The Calling

Chapter 7

She woke up with a splitting headache and noticed that Kyle was beside her bed. Tapping his shoulder lightly she began to wonder how long she was unconscious “Ann!” he brightened.

She smiled in response while signing with her hands ‘What happened?’

Kyle shook his head “I’m not sure. You just fainted. It’s been three days.” Ann turned to him with a bewilder expression “The doctors could not determine the cause of your dizzy spells. But you were shifting a lot in your sleep, the nurses even said they heard you say something incoherent.”

Anna raised her brows ‘Really?’ she gestured. She was born a mute, while everyone had a larynx, she was born with a damaged one and was told that she would never recover from the syndrome. She had accepted her fate since she was a little girl but she never imagined one day someone would tell her that she had spoken in her sleep.

He nodded in reply “They said you had a temporary brain lapse. What happened before you blacked out?"

She looked away, trying to recur the memory and slowly her hands began speaking for themselves ‘I heard sounds and then it became deafening. My head began to hurt and became so loud that I could not take it. I covered my ears and the last thing I heard was you calling my name.’

“That’s bizarre.” He knew it was unexplainable and it gave him more reason to pry as he was a man that wanted to know everything “What sounds did you hear?”

Ann didn’t want to tell him about her special gift, instead she shook her head and motioned ‘It was just a really bad headache.’

“I see.” He nodded slowly, not buying her story but he didn’t want to press “How are you feeling now?”

‘Better.’ She smiled ‘Can I check out now?’

“I’ll help you.” He offered while getting up to get her the forms. Ann’s smile faded as she thought about the voices and the ear piercing cries of a creature beyond this world. She knew it was not an average animal.

************* Two Months Later**************

Alex was sound asleep in her bed, dreaming that she was on stage with thousands of fans cheering her on. It was a goal for her to be famous for she loved to be in the spotlight but she did not have special acting or singing skills. But in her mind, she had it all. Fame and fortune with thousands of people who adored her.

Kevin was ready and packed to go as he came to her home early that morning. The maid advised that she was still sound asleep. Sighing, he climbed the stairs and entered her room without knocking “Alex?” he started softly “Alex.” He approached her bed and noticed she had on a smile “Alex!” he shook her violently, startling her.

“What? What?” she saw him and was instantly reminded the dream was just a dream “Why do you always wake me up at the wrong time?” covering a yawn with her hand.

“Don’t you know what day it is?” he was stunned by her short term memory. He had only reminded her a hundred times last night that they were leaving for Europe the following day “Summer day…full moon…” he hinted.

She raised her brows at him innocently “What did you say? Sorry, I wasn’t listening.”

“Alex…”

“Oh no, not the fatherly tone!” she covered her ears menacingly “No, I want to sleep!”

Kevin reached for her hands and yanked them away from her ears “You can sleep after you have demolished evil and return victorious!”

Alex narrowed her eyes mischievously “Why are you so determined to help me? That legend did not mention a goofy sidekick. Do you want the prestige that bad, Kevin? Would you kill to be in my shoes?”

His eyes widened in horror “I…I can’t believe you would say that.” Letting go of her hands as he turned away from her.

The grin appeared quickly as she giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck from the back “I’m just teasing Kevin. I know you would never harm me, because you love me!”

Kevin turned his face towards her and smiled from her childish grin “As long as you know that.” Giving her a friendly kiss on the temple as he pushed her off the bed “Now come on, we only have two hours until the flight takes off!”

“Two hours? That’s how long it takes me to do my hair!” she rushed towards the bathroom while his chuckles followed her down the hall.

With Kevin rushing her, Alex was done in less than an hour “See, you look just as beautiful.” Ignoring the hasty smear of lipstick on the edge of her lips.

“You’re just saying that because you want to go early and be the first dork on the plane.” She snickered as she snapped the hand mirror that he pried from her hands.

“Better safe than sorry.” Kevin reminded her. Picking up her luggage as he pulled them downstairs, She had three in total and they felt heavier than ten bricks trapped into one “Jesus Alex! What do you have in here?” he asked after the second luggage.

She followed him downstairs while rubbing the lotion around her bare arms “Just a few necessities.”

“Your manicurist is not in here is she?” he said with sarcasm.

Alex threw her head back with a comfortable laugh “Of course not. Anyways, the woman is a little chubby, it’ll take two luggages to fit her.”

