Chapter 5 part 2

The voice that pulls me out of my mesmerize memory, is so deep and hushed that I almost missed it.  If he hadn't been repeating the same thing over and over, I probably would have.

"Raynee." A moment of silence, and then. "Raynee" silence "Raynee" goosebumps shiver down my arms and I suddenly realize just how royally screwed I am. This computer lab is not a safe haven. There's only one way out and that's  the door I came through. Not to mention I've trapped myself between kids and a brick wall.  I'm pretty sure Zialor won't have any trouble killing these kids to get to me. I put them in danger. I did this, the minute I walked through the door.

"Raynee"

I glance around the room. But, no one else seems to be struck with fear like I am. How can they not hear it? I listen harder, steading my breathing. "Raynee". Breathe-in "Raynee" breathe-out. I want to grab for my star that's now burning into my chest. But, now that I'm focusing on the voice. It echoes in my head. "Raynee " Like someone else has access to a back door of my mind.

The teacher doesn't skip a beat as she explains how Microsoft Excel works. The students are either following along with her or hiding their phones as they text.  For all  intents and purposes its a normal computer class with no one else  repeating Raynee in their mind.

No. I think. This message is for me alone.

When these blue eye apear in the classroom's door window. I almost knock my keyboard into the lap of blondie, as I force myself to hide under the table. I'm not sure if he saw me. But I'm not about to volunteer the information.

"What are you doing?" The girl gocked.

Shhhh. I hissed in return.

She mutters something under her breath, but I don't look up. I yank my star out from under my shirt. Sure enough, it's bright blue. Like a spotlight. I have to hind it between  my hands, just to keep the light from going everywhere.

"Can I help you." The teachers  voice chimes in.

I lower myself to the ground so I can see under the back wall of the table.

Zialor walked into the room. The classroom is instantly quite and I wonder if everyone else can hear my heart pounding. I whisper into my hands, hoping that this stupid star can suddenly hear me. "If your  suppose to do something. Now would  be a good time." 

Blondie takes a split second to look from Zialor to me and then clearlty flashes through her face.  Her eyes whip back to Zialor as I watch her hazel eyes go from fastanating to fear. I still hear the steady beat of Raynee,  Raynee, deep inside of my mind. But I let it drift off into the distance as a rush of air flows. No pushes across the classroom. For a moment, I think it's coming for me. Or that I'm bringing it here. But no. It screams past us to the teacher and sends her flying. She hits the wall with a thud and drops to the ground. 

The faces of the other students seem to blur all together. Their  voices mix like grand station central as some scurry under the tables. Some stand to run, only to be knocked down and others, like blondie, Sit there shocked unable to move or even breathe. I catch my own breath as I come out of my hiding place and grab blondie, pulling her down under the table.

"Who the hell is that?" She gasp.

I don't answer. All I can do is breathe.

Chapter 5 part 1

The AC in the computer lab is so cold my toes are shivering in protest. Despite the girl next to me, giving me the best evil eye she can muster up. I keep reading that same damn article I've been reading for years. I still can't get rid of the childhood fantasy, that lingers over my shoulders every time I read it. Hoping that the ending would change. Or there would be some clue on how I got there, who I am and where I belonged. But nothings changes and not even the security cameras could show how I got there. One minute nothing is there, and the next there I am. Looking like I just stepped out of a tsunami.

For a few years, I would lay in bed pounding the inside of my memories, trying to rack my brain of something past that blue scarf.  I probably would  have given anything, for the feeling I felt when I walked into Stephanie and Wade's house. But now, all it does is bring back that starstruck feeling. And without  even  realizing it, I am lost all over again.

Lynn Costa, the sales associate who found me. Use to keep tabs me until she moved away... New York? Florida? Indiana?  I don't know. It didn't seem that important when she told me. I was a stupid kid.

"I can't keep calling  you Macy." Lynn said after she handed me a Lusie Armstrong cd. "Let's pick a name I can call you."

I'd been called Macy for a good six months and was use to it. Or rather still holding on to my name popping  back into my head and I'd instantly demand to be called.... blah  blah. Or whatever the name is. But Lynn had a way to convince me that Macy was more of a dog's name than a girls. I'm pretty sure, I didn't put up much of a fight about  changing it.

"Let me see." She clicked her tong as she thought.  "It should be something that fits who you are. What do you like to do?"

I put in the cd into the dash of her car and let my eyes wonder past the buildings to find the ocean. A kiss to build a dream on filler the car's speakers and instantly smoothed out the rigges in my mind.  "I like nature ." My small voice came out.

"Hummm.  Can we break it up? Nat. Nate. Natalie?"

My nose scrunches and I shack my head. That didn't feel right. Whatever I was, I was not a Natalie.

"You like Jazz. Maybe I'll call Jazzie." Lynn smiles sideways and pops her hands with the beat on the steering wheel.

I did like Jazz. It was calming and somehow, made my mind stop spinning. Which it often did those days. But I also was very fond of her. She had become an instinct hero in my mind and I wanted to be just like her. "Can't you call me Lynn?"

She blushed and let a small smile creep in the corner of her mouth. Without a ward she pulled to a stop light and turn towards me. "How about I call you Jazlyn? Then we won't get confused on who is who."

Jazlyn. Jazlyn. The name seem to roll off and tickle my tongue. I could be Jazlyn. Why not?  I could be anyone I wanted to be. Why not Jazlyn?  From that moment on I demand without a doubt. I was Jazlyn Love and I still am today. No matter what Jayden called me. No matter what. I am Jazlyn Love.

Chapter 3 part 5

Jane Doe found in Macy's

Police have been desperate to identify a young girl who was found in Macy's department store on third avenue, downtown Seattle, Friday evening.

The young girl, age between 8 and 10, has no recognition on who she is and no known injuries. She was discovered by a sales associate, Lynn Costa, who immediately call for help around 6pm. 'She looked starstruck, when I first saw her.' Costa said to reporters. 'Completely out of it.'

Police have been unable to get much information from the girl. It appears she either dose not know, or is unwilling to say who she is and how she got to the department store.

Inspector RaNell Torres said: 'This is a rare case indeed. We are trying to identify who she is, so we can inform to her family. But most importantly what she knows.'

According to witnesses the girl kept repeating the same sentence over and over 'He killed him. He killed him.'  But police have not been able to identify who she is refuring to and no bodies have been found.

Doctors are treating her in the hospital for amnesia. For the time being, she is being guarded twenty-four hours a day.  While officers trace her family.

They have reviewed security tapes and spoken to witnesses near to where she was found. 'I didn't see her walk in.' Costa confirms. 'She was just suddenly there,  and then she was screaming.'

Police have checked with hospitals, schools and missing children
service, but have drawn a blank.

'There's nothing to suggest she's been attacked.' Insp. Torres said. 'But because of her age and the suspicious circumstances surrounding her, we are not releasing a description on what she looks like. The only thing we will release to the public is, she has red hair.'

The officer added she believes the girl is in danger, and there are distinctive trademarks to her behavior.  'If you have knowledge of her. Be prepared to answer some questions, before she is released.'

The girl is currently in hospital receiving treatment for amnesia. If no one can provide proof of religion. She will be turned over to Family Services.

Chapter 4 part 1

"He's gone, he's gone." Jon pleated. "Please my Lord Jayden forgive me."

Terror tears through my blood as I picked him up with one hand.  Not terror for myself; this is fully for him. I want him to feel it. To bathe in it, as is grow like a cancer feeding off of his soul.  To feel without a doubt that he has failed me and if he dose it again.  I'll kill him. Not that I'll ever intentionally kill him. That would create two more of his kind.  But ever since the clock turned back, it's been harder to control myself.  This warm, glossy sensation drips off every word I speak and I'm too defeated to stop it.

"How could he leave? Where did he go Jon." I shake him as easily as it would be to shack a child. But Jon is not a child. No. No he is a destroyer. He was grown from the earth, the mud and blood from the wake of the dead that we killed. No not we killed. I killed. I created Jon. Out of thousands of destroyers,  this one is mine. Bond to me like the shadow he is. My destroyer, my guilt, my pain. Mine.

Jon struggles under my grip.  Clawing desperately to touch my chest. His brow turns into a line and I see the fear in his dark eyes. His air ways are being blocked by the haze. I'm sending too much. The small voice in the back of my mind says. But I don't let go. I have him now. At least I do until one of his blade toenails slices through my paints and digs into my flesh. For a blinding moment, I'm reminded why he's called a destroyer. Shooting starks of white pain explodes inside. My muscles quiver as blood gushes out from my thigh. I grind my teeth together hard.  Tossing him to the ground, before, I let the rise of passion kill him.  He shrieks down in a low bow. If he only knew. I shack my head. He controls me.

"He went after Queen Ada." His voice is muffled.  I can only imagine he's talking directly into the dirt now.

"What!" I feel my self starting to lose it now. The anger boils in my blood. Making it harder to focus on what's really important.  "He went after Ada without me?"

Jon quivers in the wave of my enchantment, and I remind myself to calm down. The last time I sent this much to him, he past out. I suck in some air. breathe.  Raynee would say. Just breathe.  But calming myself is more difficult than it should be.

"He. He. He."

"Spit it out!" I grit my teeth together.  Jaw clamped tightly.  I could kill him now so easily. If only. Only!

"He said he, he, he  cou couldn't wait."

