The Chosen girl

The tale of a destiny

Epilogue

My name is Erica. I got up every morning wished to be taken somewhere far. Then my alarm would go off, a rude awakening. My life consisted of school, and sleep. Every night I dreamt of magic, I wish for it. This is before someone found me. He made me fall in love.

Chapter 1:

First star I see tonight I wish I may...

It was a cold December night. I felt partickuly alone tonight. I looked to the sky to make a wish. There was only one star out, the North Star. So, I made a wish. A wish to be taken away, far away. I saw little white specks. They looked like fireflies. Then all of a sudden they disappeared. Mom pulled me back to the house. It was late so I went to bed.

Chapter 2:

The New World

I woke up the next day, everything was different. There was no computer. A bigger bed, the walls were clearly wood. I couldn’t believe what I saw next. I looked out the window. I jumped back. There were clouds racing past the window. I guess he heard the crash, because he rushed in. He gently picked me up off the floor. His hair was a cross between dirty blond, and blond. His pants were tight at the waist, loose at the knees, (no doubt for agility,) tight again at the ankle. He had an undershirt with a blue wind breaker. He had a tannish, furry tail. That’s not what surprised me though. It was his face. It was a pure, baby, angel boy face. He wasn’t smiling though, he looked very concerned. “Are you alright?” He asked. I didn’t answer, I was to busy studying him. Finally I asked “What’s your name?” “Me, my name is…” He stopped so did my heart “Chris.” He finished. “Well?” He asked. I nodded my head. Chris tilted his head questioningly. “I’m FINE” I screamed back. I had a feeling that was bad. But he just laughed. “You’re forgiving.” I murmured. “I have to be, to get a girlfriend.” He remarked. “What’s THAT supposed to mean?! I screamed back. He just laughed more. I started laughing to. Suddenly he got serious. It scared me, a lot. “Do you know where you are?” he asked. Why did he have to ask?

Chapter 3

A land unknown

“No… I was starting to feel better! Why did you have to ask? HUH!” I screamed. His pretty face didn’t matter anymore. I was too angry for it. “Whoa, I didn’t mean to anger you that much, at least not now.” He was mumbling, but I knew he wanted me to hear. “Then exactly what were you trying to do? Ah, let’s see here, scare me, make me happy maybe, I don’t know maybe you wanted to seduce me, no, I won’t flatter myself,” I was screaming when Chris finally butted in. “Okay, first thing you wouldn’t be flattering yourself. Second of all, why would I want to scare you? And lastly, you’d have to be CRAZY to be happy about not knowing where you were.” I interrupted him by screaming “Now I’m crazy?! HOW DARE YOU?!” Now his screams matched mine. I blacked out. I didn’t know what I was saying now, but my mouth hurt. Suddenly I realized what I was doing. Here was this cute boy basically telling me that I’m perfect for him, and here I was yelling his ear off. I stopped in mid word (In case you were wondering what the word was it was incompetent). I just stood there, mouth wide open. I looked like an idiot. “Where am I?” I more whispered than said. “I’m… ready to listen now.” “I don’t know if I want to tell you. Ah heck with it. Planet geia, right now we’re over Lindblum square. I don’t appreciate loosing an ear, you know. One good thing though, you’ve sure got a nice yelling voice. Aren’t you going to yell? You did last time I gave you a compliment.” He seemed to go on and on. He didn’t seem angry anymore either. I was glad of that. For the first time in what seemed like ages I just listened. No sound was coming out of me, no way.

Chapter 4

A guy named Baku

There was a loud roaring as I rolled off the bed. The entire room shook. “Home!” Chris cried out as he caught me from falling to the floor. I tried to keep my mouth shut but, I kept staggering my thanks. After he stood me up, two men walked in the door. One was fat, he had signs of trying to grow a beard, but all he had was a few whiskers. He was bald, but the other one was skinny and had red hair. His face was cleanly shaved. The sight of them surprised me and I hid behind Chris. He dragged me out from behind him and told me that they were his friends. Cinna and Blank. “They scared me.” I explained. “I was pretty scared first time I saw Cinna to.” Chris joked. Cinna and Blank looked at each other, and Blank started to laugh. “Man that hurts. I wash up every morning to, you know.” Cinna shot back, “let’s go, Baku’s waiting.” They all left the room. I didn’t know who Baku was so why would he want me to go? Chris came back in the room. He had just realized that I don’t follow him everywhere he goes. There was a look of sheer surprise, on his face. He was acting as if he was very angry at first, but when he saw I wasn’t fooled he just laughed. “Aren’t you coming? I’m sure Baku’s very excited about meeting you.” Chris asked me. I was going to say what, but in mid word Chris grabbed my hand, and practically pulled me out of the room. I couldn’t help but to start laughing out loud. We reached a big door that said ENGINE ROOM on the front. Chris was still pulling me along because I couldn’t stop laughing, and I couldn’t stand up. He put me up against the wall. He told me to try to calm down, and I did… for about two minutes. Then I started giggling. He told me again. This time I gained control over myself. The others thought that Chris gave me drugs. I was completely calm when I saw Baku though. He told me I was to see Regent Cid and he shooed us away.

Chapter 5

Lindblum

When we got outside I was amazed. Here was this big city and I was to see the regent! Chris took me elsewhere first though. We went to the hotel and got a room. We went to the theatre district to see a play. And then we went to the castle. Regent said lots of strange things like, how he missed me. And that I was his niece. He hired the group of Tantalus to kidnap me. Only so I would be safe. The Regent also, by the way, was an oglop. He insisted I stay in the castle, as it is dangerous outside the walls. He called a banquet. Everyone ate and ate. Afterwards when it was time for him to leave, Chris told me he was heading down to the pub for some REAL food, I asked to go with him. It was then that I realized something. I had a princess sort of accent. “Look Garnet, you’re a princess, I’m a thief how would that look.” Chris asked me. I stood and pouted then I realized what he called me. Garnet. “Garnet is not my name. It is Erica.” He told me that I should get some sleep. That I would remember in the morning. But I knew perfectly well what happened in my past. Dad died when I was six… We moved to Virginia… The nightmare group moved in…We went to dinner I made a…I made a wish. I saw white glittery things. That was it!! The wish must have come true! But how to get back… how to want to go back. I strolled up to the top of the castle watched the people. Watched Chris, down the stairs, into the trolley. To the business district, into the pub. I wished I was with him. For now I was thourowly depressed. I went back inside and for the first, but not the last time these years I cried.

Chapter 6

“I came to see you”

The next morning I had a bad back ache. The beds were as soft as rocks, and I had slept only for an hour. The maids were careful to ensure that I was warm, that I slept well, and that I was there. I wished I could go home, or to be with Chris…naught happened. I went to the banquet hall starved, and left not different. I had a slice of grapefruit that I couldn’t eat without choking I wished more than ever to leave that torture when Chris came up the stairs. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and blinked… there he was, he was real! “What are you doing here?” I asked. He just stared at me unbelievingly that’s when I realized that I was now wearing a light blue silk dress with white fasinings. Finally he seemed to wake out of a long trance and informed me that he was to show me around town. He seemed to be able to tell that I was starving so he quickly added, “And maybe get a bite to eat.” Those three words brought so much joy into my heart…bite to eat. He went to lead me out but I knew that if I wore my gown it would be an upstart so I asked him if he could wait while I changed. Upstairs I looked in my wardrobe… nothing but gowns in the whole lot. I decided to where some clothing Chris thought I might need and headed back downstairs. There the regent Cid was asking why Chris was there. He said that he was here to see Garnet; he saw me come down the steps and said “I came to see you…right.” “Yes Uncle Cid he is to show me around town.” I couldn’t help but smile. Uncle Cid didn’t seem to mind. So we left.