“Why do you need so much clothes anyways?” he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

She winced with disgust while reaching into her Louis Vuiton bag to get him a bag of tissues “If I’m going to fight evil, I might as well fight with style.” He laughed at the ridiculous response as she looked offended “You think it’s funny? What if we win this battle and be discovered by the people. I want to look my best. And if we die, I’ll still look my best.”

“We’re not going to die.” He concluded firmly.

“You don’t know that.” Alex said reasonably “Now come on, let’s get this over with.” The ride was comfortable in the limo but the minute she exited the car, she was whining again “I just hate summer don’t you? It’s sticky and humid and just way too hot. I can’t believe I let you talk me into this journey Kevin, you know that you’re cutting into my vacation time. I always go to Hawaii during this season…” she faded when she noticed he was not by her side. Turning her heels, she saw him struggling to pull along three luggages. Smiling as she tapped her shoes against the floor “Let’s go, we only have half an hour left, all the best seats are gone.”

His hands were red from pulling as he finally caught up with her “Is this payback from that one day I didn’t help you at the Temple?”

“Oh please, Kevin. I don’t hold grudges.” She said casually with a laugh.

He flicked a brow upwards “Really? Funny that you should still remember the time I pulled your pigtails when we were ten.”

She flipped around and pointed at him dangerously “That hurted! You made me cry and the teacher had to fix my braids and she did a horrible job. I was laughed at the rest of the day!”

“I’m sorry…” Kevin was surprised she had taken it to the heart.

But as quick as her anger came, it fizzled from his apology “Oh it’s okay. I don’t even think about it anymore.” He stared at her strangely while they got in line for check in which took another fifteen minutes. By the time they were boarding, they had become the last people on the plane “See, look at all the geeks.” She leaned in closer to whisper to him.

Kevin shook his head with a silent smile as they were escorted to their first class seats “You even have to fly in style. You can’t just take coach?”

“Ew. Don’t say that word to me. Ever.” She winced in disgust.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to ask you all to put on your seatbelts. We are ready for take off. We will try our best to make you comfortable for the 22 hours flight.” The flight attendant’s voice came over the speaker box.

“Twenty two hours?!!” Alex exclaimed, “You told me it would only be ten! You lied?”

“Did I?” he asked after buckling his belt and leaned over to help her “I can’t remember. Oh well…”

“Oh well?” she shook her head in shock “That’s it, I’m not talking to you for the rest of the flight!” throwing a tantrum with her arms crossed as she turned away and into the window as she watched the plane take off from the airport. After a good ten minutes, Alex turned to Kevin as she patted him excitedly on the arm “Look, Hong Kong harbor looks like a little puddle of water!!”

He grinned teasingly “I thought you weren’t talking to me?”

“Oh right, thanks for reminding me.” She spun her body away and crossed her arms making him laugh. Alex turned to him slowly “Truce?” she couldn’t hold being silent for the whole trip.

“I was never mad at you, there is no truce.” He knew what to say to make her grin grow wider. She leaned comfortably on his shoulder while he pulled out a book to read.

Alex felt his hands shifting as she turned over and found him reading “Is that what you’re going to do the whole trip? Bore me for death?” he rolled his eyes “You have to entertain me, this is all your fault, you’re the one that talked me into going.” She reminded him.

Kevin gave up as he closed his books “Okay, Peachie, what do you want to do?”

“Talk. You have to talk to me for the whole flight.” She declared. His head fell limply from the request as he snored away. Alex shook her head as she used her hands to lift his face “Uh uh, you’re not getting away that easily. Okay, start from your childhood. Or better yet, talk about the time that we were separated. What did you do? Who did you do?”

He couldn’t help but smile from the latter question “I didn’t do anyone. And I already told you this story. You were nodding off after five minutes.”

“Well that’s good. At least I’ll be asleep and I won’t bother you until I wake up. You know how deep of a sleep I get into.” She reminded him.

He nodded “Good point. Anyways, I was only fourteen—”

“Thirteen.” She corrected.

He scratched his head “Right…Thirteen. My family moved to Au Mun and I grew up there going into my first year of high school and--”

“Shouldn’t it be your last year of middle school?” she interrupted.

“Do you want to tell the story?” he asked annoyingly.

Alex sat upright with a grin “I thought you’d never ask. Anyways, I was only thirteen when I entered my last year of middle school. It was amazing how popular I had gotten within just one year…” he smiled while she rambled on and on about her story. At least it kept her comfortable for the next few hours of the flight.