That's it.  I slam my hands down hard on the table and send it flying across the room. Cups turn over and over as they flee for escape and the food scatters on the floor.  I hear Jon scream,  but when I shoot my eyes at him. His jaw clamps tightly shut.

"What did he do Jon. Tell me exactly what he did." Now my voice is low. My body feels stiff. Zailor that stupid pumped up, power hungry idiot.  If only I could pass on terror to him.

"He, he, went after Queen..."

"I know that! What happened after he went after Ada? I know he didn't over power her. She's stronger than he is."

"No my Lord. She sh, sh."

Ugh! I scram with frustration.  Then take a step back. Breathe. I struggle to keep my voice straight. The anger is too much now. With every word I throw at him, his fear deepen and keeps him struggling to speak.  His small body, shacking uncontrollably. Why do you do this?  The voice says. He would have told you freely. I take another deep breath as Jon stutters to obey my command.

"Qu Qu Queen Ada. She she sent her magic away. In in stars."

I slump down into the chair and grind my fist into my eyes. Breathe.  I force myself to pull back the terror, one by one. As if each of my fingers are wrapped around his throat.  With each breath,  I feel it ease from Jon. He'll be fine, I know. But if I don't control it. It will control me.

"And he couldn't wait." I shack my head. "Damn it all to hell. That idiot. He couldn't wait just one more month?"

"No my Lord, he said it was pointless."

"Pointless." I repeated.  "Pointless that now Ada's magic is missing. Pointless that she sent them into stars and cast them to who knows where."

I slam back into the chair and run my hands through my hair. "He knows better."

I close my eyes as I smooth every inch of myself. Every emotion, evey sensations, smooth as slik.  The air sweeps into my lungs, I hold it there. Remembering what Raynee would say. Control it. Breathe in and out. Slowly, slowly. Some times that woman could just creep inside my nerves.  But right now. I would give anything to have her here. Repeating the same things over and over.

After a few minutes, Jon is free from my grips and quickly shifts to picking up my mess on the floor.

"Did you."

I know what he's going to ask. I know every inch of this destroyer. "Did you have any luck my Lord?"

My blood rises again.  "Stop calling me my Lord." Breathe

"But you are my creator,  my. "

"Stop it!" I interrupt him. "I am no Lord."

Jon's body stiffens and I have to force myself to hold back again. 

"No." I say after a moment.  "Raynee wasn't in the white forest. "

Jon slowly leans out his right arm to reach for an apple.  Clearly he's still afraid to do any quick movements.

"Do you have any ideas where she could have gone next?"

"No. But, it wasn't useless.  I was able to convince a Nymph to let me use her powers, for the time being." I toss Jon a sideways grin.

Jon giggled. -With joy I realize, he's far to easy to control.  I'll have to do something about that soon.  "She did? What kind of magic dose a nymph have?"

"Shhhh"

I lean down and let my fingers touch the dirt. Feeling the earth tangle inside of me. Shimmering through my fingers, up my arm. The dirt flickers down into the center of the world and circles completely inside of me. I am the dirt. I am the trees, the mountains, the valleys and water. I am this world. Or rather I'm intricately connected to it. I'm like the nymph, apart of  this Land.  Then I am a cavern feeling the mossy air around a mabman. Standing dumbfounded as Ada dose the only thing she can do.

"He went after the North." I say calmly.

"Yes my Lor. I mean Jayden."

I followed the north deep into the sky. Past the forest,  past rivers, the red mountains,  deeper and deeper, until it jumps. Jumps out of this sky, to a world  unlike any other. 

Jon chants "You see it. You see it." I hear his hands come together with a clap. I feel the air gush from the force of it. But I don't see him.  I see Ray.

Chapter 3 part 4

“Okay that was weird.” Shelly’s voice was cloudy in my mind. “What did he say to you?”

“Ummm... nothing.” I tangled my hair with my fingers, and tried to feel the star under my shirt. It wasn’t jumping like before. It felt cold, almost icy.

“Do you know him? Is he some love affair from Seattle?” Shelly took a breath in. “Oh… that’s soo romantic. He followed you here.”

The school bell rang above us. Both Shelly and I jumped into full speed. I have History in 5 minuets; I focused on that as much as I could. That is something I can do. I'm good at that. -Avoiding reality and focusing on what I can understand. I first map out the school inside my mind which lets my feet move. Shelly is on heals, and saying something, but I don’t stop. I can't think about her right now. I have to get back to something real. Something that's plan and simple…. timeless… history class is timeless, never changing, never! What's in the past, stays there.  History, finito, gone forever. I can deal with that.

I made it to class without having to take a second thought on how to get there. I picked the first seat I could find, just as Mr. Ketchum starts the class. Shelly sits three seats behind me. I’m glad She couldn’t find a seat closer to me. I need to be in my own head for a bit. Mr. Ketchum’s lesson is on Susan B. Anthony, which is perfect, because I’ve already had this lesson about a week ago. I'm able to fully escape into my mind.

The crazy part of my mind ran to Jayden first. I couldn’t help but see the pain in his eyes when he left. Why did I say that him? Why couldn’t I stop myself? As soon as i felt his touch, I wanted nothing but him. Even Zailor didn’t mean anything to me, as long as he was near.

I thought about the vision, or memory, that flashed into my mind earlier. -His warm hand brushing my cheek, as he moves my hair. His loving embrace trapped me in some magical world.  -It's painful to even think about it now. Now that he’s gone, and he is gone. I know that for sure.  Would he go after Zailor alone? I wonder. Would he come back?

When the sane part of me came around. it wonders, why Jayden even meant so much to me? I just met him, and I was willing to throw everything away for him?
I know it was the sane part of me that held my body in place when he left. It's that part of me that wants to stay here; wants to make a life here with Stephanie and Wade. Wants friends that would stick around longer then a few months. It's that part that won’t let me fully go crazy now.

By the time first hour is up, neither question is answered. But I'm not fully myself either. I stand as soon as the bell rings, grab my bookbag and dash out before Shelly has the chance to get close to me. I know she wants to ask more about Jayden. But, the crazy part of me wants to keep him all to myself, and the sane part, doesn’t want to tell her he's part of my nightmares.

I wave in between kids, not knowing where I'm heading. I'm not going to my next class,  that I know for sure. English was to the right of history.  Down the hall, make two rights and in room 211. But when I left history,  I truned left. I don't care.  I tell myself. I wouldn't be there even if I was. I'm numb by the time the bell rings and I find myself in front of a computer lab.

Just before I slip inside the room. I see Zailor in the corner of my eye. A shadow of him more like it. By the time I do a dubble take, his gone. I bult into the lab and hope the teach doesn't notice an extra kid in the mix.  I almost topple over some kids as I head to the furthest seat I can see. So much for inconspicuous, Jaz.  Somehow,  I make to the seat and hide behind a computer screen,  just as the teacher turns around. 

That's when I notice it. The shacking in my hands. The panic that oozes out of me. My heart that's about to burst out of my chest, and run away for me.
I have to calm down. People are starting to stair. 

"I hate being late." I chuckle.
All I get back from the blonde girl next to me, is a roll of her eyes. But at least she turns her focus to the teacher.

I take a deep breath and will my heart to slow its run. I can feel my star under my shirt again.  It's not burning thankfully,  but it tickles a bit. Almost saying "Hey. hey you. Let me out to play." But I smooth it over with my finger. Let my right hand search online what I always search for when I have internet and a panic attack. 

Macy's Jane Doe

Chapter 3- part 3

Ja… Words spat inside my head… Ja… Jade… Jude.. Jay... Jayden. His name is Jayden! I’m sure of it. Just as sure as I know he’s someone I need. Someone, I want. My body pulls towards him, like a puppet on a sting. I need him with every inch of my bones.  He will stand between me and Zailor.  

Ugh! Zailor. I catch my breath and break away from Jayden’s lock.  Whipping my head around to the glass doors. I can almost make out Zailor in the crowd, but there’s too many kids now. Which takes away from my view and gives me an uneasy feeling. What if he attacks here, with all these kids?  Could I? Or would...

Shelly’s rambling comes closer to the front of my head. “So, what did you do last night?”

“Nothing much.” I keep my eyes scanning back and forth between where I think Zailor is and Jayden. Hoping that Jayden will get some kind of hint. -not exactly sure what hint I'm going for. But anything is better than nothing.

“Well! I reworked my scene from yesterday… You know… the one you saw… Tom’s….” She fades back into my unconsciousness again, when I turn back to Jayden and he isn't there.

NO!  Panic rushes through me. No he can’t go. Not sure why he can't,  I'm going on full instinct now.  I take a step forward, towards where Jayden use to be and stop quickly when someone grabs my right arm.

“May I speak with you?” Jayden’s soft, silky voice whispers in my ear.

His touch sends an electric shocks up my arm. The world around us stops, and the only sound I can hear is my heart pounding inside my chest. I secretly hope he can’t hear it too.

Jayden stays close to my cheek. His breath feels warm and sweet, like lilies on a hot summer day. -It makes me a little dizzy.  I lean my head towards him and close my eyes- mesmerized by every inch of him. He's here. He's really here. I think, not knowing where the thought comes from. My insides are like Jell-O and I feel my knees give a little. He feels it too and places his other arm gently around my lower back. This is better… MUCH better. 

“What do you want?” Shelly’s soft tone had left with Tom and forces me back into reality for a moment. I tug on my eyes lids, but I’m too weak to open them.

