The Calling

Chapter 16

The day was getting shorter and the group had long ago lost their patience in finding a spell to break the curse of the Akrones. It was Alex’s idea to name the creatures. As they sat together at the dinner table eating, there was a solemn mood that filled the air. It was depressing and with each day passing they realized the world was getting closer to extinction.

“Two weeks.” Kyle snickered while he played with his vegetables.

“I guess we should be glad there’s no television in this castle. I don’t know what I would do watching the killings on the screen every night.” Tammy sighed.

“Don’t be discouraged, we’ll find a way out.” Jerry insisted.

Mila snickered “Yeah, that’s what we’ve been saying since day one. I don’t think you noticed being blind and all, but our energy has been drained. Christian’s killed about a hundred of those creatures and I’ve only reached half of his amount. I’m such a loser.”

In the mist of the serious talk, they heard a giggling voice coming from the end of the table. It was Alex, she was playing with her mash potatoes and leaf mints. She began cackling when she realized she had formed an island with her food “Look! This is the sand and this is a palm tree!” She pointed out happily.

Kevin shook his head at her “Alex, can you take this more seriously?”

“I am very serious!” She said haughtily “It doesn’t take a simple mind to make such a craft.”

Ann smiled gently “I think its great.” With Kyle and Kevin’s help, she was able to learn to speak sooner than the average. Plus her determination brought her to a higher level of speaking.

“Only you would pick her side.” Christian teased “You’re too nice Ann.” He stood up and let out a short sigh “I’m hitting the sack. Yell if you need me.”

“Can I join you?!” Alex popped from her seat.

It was an obvious attraction that the group saw between them. Christian was a little more than hesitant but he knew how scared Alex was to be alone. She practically panicked the last time an Akrone came charging into her room “Sure.” He replied with a smile.

She crawled under the sheets with Christian and instead of sleeping, he was staring at her intently. When she felt a pair of eyes on her, she opened her own and smiled “What?”

“You’re not scared are you?” he asked.

Alex shook her head “Not at all.”

He frowned “Why not? Don’t you know we could die any minute?” her grin grew wider “I don’t get you sometimes.”

“Only sometimes?” she asked with a surprised tone. His head began to shake and she quickly rolled her eyes “Perk up, grumpy. If you don’t learn to face fear, it will eat you alive.”

Christian laughed as he propped his elbow up and rested his head on the palm of his hand “Really? This is coming from the girl that called for mercy when a baby Akrone came flying through her window just three days ago?”

“Not that kind of fear silly. Death.” Alex said nonchalantly “I guess after my near death experience as a child, I’ve learned that my second chance at life was a gift. Every day that I live is a gift in itself. No matter how I live it, I always stop to realize that this is my day. I wouldn’t let anything stop it. Well…that minus the fact that these things are trying to kill us. I escape death each time you save me.” She ended with a grin that he knew would etch into his heart forever.

Christian leaned down and kissed her softly on the forehead “You are some special gal, Alex So.”

“Glad you noticed.” She covered a yawn “I’m sleepy.”

“Night.” He dropped his hand under the pillow and watched as she slipped into a deep sleep. Soon, he too found himself in dreamland.

***********

Jerry sat leaning against he hallway floor while Mila marched her soldier stance “Don’t you ever run out of energy?” he asked with a small smile.

She paused to turn to him “I was taught to keep moving if not the enemy will get a chance to attack.”

He nodded slowly “Good point.”

He sat there humming a tune to himself while Mila began pacing again. Her mind counting each step until it was perfectly in tune with the beat. When she realized that she was practically dancing, she stopped and took a seat next to Jerry “So blind man, what’s your deal?”

“I beg your pardon?” he asked politely.

“I mean your eyes. Why did you go blind? Since its another five hours until sunrise, we might as well make the best of the moment.” She said bored.

He laughed, “So you are just using me to kill time.”

“Exactly!” she nodded.

Jerry’s smile slowly disappeared as he recalled his childhood “I wasn’t born blind. I recall like it was yesterday. I was only six years old when my parents took me on vacation. It was a foreign country but I don’t remember where it was. There was a solar eclipse that day, no one told me that I wasn’t suppose to stare at it.” He reached his fingers over his eyes “I remember seeing a large bird that came flying towards me, I closed my eyes and when I opened them, it was pitch black.”

