Raizze wadded out of the shallow pool of water. Her solemn face looked out at the not too distant ocean. Three teens ran along the shore, laughing. Raizze followed slowly.
She appeared before them as they settled on a low hanging branch. "Hi Raizze!" Rei exclaimed, "Where were you?" Raizze climbed onto the branch, shuffling away from the threesome.
The small group sat there quietly, looking out at the setting summer sun. That's when Adam went into his far-off world personality. "Do you think there are better places than this out there?" He asked, fogged eyed. Rei turned toward him, "What're you talking about?! This island is perfect!"
"There is always something better than what you've got ..." Adam countered matter-of-factly. William piped up, "I'm not saying that this place isn't perfect. But there could be other worlds." Rei nodded slowly, thinking it over.
"If there are other places, then why are we on this one?" Adam inquired. Rei and William didn't have an answer to that one. Raizze sensed what was coming once Rei faced her.
"How about you, Raizze?" Why are we here?" William spoke quickly right after, "Come on, Raizze! You've never spoken to us before, not even to Rei! At least say something ..."
Everyone stared in apprehension. Raizze looked deep inside herself to find something to express her feelings. She opened her mouth with trepidation. " ... Destiny ..."
Rei, William, and Adam gasped. She had spoken! And that one word answered it all. "That makes so much sense, Raizze ... Thank you." Adam mumbled to her. Raizze blushed as she slipped off of the broad branch. A storm seemed to be gathering.
"You're leaving already?" Rei asked. Raizze nodded in their direction, and started toward the small pool. It had already started to rain and the thunder was rolling. Raizze looked up worriedly at the evening sky.
Out of the darkness, eerie shadows emerged. They gathered around her in a circle, advancing towards her. Raizze looked around madly for an escape, but there was none. The darkness surrounded her, pulling the young girl down. Raizze couldn't see as they covered her, but she didn't even scream.