“Just a moment with her” Jayden’s voice is more husky this time. Soft, husky, sweet voice. I wait for him to speak again. … Just breathe. I tell myself. But I'm really waiting for him to whisk me away. To keep me safe in those warm strong arms. I will follow those arms anywhere. I will follow him anywhere.

“Well, it doesn’t look like she wants a moment with you.” Shelly spat back at him.

Wait… what? My mind spins… what did she say? She couldn’t have said what I heard. Why would she think I wouldn’t want that? No! No! That’s not what I heard! I lean closer to Jayden.  But Shelly grips my left arm and pulls me away. Jayden lets go of arm. He let me go!?!  How could he let me go? It feels like we have walked across campus before my stomach drops to the floor and I ground my feet into the ground.

“NO!” My eyes fly open and the crease in my forehead is hard. “No!” it’s all I can say for a moment.

Shelly is stunned.  I could see she’s full of questions. I try to say something… but when I open my mouth, nothing comes. Shelly looks past me and focuses on Jayden. I follow her glare. He’s only a few steps away from me. His eyes are passionate, but his body is jagged in place. His right arm is rapped around to the side. – He’s grabbing for something, but must have stopped when I spoke. Horror is in his face. Cold out desperation gloomed over him, as he reaches towards me with his left hand.

“He’s weird- he’s hot, don’t get me wrong… but it’s just weird how he grabbed you. Like he owns you or something.” Shelly whispers.

Maybe he dose own me. I thought. What else would make me feel this way?

My voice loosens, just enough for me to say “It’s okay.” I take a breath in. “I want to talk to him.”

Shelly rolls her eyes and drops her hand. “Fine. But I’ll be waiting right here for you.”

I whirl myself back to Jayden and take his waiting hand. He glides me to the other side of the hall, and round the trophy cabinet. The kids move out of his way quickly, like he has the pelage or something. But he doesn’t seem to notice. His eyes keep glancing back at me. I can tell he has just as many questions as I do. But he doesn’t speak. When he pulls me to the wall, he takes my other hand.

“Raynie.” Hearing him speak again makes my heart jump, even if he did call me by the wrong name. “Are you alright?”

I open my mouth to speak, but I clamp my mouth shut. I can't speak after that. My voice would sound like a bear in pain

“Do you have the star?”

The Star? Why would he want the star? Suddenly, I feel a small burning feeling from my star, that's hiding under my shirt. But I don't take two seconds to think about it. I’m trapped inside his eyes… his smoky deep sea eyes.

“Come on Raynie, its important, my love.” My heart flitters, as He tugs on my hands a little “Zailor is here, and he’s coming for you.”

Zailor. This is a name I understand. “I know.” I finely say.

“When are you going back to Narmolyna?”

Narmolyna rings inside my head. Narmolyna.  Narmolyna.   I can’t see straight let alone understand this word. This is the second time someone has said this ward... But wait, he wants me to leave? What? Where? He’s here…. He wants me to leave him?

“I can’t…” my voice scatters like fire.

“There isn’t much time Raynie. If you have the star.” He takes a breath of frustration and grips my arms hard.
“Zailor won’t stop.”

“I don’t know…” my head is shacking.  I break our gaze and suddenly see all of the other students staring at us. My body starts to tremble, my knees are weak again, but this time I don’t lean towards Jayden, lean away. How could I leave them… defenseless?  My thoughts don’t make since to me. I tug my eyes back to Jayden. – hoping that his gaze would capture me once more.

“I can’t protect you here, not for long any ways. You know that Raynie.” His voice is braking.

“I don’t.” I want to say I don’t understand. But that’s not what came out “I don’t want you to.” I can’t believe what I’m saying. But I can’t stop myself either. “Go back Jayden. You shouldn’t be here.” My voice is stronger than I expect. It’s rugged, and painful to hear.

My mind is twisting around and around inside my head. I'm having trouble breathing, my heart burns… how could I say that? I couldn’t let him go… I just found him.  A vision tangles inside my mind. I see Jayden eyes trap me again. We're outside under a white tree with sprinkle flowers over us. He softly brushes my hair out of my face tucking it behind my ear.  I just found him, again?

Reality snaps back when Jayden drops my hands. By the time I look at him, his hands were at his sides -forming fist. His body is frozen in front of me, but he’s heating up like a steam train.

“You should probably stay around the people that you love SO much today.” His lips barely move.

He turns quickly and heads through the crowd of kids. They move out of his way again. he reaches the front doors before I can breathe again. My heart longs to run after him. I don’t even care about what everyone else thinks. But my legs grip their place, and won’t let me move. I’m trapping myself now.

Chapter 3 part 2

I hear the bedroom door fly open beside me.

“What?” Wade’s voice is anxious. “What is it?” He’s breathless too. He must have run to the bedroom. But I don’t understand this question. Couldn't he see what is wrong?

“The tornado.” I breath out as I look at him. My heart still racing, I decide not to tell him about Zailor. How could I?

He looks at me puzzled and clearly confused about what I just said. Making an alarming feeling comes crashing into me. Does he know about Zailor? Is he part of all of this?

“What tornado?”

Is he blind? I turn and swung my arm out to the empty bedroom. “That one!” I shriek.

By the time my eyes follow my hand. The room is back to normal. The destruction from the mind blowing tornado is gone. Nothing has moved from its place. Not even a picture frame knocked down. I’m standing between the bed and the wall halfway breathing, my heart still pounding in my chest.  And my room…. is exactly the same way as I went to bed. The floor is back to normal, the strange  basement below isn’t there anymore. 

I knew it! I’m going insane.

“Okay... Are you dreamin?” Wade laughs a little. The smirk on his face aggravates me to no end. I have a sudden urge to punch him in the shoulder. But I can't deny what I’m looking at. There is no sign of a tornado.

“Um.... maybe?” I mumble as my face become hot. I can only imagine its red by now.

“Okay.... well... good to know you scream in your sleep.” Wade put his finger to his forehead. “I'll keep a mental note of that.” He smiles at me.

“Um... Yeah. Good idea.” I can barely hear my voice now.

“Are you alright?” He sounds a little too concerned, for just a bad dream.

I shake my head no, but my words come out all wrong. “Yeah... I think so.”
I take a deep breath and let it out. “It was just really… real... Ya know?” I try to make my tone lighter, but it isn’t working.

“Yeah. I know what you mean.” Wade bites his lip a little before he continues. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No!” I answer too quickly. “I'm fine.”

Wade nodes as he keeps his eyes on me. “Tornado….” He whispers, looking as if he's in a deep thought. “Well, I guess it’s almost time to get up anyways.”  He smiles after a moment.  I look at the clock. – It’s 5:57am. My alarm will go off in three minutes.

“Yeah, I guess I won't be late.” I give a half heartily smile.

He smiles back again. “At least there’s that.” He chuckles again.  And the urge to hit him comes back. I have to pull my hands together,  just so I don't give into it. This is Wade after all. My foster Dad.

We stand awkwardly staring at each other as Wade rock back and forth on his heels. His smile disappears off his face.  He looks like he wants to say something else, but for whatever reason, he can’t, or won’t, or shouldn’t.

He opens his mouth slowly, but quickly clamps it shut. After a moment, I start to feel more anxious than I already was. I feel so stupid… ha! A tornado in my room! In Washington! I know it’s stupid. I don't need Wade staring at me as if I’m going to combust in front of him. The anxiousness inside me grows to anger within a matter of minutes. 

“Well, I guess I better get ready.” I look away from his studying eyes.

He nodes his head. "I better get to work.”  He turns and leaves my room. “Have a good day.” he says after closing the door behind him.

I switch the alarm off and immediately have trouble breathing again. I run my hands through my hair -trying to focus on breathing in and out. I feel for the bed half expecting it to be missing, and sit down.  What is going on with me? I think. My entire body feels numb and weak, like I haven’t slept in days. My stomach twist and turns with the memory of what just happened, or at least what I think just happened. 

I haven't felt like this since the first night I was put into foster care. Normally, by the second day I felt safe and whole.  Well, as whole as one can, knowing you won't be staying for long.  But always, always I felt like there was a reason or purpose for me being there.  This house on the other hand feels, I don't know, different.  Although I can't completely say that. I don't even remember half my life.

My thoughts flash to the first memory I have.  As I tangle my fingers in the chain of my star.

Nine years old. I think.  Standing in the middle of a department store. I would later find out it was Macy's. But at that first moment, all I can think about is how breathtakingly beautiful that deep blue scarf is. I had to feel it. Touch it.  Breathe it in. But I don't dare to. I just stand there staring at it, as if in an instant it will float away.

I don't know how long I stand there. Minutes,  hours, maybe just a blint. But when the women with light blond hair touches my arm. My body jolts and snaps out of whatever trance I was in. I suddenly felt everything, and it hurt. The air felt strange on my skin, thickness seeped into my lungs, buring my insides. My mind flashed and I'm on the floor,  crying and kicking. Fighting to run. Fighting to stay. Fighting to just be.

When they asked me who I was. I didn't have an answer.  When they asked where I lived, who my parents were, where I went to school. Nothing came. I couldn't even remember my favorite color.