“Wow…that is so cool. Well, except the part of you being blind that is.” Mila added quickly.

“I guess there is good and bad in everything. After the doctors confirmed that I was truly blind, my parents were devastated and did everything in their power to get me the best blind teachers and dog leaders. But after I reached the age of eighteen, I only used one cane and had long ago memorized how to get around the city on my own. But I'd give anything to see again.”

Mila shook her head “And I thought being labeled as nutty when I’m just different is bad. I guess seeing pitch black every day of my life is not as bad.”

“I don’t see just darkness.” Jerry said.

His comment caught her by surprise “So your eyes work some days?” it was peculiar to her that someone could have partial vision.

He laughed “No, not quite. But I get these visions…they’re not normal.”

“What kind of visions?” she asked even more intrigued than before.

“I sense danger around me. Constantly, its like I see it before it can happen.” He nodded convincingly.

Mila’s eyes did a double take on a pair of red eyes not far down the hallway “Do you sense anything right now?” she tested.

Jerry’s lips straightened “You see it too?”

“Okay blind man, just stay calm. Don’t make any sudden movements.” She slowly reached for her gun stashed behind her jeans.

“Where is it?” he whispered the question.

“On your right.” She replied, her eyes glued to the red eyes growing with each closer step. The dim hallway suddenly filled with the creature “Mother of God…” Mila whispered when she realized it was the biggest Akrone she’s seen yet “It’s huge.”

Jerry frowned “How big?”

“Five times the regular ones that we see.” Mila raised her gun carefully and aimed it’s exact space between the eyes “Just hold still so I can shoot you…” she fired but to her shock, the creature moved it’s head swiftly to the left, easily dodging the bullet “Cool.” She gushed but was returned to reality when it’s beak opened and let out a blood curdling screech “Bad news, it can dodge bullets.” She pulled Jerry to his feet “HELP!!!!” she yelled at the top of her lungs.

Kevin and Ann were up practicing her linguistics when they heard a cry “It’s Mila.” Ann recognized.

“Yeah and she never screams.” Kevin jumped off the bed and pulled her with him as he yanked open the door. He quickly shut it when they were face to face with the creature “Shit! It’s the mother.” He said to Ann.

“What do we do now?” she asked. Suddenly it’s beak pierced through the door between their faces, they were an inch away of being scarred in the face. Her eyes widened as she stood there frozen.

He grabbed her hand and yanked her towards the connecting room “Come on!” they barged through the room awakening Christian, who popped up “We got a visitor.” Kevin announced.

“Alex.” Christian called but she was in a deep sleep.

“You have to shake her.” Kevin rushed over as he pulled her up in a seated position “Alex!” he yelled.

Her eyes fluttered open “Is it breakfast time?” she yawned.

He shook his head “No, the mother Akrone is here. We have to get out of the room!” he pulled her off the bed and rushed her towards the door just in time to see the mother come barging through the same door Kevin and Ann came from.

“AHH!!” Alex yelled as she pushed the door open and ran out so quick, it made the three look at each other.

Christian pushed the two out as he ran after them “Where are we going?” Mila ran down the stairs “It can fly you know.”

“Really sherlock? I didn’t know.” Alex replied with sarcasm as she practically pushed her out of the way.

The Akrone was out of the room as it came flying at the speed of light beating them to the door. Alex froze in her steps “Alex!” Christian rushed down in front of her as he shielded her body, gun raised, he was ready to shoot.

“Oh my God!” Tammy cried from the top of the stairs as she saw the mother Akrone with her own eyes. Kyle rushed out beside her as he pointed, completely speechless and shocked “I know.” She nodded.

“Get back!” Christian ordered.

The group slowly went back while the creature continued towards them. He fired suddenly but the Akrone was ready as it dodged the bullet “It’s useless, this one is stronger.” Jerry shook his head “It can sense bullets.”

“Just what we needed, a matrix creature.” Alex said sarcastically “Anyone got good ideas?”

“Maybe we can talk to it?” Tammy suggested.

“Yes, ask it why it wants to kill us!!” Mila cried with rolled eyes.

