JeqkzzWRs5oXmBKvXOeIOyBQR8q-Fv_jbWA8vNdQuRAg3Kbuq/s400/Screenshot-802.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly nodded, "Definitely..." she then added "...or I had."<br />
<br />
Mirabelle was confused by this statement, but finished getting dressed without worrying about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwfvNVCE_Mfa2Tb1v0Ruzw4cpY5xCEJBTCl3KDTFafSHm9kLThe77OVANawque_xKLJXTziIcpt9itsPkyM_4Kw280Cx-HGP3x2EsSsRAqTjAzrWnmrCrsGFl25lsHKlw6840rFyS_jjo/s1600/Screenshot-803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwfvNVCE_Mfa2Tb1v0Ruzw4cpY5xCEJBTCl3KDTFafSHm9kLThe77OVANawque_xKLJXTziIcpt9itsPkyM_4Kw280Cx-HGP3x2EsSsRAqTjAzrWnmrCrsGFl25lsHKlw6840rFyS_jjo/s400/Screenshot-803.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She didn't know that Kelly had looked up information about Keera's "birth" in Bridgeport. No one in the house knew that Kelly found out that the other blood sample responsible for Keera was Kelly's own, making her a "mother" to the girl in a strange sense of the word.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWMNNundxkQaWkwLTePWKca-PPtyoY9mswCve_EwDZE_nWKl5TPKHgIR-PQG_ZF40kkuahEeej9suOy9ST8LcjSsLMFivIs6csR-okl0rXxwFNXBFSN2DZ78wSSKilcIg8J-e9iGWek7a/s1600/Screenshot-804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWMNNundxkQaWkwLTePWKca-PPtyoY9mswCve_EwDZE_nWKl5TPKHgIR-PQG_ZF40kkuahEeej9suOy9ST8LcjSsLMFivIs6csR-okl0rXxwFNXBFSN2DZ78wSSKilcIg8J-e9iGWek7a/s400/Screenshot-804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Of course Keera, Annabelle, and no one else knew this, and Kelly realized it was better if they didn't know. Everything in the house was perfect as it was, barring a few super villains and monstrous alien unicorns, and she didn't want the news of Keera's heritage to make a mess of things. Kelly thought to herself that she would tell Keera and Annabelle, and Mirabelle for that matter, when they were ready to learn the truth.<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<i>"I would have left you alone on the street, except you left something alone yourself!" </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxbpIwbwP1oknv_77J19kEp4bxO1BsgOTuT8d7RIQPlPVU85R_5jXme68wvPV7-fd0VA6Cmm1xkZDL7UyyyMJx6fngX3Tj23JztGvsKDQ8iqTLl9cnyiujPiweQo1p4q_KiYhmU12bXVO/s1600/Screenshot-863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxbpIwbwP1oknv_77J19kEp4bxO1BsgOTuT8d7RIQPlPVU85R_5jXme68wvPV7-fd0VA6Cmm1xkZDL7UyyyMJx6fngX3Tj23JztGvsKDQ8iqTLl9cnyiujPiweQo1p4q_KiYhmU12bXVO/s400/Screenshot-863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
Keera opened her eye and sat up in bed, still fuming from the night before. As with every morning, she rubbed both of her eyes and, just like every morning, was disappointed to realize that she still had just one eye. Only this time she reveled in the fact that she finally saw, with her only eye, the person responsible for her injury the night before.<br />
<br />
A short search on the internet revealed his name to be Collin Lyons, a former stagehand for the Alaskan division of Plumbob Pictures backlot. Keera's search on the internet revealed pictures of the explosion, the smoke and fire, and the paramedics carrying her out on a stretcher. This was a perspective from that horrid event that she'd never seen nor wished to have seen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb0zkYxWSLG2rwigaMgTlWBGYA0ZTntmnOemwMm5kH88wXqpeGRLL3SETJlgqgq3RaTPhQ6VJVWF-wVSnLfAR1NBUrdrZ8zFkTHB-8VdmhT_zbDFwcabbxlGtl3QfIS3fftX7mN906ue6/s1600/Screenshot-864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb0zkYxWSLG2rwigaMgTlWBGYA0ZTntmnOemwMm5kH88wXqpeGRLL3SETJlgqgq3RaTPhQ6VJVWF-wVSnLfAR1NBUrdrZ8zFkTHB-8VdmhT_zbDFwcabbxlGtl3QfIS3fftX7mN906ue6/s400/Screenshot-864.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After the night before, Keera never wanted to see Collin again, but wondered if he could be forgiven for what he had done. She thought to herself that everyone makes mistakes. Keera herself had made one when she decided to tour the studio herself without Scarlett, and that mistake cost her her eye and half her face, She always wanted her eye back, but her scar that adorned the left side of her face was a reminder to never make any mistake again, and she would want to keep it that way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JTIq7hOTA9LSUwrInb9j025undLodGzd-ee92_h__TuaoGYxewIRPfc76T43g7su-l8n5lHwGFTys58EYcYV76Fv-SGqpgUwH-VuGaaR4ABJ2vDmV1dxURsCiESAOeBjtJkHQ1cLtXge/s1600/Screenshot-865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JTIq7hOTA9LSUwrInb9j025undLodGzd-ee92_h__TuaoGYxewIRPfc76T43g7su-l8n5lHwGFTys58EYcYV76Fv-SGqpgUwH-VuGaaR4ABJ2vDmV1dxURsCiESAOeBjtJkHQ1cLtXge/s400/Screenshot-865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera got dressed and walked outside, where Isobelle was walking around. Keera was still a bit sad that Izzy didn't talk to her much the night before, but got the anger out of her system when she encountered Collin. Ready to start fresh, Keera walked over to her and said "Hello."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoUV2bXet1pYCkLuSOvynWjbTQnaaQFOwUKcuIHuTZprXr31Guy5pVsVn5OHRMlMKE1uuIKvb4AAvBhLNmSD4aTeE1HUkmjbrxaTAA7mI9p50y8GQneW_etVNuCsVKydrbqiN7o5yNUPY/s1600/Screenshot-869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoUV2bXet1pYCkLuSOvynWjbTQnaaQFOwUKcuIHuTZprXr31Guy5pVsVn5OHRMlMKE1uuIKvb4AAvBhLNmSD4aTeE1HUkmjbrxaTAA7mI9p50y8GQneW_etVNuCsVKydrbqiN7o5yNUPY/s400/Screenshot-869.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey there!" Isobelle said, sitting down at the same place she sat when talking with Deacon earlier that morning. "Look, I would like to apologize for what happened last night. I had built up this notion in my mind that everything was so perfect when I would return... turns out reality doesn't live up to our expectations.<br />
<br />
Keera frowned, then sat down next to her. "I guess not. I thought I'd be a singer when I grew up, like Mom is. When I was caught in that explosion, I breathed in smoke and fire, the heat damaged my vocal cords. Hell, before that explosion I sounded more youthful than I do now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn0l4F5hnLnAyc-4KFBUksijZRYsKOlNEH5xIlm-TQ6zwWp4rVPIPteDsmmhNivtSIUMms_MlRF9nk-s1y6yQe5kUNh-JLTgncL8DhIcWXUru9D5iBmamXAml-iWU18R2EIbu7iHhXpzR/s1600/Screenshot-870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn0l4F5hnLnAyc-4KFBUksijZRYsKOlNEH5xIlm-TQ6zwWp4rVPIPteDsmmhNivtSIUMms_MlRF9nk-s1y6yQe5kUNh-JLTgncL8DhIcWXUru9D5iBmamXAml-iWU18R2EIbu7iHhXpzR/s400/Screenshot-870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Being a singer was my expectation... now my reality is staring me in the face when I look in the mirror, literally."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0HvPcfa2bjq3NJ_K6aSHNJKSS_clo6yfReUjWHjnHA5KRoC1UcA8XACpkc1arjT_QLQ8VipbTpHoInuUG4ufgpaSYqUeT5Uz3_KCGLljBCYds93620xL_82jD7rMpCpHtU0tu1ndzhWK/s1600/Screenshot-867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0HvPcfa2bjq3NJ_K6aSHNJKSS_clo6yfReUjWHjnHA5KRoC1UcA8XACpkc1arjT_QLQ8VipbTpHoInuUG4ufgpaSYqUeT5Uz3_KCGLljBCYds93620xL_82jD7rMpCpHtU0tu1ndzhWK/s400/Screenshot-867.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I am so sorry for what happened to you. And again for last night. I remember we talked all the time when I was younger, you were the last hope for humanity I had. Then when I left, I found a new hope. But that... I don't want to talk about it. In any case I know leaving you standing there for what amounted to no reason was wrong. I should have talked to you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6uzuyqsqlsSVG_CIU2eI6F7MNaG0ZXPtwaL5sKzZPj6AuZh4r7DgbEnBqj_O2gURL3_qkDI9WNW_2M1BFzk83LBoiCEnIh4bjnd36DZ-x1n6YpRgfvXzKqKNWtuV9TeGVaj_4smjOG1D/s1600/Screenshot-871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6uzuyqsqlsSVG_CIU2eI6F7MNaG0ZXPtwaL5sKzZPj6AuZh4r7DgbEnBqj_O2gURL3_qkDI9WNW_2M1BFzk83LBoiCEnIh4bjnd36DZ-x1n6YpRgfvXzKqKNWtuV9TeGVaj_4smjOG1D/s400/Screenshot-871.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera nodded. "I suppose. But then again if you never walked away I'm sure I never would have gone to that bar and met the man who scarred my face, so all's well that ends well." she bitterly said, the stood up and walked away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqENNRrXUbuM4eoYURG5KoOeTjgEoS2OttOKloqQhMID8dwvKREaAeGBMBWo9etr2ANy04pHXGHRaIEFw-RMHtqU6RmSQIk6oa5VuZU2jTppfW0xSfSP-8dq3xl6sOToS9qdK2V5Jg_JYd/s1600/Screenshot-873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqENNRrXUbuM4eoYURG5KoOeTjgEoS2OttOKloqQhMID8dwvKREaAeGBMBWo9etr2ANy04pHXGHRaIEFw-RMHtqU6RmSQIk6oa5VuZU2jTppfW0xSfSP-8dq3xl6sOToS9qdK2V5Jg_JYd/s400/Screenshot-873.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Scarlett was in the bathroom nearby, just after vomiting because of what she believed was morning sickness, either that or nerves from the upcoming wedding. She heard the conversation between Keera and Isobelle and felt sorry for the both of them, but especially the young teen she'd come to call Keeki. After flushing the toilet and walking into her bedroom, she saw John standing there having not yet gotten ready for the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixC_yxSjS0pmdCj1z0NtcPJfBQ1_ZQ_Xj-W4DYaD_84vmD8nd3ajRsm_WXJEgZ7HntQoVuGJOOqGAGJ99O0dJ-BJDblqxVkCOkRPFoSstnBNK5xWp_ASzIk_KNlqgzexgNvxw4AUlIim6/s1600/Screenshot-876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixC_yxSjS0pmdCj1z0NtcPJfBQ1_ZQ_Xj-W4DYaD_84vmD8nd3ajRsm_WXJEgZ7HntQoVuGJOOqGAGJ99O0dJ-BJDblqxVkCOkRPFoSstnBNK5xWp_ASzIk_KNlqgzexgNvxw4AUlIim6/s400/Screenshot-876.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFmKd2YHxn1lmnbLJA-LVJcEHanokdvMO-b1mlqUjkLAULJT-QRD7TtIPxNelGSVqpvxbgNY6at1ONiVKKVkRKizLAAxgLxW5jTWvaC7PFNNwTv1aFDZjheleBGmWfyUCqBJDozsYm9Dh/s1600/Screenshot-875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFmKd2YHxn1lmnbLJA-LVJcEHanokdvMO-b1mlqUjkLAULJT-QRD7TtIPxNelGSVqpvxbgNY6at1ONiVKKVkRKizLAAxgLxW5jTWvaC7PFNNwTv1aFDZjheleBGmWfyUCqBJDozsYm9Dh/s400/Screenshot-875.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm worried about Keera." Red said to him, "Kelly told me, that Mirabelle told her, that Keera encountered the man who was responsible for her scar and loss of eye. It was just confirmed, when I heard her talking to Isobelle. Apparently Keera didn't harm him, didn't even threaten him, but she's still bitter. She's still angry. I want to talk to her about this!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7myiAT-MZ5TMnam1vjJI4g33KW3uWizXZ2xsBbPdDy4Y_RBxiUbKhTs0TKRFmoUmSk7ivMU-jd4lqhWjd0Ro2w8bJZ6isHUitS-WjNJ4Mik7HcRXcM1vf7YXSb5zL9sb3ozjMn_Qh7ph/s1600/Screenshot-878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7myiAT-MZ5TMnam1vjJI4g33KW3uWizXZ2xsBbPdDy4Y_RBxiUbKhTs0TKRFmoUmSk7ivMU-jd4lqhWjd0Ro2w8bJZ6isHUitS-WjNJ4Mik7HcRXcM1vf7YXSb5zL9sb3ozjMn_Qh7ph/s400/Screenshot-878.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No." John said, shaking his head. "You have your possible pregnancy to worry about, and the wedding, and everything else. I do too, but I can take a bit of time out of my day to talk to her. Besides I never get a chance to discuss things with her, this could give me that chance."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEbHale2pRBuBOpb1jfCxLwty0uPRyx_VWDM6ExkldkDQ5qG6lEjELuaS0o60eGeANrQ4gEVLnBfLp0OnIy9U6piZHQ9lkr_qmAitRoEr60Ipt1tq5k1qLbbcikYFL-cqLsL0_QYNttpZ/s1600/Screenshot-879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEbHale2pRBuBOpb1jfCxLwty0uPRyx_VWDM6ExkldkDQ5qG6lEjELuaS0o60eGeANrQ4gEVLnBfLp0OnIy9U6piZHQ9lkr_qmAitRoEr60Ipt1tq5k1qLbbcikYFL-cqLsL0_QYNttpZ/s400/Screenshot-879.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett smiled and kissed John. "Thank you my love." The two made out for a couple minutes after this, and Red was the first to break the kiss, saying "The day won't last forever."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bL9mkIeRuw4sf6K93aYBTPcyHpzxRvmsnvBmquhxi4KH8d_e26zbFs9iwZZw1I0D09MnkG2zkjabQ6cq6FtSGGRIGtdDMIXdLFOA1QGc3XFVDX8NC9G2I3rnK6hEn8D7DGny6Lbhj7hS/s1600/Screenshot-880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bL9mkIeRuw4sf6K93aYBTPcyHpzxRvmsnvBmquhxi4KH8d_e26zbFs9iwZZw1I0D09MnkG2zkjabQ6cq6FtSGGRIGtdDMIXdLFOA1QGc3XFVDX8NC9G2I3rnK6hEn8D7DGny6Lbhj7hS/s400/Screenshot-880.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What's a day?" John replied, "We have forever.", and kissed her again, far more passionately than before. He then picked her up and they walked towards the bed.<br />
<br />
-------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PfyDWhyphenhyphenf07gl_eOyD2nWJdGjMnuR86H6sVwVtEJrz5JEdl6tsO4fxrDvIgw0rWo18dzcsOkbiMY8JkMI_Xn4cMcbDUjmX7VYt6zkcbncoZa9hJPHBoVm_2Lqg9tNyMrkz0oURNvp8Lwn/s1600/Screenshot-852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PfyDWhyphenhyphenf07gl_eOyD2nWJdGjMnuR86H6sVwVtEJrz5JEdl6tsO4fxrDvIgw0rWo18dzcsOkbiMY8JkMI_Xn4cMcbDUjmX7VYt6zkcbncoZa9hJPHBoVm_2Lqg9tNyMrkz0oURNvp8Lwn/s400/Screenshot-852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kelly was using the computer to play chess when Annabelle walked in, sitting down on the other desk across from her own. Using the computer, she typed in a few addresses, the first to check the weather to see when the storm above them would end.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jpBWqrMxBuFJgDjgYeb47e5JX-ZoaBUqcmUfVVe1ywz1Qqk864i0o25XACjeUSeHzN6fz9G89GmQfPEKK_1GQjwrLdBEmrZbwKUEY2asDdcHZnldbvqiGBmJkPNWOIjW6dfSHjdGxVtq/s1600/Screenshot-854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jpBWqrMxBuFJgDjgYeb47e5JX-ZoaBUqcmUfVVe1ywz1Qqk864i0o25XACjeUSeHzN6fz9G89GmQfPEKK_1GQjwrLdBEmrZbwKUEY2asDdcHZnldbvqiGBmJkPNWOIjW6dfSHjdGxVtq/s400/Screenshot-854.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Disappointingly, the radar was full of rain that looked like it would take a full day to pass, with the forecast confirming this. "Damn. I was going to go swimming this afternoon." She said. "I guess I still can at the gym. It's indoors."</div>
<br />
"With your concussion from the explosion over a week ago I wouldn't recommend swimming." The two stayed silent, trying to think up small talk, before a realization hit Kelly. "What are you REALLY in here for, Annie? What do you need to talk about?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle sighed. "I guess I couldn't hide it. I used to." She stuttered a bit, then said "You and Mirabelle wake up every morning next to each other. What's that like to wake up and look someone you love in the eyes before you even climb out of bed?"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1OiGtzBCV6aNZkL-8yiUulIqD7CHZJ7AztWLAebqdCLChvmVFRw0twMQEvBM7JIbFbeSuR5vxWQ8dZfD2diLcvH09wV1tim8MAbCilAsKX-K0Qic8s58G3PHE-6Vks0ZwS9zMnfz2xpO/s1600/Screenshot-860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1OiGtzBCV6aNZkL-8yiUulIqD7CHZJ7AztWLAebqdCLChvmVFRw0twMQEvBM7JIbFbeSuR5vxWQ8dZfD2diLcvH09wV1tim8MAbCilAsKX-K0Qic8s58G3PHE-6Vks0ZwS9zMnfz2xpO/s400/Screenshot-860.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly thought this was a strange question, then realized Annabelle wasn't the most "normal" person she'd known. She stood up and walked over to her, and smiled brightly. "It's hard to explain, really. You wake up, you look into your lover's eyes, and you wonder if you in fact died in your sleep and woke up in heaven. Why do you ask?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26X0z-r_F0ubkEQx63gaCTZoTtxExzs1CklilaURwVfTtSvOpad1V_r4wyXVKiH5_wV6uy7tvuVWHoyVQOduyKYSd0P_ooNANh8YHe9OaLRQtZ7tu0dXHtRO1Vjz4-Uj8MltLUMTo9CjV/s1600/Screenshot-861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26X0z-r_F0ubkEQx63gaCTZoTtxExzs1CklilaURwVfTtSvOpad1V_r4wyXVKiH5_wV6uy7tvuVWHoyVQOduyKYSd0P_ooNANh8YHe9OaLRQtZ7tu0dXHtRO1Vjz4-Uj8MltLUMTo9CjV/s400/Screenshot-861.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle sighed again. "I just wanted to know what it was like. I had a dream about a week ago, when I was unconscious from the blast. I dreamt that Tom and I were married, we had a son named Gabriel. I don't even know why that name popped into my head. I woke up in my dream and there he was, and as you described it, I felt like I was in heaven. I wonder if I'll ever have that feeling in real life, you know. Like you and Mirabelle do, like John and Scarlett... like everyone else <i>but</i> myself and Tom. I always wonder if I will wake up and be where I know I'm in heaven on Earth."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqigOO0wIpKASBSS8-o6qQvTm-73dBcxCBLcVKYdwk4sFblEfkY0VLLfk1oiqt2AaX1nRWgDQo3Jbu4OkxOIoAcBzhszyDdmgd6lpbBUj_jkrhGRPc2At5ho-23TsrQaBsOHbXCnQ8aaM/s1600/Screenshot-862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqigOO0wIpKASBSS8-o6qQvTm-73dBcxCBLcVKYdwk4sFblEfkY0VLLfk1oiqt2AaX1nRWgDQo3Jbu4OkxOIoAcBzhszyDdmgd6lpbBUj_jkrhGRPc2At5ho-23TsrQaBsOHbXCnQ8aaM/s400/Screenshot-862.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The two remained in silence for a bit of time, then both went back to their computers.<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVeBCb4n6va4MuZnUsID2GJe415bfxPM_ph7dxHy2MAhsaTsn7UyaLjG8wbYg5gXnd6fiv5TT-6MqTuri79vHyWlJk-3bMsdPS5bGg3FNt0C02zcwOtFn6qY4RONAxwzf59uRFlv_arya/s1600/Screenshot-786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVeBCb4n6va4MuZnUsID2GJe415bfxPM_ph7dxHy2MAhsaTsn7UyaLjG8wbYg5gXnd6fiv5TT-6MqTuri79vHyWlJk-3bMsdPS5bGg3FNt0C02zcwOtFn6qY4RONAxwzf59uRFlv_arya/s400/Screenshot-786.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Some time later, Tom stood on the roof of his house in the rain where he looked out towards the ocean. He went up there often, mostly to think about the future and where his life was going to be when that future came, and always looked to the ocean because it gave him a sense of freedom that he rarely ever had. Tom wondered constantly if his life with the family he grew up with was going to be the life he remained to live, whether that was good or bad. Suddenly a woman's voice broke the silence in his mind. It was Deacon's sister Cassie, and he had to do a double take because of the outfit she was wearing, which was Annabelle's still.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs7kfnRxnneZdtNe6SU_8Q5wXmEiwROS5pnkTFuhSTyp82fn5MXIrE9qQ_WgK7mpU_aP76HBHIDsfRoiARuWfL-WKfjAh3592fsbTNYjny5o2aQgwIosu4_rZdN6wX356DRgFRJ_PXNdt/s1600/Screenshot-783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs7kfnRxnneZdtNe6SU_8Q5wXmEiwROS5pnkTFuhSTyp82fn5MXIrE9qQ_WgK7mpU_aP76HBHIDsfRoiARuWfL-WKfjAh3592fsbTNYjny5o2aQgwIosu4_rZdN6wX356DRgFRJ_PXNdt/s400/Screenshot-783.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Do you mind if I stand here with you? Get some air?" Cassie asked. Tom nodded silently and she stood next to him. "I heard you were the one who literally kicked some sense into my brother. For that I must thank you!" She chuckled, then went silent when she remembered that that "kick" knocked her brother 40 feet off a house and broke his back in two places. Suddenly her joke didn't seem so funny anymore.<br />
<br />
Even still, she had no malice or hatred towards Tom: he was merely protecting himself and his family from the twisted mind that Jack Toomes had instilled into her brother for five years. She thought to herself that if Tom hadn't pushed him off the building, maybe he'd still be the person Annabelle told her he was: a twisted, maniacal, snobby piece of sh-<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wGyC7URvD_p5j9xZXkum48NmWIpXGzAsrM4pWmu5uF26Q9AU-1T1nWF4sb80wU68_c6VR17sQmemrtECqZa7WG03-9qK5KI4jg5-l2LHoM5LWH68T7J57qME0j75OETzhsAZw6e48aAE/s1600/Screenshot-784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wGyC7URvD_p5j9xZXkum48NmWIpXGzAsrM4pWmu5uF26Q9AU-1T1nWF4sb80wU68_c6VR17sQmemrtECqZa7WG03-9qK5KI4jg5-l2LHoM5LWH68T7J57qME0j75OETzhsAZw6e48aAE/s400/Screenshot-784.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No problem." Tom said, interrupting her thoughts. Thanks to his own internal gears grinding, he didn't care to understand if she was joking or not, though he was sure she was. "I heard you lost your home. I am so sorry. Annabelle said you can stay here as long as you need."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1-0Y42h_7j3EURQifrB4qxxpavWm1gDAwVBTUSy-LkoNXqy89NM5wvRvmn01kbkKskeHHIb-UE6wx9BNefp4MvnOX2EQucyEkDMm1-R0U-PdRUOH2SdCy_QELnUVECzIyGwP2k-6mHDH/s1600/Screenshot-782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1-0Y42h_7j3EURQifrB4qxxpavWm1gDAwVBTUSy-LkoNXqy89NM5wvRvmn01kbkKskeHHIb-UE6wx9BNefp4MvnOX2EQucyEkDMm1-R0U-PdRUOH2SdCy_QELnUVECzIyGwP2k-6mHDH/s400/Screenshot-782.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It's no problem. My uncle is going to send us money so we can get a new place in town. He lives in Bridgeport, in fact he's the mayor there. He says it's a great job, but he's getting old and will retire in three years. I hope whoever they get to replace him will be as great and loyal to the people as he is."<br />
<br />
"Well don't look at me.", Tom replied, "I have enough trouble helping this family through it's own crises. You wouldn't believe all that's happened in our lives, from maniacal villains to evil alien witches, to someone close to me... in any case I don't think I'd be mayoral material."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrnxxYW86gzMv3Cmq5pihxoCzs4539zF5YOj-DIIMKr5z5xEX3L3YRM5WKS2kCboc130EXGW1dPhNZE_FQA086PB8Q_nsiMSEMNgzkU6VkiRccg_0Rt2f1bU0EGj_UsDwHY2HmOP6vezO/s1600/Screenshot-781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrnxxYW86gzMv3Cmq5pihxoCzs4539zF5YOj-DIIMKr5z5xEX3L3YRM5WKS2kCboc130EXGW1dPhNZE_FQA086PB8Q_nsiMSEMNgzkU6VkiRccg_0Rt2f1bU0EGj_UsDwHY2HmOP6vezO/s400/Screenshot-781.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well you're still strong and it <i>seems </i>mentally sound despite all these... crazy things." Cassie chuckled, then continued, "Maybe those are the kind of qualities that you can find in yourself."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP89LzVyL8j2iDS6DBlXn3R3NqgTi3Kcjq1BZHJmsaVcZKttdJkaTpHl7KkRKqb9tpwDjRnIP_AeTKYT8fjsVnqojKys9IiiRJtY-eA0Dnnx90YZ1tLc1yzKR55_HA7yfG_rXm5Tpzs8jX/s1600/Screenshot-785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP89LzVyL8j2iDS6DBlXn3R3NqgTi3Kcjq1BZHJmsaVcZKttdJkaTpHl7KkRKqb9tpwDjRnIP_AeTKYT8fjsVnqojKys9IiiRJtY-eA0Dnnx90YZ1tLc1yzKR55_HA7yfG_rXm5Tpzs8jX/s400/Screenshot-785.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well three years?" Tom replied, "We'll see. But don't hold me to it. It's a long ways away." Tom smiled a bit, something he found hard to do lately, and credited the smile to the blonde woman who was now walking away. "By the way, you know anyone else who needs a, quote, 'kick of sense' into them?"<br />
<br />
Cassie laughed. "I'll have to think of that.", and went inside, leaving Tom alone, but feeling a bit better. He then wondered what life as mayor of a city would be like, if Annabelle would be at his side in Bridgeport despite all the things that happened to her there. Tom tossed the thought aside for a later date, thinking that the whole idea would never come back to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMd39H-kgUi3eoNPrzjhLtcmsHnAYFM45e2-_gEjVBRM8eDuFEcYe6ZNtHkxGxMyMvNTBpfU9_roeIdVYEIFZUfRXv6AvxHYIPtq7iJEOBRn-OXBvwHs3gtDqxSA3DnoVtaTbAQev8w7Z/s1600/Screenshot-780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMd39H-kgUi3eoNPrzjhLtcmsHnAYFM45e2-_gEjVBRM8eDuFEcYe6ZNtHkxGxMyMvNTBpfU9_roeIdVYEIFZUfRXv6AvxHYIPtq7iJEOBRn-OXBvwHs3gtDqxSA3DnoVtaTbAQev8w7Z/s400/Screenshot-780.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
------------------------------<br />
"Keera? Keera?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrBVlnT9QVgwRDoC182DpJw4QOCRX9hnbsB1iluwYNmhm4hOwrz_UokRbE-FBQPx7EAHTMeyxeiWE40YW-UmMwPtFEQiYfDffbT0ScHP2YAk0ZPbur28wd6_iQyyVPngA4y9ziPN-lvho/s1600/Screenshot-837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrBVlnT9QVgwRDoC182DpJw4QOCRX9hnbsB1iluwYNmhm4hOwrz_UokRbE-FBQPx7EAHTMeyxeiWE40YW-UmMwPtFEQiYfDffbT0ScHP2YAk0ZPbur28wd6_iQyyVPngA4y9ziPN-lvho/s400/Screenshot-837.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Some time later John was walking through the house, trying to find Keera. After searching her room, the living room, and one of the rec rooms, he finally he found her in the basement, looking at a picture of herself on the wall that Mirabelle had taken of her a couple days before. She was eyeing it intently, particularly the area around her scar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmku3ZFKp8LqPgnvnmq-EDOGAOVwruIO6GUx76hA5ldSmgj2h0D0QjWKfWEs_6C7_Z996UT9RRWoSERQAIOpgD44j1sTG1PEURRMXHoLi6VKlEyJx2l3NJGv7LS0fD9tRDjcCMZrqr3a4/s1600/Screenshot-841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmku3ZFKp8LqPgnvnmq-EDOGAOVwruIO6GUx76hA5ldSmgj2h0D0QjWKfWEs_6C7_Z996UT9RRWoSERQAIOpgD44j1sTG1PEURRMXHoLi6VKlEyJx2l3NJGv7LS0fD9tRDjcCMZrqr3a4/s400/Screenshot-841.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Do you think I look okay with the scar on my face, Uncle John?" Keera asked, somehow knowing who was beside her without actually turning her head to look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcVUznZKG9h7DD8Y8h-2wlE9TZgfGDXY6Q0R5nMKzx_-bDscSr6O7OOfAmSwx3qODkRvAb6Lfc4_iSYSerciiXSPsTCKdoAkHEj4CyGF7CMQCcslXxr61T2O7yUWMq43tEp0TOjerBa8d/s1600/Screenshot-838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcVUznZKG9h7DD8Y8h-2wlE9TZgfGDXY6Q0R5nMKzx_-bDscSr6O7OOfAmSwx3qODkRvAb6Lfc4_iSYSerciiXSPsTCKdoAkHEj4CyGF7CMQCcslXxr61T2O7yUWMq43tEp0TOjerBa8d/s400/Screenshot-838.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't think it looks too bad. You're still beautiful to me, and to everyone else you know, and knows you." Keera half-smiled, knowing he was telling the truth, and John looked at her, saying "Hey, how about the two of us go get some lunch? I could use for a bit of food right now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQLcmAmClr5zfNyzjbjLvef1UzIpt-ts-BNYo9uTvvBkFwRffDq_rdVKgK8WLTdqNoRhkcqoW2aUfLZP1PulRvA-FI2K0DRAuFZUOh7OKzX74X0fG3CwdEWsqJBrvuoZ8pbAxMNK55vZh/s1600/Screenshot-839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQLcmAmClr5zfNyzjbjLvef1UzIpt-ts-BNYo9uTvvBkFwRffDq_rdVKgK8WLTdqNoRhkcqoW2aUfLZP1PulRvA-FI2K0DRAuFZUOh7OKzX74X0fG3CwdEWsqJBrvuoZ8pbAxMNK55vZh/s400/Screenshot-839.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah, I'm a bit hungry myself."<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3HHUfo2mKZae9tzxMQM72hj5SIpclwvYyImgdlnJohKl3xV71Pow9fVVfA1IMOSPkgvnJEQhvkzgVol96Itqyd62MHijRtBLWdur_bgUBsyncqXePp9Wk7q2CtDSkUM21m1ckQv27tQK/s1600/Screenshot-845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3HHUfo2mKZae9tzxMQM72hj5SIpclwvYyImgdlnJohKl3xV71Pow9fVVfA1IMOSPkgvnJEQhvkzgVol96Itqyd62MHijRtBLWdur_bgUBsyncqXePp9Wk7q2CtDSkUM21m1ckQv27tQK/s400/Screenshot-845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"How is the room coming along, Vu?" Jacob smiled with an evil look as he walked into the back chamber of the mausoleum, where Dr. Vu had set up a communications center with the help of his robotic companion Vazir. Just to the left of the chamber was a gray containment room lit up by orange lights, quickly constructed by the robot's nano-drones over the past week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOjgykWvpnwXDWya_g0nYcwaOont7a_GqkG-qJhLgg13DvFhNMkUSfEunu6LzLgWnId5vjf37tLSPLpZhPEHdngYPm5WNmWBV97XNo3ZK-dYPLyOdBsvVtCSjTeJpGPcDZRqT3VySh69t/s1600/Screenshot-847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOjgykWvpnwXDWya_g0nYcwaOont7a_GqkG-qJhLgg13DvFhNMkUSfEunu6LzLgWnId5vjf37tLSPLpZhPEHdngYPm5WNmWBV97XNo3ZK-dYPLyOdBsvVtCSjTeJpGPcDZRqT3VySh69t/s400/Screenshot-847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"It's done. Whenever you want to bring our guest to the chamber just go ahead. I still want Thomas Jameson."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSriUvqMoeJIyuNflU0yo0uUQigIbH6JzBERndpBHCSCLVIE25ccTo39dSfl73NgrCjsngdkp0NsZgTjp5LHUebgtOe51gXazOZ6qX3FGH6yAYXeCWU11e4NclCJKkoDpeh1ph0sfdBYkK/s1600/Screenshot-848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSriUvqMoeJIyuNflU0yo0uUQigIbH6JzBERndpBHCSCLVIE25ccTo39dSfl73NgrCjsngdkp0NsZgTjp5LHUebgtOe51gXazOZ6qX3FGH6yAYXeCWU11e4NclCJKkoDpeh1ph0sfdBYkK/s400/Screenshot-848.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFi5mavLnawWFKzp5W7TOUMknHSmedQXQACuQHbKfqk6Zm420xJumWTeHm_x5APjV26m7Fb5_dbLkMRa2JPp-BMB6QBMN7fAQwecJRj3rG2CgyLSPK2OUAMF7psoWV1UoA733goAQo1Nu/s1600/Screenshot-849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFi5mavLnawWFKzp5W7TOUMknHSmedQXQACuQHbKfqk6Zm420xJumWTeHm_x5APjV26m7Fb5_dbLkMRa2JPp-BMB6QBMN7fAQwecJRj3rG2CgyLSPK2OUAMF7psoWV1UoA733goAQo1Nu/s400/Screenshot-849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Yes, I know. You want Tom Jameson because of what his father did to yours. But I have a great, grand idea for that dear boy that you have no concept of. Trust me, he will get what's coming to him. Everyone will." Jacob turned around and vanished into a bright light. Vu walked up to where he was standing to make sure he wasn't merely invisible like he was last time he was in the tomb. <br />
<br />
Tobias was worried about what Thompson had sad, about "everyone" getting what was coming to them. Vu didn't seem to be affected by it. "We need to increase security around this mausoleum." Tobias said as the pair walked into a different part of the tomb. "If you hadn't gotten rid of all those robots-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne_AKG-7SA4wQbrW_a-JRU_v9VogktCWbFG1hBXJ1Rz2Uacy6YD25Nrzh_AHFO7UePr_IdnLPKUOZwFUCI61rBnjnmPPqqcdIFfuMtUY8iP7jOCPWABSoRNuD8C7fI_ZONeU1ftxy3GJI/s1600/Screenshot-850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne_AKG-7SA4wQbrW_a-JRU_v9VogktCWbFG1hBXJ1Rz2Uacy6YD25Nrzh_AHFO7UePr_IdnLPKUOZwFUCI61rBnjnmPPqqcdIFfuMtUY8iP7jOCPWABSoRNuD8C7fI_ZONeU1ftxy3GJI/s400/Screenshot-850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Those drones were useless. One of them got defeated by someone slamming their head on a coffin! Besides, Vazir has all we need to protect this place. And if we need more of him, we can get more." Vu turned around and smiled, pressing a button his lapel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0QqTm-4byIrqZNXl0sCPuCl4bgSoMUGvdhl8Z6oc882ym8qKvUokHDKYN7uJi9PXSIlIncTgrsOq33qBncj-bVaCznS8h84C7DE27Kv8Oh8Of65M87KkMQU00bG3L1TBASxosgFbVqkA/s1600/Screenshot-851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0QqTm-4byIrqZNXl0sCPuCl4bgSoMUGvdhl8Z6oc882ym8qKvUokHDKYN7uJi9PXSIlIncTgrsOq33qBncj-bVaCznS8h84C7DE27Kv8Oh8Of65M87KkMQU00bG3L1TBASxosgFbVqkA/s400/Screenshot-851.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly a large nearby door opened, revealing numerous copies of the Vazir robot. A few seconds later, Thompson returned to the room and pointed at Tobias. "You, come with me. We're going to the art gallery."<br />
<br />
----------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaDiJ92QW2K4Ll_-4CNSDfcOd6LJAucdd0cW9A66pdkuCFUlkdtjfIJrOBP176vr32DacCm5V1f5xFyTwv_njMq3LBAUR8WvOcn8LoxEU2Mv0GZw4OePmK9id64n_pNLZPtRVjpEINHnR/s1600/Screenshot-765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaDiJ92QW2K4Ll_-4CNSDfcOd6LJAucdd0cW9A66pdkuCFUlkdtjfIJrOBP176vr32DacCm5V1f5xFyTwv_njMq3LBAUR8WvOcn8LoxEU2Mv0GZw4OePmK9id64n_pNLZPtRVjpEINHnR/s400/Screenshot-765.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After driving to the bistro, John and Keera got out and walked in the pouring rain to the building, and emerged a few seconds later with plates of food. Keera quickly scarfed hers down, but John took his time, placing Keera's plate back inside. They stood there, under the rain shield, and before John touched his food he looked over to his niece. "Hey, I'm sorry we haven't really talked much lately. I've had a lot of things going on. So have you, from what I heard."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPesM6wh9QMotrM_gz3fr7Ny9Y16C_8anRXvEifTXrvdtUsR7bPo7z_4VqpHioAHyH2WuPuYkz7Rwi1nPDtpxP7-M3o4OkNji6SpdaZrRhoSRLeD8Bm52lubN0pS8LqVQbHINvU6lS0KL/s1600/Screenshot-764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPesM6wh9QMotrM_gz3fr7Ny9Y16C_8anRXvEifTXrvdtUsR7bPo7z_4VqpHioAHyH2WuPuYkz7Rwi1nPDtpxP7-M3o4OkNji6SpdaZrRhoSRLeD8Bm52lubN0pS8LqVQbHINvU6lS0KL/s400/Screenshot-764.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"If you're talking about what happened last night, then yes. Apparently my exploits of yelling at a guy seem to have made their way across the household far and wide."<br />
<br />
"Everyone's just worried about you, Keera. Scarlett especially. She was going to talk to you herself but I volunteered specifically because I haven't talked to you much. Which again I'm sorry for."<br />
<br />
"Don't be sorry. True, I got mad last night. And yeah, I'm still mad today. Why the hell shouldn't I be? The person who I yelled at deserved to be yelled at! Or worse."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1F_DOKcG5SmSr7ZnRDTlII7BTAazwzl3momk9iXpe2z5DKaQxNOQGiwsX9tWvRm_MGg59kvBY4SUOKb6vzf5SRTTA7LYnDNGi3-oWJA5HI4BcuGl6afwZwKTfdFOo_VRV5qAZ1HiI5Kx/s1600/Screenshot-763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1F_DOKcG5SmSr7ZnRDTlII7BTAazwzl3momk9iXpe2z5DKaQxNOQGiwsX9tWvRm_MGg59kvBY4SUOKb6vzf5SRTTA7LYnDNGi3-oWJA5HI4BcuGl6afwZwKTfdFOo_VRV5qAZ1HiI5Kx/s400/Screenshot-763.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John nodded. "I think I agree, but you shouldn't be mad all the time. Anger is a devastating emotion to convey all the time. Scarlett told me that herself. She's constantly in fear that her anger will drive the people she loves away, despite knowing that everyone she loves, cares for her so much that they won't let her emotions control what they think of her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslPpvsx43YKkJZy-rQ1V_ThjdfjUw5ZfNrs4Dq6pOxsAoE8jKCRwKeUHggbEWpAbxGq8PdbfUcToZBPnjzh-ngVp0gSBaaiqwYCnZc3cI6D71TP4loITVymOT4y4IWK6IlgWDS_qCcczw/s1600/Screenshot-767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslPpvsx43YKkJZy-rQ1V_ThjdfjUw5ZfNrs4Dq6pOxsAoE8jKCRwKeUHggbEWpAbxGq8PdbfUcToZBPnjzh-ngVp0gSBaaiqwYCnZc3cI6D71TP4loITVymOT4y4IWK6IlgWDS_qCcczw/s400/Screenshot-767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"So why are you talking to me about this?! If that's the case, then my anger shouldn't drive anyone away either!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZONiKmVZ_bYslzMWp1begD8r4DQEp0yJ_POc0nO6vytexHzZRap-N3Cz4D82_nXfZ-2ZdtqvtiQQPyewe6GvQQBkzOY2MVxb5J5YrSN9Q7nhsUkDpz9OMt7IGowoNsSPdUHRkefEH4xK/s1600/Screenshot-760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZONiKmVZ_bYslzMWp1begD8r4DQEp0yJ_POc0nO6vytexHzZRap-N3Cz4D82_nXfZ-2ZdtqvtiQQPyewe6GvQQBkzOY2MVxb5J5YrSN9Q7nhsUkDpz9OMt7IGowoNsSPdUHRkefEH4xK/s400/Screenshot-760.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John gave her a somber look. "Because anger is something that can destroy your life, it can do it subtly, quietly. You may wake up one morning with all the anger in the world directed at all the things you care about. and can't do a damn thing about it. It's like a reactive darkness in you, rising to the top with every action, with every word you speak. Scarlett told me this, and she asked me to tell you, because she doesn't want to see you go down the same path of life as her."<br />
<br />
Keera thought this over for a few minutes. John had never told her anything like this before, and although normal fourteen year-olds would take an adult's advice with a grain of salt, being rebellious and moody as they are, she wasn't exactly a "normal" fourteen year-old.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qkau9S8N7PUI4TGfHffT71eSEpZN9Mt8vQdonfC4I5wEnA0hOFapyp34TCcOj5-Jik2SpLxEwlBxcteSy5C6dN2H6GH1OkHTnsSD_tTAd54pVWCg7je3A9H5wd_9PRT2FmiktPV84SRB/s1600/Screenshot-766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qkau9S8N7PUI4TGfHffT71eSEpZN9Mt8vQdonfC4I5wEnA0hOFapyp34TCcOj5-Jik2SpLxEwlBxcteSy5C6dN2H6GH1OkHTnsSD_tTAd54pVWCg7je3A9H5wd_9PRT2FmiktPV84SRB/s400/Screenshot-766.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I understand." She said, finally. "I've just... always been angry since the accident. I don't know how to stop it. Last night I reached a boiling point."<br />
<br />
"I do understand that. It's just that you need to focus on different emotions, like happiness. Scientific studies say if you make yourself feel an emotion, you'll start to feel it, so smile. Enjoy life! Don't let what happened to you bring you down, you should embrace it, become a great person because of it! I know you're already a great person, you need to see it yourself."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5OeaXTWjiLQqFi_D-hT-kq44jLFsKvZhF9LhZ6piJJjBHu9DstmSbpXq8gpoApQD_qQUKZMCU0RamMya1YD2bDqaNGsVHEKZUGyEJ-fl_KqW15z5SUQ0G7kzB_pOSbzGMkBlCS-V9T2r/s1600/Screenshot-761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5OeaXTWjiLQqFi_D-hT-kq44jLFsKvZhF9LhZ6piJJjBHu9DstmSbpXq8gpoApQD_qQUKZMCU0RamMya1YD2bDqaNGsVHEKZUGyEJ-fl_KqW15z5SUQ0G7kzB_pOSbzGMkBlCS-V9T2r/s400/Screenshot-761.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera smiled, something everyone in her household told her she needed to do more often. She nodded to John silently, realizing that his words helped her through the darkness she was feeling at the moment. Then out of the corner of her eye she saw someone, she turned her head and got a pretty fair look at the man she saw walking into the tomb the day before in the telescope. Kelly and Annabelle told her the man was named Jacob Thompson, and that they believed he was the new Benefactor after what Tom told them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2HrSsmKkVgVM0C1V5kEU5kMyhBC6aIkNoZvKthSSako8CSutHGlrBk8WM0XZHpP9iEEKT_K2mpS6f3L_1uQHKkLSyWJK-_OOwG95oyhAORwPhUGAYcp1BKBoSEY9gpAqEW4H4tZ1cP0B/s1600/Screenshot-768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2HrSsmKkVgVM0C1V5kEU5kMyhBC6aIkNoZvKthSSako8CSutHGlrBk8WM0XZHpP9iEEKT_K2mpS6f3L_1uQHKkLSyWJK-_OOwG95oyhAORwPhUGAYcp1BKBoSEY9gpAqEW4H4tZ1cP0B/s400/Screenshot-768.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzxB2VBIV0eENNkjSS95-uap658VrOZ9TGWFmrxFc6TQnzFncVFF79NGiYujLvHlkPVB0c-NiKVHO6YvoI2rhO2lN9bk81bLR4ZpQZDSXfKcjc9bhCBtf2vL6Clj5G2aEwVEmSHWMgZei/s1600/Screenshot-770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzxB2VBIV0eENNkjSS95-uap658VrOZ9TGWFmrxFc6TQnzFncVFF79NGiYujLvHlkPVB0c-NiKVHO6YvoI2rhO2lN9bk81bLR4ZpQZDSXfKcjc9bhCBtf2vL6Clj5G2aEwVEmSHWMgZei/s400/Screenshot-770.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera's reaction to seeing him was to stand up and walk towards the museum silently, and when John turned he too noticed Jacob as well as Tobias, whom Scarlett had described to him the night before, before she told him she was probably pregnant. Keera and John silently walked back to their car and drove off before John even had a chance to eat.<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aWAl32gxniJyfeHMsl4oWRYzQzEN31KY1v6GNjmIGQx0icz_QUoFzyg2KxrX5xqrdB9QhurASsQOaZCOxvnH6JQWUq468YPReYKOOOoP0x14B-UeCJ5Ez5aynmvmlB5dudIWusgFWJdm/s1600/Screenshot-817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aWAl32gxniJyfeHMsl4oWRYzQzEN31KY1v6GNjmIGQx0icz_QUoFzyg2KxrX5xqrdB9QhurASsQOaZCOxvnH6JQWUq468YPReYKOOOoP0x14B-UeCJ5Ez5aynmvmlB5dudIWusgFWJdm/s400/Screenshot-817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qVRyMsb-hsw8pZfNFqX-8_wwZHzMgMrnt8r-vRmb-f9sbBQbzeFRJikakoyK8a25jdOSAgMk2GqTwmMp14p3DwZTkbflitWq67eOvuMFJg93HKekvnyU03rvTvgUvjb_FxXV2vH89nia/s1600/Screenshot-818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qVRyMsb-hsw8pZfNFqX-8_wwZHzMgMrnt8r-vRmb-f9sbBQbzeFRJikakoyK8a25jdOSAgMk2GqTwmMp14p3DwZTkbflitWq67eOvuMFJg93HKekvnyU03rvTvgUvjb_FxXV2vH89nia/s400/Screenshot-818.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom, Annabelle, Deacon, and Isobelle were all sitting in there talking about what was going on when John and Keera came running into the living room with surprised looks on their faces. The four stood up and turned to look at the two, with Annabelle being the first to react. "What's going on?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcrbsfSiAQLIkt-Wrwxo1yAqIsYM2j35Lw-C-NRC2Emk95_rpZzvPGX1Rueph9ssqS0fEsN5NbHTypYNAqSgGtRxWrQDlC_-yA1SD0J5x3M35cM0nTAW3xSQc1BBbzI-xbx8QwyofZzNl/s1600/Screenshot-820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcrbsfSiAQLIkt-Wrwxo1yAqIsYM2j35Lw-C-NRC2Emk95_rpZzvPGX1Rueph9ssqS0fEsN5NbHTypYNAqSgGtRxWrQDlC_-yA1SD0J5x3M35cM0nTAW3xSQc1BBbzI-xbx8QwyofZzNl/s400/Screenshot-820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"We saw Jacob Thompson!" Keera said, "The same guy who you met, Tom. We saw him at the restaurant and he was going into the museum. He was accompanied by that guy Scarlett described, that Tobias guy she punched! They're at the museum!"<br />
<br />
"Then we should go there." Annabelle said. "I doubt they are able to get weapons past the metal detectors so they must be unarmed. We should go there, catch them off-guard, and if need be beat the information converning the Genie Lamp out of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z7bn7brnWyX2ASGUDw0pvJ_TAc_LzhBU6BxynnV-yiSBNksjNndd6wul1ojuehOwwTvm6U-nTe0Evs1HC-3R_Y85yMupNmH3hJUahyKzTxltQ1kc_t3LCEM6UVn2XvSi-iUpQ-lo_nzG/s1600/Screenshot-824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z7bn7brnWyX2ASGUDw0pvJ_TAc_LzhBU6BxynnV-yiSBNksjNndd6wul1ojuehOwwTvm6U-nTe0Evs1HC-3R_Y85yMupNmH3hJUahyKzTxltQ1kc_t3LCEM6UVn2XvSi-iUpQ-lo_nzG/s400/Screenshot-824.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Eesh, that's a little dark for you Annie." John said, "But desperate times call for desperate measures. I was gonna say teleport him here, but after what happened with you and the teleporter we can't take the risk of two Benefactors running around."<br />
<br />
"I understand. Tom and I will go to the museum. The rest of you-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZNnwaIQ7kuGPW8HFYynlKuqmQqPhDNWhKSpyMSt3-Y_1uZECzer8gRaSqfSORk4o2HsuCPFs0Q1wn_YozWHDMPPnrLg4DU5tE1wqKNOzNO4dylkdh9CivNpYIfDmPvSU0dJvZPiCg-4O/s1600/Screenshot-821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZNnwaIQ7kuGPW8HFYynlKuqmQqPhDNWhKSpyMSt3-Y_1uZECzer8gRaSqfSORk4o2HsuCPFs0Q1wn_YozWHDMPPnrLg4DU5tE1wqKNOzNO4dylkdh9CivNpYIfDmPvSU0dJvZPiCg-4O/s400/Screenshot-821.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"NO!" Tom protested, "I'll go alone. I can't put you in any danger, Annie. I don't want you to come."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n7Tx-T2aYJJy_X_riOYc9wr5z420qz2tqwwfg7JcgorlsAO-9SARN-vBQ8kvewLQvzTPvSJ9EZY8RS0eDFX6gY6gjKa3u45x57QewmAcK5H7JSXqfqGibqWHOEsdKtKJDwFYWfMKp7ai/s1600/Screenshot-823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n7Tx-T2aYJJy_X_riOYc9wr5z420qz2tqwwfg7JcgorlsAO-9SARN-vBQ8kvewLQvzTPvSJ9EZY8RS0eDFX6gY6gjKa3u45x57QewmAcK5H7JSXqfqGibqWHOEsdKtKJDwFYWfMKp7ai/s400/Screenshot-823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Tom, I'm coming. I can handle myself." Tom was about to speak up, but Annabelle gave a pleading look to him. After pushing away all thoughts that this was a terrible idea, he relented and said as such. Annabelle smiled and stood by him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtustC7lWbIgiAfPnso5iJfHo0arrdqtU65vmVWxQFqXiZxw273meyaz0nOvJZMqWaMf0dJ9_Tm71eg4kOnDhMqX6zITpRgj54iROL6DA4v0YwryvEwuCX702OO2jN_e6c0SnDrgIqUSl/s1600/Screenshot-822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtustC7lWbIgiAfPnso5iJfHo0arrdqtU65vmVWxQFqXiZxw273meyaz0nOvJZMqWaMf0dJ9_Tm71eg4kOnDhMqX6zITpRgj54iROL6DA4v0YwryvEwuCX702OO2jN_e6c0SnDrgIqUSl/s400/Screenshot-822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Then if the two of them are there." Deacon said, "then the mausoleum is only occupied by Dr. Vu! If someone comes with me, we can enter the mausoleum and force Vu to surrender that star stone to us, which would negate their entire evil plan!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf3fekrEvwV8ENu7nAICBg-vSxHIA8T3upaYv9Twy0fBHWlJapakTQfk8hvw32eA4jG6NXS48b_oiKZ6oxpq6OpunyVORzugqi6T8hXLhFh3JPST85trcMlA98WAqcW6uQaxRnNPkoruS/s1600/Screenshot-825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf3fekrEvwV8ENu7nAICBg-vSxHIA8T3upaYv9Twy0fBHWlJapakTQfk8hvw32eA4jG6NXS48b_oiKZ6oxpq6OpunyVORzugqi6T8hXLhFh3JPST85trcMlA98WAqcW6uQaxRnNPkoruS/s400/Screenshot-825.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Isobelle stood next to him. "That sounds like a great idea. We can stop their efforts here, tonight, before any type of war begins. I'll go with Deacon to the graveyard, Tom and Annabelle will go to the museum."<br />
<br />
Keera then said "Everyone else must stay here and hold down the fort, in case we're needed here."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcEpTM19-9aiyFBe8KX4mzmdK3uN3WBRcZkNpLYjHta6ajK-S6bOvlLNa5SMIWqztReqU8fNbwF5Z1daMcsE5msDyz-eSJk2yPg3_Uk03tcEE19MHfRbgMqmstG0R-qPB1IXlhx76eEdg/s1600/Screenshot-826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcEpTM19-9aiyFBe8KX4mzmdK3uN3WBRcZkNpLYjHta6ajK-S6bOvlLNa5SMIWqztReqU8fNbwF5Z1daMcsE5msDyz-eSJk2yPg3_Uk03tcEE19MHfRbgMqmstG0R-qPB1IXlhx76eEdg/s320/Screenshot-826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom stood in the middle of the group and looked around. "Okay, John, lock every door in the house, bolt every window. If need be, learn to use the magic wand I gave you yesterday. It will help out." John acknowledged this and Tom walked to the end of the living room. "If we fail tonight, then who knows when we'll have another chance. Everyone, get ready."<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Wǒ ài nǐ"</i><br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhlfcRX8oUN0ahU6n3M0AZN3AhIVMp-HIfGMjZoGX7zucHXeHPcc5f84Is48zBgkcw2jBd_HHL0XVV3PO-H0SPqUNHTX84oou0vHUx2t6J3GY24793WfyAIPrEyHxIznMKIQms2gpH_E6/s1600/Screenshot-808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhlfcRX8oUN0ahU6n3M0AZN3AhIVMp-HIfGMjZoGX7zucHXeHPcc5f84Is48zBgkcw2jBd_HHL0XVV3PO-H0SPqUNHTX84oou0vHUx2t6J3GY24793WfyAIPrEyHxIznMKIQms2gpH_E6/s400/Screenshot-808.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly and Mirabelle were sharing a quiet moment, one of the few they were going to get for the next week it seemed. After holding onto a necklace Mira had given her, Kelly walked over to her girlfriend and embraced her, whispering into her ear. "It's what my mom says to my dad all the time. Wanna take a guess as to what it means?"<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jrWXmvpuX6pwd_k2RJT5Trbp7-wJKoTEKnB1k_YnC-dE2bSn85tsaBKItKNGRP_G9zCESVqv4rDn4orbK18zah7wyAEvS3dgZZn4qSJobB7N7OljKbTR_k97isshuaBHDXgKSq92rvtF/s1600/Screenshot-806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jrWXmvpuX6pwd_k2RJT5Trbp7-wJKoTEKnB1k_YnC-dE2bSn85tsaBKItKNGRP_G9zCESVqv4rDn4orbK18zah7wyAEvS3dgZZn4qSJobB7N7OljKbTR_k97isshuaBHDXgKSq92rvtF/s400/Screenshot-806.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly held Mirabelle's head in her hands. "It means, I love you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCd3kOEg2nF_sr-2Ew3NpRCsewg5Q25OCdETcZTm3HXOo5WQCHJcRjEsRrbpvdpMwUXZNEAwi7DkoZDYtXvb6QM8VKhESTRZVmlepIuPgMI7daX7qhIkq0Ylvnbc9BaZ8rbzO4pB6Gxh4/s1600/Screenshot-809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCd3kOEg2nF_sr-2Ew3NpRCsewg5Q25OCdETcZTm3HXOo5WQCHJcRjEsRrbpvdpMwUXZNEAwi7DkoZDYtXvb6QM8VKhESTRZVmlepIuPgMI7daX7qhIkq0Ylvnbc9BaZ8rbzO4pB6Gxh4/s400/Screenshot-809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After embracing one another for a few minutes, looking into each other's eyes, they let go and kissed, with Mirabelle breaking the connection to say "Wǒ ài nǐ, too, Kel."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6CjKpCmaeRxEkMFrj1yzpn9nqifGwvuVgWvEG7t6i9PLHgWMWT4zW6ThDdClyUNyedb7RLuW1DlP7SW7pkkiaF8gTQwrQ10ZRnnyicMwxikE3cSpmeu1giTYMYS7himgx1K5xB13RmCC/s1600/Screenshot-810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6CjKpCmaeRxEkMFrj1yzpn9nqifGwvuVgWvEG7t6i9PLHgWMWT4zW6ThDdClyUNyedb7RLuW1DlP7SW7pkkiaF8gTQwrQ10ZRnnyicMwxikE3cSpmeu1giTYMYS7himgx1K5xB13RmCC/s400/Screenshot-810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly smiled and held onto the necklace that Mirabelle had given her the night before. It was black onyx for the most part, but a magenta-colored crystal that wasn't too far off from Mirabelle's own favorite color. Mirabelle had told her that she wanted to give her the necklace, saying she'll love her with all her heart. Kelly was planning to buy a sapphire necklace for Mirabelle, as a way of replying.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1zau_fdp5qQqsOWgxNVNohta4vsjxI6IiMyijYtf3cm1zQgWo8d5MHVpOHHI9gI8CwMt1UPj9zVEsdVkqgsnE0cbcBNaDfR8bNbo-r7tYnfF_anM4aJjkEuB7jzuacpBXMgHOpUSi5aP/s1600/Screenshot-811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1zau_fdp5qQqsOWgxNVNohta4vsjxI6IiMyijYtf3cm1zQgWo8d5MHVpOHHI9gI8CwMt1UPj9zVEsdVkqgsnE0cbcBNaDfR8bNbo-r7tYnfF_anM4aJjkEuB7jzuacpBXMgHOpUSi5aP/s400/Screenshot-811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I was thinking over what you told me about Keera last night, I was wondering if she would have harmed that man if you weren't there. Maybe she would have, if she has Annabelle, or your, blood in her veins. I know you can be passionate... VERY passionate. Just look at what happened when you got back home... anyway, I constantly wonder what Keera could have done if you weren't there."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCHhWaFOCvmI8umdGb9Ht3Ir59Qajh_m2wTucMxCil0OVvYkEKBWdvAXimEyvc2UhaBFQi8oGXzuF235AQ90xwiJUy-OuIFo_hdwtcWoXwKP8ScB-JV1LICLHSWzq7nHsS0P43Rg5OrAW/s1600/Screenshot-812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCHhWaFOCvmI8umdGb9Ht3Ir59Qajh_m2wTucMxCil0OVvYkEKBWdvAXimEyvc2UhaBFQi8oGXzuF235AQ90xwiJUy-OuIFo_hdwtcWoXwKP8ScB-JV1LICLHSWzq7nHsS0P43Rg5OrAW/s400/Screenshot-812.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Mirabelle was listening to Kelly when suddenly she turned around and saw a white light approach her. She didn't know what it was, but seconds later she was gone. Kelly, who wasn't looking at her and still talking, turned around and was shocked to see her missing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KRMYydMNIOJubPzXF9eKP2FxTkadRGPKYm_2lW8hHvh40N7grepocuMdOksGkczhWmw7I23iKKqg_5lWPFcvpQDcMX2wf9RIb9RWzaCJT7xx6NLKnQ1USqtAMRi6TLL2lw-FTuMtaLEb/s1600/Screenshot-813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KRMYydMNIOJubPzXF9eKP2FxTkadRGPKYm_2lW8hHvh40N7grepocuMdOksGkczhWmw7I23iKKqg_5lWPFcvpQDcMX2wf9RIb9RWzaCJT7xx6NLKnQ1USqtAMRi6TLL2lw-FTuMtaLEb/s400/Screenshot-813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Mirabelle? Mirabelle?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iMaNiw0GSvWTOeTRoDf-7u6QF5qOVVLQ_31qrG0NemuLkG0czDX1AUoKXIoj8QL049PRNuoL1C5sirD2o1pbSquK83JLLFyihbbE0GVdnY5uY6-YZeim6Z_VrNhQf_sliYhaQH2O_usv/s1600/Screenshot-814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iMaNiw0GSvWTOeTRoDf-7u6QF5qOVVLQ_31qrG0NemuLkG0czDX1AUoKXIoj8QL049PRNuoL1C5sirD2o1pbSquK83JLLFyihbbE0GVdnY5uY6-YZeim6Z_VrNhQf_sliYhaQH2O_usv/s400/Screenshot-814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyJJsVHD1NW4BLcOL2qpIfJaWry387fwcgyBviU7bzBN5bz8G9dVHpwEN-m6laeTJY-4NeaCf4qLOXk8j38MXv1IAcdIHtT8Id0N05E6foPNKOPVTk5h4LsPvZg_YZIjuA9E60c6xTLa2/s1600/Screenshot-815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyJJsVHD1NW4BLcOL2qpIfJaWry387fwcgyBviU7bzBN5bz8G9dVHpwEN-m6laeTJY-4NeaCf4qLOXk8j38MXv1IAcdIHtT8Id0N05E6foPNKOPVTk5h4LsPvZg_YZIjuA9E60c6xTLa2/s400/Screenshot-815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Seconds later Mirabelle came back, out of a different flash of light with a surprised look on her face. Her sudden appearance shocked Kelly, but what shocked her more was what Mirabelle said:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumKaaQi-5_npZBnSYdfjdmpawFPhjGFyNWPfHY85vcWn46JAQ0A3mHYUnlGpHK7hKwF9TZa0IMXWsXpJ0U2UVE5jifEBy0SjT8OmA1Tfuv_mch1nrUZAaJ6AoJmN9-PWBwLVq5iEHdyXl/s1600/Screenshot-816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumKaaQi-5_npZBnSYdfjdmpawFPhjGFyNWPfHY85vcWn46JAQ0A3mHYUnlGpHK7hKwF9TZa0IMXWsXpJ0U2UVE5jifEBy0SjT8OmA1Tfuv_mch1nrUZAaJ6AoJmN9-PWBwLVq5iEHdyXl/s400/Screenshot-816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Get John, Scarlett, and Keera: We need to get to the Library!"<br />
<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj__idaXOWRp-ywKkeKi0rZrhyXIB1l_UlJWH3t35mD9MG0M6KZ0__QWd2GcTUeeUbWEm2-dhkHNHdCa092-sfqoLNLMTAo8wkk5XBuOuQiMo3kqJGP0A__5y9iRa-nnrcVtDA0KMGPGY/s1600/Screenshot-830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj__idaXOWRp-ywKkeKi0rZrhyXIB1l_UlJWH3t35mD9MG0M6KZ0__QWd2GcTUeeUbWEm2-dhkHNHdCa092-sfqoLNLMTAo8wkk5XBuOuQiMo3kqJGP0A__5y9iRa-nnrcVtDA0KMGPGY/s400/Screenshot-830.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A5XPflF1Y6WyzGkpZowdg5SxVKKTbXWD5VyKb9c6_qqI_CpZfsRo1GlhW03zCEGn5zG29f61iwia96kQnuyZIH6PMWhLPIGAy5kBc9Kin0wEmc5zQ52rqQEvEiqfU4i333jAcxxmHSAN/s1600/Screenshot-829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A5XPflF1Y6WyzGkpZowdg5SxVKKTbXWD5VyKb9c6_qqI_CpZfsRo1GlhW03zCEGn5zG29f61iwia96kQnuyZIH6PMWhLPIGAy5kBc9Kin0wEmc5zQ52rqQEvEiqfU4i333jAcxxmHSAN/s400/Screenshot-829.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Deacon and Isobelle walked down the street towards the graveyard from the north, making their way quietly and slightly running with each burst of thunder. The thunderstorm was raging overhead as the pair reached their destination, but to their shock the entire place was surrounded by hovering robotic spheres. Deacon held onto Isobelle's arm as he silently gestured for the two to walk around to the other side and jump the fence as to avoid being spotted. The two did so but Deacon accidentally stepped on a stick, causing one of the robotic drones to pick up the sound and turn towards them, silently watching their every move. As soon as Deacon turned the corner, the robotic drone and three of it's fellow units were waiting for him, having teleported there to get the drop on them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZK6kVFg3L4UWEbOx3cbJ6cD3NkMVCdJ9Lhv7nJnL8Te_X3NPS_QnOZIEsbgf_39oNsWMHxRc1ix8dmigoJsRO24k7oBABkZ0Pie7W1PErZaHskUmyakWHfaaXA2uQ-5xfHN46qqrmcKT/s1600/Screenshot-832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZK6kVFg3L4UWEbOx3cbJ6cD3NkMVCdJ9Lhv7nJnL8Te_X3NPS_QnOZIEsbgf_39oNsWMHxRc1ix8dmigoJsRO24k7oBABkZ0Pie7W1PErZaHskUmyakWHfaaXA2uQ-5xfHN46qqrmcKT/s400/Screenshot-832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Son of a-" Deacon said, "They're smarter than we thought! Run!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNwqFoDnLvz99TDguZI9zm2pcDNgxT2K_PMmdFo97XehyqqFw1dweNTF5dtrmWEIbJBLadUBHb0v-8dGpZwLWby8yxvQq-pqGese6-1P7Z1_z-IY9UwiIZcQvGeIM2HJvwnL0iJd5fmg4/s1600/Screenshot-834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNwqFoDnLvz99TDguZI9zm2pcDNgxT2K_PMmdFo97XehyqqFw1dweNTF5dtrmWEIbJBLadUBHb0v-8dGpZwLWby8yxvQq-pqGese6-1P7Z1_z-IY9UwiIZcQvGeIM2HJvwnL0iJd5fmg4/s400/Screenshot-834.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I am NOT running!" Isobelle said, then ran towards the four drones. Unfortunately one of them flashed brightly red, shooting a small bolt of energy at Isobelle which hit her in the face. Isobelle screamed as she fell to the ground, her face singed from the heat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJgV_fW6gSoRc0v2X7Qk6kFdyAolwQl_p09iQzlw5FjEccxV8X4p9wX6Zfn6EMUVMkYd68uEVOIlV5fFqVIKoIJYCF3_1Adhop6o5L3ZDYLV13pFO9iagdAZxSDqi08NYR9_wEwuxPuxh/s1600/Screenshot-836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJgV_fW6gSoRc0v2X7Qk6kFdyAolwQl_p09iQzlw5FjEccxV8X4p9wX6Zfn6EMUVMkYd68uEVOIlV5fFqVIKoIJYCF3_1Adhop6o5L3ZDYLV13pFO9iagdAZxSDqi08NYR9_wEwuxPuxh/s400/Screenshot-836.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly three more drones appeared out nowhere. Deacon lifted Isobelle off the ground, taking rain-water and splashing it on her to cool her injury, and the two ran off in the opposite direction to escape. The drones were still shooting at them, but within a few seconds the two were out of their firing range. Then they went back to their work guarding the graveyard.<br />
<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZbGb2zg7pRyqz01jAr56XewVkwLaoACxlI0BEx0eCPAARc4gYjmaPrtod7Rb5XH7R6AOYAnDkIHxkPuYfAKC9iZPkdYhstetu6FAid5oI9FzU4s9iK7GuQwhfAirojj6vnhZZpU3s_kr/s1600/Screenshot-724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZbGb2zg7pRyqz01jAr56XewVkwLaoACxlI0BEx0eCPAARc4gYjmaPrtod7Rb5XH7R6AOYAnDkIHxkPuYfAKC9iZPkdYhstetu6FAid5oI9FzU4s9iK7GuQwhfAirojj6vnhZZpU3s_kr/s400/Screenshot-724.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Annabelle and Tom walked through the rain to the museum, where Tom had encountered Jacob Thompson twice before. They had agreed to go there and hopefully confront him to find out what he knows about the lamp. As they walked, Annabelle looked around to the empty streets, wondering if they would remain empty for long, worried that they would soon be filled with people mentally controlled by the group of villains or if the world itself would be there. If they didn't stop the villains from reaching the genie lamp, who knew what could possibly happen.<br />
<br />