That's how I feel right now as I sit on the bed. Trying desperately to remember how to breathe. I repeat the same question they asked me. "What is your name?"
Raynee. I mean Jazlyn.  "My name is Jazlyn Love." I force the wards out. "It's the name they gave me." Jaz, because the only thing that would stop me from crying that first month was jazz music.  And Lyn after the woman who found me. "I picked Love. Because, thats what I want and never can have." I don't know what makes me feel like I can never have love. I just do and always have.

I scan the room as soon as my head clears. searching for any sign of what had just happened. There is no sign of any tornado. Not even last night's homework is out of place. I have to come to the realization that what I think. Is all messed up.

“Zailor?” I whisper. Just to make sure.

No answer.

I grab my star, turning it around and around. There's still a slight glow. I can't help but feel a little lost. Was it really only a dream? I’ve never had to wakeup twice from a dream, before. I drop the star and fly to the window. It’s only beginning to show day light outside. There’s no sign of a storm; not even a little rain on the ground. I’ve had strange dreams before... but nothing like this. This is more of a nightmare then a dream.

I make my way to the closet and grab another pair of jeans and a long sleeve T-shirt. But this time instead of the boots I opted for the All-Star black tennis shoes. Still feeling anxious inside. I change as fast as I can.  I tuck the star under my shirt, throw my hair in a pony-tail, grab my homework, and after a quick stop to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I dash to the kitchen. – The only thing I want to do at this moment is get out of here.

Stephanie is there by the stove, in a blue bathrobe. Her face is all red and puffy. She blows her nose in a hanky, and leans over a pot with boiling water on the stove.

“Hi.” She muffles.

“Hi. Are you okay?” I suddenly feel overly concern for her. After my dream last night, I just want everyone to be okay. For everyone I've met here to be safe, away from Zailor. Even if I didn't feel that way.

“Yeah... I'll be fine.” she sniffs. “But I'm not going to work today. I could still drive you, if you'd like. But I don't think I can make a full day of work.” She sneezes into the pot.

“No!” I insist. “I can walk. You stay home and get better” I bit my lip, wondering if she noticed the anxiousness in my voice.

She looks at me with curiosity.

“Really... I'll be fine... I remember the way, its kind-a easy.” Besides I could use a moment to myself after last night and knowing she's here, safe, mean more to me right now.  Stephanie pauses as she thinks about it for a minute.

“Okay” she finally says. “That really helps me out a lot. Thank you.”

“Sure. No problem.”

“Would you like some breakfast before you go?”

“No!” I answer too quickly again and Stephanie's puzzle looks are buring my face.“I.... um....I'm not hungry” I smile, and turn to head for the door.

“Wait.”  Stephanie walks over to the kitchen desk and slides open the drawer.

“You can borrow my iPod.” She hands me a small iPod, it can’t be more than an inch long. “It's not much. But I have a lot of different kinds of music on it. There might be something you like.” She gives a half smiles as she hands it to me and turns back to the stove.

“Thanks.” Still feeling anxious, I throw the headphones in my ears and head out the door.

It isn’t chilly today, just a small breeze, but it’s nice. I turn on the iPod. The first song is one of Avril Lavigne songs. It sounds like nobody's home. Which, is fitting for how I feel at the moment. I let the music fill my body and hope it would calm my nerves. 

I try to keep my mind from wondering back to the dream, and focus on Stephanie and Wade. What do they know, that they're not saying? What did Miss Oaks say yesterday? They were waiting for me? Searching for me?  This probably is the best home I’ve ever been in. Even if I have strange annoying dreams and creepy men running around me. But what was in it for Stephanie anf Wade?  What do they want?

My mind flashes to Zailor and his words from this morning ring through my head.  Give me the star, and I'll leave you alone; I'll leave your family alone.  Would he hurt them? Would he kill them to get a necklace? My heart jumps. No… it was just a dream. - A crazy person’s dream! That’s all.

I try to calm myself, but my mind won’t stop spinning in circles. I keep going over and over everything. - Ada to Zailor… Stephanie, Wade, Thoms.  and the strange basement below my bedroom? What is that all about? If this is all in my head, what is my head trying to tell me? In the past when dreams were a little too real, somehow some port of it came true. But in this dream how could any of it be true?

I am at the walkthrough before I know it. There were four houses that lined the walkthrough and street at the end seem to be busy. Fences and trees shade most of the way and a dog barks at the last house on the right. It’s a little too dark for morning through the walkway.  I can’t help my heart pump as I take a step forward.

Suddenly,  my heart dose a full stop, as I catch a glimpse of Zailor lingering on the right side of my eye. I quickly turn around for a full view. My body is jagged and ready to run, or fight... or something.  He’s gone as soon as I turn around. I shake my head. I’m going insane.

My mind rests on his words again. “You don’t know what your doing, Raynee. You don’t remember our world.”  The word our bothers me. What did he mean? If he is real, that is, it is a strange word to use. “You don’t remember our world.”  What world would I be forgetting? Yes, yes I don't remember everything. But I think I would know if I came from another World… Wouldn’t I?

I turn back to the walkway and head through it as fast I can. I peek around the corner to the sidewalk.- looking both ways. Thankfully, Zailor isn’t there.  I keep my pace, and dart across the street. There’s morning traffic now. It’s nice to see, makes me feel like I’m not the only person out here. Although I can’t help myself, I keep searching for any sign of Zailor to sneak up again.

The street where the school is, isn’t very far. I’m at the corner before I know it. My feet move on their own now as I dart through people waiting for the city buses. There are already five buses lining the sidewalk. But I'm guessing,  there not the right bus for them, because a lot of people are still waiting. A rush curls up my spine. I can’t see what’s ahead of me. I hate not knowing if Zailor is waiting at the end of this maze of people. But it’s too late. I’m already half way though it. If I went backwards and go around them, I'd probably be late to school.  Which would breake my number one rule, above everything. - Don't be late.

I found myself walking closer to the buses. I can almost see past the buses, but not much. I push and shove my way through the people. But by the time I get to the last bus, people aren’t moving out of the way any longer. I take a quick box step and move around a very large man waiting. By the time I get back to the side of the bus again. I have to look up.

Zailor is standing inside of the bus -Waiting for me to look up at him.  My heart bolts into full speed. A wave of energy runs through my body again. I see Zailor standing over Stephanie’s body. It’s a memory like before with the house. But this memory isn’t comforting. Stephanie looks cold and pail. I clamp my eyes shut. The wind picks up and blows through my hair. I feel my star burning through my shirt. The memory flashes out of my mind.  I look back to see if Zailor is following me. To see if I need to run faster and harder. He isn’t on the bus anymore. I look at the doorway of the bus, but he’s not there. My head still spinning, the wind blows right at me knocking me to the side. I bump into a woman, but I don’t care. I back-step and dart through people faster then before. I think I'm yelling, but I can’t understand what I’m saying. My mind is playing tricks on me. All I know for sure is I need to get out of here.

I reach the end of the crowd and go into a full force run. The baseball field is almost empty. Only a small group of kids are in the field. Another wave of energy soars through my body. I suddenly know, if I can just reach those kids. I’d be safe. I run as hard as I can. -Not looking back. The wind carries me forward, pushing me faster than before.

It doesn’t take me very long to reach them. I almost run past them. But my muscles are almost fed up with this excitement. I slow down to follow behind them.  I look back and forth, but Zailor isn’t there.  I catch my breath, but my side hart too much to catch it quietly.  The kids in front of me, keep looking back with strange looks, and their conversation comes to abrupt stop. I know they think I’m a freak. But I don’t care. I keep with them, and follow them into the school.

Shelly's the first person I see when I enter the hall. She’s flirting with Tom, gushing at him in full speed. Normally I would pass on this kind of interruption, but I need to know if this is all in my head, and Shelly is the only person who can answer that at this point.  I hurry over to her.

“Hey Shelly, Did you see the pedophile today?” I try to make my tone light and carefree, not sure if I’m successful, but it doesn’t matter. She doesn't notice.

I’m not really sure which answer I want. If she did see him that means this morning is in my head, because, he would have been here. Not chasing me down or lurking inside my bedroom. But, I also don't like the sound of "it's all in your head", eather.   Shelly turns at my voice and stares me down, as if I'm the craziest person she's even seen in her life.  I know she’s annoyed at me. But I can’t leave without knowing, and I really don't care what she thinks about me right now. I flash a smile at her and hope it will be enough.

“No!” she finely says with a fake smile. “Can you believe it?  -first time in weeks!” Shelly’s voice is a little too light for my liking. My nerves are still shaky and I want everyone to feel the same way. Why aren't they feeling the same way? Ugh!

I don't have anything to say back to Shelly. So I shrug my shoulders. – But not before she turns back to Tom.

I’m frozen. It doesn’t mean anything!  I tell myself.  But my body feels like it’s running again.  He could have been sick today…or dead. The normal side of my brain says.

“Well, I guess I see you later.” Tom says as he glances between Shelly and I. He runs his hand through his hair and flashes her a smile. Shelly just giggles and lets the color in her face return.
I'm sure that's his award winning smile. - I roll my eyes.

After a moment of silence, Tom turns towards some football players and almost runs over to them. Shelly spins around towards me.

“EEEEE! Did you hear that? He said he’s going to see me later. Ahh! He’s going to ask me to the dance I just know it!”

She's on freaking cloud nine, while some creepy guy is hanging around ready to prance at any moment. My eyes roll naturally on their own again. Luckily, she doesn't notice.  I hate girls that only think of one thing. – Boys. What’s the big deal? Tom’s no different than any other guy at this school.  At least, I think…. 