Chapter 7

The best food ever made is here

When we left the castle there seemed to be something on Chris’s mind then just getting to the tavern but when I asked him what it was he just said it was old memories, and dreams. Finally we made it to the tavern. All of a sudden Chris turned to me and said “The best food ever made, is made here.” He looked at the board for specials. It was in a language I did not know, so I asked him what the special was. “Mog skin on a stick.” he said teasingly, I started to protest because from a book I knew that a mog was a little cat with wings that I had started to call catbats. “Actually it’s white clam chowder.” He looked disappointed that I protested but he soon recuperated. When we went in we were the only ones there… I felt as if I was on a date. “Hey bartender I’ll have a hamburger and Gar-urg Erica will have,” he softly asked me what I wanted; I told him I wanted the special. “The special.” The guy told us he’d have it made quick. I looked around. There was a bar that we were sitting at. Long and narrow, with a marble top. Behind me were four sets of tables. The stools at the bar were red and, silver. I spotted Chris watching me, just watching. That’s when the meal came. Neither of us talked much, just an occasional “this is good.” From me, and a “how do you like the food?” from Chris. When we left I noticed that we weren’t heading towards the castle. I didn’t know where we were going but I also didn’t want Chris to think I didn’t trust him, so I kept silent as we walked. Chris noticed something was on my mind and he asked me what it was. I was tempted to say old memories and dreams but I didn’t I told the truth. That I didn’t have a clue where we were going, I also made sure he knew I wasn’t worried. He told me to just follow and that he was going to introduce me to his friends. We ended up in the theatre district. Here there were lots of people so I stayed closer to Chris than usual. I felt a tug at my arm and knew it wasn’t Chris. I looked toward the thing; it ducked out of my sight. I figured it was gone when it tugged again this time it hurt. I went to the other side of Chris. Again it happened different arm but more powerful and painful. I let out a gasp and Chris noticed that my arms were red. He pulled me in front of him so I wouldn’t be harmed again. He whispered that if it happens again to tell him. It happened again. I leaned against Chris to let him know. Chris grabbed the hand that was around my wrist. Pulled up the slouching thing and up came a red face. Chris slapped him and told him not to do it again. The person ran away. “Who was that Chris?” I asked. He told me it was just some beggar who likes to rape women. I was shocked. The only reason I kept moving was because Chris was helping me.

Chapter 8

They aren’t here

Chris looked all around the old house. It had a table in the middle but no chairs. There were old bunk beds in the top left corner and little incoves on the right most wall. The entire place was in dire need of dusting. Finally Chris announced rather loudly that they weren’t there, then he whispered “I think” into my ear. No one jumped out as he anticipated. He then checked the top bunk; he picked something out from the sheets. “Uh Oh this ain’t good.” Chris murmured. “What’s not good?” I couldn’t help but ask my questions. Chris didn’t answer right away but figured I’d be safe to tell. “We keep our money there on the top bunk. We only take it down to bet with. They promised not to gamble while I was gone yet the moneys missing and so are they. There is no card house in Lindblum so they didn’t take it there, Ruby’s planning on making a theatre house just down the road; maybe she took it! It would be safer if you wait in here… the road is dangerous for a beautiful princess such as yourself.” That’s when we had our second fight. With my “I’ll come!’’ and his “you’ll stay” we made quite a racket until he backed me into a corner and scared me half to death by slipping his hand into my shirt and on my back. That was his winning touch, for I was paralyzed. He left and locked the door behind him. Soon as I could move I tried to pick the lock. I wasn’t quite skilled enough yet. So I went and sat back in my corner. I sat for ten minutes when I heard the lock being successfully picked. I stood up thinking it was Chris back with the money. The door opened slowly a head peeked out…Not Chris the same beggar who had been pulling at my arm. Wait, didn’t Chris say he liked to rape women? He did. I tried to back up forgetting the wall was there. I looked around. No other way out. I had to fight…or delay. “Who are you?” I said anything I could think of. “Why are you here?” He just grinned a wicked grin. That won’t work. He started to walk closer to me. I looked around desperately for a weapon. There on the bottom bunk lay a rusted sword. I ran for it but the rapist blocked me off. I tried to get around but he grasped my arm again. I tried to ignore it…get the sword get it now! He squeezed harder. “Let go!” I cried desperately. Suddenly I realized he isn’t going to listen. I was going to be raped and I was telling him to stop. No I wouldn’t let that happen. I jerked my hand away. Amazingly it worked. I ran again for the sword and picked it up. It was heavy to heavy for me. Yet I picked it up and cut the man’s shoulder. He froze unable to believe that I cut him. I cut his other shoulder and wanted to hurl. Blood real blood. I dropped the sword and sat feeling nauseas. The man no longer stunned took his chance he pushed me down but as he tried to unzip his pants Chris grabbed him by the hair and flung him away from me. He offered me his hand and as he pulled me up he said “I’m back!” I couldn’t believe that he was making a joke at a time like this. The man had the sword I dropped and was running at Chris with it. I screamed and Chris turned around and curved the sword into the old bed. Shock again hit this man and Chris took advantage; he pulled the guy outside, called for a guard and threw him out. I asked if Ruby was there with the money. “Ruby was there, the money wasn’t. She told me of a robbery. Ruby herself almost got stolen. No money left.” Chris looked so worried. It made me want to cry, but even more I wanted to help. Without even realizing I did it I declared “I want to help too.” Then I realized what I said. “All I need is a light weight sword. One even I can control.” Chris shook his head. “No.” was all he said on the subject. I was more determined then he knew. Normally I wouldn’t talk back about something like this but this was an exception. “Yes, I will and you can’t stop me so it would be in your best interests to help me help you.” I had said this so sternly that Chris sat down. “Oh, is that right? I kept you in this house.” He said dignantly. “What makes you think I can’t keep you in the castle? Like I said before, no.” this was getting annoying. He had to add one thing before I could talk. “It’s too dangerous for you anyway.” This made me more angry than anything else could, I was not a baby. “As for your keeping me in here I’ll acknowledge that, but look what happened!” I said, pointing to the sword. “And as for it being to dangerous, well, I am not a baby! And I will go with or without you. You bet all your life savings on that and get double what you earned!” There I had told him off. I did it for once. Chris was speechless. One last touch that’s all I need to change his mind, but what? “I think I should get back to the castle. Goodbye Chris.” Perfect! I started to walk out the door but I felt a hand around my wrist, strong yes, but it didn’t hurt like the other mans did. He wasn’t tugging at me. In fact he was walking with me. Not what I was expecting. Then I realized why he was coming, I didn’t know which way to go, and the rapist was still out. I was thankful he was coming even though I knew he would ask the regent not to let me out of the castle alone, or with someone I could manipulate. I sighed.