They approached the museum and walked in, looking around the empty building. There were no night watchmen, no cops, no one guarding the place at all. Tom turned to Annabelle and said "Either they aren't worried about things getting taken from here or something bad happened. I met Jacob twice upstairs, the first time in a recreation of a tomb. If he is here, I am sure he will be in that room."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBIUkd-wcs29-d9C-lPwi2Uj90wCDmvQC8ZXRtP-kuKQD249ktLsK9CiliW37uZFKXBRCPBDkZPQyIH-S7BnKcQS3d4fTkKqHq2asNvvzMC8gThLaODi3lcWi5M7BgDquObu5ytE7J-lc/s1600/Screenshot-728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBIUkd-wcs29-d9C-lPwi2Uj90wCDmvQC8ZXRtP-kuKQD249ktLsK9CiliW37uZFKXBRCPBDkZPQyIH-S7BnKcQS3d4fTkKqHq2asNvvzMC8gThLaODi3lcWi5M7BgDquObu5ytE7J-lc/s400/Screenshot-728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They ran upstairs and found themselves outside the exhibit. Tom readied his fists for a fight in case he needed to use them, and silently gestured to Annabelle to stay in the lobby until he needed her. She obliged, knowing that she asked him to stay behind when they went to meet Isobelle the night before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_lI3soSSHN9gYZfR6JY5CyAmqmAHBUiXWYkoUoVFDEyIO3IxyJbAzMwmwQ2G836rV2hZKCZS_FBVOuJ89itGhtHF2nW3SazPI62805d86Xke58xGL2QrIIYnvlVKF1P6n67IAvOfiDVG/s1600/Screenshot-568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_lI3soSSHN9gYZfR6JY5CyAmqmAHBUiXWYkoUoVFDEyIO3IxyJbAzMwmwQ2G836rV2hZKCZS_FBVOuJ89itGhtHF2nW3SazPI62805d86Xke58xGL2QrIIYnvlVKF1P6n67IAvOfiDVG/s400/Screenshot-568.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom stormed into the exhibit and saw Jacob Thompson sitting in a chair at the end of the room. To his left was an end table and sitting on top of that was some strange golden bottle with an unearthly glow around it.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Tom Jameson." Jacob smiled as Tom walked into the room. "I'm sooo surprised to see you here, especially in this room. I imagined you would be less than thrilled to come here again, especially considering what tomb this room is a recreation of, exactly."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Cut the crap, Thompson!" Tom snarled, "What do you know about the Genie Lamp?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsqvD20r7y2d1Ffn1-S7qsTtxFx1LjSkHx50sbVE2A7AHiyJie2N7A_7oTPNIrnq_jjSPmpl_fn8E3ttBUSnELUygE7gBFh5IpKABZWGmiZy7XgJwEmCZuQXw1xuYxE-TP5ZT75HT5l7b/s1600/Screenshot-573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsqvD20r7y2d1Ffn1-S7qsTtxFx1LjSkHx50sbVE2A7AHiyJie2N7A_7oTPNIrnq_jjSPmpl_fn8E3ttBUSnELUygE7gBFh5IpKABZWGmiZy7XgJwEmCZuQXw1xuYxE-TP5ZT75HT5l7b/s400/Screenshot-573.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jacob stood up and walked towards him. Tom stood his ground, ready to fight the man, but instead Jacob walked past him to a sarcophagus on the other side, admiring it. "Genie Lamp. Yes I know a lot about that. I know if I had it, I'd use it to make every single living organism under my command. Subjugation of humanity, that's what I would do. And I know one more thing: I will get it soon. Six days from now actually. Sure you can fight me, you can stop me, but guess what? It will all be useless."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxuiIXhPzYxFBgRydh-pj0_GUc99tFI6_w5otKvfu1WjtbXj9Fm8CLLyeGrAthPtFSt1ue06rk0DiKEdbRjhdpy9eIYROzBJpp6HjA6tBwpFRe37q1oAgQ2liZUMS0Q-Fta-6iyMUY-Vi/s1600/Screenshot-565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxuiIXhPzYxFBgRydh-pj0_GUc99tFI6_w5otKvfu1WjtbXj9Fm8CLLyeGrAthPtFSt1ue06rk0DiKEdbRjhdpy9eIYROzBJpp6HjA6tBwpFRe37q1oAgQ2liZUMS0Q-Fta-6iyMUY-Vi/s400/Screenshot-565.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Meanwhile, Tobias Corvan was walking around the museum when he saw Annabelle waiting for Tom's word. Using his self-proclaimed "expert sneaking" skills, he slowly crept up to her, ready to take her hostage in case Jacob needed leverage against Tom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHO4XBvEBppX0Z_OZlUjUdcUmVLcbVh3KUzsQbIStuKR1O3EasbWI7jSQp8h3PjefwgwQD3PMm8hHIKwnHkplkIli2tjQ7BxP1IgF89VX7PB9SnetwnKO2doJWwD4BhOwj8mlLo8-kgd3/s1600/Screenshot-566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHO4XBvEBppX0Z_OZlUjUdcUmVLcbVh3KUzsQbIStuKR1O3EasbWI7jSQp8h3PjefwgwQD3PMm8hHIKwnHkplkIli2tjQ7BxP1IgF89VX7PB9SnetwnKO2doJWwD4BhOwj8mlLo8-kgd3/s400/Screenshot-566.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Right before he reached out, however, she turned around and looked him in the eye, angrily. "Hello there. You know I could hear you coming from a mile away."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfwFhUxUO4p3Fq68F9MnLKW7zhzt5ZZL_5StFnTKH8wuZIY09sDDEwKTLfb_xPdVGo_P11U27Q6LLTiDeE5GfSxB44fc0voFsrinXPHhAKB3X2UN-xObZFyy-JkNU1Xe9Y9nMAbiswZN6/s1600/Screenshot-570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfwFhUxUO4p3Fq68F9MnLKW7zhzt5ZZL_5StFnTKH8wuZIY09sDDEwKTLfb_xPdVGo_P11U27Q6LLTiDeE5GfSxB44fc0voFsrinXPHhAKB3X2UN-xObZFyy-JkNU1Xe9Y9nMAbiswZN6/s400/Screenshot-570.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"We will fight you, Thompson. And we will win."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxB9Gk3BquZRwajj9rWT8fPrVDmLv8Fu5IRAFj2Hbh0_Q15Agh0z9E6aVgR6ut5KD_5SSV6YO0k6hTTSOY_cVNjLVlao7gdcgYPHexlvDiBFFBG4WbRbRUKG3t3o2Njgy_S0SwJdDKgIQ/s1600/Screenshot-574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxB9Gk3BquZRwajj9rWT8fPrVDmLv8Fu5IRAFj2Hbh0_Q15Agh0z9E6aVgR6ut5KD_5SSV6YO0k6hTTSOY_cVNjLVlao7gdcgYPHexlvDiBFFBG4WbRbRUKG3t3o2Njgy_S0SwJdDKgIQ/s400/Screenshot-574.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jacob laughed, and said "No dear boy, you won't. Anyway, while waiting for the day I control this world, let us admire some replicas of ancient pieces of art. This whole thing is a perfect representation of the Tomb of Vor'set, an ancient mummy. Well, near perfect. It's certainly missing something.... oh yes, blood. It's missing the blood of two idiot adventurers who were foolish enough to think they could fight a mummy in this very tomb. Of course I can cut you and, while there still wouldn't be the adventurers' blood, it would be close enough. Eh, Tommy JAMESON?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPL9M6hbFDLeWE3N5Gpkzu1Tk0ihuDw28XSCLRoTSMIWnDrWRs0gIHa_ahj7tBw_ItWBew2UEPaGgdOiHQONwQmeiDp6DFrDY5qyeVwnPlq5ehuYcdc3zbEhZl23dk19rTqvFMBI80fC2/s1600/Screenshot-576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPL9M6hbFDLeWE3N5Gpkzu1Tk0ihuDw28XSCLRoTSMIWnDrWRs0gIHa_ahj7tBw_ItWBew2UEPaGgdOiHQONwQmeiDp6DFrDY5qyeVwnPlq5ehuYcdc3zbEhZl23dk19rTqvFMBI80fC2/s400/Screenshot-576.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom wondered what he meant by that, but then looked around the room again. Suddenly a realization kicked in: He had seen this tomb before, a picture of it. It was hidden in the bottom of the Egyptian Sphinx, where no one had seen it before. Tom's own parents found the room and two weeks later they died. Struck with an intense amount of anger, Tom stormed over to Jacob and punched him in the face so hard his fist felt like it hit a mold of gelatin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jacob fell to the ground, and Tom yelled at him, not caring if he was living or dead from the impact. "So you had this tomb replica built for this specific reason!? BAD IDEA YOU SICK, TWISTED JACKASS! HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY PARENTS?!"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVem91NCI7GrwuDPiDsNs43pX2S95mjQVWX8baMhaVKOFBx9E6fOBRYX9Qs3RB5hFpwYl8HSDoMibyu99ZaUr0KG3ppXr4bbSS0oIACRAcmM9Hcp6rlm2efdZdmr_wUTPnR5AZLB0wTHqy/s1600/Screenshot-579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVem91NCI7GrwuDPiDsNs43pX2S95mjQVWX8baMhaVKOFBx9E6fOBRYX9Qs3RB5hFpwYl8HSDoMibyu99ZaUr0KG3ppXr4bbSS0oIACRAcmM9Hcp6rlm2efdZdmr_wUTPnR5AZLB0wTHqy/s400/Screenshot-579.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Jacob opened his eyes and swiftly kicked Tom back, then stood up and drew out a weapon similar to the one Tobias had the day before. "I guess my plan to make you angry worked. And you know what else? I know what can make you angrier!" He then lifted his cuff, speaking into a device hidden into his cuff-link. "Tobias. Get in here immediately!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmhi12xYGfdI_hMNsErE03GnpEAjybuPW0oKpaPvsk9k9KmYc3IwC3Gc6Yi-1_zMHII_mqjfLywdEtWyff05OeJknOMjkLmlT02ZwWzyYoscN2Zwwbga_ty0OH9ocRHNNpBoMnsVtY6Q-/s1600/Screenshot-580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmhi12xYGfdI_hMNsErE03GnpEAjybuPW0oKpaPvsk9k9KmYc3IwC3Gc6Yi-1_zMHII_mqjfLywdEtWyff05OeJknOMjkLmlT02ZwWzyYoscN2Zwwbga_ty0OH9ocRHNNpBoMnsVtY6Q-/s400/Screenshot-580.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXl99FTi3XDctIyLOMZsz454MgZozXYip5NotQVqTcJ7WRA8kI7FlBtvL3bAuwlsmo9G4l59nKYIpbhtP4XutIm6t9aXMN8-GUYuEvNfxM9NxqHXF51yIg-Z4Dc8nWVsTJIbD3UWcFLZ-/s1600/Screenshot-564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXl99FTi3XDctIyLOMZsz454MgZozXYip5NotQVqTcJ7WRA8kI7FlBtvL3bAuwlsmo9G4l59nKYIpbhtP4XutIm6t9aXMN8-GUYuEvNfxM9NxqHXF51yIg-Z4Dc8nWVsTJIbD3UWcFLZ-/s400/Screenshot-564.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Seconds later Tobias's screaming form came flying into the room, upside down, past Jacob, and hitting a display on the other side. He stood up in a very anguished fashion while looking over at the two, weakly saying "Okay. I'm in here." before passing out again. Annabelle stormed into the room and grabbed for Jacob, ready to take him down as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMv8WHeqAfArKboIAMz3L_CkCTn_XWfbvwaa9g0Ey8zEdL-xYjGhsb6IvgxoVoe8FDzlRPcstSB8GeWsNIzMoruppMEsLusD57FpvfjujwQJ0R96rToW3MAPFbtoTEZvyxoN4JOzHDmXS/s1600/Screenshot-582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMv8WHeqAfArKboIAMz3L_CkCTn_XWfbvwaa9g0Ey8zEdL-xYjGhsb6IvgxoVoe8FDzlRPcstSB8GeWsNIzMoruppMEsLusD57FpvfjujwQJ0R96rToW3MAPFbtoTEZvyxoN4JOzHDmXS/s400/Screenshot-582.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"YOU!" Annabelle angrily said, and tried to punch him as well. Unfortunately the villain turned his weapon against her, magically freezing her in place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRk4SlOWB6Jo-2pu1qXQ8DfaINdDCgmERqQ2cfdBXrJXcyNJKYxRm30sdg9Idb2iLDA_Qj4AIAW7aGuM2n2UY_sFFkXGVLRt6hZq7tb7ErSlZRPNZkO63agtc2QxNi2k3NVRbyNrsPtqN-/s1600/Screenshot-583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRk4SlOWB6Jo-2pu1qXQ8DfaINdDCgmERqQ2cfdBXrJXcyNJKYxRm30sdg9Idb2iLDA_Qj4AIAW7aGuM2n2UY_sFFkXGVLRt6hZq7tb7ErSlZRPNZkO63agtc2QxNi2k3NVRbyNrsPtqN-/s400/Screenshot-583.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"NOOO!" Tom said, and ran towards Jacob, who turned the weapon against him but was surprised when it didn't work. He then waved it again and a metal cage formed around Tom, trapping him.<br />
<br />
"So the rumors are true: you are immune to magic."<br />
<br />
"Unfortunately, she isn't." Jacob walked over to the table beside his chair and grabbed the bottle, then happily strolled back to her. Along the way he had used what Tom had come to realize WAS a magic wand to heal his own injury as well as boost Tobias to wake him. When Jacob got back beside Annie, he used the potion on himself and smiled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhps464FUu_0IUFdUMp8n-lCzKcitm02760Dp2j2dg9Rct2PQQY6uacBbjioB40b_xUEGEXdNlReMW6Tq2DQvArZNnmGL690Z-3mhyoD-sJTpEMDtU8GEaAywkSemGLpwvOJcKCStBIkLbc/s1600/Screenshot-585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhps464FUu_0IUFdUMp8n-lCzKcitm02760Dp2j2dg9Rct2PQQY6uacBbjioB40b_xUEGEXdNlReMW6Tq2DQvArZNnmGL690Z-3mhyoD-sJTpEMDtU8GEaAywkSemGLpwvOJcKCStBIkLbc/s400/Screenshot-585.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"As Robert Frost once wrote: Nature's first green is gold. So this works, considering she IS green." He turned to Annabelle and touched her forehead. She was able to move her face, and was visibly horrified as she instantly turned into a gold statue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HSTbJEB_9V_ExIgKBihzDPka4tKSULiBLrLWDUeJOYZs1j72VylUFVcPsgIFR3Sfxt3XVqwhxZ50_DRyF38uL93H1JcWPbiYvyM5QDQMKHHmvKyQse3nrLvhOc4W4MXe29RLDDDRkIcM/s1600/Screenshot-586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HSTbJEB_9V_ExIgKBihzDPka4tKSULiBLrLWDUeJOYZs1j72VylUFVcPsgIFR3Sfxt3XVqwhxZ50_DRyF38uL93H1JcWPbiYvyM5QDQMKHHmvKyQse3nrLvhOc4W4MXe29RLDDDRkIcM/s400/Screenshot-586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A7Xc1swFM-_SCiUX2Ix_DEWa2FlJcTlTPDfPfLlHaJHYXHYJLWSGB6g_Ii0ZAsBaLvWEghq7nfD30cZWtbvh7B2au-nsJQXLZ40mX1Cy2mVmOMYm3r5xfdi_lNBGnOEqs75mVxIq6put/s1600/Screenshot-587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A7Xc1swFM-_SCiUX2Ix_DEWa2FlJcTlTPDfPfLlHaJHYXHYJLWSGB6g_Ii0ZAsBaLvWEghq7nfD30cZWtbvh7B2au-nsJQXLZ40mX1Cy2mVmOMYm3r5xfdi_lNBGnOEqs75mVxIq6put/s400/Screenshot-587.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"NOOOOOO!!!!!" Tom yelled out in anger, and watched as Jacob pressed a device into her arm. Seconds later the statue, Annabelle, was gone in a beam of light, taken who knew where. Jacob turned around and looked at Tom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyjTd2ZpZ8DAvBDsO6mCHS1lU6wqSdysDZaRj9iL_6jEw0yxAYSkGfmSeUi5QZocb66CM_-8jIXKP-e3Wzgn_M6HeToq63LvIuNVG9tSOqQwUNnoNHGH08o_clvQDUiUvtXouwsCllRGR/s1600/Screenshot-588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyjTd2ZpZ8DAvBDsO6mCHS1lU6wqSdysDZaRj9iL_6jEw0yxAYSkGfmSeUi5QZocb66CM_-8jIXKP-e3Wzgn_M6HeToq63LvIuNVG9tSOqQwUNnoNHGH08o_clvQDUiUvtXouwsCllRGR/s400/Screenshot-588.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"She's at the mausoleum by the way. If you wished to have rescued her, you would have went there. Wait, why am I speaking in past-tense? Oh yeah, because you're going to die here. You win some, you lose some, eh Tommy boy?" Jacob and Corvan left the room before Tom could respond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG_0rg0750i0RwCJjrvKMLpadeIZCmYzRvQzjDzb-mkpspMH1mycyq7mucKm9MBbWwDsyjCC89JMlknMkjxpzibJOvWfNyvuRlSET6I6QgcAB3Eh8LN2oTRmcZ54XCDoXBEo4-yapqz-2/s1600/Screenshot-590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG_0rg0750i0RwCJjrvKMLpadeIZCmYzRvQzjDzb-mkpspMH1mycyq7mucKm9MBbWwDsyjCC89JMlknMkjxpzibJOvWfNyvuRlSET6I6QgcAB3Eh8LN2oTRmcZ54XCDoXBEo4-yapqz-2/s400/Screenshot-590.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom was in anguish. He was trapped, Annabelle was kidnapped... again... and now he had no way to escape. He then sat down on the ground, defeated.<br />
<br />
"I lost."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0acNsxTyMd7ptZvylIFa4C3NrQef_ANcHZjQrUoW0TIHsXsjZO1t5-1lQKZQYaqeMezk-9d46ypCojczCtfXJ6CUBQIlWdNlS7OEPNjnzOvNspYQ7aPjTfp8sp1I9EkopmZ7-XLjvYqb/s1600/Screenshot-713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0acNsxTyMd7ptZvylIFa4C3NrQef_ANcHZjQrUoW0TIHsXsjZO1t5-1lQKZQYaqeMezk-9d46ypCojczCtfXJ6CUBQIlWdNlS7OEPNjnzOvNspYQ7aPjTfp8sp1I9EkopmZ7-XLjvYqb/s400/Screenshot-713.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Meanwhile, Jacob had walked outside the museum with Tobias, and the two looked at a group of containers filled with gasoline on the ground floor. Jacob took out his weapon and aimed it at them. "Give me a baton of death, and I shall conduct a chorus of souls as they sing their way to the underworld."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OUBOJ816NMLdH3tPgjhiTag5TAvbp5v3T6_7CXgVXSMMCwqoFSa4iiGeL3u5xfWyrzh3JY-zVTAkP60Kg8917wO1gr6s7H1ILAULIBVsE0rIYC0lW__JGA8nDKDUHC2x8dNF6AywvfE6/s1600/Screenshot-715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OUBOJ816NMLdH3tPgjhiTag5TAvbp5v3T6_7CXgVXSMMCwqoFSa4iiGeL3u5xfWyrzh3JY-zVTAkP60Kg8917wO1gr6s7H1ILAULIBVsE0rIYC0lW__JGA8nDKDUHC2x8dNF6AywvfE6/s400/Screenshot-715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidi0eIOLoc8maXE8pUkXG-LqjRkJjQ7N-OMCKRwhSK-fRCJvCRP6zyWpsrJX3YjzCjG_H2un_ReRicUhtRD00yr8xbCMf8F4F5p7PgstWrGcblhZ2_DRT-ZuD1Lwq-kKVidjJ3yuaRSUef/s1600/Screenshot-708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidi0eIOLoc8maXE8pUkXG-LqjRkJjQ7N-OMCKRwhSK-fRCJvCRP6zyWpsrJX3YjzCjG_H2un_ReRicUhtRD00yr8xbCMf8F4F5p7PgstWrGcblhZ2_DRT-ZuD1Lwq-kKVidjJ3yuaRSUef/s400/Screenshot-708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With a wave of the magic wand, the barrels exploded, he then continued to wave the weapon, with each area he pointed at violently exploding. Seconds passed and the entire museum was on fire, with the explosions creeping towards Tom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWmvC3RTSMbXPcBjKTZdppSKzmM_O-ojQElKXDTibyZArwD7JsOkra1TR2OS_LWnX_krkc3qJuFLRI5zOpb7vhY0u6n2LlJQ46z0_qm-SG2ol3Yu-g_5rOAC_nFfk78qf2brxoM0jienY/s1600/Screenshot-595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWmvC3RTSMbXPcBjKTZdppSKzmM_O-ojQElKXDTibyZArwD7JsOkra1TR2OS_LWnX_krkc3qJuFLRI5zOpb7vhY0u6n2LlJQ46z0_qm-SG2ol3Yu-g_5rOAC_nFfk78qf2brxoM0jienY/s400/Screenshot-595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I lost." Tom said again, and closed his eyes waiting for the end, for the explosions to take him. <i>When he opened them again, he was standing in a bright room, his father's ghost in front of him.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lG5edyYOL8PXarJPcos8d6EUQo7G7k4qHh3_Rwe8OmwtqFJRPDTHh9tG201a-eAQePIkTcq5wv9SwVzxVbU9feT4kX2kheq34ryDY2mg-M6AMwAF9EfTO3VVHKSshWVukSsYF5s6jPPY/s1600/Screenshot-598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lG5edyYOL8PXarJPcos8d6EUQo7G7k4qHh3_Rwe8OmwtqFJRPDTHh9tG201a-eAQePIkTcq5wv9SwVzxVbU9feT4kX2kheq34ryDY2mg-M6AMwAF9EfTO3VVHKSshWVukSsYF5s6jPPY/s400/Screenshot-598.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I failed, dad." Tom said with the most depressed, somber tone he'd ever spoken with. "I lost."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGM7Io4P47uJMNjw9JR55p_WdqRpizlq945OQOyKGXWJzqHIAe0frZYLbvmt7Pq2rFzQC66MGVp_aZgE0qElV9cx20bx0-PeMUkdO80OB9JpAS9OzEpbNFMsABiFcQFoWgK6WPKUbP-zI/s1600/Screenshot-597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGM7Io4P47uJMNjw9JR55p_WdqRpizlq945OQOyKGXWJzqHIAe0frZYLbvmt7Pq2rFzQC66MGVp_aZgE0qElV9cx20bx0-PeMUkdO80OB9JpAS9OzEpbNFMsABiFcQFoWgK6WPKUbP-zI/s400/Screenshot-597.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"No, my son." Thomas Jameson said, "You did not. You just need to find your own way, and your destiny will find you. That is why I gave you my gift."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"You mean in Bridgeport, when I was injured? You gave me your hat and jacket. You left them to me!" </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcqknT9uyBGCca2b38to4tG64szUIlnlzoPh_ekK0IZpJyEMZ0j18FkGWSh6kz2jCMe7xhG2VKtGuBqoOaM8QAt_ZRHNz1-mFBN_Mlbk1l2P8EV4D9u9BWhL4MO_nQ1cIjAgAbGEad71t/s1600/Screenshot-596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcqknT9uyBGCca2b38to4tG64szUIlnlzoPh_ekK0IZpJyEMZ0j18FkGWSh6kz2jCMe7xhG2VKtGuBqoOaM8QAt_ZRHNz1-mFBN_Mlbk1l2P8EV4D9u9BWhL4MO_nQ1cIjAgAbGEad71t/s400/Screenshot-596.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"No. When I gave you the gift of being immune to harmful magic. When you first put on those items from that chest, you were given the ability to block curses, evil spells, but be aware that physical spells such as ice and fire can still harm you. This power I gave to you because I wanted you to live a long, fruitful life. One that I nor your mother could not when the mummy's curse killed us. So use the power well, and know I will always be there for you, watching over you. Now, go my son... fulfill the silent promise you made to yourself to save your friends, and to save the world."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw1DkrJ0eNf3Wk8g8uYhyphenhyphenIgHSNpH-Nf_O6mf3fnWFimr7d30ijmIJIKm1nUsCHCAKJGbyyoRsNUXCFDcZy7NGT5DZuMDzBim4l3XNPgKJQegpU_rQ5QjRnYAua9_J4Ni_OcgAuQn1rjI-/s1600/ghost.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw1DkrJ0eNf3Wk8g8uYhyphenhyphenIgHSNpH-Nf_O6mf3fnWFimr7d30ijmIJIKm1nUsCHCAKJGbyyoRsNUXCFDcZy7NGT5DZuMDzBim4l3XNPgKJQegpU_rQ5QjRnYAua9_J4Ni_OcgAuQn1rjI-/s400/ghost.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>The ghost of Thomas Jameson smiled and hugged Tom, then stepped backwards. Suddenly, he started to glow brighter, turning into a ethereal fog which covered Tom completely. In his heart he could feel the ghost of his father comforting him, and Tom felt a warm presence all around him, a presence that gave him a feeling that he was going to be alright. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>After a few seconds Tom opened his eyes again </i>and found himself outside the museum, looking at the destruction from the front of the building across the street. He saw Tobias standing there alone, and walked up to him silently.<br />
<br />
-----------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgXIecmfQO2JmT7Rg7u0Yu_VtLh6jpNsd7RKSrt1XNeUlcZ50U4gWACXtueMjMHMqaZ-gZPhYPqi-0qi2J5AuzXrkn72XwE2elS-5xH5V30rxNSGeP-qEDfmIlFbrpXWQpIg7A8i2XLYP/s1600/Screenshot-719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgXIecmfQO2JmT7Rg7u0Yu_VtLh6jpNsd7RKSrt1XNeUlcZ50U4gWACXtueMjMHMqaZ-gZPhYPqi-0qi2J5AuzXrkn72XwE2elS-5xH5V30rxNSGeP-qEDfmIlFbrpXWQpIg7A8i2XLYP/s400/Screenshot-719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jacob Thompson and Tobias Corvan stood where they were, watching the fire destroy the building. After a short time, Jacob turned to his henchman and said, "If you see Tom leave the building, kill him.", and vanished into a light. Despite wanting to go back to the base, Tobias stood where he was in the rain, waiting for a presence to show itself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGa1MmOk1_pq5C8nARnHPMrv2yTkcyypPO2Tvs52-NFd5hGPMPBhdz_Cs-0WilYefFeMVvepfQXlZT1COKjNWcNcVaV6zYo4LNh1ws1p2MmY-fSHyGeImdac0rUAxSaKMMeNiXbEV7A8o/s1600/Screenshot-720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGa1MmOk1_pq5C8nARnHPMrv2yTkcyypPO2Tvs52-NFd5hGPMPBhdz_Cs-0WilYefFeMVvepfQXlZT1COKjNWcNcVaV6zYo4LNh1ws1p2MmY-fSHyGeImdac0rUAxSaKMMeNiXbEV7A8o/s400/Screenshot-720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly he heard a noise. It sounded like footsteps but it was hard to pinpoint where they were coming from. He then felt a tap on his shoulder, and turned around to see Tom, wearing a completely different outfit than he wore inside the building and also seemed to have no scars or injury from the blast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJz7lfTCvuQ8si7Y2yMirlddg2ZP1Yk4d7z1ngQVBj3ili8KV4Ug-BBkuOQ5BZ4ngkvwxLZHVHeEQ8IQ13WPQ1OeKglMcg2eDwNwDIlwPZcS1-Ci_lkwGH11nvLI5_26SSArV20tmRSSw/s1600/Screenshot-721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJz7lfTCvuQ8si7Y2yMirlddg2ZP1Yk4d7z1ngQVBj3ili8KV4Ug-BBkuOQ5BZ4ngkvwxLZHVHeEQ8IQ13WPQ1OeKglMcg2eDwNwDIlwPZcS1-Ci_lkwGH11nvLI5_26SSArV20tmRSSw/s400/Screenshot-721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Hello, my name is Thomas Caleb Jameson. And you two jackasses just made me very, very mad."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pzoOTtlAxydr_y4Pu_9PFYMPUmTWvNgPU36HcG4FbNAuiINxm5y5bCEXvQS6IZiKsTwcJax5ng6ewPlptIDgpL6Y1BwV7MSvDCzEqOvr1yLhiRE6IoXke0iJL1YduZzoqvVieYusRZTi/s1600/Screenshot-723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pzoOTtlAxydr_y4Pu_9PFYMPUmTWvNgPU36HcG4FbNAuiINxm5y5bCEXvQS6IZiKsTwcJax5ng6ewPlptIDgpL6Y1BwV7MSvDCzEqOvr1yLhiRE6IoXke0iJL1YduZzoqvVieYusRZTi/s400/Screenshot-723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That was a bad idea."<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-13123260807147760732012-11-21T21:56:00.002-06:002012-11-21T22:21:20.745-06:00Chapter Thirty-One - The Storm<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeOaxmWEOKyhtBq3JuFh9_RIFD_lDA2tUPMKe7tT8xzZaLdShFI5e5jhhtu2g1RQukuyMpiVL6hnF09AthlFtJRLcuSNVcjVOWliHO9xaJyDViURmtJUwiqzIsPbyXmNv1gX0ut_Qvfhz/s1600/Screenshot-4426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeOaxmWEOKyhtBq3JuFh9_RIFD_lDA2tUPMKe7tT8xzZaLdShFI5e5jhhtu2g1RQukuyMpiVL6hnF09AthlFtJRLcuSNVcjVOWliHO9xaJyDViURmtJUwiqzIsPbyXmNv1gX0ut_Qvfhz/s400/Screenshot-4426.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Isobelle? You're Avalon?" Annabelle said, "You're Avalon?! But... you... I... what??!?"<br />
<br />
"Yes I'm Avalon. Kinda hard to understand I know but it's a really a long story and it's getting late so I don't have too much of a feeling to explain it. Long story short- I... am.... me. And you are you. There really is no other way to explain it."<br />
<br />
"That..." Annabelle said, confused, "That uh, that explain nothing. What's going on? What happened to you, Isobelle?! Last time I saw you, you were like you wanted wipe humanity off the face of this planet!" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR-Y9Sd64skE1Q63ro_F8qJPGJdMJPdnk45Uh4fAGTIGGkT7rFf4lHzH1vV_NDoNWeNwYqYSnXDN_2yfcu1msLh4hMiBLfvalWH7ecX-uj37jEWNAnG49K5K5qvcVfCiyYdxka0ZVF-iI/s1600/Screenshot-4432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR-Y9Sd64skE1Q63ro_F8qJPGJdMJPdnk45Uh4fAGTIGGkT7rFf4lHzH1vV_NDoNWeNwYqYSnXDN_2yfcu1msLh4hMiBLfvalWH7ecX-uj37jEWNAnG49K5K5qvcVfCiyYdxka0ZVF-iI/s400/Screenshot-4432.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Isobelle walked over to a window, looking out at a small drizzle that had formed outside. "I hated humans. But like I said, I embraced humanity. I built up a few funds, opened this casino, and one thing led to another. I do charities, now. Humanity may be imperfect, but it's all I have to work with. I've come to accept that. So. Why are you here? What brings you to Avalon?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS0Hje6n3zR1FdpJss9hIRgkjyfJANAzJdFYzpCchZNmb1Ta0M7eAd0voDlBB878zmo0ct0hEq2MhVl3Oa7QgbNdVnh-snPW1Js-5qtELD9o6UQnBlvLLAcz0L01vZQ8sdgvZaL6J4wrl/s1600/Screenshot-4502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS0Hje6n3zR1FdpJss9hIRgkjyfJANAzJdFYzpCchZNmb1Ta0M7eAd0voDlBB878zmo0ct0hEq2MhVl3Oa7QgbNdVnh-snPW1Js-5qtELD9o6UQnBlvLLAcz0L01vZQ8sdgvZaL6J4wrl/s400/Screenshot-4502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I need your help. There's someone in this town who is looking for something, both of these are very dangerous. Dr. Xan Vu. He's, <i>this close</i>, to getting a genie lamp, and I have no idea what a man like that could do with it. And there's another thing: there is a man named Jacob Thompson... he's part of a group of villains who, in the past, have tried to take over the planet."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJy3nQknYevhdf3Jros1HQmuTXi_BBuqbWhbQgQEVKg6jZX8rydO5SKqDjKsE4YQ7pjwbCZyFwE8EOw5e6k8mdzsK-dE7AgR6qwf7_GEe2t5JFsAlnCkPqoJQEiF81FaJRwrXQG6VzKWj/s1600/Screenshot-4503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJy3nQknYevhdf3Jros1HQmuTXi_BBuqbWhbQgQEVKg6jZX8rydO5SKqDjKsE4YQ7pjwbCZyFwE8EOw5e6k8mdzsK-dE7AgR6qwf7_GEe2t5JFsAlnCkPqoJQEiF81FaJRwrXQG6VzKWj/s400/Screenshot-4503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"The Benefactors. Yes I know."<br />
<br />
"How?" Annabelle asked. "Unless... that makes perfect sense! At his trial, when Jack Toomes was ranting about an Alien attacking him, he wasn't talking about me! He was talking about YOU!"<br />
<br />
<br />
"Yes. When you and Thomas defeated Jack Toomes, I visited him in his little, 'restoration chamber'. I basically told him to turn himself in or I would rip his heart out and shove it down his own throat. He turned himself in. And now there's another one." Isobelle then did something that surprised Annie. She gave out a sarcastic "...yay."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oICy5joOmjlrXMY5WemkEEpF55EJoQbjIw3W0WNNCh84PwUYQ6xPyVfJcZk0h96P1Nt_7MpMjKf0XgARA4KpS6vL5wXzGoXLK4CHSS_dxbNgfjcnMbxng8VZBmax4i93GwSLneQcbUMA/s1600/Screenshot-4505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oICy5joOmjlrXMY5WemkEEpF55EJoQbjIw3W0WNNCh84PwUYQ6xPyVfJcZk0h96P1Nt_7MpMjKf0XgARA4KpS6vL5wXzGoXLK4CHSS_dxbNgfjcnMbxng8VZBmax4i93GwSLneQcbUMA/s400/Screenshot-4505.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle had noticed something was different about her sister. For instance, her hair wasn't purely white anymore, nor were her eyes, they had started to develop a cyan tone to them. She thought that maybe whatever had turned them that blank value was starting to wear off. Another thing was her personality. She used joking terms, sarcasm, everything that the Isobelle she had known the four years before never used, at all. Perhaps she was telling the truth about embracing humanity. In any case, Annabelle trusted her sister, even though she knew she shouldn't have with the way she acted before, she still did.<br />
<br />
"So, will you help me now?" Annabelle asked. "Please?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaMS5W7AKc6CETWvseJ4k4_UrB2UPnxLfcOd7pexVKl43C42P6ki9rySk4-yiRkYivgNgG0ilOyNkgtFYEMX13bPjYYBf-APAsTMVt0klvHd3rpngMZX8bqg4_d17oqExXvtwiIuLjmXR/s1600/Screenshot-4506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaMS5W7AKc6CETWvseJ4k4_UrB2UPnxLfcOd7pexVKl43C42P6ki9rySk4-yiRkYivgNgG0ilOyNkgtFYEMX13bPjYYBf-APAsTMVt0klvHd3rpngMZX8bqg4_d17oqExXvtwiIuLjmXR/s400/Screenshot-4506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Isobelle looked at her reflection in the window. "I can't. I'm still the same I was. I'm sorry, I cannot help you. I know people change, Annabelle, but I haven't. I cannot even think to help you until I do." She then turned around and walked into an adjacent room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWNrKwQ-MsTCMGl29suST68iHBvKzFyBZq4qBCODg2sv_uSytgy4uN1TcFL0C0feCOth_ByxzM9OG8JZ2Mc_WXlobUrS7IqjbhQUMm64_g3_Nfei-1OKOYwouz12yM__pLxmoI-eylnQF/s1600/Screenshot-4507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWNrKwQ-MsTCMGl29suST68iHBvKzFyBZq4qBCODg2sv_uSytgy4uN1TcFL0C0feCOth_ByxzM9OG8JZ2Mc_WXlobUrS7IqjbhQUMm64_g3_Nfei-1OKOYwouz12yM__pLxmoI-eylnQF/s400/Screenshot-4507.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Upset, but not unfazed, Annabelle turned around to leave, realizing that perhaps she was imagining a change of personality. "I understand. I'll leave you alone." She said, not caring if Isobelle could hear her or not.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfGUY2PWU91sNbMQjfheH0bLl0S7hoJL3rBRnKVeFsGU6kWUGpHD0tE2siqnGfVuGt-yaSzQwnxWWrZQDv2HN-_RQAziXW26GcjmLk-DWsynD6hn7c4JtQCG5NxMIV9zSpewh9aiFe93m/s1600/Screenshot-4508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfGUY2PWU91sNbMQjfheH0bLl0S7hoJL3rBRnKVeFsGU6kWUGpHD0tE2siqnGfVuGt-yaSzQwnxWWrZQDv2HN-_RQAziXW26GcjmLk-DWsynD6hn7c4JtQCG5NxMIV9zSpewh9aiFe93m/s400/Screenshot-4508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
She then walked downstairs towards Tom, who was waiting. "So, is Avalon a powerful help or an evil mastermind?" Tom asked.<br />
<br />
"It was Isobelle, my sister!" Annabelle said, excitedly, but with a sad tone of voice. "She's Avalon. She didn't help."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwvBSgD5eeY4s8fWCcrHcsAq78M5Rzhp-j8KWrmljwBo-fAMoe2spqJlHqg_So7PF-cSDML5lDO3OdWmGVyBCBOjQEBkhk9o-9Sbr8zjkxdDnWo5geu0YTru-5CoO9urKPWpC_NoGfwYP/s1600/Screenshot-4510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwvBSgD5eeY4s8fWCcrHcsAq78M5Rzhp-j8KWrmljwBo-fAMoe2spqJlHqg_So7PF-cSDML5lDO3OdWmGVyBCBOjQEBkhk9o-9Sbr8zjkxdDnWo5geu0YTru-5CoO9urKPWpC_NoGfwYP/s400/Screenshot-4510.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"WHAT?!" Tom jumped up from the ground and gasped. "Your sister? The one who was all gung-ho about how 'humans are evil' and all that garbage?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-C0NsuZDDDLPoioIAFm0X_NQzTSbjts3uH49E5QxtkeE86bUQKd_52vednKVNes-rzpx3TYVgcExBvCojZe1e-hdExUteYStnKEHPQPzzyN2Dur_tFZ2sZYW-toL9aLSsAy7mE0o6Xaor/s1600/Screenshot-4511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-C0NsuZDDDLPoioIAFm0X_NQzTSbjts3uH49E5QxtkeE86bUQKd_52vednKVNes-rzpx3TYVgcExBvCojZe1e-hdExUteYStnKEHPQPzzyN2Dur_tFZ2sZYW-toL9aLSsAy7mE0o6Xaor/s400/Screenshot-4511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Yes but, she's different now. I think." Annabelle replied. "I don't know. Let's just get the hell out of this place. I don't want to look at it anymore."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOEW3zM0vHl8b9uYTVCPYfuVekWb30wsy2zMq506KBGaka9Hq65OYGT_W3DGidYFsemAjKDx-1FWrX8qGe91ArVbL9QHokW21JffcDvbdYaecRoSfykSm0Ugy6CTcThb3d_j-glzLZwCM/s1600/Screenshot-4512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOEW3zM0vHl8b9uYTVCPYfuVekWb30wsy2zMq506KBGaka9Hq65OYGT_W3DGidYFsemAjKDx-1FWrX8qGe91ArVbL9QHokW21JffcDvbdYaecRoSfykSm0Ugy6CTcThb3d_j-glzLZwCM/s400/Screenshot-4512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle and Tom started walking to the outside of the casino. Out there, that small drizzle had ballooned into a massive storm, one that caused nearby palm trees to sway violently. Annabelle, realizing she didn't bother to bring an umbrella because it wasn't rainy before, stood where she was for a few minutes, still upset by Isobelle's choice to not help."<br />
<br />
"Is everything okay Anne?" Tom asked, calling her a name that she rarely heard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViP5uLi_jxO4AidsvMfxpe6c8jA_54C6UdCxiGZ5eaWkxBv6pCp4MnfRhanXe9B9cgAtWl-bx-g59Kl_iT15X8sRA6usDLsjkv5SUsa1GV8wDRyW9zYr-rUyBqMXGjsKCj38k14a0WzBm/s1600/Screenshot-4514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViP5uLi_jxO4AidsvMfxpe6c8jA_54C6UdCxiGZ5eaWkxBv6pCp4MnfRhanXe9B9cgAtWl-bx-g59Kl_iT15X8sRA6usDLsjkv5SUsa1GV8wDRyW9zYr-rUyBqMXGjsKCj38k14a0WzBm/s400/Screenshot-4514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Ya. I just... wish she could have-"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL0mWzLjV-l_gJBtvnB0AsULP58YbglxnPNb1MWvxx-BkHHrTb3xOleuMOStY9wJha1awYPTljJZbJbmCeYFV1I3ecNccCrWC40yYMPblm734sbJOaY_ka0GLU8k-7QmZkVBTfXQlKUCx/s1600/Screenshot-4516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL0mWzLjV-l_gJBtvnB0AsULP58YbglxnPNb1MWvxx-BkHHrTb3xOleuMOStY9wJha1awYPTljJZbJbmCeYFV1I3ecNccCrWC40yYMPblm734sbJOaY_ka0GLU8k-7QmZkVBTfXQlKUCx/s400/Screenshot-4516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Annabelle wait!" Annabelle and Tom turned around and saw Isobelle walking towards them, wearing an all-white outfit that was reminiscent of the one she wore as a teen.<br />
<br />
"Isobelle?! What the-I thought you weren't going to help me until you 'changed'?" Annabelle said, sarcastically.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA04jJ6AmvoWjkLbFCsSbd8CYZNfG8pk-GkBq3hxjG0LcAOG1c9Mp1TsIGkOxendRhHeD2VWk6ptzQUn_vIDv0YV1xoFk_mMsYzSBCpRVJsL72dccp0srlZpruqY9DL9LZPFpDKZByTdj/s1600/Screenshot-4517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA04jJ6AmvoWjkLbFCsSbd8CYZNfG8pk-GkBq3hxjG0LcAOG1c9Mp1TsIGkOxendRhHeD2VWk6ptzQUn_vIDv0YV1xoFk_mMsYzSBCpRVJsL72dccp0srlZpruqY9DL9LZPFpDKZByTdj/s400/Screenshot-4517.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I did change!" Isobelle smiled, "I couldn't wear that outfit I had on just now, it was far too constrictive. Are we going to your place?" She then continued to smile and kept walking to Annabelle's car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-doPGohjWoRfbTc1QoIPDcULuBLJ2YOp_jIDRO1BDWt8Ap_sSsdQ_90JvNU0OK8qiAP77kx6jtDkl5lpk0ZMfT9JCKN7TbhcIVHmdHUmuD3OPDT8rd7dYIQ3Ciakii_NiGbn1y-dQv1aS/s1600/Screenshot-4520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-doPGohjWoRfbTc1QoIPDcULuBLJ2YOp_jIDRO1BDWt8Ap_sSsdQ_90JvNU0OK8qiAP77kx6jtDkl5lpk0ZMfT9JCKN7TbhcIVHmdHUmuD3OPDT8rd7dYIQ3Ciakii_NiGbn1y-dQv1aS/s400/Screenshot-4520.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVQyvzOLnanSawkrlzooZLKUXk-OAJnmMkQVqvt45LdW1aRovBMcFzqQNR6CywGSrCFI_k4w6bb2XHD0uW8dA7VGX5KUYxqjdLUUF9lDPx-E2MrKJ43BkqorjgLPW1Hcay0hfeXtUmM_A/s1600/Screenshot-4465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVQyvzOLnanSawkrlzooZLKUXk-OAJnmMkQVqvt45LdW1aRovBMcFzqQNR6CywGSrCFI_k4w6bb2XHD0uW8dA7VGX5KUYxqjdLUUF9lDPx-E2MrKJ43BkqorjgLPW1Hcay0hfeXtUmM_A/s400/Screenshot-4465.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly was looking over a few files in the house's library when she heard a strange noise. At least it was strange to her ears. She then realized it was the doorbell, with a sound that was relatively unfamiliar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUFOnpWPwMMrSm3X1nhK_nrjSeh4oxWvdfH_EirQeOMT9fqMUkE7a4ewh7dF94-ww78TYPkYiVEGA8PK3O4bnT3qtSYxFI_GaTouPN9kA7AAFC6kbEYGpVxSXrskvGmeZYYJ9nYbGni1g/s1600/Screenshot-4464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUFOnpWPwMMrSm3X1nhK_nrjSeh4oxWvdfH_EirQeOMT9fqMUkE7a4ewh7dF94-ww78TYPkYiVEGA8PK3O4bnT3qtSYxFI_GaTouPN9kA7AAFC6kbEYGpVxSXrskvGmeZYYJ9nYbGni1g/s400/Screenshot-4464.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Can someone get that?" Kelly yelled out, with no answer. "Hello? Anyone here?" Again, a silence. "Ah, great, probably alone in a big house on a stormy night. Woo-friggin'-hoo. I've read enough detective books to know where this is going."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyworYqsMBr-yPemTF48T9EtCGWGr3lRE8bxG08wCWlR06PXbLNZufyqT_z1SQ1Q7z9nONCwB_gb2AkZx6Qle56pEX-L4crPujWX8kGxhShqMezAlRTTm8gNhHATVGkT5BaZumh8E90ky/s1600/Screenshot-4467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyworYqsMBr-yPemTF48T9EtCGWGr3lRE8bxG08wCWlR06PXbLNZufyqT_z1SQ1Q7z9nONCwB_gb2AkZx6Qle56pEX-L4crPujWX8kGxhShqMezAlRTTm8gNhHATVGkT5BaZumh8E90ky/s400/Screenshot-4467.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMhfy849nL94pIxfhKV5msVijxEfunBZ7nXI3uB-Y47qiTw-2hoT3JRNVwuI0UkRcJFMtqPE5dvjL-zCnFaA19fp4TGtWVibxMBzwHgRHWdKbHZBpPiudCB-Q5vM2H296zDFG2cw4ikl0/s1600/Screenshot-4468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMhfy849nL94pIxfhKV5msVijxEfunBZ7nXI3uB-Y47qiTw-2hoT3JRNVwuI0UkRcJFMtqPE5dvjL-zCnFaA19fp4TGtWVibxMBzwHgRHWdKbHZBpPiudCB-Q5vM2H296zDFG2cw4ikl0/s400/Screenshot-4468.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly stood up and walked carefully to the door, looking through the window. To her surprise, Deacon was standing outside, along with a strange blonde woman who's apparel was less than appropriate for a stormy night... or any night outside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a rather vocal "What the hell?!" from Kelly, she opened the door. The storm outside was beginning to pick up, forcing Deacon to speak a bit louder, but still with a saddened voice.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EZrZTFT3aGzSSIn6yLe4jx4spWnsNji7SdpPi1haO9wEkLXgrtrpFgfC3aWWQCx2xR1cQUpG7rXJWDT_3PMkrjWuxFjp3THZLB736LZdjb1pj3SuJiET4ZG-kiMKT_cl6sSpM6v1w0-3/s1600/Screenshot-4469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EZrZTFT3aGzSSIn6yLe4jx4spWnsNji7SdpPi1haO9wEkLXgrtrpFgfC3aWWQCx2xR1cQUpG7rXJWDT_3PMkrjWuxFjp3THZLB736LZdjb1pj3SuJiET4ZG-kiMKT_cl6sSpM6v1w0-3/s400/Screenshot-4469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Kelly. Our house... it's gone. Everything. All of my books, all of my sister's clothes, everything. We are freezing, cold, and homeless. Can't we please, please stay here for the time being? We have nothing! We had to walk all the way here, in the rain!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeDd12c3_ZRjGvo7RZH2I26JtkRuyMr8XLuc1mSmPtYiDCg5Bc_-thBSkNU3W08msdhP0LWzLAz6OYBRKfyZ5HQn8X-leYILizvrPz8pmbWKltI9O65g-TYMf1VOuUSw9H0dpnyZGCZLx/s1600/Screenshot-4472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeDd12c3_ZRjGvo7RZH2I26JtkRuyMr8XLuc1mSmPtYiDCg5Bc_-thBSkNU3W08msdhP0LWzLAz6OYBRKfyZ5HQn8X-leYILizvrPz8pmbWKltI9O65g-TYMf1VOuUSw9H0dpnyZGCZLx/s400/Screenshot-4472.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kelly was going to turn him away, partly because she knew what he had done when they lived in Bridgeport, but looking into his eyes, and the eyes of his sister, she saw a true sense of loneliness in them. After a second of contemplating, she nodded. "Come in. Both of you. Get out of this weather before you catch your death."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivTBKcGOxI-IYElGtGySLwhQPl5b6__ffvTXqHu2midUqkJBprlHtbfWm5-Np_xsvgVE5kFDFVcswcAN-ph5mZj-hZugtmXtxk66xQ3Z0SbK7cX6xsUpPp6tvibvUO76AyT9xptc2j_nP/s1600/Screenshot-4473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivTBKcGOxI-IYElGtGySLwhQPl5b6__ffvTXqHu2midUqkJBprlHtbfWm5-Np_xsvgVE5kFDFVcswcAN-ph5mZj-hZugtmXtxk66xQ3Z0SbK7cX6xsUpPp6tvibvUO76AyT9xptc2j_nP/s400/Screenshot-4473.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T9q2-IlLf0n3BhmF4vKCUYMF-_rao486Fb_Cr9sEolVK51KbvWkMXNJpmOnnXxo3chyphenhyphenSLqFmlum1bYxvWDAmYQOPA6Kj-Gup9gkE8j2um88TzRstP3hR_DjNhZEDeHB9m68XhP4e6ADk/s1600/Screenshot-4474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T9q2-IlLf0n3BhmF4vKCUYMF-_rao486Fb_Cr9sEolVK51KbvWkMXNJpmOnnXxo3chyphenhyphenSLqFmlum1bYxvWDAmYQOPA6Kj-Gup9gkE8j2um88TzRstP3hR_DjNhZEDeHB9m68XhP4e6ADk/s400/Screenshot-4474.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Deacon and Cassie walked into the house, and Kelly stood where she was for a few moments. "Wow did I really just say '<i>catch your death'</i>? Damn, I read too many old books."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XQprcsT_-UNSQCI4EtgrCdYvTjdG3s2mZESewyJOjliuALhj63rWr9QSzynxd7TxniCH8A6dQV0ctYyV5ooujrY-r4nFZy48pUi6G6sb3JPOo-Y2Y49pWPHSyz5_YrNDFjRI2R1f4N5U/s1600/Screenshot-4476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XQprcsT_-UNSQCI4EtgrCdYvTjdG3s2mZESewyJOjliuALhj63rWr9QSzynxd7TxniCH8A6dQV0ctYyV5ooujrY-r4nFZy48pUi6G6sb3JPOo-Y2Y49pWPHSyz5_YrNDFjRI2R1f4N5U/s400/Screenshot-4476.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly Annabelle's car pulled into the driveway and into the garage. Kelly walked into the garage to see Annabelle, Tom, and to her shock, Isobelle standing outside her car. "Wait wait wait! She's Avalon?" Kelly asked, knowing what Annabelle and Tom went to the casino for. "That's... something I did not expect. At all."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU8YgcZgR-DWsKvOah1-M9Q1eaTyfTN4XzOEVoxS1F8xgJQUtX3mIr-s9WJOX82PPRd9LE3u_mf0rYfhyphenhyphenpV3W7Y6-nnkAXEkgwJZNcIDwMsMvU0T7Z1xlJhmtwjREpTPcdbjymOfNifkm/s1600/Screenshot-4477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU8YgcZgR-DWsKvOah1-M9Q1eaTyfTN4XzOEVoxS1F8xgJQUtX3mIr-s9WJOX82PPRd9LE3u_mf0rYfhyphenhyphenpV3W7Y6-nnkAXEkgwJZNcIDwMsMvU0T7Z1xlJhmtwjREpTPcdbjymOfNifkm/s400/Screenshot-4477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Neither did I." Tom said as he walked into the house. "Neither did I. Things around here are getting a little off the wall."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKtYSemCCBbJDM902kvmeD2rLArOq4T9BCnq4W1Xa5_HSmxeLeFxiOoQmoxw17CDLZ4gNpZ5wl9MHhbyqT1Wzhu35ru4uf-FsUWw1LwotSNs-v2RR7R3F-4iDYISwvrJ7msIm8VqHZWDc/s1600/Screenshot-4479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKtYSemCCBbJDM902kvmeD2rLArOq4T9BCnq4W1Xa5_HSmxeLeFxiOoQmoxw17CDLZ4gNpZ5wl9MHhbyqT1Wzhu35ru4uf-FsUWw1LwotSNs-v2RR7R3F-4iDYISwvrJ7msIm8VqHZWDc/s400/Screenshot-4479.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"GETTING?!" She replied. As Isobelle and Annie walked into the house, Kelly stopped the latter. "Annabelle, it's Deacon, and his sister. Their house exploded. They're here, safe, but they have nowhere to go. I... told them they could stay for a bit until they get things sorted."<br />
<br />
Annabelle slumped her shoulders. "Damn. I'm glad they're okay. And yes, I'm sure them staying here won't be a problem. I'll get the guest room ready." As Annabelle walked away, Kelly couldn't help but notice a bit of a twitch in her eye, and a different gait as she stepped into the house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-AtVlZdKkmtcr6vS_tIxQaL5zj99RNwj7qcC3r2NOVUQRzoBNCZCL6Usp4clHyLLgyUTn-5LOGZalzfOwl92PqewZeoJCOvIbFqT-o0Kr-StwnEBjF5adlrXGyX9PMf7-KOKNPdsaKaW/s1600/Screenshot-4481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-AtVlZdKkmtcr6vS_tIxQaL5zj99RNwj7qcC3r2NOVUQRzoBNCZCL6Usp4clHyLLgyUTn-5LOGZalzfOwl92PqewZeoJCOvIbFqT-o0Kr-StwnEBjF5adlrXGyX9PMf7-KOKNPdsaKaW/s400/Screenshot-4481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Something's wrong with her.", she said, and then walked back to the library to continue her research.<br />
<br />
-----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40SmXfi16tT8lOKab7eAcmRpMLqkk_AZ22aDgmjwI3OVi3xuvhXRMPIKjNRUVjUoyIYgn_IenPFSe52j8FDlFjpn5-114kmrZojpRWcc7xGTtm7pJ50VKr8Pp7GuQjOfvLodWVQPNuE-Y/s1600/Screenshot-4485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40SmXfi16tT8lOKab7eAcmRpMLqkk_AZ22aDgmjwI3OVi3xuvhXRMPIKjNRUVjUoyIYgn_IenPFSe52j8FDlFjpn5-114kmrZojpRWcc7xGTtm7pJ50VKr8Pp7GuQjOfvLodWVQPNuE-Y/s400/Screenshot-4485.jpg" width="400" /></a>\</div>
The noise from downstairs prompted Keera to run down the steps. Isobelle, who hadn't seen her since she was little, smiled when she saw her, but her smile faded when she saw her face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnFbzXl28KiQNd3KM8u5txzW3VcdPVfGDUCocTe9iPV8CkYHcenI_ek5x3PYVeRwOI3zDwVNK5A-EKo9dGyoQtp4-bKPpMxif34vFNxiIkuzxQ39OIHw5I-86c24DIY1gtkdt50QnIGbg/s1600/Screenshot-4483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnFbzXl28KiQNd3KM8u5txzW3VcdPVfGDUCocTe9iPV8CkYHcenI_ek5x3PYVeRwOI3zDwVNK5A-EKo9dGyoQtp4-bKPpMxif34vFNxiIkuzxQ39OIHw5I-86c24DIY1gtkdt50QnIGbg/s400/Screenshot-4483.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Isobelle!" Keera said. "I... you! I can't believe it!" Keera was overjoyed to see her, and was a bit curious as to why she looked so sad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXTIFAWh6Rlb_GeBNoNgqTzMaQ5egFsAwMIoyUS7eHk22jA6XSrN56t6dIMFPttB72zbbb35PwS4firjlVD4yH_N-jhN417ZkICp66DNcVsFel-yCxGttFruVKNP0nZFxmFqb0TuhzDvk/s1600/Screenshot-4484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXTIFAWh6Rlb_GeBNoNgqTzMaQ5egFsAwMIoyUS7eHk22jA6XSrN56t6dIMFPttB72zbbb35PwS4firjlVD4yH_N-jhN417ZkICp66DNcVsFel-yCxGttFruVKNP0nZFxmFqb0TuhzDvk/s400/Screenshot-4484.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Keera? Last time I saw you, you were so little! So young!... what happened? Your..." Isobelle couldn't speak. She never expected to see Keera like this, the young, cheerful spirit she came to know for a couple days back in Sunset Valley was seemingly replaced by a scarred young girl, and Isobelle could sense a bit of cynicism in her, even though she didn't speak much since seeing her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYgzSrzpOH5YX9keV_nVSWAUxl8TOOFpUTfxRArAOIA-qhF8m8VmfYxkBV9LyZ6e6kudLJC1zwXJOfH2PM3lgfR31UxDZ3KFR2LS8WP7586_jjSYwjoSAdU0K_lGcSx8XdXYlGqPNLa0C/s1600/Screenshot-4487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYgzSrzpOH5YX9keV_nVSWAUxl8TOOFpUTfxRArAOIA-qhF8m8VmfYxkBV9LyZ6e6kudLJC1zwXJOfH2PM3lgfR31UxDZ3KFR2LS8WP7586_jjSYwjoSAdU0K_lGcSx8XdXYlGqPNLa0C/s400/Screenshot-4487.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera, however, quickly figured out exactly why Isobelle was upset. "My... face, yes. I know. There was an accident. An explosion up in Alaska. I don't want to talk about it. Right now I want to talk about you! How have you been since we last met?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAahvs-3AtbZCv1mv_pfhxaXV3Ynilh8hP3mwsH0lr9eEjJps7tl13FKCSdtDub9XXXxVjfOGrqrb1tDdfg5gYMrp-KYPi81eGorDD1JIqIjNDkhMh6HjEiYO0w9dXcu8WonJ60sOvKr1/s1600/Screenshot-4488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAahvs-3AtbZCv1mv_pfhxaXV3Ynilh8hP3mwsH0lr9eEjJps7tl13FKCSdtDub9XXXxVjfOGrqrb1tDdfg5gYMrp-KYPi81eGorDD1JIqIjNDkhMh6HjEiYO0w9dXcu8WonJ60sOvKr1/s400/Screenshot-4488.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Isobelle, still sad about Keera's scar, couldn't really convey the words. "Good. I gotta... I gotta go. Sorry. I need to talk to Annabelle, or Tom." She didn't want to leave but couldn't find any way to continue the conversation. The last time Isobelle saw Keera she was much younger, a mere child. She had the whole world in front of her! But now, everything changed. Isobelle wasn't prepared to see it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWYts1KXCbc3Ob39-18BXrKljxLFBMGfkkQhyPxHJvpmCdA5Qdf5b7-KXqm7nED7ObPMd0XUt24MlbpZQFrSUs6PD67bnchxAn0Y7a7iGCf-rIrQWmE6zQtaNTBKgwbxmhVAcgkjqc14o/s1600/Screenshot-4490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWYts1KXCbc3Ob39-18BXrKljxLFBMGfkkQhyPxHJvpmCdA5Qdf5b7-KXqm7nED7ObPMd0XUt24MlbpZQFrSUs6PD67bnchxAn0Y7a7iGCf-rIrQWmE6zQtaNTBKgwbxmhVAcgkjqc14o/s400/Screenshot-4490.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXqOecd1X0J7C_ELYPXbaUYkM43B_dFPAbplq-JzNnyVEIqqxwbkd1MD-Fef7D9ndwQy3RDsh1-Qxr2s-szDIB9U9r3lmcq2kpbSZ9fIf5Voq3kYUw4AIxB1J1WVAX61jZClUMHgXnNKL/s1600/Screenshot-4491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXqOecd1X0J7C_ELYPXbaUYkM43B_dFPAbplq-JzNnyVEIqqxwbkd1MD-Fef7D9ndwQy3RDsh1-Qxr2s-szDIB9U9r3lmcq2kpbSZ9fIf5Voq3kYUw4AIxB1J1WVAX61jZClUMHgXnNKL/s400/Screenshot-4491.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Upset, Isobelle walked past the teen, who herself was a bit upset that her scar and eye patch messed up yet another possible conversation with someone. Keera looked over at Isobelle, having wanted to talk to her for a long time since she left. While she never really told Annabelle, Keera had developed a bit of a friendship with her aunt during her stay at the house. She didn't expect Isobelle to be so upset at her scar, but realized she should have. After hearing the commotion, Mirabelle came down the stairs and looked at her. "Keeki? Whats's wrong?"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9b8Qggh-I-ZprB4Qh3UkpLHT2mHr6tAiuBOXGlVMgCrAE-VDBF4sUCn3Y-TigIiGSAVGNfdLfydMtI463_7AeMqs5GyTa9gvB__ztcbsZDA2WFMrLh1KFMqGsLMBrXF7S8mQAj_YcgS6/s1600/Screenshot-4492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9b8Qggh-I-ZprB4Qh3UkpLHT2mHr6tAiuBOXGlVMgCrAE-VDBF4sUCn3Y-TigIiGSAVGNfdLfydMtI463_7AeMqs5GyTa9gvB__ztcbsZDA2WFMrLh1KFMqGsLMBrXF7S8mQAj_YcgS6/s400/Screenshot-4492.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Ask your <i>sister</i>." Keera said, angrily. "The one in white."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6T_SLzTzVB3Hg-SX-n_sinMP7O9tgODdnRCDNhRHTWHGp4mCHo8ytgq3Vo8eIdXw4VAioTPeoMrv20d5fqVm4K6eB8qhEC_o59IyOczRPF-p0nR-3p3g4ncUKhFK-pLc7bQfU97k5Lwt/s1600/Screenshot-4493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6T_SLzTzVB3Hg-SX-n_sinMP7O9tgODdnRCDNhRHTWHGp4mCHo8ytgq3Vo8eIdXw4VAioTPeoMrv20d5fqVm4K6eB8qhEC_o59IyOczRPF-p0nR-3p3g4ncUKhFK-pLc7bQfU97k5Lwt/s400/Screenshot-4493.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Mira turned around and saw Isobelle standing there, talking with Tom. Annabelle was busy chatting with Deacon and someone else, who she assumed was Deacon's sister. Then her attention turned back to the one Keera was talking about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LENm0ERH_2QBA7-VxL6Dwh03UwBVWCuAQVfQ1Y7YTPiNSBTCmYlqkIMXDgz_lmIKdXgfMJ87ITAne4mACtRVIFcKbEQ-CRmtLVT9VWpuGsOBDBjHkNnPfxAI3BhAQQERKX4pNHsKuzDb/s1600/Screenshot-4494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LENm0ERH_2QBA7-VxL6Dwh03UwBVWCuAQVfQ1Y7YTPiNSBTCmYlqkIMXDgz_lmIKdXgfMJ87ITAne4mACtRVIFcKbEQ-CRmtLVT9VWpuGsOBDBjHkNnPfxAI3BhAQQERKX4pNHsKuzDb/s400/Screenshot-4494.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Isobelle!? What the f-"<br />
<br />
"She's different apparently." Keera said, interrupting her. "In any case she didn't want to talk to me. Why would she? I mean it's not like I look normal, right? Huh?" Keera started to turn around and go back upstairs, but Mirabelle stopped her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjBEIKOLL4gXklVFyeBmaBxRhoYvI1RFKa1aOOKFeU9-UxPV35GJ0WP1Ia67KIqqOh_jVU82CFiW35LL3yMz4PnWKdKuZKaTregUqk6XFsh8TBqeNOcHmS_1mlh-3LMVWN2Qz3Sjs6___/s1600/Screenshot-4495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjBEIKOLL4gXklVFyeBmaBxRhoYvI1RFKa1aOOKFeU9-UxPV35GJ0WP1Ia67KIqqOh_jVU82CFiW35LL3yMz4PnWKdKuZKaTregUqk6XFsh8TBqeNOcHmS_1mlh-3LMVWN2Qz3Sjs6___/s400/Screenshot-4495.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Wait, let's get out of here." She said, trying to calm her down. "We can go someplace to get your head clear, please?"<br />
<br />
Keera nodded. "Okay. What about Isobelle? Don't you want to talk to her? You know, show yourself. She probably doesn't know about you."<br />
<br />
Mira shook her head. "Nah, Annie can get her filled in on the details. I want to make sure you're alright." With that, the two walked to the garage, to Annabelle's car, and drove off.<br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJF4waWq0Hh6L7H3YN6NQAliWpAWdg10UiJ-b8fEO6mvIFFyHjLDz-2hJcmgEEj59n_fH9vsv0HjArgXbWFiSymk55T4U7o08wuM3dStzO7k5PQNWrGrnKH8RZ2PI0_Jfq3qRSHAvgPmD/s1600/Screenshot-4440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJF4waWq0Hh6L7H3YN6NQAliWpAWdg10UiJ-b8fEO6mvIFFyHjLDz-2hJcmgEEj59n_fH9vsv0HjArgXbWFiSymk55T4U7o08wuM3dStzO7k5PQNWrGrnKH8RZ2PI0_Jfq3qRSHAvgPmD/s400/Screenshot-4440.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"So... the guest room is upstairs." Annabelle and Cassie were in the former's room. Annabelle had donated some of her clothes to the woman after hearing about what happened. "The bathroom's right outside this room, and all that good stuff."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JqekACMDl4DUpj01oIVU0t-KC9Ac5nDPIWoazC51JxRrEVscxcwaYSS_geoQtjGKNHL-3y6_puOfmtNwFf6S9JWjJ5ufsv9ksmvSLccJ8SPQPb4CMBSORG5macUvRplAeOKNUy5WZK9n/s1600/Screenshot-4441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JqekACMDl4DUpj01oIVU0t-KC9Ac5nDPIWoazC51JxRrEVscxcwaYSS_geoQtjGKNHL-3y6_puOfmtNwFf6S9JWjJ5ufsv9ksmvSLccJ8SPQPb4CMBSORG5macUvRplAeOKNUy5WZK9n/s400/Screenshot-4441.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Thank you for doing this, Miss Kethrin." Cassie said as she slipped on an outfit behind a screen. "When I can I will go to the store and purchase some more clothes, then I'll give these back."<br />
<br />
"Don't worry about it." Annabelle replied. "You can wear them as long as you want."<br />
<br />
"Thank you. Deacon thinks that someone planted a bomb in our house, with the intention of killing us. I believe him as much as I don't want to. The notion that someone would want us dead is... unnerving to say the very least."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhBdO1H5W838aJKGIEB4pZiyyFs0aSK0ueiQcVWFZqoXot9yqrsAlWKehR3G9Zx_stscrkEkAjLHTt7QYWsSmsu8bUJ7m7LZBLDisefPbI2a197EuoNhM6WWi80WuM-C6yFbW9sU6Radm/s1600/Screenshot-4454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhBdO1H5W838aJKGIEB4pZiyyFs0aSK0ueiQcVWFZqoXot9yqrsAlWKehR3G9Zx_stscrkEkAjLHTt7QYWsSmsu8bUJ7m7LZBLDisefPbI2a197EuoNhM6WWi80WuM-C6yFbW9sU6Radm/s400/Screenshot-4454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Happens to me all the time. You get used to it after a while." Annie replied. She was talking about Jack, Nightmare, Andy's evil clone who ended up being Nightmare, and numerous others. "If it keeps happening to you, you might get used to it as well."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ-yflbvjUuyv-CWzzc1HUrmr4clQ1brZ_9GI9rjmMclxIsZHLvD0EfqvjQfuacq9iQfN1sWj7QoMul2dHqXL1gQowBl-JbD18tlPQ-KaVaD7MNFHzA9Clfff0uW9Oa7d-b4V6sb2HcUB/s1600/Screenshot-4444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ-yflbvjUuyv-CWzzc1HUrmr4clQ1brZ_9GI9rjmMclxIsZHLvD0EfqvjQfuacq9iQfN1sWj7QoMul2dHqXL1gQowBl-JbD18tlPQ-KaVaD7MNFHzA9Clfff0uW9Oa7d-b4V6sb2HcUB/s400/Screenshot-4444.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't see how. In any case I would like to change the subject. You know, Deacon talked a lot about you when we were younger. After I retrieved him from that hospital in Hidden Springs not a day would go by without him talking about 'that green girl' or 'the lovely lady'. He talked a lot about you."<br />
<br />
"Ya I bet. Did he mention how he was getting a little creepy around me sometimes?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, and he was apologetic for it. I trust you know that that Deacon, the one you met in Bridgeport, it wasn't my brother. It was, but not."<br />
<br />
Annabelle nodded. "Yes, I know that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEjGq3tEj_TKWAdHha9V5ZEsijdm57TJbIREIEdGwaWRq3vkdn9wJsluCUD8UKmmU0AscgPCschOtGatqARJG57Ju5zz_TWkOGID0ljIvwzW0BFKw-hW1CP0hPlI1aaLh5j92_Z4GrD93/s1600/Screenshot-4460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEjGq3tEj_TKWAdHha9V5ZEsijdm57TJbIREIEdGwaWRq3vkdn9wJsluCUD8UKmmU0AscgPCschOtGatqARJG57Ju5zz_TWkOGID0ljIvwzW0BFKw-hW1CP0hPlI1aaLh5j92_Z4GrD93/s400/Screenshot-4460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Besides, he kind of realized that he would never be with you. You have someone else, a bit of a hat wearer."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEtHFKFBG0bndYvfz-XYBTx8tyZytCZKI7B8PLkcHD-DhdglWqUZ9cEd33SlBAZgqmcN8XrZuOYUnQcu6FEAqMYPq-Oz3pqRllsZiW7eEnFQevBu-ZkAMJ5DyK0hJ7nLcmYK76eBe9L78/s1600/Screenshot-4447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEtHFKFBG0bndYvfz-XYBTx8tyZytCZKI7B8PLkcHD-DhdglWqUZ9cEd33SlBAZgqmcN8XrZuOYUnQcu6FEAqMYPq-Oz3pqRllsZiW7eEnFQevBu-ZkAMJ5DyK0hJ7nLcmYK76eBe9L78/s400/Screenshot-4447.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"TOM?! Uh... well... I... uh... well ya I guess. Uh... so how do the clothes fit?"<br />
<br />
Cassie backed off a bit. "Touchy subject, huh?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Em5bF6XmRdbErBPgdHJ169GHVz9DtVQrJ-7PCwT-RCGodA5XyHb7QeQyqsJgGO4Lb6IkELP1MglYcICj-yX-dJpSAAkqAQ4hn01k1RiQgOc73GcrNphJpvtP14PG2id3X8KNFjkt8Rs9/s1600/Screenshot-4456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Em5bF6XmRdbErBPgdHJ169GHVz9DtVQrJ-7PCwT-RCGodA5XyHb7QeQyqsJgGO4Lb6IkELP1MglYcICj-yX-dJpSAAkqAQ4hn01k1RiQgOc73GcrNphJpvtP14PG2id3X8KNFjkt8Rs9/s400/Screenshot-4456.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"The touchiest." Annabelle's eye twitched again, and Cassie noticed it.<br />
<br />
"You alright?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle touched her face. "Ya it's just... allergies I guess. I think. But ya, Tom. I... don't know really. After what happened in Hidden Springs - <i>long story </i>- I've come to the conclusion that if Tom wanted to date anyone, he could. I would be jealous, but I would let him date her without interfering. Besides, I too would like to change the subject... the clothes!"<br />
<br />
"Oh they fit grandly. Thank you again."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTkmXCPGY0YMt0qA0rW5pe2fHk1V2X8rEHQqdMDZbi465S0bf0mfOz3CYnR4ZAuRbofWYoGt1pb4mHdvNiU9HV99PaUUtXXfr_RWg6woOvfo4qJs9KNXZsEr95_M5SRv4i2_Q2y0kEeI9/s1600/Screenshot-4453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTkmXCPGY0YMt0qA0rW5pe2fHk1V2X8rEHQqdMDZbi465S0bf0mfOz3CYnR4ZAuRbofWYoGt1pb4mHdvNiU9HV99PaUUtXXfr_RWg6woOvfo4qJs9KNXZsEr95_M5SRv4i2_Q2y0kEeI9/s400/Screenshot-4453.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Annabelle smiled, and walked out of the room, her eye twitching yet again. Cassie didn't worry too much about it, and went to look at herself in a mirror.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjXlMlyyEoUtLCHWEAn0SzZoEDkLKGJO4DmM9rpVKUDkKfyEKClNPrn80nVa42Q0RjDXi3z2W5n7mDHkvHSfPWUpHgE_p-moBGMi5JAijFTQ9fkExRSG0nr_wi2C-HSLS8KZjOcvNKS6Y/s1600/Screenshot-4450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjXlMlyyEoUtLCHWEAn0SzZoEDkLKGJO4DmM9rpVKUDkKfyEKClNPrn80nVa42Q0RjDXi3z2W5n7mDHkvHSfPWUpHgE_p-moBGMi5JAijFTQ9fkExRSG0nr_wi2C-HSLS8KZjOcvNKS6Y/s400/Screenshot-4450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmX1rURJ22oVB33gXzsSIqna28QA1FUZ6xIKK20TMdeWRm73BQnqli_2qmC4ZorWaUsLpFufjBDohIRQRy4YWHV9L_hl1v01kuJsUjqhgH_FoOotG5rNTPh51pqFgZTjH1XZ7PrXPtfRc/s1600/Screenshot-4522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmX1rURJ22oVB33gXzsSIqna28QA1FUZ6xIKK20TMdeWRm73BQnqli_2qmC4ZorWaUsLpFufjBDohIRQRy4YWHV9L_hl1v01kuJsUjqhgH_FoOotG5rNTPh51pqFgZTjH1XZ7PrXPtfRc/s400/Screenshot-4522.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So I heard you punched someone today, Red. That did not surprise me. Then I heard it was a supervillain's evil henchman. That didn't surprise me either."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9UUqTUi0eA2SLdwFJ_jrRFZvEjoMxeqC65P7D6oUL7BIZk4f4oF4OS14-UAjLqnOg1nsPBTLIkHFa4nKwOaBRVLqAJGYcJhrOg_WeBMB-3MP6ZfDT1T4ntJV7quTckMC8G9LFpGfd5UP/s1600/Screenshot-4525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9UUqTUi0eA2SLdwFJ_jrRFZvEjoMxeqC65P7D6oUL7BIZk4f4oF4OS14-UAjLqnOg1nsPBTLIkHFa4nKwOaBRVLqAJGYcJhrOg_WeBMB-3MP6ZfDT1T4ntJV7quTckMC8G9LFpGfd5UP/s400/Screenshot-4525.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Ya well, it felt good either way. Tom actually made me think he insulted me for wearing too much red. So I punched him. No one insults my color. Ever."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J6ZA0DzrU8EXKQfm6ySM9Jhj6c5xklf8hpKZNmXMHCuUecgETy2NovgfJboVDI0EUn5T29Eu2DX4zBO7g8-FhT-XrO1I2nLp-1OZxDrhZwYG9P_3PPzGGePHd0BHSw0w9pMKKM_Ys4XN/s1600/Screenshot-4523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J6ZA0DzrU8EXKQfm6ySM9Jhj6c5xklf8hpKZNmXMHCuUecgETy2NovgfJboVDI0EUn5T29Eu2DX4zBO7g8-FhT-XrO1I2nLp-1OZxDrhZwYG9P_3PPzGGePHd0BHSw0w9pMKKM_Ys4XN/s400/Screenshot-4523.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That is true." John replied. The two were sitting in their room watching a romantic movie on television, which was something they loved doing. "By the way did you hear about Deacon's place? It's gone! He's staying with us for the time being. What do you think of that?"<br />
<br />
"I don't think of it. Deacon never messed with me in Bridgeport. He did hit you which made me want to rip his arms off but since Tom threw him off a building he achieved a proper amount of retribution. If he ever puts his hands on anyone in this family, I'll make sure his sister is notified AFTER what I do."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4mEMcnp9W1x00F2Hj5onCLIhfzeXZLBme9L-cwXPDhhMGM0TpMPjKRv-8Alu5Voq4g0KSjaymHqxpplRZ6DuL-z5hoP0om2lnv2Sy11JDosrw0F-Dftlt8R_YndZw8UWRk69vQbVrdsl/s1600/Screenshot-4524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4mEMcnp9W1x00F2Hj5onCLIhfzeXZLBme9L-cwXPDhhMGM0TpMPjKRv-8Alu5Voq4g0KSjaymHqxpplRZ6DuL-z5hoP0om2lnv2Sy11JDosrw0F-Dftlt8R_YndZw8UWRk69vQbVrdsl/s400/Screenshot-4524.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Wow. Feisty, then again that's why I love you." John smiled, then kissed her. "You know, I'll always love you, forever and ever and ever, until the end of time."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvdp2xEliWPanEHUolVZa8pMSWqkC-zG_5qnAMJpMtiVsVEf1A3bHeDn5RWNI0WVX0st1JH2zGO4YIqZFEAhC8pglJcBKsQ2G7ks097wawZzyd-q8EwZXlr7Gzsq1diyJhRAE1IeFPj76/s1600/Screenshot-4526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvdp2xEliWPanEHUolVZa8pMSWqkC-zG_5qnAMJpMtiVsVEf1A3bHeDn5RWNI0WVX0st1JH2zGO4YIqZFEAhC8pglJcBKsQ2G7ks097wawZzyd-q8EwZXlr7Gzsq1diyJhRAE1IeFPj76/s400/Screenshot-4526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Scarlett smiled back. "I'll love you for even longer. And there is something I wanted to tell you... I don't know how to say it." She stood up and walked over to a picture of the two. "I love this picture. I love the illusion in that there's only two of us in there, when there could be more in THERE." Scarlett pointed to herself in the picture.<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqhMRUpnd_kPG4mz07i2vaeYzWQEKRsJLv1CouwA6Dxs8hXDdC9oUvFIiDG5hzwMJLS3belSZ-Z_FPVUnrZPxxc0LQ6lwD5nkuKkavvsttTDUWwSwaAn_t7cduwr_t7CaODvWVQHTMAkr/s1600/Screenshot-4529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqhMRUpnd_kPG4mz07i2vaeYzWQEKRsJLv1CouwA6Dxs8hXDdC9oUvFIiDG5hzwMJLS3belSZ-Z_FPVUnrZPxxc0LQ6lwD5nkuKkavvsttTDUWwSwaAn_t7cduwr_t7CaODvWVQHTMAkr/s400/Screenshot-4529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scarlett looked over and beamed. "I think I'm pregnant!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFUsy7dodJUBJ5XMfY3NDePMR2LVjo1784Y0brIto100ZkeI26qsXBgXNlrxHHManb8LvdEgpfR9zJREPQkc-l4i5php0fEvRcseA2MoWCOr51bH0GFiTdKliN8Q1DcgPyjqnx4USSrgh/s1600/Screenshot-4530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFUsy7dodJUBJ5XMfY3NDePMR2LVjo1784Y0brIto100ZkeI26qsXBgXNlrxHHManb8LvdEgpfR9zJREPQkc-l4i5php0fEvRcseA2MoWCOr51bH0GFiTdKliN8Q1DcgPyjqnx4USSrgh/s400/Screenshot-4530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Pre-pre-pre-pre-pregnant? That is... that could be if, if it's true... Oh my- Scarlett, I hope it's true! This is WONDERFUL!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipA6ECh7kNNtXyvqSlL6LEr7ZufkHhwSOD8k67p1fU0JBqE20yQQ1zDdnNkmQCO5IbHeiYgxdU8lM47UrNpHiE7QAOFDxlfNJMcKvrNOeefR3wi8zO2hvRcGxVyxHF1SW2CIGitmgzz3Kg/s1600/Screenshot-4535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipA6ECh7kNNtXyvqSlL6LEr7ZufkHhwSOD8k67p1fU0JBqE20yQQ1zDdnNkmQCO5IbHeiYgxdU8lM47UrNpHiE7QAOFDxlfNJMcKvrNOeefR3wi8zO2hvRcGxVyxHF1SW2CIGitmgzz3Kg/s400/Screenshot-4535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John walked over to Scarlett and she jumped into his arms. "I hope it's true too, my love."<br />
<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYDAminLk7_zGNa70AqeUCx7D7I7OB_acb1QZTdSlRj1Di46JsD-WPWWuwDqfXhshubW0F09NPGB9reoBnjsAESbRE6fD27JT9ZuBEvJM1nDgH3stHbYJuqzxdet4xvv18z6whVvk7QWY/s1600/Screenshot-4186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYDAminLk7_zGNa70AqeUCx7D7I7OB_acb1QZTdSlRj1Di46JsD-WPWWuwDqfXhshubW0F09NPGB9reoBnjsAESbRE6fD27JT9ZuBEvJM1nDgH3stHbYJuqzxdet4xvv18z6whVvk7QWY/s400/Screenshot-4186.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmYxmYyOhTCSG4d-xavCROdLn1uqsS1N6eIrlcmr53JqJgBVfykC_sS-jONaeylKTnkvg6sX3dHeZFCwJOeDA1mjjs2ig9dzih45OBCiEiPe3dDcJxZkyNbupYxGBwUhs1uEvWMa1FYi_/s1600/Screenshot-4185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmYxmYyOhTCSG4d-xavCROdLn1uqsS1N6eIrlcmr53JqJgBVfykC_sS-jONaeylKTnkvg6sX3dHeZFCwJOeDA1mjjs2ig9dzih45OBCiEiPe3dDcJxZkyNbupYxGBwUhs1uEvWMa1FYi_/s400/Screenshot-4185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom was sitting in the living room while Annabelle was nervously pacing the floor and repeating herself constantly. Tom, worried about her, stood up and walked over to her, worried.<br />