She rushed down the stairs towards them “No, I learned this when I was training at the Animal park. Birds chirp when they are hungry and they follow things or people that they are comfortable with.” She studied the creature’s eyes and it landed on Alex “It’s looking for Alex.” She said bluntly.

“What?” Alex yelped.

“No, it’s just staring at all of us.” Kevin said with a shaking head.

Tammy’s eyes hardened “No, it really is looking at Alex.” She pulled her feet up and picked off her shoe as she threw it at the creature “See, it looks at us with vengeance but it’s looking at Alex with softer eyes.”

“I’d look at you with a vengeance too if you threw a shoe at me!” Alex cried in disbelief.

“Christian, cover Alex.” Tammy instructed. He nodded blocked the creature’s vision of Alex and quickly it’s eyes flamed a red and yellow color.

“Shit, she’s right.” He whispered as Alex popped her head up, it’s face quickly relaxed at the sight of her.

Jerry arched his neck “Tammy!” he called. She came rushing to his side “I want you to do something…” he leaned closer to her and whispered something. Her eyes widened in horror but he quickly assured her “Don’t worry, just trust my instincts.”

Tammy nodded as she turned and rushed down the stairs towards the beast “Tammy!” Christian reached for her but she was too fast.

“What the hell is she doing?” Alex asked.

“You want to kill us? Go ahead. Do it!” She challenged the Akrone.

His head twitched as its beak sharpened into a point “Tammy!! Get back here!” Alex cried in a desperate plea.

“You can save her.” Jerry said calmly.

Alex turned to him but she knew she had to act quick, the Akrone would kill Tammy. She rushed around Christian and ran to shield Tammy. It’s beak stopped when it saw Alex. The beast backed away and twitched it’s head away again “You’re good, blind man.” Mila sighed.

“Go away!” Alex was shaking but she managed to yell. The beast gave a slight bow as it flew towards the entrance it came from “It worked.” She turned to Jerry “How did you know?” chills running through her body as she realized she had the power to control them. He smiled and turned to walk back up the stairs indicating the group to follow him.

Chapter 17

They watched Jerry disappear around the staircase “I think he wants us to follow him.” Alex said after the group turned to each other awkwardly.

They began walking up, following last was Alex, who Kevin stopped “Alex, you look a little tired, maybe you should go rest in Ann’s room.”

She shook her head “We’re all tired Kevin, I don’t need to rest. I’m actually a little curious to know why that mother Akrone followed my orders.”

Before she had the chance to continue, he stopped her again “But you never liked this mumbo jumbo, do you seriously want to listen to what Jerry has to say?” he rolled his eyes dramatically “If you ask me, I think he’s the traitor.”

Alex laughed, “Don’t be ridiculous, he’s blind. Now stop being paranoid, I want to know why I can control those things!” Pulling him by the hand, she dragged him into the room with everyone turning to them “Wow, did I walk into a funeral.”

“Alex.” Ann began as she waved her over with a ghastly look “Come look.”

“What is it? Hey, how did you get the book out without me?” she found it in Ann’s hand.

Jerry sighed, “It loses its power to retrieve after the curse is broken. It will no longer answer to the call of the traitor.”

“I…I don’t get it.” Alex turned to Kevin for an explanation but he onely lowered his head quietly “You’re saying that I’m the traitor?” she turned to Jerry with wide eyes. The rest lowered their heads. Her eyes welled with tears as she felt her heartbeat quickened “What does that say?” she pointed to the book.

“Alex, no!” Kevin pulled her back as he blocked her way over to Ann “It doesn’t say anything. Don’t believe him!” he shook his head vehemently.

Her tears dripped slowly down her face “Kevin…what do you know?” she asked hesitantly.

“Nothing!” he insisted “Don’t listen to them. Come on, we’re going home. This was all a hoax anyways.” He took her hand only to be yanked away.

“No!” Alex cried, “You’re lying to me. Why?” she demanded. He still refused to explain as she turned to Christian “Please, I want to know.”

His eyes saddened as he shook his head at her “I can’t…”

“What’s the matter with you people?!” she cried angrily “Tell me now!!” she pushed Kevin out of the way and stomped over to Ann. Her hand reached for the book but it was quickly protected by an aura of electricity that shocked her. She yanked back painfully.

“Alex!” Kevin tried to stop her “You…you can’t touch the book anymore. It recognizes you.”