Chapter 9

Alexandria where’s that?

When we got to the castle I heard Chris talking to the regent, not a word about me not leaving the castle, but there was talk of my going to Alexandria Castle. Then out my window I saw Chris leave. Was I to help, is that why I am leaving? I went to bed exosted, worried, and excited. I woke up much the same. I went to the breakfast hall there was Uncle Cid. “Darling, please sit down.” Now I felt like a dog being commanded by the regent. I sat all the same. “Darling you’re going to go home today.” The regent told me. By now I didn’t know where home was anymore. “Home…” I tried to remember the conversation I had heard before. “Alexandria Castle? Home?” Regent Cid looked worried. “Yes dearest niece.” Now I was ready to hurl. All this darling and dearest, was getting on my nerves. I ignored that to the best of my ability. “Who is to accompany me on my trip…? Chris perhaps?” If you like, darling; is all he said. A plate of pancakes were placed in front me. I cut one up and ate a peace. Grapefruit pancakes. I didn’t eat. About ten minutes after I had stopped eating Regent Cid said he would go summon Chris so we could leave. The maids ushered me back to my room to get dressed in my best dress. (Meanwhile Chris is running around trying to find the one who stole the money) When I went back downstairs Chris was there. A big smile was on his face. Regent Cid must have told him he was requested. The regent showed us where there was a big airship. And waved as it took off.

Chapter 10

A close encounter

“Chris? Are you there? Chris, where exactly is Alexandria Castle? Chris are you Ok? Chris you there?” Chris poked his head out the door. “ Yes princess I’m here, and I am quite annoyed, now please let me sleep.” He more yawned these words more then said, or even muttered them. This angered me, but I knew better then to make him angry. I went to the driver, and asked him where exactly Alexandria was. No answer, this had to be bad for I knew that people from the castle have to answer me. I looked at the steering wheel. No hands. Nobody was controlling the ship! I checked the mans pulse. No beats. Dead? Is he dead? I ran for Chris’s room. When I got there I banged as hard as I could on the door. “WHAT IS IT!” Chris was obviously angry. When he saw the look on my face he calmed down a bit. For I was extremely worried, both that Chris would do something to me, and for the ship crashing. I was now angry also. “ First of all,” I said very calmly, “my name is Erica, not Garnet… and the pilot’s dead.” Chris had a look of sheer amazement. I led him to the pilot’s chamber. Now he was sprawled on the floor. There was a big rustle sound, I hid behind Chris. “Erica come here darling, its not safe there.” A voice said from behind the curtains. Chris didn’t let me move. “Erica please come where it’s safe. Just push him out of the way.” I found myself pushing. I told myself not to trust this voice but my body wouldn’t listen. “Chris help me!” I called out. I felt his arms around my waist. “Smart girl unfortunately. But she’ll come around to our way of thinking.” I gained control over myself again. “ How many are there? You tell me wench!” Chris was loosing control, anger took over him. “Hm No I don’t think so boy, you’ll figure it out!” then there was a big flash behind the curtains along with two words, you’ll see. Chris ran for the curtains. I tried to hold him back but I was no match for his arms. All of a sudden I knew what to do. “Chris calm yourself! The ship is uncontrolled, I don’t know how to control it.” Nothing happened. “Chris please help!” He snapped out of it, and ran for the wheel. “ You want to learn how to drive it Gar… urg Erica?” my life lit up “Oh yes please, oh would you teach me Chris?”

Chapter 11

Alexandria castle

When we landed there were lots of people around. Everyone one was asking for my autograph, and they kept calling me princess. Chris cleared a path and led me to the castle. It was big and stone. When we walked in there were red carpets down, and blue banners on the wall. When we got to the Queens room the queen was there. She wore a long dress, and looked as if she weighed two tons. Her face was blue; she had red lipstick, and purple eye-shadow. This blimp was queen Brahn. “Darling, Garnet, I’m glad your home from your vacation!” I wanted to hurl again. Yes I was here, but not home. “Uh, well, I guess your tired, Kuja, where is Steiner? She seemed to call to a tall thin man with white hair. “Waiting for her majesty, your majesty.” “Take Garnet to him would you dearest? Ah thank you.” I seemed to remember this castle in a distant memory, but Kuja wasn’t part of it. He took my arm, led me to the hall. It just didn’t seem right… I felt more like a servant then a princess. “I don’t remember you… refresh my memory please.” I asked, really meaning. I don’t know you get your hands off of me. He pulled at my arm and I heard Chris cry “Hey! Don’t you hurt her!” I looked back. I was so scared. This man didn’t seem nice, pleasant, or caring towards me at all. The man standing in the hall I knew though. Not me…Garnet. He rushed towards me, and pushed the scary man away. “Hello sir Steiner, I’m back!” I said automatically. Then I whispered “Get this guy away from me…” “I heard that princess.” He heard me; will he sneak into my room and kill me? Rape me perhaps? I shivered. “Its late princess let me escort you to Beatrix, as you know I am only aloud near your room with her. A woman with short curled brown hair walked up. Half of her hair covered one eye, the rest of her hair was held back by a white cloth. She carried a sword with red diamonds on it. She wore brown pants, with a white coat. “Hello princess, you look worried, what’s wrong? Steiner go guard the queen! Kuja… Go invent something! Now princess, what’s wrong?” She waited patiently. How I wished I could tell her everything, about the wish, the longing, the feeling, but I couldn’t. I just told her she couldn’t possibly understand…at least not now. She accepted that answer. She took me to my room. It was gigantic! I had a canopy bed, a bureau, a desk, a window and lots of space to live. I lay down on the bed. Soft as cats’ fur. I slept without a problem.

Chapter 12

Where are you going Chris?

I woke up the next day and Beatrix rushed in. “Time to get dressed princess! The thief is leaving, thank goodness.” she saw the look on my face. “You want to see him off don’t you…Well, you are the princess…We better hurry in order to see him off.” She smiled. She thought she figured out what was bothering me…she didn’t. I got dressed (or more she dressed me) and we went downstairs. Chris was on his way out. I tried to run, but stumbled in my heals. He heard the crash of one breaking and ran to catch me before I fell. He did this successfully. Before the guards could here me I whispered “Where are you going?” He stared at me. He saw that I’d miss him. “Home.” He whispered back. That’s when he got on the airship. I prayed that this driver wouldn’t die. “Chris…” “You’ll see me again soon princess.” The ship took off. I watched with tears in my eyes. Beatrix took me to the banquet hall. Garnet’s place used to be on Brahn’s right side. Now I was on the left side. Instead of me Kuja sat. After I ate I sat. Reading about mogs. It was utterly boring.

Chapter 13

What play? When?

“There’s going to be a play soon. It’s your favorite.” I tried to remember…play, favorite. Nothing came up. “What play?” I finally asked, then quickly added “When?” Beatrix laughed “In a week and it’s called I want to be your canary.” I was still tired, so Beatrix let me sleep. It was then that I gained ability to see things that have happened, and are happening. I had a dream.