<br />
"Annie?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_FCRd8AQmlJ47gjp1Ww-iEG49XuNL8UjgFXmEivtHKOqXIVyLbg0-jgc0xuhD6GILwx5uFFRti8yH0yJXNfrVnNDQs4hlvT4jiUEj5pSKpRoX7sr38GA41oGZacT_K9l_vr3FUgncLoW/s1600/Screenshot-4176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_FCRd8AQmlJ47gjp1Ww-iEG49XuNL8UjgFXmEivtHKOqXIVyLbg0-jgc0xuhD6GILwx5uFFRti8yH0yJXNfrVnNDQs4hlvT4jiUEj5pSKpRoX7sr38GA41oGZacT_K9l_vr3FUgncLoW/s400/Screenshot-4176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't like this I don't like this I don't like this I don't like this..." Annabelle looked at Tom with a sad expression on her face but still repeated the same phrase in a mono-tonal voice.<br />
<br />
"Annie, please, just calm down!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7NJjt9COTiTrHIa5xSfDpU-s42Wbmu9xNqafoAKJ58D392VbbW6TZnWaOPWiMJzCnvMm0IHBDodx9FWpE78v6Ff4soGOWCjbdGJqYP7VXDH7htuLHQEeclzxYxzikh-HOo2AVA7lamW9/s1600/Screenshot-4180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7NJjt9COTiTrHIa5xSfDpU-s42Wbmu9xNqafoAKJ58D392VbbW6TZnWaOPWiMJzCnvMm0IHBDodx9FWpE78v6Ff4soGOWCjbdGJqYP7VXDH7htuLHQEeclzxYxzikh-HOo2AVA7lamW9/s400/Screenshot-4180.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Why? Why why why? I mean, it's not like I CAN calm down. I can't go a single solitary day without hell happening! I mean Deacon's living here now! And his sister! She's-she's living here now too. EVERYONE! I mean, Isobelle's back, I mean, I mean she's just back like she was never gone and Keera's eye, and you and, John, and, and Scarlett's wedding coming up and-AND THE eclipse and the thought if we fail, the entire world could suffer the consequences, it's just a little too much to bear right now!"<br />
<br />
<br />
"Annie, just-"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqibT3E9MTq7z1BTrV3287us5yLOfLJB4X2-C8aLkXcb5zDxhsfMAyWA91RMzTSccXKXwHFluM6tYyG0bxjpywux1oVV_H2PVYFC0wz9pqnr00q-jN0js6SnkZCHCTkE_szlfCRX_h1WEn/s1600/Screenshot-4174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqibT3E9MTq7z1BTrV3287us5yLOfLJB4X2-C8aLkXcb5zDxhsfMAyWA91RMzTSccXKXwHFluM6tYyG0bxjpywux1oVV_H2PVYFC0wz9pqnr00q-jN0js6SnkZCHCTkE_szlfCRX_h1WEn/s400/Screenshot-4174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"CALM... DOWN?!" Annabelle yelled out, "HOW?! How could I possibly keep myself calm?! I can't stay calm, Tom! I can't just meditate on things! Real, terrible things are happening right now! I can't fix them! I don't even know if I can stop what's GOING to happen! And it's not like this is a first-time thing for me! When I was eleven a meteor shower destroyed a city!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6M8jifPMTHj6TSxnpLpxaqG6N7easKCODFIevzSTYBXwv-bJlvnP8i7BajOy8mDi3-ZzS5hsUbhUSbPJtL6F5UUTnvhtFfASOobzVeI-4xPZcPZLQQv7za5H3naEkivuAkNf7ktN3F5V/s1600/Screenshot-4177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6M8jifPMTHj6TSxnpLpxaqG6N7easKCODFIevzSTYBXwv-bJlvnP8i7BajOy8mDi3-ZzS5hsUbhUSbPJtL6F5UUTnvhtFfASOobzVeI-4xPZcPZLQQv7za5H3naEkivuAkNf7ktN3F5V/s400/Screenshot-4177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"When I was sixteen a supervillain tried to blow me up, and kidnapped me! Less than three months later and evil unicorn-witch-thing tried to kill me! And just two months ago, my CLONE got her eye burned off by molten shrapnel! YOU WANT ME TO KEEP CALM!?!<b> I CAN'T!<i> KEEP! CALM!" </i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58YPh656nO2JO9ueVivSYLmh4r7ARJuhQP5MmTsdJ0M04ufG55w73ptZ3q4oBXUBwstR9JtvjXpWVafjmHWWVZHmsbp7KPe02Akm7acXpSKGWyfANXuts2DP-679OV86JLLjkLngx8LDz/s1600/Screenshot-4181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58YPh656nO2JO9ueVivSYLmh4r7ARJuhQP5MmTsdJ0M04ufG55w73ptZ3q4oBXUBwstR9JtvjXpWVafjmHWWVZHmsbp7KPe02Akm7acXpSKGWyfANXuts2DP-679OV86JLLjkLngx8LDz/s400/Screenshot-4181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A bolt of lightning hit near the house, causing the ground to shake a bit. This knocked Annabelle out of her rage, but her eyeliner was still smeared by her tears. After a few seconds she fell into Tom's arms, crying. Internally, she mused, that this was exactly as Keera had done on the sleepless night, a few weeks before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsJDpbUhpyySqi_EW8uGC_9EZJ95XJRJs6X6bbg9MPAlO2u11Wj-vg11MS9Gd3UWmEWpqxxfLINzFvVc0fS63iXzxKzdqdfjj-d224B7fUk68mLtTx-gXn9eaX3KT6gCAUpzeyFxQi68Q/s1600/Screenshot-4183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsJDpbUhpyySqi_EW8uGC_9EZJ95XJRJs6X6bbg9MPAlO2u11Wj-vg11MS9Gd3UWmEWpqxxfLINzFvVc0fS63iXzxKzdqdfjj-d224B7fUk68mLtTx-gXn9eaX3KT6gCAUpzeyFxQi68Q/s400/Screenshot-4183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6oDE9Wt1QrPLJI1bTyqs03qi5nNN0g3M3zf7li7sA-VuIGWm6gLZLezNHxUBSXvpeKGJv2xQWEIZ5lG_uEvyCPHA1RclAdmiblJmLFmWlswPCZLJ_vg_fTTvMNwgho1_NJxgXkfY2-_0/s1600/Screenshot-4189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6oDE9Wt1QrPLJI1bTyqs03qi5nNN0g3M3zf7li7sA-VuIGWm6gLZLezNHxUBSXvpeKGJv2xQWEIZ5lG_uEvyCPHA1RclAdmiblJmLFmWlswPCZLJ_vg_fTTvMNwgho1_NJxgXkfY2-_0/s400/Screenshot-4189.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom, thinking he had to do something, grabbed Annabelle's hands and started swaying. Annabelle smiled, and let him do so. Suddenly the hand-swaying turned into a slow, methodical dance to quiet music from off in the corner of the room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wOaz2bBuxaNE7TGVlRU2IS6-lJK908ka7jzV-eY5jm4T9ap6voZlQdwlOOXF8edLZaM8HIQL_Kvb65QnB9_nKpUaDFIpBocSp85nEL0HccFM7a_ahTfk-qDDMKelcuv9RXRTTAIaOMP_/s1600/Screenshot-4187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wOaz2bBuxaNE7TGVlRU2IS6-lJK908ka7jzV-eY5jm4T9ap6voZlQdwlOOXF8edLZaM8HIQL_Kvb65QnB9_nKpUaDFIpBocSp85nEL0HccFM7a_ahTfk-qDDMKelcuv9RXRTTAIaOMP_/s400/Screenshot-4187.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After a few spins and dips, Annabelle's panic attack was over, replaced by a new feeling. She then realized, once again, that no matter where she was all she had to do was think of Tom, and she'd be safe. The two continued to dance for hours, constantly looking in each others' eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf1dt8UzHWpojk3adI-SJUtzKL9s-hNFrGJOQDjw7Mxkn25-YLHyKPZP-k8JMy_pgVujot8RjSFuaU0xUQjsgtE7NbKWPaAUbKmeljih0pVW407wH8lEKKS0p8j84VLP5rZE0Bl_7ij01/s1600/Screenshot-4188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf1dt8UzHWpojk3adI-SJUtzKL9s-hNFrGJOQDjw7Mxkn25-YLHyKPZP-k8JMy_pgVujot8RjSFuaU0xUQjsgtE7NbKWPaAUbKmeljih0pVW407wH8lEKKS0p8j84VLP5rZE0Bl_7ij01/s400/Screenshot-4188.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTAvE_FZKL7cK8kxPN3dX90BKUkNgMPefhi3A14YRDY-lb4vxF-3s0Jsz2mo8cwV3IsrmMu5VLWTFOC2S9Tfx5X-pi2zijS4PZwImr00PPQJCiYxRq_w11-cY7wsKj55p3nHPb-hNRvi1/s1600/Screenshot-4171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTAvE_FZKL7cK8kxPN3dX90BKUkNgMPefhi3A14YRDY-lb4vxF-3s0Jsz2mo8cwV3IsrmMu5VLWTFOC2S9Tfx5X-pi2zijS4PZwImr00PPQJCiYxRq_w11-cY7wsKj55p3nHPb-hNRvi1/s400/Screenshot-4171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAF6e7AaxDwvTVEMhXt8-UYDVazf8WjTTDTieDkmBmt9n3PtLFTfXPET3FA2NzYDRnqR0dIOm9R-sHvP_j9g4OT7PpSqm0vshzIHqD3MxVQwHUdse3mdvfi4fPitw0KZcHfN8Y69feTgC/s1600/Screenshot-4173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAF6e7AaxDwvTVEMhXt8-UYDVazf8WjTTDTieDkmBmt9n3PtLFTfXPET3FA2NzYDRnqR0dIOm9R-sHvP_j9g4OT7PpSqm0vshzIHqD3MxVQwHUdse3mdvfi4fPitw0KZcHfN8Y69feTgC/s400/Screenshot-4173.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle, wanting to get Keera out of the house for a bit, decided to take her to a karaoke bar a few blocks away from her house, the same one Tom had visited a week or so before. After a few minutes, and Mirabelle smacking herself in the forehead upon realizing she'd just brought a fourteen year-old to a bar, the two walked over to a karaoke machine and started singing on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMCbwPqe8UGzvpiEmvQrytg6ZAzpkD6PoRECCwnak0wGPv5Kx4x7QLB70ik6Fshyphenhyphencs3EgVaggIg-flrfA56ecpx3cO4CbTqUIWq7ACIjr34JFiv6oijGpz3NdGdDJaFvb3hLwHImmlXDZ/s1600/Screenshot-4172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMCbwPqe8UGzvpiEmvQrytg6ZAzpkD6PoRECCwnak0wGPv5Kx4x7QLB70ik6Fshyphenhyphencs3EgVaggIg-flrfA56ecpx3cO4CbTqUIWq7ACIjr34JFiv6oijGpz3NdGdDJaFvb3hLwHImmlXDZ/s400/Screenshot-4172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Da snebba tu no wah, </i><br />
<i>da, snibby tami separoo, </i><br />
<i>da snibby too no whaa nah soo </i><br />
<i>Nebu taru, nozee, </i><br />
<i>te-waaaah!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
When they were done singing, the two stepped off the platform and smiled. Suddenly Keera turned around and looked at the machine. "Do you have any idea what we just sang?"<br />
<br />
"Nope." Mirabelle chuckled. "Must have been a foreign song."<br />
<br />
Keera shrugged and walked over to a barstool, sitting on it. Mirabelle walked over with her. "So kid, how's school going?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwuQr233C_UFQ70OK7yzkXB2K1bniIZ_e4D-HUOlR0wg79x6cAn8a-EhG3OBcINUoTS0UNm2XVRKUiZ_XPBev8uTQWF0MAMwKug5OH_B_B2phculyvc3zLeEcy3DICuGbzm4qLvzYMzqH/s1600/Screenshot-4177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwuQr233C_UFQ70OK7yzkXB2K1bniIZ_e4D-HUOlR0wg79x6cAn8a-EhG3OBcINUoTS0UNm2XVRKUiZ_XPBev8uTQWF0MAMwKug5OH_B_B2phculyvc3zLeEcy3DICuGbzm4qLvzYMzqH/s400/Screenshot-4177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The teen started to choke up a bit, spitting out words at the speed of a turtle, a turtle that keeps forgetting which way it needs to go. "Pretty good. There's this... well... teen... guy... Lee... Michael... Foreign exchange..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IDCAjERowqPYvGEiyYsJ40rrmOR4qcpgI_mRI89r6zTcZbAK3XYboPc0jR5GaBGX5zQWR8xVVXKJvPJL7x0RRvqAcWlGkCr6MweIbDfpI4oAgwpBfIOca3n6NCL__itQeFe1KoZZo89u/s1600/Screenshot-4500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IDCAjERowqPYvGEiyYsJ40rrmOR4qcpgI_mRI89r6zTcZbAK3XYboPc0jR5GaBGX5zQWR8xVVXKJvPJL7x0RRvqAcWlGkCr6MweIbDfpI4oAgwpBfIOca3n6NCL__itQeFe1KoZZo89u/s400/Screenshot-4500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You really lost me at uh, 'this', what's going on, Keeki?"<br />
<br />
"I am starting to like someone his name is Michael Lee he has black hair amber eyes he's a foreign exchange student from China. I'm worried if I tell him I like him he wouldn't do the same."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGrvQwY5A9epzTsaHTnbC8blMUUMXU768cUSAZnMiE7_eWUwRUp3FbDTVfPQqWDh2BvjNehDgOAilreH-R1TuNDQ07TkDfEW6jt74BI8XOJS6Qju2g5lLXH8AIeM6zbomXj6ecelXJqjS/s1600/Screenshot-4497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGrvQwY5A9epzTsaHTnbC8blMUUMXU768cUSAZnMiE7_eWUwRUp3FbDTVfPQqWDh2BvjNehDgOAilreH-R1TuNDQ07TkDfEW6jt74BI8XOJS6Qju2g5lLXH8AIeM6zbomXj6ecelXJqjS/s400/Screenshot-4497.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh." Mirabelle said. "Have you... uh... told... wow I really have no idea how to deal with teen relationships. When I was a teen there was only one person I wanted to be with. Now I'm with his female cousin. Kinda strange how that series of events turned out."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I understand. But I'm kinda worried for a different reason. And you know what that is."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMaW6MZAeFTptKCgm5GaowvBNJAdVZhrQe5r-xmpmAQB3g95J-Qh1dXn1A4ysr9GoGe6MqJhJUf4RySOs71TwZh2VICi2itOh2G0IPzJX75nTqK9ONjhPolfnfxVeTaTyWhERsiHv8DEW/s1600/Screenshot-4176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMaW6MZAeFTptKCgm5GaowvBNJAdVZhrQe5r-xmpmAQB3g95J-Qh1dXn1A4ysr9GoGe6MqJhJUf4RySOs71TwZh2VICi2itOh2G0IPzJX75nTqK9ONjhPolfnfxVeTaTyWhERsiHv8DEW/s400/Screenshot-4176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Keeki, I know. With Isobelle... You haven't talked much to anyone outside our little family circle since, you know, the accident. I'm so sorry for what happened."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVV5RhMYyxHBqC0ybd3DvGF7Fzc0R4FOBNpN-8cA42Ay7n8s4izDAUW38yjiXyaFQw0BJTgyCYtpbl1jKGHBa40tN1YDT6Kx544xmcm44L7VBZvYBzcqQBQCRd-4M_h4sM7JFM-dLT1jd/s1600/Screenshot-4498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVV5RhMYyxHBqC0ybd3DvGF7Fzc0R4FOBNpN-8cA42Ay7n8s4izDAUW38yjiXyaFQw0BJTgyCYtpbl1jKGHBa40tN1YDT6Kx544xmcm44L7VBZvYBzcqQBQCRd-4M_h4sM7JFM-dLT1jd/s400/Screenshot-4498.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Don't be. You didn't cause it." Keera said, with a bit of a cold emotion to her voice. "Besides, no one would want to talk to me. Why should I give them the benefit of the doubt? Isobelle proved that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnh6Q7D0uc5NT28jpEoiEr4qf0yc6PYPVjgbNYPdu4NnrJw6kUVCDOGeZkzyChkdO7fmP5IKhrekVndjCWRAW8T20hRYXrOBfbyxdbo7sqMMo1HtUf2w5NSjejB0xRuMIWH41QHDGTIuWC/s1600/Screenshot-4178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnh6Q7D0uc5NT28jpEoiEr4qf0yc6PYPVjgbNYPdu4NnrJw6kUVCDOGeZkzyChkdO7fmP5IKhrekVndjCWRAW8T20hRYXrOBfbyxdbo7sqMMo1HtUf2w5NSjejB0xRuMIWH41QHDGTIuWC/s400/Screenshot-4178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"She was just probably shocked, Keeki."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9E6qEETMcjzrKgYlpj0KxyJeUl2qhdUmwhWIaPqliIIWhlC64s8NQvpJPZSG5y7jUUHTR3enG-GDw2gCUO5w2fzWpPXa84LXYN2Na1cTBCKB4_FbXtnVOm5eePV8y5pXL9ahoY_6w3f6/s1600/Screenshot-4179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9E6qEETMcjzrKgYlpj0KxyJeUl2qhdUmwhWIaPqliIIWhlC64s8NQvpJPZSG5y7jUUHTR3enG-GDw2gCUO5w2fzWpPXa84LXYN2Na1cTBCKB4_FbXtnVOm5eePV8y5pXL9ahoY_6w3f6/s400/Screenshot-4179.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Ya well everyone I know seems to be shocked. It's like they're judging me. Ya, I don't have a left eye. Ya, it's true, I have a scar that covers half my face. Whooptie-freakin'-do! And frankly I can deal with the scar, it's the eye. I... wish I had a new one. But who knows if, when, HOW that will happen! I wake up every morning rubbing BOTH my eyes because, maybe, one will magically grow back in my sleep and that's how I'll find out! I believe that could happen, too! With everything that's happened to this family, that could damn well be true! But like I said, who knows."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JY7noRsSCDWmjDu82lJ42tIG79Sa7Ahu5HEYy2zmdGztzC2yXsJ4jeybrHvip6Rg6v74KrcVsDUTkYx2Z_otclNS1CX3OuZXND2MZm-uB5FFcDu82GbPk85xCMvsRFLk1l0dZkouT34a/s1600/Screenshot-4499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JY7noRsSCDWmjDu82lJ42tIG79Sa7Ahu5HEYy2zmdGztzC2yXsJ4jeybrHvip6Rg6v74KrcVsDUTkYx2Z_otclNS1CX3OuZXND2MZm-uB5FFcDu82GbPk85xCMvsRFLk1l0dZkouT34a/s400/Screenshot-4499.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle and Keera sat there for a few minutes in silence. After a short while the door to the building opened, revealing a grungy-looking man wearing a knit cap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCIR9WsJtlgOpbCDN_Is4GKS4aw__cIYF0JTBEm22WXhIjGmUFReiHvshnuuepc7zGM2YONWuIvyqHQVXZl75YCeWboBwT6BNH4NW_urYmtNlUzKYl4B-HlMX5rT9dsSa7evnHWSFl6Q/s1600/Screenshot-4194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCIR9WsJtlgOpbCDN_Is4GKS4aw__cIYF0JTBEm22WXhIjGmUFReiHvshnuuepc7zGM2YONWuIvyqHQVXZl75YCeWboBwT6BNH4NW_urYmtNlUzKYl4B-HlMX5rT9dsSa7evnHWSFl6Q/s400/Screenshot-4194.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Collin!" The bartender said as he emerged from the bathroom. "I thought you left!"<br />
<br />
"Waiting for my cab." The man said, "Say you don't happen to have an umbrella? It's storming something fierce out there!"<br />
<br />
"No, you borrowed my umbrella last week! Why didn't you return it?"<br />
<br />
"Oh, well... you know... the factory. It's distracting." Collin walked over to the barstool and sat down, chatting with the bartender. "I hate working there but it's the only job I could find after the accident."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wh9Ckfyte3nhVe8tYKiM21Hil-Byt0Yh2MnBwX6KdCRc8XOpMC4-wdH8evtykOhcXNylt7zSdLkvY3PD1hYrgIwn5mdgVN7VuSpZkAyUTeFqUmMvPasAMzltylYaSd9kPImf97HpXb0f/s1600/Screenshot-4197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wh9Ckfyte3nhVe8tYKiM21Hil-Byt0Yh2MnBwX6KdCRc8XOpMC4-wdH8evtykOhcXNylt7zSdLkvY3PD1hYrgIwn5mdgVN7VuSpZkAyUTeFqUmMvPasAMzltylYaSd9kPImf97HpXb0f/s400/Screenshot-4197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Ya." The bartender replied, "You never really told me what happened. What 'accident' are you talking about?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfQ_dsptaAL_9AaVFWFHqzwnFnzltOTNH_lDEA2i4NP8HYIkoSYtaudRvVLoO72EILnft5cGHVb90jbGDkji5DVz24_pqhqAFNlgI0p1fWtJ7Slgr2MPzo4Kkc3g58kjiHYTPgSdfZsq-/s1600/Screenshot-4200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfQ_dsptaAL_9AaVFWFHqzwnFnzltOTNH_lDEA2i4NP8HYIkoSYtaudRvVLoO72EILnft5cGHVb90jbGDkji5DVz24_pqhqAFNlgI0p1fWtJ7Slgr2MPzo4Kkc3g58kjiHYTPgSdfZsq-/s400/Screenshot-4200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Collin then said somberly. "I don't like to talk about it too much, but I guess I have to get it off my chest somehow. A couple months ago, I was a stagehand at a film studio in Hidden Springs. One day, early in the morning, I was moving a few props for a film when a couple friends of mine asked if I wanted to go to a noon basketball game at the stadium."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkWPxQGH0Khxqr81sg-BfYgHUUfvf1aDOUWlTV8lbII2BVabjrFRrdecDd0eve1Tderc5pGbtwxHpNUxVfxH5MwML9vlCTLIn0iQ9Wk97r35pBGW1TVoCrAkB3JXwtG5TlTFWbyesWJU-/s1600/Screenshot-4202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkWPxQGH0Khxqr81sg-BfYgHUUfvf1aDOUWlTV8lbII2BVabjrFRrdecDd0eve1Tderc5pGbtwxHpNUxVfxH5MwML9vlCTLIn0iQ9Wk97r35pBGW1TVoCrAkB3JXwtG5TlTFWbyesWJU-/s400/Screenshot-4202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"They said that the line to see the game was already beginning to fill and I needed to go quickly if I wanted to get my ticket. So I left, I didn't see anyone to tell them to move the props, and... there was an explosion."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98m7vjaotU5bA756dh3wWP_p6xw7Rtu9kYacS0FxiBQer14QahAEem-6SUTcswPGVRt3TfVKmPmZ79N1bBGV8hgjN-aFIWHQRVvrOVJX0MP5GK43TC4wQhG1qe3rk-FPpS76aMt4LAYhq/s1600/Screenshot-4209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98m7vjaotU5bA756dh3wWP_p6xw7Rtu9kYacS0FxiBQer14QahAEem-6SUTcswPGVRt3TfVKmPmZ79N1bBGV8hgjN-aFIWHQRVvrOVJX0MP5GK43TC4wQhG1qe3rk-FPpS76aMt4LAYhq/s400/Screenshot-4209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I read about that!" The bartender said. "All over the news. That explosion up in Alaska? You caused that?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2pDYD87fCJdzhsk2BztiLknqPSTmdC9iE_3bV_8mcpQqW2XNP9apY2mxUUCA9HrIt1SyZIUxpj2a36g3hQA-I2YvGZ_4g3ILnIyPBpHOSFz2PdlRXlht0WuW-VIigJKifiLDaiui8KHi/s1600/Screenshot-4204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2pDYD87fCJdzhsk2BztiLknqPSTmdC9iE_3bV_8mcpQqW2XNP9apY2mxUUCA9HrIt1SyZIUxpj2a36g3hQA-I2YvGZ_4g3ILnIyPBpHOSFz2PdlRXlht0WuW-VIigJKifiLDaiui8KHi/s400/Screenshot-4204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDRs_Nm9wTrSDIOtunApUe7ywkImMGjTUFaP0bg0rkCOoZvcgTbXF8nQxdOETRtImiebwpsI4qzmTjaKsCq8av90N7SUK6gxsWNHvsiNO-GC5qxL3hHGofEGyD5Kkk_bfulkbsCNJr4cV/s1600/Screenshot-4207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDRs_Nm9wTrSDIOtunApUe7ywkImMGjTUFaP0bg0rkCOoZvcgTbXF8nQxdOETRtImiebwpsI4qzmTjaKsCq8av90N7SUK6gxsWNHvsiNO-GC5qxL3hHGofEGyD5Kkk_bfulkbsCNJr4cV/s400/Screenshot-4207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"ACCIDENT!" Collin said. "I figured the next guy would see them and move them!"<br />
<br />
"Yes but what about the teenager who got injured? Did you ever give an apology to her?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dvShsIw_9nCSt4lrHNVjLUJJr7swiqMjk9zXw2rgE0F_5vCUzjBNu8kuBHgT-qbMfaAhXYxkQq0COsdAg1DadIxUotXX6f6D1wFjjnVQBBdW1FsM5b8ibm_s-GNkSiyNQqseRQlb0lgV/s1600/Screenshot-4212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dvShsIw_9nCSt4lrHNVjLUJJr7swiqMjk9zXw2rgE0F_5vCUzjBNu8kuBHgT-qbMfaAhXYxkQq0COsdAg1DadIxUotXX6f6D1wFjjnVQBBdW1FsM5b8ibm_s-GNkSiyNQqseRQlb0lgV/s400/Screenshot-4212.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>"No."</i> Keera mouthed silently to Mirabelle. <i>"No he didn't." </i>Mirabelle could see her face already twisting, and rightly so. She had just been done talking about her scar when, out of a chance encounter, the guy who caused it showed up at the bar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOhRrc6di7N6bj-g4AkGJs1HI4vj7DwNfKa1WLRUmI4BsZMaC-N392IKU6_jTbc9dkZFl1Ow-1lwX8OKcHpQ0a8VAmn9uA3qeTgYweVexv4ZxH_-P3CN00_dAceDyOkcuZ1_EJvZdyG6O/s1600/Screenshot-4211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOhRrc6di7N6bj-g4AkGJs1HI4vj7DwNfKa1WLRUmI4BsZMaC-N392IKU6_jTbc9dkZFl1Ow-1lwX8OKcHpQ0a8VAmn9uA3qeTgYweVexv4ZxH_-P3CN00_dAceDyOkcuZ1_EJvZdyG6O/s400/Screenshot-4211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No, I didn't. I was too ashamed. I left Alaska after being fired from the studio, came here to get a job at a different studio, but my reputation followed me. So now I'm working in a factory, getting grunge and dirt spilled on me every day."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiB5xP5q2aee00311-po1TY17qvDUyOqAxAwNvOJinqbTCQwpkiV7BoLXt66ctswWFEtKWQjHbdibN5tBjChVNsdalCujL3AX-ESo1UxUQ-SQGxoJbpzbykUxaTKwHLz1GVwzTOblS3I3/s1600/Screenshot-4210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiB5xP5q2aee00311-po1TY17qvDUyOqAxAwNvOJinqbTCQwpkiV7BoLXt66ctswWFEtKWQjHbdibN5tBjChVNsdalCujL3AX-ESo1UxUQ-SQGxoJbpzbykUxaTKwHLz1GVwzTOblS3I3/s400/Screenshot-4210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well, rightly so!" The bartender said. "I mean, ya. If I was a movie studio I wouldn't hire you. Hell, I'm looking at you right now wondering when you're gonna leave."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAg9d5ydFlMn13bGuVLLoQRZ_g-y-vwPJ0DJTyLoJlK1g_WJ2Tx1OZd8en0LXSXqxs576WXibIgAqjpkmK8ZUbVNCwrnUaNk8GBmI2BtgocHKFz-nCBsCBK9ZNrrLrNPFP94JgUNqoXep/s1600/Screenshot-4198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAg9d5ydFlMn13bGuVLLoQRZ_g-y-vwPJ0DJTyLoJlK1g_WJ2Tx1OZd8en0LXSXqxs576WXibIgAqjpkmK8ZUbVNCwrnUaNk8GBmI2BtgocHKFz-nCBsCBK9ZNrrLrNPFP94JgUNqoXep/s400/Screenshot-4198.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
"I THOUGHT you said this was a place people could spill their sorrows!"<br />
<br />
"Ya, well.. I don't like your sorrows. Get out."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRV64oP0-BMyh9lhXC7uBi7_xWqkoGHa2WIpEE_s2zz1D6FqDOSq-PFTWmKNSiUyTNifGAbZRs31uxKGhAMyJYWMmBhu8XP_F2iAT2h2RGeMK-SGzgy_1pcz7YsyaRrOXLGDtKF2PJsKF/s1600/Screenshot-4182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRV64oP0-BMyh9lhXC7uBi7_xWqkoGHa2WIpEE_s2zz1D6FqDOSq-PFTWmKNSiUyTNifGAbZRs31uxKGhAMyJYWMmBhu8XP_F2iAT2h2RGeMK-SGzgy_1pcz7YsyaRrOXLGDtKF2PJsKF/s400/Screenshot-4182.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Collin angrily stood up and walked out, stopping just before he got to the door. "You lost a customer. I'm not coming back here."<br />
<br />
"Good!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaAdi0VZC6mMSZxJsCF5wF4WwEU4ynqrySocjwyfHXEswv4xVGlm5JJBzIsHpT8cWqyczQa3zGrXDSz5Agk852G6G2EDURfQfDzSL9WydyziA3HWvx7Ofc11jeNtlWb8bzlFPxUt0W9fo/s1600/Screenshot-4213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaAdi0VZC6mMSZxJsCF5wF4WwEU4ynqrySocjwyfHXEswv4xVGlm5JJBzIsHpT8cWqyczQa3zGrXDSz5Agk852G6G2EDURfQfDzSL9WydyziA3HWvx7Ofc11jeNtlWb8bzlFPxUt0W9fo/s400/Screenshot-4213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Keera stood up and watched Collin leave the bar, a serious glint of anger in her eye as she did so. Mirabelle, also standing, asked if she was alright.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera always thought it was an industrial error, that fire device being left next to the props. She always thought that a forklift accidentally left the device there and no one saw it. She didn't sue the movie studio because she thought it wasn't a human lapse of judgement. Then this man, Collin, comes in and says the entire thing was his fault because he wanted to go to a basketball game. Understandably, she was a bit upset.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3tHURUEmK6qkzcEtZx3xq-gwSTTLvBDQS3c3RxAq0SmWpGtP8ySBKBAkeFmqE0QN3Q2TQWM9zBA_erBa4-eMgU3Z12wL-u8ssuxtu_uoKJG2a-aV2HUF62c-3rL98wz7Yzv8e8zhQ-iP/s1600/Screenshot-4214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3tHURUEmK6qkzcEtZx3xq-gwSTTLvBDQS3c3RxAq0SmWpGtP8ySBKBAkeFmqE0QN3Q2TQWM9zBA_erBa4-eMgU3Z12wL-u8ssuxtu_uoKJG2a-aV2HUF62c-3rL98wz7Yzv8e8zhQ-iP/s400/Screenshot-4214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera couldn't respond to Mirabelle's question. Her mouth was frozen, her entire body was frozen as she stood there. "Stay... here...." Keera said, unable to come up with any other words. Mirabelle felt inclined to do this, but was still worried as Keera walked outside the bar, where the man was standing waiting for a cab in the rain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2jZOssh7TmpTtinipEjmxU4NrZV9PmBf57lsHhfjR7Df4vU3IoKRm2f5UD1xR-bfzEgBf6E4gg0NVrtRsvoIQMorFiOWqO6Jfj09P5s43frWfo6RjT2D5E5Mkc0QD2iVgPIM11PNrirW/s1600/Screenshot-3875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2jZOssh7TmpTtinipEjmxU4NrZV9PmBf57lsHhfjR7Df4vU3IoKRm2f5UD1xR-bfzEgBf6E4gg0NVrtRsvoIQMorFiOWqO6Jfj09P5s43frWfo6RjT2D5E5Mkc0QD2iVgPIM11PNrirW/s400/Screenshot-3875.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3awPAfQdPICwlzavn6jZqZkFBOLQWuJHxFI3yRSFE-ZmeqODa_4ZtjJ2lfBbvEbLuqUYaAOnc4DwxetdJNjSofETxaf81Q8KRDp20TEVVki5ZFDXVZ18MIDPodrOgfSeD2lsGeuAjXOPO/s1600/Screenshot-3349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3awPAfQdPICwlzavn6jZqZkFBOLQWuJHxFI3yRSFE-ZmeqODa_4ZtjJ2lfBbvEbLuqUYaAOnc4DwxetdJNjSofETxaf81Q8KRDp20TEVVki5ZFDXVZ18MIDPodrOgfSeD2lsGeuAjXOPO/s400/Screenshot-3349.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So you went to a basketball game? Did you have fun? Was it a joyful time?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhUu0_VEBgEXVxXzx5VGkylOi9F__El5dnpByy6AOMCe-xbfbRv_LJbkHm8ByHMwqt-u41N4sOEKTmBFnHsIY5pDdjBNTHlCVbx-bLaM4iSoQSpTTdtPTtKNxA5oDPNZ5Y1p4pfjsRZuh/s1600/Screenshot-3347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhUu0_VEBgEXVxXzx5VGkylOi9F__El5dnpByy6AOMCe-xbfbRv_LJbkHm8ByHMwqt-u41N4sOEKTmBFnHsIY5pDdjBNTHlCVbx-bLaM4iSoQSpTTdtPTtKNxA5oDPNZ5Y1p4pfjsRZuh/s400/Screenshot-3347.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The man, surprised by Keera, was shocked a bit but turned around. Thanks to the darkness of the rainy night, he couldn't clearly see her face. "I guess. Like I said in the bar was fired from my job for incompetence because of something that happened."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy5p-lAzyW9R3ocufcDJnWHIcjEIBi07CRPd1pdbJV_yBi14Pmz22l7Epr_iDmxhaUb2VxtnojKhIBWPwNSvYG_ReCFFhmPvE3bHjG4HSQsrRsd61Gu1k_NW8OyKu4VeEeVz2KXcW3cgy/s1600/Screenshot-3346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy5p-lAzyW9R3ocufcDJnWHIcjEIBi07CRPd1pdbJV_yBi14Pmz22l7Epr_iDmxhaUb2VxtnojKhIBWPwNSvYG_ReCFFhmPvE3bHjG4HSQsrRsd61Gu1k_NW8OyKu4VeEeVz2KXcW3cgy/s400/Screenshot-3346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"That's good! I'm glad you had fun. I'm glad you went to the game! Hey, one person's fun is another person's nightmare. An endless, unstoppable nightmare. But hey, you were fired for incompetence, and that's good too in my book. But hey, just as long as you weren't hurt. Just as long as no one you care for... was hurt. But maybe someone you didn't know was hurt. Maybe, I dunno, someone who didn't even get a letter of apology from you... <i>was hurt</i>. But hey, you were busy... you were so busy going to<i> a damn basketball </i>game that you didn't even realize what could have happened."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg546sIUZvIENqJM5BZUbkz28zOAG6wvAYVxvAuYwjlVoYOYsSGbCAqXPe5ER8kNiHyvSPN2kdv_dSvEA_-SvlehC3BgJVK-ZcwqLvsKONjofUywde5XTDpteFqJjG8AF41drYnGtr1-QWK/s1600/Screenshot-3883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg546sIUZvIENqJM5BZUbkz28zOAG6wvAYVxvAuYwjlVoYOYsSGbCAqXPe5ER8kNiHyvSPN2kdv_dSvEA_-SvlehC3BgJVK-ZcwqLvsKONjofUywde5XTDpteFqJjG8AF41drYnGtr1-QWK/s400/Screenshot-3883.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Please just... leave me alone. Please?" Collin tried to walk away quickly but slipped on the wet cement, giving Keera time to walk around and look down on him on the ground, where she believed he deserved to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJZaoU4OIJNJn61fmhzGuu5GfUOQe67ggmvxDXACIYezCAzv_SLrANsDfXxO0UJW7rZ1uexU-wT7DdkYuwirnfKKgTDwNfGDC_b1rWdSslhal_iCiVjBUKMmOPhD3M67xzQP4vkznlSA_/s1600/Screenshot-3878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJZaoU4OIJNJn61fmhzGuu5GfUOQe67ggmvxDXACIYezCAzv_SLrANsDfXxO0UJW7rZ1uexU-wT7DdkYuwirnfKKgTDwNfGDC_b1rWdSslhal_iCiVjBUKMmOPhD3M67xzQP4vkznlSA_/s400/Screenshot-3878.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"I would have left you alone on the street. Except you left something alone yourself! A special effects device that shoots fire, you left it next to a trio of compressed gasoline containers because you wanted tickets to a basketball game. Oh <i>'the next guy will get it, don't worry' </i>you thought? Well, what if there was a shift change, and there was no 'next guy'. Hmm? What if there was a woman who hadn't spent that much time with someone she cared about, what if that woman took this friend of hers, this niece, and took her on a tour to the same set that you left behind because you wanted tickets to a basketball game, hmm? And what if your basketball game cost this young teenager her eye, and half her face, was it worth it? Was going to see your favorite team duke out with the other<b> totally worth <i>ruining someone's life?"</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSvXlR4slHQq8e7Z4RtRxR2EyeZeQAd4H2mMjRlgaZ6HFm4YNF6PUIuGZp93aNSkWZ07Pz2C9F2m-R55hYXxXocz-cxzR83DA3SQkcrLMINcaTt98lCDCtTa1MdtB9xS6oc1wyW8Hr9Ox/s1600/Screenshot-3882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSvXlR4slHQq8e7Z4RtRxR2EyeZeQAd4H2mMjRlgaZ6HFm4YNF6PUIuGZp93aNSkWZ07Pz2C9F2m-R55hYXxXocz-cxzR83DA3SQkcrLMINcaTt98lCDCtTa1MdtB9xS6oc1wyW8Hr9Ox/s400/Screenshot-3882.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiZoCxTrIfW2Pn88RHSrZClfRy5w7N5LWTol4awQ4sD8hATVgfemi7PMG5xLwRcsl9xDEts-2kdZAku8U3s2poi_OP398XDaHdfLkcCOBczLbnOWgDBkaLqGo0XbVjmxs7s9BbJHHsbaA/s1600/Screenshot-3882a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiZoCxTrIfW2Pn88RHSrZClfRy5w7N5LWTol4awQ4sD8hATVgfemi7PMG5xLwRcsl9xDEts-2kdZAku8U3s2poi_OP398XDaHdfLkcCOBczLbnOWgDBkaLqGo0XbVjmxs7s9BbJHHsbaA/s400/Screenshot-3882a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the entire area and giving Collin his first good look at the girl. Her rage-filled face and clenched fists highlighted and emphasized by the flash of energy. Collin couldn't tell if the rain was wetting her face or if she had tears streaming down, and whether the tears were of sorrow or rage. Considering everything she's said, it was pretty obvious it was the latter. Within seconds, he knew who she was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUA8aZoLltvsUiyRNMGwunjn_oaiXR6x5DRMOy1pOiZv760dc8j05zQDgU59s_NkGnGz-4x2Y2fsMQsW7upVoZZS_fqQPJlCpCrGQTaCM8JJ44Ooq4DNWIi7HD385ONbIS-vi52qjHNsO/s1600/Screenshot-3884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUA8aZoLltvsUiyRNMGwunjn_oaiXR6x5DRMOy1pOiZv760dc8j05zQDgU59s_NkGnGz-4x2Y2fsMQsW7upVoZZS_fqQPJlCpCrGQTaCM8JJ44Ooq4DNWIi7HD385ONbIS-vi52qjHNsO/s400/Screenshot-3884.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I am so sorry." Collin said as he stood back up. "I know what I did was wrong, I know that. But please, please don't hurt me. I'm begging you! I've lost everything, and I did it because I was a fool, and my foolishness did that to you. Please, please don't hurt me!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnVGbeck8nl3Eivn8Pm1m28uNe9Bg5mdICR1meAUohQb-_NtUbr4dDzHTuEQIuDWgwUttah46SHfcpo-0TBv0-09aC8oeXNYwzft8BV8_VnkuDW8G57OKAtPMSek0VX5JR-AUJtZ9q7fW/s1600/Screenshot-3885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnVGbeck8nl3Eivn8Pm1m28uNe9Bg5mdICR1meAUohQb-_NtUbr4dDzHTuEQIuDWgwUttah46SHfcpo-0TBv0-09aC8oeXNYwzft8BV8_VnkuDW8G57OKAtPMSek0VX5JR-AUJtZ9q7fW/s400/Screenshot-3885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"SHUT THE HELL UP!!" Keera yelled, her voice louder than the thunder that accompanied it. "You think I want to hurt you?! I would never want anyone to go through pain like I did. Like I<i> still do</i>! Even <i>you</i>, I would never want to put you through pain, no matter how much I hate you. Now that I've said this, get the hell out of my sight."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC5Stjy7RY-2Qstgstvn-6MmgrpqjTH5KN6sJE7ogmwlmZXSUVJ8koG-iR70EtBdSDeQ3k-t_ocY8HVLWlEY7LXAPOiJLwYyUpK4zsHamCsNvjPgY4LBWIq2Hth2KXkB6U00CLtXJfDci/s1600/Screenshot-3887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC5Stjy7RY-2Qstgstvn-6MmgrpqjTH5KN6sJE7ogmwlmZXSUVJ8koG-iR70EtBdSDeQ3k-t_ocY8HVLWlEY7LXAPOiJLwYyUpK4zsHamCsNvjPgY4LBWIq2Hth2KXkB6U00CLtXJfDci/s400/Screenshot-3887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You can do that quicker if you walk to my <i>left</i>, thanks to you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r0KshhK1pmepFum3kOcgniB9VsS1MsVmNuPrUk3eS-u39ogLOEs9hLphcDO-EJ2iFdY3ZlZbB3uKg9P90rSh2wPDvC1G4B0xElIuZcJZItNTRE1GWrru13_8dq1ducfP3tLeVA4KiV7E/s1600/Screenshot-4496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r0KshhK1pmepFum3kOcgniB9VsS1MsVmNuPrUk3eS-u39ogLOEs9hLphcDO-EJ2iFdY3ZlZbB3uKg9P90rSh2wPDvC1G4B0xElIuZcJZItNTRE1GWrru13_8dq1ducfP3tLeVA4KiV7E/s400/Screenshot-4496.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Without saying another word Collin ran down the street, far away from Keera. Mirabelle, who was watching the drama unfold, lowered her head in sadness as Keera stood still, in the thunderstorm. After a few moments Mirabelle walked over to her, and the two silently walked back to the car.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-53761635127768365122012-10-17T23:29:00.001-05:002012-10-17T23:34:02.025-05:00Chapter Thirty - Wounds<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Everyone has scars, whether they are physical or emotional, there's really no difference between the two. Both are painful reminders of something that happened that should have been avoided, w</i><i>hether it's a scar obtained by burning metal from an explosion, or a scar in your mind as a harsh thought of what could have been but had been lost.</i><i> Some last a short time, some fade over a long time, and some stick with you for the rest of your life."</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRYefVUeSu6-aiILZTURi-WpAXZXtdBEppjpfOTvsYxyOMuIG4gbdgYjIfAMGy1ek7Y2tgAPWoON-u28LP5loM1sTRLFzaG8cmzTeiwomgioKhoF9MeYbe7JHNqjV-k8_sHo6EUXo23RS/s1600/Screenshot-1554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRYefVUeSu6-aiILZTURi-WpAXZXtdBEppjpfOTvsYxyOMuIG4gbdgYjIfAMGy1ek7Y2tgAPWoON-u28LP5loM1sTRLFzaG8cmzTeiwomgioKhoF9MeYbe7JHNqjV-k8_sHo6EUXo23RS/s400/Screenshot-1554.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70mrSi615ziJzTajqibZ_xEXh87fEaL2DdDnIgU3qgHab8DxN39SCL_9p2Q6L7HCcpqrLkC2uYzcmRD-KPfq_TJujgGtclmoQD3zKknIsuynejSkk6GucFJA0WUSi6ftLG_plU4PhxqE5/s1600/Screenshot-1556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70mrSi615ziJzTajqibZ_xEXh87fEaL2DdDnIgU3qgHab8DxN39SCL_9p2Q6L7HCcpqrLkC2uYzcmRD-KPfq_TJujgGtclmoQD3zKknIsuynejSkk6GucFJA0WUSi6ftLG_plU4PhxqE5/s400/Screenshot-1556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Annie?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle, deep in thought, opened her eyes to see Tom standing in front of her. He had a worried look on his face, but she nodded assuredly to let him know she was okay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX3Zrjhfu8OHsMaQufe3cY4SfjQE17pjMu8J_FOrAhK1PRN-PBTUSs9mRQfU-oIRDrWjPO7Y_ZFQwVd30roAcO04LceAIf6knIQp-6BiivgH3T0V0jI4eqyVw0f1bchKH9CrUCxRsVPcj/s1600/Screenshot-1557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX3Zrjhfu8OHsMaQufe3cY4SfjQE17pjMu8J_FOrAhK1PRN-PBTUSs9mRQfU-oIRDrWjPO7Y_ZFQwVd30roAcO04LceAIf6knIQp-6BiivgH3T0V0jI4eqyVw0f1bchKH9CrUCxRsVPcj/s400/Screenshot-1557.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I'm fine, Tom. I've just been thinking of things." Annabelle smiled, she didn't want to tell Tom about the dream she had, he had enough going on with the upcoming eclipse. Still, she couldn't get over what she had dreamed about. It had been a week since she had it and every once in a while she would turn around thinking Gabriel was nearby ready to pull one of his goofball pranks, then she realized he wouldn't, he'd never do it. That made her sad, but the idea of her daughter Keera being there for real helped her cope.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8vgVjjxXScDfqOD7a8Ov12c1hxEND8FdEv5Fdwyb9c-yIetwtAbtXBIbikUgTQQUetRLXH44R9NnXKAfa1GnSfZgXeF_xtxdYjJbaDOHI3RKKE_ffMvBOaMj_VEmJ0ZtCgu9RWy2xr_y/s1600/Screenshot-1555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8vgVjjxXScDfqOD7a8Ov12c1hxEND8FdEv5Fdwyb9c-yIetwtAbtXBIbikUgTQQUetRLXH44R9NnXKAfa1GnSfZgXeF_xtxdYjJbaDOHI3RKKE_ffMvBOaMj_VEmJ0ZtCgu9RWy2xr_y/s400/Screenshot-1555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle had lived a strange life, with evil alien witch-unicorns, supervillains, and other things that normal people would or could only dream about, she attributed this to her unique heritage, as "normal" people were usually not from outer space or an alien planet. Still, the dream she had was about as normal as she could imagine, and while she strived for that, she would not trade her family for it, especially considering how everyone took the time out of their night to tell her how much they needed her as she slept.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDwQ3_uY3apUgwZUAyOMugsJGh3NPd0J9Hd6Xz-0i2JQUaRpmjMT1en8vgxceuM-2NOdxsKe9xdQeG8LQCtkB2Adb4MMX8HoXa1Ipuk1szDIrQ-Ri9-UrQTAIbF_5PNRPYTCNAWyh75bP/s1600/Screenshot-1560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDwQ3_uY3apUgwZUAyOMugsJGh3NPd0J9Hd6Xz-0i2JQUaRpmjMT1en8vgxceuM-2NOdxsKe9xdQeG8LQCtkB2Adb4MMX8HoXa1Ipuk1szDIrQ-Ri9-UrQTAIbF_5PNRPYTCNAWyh75bP/s400/Screenshot-1560.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After standing for a minute or two, Annabelle walked through the living room of her home, looking at all the wonderful people she called her family. Scarlett was "ooh"-ing as Mirabelle did a magic trick in front of her, Kelly was chatting with Tom, and John and Keera were joking around about something they whispered to each other with smiles on their faces. To Annabelle, this wasn't a normal family, but it was a great family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjdTNSBfIOGXS4POxofF5vDM6vSF-XOo11bxVIJk4U1Bn8XLhyphenhyphen4ld4nP37ozL4mDMC-XwW4_lubI9JaphgdgviuS5e4CsttxlojSKYx25sQX_4MIFzAZJ96YsxldrNvUT916__DoPe2R0/s1600/Screenshot-1562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjdTNSBfIOGXS4POxofF5vDM6vSF-XOo11bxVIJk4U1Bn8XLhyphenhyphen4ld4nP37ozL4mDMC-XwW4_lubI9JaphgdgviuS5e4CsttxlojSKYx25sQX_4MIFzAZJ96YsxldrNvUT916__DoPe2R0/s400/Screenshot-1562.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
After finishing his chat with Kelly, Tom walked over to Annie, making sure, again, if she was alright. Annabelle nodded and said "I <i>do</i> have a bit of a headache from the blast a week ago, but I'll be fine, don't worry. I'll just take a bit of a walk to get rid of it."<br />
<br />
"Would you like someone to go with you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9KNcXnd77WXXOvc7K80ffoDiUiBy6UX-S_RYax77nhdNYEZaqeNFVcjIIF4LLdIKciDb8AL8vAUMpDtj08sFcV_AVG54aACxTJjnkyFc9aUZwxLMeTxPtqLpdipEJ40C5_OgNuFYdllh/s1600/Screenshot-1563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9KNcXnd77WXXOvc7K80ffoDiUiBy6UX-S_RYax77nhdNYEZaqeNFVcjIIF4LLdIKciDb8AL8vAUMpDtj08sFcV_AVG54aACxTJjnkyFc9aUZwxLMeTxPtqLpdipEJ40C5_OgNuFYdllh/s400/Screenshot-1563.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle shook her head, and said "I'll be alright, just need a walk. Besides, everyone aside from me is busy today. Kelly and Keera are going to the top of the mountain, John and Mirabelle are going to the library to research the Genie lamp, and you and Scarlett are going to look for wedding stuff... a little hint: pick a lot of red items." she said, sarcastically.<br />
<br />
"Ya I got that." Tom said jokingly. "Just... PLEAAAAASE be careful."<br />
<br />
Annabelle smiled and leaned in close. "Don't worry, I will not let anything happen to me. Besides, I've already endured enough in my life, what more could possibly happen?... you know what don't answer that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDbcsc95LIRk_mg5VIo_ScKXHrh5ag3eVr-AJj7jl6Og94JxR_utDSzu0dO1hSsHk7_3Kl2tGGp214WApPoPJxsJpEYNgOjM0IpxlDaDyZI6dVfbDm5HDouSZYQerlQbPpvJD5XedolZ-/s1600/Screenshot-1564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDbcsc95LIRk_mg5VIo_ScKXHrh5ag3eVr-AJj7jl6Og94JxR_utDSzu0dO1hSsHk7_3Kl2tGGp214WApPoPJxsJpEYNgOjM0IpxlDaDyZI6dVfbDm5HDouSZYQerlQbPpvJD5XedolZ-/s400/Screenshot-1564.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle then left after smiling at Tom, walking down the street.<br />
<br />
----------------------<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnMyV9om0r8Bx2Xj2Os8iIKPhJ4RVDA27dbxsOwbrirls_Z4MoMKGnVUvj4QtH872jiiMlKvqY4cECm8CBjV93GFuqalFqPCVLYOXn994iB0izoHjTJL76u8iRgWhb-CLDXGs1rBB7LqO/s1600/Screenshot-1511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnMyV9om0r8Bx2Xj2Os8iIKPhJ4RVDA27dbxsOwbrirls_Z4MoMKGnVUvj4QtH872jiiMlKvqY4cECm8CBjV93GFuqalFqPCVLYOXn994iB0izoHjTJL76u8iRgWhb-CLDXGs1rBB7LqO/s400/Screenshot-1511.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
"You're worried about her, aren't you?" Scarlett asked, sitting in the passenger seat of Tom's car as they made their way through the town. The roads were easy to navigate, it being a Saturday, and Tom had decided that the back roads were more a proper choice to drive on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFTn1LUvfEav-3b0oyAPgbtnxwIPW_eqqjBhYJNY-U-rgBWPJJPTB1X5PUFGkY9AKyFbn22PYoN5-vUFkrrIYTX1kYNxOYZ3awzgejLi7IBXqWbWu19cyPr9PuMc0t0Yh_3e7ihRxqdxa/s1600/Screenshot-1516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFTn1LUvfEav-3b0oyAPgbtnxwIPW_eqqjBhYJNY-U-rgBWPJJPTB1X5PUFGkY9AKyFbn22PYoN5-vUFkrrIYTX1kYNxOYZ3awzgejLi7IBXqWbWu19cyPr9PuMc0t0Yh_3e7ihRxqdxa/s400/Screenshot-1516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Who? Annabelle? Of course I am! She needs me, and the family right now when she's going through these troubling times. I am trying to see where she walked to but this city is so covered in flora it's hard to pick out what's a bush and what's her. Don't uh... don't tell her I said that. Anyway she needs me, like I need her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ypt2h43bWchANIZCJc1OP75IKjXVfZ2clpFxBgCvR855BIpPFyyrMhJDrSlLYRbsopIRfqACwfPFfbSyQ8mFfWCFWTVBbgsXWIJoUbezMKnvft4Q8HzruWhRNgPgfUdrmqY1SRPLDJQ7/s1600/Screenshot-1513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ypt2h43bWchANIZCJc1OP75IKjXVfZ2clpFxBgCvR855BIpPFyyrMhJDrSlLYRbsopIRfqACwfPFfbSyQ8mFfWCFWTVBbgsXWIJoUbezMKnvft4Q8HzruWhRNgPgfUdrmqY1SRPLDJQ7/s400/Screenshot-1513.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"It's more than that, Tom. I know it, I know you. You love her." Scarlett had never been one to skirt around the point, always going straight at with her her hands at it's throat. "I know this because I see you when she's around, it's the same look, the same body language in John's face when I walk into the room. I noticed this a long time ago when we were teens, and made my move, now we're shopping for wedding cakes. Why didn't you make your move, Tom?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB19KTI-k48UlJQ2MssrV_pstHJS9Mtb3RJrocG3dCEkicNJmWnY24g1erFjquA7JxZINNokzYu-MhZ60-wrjnRRKz3ZOUFKM9f7G0yEjnwYVJxdgc20a_GvZwQ4CRCS63q9tmrIBJAtPm/s1600/Screenshot-1514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB19KTI-k48UlJQ2MssrV_pstHJS9Mtb3RJrocG3dCEkicNJmWnY24g1erFjquA7JxZINNokzYu-MhZ60-wrjnRRKz3ZOUFKM9f7G0yEjnwYVJxdgc20a_GvZwQ4CRCS63q9tmrIBJAtPm/s400/Screenshot-1514.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Well, there are so many things to think about, you know, with the things going on and all that stuff and such and whatnot."</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"You're pushing the question away, cuz. It's a simple question, that SHOULD warrant a simple answer."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAhb4bsnn3zgzLgOoBjKaVP3pWsTKxziWWefS46TlEK2Hm-gK4Xsjjgf0MVR6z0-PF_h6qXi-gpVJQnjqIA07GKMEW-1LOGnljlk9PGaK4L3zbWkmgcLP3PxwZSFVKyDlbFGIpV2znIZE/s1600/Screenshot-1515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAhb4bsnn3zgzLgOoBjKaVP3pWsTKxziWWefS46TlEK2Hm-gK4Xsjjgf0MVR6z0-PF_h6qXi-gpVJQnjqIA07GKMEW-1LOGnljlk9PGaK4L3zbWkmgcLP3PxwZSFVKyDlbFGIpV2znIZE/s400/Screenshot-1515.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I don't know if I'm good enough for her." Tom said, bluntly. "She's is literally out of this world, and I'm just... stuck on Earth." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Tom, you're good enough for Annie. You don't see that but I do. You are a wonderful person! Besides, have you ever ASKED if Annabelle thinks you're not good enough for her? I mean seriously. I know the answer is 'no', I know you two are perfect for each other. 'Tom and Annabelle' is about a common phrase around the house as 'peanut butter and bananas, with chocolate syrup'."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I think the phrase is 'peanut butter and jelly', Scarlett. Sorry I corrected you."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Oh well, um... I was just thinking of something that I like. I've been looking at a lot of food lately. Maybe pre-wedding jitters or something." Scarlett then stopped herself. "But that's beside the point. My question for you is... have you ever wondered what it would be like to have settled down with Annie, to marry her and have a few kids? Have you ever wondered that?" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6F6HhwyWl1fdtnerYVBmsVAkqIqYtzfeGnp_WvCon-_e5lzCd4YE0RuX6LR4w_Obcw2asmQwXDAiPJIvmO0bAZY7mJw7-OcozKDWFPvPLliOLJ9YvEf8kzTW3qkNHKYFh5NuJr9w05j7H/s1600/Screenshot-1512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6F6HhwyWl1fdtnerYVBmsVAkqIqYtzfeGnp_WvCon-_e5lzCd4YE0RuX6LR4w_Obcw2asmQwXDAiPJIvmO0bAZY7mJw7-OcozKDWFPvPLliOLJ9YvEf8kzTW3qkNHKYFh5NuJr9w05j7H/s400/Screenshot-1512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tom sighed, looking out ahead of him. "All the damn time..."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
---------------------- </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kelly and Keera were taking turns looking at the Mausoleum through a telescope on the hill, as they had planned on it. Kelly, trying to lighten the mood, tried to talk to the teen but she didn't seem to talk back much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPZ5s3_mHCv-TlZIUQK7v1BLOlSuQFwQJcFs9LjY-SpCmDKiYe5plDd1LDoXusVx5n3vT-Utn1WLsBItO9x20dQBbrQ-GyRctbXkLZHhJyL9Xw6BJb0KJ1lOR4HGdMRe-aNpmiuy8yS5a/s1600/Screenshot-1868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPZ5s3_mHCv-TlZIUQK7v1BLOlSuQFwQJcFs9LjY-SpCmDKiYe5plDd1LDoXusVx5n3vT-Utn1WLsBItO9x20dQBbrQ-GyRctbXkLZHhJyL9Xw6BJb0KJ1lOR4HGdMRe-aNpmiuy8yS5a/s400/Screenshot-1868.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You're not very chatty today, are you Keera?" Kelly asked, looking over at her. Keera was busy looking at the mausoleum, watching in case anyone came or went inside with a stern look on her face. Since she didn't respond, Kelly continued talking. "It's just like the other night all over again."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oYTHrslc3KBzMdC5yrseoPBykbMXDU3I9f4-Yo_zVSF7bvzDqE-ueWrdtg8xMU9na-PxUEyvtuZe06MpGl5xbZxmdIoFLo69wnobP41xbvWtof9lbkVJOgGQmUeOQKHGxrOnekG-2bFL/s1600/Screenshot-1870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oYTHrslc3KBzMdC5yrseoPBykbMXDU3I9f4-Yo_zVSF7bvzDqE-ueWrdtg8xMU9na-PxUEyvtuZe06MpGl5xbZxmdIoFLo69wnobP41xbvWtof9lbkVJOgGQmUeOQKHGxrOnekG-2bFL/s400/Screenshot-1870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"...Well I went into Annabelle's room while she was sleeping, and talked to her. Told her what was in my heart. I didn't get a response, just like with you just now."<br />
<br />
"Oh well." Keera said with a harsh tone in her voice. "Guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, in any respect whatsoever."<br />
<br />
Kelly was the one confused this time. "What? What do you mean by that?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPJXRErYKj9GDevpIZ_fRhE_DoQmM_EBmeupeKIYFBJUtKF4cVxIrXW4oPXeX2plZIO51wDFXVqz8cU2ovq-28i-AZcGQRfg_TpJnazUOPNjKmUDVZRk5fTJ8bxttb24Ap_6eWakite2J/s1600/Screenshot-1869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPJXRErYKj9GDevpIZ_fRhE_DoQmM_EBmeupeKIYFBJUtKF4cVxIrXW4oPXeX2plZIO51wDFXVqz8cU2ovq-28i-AZcGQRfg_TpJnazUOPNjKmUDVZRk5fTJ8bxttb24Ap_6eWakite2J/s400/Screenshot-1869.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Stopping herself from looking at the telescope, Keera backed away from it to look Kelly in the eye. "You know what's really funny? The whole time I was watching my mom sleep the other night, worried about her, trying to get her to wake up... I noticed a few things parallel to my own life. Just, you know, certain things. Like explosions. She was caught in an explosion in the past as she said, broke her arm and spent nearly three months in the hospital."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNYjVp26_0WTU0Hmil24OAO6I3eHtkvhJ5qmxiISgJwFd8k1RHrLSjHQVY5aPc00xxCzR8XW1dlMVpao5CZPXmFue4BDhHoiPtUIP0xeCttw-tvuIAvSk20OXyoEEhAmMid2F2StilSAK/s1600/Screenshot-1871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNYjVp26_0WTU0Hmil24OAO6I3eHtkvhJ5qmxiISgJwFd8k1RHrLSjHQVY5aPc00xxCzR8XW1dlMVpao5CZPXmFue4BDhHoiPtUIP0xeCttw-tvuIAvSk20OXyoEEhAmMid2F2StilSAK/s400/Screenshot-1871.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"And here it happened once again, but this time she didn't get that injured, did she? She didn't lose an eye, or have her face scarred. No, she didn't, but she could have. She could have had her entire body scarred! She could have been paralyzed! Her life could have been taken from her because of ANOTHER DAMNED EXPLOSION!! <em>Just like the one I was in</em>!!!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufFRVyMcLH6uTCG_IO81cOcg-vwYNpzonSW7Ij_odsxc1R_tImEKbnNmbm4FKIf1I3seKIDWrPW15vTep0zeyIlONp5ZBwsEGHXR5QaLf2H2GTO38HxVsifJ1FtCcrCG9pTc6QnvII29e/s1600/Screenshot-1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufFRVyMcLH6uTCG_IO81cOcg-vwYNpzonSW7Ij_odsxc1R_tImEKbnNmbm4FKIf1I3seKIDWrPW15vTep0zeyIlONp5ZBwsEGHXR5QaLf2H2GTO38HxVsifJ1FtCcrCG9pTc6QnvII29e/s400/Screenshot-1874.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Keera stopped herself. That was it: She was worried about losing Annabelle, just like everyone else, but in her case the worry was intensified because of Keera's own life experiences, including the explosion at the movie studio.<br />
<br />
"Keera, I don't know what to say." Kelly said, worried. "I really don't. You have been through so much in the short time you've been alive, we all have, that sometimes it's hard to realize what matters."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhEcBvkup-xf3ujKJrTssVt-e_ej-NL7M7s5MrrzZNaydCqzlVzVEe8Hw60EpZYMZWvseAtXFW5LkDHw6_o0-9q_DZpt_xxENYbCSmTPihZDKSfWkxh1cqweBYMW1gvuG0TEc2TiyHgHc/s1600/Screenshot-1873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhEcBvkup-xf3ujKJrTssVt-e_ej-NL7M7s5MrrzZNaydCqzlVzVEe8Hw60EpZYMZWvseAtXFW5LkDHw6_o0-9q_DZpt_xxENYbCSmTPihZDKSfWkxh1cqweBYMW1gvuG0TEc2TiyHgHc/s400/Screenshot-1873.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Suddenly Kelly reached in for a hug, and Keera fell into her arms crying. "I can never see things clearly, I can never realize what's happening. You need two eyes to do it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN0KLf3-4L_X5JWbrDokYOnoQY23mvomVrO4aP96E0I8xR_cG9xOuEfD9kDYBnXuwsZVQ1ZnzjxcMyXachuqG7a-h8rbrvl45JoH5xBRLONVKfrQ6vQTKhn2ZajeDZESrUrJ29I043u5y/s1600/Screenshot-1892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN0KLf3-4L_X5JWbrDokYOnoQY23mvomVrO4aP96E0I8xR_cG9xOuEfD9kDYBnXuwsZVQ1ZnzjxcMyXachuqG7a-h8rbrvl45JoH5xBRLONVKfrQ6vQTKhn2ZajeDZESrUrJ29I043u5y/s400/Screenshot-1892.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I am so sorry for everything that's happened to you, Keera. You didn't do anything to deserve your injury. If I could go back in time and put myself in your place I would. I would do anything for you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNh90RHmLRna6pbu5qQapZEJfEEAFJL3y4kwKou39liloefFyUVrK6Nj-RakRDEBt0mEr6NvGIDBMY-WgJChowxDvmk4M72QkF7f9Rr-Xve6KpAzuMdWkKJFMnmd1q-tG4zLvXMGpZ2ry/s1600/Screenshot-1893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNh90RHmLRna6pbu5qQapZEJfEEAFJL3y4kwKou39liloefFyUVrK6Nj-RakRDEBt0mEr6NvGIDBMY-WgJChowxDvmk4M72QkF7f9Rr-Xve6KpAzuMdWkKJFMnmd1q-tG4zLvXMGpZ2ry/s400/Screenshot-1893.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Suddenly Kelly looked up and saw someone off in the distance heading inside the mausoleum. Using her a camera attached to her telescope, Keera snapped a picture of him just as he stepped inside.<br />
<br />
-------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil722lmdtTsSbbUP00jt_em2AV4X9Z6-IE2kStZQzWWCdcrKZmxQIK_kXDYNqgImTVuubOFbnp7t44EkFnbwgVeezpvysg5xgfbrvQP5BWWALxuUW8B5_tFThPTZvn0vUH7_WGUQDYOtHT/s1600/Screenshot-1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil722lmdtTsSbbUP00jt_em2AV4X9Z6-IE2kStZQzWWCdcrKZmxQIK_kXDYNqgImTVuubOFbnp7t44EkFnbwgVeezpvysg5xgfbrvQP5BWWALxuUW8B5_tFThPTZvn0vUH7_WGUQDYOtHT/s400/Screenshot-1858.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jacob Thompson smiled as he walked down the stairs towards the center of the tomb. Dr. Vu, who was looking at a fully-assembled star-shaped stone, heard him walking and turned to face him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTPcgqSkaWh9EaVdCcpzrXJ6duu3wlRhdElf8phe4_G2ljh_BwhyhXoWxyRd7qRYzu2F06XkeFq3j-Wd0bxZZcAuCTg-Ce-79ygllPk1VnlChVyuzEy2CrjZpKfTJFrzaj-fsvqm4xSRM/s1600/Screenshot-1857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTPcgqSkaWh9EaVdCcpzrXJ6duu3wlRhdElf8phe4_G2ljh_BwhyhXoWxyRd7qRYzu2F06XkeFq3j-Wd0bxZZcAuCTg-Ce-79ygllPk1VnlChVyuzEy2CrjZpKfTJFrzaj-fsvqm4xSRM/s400/Screenshot-1857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I love what you've done with the place. Very... dark, very... evil-lair-ish." Jacob chuckled as he opened a new gate into the tomb's main area. "Could use a throw pillow though. Maybe a few curtains."<br />
<br />
"What do you want, Thompson?" Vu asked, looking at him with an angered look. "I am very busy here."<br />
<br />
"Yes but are you really?" Jacob walked over to him with a smirk. "Or is it your robotic companion over there who is more busy than you?" Jacob noticed the robotic orb floating in the center of the room was pulsating brightly, like it was busy doing something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE5_rO-fe1RyyzVOrX_ZZ40W2RXnfH6Ir52_vea1zHKZcrkbyIK7cw05gp-NuL4cKJEwWR9dd_RXPPuYh7bfEz0kzrHr2sNKJhfFP8pXqEMUzwB1sTq0j8GPu5lbMjgYJ3EE11fmN0Dwe/s1600/Screenshot-1862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE5_rO-fe1RyyzVOrX_ZZ40W2RXnfH6Ir52_vea1zHKZcrkbyIK7cw05gp-NuL4cKJEwWR9dd_RXPPuYh7bfEz0kzrHr2sNKJhfFP8pXqEMUzwB1sTq0j8GPu5lbMjgYJ3EE11fmN0Dwe/s400/Screenshot-1862.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Vazir is currently adding to the tomb. We need a base and he is building it. He already built a holding area for our enemies."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVZOHbiHYjmkYB4SlbdJ8lM8zDTvpB3-mdkKUZ9bJc27mWfKuvpJ4ags3IXiHmCpfcxZuf2SztKLsimpZGAxqkW1ArpUOFD6c17TIG2UomT4eSiCaCPfkmrbFQZHNltxp0LYLsdXEqtv4/s1600/Screenshot-1859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVZOHbiHYjmkYB4SlbdJ8lM8zDTvpB3-mdkKUZ9bJc27mWfKuvpJ4ags3IXiHmCpfcxZuf2SztKLsimpZGAxqkW1ArpUOFD6c17TIG2UomT4eSiCaCPfkmrbFQZHNltxp0LYLsdXEqtv4/s400/Screenshot-1859.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"That's good! Real good... I may have use for a holding area. I have plans to bring a guest, someone who is perfectly capable of undermining out plans. She's had a victory against a Benefactor before, and I want to see her face personally when we open the tomb, get the lamp, and use it for our own purposes. Just so I can know that<i> she knows</i> she lost."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhMO3XUw3IR0Pq6EYYqK-dCJrCJsKBoSkQr1JLEQyBks1RrPBdlxxrcItzTfpBGpCs7lAl2Di1fiy3An2Ep8KGhBV6acj3hd500cz4tHdnVLhQjrv_bVW1N0HUynFGf1vGJG2ncmSALyp/s1600/Screenshot-1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhMO3XUw3IR0Pq6EYYqK-dCJrCJsKBoSkQr1JLEQyBks1RrPBdlxxrcItzTfpBGpCs7lAl2Di1fiy3An2Ep8KGhBV6acj3hd500cz4tHdnVLhQjrv_bVW1N0HUynFGf1vGJG2ncmSALyp/s400/Screenshot-1814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"That doesn't seem too hard to do. Apparently the last benefactor was defeated by a pair of love-struck teenagers. I can't say he didn't deserve to be imprisoned and blown up. It's his faulty device that gave me this scar."<br />
<br />
Jacob sneered at Vu, then said "Jack Toomes was an older man when he fought those, as you say it, 'love-struck teenagers'. He was old, weak, pathetic. I am much, much younger."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK_Yq4-_8Q3TFxOL6fv83sQLfFVIYWDsQngrqUTh5z2Ww1oCSeQgMu-sq5kIYVsHsKRVImwAtlgNL73ACnzK3Q3VfJQpuGZc2pYPeCQ39MjU8j00lABObx1LhzWQpCVUwZzuLotEMezGv/s1600/Screenshot-1856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK_Yq4-_8Q3TFxOL6fv83sQLfFVIYWDsQngrqUTh5z2Ww1oCSeQgMu-sq5kIYVsHsKRVImwAtlgNL73ACnzK3Q3VfJQpuGZc2pYPeCQ39MjU8j00lABObx1LhzWQpCVUwZzuLotEMezGv/s400/Screenshot-1856.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Besides, I was thinking of someone else." Vu said. 'Someone I want to find in Starlight Shores. Thomas Jameson. He refused to help my father when he needed it. I want revenge."<br />
<br />
"Thomas Richard Jameson is dead." Jacob replied. "But guess what, I know where his son is... you know, 'legacy' and all that stuff. You can take revenge on Thomas Jameson by taking revenge on his son. And I know where you can find him."<br />
<br />
"Tell me!" Vu said. "Where is he?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNybQNrwv3oXxnmIN4z2uzl3gqcb0uqZEedWslomKiJ6hZtBik9s22uvaCLDga7JEDBYohqaOxTAjc9DloWkFZuWfLfvrnuVGlHPvIZx7J8AY6bLynYF9CaHkWQPOZoCSqvs1e2fuP3GCF/s1600/Screenshot-1817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNybQNrwv3oXxnmIN4z2uzl3gqcb0uqZEedWslomKiJ6hZtBik9s22uvaCLDga7JEDBYohqaOxTAjc9DloWkFZuWfLfvrnuVGlHPvIZx7J8AY6bLynYF9CaHkWQPOZoCSqvs1e2fuP3GCF/s400/Screenshot-1817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"No no no. First I must make a... fair trade." Jacob smiled, and turned around to face a table. "But what could you possibly have that I want?! Maybe one of these weapons here? Ya I'll take this as a pre-payment. But what else? What could I possibly- OOOOOH. Ya, this will work." Jacob picked up a golden-colored potion, holding it in front of him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzfzhcg4appbuNxjzo-o4OAS7jsykQoPCGRyHuIV-I93R_2so_5baIRieFIZPCC71qEOgcWFOvX777pkKnu7JAFm04H6JYVEFelXgtZO38F6O31Xwp4DVWIuOyTCo7e5ydpAGHmOI-BEo/s1600/Screenshot-1815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzfzhcg4appbuNxjzo-o4OAS7jsykQoPCGRyHuIV-I93R_2so_5baIRieFIZPCC71qEOgcWFOvX777pkKnu7JAFm04H6JYVEFelXgtZO38F6O31Xwp4DVWIuOyTCo7e5ydpAGHmOI-BEo/s400/Screenshot-1815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That's a potion called Midas Touch." Vu said, "It will let you turn anything you want to gold. For inanimate objects it permanent. For humans it's temporary. At least that's what the witch who gave it to me said."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T1Jo9v6PNWJfvSGP8aTO_ampJViJMUFN8tSZGPYmji3_vcjlS0iwMAEtXCv7R0GKUXBnxF2MT2rzC6toE5atcAGpL9Vtf96uRZcff7gaRkMDvsbsOqZHhXBwBIsp6OASO7hHDZdOcIEj/s1600/Screenshot-1812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T1Jo9v6PNWJfvSGP8aTO_ampJViJMUFN8tSZGPYmji3_vcjlS0iwMAEtXCv7R0GKUXBnxF2MT2rzC6toE5atcAGpL9Vtf96uRZcff7gaRkMDvsbsOqZHhXBwBIsp6OASO7hHDZdOcIEj/s400/Screenshot-1812.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">"Midas touch. I love that story. </span>In the story, King Midas wished for the ability to turn whatever he touched into gold... it was part of his greed. Unfortunately for him, every single person he touched turned to gold, and his food turned and his drink as well, he died of thirst and starvation and he died alone. I personally think he was an idiot. He should have made things a bit more specific. Yes, this will do fine. A little birdy told me Tom's at the market. Well, I saw him there myself before I trotted over here. But take care... you know the love-stuck teenagers you mentioned? Tom's one of them. He was strong then, can't imagine how he is now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoJ4K53hnR8-dQYszJ32tACsXcOBukFZGyuFLC5l19lObXl62bxuuEOyXkeQVDARXe53MHoWhRG9cY1FhS9NSVb4mk16vj_mAuEA2kkcY7oPMLc1bNCmrnbTXm7tEaD4AI8S44RecWZ9p/s1600/Screenshot-1866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoJ4K53hnR8-dQYszJ32tACsXcOBukFZGyuFLC5l19lObXl62bxuuEOyXkeQVDARXe53MHoWhRG9cY1FhS9NSVb4mk16vj_mAuEA2kkcY7oPMLc1bNCmrnbTXm7tEaD4AI8S44RecWZ9p/s400/Screenshot-1866.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vu smiled, finally realizing that his revenge was going to be obtained. He turned around to ask Jacob more about Tom but was shocked to see him gone, with the midas touch potion. He then took his communicator out and contacted Tobias Corvan.<br />
