Sorry I haven't updated in quite a bit, but I am back and expect more to come this week. Please review. It's more encouraging to continue writing when I receive feedback.

Shelby

Shelby and Miles stepped through the curtain of the Announcer; they entered in to a dark urban looking neighborhood. It was pitch black except for the few dimly lit street lamps and porch lights. Miles lead the way down the streets turning randomly as they reached each corner.

"Okay I haven't seen a person since we got here. Something is definitely off; let's just go back maybe they found her by now."

"Shelby, have a little faith." Miles responded using Luce's projection.

"Seriously now that's getting really annoying lover boy not to mention creepy. Just make her disappear already."

"You honestly have no sense of fun." Miles snapped back at Shelby with his own voice this time. With a slight motion of his hands the projection faded away.

As they turned onto the next street there was a distant, but strong, steady drum beat coming from behind a large grouping of trees. Something really didn't sit well with Shelby and she had the urge to run away, but she reluctantly followed Miles as he led them directly to the source of the noise.

Making their way through the trees proved to be more difficult than either expected. The street lights did not reach this far and it was difficult to see even their own hands spread out in front of themselves, let alone the roots and braches that stood in their way. As they got closer to the clearing behind the trees the drum was blasting loud and was now accompanied with persistent chanting.

Shelby couldn't believe herself for not remembering sooner; she had only relived this memory in her dreams every night.

"Miles Stop!"

Miles froze and turned to face Shelby, who was walking close behind him. "What is it? Do you see something?" He whispered back at Shelby.

"No, but Miles this isn't Luce's memory we summoned. The projection didn't fool the Announcers we were stupid to even believe it would."

"What do you mean? We're here aren't we? How can you be so sure it didn't work?"

"Because… it's my memory not hers. Now let's get out of here." She turned and began walking back the way they had come; but she didn't hear his step behind her.

She turned around and could barely make out a dark figure ten feet away. She didn't need light to know that Miles was still standing in the same spot. "Come on. I said let's leave."

"I don't know Shelby…I mean that Announcer was just there like inviting us to go through it. I have to believe there is something here that will help us with Luce."

"NO!" Shelby stomped back to where Miles was standing. Probably wearing that stupid expression he always has when he talks about Luce. "Now listen to me because I am only saying this once and I don't want to repeat myself. This is my memory. Not yours. Not Luce's. Mine! Had I known this I would not have invited you to join me on this little 'adventure'. So wipe that dumb look off your face that I know you're giving me and let's get out of here."

"You know what Shelby if I didn't know any better I would say there is something about this particular memory you're not sharing with me."

"I don't—"

"I would say there is something here relevant to Luce and you are too scared to have anyone else see what it is"

"Now that's not—"

"I would say that if we continue and find wherever that noise is coming from we will have some questions answered."

Shelby was about to try to give a response again but Miles put his finger up to her face to shush her. How dare he, who does he think he's talking to?

"I don't want to hear it! No more of your pathetic attempts to convince me everything I just said isn't true. So you listen to me and you listen good. Luce, our friend! is in trouble and I am going to do whatever it takes to help her. You may joke around and make fun of me for it, but yes I love Luce and that means I'll protect her in every way I can. And I know underneath this hard exterior of yours, beneath all those layers of bitch and attitude; you love her too and you would help me in any way you can to protect her."

She hated it, but she had to admit he had a point. Luce was really her best friend; the best friend she has ever had. No one else would put up with all her moods and flaws, but Luce seemed to never mind.

"Fine, there is something here that might give us answers; but it's nothing good, okay? So don't give your hopes up." with a big sigh Shelby reluctantly stepped in front of Miles to lead the way.