She spun around at him with hurtful eyes “You knew all this and you didn’t tell me?? Weeks ago, I was the only one that could touch it, now you’re telling me I’m the only one that can’t touch it? What the hell is going on? I have the right to know, tell me!”

The group was quiet but it was Jerry who filled the silence with a sigh “She might as well know.” He raised a hand to beckon her over. Alex reached for his hand looking dazed “Alex, you are the traitor, the one that lifted the curse. During your unconsciousness, you read out loud the curse. The books talked about it.”

“In my sleep?” she was in disbelief.

“Close your eyes.” Jerry instructed. “I’ll show you.”

She did as he asked and felt a warm feeling entering her hand and eventually filled her body. A picture popped into her head. Darkened room, only one light shown on the bed, it was her sleeping. The reenactment happened before her eyes as she witnessed herself mumbling words that she could barely comprehend. A chill ran through her spine as she opened her eyes and was returned to the same room.

“How…why? But the monk said that we would find the traitor and kill the person and a replacement would be sent…why would he tell me that??”

“He was talking to me.” Kevin spoke up. The group turned to him “He already knew who the traitor was. I didn’t want to believe it that’s why I pushed for Alex to come, to prove it wrong. But that night…when I was sleeping on the couch and witnessed it. I panicked, I didn’t want anyone to find out that’s why I insisted on reading the books. I didn’t want you guys to push Alex to her death. But I guess I underestimated Jerry.”

“Just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I can’t read. One of the books was written in Braille.” Jerry informed.

“So you acted like you were trying to find a spell to break the curse, but in truth you just wanted us to be distracted.” Mila guessed. Kevin nodded “Sneaky…but brilliant.” She snickered.

“So what will happen to Alex?” Christian asked the question everyone dreaded “Do we really have to kill her?”

“Will that lift the curse?” Kyle asked.

“So what if it does? We can’t kill her.” Kevin looked at the group with disgust “How could you guys even say that?”

Christian turned to Alex, who had never looked so pale “I was only concerned.”

She pushed her lips into a small smile “I know. I’m not mad.” Alex turned to Kevin with a smile “I guess I have no choice but to believe this mumbo jumbo huh?” she let out a short throaty laugh “Jerry, what do I have to do to lift the curse?”

“You will give up your life?” he asked, sounding a little surprised.

“One life in exchange for billions, I think its fair.” She shrugged carelessly “What does the book say?”

“It says you must die under the beak of the cursed mother beast.” Ann replied.

“Which is practically impossible because it is meant to protect her.” Tammy shook her head “It won’t kill her.”

“So we’ll come up with a plan? That’s not hard.” Alex said nonchalantly. She looked around at the solemn faces “Come on guys, perk up. It’s not that bad. Everyone is going to die one day. I’m just going a little earlier. And I get to be the unsung hero.” She grinned brightly.

Kevin looked painfully at her “You can’t die. I’ll find a way to break the curse without you having to be sacrificed.”

“Yes, I’m sure if we all look hard enough we could find it.” Ann nodded eagerly.

Alex smiled gratefully “Yeah and how long will that take? A month? Two months? By that time the world would have been destroyed. I couldn’t have that on my conscience. How long will it take for these Akrones to be destroyed once I die?” she asked Jerry.

“I don’t know…could be minutes, hours or days.” the book did not specify “There is no way to retrieve you, Alex.”

“I hope not! Could you imagine the huge hole in my body? Or a missing head?” she laughed but no one joined her “Oh come on! You guys are so boring. You!” She pointed at Kyle “Crack something. I know you never liked me to begin with. You should be happy.”

“I’m sorry I was mean to you.” Kyle said sincerely.

“You can’t even take a joke!” Alex threw her hands up in despair.

Mila narrowed her eyes “You’re one strange little girl.”

Alex raised her brows “Me? I’m strange? Okay, psycho woman that talks to herself and loves to blow up things and not to mention you signed yourself into the insane asylum!”

“You got me.” Mila cracked a smile.

Alex smiled “All this time I thought Kyle was the traitor.” She joked “Kidding.” She added when he looked offended.

“It’s getting late, let’s all take a rest before we plan the…well… you know.” Jerry nodded pushing for everyone to leave.