Chapter 14

My powers in dreams

“Don’t you hurt her!” Chris yelled after me. “Don’t worry, she’s quite safe. Worry about yourself.” Brahn’s voice was cold and harsh. Whoa! Is this lady wound tight or what! I realized that I was in Chris’s memories. “I think I’ll spend the night at the pub. Bye.” Chris walked to the door. He found it to be locked. “Shit…” language, I thought. Then the doors swung open. “Thanks” he said and walked out. I blanked out. Then again I saw the castle, saw Regent Cid. Black out again. Then I saw the airship. Chris was talking to the crew. Three men that I didn’t know were there, Along with Baku Cinna and blank. It was like a movie I watched while Chris sat backwards on the chair. Blank had his legs crossed. “We are going to act in a play next week. Marcus and Ruby will be the beggar and Princess. During the first act, Chris will put sleeping weed in the tea. Chris what do you do next?” Chris shrugged and said “That’s when we kidnap the queen right?” “That’s right we’re going to kidnap the biggest ugliest fat ass bitch of the world… Be serious!” Baku seemed fed up with jokes. “Ok, Ok, that’s when we kidnap Eri…urg Garnet right?” “That’s right we’re going to kidnap the most babe-licouse beauty on the mist continent.” I blacked out.

Chapter 15

Reading reading reading reading

I got up and all I could remember was I want to be your canary. So I looked in the library for that play. There it was up on the top shelf. How prof. Tot tried to get to it! Wait whose prof. Tot? Oh well. I got it down and read it. An hour later it was finished. I read it again. I read it sixteen times. That’s when Kuja walked into the room. “Hello princess Garnet… or should I say Erica.” I gasped. “You like that thief don’t you? Well that’s too bad. He has an early end coming to him. I will ensure that.” He stroked his hand up the book case. “But then again…so do you.” He paused cruelly. “Do you know what that amulet is Erica? It allows you to summon. It also gives you limited telekinesis.” He started to walk towards me. I got up and tried to run. “There is no use running Erica. You can’t anyway.” It was then that I realized that I couldn’t move. “It’s not time yet, I just wanted you to know your powers so you can train them. Hahahahaha.” Then he disappeared and I went back to the seat, picked up the book and ran to Beatrix. (I didn’t know my way to my room.) I went to bed and dreamt about the play.

Chapter 16

The play…and escape plan

I woke up a week later. I knew that play by heart. Beatrix dressed me in a white hooped gown. It had what looked like vines growing on the breast. Beatrix left and I sat by the window. I watched as the doves flew around, and I gazed at my city. I closed my window and got an extra outfit, and a hooded cape. It was an orange jumper with white sleeves that were belled at the end. I tied it to my hoop. The cape was white with pink on the end of the hood, and on the sleeves. I added that to the jumper. I was now ready to escape! I left the room and Beatrix escorted me to Steiner, who in turn escorted me to my seat. The show started with a man in a kings suit Talked to us all. He looked quite like Baku. When he left three men walked on stage. First was a man with a bandana on his head. He called another man out. He looked a lot like Blank! Then the third man entered. Was it? Could it be? Is that Chris?! Indeed it looked so. The man who was “playing” Marcus led a cheer for his love Cornelia. They rushed out into a battle with the king. There were three big booms and the guards ran off the stage. The king stayed until Marcus cut him. He ran off too. Then the guy who looked like Blank said “Maybe Marcus shouldn’t marry Cornelia. Maybe she should marry the prince! Then peace would reign all through both of our kingdoms!” The guy who looked like Chris shouted back, “If all were so simple why, we would have no quarrels in this world! Marcus loves the princess! Why can’t he have her!?” The guy who looked like blank drew his sword, and tried to strike the Chris look alike. He guarded, and a fight began. After the fight both actors left the stage. I told the guards that I had to use the restroom and was finally safely alone. I changed clothing and ran for the door. I had the hood up just in case I met someone. As I ran I almost bumped into the Actor who looks like Chris. I just stood Praying he wouldn’t recognize me. He circled me, and examined me. “Do I know you?” I finally asked. He looked at my face and said “No I wouldn’t let such a pretty girl pass me by.” Now I knew it was really Chris. “I…I must go” I said swiftly and ran. “Catch her! Catch her! That’s her!” I could hear Chris’s shouts, but they were not getting any softer. I ran, not knowing where I was going. Out the main door up lots of stairs to the top of a tower. No way to go! Except down. I climbed up to the railing. Looked and saw Steiner on the other tower. I looked back and there he was right close. I grabbed a rope, smiled, and let myself fall backwards. Chris jumped too. He grabbed the end of the rope. We both fell through a tent. Him first. I ran left first, then right. In the room there was a girl in a princess dress. Behind her there were stairs. I said excuse me, but she got in my way. I heard Chris coming so I pushed my way through. I don’t know why but I stopped running to listen to their conversation. “What kinda cattle is she chasin Chris?” he tried to push through but couldn’t. “Just let me talk to her Ruby.” Ruby moved aside. I ran again. A door! I tried to open it but it was locked. So I pressed my back against it, I was scared to death. Chris came running down the steps, and said, “(huff, heave) Hi Gar…urg Erica. What’s wrong? I told ya I’d see ya soon. Hahahaha.” I was still scared. “Why were you running?” He was serious for once. I decided to answer him. “I’m trying to escape the castle… you act?” he wasn’t distracted. “Kuja’s not good news Chris.” I paused. “Now I have to stay don’t I?” I was now sad. Chris could tell. “No…actually I was planning on kidnapping you. This wasn’t the plan but it worked. What’s that sound?” It was true there were heavy feet running up above. It was Steiner. I tried the door again, still locked. Chris hadn’t a key. Cinna came out of some shadows. “Cinna! Do you have the key? I left mine in the engine room!” Cinna walked over and unlocked the door. Chris pushed me in. “It is a dead end!” Now I was thoroughly angry. Chris laughed and clapped; the table in the middle of the room popped up and opened a path. Chris jumped in and got ready to catch me. I jumped in and landed next to him. “Your oftly acrobatic for a princess. That’s too bad… it’s a waste.” I scowled. The next jump was higher. Chris jumped first. Then I tried, I would’ve landed on my butt had Chris not caught me. Then we ran into a room, Steiner was already there. “I’ll save you princess!” he seemed so sure of himself. A pluto night came down and said “Not if I can help it.” “You…Your not one of my nights!” “Duh” Chris looked angry. “You” Chris said, “can” Cinna said “leave” The night said. “The princess to us” they all said at the same time. Steiner pulled out his sword, so did my friends. I picked up a club and rushed in. Chris pushed me back. “I want to fight!” I said. “I don’t care if you want to fuck Cinna” Chris said. “Language Chris…” I muttered. Chris glared at me. “I’m fighting! You cannot stop me. I’m not a baby!” Chris glared again. Cinna threw me a sword. I missed it but picked it up off the ground. Just a little too heavy…I could deal with it. It was then that Blank let out lots of oglops. Everyone but Chris and me were hopping around. Chris shoved me onto a platform and pushed a button. As soon as he was on it, it went up. Steiner got on the other platform and went up.