<br />
"Ya?" Tobias said, groggy. It seemed to Vu that he woke him from a sleep.<br />
<br />
"Go to the marketplace here in Starlight Shores. Bring a video camera to transmit an image to me. And be quick."<br />
-------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGbglULvmEy8TGFhVekSJb9GB7xuFLTmgooJ-XXNB9N1otYyWovI5lyZKgCHYuHLSgwqgpB8Lxq9Q3EZrVzbPt1Xt6Q20XaBqmDzEdDorHMYgB2_dIwX2m-MjohmB-i-LtfAFJcsuDSU8/s1600/Screenshot-1792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGbglULvmEy8TGFhVekSJb9GB7xuFLTmgooJ-XXNB9N1otYyWovI5lyZKgCHYuHLSgwqgpB8Lxq9Q3EZrVzbPt1Xt6Q20XaBqmDzEdDorHMYgB2_dIwX2m-MjohmB-i-LtfAFJcsuDSU8/s400/Screenshot-1792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle was sitting on a bench at the park, still trying to get her head clear when she heard someone walk up to her. She turned her head and saw Deacon Jones, still apparently upset from the conversation they had about a week before. Annabelle hadn't talked to Deacon since their encounter in the beach house, but ever since then she was going over the whole angered tirade against him in her mind, and the conversation he had with his twin sister afterwards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JC9MKtvaB39bE9yFuXJWjdh_CcqRgbiXheHy8ddiKXSO5x_6s6vjhbPKNIO0VjT1tz6cAKKaNwcD2IQ8NSUDfln_aUgOrTALimZWFl5S8XowqkyciX_B8kkMwn0QWyd7GTcmkdU6jmAb/s1600/Screenshot-1793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JC9MKtvaB39bE9yFuXJWjdh_CcqRgbiXheHy8ddiKXSO5x_6s6vjhbPKNIO0VjT1tz6cAKKaNwcD2IQ8NSUDfln_aUgOrTALimZWFl5S8XowqkyciX_B8kkMwn0QWyd7GTcmkdU6jmAb/s400/Screenshot-1793.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Do you mind if I... sit here, Miss Kethin?" Deacon asked, politely. Annabelle silently nodded and gestured herself towards the empty seat, signifying that he could. "Listen, Annie, I again am so sorry about everything that happened in Bridgeport. I assure you, it was Jack Toomes who manipulated me!"<br />
<br />
"He manipulated a lot of people." Annie said, "You, me, Tom. He made us all think he was a friendly sort. I saw him as a good friend."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitOcbVrUpx9SD2ME115Kl3EsZJJ_qzN_AkG31CEog48fEVjhSqCQR-M0b9bWUoGFtMU0Vr1-BBP4CFlwakN3qktCs33sR_sIawc5yL0irgLI_Cz4Z-IRS-Oi8PbSowbMD1a92tIBGJLb5/s1600/Screenshot-1808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitOcbVrUpx9SD2ME115Kl3EsZJJ_qzN_AkG31CEog48fEVjhSqCQR-M0b9bWUoGFtMU0Vr1-BBP4CFlwakN3qktCs33sR_sIawc5yL0irgLI_Cz4Z-IRS-Oi8PbSowbMD1a92tIBGJLb5/s400/Screenshot-1808.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon looked off in the distance, upset. "Then his death must have some kind of effect on you, like it did me. He may have been evil but I still saw him as a father for five years."<br />
<br />
"I don't think he's dead." Annabelle sternly said. "I've seen him 'die' in two different explosions before, this third one... it wouldn't surprise me if he showed up alive in Sunlit Tides or something, drinking on the beach laughing at everyone who thought he actually went to the land of Smithereens by way of a meteor impact. Dr. Vu was revealed to have been alive just recently and he too 'died' in an explosion. Hell... <i>I should have died</i> in an explosion, almost five years ago."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsq84K1RpzBGteFtK64AJZZkZNnOVR9TQHLUeZ3YhCJF1FwPCijFVI-ANZo-oh1w31gBrgIcdr1ffsT-ebm09QNsLn0gv4MXAd_WIQTN_rFjhu9d9DwH0LgXKttZvJYC9dkl7RVR5FH04/s1600/Screenshot-1809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsq84K1RpzBGteFtK64AJZZkZNnOVR9TQHLUeZ3YhCJF1FwPCijFVI-ANZo-oh1w31gBrgIcdr1ffsT-ebm09QNsLn0gv4MXAd_WIQTN_rFjhu9d9DwH0LgXKttZvJYC9dkl7RVR5FH04/s400/Screenshot-1809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Why didn't I? Why did I have to live with the wounds for three months? Why didn't I... kiss... it doesn't matter. That's the past, this is the present, and I must look to the future."<br />
<br />
"But they found his body. DNA tests prov-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsIks_RZo-_HQmlcOAKk9T22bqCF2yyvSmmMXsNTC4qsWJVjLQ8VqEXcq5hjmhidPMyPg5XT6ZKO7nM0O3ru-1qOLE0BpCqriMHsvXbpQAHEm05cyXqgHkyV_zt7XqfMnA8eIqPXRExqD/s1600/Screenshot-1807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsIks_RZo-_HQmlcOAKk9T22bqCF2yyvSmmMXsNTC4qsWJVjLQ8VqEXcq5hjmhidPMyPg5XT6ZKO7nM0O3ru-1qOLE0BpCqriMHsvXbpQAHEm05cyXqgHkyV_zt7XqfMnA8eIqPXRExqD/s400/Screenshot-1807.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't think he's dead." Annabelle said again. "He's a crafty son of a b-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Anyway..." Deacon said, interrupting her. "I wanted to say, again, Annabelle, that I am really, really sorry for the way I acted in Bridgeport. That was not the person I am, I never wanted to be that."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkatDENDBfWSNDaJu2WQbgGM6hldYcRnCCfvW0bUjdLfkz5mckb3-3RftcE6UaJ8LNHBjA6qEr3kBy1whLG8-4bu6-tgZ943mLdcK9Hof5MRS4xfZFYKSZANLYxfOxOVueQVUjybuTsI6N/s1600/Screenshot-1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkatDENDBfWSNDaJu2WQbgGM6hldYcRnCCfvW0bUjdLfkz5mckb3-3RftcE6UaJ8LNHBjA6qEr3kBy1whLG8-4bu6-tgZ943mLdcK9Hof5MRS4xfZFYKSZANLYxfOxOVueQVUjybuTsI6N/s400/Screenshot-1800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle stood up. "Well, to be honest I wasn't having the greatest of days myself when we met again a week and a half ago. Tom... Tom blamed me for causing someone he cared about to die, and we didn't talk for a month. But that's behind us now. My point is that I too apologize. I don't think I would have acted that way towards you if that hadn't happened. I'm better than that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaeMTkOiG_-voizTr_sHf3Z9U1RjJ_GmwQRCW2dW3GrDavV2F3MmfS6Yim639xvf3vUJKdFwzIy16E_Z5xxhdpl-mA2PNJ8pZUv-Zew4s5FxNPEnfKYwFValusAsmNihPUmBNc_fvIcpE/s1600/Screenshot-1802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaeMTkOiG_-voizTr_sHf3Z9U1RjJ_GmwQRCW2dW3GrDavV2F3MmfS6Yim639xvf3vUJKdFwzIy16E_Z5xxhdpl-mA2PNJ8pZUv-Zew4s5FxNPEnfKYwFValusAsmNihPUmBNc_fvIcpE/s400/Screenshot-1802.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Don't worry about it. I try to put what happened in the past behind me, and look to the future. Not too many do that.", Deacon said. "Besides, you are talking to me now, that's got to amount for something."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjqnCzLpHFeLJi9gjgeME0rX_uRhi8hcDdpj1almUHVyVedDKGKqo8PcyYkGo3EbhBUKaSIsdCkNsmuVsVWJJZbO4z4Wq4eXB_a3MLW7Rzo9qfVsmAl6jAPA-qNpreD_ZnN8UiiCLcP0e/s1600/Screenshot-1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjqnCzLpHFeLJi9gjgeME0rX_uRhi8hcDdpj1almUHVyVedDKGKqo8PcyYkGo3EbhBUKaSIsdCkNsmuVsVWJJZbO4z4Wq4eXB_a3MLW7Rzo9qfVsmAl6jAPA-qNpreD_ZnN8UiiCLcP0e/s400/Screenshot-1801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Yeah it does. Heh. Look, to make it up to you, and maybe for a chance to get to know the real you, maybe we can go out to lunch or something, as friends. Or... get-to-know-each-other...ers." </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Deacon smiled. "Ya that sounds good. Let us go and get something to eat."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
-------------------------------<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTN-jqa5U4DdwAu0qXKb-IRNS1IiTKxG-exmeC5DZSGcQVMplaGTUXybOzk4UxrB076VHB08UMjBi4eUFsuXhrEhX9kDOzEjshrQGVgJ5lH-LvDxvVojo8Q49o0dVTMi6cZzlLvqKWWFyH/s1600/Screenshot-1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTN-jqa5U4DdwAu0qXKb-IRNS1IiTKxG-exmeC5DZSGcQVMplaGTUXybOzk4UxrB076VHB08UMjBi4eUFsuXhrEhX9kDOzEjshrQGVgJ5lH-LvDxvVojo8Q49o0dVTMi6cZzlLvqKWWFyH/s400/Screenshot-1846.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
At the public library, John and Mirabelle were looking at random books in the basement. They hit a wall with information on the Genie Lamp, only able to find a copy of the same book Keera had. Rather than give up, however, they decided to explore the rather unused portion of the building.<br />
<br />
"Nope, not one book here." John said, flicking his fingers across the dusty books lined on the old shelves. "I kinda hoped that we could find one bit of new info but nope. It's like the universe hates us. The universe is evil sometimes, evil evil evil."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvemfuEGtrpRHWpRQwwMv_E2eLSpP2VBoMEazhoAit9A7CjquYrG7LOtKcNaodLYcajMKI0_MkySKr3CuUGqZCM1gzSMeoN4150xeHbx-0jvrJn8lz3w3v_VXZ7KjiyC-hlSrl4NrDoBt/s1600/Screenshot-1847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvemfuEGtrpRHWpRQwwMv_E2eLSpP2VBoMEazhoAit9A7CjquYrG7LOtKcNaodLYcajMKI0_MkySKr3CuUGqZCM1gzSMeoN4150xeHbx-0jvrJn8lz3w3v_VXZ7KjiyC-hlSrl4NrDoBt/s400/Screenshot-1847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Just because you can't find something without a computer doesn't mean the universe is evil, John." Mirabelle said, "Mean-spirited, maybe, but not evil."<br />
<br />
"No! I tell you... Thi-this one time the universe leaned in close and told me to take over the world for it." John chuckled, and so did Mirabelle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk5d7jEkTpT53OSn1BkGGF43yXzYlqfXsnyJwdd-wk18QJp7C6HGGenB4yueLzhWE_ivqY74LyqVOEZ2xscyqbSiAysumHZ5ztUcV9Fmbx5mqwjyRebz57tEZ8nn1IJUUGJPmwbotOiIw/s1600/Screenshot-1848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk5d7jEkTpT53OSn1BkGGF43yXzYlqfXsnyJwdd-wk18QJp7C6HGGenB4yueLzhWE_ivqY74LyqVOEZ2xscyqbSiAysumHZ5ztUcV9Fmbx5mqwjyRebz57tEZ8nn1IJUUGJPmwbotOiIw/s400/Screenshot-1848.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You always have found a way to make me laugh, Johnny." Mirabelle said. "Well, Annabelle at least." You always made her laugh. I've only been around for a couple months."<br />
<br />
"No. You've been around a lot longer than that." John replied. "Everything Annie's done, you've done. All her accomplishments, all her feelings, all her happy days and sad ones. You just haven't been able to express your own feelings until the teleporter purpose."<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"You mean... accident, right?" Mirabelle was a bit confused. "That teleporter accident that created me. It was an accident."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr1efcLXAcxIZ_oY2G8JMJRpYgKXcRiwt9CL8q3NAxUwbUXaNePSqQI4Z2AusLh2CB7ZIVoj6E8BXmwnjifOKC0jkjmYHuV5RUOZzNKYHqNvRWZ1bL0pYgwPu3df-dqw7MCwgbL_YzqMT/s1600/Screenshot-1850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr1efcLXAcxIZ_oY2G8JMJRpYgKXcRiwt9CL8q3NAxUwbUXaNePSqQI4Z2AusLh2CB7ZIVoj6E8BXmwnjifOKC0jkjmYHuV5RUOZzNKYHqNvRWZ1bL0pYgwPu3df-dqw7MCwgbL_YzqMT/s400/Screenshot-1850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
John shrugged. "It was... unintended, but I call it a purpose because it's the opposite of an accident. I had it's purpose to the family, because it gave you life. It gave Annabelle someone to relate to, it gave me a new sister, it gave Scarlett someone to help plan the wedding with, it gave Tom someone to goof off with, it gave Kelly someone to love, and it gave Keera someone else to look up to. It was a purpose, Mira. I don't want to call it an accident."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_p4bdtvwXCMQtR-u2HZuTD4fuCRGqFk4Bp4CUlX10i_DnQPrf9HeYfxIA8lPQOmLd9AHGHMHlHPfOZ1ibacRX-TqGpilPDdHcPFY_0MgrEWeddVoZ1s8ZSEEjxQIPsfBX-6hRG-ZDV_7G/s1600/Screenshot-1851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_p4bdtvwXCMQtR-u2HZuTD4fuCRGqFk4Bp4CUlX10i_DnQPrf9HeYfxIA8lPQOmLd9AHGHMHlHPfOZ1ibacRX-TqGpilPDdHcPFY_0MgrEWeddVoZ1s8ZSEEjxQIPsfBX-6hRG-ZDV_7G/s400/Screenshot-1851.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle wiped tears from her eyes. "I never thought of it that way. Ever since it happened and I look at myself in the mirror, I always thought of myself as just a reflection of Annie." She looked over at an old mirror sitting on the floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIjJPTg02gqxNndNxNPZkLKZTrLVr0s8UYqxujRZfWj5U6vqhOo5alWTEmP79mR0V8LPrirLEMifjSvUVoqBlEFn2DcHxcTySVQayVSCrCRFohTVKRrEtuUpA3HJML-YC8e9mdwuWZZxM/s1600/Screenshot-1852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIjJPTg02gqxNndNxNPZkLKZTrLVr0s8UYqxujRZfWj5U6vqhOo5alWTEmP79mR0V8LPrirLEMifjSvUVoqBlEFn2DcHxcTySVQayVSCrCRFohTVKRrEtuUpA3HJML-YC8e9mdwuWZZxM/s400/Screenshot-1852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I never actually thought of myself as a <i>real</i> person until you brought it up. Thank you, my... my brother."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AJIYXvtWr2Sju5cA01WI157uYWGVfoN6OAXaIKyG22XyBghG71CFiIBwYjRtBry2mdEHrPqBQNAZO5YC9IoYgIFKvbx895pekmzuF419XEwBoEDBCVuMqJAijQ9zaSgJRquycoZ9X3jC/s1600/Screenshot-1854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AJIYXvtWr2Sju5cA01WI157uYWGVfoN6OAXaIKyG22XyBghG71CFiIBwYjRtBry2mdEHrPqBQNAZO5YC9IoYgIFKvbx895pekmzuF419XEwBoEDBCVuMqJAijQ9zaSgJRquycoZ9X3jC/s400/Screenshot-1854.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
John smiled, and hugged his sister. "Just like I told Annie, I'll always be here for you, my sister." They then went back to looking for information on the genie lamp. After a few moments, John said "you know what, I think we should use one of the computers upstairs to find information. That would be more helpful."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9IrdFReN5M1fdW4ADBL8DqbF_1LwiVO5vMQLPIRY56msc_I9rs20JPTepYV8FBoYMLtehgAon76PchDvDqaferf7Bn5MaIQr6AWoio8Wte6dLPBVRyfHh6b2aP923_XHer_NgWQFTh9Z/s1600/Screenshot-1855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9IrdFReN5M1fdW4ADBL8DqbF_1LwiVO5vMQLPIRY56msc_I9rs20JPTepYV8FBoYMLtehgAon76PchDvDqaferf7Bn5MaIQr6AWoio8Wte6dLPBVRyfHh6b2aP923_XHer_NgWQFTh9Z/s400/Screenshot-1855.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Mirabelle chuckled again and the two walked upstairs, Mirabelle placing a book back into a shelf before. When they were upstairs, the book fell out, causing one book to fall onto another, and then another, before finally one book fell down and hit a switch behind it. Suddenly the bookshelf pulled back, and revealed a small room to no one. Inside were magic wands, a crystal ball, a lectern, and a cauldron. After a few short seconds, the bookcase slid back into place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-QAYBL8E6VG9wK6lmFFPH7nd_64onu4NVNTViSD1IYJ-M4QkE8suUFjtMfit33Py-7BZC_k4anaphsUr0zsa2eCSE5wDAXgtyU2Ol9y7HQzx2e7jP7CKDVmdO_p4rCbSSqZ37ciG5wjj/s1600/Screenshot-1844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-QAYBL8E6VG9wK6lmFFPH7nd_64onu4NVNTViSD1IYJ-M4QkE8suUFjtMfit33Py-7BZC_k4anaphsUr0zsa2eCSE5wDAXgtyU2Ol9y7HQzx2e7jP7CKDVmdO_p4rCbSSqZ37ciG5wjj/s400/Screenshot-1844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
-------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY_mg3FC6l_Zo_lt91JqLP9pZQskJcSkZSWdi54z5krtnvPvVIiqfzSBGduXkRDU1JARW7U2i1f1IF5Zw9ZIs0cDbM96hk9At7VzyOPiywFm4OtBiuVuMZTIXq6PpxQ3lPaL_JZm3omHm/s1600/Screenshot-1895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY_mg3FC6l_Zo_lt91JqLP9pZQskJcSkZSWdi54z5krtnvPvVIiqfzSBGduXkRDU1JARW7U2i1f1IF5Zw9ZIs0cDbM96hk9At7VzyOPiywFm4OtBiuVuMZTIXq6PpxQ3lPaL_JZm3omHm/s400/Screenshot-1895.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Vu was standing in a different room in his base, a recently constructed holding area sitting next to him. Suddenly, the television hanging from the wall came on, and Tobias' voice was heard in it. <i>"I'm at the market like you asked. Is this the guy?"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfTDDpoq6EurLyXmrrVMTxi_BGpi41_1D6WHClMZuqOuIpuYwQOnmTBy5giT1eSdIsRWvDvWNky3U2_rqQYfhTev3glj0AyWvzb3wt-tt6sfep8EAN0qnyPmm_bSzFshhRmxn-b4fbKM3/s1600/Screenshot-1896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfTDDpoq6EurLyXmrrVMTxi_BGpi41_1D6WHClMZuqOuIpuYwQOnmTBy5giT1eSdIsRWvDvWNky3U2_rqQYfhTev3glj0AyWvzb3wt-tt6sfep8EAN0qnyPmm_bSzFshhRmxn-b4fbKM3/s400/Screenshot-1896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
"It's Jameson. Thomas Jameson!" Dr. Vu smiled as he looked at the video. Tom was standing outside the market, waiting for someone. "Corvan, bring him to me. I want to have a bit of a word with him. It's part of his father's legacy."<br />
<br />
<i>"But... what if he resists? He looks pretty strong." </i>Tobias responded, worried. He had never been in an actual fist fight, preferring to strike from a distance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlX7YVjcFLug1Epdtcbo6c13WYEPqPATGLbJL5gWEYawgn8LOmjiJduyVyng2V35gvsIwjUlMs8RNTtgnPOEyJ7zusJC-C0wXyYGxv_QbxZ1FXCm7pp4Y-vwUJ6byL6iKaeS0A-8GQhkZ/s1600/Screenshot-1897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlX7YVjcFLug1Epdtcbo6c13WYEPqPATGLbJL5gWEYawgn8LOmjiJduyVyng2V35gvsIwjUlMs8RNTtgnPOEyJ7zusJC-C0wXyYGxv_QbxZ1FXCm7pp4Y-vwUJ6byL6iKaeS0A-8GQhkZ/s400/Screenshot-1897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You have that weapon I gave you, right? If he doesn't go calmly, threaten him! Just bring him to me. I want him to watch as I use the genie lamp, and holding him in this cell for a week will be fun."<br />
<br />
-------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoilNS8mhpMILi7M0y0pwDI_6lz7wG_IDOYEOM17MB4PQ8W2N5SWKF9g0K0nKwHtfJMvow7mp_l_88umjiUzTnHl7UKADPAp1jQqnZnb_5leO6BDplqSH7CJJ37FpKpNsFqCZZaRh2rQuB/s1600/Screenshot-1894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoilNS8mhpMILi7M0y0pwDI_6lz7wG_IDOYEOM17MB4PQ8W2N5SWKF9g0K0nKwHtfJMvow7mp_l_88umjiUzTnHl7UKADPAp1jQqnZnb_5leO6BDplqSH7CJJ37FpKpNsFqCZZaRh2rQuB/s400/Screenshot-1894.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Corvan nodded and closed the comm, then took out the weapon Vu mentioned. It was a crystalline device that glowed brightly, something Vu and his group had received from the M.I.A. Aurora Dawn. Tobias thought it was a magic wand, but he thought the notion of magic weapons was an idiotic concept despite the fact that he was looking for a supposed genie lamp.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc68TUDMraOOcHERKKCpS-j5Tpn4e_Sw-Y78a0s7xPsKWQXyJAqxGW3BAMhhLgatq2BVbb-dOPj6wL83EXEMo20mVGbGtYySaX8-ScQU81PGJS61abWxTueEeD3RC-geFxwQJcOPCVeRu/s1600/Screenshot-1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc68TUDMraOOcHERKKCpS-j5Tpn4e_Sw-Y78a0s7xPsKWQXyJAqxGW3BAMhhLgatq2BVbb-dOPj6wL83EXEMo20mVGbGtYySaX8-ScQU81PGJS61abWxTueEeD3RC-geFxwQJcOPCVeRu/s400/Screenshot-1500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tobias walked up next to Tom, snarling. "Dr. Vu wants to make your acquaintance, Mr. Jameson. Please, walk slowly towards the alley, I'll have him teleport us. And don't make a noise, or I'll kill you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDLMzsju7HnU9CvWY4llE4Ui8tVGKNo8YhMyl62Kjr1bCEhs1axbynHbnXfTrv1A5XUbtwgp8lsPxNT_jwNJCia3_Vs6zpBKDgZEnfXRLbXYTocGIwWA92Cu6iwINPVLJ7muLIlSpJJuJ/s1600/Screenshot-1501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDLMzsju7HnU9CvWY4llE4Ui8tVGKNo8YhMyl62Kjr1bCEhs1axbynHbnXfTrv1A5XUbtwgp8lsPxNT_jwNJCia3_Vs6zpBKDgZEnfXRLbXYTocGIwWA92Cu6iwINPVLJ7muLIlSpJJuJ/s400/Screenshot-1501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Caught off-guard, Tom turned around. "Who are you?" he asked. "What's this about? What does Vu want with me?!"<br />
<br />
"You'll find out. Now, the alley. We wouldn't want a panic raised by vanishing here, do we?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6NT27BQoC_cIpIb6yg5D6QELMph96hqPmn42-0uxltQ20KAT51S4TrlomIySHb1bMhkVQ48WpHKeG1GodawfIsVj4pjbyEZ4UP446xGfAjNJ_MeH25uBpbTtFeiiZcNWiNLed_Iwe179/s1600/Screenshot-1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6NT27BQoC_cIpIb6yg5D6QELMph96hqPmn42-0uxltQ20KAT51S4TrlomIySHb1bMhkVQ48WpHKeG1GodawfIsVj4pjbyEZ4UP446xGfAjNJ_MeH25uBpbTtFeiiZcNWiNLed_Iwe179/s400/Screenshot-1499.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tom looked at the weapon. It was pretty violent-looking, and he didn't want to be splattered against the wall, but he also didn't want to be brought before a known criminal who was thought to have been dead before. After a few seconds of going through plans in his mind, he inwardly smiled. "Okay, but can I at least ask my cousin to let me go with you? She has a bit of a temper and I'm here with her helping her find a wedding cake, and really I don't want to make her upset or worry. Don't worry, I won't tell her what's going on."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M3kIC3NnvFyfHScTxUKl9-3710AOx5rmFUMyEfZjmF_Ixfz9bLl98ZMcokZm35ZSLCahIIoCqiVPikqIdIzo54R86ZqVLpnS1JS5dR21GSDwddxITbaLZpMN5G_PcaL3VKUi1FjNgHV8/s1600/Screenshot-1503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M3kIC3NnvFyfHScTxUKl9-3710AOx5rmFUMyEfZjmF_Ixfz9bLl98ZMcokZm35ZSLCahIIoCqiVPikqIdIzo54R86ZqVLpnS1JS5dR21GSDwddxITbaLZpMN5G_PcaL3VKUi1FjNgHV8/s400/Screenshot-1503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tobias thought this over, and nodded. "Okay. But make it quick. And if you tell her..." <br />
<br />
"Don't worry." Tom smiled, he realized this man was of lesser patience or intelligence, and those could easily be manipulated. "Now she's right over here. Hey Scarlett!" Tom yelled at Scarlett to come over, and she did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggogEe4gKDxeG02kVDGstzB5G8S1Hnyx-Ueh_Sho2IGHhqnnIUWSpZgwOVtrHeRReX61KqZ67AsQp0ZeJj8428lktThbT0rCXejsZDBaFfw_rg6-1f5XW-HldSK8ZgR9Ye3JqwHVOzwcjo/s1600/Screenshot-1504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggogEe4gKDxeG02kVDGstzB5G8S1Hnyx-Ueh_Sho2IGHhqnnIUWSpZgwOVtrHeRReX61KqZ67AsQp0ZeJj8428lktThbT0rCXejsZDBaFfw_rg6-1f5XW-HldSK8ZgR9Ye3JqwHVOzwcjo/s400/Screenshot-1504.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What's up, Tom?" Scarlett asked, "Who's this?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVfEwA2VCvYOfPKjOYpc8z1jCUa01It1nAObG2w2J1adWK-AoiAoAUTf-e2g8HwC9qQHw8atbLp_XUjZjqP13J_nvYt-LpkTgN7kiNoWg3NqTBQ3mbjcSesy2lLWPOniDm2HBMLPb-CKM/s1600/Screenshot-1505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVfEwA2VCvYOfPKjOYpc8z1jCUa01It1nAObG2w2J1adWK-AoiAoAUTf-e2g8HwC9qQHw8atbLp_XUjZjqP13J_nvYt-LpkTgN7kiNoWg3NqTBQ3mbjcSesy2lLWPOniDm2HBMLPb-CKM/s400/Screenshot-1505.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom turned back to Tobias. "This is... uh... Carl. I was talking with <i>Carl </i>here and<i> </i>he mentioned that he saw you walk in with me. Don't worry, he's not wanting to flirt with you, but he just told me that you look a bit like a... what was it you said, Carl, a "complete clown wearing all that red."? I told him it was none of his business-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzA_r4pUZ7hC2gue8IKsNJ9ZtJ3u72BcltSLmennb_5oW0Hd6AJ5evmDm9Wpiw907nm4fgLXe_aNukSAlV4GZ22Y-uKlGGJ26JLKE1AyM9HOKH2LcpozUXQsg_nfyWEazqVEqYpqWGzdu/s1600/Screenshot-1506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzA_r4pUZ7hC2gue8IKsNJ9ZtJ3u72BcltSLmennb_5oW0Hd6AJ5evmDm9Wpiw907nm4fgLXe_aNukSAlV4GZ22Y-uKlGGJ26JLKE1AyM9HOKH2LcpozUXQsg_nfyWEazqVEqYpqWGzdu/s400/Screenshot-1506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Before Tom could finish his sentence Scarlett reached over and punched Tobias in the face, knocking him to the ground and out cold. Tom grabbed the weapon off the ground and ran with it with Scarlett, who was still angered. "So what's REALLY going on, Tom? You wouldn't tell me that just randomly." she asked.<br />
<br />
"That man works for Dr. Vu I think, who wants me for some reason, I don't know why and I frankly I don't want to know. You just saved me, Red."<br />
<br />
"So what's that magic wand looking thing?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_X6Aqtm_a-FsT5-keLoaELF5iwvs-UtQHklDQwBLmHj_5QLfjrlQPTZY8mXfWJI7T5AdwNX2OvI4A05eM3lyef_A-3a4aHYGl12Gu3tTJUwgiYeIs-prfCmwWHLlwnsVs7ch-R33s-xm/s1600/Screenshot-1507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_X6Aqtm_a-FsT5-keLoaELF5iwvs-UtQHklDQwBLmHj_5QLfjrlQPTZY8mXfWJI7T5AdwNX2OvI4A05eM3lyef_A-3a4aHYGl12Gu3tTJUwgiYeIs-prfCmwWHLlwnsVs7ch-R33s-xm/s400/Screenshot-1507.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I don't know," Tom replied, "But it looks familiar. I think I've seen something like this before. I do know one thing: it's a weapon, and I think it's a dangerous one. We have to get home, tell Annabelle about this."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
---------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqUzbYBkEIVFClf1JNdDpj0aiP6vmIWwnQTDIKOm_YBRDSdTBnvV9UUpEnqnYvwwwohUaln6-HeUkcBHmgkVOG0WsmAuvqo3fgdkIR0_2Ik4Xle1RUcYgrI8EV3PFcUJMZMEnv5onkB-p/s1600/Screenshot-1863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqUzbYBkEIVFClf1JNdDpj0aiP6vmIWwnQTDIKOm_YBRDSdTBnvV9UUpEnqnYvwwwohUaln6-HeUkcBHmgkVOG0WsmAuvqo3fgdkIR0_2Ik4Xle1RUcYgrI8EV3PFcUJMZMEnv5onkB-p/s400/Screenshot-1863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tobias Corvan walked down the stairs and into the main room of the tomb headquarters. Vu, who was busy talking with Vazir about something, turned around and looked at him, noticing that his face was covered in blood and his eyes were bruised.<br />
<br />
"The hell happened to you?" Vu asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlYXkmZR_QravscmWPzZ0sGiFuiUjI59qUz4nFQIV1d46Y01biyfYa1PMNX09KaWSfweUcSUiLdhaNptY4QM-2Ey6XCL3otks2JfJ1xN6MdG4VYmRf_5ZQIgKnkppFKj1FsaSUAvxuwtt/s1600/Screenshot-1864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlYXkmZR_QravscmWPzZ0sGiFuiUjI59qUz4nFQIV1d46Y01biyfYa1PMNX09KaWSfweUcSUiLdhaNptY4QM-2Ey6XCL3otks2JfJ1xN6MdG4VYmRf_5ZQIgKnkppFKj1FsaSUAvxuwtt/s400/Screenshot-1864.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I don't want to talk about it. Let's just say that Tom Jameson is far more intelligent than we predicted. And his cousin packs quite a punch for having such a small frame."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRGOVGQe9tOaabIxQrsEYWRP_Q2okym5crDtghLs8ftL_xT_HJH-lfjyKmmzOnjHAqHcMuH8LZrWk6zWn8ER2UU0n8wPLLxRVatfj0YJrl8FjHTzuinxayaCdB0VKjxexgfNSBMEW-uCv/s1600/Screenshot-1865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRGOVGQe9tOaabIxQrsEYWRP_Q2okym5crDtghLs8ftL_xT_HJH-lfjyKmmzOnjHAqHcMuH8LZrWk6zWn8ER2UU0n8wPLLxRVatfj0YJrl8FjHTzuinxayaCdB0VKjxexgfNSBMEW-uCv/s400/Screenshot-1865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Vu hissed. Suddenly Jacob Thompson appeared in the center of the room, right where he had vanished before, and smiled. "So you couldn't capture Tom. Oh well, guess we can do things my way now. Besides, I know how to get revenge on him, and you don't even have to touch him..."<br />
---------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcToedL_UAYHEFoagEHgLxX3eost6O8yUiDAozeAPoxV07dnx7i-5pV4WHqoDqgR87AgF9MQWRCuPVYnWZ3au3ROsA3s82UXu9HSpfUEjFLAq9Tg4YPPRKoYkXZN2puIz6pg89renDkJDv/s1600/Screenshot-1877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcToedL_UAYHEFoagEHgLxX3eost6O8yUiDAozeAPoxV07dnx7i-5pV4WHqoDqgR87AgF9MQWRCuPVYnWZ3au3ROsA3s82UXu9HSpfUEjFLAq9Tg4YPPRKoYkXZN2puIz6pg89renDkJDv/s400/Screenshot-1877.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom, still shaken a bit from his encounter with the villain, walked into his house with Scarlett, where the two saw Deacon standing in the living room. Annabelle, who was talking with Deacon, turned around to look at the two.<br />
<br />
"What happened to you?" Annabelle asked, noticing a small bruising on Scarlett's fist and Tom's worried look on his face.<br />
<br />
"Someone tried to kidnap me today! It was that guy I told you about, Tobias or whatever his name was. He told me Dr. Vu wanted to meet me! I tricked him, Scarlett punched him, and we ran. He dropped this when he fell, it's like a weapon or something." Tom took the wand and showed it to Annabelle and Deacon. "I think it's a magic wand, like you know, a witch's weapon!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzrkkehpfDUjCnCrC47z_tuZN6h6Z2v_UsU0bkipzXzsbOgDHabDE8GTbXR730mKNRKjM_mU6ZnD6P184kt1hTEk1Dn04Q6jYx8Goj-wzriU-orRnxSW3wA_bUntF0ckfMXxU_Jhvgmsd/s1600/Screenshot-1882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzrkkehpfDUjCnCrC47z_tuZN6h6Z2v_UsU0bkipzXzsbOgDHabDE8GTbXR730mKNRKjM_mU6ZnD6P184kt1hTEk1Dn04Q6jYx8Goj-wzriU-orRnxSW3wA_bUntF0ckfMXxU_Jhvgmsd/s400/Screenshot-1882.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Nightmare." Annabelle said. "Tom, you said Andy told you about the whole Genie thing, a clue at least. She knew about it because she was part of Nightmare! She was working for Vu all along! Why didn't I see this?! She gave him magic wands, who knows how many she had!"<br />
<br />
"But she couldn't have been the benefactor." Tom said. "Someone else was pulling the strings! Someone who wants that genie lamp! Someone who wants to use it to take over the world, to subjugate- that's it!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tNiDVgq_MrbR8pX2bYk3SxpCZcOOXRzGNnjJD-aq0P1cOFxXVCL7m8l46Noa7Z0onTTjbPcXvPYAqWsMTJtF8S3JjWPQw6m2SHJ5g5Ui4_-YMHpglVTlhP1_22hbiGADrYXDAinpPVw2/s1600/Screenshot-1880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tNiDVgq_MrbR8pX2bYk3SxpCZcOOXRzGNnjJD-aq0P1cOFxXVCL7m8l46Noa7Z0onTTjbPcXvPYAqWsMTJtF8S3JjWPQw6m2SHJ5g5Ui4_-YMHpglVTlhP1_22hbiGADrYXDAinpPVw2/s400/Screenshot-1880.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What's it?" Annabelle asked. "What are you talking about, Tom?"<br />
<br />
"There's this guy I met at the museum the two times I went there. Jacob Thompson, he was this reaaaly creepy guy and he was just brimming with evil. He told me that if he could get his hands on the genie lamp, he'd wish for the subjugation of the human race. I bet you anything he's the Benefactor.<br />
<br />
"Did he look anything like this?" Kelly walked into the house and nodded to Deacon, acknowledging his presence. She then placed a USB port from her camera into an electronic frame on the wall nearby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwIs9Z0LLOa8CoymxrlU2VYoLreT1CYauz08OW7LeCx1jsjQsJUelJ6NfxLP9sLxEVkfEfQ441ULM_xDJyDM4vhR6wr2Qx2sMIj4DeJ8ur61Vk867amkEuQPTnns3ZnyleBhR6p5b5rLk/s1600/Screenshot-1884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwIs9Z0LLOa8CoymxrlU2VYoLreT1CYauz08OW7LeCx1jsjQsJUelJ6NfxLP9sLxEVkfEfQ441ULM_xDJyDM4vhR6wr2Qx2sMIj4DeJ8ur61Vk867amkEuQPTnns3ZnyleBhR6p5b5rLk/s400/Screenshot-1884.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Seconds later an image flashed onto the frame. "Yes! That's him!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMYyfeN1NADELCWyUEdrE_zOxD6Gey2V8voU5tqz_wc33hM56RkOn6sOANJJ8vnkEp57sLDNVVWI8EZAs0cyAV7yXybqJ5JSRrvbvDR_Gj6cKICvTmsz5-hCsGBsoSw6dNuNZ-uUJccFQ/s1600/Screenshot-1883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMYyfeN1NADELCWyUEdrE_zOxD6Gey2V8voU5tqz_wc33hM56RkOn6sOANJJ8vnkEp57sLDNVVWI8EZAs0cyAV7yXybqJ5JSRrvbvDR_Gj6cKICvTmsz5-hCsGBsoSw6dNuNZ-uUJccFQ/s400/Screenshot-1883.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Keera and I took this picture outside the mausoleum earlier today. He walked right into it with a smile on his face. You don't walk into a tomb with a smile, I don't care who you are! Anyway I took this picture and posted it against the Federal Database of Criminals with zero matches. Either this guy fell to Earth recently or he's so perfect at what he does he doesn't know know how to make mistakes."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IL5QBbOtBkRCSFrvMGJTNrpLtlCqJltVcwUxLwICaSHZopl3sI6HiI8LTQzZo6LKZwO3JQjOGigyB3H8rHEx4hjYGqZLPtBwrr6dbx5Mn7zBRZdLRxmlmXNEqK5HuE0n6P_oDq67yfM4/s1600/Screenshot-1879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IL5QBbOtBkRCSFrvMGJTNrpLtlCqJltVcwUxLwICaSHZopl3sI6HiI8LTQzZo6LKZwO3JQjOGigyB3H8rHEx4hjYGqZLPtBwrr6dbx5Mn7zBRZdLRxmlmXNEqK5HuE0n6P_oDq67yfM4/s400/Screenshot-1879.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Okay, what is going on?!" Deacon asked, worried. "What's this about a genie lamp and all that?!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle breathed in a bit before saying "When we were living in Hidden Springs Tom fell in love with someone who literally had another side to her. The woman told Tom to come to Starlight Shores before she died and when we did we eventually found out that a group of supervillains are trying to find a genie lamp to possibly take over the world with, one of them being a Chinese scientist who was thought to have been killed nine years ago. One of them is also a new benefactor who replaced Jack Toomes when Tom and I defeated him and sent him to prison. We found out that the tomb containing the genie lamp is protected by magic and the only thing that can open it is if someone puts a star-shaped keystone into a wall on the day of a total solar eclipse. That's all we know for now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pKmuBxm42zKPkuiPaPJfYoJE7Y_NaG3Y9ok15iViSvRakdz-Ao-KqSPH3tU0cgpTZXBzPURLPP1BJlrPi2tBxWOx48mkmUAOF_cGwACpvJHaTctHMixeoAA9WP7vG6Xmgrois9Rka7Re/s1600/Screenshot-1887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pKmuBxm42zKPkuiPaPJfYoJE7Y_NaG3Y9ok15iViSvRakdz-Ao-KqSPH3tU0cgpTZXBzPURLPP1BJlrPi2tBxWOx48mkmUAOF_cGwACpvJHaTctHMixeoAA9WP7vG6Xmgrois9Rka7Re/s400/Screenshot-1887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deacon froze for a few seconds. ".......................what?"<br />
<br />
Tom then said "This kind of stuff happens a lot in our lives. I don't even understand half of it."<br />
<br />
"So... villains with genie lamps? How can you possibly fight against that?!" Deacon finally asked after taking it all in for a bit. " I mean, if the new Benefactor is as bad as Jack Toomes then... how?"<br />
<br />
"We are still working on a battle plan. Our main objective is to stop them from reaching the lamp. We may have to destroy the key stone." Tom said, "but they must have it under lock and key at this point."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiS4FMgz392jDt6CViZ_AWEfJiNNeDjb3Z87qjxHBCWWSgE6VkApaAER_uIpG6oVyvK6imjA1_rTtQKWdUpfouvhA69VrlLUiK9_tKVAm5Umt9RvrgflNCjwaUeA56D28iFr1NaNUy0qF/s1600/Screenshot-1885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiS4FMgz392jDt6CViZ_AWEfJiNNeDjb3Z87qjxHBCWWSgE6VkApaAER_uIpG6oVyvK6imjA1_rTtQKWdUpfouvhA69VrlLUiK9_tKVAm5Umt9RvrgflNCjwaUeA56D28iFr1NaNUy0qF/s400/Screenshot-1885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly then interjected: "Well Davis Cambridge told me he could muster up some policemen, and contact the National Guard. But who knows when they can get here."<br />
<br />
"We still have a week." Annabelle said, "That gives us plenty of time to formulate numerous plans should one fail. We just need local support. Deacon, I trust you now, can you tell us anyone who might be able to help around here?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhU8m06eVC3-c19-MZrCIIVEfke1iwFe3KaW0vsD-9L1jYO5Z3C5Hs2bU2SxGnJK8p_X6_jDEOFAcWUSiYUYXbdJSOdggrYLbt-foUrs1MbGfwJ4m5hSvuUpNajShbxQQv0LHV124BIKf/s1600/Screenshot-1888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhU8m06eVC3-c19-MZrCIIVEfke1iwFe3KaW0vsD-9L1jYO5Z3C5Hs2bU2SxGnJK8p_X6_jDEOFAcWUSiYUYXbdJSOdggrYLbt-foUrs1MbGfwJ4m5hSvuUpNajShbxQQv0LHV124BIKf/s400/Screenshot-1888.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Deacon scratched his head for a second and said "Avalon. There's this owner of a casino who started this huge corporation. No one really knows who it is, as no one's seen them but I heard that they are in town tonight to oversee something with the Casino."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqNmk1RxRum5npbjgCZNnXGARMeEFTzm3SFOhtLxKx37xgJu2kXl8CN9ZBF7AYbJkDupTP-ZO_CRCirrlVgJvquqsar1UZlYcDPJH6Opycj4ydwTA2V26ltmUvqxoVg7J4DW50SJvkaGt/s1600/Screenshot-1881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqNmk1RxRum5npbjgCZNnXGARMeEFTzm3SFOhtLxKx37xgJu2kXl8CN9ZBF7AYbJkDupTP-ZO_CRCirrlVgJvquqsar1UZlYcDPJH6Opycj4ydwTA2V26ltmUvqxoVg7J4DW50SJvkaGt/s400/Screenshot-1881.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Then I'll go there and chat with this 'Avalon'." Annabelle said, "Tom you want to come along in case there's trouble?<br />
<br />
"Of course."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfX5oq5w-NQMK0B4d3VHTB-cMNnp4S5Q4lxH4gKs5EnLG-CB7_B1JttvBi8R15OqtZVr386ruqxt5t80W66tbmSUoniP7z7nhyMntk758xay06vHHcgYd0LBxcCPKBq26IegLKzaE2j_E/s1600/Screenshot-1889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfX5oq5w-NQMK0B4d3VHTB-cMNnp4S5Q4lxH4gKs5EnLG-CB7_B1JttvBi8R15OqtZVr386ruqxt5t80W66tbmSUoniP7z7nhyMntk758xay06vHHcgYd0LBxcCPKBq26IegLKzaE2j_E/s400/Screenshot-1889.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"But uh, yeah. You can find Avalon at the casino. I dunno who it is so try not to <i>expect </i>a warm welcome." Deacon said. "Now I gotta go, I gotta get home before my sister worries."<br />
<br />
"Alright, Deacon. Be careful. The closer we get to the date of the eclipse the more trouble all of us could face, even you as you used to know the Benefactor Jack Toomes."<br />
<br />
"Okay, thanks." Deacon said, then left the house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKhLLD20bJumKot0lFBkW1lTSzTVq3L5N8Oo117PF6Dv8bPa2fTxCdr3sDKdFM2k7cEEUd-8Lk-EzIL2yAtRGNhnamEr35552BUFzjMljQguS60wTeGupamTgAy-TDmWCpxYgDfwKkckE/s1600/Screenshot-1890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKhLLD20bJumKot0lFBkW1lTSzTVq3L5N8Oo117PF6Dv8bPa2fTxCdr3sDKdFM2k7cEEUd-8Lk-EzIL2yAtRGNhnamEr35552BUFzjMljQguS60wTeGupamTgAy-TDmWCpxYgDfwKkckE/s400/Screenshot-1890.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
When he was gone, Tom leaned in close to Annie. "Do you really trust him now?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6ty8iwbLQyFdZ6aTDD1Q1QCBE1g3wMtzPFOeeC9WeDSViX-lfxMJ_8P7vF-mZoTNK2b_CjAi8UKjC4jatfDJR0ley-yBY6zo5kyD5_aHlENWa9o94o95yX7FJFxQLfxJxAekthA-E3c_/s1600/Screenshot-1891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6ty8iwbLQyFdZ6aTDD1Q1QCBE1g3wMtzPFOeeC9WeDSViX-lfxMJ_8P7vF-mZoTNK2b_CjAi8UKjC4jatfDJR0ley-yBY6zo5kyD5_aHlENWa9o94o95yX7FJFxQLfxJxAekthA-E3c_/s400/Screenshot-1891.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle nodded. "I do. I don't know why but I do."<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcXGvp5knrD6sy7h_mTHzbuqUHYeev8SLS3Mdgou4uygNPgF2BEIw174fB3nvtWTJk3Tq0qJsORn1esWpBiuk-Z_yf4SUcZPGITocQJipWAysbjdfpYSDqVlDpM7eaqPtQhPlo7q44g0B/s1600/Screenshot-1754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcXGvp5knrD6sy7h_mTHzbuqUHYeev8SLS3Mdgou4uygNPgF2BEIw174fB3nvtWTJk3Tq0qJsORn1esWpBiuk-Z_yf4SUcZPGITocQJipWAysbjdfpYSDqVlDpM7eaqPtQhPlo7q44g0B/s400/Screenshot-1754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovbJHUCtMD224WY86NcuH1q5SfO9X6x4vPnPjGVa18TU8n__0quk4H3L4fUmPoN9ofg_FqWwnYqsMmoAt7LoYi-YgA70YNB7uU1_99rTJXEL7XmnyYFKCjfvWdLL2PriqNSmJeoOmbiNK/s1600/Screenshot-1752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovbJHUCtMD224WY86NcuH1q5SfO9X6x4vPnPjGVa18TU8n__0quk4H3L4fUmPoN9ofg_FqWwnYqsMmoAt7LoYi-YgA70YNB7uU1_99rTJXEL7XmnyYFKCjfvWdLL2PriqNSmJeoOmbiNK/s400/Screenshot-1752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Cassie!" Having returned after visiting the Kethrins, Deacon walked into his house, yelling out his sister's name. He heard her groggy voice coming from the other room and figured that she was taking a midday nap. Realizing his mistake for waking her, he said "Oh, sorry to wake you." half-heartedly and decided to sit down on the sofa to watch some television. He then heard a beeping noise, faint as it was. Shrugging it off as ambient sound, Deacon continued to watch television.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtAMp1C31Yci0NiXdyDmhxQ4QC0Kqod0hbAA6gqQEv9ulPTBQ9McqrFfyK4J8E1aYHmyakIFcXWdeteHXGiEoVKZl4MYAa1CvoMTdX-vlrCF5ploCZ_miu2PBvY_gMdOJ3ay59chImt3C/s1600/Screenshot-1753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtAMp1C31Yci0NiXdyDmhxQ4QC0Kqod0hbAA6gqQEv9ulPTBQ9McqrFfyK4J8E1aYHmyakIFcXWdeteHXGiEoVKZl4MYAa1CvoMTdX-vlrCF5ploCZ_miu2PBvY_gMdOJ3ay59chImt3C/s400/Screenshot-1753.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then he heard it again. And again. Deacon stood up and looked over at a coffee maker sitting in his kitchen that he swore he had never seen before. After a few seconds of thinking it over, he walked over to the machine and looked at it, hearing the beeping noise getting progressively louder and louder and faster. Suddenly a realization came over him as he ran to his sister's bedroom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2okDo84-_fZ-g8faWnM6YIdVRTRxik6Jdv7pm8Wi2bGwcCtymiPUIWW98ipLWCzNYlZVlutvLJn98EFqLbxkBBeHV9PCZfc44gj0CnzAwT5E7pyXBj1fqXazbJmSXbSLbnRb-4Oc-vY1S/s1600/Screenshot-1755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2okDo84-_fZ-g8faWnM6YIdVRTRxik6Jdv7pm8Wi2bGwcCtymiPUIWW98ipLWCzNYlZVlutvLJn98EFqLbxkBBeHV9PCZfc44gj0CnzAwT5E7pyXBj1fqXazbJmSXbSLbnRb-4Oc-vY1S/s400/Screenshot-1755.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cassie was looking through her clothes, trying to find something to wear when Deacon smashed opened the door. "Deacon what are you-"<br />
<br />
"RUN!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWk2lMJ5GCY80PAWrErONx5a10rq-LXpndcSsBJIXKbx6tR-hfMbW_1VQJl1qLN_5-fvxNg9WYrI8yINkoIBMStdz6dKNwh29lK5dr4De0bmUDeXxxEM1NZ0UooYDVgCkiV7bQtPyga64/s1600/Screenshot-1756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWk2lMJ5GCY80PAWrErONx5a10rq-LXpndcSsBJIXKbx6tR-hfMbW_1VQJl1qLN_5-fvxNg9WYrI8yINkoIBMStdz6dKNwh29lK5dr4De0bmUDeXxxEM1NZ0UooYDVgCkiV7bQtPyga64/s400/Screenshot-1756.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LTA40Z0n0OOhyphenhyphen_NatpUTTgOZS93Sqaoix9ND8iU7OpOpSqsbVLseCp5ScQz47CptQD3bVbaYE4WBKp-Mh9jV3gELEcRiODXtFiO7WryZfv7RgUZ509E8UbAAdYEJDZHlYAQwsPiIi1Tw/s1600/Screenshot-1758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LTA40Z0n0OOhyphenhyphen_NatpUTTgOZS93Sqaoix9ND8iU7OpOpSqsbVLseCp5ScQz47CptQD3bVbaYE4WBKp-Mh9jV3gELEcRiODXtFiO7WryZfv7RgUZ509E8UbAAdYEJDZHlYAQwsPiIi1Tw/s400/Screenshot-1758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The two siblings took off out of the house towards the street, with Cassie still wearing her sleepwear. After a few seconds of running Deacon heard the beep stop. Suddenly the entire house violently exploded, sending debris flying across the block.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalvkLpeEB6qk70vYXCL4m-LxN4ciYbjiB_hI2HL01_xvH3vS4veUaBK4HG0al__ongKA1oDxjNHhENaTRgMrp8Ahk5qQe62f4_ePiIcxWaVNVvnUdLc-t-CEukHW2McCOgil1Sbn1nFsq/s1600/Screenshot-1759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalvkLpeEB6qk70vYXCL4m-LxN4ciYbjiB_hI2HL01_xvH3vS4veUaBK4HG0al__ongKA1oDxjNHhENaTRgMrp8Ahk5qQe62f4_ePiIcxWaVNVvnUdLc-t-CEukHW2McCOgil1Sbn1nFsq/s400/Screenshot-1759.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4PqlaqWeHV2zFsId9likfdAw0ntpZ3U8tm9Zh38goc0MYXXHQEIv7sjaAj6f5GXzW00iFRKXZ0YJ36yY66is0w8DBtsY5zUCPvwc2odIAklKPCi_Hi-EunPT2S_IB0H_BThme2zuxs7h/s1600/Screenshot-1761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4PqlaqWeHV2zFsId9likfdAw0ntpZ3U8tm9Zh38goc0MYXXHQEIv7sjaAj6f5GXzW00iFRKXZ0YJ36yY66is0w8DBtsY5zUCPvwc2odIAklKPCi_Hi-EunPT2S_IB0H_BThme2zuxs7h/s400/Screenshot-1761.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Down the street, Jacob Thompson smiled as the Jones house collapsed to the ground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjy5lAzd8aJ2GYjwuogIiWf0pZbPSUtWvfY6FrV6J0Fk8M8G-ELk-PwMmdTAY2XneQuJOXJcPwQgmZFbP5VpqkVvzAfFYeTrsVB8RynxbVurgVTN8RB7HUo44jJFsgSTtd0TOF1OpzdvB/s1600/Screenshot-1763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjy5lAzd8aJ2GYjwuogIiWf0pZbPSUtWvfY6FrV6J0Fk8M8G-ELk-PwMmdTAY2XneQuJOXJcPwQgmZFbP5VpqkVvzAfFYeTrsVB8RynxbVurgVTN8RB7HUo44jJFsgSTtd0TOF1OpzdvB/s400/Screenshot-1763.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I hope he's dead."</div>
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i><i><b>"As I said before, some scars last a short time, some fade over a long time, and some stick with you for the rest of your life. And there are others that you thought were hidden and long gone, but some days they just... resurface. These old wounds never heal."</b></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZX_0guACwv1DUoFB7l1Ph9oEjtRuQ25Hm8qrOLJc-SFcq1O1vsR_vB97x5jLZoHPc86dGiFO3IhJuN7JErJwZ0WSA-VUJqUe6CtthhqnUS_P_ipuEHUPZRNhv2vDLQkWJaB2AwcAN6tF/s1600/Screenshot-1780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZX_0guACwv1DUoFB7l1Ph9oEjtRuQ25Hm8qrOLJc-SFcq1O1vsR_vB97x5jLZoHPc86dGiFO3IhJuN7JErJwZ0WSA-VUJqUe6CtthhqnUS_P_ipuEHUPZRNhv2vDLQkWJaB2AwcAN6tF/s400/Screenshot-1780.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"<i>Yeah you can find Avalon at the casino. I dunno who it is so try not to expect a warm welcome." </i><br />
<br />
Deacon's words rang through Annabelle's head as she stepped into the main casino entrance, with Tom not too far behind. Annabelle looked around to see the place was empty, and this did not surprise her as it looked like it was being remodeled. The empty, dark room gave off a vague, almost ominous feeling, and Annabelle was a bit worried about continuing on. Despite this, she looked over at Tom who smiled back, and that gave her the confidence to keep going.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbjynPzdGi0RgM-d0yiWQ_Tdm-Oil5tCZ5hvS01WYGRweuwArbfK0PljGDPgVI5ozt9hfhFjVH43LPqxRouTULdKlEMgmo1amWVLIEods1vxv5OvcgyQ8f4rphTFFYnwA5C5Vgym-i0KV/s1600/Screenshot-1769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbjynPzdGi0RgM-d0yiWQ_Tdm-Oil5tCZ5hvS01WYGRweuwArbfK0PljGDPgVI5ozt9hfhFjVH43LPqxRouTULdKlEMgmo1amWVLIEods1vxv5OvcgyQ8f4rphTFFYnwA5C5Vgym-i0KV/s320/Screenshot-1769.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After a short walk, Tom and Annabelle finally reached the main office of the casino, suspended above the place with only a flight of stairs to hold them up seemingly. Annabelle sighed, then gestured silently to Tom to stay behind. She didn't want this "Avalon" to feel threatened for any reason, she just wanted to talk to whoever it was and two people barging into the office would have given the owner a start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPlyv6HsM0YvGOWY51Xwgbxhp6ajikHlCtkrh_pLUUuSLoJO8pBe_fGuFmQzBEqbKqplhhLiV2yCKlf0xYt0F0YBduRBRmRPUCCKApQn_oTuP0mbWw8-8JixDK1Ze0FWjcKhMyVu0gK7i/s1600/Screenshot-1771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPlyv6HsM0YvGOWY51Xwgbxhp6ajikHlCtkrh_pLUUuSLoJO8pBe_fGuFmQzBEqbKqplhhLiV2yCKlf0xYt0F0YBduRBRmRPUCCKApQn_oTuP0mbWw8-8JixDK1Ze0FWjcKhMyVu0gK7i/s400/Screenshot-1771.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle carefully walked up the stairs and opened the door into the main office, which was a surprisingly blank room. There were no pictures hanging from the dark gray walls and the only thing of note were the gray, black, and white seats as well as a desk off in the distance, which had someone sitting at it. Annabelle couldn't see the person's face but saw that it was a woman wearing a somewhat futuristic corporate outfit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOCrE7_ydINTeADO76-MiTvEBqyFp4grc2tzNJ2EBLFyBbErXEZhBuEAXhbDvaDRGdI1ehVGymuiiAqMJkGr_Ai0OCusllrTQ2KMhr0tM5MOfU82Y8Sn55B97XwHnCEGPzj6JyQIPdSsI/s1600/Screenshot-1770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOCrE7_ydINTeADO76-MiTvEBqyFp4grc2tzNJ2EBLFyBbErXEZhBuEAXhbDvaDRGdI1ehVGymuiiAqMJkGr_Ai0OCusllrTQ2KMhr0tM5MOfU82Y8Sn55B97XwHnCEGPzj6JyQIPdSsI/s400/Screenshot-1770.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Office hours are closed. The casino is in repair from the damage caused by that meteor impact a week ago." The woman said. Her voice was very familiar to Annie, but she couldn't put her finger on where she'd heard it before. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QKJ97tLk0F9fygK2PWudxIe4d8GLqpk3uDmdwfWlkrMZmz_Yj1WhUuZZ29J7xE2jpMzT3qSbQuKvL-c8t3166Zw9NtiOdKB62LUC9rNIyeKsultB81JNrE50tTcysi2RZTqAVG0I1eo4/s1600/Screenshot-1774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QKJ97tLk0F9fygK2PWudxIe4d8GLqpk3uDmdwfWlkrMZmz_Yj1WhUuZZ29J7xE2jpMzT3qSbQuKvL-c8t3166Zw9NtiOdKB62LUC9rNIyeKsultB81JNrE50tTcysi2RZTqAVG0I1eo4/s400/Screenshot-1774.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"The meteor impact hit the police station..." Annabelle replied, she couldn't help but notice the woman's gloved hands tense up when she started to speak, . "It didn't even fly over this casino. What's the closing really about... <i>Avalon</i>?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErcm-fSH1FQOkHODg7ggEXdqkn78vVKg_Sunl_vRW3Z-wMktEfcYaPFYGikQMV_5pc133HJPP0EqjmM7MuDkn66XAKGmNBIstxSaUiqp9OXeIW1ypGvdWChngNyiwNHv1JPAHO521qNME/s1600/Screenshot-1765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErcm-fSH1FQOkHODg7ggEXdqkn78vVKg_Sunl_vRW3Z-wMktEfcYaPFYGikQMV_5pc133HJPP0EqjmM7MuDkn66XAKGmNBIstxSaUiqp9OXeIW1ypGvdWChngNyiwNHv1JPAHO521qNME/s400/Screenshot-1765.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The woman sighed, and said "Normally I pass myself off as Avalon's 'secretary' but we both know you are smarter than that, <i>Annabelle</i>."<br />
<br />
"Whoa, wait a second... how do you know my name?!" Annabelle blurted out, "Who are you?"<br />
<br />
"Is it really that hard to figure out? I thought living with Kelly for all these years would have helped you to attune your investigative skills. Guess I was wrong. I was wrong about a lot of things, that's why I devoted my life to charity and helping others." The woman then leaned close as Annabelle walked forward, blocking her face behind the computer screen. "I used to be a wandering soul, with no where to go or no one to talk to, but I decided to make myself useful for this place, this blue marble that is what I am forced to call home. Rather than hate humanity, I have embraced it... I have become a greater person because of that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fRP2pXsUI8YWh9S6GUI8cl-_Y_TPhTkS0DRqvOv2k_-73ZwYYGyG3HA2xINwGqg1iDlBzbi2Q7CoeCUGEqD0EJRKACNmoJw8OWCsNrzN3foy2EJvh_F-rCynllbycFwKi3d1x6AcsktI/s1600/Screenshot-1778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fRP2pXsUI8YWh9S6GUI8cl-_Y_TPhTkS0DRqvOv2k_-73ZwYYGyG3HA2xINwGqg1iDlBzbi2Q7CoeCUGEqD0EJRKACNmoJw8OWCsNrzN3foy2EJvh_F-rCynllbycFwKi3d1x6AcsktI/s400/Screenshot-1778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle finally walked in close enough to see the woman's face, which made her own face freeze in shock.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAHTMsHhjB12x8FqPFhZvKQwj36oZQTozfxuzhHAQfYiKMVeaYeJzcyOPFd1K1xAd2N5zd8fC5GXAfSQ0PNfMZ7SBuh7Dz9Nt6ah3J-ffIqV7yVG7t1jtHPgTod834L99ZJ22Z0-Y6gYc/s1600/Screenshot-1767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAHTMsHhjB12x8FqPFhZvKQwj36oZQTozfxuzhHAQfYiKMVeaYeJzcyOPFd1K1xAd2N5zd8fC5GXAfSQ0PNfMZ7SBuh7Dz9Nt6ah3J-ffIqV7yVG7t1jtHPgTod834L99ZJ22Z0-Y6gYc/s400/Screenshot-1767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Isobelle...?"</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>-----------------</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i><b>Lucky Palms, Nevada</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZQscgEq6iZfXPt8AhRVOMAGDkf17ypj5HATLB_RzfD4a_Z7a1jWeXpZ3ytXkleqCkSeOXU1uyOgkJBNkIrLEdMkwhZuHi-ggxN5hY5cRmMTFkbYCS_6WpaFh6kWVpjGMInCOlNpCXGay/s1600/Screenshot-1659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZQscgEq6iZfXPt8AhRVOMAGDkf17ypj5HATLB_RzfD4a_Z7a1jWeXpZ3ytXkleqCkSeOXU1uyOgkJBNkIrLEdMkwhZuHi-ggxN5hY5cRmMTFkbYCS_6WpaFh6kWVpjGMInCOlNpCXGay/s400/Screenshot-1659.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Dry Gila was a small watering hole on the outskirts of the desert. Not too many people were known to scurry off to the place as there were other, more well-known venues on the "Road to Nowhere", including numerous ones in Strangetown a few miles up. Still, the owner of the place, Roland Baynard, was optimistic that he would get at least a few customers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsB_-AKxUw4VcP9OBVSQSaSwbLk08kb93ym5-NneGh7LbBmui5vieQvpOa28E4_vGcOPc1pA_ophfzYjAkgEgJQfhgpi5RE8qVSXCEQHDATBQ_OkzmObFXIY35ePNVlrsvT-WOLgLCruR/s1600/Screenshot-1651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsB_-AKxUw4VcP9OBVSQSaSwbLk08kb93ym5-NneGh7LbBmui5vieQvpOa28E4_vGcOPc1pA_ophfzYjAkgEgJQfhgpi5RE8qVSXCEQHDATBQ_OkzmObFXIY35ePNVlrsvT-WOLgLCruR/s400/Screenshot-1651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It was one of those average days for Roland. He was busy tending to his bar, ready to serve drinks of alcoholic and not-so alcoholic nature, when he heard a loud engine of what sounded like a motorcycle drive in to the parking lot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbAB9gZaGQH6lc2aEiHCxsGSWWibZ7nMhyphenhyphenZqyt9TYw4ijmDosviPYrkhLSSV_-5CX0uO1R-xpFBEDpOXBAkV7byXgyUqa40jlg_HG5EhQqeN48C2cCMF_yymnlUHywS4Om6prXyqI_Rup/s1600/Screenshot-1652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbAB9gZaGQH6lc2aEiHCxsGSWWibZ7nMhyphenhyphenZqyt9TYw4ijmDosviPYrkhLSSV_-5CX0uO1R-xpFBEDpOXBAkV7byXgyUqa40jlg_HG5EhQqeN48C2cCMF_yymnlUHywS4Om6prXyqI_Rup/s400/Screenshot-1652.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Roland wasn't expecting customers this early in the day, and it surprised him when a single teenager, no more than fifteen years, walked into the bar and sat down. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFXZAXsT1BCU3_exdgixYm2nB0kih1WJgdOskwjxfBcBZikeRopIpkyFcnHyb1CERY141msJC4qH9qsTxYeJhZc7_ZIty5_VNQEehaKoB3_H_ZXIjaLO3FqPuMnC0Znd1S41Z_NTztQq6/s1600/Screenshot-1654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFXZAXsT1BCU3_exdgixYm2nB0kih1WJgdOskwjxfBcBZikeRopIpkyFcnHyb1CERY141msJC4qH9qsTxYeJhZc7_ZIty5_VNQEehaKoB3_H_ZXIjaLO3FqPuMnC0Znd1S41Z_NTztQq6/s400/Screenshot-1654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I need water." The teen said, his voice raspy and thrown out, presumably because Roland didn't see a helmet with him and driving through the desert without one would do terrible things to someone's throat with all the dust and sand being kicked up. Without charging the teen, Roland gave him a glass of water.<br />
<br />
The teen drank the water and nodded to Roland, thanking him silently. He then stood up and started to leave, getting a few bottles of water from a fridge and paying for them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbLICm4vM80NrIY3RoflO3zMRv759m8y0nOxU-0XykPAa7On2U5dHJGc9xZS7R0h_aqFH5eTPKx01Xvbvn72m7K9Dm3UM43qINCIyLwk08Y9Tbzi7ZOr9dbD4zJr6xy7l1Z797xu6WMDe/s1600/Screenshot-1655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbLICm4vM80NrIY3RoflO3zMRv759m8y0nOxU-0XykPAa7On2U5dHJGc9xZS7R0h_aqFH5eTPKx01Xvbvn72m7K9Dm3UM43qINCIyLwk08Y9Tbzi7ZOr9dbD4zJr6xy7l1Z797xu6WMDe/s400/Screenshot-1655.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>Worried about the teen, Roland asked "What's your name, kid?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCjT-AsizvGajZnjrSzsEwul6vmh13mltY5Hji-QVl1QjNLFehr2zHemFB9f5201HDVerbKowHWgwS9SUDI1nPmLCjM42lhCmOaSribFG0Z8xXADzKhfsEZAmlYR_uw1L01POtT5OgnpP/s1600/Screenshot-1656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCjT-AsizvGajZnjrSzsEwul6vmh13mltY5Hji-QVl1QjNLFehr2zHemFB9f5201HDVerbKowHWgwS9SUDI1nPmLCjM42lhCmOaSribFG0Z8xXADzKhfsEZAmlYR_uw1L01POtT5OgnpP/s400/Screenshot-1656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Upon hearing the question, the teen turned around to face the him, "My name is Gabriel." he said, then turned and left, but not before saying something that made Roland wonder. The teen then jumped on his motorcycle and drove away, leaving Roland scratching his head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQM96h4MwNxDabn40hBQqxqWLkHH3PCZ7Bz9ksqy8R1dNhRSYTn4kqrdyElKmZDuZF4gk9o5nOYbbBo1OjIsd35I7N5caCM7Mr3txEAID-ThWIEHqEDfOVzW19Z39CXKB5nbbl7qbtmbq/s1600/Screenshot-1657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQM96h4MwNxDabn40hBQqxqWLkHH3PCZ7Bz9ksqy8R1dNhRSYTn4kqrdyElKmZDuZF4gk9o5nOYbbBo1OjIsd35I7N5caCM7Mr3txEAID-ThWIEHqEDfOVzW19Z39CXKB5nbbl7qbtmbq/s400/Screenshot-1657.jpg" width="400" /></a><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7xsPEw2N5USSc_aLxHs3SQQCgIcTKDIFCS5WXCMiz5t06ppr1Q-yIIL1AQ-VAmWZIlM2DrXEzcVVEGPWaKMmb65gkNq7NxXdoEvr1Aar5iKZUZNbJZqDGPIp3XRmi0QjM2m0cLpp5iSz/s1600/Screenshot-1658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7xsPEw2N5USSc_aLxHs3SQQCgIcTKDIFCS5WXCMiz5t06ppr1Q-yIIL1AQ-VAmWZIlM2DrXEzcVVEGPWaKMmb65gkNq7NxXdoEvr1Aar5iKZUZNbJZqDGPIp3XRmi0QjM2m0cLpp5iSz/s400/Screenshot-1658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br />"...I don't have a last name."</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-67031279787076890232012-08-18T00:26:00.001-05:002012-08-20T00:39:51.609-05:00Chapter Twenty-Nine - Perchance to Dream<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzJefnn9C3v2Co3111lPQaZz0zfDq3c06K0SbKJAxJ7lnwXjc7QRjCD8PW1Wv_ALcUrRx-uUs78bK48PNQU1lCwqBqrRbQQWOu2cRyGj9YK6nTk2-i10ZzGeAkWYbNj1FgS8Bi0Lm-4SJ/s1600/Screenshot-280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzJefnn9C3v2Co3111lPQaZz0zfDq3c06K0SbKJAxJ7lnwXjc7QRjCD8PW1Wv_ALcUrRx-uUs78bK48PNQU1lCwqBqrRbQQWOu2cRyGj9YK6nTk2-i10ZzGeAkWYbNj1FgS8Bi0Lm-4SJ/s400/Screenshot-280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After the meteor impact, Annabelle was rushed to the hospital. Tom, who was nearby, had heard the explosion and immediately ran towards the sounds of the screaming masses, realizing something had gone terribly wrong. As he was running,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3B1hVyO37lV245OgAEZQ3qd_0RfgobZZ06CurwJaoGVtswTyqDL2aGcpzKcFCEcfDmHWvM4OYvWGNKoE5o6ZjR3mxuNctlRmZ0mFt-PbKZURMHkJ_iZLpCBcOpwi5VDXBoDGARbL4ELu/s1600/Screenshot-286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3B1hVyO37lV245OgAEZQ3qd_0RfgobZZ06CurwJaoGVtswTyqDL2aGcpzKcFCEcfDmHWvM4OYvWGNKoE5o6ZjR3mxuNctlRmZ0mFt-PbKZURMHkJ_iZLpCBcOpwi5VDXBoDGARbL4ELu/s400/Screenshot-286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom saw an ambulance drive by and saw a hint of green in the window. "Annabelle." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YxWNoo3uE2DhQNqVOl1bQZpmTTee4clxgRyHLMxHxFw-qR_LgCR391Y2OVeHjbUMmFyYA4ULeUqJ73SVsG5Y1qST1izAnIHwtBd4GiOwbWkGevFkFwH0vhW2Ngpzh4IkaFepbHepo59i/s1600/Screenshot-281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YxWNoo3uE2DhQNqVOl1bQZpmTTee4clxgRyHLMxHxFw-qR_LgCR391Y2OVeHjbUMmFyYA4ULeUqJ73SVsG5Y1qST1izAnIHwtBd4GiOwbWkGevFkFwH0vhW2Ngpzh4IkaFepbHepo59i/s400/Screenshot-281.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A few hours had passed and Tom found himself listening to the doctor, hoping his best friend was okay. He knew he shouldn't have let her go to the police station alone, but realized at the same time that he too could have been injured or even worse in the explosion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqds5OgaMR8zuigjDLsTY31gWbYCqAulw9AcwjXMWOtOhzL_w788fkXJ0xFST0jBp4ee1nt5Xx6E-fBdxBpnK1KGhoW5XU3hXRpROTM70iRYb6ZHqNQVJ9s8PIMFmgIj7MvWwU3Xu9HrYI/s1600/Screenshot-283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqds5OgaMR8zuigjDLsTY31gWbYCqAulw9AcwjXMWOtOhzL_w788fkXJ0xFST0jBp4ee1nt5Xx6E-fBdxBpnK1KGhoW5XU3hXRpROTM70iRYb6ZHqNQVJ9s8PIMFmgIj7MvWwU3Xu9HrYI/s400/Screenshot-283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Fortunately she wasn't close enough to the blast to have sustained any permanent damage. At the moment we have her on medicine which will make her sleep, and when she wakes up she will still have some pain, but it can be managed. Considering this was the second time she was caught in a an explosion like this within the past five years, according to her medical charts, she's rather lucky to have survived this one."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tom nodded, though he somehow knew it wasn't luck. Ever since Annabelle turned eighteen, she'd been more resilient, stronger. Tom figured it had to do with the fact that she was an alien. Of course he couldn't tell the doctor that. As far as everyone but a few select people knew, Annabelle was a normal, everyday human being with blonde hair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-B89FG7RQu0CiCPJfk88grndalSuihj8OGQOtSgcd0OseY9fMAEASwBGa-sHXVI05ckYkEpuafjwAksQ2lYQZd9Z5N6awKK2IcfLc70uzzaOj54Q3fnTbuilQ0Wrfo0F15CVoAlNcJlqX/s1600/Screenshot-285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-B89FG7RQu0CiCPJfk88grndalSuihj8OGQOtSgcd0OseY9fMAEASwBGa-sHXVI05ckYkEpuafjwAksQ2lYQZd9Z5N6awKK2IcfLc70uzzaOj54Q3fnTbuilQ0Wrfo0F15CVoAlNcJlqX/s400/Screenshot-285.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"So what happens now?" Tom asked. "Does she stay here for observation or something?" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The doctor shook his head, to Tom's surprise. "Actually we've been monitoring her health for the past few hours since we brought her in, and she seems to be ready to go home. Like I said she'll have to sleep this first day off, and with the medicine we gave her she'd be able to sleep through a train filled with screaming banshees crashing through her house for the next twelve hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSyUfuMuBLQXe4uaxmiCZh5u9XW8NdaSMGwOpvGrMqauUfUBDh6XNPqMLUL4hf6xB95uHBSB7UjRUubYdyuuDx2Nv7oOmkmeLYZKLJeMWcRdo_D-1t7S99BJHsJvLQ5AL_WoaR0u3CEh0/s1600/Screenshot-284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSyUfuMuBLQXe4uaxmiCZh5u9XW8NdaSMGwOpvGrMqauUfUBDh6XNPqMLUL4hf6xB95uHBSB7UjRUubYdyuuDx2Nv7oOmkmeLYZKLJeMWcRdo_D-1t7S99BJHsJvLQ5AL_WoaR0u3CEh0/s400/Screenshot-284.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Tom gave the doctor a confused look, then said. "Ooooo-kay? So it will be alright to take her home right now?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hmK7k5slApgV2XPA5yU-G0F4VBlggn_y1IaS7eivfn8_mieC1Jk8a5sD0_dVoIedGweL9qrysraakU_0cxrVdvmlTR7IHif9vRrhyb-w0cHqqT8L650OvSIx8tDkA6XBm4JiT8zKiwOC/s1600/Screenshot-282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hmK7k5slApgV2XPA5yU-G0F4VBlggn_y1IaS7eivfn8_mieC1Jk8a5sD0_dVoIedGweL9qrysraakU_0cxrVdvmlTR7IHif9vRrhyb-w0cHqqT8L650OvSIx8tDkA6XBm4JiT8zKiwOC/s400/Screenshot-282.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The doctor nodded. "All you have to do is fill out some paperwork and she'll be released to your family's care, Mr. Jameson. I'll have the nurse bring it out to you."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Thank you Doctor Harland." Tom said, then walked over to the waiting room to sit down. A few moments passed until the front doors opened, revealing John, Kelly, Mirabelle, Scarlett, and Keera. Keera had heard about the explosion first and went across town trying to find everyone. The family ran into the hospital to find out what was going on, and Tom calmly explained to them everything the doctor had told him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--------------------<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDHPkpYidiKVWwPCaYtkOQiNlSKW_PyXbCKivPnNMdXPwIOtNep6fsSjUqU0kT9U0uK0QAwiT0zGr4tGtUfraFU44Qv6OOVRLjTglDT-vJ-MBPgp9-kdEwGMKf5XKhV-9DpH8GFJzDaP6/s1600/Screenshot-231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDHPkpYidiKVWwPCaYtkOQiNlSKW_PyXbCKivPnNMdXPwIOtNep6fsSjUqU0kT9U0uK0QAwiT0zGr4tGtUfraFU44Qv6OOVRLjTglDT-vJ-MBPgp9-kdEwGMKf5XKhV-9DpH8GFJzDaP6/s400/Screenshot-231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The family drove back home in silence, in two different vehicles. Tom, Scarlett, Keera, and Kelly were in Tom's jeep with Annabelle in the front seat lying back while John and Mirabelle drove back in a different vehicle with the intention of getting some food before returning home, as no one in the household felt like cooking that night. Everyone in Tom's car wanted to speak, but no one knew exactly what to say. However, Keera was the first one in the group to break the awkwardness of the situation. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"So what do we do now? The doctor said mom's gonna be passed out for hours. Do we suspend the search for the new Benefactor?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_rY_tgiT-QNpqw8QkKfCQCa10OIrmlnHeHajew4Xa2vknA18ZpGci4wvc-VmXldvkG37Mzv_G48vr2fh24vygJ36U-WeGHJTyHA6Z03YKC3W8QviS9A_lz4BEtsH4-DQlFHZnX4YgO_y/s1600/Screenshot-232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_rY_tgiT-QNpqw8QkKfCQCa10OIrmlnHeHajew4Xa2vknA18ZpGci4wvc-VmXldvkG37Mzv_G48vr2fh24vygJ36U-WeGHJTyHA6Z03YKC3W8QviS9A_lz4BEtsH4-DQlFHZnX4YgO_y/s400/Screenshot-232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't know." Tom replied as he drove. "Besides, Annabelle went to the police station to find out what Jack knew about the new Benefactor, and all this happened because of it. Frankly, I think we have to suspend our search because it's getting too dangerous." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"WHAT?!" Kelly yelled out, almost causing Tom to veer off the side of the road. Kelly had always been the calmer of the group, the opposite end of the red/blue spectrum in terms of anger, so when she yelled like that Tom couldn't help but wonder if she and Scarlett had switched seats without him knowing. "But.. the Genie Lamp, and the people you told me about last night... it wouldn't be wise to-"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCwH84KO7xGz_t4_xWeNxCkwng_-XiWs6FDsjuWcOmA0PkU9w0uIkRuMtovMG_ik8jM09igVRM9rPpmuXsfkeBMbN5xd99b0cu7ir98Ur3RsuJPbHO9D4Tp-J3w8ajcHa_n4b9IXVAQKP/s1600/Screenshot-233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCwH84KO7xGz_t4_xWeNxCkwng_-XiWs6FDsjuWcOmA0PkU9w0uIkRuMtovMG_ik8jM09igVRM9rPpmuXsfkeBMbN5xd99b0cu7ir98Ur3RsuJPbHO9D4Tp-J3w8ajcHa_n4b9IXVAQKP/s400/Screenshot-233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Realizing she could bring civility back to the car ride, Scarlett herself motioned her hands towards the injured woman in the car, interrupting Kelly's words. "Let's just wait until Annie wakes up, and let HER decide what we should do. She was the one injured in this, and frankly she has more experience with the supernatural than any one else in this car, what with her magical trip to Nightmare's dimension and the unicorn thing about four years ago."<br />