Kevin gaze lingered behind with Alex while Ann patted him on the shoulder “Go to sleep, you’ve got darker circles than a panda bear!” Alex urged. He nodded eventually and followed the group out of the room. Christian was in the same place he was standing “You’re not tired?” she asked with a playful smile.

Christian’s brows knitted together perfectly “Don’t…you don’t have to make me laugh. I know you’re scared.”

Her smile faded and her eyes moved away, afraid he could read her emotions “I’m not.” She said weakly.

“Who are you trying to kid?” he asked sternly.

She smiled while stepping closer to him “A cute ex cop that is so sexy when he doesn’t shave his face.” She flirted. He shook his head while she pouted “I’m scared.” Dropping her head, she felt his arms surround her as he hugged her tightly. She reacted immediately with her hands wrapping around his waist “I am so…so scared.”

“Shh…don’t worry. We’ll be in this together. I won't leave your side.” He hushed her while stroking her now short mane.

Her tears seemed to explode after he said the words “I’m glad you’re here.” Alex closed her eyes tiredly as she fell into the rocking motion. After a few moments of silence, she looked up at him with a tear stained face “You’re a good dancer.”

He laughed despite what they would have to overcome next “I’ll tell you a secret, I use to enroll in this cool dance camp when my mom thought I joined some soccer tournament when I was in high school.”

Alex pulled away with a mischievous grin on her face “I wanna see some moves.”

Christian looked around eventhough he knew the room only belong to them “Okay, don’t you dare laugh.” He warned with a wagging finger. Alex popped on the bed as she crossed her legs comfortably “This is the routine I had to perform for my final. I just want to remind you that I got an A+.” he winked before standing stiffly with his hands glued to the side “Give me a minute so I can remember it.”

She nodded with a giggle while watching eagerly for him to begin. His head bobbed to a silent beat he counted in his head, she covered her mouth to keep from laughing as he emerged into a choreographed routine that was corny beyond words. His neck was awkward and his arm movements were not flowing, his legs were out of tuned and completely out of control. With each laughter that erupted, he continued with even more energy and movements causing Alex to hold her stomach in pain. She raised a hand and shook her head “Stop…” she managed to spurt out while wiping her tears “I can’t…my stomach…”

Christian stopped as he pulled down his jacket “I’m glad you find my A+ final amusing.” There was a touch of sarcasm that she couldn’t miss.

“I’m sorry…that was really…good…and convincing!” she added while waving him over to the bed “I can sleep well now.”

“You want me to stay?” he asked.

“Always.” She added while patting the empty space next to the bed. Her face rested on the pillow with ease, her smile content “Thank you.”

He raised his brows “Why?”

“For making that up.” She breathed. Her eyes drooping away while she kept the smile on her lips “For making me laugh. I was in a dance group, that was an F grade.”

Christian reached a hand up to stroke her face warmly “I’d do anything for you. Even make a fool out of myself.” He grinned. It was probably the most outrageous thing he has ever done in his life.

“I’m sure you said that to Tammy too.” She teased.

He looked at her solemnly “No. I never did.” Her eyes melted away as she nodded “I’m serious.” He added.

“I know.” She whispered. Their eyes deepened until they both fell asleep from exhaustion.

Chapter 18

The sunlight filled the room through the small stone cracks the Akrones made from the attempted break in. Christian reached his arm lazily around to where Alex was next to him, except it was met with the cold bed sheets. His eyes automatically popped open “Alex?” he sat up and looked around worriedly “Alex!” she wasn’t in the room.

On the roof of the castle was where she stood most of the early morning. She couldn’t sleep. She only pretended so Christian would fall asleep. Spending most of the late night staring at him, she couldn’t help but feel sad that she would no longer get to see his face “Fate.” She whispered to herself while watching the Akrones circle the sky above her. None of them dared to come near her for fear of the mother Akrone would kill them.

She had witnessed when one came charging at her but was immediately pierced from the mother beast's beak. The small ones didn’t know who she was. Her eyes tired but the sun felt good beating on her face, warming her cold body. The weather was changing, she could tell. The sky was still beautiful but the air was crisp and very cool.