Chapter 17

The meeting of kinds

When we got up Marcus was there. Fighting with the king. I found that I was the new Cornelia. Marcus said “Ah there is my love now.” And Baku said “Nonsense Cornelia is to marry Prince Gwen.” He pointed to Steiner. I immediately played my part. Marcus went to thrust his sword into the king and I jumped in and felt the sword go between my arm and my side. “Forgive me Marcus, I have been selfish. I still love my father.” Then I pretended to die. In the back of the audience there was a big ruckus. Up to the stage ran a young black mage. He stood behind me, and I heard Brahn whining about why Cornelia had to die. “(sob) Now where is that girl” Guards came up on the stage in front of me. The mage used a fire attack and instead of catching the guard on fire, he got me. I jumped up and flung off my burning cape.

Chapter 18

There’s gonna be trouble

“THERE SHE IS!” Brahn cried. I looked up. She was pointing a long, bony, blue finger at me. Chris grabbed my arm and said, “Time to go Princess.” I was tugged along but I didn’t laugh. Steiner stopped us before we got to the door. The others were busy fighting. The Black mage ran for us, and took out his staff. “Do something Garnet!” It only made sense that he call me Garnet in the castle. “Steiner, I command you to step aside.” I said this rather calmly. Steiner looked at me like I was going crazy. Then he frowned even deeper then usual. “I’m sorry princess but that’s an order I cannot obey.” Then he drew his sword. Chris winked at me. I knew that meant, go around Steiner. So we did. I picked up the mage. And we ran. I followed Chris. We got on the airship, and it looked like a clear ride. I was wrong. There was a big boom and a bomby came towards the ship. Steiner also got on the ship. We engaged in battle. This time I fought. Only with a club, but I could pick it up. I did the healing. When the Bomby got on the ship, Chris told Steiner to look behind him. “You don’t think I’ll fall for the oldest trick in the book do you? You imbecile.” “No Really Steiner There is a bomby behind you!” That didn’t work. He just attacked Chris. When he got back to his place the Bomby grew, and grew, and bumped Steiner in the back. He ran to our side. Between me and the mage. “Why didn’t you tell me Princess?” HE asked me. I growled. The bomby blew up and knocked a part of the ship off. The ship started all the same. I could see Brahn yelling at the guards. All of a sudden there was a hook in the side of the ship. The ship jerked and I almost fell off. I had to lie on the floor. Chris put his arms around me and made certain I wouldn’t fall off. Someone successfully cut the rope. We flew off over a forest, but the ship was still shaky. Chris let go for about two seconds and a fell off. I heard Chris shouting “Erica I’m coming!” Then I hit the ground and fainted. Again I dreamt.

Chapter 18

What’s up Chris?

“Ug, ah” Chris panted as he fell. Thump. “Where is she?” Chris asked himself violently, “And where’s the mage? Ah hell, where’s the ship!?” Language Chris. He started walking anywhere he could think of. Finally He arrived at the crashed ship. Baku was standing outside. Blank came out and informed him that everything was burning. “So put it out.” He said rather sarcastically. Chris jumped down the hill and met Marcus. “Where is Cinna? And the others…Have you found Garnet?” There was a huge amount of worry in his eyes, and voice. “No” Was all Marcus said. Across the field a man was complaining about how they would all be hanged for killing the princess. Baku went inside the ship. Chris went up to the place where we jumped into the mist room. There he found Cinna. “How am I supposed to sleep without my Garnet doll” Cinna said. Chris just left. That name bothered him now. All he could think of was, “She must be alive, she has to be…” He went to see if he could get Baku to send out a search team. When he found Baku, and asked, Baku looked worried. “I only worry about my boys, and she ain’t one of em.” Chris pleaded, but Baku said “No is no, and that is that.” Chris left almost in tears. He sat on the stairs to try to rid his mind of me. NO Chris! DON’T forget! SAVE ME! I was making a connection! Chris got up off the stairs and went outside. Looked out into the trees. Blank came out and said “You really miss her don’t you Chris? I hope she’s alive, I mean…” Chris got angry and I could feel the anger rising up, his and mine united they stood, angers. “I AM ALIVE! I shouted. It came out of Chris mouth mingled with his “SHE IS NOT DEAD!” Blank stood back, He knew I had powers untold, but he thought me dead. “Chris Go after her…your right she’s alive. But not for long if you don’t go…I can cover you about Baku, just go. That girl has a destiny, now go ensure it is fulfilled.” Blank headed towards the airship. He turned back once. “Hurry” he said. Chris ran into the woods. Lots of wolves. One attacked him, and the wolf waited to be included in a civilized battle. “Whoa cool” Chris said and drew his knife, It was broken. Chris had a spare and so he took it out. As he got ready to fight the wolf waited. When the battle began the wolf transformed. That was no wolf! That was a monster named the Hell Hound. Chris seemed unsurprised He raised his knife and cut into the beasts’ neck, blood spurted everywhere, but the demon was not dead. “This is how you kill a monster Erica, whether you can hear me or not. Please protect yourself until I get there…” Then he realized what he was doing. The monster attacked Chris and bit his leg. Chris cried out. The fangs were poisones. I felt the poison rush through him, I felt so helpless if only I could help… Chris raised his knife and stumbled towards the monster. “Take this you bastard.” I wanted to say language Chris but I couldn’t. The demon died and turned to dust. Chris tried to go back but couldn’t. He fainted. A mog came, his name was Stiltzskin and he healed Chris. The mog ran away before Chris awoke. The black mage showed up and recognized Chris, so he woke him up. Chris took the child back to the ship, on the way he asked the mage what his name was. “Blindanious Vivi, but you can call me Blind. I am a black mage and the princess has been kidnapped by a big plant thing… I can read your thoughts, me oh I’m about six.” Indeed Chris was wondering where I was, and about how old this kid was.

When they got to the ship Marcus took Blind away to a room for testing. Blank came out, he was all bruised. Chris knew why. Baku ran out of the ship all angry, this time we both knew why. Chris walked around Baku and into the hall. He went upstairs to where his room would have been, blown away… He sat on the stairs and thought, “I guess I can’t save her. Hm… Kidnapped by a plant thing… no imposable to get her back now.” There was a break of thoughts then, “What’s wrong with me? Here is this cute girl in trouble, and here I am. I’m supposed to be the rescuer of damsels in distress I have to save her… That means I will have to leave the group. Well it’s worth it.” Chris got up and went to the engine room that Baku’s always in. “I’m leavin boss. Got to save Garnet.” Baku frowned. “Will you be alright by yourself? I mean.” He added quickly. “You have to fight your way out, Come to the music room when you’re ready; oh I forgot we’ve got the knight in the junk closet.” Chris left and took a nap.

My concionceness left him and went to Baku. “Poor boy… Always told em love’ll kill him someday. Hahaha. Well, I guess it’s his choice… I will miss him though.”

Chris awoke and went downstairs. Baku was waiting. When Chris listened at the door he heard, “WAHHHHH…sniff sniff” and “Calm down Baku, he’ll be here soon… ah c’mon.” It stopped. Chris walked in. He had a new knife. “I’m ready.” He said confidently. Baku took out his sword. And it started. I didn’t want to see, this was like a battle between father and son. No matter who won there would always be guilt, anger, and pain. When the battle was over Baku declared himself beaten. He walked over to Chris and punched him one on his shoulder. Chris rubbed where he was punched. He pulled his punches till that last one…ow. “Go get the mage and the knight… like I’ve said a million other times, this is my last order to you. Chris walked up the stairs, but I made him look back.

When he got to Blinds room Blank was there.