She only paused when breakfast, lunch and dinner were served. Even then, she was not finished with her story and Kevin soon found it was easy to block out someone’s voice while they talked. He always thought it was difficult. In his mind, he was laughing at the thought of Alex finding out he was not listening. His eyes moved to the back of the room after he realized a person had walked through. His heart gave a little jump, she was the same girl in the restaurant that saved them from a flaming dish.

His brows ruffled curiously when she made hand gestures instead of speaking to the flight attendant. She was mute. Alex’s hand forced him to turn away from the girl as he began nodding ever now and then and made agreeing sounds while she talked.

Chapter 8

The flight was long and dreary but with Kevin’s company, Alex barely felt the dragging hours that flew by. They were off the plane and ushered to the pickup section where a cab sat waiting for them. A driver held up their names on a hasty written out sign “That was smart of you to call a cab ahead of times.” Alex commented as she waved to the man.

“I didn’t…” Kevin said but by the time he looked over, Alex had already approached the car. The driver helped them load in the luggages. He started the car and began driving before they told him where they were going.

Alex seemed relaxed and awake despite the long trip, she looked around and pointed at the beautiful scenery “Look, I can almost see the ocean!!” she pointed when they were traveling down a curvy road against the mountains.

Kevin noticed the driver’s side grin, “Where are you taking us?”

“Where you should be, of course.” He answered with a thick accent.

Nudging Kevin, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

He turned to her stunned “Aren’t you surprised by all this? I didn’t order a cab and he knows exactly where to take us…” his eyes widened when they pulled up to the grand castle. The outside of it was broken and chipped but it was still magnificently built.

“It’s gigantic!!” Alex exclaimed “My very own castle…”

“Yes, it’s yours.” The driver said mysteriously making her turn to Kevin for help. He waved for her to exit the car as the driver took out their luggages. He quickly drove off before they had a chance to pay him.

“How bizarre.” Kevin said while he watched the car disappear into the distance “Did you notice how fast he drove off? And there are no cars along the road…” he faded after he turned to find Alex pushing on the door “I think you have to pull it.”

She turned down at the handle and noticed it had an imprint of a hand. Placing her fingers over it, she realized it was a replica of her own hand. Pushing the handle down as it groaned open. Her eyes traveled around the giant space inside, the outside did not justice for the interior. It was a like a storybook, vibrant colors and velvet materials laced the walls. There were no windows but a giant candle chandelier hung high above the ceiling. They were lit and it brightened the entire room from wall to wall “Kevin!! You have to see this!”

“I see it.” He replied from the door. Pulling in her bags of luggages, the door suddenly slammed shut causing him to jump forward “I think we’re trapped.”

“It’s destiny.” Alex nodded.

“That’s my line.” He snickered while walking around to look at the magnificent decorations. The giant stairway was amazingly large, with three different directions from the center of the steps.

“I was being sarcastic.” Alex replied with a laugh. Grazing the velvet drapes, she realized it was not dusty. It was cleaned like as if the castle were expecting guests “You think they have cable television in here?” Kevin threw her an exasperated look “What? I get bored easily.” She said in her defense.

“That should be the least of your problems Alex. We have to find that traitor and stop evil. I doubt television would even be on your mind after terror strikes.”

Alex smiled “You sound like a horrible commercial for a movie.”

“How could you stay so calm?” Kevin asked slyly.

“Because I still think this is a hoax.” She replied dryly while he raised his brows at her “But just to prove a point, I came here with you. Anyways, I don’t scare easily.” She turned casually towards the stairs and found a person standing there. Alex let out a loud yelp before covering her mouth.

“If you’re here for the treasure, it’s mine.” He warned while slipping down the stairs in a steady movement. His hand rested in his pocket holding onto his gun with care.

Kevin came over to where Alex stood “What treasure?”

Christian turned his head suspiciously “Don’t play games. I’m sure that lying monk took a nice amount from you to give you another copy of that map.”

“Map? Like this one?” Alex pulled it from her hand purse and showed it to him.

He quickly shielded his eyes “NO! Don’t show it to me! I know what it looks like!”

Kevin shrugged his shoulders strangely at Alex, who folded the paper and dared to move closer to the obviously armed guy “What do you see?”