In the library was a very tired Kevin, who had dozed off only minutes before Ann entered with a cup of coffee freshly brewed by Howard. She shook her head sadly, he had spent the entire night looking at the books for clues on how to help Alex. She placed the cup down gently but the dish and cup clinked together making an audible sound which woke up Kevin “Go back and rest, you’ve been here the whole night.” she coaxed while rubbing his neck affectionately.

He covered a yawn but stubbornly shook his head “No, I’m not resting until I find something.”

Ann let out a sigh as she sat down next to him “Kevin, you’ve been searching through hundreds of books, you need a rest.”

“I can’t let her die!” he cried harshly but quickly came to realize it wasn’t her fault “I’m sorry-”

She covered his lips with her right hand “Shhh, don’t…I understand. Drink this coffee, I’ll keep looking. Your eyes need a rest even if your body doesn’t.” she said wisely.

He took the cup gratefully “I don’t know what I’d be without you, Ann. Thanks.”

“Don’t be so polite with me.” She scolded playfully. Immediately, she turned to the book he was reading and began skimming through.

“You guys are still here?” Mila walked in with a muffin in her hand “Did you find anything?”

Kevin shook his head before wincing at the bitter black coffee “Nothing yet.”

“Maybe there isn’t a way?” Mila offered.

His eyes turned cold as he stared at her “How could you say that? You really want Alex to die?”

“That’s not what I meant.” Mila said offensively “I mean, what if this is all written in the stars? What if her fate was meant to be this way? Could we toy with fate and try to save someone that maybe should die?” she pressed with logic reason.

He didn’t want to admit it but she made a striking point “I don’t believe it.” He said quietly and turned back to the books. The ones they did not find anything were thrown on the ground.

Jerry walked in the library with his trustworthy cane when it hit an object. He bent over and picked up a book “Now who would throw things around like this?”

“Get out.” Kevin said without turning to him.

“What’s with the animosity?” Mila asked with surprise. Kevin seemed to be the most friendly until that minute.

“No, he has every right to be angry.” Jerry agreed, “I was the one that let the secret out.”

Mila rolled her eyes “So you think Alex wouldn’t have eventually figured it out? When the book suddenly turns on her? Don’t be naïve Kevin, this was bound to happen.”

“Stop saying that!” he barked suddenly.

“You out of all people believe in this crap but when it suddenly hit your dear friend Alex, you have suddenly turned. Why are you so against it? Huh? Is it because you’re in love with her?” Mila pushed.

“No, it’s because he’s Alex’s replacement.” Jerry replied wisely.

Mila turned to the blind man “Oh. Okay, then you have every reason to be in denial.” She nodded at Kevin.

“I don’t want to hear anymore. Get out, both of you!” Kevin cried suddenly.

Ann’s face brightened as she began tapping on Kevin’s arm “Hey, I think I found something.”

Instantly, he forgot about the two nuisance and turned to the book “Where?”

“Right here. It mentions about a spell to revive the dead.” Ann recapped.

Mila shook her head “What kind of book is that? Can we believe it? Spells, we’re not witches. Well, sometimes I can be…but the meaning is not the same!” she insisted.

“I don’t care, I’ll try anything.” Kevin said desperately while skimming through the potions “We can do this…” he didn’t sound too confident “If we can gather all these things together, we can do it.”

“Let me see.” Mila said suspiciously as she reached for the book. Her eyes widened with each impossible artifact “The sand from the bottom of the ocean? A cursed beast’s heart? 10 year old earthworm? There are over fifteen things we have to get.” she shook her head at Kevin “This is more impossible than me acting normal for one month. Which reminds me, I need to go find my spleen.” She handed the book to Kevin and skipped out of the room.

Tammy walked in while Mila was skipping out, she smiled “You’re in a good mood.” She grinned but continued to leave. Tammy greeted them with a smile “Have any of you seen Christian or Alex? I went to their room but I didn’t find them anywhere. Usually she’s the first at the breakfast table.”

“You don’t think…” Ann didn’t want to suspect the worse.

Kevin frowned “She better not.”

*********

“Go back inside Christian, it’s dangerous!” Alex pushed him away. He had found her and was trying unsuccessfully to get her inside.

“I don’t care, you come with me and I’ll go. Come on.” His eyes darted above where a few Akrones cried out to each other. They were well aware of Christian’s presence.

“See, they know you’re here! You need to leave!” She urged.