<br />
Tom nodded, and pulled into the driveway of their house. The family got together and moved Annabelle upstairs into her bedroom, and put her on the bed. They were about to cover her up before Annabelle very briefly woke up and said <i>"No covers. Too hot."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGUIjaa3Iv2tgbG72REDjA_Nm_ph0tnmYCFHWIrlIzjbi5O-ENj3rwzr3D-5o4SlyEZGw87W6A191s2RH-L9aDD9GvEOCYI6jsakHsaOSULjoVADLgq-2NACYgbI0mxsPbVNmvCN45gQs/s1600/Screenshot-203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGUIjaa3Iv2tgbG72REDjA_Nm_ph0tnmYCFHWIrlIzjbi5O-ENj3rwzr3D-5o4SlyEZGw87W6A191s2RH-L9aDD9GvEOCYI6jsakHsaOSULjoVADLgq-2NACYgbI0mxsPbVNmvCN45gQs/s400/Screenshot-203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom's eyes lightened up at hearing Annabelle's voice, but was saddened when he realized she was simply talking in her sleep. He then sat down on a chair beside her and quietly motioned the rest of the family, asking them to depart from the room so he could be alone with her. They silently acknowledged this and walked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mciYW5CAE2VRQXMnZ6T25F7bn8f5ZDjs3mqYobSAhfZQ7pNX4o7Bd71YuPGsuy1gM_hSv7iulU8Among0D1iXs9n_SIOEv8AgAy6Lmx9_AMGANXewAZi6Hd_ISVMcZXXHe0foR1zoHaz/s1600/Screenshot-208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mciYW5CAE2VRQXMnZ6T25F7bn8f5ZDjs3mqYobSAhfZQ7pNX4o7Bd71YuPGsuy1gM_hSv7iulU8Among0D1iXs9n_SIOEv8AgAy6Lmx9_AMGANXewAZi6Hd_ISVMcZXXHe0foR1zoHaz/s400/Screenshot-208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom sat where he was for what seemed like hours, what seemed like days, watching over her and making sure she was alright. Suddenly, he had the urge to talk to her, he didn't know where it came from and he didn't know why he did it, he just wanted to. He smiled, and began talking in a whisper, almost to himself. "Hey Annie. I don't know if you can hear me, but if you can just... let me do this. Let me talk, okay?" Tom waited for her reply, then realized waiting for it was a moot point, and continued.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JyxBcDgJrnt0NtZCZluTzkcR56K2-W3uB3hHegu5f-1qHasVRhY6gkUvgiPoCkFAmgOquz8JUajnnxisGUpxA7-CsgGVJBancMWxM6FHGZD6PcTnreNWYKrFz55MdysE-CG0OetLEJt9/s1600/Screenshot-207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JyxBcDgJrnt0NtZCZluTzkcR56K2-W3uB3hHegu5f-1qHasVRhY6gkUvgiPoCkFAmgOquz8JUajnnxisGUpxA7-CsgGVJBancMWxM6FHGZD6PcTnreNWYKrFz55MdysE-CG0OetLEJt9/s400/Screenshot-207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I remember the last time you were injured in an explosion like this. I was too, if you recall. You blamed yourself for taking me to the library but I told you it wasn't your fault, just like the meteor shower wasn't your fault. Right then and there, as we stood in the paved out lot that was the destroyed library, as we held each other in our arms, I wanted to kiss you... hoping the pain would go away for both of us, even just for one split-second of pure happiness."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"...But I didn't, and I regret every single day that has transpired since then. I never got a real chance to tell you this, but... I love you. I've always loved you. I always will. That was why I pushed you away in Hidden Springs. Because I didn't want to bear the thought of losing the love of my life after seeing that other version of you lying on the ground in the alternate universe. And I'm so sorry for that, for everything that's happened. I'm not asking you to wake up right now and kiss me, tell me everything's going to be okay, tell me I'm being silly and that you love me too. I'm asking you to know how I feel."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTBQTqOdgcUSi8Q3Wz2kBTtfWAXp9EnbIcQvRBVqaHtQUNF7bs13UCto0NxUPzsOTqWcp1gfkFsW5Le6_RPkzquXTSc1lXStktAMrhyJepkLXVFj1CpsU3Ud-bQW3DBeQE2QVqlNV3F43/s1600/Screenshot-206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTBQTqOdgcUSi8Q3Wz2kBTtfWAXp9EnbIcQvRBVqaHtQUNF7bs13UCto0NxUPzsOTqWcp1gfkFsW5Le6_RPkzquXTSc1lXStktAMrhyJepkLXVFj1CpsU3Ud-bQW3DBeQE2QVqlNV3F43/s400/Screenshot-206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle nudged in her sleep, smiled, and said. <i>"I'll love you always and forever." </i>Then her smile faded, as did Tom's when he realized, yet again, she was talking in a dream. He then closed his eyes, and wondered what kind of dream she was having...<br />
<i><br /></i><i>---------------------------------------------------</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4_fXLuxARP-fvR6YmEj51TP4Yy3UsqwTsb5zmYmC02OO4wLe9yQo0jF-a2wRO1U1Om-8lUEEgq9UBY5wXy7UA_E100R9KGXb9yF8uQXE-qqYxo34ZM9jdBH8f27ydxqPS4wHa0KG2SkM/s1600/Screenshot-288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4_fXLuxARP-fvR6YmEj51TP4Yy3UsqwTsb5zmYmC02OO4wLe9yQo0jF-a2wRO1U1Om-8lUEEgq9UBY5wXy7UA_E100R9KGXb9yF8uQXE-qqYxo34ZM9jdBH8f27ydxqPS4wHa0KG2SkM/s400/Screenshot-288.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
"Hello, it's 9:00 AM, time to start the day. Wakey wakey! No? Okay, I'll just throw this cover over you and take Gabe to his audition myself. You don't have to do anything..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWFkUQBlsLnuak2_acQGoBDZL8Liw_PUbEtUOS_mX7sD6SokdkxjqAG935gzLleYsPA68uPbQAESONEXHWKJ63uMeVhk_UESoCvTLE2Jc-nrtaU76Lb5grymJ5-1Q3XZ7y4CrzKvn4AEv/s1600/Screenshot-289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWFkUQBlsLnuak2_acQGoBDZL8Liw_PUbEtUOS_mX7sD6SokdkxjqAG935gzLleYsPA68uPbQAESONEXHWKJ63uMeVhk_UESoCvTLE2Jc-nrtaU76Lb5grymJ5-1Q3XZ7y4CrzKvn4AEv/s400/Screenshot-289.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No covers!" Annabelle playfully said as she stood up. "It's way too hot!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQfeiQRTkWuLkSXZyI2ypvDmcmO2tNLFm0QYCnM88wBhB0kV16Tilt7AnRqGH6VQBP67Vlq9-lHmwmH6YLWJUbvdQjfyiHMu9Wm4QqeQhv0f5j0-j6K7YXCcBZrrTSlfVgp7rzNuxgKDa/s1600/Screenshot-290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQfeiQRTkWuLkSXZyI2ypvDmcmO2tNLFm0QYCnM88wBhB0kV16Tilt7AnRqGH6VQBP67Vlq9-lHmwmH6YLWJUbvdQjfyiHMu9Wm4QqeQhv0f5j0-j6K7YXCcBZrrTSlfVgp7rzNuxgKDa/s400/Screenshot-290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suddenly Annabelle's husband walked over to the bed and smiled at her, a big grin on his face. "Well whose fault is that wanting to move to the middle of Colorado in summer time? I wanted to move back to Bridgeport, but NOOO, you were all like 'No Tom, Gabriel needs a small town environment! He needs this, he needs that, yadda yadda yad<i><b>DOW</b></i>!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvC3hRpeXKb7wjPwuZJ_R19AoIvO4Ckz7xEcwN7fO3PQJ5XPW-Pe3ZnHploG5rMkFsRNMc_be3aRC3OeiE5QalezQX8ITN8OfZd5YnrSou5gJyt0Vu10awLxhe3fllU2mv-Jd-r3EbGAG/s1600/Screenshot-291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvC3hRpeXKb7wjPwuZJ_R19AoIvO4Ckz7xEcwN7fO3PQJ5XPW-Pe3ZnHploG5rMkFsRNMc_be3aRC3OeiE5QalezQX8ITN8OfZd5YnrSou5gJyt0Vu10awLxhe3fllU2mv-Jd-r3EbGAG/s400/Screenshot-291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly the rest of Tom's sentence was drowned out by the impact of a pillow hitting his face, knocking him back. "You know I don't sound like that." Annabelle said, she then threw the pillow down and hugged Tom. "Or do I need to remind you? Besides, I'm up now. I should take Gabe to his audition right, right now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUBxiFfi-Zz_RTb8DMWkcZYq-nF46H9RIeuza00GFbM49WZ8FSNUxnRfoZRz-N8-XKjQ7yGKS1K9aCM78iOUWsnCG_pgWjDGI4QgAjzMh11KYvY7lNHFfjn053SpEiojqDv1j047HK_Wm/s1600/Screenshot-293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUBxiFfi-Zz_RTb8DMWkcZYq-nF46H9RIeuza00GFbM49WZ8FSNUxnRfoZRz-N8-XKjQ7yGKS1K9aCM78iOUWsnCG_pgWjDGI4QgAjzMh11KYvY7lNHFfjn053SpEiojqDv1j047HK_Wm/s400/Screenshot-293.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Well, not RIGHT now." Tom smirked. "Come on, hug me." Tom hugged Annabelle warmly and said, "remember when we first kissed? It was just three months after that nasty explosion at the library in Bridgeport. I dunno why I remembered this just now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz_ppcSe9pZ2qn6ddBPW3GteX8LKjH20_74Vqrlnqz7Bq8Zgzszl_aG7DA3Xqssc1V_7UE711F3PIPeCt-uW2Ogg85f4rox77XDSpuzEWQ_FOtFUQU3QYcs6uKigXVBwA_rr2tfgzn3aN/s1600/Screenshot-295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz_ppcSe9pZ2qn6ddBPW3GteX8LKjH20_74Vqrlnqz7Bq8Zgzszl_aG7DA3Xqssc1V_7UE711F3PIPeCt-uW2Ogg85f4rox77XDSpuzEWQ_FOtFUQU3QYcs6uKigXVBwA_rr2tfgzn3aN/s400/Screenshot-295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Yes, I know." Annabelle smiled as she embraced him. "We kissed, got married two years later, had Gabriel, and have been living a perfect life. Though I have to admit, I sometimes wonder what our life would be like if we hadn't gotten together seventeen years ago. Maybe... boring. I dunno."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-KT_YQH3XLsBr9WAf9z9VrTBcUkGKNUcppRnNcDSY9mPSKw3_wLP1Dpn-mJxtgE7wnhZO1dSW1qZneBiHO_EdIjOblHUndjAOwZF5-UL2OFpDxv_-lnUoWEhVkKPPErmI6I3EMJt4HV1/s1600/Screenshot-294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-KT_YQH3XLsBr9WAf9z9VrTBcUkGKNUcppRnNcDSY9mPSKw3_wLP1Dpn-mJxtgE7wnhZO1dSW1qZneBiHO_EdIjOblHUndjAOwZF5-UL2OFpDxv_-lnUoWEhVkKPPErmI6I3EMJt4HV1/s400/Screenshot-294.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Well how can you be boring? You're Annabelle Jameson! People far and wide hear your name and bow! You sink ships with your beauty! Your face launched a thousand go-carts! Wait... I may have gotten some of that wrong, although I do know the go-cart thing was real."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnuoa2LBnaJGRMl0-yk6M95ID0o8xUtQ4joZgfGSlw9odyKoG6tCbRDx7eHwxGTuNtUVoQCc-Ku17W85p-axJNimRocSgF12skPmD6c-glbh2SfBs1bzxHlJ6ZBjQkZmxpHNnt_3sZQ5O/s1600/Screenshot-298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnuoa2LBnaJGRMl0-yk6M95ID0o8xUtQ4joZgfGSlw9odyKoG6tCbRDx7eHwxGTuNtUVoQCc-Ku17W85p-axJNimRocSgF12skPmD6c-glbh2SfBs1bzxHlJ6ZBjQkZmxpHNnt_3sZQ5O/s400/Screenshot-298.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqFUzhH5fdnJJkOXmEFuyGSfox_GRfb9QCnDz-7KR8tTUW2uHKVU2N1g3pX7q3nxIvghhwgUqTosHMqAZcJw9MUJQai2i6NYz_nfmx6cSugHARNHCG0IfJvFjfaONmEhBzXJ4MbG8RKs-/s1600/Screenshot-297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqFUzhH5fdnJJkOXmEFuyGSfox_GRfb9QCnDz-7KR8tTUW2uHKVU2N1g3pX7q3nxIvghhwgUqTosHMqAZcJw9MUJQai2i6NYz_nfmx6cSugHARNHCG0IfJvFjfaONmEhBzXJ4MbG8RKs-/s400/Screenshot-297.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle chuckled. "You don't have to impress me... you know I'll love you always and forever." She leaned in and kissed him, prompting a noise from someone nearby. Annabelle turned her head and saw their son Gabriel with his arms outstretched.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5ejq9gs4uIAsMMC6tutnPxoUaxjWaXRHI3OGA_xI_h-e3oNoHK27-ihpUF2KcXg8id3u5lCigGmir00wy6xNW7Rbf3IoyQmy4IdSZOgW2VIPis3z6rwg8QlxFzPTAjTKdzDpkgZ-kPlF/s1600/Screenshot-299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5ejq9gs4uIAsMMC6tutnPxoUaxjWaXRHI3OGA_xI_h-e3oNoHK27-ihpUF2KcXg8id3u5lCigGmir00wy6xNW7Rbf3IoyQmy4IdSZOgW2VIPis3z6rwg8QlxFzPTAjTKdzDpkgZ-kPlF/s400/Screenshot-299.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Ugh, no no no no no no! I don't want to see my parents kissing like that! Eugh! I come up to see when I'm going to my audition and I see this?!?!" Gabriel said. "I... I'm blind. I think I'm blind. It's hysterical blindness! It's a psychological reaction to seeing things that cannot be unseen!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIXhBcloLcsDDynn4GCXRYdrG3bVQWCgtx-7PwbqcqJKw8Yi1rciU8JpIkP2mjTJRFNa25hTM9m2c5mL7AXRhyUuE_kFZ7QwVcrMa-X9idNiQS0N_gxT4_mOmIpB7ZlbBRFo6zWXqCS4F/s1600/Screenshot-301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIXhBcloLcsDDynn4GCXRYdrG3bVQWCgtx-7PwbqcqJKw8Yi1rciU8JpIkP2mjTJRFNa25hTM9m2c5mL7AXRhyUuE_kFZ7QwVcrMa-X9idNiQS0N_gxT4_mOmIpB7ZlbBRFo6zWXqCS4F/s400/Screenshot-301.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"We've stopped kissing, Gabriel." Annabelle said. "You can cut the theatrics."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde-4SIsl4JLrwTf1pRAuzz_XNJSdx85lPlch6TSOdqZhLn_ii30rSBwf2OoKCl25sOxADpgBLRqUX7I4CwsmawIZNGuwdndrQ1sgLV5rqbWpwELUsfG44xvvv2xIZKSDzM-yUAkpMNTWy/s1600/Screenshot-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde-4SIsl4JLrwTf1pRAuzz_XNJSdx85lPlch6TSOdqZhLn_ii30rSBwf2OoKCl25sOxADpgBLRqUX7I4CwsmawIZNGuwdndrQ1sgLV5rqbWpwELUsfG44xvvv2xIZKSDzM-yUAkpMNTWy/s400/Screenshot-300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I mean I might spend the rest of my life in the darkness, like a bat in a cav- you've stopped? Oh... and YES! Perfect acting from me, Gabriel Caleb Jameson! I am soooo getting this part for sure! I haven't acted that well since I stayed home from school with a 'stomach flu' last spring!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfYW8kTcfwt3TYgWvi3Y-03DqaTCixQHHyrNfUJ8-Z1aVXqAejXQFBSCuv7J_eqwlbjhnjgSFKhdQpVVcRH5luKCsJwsr1rFzSTSUjZJ0voRUP4yAk-DTPg333ZbHIM4UFeJeE5VDOg63/s1600/Screenshot-302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfYW8kTcfwt3TYgWvi3Y-03DqaTCixQHHyrNfUJ8-Z1aVXqAejXQFBSCuv7J_eqwlbjhnjgSFKhdQpVVcRH5luKCsJwsr1rFzSTSUjZJ0voRUP4yAk-DTPg333ZbHIM4UFeJeE5VDOg63/s400/Screenshot-302.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"I thought that was <i>real.</i>" Annabelle said, then looked at him with a sternness in her eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wdN3-RX7KILhFV9heLn9ScksY7Fpvv1Ytj4fJKn1Sg3pTPm678ebfKksnhIzEWKV6krzh0J7sNUMCyTjQDJVjLyeRAs0wtYTWA8527zoZFGDCROYlbqXXbZFHvO5chLi4pKIakTywhv_/s1600/Screenshot-303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wdN3-RX7KILhFV9heLn9ScksY7Fpvv1Ytj4fJKn1Sg3pTPm678ebfKksnhIzEWKV6krzh0J7sNUMCyTjQDJVjLyeRAs0wtYTWA8527zoZFGDCROYlbqXXbZFHvO5chLi4pKIakTywhv_/s400/Screenshot-303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel choked a bit on his words, then said "I mean YES! Still a master actor I am! I just acted right now with the role of a teenager who revealed that he tricked his mom into thinking he had the stomach flu the spring befor-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3ghFv3ojI7ebf59AX9HsNlpNq1N-e_IKluBDfmPoXtg9ZR6dMnEKw6JpiDGX54cDmsYm7EdxHK9QtYJ146dnG0gcDM9AabL-Pc1_G0xt2ryYT4KhFCfOSMGMJw1Hl1HA2qQKgmMNoUWR/s1600/Screenshot-304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3ghFv3ojI7ebf59AX9HsNlpNq1N-e_IKluBDfmPoXtg9ZR6dMnEKw6JpiDGX54cDmsYm7EdxHK9QtYJ146dnG0gcDM9AabL-Pc1_G0xt2ryYT4KhFCfOSMGMJw1Hl1HA2qQKgmMNoUWR/s400/Screenshot-304.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Still in trouble."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrzezjHZIqJJRWmSqFAUOyLg8DlIsuJ84W32frrtSF_z51w-dmosS5sGkVAJvMdIlmLW1TC7Xq5RZmf-z24UkL5v35hGK2VYBcGO-GtnYb33Bp78qkyh9khnXempwq9mfsoyF4sRX6Z3A/s1600/Screenshot-306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrzezjHZIqJJRWmSqFAUOyLg8DlIsuJ84W32frrtSF_z51w-dmosS5sGkVAJvMdIlmLW1TC7Xq5RZmf-z24UkL5v35hGK2VYBcGO-GtnYb33Bp78qkyh9khnXempwq9mfsoyF4sRX6Z3A/s400/Screenshot-306.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Dang it!!!" Gabriel said with exasperation, then walked downstairs in defeat. "I'll be in the car if anyone needs me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYRSdNp7sgoj1JYchN6of9q8gEaH3RM09ZTBHqgsC441Btnf6rj8B4bt_R_OkhPt1c0VaDcwSNV7BsuhpEpE5u2H2M32gR-VXJATLwEXRXyCXqC6Od6YXrHfBMApP6Yvuyc8f3W6yO4wU/s1600/Screenshot-307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYRSdNp7sgoj1JYchN6of9q8gEaH3RM09ZTBHqgsC441Btnf6rj8B4bt_R_OkhPt1c0VaDcwSNV7BsuhpEpE5u2H2M32gR-VXJATLwEXRXyCXqC6Od6YXrHfBMApP6Yvuyc8f3W6yO4wU/s400/Screenshot-307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tom and Annabelle resumed their kissing, then Annabelle stopped to get dressed to take Gabriel to the theater. She looked over at him, and smiled. Thinking back to their first kiss, in the wreckage of the Bridgeport Library. She had a thought that popped into her head, that said that first kiss gave them a split-second of happiness that had lasted forever since.<br />
<br />
-----------------------<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW3rF5AAO1VetMM5WLReuF2ysy1MlLzDt5XhPdR9Lwy34E0na0qV_tVYHxIk7TnOkHYMzJsMpWKJH23EpT2tTRDWk4q9diMpJmwLQ5KZXTd6LY6Ba_ncJ2Ve6tcibZny8mbnHbYpIRWuI/s1600/Screenshot-209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW3rF5AAO1VetMM5WLReuF2ysy1MlLzDt5XhPdR9Lwy34E0na0qV_tVYHxIk7TnOkHYMzJsMpWKJH23EpT2tTRDWk4q9diMpJmwLQ5KZXTd6LY6Ba_ncJ2Ve6tcibZny8mbnHbYpIRWuI/s400/Screenshot-209.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Tom? Tom wake up."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1RDiDQzET7rlI8zxKuxuy8T3q84e22LiQK_I30Z_U1jxhiZJurxJzXas789SdCc4pZ_YBljhFC6oV9ac9TIdHVELmUtjOw4c_iFLQbrc_enAvfOy56MBnUc0bJaeORvLMHG-3ElhRfac/s1600/Screenshot-210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1RDiDQzET7rlI8zxKuxuy8T3q84e22LiQK_I30Z_U1jxhiZJurxJzXas789SdCc4pZ_YBljhFC6oV9ac9TIdHVELmUtjOw4c_iFLQbrc_enAvfOy56MBnUc0bJaeORvLMHG-3ElhRfac/s400/Screenshot-210.jpg" width="400" /></a>\</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom had fallen asleep in the chair, and when he opened his eyes he immediately wondered who Gabriel was, before turning his head to see Kelly. She was wearing her sleeping outfit, meaning that some time had passed since he nodded off. "Hey. What time is it?"<br />
<br />
<br />
"About one A.M." Kelly said. "I couldn't sleep, and Mirabelle suggested I come by and make sure Annie's okay. Is she?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, yeah. She's just still sleeping." Tom said, standing up out of the chair. "I'll be here all night if I have to, just to make sure."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUBJ4snzZklNs5u00ofC46eKOiG-UPKRA08uxIfsNbxFPA_0tVcOJm_fp4A_7QZKzQzZ9BMAT9k0TRE84URDP9BdSACV3mtyz1l9gChDfsxBaxszrEVXC49ovO73Z-0ByA1XQBerewjSj/s1600/Screenshot-211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUBJ4snzZklNs5u00ofC46eKOiG-UPKRA08uxIfsNbxFPA_0tVcOJm_fp4A_7QZKzQzZ9BMAT9k0TRE84URDP9BdSACV3mtyz1l9gChDfsxBaxszrEVXC49ovO73Z-0ByA1XQBerewjSj/s400/Screenshot-211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelly looked at Annie. "Well, how about you go take a nap on your bed, Tom? I'll stay here with her for the next hour or so, give you some time to get off this chair, okay? Besides, I wanna say a few things to her, just to pass the time."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wnLR161tn75mWI3EZFRvlmqogbyW1eR9IxbCsKiIhEyKhqWrByBs2VeIv9BnZyWaTJ7NUIow_Z19ceph2_zQEDn2JLxIPUpwPD1mie64Y9tbJonBBZvcGYXxucfJI9fvptSUAaLTF9Sk/s1600/Screenshot-213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wnLR161tn75mWI3EZFRvlmqogbyW1eR9IxbCsKiIhEyKhqWrByBs2VeIv9BnZyWaTJ7NUIow_Z19ceph2_zQEDn2JLxIPUpwPD1mie64Y9tbJonBBZvcGYXxucfJI9fvptSUAaLTF9Sk/s400/Screenshot-213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Uh... yeah, sounds good. I'll be in my room if you need me." Tom walked out of the bedroom and Kelly sat in the chair beside the bed, looking over at Annabelle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR5mW4588JFj9-vpauNnSNnkXTJpzqV66RtTMCNVjcUg0osM0y4-argvEugVfeAjx_7-lP9OUe-LCfdDy3N-3B_8-S9SVh1G5ntltslQMWA541jh0m_8vJCCOGHalfeT49WxJJoemyH8Z/s1600/Screenshot-215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR5mW4588JFj9-vpauNnSNnkXTJpzqV66RtTMCNVjcUg0osM0y4-argvEugVfeAjx_7-lP9OUe-LCfdDy3N-3B_8-S9SVh1G5ntltslQMWA541jh0m_8vJCCOGHalfeT49WxJJoemyH8Z/s400/Screenshot-215.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Hey there." Kelly said, smiling. Like with Tom, she was whispering, not wanting to wake her up. "Man this is surreal. Just two minutes ago I was in my bedroom with Mirabelle, looking into her eyes, and I still see you every time I do. So I go from looking at you and you looking back, to looking at you like this in less than two minutes. It's crazy, isn't it?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLgyDqFIvDGp3u2crRYauVa8HTlxYs53MvQ2lEIUlKdOpw5Ey4gmCGq7nZ5AuLANCq4DwfcDIzvtmCFSYKrCwYtJ5nbluKBx5lFQ0jckkZW8D_K7XSoFZA7q8kGwkawlfkddtmh3KAX2p/s1600/Screenshot-216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLgyDqFIvDGp3u2crRYauVa8HTlxYs53MvQ2lEIUlKdOpw5Ey4gmCGq7nZ5AuLANCq4DwfcDIzvtmCFSYKrCwYtJ5nbluKBx5lFQ0jckkZW8D_K7XSoFZA7q8kGwkawlfkddtmh3KAX2p/s400/Screenshot-216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle didn't respond for obvious reasons, so Kelly kept talking. "I love Mirabelle, and I love you. I love Mirabelle because she<i> is</i> you, technically. She has the same quick-witted attitude that I fell for years ago, and I'm glad she's here, frankly" Kelly looked somberly at the sleeping woman, then continued. "I know I'd never be with the real you no matter how much I wanted, because you always had Tom in your heart. Even that night, after I confessed to you my true feelings, and we...<i> you know, </i>I still realized it was only for that night. And I have to say... thank you, Annie. Thank you for being there with me, for thinking of me, and for being my friend. Thank you for stepping onto that teleportation pad a month and a half ago, even if you didn't know what would happen. I'm thanking you for that because you unknowingly gave me a chance to be with you."<br />
<br />
Annabelle remained sleeping, and Kelly decided to continue the one-sided conversation. "I guess I should tell you when I first fell for you, honestly. I never actually told you, just bits and pieces. Do you remember when we were teenagers in Bridgeport? It was just after you were caught in that explosion. I remember sitting next to your hospital bed, tending to your broken arm as you slept, being the friend I was and still am. One night, something just... clicked."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H__TOPzx9-Nvd0uvXLO-9KMnW3rMdMfHVdZpDmEJbOxEbdKyjPCBIQAcY0CPz4w4Vkg58OOmorp9lhZnCdcaeoLuzjzKXeogOG4BMtNx9aO6qyr2L4UX4tDnG0eBCkv7Et9VzjtjvrWb/s1600/Screenshot-214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H__TOPzx9-Nvd0uvXLO-9KMnW3rMdMfHVdZpDmEJbOxEbdKyjPCBIQAcY0CPz4w4Vkg58OOmorp9lhZnCdcaeoLuzjzKXeogOG4BMtNx9aO6qyr2L4UX4tDnG0eBCkv7Et9VzjtjvrWb/s400/Screenshot-214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I looked up from my magazine I was reading and saw you lying there. I don't know what it was, maybe the lighting, but something clicked in me. Ever since then I couldn't imagine a having to go through a day without you. Even now, when I'm in a relationship with... the other you.. I don't think I could think of a better person as a friend than... you. I'll always care for you, Annie, even... especially in the darkest of times."<br />
<br />
<i>---------------------------</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmgxfvXYU8SAEZ91hczwTQm1z5XEOKCrJgiD_8ksB7V6rmjWmEh8MnRyZwUOUfLgbS8yuJZyhsS6JGeTIYS8TfMCk8022247NPZAgfYgrCKjdb7kyH-7D6ISkOtrkGEMFB0h0SUdYrL2u/s1600/Screenshot-310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmgxfvXYU8SAEZ91hczwTQm1z5XEOKCrJgiD_8ksB7V6rmjWmEh8MnRyZwUOUfLgbS8yuJZyhsS6JGeTIYS8TfMCk8022247NPZAgfYgrCKjdb7kyH-7D6ISkOtrkGEMFB0h0SUdYrL2u/s400/Screenshot-310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle was standing outside the theater, waiting for her son to get his stuff out of the car and walk into the building with her. "Now straighten your clothes, and make sure your hair is neat." Annabelle said to him, playing the part of the typical mother that she loved doing so much, even if it typically annoyed Gabriel. The two walked into the audition room in the top floor of the theater, which was more empty than she thought it would be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchFYlQafiZuvZmYLyZ2B28AEL1Ad-X5cEHU8Hijp2s5IKOMm5Tsj2pd6hlKJgHv3t0hdhMR8WMWnRRQXwejJopwRjjvBQKWTeqojAsGkT0i_DDm8SrVk9XYUrzuIdOQmMUSQMXOvxpf5k/s1600/Screenshot-158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchFYlQafiZuvZmYLyZ2B28AEL1Ad-X5cEHU8Hijp2s5IKOMm5Tsj2pd6hlKJgHv3t0hdhMR8WMWnRRQXwejJopwRjjvBQKWTeqojAsGkT0i_DDm8SrVk9XYUrzuIdOQmMUSQMXOvxpf5k/s400/Screenshot-158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There were few others in the room, and all three of them were sitting at a table ready to judge auditions. Annabelle chalked up to there being no one else simply due to the fact that they were earlier than everyone else. When the audition began, Gabriel stood on a platform and gave off the first lines of a world-famous soliloquy as part of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6XPIK3S3x1BhBRZ5rGxxzJ3JPZSXG8Hf1yLtcLe-fqbFGeEDI8ti-viio3gAcLskY2b0aqLxRhHnZ520ASWTDjTocSce1chm_1rNuTPg_G2eV26S4XIfkJj0Pc14MzVE-IXm9TOlKWgJ/s1600/Screenshot-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6XPIK3S3x1BhBRZ5rGxxzJ3JPZSXG8Hf1yLtcLe-fqbFGeEDI8ti-viio3gAcLskY2b0aqLxRhHnZ520ASWTDjTocSce1chm_1rNuTPg_G2eV26S4XIfkJj0Pc14MzVE-IXm9TOlKWgJ/s400/Screenshot-160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"To be, or not to be, that is the question:</i><br />
<i>Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer</i><br />
<i>The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune,</i><br />
<i>Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsu2I_N-BINEGJnCsSke8aO48fwuvwzCZcYrkIXfqa49JPYXCxCU5HRRFu4zq7p0PeHR7873Y6LtjMQ3j91sEdwJ5I5vXvF1zV7qXv5sot2g91qWA1pbRQCOhuLerEw2wat_UFhJfo31T/s1600/Screenshot-161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsu2I_N-BINEGJnCsSke8aO48fwuvwzCZcYrkIXfqa49JPYXCxCU5HRRFu4zq7p0PeHR7873Y6LtjMQ3j91sEdwJ5I5vXvF1zV7qXv5sot2g91qWA1pbRQCOhuLerEw2wat_UFhJfo31T/s400/Screenshot-161.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"And by opposing end them: to die, to sleep</i><br />
<i>No more; and by a sleep, to say we end</i><br />
<i>The heart-ache, and the thousand Natural shocks</i><br />
<i>That Flesh is heir to? 'Tis a consummation."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5Ch0pz9-NZ6-xM4eyVXOnSETFkXKIVYpBLrB5PkKXpaHGgzVpi2qy9Kd0pGiQ9QPLz8qMv4IZFVUfat81kVF5vhl8hGVQXuPg60L26jM9gKsb_SiTe7zHuX77mzJWw4nT2wfKNtZc2tC/s1600/Screenshot-159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5Ch0pz9-NZ6-xM4eyVXOnSETFkXKIVYpBLrB5PkKXpaHGgzVpi2qy9Kd0pGiQ9QPLz8qMv4IZFVUfat81kVF5vhl8hGVQXuPg60L26jM9gKsb_SiTe7zHuX77mzJWw4nT2wfKNtZc2tC/s400/Screenshot-159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Devoutly to be wished. To die to sleep,</i><br />
<i>To sleep, Perchance to Dream; Ay, there's the rub,</i><br />
<i>For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs72g8SYFPvuVQ1sN1yPyM5Md6PrcVv0_gBBAlrd34DyAZLSZ2kWp4Ic8hrlRqz23EBIwwwKpJ0pVQMcYhTstyPmR26r1kGW77LuJNa1HfDvwPnE_kgDU50zovX2anV8Ql-Jg5fYtPXCi/s1600/Screenshot-162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs72g8SYFPvuVQ1sN1yPyM5Md6PrcVv0_gBBAlrd34DyAZLSZ2kWp4Ic8hrlRqz23EBIwwwKpJ0pVQMcYhTstyPmR26r1kGW77LuJNa1HfDvwPnE_kgDU50zovX2anV8Ql-Jg5fYtPXCi/s400/Screenshot-162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When Gabriel was done with his monologue, the Judges seemed impressed, then told him that they will give him a call in the next couple days if he got the role. He was happy to hear this and stepped off the platform, walking confidently back to Annie.<br />
<br />
"So what do you think?<br />
<br />
"I love Shakespeare!" Annie teased, then said "And you were amazing at quoting it."<br />
<br />
"Thanks mom." Gabriel said. "Now it's just a matter of waiting. I mean, yeah this is a big role. I could actually be in a theatrical film if they call me back! It's like I'm dreaming! Living the dream!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt1eR1rHFvSf330ksSXf6oiqIZBEMjZ_bdh_z0HBooBjwRQ9MZOfab-o2Et8Tz071tTqe8LH67ohNcp8ygkxH6712i6-BZScLbPqjO8sZ1JUBulZReyPJ_kDOSSOI2zLkmMXO-AYVmBGh/s1600/Screenshot-164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt1eR1rHFvSf330ksSXf6oiqIZBEMjZ_bdh_z0HBooBjwRQ9MZOfab-o2Et8Tz071tTqe8LH67ohNcp8ygkxH6712i6-BZScLbPqjO8sZ1JUBulZReyPJ_kDOSSOI2zLkmMXO-AYVmBGh/s400/Screenshot-164.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"Well, Mr. <i>Dream</i>, don't get a swelled head just yet. I mean, yeah I would give you the role in two seconds... one second... instantly!" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB5pKE2cTN6GH78KBw5aD4AN9uBS4mXOXHHlmXoJnOCggzBJ7v7mjKhd3Q2PL6B9RqDTmGteifby5f9ot-ErrS6bIcub7dI37FJzY_9J1ZwfG_WRxtK57zIQSiuBMC8W2XMJiHjOwuDnp/s1600/Screenshot-167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB5pKE2cTN6GH78KBw5aD4AN9uBS4mXOXHHlmXoJnOCggzBJ7v7mjKhd3Q2PL6B9RqDTmGteifby5f9ot-ErrS6bIcub7dI37FJzY_9J1ZwfG_WRxtK57zIQSiuBMC8W2XMJiHjOwuDnp/s400/Screenshot-167.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gabriel smiled. "Thanks mom."<br />
<br />
"For what? Being your mother? I'll always be your mother, no matter what!"<br />
<br />
The two walked down the stairs into the outdoors, then Gabriel said "No, I'm thanking you for always being there for me, even in the darkest times of my life!" Gabriel smiled at her, and she smiled back at her son.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV9cId6vrSlactW3yCKPFpOQtZLOuEMHaPBkKF3j7PKuSSAWPecWt3vp1vCBfCGJBT3yEpWy8B_zng7V9we1J8I9_C4qq7BuOn4wsBRy4auHcoSdUMA4CsuszEEyw9oiBOwhDFGT8c0-j/s1600/Screenshot-168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV9cId6vrSlactW3yCKPFpOQtZLOuEMHaPBkKF3j7PKuSSAWPecWt3vp1vCBfCGJBT3yEpWy8B_zng7V9we1J8I9_C4qq7BuOn4wsBRy4auHcoSdUMA4CsuszEEyw9oiBOwhDFGT8c0-j/s400/Screenshot-168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You're welcome, son." Annie replied. "Now wait here, I'll go get the car and meet you around, okay?" <br />
<br />
<i>--------------------------- </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbC2TISjKmqiL2aDYgj9zfdqtGi0S7_yvXYyh_-AU1wQko_PaUgGikogIike5v-7asoFti2GQobcGvFnGIMijSaDlRBgT0kux9rEKkxztKnHluiz4fxvKwAqfNDVbUjU72vHUsWWhapNw/s1600/Screenshot-217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbC2TISjKmqiL2aDYgj9zfdqtGi0S7_yvXYyh_-AU1wQko_PaUgGikogIike5v-7asoFti2GQobcGvFnGIMijSaDlRBgT0kux9rEKkxztKnHluiz4fxvKwAqfNDVbUjU72vHUsWWhapNw/s400/Screenshot-217.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kelly had nodded off when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Expecting to see Tom, she was surprised when she looked up and saw John standing beside her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH9-mAJnfN06RZF9AFXm6DiwpX_eHbI6cFaG0gYDR-Iynd-v9ArA2pNL1gSEUHOQPz-dTkHKsgiiVNqRSrkmowG9GZ_0w4ab7qyWv9918p06rS02GF7Vb45BzBTBFiApoMLJI3iFgq6T6/s1600/Screenshot-222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH9-mAJnfN06RZF9AFXm6DiwpX_eHbI6cFaG0gYDR-Iynd-v9ArA2pNL1gSEUHOQPz-dTkHKsgiiVNqRSrkmowG9GZ_0w4ab7qyWv9918p06rS02GF7Vb45BzBTBFiApoMLJI3iFgq6T6/s400/Screenshot-222.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"How's she doing?" John asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDswCEx6fp7wU6Gln0FDhK0Fma0Cgw0mPstcDEMK1rPkJXm9xapWG5MdPyPQf2ddxkY-0ovWSdqTPYxowBOhGyO3y1IqGtSu9vpJ9djdcs4KiHJVReuLcUY8aijeW59LV-dZwUD1dS7egy/s1600/Screenshot-219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDswCEx6fp7wU6Gln0FDhK0Fma0Cgw0mPstcDEMK1rPkJXm9xapWG5MdPyPQf2ddxkY-0ovWSdqTPYxowBOhGyO3y1IqGtSu9vpJ9djdcs4KiHJVReuLcUY8aijeW59LV-dZwUD1dS7egy/s400/Screenshot-219.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"She's good, I think. I must have passed out or something. I thought Tom was going to come back to watch over her."<br />
<br />
"I saw him in the hallway. He looked dead tired so I decided to take over for him. You go get some sleep, Kel, on a proper bed. I'll sit here, make sure she's okay."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnLysHmNsvc-zQOXq3SDXjkq74H8AKlTXPnhLUv3h_sHjNJQ5e-gmgmG7J99VzBo5wCP5_RBC7pk2GlqFR0FwfmJQoNXkJlPf_1bKJoxAtG5MJ3wNvY8pnDLMZfYKRX8hZArIvyHdLtUR/s1600/Screenshot-221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnLysHmNsvc-zQOXq3SDXjkq74H8AKlTXPnhLUv3h_sHjNJQ5e-gmgmG7J99VzBo5wCP5_RBC7pk2GlqFR0FwfmJQoNXkJlPf_1bKJoxAtG5MJ3wNvY8pnDLMZfYKRX8hZArIvyHdLtUR/s400/Screenshot-221.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Kelly nodded at him and left the room. "Thanks, John." With that she walked out and shut the door. John, who sat on the chair, looked over and saw a television with a video game console. He immediately walked towards it, but something drew him back to the chair, as he too wanted to talk to the sleeping Annabelle, just as the others did. Like before, he whispered, but only slightly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmqRSkQfeFM9V-7Qbzz10W_8BopDLnOV5XRcloC0bL8Ndsqc2pbY_0wuHupnsiW-3WW4BA61aaXc-5sDjEPTEIFgKEj7oB01hs1e3upn6PQbcUjFy_QDX3ZbQby9my6XP5Lwb4nvosIXk/s1600/Screenshot-223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmqRSkQfeFM9V-7Qbzz10W_8BopDLnOV5XRcloC0bL8Ndsqc2pbY_0wuHupnsiW-3WW4BA61aaXc-5sDjEPTEIFgKEj7oB01hs1e3upn6PQbcUjFy_QDX3ZbQby9my6XP5Lwb4nvosIXk/s400/Screenshot-223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Hey sis. I know, I know, I haven't really chatted much with you these past few weeks. Big plans ahead, you know, the wedding and all. Red and I are planning it for after the Solar Eclipse thing you guys were talking about, just so we have something to fight against this whole 'Benefactor' thing for." John stopped for a moment, then continued talking. "Fighting, that's what you're great at... I remember this one time, a long time ago, I was being picked on by Travis Jenson, that neanderthal of a school bully, you don't probably don't remember him."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmLXSCQWAuUn-BUGfhYGzPedfWOjXjSGBDRzrzhXY77CwD8Wxcib0lYTNyMXEAe64yl84kfC4ztqFgWJ2kVhGpkb3c_QbJy-ZNHg0StJWpNb6VYUbQeos5GBQ5wAz4bZOIJx7BrFFc89v/s1600/Screenshot-224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmLXSCQWAuUn-BUGfhYGzPedfWOjXjSGBDRzrzhXY77CwD8Wxcib0lYTNyMXEAe64yl84kfC4ztqFgWJ2kVhGpkb3c_QbJy-ZNHg0StJWpNb6VYUbQeos5GBQ5wAz4bZOIJx7BrFFc89v/s400/Screenshot-224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"When we were kids, I remember being picked on by him one day, I don't know why he chose me on that particular day, but he tried to pick on me but, neep. You were there, Annie. You helped me. If I remember correctly, you beat the ever-living crap out of that bully with your <i>super-advanced alien powers</i>..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUejS5fBO61KgW3lsIt3khW0m_Flz1naT_zZl65LVr3Sz7H_pMZmqh6Rj8K6BdBUrXHIg8UKqLD8-O4dGQBBE6XRiQgb0bUNnTF5aGK3tNoEOPZ8L6yXpNjlRLRxTWQKrdB1tgSK78rac/s1600/Screenshot-225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUejS5fBO61KgW3lsIt3khW0m_Flz1naT_zZl65LVr3Sz7H_pMZmqh6Rj8K6BdBUrXHIg8UKqLD8-O4dGQBBE6XRiQgb0bUNnTF5aGK3tNoEOPZ8L6yXpNjlRLRxTWQKrdB1tgSK78rac/s400/Screenshot-225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"yeah that's uh... that's what I called them at the time... what more do you want, I was<i> ten</i>?! Ever since then I always looked up to my big sister, you were my protector, and I was so weak-STILL so weak to protect you when you needed it. I wish I was there, Annie, when that meteor fell and hit that car. I would have thrown myself between you and the explosion just so I could pay you back for all the times you've helped me. I'm sorry I didn't get that chance. Hey, there's always next time, eh?" John smiled, then walked over to the video game console to play it.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<i>----------------------------</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle was walking around the theater when she saw Gabriel standing near a wall. She was about to call him over when she saw another teen walk up to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-0eHN0GlY_c6HY80Jq7i8K-jUaP-bcpDgPvST9ECLg236S7LIPw1QbkWMhEV-iI9BVcKHs_uk0lSArg4zOLurgJUwfh6zPCXO1-j2x-TY6auMibfnIt5CPieQHy82HtA2TTCW6_wLrDH/s1600/Screenshot-170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-0eHN0GlY_c6HY80Jq7i8K-jUaP-bcpDgPvST9ECLg236S7LIPw1QbkWMhEV-iI9BVcKHs_uk0lSArg4zOLurgJUwfh6zPCXO1-j2x-TY6auMibfnIt5CPieQHy82HtA2TTCW6_wLrDH/s400/Screenshot-170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So Gabe, I take you're here because you want to give me money." It was Jake Thompson, a well-known bully who would pick on anyone he could. "I call it... protection money, you pay me to protect yourself from my fists hitting your face!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2uXTSTMZe3hyNQfbXjTCfOjChy-s-1zstDr8IkjOLbnbij48EOyjxa0ueDbHlCaJcQPLeO5j-eJjedBuo4H6ad7MBjcRWpQRDPokeyz3698KhvV79mA1Zuek0uvgxq_D4mq-_RzarvI4/s1600/Screenshot-171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2uXTSTMZe3hyNQfbXjTCfOjChy-s-1zstDr8IkjOLbnbij48EOyjxa0ueDbHlCaJcQPLeO5j-eJjedBuo4H6ad7MBjcRWpQRDPokeyz3698KhvV79mA1Zuek0uvgxq_D4mq-_RzarvI4/s400/Screenshot-171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Back off Jake." Gabriel said. "I'm not giving you anything and you'd better not bother me again." Gabriel was about to walk away when Jake knocked him to the ground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP61ws8ehjqhVbhoR19cfVuHgw8OP_dPsKvS6KWQwuFE6t3LZ7i6JG8ucDJDsheuxSdWgSnDH9cQx1GOMy67GWi16mwurmNklXJaAeWlKQIstxrY_ZVtZkNudmtF_AX_wivqw3J1uLkbn/s1600/Screenshot-172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP61ws8ehjqhVbhoR19cfVuHgw8OP_dPsKvS6KWQwuFE6t3LZ7i6JG8ucDJDsheuxSdWgSnDH9cQx1GOMy67GWi16mwurmNklXJaAeWlKQIstxrY_ZVtZkNudmtF_AX_wivqw3J1uLkbn/s400/Screenshot-172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annabelle's face became twisted in anger seeing her son being pushed around, and she realized she had to do something for him without having his schoolmates know that his mother saved him from a bully. So she quickly tousled her hair, smeared her makeup and, just add to the effect, used a special ability she had learned to make herself look like her normal green self to the bully.<br />
<br />
Jake was about to reach down and punch Gabriel in the face when he heard a noise coming up from behind him. He turned around and saw Annabelle, who was acting like an alien monster. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQZitHT4DyaCdCghMn6QzOa09ucp3tHIQ_d-Og-MdXnalD9KfI6JvdRRwksVUEvWqn7VzYTVaZgJ8jh-QlLfx5uvs_GqBD8llhA2i5d0Zh46WXCyJDKUsDXZqmTqX1t-hKdevfmcBHAqr/s1600/Screenshot-174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQZitHT4DyaCdCghMn6QzOa09ucp3tHIQ_d-Og-MdXnalD9KfI6JvdRRwksVUEvWqn7VzYTVaZgJ8jh-QlLfx5uvs_GqBD8llhA2i5d0Zh46WXCyJDKUsDXZqmTqX1t-hKdevfmcBHAqr/s400/Screenshot-174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I WILL SUCK OUT YOUR BRAINS THROUGH A BENDY STRAW, HUMAN MEAT PUPPET!" Annabelle yelled out with a raspy, hissing voice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BOPMa4w5cb0phIPIyILFOKAwMTc63WWz6D148Gqc-x6f0wrNvbd8DKezjPZ6WDJdnBEIm7OgXJjh9BW9zgtZQa9pt-Z4R4iGbS9nLX_W2dsq5rwFsc-GNlqE_DCCF56V0EXJDKkqXR5t/s1600/Screenshot-175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BOPMa4w5cb0phIPIyILFOKAwMTc63WWz6D148Gqc-x6f0wrNvbd8DKezjPZ6WDJdnBEIm7OgXJjh9BW9zgtZQa9pt-Z4R4iGbS9nLX_W2dsq5rwFsc-GNlqE_DCCF56V0EXJDKkqXR5t/s400/Screenshot-175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Jake, too scared to bother with anything else regarding Gabriel, bolted down the street screaming about an alien invasion beginning.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gabriel stood up and smiled. "Hey mom. Nice look there! You should go to an awards ceremony like that!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULHGIah6NZ-sFWuqhsA6dlCRuR6u6eorG_eTSWRNQaHq-qC8cldXJ5V6Kc06dEyPk7j0sA6I8DTzBV0w3X2eqSUHwxVrqqU0mW52iETJJinajzHs0QqRiwkeyUuAEZ57W5tHYEQ2p2QGh/s1600/Screenshot-176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULHGIah6NZ-sFWuqhsA6dlCRuR6u6eorG_eTSWRNQaHq-qC8cldXJ5V6Kc06dEyPk7j0sA6I8DTzBV0w3X2eqSUHwxVrqqU0mW52iETJJinajzHs0QqRiwkeyUuAEZ57W5tHYEQ2p2QGh/s400/Screenshot-176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Well I may get some kind of accolade for the acting I just did." Annabelle smiled. "How long until he stops running?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7mkqO8zbFCEn67g_E05vtGVdlGnQXSC9VWy5ko6LihJhtsyUFDIpJDIUU-VeZ_-bQXAnkLzfZHPPc7tlf9vGBmr3Hpzk7VCIpUZ53QNQFFaNrdwqvaIc1GdOiS05n3p0Uudt4ezu2_V7/s1600/Screenshot-177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7mkqO8zbFCEn67g_E05vtGVdlGnQXSC9VWy5ko6LihJhtsyUFDIpJDIUU-VeZ_-bQXAnkLzfZHPPc7tlf9vGBmr3Hpzk7VCIpUZ53QNQFFaNrdwqvaIc1GdOiS05n3p0Uudt4ezu2_V7/s400/Screenshot-177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Frankly I hope he never stops. He's such a neanderthal. By the way thanks for sticking up for me, mom. I don't know if I could have handled that bully on my own. And you did it with your awesome alien powers so... double points for you!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle smiled, and laughed. "So kid, what do you say your alien mom takes you to the diner for a big lunch. Her treat!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe_v2JwYVZ24jS5siDmkpXyiid769AK4O4pWYxhhELjma8MKtSf0zMuebILjbZEnhn5CRMfLuufB3XpeJsHuzMs31YvEWZQABZIWANbI9Zky0QpMvqaZh69mIpxHbn-jaBOAuzKPw0JfJ/s1600/Screenshot-178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe_v2JwYVZ24jS5siDmkpXyiid769AK4O4pWYxhhELjma8MKtSf0zMuebILjbZEnhn5CRMfLuufB3XpeJsHuzMs31YvEWZQABZIWANbI9Zky0QpMvqaZh69mIpxHbn-jaBOAuzKPw0JfJ/s400/Screenshot-178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Sounds great on one condition... you have to go like that. Hey, maybe you can scare the waiters into giving you a free meal! Say that you would much prefer a hamburger to eating their brains?"<br />
<br />
"You know I'll do that, next time okay. Right now I need to wash my face and put on some new makeup."<br />
<br />
-----------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3Ng5zw__IbWNjZzzMSa6z2dBj3ZTigMS8wFG7GBNj4wdWeO1w8G_vjHGuLR7Jq7I0htZDn9SA7fL_5wkZtdgZVyORUG5k-E3Dag5j4Ftsxt9O3l9NAHa5S4Alm4vHl93SLzOVNUFHgPi/s1600/Screenshot-226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3Ng5zw__IbWNjZzzMSa6z2dBj3ZTigMS8wFG7GBNj4wdWeO1w8G_vjHGuLR7Jq7I0htZDn9SA7fL_5wkZtdgZVyORUG5k-E3Dag5j4Ftsxt9O3l9NAHa5S4Alm4vHl93SLzOVNUFHgPi/s400/Screenshot-226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John was entranced in his game, but very often turned around to look at Annabelle to make sure she was okay. One time he did, though, he thought she was up, but instead it was Mirabelle who was standing there.<br />
<br />
"Hey." John said, turning off the console. "I thought you were Annie for a second... NOT THAT YOU AREN'T. I'm just... sorry, I still can't get past the fact that you're... here."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA6Z0YuwoyEhOk2aYjZ8a0n2PWwnsUP6kyLpEc82Muj5UbCo07KBMvQuxyz1Lr1HHCldgeZSJUs1YvcUGydcSjZxjwE4R9rd8RmbS-WahW2ZqG2fiTSRD9c1Hr0WmbYdwhkaNQ0t90IVj/s1600/Screenshot-234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA6Z0YuwoyEhOk2aYjZ8a0n2PWwnsUP6kyLpEc82Muj5UbCo07KBMvQuxyz1Lr1HHCldgeZSJUs1YvcUGydcSjZxjwE4R9rd8RmbS-WahW2ZqG2fiTSRD9c1Hr0WmbYdwhkaNQ0t90IVj/s400/Screenshot-234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Don't worry about it John." Mirabelle said. "For a time there I didn't know who I was. Hey can I get a moment? Kelly is tossing in her sleep and I can't sleep myself because of it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwd2Noe32iqsxFPfT5Lhu2CVT6iIUYbHGjJhWmYwSdN-b4abNhwcxtO9qNlwdSsj1mV-vzhAYkg-BYcFVf80f86kQhw5TMf1I2oxQXcTF1fSlo0IBf9plxlaZvIbO4WUKtIkTEp3elNXT/s1600/Screenshot-228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwd2Noe32iqsxFPfT5Lhu2CVT6iIUYbHGjJhWmYwSdN-b4abNhwcxtO9qNlwdSsj1mV-vzhAYkg-BYcFVf80f86kQhw5TMf1I2oxQXcTF1fSlo0IBf9plxlaZvIbO4WUKtIkTEp3elNXT/s400/Screenshot-228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
John nodded. He thought that maybe she too wanted to talk to Annabelle like everyone else. "Okay. I'll leave you to.." John chuckled a bit. "...yourself."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51HxRX0DqU-7oZTHyI54j4eIl8uGsF-x7cVssU9Xig5sC3_5lTfqEMKuQevX7S31I494uDDCxmTDG9S2Yjjb3Bt35h8K7gTTc-JV1DJP5o_tG1vkwrG4XZ7QJrZ1o28gO0kYjQ1lb5DzW/s1600/Screenshot-235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51HxRX0DqU-7oZTHyI54j4eIl8uGsF-x7cVssU9Xig5sC3_5lTfqEMKuQevX7S31I494uDDCxmTDG9S2Yjjb3Bt35h8K7gTTc-JV1DJP5o_tG1vkwrG4XZ7QJrZ1o28gO0kYjQ1lb5DzW/s400/Screenshot-235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mirabelle shot him an angry look as he left, but just to get him out quicker. John had rarely talked to her since the teleporter accident which split Annabelle into two different people, mostly because of the fact it was all his doing in the first place, but lately he had come around and, like that remark, had begun to make jokes about it. When John was gone, Mirabelle sat down on the chair and looked over to her doppelganger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLGg0tydPrpTF4n0pXuFwBVBMr3SBmkA2lXq-IA49oLSKfpo52d1klDNK0jb25XJDaBURftcWRMAaLtqF4dbGmoMF-_8dTxLKaPvNVPQ8JIGTi6Ybh7RuzRKRK-DGqvwYxzj0jf9mot1g/s1600/Screenshot-237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLGg0tydPrpTF4n0pXuFwBVBMr3SBmkA2lXq-IA49oLSKfpo52d1klDNK0jb25XJDaBURftcWRMAaLtqF4dbGmoMF-_8dTxLKaPvNVPQ8JIGTi6Ybh7RuzRKRK-DGqvwYxzj0jf9mot1g/s400/Screenshot-237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"So... whatcha dreaming about?"<br />
<br />
There was obviously no response, so Mirabelle continued. "If it's anything like the dreams you've had in the past, its' probably a good one, unless it's a nightmare in which case, wake up. Wakey wakey! I remember a dream I... we had when we were younger. I married Tom, because he kissed me in that old library lot we stood in after the explosion that nearly killed us. I always wondered to myself what happened after that, in the dream, of course. Did we have kids? Did I ever become a singer? Did... Kelly... ever profess her love and kiss me like she did?"<br />
<br />
Mirabelle then developed a saddened tone. "Now that I'm in a relationship with Kelly I consistently wonder if I am simply because you aren't. She loved you like she loves me. I know this for a fact, but I also love Tom. Man, a person can go insane thinking these things up. I can live a life you never did, and I don't know if that's good or bad! I don't want you to live a life you don't want to simply because I'm here! I'll always think that even if we both live our lives perfectly in every possible way!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS666FKaskszAaoSl_iWoKLI3lN9U_FvP2O3e-atIErVbKI8JRkRKdwuzRPlVcvpqafmmK-r_v5SP9uMIlHBy_kI0ivVylUcDmYQJdriwlAcuNK9AXMySJGn6rLt8iimGNjRfYSEYDP-H7/s1600/Screenshot-239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS666FKaskszAaoSl_iWoKLI3lN9U_FvP2O3e-atIErVbKI8JRkRKdwuzRPlVcvpqafmmK-r_v5SP9uMIlHBy_kI0ivVylUcDmYQJdriwlAcuNK9AXMySJGn6rLt8iimGNjRfYSEYDP-H7/s400/Screenshot-239.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After sitting in the chair, Mirabelle started to tussle around. "Sorry to change the subject but I don't see how you can sit in this thing, let alone have someone sleep in it." Mirabelle stood up and walked over to Annabelle's bed, lying down next to her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62cbiuixuiekZKIwi7KIlHv0W6vjsUxJrXqf17b-pP0NJlUHhML8fhhQ_-UkbqJPHU0chD9BCZFZoTa-LmygS4gueXwCI5T418KJ7dzL46vlyzHlMrCmKOmGCXdyvBlqX2OwqNqb5A8kj/s1600/Screenshot-241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62cbiuixuiekZKIwi7KIlHv0W6vjsUxJrXqf17b-pP0NJlUHhML8fhhQ_-UkbqJPHU0chD9BCZFZoTa-LmygS4gueXwCI5T418KJ7dzL46vlyzHlMrCmKOmGCXdyvBlqX2OwqNqb5A8kj/s400/Screenshot-241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She did this because Annabelle owned a new hovering bed, and since her back was aching she thought sleeping on air would do well to help it. As Mirabelle lied down next to her counterpart, she closed her eyes for a few moments and drifted off to sleep.<br />
<i>---------------------------</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB8r5kVF6m8QwIB2_so8O9I1Imp2lKTiExkIAsRBJFfMd6HOOo6Jyqb_CaiwBr_gX0YWsIQWGJjRNiJVYsPcA9OKsXGev-0zUsRpVDCmN3PFvmlffwfpY7kAnlAu54aodsdU8q0tXkJs3/s1600/Screenshot-179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB8r5kVF6m8QwIB2_so8O9I1Imp2lKTiExkIAsRBJFfMd6HOOo6Jyqb_CaiwBr_gX0YWsIQWGJjRNiJVYsPcA9OKsXGev-0zUsRpVDCmN3PFvmlffwfpY7kAnlAu54aodsdU8q0tXkJs3/s400/Screenshot-179.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A few days had passed since Gabriel's audition, and he was antsy about getting the part. Suddenly the phone rang and he ran to the kitchen to answer it, but Annabelle had reached it first. "Hello?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVzYQuQbhKrdmi0Y5asLolRrYI_K0j7RGwq4FK4y_y-lJx-HW7lnIxHwnxxBNarkNrRHkucJN1Oa44rSvQFSC0lSNzZ4Ol5U9E73k3G8fVbIZ70gRlfrMaZcCf9M_mVji2oxDFA7hm4QM/s1600/Screenshot-180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVzYQuQbhKrdmi0Y5asLolRrYI_K0j7RGwq4FK4y_y-lJx-HW7lnIxHwnxxBNarkNrRHkucJN1Oa44rSvQFSC0lSNzZ4Ol5U9E73k3G8fVbIZ70gRlfrMaZcCf9M_mVji2oxDFA7hm4QM/s400/Screenshot-180.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle stood there for a few moments, talking to the person on the other end of the line. "Yes, I understand. I'll tell him. Thanks for calling." She hung up the phone and looked at Gabriel. "Gabe... you got the part but-"<br />
<br />
Gabriel jumped with joy. This was the biggest news of his life, and couldn't help but thank anything he could for it. There was an unfortunate side-effect, however, that he couldn't get around. After hearing Annabelle tell him, he couldn't help but stop, think it over, and repeat her.<br />
<br />
"I have to move to Europe?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOO9DaeS4kzvZj7pG4OpkurLzQJ3FCKPKdbnndHfKhhuSDeIVuNJK_XlRRBLILgDFjAoIDWmYEqbEx-CwiKy_l6I3uj6s9frPcNgPbcuaGo19IrXfiUqA6ElB-KW59TNfblCUgH7DzPSo/s1600/Screenshot-184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOO9DaeS4kzvZj7pG4OpkurLzQJ3FCKPKdbnndHfKhhuSDeIVuNJK_XlRRBLILgDFjAoIDWmYEqbEx-CwiKy_l6I3uj6s9frPcNgPbcuaGo19IrXfiUqA6ElB-KW59TNfblCUgH7DzPSo/s400/Screenshot-184.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I'm afraid so." Annabelle said. "There's a high-class acting school there that you received a full scholarship from, but the travel conditions are only for you and one person alone. Full living conditions for two people. I'll let you chose what you want to do, son."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp0eYOw_GsnY9ENa9HCzJDRRenK5WiQhAv4WWi5ZmUkx-pRpGIYCVdY2Xgl1riwpf2miDMF_po7vGcp_3Qus8DdUhH6PkPwvwUJR7WDxXHDnTK2ApHXibZHeD_nUdQ_U40lODmOoI-af7/s1600/Screenshot-183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp0eYOw_GsnY9ENa9HCzJDRRenK5WiQhAv4WWi5ZmUkx-pRpGIYCVdY2Xgl1riwpf2miDMF_po7vGcp_3Qus8DdUhH6PkPwvwUJR7WDxXHDnTK2ApHXibZHeD_nUdQ_U40lODmOoI-af7/s400/Screenshot-183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I don't know what to do." he said, angrily. "I'll have to move across the world, with either you or dad and not have a chance to see the other?! That's unfair! It's like you two will separate because of me! I don't want that to happen! No!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ORsym3vs1jLwTEYUxnXkQYfh_PxvuKylsw9Nr6obAYCJJDbKi0CJ_swbyqUjhSRBo_I0irYB5Ic0Q_nmhZboUAgIXzoNbHjc4EroEJKTr0mxUPxyo669tWD16sqzpUeTacXFUrJxkam7/s1600/Screenshot-186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ORsym3vs1jLwTEYUxnXkQYfh_PxvuKylsw9Nr6obAYCJJDbKi0CJ_swbyqUjhSRBo_I0irYB5Ic0Q_nmhZboUAgIXzoNbHjc4EroEJKTr0mxUPxyo669tWD16sqzpUeTacXFUrJxkam7/s400/Screenshot-186.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle affectionately grabbed his arms and said "Gabe, please. Just... think it over. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you! Things will work out if they have to. Remember when I told you I wanted to be a singer, and never did? I never did anything I wanted to do when I was younger, and I don't know if that's good or bad.! I don't want you to live a life you never wanted to."<br />
<br />
Annabelle didn't know why she said that. Of course she wanted to live her life as it was, with Tom, with Gabriel, but had occasionally thought to herself '<i>What if I was a singer like I wanted to be?</i>'. Gabriel didn't seem affected by what she said, though, instead focusing on her saying "think about it.".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWogeeUq8hhT2r5aEiR-_6iUBP9P_LPmKA2TuXOmcP2zGRQqVgZkdc71apAx4Nq1THOjqlAmD_rHIuYf-9FC4ZLpZEL8J3sXgGwFjwn1VT2cns3lx4RhgGclCSoDTO6HCJDKInCTg5gfqv/s1600/Screenshot-187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWogeeUq8hhT2r5aEiR-_6iUBP9P_LPmKA2TuXOmcP2zGRQqVgZkdc71apAx4Nq1THOjqlAmD_rHIuYf-9FC4ZLpZEL8J3sXgGwFjwn1VT2cns3lx4RhgGclCSoDTO6HCJDKInCTg5gfqv/s400/Screenshot-187.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Okay. I will, mom. I'll think it over, because this is something I <i>really want</i>, and you don't get second chances on things like this." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05xErcdtEhrapHqjPLueAeFJhv-O3i_mNiCU3Rpx6RCtRbIzkjtNyddRmDMQx1QL1ZVs_2bkTfoh3dKAoBBQbvonv38SgAShuVZvJz3YP2Jagjzos4Xl6JhnsBbn4SDdU9scIgenNk_0E/s1600/Screenshot-188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05xErcdtEhrapHqjPLueAeFJhv-O3i_mNiCU3Rpx6RCtRbIzkjtNyddRmDMQx1QL1ZVs_2bkTfoh3dKAoBBQbvonv38SgAShuVZvJz3YP2Jagjzos4Xl6JhnsBbn4SDdU9scIgenNk_0E/s400/Screenshot-188.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When Gabriel walked out of the room, Annabelle looked over at herself in a mirror and wondered something. She then said, out-loud, "Yeah, I missed out when I was a teen, but who is stopping me now?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVThob_7gepT8DajEs_Zzxzh2gWVG74cPI_e_kk2XsPeZPJJSQPYw5ztFeGXprYe5zsIZFo5Apqtu9l_FAK81_uNpPT6DWk_MRYiVd4L9anLUIeAsIKm1vCA5rJGYZv38vqtcHw2mrdyl/s1600/Screenshot-189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVThob_7gepT8DajEs_Zzxzh2gWVG74cPI_e_kk2XsPeZPJJSQPYw5ztFeGXprYe5zsIZFo5Apqtu9l_FAK81_uNpPT6DWk_MRYiVd4L9anLUIeAsIKm1vCA5rJGYZv38vqtcHw2mrdyl/s400/Screenshot-189.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day Tom took Gabriel to a basketball game, allowing Annabelle to have some free time. She walked downtown to a business office and talked to the people working there responsible for careers, and asked if she could audition for a Backup Singer spot that had opened up in Starlight Shores recently. She thought that if she could get a nice job and move there, then Gabriel wouldn't have to worry about going to Europe, he could try in Starlight Shores and still live with his family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSMnM70ldngCKc9aFrYPIIaSi5nL2lqI9VG2_FADwqsl80zGenw07hAYdMRntNCrWzNKVylU9JeDVGuuVQKXsM0K4c4aHGKNLqKUCgULfbL93wbUCNVK1yrf_S-83Xi5r7QKP_T-UvcL4/s1600/Screenshot-191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSMnM70ldngCKc9aFrYPIIaSi5nL2lqI9VG2_FADwqsl80zGenw07hAYdMRntNCrWzNKVylU9JeDVGuuVQKXsM0K4c4aHGKNLqKUCgULfbL93wbUCNVK1yrf_S-83Xi5r7QKP_T-UvcL4/s400/Screenshot-191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The audition was short. It just so happened that the same people who ran Gabriel's audition were there running Annie's, and they had the same looks on their faces as before. The one in front, whose name was Mera, approached Annie after she sang and smiled at her. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFHgoC0ipMZy-mTYQDaqtMNt1__cpV5gkdZ9yK0O61Mhs7uVNmSCwB1HBuLBTBIuIST6a3qk92lQFYu5JayJoGuH4L4wtT_N1mgIru7flGHrzSIy204ZhLlQUYCgKqREa55Mo4UiFmJRj/s1600/Screenshot-192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFHgoC0ipMZy-mTYQDaqtMNt1__cpV5gkdZ9yK0O61Mhs7uVNmSCwB1HBuLBTBIuIST6a3qk92lQFYu5JayJoGuH4L4wtT_N1mgIru7flGHrzSIy204ZhLlQUYCgKqREa55Mo4UiFmJRj/s400/Screenshot-192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>---------------------------</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRGX_EzNiNqi6JhAEW12EFQjhjRlD4qD5Zv0l81x_rlGXpcGwvXj9JtYKMVfLe8wLYZ9bgvpjA14arwEOMM0eQj6AqpBt-VnXZ-7_vFUaGEUEb-5CoX8TZgjKToWJBJeXzKYa3AXUbh2N/s1600/Screenshot-242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRGX_EzNiNqi6JhAEW12EFQjhjRlD4qD5Zv0l81x_rlGXpcGwvXj9JtYKMVfLe8wLYZ9bgvpjA14arwEOMM0eQj6AqpBt-VnXZ-7_vFUaGEUEb-5CoX8TZgjKToWJBJeXzKYa3AXUbh2N/s400/Screenshot-242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