Christian whipped his hand down “Nothing! Now get out before I have to kill you.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.” Kevin stood at the door, he tried the latch but it wouldn’t give “We’re trapped.” Christian didn’t believe it as he walked over and tried too, surely it was locked. But there was no tiny switch or knob showing that it was locked “You’re one of the destined seven.” Kevin said.

“What?” he spun around, unsure of what he just heard.

“Which one are you?” Kevin pulled out a piece of paper he photocopied from the old legends and curses book.

“The righteous man that turned to greed.” Alex replied without thinking. Her friend looked at her oddly “Put the pieces together. Treasure and a gun.” She nodded towards Christian casually.

He was confused “What are you two rambling about? And how did you lock this door?” he asked in a demanding voice.

“It’s not locked, we’re trapped.” Alex said sarcastically “Look, just sit tight, by the next morning, we will be able to get out of here.” She said casually.

“Why tomorrow morning?” Kevin asked.

“Because I said so.” She shrugged.

“Who are you people?” Christian asked.

Alex smiled as she bounced over to him “I’m Alexis but everyone calls me Alex. That’s my goofy sidekick Kevin. What’s your name?”

“Why should I tell you?” he turned away coldly.

“And they call ME snobby.” She moved her body towards Kevin.

“When do you think the rest will come?” Kevin wondered out loud.

Alex shrugged “I don’t know. I’m just the chosen one.”

“Don’t joke about that!” he scolded making her roll her eyes.

Suddenly the door made a thundering noise and entered two people. Kevin’s eyes softened at the sight of the smiling female “Goodie, more people!” Alex rushed over to greet them “I’m Alex and you are?” she looked at the girl, who in turned looked over at the man next to her.

“I’m Kyle. This is Ann, she’s mute.” He explained shortly.

“Hi Ann!!” Alex yelled. The girl grinned as she made a few signs with her hands “Oh, she’s trying to tell me something! I’m good at this game.” Clasping her hands together as she tapped her chin “Uh…ear…something with ear…me. What about me?”

“She’s saying that she’s not deaf, you don’t have to scream.” Kevin shook his head with a laugh. He had learned sign language in college.

Ann touched her nose and pointed at Kevin making Alex break out into giggles “She said you stink!”

“No, she said I’m right on the nose.” Kevin snickered at his friend before approaching the two “I’m Kevin by the way.” Ann smiled with a welcoming nod.

“I had no idea the monk was so greedy. Selling all these maps to people.” Christian was in shock.

Alex turned to him with a teasing head “You’re still on that? Let me give you an overview-"

“Alex.” Kevin shook his head at her.

“Oh don’t be a party pooper. He’s gotta know some time. Anyways, it’ll kill time.” Alex motioned for Christian to join them, he was sitting by the staircase. He shook his head making Alex approached him. Taking a seat next to him, she began explaining the legend that was read to her. Repeating it made it funnier. After she finished, she began laughing “Isn’t that ridiculous?”

Christian looked up “So that means, there are two more people coming? Together we will kill the evil creatures and save the world?”

“You can’t be serious.” Alex was in disbelief “You actually believe me? Anyways, it’s three more people. Kevin isn’t one of the destined seven but I think if you beg him, he’ll take over for you.”

He laughed while getting up “No, of course I don’t believe in this nonsense.”

“I said the same thing! Good, we’re on the same boat. How about you Kyle? And Ann too.” Alex was curious to know.

“I was told there would be a Nobel Peace prize award ceremony here. I was invited as a winner.” He couldn’t help feeling tricked. Ann made a few gestures “She was called here to teach a class on Chinese history.”

“And you were told there would be a treasure here?” Alex pointed at Christian, who nodded “Interesting…”

Kevin turned to her curiously “What did you figure out?”

“That we were all tricked to come here.” Alex said nonchalantly.

“I think the crazy girl has a point.” Kyle nodded.

“Who you calling crazy?” she said defensively when the door opened and appeared Mila and two other people, which she recognized with ease “Oh, now I’ve seen it all. That’s your crazy woman!” she pointed to Mila.

Kyle turned to the three “Apparently, whatever you are here for does not exist.”

“Darn! I was looking forward to blowing up this castle!” Mila exclaimed.

“Who let you out?” Kevin smiled as he pictured the bewildered look on Alex’s face.

“My commanding officer came in to see me. He said there would be a bomb training session here and asked if I wanted to come. Of course, who would be stupid enough not to jump at the chance?” she asked matter-of-factly.