“He was poisoned trying to save her.” Was what he said, knowing better then to say my name. He left leaving Chris and Blind alone. “Your pretty powerful for such a little boy, you know…” Chris stopped because Blind was staring. “What? Are you peeved at me for calling you little? Ah well, lets just cut to the chase. I’m going to save Gar…urg net.” Blind looked excited. “Ok then Mr. um whatever your name is, good luck bye!” Blind said enthusiastically. “Well actually I was hoping you’d come too.” Chris said hopefully. Blind just nodded. “Ok Mr. Chris I’ll come.” “WHOA no-one calls me mister, it’s just Chris.” Blind got up and went down to the hole in the wall at the second floor. Chris proceeded to the closet where Steiner was being held…he had been poisoned also. Chris walked in and said “Sit back down.” Before Steiner got up. “I’m going to go save the princess; this is your one and only offer. Take or leave?” He got up and grumbled something Chris couldn’t hear. “You, a thief, cannot possibly save the princess, I can however.” They both walked out.

I jumped to farther back, in Alexandria, I was with Blind. He was very excited, so excited that he was running to the ticket booth, he had a ticket to see the play! When he got to the booth and gave the man the ticket the man said, “Wait, there’s something wrong with this ticket.”

It read

FRONT SEAT

The show is about a princess who falls helplessly in love with Marcus the peasant. What will happen I wonder!

I WANT TO BE YOUR CROW

“Ha this is a fake, kid… Don’t Cry. Here take these cards and play cardman Jack to get a real one!” The man tried to be a tough guy but, he wasn’t. He couldn’t stand to see blind crying. He ran to look for cardman Jack. He bumped into a kid with an orange hat and found himself missing his ticket. He sighed and kept searching. Down by the blacksmith he bumped into the kid again. “HEY. You’re that kid with the fake ticket aren’t you!” The boy said. “…Yes, it’s fake.” The boy grimaced. “If you promise to be my slave for a while then I can get you to the play…well good see if any ones coming.” Blind looked back. No one was coming. So the boy took the latter and ran for the bell tower. “It’s dangerous going up this latter so you go first… to ensure it’s safe for ME.” Blind climbed up to the center when a mog fell threw and knocked Blind down. “OUCH!” Blind cried out. “Oh I forgot to tell you. That’s slave #1. Stiltzskin. Oh and you are…” He was asking a question, to a slave. “Blind… Blind Vivi.” The boy climbed up the tall latter with another latter in his hand. “In order to make this up to you I will come by when you or your friends need healing, kupo. I will notify my friends of you, and tell them to help out, kupo.” Blind was glad to know he had protection. “HEY get up here! Slave number two I told you to get you’re ass up here, now move! Blind climbed up without a word. When they got to the top the boy walked the boards. Blind stopped. “NOW what the matter? Your afraid of heights aren’t you? Just pretend you’re on solid ground. It won’t fall!” Blind walked across and didn’t fall. He stopped at the second one. “Not again. IT WON’T FALL!” Blind walked half way across and had to jump for his life. “Hahahaha I guess it fell!” Blind glared. They kept going except Blind walked on the roof tops. Inside one of the chimneys he found one hundred five dollars. When they got to the play house I blanked out. Then when I got back to Chris, he was walking out the door. Blank was standing there. He handed Chris a bottle with a reddish pinkish substance. “Sorry but I don’t need a love potion to get this one, she’s already mine!” Chris said, handing back the potion. Blank scowled. “She might be poisoned. It’s the same stuff I gave the mage and the knight. Get you mind off women for once!” He stopped briefly to give Chris the potion back. “Why am I always helping you?” He asked and went inside.

Chapter 19

He died…to save me…?

I regained part of my contionceness. I still couldn’t move however. I saw big vines, they were all around me. Then I saw Chris, he had his brand new knife out, and was ready to fight. I wished I could move, and help. I couldn’t, it was unbearable. I saw every slash, every slap that Chris suffered. When I started to panic Blank came. I was happy, but not overjoyed. When the vines came apart at last Steiner rushed over and lifted me up. Everything in the forest grew red. The flowers sprouted legs and ran after us. The forest was large, and as we went everything tried to stop us. Steiner tripped and I flew out of his arms. Chris caught me and ran. “CHRIS, CATCH!” I heard and I saw Blank through a paper as he was lifted up by the branches. Chris held me with one hand and caught the paper with the other. Blank through it rather hard so Chris had to run for it. Steiner now had Blind up, and was running as fast as possible. When we got out I was exhausted so I fell asleep in Chris’s arms, until I felt the serum slip through my lips. It tasted like strawberries, and chocolate. I still had the firm support for my body yet now I was lower. Finally I was able to stand, though only for a second or two before I fell back into Chris’s arms. He sat me up against a normal tree. Even though I couldn’t stand I could talk. “What on earth happened here…and what’s with that forest?” I had just notice that there was what looked like a monument by a large lake. When I looked at Chris he seemed saddened. “Chris…” I whispered meekly. “Chris…is Blank Ok, Chris look at me!” This would drive me crazy, I didn’t know why but just the thought of a sad Chris pierced my heart. Steiner looked up at me. “What’s earth princess?” I was now aggravated. Chris was here on the break of tears, and Steiner wanted to no what earth was. “Never mind Steiner, Chris…you will talk, you always said talking makes people feel better right? C’mon Chris.” I was now trying to be soothing. Chris looked up and with great pain murmured, “Ok Erica, That was the evil forest… I killed the boss so the evil in it left, It didn’t leave much…and as for Blank he died… The forest got him…” Chris looked back down. And there, he had been there saving me! He died saving ME! I never should’ve come…it’s my fault. I couldn’t help myself… “IT’S ALL MY FAULT!!!!!!!” I cried out. Chris shot to me like a bullet. “No…It’s not Erica” He looked me in the eyes. I felt partially soothed but not completely, “but had I not tried to escape, we never would’ve had to run from the forest! And, and, you wouldn’t understand, and I am NOT ready to explain…just trust me Chris it’s my fault…” Chris tried once more then he caught on. “What do you mean I won’t understand?!” Tension was high. I got sort of scared. He could tell. “Your afraid of me aren’t you? Damn I shouldn’t have scared you at the meeting house…” Language…was all I could think. I turned my face away. Chris groaned. “Look, I’ll ask later just right now, just know it is NOT your fault… and, I couldn’t hurt you if I tried.” I looked back up at him. His face was sad, and hurt, I just wanted to give him a big hug, to tell him that no matter what happens that I will always be there, right next door to hope. Blind spoke up for the first time. “Yes Erica, you, hope, and Stiltzskin. My heart skipped a beat. How did he know what I was thinking? How did he know my real name? “Search, Erica you’ll find the answer deep in your heart…” Then Blind realized what he was doing, and centered himself on performing a fire spell so I could cook.

Chapter 20

Realizing the gift

Chris left to get some meat. I insisted on coming along. Chris wouldn’t let me do anything besides sit, or sleep in the tent, where I was safe. While I was there I searched through my thoughts. I remembered a melody I hadn’t heard before. I started to hum it and everything made perfect sense to me. I remembered all my dreams, I remembered the fight between Baku and Chris, the last smart alecky remark he made to Blank, everything. That was my favorite song; I called it the song of memories. What I didn’t understand was how Chris so easily gave up on Blank; he wasn’t dead, only petrified. I sighed and laid down to sleep. No dreams came.

