Chapter 21

Names and Faces

I knew that I was asleep, but I could hear and feel everything around me. I heard pained sobs as they figured out pieces of my story, I heard a soothing lullaby, sung by a voice I recognized. I heard the plans they made, plans to stay where they were.

I couldn't figure out where that was though. I knew I was outdoors because of the cool breeze playing at my skin, the song of birds and other wildlife, the sun trying desperately to warm me up. It felt, familiar… I knew these sensations, I knew the smell of the sweet, grass, it felt like home. Not the home in satiety, the home with the other chosens.

Every once and awhile I felt something touch my tongue. I knew they were feeding me, but how they got this food was a total mystery. This food was food the stars fed us chosen. You could only retrieve it at one of the star islands. But we couldn't be at one of those, that was impossible.

I felt arms wrap around my and I started to warm up. I was beginning to become more aware of my body. I knew it was only a matter of time before I woke up, before I escaped this slumber. I did not want to go back though, I did not want to feel the pain again. But there was no fighting it…

I felt my eyes open slowly and a gasp from someone above me then I heard a voice speak gently as if they were worried that if they spoke to harshly I would return to my slumber.

"Star? Are you awake? How are you feeling?"

I stared up blankly, trying to remember how to speak, how to move, how to do anything, "I- I'm awake." I said, my voice raspy.

The figure above me sighed and hugged me a little tighter, relieved, "Should I inform the others of your awakening?"

Others? Oh yea, there were multiple voices, "S- sure."

"Hey guys! She's awake!" he exclaimed a little louder, looking at me nervously to see if his loudness bugged me. It did not. I looked up at him as I heard people approach excitedly, trying to remember who he was. It had been so long, it felt like months. Maybe it was. I decided to wait and use context clues to figure out who my companions were.

"Star! We were starting to think you would never wake up! What took you so long?" I heard another familiar voice jokingly scold.

"Just tired I guess." I replied faking a yawn.

"You could have paused your nap to tell us you were alive you know." she joked once again.

"Shadow, give her a break." I heard someone scold. So that was Shadow. Shadow… Oh yea! Shadow Moon!

"I was only joking Iggy." Shadow murmured. So that other one was Iggy. there were still 4 others I needed to remember, but they were coming back now that I knew those two. The dog was Total, the brunet was Nudge.

"Where are we?" I asked, trying to relieve Shadow of a full on lecture.

"Where on this cliff thingy in the middle of Shadow Forest." the voice above me replied.

"Shadow Forest!" I gasped, unable to hide my fear. I had been here recently, at least in my mind. I was following someone, I can't quite remember who… I knew it was a dangerous forest then, that's why I followed her so far. To make sure she stayed safe. That was a failed attempt.

This cliffside was the one I was raised one. It's called Galaxy cliff, a safe haven for chosens. Completely surrounded by danger. Shadow forest was one of the most dangerous places on this planet. It's where the dark creature play.

"You've heard of it?" Nudge asked.

"Yes… I was raised here, this exact cliff…" then a thought struck my mind, "have any of you landed on the forest below?"

The urgency in my tone caught them by surprise and it took them a while to answer. But finally the boy above me replied, "We all have, actually. Why?"

I groaned, unable to stop myself. "That's how they brand you, this is really bad."

"What do you mean brand us, and who's they?!" Shadow demanded.

"The dark spirits, whoever steps on their territory must be killed in their minds…" I replied, holding back on some things… "You're safe for now though… As long as you stay on this cliff, they can get to you anywhere else…"

They were all silent for a few minutes and then the boy above me started laughing, "I told you we should stay here! Think about what could have happened if we went back to school!" he kept laughing until he saw the murderous glare Shadow was shooting at him.

"So, what happened? Why- nevermind, ignore that I asked." Iggy started but changed his mind. I knew where he was going with that though.

I flinched at the memories of the lab and whimpered slightly, the boy above me tightened his grip, "I- I don't know how to explain it…"

"You don't have to Star. We've all been there and know it's not something you want to talk about… But I am wondering, why did they- you know…" Shadow said with eager curiosity.

"I honestly don't know." I said shuddering a little. Then I slowly got up, clutching the still nameless boy for support, "I need to go to the island in the middle of the lake."

"Are you sure you can get there? Maybe you should rest for a little while…" the boy above- no next to me said.

"No, trust me I can make it." I said letting go of him, only to start to fall and have him catch me again. "I need to go there."

"Nova, maybe we should let her. We will help her of course…" Shadow addressed to the boy who had caught me. I feel a little stupid now that I remember who he is. I should have know right away. Oh well…

At the sound of Shadows words Nova's eyes softened and he nodded less reluctantly. He lifted me into his arms with ease and we started to walk to the lake…

(Chapter 21)