“Of course.” Alex snorted, “So, what’s your story Tammy?”

“Bird catching convention.” She shook her head foolishly.

“How about you Jerry?” Alex went down the line “A blind man’s convention perhaps? Or a singles night for the blind and deaf?”

“Alex!” Kevin cried in shock as he nodded towards Ann.

“Sorry.” Alex crossed her arms stubbornly.

“Actually, I was told by a wise monk that I was destined to come here to meet six other people where we would fight against evil and save the world. But that’s just a bunch of nonsense, right?” at his words, thunder broke out in the sky as the clouds moved away covering the sunlight. They could not tell but sky was forming, ready for it’s curse.

“What was that?” Tammy looked frightened as she clung to the closest person to her, which was Mila.

“It’s called thunder, now get off my arm before I have to bite it.” Mila warned. Tammy quickly obliged as she moved away.

Suddenly the candles began flickering causing the room to be dim and light up “Welcome my guests.” A deep voice announced from the stairway. A male dressed in an 18th century suit. His cuffs ruffled at the neck and arms, his hair was perfectly combed to the back. He seemed to glide down the stairs “I have been waiting for you to arrive.”

Christian yanked his gun out as he pointed to the eerie figure “What the hell are you? Let us out now.” He threatened.

“Childish toys. You cannot destroy me for I am only a messenger here to show you around so that you may get acquainted with your new home…or coffin.” He added with a wicked grin.

Mila smiled “Okay, are any of you girls turned on by that man or is it just me?”

Tammy stepped further away from Mila while Ann smiled calmly. Alex winced with disgust “It’s just you.”

The figure laughed merrily “Now, now there is time for small talk later. Would you all join me in the dining room?”

Alex was the first to follow as she patted Christian’s hand “You might want to put away that gun now.” He twisted the trigger around his fingers and placed the gun back into his pocket in one swift movement.

“Show off.” Mila muttered while she quickly followed Alex. Jerry was the last to follow with Tammy’s help.

Chapter 9

The messenger showed them into the large dining room where a long redwood table was set with delicious looking food and goblets made from the ancient England era. He motioned for the group to be seated while he stood at the front of the table “I’d like to welcome you to Akrinoma. I hope you will be comfortable here. After dinner, I would like to ask all of you to go to bed. Your rooms will be ready.”

Alex shot her hand up before the man had a chance to leave “Which one’s my room?” He did not answer her, only smiled carefully as he turned and walked towards a door, he didn’t bother to use the handle but his figure seemed to vanish through the door “That’s a cool hologram.” Alex breathed.

Kevin felt the goosebumps forming on his arms and legs “Alex, I don’t think it’s a hologram.”

“Of course it is!” she replied without a doubt “Anyone want a turkey leg?” she got up the yank the giant drumstick from it’s body.

Tammy covered her mouth looking disgusted “I can’t eat that.”

“Why?” Alex asked curiously.

“It’s a disorder I’ve had since I was a kid. My mother said I couldn’t eat any form of meat that was once a bird.” She looked sick to her stomach while Kyle who was seated next to her gave her his napkin “Thanks.”

“It’s not a bird, it’s a turkey! They can’t even fly!” Alex exclaimed.

Kyle shook his head “It’s a type of bird.”

Everyone began digging in while Ann sat there quietly staring at the dead bird. Kevin often stole glances at her and he was the one to ask “What’s wrong Ann? You’re not hungry?”

She shook her head and her hands began talking ‘I don’t think that’s a turkey.’

Kyle and Kevin were the first to drop their forks and knives. Mila nudged Kevin in the rib “What did she say?”

“She said it’s not a turkey.” Kevin whispered. The rest slipped the forks from their hands except for Alex. He turned to his friend “You’re still eating it?”

She shrugged “It looks like a turkey and it taste like a turkey, it is a turkey.” She looked around the table, they all looked a little pale “Oh come on! She’s obviously in on the joke.” She pointed to Ann “If it’s not a turkey, then what is it?”

Mila leaned back on her chair “Why don’t you ask the bird expert.” She pointed her thumb to Tammy.

Tammy was reluctant but she knew she was the only one that would know the truth. Getting up as she used Kyle’s napkin to cover her nose and mouth. She looked at the headless bird carefully. Her fingers poking at its meat, testing its firmness. Christian was looking irritated because he was hungry and couldn’t eat. He leaned over and picked up the bird and thrust it at Tammy “Have a closer look!”