Chapter 21

Where do we go from here?

Chris crawled into the tent, and shook me awake. When I saw him he expected that I would crawl over to the corner but I didn’t. “Can’t cook dinner without the cook I’m afraid. And um…” this he whispered into my ear, “You might want to pull up your outfit. Not that I’m complainin!” I looked down and realized that I was one short move from having my breast exposed. “Thanks…” I whispered. And pulled it up. When we got outside I was amazed by all the meat. Chris looked at me questioningly and I just stared at the meat. I walked hastily to the meat. The fire Blind had started had long since gone out. “Blind, a little help please.” I said confidently. Blind started a fire in the middle of the camp. Steiner was asleep near another far tree. “He’s keeping watch…castle style.” Chris whispered in my ear. I permitted myself a laugh. It was a bright sunset. When all the food was done roasting, Steiner wasn’t awake yet so he didn’t eat. Chris ate his share as if he had never eaten before. “My god this is great!” I knew he was only putting on a show for me but I was flattered all the same. “Erica…your face is red… are you Ok?” Blind asked me in an innocent voice. I laughed, and continued eating. When it was all gone the whole group got into a circle (I was closest to Chris.). “So now where do we go…? I don’t know about you but I want to go back to Lindblum.” Everyone looked at me because I was the first speaker. “Whatever you want Erica.” Chris answered. “First of all, her name is Garnet! Second to YOU she would be your highness, and third we are going back to Alexandria.” Steiners speech left me speechless. “C’mon Erica lets figure out a way to get to LINDBLUM.” He said Lindblum extra loud so Steiner would hear.

Chapter 22

Big fish

Somehow Chris talked me into letting him sleep in the same tent that I was in. I let him in but when he tried getting next to me I kicked him out. We were up earlier then anyone, I thought I was the only one up so I sang my song. When I went outside there was Chris trying his best to start a fire. I ran over to help him. He looked at me suspiciously. “Let me do it.” I said without thinking. Instead of adding anything I just started the fire. “Wecos vinosec…” I murmured, trying to figure how to do it, and still use magic. “Igiveup.” I said suddenly without any breaths or pauses. A huge flame erupted from the pile of leaves and wood Chris had made. Chris laughed out loud. While we sat by the fire, we talked of what must be happing at the castle, and we discussed Lindblum. Suddenly Chris said rather enthusiastically, “Let’s dump sir Rustalot and get out of this place, Erica, just you and me.” I sat my mouth wide open. Had he read my mind, for I was thinking how great it would be, for it to be just Chris and me…I didn’t know what to say. I just laughed, not full heartedly though. “That would be great Chris, but what about Blind? I wish more then anything that I weren’t a princess…that, Oh what am I talking about? I’m no princess; I don’t even know why I am here! Yet still, it feels so real, Oh how I wi…” Chris cut me off. “Wish you could get away? Isn’t that what we’re doing?” I gazed at him. I knew now he wouldn’t understand, at least not yet. “I’m going to get some…” Chris stopped seeing the frown on my face. “Fish…” I whispered. Great, now we’re finishing each others sentences. “Unless you don’t want me to go…or maybe, if you want, you can come.” He said this hopefully. My face brightened, until I looked back at Blind. I swore I heard him whisper “Go with him Erica.” I looked back at Chris, face still full of hope. I nodded my head. When we went to the lake a monster tried to attack me. Chris grabbed me away from harm, and stabbed the beast. It was big and had horns, it resembled a bull. “Am I to be used as bait?!” I cried, trying to sound as un-sarcastic as possible. Chris laughed. Chris pulled down a branch from the large oak tree. He pulled out a string and tied it around the end of the stick. I cleared my throat, for I couldn’t reach the branches. Chris looked at me as if I were crazy, “You want to help?” he asked finally. I nodded my head. He pulled down another branch, and took out another string. As he tied it he gallantly asked, “Do you know how to fish? Want me to teach you?” He looked hopeful of this as well. “I can fish, but not well…” I looked at Chris, hoping he would just tell me he would help out. He did. I purposely held the stick wrong. “Here let me show you.” He said, as I had anticipated. I may help a bit, but I’m still going to play hard to get. He stood next to me and showed me. “Ok I think I’ve got it…um…like this?” I was still holding it wrong. Chris sighed and walked to a place where I couldn’t see him. Next thing I knew, he was behind me with his hands over mine. Using my hands he turned the pole so it was more comfortable in my hands. When he let go of my hands the string fell off the pole. We both laughed. “Ok, ok let me see the pole.” Chris managed to get out. I handed him the pole. While he was fixing it I saw something move in the water. “CHRIS, CHRIS,” I shouted, “LOOK!” Chris looked up to where I was pointing. Whatever was there had gone underwater. Chris busied himself again in tying the knot tight. He gave me back the pole. I sighed. When I tried to cast the line I hit the tree instead. Chris laughed. I was gasping. “But how, how will we ever get it down?” Chris just smiled, waited until I turned back to the water and disappeared. “Now what are you up to Chris?” I wondered aloud. I turned back to the water, using my logic. If he left while I was turned away, he’ll come back while I’m turned away. When I turned back, sure enough there he was, same sly smile on his face, except now, he held the pole. I laughed and as I looked back I saw a large red thing, swimming up the shore. Chris’s smile vanished. “Chris what is it?!” I asked alarmed. He didn’t answer; all he did was draw his dagger. “I’ll fight too!” I declared, while struggling to climb the tree to get a stick. “Got this for ya.” Chris said, pulling me down from the branches. He drew a golden sword from the brush. I gasped. He was going to let me help. “It ain’t in the best condition but it still cuts fine.” I gasped again. Then I realized that I was supposed to take the sword from him. I walked towards him, all the while watching the gigantic thing. “Here.” Was all Chris said to me. Now I had the sword in my hand, I was ready for anything. We ran up the shore. The red thing was actually a big fish. It came up to the shore. When it got there I was amazed because it sprouted legs. “Be ready Erica, this ain’t no ordinary monster, it’s a fiend.” Now was just the time for a lesson. I sighed. “Lesson please… what is the difference between a fiend, and a monster.” Chris rolled his eyes. Later then, I thought. I drew my sword to a ready to strike position. The fiend stumbled over and sucked me into his stomach. All I could see was red, and I didn’t feel so good either, I heard Chris’s voice telling me to cut my way out. I tried but couldn’t, the tissue was too tough. Eventually he got a stomach ache, and spit me back out. While I was out I couldn’t get up. Chris through something up into the air and it landed on me. Almost immediately I was able to stand. I stood and fought again. The fish got hungry and ate Chris up. I totally panicked. All I could do was keep slashing at the stomach to try and get Chris out. After a while the stomach came open. Chris came rolling out, almost to the point where he couldn’t move. Chris slashed the beast once more and it collapsed. “Guess we have our breakfast!” Chris cried out. I was astonished. “We almost were breakfast!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I shouted, I was still panicked. Chris laughed that sly and tempting laugh. He started to walk away. “C’mon Erica, lets get going.” I knew that something would happen, he’d do something, or I would, or a monster would. I hesitated; did I really want something to happen? I decided that I now could defend myself, so what was the worst that could happen? I followed him, but we didn’t head strait to the camp. “Where are we going Chris?” I asked rather casually. Chris looked back at me, and all my fears disappeared. I followed more closely. I found that staves were being thrust up after us. I looked at them and looked at Chris. “Um…Chris do you know where we’re going? Because…We cannot go back.” Chris looked at me again. I sighed and said “Alright…” We walked and walked until we found ourselves at the back of the camp. “How?” I gasped. Chris just pulled the meat to the center of the camp. I sighed, I was always cooking it seemed. Blind still wasn’t awake. “The fire went out…Erica put it back.” Chris was daring me in disguise. I said the same words I did last time. The fire arose. I looked back at Chris; there was a look of sheer amazement on his face. I started cooking the dead fiend. When it was done I woke Blind up. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. I tried to get to Steiner to wake him up but Chris held me back. I gave up and distributed the food between the three of us. We didn’t talk. After words Chris packed all the stuff. We walked west towards a huge cave. As we were passing him I woke Steiner up.