Mirabelle woke up and stood out of Annabelle's bed when she heard a knock on the door. She walked over to the door and opened it to see Scarlett standing at the doorway. She walked into the room and sat down on the chair without saying much, then looked up at Mirabelle.<br />
<br />
"John told me that he came in here and talked to Annabelle, and that made him feel a little better about the whole situation. I want to see if the same can happen with me."<br />
<br />
Mirabelle nodded. It seemed everyone wanted to have a one-sided talk with the sleeping Annie, for whatever reason it could be. She left the room and closed the door, letting Scarlett have time to herself, but not before saying "You know, with me and her in here just now, it's almost like we were alone."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPnFhp-IFn3PtqH7GIlEUP_IG1cNxgCVvwXk_sR5Jo0jJDhpi-tmzrsOgD4-oGHHQRPaMH-ryv8hGAPq_iiltNsHHxkHD2qYYJPtMvR5Im0RpWZPJIAuqupWQemj7X0g-BjPpzsFIBDRu/s1600/Screenshot-243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPnFhp-IFn3PtqH7GIlEUP_IG1cNxgCVvwXk_sR5Jo0jJDhpi-tmzrsOgD4-oGHHQRPaMH-ryv8hGAPq_iiltNsHHxkHD2qYYJPtMvR5Im0RpWZPJIAuqupWQemj7X0g-BjPpzsFIBDRu/s400/Screenshot-243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The red-haired woman half-smiled at her, then Mirabelle left completely. "Alone.", Scarlett said, "I hate that word. I hate it with all my passion. I hate being alone." She stood up and walked to the mirror. "If it wasn't for you, Annie, I would have felt alone all my life. You were the one who calmed me when I had my first rampage, you were the one who helped me talk to John you... I needed you my entire life. If you were never born, I don't know what I'd be today."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizJf-EOOEbZ7MxHBCKTfXPyAuUOzk1ye-r5Moh4dlVEsxrR4XHVCanOoCjVSejkA6wfTdbDoRUBXasZ2lz3kvPzj5qbPXWHqxsoSlBLUX2GwJeRR9q7Sy7hoVkPcvuMnUga5vARk4O40D/s1600/Screenshot-246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizJf-EOOEbZ7MxHBCKTfXPyAuUOzk1ye-r5Moh4dlVEsxrR4XHVCanOoCjVSejkA6wfTdbDoRUBXasZ2lz3kvPzj5qbPXWHqxsoSlBLUX2GwJeRR9q7Sy7hoVkPcvuMnUga5vARk4O40D/s400/Screenshot-246.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i> "I know you feel alone, Annie, being one of the only aliens on the world. I'm human, but as you know I sometimes feel alone myself. I always feel sad, and angry and I don't know how to deal with these emotions. It all stems back to when I found out that my parents died, I felt so, so alone in the world. I felt incomplete, knowing that there were others who had parents and I didn't. Lucky for me I found out just a few days before my seventh birthday party, huh? Isn't that all kinds of loveliness?" Scarlett lowered her head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOLZqjLUK8l0-uIiZOSdHcKUKx9lu-bgqfi1WuAIdQ_mANVoBFd9Xh3FYgTfrobJB6i9jvWJXeMPXdwj77kwhbSS9pe-eSbzk1C95ZHTq8C3Ps1dHuJpfMYMpWG2nP2T_2KZlbTm5ebvt/s1600/Screenshot-248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOLZqjLUK8l0-uIiZOSdHcKUKx9lu-bgqfi1WuAIdQ_mANVoBFd9Xh3FYgTfrobJB6i9jvWJXeMPXdwj77kwhbSS9pe-eSbzk1C95ZHTq8C3Ps1dHuJpfMYMpWG2nP2T_2KZlbTm5ebvt/s400/Screenshot-248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"That was when I realized that Aunt Mei and Uncle Elliot weren't my parents, and that my real parents died four years before. I remember going on what was possibly my first real rampage, destroying everything I could get my hands on... and I remember little after that... until you walked up to me and said something that I never forgot. You told me you loved me like a sister, and that I wasn't an incomplete person because we were all family, that I was never alone, and then you told me that your brother John..."<br />
<br />
Scarlett chuckled, then continued, "You told me John liked my rampage, it was 'cool' to him. I remember laughing, and crying. That's why I don't get angry much around you, or try not to, because I love you that much as a person, as my family. And that's why I want you to wake up." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2leRau-4GO6ZKxiGg3gicWMFuktJCPZ-24uhtgevHDxtYBq-cPAihpiYRANn4u9HxCWUC3SlDpnLCBbsLLu2a99dw3r0NMp0e297k_-qlO7h6nSPFPTawkR63RrUh7HQdymebCSdPMQW/s1600/Screenshot-244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2leRau-4GO6ZKxiGg3gicWMFuktJCPZ-24uhtgevHDxtYBq-cPAihpiYRANn4u9HxCWUC3SlDpnLCBbsLLu2a99dw3r0NMp0e297k_-qlO7h6nSPFPTawkR63RrUh7HQdymebCSdPMQW/s400/Screenshot-244.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Your family could use you right now, just like I needed you." Scarlett stood up after hearing a knock on the door, and then said one final thing to her sleeping friend. "And I want you to know, from me, that you'll never be alone. Never."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ckVBigoe0vrIK8sKBvUlsWLghvJkT3qO3BRuwrTCb9EAoGLdG8-BaY-2LzVemCWrN25q3Unj855pKBp0d0IlBr6zwH-UXAQzo2Y5vxDAmZATwY3CzfrW3UA76F-mNCYg1YXXfX93GV25/s1600/Screenshot-247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ckVBigoe0vrIK8sKBvUlsWLghvJkT3qO3BRuwrTCb9EAoGLdG8-BaY-2LzVemCWrN25q3Unj855pKBp0d0IlBr6zwH-UXAQzo2Y5vxDAmZATwY3CzfrW3UA76F-mNCYg1YXXfX93GV25/s400/Screenshot-247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
----------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicQdf1hTryGbQsvDmpx4BdSYkINqBrXKwWPcRXYfT6wtBQm3S-o1cMVQXTiDYmsW1PiykaFDmh_t0sHVqaJPXh4vZ6ocbBHWXffg1hYw_MeVVRspuUhGwkQ7a4qsgmUZd8DCbv_fP2uzq/s1600/Screenshot-311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicQdf1hTryGbQsvDmpx4BdSYkINqBrXKwWPcRXYfT6wtBQm3S-o1cMVQXTiDYmsW1PiykaFDmh_t0sHVqaJPXh4vZ6ocbBHWXffg1hYw_MeVVRspuUhGwkQ7a4qsgmUZd8DCbv_fP2uzq/s400/Screenshot-311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle ran out of the office building with a joy on her face. "I got the job!" Annabelle yelled out to the town, letting everyone in the vicinity know that she was hired for a singer job, one that she'd been wanting to get since she was younger. Annabelle laughed and smiled as she read the contract, but then... her smile faded. She looked at the contract again, and again, and again. Annabelle saw one condition for her having to go to Starlight Shores: Because of the bizarre scheduling, the tight living quarters, and multiple other reasons... she had to go alone, without Tom or Gabriel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziHoVxSt2YBvgM27Yaev4k0BjwU0D_pMhhqyD3aNKiQxy2T3WfEOjNPJqKDKNrhWvRgT0zjYFg-MvgY2N-rQYCb9EJdM_ScRflzPRDnYWO-90UXPMtta220XJT3fN5mOm4Z64hrhy5aRn/s1600/Screenshot-312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziHoVxSt2YBvgM27Yaev4k0BjwU0D_pMhhqyD3aNKiQxy2T3WfEOjNPJqKDKNrhWvRgT0zjYFg-MvgY2N-rQYCb9EJdM_ScRflzPRDnYWO-90UXPMtta220XJT3fN5mOm4Z64hrhy5aRn/s400/Screenshot-312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The notion hit her terribly. On the one hand, she'd wanted to be a singer since she was born, pretty much. Everything about her life was leading up to being a Singer, a star. She imagined that she would be one at the moment if she had never got together with Tom. And with the money her family would never have to worry about financial troubles again. On the other hand... nothing about this made sense. It was completely unreal! Why would she have to leave everyone behind to go to Starlight Shores? It's because of them that she went for the job in the first place!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBap3QL5v9UaMQWkd_Y4qTanYcG7QiRwk_8yD6GC3Tr3WNdFE_pYCgQAd6rNge-GSbQA2hEDnurh8fYfMmhSAbaN9tWRYLVMSaO2UtPUt-JbpBSeM1vrZ_D0cYlbLuFUMqh5ih84vF0HwN/s1600/Screenshot-313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBap3QL5v9UaMQWkd_Y4qTanYcG7QiRwk_8yD6GC3Tr3WNdFE_pYCgQAd6rNge-GSbQA2hEDnurh8fYfMmhSAbaN9tWRYLVMSaO2UtPUt-JbpBSeM1vrZ_D0cYlbLuFUMqh5ih84vF0HwN/s400/Screenshot-313.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
She then ran across town in anger, finally stopping at an old attraction in the outskirts of town. "No. No I... I can't leave my family. I can't do this! What the hell? Why do I have to leave them behind? Why do I have to go? Who is making me go? I don't want to go!"<br />
<br />
"You should."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXkia9mWOchUxl51Uib1xixGdx9tAhEfe8XXm00hQvey4RnluWv0iWyoXvuoV7_mvmJxocp8sZ0VXieoRIyP7jdkXutymH-wqoiX84TPNjRPaC_BeahbLs8WmPS6f9kz4Z4etMxUZgWMM/s1600/Screenshot-314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXkia9mWOchUxl51Uib1xixGdx9tAhEfe8XXm00hQvey4RnluWv0iWyoXvuoV7_mvmJxocp8sZ0VXieoRIyP7jdkXutymH-wqoiX84TPNjRPaC_BeahbLs8WmPS6f9kz4Z4etMxUZgWMM/s400/Screenshot-314.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle turned around sadly and saw her husband standing behind her. He had a bit if a smile on his face, but it looked pained. "You should go, Annie. Starlight Shores could use you right now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMYRz0E5lRMRtuVATHfHUPmliakVO96p0ChPCRDDahBv5Q_Ab2xmqCSOcKvyxO2_J4n9z4zbpdQNqo__O3pSngye5ey4uwJUPmmerm6pEWlVZ8ilkxZZxuj1TJ0ANvhSKaSnzhpGRWtYn/s1600/Screenshot-315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMYRz0E5lRMRtuVATHfHUPmliakVO96p0ChPCRDDahBv5Q_Ab2xmqCSOcKvyxO2_J4n9z4zbpdQNqo__O3pSngye5ey4uwJUPmmerm6pEWlVZ8ilkxZZxuj1TJ0ANvhSKaSnzhpGRWtYn/s400/Screenshot-315.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Tom? I didn't know you were here. Look... these people, they're calling me to go to Starlight Shores, but they want me to go without you. I would be so alone there. So... incomplete."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWDX29yX5TzgdWT-N8VGTBQ9fJCiOeLcO1e9Vzr3umU8kM_7OGGAppJ561KF0C07sj7C-paREvFiRbJLLjdtKBSX7RCZAyNs24emv1iQIzSQcKidmfM0N7oT5MVs1cVfh8aBv2abDpWou/s1600/Screenshot-316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWDX29yX5TzgdWT-N8VGTBQ9fJCiOeLcO1e9Vzr3umU8kM_7OGGAppJ561KF0C07sj7C-paREvFiRbJLLjdtKBSX7RCZAyNs24emv1iQIzSQcKidmfM0N7oT5MVs1cVfh8aBv2abDpWou/s400/Screenshot-316.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tom hugged her. "It's something you have to do, Annie. As long as you have memories of us, you'll never be incomplete. You'll never be alone, Annie... never."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop1w9wOdrSzePt_bTm_U8zf0vqng6GtYtljKuckyNAY0l32G0utBitNU3DGOVIcpIyVuFXKZ-iFi-x13QYVx9xYaJf3wgk2kYYZ6ar6X-ySaIWWyI_wDKHs5Dvs535hWjxtRAWAVll5nm/s1600/Screenshot-318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop1w9wOdrSzePt_bTm_U8zf0vqng6GtYtljKuckyNAY0l32G0utBitNU3DGOVIcpIyVuFXKZ-iFi-x13QYVx9xYaJf3wgk2kYYZ6ar6X-ySaIWWyI_wDKHs5Dvs535hWjxtRAWAVll5nm/s400/Screenshot-318.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I love you."<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiU6xOOPf7QB4TpIprFaqw615CRAhViKo_n4b8rr0ajkJa_oO1H3qgkAvf1GT49XY5wtQYv8uzPEZ-k68M0TzLyY-QrYwi12rk7R2hACfMcW8GWydkMgcQdVWl_Qn3ItvstLV87iv7xKP/s1600/Screenshot-249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiU6xOOPf7QB4TpIprFaqw615CRAhViKo_n4b8rr0ajkJa_oO1H3qgkAvf1GT49XY5wtQYv8uzPEZ-k68M0TzLyY-QrYwi12rk7R2hACfMcW8GWydkMgcQdVWl_Qn3ItvstLV87iv7xKP/s400/Screenshot-249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_jfKfN0fTed05-3vVq-5YpjNsTZGt85mJehlRyOKuWGYShccrlt_N7SST5DK-IQuP9IylL3KbZ4hZWbBr0Lq396dn6cWqLQRFOpoPvx8_ZKrKOwjJE1tjGJzEIoutyQJB0D3vOu8wfWm/s1600/Screenshot-250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_jfKfN0fTed05-3vVq-5YpjNsTZGt85mJehlRyOKuWGYShccrlt_N7SST5DK-IQuP9IylL3KbZ4hZWbBr0Lq396dn6cWqLQRFOpoPvx8_ZKrKOwjJE1tjGJzEIoutyQJB0D3vOu8wfWm/s400/Screenshot-250.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scarlett, tired from being awake all night, started to walk out of the room to get Tom, but when she opened the door she saw Keera standing there. The teen had been sitting outside her room all night watching everyone walk in and out of Annabelle's room, and wanted to get in on the bandwagon. Scarlett silently let her in and left the room herself, letting Keera have a few minutes alone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0h826-xr1w0hThIjtwFE4QxxYiSNVWVIoJR4Ju7prGaWJZd9fMBkOA4Uq_-qkdouUQtz5LjRVU7Hhtwb4Hr_SugPWLsnx0tiY54Yek7cQXBD8hQO9DYr4o6QXe5Cvj-ITEuPB5eNfY8KC/s1600/Screenshot-254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0h826-xr1w0hThIjtwFE4QxxYiSNVWVIoJR4Ju7prGaWJZd9fMBkOA4Uq_-qkdouUQtz5LjRVU7Hhtwb4Hr_SugPWLsnx0tiY54Yek7cQXBD8hQO9DYr4o6QXe5Cvj-ITEuPB5eNfY8KC/s400/Screenshot-254.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93mdNPgcN4CxCYVHbAu-l5U_zGEQ0GiA_pRuWkRCLbAGmEKRzepTx0MLBxOm-1d4Se5VrLm12dns-RjBl5rX684L_5mvxe-lXVJaG6d5JZ6PliOxd_ix_xwO2fQzNK7ZOxBMGbq_LjOIk/s1600/Screenshot-253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93mdNPgcN4CxCYVHbAu-l5U_zGEQ0GiA_pRuWkRCLbAGmEKRzepTx0MLBxOm-1d4Se5VrLm12dns-RjBl5rX684L_5mvxe-lXVJaG6d5JZ6PliOxd_ix_xwO2fQzNK7ZOxBMGbq_LjOIk/s400/Screenshot-253.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera sat there for a time in silence. She didn't know that everyone else was coming by and talking to her, just that everyone was coming by. She thought it was a good idea to talk to her as she slept, she read that helps the brain develop during a deep sleep and help the slumbering person's thought capacity in the long run. After a short time contemplating it, she decided "what the hell?" and leaned forward to talk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_2eO8ULgB7p2DiEeLjzlX-ucHr2POKorEdzxpAsvz7k5pLljxfhhakagZOM9NQ9iMFQkNc09J_2xgliiGAzMM2og1nL7FanjGDlE-jRF0oL4Gf71vDBV-RIAEv27gPmZdYHYr_rkqS5z/s1600/Screenshot-255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_2eO8ULgB7p2DiEeLjzlX-ucHr2POKorEdzxpAsvz7k5pLljxfhhakagZOM9NQ9iMFQkNc09J_2xgliiGAzMM2og1nL7FanjGDlE-jRF0oL4Gf71vDBV-RIAEv27gPmZdYHYr_rkqS5z/s400/Screenshot-255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Hey mom. I... don't know what to say here. I mean, you're asleep because you were caught in an explosion, something that I can deeply, deeply relate to. What do I say? What do I do? First of all, I love you mom. I will always, but that's a given, I'm your daughter. I may be a genetic clone of you, but that doesn't change the fact that I am your daughter in my soul. If it helps you out of this deep sleep, let me tell you that everything you've done since I was, quote-unquote 'born', has helped me grow up to be the person I am, good or bad. I am who I am because of your determination as a mother, as a friend, as every positive role model I could possibly need in my life."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhFA04xNfHjtUgabnJhjfhNeFGj7PBxhYpsxb9_bH7_BPEV-WmWwA-2yyOKnKZXljUDWmdRnQcA55b9tw3Uih9FJOjcX80IPan0TTfXDjrkRMN5sjz7wUu6L_dR7gflda8bgx8miy_fSa/s1600/Screenshot-256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhFA04xNfHjtUgabnJhjfhNeFGj7PBxhYpsxb9_bH7_BPEV-WmWwA-2yyOKnKZXljUDWmdRnQcA55b9tw3Uih9FJOjcX80IPan0TTfXDjrkRMN5sjz7wUu6L_dR7gflda8bgx8miy_fSa/s400/Screenshot-256.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Let me tell you something that I never told anyone. When I was in that explosion, when I called out to your name, I saw you. I saw you cry on the floor of the house back in Hidden Springs. I don't know how, I don't know why, but I think we have some connection that goes beyond family, to the impossible. I can feel what you feel sometimes, know what you know..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cP9okHW-9aFIIcQ-QkBtt4JegJTtJOKQTiCq01qNfwNVXkKNYqom3PhqWtVWjgTTAqMBgjAr4u6ybHHwdceVDtF2ZCc8Z6HjIRGfU7vLdqAsLaGK1J_vWz1IkqKGW8fyWIDM4JL6qkW4/s1600/Screenshot-252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cP9okHW-9aFIIcQ-QkBtt4JegJTtJOKQTiCq01qNfwNVXkKNYqom3PhqWtVWjgTTAqMBgjAr4u6ybHHwdceVDtF2ZCc8Z6HjIRGfU7vLdqAsLaGK1J_vWz1IkqKGW8fyWIDM4JL6qkW4/s400/Screenshot-252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"...like a psychic line that's threaded out between us, and that link is making me ask you to please, please wake up. please come back to us. I know whatever you're dreaming of is a <i>great</i> dream. I feel wonderful emotions when I look at you sleeping right now, so it has to be great, but <b>please</b> come back to reality. <i>Let my voice carry you home</i>. Please? I need you. I need my mother."</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-------------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DNN6_rRql1vd_9o5IeFhnpaShaL-N1yUA8wz0ArtzhK6g3DxwYL4Zq7bAwjIgu60rkJwjozM3eLWdhdscfjOqwM0e3NvRTDeO_x2XqRloJG3p_5ptcMTAPWz8ZCSfRy7ClNjudHd3oDA/s1600/Screenshot-196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DNN6_rRql1vd_9o5IeFhnpaShaL-N1yUA8wz0ArtzhK6g3DxwYL4Zq7bAwjIgu60rkJwjozM3eLWdhdscfjOqwM0e3NvRTDeO_x2XqRloJG3p_5ptcMTAPWz8ZCSfRy7ClNjudHd3oDA/s400/Screenshot-196.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle looked up and saw the bus schedule. It had been a few days since she got the job offer, which gave her ample time to say goodbye to everyone she knew, and gave Gabriel enough time think over his own traveling predicament. When she first told Gabriel what was going on, she could have sworn she heard him cry. She hugged him close, slept in his room on a chair one night, and had spent the entire day before going through their family photos together. Annabelle didn't want to leave him, or have him leave her for Europe, but felt compelled to. It was a surrealistic feeling that overcame every other emotion that she had, that she needed to get on that bus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJswj2-Y8xWYNsmkZKLPJe2olK0WZwJUz-pCEOaVPRVmQ8EaLNMHbm2QNKHD6Hl1ajeHcNgPryzOi_Fx5VVmiTZMdkjjpo68Cl7OWpsJMpBz-xaaGRgwtjGQEG8MmxEUD6nafVjqfO-zC/s1600/Screenshot-198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJswj2-Y8xWYNsmkZKLPJe2olK0WZwJUz-pCEOaVPRVmQ8EaLNMHbm2QNKHD6Hl1ajeHcNgPryzOi_Fx5VVmiTZMdkjjpo68Cl7OWpsJMpBz-xaaGRgwtjGQEG8MmxEUD6nafVjqfO-zC/s400/Screenshot-198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
When the bus finally came into the station, Annabelle noticed that the name of the bus was "<b><i>Keera's Voice</i></b>", and thought that was a strange enough name for a vehicle but didn't think much of it. She quickly turned around and hugged Gabriel, and both were on the verge of tears.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wH65DEn3HkzM8pvSGQ2YEx1v3txPyXt-11YQXujpCC_y-1PjY-p-fpfZn_tNBirgfPrPxjsaDS97daxJakDV5SUS1IANmW7rW1yYwlf47rCUgYEtQEqsiJjyNHQKDaXe5MS6f3maTXaN/s1600/Screenshot-197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wH65DEn3HkzM8pvSGQ2YEx1v3txPyXt-11YQXujpCC_y-1PjY-p-fpfZn_tNBirgfPrPxjsaDS97daxJakDV5SUS1IANmW7rW1yYwlf47rCUgYEtQEqsiJjyNHQKDaXe5MS6f3maTXaN/s400/Screenshot-197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With her leaving for Starlight Shores and him leaving for a special acting school on the other side of the world, it would be a long, long time until they ever saw each other again. <i> Annabelle continued to hug her son, and a tear fell down her face. "I love you. So, so much. I will never forget you, my dearest son. Please never forget me. Promise me this."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I promise, mom."</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i><b>"All aboard for Starlight Shores!" </b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTnJr16Cy8HEQxFPIq61MNYhC1zlCVisAuSjxhkpBr4S2lu0z0bMtfmtD-OT4F_6W5dPo3x_BVBTuT0qXekwqgY3iTKJ4o9f6yA7mfLX_dBrWFgsqmbVXB0i0uqTx633pSCQrJmFgPEOS/s1600/bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTnJr16Cy8HEQxFPIq61MNYhC1zlCVisAuSjxhkpBr4S2lu0z0bMtfmtD-OT4F_6W5dPo3x_BVBTuT0qXekwqgY3iTKJ4o9f6yA7mfLX_dBrWFgsqmbVXB0i0uqTx633pSCQrJmFgPEOS/s400/bus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Annabelle turned and walked away from Gabriel, smiling at him. She was still crying though, and didn't stop until she had boarded the bus, walked over to the nearest seat, and lied down for a nap. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6lJLDDy6dZ5T8Yq7NiMVamYlPuMnaUPxXJosqTvzXtAvNJQmADZ1mJCHt_0hG0VqmUHy0Qv4IVwEHiV6xiuNp2AcazqLHZleJzEGHsCwGc2ZcF59AQzRpcKoOB0JO2jgKkJVTH8WVMPg/s1600/dream+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6lJLDDy6dZ5T8Yq7NiMVamYlPuMnaUPxXJosqTvzXtAvNJQmADZ1mJCHt_0hG0VqmUHy0Qv4IVwEHiV6xiuNp2AcazqLHZleJzEGHsCwGc2ZcF59AQzRpcKoOB0JO2jgKkJVTH8WVMPg/s400/dream+end.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>And then suddenly, the world around her went white...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
-------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhqswrPPq8hh0oOeJA6w1v8vOHb7J1TZq1aFhckhcPFFgT7N1PhHnxj7A-9icEAm_qVaGfPJvDmZSCqftnk0n4Mg-LXm75HqCYfVvmv4DJ6h7ZElqURyMpWMW8-jn1LndAraYyLq_Bzxu/s1600/Screenshot-259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhqswrPPq8hh0oOeJA6w1v8vOHb7J1TZq1aFhckhcPFFgT7N1PhHnxj7A-9icEAm_qVaGfPJvDmZSCqftnk0n4Mg-LXm75HqCYfVvmv4DJ6h7ZElqURyMpWMW8-jn1LndAraYyLq_Bzxu/s400/Screenshot-259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After tossing and turning in her bed, Annabelle opened her eyes to Keera, who was smiling. "Mom? You're okay! You're awake! Keera happily stood up and walked to the door. "Everyone, she's awake! She's okay!"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh_AQThnXqoYLV2_EBVWYdrX8FN4zLMZ_anjJbsQKaCYWjGYAosu51NrGgNE47sHUS8pLWcavetoZJJJ-CObUIEJA1Sy-UN1FCy9VQHsnR7rv7WieVpkYcmXYk2x5CVBmgeVabfYtXUB_/s1600/Screenshot-261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh_AQThnXqoYLV2_EBVWYdrX8FN4zLMZ_anjJbsQKaCYWjGYAosu51NrGgNE47sHUS8pLWcavetoZJJJ-CObUIEJA1Sy-UN1FCy9VQHsnR7rv7WieVpkYcmXYk2x5CVBmgeVabfYtXUB_/s320/Screenshot-261.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Annabelle stood up out of the bed, still dizzy from her experience. "Gabe, where's... Gabe?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH9pq9v0sPe0-YhGo3wlU6CKOT0maNkPXBHVuRmer2BQ9I4dADw02MleZYuwIaxHu4qr2vMw6cq0QzjHGSjtHdDAKS3oQvcg73VdNGztDHv2Qrb8DwiU7gDXznJhktNb2QpfBAacXrABs/s1600/Screenshot-262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH9pq9v0sPe0-YhGo3wlU6CKOT0maNkPXBHVuRmer2BQ9I4dADw02MleZYuwIaxHu4qr2vMw6cq0QzjHGSjtHdDAKS3oQvcg73VdNGztDHv2Qrb8DwiU7gDXznJhktNb2QpfBAacXrABs/s400/Screenshot-262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Who?" Keera asked, as everyone walked in. Annabelle looked around and recognized her room. She recognized Keera, Tom, and Scarlett, and everyone else who showed worry on their faces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQfr4hQN_tlK4YYkGoy0NeQwXr9zVsCVkWLTdklPUKHp0fef7JMdZC1BAECszmKW1M-rnY4S7t9F375zQrv83JTW6hhBRna33OZAZNgoj0oT0YFV2O8IA9Hb2w9FJsO-81NWPC3xn3cvt/s1600/Screenshot-264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQfr4hQN_tlK4YYkGoy0NeQwXr9zVsCVkWLTdklPUKHp0fef7JMdZC1BAECszmKW1M-rnY4S7t9F375zQrv83JTW6hhBRna33OZAZNgoj0oT0YFV2O8IA9Hb2w9FJsO-81NWPC3xn3cvt/s400/Screenshot-264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkg4aQlujXuVbrtLLiCkM46dLMoCWEFIB0KTB2JWgbSpZWL00Ddvc61NxiruDPZbLVz10TZp1BJjN7sqsKx3MXPxGhpF_1Evz8pgQmMipEY_eKRws6B9nfP5GGhkRTzEVIKdBHa8yYQYI/s1600/Screenshot-263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkg4aQlujXuVbrtLLiCkM46dLMoCWEFIB0KTB2JWgbSpZWL00Ddvc61NxiruDPZbLVz10TZp1BJjN7sqsKx3MXPxGhpF_1Evz8pgQmMipEY_eKRws6B9nfP5GGhkRTzEVIKdBHa8yYQYI/s400/Screenshot-263.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly reality hit her, and she lowered her head. "Uh... no one." she said, sadly. "No one at all." <br />
---------------<br />
<br />
An hour had passed and Annabelle was up and walking around. She still felt a bit of pain in her chest, where the blast hit her the hardest, and continued to tell herself that was the only reason she had pain there, and not heartbreak from losing a world that she felt so complete in.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdvCbepDyvW9IWLyuRu7XfCXTR4cIuzOvb099BkIc3AnNDOCFvuEzApNH0GDbAtiV8DHgjIMw-fWmrQQVJShyF1ueUB6z2iQa3jKdcXXuk8rDxoX4mGzRthyphenhyphenAZGw8qg7kwCiwKqly7fvn/s1600/Screenshot-267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdvCbepDyvW9IWLyuRu7XfCXTR4cIuzOvb099BkIc3AnNDOCFvuEzApNH0GDbAtiV8DHgjIMw-fWmrQQVJShyF1ueUB6z2iQa3jKdcXXuk8rDxoX4mGzRthyphenhyphenAZGw8qg7kwCiwKqly7fvn/s400/Screenshot-267.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
In the bathroom, Annabelle looked at herself in the mirror, noticing the bruises on her face that seemed similar to the ones she had when she was a teenager after <i>that </i>explosion. Tom stood beside her as he had for the past hour, ready to catch her if she fell, but she smiled at him. "I need a minute to myself, okay?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO9jLO0tQ1u8prR8Eio99mdxLcVgtd-Yjn8w6vVjOw-LRAXhIYRRndHR3cTR87WRrIiR7q30jEqX3eeszFwZXfoZp0M3DnCkapCDJD1RIXVnb5zoGXGNS0_ejWjl5f2qnUDKXbcR6VjtP/s1600/Screenshot-266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO9jLO0tQ1u8prR8Eio99mdxLcVgtd-Yjn8w6vVjOw-LRAXhIYRRndHR3cTR87WRrIiR7q30jEqX3eeszFwZXfoZp0M3DnCkapCDJD1RIXVnb5zoGXGNS0_ejWjl5f2qnUDKXbcR6VjtP/s400/Screenshot-266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom nodded. "If there's anything you need, I'll be right outside." He said. Annabelle smiled, and looked at him as he left, then when he was out of the room she glanced back to the mirror, seeing a faint image of her dream-self in her own facial features. She missed Gabriel, and the relationship she had with Tom, but then again it was "only a dream".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrEkNgJiCAAoqtjr2XDPwBjNcE_d4DN19tnVLwlOKqLByypiyQw-brW_S4nItjtwmohamtKbTVnxzY8feVdzy4o7c5hcn8yh9a-ovt2jr_8zpAriEROTTL4DzEcZJm3Izs7SVmxPV8FSq/s1600/Screenshot-268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrEkNgJiCAAoqtjr2XDPwBjNcE_d4DN19tnVLwlOKqLByypiyQw-brW_S4nItjtwmohamtKbTVnxzY8feVdzy4o7c5hcn8yh9a-ovt2jr_8zpAriEROTTL4DzEcZJm3Izs7SVmxPV8FSq/s400/Screenshot-268.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QY6eBKXw78tnaKYyX8Y6qgtHZuSBRYUly74GnkVihluJEkhFJgGJNYQl62qaYcLNlVEwtOu_49ynXx6zNMDAojZehdBkk10cOKzUm19jP9v_-4CS6Ceeq2AM1NZoCTyKjny_ps2ESvOD/s1600/Screenshot-272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QY6eBKXw78tnaKYyX8Y6qgtHZuSBRYUly74GnkVihluJEkhFJgGJNYQl62qaYcLNlVEwtOu_49ynXx6zNMDAojZehdBkk10cOKzUm19jP9v_-4CS6Ceeq2AM1NZoCTyKjny_ps2ESvOD/s400/Screenshot-272.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With this thought, Annabelle washed her hands and left the bathroom, unable to give herself any semblance of closure after that experience. She then calmly walked into her bedroom, changed her clothes, and stood next to a wall.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomKep-TIJLB6h6ptTzHCnm06P50RlTlKjq-cuT8g47C1LnK4pT0fuys1mJbhkKIBiREXFseOrlb06tjOb3d1D-EReIJHhFEvv0R334lKNIB2s4SbeCWl6D2oiK16ppMwUQFf3Vr-LuGHF/s1600/Screenshot-273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomKep-TIJLB6h6ptTzHCnm06P50RlTlKjq-cuT8g47C1LnK4pT0fuys1mJbhkKIBiREXFseOrlb06tjOb3d1D-EReIJHhFEvv0R334lKNIB2s4SbeCWl6D2oiK16ppMwUQFf3Vr-LuGHF/s400/Screenshot-273.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Why don't I live in that world? Why did I have to wake up? It was perfect, and beautiful... here I'm just... me. Injured old me." In a bout of anger, Annabelle smashed her hand against her bedroom wall, prompting a recording device to fall from the ceiling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOad9QLxNiJYP6XwNvo49MzxCf-YbNIxxi8TKHhKdzaWvFzpzpyicsb9YmfevKEFOkZ2_Q7VY0rvEv_hZGqeVix06yUjbv1QA5Z8wBFSejQiIEbTzjxSr6yFa6HcVmSOUCnxMS-5AN_N-/s1600/Screenshot-274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOad9QLxNiJYP6XwNvo49MzxCf-YbNIxxi8TKHhKdzaWvFzpzpyicsb9YmfevKEFOkZ2_Q7VY0rvEv_hZGqeVix06yUjbv1QA5Z8wBFSejQiIEbTzjxSr6yFa6HcVmSOUCnxMS-5AN_N-/s400/Screenshot-274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She then remembered that she had an audio recorder installed in her bedroom as part of a security measure. Something in her mind prompted her to listen to the audio from the last twelve hours, as she had slept, so she walked over to her computer and plugged the device into a USB port, skipping ahead to the current date and deleting certain files from a couple nights before. <br />
<br />
------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtQz36q3CL0bgEGTe-pTCQHL7ggf_37SabaN2l3cUuecmDbDH62Q6eN5VVmf5p6RivdK01T9D7HkzS48DvlcnuZTSepYF3LjRwSD1p38NXJQ_8CsHWLLa6EpP_c-Kagmu1JrLKT4QVHok/s1600/Screenshot-275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtQz36q3CL0bgEGTe-pTCQHL7ggf_37SabaN2l3cUuecmDbDH62Q6eN5VVmf5p6RivdK01T9D7HkzS48DvlcnuZTSepYF3LjRwSD1p38NXJQ_8CsHWLLa6EpP_c-Kagmu1JrLKT4QVHok/s400/Screenshot-275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle walked out of her bedroom with tears in her eyes, but this time of happiness. She had just listened recordings of everyone talking to her as she slept. She thought she needed the world she imagined, but now she knew that everyone needed her in reality, including someone that her son had taken the place of in her dream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgkpt4FLrjx2hoCrT277SSmvYpiQYONslp3l-mR5kiTtEMJPyZPU7rPZZD_M0uBMYz_bz7lHNGHGVRUplwFwvkJs5P-zJDwEsIEJN6dO46wg9JqTSiHhsoNjjiXkvYVJChODXVCUEQ332/s1600/Screenshot-276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgkpt4FLrjx2hoCrT277SSmvYpiQYONslp3l-mR5kiTtEMJPyZPU7rPZZD_M0uBMYz_bz7lHNGHGVRUplwFwvkJs5P-zJDwEsIEJN6dO46wg9JqTSiHhsoNjjiXkvYVJChODXVCUEQ332/s400/Screenshot-276.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Keera was in her room continuing to look up on the Genie Lamp, despite the fact that Tom had told her to take a break on it until Annabelle was back to being 100 percent. She heard a noise, and smiled when she saw Annabelle standing in her bedroom. "Hey mom, feeling any better?"<br />
<br />
"A little, thanks. Keera, I have a question. Have you ever thought about getting into acting? It's just, I've always wanted a child who wanted to act, and at the moment, you're my only child."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tMYpWGbmVquVovP2HQmoEmcDknA5LhERFcRcqi80fOfpGBw4yUAnWlOX15EwAv4ANazHIp_ZmBZv6k8zAy7aeXw9abUNl70kD1DUZKV6x1QtozMvMnBgM63xvsHFKJOL4Rllec34RxtP/s1600/Screenshot-278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tMYpWGbmVquVovP2HQmoEmcDknA5LhERFcRcqi80fOfpGBw4yUAnWlOX15EwAv4ANazHIp_ZmBZv6k8zAy7aeXw9abUNl70kD1DUZKV6x1QtozMvMnBgM63xvsHFKJOL4Rllec34RxtP/s400/Screenshot-278.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Keera stood up and smiled. "Yes, sometimes. In fact there's a new school play I was thinking of auditioning for." Keera and Annabelle continued talking about Keera's audition, and talked for hours about numerous other things.<br />
<br />
All the while Annabelle thought to herself that even though she never lived the great life with Tom like in her dream, she still had a pretty good life here in the real world, and she should make the most of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3pNAlWDuFDNVE2FpfC02R7MSPDjHCFMYa9u15Bng92IWXzbBh-tQOV1uGccUBWeQxQQMrphgkw3rlHOhA-Xz8Cb2axxWIKv8YE59WT1rWIo6qpKBhtbehANVxwkzq2XokcbMlvxTn2zx/s1600/Screenshot-279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3pNAlWDuFDNVE2FpfC02R7MSPDjHCFMYa9u15Bng92IWXzbBh-tQOV1uGccUBWeQxQQMrphgkw3rlHOhA-Xz8Cb2axxWIKv8YE59WT1rWIo6qpKBhtbehANVxwkzq2XokcbMlvxTn2zx/s400/Screenshot-279.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-50391351933306910122012-08-14T16:28:00.001-05:002012-11-12T03:27:40.702-06:00Chapter Twenty-Eight - Beneficiaries<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<i>The interrogation room was cold, and empty. The lone man sitting in the room looked to his left at the mirror that was hiding presumably a few police officers and SWAT teams if need be. He didn't care. He realized his time was ending on this world. Suddenly the door opened to the cold room, and the man didn't show any emotion on his face when a woman walked in, putting a file on the desk in front of him before sitting down herself.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0QXi4jfDd2lmJ1I-XB3UJFup8D50XRNn2eitua6_FxTakikYdVSdMPDHYgfey-LEE_FLkWrbA7v4qWD19P9VYSCnT77K1uUFqPnvfgMPTjM-2jMrR5KBC6sbHruqZSm6hz5G3eYgeO5b/s1600/Screenshot-77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0QXi4jfDd2lmJ1I-XB3UJFup8D50XRNn2eitua6_FxTakikYdVSdMPDHYgfey-LEE_FLkWrbA7v4qWD19P9VYSCnT77K1uUFqPnvfgMPTjM-2jMrR5KBC6sbHruqZSm6hz5G3eYgeO5b/s400/Screenshot-77.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Kelly has connections with the police department. You remember Kelly, right? She remembers you. After you kidnapped me she said she would love to get her hands around your throat. Quite frankly I don't blame her.", </i><i>Annabelle said. "They let me come in and interrogate you myself. So I'll be good cop, bad cop, or painful cop. And the Starlight Shores Finest will look the other way if I have to resort to the third option, not just on my behalf, but everyone you've hurt in the past. You've made a lot of enemies, Jack, including me."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium9Pi2yI5T7BUr86wXT-2q-ayK4WHf1myEakfKIil-93fMEGvjYbo_L6U92r3_sjkM-I5EvUrFppME0o7koJJ4wmAlMvnOJRboM7ZlvzhQS8MwSl_t8YINdq_CLrZ_Y3BKl8hVGiQez7i/s1600/Screenshot-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium9Pi2yI5T7BUr86wXT-2q-ayK4WHf1myEakfKIil-93fMEGvjYbo_L6U92r3_sjkM-I5EvUrFppME0o7koJJ4wmAlMvnOJRboM7ZlvzhQS8MwSl_t8YINdq_CLrZ_Y3BKl8hVGiQez7i/s400/Screenshot-74.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Jack looked at Annabelle, but didn't say a word. He just looked at her, right into her amethyst eyes, recognizing the anger she had retained over the years. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUyrnDyPWjXMZbmxXlXKesmz-irVFiQdE4umQ5YljD8bMi3v78biwH5oqIxtShq9cM31wOHODAHbX_mlnc7WjJwwhxDIJsCxHA2kT7mSDEFaNgRwxdNBsKMUEpS_ZhYbiNRWeFZGCaUwg/s1600/Screenshot-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUyrnDyPWjXMZbmxXlXKesmz-irVFiQdE4umQ5YljD8bMi3v78biwH5oqIxtShq9cM31wOHODAHbX_mlnc7WjJwwhxDIJsCxHA2kT7mSDEFaNgRwxdNBsKMUEpS_ZhYbiNRWeFZGCaUwg/s400/Screenshot-55.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Who is the new Benefactor?" Annabelle asked, angrily.</i><br />
<br />
----------------------------<br />
<i><br /></i><i><b>5 Hours Earlier</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIqXmeSqgQYHxr8rLKgOEEnqJQ8SGN7vRZLT-WpO-Y_CGBQsnGuX6_nyVWquutI_uWtVPQudtyglx_Zd0T_btcRI3NCpuMiqtyPcwj6_eY0D3pxb6qyB81OLRCiR5ENFgsO48Jc1iEydF/s1600/Screenshot-108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIqXmeSqgQYHxr8rLKgOEEnqJQ8SGN7vRZLT-WpO-Y_CGBQsnGuX6_nyVWquutI_uWtVPQudtyglx_Zd0T_btcRI3NCpuMiqtyPcwj6_eY0D3pxb6qyB81OLRCiR5ENFgsO48Jc1iEydF/s400/Screenshot-108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZKNoAiuKDZCd1sIfT8Ae22U_ebtj2pK6vJI_8fORx5DnkNbxUjBfVeSk8zzG6Rk_vnivUYbbs0OJE7Nw2cY14wff43R46Zs-gGSsVdwoXhkA-8h8h8MGajouAR1arTG6q9yhZE3yq6XL/s1600/Screenshot-109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZKNoAiuKDZCd1sIfT8Ae22U_ebtj2pK6vJI_8fORx5DnkNbxUjBfVeSk8zzG6Rk_vnivUYbbs0OJE7Nw2cY14wff43R46Zs-gGSsVdwoXhkA-8h8h8MGajouAR1arTG6q9yhZE3yq6XL/s400/Screenshot-109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom woke up in Annabelle's bed, nearly freezing from his lack of clothing. As he stood up to get dressed, Tom looked around for his overshirt but couldn't see it, and decided to put on the rest of his clothes before walking downstairs. Keera, who saw him leave Annabelle's room, decided to have a bit of fun knowing full well of what was going on.<br />
<br />
"I take you and Annabelle are on good terms again?" Keera said, smirking. Tom, who didn't want to talk about the night before out of partial embarrassment, especially to Annabelle's own daughter, kept standing there with his mouth shut.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmL0IfASWnbs3_LY8p3VdFqyGnbNNHY0GztmSRH8VVu6ng05kdMs7GSQsWKTEk3HsYOrrTNcaL6eYphSqYesQw90f1Hqjgbrcb8wZXCSc6Jf-luDY5JBclbOeAHE08IPU4OertqcWODin/s1600/Screenshot-110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmL0IfASWnbs3_LY8p3VdFqyGnbNNHY0GztmSRH8VVu6ng05kdMs7GSQsWKTEk3HsYOrrTNcaL6eYphSqYesQw90f1Hqjgbrcb8wZXCSc6Jf-luDY5JBclbOeAHE08IPU4OertqcWODin/s400/Screenshot-110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So it took you <i>all night</i> to apologize to her?! Wow you must have talked<i> ssllloooowwwwlllyyy</i>. Though I suppose since it had been over a month since you guys split you needed to get a few things off your chest, like shirts maybe."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTNA_NO-0l6YwUvgRwAd7CGQ5IArRTZO_xPda80_okxvCweu6pcAwv_T6VMAYQ2lp5OSHINB2Q3pZcQ1Cow8Cxgc49xptIB7gK82WBdBp_d9A4_ErnEyyU1qcZjbp-2zoYmC6Bqjk7i9l/s1600/Screenshot-112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTNA_NO-0l6YwUvgRwAd7CGQ5IArRTZO_xPda80_okxvCweu6pcAwv_T6VMAYQ2lp5OSHINB2Q3pZcQ1Cow8Cxgc49xptIB7gK82WBdBp_d9A4_ErnEyyU1qcZjbp-2zoYmC6Bqjk7i9l/s400/Screenshot-112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom was a bit agitated and said "Aren't you a bit <i>young</i> to be talking about all this? Besides, what happened is none of your business, Keera."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY38L3i8_wCBrUqt78Yh8roqJwJUXuEWZo2UYlOvD4oLtv9IYc-YKADVvgA9-yBr_VK3eBpVxq4cW8kFpVISCLLRm6PCV-_v-P7Hd9nTPU3Z7mY51V1hiyS_zRA4J87m8vu3EnGurjeLX/s1600/Screenshot-111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY38L3i8_wCBrUqt78Yh8roqJwJUXuEWZo2UYlOvD4oLtv9IYc-YKADVvgA9-yBr_VK3eBpVxq4cW8kFpVISCLLRm6PCV-_v-P7Hd9nTPU3Z7mY51V1hiyS_zRA4J87m8vu3EnGurjeLX/s400/Screenshot-111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah I suppose." Keera smirked, then changed the conversation. "By the way, I figured out what is in the tomb of Richard Alan Ladeen. A genie lamp! Though the answer was staring me right in the face, '<i>Al Ladeen,</i> <b>Aladdin</b>. Genie lamp.' I hate puns that I don't get."<br />
<br />
<br />
"A genie lamp?!" Tom said. "That is certainly something to look for! If someone evil got a hold of a genie lamp, the consequences-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddG-W8-FORgUJNBd8RIodylmWR9UVAZp-_QmkQgfFRRtb8op267y-POTRjtvizCCIv8IHdUB7s2fHvy0zyJQcrDbulOuI-yg4NssLK6iIPg6xZIKe_dnhc0V6fSPehT3_Ygew_UnuJ99y/s1600/Screenshot-113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddG-W8-FORgUJNBd8RIodylmWR9UVAZp-_QmkQgfFRRtb8op267y-POTRjtvizCCIv8IHdUB7s2fHvy0zyJQcrDbulOuI-yg4NssLK6iIPg6xZIKe_dnhc0V6fSPehT3_Ygew_UnuJ99y/s400/Screenshot-113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Would be dire. I know." Keera said. "They could alter reality! They could bring unimaginable evil to the world. They could change the past!" With no more words Keera suddenly went off walking, making Tom wonder what she was thinking of at the moment.<br />
-----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWIrJfi3pIdczTInRI7B1wILcgsAh2ljI2yMO88ZG4sH0tjdqr2Q0Dp2OzibYSoSip8UDz-bOoedFEfCRm1RedzJANPXlYzXzm5QThurPzMhzTKjv8vmaehTTnmyziKXxPLCFBl8j_4J_/s1600/Screenshot-114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWIrJfi3pIdczTInRI7B1wILcgsAh2ljI2yMO88ZG4sH0tjdqr2Q0Dp2OzibYSoSip8UDz-bOoedFEfCRm1RedzJANPXlYzXzm5QThurPzMhzTKjv8vmaehTTnmyziKXxPLCFBl8j_4J_/s400/Screenshot-114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keera walked into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked at eye damaged eye, the eye patch that covered it, and the scar that spread across her face like the fire that caused the whole thing. "...could change the past."<br />
<br />
Keera always wondered about what would happen if she somehow went back in time and subtly told herself to go with Scarlett when she left for her purse. Then she wouldn't have been injured, she wouldn't have the scar or the eye patch. Everything would be perfect, just absolutely perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQUVf0TFU4ndG6rTjCn4kyEc_mIHmduu2EyiiettV-n2A2_60nzp07AY7z1PJQSuak4Wc4_as9SXhK7iI241y46krwQH_vM5PcmUMHrjq6s2X0L6t8D3q5XS7BCG_NY2F3ZlJ30MMMSe7/s1600/Screenshot-115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQUVf0TFU4ndG6rTjCn4kyEc_mIHmduu2EyiiettV-n2A2_60nzp07AY7z1PJQSuak4Wc4_as9SXhK7iI241y46krwQH_vM5PcmUMHrjq6s2X0L6t8D3q5XS7BCG_NY2F3ZlJ30MMMSe7/s400/Screenshot-115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In her mind, however, nothing would be. Everything good and bad that had happened to her family in the month since the accident would be erased. For one, Scarlett would be just as constantly angry as before, as the accident wouldn't have altered her outlook on life. Another thing was that the scar made her a stronger person as a whole, it was a reminder to her that anything can happen at any time. She remained where she was for a few moments, then left the bathroom, still struggling over what she would do if she had the <i>chance </i>to change her life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
------------</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDacbXJVyjlXo_QCgiDrJs4ehty2j4_9n6EvQNRGb8B4Jp33KEZXphfHd7OVfoNJD_P0z0BGCwguhcpdPkk82i_K2avQHPEbQfJZJEzwdkLqokl2oU0bHVXZqpFFv1Uwakt8Dv37E5ovi/s1600/Screenshot-116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDacbXJVyjlXo_QCgiDrJs4ehty2j4_9n6EvQNRGb8B4Jp33KEZXphfHd7OVfoNJD_P0z0BGCwguhcpdPkk82i_K2avQHPEbQfJZJEzwdkLqokl2oU0bHVXZqpFFv1Uwakt8Dv37E5ovi/s400/Screenshot-116.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom made his way to the kitchen where he saw Annabelle, wearing his missing over-shirt, albeit inside-out, and using a laptop. "Nice clothes. Brown looks good on you." He said, "Makes you look a bit like a tre-"<br />
<br />
"If you finish that sentence I'll shove your face down the garbage disposal. I'll do it too. And yes, your shirt does look good on me, thanks."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh196DgBuAw50il1Rft1bbWZvhHfSo6zK_scp7KWm3jXIEs-8Sive0zvJ1qOipEPCA3jkePpXKpZnkHet8Dg4fWR7DjJWMyT_iqIcvQddPrfKQH8vSjrOgQyIG5eAamiyXbGS6ZJO6hltcD/s1600/Screenshot-101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh196DgBuAw50il1Rft1bbWZvhHfSo6zK_scp7KWm3jXIEs-8Sive0zvJ1qOipEPCA3jkePpXKpZnkHet8Dg4fWR7DjJWMyT_iqIcvQddPrfKQH8vSjrOgQyIG5eAamiyXbGS6ZJO6hltcD/s400/Screenshot-101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom walked over to her and sat down on the stool beside her. "So now you're telling everyone what happened last night? That we... what about France?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7qOlORVGwF7tObTmNH-cY5PLSFouMKc72MdQuzndjWoUJpbX8Z0YXAj6M9l-nQw1TjXWKpsckAnXEeRRpVdxq_ldDZ8Hmd2OB5rL4ZCDem6vBQ0ZVE0o3ju4XeMQaJ5r4Ve4BHkKHBm6/s1600/Screenshot-104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7qOlORVGwF7tObTmNH-cY5PLSFouMKc72MdQuzndjWoUJpbX8Z0YXAj6M9l-nQw1TjXWKpsckAnXEeRRpVdxq_ldDZ8Hmd2OB5rL4ZCDem6vBQ0ZVE0o3ju4XeMQaJ5r4Ve4BHkKHBm6/s400/Screenshot-104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle's face developed a more somber look. "When I told you to keep what happened in France a secret, that backfired four years later and ended up nearly destroying our friendship. I don't want that to happen again. I don't ever want to be in a situation like that with you again."<br />
<br />
"I'm worried what happened last night was a mistake." Tom replied. "I'm worried that it will eventually cause a second rift. What if that happens?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWL_e-rdPgzzYdktn_dqIHkDl6FQxGlO1ljPFXodekoBTbUm_tHwpv6EuzxC1v-QMINWqgK9rnyTHr_MqfIqGZbnLw7jccFZ2DzfOSF6zbN6rwhgkTI1AEU4iXMmA7ZhHn9Y8yuDb3zjW/s1600/Screenshot-105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWL_e-rdPgzzYdktn_dqIHkDl6FQxGlO1ljPFXodekoBTbUm_tHwpv6EuzxC1v-QMINWqgK9rnyTHr_MqfIqGZbnLw7jccFZ2DzfOSF6zbN6rwhgkTI1AEU4iXMmA7ZhHn9Y8yuDb3zjW/s400/Screenshot-105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle thought back to a month before, when she used the teleporter. She remembered traveling to what she still believed to the future, and seeing Tom on the phone sounding desperate as he said "<i>Come on, you have to remember, I told you what happened in Starlight Shores was a mistake... Please... listen!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Annabelle then turned to him. "We'll have to cross that river when we come to it, won't we?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_5D3pN_BeZPZZXD-cjHMdOHqEvqRr2y_e92wwGg1nPJqMUOm0AMVhFWLUF9jO-LXgcsvs7Hq2JBGGx6McBtrIjsN4PcMMzcGGSXkd5oVM_uzrUbnMpz1u8mdEw76UFMgEck19r79GEnl/s1600/Screenshot-106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_5D3pN_BeZPZZXD-cjHMdOHqEvqRr2y_e92wwGg1nPJqMUOm0AMVhFWLUF9jO-LXgcsvs7Hq2JBGGx6McBtrIjsN4PcMMzcGGSXkd5oVM_uzrUbnMpz1u8mdEw76UFMgEck19r79GEnl/s400/Screenshot-106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tom nodded, and they sat there alone, in silence for a short time.<br />
<br />
-----------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyjgBBzl2PGFfc_3TCf6drvbusXnRH-LHRvxz3Pp0vDQyy609sU0vsdzYXNnqBdYPtUk2bJTyNmY0c-1xGKXYGFOiWwZKCPF6fSoATLw83UqNFmf95chqqOfEBCkvzAb2Dk6iYqklTjiG/s1600/Screenshot-121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyjgBBzl2PGFfc_3TCf6drvbusXnRH-LHRvxz3Pp0vDQyy609sU0vsdzYXNnqBdYPtUk2bJTyNmY0c-1xGKXYGFOiWwZKCPF6fSoATLw83UqNFmf95chqqOfEBCkvzAb2Dk6iYqklTjiG/s400/Screenshot-121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
An hour later Kelly, Keera, Tom, and Annabelle met in the living room and sat at a table, ready to discuss what Tom had heard the night before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwazWFldoI7L5ffQ_DkXPlym5_1I3se3vjYhRa4McFBM1OHrvwU6sUl0Rcip8MNptVB99c6rY2ywOdJVpkb1rMaVrSJQ0g8PUdkcghrC37BceJFamSEVR5WfSvRb2wnKGkE2ZsmnYtg587/s1600/Screenshot-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwazWFldoI7L5ffQ_DkXPlym5_1I3se3vjYhRa4McFBM1OHrvwU6sUl0Rcip8MNptVB99c6rY2ywOdJVpkb1rMaVrSJQ0g8PUdkcghrC37BceJFamSEVR5WfSvRb2wnKGkE2ZsmnYtg587/s400/Screenshot-117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"So I'm not gonna sugar coat this... there's another Benefactor, and the man who caused the destruction of Sunset Valley is still alive. AND they're working together to obtain what we believe is a Genie Lamp from a not-so-ancient tomb. But they can only do it when there's a total eclipse of the sun, which is two weeks from now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"5:54 PM." Keera said. "And it will last for eight minutes. So someone has to be at that tomb at 5:54 PM, on September 20th, to stop them from getting their grubby little hands on the lamp."<br />
<br />
"Okay." Annabelle said, "We'll contact the police, the FBI, Interpol, about fifteen militia groups, and tell them... that a villain who's suppose to be dead and another villain supporting him are planning to take over the world with a magical genie lamp. That will go smoothly." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauP7zmETMJ6AOHwo_RFxm_xNwERe3qjw6w_XZnt4wCe84gxdz0q11IyxbFHrtvY5lDdPdwmU83WlHrs9DpYCvoK9QJ7RsHG98NF4QUejmZlMGG9WmaPKZcWy1_EcwlNJJ7ytAjGl3q2OV/s1600/Screenshot-120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauP7zmETMJ6AOHwo_RFxm_xNwERe3qjw6w_XZnt4wCe84gxdz0q11IyxbFHrtvY5lDdPdwmU83WlHrs9DpYCvoK9QJ7RsHG98NF4QUejmZlMGG9WmaPKZcWy1_EcwlNJJ7ytAjGl3q2OV/s400/Screenshot-120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah. In this case we're on our own." Kelly said, "Unless, maybe I can get my friend Davis to send some units from Sunset Valley PD here. He trusts me enough to listen to whatever oddball things I have to say, considering I was the one who led him to Vu in the first place nine years ago."<br />
<br />
"Okay, get him on the phone." Tom replied, "At least that will give us some kind of help. I don't want to do this alone, because these are international criminals we are talking about, who knows what kind of weapons they have!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFj4iJwM5tLRR7fHfwdK_z1Y-8Reb7rgejjRidXUyJrVwFzZZhpVGYHJVt-4n07AtV2qq8AQIeFlC4CvmZVz2PPCtygFcOQEvd6vbxHJ2bqEeXg95S6dD8OSUNUjYqIEOuknrWfwR5_jF/s1600/Screenshot-118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFj4iJwM5tLRR7fHfwdK_z1Y-8Reb7rgejjRidXUyJrVwFzZZhpVGYHJVt-4n07AtV2qq8AQIeFlC4CvmZVz2PPCtygFcOQEvd6vbxHJ2bqEeXg95S6dD8OSUNUjYqIEOuknrWfwR5_jF/s400/Screenshot-118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"We could always LET them get the tomb open, then somehow steal the lamp for ourselves." Keera said. "Get it out of their hands before it's even in there."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroZJ084aumdqfmCotIIkLQClFU-7bMnfjPYLEi0EMdcW-7xVctf_RKnPHmtwAT9NFFZIKPKQijFXRfZ37SEIFvlv93ep-RvsfJsn85Sr6AjQ_HUArLq3jEZBBCEBH63JldJiCvZ17HIVz/s1600/Screenshot-122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroZJ084aumdqfmCotIIkLQClFU-7bMnfjPYLEi0EMdcW-7xVctf_RKnPHmtwAT9NFFZIKPKQijFXRfZ37SEIFvlv93ep-RvsfJsn85Sr6AjQ_HUArLq3jEZBBCEBH63JldJiCvZ17HIVz/s400/Screenshot-122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"That sounds way too dangerous, for everyone involved." Annabelle replied. "And maybe that kind of power could corrupt US into using it for dark and malicious deeds. We can't take that chance. Besides, we have two weeks to figure out what the hell we're going to do, and until then we need to figure out what we're up against. Kelly, you and Keera should use the computer to find any information regarding the tomb of R.A. Ladeen."<br />
<br />
"Sounds good, Annie." Kelly said. Annabelle then turned to the other one sitting at the table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIjUGVcPmFhRzBOkiK0ZmtMVEz1lv69NtKi3sqgn-k3r_PG7HN6Gqq1ju-S4mNn1uEY52x3IyCsRVoa831pV-CNgDJ11qMmWW0aUbYrWlqSmk9O1iWjv3OJ2CE_4DyM0hVYt_vcn3ceDU/s1600/Screenshot-119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIjUGVcPmFhRzBOkiK0ZmtMVEz1lv69NtKi3sqgn-k3r_PG7HN6Gqq1ju-S4mNn1uEY52x3IyCsRVoa831pV-CNgDJ11qMmWW0aUbYrWlqSmk9O1iWjv3OJ2CE_4DyM0hVYt_vcn3ceDU/s400/Screenshot-119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Tom, since you're the adventurer, how about you go to the museum and find what you can about the legend there? I know they recently opened an Egyptian exhibit, and since this lamp supposedly came from Egypt there could be some kind of connection between them." <br />
<br />
<br />
"What about you?" Tom replied with a worried tone in his voice. "What are you going to do?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle turned back to Kelly. "Before you start research, can I ask you to call the police station? I need to talk to someone who is currently in prison outside of town, and I won't talk to him unless I know absolutely sure that I can, and he's secure in the station."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHcpHT3gIbF8WpMZNEXwj1phDayXAgKJ_5TUvsxxaLmBUeKVKDI1fgt20vnlh_j_c_MNUQ30s99Jbgl6cbjwQa_-lDSeArRA8mcFZGLNDOl7Nlgj37H0m0oF1UvzDoqd5OADkIYaX3KuK/s1600/Screenshot-126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHcpHT3gIbF8WpMZNEXwj1phDayXAgKJ_5TUvsxxaLmBUeKVKDI1fgt20vnlh_j_c_MNUQ30s99Jbgl6cbjwQa_-lDSeArRA8mcFZGLNDOl7Nlgj37H0m0oF1UvzDoqd5OADkIYaX3KuK/s400/Screenshot-126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Who?" Tom asked.<br />
<br />
"Jack Toomes. He could give us information on the new benefactor, whoever the hell it is."<br />
<br />
"Annie I-" Tom was about to object before Annabelle lifted her hand up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1sObwODGGX9Ju2m4EQOeZWtYsGnitZicYwXI1lWEecXKZCsAgjvyepAtoKQWazO-wsNjxGX9Ag7FeoHjgCqZY7Vjr8xRGGBgOXclnvkLKGqaYd_5ZMRpO68mk_xV0rWt1lP7px9Capai/s1600/Screenshot-124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1sObwODGGX9Ju2m4EQOeZWtYsGnitZicYwXI1lWEecXKZCsAgjvyepAtoKQWazO-wsNjxGX9Ag7FeoHjgCqZY7Vjr8xRGGBgOXclnvkLKGqaYd_5ZMRpO68mk_xV0rWt1lP7px9Capai/s400/Screenshot-124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"And before you say anything." she said, "I will be guarded by the police officers, I will be safe and sound. Please let me do this alone. After the way he tricked me in Bridgeport four years ago, I need this. Please?"<br />
<br />
"Okay, but I'll be nearby at the museum. If I hear anything, I'll be there. Understand?" After what happened up to the night before, Tom was not about to talk back to anything Annabelle said. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsA-nNCh0A5vRzn0f2jxzgmI4neA_wQ7q1cNQwtqzEGwz1J8lITyn1qR3hZOMECHHOKYKweGPjBH8vdOc-lgTyab2GUsEkfTPTchZv-DUxRIVg9VRNnA_EawCRTGrfZXGDimV2qlNPEvi/s1600/Screenshot-127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsA-nNCh0A5vRzn0f2jxzgmI4neA_wQ7q1cNQwtqzEGwz1J8lITyn1qR3hZOMECHHOKYKweGPjBH8vdOc-lgTyab2GUsEkfTPTchZv-DUxRIVg9VRNnA_EawCRTGrfZXGDimV2qlNPEvi/s400/Screenshot-127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLOszoHgQr0IzpiuKaT4LxliN0rMfzNU0AugwajWFGJuZX4yVqBBbpeJhSzc8009z2IhLkrdIhwNY9vhiLRZgUDacoM2lN7nqoFPu4V-jPM0frPvJmZlz33Levh4ZINdhh75f-TzIf0F7/s1600/Screenshot-128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLOszoHgQr0IzpiuKaT4LxliN0rMfzNU0AugwajWFGJuZX4yVqBBbpeJhSzc8009z2IhLkrdIhwNY9vhiLRZgUDacoM2lN7nqoFPu4V-jPM0frPvJmZlz33Levh4ZINdhh75f-TzIf0F7/s400/Screenshot-128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Annabelle nodded and they all four stood up to go do what they were asked to. Annabelle smiled at Tom as he walked away, still slightly feeling the way she was the night before when he came into her room and apologized to her. After all, Annabelle loved doing things spontaneously, and there was nothing as spontaneous as <i>that.</i> Suddenly her strange sense of humor got to her, and she wondered if Tom would be sick with the flu the next day, like in France.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzKTuOLI-f7znX7cIxOMkrW7TrqAVH4aWXGWmlZtF9kdqhlrSxLyQQrFvnLBw3HsGrCLMNwYWDC-99qfriFSW9X7afd5Zgcn3KMm2EzGAKkQi3J4LbuQmQr3FNV4pTFffYwTIlD3cKyLj/s1600/Screenshot-129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzKTuOLI-f7znX7cIxOMkrW7TrqAVH4aWXGWmlZtF9kdqhlrSxLyQQrFvnLBw3HsGrCLMNwYWDC-99qfriFSW9X7afd5Zgcn3KMm2EzGAKkQi3J4LbuQmQr3FNV4pTFffYwTIlD3cKyLj/s400/Screenshot-129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
-------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6A3dbQ8DExDOGlacLi5arTkRZiXwFTx03JcXXRgiEfVQAz3pRX939Tyzt9zgyhBqTiiewACusQnkxnwIfz7C9-OmkJfY7rkO99nYMul-wHADeYsHgB9c8NyQzE7SMuCpLa-ujW7QvZ7P/s1600/Screenshot-131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6A3dbQ8DExDOGlacLi5arTkRZiXwFTx03JcXXRgiEfVQAz3pRX939Tyzt9zgyhBqTiiewACusQnkxnwIfz7C9-OmkJfY7rkO99nYMul-wHADeYsHgB9c8NyQzE7SMuCpLa-ujW7QvZ7P/s400/Screenshot-131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom made his way back to the museum like Annabelle asked him to, and hoped to not see that strange man who somehow knew his name like last time. Unfortunately, things didn't go so well for him at this point because the man was standing in the exhibit as he walked in.<br />
<br />
"Mr. Jameson." Jacob said, "Glad to see you came back! Couldn't escape the allure of this tomb I see?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCTPJczC1c9ot4VVWNX-fre7D6o6LXZnk4OzG2CP8vKz_KJIOTD7srDPWUxgnXZopGYU5PJkRz45aTvagqTX9uKR-lsbSmOLTTpAHsajNlHSzcSgvtS5Is_igbNcHhZ9CnTBWPdunIqcZ/s1600/Screenshot-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCTPJczC1c9ot4VVWNX-fre7D6o6LXZnk4OzG2CP8vKz_KJIOTD7srDPWUxgnXZopGYU5PJkRz45aTvagqTX9uKR-lsbSmOLTTpAHsajNlHSzcSgvtS5Is_igbNcHhZ9CnTBWPdunIqcZ/s400/Screenshot-136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"No, I need to find something about it, Mr. Thompson. And how did you know my name last time we met?" Tom walked up to him and looked him in the eyes, sensing something familiar about them. "Have we met before or something?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SxEsZdA1Xd2si7l4torzsBqcuCdehAdS1wDY2bPqxEPy7TI_SH4YxeH0Ifqrftq0iDFCfKQ_TMirAMj-IM_OZzyhMtAOzY9T_DPQGx4lc2bPwMEd8SptzOWKbai5GczIv6FwTEDBWMMm/s1600/Screenshot-137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SxEsZdA1Xd2si7l4torzsBqcuCdehAdS1wDY2bPqxEPy7TI_SH4YxeH0Ifqrftq0iDFCfKQ_TMirAMj-IM_OZzyhMtAOzY9T_DPQGx4lc2bPwMEd8SptzOWKbai5GczIv6FwTEDBWMMm/s400/Screenshot-137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No. When you moved into town you registered your name at City Hall for voting purposes. I was there at the same time for the same reason. My rather exceptional hearing led me to discover your name. And I don't think you saw me in the crowd." <br />
<br />
"That makes sense I guess." Tom withdrew himself from whatever confrontation he was ready to start and walked over to the Sarcophagus which adorned the center of the exhibit. "I'm actually here to ask someone about... genies. Do you know anything about them?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1V1eku_P7KcoGpSJJKzJshtsmLYPY9AJXp72ffyp11l3A7ROE_0H8O8cZzD-Gsu6rIdbtwPuAMKxCEQzsHCjMR0ypUPkDbBq2AuM4cfnYfCia9fV1CQdLQa55uG7fy1c7d2RxeJ9qJhyphenhyphen/s1600/Screenshot-134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1V1eku_P7KcoGpSJJKzJshtsmLYPY9AJXp72ffyp11l3A7ROE_0H8O8cZzD-Gsu6rIdbtwPuAMKxCEQzsHCjMR0ypUPkDbBq2AuM4cfnYfCia9fV1CQdLQa55uG7fy1c7d2RxeJ9qJhyphenhyphen/s400/Screenshot-134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Genies? Jinn? I know a bit about them. They are supposedly creatures from a dimension parallel to our own, and have phenomenal cosmic powers but have a habit of becoming trapped in the itty bitty living spaces within golden oil lamps. Why do you ask?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NUQ7gPpjlI35etOg-1uwWTgyuov8LiK3J2vVxgGGiSiXvs60x1NYgq0nRZaFEpRQvilC1QHchRGtRoHjdaR2tTzIyH_tAHSI7rfGSjLeF_IPCNxT1BZ9s52GtEjbc5VDbYKo8Vc8yVDC/s1600/Screenshot-135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NUQ7gPpjlI35etOg-1uwWTgyuov8LiK3J2vVxgGGiSiXvs60x1NYgq0nRZaFEpRQvilC1QHchRGtRoHjdaR2tTzIyH_tAHSI7rfGSjLeF_IPCNxT1BZ9s52GtEjbc5VDbYKo8Vc8yVDC/s400/Screenshot-135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tom, not wanting to let this man know what he was looking for, quickly came up with something off the top of his head. "Just curious. I like the idea of creatures that grant wishes, gives me something to strive for in these cold Starlight Shores days. I don't what I would wish for if I had lamp like that. Maybe for a better world!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-LeUaV-JH8yA4aPytAKuWEM1shobb25Cpwj1rU7puRPefGIul6S0VsB6n14HPAj-MW8Ec91C6iG7TIxBaYcA3wj67zSP_ZahFf07dUSnC82UVh8wiPLRJVVbJ6Ib1eCyu-7XYeGTWruY/s1600/Screenshot-138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-LeUaV-JH8yA4aPytAKuWEM1shobb25Cpwj1rU7puRPefGIul6S0VsB6n14HPAj-MW8Ec91C6iG7TIxBaYcA3wj67zSP_ZahFf07dUSnC82UVh8wiPLRJVVbJ6Ib1eCyu-7XYeGTWruY/s400/Screenshot-138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Jacob smiled in a way that almost disturbed Tom, and said "Well I would wish for control... of things, you know. Minor little things that most people wouldn't even care to lose, and that other people would <i>kill </i>to obtain. Then again I'm just one person, but they do say '<i>the greatest things can start with the most miniscule people'</i>."<br />
<br />
Tom, listening to this man, decided to walk away in a very fast manner, forgetting everything that he was told to do by Annabelle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0GbjuAghT5Z6_LzcZGrCIblzid8qPjqIb2Q9zUBJZsiqY6LOe5RR2tp5MapZqdjI5pZvcZC9AtzcqRSVGkHb0FBW3egGbStNqa0yxgui58RWX6sWYY9y1qUKon-7qFxb4XipiA6Io2fy/s1600/Screenshot-139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0GbjuAghT5Z6_LzcZGrCIblzid8qPjqIb2Q9zUBJZsiqY6LOe5RR2tp5MapZqdjI5pZvcZC9AtzcqRSVGkHb0FBW3egGbStNqa0yxgui58RWX6sWYY9y1qUKon-7qFxb4XipiA6Io2fy/s400/Screenshot-139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What's the matter Tom? Can't you stay and chat? Or do you have to run home?" Tom ignored the man's words, and after a few moments of walking he didn't hear them anymore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf018H4FLDbJLqlyrRqC6AJdRfo7Z66yOSfk6YamLp5p3cZiX2ev-nEv6rM8HcczL4t8S9Xb4h258B-NaVM9ve7Qgrww3_t1ka0w8d9c7WOh0OshqABuO_HA-8Sq9IXm-BGhIaOYHn7dEq/s1600/Screenshot-140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf018H4FLDbJLqlyrRqC6AJdRfo7Z66yOSfk6YamLp5p3cZiX2ev-nEv6rM8HcczL4t8S9Xb4h258B-NaVM9ve7Qgrww3_t1ka0w8d9c7WOh0OshqABuO_HA-8Sq9IXm-BGhIaOYHn7dEq/s400/Screenshot-140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