My eyes rest on a guy at the end of the hall. His sandy blond hair is a mess, nothing like the other guys here.  He wares dark blue jean with wholes in the knees and a white t-shirt that desperately needs to be washed.  His shirt is also torn just a bit and I can see blood on his right leg.  His broad shoulders hold him up right, but I can tell from his boyish face he hasn’t slept in a while. He’s staring right at me. -His moonlit eyes hold me captive and all I can think is. What is my name?

Chapter 3 part 1

I don't know if you have ever felt that feeling before. The feeling of your heart dropping to the pit of your stomach. Being one hundred percent sure, there's no where to run and no where to go.  Knowing that whatever happens, you have to go through it. The dred and panic that rises from deep within you. That is how I feel at this moment as I wait in complete silence, listening to the sound of my heart fitter.

The wind picks up and matches my heart beat. The tree outside smashes violently against the house, and gives me a sudden sense of bravery. I take it be before it's gone,  reaching further and switch the light on. Not sure what to expect. I guess, I was hoping for a miracle, a reassurance that what I fear wasn't standing in my room. But there he stands, his hands balled up in fists by his side.  Zailor, staring directly at me.

“I said Don't.” He calmly said with gritted teeth.

“What do you want?” I force the words out strong. Not quite sure where the strength came from, but at least I didn’t whimper. Which is exactly how I feel.

He doesn’t answer. His beady eyes grow tighter as he studies me. What is he waiting for? I must be dreaming any normal person would say something... Right?

The tree outside hits the side of the house, again. - Harder this time. I jump and grip my necklace a little tighter, than before. Zailor tilts his head towards the window, but, keeps his eyes on me. His eyes follow my hand and rests on the star beneath my fingers. Four little wards keep turning around and around in my head.   He can't have it.  He can't have it. He can't
I’m suddenly glad I fell asleep with it on. It settles my nerves a little just to know that it’s there.

“Give. Me. The. Star. Raynee.” Each ward is pronounced clear, precise and direct.  I know what he wants, I knew before he said it. Four little wards and he confirmed it. Give me the star. "And I'll leave you alone. I'll leave your family alone.” Zailor takes a small step closer, and stops.

I squeeze myself into the corner – fully behind the bed now. Wishing I could move through the wall. The wind blows wild outside. I feel it inside of me, as if it's coming from my bones, through the walls and storms outside.

“I don’t have a family.” I hiss back. - Hoping he won’t see through my bluff.  I may not trust Stephanie and Wade, but, there is no way in hell, I'm going to hand them over to him.

He shifts his body to the side and waits for a moment. Maybe he’s studding what I’ll do?  Not sure. But whatever it is, my body plants its self firmly next to the wall. Strong. Brave. Fearless.  All the things I'm not at the moment.  But it moves without me thinking about it.

“I’m surprise to see you again Raynee. I thought after all these years, you'd be dead by now.” the corners of his mouth curl a little.  “Won’t your lover be delighted to see you?  Too bad you'll be dead.”

“STOP calling me Raynee! My name isn’t Raynee!”

His eyes became wild and color flushes through his face.

“Give me the star.” he says again.

But, I can’t hand the star over to Him. Ada’s lifeless body flashes in my head. How could I just hand it over to him after she sacrificed herself to keep it from him? But than again, aren't I risking Stephanie and Wade’s lives too.  Zailor will kill them. I don’t have no doubt about that.  I can’t let that happen.  I feel my body struggle and twist as each thought enters my mind. But before I know it, my head is shaking slowly for me.  “No.”

The wind outside blows stronger, - pounding and thrashing against the house. The house moves with it, swaying back and forth. Like a small child swinging on a swing set. It's beautiful.  I brace myself against the wall. I feel bits and peaces of the roof slash apart above me. But more importantly,  I know what storm its thinking.  What its feeling.

Zailor’s eyes squint into a line again. His hands pump out and back into fists. As if he's trying to will the fire back into his fingertips. For a split second,  I wonder why its not there. But then, his body is shacking so hard that it pushes him forward. And he steals another step closer towards me. - he's hesitating.

“You don’t know what your doing, Raynee. You don’t remember our world. You forget, I have no problem taking what I want.”

I’ve never heard a house make such noises. – It quavers and shacks uncontrollably. Sweat drips from my forehead. I feel the wind bearing down on the side of the house.  With one small swoop of the tree the window brakes lose and shatters into peaces. Glass launches into my room and the roar of the wind hurl into my ears. The force of the roar pushes me back. Slaming me hard agent the wall. The wall cracks under the pressure of my head. Agony. Prior blister pain swells into my head. Shocked, I release my star, and grab my head.
Zailor takes another step closer to me as his eyes focus on the star dangling on the chain. My heart skips a beat. I’m stuck. Just like my dream. There’s nowhere to run.

I’m not sure where the words came from. Zailor’s lips don’t move. But the words echo in my ears.

“And you don’t know what I can do!” It’s my voice.  But I don’t feel the wards come from my lips. 

Zailor smiles and lunges into a full force run towards me. I scream at the top of my lungs. – But my scream is drowned out as a gust of wind that blows wild through the hole where the window used to be. -  The wind swirls inside the room. It’s the dream.   It has to be. But this time, a tornado forms inside my room. Standing between me and Zailor.  Zailor stops on his heels. Letting me see the anger swarm inside of him. He'll kill me if he gets the chance.  -I know that.

I can’t stop screaming. The house seesaws with the wind.  Zailor loses his balance and steps backwards.
My body shakes as the tornado builds up and pulls apart half the bedroom. The house foundation gives away. Part of the roof falls and lands on top of the bed.  I clamp my mouth shut as the wind blows the dresser to the side and swirls toward Zailor.  But it doesn’t take Zailor over. The tornado poses for a moment, it’s waiting for something. It waits for Zailor to make he’s next move.  I hear the tornado’s thoughts clearly now, as if it’s connected to me. If Zailor leaves, the tornado would leave too.

  Zailor keeps his eyes on me. - He pose for a moment too, he’s studying me again. I can tell by the crease that’s forming in his forehead. By the sweat driping down his neck. He's afraid of me.

“No.” his lips mouth as he stands there staring at me. “Impossible”

A strange sensation comes over me. Wind twists inside my body.  A chill runs down my spine. But words came out of my mouth, before I realize I’m speaking.

“You forget Zailor, I know this land. I know how it works, and I will destroy you in it.” 

My body moves on its own as my arms stretch out. The Tornado moves with my arms. - racing towards Zailor. Zailor pushes his hands up -- as if there was some imaginable way to stop the tornado from swallowing him up. The tornado swirls closer to him, knocking him off his feet. Zailor grabs the bed post as his feet fly from underneath his body. He screams out something. But I can't hear what he saying. The howling of the wind roars through my body.  I close my eyes as my body stretches out towards the wind. Suddenly, I can feel the  wind overtaking me. But not like Zailor. It's not throwing me, its curling inside my body. I'm becoming it.

I feel Zailor struggling to pull himself up, in the center of my heart. Some how, I can see my body standing on the other side the bed. My body shimmers with the wind. Zailor grabs the bed tighter, pulling himself up and closer to me. I can’t let that happen. I twist harder. – pulling him backwards.

A roar grows inside of the tornado, -inside of me. Pushing me back into my body. My arms drop to my side as I gain control. For a split second, I think about running. But I stand there with my mouth open and my mind in a daze. The tornado takes everything in my room ripping apart the dresser; walls, roof, and even the floor came up as the Tornado slashes through. Zailor struggles for his life. But I on the other hand, stand there with my hair barely moving.

The Tornado forces its self inside my body again, when Zailor’s squinted eyes meet mine. I feel a small twitch on my mouth form. – A smile. I’m smiling at Zailor!

“I have you now.” My voice seems too deep to be mine.

Before I know it, a gust of wind encircles me- teasing my body and weaving in and out of my hair, it’s smooth and oddly comforting. The Tornado leaves me where I stand, but tosses and slashes harder on the bed.  The bed loses its grip on the floor, and flys into the monster storm waiting outside the room. – taking Zailor with it.

I can feel my body breathe in and out. The air feels thick and strong, my lungs are collapsing with the pressure. What is left of the tornado inside of me is in panic. I feel the terror as it realizes it’s trapped inside of me. My body begins to shake and swirl inside. With each breath in and out more of the tornado escapes me. But it isn't enough. Suddenly a burning sensation builds up in the pit of my stomach.  I open my mouth to scream, but nothing comes out. A gust of wind forces its way out, making me collapse     onto my knees. I choke and gag, until I’m breathless.

The burning in my stomach is gone. But I still struggle to breathe. - My lungs feel sore from the burning. I begin to watch the tornado turn to make its way carefully down the street. It takes my mind off of trying to breathe, and its calming. Impressively,  the tornado knocks nothing over. It's almost gentle and sweet as it makes its way to the end of the street and dissolves. I stand up carefully, watching the clouds disappear, with a dumb-found look on my face. -I’m sure. The sky turns blue and only a small breeze is left.

My room is of course, a complete disaster. I’m at the far wall, closest to the door.  Not much of the floor is left. Two steps and I would fall into the basement.  The basement?  I hadn’t noticed a basement before. I lean over to peer into the room. The sunlight shins in like a spot light, the colors from the basement are blinding, and I can’t help but shriek away, to shield my eyes.