Chapter 23

A beautifully deadly cave

As we walked Steiner turned back very often. It was a ways longer then I expected. We bumped into three parties of monsters. The first were imps and Steiner was amazed that I fought no matter how hard he tried to stop me. The second were little blue squirrels, they were little but they bit hard. The third were the hell hounds; they were much easier to kill when we were together then alone. When we did finally get to the cave, it was beautiful. The entire cave was made of ice. “It’s beautiful…” I murmured. Then unable to help myself I said, “It’s called the Ice Caverns right Chris?” Chris looked at me. He nodded his head. That’s when he said he said, “It sure is beautiful…beautifully dangerous.” Chris said sarcastically. Steiner glanced over at me. I rolled my eyes; they were always treating me like a baby. Chris waved me to get going so we walked inside. There was a ledge with a treasure chest on it. Chris jumped up and opened it. “Ah, a phoenix down! We might need this.” I scowled and Chris asked me what was wrong, “Isn’t that called stealing Chris? Is this place uninhabited or something?” just as I finished talking a small mammoth jumped on top of me. I screamed as the others tried to get it off of me. Finally it died. I was all bloody when I got up and I could hardly stand, we walked and Chris, Blind, and Steiner kept farther monsters from attacking me. Chris was hopping around, opening chests; we came to a wall of ice with a chest behind it. Blind melted the wall. Inside the chest was an ether. I tried to move farther but I fell, and almost slipped down the slope into a HUGE hole. Chris caught my hands and pulled me back up. “Here, it’s the phoenix down I found in the chest.” I felt the bundle lie on my chest and immediately I could walk again. It scared me a little; I mean a little package can heal a person? “What in the world happened?” I asked, unsure of myself. No-one answered. We walked into a large, windy room. I heard somebody say “Come here sweet Erica.” That’s when a fell asleep, I thought I was dead. My body was blown down into a ditch with a latter on both ends.

Chapter 24

Dreams Dreams Dreams

Chris jumped down to where I was. Steiner was

Lying up on the path. Blind was next to me, he had fallen asleep also. Chris tried to shake me awake, but I couldn’t wake up. Then he tried to shake Blind awake, wouldn’t come to. There was a faint music in the air, just loud enough to put someone to sleep. “What is that damn music?” Chris asked himself, feeling rather sleepy himself. LANGUAGE CHRIS!!!!! I was tired of saying it. Chris rolled his eyes and started towards the music. The music grew louder and the melody was haunting, it was no wonder I fell asleep. It was a beautiful tune. When the player saw Chris he stopped playing immediately. I felt a strange, pulling feeling. “Ah hello, Erica, and whoever’s body you are using. Come over here, he will be in a great amount of pain soon, I wouldn’t want you to suffer.” He seemed to say my name joyfully. A voice from out of nowhere said, “I think I’ll be safer here, thanks.” It was my voice, and I was saying it. “How many?” Chris asked calmly. The thing laughed. We have to fight Chris. Chris drew his knife. The thing laughed again. A large dragon came out of an ice patch. Chris panicked; my being there was the only thing keeping him even close to steady. Chris attacked the great dragon, and it countered. The thing laughed. I felt a pain in my ribs. The thing made the dragon well with a healing spell. My turn. My spirit left him and flew up into the sky. I felt power rush through me, without knowing it a summoned a great goddess, Ixion. She stood in front of Chris, and I stood next to him. An eerie sound was heard, my voice. “Thores’ Hammer!” I shouted and the great horse with her crescent shaped horn gathered power. The dragon attacked, but Ixion absorbed the pain. A great bolt of lightning shot out from the horn. It connected to a copper pole he had produced, three more popped up out of the ground, and the bolt connected to form a circle around the enemies. They started to float and a sphere produced around them. They were lifted up into the sky and a shock wave went up to the sphere. Ixion waved the sphere all around and finally dropped it, causing the dragon to die. A large portal appeared in the air, and Ixion jumped through. The thing tried to run away but Chris caught him. “Who are you, and why are you after Erica?” The thing tried to get away but Chris pulled the knife close to the creature’s throat, threateningly. “Okay, Okay, I’m Black waltze number one. There are three of us!” Chris let him go. I entered my own body once more.

Chapter 24

Dali

Chris came down and woke me up. I looked at the others, still asleep. Without thinking I said, “I won’t tell if you won’t…” Chris nodded his head, “Okay.” Was all he said. Together we woke everyone up. Chris led us up to the battle grounds and through it. On the other side was a huge ledge. “This is pinnicle rocks. Down there is the small village of Dali. There people are sure to know the name Garnet, so you should pick another name.” Chris said to me. Blind gave me suggestions, and Steiner insisted that I would not change my name. “Alright, I know! But Chris before I say, what is that knife called?” Chris told me that he would tell me afterwards. “Oh well…I picked Erica. Chris and Blind already know me by Erica, so it would be easiest.” Chris looked satisfied. “Okay Erica, There are various types of fighting knives. What I have is a dagger; if it was a little longer it would be a short sword, that’s what you have, now, where was I? Ah yes Longer still is the sword, and…” “Chris, that’s enough.” I cut in. Chris was astonished. “Maybe later Chris.” I didn’t want to get on his bad side. The ground below was larger than it looked, but there were no monsters. When we got to the town no adults were around. Chris took us to the inn. Blind stood behind me, and in front of Steiner, to be safe. The man was asleep, until Chris cleared his throat. As soon as he saw Blind he stared at him. “Hey mister, I know she’s cute but it’s impolite to stare.” The man looked at Chris, “Oh, Oh yes um actually I wasn’t looking at the young lady. Um well, the rooms that way.” He pointed to the only other set of doors in the room. Inside there were four beds, a mini library, and a good luck stone verifier. Chris looked at the books, “How to get fast money, be a millionaire today, save to earn. Sheesh he’s collecting “The worst books, a history”!” I laughed, and sat on the bed in the left top corner, Blind laid on a bed directly down the wall. Chris went to sit on the leftover bed on the top, but according to Steiner, that was to close to me. They ended up screaming and when Steiner went to ask Blinds opinion, they found that he was asleep. Finally they decided to ask me, I picked