He turned back around and saw that Jacob Thompson was gone from the exhibit, even though Tom himself walked out of the only exit. This creeped him out even more as he continued on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH8FmZ5Q3jlM_ZuSErXZR6ucrht6aUWVbpGCn1ylV5hPFPg5S5xujweVJx-e_FSgLdZ2hyAuGxkWxC811Rq_Y-AP6KMJw9taE8CvTweKkN7dnMoeT25q5pnASei2-FtrNEJWvPsyMLkZw/s1600/Screenshot-142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH8FmZ5Q3jlM_ZuSErXZR6ucrht6aUWVbpGCn1ylV5hPFPg5S5xujweVJx-e_FSgLdZ2hyAuGxkWxC811Rq_Y-AP6KMJw9taE8CvTweKkN7dnMoeT25q5pnASei2-FtrNEJWvPsyMLkZw/s400/Screenshot-142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AsUALwEnFASfxDemRKQyxlzYADL9RC4cvkcF7QGQ7jADu62tEtqd_p46fAMdV3Xbf5IqZiWX-eAKGcX1tYA4E1O05nN7kbitA6EV3k7lNNIQK-njM64DU_q2zk85N4K4FrN6aEqn7iNU/s1600/Screenshot-145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AsUALwEnFASfxDemRKQyxlzYADL9RC4cvkcF7QGQ7jADu62tEtqd_p46fAMdV3Xbf5IqZiWX-eAKGcX1tYA4E1O05nN7kbitA6EV3k7lNNIQK-njM64DU_q2zk85N4K4FrN6aEqn7iNU/s400/Screenshot-145.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeVS5dF8POKf7dlg1yDVeD65rGB0mMlM-fmkIKfomrRrphaGnvdaYYjyMW2NopjPCESutCqiCfVlw94aVBE5vsKB8tXMcVNigCx_Pr1DAQFap0zLZ6wgAhyIwi8I_hcQogdrXMebGl4Z7/s1600/Screenshot-146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeVS5dF8POKf7dlg1yDVeD65rGB0mMlM-fmkIKfomrRrphaGnvdaYYjyMW2NopjPCESutCqiCfVlw94aVBE5vsKB8tXMcVNigCx_Pr1DAQFap0zLZ6wgAhyIwi8I_hcQogdrXMebGl4Z7/s400/Screenshot-146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Kelly and Keera were in Keera's room, looking up information for Annabelle regarding the Genie Lamp. Well, Kelly was. Keera at the moment was still reading in that book discussing legends, having searched it for anything else regarding wishes. After a few minutes of reading in silence Keera closed the book and looked over to Kelly. "Hey, you know the supposed Genie Lamp in Ladeen's tomb is currently the only known artifact in the world capable of granting the user's wishes? There was one in Lucky Palms, but it was destroyed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwNPX4gZS3puQv0OoePj0c8rv084HGjsIuFd9uR1dO_6qx4d22xwN6U2OkG9dQX9TksscIzJi4igb5UHIFKakUfDBCJYbc8XgU6JTXX7biw7F6ZY39Dy2u1U3ZxwWXOeQ7to4XfL0r1KX/s1600/Screenshot-148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwNPX4gZS3puQv0OoePj0c8rv084HGjsIuFd9uR1dO_6qx4d22xwN6U2OkG9dQX9TksscIzJi4igb5UHIFKakUfDBCJYbc8XgU6JTXX7biw7F6ZY39Dy2u1U3ZxwWXOeQ7to4XfL0r1KX/s400/Screenshot-148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What do you mean 'destroyed'?" Kelly asked, standing away from the computer.<br />
<br />
"Well, according to this book, there was a Wishing Well located in Lucky Palms, Nevada. The legend was that there was a rich married couple who had everything in the world except a child. They tried adoption agencies but to no avail. Eventually they wished upon the well for a child of their own, to raise. They got their wish, but it backfired immensely."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRV63_KL0Oiiev0ryiDFygnJr5DxnZjiHpt4oA1VQv3ZVSw344fVMCQDwR_2JxTLHbHBXAO_1Ymq0iOjEPrr67bxjzq0R40MTfjQuwRZ-bA1SCtfqnN71Js3t89mv1Tm0AILorkzdh5t1/s1600/Screenshot-149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRV63_KL0Oiiev0ryiDFygnJr5DxnZjiHpt4oA1VQv3ZVSw344fVMCQDwR_2JxTLHbHBXAO_1Ymq0iOjEPrr67bxjzq0R40MTfjQuwRZ-bA1SCtfqnN71Js3t89mv1Tm0AILorkzdh5t1/s400/Screenshot-149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"The child was pure, uncontrolled, evil. When his geography teacher failed him for getting a wrong answer on a pop quiz, the child stalked the teacher until he mentally broke down, then smashed a ceramic globe over his head. Eventually the parents abandoned the child in their home town of Bridgeport, leaving him all their fortune as they left the grid and vanished, but not before having the wishing well destroyed."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAADSVVK_vlxifdenUx8KtJdoSLi1mll2XS3gyGvD0ZybPLCAMlnJ2vF2Gm-q0KL39-KQcwOmrPAN90lDflxA9_nbxpVOCHzE2E4M46kpAweFKsiOqA26XTmn0scLacTMhtS9xQkIVWaG/s1600/Screenshot-150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAADSVVK_vlxifdenUx8KtJdoSLi1mll2XS3gyGvD0ZybPLCAMlnJ2vF2Gm-q0KL39-KQcwOmrPAN90lDflxA9_nbxpVOCHzE2E4M46kpAweFKsiOqA26XTmn0scLacTMhtS9xQkIVWaG/s400/Screenshot-150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What does this have to do with anything?" Kelly asked, with a scared tone in her voice. Keera showed her a picture of the child from the story, and she recognized him instantly. "This picture was taken in the 1980's?!"<br />
<br />
Keera shuddered. "Yes. It has to do with what we're looking for because my mother is going to talk to that child right now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdZun0TO6UZh2ZLhS815R331Mo0SoxCHzqHfqFH1yey-2BeB2KiOQ4iEgIpDGtYTMt9ckA2AFP6sZfjcje_TqlefR_5qqHp7PiN-zmcwL-9aaeEeN9kByfdlUHlCczHvO3EhTCmDCmURB/s1600/legend.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdZun0TO6UZh2ZLhS815R331Mo0SoxCHzqHfqFH1yey-2BeB2KiOQ4iEgIpDGtYTMt9ckA2AFP6sZfjcje_TqlefR_5qqHp7PiN-zmcwL-9aaeEeN9kByfdlUHlCczHvO3EhTCmDCmURB/s400/legend.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
------------<br />
Annabelle walked into the interrogation room with a glare on her face. She never wanted to see Jack Toomes again after what he put her through in Bridgeport, yet here she was, walking into the same room as him. Only this time it was him who was in a precarious situation, as even though he was not restrained, it was behind the one-way mirror that three SWAT team members were prepped with assault rifles, just waiting for him to make the wrong move. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJHxqQAYYNUjPP2wj1ZnIEBbCd4BvC98JsCBkGKZbNuZQMIrSFyxq7BT26HttC0ftOekFB8laEC45z4ctGDedTqBxFY-xZzjQ6GZrg7frg6w3AcwLTndTLxsFk-Crt8rqF3vZ90aujuXX/s1600/Screenshot-79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJHxqQAYYNUjPP2wj1ZnIEBbCd4BvC98JsCBkGKZbNuZQMIrSFyxq7BT26HttC0ftOekFB8laEC45z4ctGDedTqBxFY-xZzjQ6GZrg7frg6w3AcwLTndTLxsFk-Crt8rqF3vZ90aujuXX/s400/Screenshot-79.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle walked over to Jack and placed a file on the table in front of him. On the file was a picture of Jack back when he was first arrested in 1997 for illegal possession of a firearm. Annabelle was inwardly brimming with confidence as she had the upper hand on him. "Kelly has connections with the police department. You remember Kelly, right? She remembers you. After you kidnapped me she said she would love to get her hands around your throat. Quite frankly I don't blame her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkhGskbLFe2GgkmAJx5NANuXF1kSbp6Qt2n-HuL-OLFNFnLIpO7M9uWiTSrp0ufBVcJNEAsnghfrjM5KQNcF6hAJdi3e5WJll-CWEJvLYyH0DHGRllhr6y15M0BpOuevKCkVG8Fs0LZzR/s1600/Screenshot-76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkhGskbLFe2GgkmAJx5NANuXF1kSbp6Qt2n-HuL-OLFNFnLIpO7M9uWiTSrp0ufBVcJNEAsnghfrjM5KQNcF6hAJdi3e5WJll-CWEJvLYyH0DHGRllhr6y15M0BpOuevKCkVG8Fs0LZzR/s400/Screenshot-76.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack didn't make a sound, and Annabelle just looked at him. "They let me come in and interrogate you myself. So I'll be good cop, bad cop, or painful cop. And the Starlight Shores Finest will look the other way if I have to resort to the third option, not just on my behalf, but everyone you've hurt in the past. You've made a lot of enemies, Jack, including me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUyrnDyPWjXMZbmxXlXKesmz-irVFiQdE4umQ5YljD8bMi3v78biwH5oqIxtShq9cM31wOHODAHbX_mlnc7WjJwwhxDIJsCxHA2kT7mSDEFaNgRwxdNBsKMUEpS_ZhYbiNRWeFZGCaUwg/s1600/Screenshot-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUyrnDyPWjXMZbmxXlXKesmz-irVFiQdE4umQ5YljD8bMi3v78biwH5oqIxtShq9cM31wOHODAHbX_mlnc7WjJwwhxDIJsCxHA2kT7mSDEFaNgRwxdNBsKMUEpS_ZhYbiNRWeFZGCaUwg/s400/Screenshot-55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle looked at Jack, trying to get into his mind. Finally she went straight to the point. "Who is the new Benefactor?" she asked, angrily. "What do you know about him?" Jack didn't make a noise, he just looked at her. Annabelle slammed her hands down on the steel table, nearly making a dent in it. "Who<i> is he</i>?!"<br />
<br />
"What about 'Hello Jack, long time no see'?" Jack finally said, looking at her. "It's very rude to your elders to not say hello first, Annie-Bell. I deserve it at least, since it's been so long since we last saw each other."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P-nYQpHGKOd5QVPk43paoc3wr4Gx-01SVJV6AfUGbIlqV2vb7NZqPV8t3N6yPy6fwqY0A2laRI2NJ5ApYR3SkHgQpdkRrZCNAWo9AWPNTYVnsj0MjbjIh5fRAO-HijixE06m75bLSI-A/s1600/Screenshot-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P-nYQpHGKOd5QVPk43paoc3wr4Gx-01SVJV6AfUGbIlqV2vb7NZqPV8t3N6yPy6fwqY0A2laRI2NJ5ApYR3SkHgQpdkRrZCNAWo9AWPNTYVnsj0MjbjIh5fRAO-HijixE06m75bLSI-A/s400/Screenshot-78.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You don't deserve anything less than painful torture." Annabelle said through gritted teeth. "You don't even deserve three meals a day and a cozy little cot to sleep in. If I had my way you'd be taken out to the back of a barn and shot."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtQpqxsbGY2OVb73d6TjlWgeC_J_f-SE9Du3W1YUuG6KVLmbd6dxO_wWz6zJM9hFxYxL_8EvaYg6Cz8oz_waUPZFgpJNH2hVbL-o0zrAKTmWmH0Od2WPttuVh7mGCrlOLhS9J7Wxj1a3f/s1600/Screenshot-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtQpqxsbGY2OVb73d6TjlWgeC_J_f-SE9Du3W1YUuG6KVLmbd6dxO_wWz6zJM9hFxYxL_8EvaYg6Cz8oz_waUPZFgpJNH2hVbL-o0zrAKTmWmH0Od2WPttuVh7mGCrlOLhS9J7Wxj1a3f/s400/Screenshot-75.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Ah, nice new dark attitude you've developed." Jack said, smiling. "Must have been the years of pain you've endured since Bridgeport. Tell me... about two months ago when I was watching some errant television while laying on my 'cozy little cot', I saw on the news about someone named Keera Ketrhin, is she related?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsIuo-Ira8IpH-Xy6e_5hh5ogN-G761ZbOc1RZWhstIPqPFn03nNgY5e3UYIYHHCmOPDIKTjM48Y9BmOgvDe1GlFNEXH7LV_S0FxPXuf4950QHvjgXLNVE2q4iw3AV0eXhPQoPK7quCWV/s1600/Screenshot-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsIuo-Ira8IpH-Xy6e_5hh5ogN-G761ZbOc1RZWhstIPqPFn03nNgY5e3UYIYHHCmOPDIKTjM48Y9BmOgvDe1GlFNEXH7LV_S0FxPXuf4950QHvjgXLNVE2q4iw3AV0eXhPQoPK7quCWV/s400/Screenshot-82.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Who is the new benefactor?" Annabelle sternly said while standing up, not giving Jack a chance to get to her. "What's his name?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"His name is Carl Peter Jones Richardson Thomas Jingleheimer the Third. You know, he's the cousin of John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, twice removed of course. Lovely family there, they send me cookies every Christmas, with this beautiful card that smells like candy canes. I have them hidden under my, heheheh, 'cozy little cot'."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0pupqLeatJrFueB38p0QiZsdRthU7XclWbZw-S4OFnTdGF70dU-OGHQj-NXRciNXqybKgTXYe_YNoa1YXFjU9ZWwLwvvNzcTfSDFaGyvssw6ejnlLALIwUwk4JmbRO94_Oi3nRKiafTI/s1600/Screenshot-83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0pupqLeatJrFueB38p0QiZsdRthU7XclWbZw-S4OFnTdGF70dU-OGHQj-NXRciNXqybKgTXYe_YNoa1YXFjU9ZWwLwvvNzcTfSDFaGyvssw6ejnlLALIwUwk4JmbRO94_Oi3nRKiafTI/s400/Screenshot-83.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle realized coming to the police station was pointless, and turned around to leave. Without looking at him, she said "Goodbye, Toomes. Have a nice day and please go to Hell."<br />
<br />
Annabelle slammed the door shut and started to leave the police station, with no more clues than when she entered the building in the first place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLITsNy7lf9viqzJXKGmGg7juxEvRgR3X4J64CwzAJWt7Wr6CfbmN_lHKsbIKhIIbADWhHr3EJ9NXSlru5gO6A1ZK9KOlhDqW1C2r5jUFNYA4qhlTKq8pLum19VfC56TJBLy7SSjP6pEy7/s1600/Screenshot-91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLITsNy7lf9viqzJXKGmGg7juxEvRgR3X4J64CwzAJWt7Wr6CfbmN_lHKsbIKhIIbADWhHr3EJ9NXSlru5gO6A1ZK9KOlhDqW1C2r5jUFNYA4qhlTKq8pLum19VfC56TJBLy7SSjP6pEy7/s400/Screenshot-91.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, back at the interrogation room, Jack looked around. He was told that some paperwork had to be done before he would be transferred out of the station back to prison. So while he waited, he looked at the file on the desk. Then he heard a faint sound, yet familiar. He looked up and saw Jacob Thompson standing out of the point of view of the interrogation room's camera, near a back wall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k2sIEBRqPbAWD0wHHx3LqGw9X2j8M3QVJjUCLVdkqRzV-gGDK2lgP4XFI-FdCtl0ipC-2E2teVtfrypYCneALCCIP0Mr_km5amAiF47AOdfWvn0JbyFus49A4-WjhDPuSYfFbxHtlnMu/s1600/Screenshot-92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k2sIEBRqPbAWD0wHHx3LqGw9X2j8M3QVJjUCLVdkqRzV-gGDK2lgP4XFI-FdCtl0ipC-2E2teVtfrypYCneALCCIP0Mr_km5amAiF47AOdfWvn0JbyFus49A4-WjhDPuSYfFbxHtlnMu/s400/Screenshot-92.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"It's time, isn't it?" Jack said. Jacob nodded, then Jack stood up, ready to leave the police station. "Well what are we waiting for?"<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Tjf1NGW6f8ao8d0a_OApnsNiLVPKbBZSOKQ2nVWQVp1mqkcOyQ_S6k2RLX7FZMe_aIrgYtJRVnSP7vKvGCyEcJWvut34Y0NiQ9140_9IIqMJTjovHPfHniTJPQ-foyGG3mNwxJytJxah/s1600/Screenshot-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Tjf1NGW6f8ao8d0a_OApnsNiLVPKbBZSOKQ2nVWQVp1mqkcOyQ_S6k2RLX7FZMe_aIrgYtJRVnSP7vKvGCyEcJWvut34Y0NiQ9140_9IIqMJTjovHPfHniTJPQ-foyGG3mNwxJytJxah/s400/Screenshot-86.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WQ2sW-N-vEPP2E7IUTjM0Uc7xsBZlRGVmNV4tvysIVMMhtPLuBnowLMOGiv4EE4l4PeQCObs4T3OnLDF8F-4fWLVQ4S9CcB5vIJZzBs_0Dr_1E6XoKgd9vH32_GTDUr9xP1SDAFDrQct/s1600/Screenshot-87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WQ2sW-N-vEPP2E7IUTjM0Uc7xsBZlRGVmNV4tvysIVMMhtPLuBnowLMOGiv4EE4l4PeQCObs4T3OnLDF8F-4fWLVQ4S9CcB5vIJZzBs_0Dr_1E6XoKgd9vH32_GTDUr9xP1SDAFDrQct/s400/Screenshot-87.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After filling out some paperwork, Annabelle left the police station, and turned to see Jack being led into a black car for transport back to the prison. She smiled, realizing that he would never harm anyone ever again. Suddenly, a distinct, and familiar, whirring sound permeated throughout the air, and Annabelle turned around just seconds before a massive explosion overtook the car, destroying it completely and killing the man inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXm5AdLn-TwjglYjg_GUxDDNMdVJtqGZXqvmvq5tKi8ruc2awTQFcH6Kqt6YY5VXC4qYzb-CxFv3KBJ4wL8b0r_GPMQKmqCy_nWUs8kXZRhhb_AlmckAQih0P6-Bz0Mrt99kCIf9B6T-D/s1600/Screenshot-89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXm5AdLn-TwjglYjg_GUxDDNMdVJtqGZXqvmvq5tKi8ruc2awTQFcH6Kqt6YY5VXC4qYzb-CxFv3KBJ4wL8b0r_GPMQKmqCy_nWUs8kXZRhhb_AlmckAQih0P6-Bz0Mrt99kCIf9B6T-D/s400/Screenshot-89.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle, who was near the police station, was hit by the shock wave from the explosion and was knocked hard to the ground. Sirens from nearby fire trucks filled the air as the car continued to burn within the small crater that formed around it, while Annabelle passed out from the impact.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraBDWIIoy1s8KRptCtvTE6AVxKI897q2KVOTGXk08k-J3qmDnQ-X_MRx4rqiMbXdHpWavsw7z4q6MbnenMp4ya_IXqidERX-8mQ9eL_ze3VmYlMcoFxKY7wa12Jxv7pyasHiXJ70HyoDm/s1600/Screenshot-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraBDWIIoy1s8KRptCtvTE6AVxKI897q2KVOTGXk08k-J3qmDnQ-X_MRx4rqiMbXdHpWavsw7z4q6MbnenMp4ya_IXqidERX-8mQ9eL_ze3VmYlMcoFxKY7wa12Jxv7pyasHiXJ70HyoDm/s400/Screenshot-90.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-84219488944432560552012-08-05T01:56:00.002-05:002015-06-22T00:04:22.797-05:00Chapter Twenty-Seven - Reparation<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFugkDnS9dSUmqBSLAQbVbzLVAAdsoSilxHE6Ns2inc6cXg54Ebr_nb19M0Ziy6rHrxsJbnU5mfu8KKxQCEYyqifXImHzxnxjzwf4kUWx2GnE4TEg5Y0GKQKd_cYqM4u-HXN-qKsJDgDE/s1600/Screenshot-6114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFugkDnS9dSUmqBSLAQbVbzLVAAdsoSilxHE6Ns2inc6cXg54Ebr_nb19M0Ziy6rHrxsJbnU5mfu8KKxQCEYyqifXImHzxnxjzwf4kUWx2GnE4TEg5Y0GKQKd_cYqM4u-HXN-qKsJDgDE/s400/Screenshot-6114.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
When the initial shock of seeing his father faded, Tom said to him "I know why you're here, dad. I know you're here to tell me I've made mistakes in the past month, that I acted without thinking, that I need to understand that all actions no matter how small have consequences. I already know these things! What do you need?"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbuAd8llJ7zoK-CpHRpgjY5ndTt20BVYEYZPphGOm5i9YCH5zvKcSqTfpJolHh5bWB-j1X2FJUBlI_Z3FhSYqG9Bo08aVW8YlR_jCZnoKEMDeYM7HCu9IbRKFebF_K6-CsQKc5B7NpE8/s1600/Screenshot-6116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbuAd8llJ7zoK-CpHRpgjY5ndTt20BVYEYZPphGOm5i9YCH5zvKcSqTfpJolHh5bWB-j1X2FJUBlI_Z3FhSYqG9Bo08aVW8YlR_jCZnoKEMDeYM7HCu9IbRKFebF_K6-CsQKc5B7NpE8/s400/Screenshot-6116.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Can I have a hug from my son?" Thomas asked. Tom put aside all regrets and hugged him, then walked back to look at the foggy town. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Did you bring me to the afterlife? Is this... heaven?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkF3Ujt1UpqbfF9PW4K6hlfJQdJ_HWQuVux1HrkCkh_X-yDNzztSamf8rchH0kkdMoBEJgAUVsRZJ10cWyVWbOLGdELCsSuovnMFya7BvD0bxL_LjfBno5H0gpemhsW_ymwJby5k8nU9c/s1600/Screenshot-6115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkF3Ujt1UpqbfF9PW4K6hlfJQdJ_HWQuVux1HrkCkh_X-yDNzztSamf8rchH0kkdMoBEJgAUVsRZJ10cWyVWbOLGdELCsSuovnMFya7BvD0bxL_LjfBno5H0gpemhsW_ymwJby5k8nU9c/s400/Screenshot-6115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"No, it's California." Thomas said. "It's your dream, son, I'm just stopping by for a few moments to tell you a few things, and you can choose to believe me or not if you wish. I am so sorry I've never been there for you when you truly needed me."<br />
<br />
"You have. In Bridgeport, remember? When I was injured, and your spirit guided me to that chest where I found your hat and coat. I needed you then and you helped me."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOVfIfbXUYYb-W5u8z7OjKWldxeit5fv5K56r_ZMzia_hL1dB3J7bEe_xWVoLQVZyGhkYdDip6qSX2CKP4mtquh8Da6CFqBRshAZp4y5Uu4q1d3yXwa_jYYu_8x30j17zoNRqELxjOXk/s1600/Screenshot-6113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOVfIfbXUYYb-W5u8z7OjKWldxeit5fv5K56r_ZMzia_hL1dB3J7bEe_xWVoLQVZyGhkYdDip6qSX2CKP4mtquh8Da6CFqBRshAZp4y5Uu4q1d3yXwa_jYYu_8x30j17zoNRqELxjOXk/s400/Screenshot-6113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No, that is not what I mean. I mean, truly needed me. To guide you through life's pratfalls and misunderstandings, to hold you at your highest and raise you at your lowest. This was my mistake. I deeply apologize for leaving you, me and your mother do, but do not look at our deaths with despair. Our greatest success in life was giving life to you, and our proudest moments beyond the end were watching you from the afterlife as you achieved things no normal man would achieve, but you have only taken your first steps on a greater path."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzTIvHgGwekxU5fbeZAG9pT-pCAZSlU007SlMmPcbp-ng2Ka13DQhZzd2eJYY9-plInQ04albSAUj5bpdXr1c34TdwVYtqqqAhqT5gmXeFxiuMJE6ez64usw25rYykDP9YN3lWoJ1yNY/s1600/Screenshot-6117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzTIvHgGwekxU5fbeZAG9pT-pCAZSlU007SlMmPcbp-ng2Ka13DQhZzd2eJYY9-plInQ04albSAUj5bpdXr1c34TdwVYtqqqAhqT5gmXeFxiuMJE6ez64usw25rYykDP9YN3lWoJ1yNY/s400/Screenshot-6117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What? After all I've done in life these are only the first steps?!" Tom was visibly confused. He had fought supervillains, he witnessed the destruction of a town, he battled a unicorn alien, and yet here his father was telling him that something else was coming. "What's out there, dad? What's going to happen?"<br />
<br />
"That is what you are meant to find out, my son. But remember... stand with your friends... with your family. Stand tall with them, and they will help you in your journey. They are your destiny."<br />
<br />
"If this is your way of telling me to forgive Annabelle for Andy's death, then that is something I cannot do right now."<br />
<br />
"Yes you can."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDCSfbxybUtao5E8kHCNCdrAKxxfAfhyphenhyphenWTO72nF68PY-JzHJKvt0DF_Gc1awmGLyiU0xxbrX9QiKUng5KuTVuQYT-UNLy3ZVLpZvwMVQixbDOzn1GJs_RXPLHKkS-Cqj0xZmNZ6IxaH4/s1600/Screenshot-6119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDCSfbxybUtao5E8kHCNCdrAKxxfAfhyphenhyphenWTO72nF68PY-JzHJKvt0DF_Gc1awmGLyiU0xxbrX9QiKUng5KuTVuQYT-UNLy3ZVLpZvwMVQixbDOzn1GJs_RXPLHKkS-Cqj0xZmNZ6IxaH4/s400/Screenshot-6119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No." Tom said, defying his father's spirit. "I will not forgive Annabelle until Andy herself tells me to!"<br />
<br />
"Did I hear my name?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAvEt_rOmQwCoPzjHe7_YSK4PTwCrcTPkTqrEgNR93SNdN2KXYybmRjKQuE_Jqgyi5lE6it2wKGbeWh0ne3n88Mc7s7vsan4sxUqPdpHR1a7bbnjq4Tz6htP4RUzOXx-fPP-cRpiRQ_k/s1600/Screenshot-6120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAvEt_rOmQwCoPzjHe7_YSK4PTwCrcTPkTqrEgNR93SNdN2KXYybmRjKQuE_Jqgyi5lE6it2wKGbeWh0ne3n88Mc7s7vsan4sxUqPdpHR1a7bbnjq4Tz6htP4RUzOXx-fPP-cRpiRQ_k/s400/Screenshot-6120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom turned around and saw Andy standing next to her father, adorned in a heavenly white dress. She was as beautiful to him as she was in life, even more so. Thomas stepped back to allow the two to speak to each other. "Andy. I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry you had to die."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNzfhyphenhyphenZ5PaO9qMds7MFWIbMyImvX4txDGrDk8HV4MIbMDtZXy_F69H-cFMRInPx0iQecz8ZZM3A1srxqnF-8EpBtHHvuqawymiRwxdecLu0wGXGnx88mBpoM9flLm2TIh-NvwZIecB4k/s1600/Screenshot-6122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNzfhyphenhyphenZ5PaO9qMds7MFWIbMyImvX4txDGrDk8HV4MIbMDtZXy_F69H-cFMRInPx0iQecz8ZZM3A1srxqnF-8EpBtHHvuqawymiRwxdecLu0wGXGnx88mBpoM9flLm2TIh-NvwZIecB4k/s400/Screenshot-6122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I wanted to save you, Tom." Andy said. "You need to forgive Annabelle, she had nothing to do with my death. The other half of me was going to find me eventually, she was going to kill me or I her and both of us were going to fall anyway. I'm just glad I went out saving someone I love. Forgive Annabelle, Tom. She needs you. I am your past, she is your future."<br />
<br />
Tom smiled. Andy was there, in front of him. She was telling him everything he wanted to hear. Then he had a more serious tone in his voice. "Andy, I need you to tell me something. What were you talking about? What did I come to Starlight Shores for?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTEnsy953jCjYo-NSV2uB0jCP36Xa8Sj4kEMO1t992SMtEwZF-9GAfwGxJXykW8TiYL0oJlLSYXBCckdT5sez7pycFyj4aH9hkF-MYUwvEjn2YEM1iYeNv3eosfmSVXPjGZdW0bTNnGc/s1600/Screenshot-6124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTEnsy953jCjYo-NSV2uB0jCP36Xa8Sj4kEMO1t992SMtEwZF-9GAfwGxJXykW8TiYL0oJlLSYXBCckdT5sez7pycFyj4aH9hkF-MYUwvEjn2YEM1iYeNv3eosfmSVXPjGZdW0bTNnGc/s400/Screenshot-6124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Andy walked over to Tom and hugged him, and then whispered into his ear.<i> "You need to listen to your youngest friend some more. She knows what she doesn't know."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUhkJQMbwHJO1AO1lOmaX-mTIY1kDInUr2ey7NwfilQscAeWT-5fmRoBswnSULIQvzikDF-uR7vBft37Xg6sxEO4QLqpdmzDybMxiEkkj2rKlXCWeWhts7I1peOyv1675WTcyPjuUi8s/s1600/Screenshot-6121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUhkJQMbwHJO1AO1lOmaX-mTIY1kDInUr2ey7NwfilQscAeWT-5fmRoBswnSULIQvzikDF-uR7vBft37Xg6sxEO4QLqpdmzDybMxiEkkj2rKlXCWeWhts7I1peOyv1675WTcyPjuUi8s/s400/Screenshot-6121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With that cryptic saying, Andy stepped back towards Thomas. "I am your past. Remember me in passing but do not dwell. Be with her. Be friends, be lovers. Just be with her."... Andy then faded away, leaving the father and son alone once more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GuhSywnK3i53TM8JpAR_ejRx8MyqiE_1FCH_7F9M7b7xxdkBMWY0W2tCy8AiwTff7tjqsiNznAdY0TyDNQ5ykiEynDTWmajK7F-UVIoZvNENOn2X1Ul2_8cPdZr8uUnHO3MxsWjf5uQ/s1600/Screenshot-6125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GuhSywnK3i53TM8JpAR_ejRx8MyqiE_1FCH_7F9M7b7xxdkBMWY0W2tCy8AiwTff7tjqsiNznAdY0TyDNQ5ykiEynDTWmajK7F-UVIoZvNENOn2X1Ul2_8cPdZr8uUnHO3MxsWjf5uQ/s400/Screenshot-6125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I should be getting back myself." Thomas said, "I can't stay here all the time. We will talk again, my son, make no mistake on that. And remember, I love you. I always will."<br />
<br />
Tom smiled. His father told him he loved him. That was something he'd waited a lifetime to hear, and the words filled him with a feeling he hadn't felt in over a month. "I love you too, dad." Tom then thought over something. "Dad, can I ask you something? How do I know this isn't all just a dream? How do I know you and Andy really did visit me?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkm0GkxS0_K5aE2PBEhXm9dUUHhp1VUTfMrxxnYiDdLloSZ9EaJ317HB24eNq_zxpCgvpfFZaRgMBtUGRZxt_FOqugs4qP-TDziWfmcOWmLuLjeHxqFOo_LBHoJgx_Jbg-fZzonQgVgoI/s1600/Screenshot-6127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkm0GkxS0_K5aE2PBEhXm9dUUHhp1VUTfMrxxnYiDdLloSZ9EaJ317HB24eNq_zxpCgvpfFZaRgMBtUGRZxt_FOqugs4qP-TDziWfmcOWmLuLjeHxqFOo_LBHoJgx_Jbg-fZzonQgVgoI/s400/Screenshot-6127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thomas looked at him. "You <i>don't</i> know that, Tommy. Then again, what is a dream?" Then, he vanished, and Tom found himself bathed in a white light.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-----</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-QFv728JXYKTqluzQRaB2jQDvhlazQLdWs0jwNzK7ofa7d_g32DY4kYxeCgppzaWPTj7hYq19G3LIDWabnqQkqSTCOCjvMZB7UedXczj9T6Y4dm1JppoyKvw8DIdkcETqvx19rpcLE0/s1600/Screenshot-6130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-QFv728JXYKTqluzQRaB2jQDvhlazQLdWs0jwNzK7ofa7d_g32DY4kYxeCgppzaWPTj7hYq19G3LIDWabnqQkqSTCOCjvMZB7UedXczj9T6Y4dm1JppoyKvw8DIdkcETqvx19rpcLE0/s320/Screenshot-6130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom sat up in bed, breathing heavily. He was still reeling from that dream, unable to fall back asleep no matter hard he tried. But of everything that happened in the dream, of that entire experience, one thing stuck out in his mind. "Listen to my youngest friend?" He suddenly had an epiphany, then stood up and walked across hall to Keera's room. Keera was the youngest person he knew, and she was definitely his friend. He knocked on the door and Keera opened it a few minutes later, rubbing her eye.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAIuasSqNiOChhrWUJjFPXwFHcB7EI34PK68RgHbSj_GfYBHuSqa8hP9o-06M9nG51eEG8JrBp5p3WQRLysk-Vh4WbNzesxvZlMM6aKY36qz6AdMOkPKvRrYgaEcPqvqedV83-85qNLI/s1600/Screenshot-6131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAIuasSqNiOChhrWUJjFPXwFHcB7EI34PK68RgHbSj_GfYBHuSqa8hP9o-06M9nG51eEG8JrBp5p3WQRLysk-Vh4WbNzesxvZlMM6aKY36qz6AdMOkPKvRrYgaEcPqvqedV83-85qNLI/s400/Screenshot-6131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Tom? What the- it's three in the morning! What are you doing?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZG6IES5K_C0JVhRs9hRE0GB4jYamj-YrcSyvebjoxRI0HYvnFxPPGigTXvuqqEhKtn7NNNdM4MMTiUTGxvpjZc2hM9QrnmNhADP3K19qqmoXZit2vJ7fjZpBg7I0cWjy6AB2L2sYG9k/s1600/Screenshot-6132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZG6IES5K_C0JVhRs9hRE0GB4jYamj-YrcSyvebjoxRI0HYvnFxPPGigTXvuqqEhKtn7NNNdM4MMTiUTGxvpjZc2hM9QrnmNhADP3K19qqmoXZit2vJ7fjZpBg7I0cWjy6AB2L2sYG9k/s400/Screenshot-6132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I'm sorry to wake you, Keera. I need you to tell me something. What were you telling me about the legends of Starlight Shores? Something about a tomb?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y-GF5Rq0QaAG0aLVv49ZvAlOx4gf4BhDRqFfDprGXmFe8V4WdrmWmftLBh9vqtLjsrqJeB0feDFOK9V-DBrpUtviEh98wgHyoplBrTdTTt5mpmFcdX_G_ZvomDvyAYEgUbQzlAz4ZXc/s1600/Screenshot-6133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y-GF5Rq0QaAG0aLVv49ZvAlOx4gf4BhDRqFfDprGXmFe8V4WdrmWmftLBh9vqtLjsrqJeB0feDFOK9V-DBrpUtviEh98wgHyoplBrTdTTt5mpmFcdX_G_ZvomDvyAYEgUbQzlAz4ZXc/s400/Screenshot-6133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh, the Tomb of Richard Alan Ladeen? It's legend, something about a tomb that is guarded by magic. Why do you need to know this? It's at the graveyard, deep within the Mausoleum.Are you going to go grave robbing or something? What's do damned important about the tomb that you couldn't wait until at least ten AM on a Saturday to ask?!"<br />
<br />
"I don't know." Tom said. "I just need to find something out." After this he left the hallway and ran down the stairs, with Keera angrily shutting her door.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk9AqDdhBSku9gtsARveLWY2wC-6m6guGmyfHXeAfx6o0AN45q6aKXlzU5MWZWD1GvoWawaf08eRKQ4nl9gTyZbNvU4-EoPUCVGrejflil8tZC7vthlADxvsFpxfRPyaqgEXANa3DmOo/s1600/Screenshot-6134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk9AqDdhBSku9gtsARveLWY2wC-6m6guGmyfHXeAfx6o0AN45q6aKXlzU5MWZWD1GvoWawaf08eRKQ4nl9gTyZbNvU4-EoPUCVGrejflil8tZC7vthlADxvsFpxfRPyaqgEXANa3DmOo/s400/Screenshot-6134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Why couldn't this have waited until the morning?" She asked herself as she tried to go back to bed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKPRRBbNeV5aGpQFsijENzZImsg_x3zuPLVhrAKJE0aezRm9oqq1k76KYobXeY1VnD8BKuYMuu-JkT8jFKVpLcTPd-fmlElywfL9UqKd_xYpuyyaJ75DIosxgPWpLohKL2_TUmC3XqUg/s1600/Screenshot-6135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKPRRBbNeV5aGpQFsijENzZImsg_x3zuPLVhrAKJE0aezRm9oqq1k76KYobXeY1VnD8BKuYMuu-JkT8jFKVpLcTPd-fmlElywfL9UqKd_xYpuyyaJ75DIosxgPWpLohKL2_TUmC3XqUg/s400/Screenshot-6135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom walked to the bathroom to look at himself in the mirror, and realized he hated the scruffiness that he was growing, and preferred his normal look, so he quickly shaved to his normal level of facial hair. After this he walked to his room to grab some clothes, then to his car where he saw Annabelle waiting in the garage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbU9x_hdWpnctD0k37ooVMzYHaDNvucIRUjzRLURUjDXKDRzxO7wWInS8IDYMMJBj5SruiS_AukGyDvBsyOatiBiN7yUcB9SjEs_ezbSSiQLtpzSQGZuwxfcrJKG5m9xsIe_cdwQl98ho/s1600/Screenshot-6138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbU9x_hdWpnctD0k37ooVMzYHaDNvucIRUjzRLURUjDXKDRzxO7wWInS8IDYMMJBj5SruiS_AukGyDvBsyOatiBiN7yUcB9SjEs_ezbSSiQLtpzSQGZuwxfcrJKG5m9xsIe_cdwQl98ho/s400/Screenshot-6138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Annie? What are you doing here?"<br />
<br />
"Where are you off to this time at night, Tom?" Annabelle angrily asked. "On an adventure or something?"<br />
<br />
"Something like that, yeah." Tom said. He then climbed into the car and drove off before Annabelle could say anything else. Before he left, however, Tom rolled down the window and said "Wait up for me Annabelle, I'll be back soon." He said it with a slight uplifting tone in his voice, something Annabelle wasn't accustomed to hearing from him lately.<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eB5aQ6dlWpYij4WcdJTIzNDi7kduCXG7QOxnNGKGhDfO1IumdD2uCYUP5gEA3rp2LZrpfems1HDnKtDZhSNVyEh0foxC7Bd8qEzClxlwsq-wIzOpgHrncS3Cbii5kpJoD3Y0Me-Sc0k/s1600/Screenshot-6139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eB5aQ6dlWpYij4WcdJTIzNDi7kduCXG7QOxnNGKGhDfO1IumdD2uCYUP5gEA3rp2LZrpfems1HDnKtDZhSNVyEh0foxC7Bd8qEzClxlwsq-wIzOpgHrncS3Cbii5kpJoD3Y0Me-Sc0k/s400/Screenshot-6139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOVnNCh5FzXEvPeFNcmCK926cupP3bSWygn8BIzVZOnPb19bmNliyj9dhgQApg7E-obWc1n9NIDUl8NI8bJLxcRwqgSZ9G5-hAbkt-rO21D_Nv_ZRqKD76kCPNGYJRt5WR_fHUcjc0_I/s1600/Screenshot-6140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOVnNCh5FzXEvPeFNcmCK926cupP3bSWygn8BIzVZOnPb19bmNliyj9dhgQApg7E-obWc1n9NIDUl8NI8bJLxcRwqgSZ9G5-hAbkt-rO21D_Nv_ZRqKD76kCPNGYJRt5WR_fHUcjc0_I/s400/Screenshot-6140.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Tom found himself near the graveyard and decided to park nearby and walk the rest of the way. Something was telling him that things weren't right at the place, as graveyards usually didn't have tents placed around them. '<i>Better stay on my toes.', </i>he thought to himself. Tom snuck around the back of the mausoleum, but saw no one there. He waited a few moments, then crept inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyNq4h43hEqCRJ3-6twfOOw5MlwfbdCjGD1WJkcwTi44F4ZT6tJICSu3zQ64fN4wyC7xf76SjRFyX-yxIC57LxI_Eeo1G6F10DU1whW62WlBCNWBBdbVxzjZtgWbjGdMSAI4yCcpz1Cw/s1600/Screenshot-6141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyNq4h43hEqCRJ3-6twfOOw5MlwfbdCjGD1WJkcwTi44F4ZT6tJICSu3zQ64fN4wyC7xf76SjRFyX-yxIC57LxI_Eeo1G6F10DU1whW62WlBCNWBBdbVxzjZtgWbjGdMSAI4yCcpz1Cw/s400/Screenshot-6141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It wasn't too long before Tom found his way to the bottom of the crypt, where he saw another tent and some strange floating device near it that was hovering on it's own accord over a device planted on the ground. A man, Tobias Corvan, climbed out of the tent and walked up to the device with a grimace on his face. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4sz29eTJXhFlBH73R6kI9tBwQVAIwyT0fgyNUh-z0EgvMZJp3eb8K7IcS1XGwp1Dh2C3G83nqe9kWWMo9byu3YylaZPkPE_X3sXxfUMXhNhRYev1hDMLYRndNqC0NGtX-YdYCpuyQ-c/s1600/Screenshot-6143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4sz29eTJXhFlBH73R6kI9tBwQVAIwyT0fgyNUh-z0EgvMZJp3eb8K7IcS1XGwp1Dh2C3G83nqe9kWWMo9byu3YylaZPkPE_X3sXxfUMXhNhRYev1hDMLYRndNqC0NGtX-YdYCpuyQ-c/s400/Screenshot-6143.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Vazir I thought this excavation was going to take a short time. You promised me!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWt5Hyn14IsbGkHEWIQD_J3W8lqQamVOtiZduGzySiEHBtDaL67CGs0fOxi9-_p58jKMr8BGzBfUCRzfI5m8hfT-VFY8U76CY5mt6GyrL_4k_XXwleSkdAcu4kily15DGrCwN1vFXaOk/s1600/Screenshot-6145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWt5Hyn14IsbGkHEWIQD_J3W8lqQamVOtiZduGzySiEHBtDaL67CGs0fOxi9-_p58jKMr8BGzBfUCRzfI5m8hfT-VFY8U76CY5mt6GyrL_4k_XXwleSkdAcu4kily15DGrCwN1vFXaOk/s400/Screenshot-6145.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>"ERROR. THIS UNIT DOES NOT PROMISE ANYTHING. THIS EXCAVATION HAS BEEN HALTED. UNKNOWN ENERGY DETECTED. STAR STONE MUST BE RECOVERED AND REPAIRED BEFORE EXCAVATION CAN CONTINUE."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J-5lTNgzlLRHsPQv5nx_QrenSH5R1ygbyrsjNkG7MDfE1b9W0XBefidfvtKgqTApi3FevRnhwBuSEImyCKen7RNatKRz7hNmFpDkoopZcA-DxMP1xOdY9RBkGO4xR750aYxkngj8l4Q/s1600/Screenshot-6144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J-5lTNgzlLRHsPQv5nx_QrenSH5R1ygbyrsjNkG7MDfE1b9W0XBefidfvtKgqTApi3FevRnhwBuSEImyCKen7RNatKRz7hNmFpDkoopZcA-DxMP1xOdY9RBkGO4xR750aYxkngj8l4Q/s400/Screenshot-6144.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Are you kidding me?! Who knows when that Benefactor will bring us the next piece of the puzzle?! We have to get past this barrier NOW!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N7uzkQMQYlEsBU3D3uXzjb8qrxfgI3K6sn18albN0ouBDSpwpdIOboL9thsG29gikest_yMU0BC8NBnCE_gozzipje-0KVh9R-khvp3D3kUUE8LUhORvoYNli2cFD2WgTxMCQTrBRq0/s1600/Screenshot-6146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N7uzkQMQYlEsBU3D3uXzjb8qrxfgI3K6sn18albN0ouBDSpwpdIOboL9thsG29gikest_yMU0BC8NBnCE_gozzipje-0KVh9R-khvp3D3kUUE8LUhORvoYNli2cFD2WgTxMCQTrBRq0/s400/Screenshot-6146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"I DO NOT KID. THE BENEFACTOR WILL BRING THE FINAL PIECE OF THE STAR STONE SO WE CAN ASSEMBLE IT BEFORE THE ECLIPSE. THEN THE ARTIFACT WILL BE IN THE POSSESSION OF DR. VU AND YOURSELF. PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE, TOBIAS CORVAN." </b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom_y4foNdoJyCsKjXTlyJsC2Z-vdNPATDkwaFePxgW5r7Uan3eElotS4CwYrDzGZ457Jmk3vJyj1mdWMuE2jvIiPbNnZ7Tuofbs1zH6qkK7whYqAjJ9yA2_R7dBq7N8U7sBJZSuZHvwU/s1600/Screenshot-6147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom_y4foNdoJyCsKjXTlyJsC2Z-vdNPATDkwaFePxgW5r7Uan3eElotS4CwYrDzGZ457Jmk3vJyj1mdWMuE2jvIiPbNnZ7Tuofbs1zH6qkK7whYqAjJ9yA2_R7dBq7N8U7sBJZSuZHvwU/s400/Screenshot-6147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Suddenly the robot vanished into a beam of light, and Tobias crawled back into the tent. </span><br />
<br />
Tom couldn't believe a syllable of what he had just heard. Dr. Vu? He was sure that man died in Sunset Valley nine years before. And there was something about a Benefactor? Tom knew the only villain who used the Benefactor title was Jack Toomes and he was in prison.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYnI3TPEGqo_KTsfty1mWz6ZHnqybDLJrEfYO4n0Y3scdSFcp9DxGpfUQlJEsoXdJQZYD88rHoLwC8TwyvzAqZzqivMh92_XL1QexjtPI2nSqXU4NRpo8MVKyZWx4z7TxY7PG24mt94w/s1600/Screenshot-6149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYnI3TPEGqo_KTsfty1mWz6ZHnqybDLJrEfYO4n0Y3scdSFcp9DxGpfUQlJEsoXdJQZYD88rHoLwC8TwyvzAqZzqivMh92_XL1QexjtPI2nSqXU4NRpo8MVKyZWx4z7TxY7PG24mt94w/s400/Screenshot-6149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EYJZlVvFw80PWhd-CBb1mGeTbIqs_1VHCOGo3YAnCiW1yVI7z1qTx2iUY8ye8MW-oAlFy2ITv5g07b_eYze7NwyXdT5jPEiBqtKhcNuAMmaFrl9TbonOzDhTogFCj7fMp8eR4KykLHQ/s1600/Screenshot-6150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EYJZlVvFw80PWhd-CBb1mGeTbIqs_1VHCOGo3YAnCiW1yVI7z1qTx2iUY8ye8MW-oAlFy2ITv5g07b_eYze7NwyXdT5jPEiBqtKhcNuAMmaFrl9TbonOzDhTogFCj7fMp8eR4KykLHQ/s400/Screenshot-6150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Sneaking back up the tomb to get out, Tom suddenly saw a man wearing a strange outfit walking down the stairs, and hid in a nearby sarcophagus. Through a hole in the coffin, Tom watched the man stop and stand guard, looking around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnS-vkMB99Nt7J12XAJPpz__SVxHHhJhAwBF2yt2rrRmsEz_VlnrbRuw1Ls6YulWDFHJFxtkLhThxU-WmcvJWcIrKbYED7n-MXHaZyytC-mxuM2QfXQM64tTAx9NadR0tOPwHQ5_A_yA/s1600/Screenshot-6152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnS-vkMB99Nt7J12XAJPpz__SVxHHhJhAwBF2yt2rrRmsEz_VlnrbRuw1Ls6YulWDFHJFxtkLhThxU-WmcvJWcIrKbYED7n-MXHaZyytC-mxuM2QfXQM64tTAx9NadR0tOPwHQ5_A_yA/s400/Screenshot-6152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7ekvLwfiV_XTvX35KFJ74svJVKjKXv8zOvzgEhXqDN6VU1tUUa1x0SOBwkXLKyW_SMoYMBT6MmHVi8nMLThMETZ_4Y241NmxnQUAoA7QQV43BHHgRdGX0OvaYU9cvYF1ow11Ap6HdOM/s1600/Screenshot-6151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7ekvLwfiV_XTvX35KFJ74svJVKjKXv8zOvzgEhXqDN6VU1tUUa1x0SOBwkXLKyW_SMoYMBT6MmHVi8nMLThMETZ_4Y241NmxnQUAoA7QQV43BHHgRdGX0OvaYU9cvYF1ow11Ap6HdOM/s400/Screenshot-6151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>'Damn'</i> he thought to himself, realizing that he was stuck in the tomb at the moment. Suddenly he had a thought, and threw penny through the hole. The noise of the coin hitting the surface of the ground caused the guard to walk over and investigate, and Tom waited carefully until he bent down to pick the coin up. When this happened he put all his force into pushing the sarcophagus's lid forward, hitting the guard in the head and knocking him out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig5WthNEsob0dD5MZawrHS1yUlCEfxtXcNc7PVA7hqOy9H-y6Z0nJFNUnsS3OuD3h3c88Gf0ku7vW2DHO-xkqxNFbeL7NbeMCt4TBznNDOZtKldRPiMX4QSQJEfFtmeSTSlUnu7_x_WM/s1600/Screenshot-6153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig5WthNEsob0dD5MZawrHS1yUlCEfxtXcNc7PVA7hqOy9H-y6Z0nJFNUnsS3OuD3h3c88Gf0ku7vW2DHO-xkqxNFbeL7NbeMCt4TBznNDOZtKldRPiMX4QSQJEfFtmeSTSlUnu7_x_WM/s400/Screenshot-6153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom climbed out of the coffin and investigated the guard, who didn't seem to be injured by the attack, but was still knocked out. He quickly took the guard's helmet out and then stammered back; The guard had blank red eyes, like he was some sort of advanced machine. The impact from the coffin lid must have damaged his internal circuitry, and Tom realized he had to get out of there before the android rebooted itself and alterted the rest of them. Dropping the helmet, Tom half-ran, half-snuck out of the mausoleum and ran to his car when he was out of there, driving back home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSLB01sCrM4WdxMwwlG2f9Fn8pArhOrK9SZeyYpW-qmZXqsWiAvrguH9S5bRgaAZd5-FSGeSE_tSUhDryWqoL4R-CcMTT6Ugy418w2oXl-C02Ocsedtbk7zpV96V_Ltdxmb1ieVYlvGY/s1600/Screenshot-6155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSLB01sCrM4WdxMwwlG2f9Fn8pArhOrK9SZeyYpW-qmZXqsWiAvrguH9S5bRgaAZd5-FSGeSE_tSUhDryWqoL4R-CcMTT6Ugy418w2oXl-C02Ocsedtbk7zpV96V_Ltdxmb1ieVYlvGY/s400/Screenshot-6155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When he got there he ran up the stairs and knocked quietly on the door to Kelly and Mirabelle's room. Kelly came out of the bedroom and, seeing Tom in a state of distress, was about to ask what was wrong before he said "I think Dr. Vu's still alive, Kelly."<br />
<br />
----<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPAHXxeq5UUeHX0xWIkCDc-FNbRSnfdPX_qtMj1ASDsda4DpzUlync3feirTg61_2HqHLWWirgA7AVakdkPk_JkNDy25FzHr-aLA5PlfCe7t7oa0s_nKN6KfKW_nGovZKlMBCVe3DMbM/s1600/Screenshot-6156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPAHXxeq5UUeHX0xWIkCDc-FNbRSnfdPX_qtMj1ASDsda4DpzUlync3feirTg61_2HqHLWWirgA7AVakdkPk_JkNDy25FzHr-aLA5PlfCe7t7oa0s_nKN6KfKW_nGovZKlMBCVe3DMbM/s400/Screenshot-6156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Thanks Davis." Kelly said, then pressed "end" on her cell phone. She and Tom were downstairs in the study hall, having gone to a different room to prevent waking anyone up from their conversation. "I just got off the phone with Davis Cambridge at the Sunset Valley PD. He disclosed to me that there was a report of stolen robotics designs from the Landgraab Industries Science Facility about three months ago."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRdgb8jH8GZB7UfYC1HWR16zlhko4atlfMfPSE3AFxyS6PRpXbiHuCEn-q1KAWJnLupA6H-j0XJTXIrlcJ5pG0vGnW9ZIYxJcfy0p9MuCDK_ygWnitzI21DdYcSnsbXOw4Y3oEynuZt0/s1600/Screenshot-6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRdgb8jH8GZB7UfYC1HWR16zlhko4atlfMfPSE3AFxyS6PRpXbiHuCEn-q1KAWJnLupA6H-j0XJTXIrlcJ5pG0vGnW9ZIYxJcfy0p9MuCDK_ygWnitzI21DdYcSnsbXOw4Y3oEynuZt0/s400/Screenshot-6159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"The people responsible left no trace whatsoever. I also told him about what you told me regarding Dr. Vu. He sounded distressed, particularly because he was one of three people who watched Vu apparently burn to death the day after the Meteor Shower."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe8xlIUN5_bIsvDa64wTc_wiDSch_gBsmUj2QbO-TKVppdp0bIn0tnhA61GXIdKbqy7rpXh2a92z5mBS0s_itKjFUShxgYEJs82DLfZnCT53tTqbCxhz3l3lba06L4eTo0jolslyE3lo/s1600/Screenshot-6158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe8xlIUN5_bIsvDa64wTc_wiDSch_gBsmUj2QbO-TKVppdp0bIn0tnhA61GXIdKbqy7rpXh2a92z5mBS0s_itKjFUShxgYEJs82DLfZnCT53tTqbCxhz3l3lba06L4eTo0jolslyE3lo/s400/Screenshot-6158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVtetL5J8eOwiLH4-gTwbqmIAnuIkG-QPwp_0TYpuSZFnQ7pAKH-srjVSDvwKgU1pt6_ZUKfJp5Xn9CniumBaWWkUjdkXJeNBiUti7wPl31lvmrL0GHKZYVUYFVr-RqZTR-FnXdH77Wk/s1600/Screenshot-6162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVtetL5J8eOwiLH4-gTwbqmIAnuIkG-QPwp_0TYpuSZFnQ7pAKH-srjVSDvwKgU1pt6_ZUKfJp5Xn9CniumBaWWkUjdkXJeNBiUti7wPl31lvmrL0GHKZYVUYFVr-RqZTR-FnXdH77Wk/s400/Screenshot-6162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So what do we do now?" Tom asked. "We can't exactly sit around waiting for them to find whatever they are looking for in that tomb. It could be bad, astronomically bad."<br />
<br />
Kelly shrugged, then said "Well until we have more information, that's pretty much all we can do at the moment. But don't worry, I'm going to call Davis again tomorrow and maybe the two of us can knock heads together until we figure out a battle plan. Until then, just sit and relax. Maybe chat with someone, like... I don't know... Annabelle?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4fHmDmcJe5y7v4pMPd3ETUkZWWkdG6jTbR_gR-Tpp_Ims23u6QbIRSs6eMUwhgAgUnctDyD2orsR0pT8UMaO0yAOaM7dRoucFGN_edhF90xRgJssoH-DBNWbP7ft5r0gDrE2MWmBzlA/s1600/Screenshot-6161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4fHmDmcJe5y7v4pMPd3ETUkZWWkdG6jTbR_gR-Tpp_Ims23u6QbIRSs6eMUwhgAgUnctDyD2orsR0pT8UMaO0yAOaM7dRoucFGN_edhF90xRgJssoH-DBNWbP7ft5r0gDrE2MWmBzlA/s400/Screenshot-6161.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I already plan on that." Tom said, worried. "I just don't know how to approach her now. I made too many mistakes in the past that I think the relationship is beyond reparation."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQCo-0WbySutz9HVGZlbzVxnKogIPbApKXIJngwDYnZYHFWMdBFGofy3S-Qrlo9X0M6GxnFbHVsa5S4SK5hy7YiBrcaTjzMUxJw5DzTCgSjoJEYz9oR7TjclhhOPy18N3MN-OlyzyFCU/s1600/Screenshot-6160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQCo-0WbySutz9HVGZlbzVxnKogIPbApKXIJngwDYnZYHFWMdBFGofy3S-Qrlo9X0M6GxnFbHVsa5S4SK5hy7YiBrcaTjzMUxJw5DzTCgSjoJEYz9oR7TjclhhOPy18N3MN-OlyzyFCU/s400/Screenshot-6160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Kelly smiled, looked at her cousin, and said "Don't you think that's up to you both? One person does not define a relationship, whether it's a simple friendship or something more. Something tells me that Annabelle will forgive you for the way you've been. Hell, I've been with her for the past month, technically!"<br />
<br />
Tom smiled back at her, then left the room. He knew what he had to do, and hoped she was still awake.<br />
<i>-----</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7cMfibZ307ZCcMrsGJaN1tmro9IdpBxaD-nx5QOnQ0e6fL81HOuKNZ2TUx1xc-KNxsffxJnrC6Xclt_CZ6VjDeQnA2yqdtcNwERYzKJ6nzfoH7W2naJ3gw-I-0NNgWk4Af3RI2PY2S8/s1600/Screenshot-6164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7cMfibZ307ZCcMrsGJaN1tmro9IdpBxaD-nx5QOnQ0e6fL81HOuKNZ2TUx1xc-KNxsffxJnrC6Xclt_CZ6VjDeQnA2yqdtcNwERYzKJ6nzfoH7W2naJ3gw-I-0NNgWk4Af3RI2PY2S8/s320/Screenshot-6164.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Keera overheard the conversation between Tom and Kelly and decided to do a little research of her own. She quickly walked over to her computer, looked up the tomb Tom was talking about, and after a few short minutes quickly found a picture of the rumored artifact that was within it. Keera realized that the book she reading recently had been telling her something, and the information from the book led her right to a site. It was only a matter of printing the picture out, framing it, and posting it on the wall so she could show everyone when they woke up.<br />
<i>-----</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFaZ95oqo1ISTKi2yHa6HzTmi4m02TJlcQRrNktUIG7Fx6MaJHapvh-2SdIUnU8TB4ulFz9WoJHPMk33Sp2DqgUOehzaBjWFERdvq-MtbEdx-iH_3WESOxZWCPcvA3k1Om31hiJGyRUg/s1600/Screenshot-6166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFaZ95oqo1ISTKi2yHa6HzTmi4m02TJlcQRrNktUIG7Fx6MaJHapvh-2SdIUnU8TB4ulFz9WoJHPMk33Sp2DqgUOehzaBjWFERdvq-MtbEdx-iH_3WESOxZWCPcvA3k1Om31hiJGyRUg/s400/Screenshot-6166.jpg" width="400" /></a>\</div>
Tom walked up the stairs and walked silently to Annabelle's room. He was so nervous, and every step he took felt like journey across a desert in the middle of summer. Eventually he reached his destination and knocked once on the door. He waited a few seconds, which to him felt like a lot longer, and was about to leave before the door opened and Annabelle stepped out into the doorway wearing her sleepwear.<br />
<br />
"What's going on, Tom?" Annabelle asked. She noticed he was a bit wily when he had left earlier that night, far removed from his usual dismal attitude which he had displayed recently. Tom walked into her room, trying to find the words to get across whatever he was trying to say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyq8er8MpezS8Tj-Y7e0MaEpiDkiBV2PoZ2MpnOm_0nSHvrcvXqB2iGTjSn_qDIK5d01zzKCvznJKYkaNRTpMySDQMvfk8U-Zo_qxdPyM6qNV3_Bt4BkRCrU9VtY81qn0UTj8VIuyT08/s1600/Screenshot-6167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyq8er8MpezS8Tj-Y7e0MaEpiDkiBV2PoZ2MpnOm_0nSHvrcvXqB2iGTjSn_qDIK5d01zzKCvznJKYkaNRTpMySDQMvfk8U-Zo_qxdPyM6qNV3_Bt4BkRCrU9VtY81qn0UTj8VIuyT08/s400/Screenshot-6167.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I... I'm..." Tom choked on his words a bit, then said "I'm sorry. Okay? I'm sorry I blamed you for Andy's death. I'm sorry I called you an alien when you yelled at her. I'm sorry I revealed that we slept together in France to the family when you told me not to. I'm sorry I've been so distant from you and everyone else since Andy's death. Hell, I'm sorry for the way I've acted since I traveled to that alternate dimension! I should have told you how going there affected me! I should have worried less about losing you, because I never would have lost Andy. I probably would have never met her!"<br />
<br />
Annabelle stood there, trying to take all this information in. She didn't really expect to hear Tom say all this.<br />
<br />
"And most of all, I am so, so sorry for everything I've said to you, especially at the graveyard. I was hurting and sad, and depressed. But now I've seen the error of my ways! This may sound crazy but I talked to my father, and Andy, and they both basically told me to accept what happened in the past and go on with my future. That is why I knocked on the door, and that's why I wanted to tell you I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, and that's why I am hoping, deep down in my heart, my blood, my SOUL, that you will forgive me for being such a cold-hearted a-hole. Please forgive me, Annabelle."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-KA0fnincU2aqJAA9G9b5GFGVrnO_tEB2tfPQMYEphlHhY4obwT_JnJ7M6FKqFtv-olnjxiQEKgThsQF5dsWkXMeidwnKP6ODx-iCA2K37anKhrQj4-SeBl2MvgnlxQ14KUfjnNl84M/s1600/Screenshot-6170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-KA0fnincU2aqJAA9G9b5GFGVrnO_tEB2tfPQMYEphlHhY4obwT_JnJ7M6FKqFtv-olnjxiQEKgThsQF5dsWkXMeidwnKP6ODx-iCA2K37anKhrQj4-SeBl2MvgnlxQ14KUfjnNl84M/s400/Screenshot-6170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle walked over to him and looked into his eyes. "I need to apologize myself. I am sorry I acted that way towards Andy when I did, Tom. And if you ever want to go on, find someone else, I will never interfere in any relationship of yours, no matter how much I care for you." Annabelle then took his hand in hers, and smiled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGi0ITbgGYsp0-Kg8mCO6v0PaKzdaydX1ui1bTIzC3j9dqsmEugzON1cdwn0yAeTFo6MRGL0z-rssMVz86VKkBPuF2cdccPwcGdVnIkzkD1S2RyVAI7x11dL8dIQfUea3BFw99bUQ4Ro/s1600/Screenshot-6171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGi0ITbgGYsp0-Kg8mCO6v0PaKzdaydX1ui1bTIzC3j9dqsmEugzON1cdwn0yAeTFo6MRGL0z-rssMVz86VKkBPuF2cdccPwcGdVnIkzkD1S2RyVAI7x11dL8dIQfUea3BFw99bUQ4Ro/s400/Screenshot-6171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"But for tonight, stay here with me."<br />
<br />
"What?" Tom was baffled. She accepted his apologies so quickly, and apologized herself for the way she acted in the past, and this quickly afterward she wanted to... "I can't. Not so soon-"<br />
<br />
"No, Tom. I want you to." Annabelle looked lovingly into his eyes. "For just tonight, and we can be like it never happened tomorrow, just like France." Annabelle acted like she wanted to kiss him, but he didn't let her, no matter how much he wanted to. He was worried about ruining the friendship the two had just repaired, and this would cause more troubles in the long run, like what happened with France. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCwNwb01tHF8VIU3m7Al6lP2QxaJ32bEqG8t3oXDSf3rpzWEXC_2l24t4hNx2GpZtUv9o1ea9pJ4oagWE6KHBmlGGvM5q_-dqpGCg-OfRO-I_wFyibWWvDPnW7AWc4lLclTiwnVokwPA/s1600/Screenshot-6172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCwNwb01tHF8VIU3m7Al6lP2QxaJ32bEqG8t3oXDSf3rpzWEXC_2l24t4hNx2GpZtUv9o1ea9pJ4oagWE6KHBmlGGvM5q_-dqpGCg-OfRO-I_wFyibWWvDPnW7AWc4lLclTiwnVokwPA/s400/Screenshot-6172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No, we can't do this. It will be a mistake." Tom said, and after looking in her eyes, started to walk out of Annabelle's room. Suddenly he felt a hand in his, pulling him back towards the center.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccB1OeuGhb7SXNqrG3gXU2F_-D-AGF71RkStO_X4xpxdd-YdUJrDhT7U8Q_mHdi-7CupiVbRCgJLEM7P4ER2TGB8OIu_VA4cKEB8KLP2ox8oHTekD6p3eb8gwUIvoX7zbJv89n9qVv_c/s1600/Screenshot-6173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccB1OeuGhb7SXNqrG3gXU2F_-D-AGF71RkStO_X4xpxdd-YdUJrDhT7U8Q_mHdi-7CupiVbRCgJLEM7P4ER2TGB8OIu_VA4cKEB8KLP2ox8oHTekD6p3eb8gwUIvoX7zbJv89n9qVv_c/s400/Screenshot-6173.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"I don't care." Annabelle's voice echoed in his mind. He knew he wasn't going to leave the room that night, no matter how much of a problem it would cause in the long run. "Stay with me tonight. Please. Let's worry about the mistake tomorrow. I need to be with you."<br />
<br />
Tom nodded without thinking, and the two walked to the bed. He decided to take Kelly's advice and not think about the whole thing he'd heard in the tomb, and to not tell Annabelle about it until the next day.<br />
<br />
-------------<br />
<br />
Dr. Vu sat in the tomb, looking at the star-shaped lock that separated him from his goal with anger on his scarred face. He was literally feet from reaching the artifact, but couldn't for another two weeks. Corvan, who was watching him sit there while himself sitting at a blackjack table he had brought into the tomb to pass the time, was wondering something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAfHKTL1tqUqp8e3gUUB06Y1sCrx9TbBmpHS1h17_qCBz1S9_Hzf3fFPgktBcPWcjmSWfZkILl5BDDJvNCRfML81JRorEiESWsldIlFl3GpALYI4ROu8RS8Du2FzNh88y-Uv-PSmy0uE/s1600/Screenshot-6176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAfHKTL1tqUqp8e3gUUB06Y1sCrx9TbBmpHS1h17_qCBz1S9_Hzf3fFPgktBcPWcjmSWfZkILl5BDDJvNCRfML81JRorEiESWsldIlFl3GpALYI4ROu8RS8Du2FzNh88y-Uv-PSmy0uE/s400/Screenshot-6176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"So I never understood, why did you try to destroy Sunset Valley nine years ago? I was a mere teen living in Bridgeport when I heard that news."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82JcpbTug9UwRF_PT8n83A36OEs87R07nhlX7kcgWUbJR9x1Iu5yIgCDXTJN3TS54pBQ9mG-TCsTYlczY4JWCnFYlFjXQdwx4odu0jUFgyZhNZHzE580PppFnoWF5buwGnW0X7nDBMYA/s1600/Screenshot-6177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82JcpbTug9UwRF_PT8n83A36OEs87R07nhlX7kcgWUbJR9x1Iu5yIgCDXTJN3TS54pBQ9mG-TCsTYlczY4JWCnFYlFjXQdwx4odu0jUFgyZhNZHzE580PppFnoWF5buwGnW0X7nDBMYA/s400/Screenshot-6177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dr. Vu blankly looked at him. "I wanted to show the military base at Sunset Valley the power I had. They denied my father everything they promised him when his gravity device went haywire eleven years before, and he slowly died off because he had nothing to his name. I even remember the letter that was sent to him by someone I hate and was believed to be dead. I remember the letter to the syllable."<br />
<br />
<i>"Dear Dr. Khan Vu..." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyF8KoPX9qQjudYM60hqndLZuSaCjLFBWRpWQ8LN3yAU0pltZx6NUkhnG-T_IyAgV44nzEbsXObbwy5ISp40sCWP-X-6myI60ECUU4pDvWw6laPpU2RzHq_SkF6aA4hs8vaV6VCkr_PQ/s1600/Screenshot-6175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyF8KoPX9qQjudYM60hqndLZuSaCjLFBWRpWQ8LN3yAU0pltZx6NUkhnG-T_IyAgV44nzEbsXObbwy5ISp40sCWP-X-6myI60ECUU4pDvWw6laPpU2RzHq_SkF6aA4hs8vaV6VCkr_PQ/s400/Screenshot-6175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"While we commend you on your recent completion on Project Gravity, we are unable to proceed with development, and as such must cease all production on the device. Your recent test in Sunset Valley resulted in the destruction of a home belonging to a single mother..." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKenDCS9saShqB4YJbx49xjufqCIz5gFBHPd8HGDZdxKND63Ck1mFV66gcXlrf_Z2MXNTyadqvSw-9w0IdcsaltLAWQG2lTLwx_pqCzAWY4ae8HNMJ0CLfPtgNZsQaT_wFyXLmbM_2ak/s1600/Screenshot-6178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKenDCS9saShqB4YJbx49xjufqCIz5gFBHPd8HGDZdxKND63Ck1mFV66gcXlrf_Z2MXNTyadqvSw-9w0IdcsaltLAWQG2lTLwx_pqCzAWY4ae8HNMJ0CLfPtgNZsQaT_wFyXLmbM_2ak/s400/Screenshot-6178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>"...and after a short deliberation we have decided while it would be interesting to be able to direct space debris to hit a target, it is just too dangerous for Military Use. We apologize for the inconvenience, but are compensating your losses." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mx11SKARZpz-hq0t5zQGP8swUMpkeLkMP9iU9PaJ4DgkdVmfgL_8SYTSHx2_eU_MTLUSd_WfLnXjRcsCkPHfa9Xu11LyJlJVBwJzgqUt3dYai50G3vwBMsiy7FnZoqIGPwb3_t-t3Ug/s1600/Screenshot-6165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mx11SKARZpz-hq0t5zQGP8swUMpkeLkMP9iU9PaJ4DgkdVmfgL_8SYTSHx2_eU_MTLUSd_WfLnXjRcsCkPHfa9Xu11LyJlJVBwJzgqUt3dYai50G3vwBMsiy7FnZoqIGPwb3_t-t3Ug/s400/Screenshot-6165.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Commander Thomas Richard Jameson</i><br />
<i> Sunset Valley Military, R&D Department" </i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81msy5pmnfPLxpyEfZlf7uKFNE_qDrBDg0eUvR8iUMIHPfhyphenhyphenyMHIi7uc0luNZmb4Vt7pYIyaQOwZt-ig-cS3EEDgHphS4Tva5W4DwYTdayA27oKtGT35yOE0aBFslNHz_JHzZw2xIPLY/s1600/Screenshot-6163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81msy5pmnfPLxpyEfZlf7uKFNE_qDrBDg0eUvR8iUMIHPfhyphenhyphenyMHIi7uc0luNZmb4Vt7pYIyaQOwZt-ig-cS3EEDgHphS4Tva5W4DwYTdayA27oKtGT35yOE0aBFslNHz_JHzZw2xIPLY/s400/Screenshot-6163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613542075889439733.post-58657014063758487002012-07-28T16:23:00.001-05:002015-06-22T23:51:51.924-05:00Chapter Twenty-Six - Echoes of the Past<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEMaowtRJ3rWNZL5YX34ygbzc6vQ2Z0ng3C4DtyAXtwGp_1-pyJl48pXIGJgHqZZDsM4c47mpB7qBBzfA9htR8oUp7xiEfUBhYZm5GIhR4qaUYi6iqlPLQkWKYO5jDLfVVoE6rGrIgNE/s1600/Screenshot-5987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEMaowtRJ3rWNZL5YX34ygbzc6vQ2Z0ng3C4DtyAXtwGp_1-pyJl48pXIGJgHqZZDsM4c47mpB7qBBzfA9htR8oUp7xiEfUBhYZm5GIhR4qaUYi6iqlPLQkWKYO5jDLfVVoE6rGrIgNE/s400/Screenshot-5987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After returning home from the diner with Keera and John, Annabelle watched them walk inside and continued to think over things about Tom and herself, and everything else. She sat in her room, looking at her old SocialNet profile on the computer and noting that Tom was still a "friend" of hers, despite the massive argument between the two of them and subsequent rift that formed around the pair. She thought things over until she heard dinner was done, and then left the room after turning off her computer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOFac-sWq_Rw7kvR8dmLdujqclCAPlD0Lrt_OkFGCzw05vEgdBRKb3GjtK7zQ2wuCzaxLaYccUYaZpJ_5j_-QEyba_kQyt01Mj3nubiBZCt7Grn2AfJHzeSQ8MIvYMetl7XxljMeaWu8/s1600/Screenshot-5985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOFac-sWq_Rw7kvR8dmLdujqclCAPlD0Lrt_OkFGCzw05vEgdBRKb3GjtK7zQ2wuCzaxLaYccUYaZpJ_5j_-QEyba_kQyt01Mj3nubiBZCt7Grn2AfJHzeSQ8MIvYMetl7XxljMeaWu8/s400/Screenshot-5985.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tom wasn't there at dinner, no one really knew where he was at the moment. Annabelle assumed he was still at the bar, sulking things over. She didn't know that Tom was out in the town proper, looking under every nook and cranny could, under every one he didn't before. She didn't know her words to him at the bar changed his mind on giving up, and now he was more determined than before to find clues to Andy's last words.<br />
<br />
Resting at a park, Tom sat on a bench and looked out to the Starlight Shores sign, wondering how he was going to get through things. Suddenly he stood up with a widened eye on his face, looking intently out to something. He ran towards someone he saw walking down the street, but when he had caught up to him the man was gone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfAJBUXzK-y1fuutsxG0dQtU5mycawQ_Jxem0upmv6IerGByxZ2GvpUuPBmAEeDShOWPTmmnbRqyZ3KTS74Wvauk0d0qCHbpmJLjLaQAbO39pfG7kTd3wHlZCpY4Euxpw1Z7WrpB7JI8/s1600/Screenshot-5986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfAJBUXzK-y1fuutsxG0dQtU5mycawQ_Jxem0upmv6IerGByxZ2GvpUuPBmAEeDShOWPTmmnbRqyZ3KTS74Wvauk0d0qCHbpmJLjLaQAbO39pfG7kTd3wHlZCpY4Euxpw1Z7WrpB7JI8/s400/Screenshot-5986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Dad?" Tom whispered to himself.<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<i><b>The next morning...</b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwspyQMxvBXBMliSGcg20314rt5VOfiDoWKBaSgir5gGnBmvKPKDYJqT0nYeKieTrJaKn9QNi18rnw2nIxtMYmkQ1hTFAJElYr3K4q5XGe7udYseg5CO5CIZFkGAfHHkboXQ2HMssO3M/s1600/Screenshot-6020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwspyQMxvBXBMliSGcg20314rt5VOfiDoWKBaSgir5gGnBmvKPKDYJqT0nYeKieTrJaKn9QNi18rnw2nIxtMYmkQ1hTFAJElYr3K4q5XGe7udYseg5CO5CIZFkGAfHHkboXQ2HMssO3M/s400/Screenshot-6020.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
"It's crazy, Kelly." Mirabelle said. She and Kelly were sitting in their shared bedroom watching television, trying to wake up before getting ready for the day.<br />
<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvrjUtwwDwCWNAa2Oy3MF_JkQX0K1DFC9wLY1OmtbKmNmdjRUpJB_BNDAY9HrgAY5g4SBScQnYJLmNcAhSo8yBnR4TlVStH-aFWtdyhaL7q7dCjwqqdQi7zIfs_1y4w67PZoSaf5upHo/s1600/Screenshot-6017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvrjUtwwDwCWNAa2Oy3MF_JkQX0K1DFC9wLY1OmtbKmNmdjRUpJB_BNDAY9HrgAY5g4SBScQnYJLmNcAhSo8yBnR4TlVStH-aFWtdyhaL7q7dCjwqqdQi7zIfs_1y4w67PZoSaf5upHo/s400/Screenshot-6017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I'm sitting here, thinking things over. A month ago I wasn't here, but I really was. Everything about Annabelle is in me, and yet I am not feeling the pain of the rift between Tom and herself. I'm the same, but different."<br />