Chapter 2 part 4

They both give each other another look. Yep I’m definitely missing something, and I can not trust them. Not exactly sure what I can't trust them with. But I'm not going make the mistake as to give them one reason to send me away.

I quickly scarf down my pizza and excuse myself for some homework. The pizza gives me a little bit of energy and I don't want to waste it.-Besides my homework won’t take very long, since I’ve already done it once before.

I sit at the desk next to the window half heartily looking out the window and doing homework at the same time. I haven’t seen the creepy guy since this morning. But that doesn’t stop me from looking. Every now and then the wind blows the tree across the street. Making me look even harder. - Thankfully, he never did show up.  I can breathe a little now.
Maybe tomorrow I won’t be so jumpy, after a good nights sleep.

After another all clear out the window.  I head to the bathroom to clean up. Mostly to check on my cut. Just as I turn the corner to go into the bathroom I hear whispering from the kitchen.

"When did she speak to him?" Wade's voice is quiet but stern.

"This afternoon. Right before we got home"

"Do you think it's going to happen soon?"

"Very soon. Did you see the weather today?"

I try to remember the weather, but it seemed normal to me. It was a little windy in the morning; but by the afternoon it was quite, sunny, and warm. Just how Stephanie said it would be.

"But she won't be prepared"

After a short moment Stephanie sighs. "I don't think there's much we can do about that."

I lean forward which was a mistake, because the floor cracks underneath my feet and gives my position away. Someone’s chair scoots out away from the table. I step forward into the doorway, since they already know I'm there.  It’s Stephanie. She’s walking over to the sink with two plates.

"Oh Jazlyn. All done with your homework? That was fast." she quickly looks away from me and into the sink.

"Yeah, UM... it was pretty easy."

"Brilliant!" Wade is right behind Stephanie with two glasses. Stephanie begins shuffling the pizza boxes trying to look busy, maybe.  Or maybe she is a narcotic clean freak. I’m not sure, although, her body language feels a bit jaggy for someone that’s a clean freak.

"Would you like to watch movie? Or... play a game?" I can see Wade’s mind fishing for ideas.

They must know I heard something. Although, I’m not quite sure what they were talking about. There is no way I am going to flat out ask them. I can tell from Stephanie's expression, she doesn’t want me to hear more either. She instantly stops and stares at Wade as if she’s going to protest the idea of me staying around them.

"No Thinks. I'm actually really tired. I don't think I slept very well last night."

"I hope you sleep better tonight." Stephanie chimes in.

"Yeah….thanks." I can't think of anything else to say, so I turn and leave after one last quick look at both of them.

"Night, night." I hear Stephanie say as I turn the corner.

I don't say anything back in return; but I do try to listen to see if they have anything else to say. But there’s no sound from the kitchen, at least nothing that I could hear.

I decide not to take my star off for my shower. I still feel anxious; I couldn't bear taking it off, even for five minutes. The shower feels nice and relaxing- just like this morning. I normally don’t shower twice in one day, but I want to sleep as long as I can in the morning. That and I want to wash every inch of today off.

I try to relax, but my mind keeps flashing through everything. The creepy man and his deep blue eyes; this house and why it feels so familiar. In a way, the house already feels like home. And then there is the little old man and the warning... "You’re too weak without the other stars!" What did he mean? Were there really other stars?  That's stupid. I think. He acts like my star means something. As if we have some kind of power to stop... Zailor?... Whoever that is. He has to be crazy. There is no other alternative reason.

After my shower, I sneak back to the edge of the hallway, and peer around as slowly as I can. But neither Stephanie nor Wade, are talking. They put on a movie in the family room. Crap. I want to hear more of what they were saying. I want to know more.  What were they talking about? Who? My mind races through the days events again. Could they have been talking about me? Was it me... Who isn't ready? And ready for what? Could the old man have been that important? Should I have talked to him more? Or asked Stephanie and Wade who Zailor is? And the thought hits me. Is the creepy guy...Zailor? Could he really be trying to attack me?

I shake my head. No! These are all different things. Everybody’s insane here. I decide. But for the time being, I wear the star to bed. I know it’s silly. But I still couldn't take it off... So why try?

I take a quick look outside -- he still isn't there. Good. I'm not sure what I would do if he was there. But I take a sigh of relief anyways. By the time I climb into my bed the little man's words slip back into my mind. "You must find the other stars, before it's too late!" "Zailor is becoming stronger."

I switch the light off and watch the room light up in different ways. There are brilliant glow in the dark stars all around the room. I didn't notice them last night. Were they even there?  I can't remember, and part of me doesn't even care.  My eyes are so heavy. The stars make it seem like I’m falling asleep in space.- It’s calming. I grab my star and tangle it between my fingers. Feeling its heat beat, I keep my eyes focus on the largest star that’s above my safe haven closet. It’s not long before I drifted off to sleep. -Away from the strange, strange day.

Chapter 2 part 5

I dream, I'm standing at the end of a pathway that leads through a stone city. The buildings nearby are small and cramp. The lifeless gray stone  is chipping away from battle scars. Sweet copper perfumes the air, at the same time making it thick and heavy in my lungs. I try to cough, but it doesn’t help. The copper attaches to my insides like its apart of me. Maybe it is.

The city is empty. And I don't just think they left in a hurry, I know they did.  A potted plant near by is tipped over, a doll that got left behind in the street, and wooden benches broken in half. -All signs of a stampede.  But, that's not how I know they left in a dash. Its the lingering dark, evil feeling that is roaming in and out of the buildings. Seeping through the windows, and cracks of the walls. Something did this... someone did this.

I should leave. But I can’t help myself, I long to see more. To know more. I lean forward to step on the cobblestone, when a howling scream suddenly reminds me of who I am. – Short, weak little me.  There is nothing about me that’s amazing and can fight back. If I ever was in trouble, all I would have is a scram. And even that is weak.

Another scream hits me straight through the heart. I'm painfully aware of the rock cliff behind me. Just a short distance away from the city limits is a tall rocky mountain, that stretches on for miles. I've got no where to run. No where to hide.

“Breathe.” I tell myself as the panic creeps up my spine. But I can't move, even if I want to. I'm suddenly planted in place, my legs clamp tight and my knees buckle. I try to take a step backwards and forwards. But Nothing. Whatever holds me, holds me tighter than I've ever felt before. My blood curls as it runs through my body. I know without a doubt. I’m trapped. 

My eyes focus on the corner of the street, where a sulphurous black smoke emerges. -Chocking the life out of a small flower. It moves towards me, slowly as if it knows I'm here. -stuck and helpless. Something tells me not to let that smoke touch me.  I try to move again, but my legs don’t agree. I gasp and reach down to drag my legs, but I don't find my legs. My hand lands on the shoulder of the same short old man from my other world. The same man whose warning still lingers in my mind. “You are in grave danger.” My heart pounds in my chest. “You MUST find the other stars before it’s too late.” He's calmer now than in the theater. However, the crease in his forehead is becoming more prominent. 

“What is it?” My voice comes out softer than I expect. Almost a muffle sound.
He doesn't respond 

The smoke slowly slithers through a doorway.  It moves like a snake searching for something. As it infects the city. More howls echo on the near by building -I quiver, at the thought that someone is within the strangling grip of that smoke.
“Who is it?”

The old man reaches out his arms, and spread his fingers wide. Two loud booming sparks shoot from his fingers like fireworks.  I hold my ears tightly, but it doesn’t drown out the fact that the booming sound bounces around us, as it makes its way to a tall building window. Once it reaches the window at the top, the sparks explode into blue fire.  Glass sores out of the window seal and crash into tiny peace in front of the smoke. The smoke stops in the doorway and turns towards the tall building. Slowly it sizzlers to the building and begins to follow the blue sparks.  

“This is not good. Not good at all.” The old man mutters as he turns quickly and scurries off to the rocks behind us.

“Wait!” I call after him. But there’s no need. The minute the old man gets four feet away from me, my body slides to his side with ease. I was wrong. I’m not planted to the ground. I’m glued to him.

He makes his way to a rocky cave near the cliff side. – pulling me along with him. The cave has dark sparkles that seem to be glistening in the moonlight.  At least in the small glimpse of what is left of the moonlight. The smoke covers the sky just as much as the city. I slip past him as he begins to close a solid rock door with a wave of his hand. Another scream belts out from the smoke, the shriek of the voice hits me like a lightning bolt. But he doesn’t pause as he slams the door hard. With another wave of his hand, five locks attach themselves around the door.
I stand there frozen trying to breathe, which is almost useless in the thick air. “Where are we?” I sigh with my muffled voice.

The man runs past me without a word.

“Your highness, he’s here!” Unlike my voice, his voice sings into the night.

He scurries up to a stone table in the middle of the room, where a young girl stands, focusing on a thick leather book. The book is tarnished, and tethered. She licks her fingers carefully before turning the page.

She is breathtaking.  Deep silver dances within her long black waves of her curls.  Her silver dress flows over her perfect body and her heart-shaped face is perfect for the low crown that wraps around her forehead. The crown is almost too thin- I can barely tell it’s there. But it swoops down on her forehead, as if it is a part of her. Part of the power she carries with her.

“Ada.” The old man says again after she doesn’t lift her head to him.
I can hear the panic in his voice. But she licks her fingers once more and turns the page to the book.