He was a stubborn mule with a vehement shake of the head, he held onto her arms and gave it a hard shake “Alex! Listen to me. I will not leave, get it through your thick scull. If you die, I die.” The brown eyes so penetrating that it hurt her to hear him say the words.

“You can’t…” she whispered.

“And neither can you.” He urged with intense eyes.

They were too involved in their emotional stage that they didn’t see an Akrone charging at Christian with full speed. Her eyes widened as she pushed him to the ground, the beak barely missing her by a hair. They turned to see another coming at them. Christian rolled her over as he covered her body with his.

The sharp pain came too quick that stopped his heartbeat for a few seconds “Christian!!” Alex yelped.

A gunshot startled her, the Akrone’s beak pulled away from Christian as it fell to the ground lifeless. Kyle dropped his shaking hand as he rushed over to them “Let’s get him out of here.” He pulled Christian’s arm over his neck and picked him up with all his strength. He moved closer to the exit and turned to see Alex not moving “Alex! Come on!” he urged.

She shook her head “No, I can’t. Take him inside. Please, don’t let him die.” She pleaded with tearful eyes.

“Alex…what do I tell him when he wakes up and doesn’t see you?” Kyle asked desperately “Please, just come inside. Kevin’s looking for a way to help you. Just give him more time.”

“But the world doesn’t have time.” She pointed to the sky “See…it’s spreading fast.” The transparent glow of the barrier was growing faster “By nightfall, we won’t be able to see it with the naked eye.”

Kyle felt his arm soaking with blood as he looked down at Christian, they had to get him help “Take care!” he blurted before disappearing down the stairs. Using his feet, he kicked the door shut. His arm was burning by the time he reached the nearest room. He found Mila inside sitting in the corner of the room, her legs crossed and her eyes closed “Mila, thank God!” he settled Christian on the bed and flipped him over on his stomach.

“I’m not Mila.” She replied with a dark tone and deeper voice “I’m Marlioen, king of Akrone. How dare you disturb my slumber.”

“Stop playing! He’s dying!” Kyle cried.

She snapped her eyes open and stood up “Oh my, what happened?”

“Can you get the others?” Kyle asked hurriedly. He covered Christian’s wound but the blood continued to pour out.

“Of course!” Mila replied brightly as she walked towards the door and put her fingers to the corner of her lips and let out an ear piercing whistle “Yo! Christian’s dying! Any last words?”

The four came running down the hall “What happened?” Tammy asked with genuine concern.

“He was playing too close to the Akrones.” Mila shook her head sadly “Let’s say a silent prayer.”

“Mila! Stop it. He’s won’t die if we do something.” Kyle urged “Tammy can you get me some hot water? And find me a lit candle.”

“Okay.” She nodded and rushed out of the room.

“Ann, I need a needle and thread.” Kyle continued. She nodded worriedly and left to find what he needed.

Mila’s head bounced up and down “Not bad. It’s like a scene out of the hospital. Since when did you learn how to be a doctor?”

“I have a PHD in Science.” Kyle answered with ease “Kevin, Alex is on the rooftop. I got up this morning and found the staircase lighted, I walked up and heard Christian trying to get Alex to come inside. But she wouldn’t listen, when I got up there they were attacked by an Akrone and everything else is history.”

“I’ll get her down.” Kevin promised as he raced out of the room and up the one way up to the rooftop “Alex!” he cried, his eyes moved to the sky. He didn’t want to take a chance at getting killed. He needed to stay alive to save her.

She spun to the familiar voice “Kevin! Get inside now! Didn’t you see what happened to Christian?”

“Don’t you want to see how he’s doing? Come on! He needs you right now!” Kevin begged.

Alex turned away instantly “No. It’s my fate, I have to die.”

“I found a spell that can revive the dead!” he blurted out, hoping it would bring her back.

“Really?” she asked unsurely, not positive it wasn’t a scam to get her into the castle. She had made up her mind to stay outside.

“Yes, but I need you to stay alive until I figure how to get the spell brewing. Please, come inside.” He raised his hand desperately.

Her heart softened as she wondered maybe there was a way to get out of cheating death? Thinking of Christian only added to the tugging in her heart. She gave in and jogged towards Kevin, who was smiling with relief.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004