She screamed and nearly tripped over her own foot. Alex was the only person that found it hilarious as she laughed uncontrollably “That’s not funny.” Kyle shook his head at Christian and Alex while he got up to steady Tammy.

Getting more pale by the second, she turned to Kyle “That’s not a turkey.” Her comment caught even Alex’s attention “Turkey meat is a lot more soft. Didn’t you guys notice it’s a little chewy? Also, the muscles are a lot thicker and the wings are a little longer than a turkey. It appears to be a baby…something.”

“Shit.” Christian muttered under his breath.

Alex shook her head with a grin “That was good. So how many of you are in on this hoax? Who put you up to this? The monk?”

“This is not a hoax.” Jerry spoke up for the first time. All eyes turned to him and he smiled, knowing that his words caused the silence “Alex, you saw the creature yourself, how could you not believe this?”

“Creature? What creature?” Kyle asked. He looked confusedly at everyone.

She began to back away towards the exit “There’s no creature!” She shook her head vehemently “Anyways, I just lost my appetite, thanks." Turning her heels, Alex rushed towards the living room and up the stairs.

“Alex!” Kevin moved from his seat.

“Let her be, she needs time to let it soak in.” Jerry stopped him.

Kevin turned to him “You believe in the prophecy?”

“What are you people talking about? And they call ME crazy.” Mila snickered.

And so Kevin was forced to tell them about the legend and curse of Akrinoma. After he finished, the room grew silent. No one knew what to say “Why us?” Tammy was in disbelief.

“I don’t know.” Kevin sighed.

“Looks like you’re going to have to worry about your little girlfriend. She’s in denial.” Mila reached for a wine glass and was ready to take a sip when it was knocked out of her hand by Christian.

“That’s blood.” He said.

The group shuddered as they picked up their glasses and sniffed it. It was a thick red color but the smell was familiar “Is..is that human…eh… blood?” Kyle stammered.

Mila reached over and dipped her finger in one of the cups and licked it “Hmm…no, it’s something else. Human blood is a little saltier.” They turned to her with odd looks “I know what blood tastes like!” Tammy grimaced with disgust while Mila rolled her eyes “Like you guys never licked your cuts before.”

Jerry was tired as he stood up “This is interesting, but I am beat from the flight. I’m going to sleep.”

“I’ll help you.” Tammy offered as she rushed to support his hand. He smiled thankfully.

Mila turned to Christian, whose eyes had narrowed after Tammy and Jerry left “What’s the matter? The blind man’s got your girl?” He threw her a dangerous glare but decided not to comment as he too left the room “Damn, he’s hot!!” her chuckles silenced when she realized it was only she and Ann “I might as well join everyone.” She walked towards the door “You coming?” she turned to Ann.

She smiled while getting up and made a few gestures ‘Are you scared to go alone?’

Mila dropped her jaw “Me? Scared? Hah!” Ann stopped and turned to her with a tilted head “Don’t tell anyone that I can read sign language.” Ann smiled and nodded in agreement.

The rooms were each designed differently, their names were carved onto the door. It awaited the rightful owners to enter before the lights shimmered. Kevin did not have a room, so he was forced to sleep in Alex’s room. He found her seated on her king size bed with a light turquoise blue lace curtains. He looked around and noticed it was the same color her bedroom was, but the designs were much more intricate “Wow, it’s like they know exactly what color you liked.” He was teasing but quickly stopped when he noticed her fearful expression “What’s the matter Alex?”

“Will we ever get home?” she asked feebly.

He sat on her bed, his hand on her propped up knee “Of course we will.” He laughed suddenly “I thought you though this was a hoax?”

Alex’s head twitched from side to side “No…not after this.” She motioned for him to sit next to her “Lie down.” She instructed. They were leveled with each other as she pointed to the ceiling “I was trying to sleep, but how the hell am I suppose to sleep with that?!!” she pointed.

Kevin practically rolled off the bed “Jesus! Warn me the next time you show me something like that!” Her eyes widened, unable to tear them away from the 3D carved picture of the creature she saw in her mind. It’s wings spread wide along the ceiling and it’s beak opened ready to devour her “What is that?”

She shook her head “I don’t know.”

Suddenly, they heard a screeching cry from one of the rooms “What was that?” Kevin got off the bed as he followed the voice. It was when he realized her room was shaped in a circle with three doors on each side of the bed “What are these doors for?” he wondered out loud. Before he had a chance to touch the door handle, it whipped open appearing a scared Tammy.