“Ada!” The old man grows inpatient.

“What is it Thoms?” Ada's voice rings like tiny bells, with the same clear tone that Thoms has.

“They’re almost here!” Thoms yells anxiously.

“Is everyone out?” Ada says calmly.

“Yes. Ammon has taken them past the cliffs.” Thoms says quickly. He takes a deep breath and says.  “Are you sure, you don't need more guards? I could call him back.”

“I'm afraid that Zailor has made that impossible. He has put the Gilingtons into extinction, and with that, gaining many of our powers.” She licks her fingers and moves down a page in her book. “My path is set, Thoms”

“But we can protect you, your highness.”

“He will not stop until he has me.” Ada’s voice is strong and powerful. It feels as if the mountain moves with her. She takes a deep breath. “Would you put to death the rest of us, for my sake?” 

I can tell she doesn’t really want him to answer that question.  But that doesn’t stop him from fighting for her life.

“No. Of course not. But I will not sacrifice my queen either.”

“You may leave if you wish.”

Thoms’s eyes growls at Queen Ada. “I have not failed my queen in 642 years. I did not fail your mother. I will not fail you.”

The Queen and Thoms stand there staring at each other for a moment. I’m not sure exactly what their expression is. - Anger with a little gratitude, maybe.
More howling screams come from outside and circles within the cave. Both Ada and I shudder. Ada shakes her head a little. “We don't have much time. If you're going to stay, you’re going to have to help.”

“Are you sure you want to do this? This will leave you defenseless.” I can tell Thoms thinks Ada is foolish. It drips off every word he says. But Ada doesn’t seem to notice. Or maybe she’s use to his attitude and just doesn’t care any more. 

“It's the only way to keep everyone safe. If Zailor takes my powers, there will be no one to stop him.”

“But it killed your mother.”

Ada takes a moment to ponder a little, but she shakes it off. “He will get the eye Thoms. I wont be a part of that.” She firmly confirms.

“But-”

“Promise me Thoms!” Ada interrupts.

The fear in Thoms eyes grows deeper when Ada words reaches his understanding. He shakes his head with a silent no.

“Promise me that you’ll do everything you can to stop him from getting my powers.”

Thoms head is still shacking.
“Please.” Ada says softly. “Please save us all.”

“I …” Thoms stubbles  “I promise your highness.” He bows his head in defeat.  “All that I can.”

Ada smiles and nods just a little.
"I am going to open the mountain. As soon as I do that, they’ll know where we are.”

Thoms nods his head. “I'll be ready!” He run back to the doorway and with another swing with his hand, an orange magical liquid shield swells around the cracks of the door and encircles it.

“Um.... excuse me?” I try to grab some kind of explanation for what is going on. But neither Thoms nor Ada looks at me. I am grasping more and more onto the idea that I'm in some kind of ultra-reality.
Ada's hair glows even more silver as a loud thumping sound comes from outside.

“He's here.” Ada speaks softly

“Who’s Zailor?” I demand in my muffle voice. But again no one notices.

Ada is back to her book in a flash. She waves her hand to the glass bottles on a nearby wall. Four bottles fly to her quickly, as soon as they reach the table she gives her hand a little twist. The bottles wave over the table and then tip slowly over; each one sprinkles themselves onto table. Ada snaps her fingers and blue fire sparks, almost taking over the table itself.

“Come out. come out, where ever you are.” A creepy, scratchy voice lurks inside the cave. It has to be Zailor. His voice sounds like he’s standing right behind me. I turn around quickly, but, he's not there.

“There is nowhere to run.”  Zailor continues.

Neither Ada nor Thoms respond to his scratchy voice.

“Thoms prepare for the destroyers.” Ada says as she positions herself behind the table.

Thoms runs over to the other side of the table.  Leaving the orange shield next to the doorway; he reaches up his hands ready for the pending attack.

“I call to the North, East, West, and South Stars.” The Mountain cracks above my head, as Ada speaks. “I call across the lands to find the purest good.” The cave stretches thin. “I call to those who would save us. I call to the stars to protect us all!”

Ada reaches her hands up to the roof of the cave. The caves blows off like a feather in the wind.

  “Aseen, Starklen, Crossow!” Ada’s voice echoes in the night’s sky.
But nothing happens.  She looks down at the book with her face wrinkle with worry.

“It must be the darkness.” Ada crys “It’s not letting me through.”  Her eyes are terrified as she looks at Thoms.

“Try again.” Thoms encourages.

Ada turns back to the sky and says again even louder “ASEEN, STARKLEN, CROSSOW!”

Suddenly the darkness turns quickly to the mountainside. It knows where we are now. Loud screams of what only the destroyers could make, come running towards us.

“They heard you!” terror runs through Thoms’s voice.

“I don’t understand!” I scream and run over to Ada’s side.  “Aren’t they already here?” neither one answers me. Part of me wants to beg, but I know that won’t work. They can’t see me, or hear me. 

Ada cries into the sky again.  “ASEEN, STARKLEN CROSSOW!” This time, her voice reaches further; escaping the thick dark smoke. Not sure how I know this. I can just feel it deep inside my bones.

A loud noise comes echoing into the room, I grab my ears and duck into my knees. Black world-win creatures came running up to the hole Ada created.  Thoms shields them from entering the cave. –they are crazed and wild, thrashing against the shield. But I can’t see them well. A strong wind flew into the cave when Ada’s last cry went out.  Inside the cave the wind sreams around us, tossing me back-and-forth. Ada nor Thoms move an inch. But I am being yanked from the room, along with the left over bottles on the wall.

I scream  and reach for a large rock near my feet. I can feel my body begin to rise with the force of the wind.

Four lights shoot into the cave like rockets. Ada waves her arms again, and the ceiling encloses around us. - leaving the world-win creatures outside. They shriek with fury. The high pitch of their voices painfully rings in my ears. I hold my ears tightly again. The wind still circles the room, but I’m not flying away any more. The lights fly inside the cave  and I know what they doing,  what they're thinking. -a way out, must get out.

“NO!” Zailor shrieks.

A bang lands hard on the other side of the door. The locks hold on strong, but I fear not for long.  The door crumbles with the next blow. The shield, however, holds its place. Thoms darts back to the shield and clasps his hands out to support the shield. His body is hard and tense. He’s face to face with Zailor.  As more shrieks from the creatures come even louder now that the door is open.

“You can’t stop it.” Zailor laughs. His voice make a shiver run down my spine.

Zailor emerges into full view, and I suddenly know exactly who he is. It’s the creepy guy that stands outside my window.  He’s tall, with short dark hair and a five o'clock shadow across his face. He has a startling smile plastered on his face. His sharp blue eyes dart into the cave and end on Ada. Ada doesn’t turn her face to look at him, which seems to make Zailor fury with aggravation.

“Now, I need something strong.” Ada whispers. She looks around the room anxiously.

“Don’t be a fool” Zailor shouts. “You have nowhere to run.”

Ada peers at her ring and relief stretches across her face. She yanks her ring off, and then an armband that’s wrapped around her right arm. She unlocked a necklace around her neck and her crown around her forehead. She tosses them all into the blue flames and continues with her spell.

“The North star.” She waits until one of the lights swoops over to the flames on the table, before continuing. “To Guide them all!” She shouts over the wind that’s being whirled by the other lights.
The blue fire explodes into the sky, engulfing the light that lingers above the table. I fall backwards away from the table and Ada. But I quickly regain my balance.

“NO!” Zailor shouts as he twists his right hand.

A red fireball appears over Zailor’s hand, with a twist of his hand.  He throws the fireball at Thoms’s shield. The shield holds, but wavers a little. Zailor smiles again at the sight of the shield moving. He twists his hand again and starts throwing fireballs faster and harder at the shield. Terror flew through my body and I don't resist screaming. – Thankful,  they can’t hear me.

Ada continues. “The East star to Shield them!” another light sparks and darts into the flames.

The wind blows even harder. Almost a tornado coming from the last two stars. I feel their panic deep inside of me as they sway around the cave crazed like. They don’t belong in this cave. Neither do I.  The ground starts to shake underneath my feet, my legs give away. I grab for the table, but it’s too hot. I stubble backwards to the edge of the cave. And I try not to let my entire body shack when I realize it's closer than I thought. 

The destroyers crazed look keep me locked in place. I barely see Zailor’s fireballs hitting the shield because the destroyers took their place. Attacking and slashing on the shield as if it's a thin piece of paper. It's not going to hold. I thing. But I can’t bring myself to say anything.

Just then, the Shield dose give away, and burst open, revealing us.  Destroyers ran full force towards Thoms. But Thoms jets backwards with lightning speed. He lands near my side and waves his arms again.
Another shield burst open. Thoms pushes hard on the shield and traps the destroyers half way into the cave. He moves quickly – faster than I thought could be possible. He pushes harder and moves them back just a little.

“Hurry your Majesty!” Thoms’s voice cracks.

I scurry behind Ada, just as she shouts again. “The South Star to Heal them and the West to defend them!”

The destroyers push against the shield, making Thoms slide across the floor.

Zailor growls at Thoms. “Move out of the way!  Or I’ll kill you myself and take these percusses shields with me."

“I give my powers to these stars, and send them to their true owners!” Ada cries as she glares at Zailor through Thoms shield.

The blue fire burst high into the air. sparking to the top of the sealing and then back down encircling Ada within its grasp.