<br />
"Wow, you've really been going through some existential crisis lately." Kelly said, smirking. "Is there something wrong with Annabelle that you have to deal with? What's wrong Mira? I hope I didn't do anything wrong! I mean I know I didn't, how could I? I am perfect."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdx0zm8ospgmwjKmG8wR-BHAnwFHgP_CZruMxJkayPZRB1EeOLLwRmbWvDtz54LJVWLQBjo7_Q8V16XaydOsz4aj4hafuepegMTAIi6UYZVsAcxa3pyPwWH9wTPk6eyzA7VQ8ApPLaOc/s1600/Screenshot-6016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdx0zm8ospgmwjKmG8wR-BHAnwFHgP_CZruMxJkayPZRB1EeOLLwRmbWvDtz54LJVWLQBjo7_Q8V16XaydOsz4aj4hafuepegMTAIi6UYZVsAcxa3pyPwWH9wTPk6eyzA7VQ8ApPLaOc/s400/Screenshot-6016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"No, there's nothing wrong. I've just been wondering how things would be if Annabelle never stepped onto that teleporter, and I was never created. I just-"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG26eFX_WE-35mmqmYQYC7-Oyx27NJLCWeeThkckp701A5kenlLShLlCUpPM49gekvWZuCmHBx9fqH-HK3BTZLDRUxmy7b_WVx2gbNuqpSE3hyphenhyphenLTuFUdbRo6F7JUQF8utV9-aCNCtnf2Q/s1600/Screenshot-6024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG26eFX_WE-35mmqmYQYC7-Oyx27NJLCWeeThkckp701A5kenlLShLlCUpPM49gekvWZuCmHBx9fqH-HK3BTZLDRUxmy7b_WVx2gbNuqpSE3hyphenhyphenLTuFUdbRo6F7JUQF8utV9-aCNCtnf2Q/s400/Screenshot-6024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-_8RduhiJRlaC_Gi0zsfm-Rn5Vd5Tz6mYNvxWP2BOQvgL-vxK6W7W7f1ME_t73boPLqEKdHyWPPRl3ll6c2mWqHtYwPfnQLaxf-3YCeQdJxgMQMzsScBsU61943xetfuLzHhmbqHcSg/s1600/Screenshot-6025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-_8RduhiJRlaC_Gi0zsfm-Rn5Vd5Tz6mYNvxWP2BOQvgL-vxK6W7W7f1ME_t73boPLqEKdHyWPPRl3ll6c2mWqHtYwPfnQLaxf-3YCeQdJxgMQMzsScBsU61943xetfuLzHhmbqHcSg/s400/Screenshot-6025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Kelly kissed Mirabelle to get her mind off the subject, then said. "I don't even want to think about it. Knowing Annabelle she probably never would have returned the feelings I felt for her, and feel for you now. And it seems you were created just so Annabelle could have the best of everything."<br />
<br />
"And the worst of everything." Mirabelle said. "Look at how she's been acting with Tom lately! They barely talk! If I was her I wouldn't be-... wait, I am her, technically! I... have an idea."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ub3flN43fSF24xST0JfYh2mjPKR2YEvaQ-Y8o1xT8XO5Kb38kBaOYyOmaPSE6CQGoYKbG8VSJGOY8o0rk92mYl5cc11YBfUmm1lXsMIxGmcysN0WVNR3nbdFWPJyJ0LjH_2q7zjUBmE/s1600/Screenshot-6029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ub3flN43fSF24xST0JfYh2mjPKR2YEvaQ-Y8o1xT8XO5Kb38kBaOYyOmaPSE6CQGoYKbG8VSJGOY8o0rk92mYl5cc11YBfUmm1lXsMIxGmcysN0WVNR3nbdFWPJyJ0LjH_2q7zjUBmE/s400/Screenshot-6029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Oh no, you're not going to impersonate Annabelle making Tom think it's her apologizing when it's really you under some kind of hair dye and sunglasses to hide the magenta parts of your hair and eyes. Then Annabelle shows up and you two get into an argument then a scuffle then Tom pulls out some kind of weapon and says 'which one of you is the real Annabelle?!' and you both say you are and then you trick him into harming the real Annabelle and you hug him and when his back is to you your glasses fall revealing your magenta eyes, are you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdzQS5Bh0VCRloRTqeoLHQWsqr6kURu2rX0E7JAUbTDsf6PmXdbgNBvMd46xR1OUIQZKJ0-F9LqM7AabfHhh24lQtAVal5mry4hJFRnBV1MjsfqL3JsgSkhzsQY3qSz5fYDZRQGGurNA/s1600/Screenshot-6019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdzQS5Bh0VCRloRTqeoLHQWsqr6kURu2rX0E7JAUbTDsf6PmXdbgNBvMd46xR1OUIQZKJ0-F9LqM7AabfHhh24lQtAVal5mry4hJFRnBV1MjsfqL3JsgSkhzsQY3qSz5fYDZRQGGurNA/s400/Screenshot-6019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle looked at Kelly with a bizarre look on her face, then said, "What the hell are you on about?! I'm gonna talk to Annabelle and see if the dual nature of our minds can come to some kind of agreement to get her and Tom back together. You know you watch waaaay too many detective movies, Kel."<br />
<br />
"It's a hobby I share with Keera. She happens to be a fan of the evil twin taking over the life of the good twin genre, as generic as it is."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18jOa75rrXfNTeAeYzP4IrxjyZCBMg7Ws1l37ZkbWArVF3yOTRdWMlENLcZuMejsR-PyLXh_VMHmuifj7YBH90H5bnVdLbJh2qykS32pjmdO72x8weLi7MZPe02yFAKbLeYvz22sjQjw/s1600/Screenshot-6014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18jOa75rrXfNTeAeYzP4IrxjyZCBMg7Ws1l37ZkbWArVF3yOTRdWMlENLcZuMejsR-PyLXh_VMHmuifj7YBH90H5bnVdLbJh2qykS32pjmdO72x8weLi7MZPe02yFAKbLeYvz22sjQjw/s400/Screenshot-6014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Well not everything that happens to us happens in movies... even though our life experiences would probably amount to about FIFTY summer action blockbusters. My point is... what was I saying again?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1LMLpSO836MHYb52HBe8rS4mI8uBj8zsFPW3DjI3yRgStX4wJ3T9IoMVFZRFdUtYGazlBskgGxcHHSJw44OFtu_8z7SEIfp2aW2w_Nw8o1pZ0s6X0dIRcDADDafOCNJKeVHmWnei4HQ/s1600/Screenshot-6028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1LMLpSO836MHYb52HBe8rS4mI8uBj8zsFPW3DjI3yRgStX4wJ3T9IoMVFZRFdUtYGazlBskgGxcHHSJw44OFtu_8z7SEIfp2aW2w_Nw8o1pZ0s6X0dIRcDADDafOCNJKeVHmWnei4HQ/s400/Screenshot-6028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Kelly chuckled. "Well forget what you were saying, I was going to say... breakfast. You can cook it because we don't want a repeat of the last time I tried to make something."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBe8S5AJ5Y5PZu7HFOF5M5DPsBePL0Y4lFJO3nXvEm87RVrAISI3PHA5u3sv_7nGnf8WtS2R7DaUueZQXgO79PTfPKCNKeVPSCN7cZGtCN5BBWx-_WtEslKUaY7wO6YYJzwffraKaEOw/s1600/Screenshot-6021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBe8S5AJ5Y5PZu7HFOF5M5DPsBePL0Y4lFJO3nXvEm87RVrAISI3PHA5u3sv_7nGnf8WtS2R7DaUueZQXgO79PTfPKCNKeVPSCN7cZGtCN5BBWx-_WtEslKUaY7wO6YYJzwffraKaEOw/s400/Screenshot-6021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Hey, hey! Your eyebrows grew back! And it didn't take long too! But since you're worried about turning the house into the centerpiece of a bonfire party, I'll make some waffles. Then I'll talk to Annabelle... if I have the time. Remember I'm planning Scarlett's bachelorette party and I need absolute concentration before setting fire to that boiling pot."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtVwTpYcqGj2LRgxo1oAGd0LMi7x3QiGhC_K6ksX-BLY5IgbcfiK8EYbyyHunWQljdDa4clOIhmkUFTyf6FPy2JYA1QoMGSLw2vI7_ElrtHH1X8fH2_Cj0AQGWAO7mh-oLe8pzFh7cjI/s1600/Screenshot-6026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtVwTpYcqGj2LRgxo1oAGd0LMi7x3QiGhC_K6ksX-BLY5IgbcfiK8EYbyyHunWQljdDa4clOIhmkUFTyf6FPy2JYA1QoMGSLw2vI7_ElrtHH1X8fH2_Cj0AQGWAO7mh-oLe8pzFh7cjI/s400/Screenshot-6026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Yeah." Kelly responded, "Tread very carefully with that and buy everything red you can. And when all else fails, change your name to Mary Ann and we'll move to Missouri."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr4q6cSKgaUC6WgeTC0GJHdsIayVyQVj-Xu1g7OvjQyagl2qIozb2pv_MjpOkBmLWqD1lUkRjMFVXKGkFJGbTtRHkLEcUtRANkbTmvxn_qezQhVhw0hBjrXHFdnAauwwf1mHH8fJYUEM/s1600/Screenshot-6015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr4q6cSKgaUC6WgeTC0GJHdsIayVyQVj-Xu1g7OvjQyagl2qIozb2pv_MjpOkBmLWqD1lUkRjMFVXKGkFJGbTtRHkLEcUtRANkbTmvxn_qezQhVhw0hBjrXHFdnAauwwf1mHH8fJYUEM/s400/Screenshot-6015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What? Why Missouri?" Mirabelle asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"No particular reason. I like Missouri, My dad was born there." Kelly smiled and looked at the television, watching the cooking channel in hopes of learning some kind of pointers. Mirabelle laughed when Kelly tried to recreate the motion of the cook on the television, failing miserably.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioovNsTB3TBnL8Mi0LqT8F_tVnm1T4njs7IZA1hihEtivGFfGaYjU__iSA7138vsRbNydRufZJEp9X6ChPC2a3JMGvJc6UxnsERVWlTv53wa0xNM8LsQYVx6eoWQRTDGJNa9qZtCG-tBY/s1600/Screenshot-6030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioovNsTB3TBnL8Mi0LqT8F_tVnm1T4njs7IZA1hihEtivGFfGaYjU__iSA7138vsRbNydRufZJEp9X6ChPC2a3JMGvJc6UxnsERVWlTv53wa0xNM8LsQYVx6eoWQRTDGJNa9qZtCG-tBY/s400/Screenshot-6030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mirabelle chuckled, then stood up. "I'm going to make breakfast. You want to come watch and/or help without actually cooking?" Mirabelle added the last few words as some kind of clause agreement line, just to make sure. She was surprised she didn't spontaneously bring out a contract or something for her to sign like one would see in comics or cartoons. Then she realized that things were different than they would be living in a comic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMDtYaq8wrNNkjhEQvVp95HoZTIjh5a_VbpEAmrY1BdzIsNC4K7XUGz6z9Q0hZ3B9CWlMTBxSthRqK8zW8yV-OUr202IW-oA0ZWMp5pA0sPzxELK9eO8r84WYtmr_YGQ2gozB0Kcv_w8/s1600/Screenshot-6032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMDtYaq8wrNNkjhEQvVp95HoZTIjh5a_VbpEAmrY1BdzIsNC4K7XUGz6z9Q0hZ3B9CWlMTBxSthRqK8zW8yV-OUr202IW-oA0ZWMp5pA0sPzxELK9eO8r84WYtmr_YGQ2gozB0Kcv_w8/s400/Screenshot-6032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Of course I will!" Kelly said, then stood up. The two then walked out of the room towards the kitchen downstairs.<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHT-RjlS_98q2t15vIWmOGmM1BHfJvQwNB0-4I9kgW40HSBuf0dCsyth8rpC_llxkZi5k_2vvm2OrvaPBXgFTnQSP1SYBwen0mZrMEZmdbPBAN-CjOsUogDvipvX6FK4djx3R_3dXRlI/s1600/Screenshot-5951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHT-RjlS_98q2t15vIWmOGmM1BHfJvQwNB0-4I9kgW40HSBuf0dCsyth8rpC_llxkZi5k_2vvm2OrvaPBXgFTnQSP1SYBwen0mZrMEZmdbPBAN-CjOsUogDvipvX6FK4djx3R_3dXRlI/s400/Screenshot-5951.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Tom walked into the art gallery, looking around for some kind of clue. As he walked around he couldn't help but notice that someone was watching him occasionally, making his way to each floor. He didn't let this bother him at first, and continued to look for anything closely resembling a hint to what Andy was talking about. On the second floor, Tom stopped and saw a giant ornate entrance.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8oo6dj6bz3UMfxxONwZScCEuPpr-43HslHFPQwO8KifVl-QdbVXtwnK1UxFBLhmEi2Y706zlYhooZhj5h58KbIIm23ffgohLEFpGV6Rgeuu402rYiqZHJWtzRQvgiy6oiQXTe7hPqAk/s1600/Screenshot-5952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8oo6dj6bz3UMfxxONwZScCEuPpr-43HslHFPQwO8KifVl-QdbVXtwnK1UxFBLhmEi2Y706zlYhooZhj5h58KbIIm23ffgohLEFpGV6Rgeuu402rYiqZHJWtzRQvgiy6oiQXTe7hPqAk/s400/Screenshot-5952.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8aJ8V1t0ggghW4DUEfd1dT6pH5mjadKZFK1gpjgWplqb80Cnqc35ckhtH0Vb2CPgEPOOdnrlF3X3Sa2xCh7RQHgQEItxStG1ZhSObBoDEmveVcs_Fw4_EsZ6W9JgH_-KGMRVehvJk3g/s1600/Screenshot-5953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8aJ8V1t0ggghW4DUEfd1dT6pH5mjadKZFK1gpjgWplqb80Cnqc35ckhtH0Vb2CPgEPOOdnrlF3X3Sa2xCh7RQHgQEItxStG1ZhSObBoDEmveVcs_Fw4_EsZ6W9JgH_-KGMRVehvJk3g/s400/Screenshot-5953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimu39ytkSd2wi5G0pZHiMGqKkUTOKmjPmuNI7GheT2dRAD65uYnpC_p8jXpsmXabYpyO2jCBRhCO0brdO4uOKW2ztr8FpdzZuXSqYh8tibva7V5MjtiFyc2uUeMneT8v-pHtnmbKAA47Y/s1600/Screenshot-5954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimu39ytkSd2wi5G0pZHiMGqKkUTOKmjPmuNI7GheT2dRAD65uYnpC_p8jXpsmXabYpyO2jCBRhCO0brdO4uOKW2ztr8FpdzZuXSqYh8tibva7V5MjtiFyc2uUeMneT8v-pHtnmbKAA47Y/s400/Screenshot-5954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A sign on the wall nearby said that it was a new exhibit, a replica of the Tomb of Vor-Sett, an Egyptian Pharaoh whose name struck Tom with a hint of familiarity. He opened the door and found himself in a dark, deeply ornate room filled with relics. At the end of the room was a sarcophagus with a creepy skull-like face. Rather than look around, Tom shuddered and walked back outside the room, where the man who had been following him around was standing there, waiting for him. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHN8vyV8RVIZP44whQEDeTd3RKL3E-h2351J24o114zrZf254qGd-L5hXsmJ5IayGn8xg29B-0RqicO24UjUWc-yrhIN2BWBbNqvZGD1dg4t_SudFTo_bcy6_HSEU3zYLXfiSQSvsc28/s1600/Screenshot-5955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHN8vyV8RVIZP44whQEDeTd3RKL3E-h2351J24o114zrZf254qGd-L5hXsmJ5IayGn8xg29B-0RqicO24UjUWc-yrhIN2BWBbNqvZGD1dg4t_SudFTo_bcy6_HSEU3zYLXfiSQSvsc28/s400/Screenshot-5955.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1txwygEEgJ5MXvY-bQ01gIxaXrRLvAqwqJSE4NX3OE0oFZvYj1DO47GSf6cDx9ksIlg7VJfE5Djz8o3KHNG9G8VuPuZt9VlWMiW0e3tOSDRMihpx-gVR6_Sv3X6ep8p9lsmYL3Yu2ZQ8/s1600/Screenshot-5956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1txwygEEgJ5MXvY-bQ01gIxaXrRLvAqwqJSE4NX3OE0oFZvYj1DO47GSf6cDx9ksIlg7VJfE5Djz8o3KHNG9G8VuPuZt9VlWMiW0e3tOSDRMihpx-gVR6_Sv3X6ep8p9lsmYL3Yu2ZQ8/s400/Screenshot-5956.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What do you think of my new exhibit? I spared no expense making sure everything was as accurate as possible in there." The man said. "Everything."<br />
<br />
"Are you the curator of this museum or something?" Tom asked, puzzled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6Pp4KVrg8pTk44oBge-xw7XMrbcioh-usaFgQV6m1QgS5N7_-4YKPT0gvn6vUrZ5hqPMuvEaK4e8R6zc9WREJWS8lmpB-m5F-2zEdKYp3NwnZXROim3UohXBax-TETV0tQyDozPgo7E/s1600/Screenshot-5958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6Pp4KVrg8pTk44oBge-xw7XMrbcioh-usaFgQV6m1QgS5N7_-4YKPT0gvn6vUrZ5hqPMuvEaK4e8R6zc9WREJWS8lmpB-m5F-2zEdKYp3NwnZXROim3UohXBax-TETV0tQyDozPgo7E/s400/Screenshot-5958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"No, I am just a local rich guy who loves Egyptian tombs. My name is Jacob Thompson, you've probably heard of me."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpS2FSRidrq4Hp9KPdd32BbwD7QGSgKBk7LHRd-iggVycCpNgBwCHw8eSrsyAVOWg4Q0fBJigGDyJ5ApSZPDXXUK_vRZQ2S62ihqUrgX_0VRBH4P7xC_f_DL-_7X_XMVueRsRkwiT_90/s1600/Screenshot-5959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpS2FSRidrq4Hp9KPdd32BbwD7QGSgKBk7LHRd-iggVycCpNgBwCHw8eSrsyAVOWg4Q0fBJigGDyJ5ApSZPDXXUK_vRZQ2S62ihqUrgX_0VRBH4P7xC_f_DL-_7X_XMVueRsRkwiT_90/s400/Screenshot-5959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"No." Tom said, flatly. "I don't busy myself with learning about people I've never met."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWoY5JNogI2rBUBkSYhyphenhyphengd8lEsnajjvMxyzFuyCXeestIt_x-r0xOQBFK5W_Ak1ivHNHUXhsFYg5AoGx8CXphA2Zx3A62axbft4cNJw0MbGeiekBRIkK8WGacjezU5ROXJjo1F-jcECI/s1600/Screenshot-5960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWoY5JNogI2rBUBkSYhyphenhyphengd8lEsnajjvMxyzFuyCXeestIt_x-r0xOQBFK5W_Ak1ivHNHUXhsFYg5AoGx8CXphA2Zx3A62axbft4cNJw0MbGeiekBRIkK8WGacjezU5ROXJjo1F-jcECI/s400/Screenshot-5960.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"A shame. I really am famous. I guess it's you're one of those people who don't like the 'famous for being famous' crowd and all that stuff. I've been charitable to quite a few people since I came to this town a month ago, a regular beneficiary of sorts."<br />
<br />
Tom didn't like this guy, and he didn't even know why that was. There was just something about him that screamed "untrustworthy". Rather than stay in his company, Tom said "I have to go, I need to do something. I uh... promised a friend I would help them move stuff today."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37fn6asr1-1Yv5OyqeBEdMH48lSEyKWmifSnH0RhqfpCKu8MaeQKMJcAxEsWxiOd8tT_lUCogEUM6f5EqbPOjfvFlXQw6K-kwV_BlbAQTR45ApgV_oJiyErkb-Ti675-ZxWTsybFJ_zI/s1600/Screenshot-5961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37fn6asr1-1Yv5OyqeBEdMH48lSEyKWmifSnH0RhqfpCKu8MaeQKMJcAxEsWxiOd8tT_lUCogEUM6f5EqbPOjfvFlXQw6K-kwV_BlbAQTR45ApgV_oJiyErkb-Ti675-ZxWTsybFJ_zI/s400/Screenshot-5961.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Okay. Then I shall speak to you later on. Have a nice day Mr. Jameson." Jacob kept walking and smiled as he did so. Tom, creeped out for the second time in less than a few minutes, kept walking, then stopped in his tracks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LjY6Vo7EkisYpWcviZ5Hav5HEdJrYKArrZnZc-L0tu8AzSLnSjXu_mywek2tw6CSM-jer8grB8ImfStcQu9BkeUgD8pQaW19M_xBNPYlCsRi5dn7z4aZYKnBp6BsNJKQHafbm685Db0/s1600/Screenshot-5962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LjY6Vo7EkisYpWcviZ5Hav5HEdJrYKArrZnZc-L0tu8AzSLnSjXu_mywek2tw6CSM-jer8grB8ImfStcQu9BkeUgD8pQaW19M_xBNPYlCsRi5dn7z4aZYKnBp6BsNJKQHafbm685Db0/s400/Screenshot-5962.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Wait a second, how in he hell did he know my name?!"<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbTRMvfsQ3ZsnbDvAksux_rtCpHwkWqPLjdtbhXC3hg3F4p1tCWw6TRDy-syD0OJsLR1j87IG_SlyMSMHfDIcLYN7AvtliZt20TuwR4cIlq7UcRCdIXy4X9mClKfC71v4LvBuMsWYvBA/s1600/Screenshot-5927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbTRMvfsQ3ZsnbDvAksux_rtCpHwkWqPLjdtbhXC3hg3F4p1tCWw6TRDy-syD0OJsLR1j87IG_SlyMSMHfDIcLYN7AvtliZt20TuwR4cIlq7UcRCdIXy4X9mClKfC71v4LvBuMsWYvBA/s400/Screenshot-5927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYKe0rc70rDKFb9X5Nlr4tWRbOzWuy9h1riACMBMrX5bMSfaqAqY9_DLwG-gauc3sEgzhq5X4L7gQM0IBqVLhbaeATe6BIwFFtFcTvLwYp0OKNB5OXFVc3WNlwV3gcMJGnwb_MYS6ivw/s1600/Screenshot-5928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYKe0rc70rDKFb9X5Nlr4tWRbOzWuy9h1riACMBMrX5bMSfaqAqY9_DLwG-gauc3sEgzhq5X4L7gQM0IBqVLhbaeATe6BIwFFtFcTvLwYp0OKNB5OXFVc3WNlwV3gcMJGnwb_MYS6ivw/s400/Screenshot-5928.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle was standing in a public beach house making herself some juice when she heard the door open. Expecting the usual crowd of beach-goers who love to fish in the ocean, she was surprised when a man with blonde hair walked in. Annabelle instantly knew who he was, and her eyes glared. "You. What the hell are you doing here?!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDJHGErNzTD7O0OLqg189F2ddAi93PT6sx0hmh7x4Zl1VhvkQuhZxGNPmE5AVde8GPh_VzJ1CQ1auGWQym0krkHKu7vufwDOYKNHfSUtNBg69uPSSTF4Rhfzn01sWQhculucSi8dh3Hk/s1600/Screenshot-5931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDJHGErNzTD7O0OLqg189F2ddAi93PT6sx0hmh7x4Zl1VhvkQuhZxGNPmE5AVde8GPh_VzJ1CQ1auGWQym0krkHKu7vufwDOYKNHfSUtNBg69uPSSTF4Rhfzn01sWQhculucSi8dh3Hk/s400/Screenshot-5931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"My sister told me that she met you at the market yesterday, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet you again, miss Kethrin. Or is it Mrs. Jameson, now?" Deacon smiled as he walked up to Annabelle, who had a decidedly different look on her face. "I saw how Tom cared for you when we were teenagers. I figured by now you'd be married, with a kid or two."<br />
<br />
<br />
"You come near me and I'll put you down." Annabelle angrily said. "I'll do it too! I've been training martial arts! I'll-"<br />
<br />
"I'm not here to harm you Annabelle. It would be a shame to myself, who is exceedingly handsome, to have any part of this handsome face injured by someone as exquisite as you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCSjtkON1IdHtCamr7be6i2odwQCSGaibYAHDZOb0LpNdL62ZdL7ZNwm7_O7hCJbh2G55go6Wc0mNmE12EqKv_kxlF7TmT_jCWSlchOfkHdhkwys4ZLbE9nnb8sDb5liVKnr6AE73T_E/s1600/Screenshot-5929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCSjtkON1IdHtCamr7be6i2odwQCSGaibYAHDZOb0LpNdL62ZdL7ZNwm7_O7hCJbh2G55go6Wc0mNmE12EqKv_kxlF7TmT_jCWSlchOfkHdhkwys4ZLbE9nnb8sDb5liVKnr6AE73T_E/s400/Screenshot-5929.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"What?" Annabelle was puzzled, but Deacon started chuckling a bit. "What are you laughing about?!"<br />
<br />
"I'm so sorry, Annabelle, I was going to do this whole thing where I was going to act like I did in Bridgeport, and then I decided against it because you look like you could rip my head off with your eyelashes at the moment. In the end, I thought 'why act like that? I was a complete and total a-hole, a snobby piece of sh'-" suddenly Deacon's cell rang, he saw a number he didn't recognize and ignored the call. "...What was I saying?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"You were GOING to apologize to me for acting like that in the city of Bridgeport, like you did for years. And even if you weren't going to, I will make you."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEjIXgkWI1gpTxEFALrrdiMjgeaVnMWd2RPBcmgswsA4QduKXMs8jCf55eiwiLSOer5lzW2WpWgKiUQuxImNPO2XPdc94vpwWXr2KsQcQdN9oHVfmpsX3eCvqpdA8lBAWifXQ9nDRwRQ/s1600/Screenshot-5930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEjIXgkWI1gpTxEFALrrdiMjgeaVnMWd2RPBcmgswsA4QduKXMs8jCf55eiwiLSOer5lzW2WpWgKiUQuxImNPO2XPdc94vpwWXr2KsQcQdN9oHVfmpsX3eCvqpdA8lBAWifXQ9nDRwRQ/s400/Screenshot-5930.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Ah yes." Deacon said, nodding to her before sitting down on a stool.<br />
<br />
"I was going to anyway, and be very sincere about it. I am truly sorry for the way I acted. I was mean, and cold. It was Jack. Jack put me up to it by playing to my emotions, he tricked me into being the person I was by pushing every button he could. That man was pure malice, pure hatred... evil incarnate. He tricked you, and Tom, and everyone in your family. He convinced me he loved me as an adopted son, the son he never had and always wanted, but that was a facade. I heard he laughed when he heard the news of me being injured from the fall, a minor chuckle. I hate him."<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp0NRbGKX6EmoNB9X-FO3dM-PBM9AfieVFP8GBBWPp5c_QraAXD4cJc3Tr3sGaoIRLhPAfc1yYrmiu0i2nLJEykgsGdJlEVensRi79VskHuZAdNlwPKY2QDMoi-yM38CQ87kreXDnTDc/s1600/Screenshot-5935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp0NRbGKX6EmoNB9X-FO3dM-PBM9AfieVFP8GBBWPp5c_QraAXD4cJc3Tr3sGaoIRLhPAfc1yYrmiu0i2nLJEykgsGdJlEVensRi79VskHuZAdNlwPKY2QDMoi-yM38CQ87kreXDnTDc/s400/Screenshot-5935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle took a moment to process this. "We all hate Jack Toomes." She said, though still with a bit of a harsh tone in her voice. "Everything you said about him was true, and... everything you said about yourself was true, I think. I don't know why I know but I know, you poured your heart into what you said..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uezwsl11m_oNKqTR9BBci6gckj7BltEkoUBTssaqwFmE5lwaaktFiaO8ByJSYFbTX0VfJlY27XEC5w_oHrXy5XVYshSG0TOGSp4m6zs1_3WDUsJlAq4ChpdkzhVvs9jmWBtjO0YyOOM/s1600/Screenshot-5936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uezwsl11m_oNKqTR9BBci6gckj7BltEkoUBTssaqwFmE5lwaaktFiaO8ByJSYFbTX0VfJlY27XEC5w_oHrXy5XVYshSG0TOGSp4m6zs1_3WDUsJlAq4ChpdkzhVvs9jmWBtjO0YyOOM/s400/Screenshot-5936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle then looked at him again, and then turned to leave the building without even looking back. "...but I can't trust you right now. Not after what happened in Bridgeport, not after you assisted Jack Toomes and his Benefactor alter-ego. Not now, maybe not ever. Trust is something you have to earn, Jones. And you have a LOT to make up for. Now I must leave, and if you're as persistent as you were in Bridgeport, I'm sure I'll be seeing a hell of a lot of you around."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcB-8y1ID6KPDtzRXALTgEIed9F_rkkEJwqVPqAIrtL1azii7MfOHpe8fz0vH71HqJ4RmBv-vz-QlA7qhUHmwUzI7dxyBQLr4DvfmB9gms-44p1xeJQZbsi4sRDhFHmf8SnA8Vyqlvvk/s1600/Screenshot-5938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcB-8y1ID6KPDtzRXALTgEIed9F_rkkEJwqVPqAIrtL1azii7MfOHpe8fz0vH71HqJ4RmBv-vz-QlA7qhUHmwUzI7dxyBQLr4DvfmB9gms-44p1xeJQZbsi4sRDhFHmf8SnA8Vyqlvvk/s400/Screenshot-5938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle left the building, leaving Deacon behind to his own thoughts. After thinking it over, she didn't really care for what he had to say. Every time she looked at his face she saw the same snob she met in Bridgeport, no matter how much he had changed in his life or claimed to have changed. Annabelle hated Deacon for what he did back then, and the recent incident with Tom and Andy had proved to her that people are never what they act like on the outside, and it wasn't Andy she was thinking about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT76dgs3yT3BmiBSL9vzK6XUB1w646f8x4rGZSi9UUmoS9FRd4-IcC0em07TPacokswQHnYAqEfJb5WQfHq9wXn2wBoTk3JyhRpoankL8C_bhrQchRu6ABMDfpzEagCmwZsHgfNxUA_Os/s1600/Screenshot-5939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT76dgs3yT3BmiBSL9vzK6XUB1w646f8x4rGZSi9UUmoS9FRd4-IcC0em07TPacokswQHnYAqEfJb5WQfHq9wXn2wBoTk3JyhRpoankL8C_bhrQchRu6ABMDfpzEagCmwZsHgfNxUA_Os/s400/Screenshot-5939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>"You couldn't let one good thing happen for me, huh? How very ALIEN of you, Kethrin!" </i>Those were his words. Those were Tom's words before he left to find Andy after Annabelle yelled at her. Every time Annabelle remembered that phrase she wanted to punch something. Here is Tom, who spent his entire life helping her out, who stayed with her when she didn't want to be alone, who cared for her, calling her inhuman because she didn't trust Andy. That hurt her more than Deacon or Jack or Nightmare ever could, and him basically saying "go to hell" at Andy's funeral caused Annabelle to become a jaded, negative, shell of her self, a cynic in every possible sense of the word. Annabelle was sure that if Tom never met Andy and Deacon still showed his face she would be able to accept his apology and trust him, but she couldn't now, not after what had happened to everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf5rn7zfFEmAe1PCUA-B7hYWDWMfwrD6KWdx-LHfdwBXG8YFbj8AXf4e6ww2wZ7VhLRIFo_f93mHMmfRvvkTIXe7EqRTBL9aOXMft3WW1lorKKSh71PYNxlf3uqbq-dMLtYP3XetlsEw/s1600/Screenshot-5943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf5rn7zfFEmAe1PCUA-B7hYWDWMfwrD6KWdx-LHfdwBXG8YFbj8AXf4e6ww2wZ7VhLRIFo_f93mHMmfRvvkTIXe7EqRTBL9aOXMft3WW1lorKKSh71PYNxlf3uqbq-dMLtYP3XetlsEw/s400/Screenshot-5943.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
After a short time walking, Annabelle found herself in the middle of a park, off in the distance she could see the Starlight Shores sign, and this place gave her a great vantage point to look at the northern side of town. She just sat there on the bench, looking out to the distance, lost in her thoughts. Suddenly someone walked up to her and sat down on the seat beside her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn5_KZ_Cq4l7nFQna9hKa4VXOEhi5-8WSZy4bTbl5qpffGdmYlhusG0MGQ4SfoyPSeY_1dOTb2pEMBWPjucX4mgPYVcuQiiMTGmAJlGZpYasy-AtyxRHs6R0DItCat-YAvkroprKRYMI/s1600/Screenshot-5940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn5_KZ_Cq4l7nFQna9hKa4VXOEhi5-8WSZy4bTbl5qpffGdmYlhusG0MGQ4SfoyPSeY_1dOTb2pEMBWPjucX4mgPYVcuQiiMTGmAJlGZpYasy-AtyxRHs6R0DItCat-YAvkroprKRYMI/s400/Screenshot-5940.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"I hope this seat's not taken." Cassie said, "But you seem to want to be alone so why would it be?"<br />
<br />
Annabelle scoffed, "And you didn't take that as a hint to let me be?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfJVDZohRUJyi21v8rEQgcTuQP4V5LpKpKyyBD2IL_OoqZwCR0wryOWPi39Pp-PJDrc1igCjF15cGb_EqnsIKnYQ5WJz3XuZZcoZnKpC8Q7oJOpvAgSanCKp4EUbW65H1xy6OwlGRbDY/s1600/Screenshot-5946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfJVDZohRUJyi21v8rEQgcTuQP4V5LpKpKyyBD2IL_OoqZwCR0wryOWPi39Pp-PJDrc1igCjF15cGb_EqnsIKnYQ5WJz3XuZZcoZnKpC8Q7oJOpvAgSanCKp4EUbW65H1xy6OwlGRbDY/s400/Screenshot-5946.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Cassie looked away. "My brother told me about how he acted towards you, he's told me numerous times about the way he was when he lived in Bridgeport. That wasn't him you saw in that city years ago, he was changed. I know he told you about the way Jack Toomes manipulated him, but the real Deacon, the one I know, isn't like that. He cares for people."<br />
<br />
"He didn't seem to care for you." Annabelle said, "He didn't even mention he had a sister, such love there."<br />
<br />
"He didn't know I was alive." Cassie said sadly. "I didn't know he was alive too."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qp9dez994Tw_TL0QGWd-NbRVfg_Uctf35T8pSbAaDEd9o9NxgQggtlCrxcsiXVCchFJsdYJKDzRaqSkcv2qEX-M1zBlGN7g6UF0OQsDDEVi2Y19dsBodwDS3y3kTvfq3Km8Eaq85ITU/s1600/Screenshot-5944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qp9dez994Tw_TL0QGWd-NbRVfg_Uctf35T8pSbAaDEd9o9NxgQggtlCrxcsiXVCchFJsdYJKDzRaqSkcv2qEX-M1zBlGN7g6UF0OQsDDEVi2Y19dsBodwDS3y3kTvfq3Km8Eaq85ITU/s400/Screenshot-5944.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Annabelle was startled by this. "What? What do you mean?!"<br />
<br />
Cassie stood up and walked over to a tree. "You probably don't want to hear about this. It's depressing..."<br />
<br />
"I do. It's the least you can do for setting me up on a surprise meeting with someone like your brother." Annabelle said, then stood up next to her. "Spill it."<br />
<br />
"I told you, Deacon wasn't always like he was in Bridgeport! When we were younger, Deacon and I visited Sunset Valley with our parents and uncle Peter. I was sick this one day when my parents took Deacon to the park, so they left me with my uncle at the place we were staying at. I asked Deacon to take my teddy bear to the park with him, to keep him company while I was in bed. Deacon did, and left. This was the Day of the Meteor Shower."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXU7APkUZyVCn3K4-r_xHMSaP7lruObG5muKkCm7bgTIc7BB18xDeJPra3iYdvCOXzOwvpKzG5o5RpXvkXj6WVn74oikkuzlt3oHOTcbJ7grwpb7uEe-usRuxZ7pbFInqU15308TO-2o/s1600/Screenshot-5947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXU7APkUZyVCn3K4-r_xHMSaP7lruObG5muKkCm7bgTIc7BB18xDeJPra3iYdvCOXzOwvpKzG5o5RpXvkXj6WVn74oikkuzlt3oHOTcbJ7grwpb7uEe-usRuxZ7pbFInqU15308TO-2o/s400/Screenshot-5947.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle felt her stomach turn. The same damn meteor shower that killed fifty seven people in Sunset Valley over a decade before. Even now the memory haunted her, the inability to do anything to stop it, the destroyed park, and Tom being there for her, telling her it wasn't her fault. Tom helping her cope with the destruction, his strength giving itself to her strength. This was the second time in two days that she had thought over what Tom had done for her in their life. She then realized Cassie was still talking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUeelpCHVAVJtXIithFMyYXKG7tpujOOWEuFzfgHEWZZ6u0PwlW4VibmBgY6rkr6mxwk0felNey5rX3OpggBH0v2k1Y5GT0XXohBKV6GhqNzEIczsqpOi5MCNtMG4Clknsut9-TWwmfc/s1600/Screenshot-5948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUeelpCHVAVJtXIithFMyYXKG7tpujOOWEuFzfgHEWZZ6u0PwlW4VibmBgY6rkr6mxwk0felNey5rX3OpggBH0v2k1Y5GT0XXohBKV6GhqNzEIczsqpOi5MCNtMG4Clknsut9-TWwmfc/s400/Screenshot-5948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"My parents were killed, and I thought Deacon was killed as well." Cassie said, sadly. "I found the burned remains of my teddy bear in the park after the explosions. Deacon assumed I was killed in the event as well when he couldn't find me. Eventually my uncle Peter took me back to to my home city of London, and Deacon was adopted by Jack Toomes. You know what happened there. Eventually my uncle Peter and I saw news of Deacon's injury at your house, and his subsequent selling of his goods and hospitalization in Hidden Springs. We immediately picked him up from there and brought him here to Starlight Shores, where I have been trying to nurse him back to full health alone since my uncle went to Bridgeport so he could run for mayor." Cassie then closed her eyes. "I told you it was depressing, and dark."<br />
<br />
"Look lady, if you knew half of the stuff I've been through in my life, you wouldn't tell me that. I've seen things that would make people question their sanity. I AM someone who would make you do a quadruple take if you could see me for who I really am. And you can. You can see me as green, my hair as black and purple. You can see everything in me that most others can't, and that means that you are someone that I can deeply trust, even if I've never met you before."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjbvhnAXf-SRIE9n77bi8ai9AA1hbB1SQ5NTJIB8oshuKxYB_9OTedEL2Q_dBIt9iiRbaYqa9l7VQdaMpCqpOl_uLVh-eNcN0dj6TyAVwfgfBfCljl40jOoSpU-oEUu8l4guyZAr7MYg/s1600/Screenshot-5949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjbvhnAXf-SRIE9n77bi8ai9AA1hbB1SQ5NTJIB8oshuKxYB_9OTedEL2Q_dBIt9iiRbaYqa9l7VQdaMpCqpOl_uLVh-eNcN0dj6TyAVwfgfBfCljl40jOoSpU-oEUu8l4guyZAr7MYg/s400/Screenshot-5949.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle was conflicted. She could sense everything good about Cassie, and nothing evil, but she was still the sister of the man who treated Annabelle and her family like dirt in Bridgeport. "I need to go. I have some things to think about.", she said, then walked out of the park.<br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaxgjlquVzocqlsMdz7V-_7vaEQc_GEdngBvzf7VwNC5X3TnmkxdZ7IaMwdlTLhYcmyIENw2u_sKW6J442rrcjp_a5EG6qZel3akBMDJqoNbVtKKmQypDLb9YiahC5Lov2bgB40Bzb7E/s1600/Screenshot-5966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaxgjlquVzocqlsMdz7V-_7vaEQc_GEdngBvzf7VwNC5X3TnmkxdZ7IaMwdlTLhYcmyIENw2u_sKW6J442rrcjp_a5EG6qZel3akBMDJqoNbVtKKmQypDLb9YiahC5Lov2bgB40Bzb7E/s400/Screenshot-5966.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Keera was reading one of the books she checked out from the school library, specifically the one talking about the Legends of Starlight Shores. Tom, still worried about how Jacob Thompson, who he had never met, knew his name, sat next to her on the couch in the living room.<br />
<br />
"This book is amazing, Tom." She said, "According to this, something's buried in the tomb of Richard Alan Laddeen with him, a relic he took with him from India a few years before his death. No one knows how to get into the tomb to find out what it is because apparently it's sealed with some ancient magic. In the 1920's, three grave robbers tried to break into the tomb and were found dead the next day with no visible injuries."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQza75k_8FlwPlGBYg_eOwxgQxchU-VSr1t5uNAw02lKrvc2meaf7_K4_qv_vakNNHq7nV8ROZ_nYlJAaMr7xxJBpV5VgW7yPQraiNrbqjC5ikkwPgmkO9TdiYpu4clfFaMdrV3Qdhr6w/s1600/Screenshot-5967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQza75k_8FlwPlGBYg_eOwxgQxchU-VSr1t5uNAw02lKrvc2meaf7_K4_qv_vakNNHq7nV8ROZ_nYlJAaMr7xxJBpV5VgW7yPQraiNrbqjC5ikkwPgmkO9TdiYpu4clfFaMdrV3Qdhr6w/s400/Screenshot-5967.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"That's interesting." Tom said, tuning her out. It wasn't that he didn't want to talk to her, it was just that he was so worried about finding whatever Andy was talking about and his current status with Annabelle, whatever that was classified as.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8ehD6m50wL-DGn5CBjKpxjUsqyOXFtQSzfYfXBgh_F-ajyqzgxXKMXioGi_kWVwa3UUc2RQXF5UdNDUCkG20ig-xnptj-UlUidAWsJnZykX7wt31Y9_iyw9kL6QKya_cqpJpdQAcTOQ/s1600/Screenshot-5969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8ehD6m50wL-DGn5CBjKpxjUsqyOXFtQSzfYfXBgh_F-ajyqzgxXKMXioGi_kWVwa3UUc2RQXF5UdNDUCkG20ig-xnptj-UlUidAWsJnZykX7wt31Y9_iyw9kL6QKya_cqpJpdQAcTOQ/s400/Screenshot-5969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Hey there." Annabelle said, walking in. "She saw Keera first, then saw Tom sitting next to her. "Saw Deacon at the beach today." Annabelle said. "He tried to apologize for the way he acted, do you believe that? Like an apology will fix anything."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ph_DFXDH8ClOsOmX_9FHOWPw5tL1nLykmtO2xgr-TSmov6Luq3PgaJ5DGufqPMVlona8QCRct9j6HqEHzngKEMcSjOzddGIbSrTcaL9kIMH_6Mj9eZv4Ht_jc7Sdavmmyw4eopY3I88/s1600/Screenshot-5968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ph_DFXDH8ClOsOmX_9FHOWPw5tL1nLykmtO2xgr-TSmov6Luq3PgaJ5DGufqPMVlona8QCRct9j6HqEHzngKEMcSjOzddGIbSrTcaL9kIMH_6Mj9eZv4Ht_jc7Sdavmmyw4eopY3I88/s400/Screenshot-5968.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom looked at her like she just threw a television through a window. "Yeah, imagine that."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"You're not surprised he's here? In Starlight Shores? I was! I was also ready to kick his snobby-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYaFyfgYm1iM6O-a8qBHnDiL1os_d-Ow0Oop3n_At4TP83EzUqeHVozK5ZYc3lGD7NiOo7YfFrfW8lqhs4n6zcyUvIZl0-e2GytUKkbdpN8fYhU8aXQhDutLBkZZ7DODU60J_p1uQeBg/s1600/Screenshot-5971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYaFyfgYm1iM6O-a8qBHnDiL1os_d-Ow0Oop3n_At4TP83EzUqeHVozK5ZYc3lGD7NiOo7YfFrfW8lqhs4n6zcyUvIZl0-e2GytUKkbdpN8fYhU8aXQhDutLBkZZ7DODU60J_p1uQeBg/s400/Screenshot-5971.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"He changed." Tom said, interrupting her. "I told you, I saw him a few months after we fought and he apologized for the way he acted, and it was sincere. I forgave him and we went our separate ways. Kelly was there too."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JtQFaqN5o5-FhNzq4ht-3dAJLikJlvM4hKH87ra9uxMfX4qmrbMScv7pIUEuLIrGjFQuk44nofqJS0ejjxTkPOhZFXwJdsMNG5LcDCWbMTeZ8Le6kwmSZ1aJfdaD3d67hTYTGPLsMvQ/s1600/Screenshot-5972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JtQFaqN5o5-FhNzq4ht-3dAJLikJlvM4hKH87ra9uxMfX4qmrbMScv7pIUEuLIrGjFQuk44nofqJS0ejjxTkPOhZFXwJdsMNG5LcDCWbMTeZ8Le6kwmSZ1aJfdaD3d67hTYTGPLsMvQ/s400/Screenshot-5972.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh, so he tried to kill you and you forgave him like that? Real classy, Tom. Then again I guess you've grown out of doing things like that." Annabelle scoffed, then stormed off to her room upstairs. Tom, realizing what he said, lowered his head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gkwIdsTh3dVPgY7nOGRC9TeknMchxW0V-joDpUmjg2lpJk60m5AEoeOS3UBj2AzOS3bo1i15Bv9o8EqyA_LrfsBmOJgqpCp3haHlPr1QpJ4OqusezmRkn5RD_K2tgc7SxiJG3UwmSyw/s1600/Screenshot-5974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gkwIdsTh3dVPgY7nOGRC9TeknMchxW0V-joDpUmjg2lpJk60m5AEoeOS3UBj2AzOS3bo1i15Bv9o8EqyA_LrfsBmOJgqpCp3haHlPr1QpJ4OqusezmRkn5RD_K2tgc7SxiJG3UwmSyw/s400/Screenshot-5974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"You know she wants to be friends with you again, Tom." Keera said. "I only have one eye and even I can see that clearly. Strange that you can't, huh?"<br />
<br />
Tom sat where he was, thinking over now what Keera had said. "I'm worried that the rift around us has grown too far, I don't know how to salvage this relationship now."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetOWACNADKD8NWiXr93zEQtLzjjXUJjeOKDgxTCnq0cC8Z4karGTBD24VT7wIacHul-ykiyUxsbMf6OQH_Xt1rUVgvPHKHpSTms2h1419xYjdj6rHyLHxoUJN3l75gMNxQaAGCXK3a7M/s1600/Screenshot-5980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetOWACNADKD8NWiXr93zEQtLzjjXUJjeOKDgxTCnq0cC8Z4karGTBD24VT7wIacHul-ykiyUxsbMf6OQH_Xt1rUVgvPHKHpSTms2h1419xYjdj6rHyLHxoUJN3l75gMNxQaAGCXK3a7M/s400/Screenshot-5980.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You don't? Or you don't want to because you're too afraid of losing her? Mom told me everything you told her about what happened to you in the other dimension. She told me that you met another version of her who had never known you, and how 'Jessica's' self-destructive lifestyle could have killed her. Yeah, you saw that universe's Annabelle on the ground like that, dying, and don't want to ever see it happen again the the REAL one, but do you want to know something, Tom? Mom's slowly turning into Jessica Crawford."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYjhLVKLBIpEXWHpu3bGM3KhzoE6AZRaLLrtlJX37oxvK6COIH5WN5vIcPrS4szzMU-1TRnssnu1FEwYedtJ9wCtOvk-brQPCzWXhrFd0yLSELiB344XW-d5bpv6UFcL8nuy66QhRA_I/s1600/Screenshot-5981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYjhLVKLBIpEXWHpu3bGM3KhzoE6AZRaLLrtlJX37oxvK6COIH5WN5vIcPrS4szzMU-1TRnssnu1FEwYedtJ9wCtOvk-brQPCzWXhrFd0yLSELiB344XW-d5bpv6UFcL8nuy66QhRA_I/s400/Screenshot-5981.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"What?" Tom asked, genuinely surprised at the words.<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQZWObd5rilKR5wb_eT9hzJk5p6Feg7GrcAqvlrb3fQIh1QeZ8BkFhTkN3KzVqePeHKXirxpFo1yleIXc-Bn_qlm1zjsFVf2ZxZ_bkoauii9T87QJHR3chdUfDmtozdO2bhIMDRxGmKE/s1600/Screenshot-6003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQZWObd5rilKR5wb_eT9hzJk5p6Feg7GrcAqvlrb3fQIh1QeZ8BkFhTkN3KzVqePeHKXirxpFo1yleIXc-Bn_qlm1zjsFVf2ZxZ_bkoauii9T87QJHR3chdUfDmtozdO2bhIMDRxGmKE/s400/Screenshot-6003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Damn Tom!" Annabelle said angrily, walking around her room. "Yeah, accept Deacon's apology but not mine, yeah. Stupid clumsy hat-wearing as-"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvN8pypb2WG5gdtYasnFwwb9t3QIkhvMn8554CUpHKRuGMYemJKBkS4NccBphoK5mcGGgvfmv1wGiACcsW2VUQFHdlTreF6cMsGkhbHtJqLGmZPy3pBnBy-3GxFP4vUjbScCKq2ENGBI/s1600/Screenshot-6009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvN8pypb2WG5gdtYasnFwwb9t3QIkhvMn8554CUpHKRuGMYemJKBkS4NccBphoK5mcGGgvfmv1wGiACcsW2VUQFHdlTreF6cMsGkhbHtJqLGmZPy3pBnBy-3GxFP4vUjbScCKq2ENGBI/s400/Screenshot-6009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Hey am I intruding?" Mirabelle asked, walking into the room. "I didn't know you were home yet. Hi."<br />
<br />
Annabelle looked at Mirabelle with a grimace on her face. "Hey. Sorry I'm just venting. I saw Deacon Jones today, and when I told Tom about it there were some words between us and I am now here, ready to throw darts at a board with a picture of Tom's face on it."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Gs5sV7xTK6mU5CW3UoTBTSE8DIN6_nZShn5OD-0wbR9IuDAfpQepVRe6vWDDZ1YnjU3JhZz0C47kIU-l-dFzjCmUMzBkdEFojKuNoYPi5kKyGHOWcUeh_OQLHdjTh6J11OCBG20cmGI/s1600/Screenshot-6010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Gs5sV7xTK6mU5CW3UoTBTSE8DIN6_nZShn5OD-0wbR9IuDAfpQepVRe6vWDDZ1YnjU3JhZz0C47kIU-l-dFzjCmUMzBkdEFojKuNoYPi5kKyGHOWcUeh_OQLHdjTh6J11OCBG20cmGI/s400/Screenshot-6010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Deacon? What's that snobby a-hole doing here in Starlight Shores?! If he comes near me I'll put him down! I've been training Martial Arts!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz7S38Z-1g0jg57ioa2VEjdwBWv9fY1fYJeys3mEtCBkp-jIPyxTSFn_F1y8cnwJB8ypqRzvhzr4-GdzWNftkgOe1M22EpCBBAuTGXvzOdJtO0XRJkWtblXElO0PXQjKZsSulmBacp54/s1600/Screenshot-6011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz7S38Z-1g0jg57ioa2VEjdwBWv9fY1fYJeys3mEtCBkp-jIPyxTSFn_F1y8cnwJB8ypqRzvhzr4-GdzWNftkgOe1M22EpCBBAuTGXvzOdJtO0XRJkWtblXElO0PXQjKZsSulmBacp54/s400/Screenshot-6011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Annabelle smiled, realizing that Mirabelle was saying almost exactly what she said when she saw Deacon at the beach earlier that day. "He's not snobby anymore I don't think. I talked to his sister, and she told me that he isn't like that. And he apologized too, but I couldn't accept it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGhgDMHfhPZdGSoNydYAV14-_7TQDU1i7PPOy9L0cL4zArHTCFhV7wWwMEGz4KXeHPd43eaG_y43Jm2JB9lK0fJE13DNnoYHuF4ZMAvmKrsZqLtVm3C103pzf7vDJp5Jyo0CB9396aiw/s1600/Screenshot-6008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGhgDMHfhPZdGSoNydYAV14-_7TQDU1i7PPOy9L0cL4zArHTCFhV7wWwMEGz4KXeHPd43eaG_y43Jm2JB9lK0fJE13DNnoYHuF4ZMAvmKrsZqLtVm3C103pzf7vDJp5Jyo0CB9396aiw/s400/Screenshot-6008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"<br />
What? Why not?" Mirabelle asked, "Is it because of Tom? Wait, I know it's because of Tom because I would be exactly like you in this situation. Hell, I was like this he didn't believe me-you-US about the Unicorn when we were teens, and then again he did give... you... the potion to help fight Nightmare just in case."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1ckIfsfGU8UNeAX8LqlbSkSnjYG50QTI60gjdzYqfVF3x0EPwQVPkzJGi-vxTa_ks7j80jHDpFNlv5cxDjlSPWKMTsF4roeLuRvD8-bATutC3H5q7We33k1oKwYPNkh2nnkU3Id7tPw/s1600/Screenshot-6012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1ckIfsfGU8UNeAX8LqlbSkSnjYG50QTI60gjdzYqfVF3x0EPwQVPkzJGi-vxTa_ks7j80jHDpFNlv5cxDjlSPWKMTsF4roeLuRvD8-bATutC3H5q7We33k1oKwYPNkh2nnkU3Id7tPw/s400/Screenshot-6012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Yeah." Annabelle said. "I've been thinking a lot over how Tom's helped me in the past, how he was always there for me. You know what I'm talking about, right? Technically you were there. He saved us from Jack Toomes, he comforted us when we were in that explosion, he helped us through Keera's accident... he's always been there for us, with the exception of now."<br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9I8wI24Ktcf99GVB2gsXs0SKOaHfatWwR74DCDYRqIcX5e07FUmyz66iRjJtYHsZiP-tP8YNHeBHWxyoWkvSvQtkNzIRKIfRrssyHoxj5Q5SfZjuHuYjegG_iGDRoc3gqj8cmHfsKMs/s1600/Screenshot-5978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9I8wI24Ktcf99GVB2gsXs0SKOaHfatWwR74DCDYRqIcX5e07FUmyz66iRjJtYHsZiP-tP8YNHeBHWxyoWkvSvQtkNzIRKIfRrssyHoxj5Q5SfZjuHuYjegG_iGDRoc3gqj8cmHfsKMs/s400/Screenshot-5978.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"What do you mean Annabelle's turning into Jessica?" Tom asked Keera with a worried tone in his voice.<br />
<br />
"She's becoming more cynical, and not to mention her tattoos which are the same as Jessica's, though not as numerous yet. She's also talking about wanting to party more and stuff. Mom's always loved the party lifestyle and since you're not there she's loved it even more."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEa9-J_zsDDzsjYqVZkIEznS951w8aKestt0eYQFzRiEEn9PJHXmqjy42QQYbESWDLSaPBkYs9O5GD93xsDeUaHFm0b9DxP8rIc2UISZvdJaT-r9TDuRSgUuTt-1Ounp-eUYHcjxe38E/s1600/Screenshot-5983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEa9-J_zsDDzsjYqVZkIEznS951w8aKestt0eYQFzRiEEn9PJHXmqjy42QQYbESWDLSaPBkYs9O5GD93xsDeUaHFm0b9DxP8rIc2UISZvdJaT-r9TDuRSgUuTt-1Ounp-eUYHcjxe38E/s400/Screenshot-5983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"How do you know it's because I'm not here?" Tom asked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXyju05J9SfoTF3bb9ifDxBVgWVp-LXOQW_83qHwkyQYUfE64BMPX7yXa8cohv5Tfzz4qQ0-EN-gIrkCIBKJoo5Yrs0MlVph-s8sWYEGs1XHvOSqpmg0C-6OcJuGWe_uw9KYq9O8r65E/s1600/Screenshot-5982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXyju05J9SfoTF3bb9ifDxBVgWVp-LXOQW_83qHwkyQYUfE64BMPX7yXa8cohv5Tfzz4qQ0-EN-gIrkCIBKJoo5Yrs0MlVph-s8sWYEGs1XHvOSqpmg0C-6OcJuGWe_uw9KYq9O8r65E/s400/Screenshot-5982.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Because Jessica Crawford never knew you, and mom doesn't seem to know you anymore either. She's turning into her because you're never there."<br />
<br />
"I don't believe that." Tom said. "That Jessica woman never knew ANY of us. She never knew John, or Scarlett, or you. Why would I be so special?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlF2NMrjLHoFQMiR2Wm95VskJKx0vSSiUFss1s6e_zr3snxgFqUn37YVX44p5nxY5aAsS-Z8liyluj_7MCPKjqwrII5BxrFQH3R76WeAV5886-igZ61V9cC0WGkF4d7IOQy0rk5FYlhPA/s1600/Screenshot-5975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlF2NMrjLHoFQMiR2Wm95VskJKx0vSSiUFss1s6e_zr3snxgFqUn37YVX44p5nxY5aAsS-Z8liyluj_7MCPKjqwrII5BxrFQH3R76WeAV5886-igZ61V9cC0WGkF4d7IOQy0rk5FYlhPA/s400/Screenshot-5975.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"It's not sure I can give you that answer." Keera smiled then stood up and walked away without saying another word. Tom realized she was telling the truth. Something was about Tom that Annabelle needed in her life, but he didn't know what it was, and thought he would never figure it out.<br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-v8123pdIK_iF2VGhwkrhVmfaE1otTwwRirQg0EPYptXiXiHLYznYL7De4ezisYR1bbxM4LbWiYSj9B5i2LdAXzWBO2GEjoQI5hSogpVHbHrXL0pDSb5uybA3ZYPMqQ0bc4hYm8JDAA/s1600/Screenshot-6007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-v8123pdIK_iF2VGhwkrhVmfaE1otTwwRirQg0EPYptXiXiHLYznYL7De4ezisYR1bbxM4LbWiYSj9B5i2LdAXzWBO2GEjoQI5hSogpVHbHrXL0pDSb5uybA3ZYPMqQ0bc4hYm8JDAA/s400/Screenshot-6007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You need to be friends with Tom again!" Mirabelle flatly said. "He's been there for you, and me, and everyone for all this time! He's just going through some bad times right now, and he needs you there with him."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ9HdTUfafh8CgpyrhkUV2bS0d439kMClh6tWXwu4oW0MWaNjVpEB8MeO4Pa1DAvgmgsts2wq2ReE5POdTm2pdPih8s4BgXzxz_Ln7bbbeEq9va5QAWbxfnCHYLOqNW_Br1GA0SBAUeE/s1600/Screenshot-6013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ9HdTUfafh8CgpyrhkUV2bS0d439kMClh6tWXwu4oW0MWaNjVpEB8MeO4Pa1DAvgmgsts2wq2ReE5POdTm2pdPih8s4BgXzxz_Ln7bbbeEq9va5QAWbxfnCHYLOqNW_Br1GA0SBAUeE/s400/Screenshot-6013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I told you what he said to me, not only before Andy's death but afterward! He hates me!" Annabelle said. "Until HE apologizes for the way he acted, I will not relent, no matter what he's done for me. And besides, He's right. I am to blame. I yelled at Andy to leave, I told her to get out of the house. If I hadn't told her that she wouldn't have been at that graveyard and she wouldn't be dead. I am to blame."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNktDdp82jEUUcViyrS-posrqjEqUcEQZUgrtHypuHs1ffe4mySoarQTiY8T8S05X2Qb2G-6iyaKjJQ-nMzHaxFBIZ828B5Ww9kvJWiuWKn_VnvML_q4hF-ttl1Te376fVpkgLvs-7Q0/s1600/Screenshot-6004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNktDdp82jEUUcViyrS-posrqjEqUcEQZUgrtHypuHs1ffe4mySoarQTiY8T8S05X2Qb2G-6iyaKjJQ-nMzHaxFBIZ828B5Ww9kvJWiuWKn_VnvML_q4hF-ttl1Te376fVpkgLvs-7Q0/s400/Screenshot-6004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Mirabelle started to to walk out of the room, but not before saying "When we were eleven, Tom told us something. He told us that the Annabelle he knew would never blame herself for anything. He also stayed with us that night. Remember this, Annie."<br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKRrFGjbGdjBpDyktTBndRRZC38V9U5aHMXlvvInJw5yL7CUvc788BzNaV1jyx476W3zqmxZ0WJWzzuCRuAC7vExreuEkKTfdMNdPH05zMHonhR-31CSh5pgUqgcbwc8b7rM7UeV5cL0/s1600/Screenshot-5997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKRrFGjbGdjBpDyktTBndRRZC38V9U5aHMXlvvInJw5yL7CUvc788BzNaV1jyx476W3zqmxZ0WJWzzuCRuAC7vExreuEkKTfdMNdPH05zMHonhR-31CSh5pgUqgcbwc8b7rM7UeV5cL0/s400/Screenshot-5997.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFx8hnb1wrpoXq3nPrgwYLsZ_-Xw9rB9-eOSjUTcTPJRZyeeEpMfUTEHzDSd-OPQTHuIkL9xqdci9-SDkUC4nezzh8dfZvTNQsZMLYuXa7yMjcWaH6FdhRG0YAZvvNYijpWQt-GJxDX8/s1600/Screenshot-5993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFx8hnb1wrpoXq3nPrgwYLsZ_-Xw9rB9-eOSjUTcTPJRZyeeEpMfUTEHzDSd-OPQTHuIkL9xqdci9-SDkUC4nezzh8dfZvTNQsZMLYuXa7yMjcWaH6FdhRG0YAZvvNYijpWQt-GJxDX8/s400/Screenshot-5993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
John and Scarlett were watching a romantic wedding movie on the television in their bedroom, trying to get tired enough to go to bed. John smiled, and the two cuddled together. "So do you know where you want to have it?" John asked. "The wedding, I mean. I didn't plan on moving to Starlight Shores so... yeah."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hn-tKtXuuEnWwzhyiwOqqEgF1xN0XriNGr28PlV8cSTJrQvSZXhMto8um9PjJJUN_R5pqDHn5do3M_ZnE4HJ8pW4HnvC1OIlw8-hGfGR8RHCJYjxUY1Ekl9hQJa9D1WlQAHczqbtbTE/s1600/Screenshot-5998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hn-tKtXuuEnWwzhyiwOqqEgF1xN0XriNGr28PlV8cSTJrQvSZXhMto8um9PjJJUN_R5pqDHn5do3M_ZnE4HJ8pW4HnvC1OIlw8-hGfGR8RHCJYjxUY1Ekl9hQJa9D1WlQAHczqbtbTE/s400/Screenshot-5998.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"The beach. I've always dreamed of a beach wedding." Scarlett replied. "And we're in Starlight Friggin' Shores, so why not have a classy beach-side ceremony, at sunset?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, I only wish those two would get back to being friends so we could have this ceremony."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfJHcIJKksS6CXQukcY_QH6LDdpbjUYmkGtelSGb93J946MJXamh8fYiXmy_TX1r3xTwpBTz-3kOt_dBYhjruKgiXC-2cv1t0321OEvm0dA3yKDYjtG1J7sAnqelXLDbbIOWGgI3T1TQ/s1600/Screenshot-6001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfJHcIJKksS6CXQukcY_QH6LDdpbjUYmkGtelSGb93J946MJXamh8fYiXmy_TX1r3xTwpBTz-3kOt_dBYhjruKgiXC-2cv1t0321OEvm0dA3yKDYjtG1J7sAnqelXLDbbIOWGgI3T1TQ/s400/Screenshot-6001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Yeah." Scarlett said. It was her idea to delay the wedding until Tom and Annabelle got back to being friends, and she didn't like to see John sad about that, so he quickly changed the subject. "So have you decided who you're going to invite to the ceremony? I was thinking your mom, my uncle Elliot and Aunt Mei, Kelly's friend Peter Cambridge, and considering we don't know anyone in Starlight Shores... no one else."<br />
<br />
"I was thinking the same. Keep it a private ceremony between family and friends. <i>True</i> family." John put extra emphasis on "true", and Scarlett knew why. She remembered John's conflict his biological father in that dive bar a couple months prior, and couldn't forget it because that was the night he proposed to her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5Hj0OTWyanB2vKOW4FbD1Wgcn5B4cTkJmqHUmwi0vLhdkBropO70NX6nWnW9BA-Wh1TGKlFAhe8h0E8wvL9-FzzZJIk9sm5noy73JoJHq-gqVa9uErXyMCSyktki1fTVQMhsv7DHEGk/s1600/Screenshot-5999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5Hj0OTWyanB2vKOW4FbD1Wgcn5B4cTkJmqHUmwi0vLhdkBropO70NX6nWnW9BA-Wh1TGKlFAhe8h0E8wvL9-FzzZJIk9sm5noy73JoJHq-gqVa9uErXyMCSyktki1fTVQMhsv7DHEGk/s400/Screenshot-5999.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbVD82NKyzR3T38lvrxyF0two7cj1H1mYoGVY8A889OvWBOELV4pUfYfZoumo3oSb51ASojI-f8CPM8k8G3NxhEsqSr03yWiQJN9f68HImL74ijr37ZCmVwlbFBk0-aD93yflQ9gH2j8/s1600/Screenshot-6000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbVD82NKyzR3T38lvrxyF0two7cj1H1mYoGVY8A889OvWBOELV4pUfYfZoumo3oSb51ASojI-f8CPM8k8G3NxhEsqSr03yWiQJN9f68HImL74ijr37ZCmVwlbFBk0-aD93yflQ9gH2j8/s400/Screenshot-6000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"You're right. True family." Scarlett said. "I only wish my parents were able to be there. It's a wish I've had my entire life, to see them again for just one day, to tell them how much I love them, tell them how their spirit has guided me through my life. That would be a perfect day. But wishes don't come true, especially ones like that."<br />
<br />
"Yeah. I would wish the same, just for you." John said. "Just to see you that much more happy."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWywZgszkSvU0W_oTPlzvNkZ8pqFIlhWRkfehvWXZ2bAtEui_84yhCBSl8In2HnAAIFHfjb9G05rF6AaiejihwN7LUKKn6s9zR8J1dsItmAKe8TVVMl-85sGo7el3NyEzR1ZcbdWIsR8/s1600/Screenshot-5994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWywZgszkSvU0W_oTPlzvNkZ8pqFIlhWRkfehvWXZ2bAtEui_84yhCBSl8In2HnAAIFHfjb9G05rF6AaiejihwN7LUKKn6s9zR8J1dsItmAKe8TVVMl-85sGo7el3NyEzR1ZcbdWIsR8/s400/Screenshot-5994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbcO1Bl9pLRZeWws76j-7GKsciTW5xaFbDHV2_E2QLDC-rZoBVy0yX1aEFer49HYIWxUgKSnQ5-z9E7d_aaYBSl50_ty_IqE_YzopoqEiBXTBlT7Jxyd-Tk-6xBeihdQchJFLUKJFYmg/s1600/Screenshot-5996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbcO1Bl9pLRZeWws76j-7GKsciTW5xaFbDHV2_E2QLDC-rZoBVy0yX1aEFer49HYIWxUgKSnQ5-z9E7d_aaYBSl50_ty_IqE_YzopoqEiBXTBlT7Jxyd-Tk-6xBeihdQchJFLUKJFYmg/s400/Screenshot-5996.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The two kissed and continued watching television, with Scarlett jokingly saying "Now all we need is a genie to make that happen."<br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGqPBA6B5LkDYZoQOsMmV-qy9uC-uFielf5kTD5BNSNWvpO7kgpvJ8SAYt-52hsLjAU1DE3CyXAbS2zhsZq8ZBVeHxnvHFJ8m1G-OYrhMlTM9iKdUvAdTyVhihkknJS31BqPTlTqGOqA/s1600/Screenshot-5989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGqPBA6B5LkDYZoQOsMmV-qy9uC-uFielf5kTD5BNSNWvpO7kgpvJ8SAYt-52hsLjAU1DE3CyXAbS2zhsZq8ZBVeHxnvHFJ8m1G-OYrhMlTM9iKdUvAdTyVhihkknJS31BqPTlTqGOqA/s400/Screenshot-5989.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jacob Thompson looked over the town and smiled. He then took out his cell phone and dialed a number, waiting for the person on the other end to answer. "You can suspend your search because I have the piece of the stone, Dr. Vu. I took it upon myself to obtain it a month ago from that idiot museum curator in Hidden Springs. I just didn't want to tell anyone because that what I like to do. I'm very odd like that."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMJd_1Jw_9uZ63hu0eFg2twhfPdwOea3Szk-q4I1QAymRnqVA5zDDIK2gXQL4ctzTDywnHu5dWIRhjb-LOl45xyrYogOkGttJNeDn-NbCVADnRtcRv2rGZWZ1HLsHmuBly0sCzBtLrBw/s1600/Screenshot-5990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMJd_1Jw_9uZ63hu0eFg2twhfPdwOea3Szk-q4I1QAymRnqVA5zDDIK2gXQL4ctzTDywnHu5dWIRhjb-LOl45xyrYogOkGttJNeDn-NbCVADnRtcRv2rGZWZ1HLsHmuBly0sCzBtLrBw/s400/Screenshot-5990.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"<i>Give me the stone so I can complete the key, Thompson!</i>" Dr. Vu said on the other end. "<i>We have very little time!"</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"On the contrary dear Doctor, we have plenty of time. You remember, it's two weeks until the event. That's plenty of time to have fun with those who wronged us in the past. And besides, I am the one supplying you with what you need now. I know that foolish idiot Jack Toomes was different in his methods, but I am your new Benefactor, and I would appreciate a much nicer attitude from the people I benefit, understand? "<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw_Sk-87vhcOU0I0eidnx6Y3jvVJkk2xVpGYZiSs03Q-Kp_jPJ5TydD_-BnX4b7UHudQpLPEXBTHHuSbw9nmDw1Y16b93U0-S3C79g-TE2QchkUZtW87Pm5Hn8skk5CNR_83EDUkrfUI/s1600/Screenshot-5991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw_Sk-87vhcOU0I0eidnx6Y3jvVJkk2xVpGYZiSs03Q-Kp_jPJ5TydD_-BnX4b7UHudQpLPEXBTHHuSbw9nmDw1Y16b93U0-S3C79g-TE2QchkUZtW87Pm5Hn8skk5CNR_83EDUkrfUI/s400/Screenshot-5991.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Jacob hung the phone up before Vu had a chance to reply, then turned back towards the town. "Soon I will have what I need, then I won't need you anymore, Vu. You've been a wonderful little puppet all this time." He smiled as he looked over Starlight Shores, happy that his plans are finally coming to fruition.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhRqYyYJVzRLRjIwMAto9veHb6spEYknkmHkBqYb4htWGljxu1R1XPHaT3vlqvTovX2LiA6t8zos9PnNYL9IqTLQTcU8LzALVkgyTBs1EITLnSRgSWJFFegJbFRvS1Eu_OpgpHyPipQM/s1600/Screenshot-5992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhRqYyYJVzRLRjIwMAto9veHb6spEYknkmHkBqYb4htWGljxu1R1XPHaT3vlqvTovX2LiA6t8zos9PnNYL9IqTLQTcU8LzALVkgyTBs1EITLnSRgSWJFFegJbFRvS1Eu_OpgpHyPipQM/s400/Screenshot-5992.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
-------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VzIyScx54tg6EaWmKNQhl3QX4Ccy1EoSBAYnj_rqo2QPE8gSuQ1coF9_AKCUiEiAfMfFbPUe-6_zx6EpB4Xm9vdiugtiZ5T-eqSuz4szsh648b2ZcGjciIkhbXOEzeYtYcrA6foMDEo/s1600/Screenshot-5893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VzIyScx54tg6EaWmKNQhl3QX4Ccy1EoSBAYnj_rqo2QPE8gSuQ1coF9_AKCUiEiAfMfFbPUe-6_zx6EpB4Xm9vdiugtiZ5T-eqSuz4szsh648b2ZcGjciIkhbXOEzeYtYcrA6foMDEo/s400/Screenshot-5893.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom tossed and turned in his sleep, unable to get comfortable for anything. Suddenly he felt like he was being lifted off the bed, like some ancient force was grabbing him and carrying him off to a strange world. When Tom opened his eyes within his dream he saw himself standing below the sign overlooking the town of Starlight Shores. The sky was cloudy, a rare event for the town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB__2391zhxZhLHnRFke6fGHxLGiisbamoHtFq3drlKpAweHuTl_oOCSdd692YQawmKic6iHyYRzUSd1338u9tIv0SCEMmhSLq8fTWhHC5Ppl5MPwYTQvXaS2bN8x33J58tFl7JTP6M9U/s1600/Screenshot-5894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB__2391zhxZhLHnRFke6fGHxLGiisbamoHtFq3drlKpAweHuTl_oOCSdd692YQawmKic6iHyYRzUSd1338u9tIv0SCEMmhSLq8fTWhHC5Ppl5MPwYTQvXaS2bN8x33J58tFl7JTP6M9U/s400/Screenshot-5894.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom felt a warm presence near him and turned around to see someone standing behind him, looking at the town as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNUOGiqoK-iSX3I-sUPRRHa_Yecx2rA2yLkrfTUEYY-mHgoztikM7X8FRGuaK13dcX-TH_Zt7wGsXKncs8kwuxHbMHosvg8COZd6BPnySBRn3QVlfrzWFCLzGFcCcH7njhKg_mcbo8m0/s1600/Screenshot-5896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNUOGiqoK-iSX3I-sUPRRHa_Yecx2rA2yLkrfTUEYY-mHgoztikM7X8FRGuaK13dcX-TH_Zt7wGsXKncs8kwuxHbMHosvg8COZd6BPnySBRn3QVlfrzWFCLzGFcCcH7njhKg_mcbo8m0/s400/Screenshot-5896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
"Hello, my son." Thomas Richard Jameson said, smiling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849199835327546571noreply@blogger.com5