“There’s…that…thing…” she pointed into her room with a shaky finger.

“I think she has the same thing.” He said to Alex, who continued to lay there, mesmerized by the beast “Alex?” he moved closer and realized her eyes were frozen, they did not move nor did they blink, she seemed to be in a trance “Alex!” he felt his heart racing when she did not answer him “ALEX!!” he cried even louder but she did not respond. Turning to Tammy, he said urgently “Get Jerry!”

She nodded and rushed out of the room to fetch him. Kevin turned to Alex again, he was afraid for her. One of the doors on the right side of the bed suddenly pushed open “This is so cool!! You have to got to see this!” Mila exclaimed while pointing to her room. Her smiled faded “What’s the matter with her?” she nodded at Alex.

Kevin shook his head while he sighed, “I don’t know.”

Seconds later, Tammy returned with Jerry “We don’t know what’s wrong with her. She’s not moving but her eyes are wide open.” Tammy explained shortly as she directed his hands over her face.

Jerry looked up blankly “Get everyone in here.” He instructed calmly.

“I think the rooms are all connected here.” Tammy pointed to the six doors.

“Obviously!” Mila rolled her eyes.

Kevin opened all the doors and motioned for them to enter “This better be good.” Kyle muttered, “I was going to hit the sack…” he halted when he noticed Alex “What’s the matter with her?”

“Just come over here, genius.” Mila waved annoyingly “So what is it blind man? Are we going to use our inner powers to raise her from the dead?”

“No, you’re going to help her come back.” Kevin said, “You read the legend too, Jerry?”

“That’s what I was doing in the library.” He smiled in response “Come on. Everyone circle yourself around the bed.” Kevin moved outside the circle as he watched the six hold hands. He closed his eyes and mumbled a few lines from the book.

Suddenly a full force of wind blew through the room almost knocking the six off their feet. Tammy looked around fearfully while Mila grinned with excitement. Christian remained calm. Ann remained still and eyes closed as she tried to ignore the unnatural cries from the creatures. The spell worked when the 3D carved picture of the creature opened its beak and a thick leather covered book flew from it’s mouth falling straight into Alex.

She suddenly felt the air gushing through her lungs as she took in a deep breath and sat upright. She felt herself gasping for air while the book had stopped in front of her. She moved herself against the back of the bed “What…what happened?” she looked around while clutching her heart.

The six let go of the hands causing the wind to stop blowing. Kyle reached for the book “What is this? OW!” he yanked his hand away when the electric force shot through his fingers before he could touch the book.

Jerry raised a hand “No one touch it. Alex, you need to pick it up.”

She looked like a scared kitten while her eyes searched for Kevin. He approached her “It’s okay Alex, you can touch it.”

Alex nodded as she reached for the book; her face grimaced ready to take the shock but to her surprise she was able to touch it. It was heavy and the gold trimmings on the pages gave an ancient effect. She touched the bumps over the cover “It’s leather.” Her fingers traced the circle and a line was formed through from the center of the circle to an inch outside of it “What is this sign?”

From her touch, a shiny light seem to shimmer from the circle to the line. Scared, she abruptly dropped it on the bed “Cool…” Mila cooed.

“You think it’s cool? You can have it.” Alex picked the book and pushed it at her.

“NO!” Kevin stopped her “It should be with you and only you.”

“He’s right.” Jerry agreed.

“What am I suppose to do with it?” Alex asked unsurely.

Kevin looked around at the group “Tonight, the traitor will appear. He or she will try to steal the book and release the curse. Only Alex can protect it.”

“Protect it?” Alex shook her head in confusion “You didn’t tell me this.”

“I couldn’t, you wouldn’t listen to me.” Kevin smiled gently. He turned up again “One of the people in this room has come here for an alternative motive. We don’t know whom but the book is to remain in this room and with Alex only. Legend says that as long as the curse is not release, the world will live one more day from evil.”

“That’s easy then, why can’t I just take the book with me back home?” Alex asked logically. Ann shook her head as she motioned with her hands “Translate.” She nodded at Kevin.

“She said it should not leave this room or this castle.” Kevin replied.

“What would happen if it was?” Tammy wondered out loud.

Jerry sighed, “Then the curse will be broken. It’s getting late, we should all rest.” He advised.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004