“NO!” Zailor horrified, gives one large burst with another fireball that breaks through Thoms’s shield and sending him flying across the room. Thoms slams into the wall of the cave and I feel the mountain rumble with anger.

I'm dreaming. I tell myself. I have to be.

I try to move towards Thoms, but I'm stuck between the fire and Zailor.  I look closely at Thoms. He's doesn’t move. I can't even see him breathe.

I search the wall until I feel a small space between the fool and the wall. I crawl under it as much as I can. Feeling the pain of the rock dig into me. I don't let up. It's only a matter of time for them to realize I'm there. I bite my lips so the screams inside can't escape.

Just before Zailor reaches the table, the fire bust high into the sky and explodes through the sealing above us. -Knocking destroyers off the rock sides. Four blue flames spark from the fire, shooting through the darkness in the sky, in four different directions.

I can see Zailor’s horrified face as the fire slowly dies down, leaving only Ada, her hair completely black, unconscious upon the table. 

“NO!” Zailor loses it. Turning into terror throwing fireballs at the destroyers next him. Panic runs through the room, as destroyers flee.  I crouch behind a table even more. Pushing my back deep into the rock. My eyes dart to Thoms and Ada as much as I can see them. They don’t move. Zailor soars quickly around the room, and halts next to me. My heart races, and panic rushes through me like an electric pulse.

I can barely see Ada’s face. But I can see it. Her sweet childlike face is lifeless. Suddenly her eyes snap open. Locking me into a trance.  deadly words come out of her mouth. “Get up Jazlyn.”

I wake up with a jolt. My eyes fly open as I wrench myself up. My heart pounds in my chest hard and drops of sweat drips from my forehead. I chock on whatever darkness that's in my room.

“It's just a dream -- I'm safe.” I tell myself. But my heart won’t stop flying.

My room appears to be… strange. I try to focus on why.  Everything seems to be in the same place. The picture frames are in the same spot, as I left them.  In the dark I can still make out my homework on the desk, and the large glow-in-the-dark stars are still somewhat shinning. But a strange silver glow in the room catches my eye. It’s coming from the star around my neck. My heart skips a beat before speeding up again. I gasp and clinch it with my right hand, as if it’s going to fly off my neck by itself. I need to keep it safe. I hold it tight. I take a deep breath in and listen for the wind outside, it’s struggling to breathe too.

That dream was too real. Too vivid. My skin crawls as the black smoke sneaks back into my mind. I can still feel my insides shake. My throat is dry from screaming and the chill in my room feels just like the small cave.   

I let go of my grip on my necklace.- just a little, enough to study it. The color inside the star is bright and gaining power. It’s almost the same color of the blue fire from the dream. But that can’t be.
I take another deep breath, wipe my forehead and take off the covers. I move my eyes from my necklace and focus on the glow-in-the-dark star above the closet.  What’s with these people and stars? I try to focus on that thought, but my mind keeps slipping back to the dream and Ada.  My heart aches to know more. What happened to her? I tussle to make another ending where she lives. -Where magic flees from her hands, like Thoms, and she attacks Zailor. Where she wins the flight and the stars never overcame her with fire.  But my mind won't agree. I struggle with the image of her lying on the stone table. – Lifeless and pail. She’s dead. That I know. Whatever made her eyes pop open wasn’t life.

A strange sound comes from behind the dresser. a thump. -Something hit it. No one could be here - could they?  But something tells me I’m not alone. My heart jumps into full speed again. I grab my star even tighter than before.

“Whose there?” I can barely make the words appear.

No one answers.

I’m crazy! I’m losing my freaking mind! I squeeze myself in between the wall and the bed. I slowly reach for the light switch. My arm shack as I stretch. I feel weak and cold. Like any moment I'll pass out just because I can.

“Don't!” The husky voice comes from the corner of the room.

I freeze, waiting to make sure this is really happening. I stare at what must be his foot on the floor, next to the dresser. My mind races from one thing to another. I couldn't stop the shiver running up my spine. My breathing became erratic as sweat drips down my cheek. My body is shacking on its own.  Am I still dreaming?

“Zailor?” I whisper.

chapter 2 part 3

I struggle to pull back but his grip is too strong. His little body pulls the chain down closer to him. – pulling me down with it.  The chain! It’s going to break. I think. We were both pulling in different directions, hard. But the necklace holds strong. -extremely strong.

“You are in grave danger. You MUST find the other stars before it’s too late.” His eyes began to shine brought as he stares into the star.

“Let me go!”  I shout and pull back harder, I can feel the chain around my neck dig deep into my skin. A warm, wet, sticky feeling socks into my shirt collar. blood?  A numbing sensation creep up my legs and for moment all I can hear is the beat of my heart. boom, boom, boom.  I have to get away.  But most of all... I need the star.

I struggle to grip the seat above us. But he pulls me down even closer. His eyes change to a bright blue color as he hiss.

“You are too weak without the other stars! Zailor knows this! You must go to Narmolyna!”

“What? Who... Let me go!” I shout back at him.

“You must stop Zailor! Find the other stars!”

“Can I help you?” Stephanie’s voice rang out strong and forceful. I hold my breath as his eyes change to a deep green color.

The man shifts his body and lets go of my chain. I fall backwards from the force of my body trying to pull away and I end up on the floor about 2 feet away. I scramble further away, guarding my star with my hand. For a split second I wonder what I’m doing. Why didn't I just give him the star?  Was I really that stupid? But that thought doesn’t last long. My only desire at this moment is to guard the star with everything I can. I can't bear the thought of losing it now.

“Oh yes. Thank you. This young lady is just helping an old man up.” His voice is clear and normal now. Not the horse wicked tone he had just used with me.

Stephanie offers him a hand to help him up. All I can think is. No! Don't let him touch you! But before I can say it, He takes her hand.  She shuffles backwards and leads him to the main aisle. He lets go of her hand, and I release the air I've been holding inside my lungs. He turns towards me before he leaves.

“Remember what I said.” He tips his hat and then turns to walk away.

Stephanie watches him leave the theater as I check my star. It's perfect or course.  But I can't help but wonder why it didn't jump with him like it had all day. Unlike the star, I was not perfectly fine. Blood raises through my body like a steam train.  Making me feel lightheaded and dizzy. It tickles my neck as it drips from the back of my neck to the front.  I catch it before Stephanie notices and press my t-shirt hard into the cut. Not exactly sure why I don't want her to see how unnerved I am. -I just do. 

Stephanie’s eyes tighten for just a bit. “Are you ready to go?” her voice is still careful, as she studies me. 

“Umm.. Yeah. I grab my book from the floor and my bag.

“Are you alright?”

"I think so.”  For the most part, I am okay. -I say to erasure me. I feel like I just ran a marathon,  but I'm in one peace.

“Good.” She smiles. “Because I’m starving!”

By the time we get outside Stephanie has her cell phone to her ear- talking to Wade about dinner. I keep my eyes wondering around the parking lot. But there’s no sign of the old man or the creepy one. I decide that’s a good sign.-Maybe I was sleeping in the theater and none of that actually happened. I tell myself.

 After all, I am starting to feel the lack of sleep from last night. I have to catch myself slumping as we drive home. Also, I'm holding my hand together so tightly, that my fingers are starting to turn red.  But I'm afraid if I let go, I'll acadently check the cut on my neck.  Stephanie  doesn’t say much on the way home. She just points out a walkway between two houses.

“Take that, and you’ll be on our street. Our house is just two houses down on the right.”

Her voice sounds concerned, but I’m too tired to ask why. Besides I’m concerned too. First a creepy man outside my window and now a little old man can over power me? This is turning out to be a very odd first day. It's deffently a first for me.

“It takes me twenty minutes when I walk to work. So if you would rather walk home tomorrow, I’ll give you my key.”

“Okay” I hate to give her another one word answer. But it’s all I can think of. My eyes feel so heavy- It’s getting harder to keep them open. But I can’t help thinking that Stephanie is a little too trusting to a stranger living in her home.

“I hope you like pizza!” Wade’s voice rang from the kitchen. He has the same smile on his face from this morning, as if it’s painted on. He stands there with outstretched arms showing off three large pizzas on the breakfast bar.

“I should hope so!” Stephanie kisses him on the cheek. “There’s enough to feed a small army.”

“Or three very hungry people.” Wade gives a quick wink and hands me a plate.

They both take two slices of pizza and head over to the table. I follow their lead.

“So, Jaz, How du yu lik wour classes?” Wade’s mouth is full of food, but I could hear most of what he says.

“There alright.” I try hard to think of more to say then before.  “My last classes in Seattle were ahead of these ones. So today was more of a review for me.”

“Brilliant!” Wade laughs “We’ll have the smartest kid before you know it…. Promise me you’ll bring home one of those bumper stickers about being on the honor roll.”

I can’t help but laugh at him; it just seems strange coming from him.
“Did anything exciting happen today?” He continues. 

He quickly glances at Stephanie and then back at me. I’m not sure why but the look gives me an uneasy feeling. As if there is something that I’m missing out of the question. Stephanie doesn’t look at me; which makes the feeling even worse.  

I take a moment chewing my food, giving me time to decide if I should tell them everything. I can feel my star beating down on my chest, almost as if it's connected to my heart. Boom, boom, boom. 

“Just an old man, who fell and couldn’t get up." I finely say.